Sinclair ZX80 Troubleshooting Guide: Difference between revisions

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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Sinclair ZX80 Troubleshooting Guide}}


This guide provides detailed, component-level troubleshooting for the '''Sinclair ZX80''' home computer. It covers all major PCB revisions and notes differences between early and late production models where relevant.
This guide provides detailed, component-level troubleshooting for the '''Sinclair ZX80''' home computer. It covers all major PCB revisions and notes differences between early and late production models where relevant.
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''Note: This guide does not cover ZX81 or ZX80-to-ZX81 upgrade kits.''
''Note: This guide does not cover ZX81 or ZX80-to-ZX81 upgrade kits.''


== 🧪 Diagnostic Tools & Techniques ==
== Diagnostic Tools & Techniques ==


=== Visual Inspection ===
=== Visual Inspection ===
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Remove one at a time; if the ZX80 suddenly boots, the removed IC was dragging the bus down.
Remove one at a time; if the ZX80 suddenly boots, the removed IC was dragging the bus down.


== 🔌 Power Supply & Voltage Checks ==
== Power Supply & Voltage Checks ==


Always verify the PSU '''before''' blaming main-board silicon.
Always verify the PSU '''before''' blaming main-board silicon.
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Never run a ZX80 on an unstable PSU; modern regulated supplies are highly recommended (≥500 mA @ 5 V).
Never run a ZX80 on an unstable PSU; modern regulated supplies are highly recommended (≥500 mA @ 5 V).


== ⚠️ “No Video” or “Garbage Video” Flowchart ==
== “No Video” or “Garbage Video” Flowchart ==


# Check PSU rails, RESET, and system clock first.
# Check PSU rails, RESET, and system clock first.
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# Remove keyboard membrane if stuck in reset.
# Remove keyboard membrane if stuck in reset.


== 💾 RAM Failures ==
== RAM Failures ==


* '''2114 (1K x 4-bit) RAM'''—two chips for 1 KB ZX80, four for 2 KB.
* '''2114 (1K x 4-bit) RAM'''—two chips for 1 KB ZX80, four for 2 KB.
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* If still faulty after RAM swap, check address and data bus logic (74LS157, 74LS00, etc.).
* If still faulty after RAM swap, check address and data bus logic (74LS157, 74LS00, etc.).


== 📺 Video Output & ULA Faults ==
== Video Output & ULA Faults ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
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* Replace with same ULA type (early and late variants differ).
* Replace with same ULA type (early and late variants differ).


== 🧩 ROM Faults ==
== ROM Faults ==


* 4K mask ROM (IC3) – contains BASIC interpreter and OS.
* 4K mask ROM (IC3) – contains BASIC interpreter and OS.
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* Ensure correct ROM type for board revision.
* Ensure correct ROM type for board revision.


== ⚙️ Z80 CPU Faults ==
== Z80 CPU Faults ==


Rare, but possible (over-voltage, ESD).
Rare, but possible (over-voltage, ESD).
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* Replace with Z80A or compatible.
* Replace with Z80A or compatible.


== ⌨️ Keyboard Matrix Issues ==
== Keyboard Matrix Issues ==


* Membrane cable tears or corrosion at connector.
* Membrane cable tears or corrosion at connector.
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Test continuity from each keyboard pad to ULA; repair or replace membrane as needed.
Test continuity from each keyboard pad to ULA; repair or replace membrane as needed.


== 🔠 Other Logic ICs ==
== Other Logic ICs ==


* 74LS00, 74LS157, 74LS32, 74LS04—glue logic for address decoding, video timing, and bus control.
* 74LS00, 74LS157, 74LS32, 74LS04—glue logic for address decoding, video timing, and bus control.
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* Piggy-back or swap with known-good chips to confirm.
* Piggy-back or swap with known-good chips to confirm.


== 🖧 Edge Connector & Expansion Issues ==
== Edge Connector & Expansion Issues ==


* No response from RAM pack or printer = dirty or bent edge connector.
* No response from RAM pack or printer = dirty or bent edge connector.