New ZX Spectrum

[tombott]

So by now most of us will have heard of the various 'New' Spectrums, the Vega etc but this project is something very different! A new Spectrum, not just a clone, bluetooth keyboard or cut down version of the original.

I've signed up for their newsletter so I can be notified of when the Crowdfunding campaign starts.

Screenshot at 2016-10-03 10:05:25.png

http://www.specnext.com/

The Spectrum Next is fully implemented with FPGA technology, ensuring it can be upgraded and enhanced while remaining truly compatible with the original hardware by using special memory chips and clever design. Here’s what under the hood of the machine:

• Processor: Z80 3.5Mhz and 7Mhz modes
• Memory: 512Kb RAM
• Video: ULAplus featuring expanded video modes and colours
• Video Output: RGB, VGA, mini HDMI
• Storage: SD Card slot, with DivMMC-compatible protocol
• Audio: AY-3-8912 or FM2149 audio chips (selectable) with stereo output
• Joystick: DB9 compatible with Cursor and Interface 2 protocols (selectable)
• PS/2 port: Mouse with Kempston mode emulation or an external keyboard
• Extras: Multiface functionality for memory access, savegames, cheats etc.
• Tape support: Mic and Ear ports for tape loading and saving
• Expansion: Original external bus expansion port and accelerator expansion port
• Accelerator board: GPU / 1Ghz CPU / 512Mb RAM

The machine has been designed by Rick Dickinson, and if you know your Sinclair history you will know he is a design genius and he was responsible for the design of the ZX80, ZX81, ZX Spectrum, Plus and QL. The rest of the team behind the project are an impressive bunch.

http://www.specnext.com/