ZX81 denigrated! (was Re: Approaches to projects)

[Tony Duell]

> > was working...). It is a significant UK home computer. But the reason
> I
> > bought it was to get the Philips 'Pocket Portable' compact cassette
> > recorder that was used with it. It was one of the first ccompact
> assette
> > recorders, and I happen to like Philips stuff anyway...
> 
> Sounds like mine.  The one I have is a replacement, but almost
> identical to the one my Dad bought in the mid-60s.  It's about 115mm
> wide x 55mm thick x 200mm long; it has three DIN sockets on the

That sounds like the one. IIRC the very first model only had 2 sockets -- 
the extension speaker socket came later. 

> left-hand side, and a red button for recording, a sort of joystick knob
> to control the tape motion, and a tiny level meter all on the top front
> panel.  It takes five C-size cells.  It originally came with a slightly

Yes. You could also feed in 7.5V through one of the sockets -- it was a 
'240 degree' DIN socket used for external power, remote control, and 
monitoring earphone. One thing I must do is make a little adapter with a 
power connector and a remote control socket wired to a suitable plug. 

> larger leather carrying case that had space for the microphone and a

I think the case for mine takes the machine only with a seprate plastic
'tube' to carry the microphone. 

> power pack.  Still doing sterling service on a BBC Micro and an Exidy
> Sorcerer, though it's about as old as their combined ages.

Ah, I was wondering if it would work with a Beeb... Mine alsoe needs new 
drive belts, but otherwise is still operational. I have the schematic 
from the appropriate year of 'Radio and Television Servicing', although 
sometimes oen was folded up inside the machine anyway.

-tony