PICOZX motherboard for ZX Spectrum original case (PCB only)

This board is specially designed for the original ZX case. However, it can also function independently thanks to its integrated keyboard.

The keyboard switch spacing is the same as the original ZX rubber keyboard/faceplate. This may be helpful if you're designing your own case. I could have designed the keyboard differently, but I preserved this option.

Note: The board won't fit perfectly and will require some adjustments with a file.

PICOZX Retro Computing Platform

ZX128k retro computer emulator based on Raspberry Pi PICO

IMPORTANT NOTICE!

This board can run the retro computer emulator ZX128 by Phil SCULL with quick save functionality and USB OTG support for full keyboard and USB joystick/gamepad compatibility. The firmware version labeled AUK can be downloaded from the DATASHEET section on this page.

> NOTE! The 9-pin DSUB ATARI joystick connector may cause issues if the cable is too long. We recommend shortening the cable to approximately 30cm.

FEATURES:

• Dimensions: 210mm × 130mm - Motherboard with keyboard (black)
• Dimensions: 210mm × 55mm - Motherboard only (red)
• Dimensions: 210mm × 83mm - Keyboard only (white)
• Minimal component requirements: just 7 resistors for VGA signal
• QWERTY ZX keyboard with the same matrix as the original
• VGA output
• Speaker
• Reset button
• Micro SD card slot
• 9-pin DSUB ATARI joystick connector

Purchase options:

• Bare main PCB board without components, clean red PCB for self-assembly (gallery images are for inspiration)
• Assembled unit ready for use without ZX Spectrum case (PCB only)

Required components

USB host

• External power must be connected to USB-B
• Remember to connect 2 small wires from test points to D+ D-

Supported computer systems:

• ZX Spectrum 48k
• ZX Spectrum 128k

Features:

• USB keyboard/joystick support
• 8×5 key keyboard matrix
• USB joystick compatibility
• VGA video output (RGB222)
• PWM sound (1 pin) with AY-3-8912 emulation
• SPI SD card support
• 12 quick save slots
• Loading from .z80 snapshot files
• Reading from .tap tape files with emulated loading sounds and loading times
• On-screen menu
• Kempston and Sinclair joystick emulation

Latest firmware for this board:

• ZxSpectrumPicomputerVgaAuk_640x480x60Hz

• ZxSpectrumPicomputerVgaAuk_720x576x50Hz

You can verify if the firmware is active by:

• Caps + Cursor = onboard LED is ON
• Caps + Kempston = onboard LED is OFF