Loading games in Sinclair. Part 1 of 2: Sinclair ZX81 and Timex Sinclair
In this mini tutorial we will explain how to load games in Sinclair ZX81 or in Timex Sinclair using the external audio input with an mp3 player.
The following steps must be followed:
Previous steps:
- (Not mandatory) Connect a 16Kb memory expansion as it may be necessary in certain programs.
- Obtener un cable de audio mono. Y no, no nos referimos como “mono” que esté decorado con motivos navideños o con dibujitos de mi pequeño pony. El cable de audio mono ¡ es idéntico al estéreo pero con una sola marca negra (en la foto, es el conector Jack inferior):
If we don't use a mono connector, game loading won't work
- Conectar el cable de audio mono por un extremo a la salida del reproductor de MP3 (o salida del ordenador por ejemplo) a la entrada “EAR” del ZX81
Basic steps:
- Download the game on PC
There are several game download sites for ZX81, one of them is:
http://www.rwapsoftware.co.uk/zx81/zx81_software.html
In it we can find files already directly converted into WAV format so we don't have to convert them later.
- Convert game to WAV file if it has another format.
- Copy the game to your MP3 player (make sure it plays WAV files)
- Escribir LOAD “” en el ZX81 o Timex Sinclair y presionar ENTER
- Select the game on your MP3 player and press play
The screen will look different when the program is loading:
- Wait many minutes
- Enjoy the game !
Things to note: You have to look at what the screen looks like before pressing Play on your player. The screen should look different when the program is loading. If you don't see any change on the screen, try to adjust the sound level on your player and try again. The sound level must be set above the level of 75% or more.
Illustrative video:
