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▪GEEKDEX\#0670OWNED

GEEKDEX #0670

Sinclair ZX Spectrum +2

Computers · Amstrad

The 128K, Amstrad-era Spectrum — first with a built-in Datacorder and a proper full-stroke keyboard.

SinclairZ808-bit

The ZX Spectrum +2 (the “Grey +2”) arrived in 1986, the first Spectrum released after Amstrad’s acquisition of Sinclair’s computer business. It was also the first Spectrum with a built-in cassette recorder (the Datacorder) and a conventional full-stroke keyboard, replacing the membrane keyboard of the earlier 48K models.

Under the hood it keeps the core Spectrum architecture: a Zilog Z80A at 3.5469 MHz, 128 KB of RAM and 32 KB of ROM, video from the Spectrum ULA at 256×192 across 15 colours via the platform’s attribute-based colour system, and sound upgraded to a 3-channel AY-3-8912 — a real step up from the single beeper channel of the 48K machines. Connectivity runs to two Sinclair/SJS joystick ports, RGB and UHF/PAL video out, RS-232/MIDI serial, and the standard Spectrum expansion bus.

Identity
CategoryComputers
ManufacturerAmstrad
FamilyZX Spectrum
Architecture8-bit
Released1986
RegionUnited Kingdom
Launch price£149
Hardware
CPUZilog Z80A @ 3.5469 MHz
GPUFerranti ULA
RAM128 KB
VRAM16 KB
Storage32 KB ROM
Display256×192, 15 colours (attribute-based)
AudioGeneral Instrument AY-3-8912, 3-channel
Video outRGB, UHF/PAL
ConnectivityRS-232 / MIDI serial
OSSinclair BASIC 128K
MediaCompact Cassette (built-in Datacorder)
Controllers2× Sinclair/SJS joystick ports
ExpansionStandard Spectrum expansion bus
Keyboard58-key full-stroke
  • discovered
  • researched
  • seen
  • wanted
  • tested
  • owned

Media

Compact Cassette (built-in Datacorder)

Collection specimen

The specific physical unit in the Old Tech Geek collection — its provenance and its service history.

Unit

Part no.Z70700 Issue 1 motherboard (UK)
Serial037336
Conditiongood
Boxedyes
Manualsno

This particular unit is a UK-built Z70700 Issue 1 motherboard, serial 037336 — no box, no manual, acquired with nine generic cassette tapes.

Underside carries a Tribus Informática sticker — a Portuguese distributor/service provenance marker, not the manufacturer. A good fit for the collection: the 128K Spectrum generation, and the first Amstrad-era Spectrum model.

note: The box is a reproduction aquired from https://www.retroboxes.uk

Log

  1. Acquired.
  2. Purchased repro box from Retroboxes.uk

Games

Catalogued for the Sinclair ZX Spectrum +2. 6 of 6 owned.

Software

Catalogued for the Sinclair ZX Spectrum +2. 1 of 1 owned.

Accessories

Catalogued for the Sinclair ZX Spectrum +2. 3 of 3 owned.