PICOZX motherboard for ZX Spectrum original case

Name: PICOZX motherboard for ZX Spectrum original case
SKU: 6521
Price: 14.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 3.00 (2 reviews)

(2 Reviews)

PICOZX is emulated on Raspberry Pi PICO with VGA output

Designed by Bobricius in Slovakia

PICOZX motherboard for ZX Spectrum original case 1

PICOZX motherboard for ZX Spectrum original case 2

PICOZX motherboard for ZX Spectrum original case 3

PICOZX motherboard for ZX Spectrum original case 4

PICOZX motherboard for ZX Spectrum original case 5

PICOZX motherboard for ZX Spectrum original case 6

PICOZX motherboard for ZX Spectrum original case 7

PICOZX motherboard for ZX Spectrum original case 8

PICOZX motherboard for ZX Spectrum original case 9

PICOZX motherboard for ZX Spectrum original case 10

PICOZX motherboard for ZX Spectrum original case 11

PICOZX motherboard for ZX Spectrum original case 12

PICOZX motherboard for ZX Spectrum original case 13

PICOZX motherboard for ZX Spectrum original case 14

PICOZX motherboard for ZX Spectrum original case 15

2023-11-19T22:09:41.397Z-ZX AUK SCHEMA.png

2024-04-18T17:47:30.442Z-6cf3719c-78f5-4342-a314-49f4c0abc4c5..jpeg

$14.99

Quantity*

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Bare PCB or Fully Assembled*

Careful read description !!!

Only 4 left in stock, order now!

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Each piece is functional art you won't find anywhere else: collectible hardware that combines vintage spirit with modern innovation, made in small batches just for makers like you.

PICOZX is emulated on Raspberry Pi PICO with VGA output

PLEASE READ - PRODUCT OPTIONS Please check your order carefully, as the product is available in several variants Motherboard with keyboard (black) - best for standalone operation Motherboard only (r…

PLEASE READ - PRODUCT OPTIONS

Please check your order carefully, as the product is available in several variants

Motherboard with keyboard (black) - best for standalone operation
Motherboard only (red) - best for integration into original case but also works with USB keyboard/joystick
Keyboard only (white) - can be connected to any ZX project or used separately from the motherboard

Important information about variants: - Black bare boards do not have a color LED bar on the keyboard - Color bare boards have pins for the color LED bar on the keyboard - Both black and color assembled boards include the color LED bar on the keyboard - Black keyboard with color label cover does not have a color LED bar - it's a black board with higher switches and a color PCB cover

I apologize for this complexity, but the product is in intensive development. I am constantly improving it, and previous versions are not always sold out. Please check the pictures in the gallery or contact me with any questions.

You will receive either a bare PCB board without components or an ASSEMBLED UNIT based on your choice. All assembled boards contain genuine components from EU suppliers (TME.EU). The keyboards use high-quality mechanical switches with a comfortable 1N actuation force.

This board is specially designed for the original ZX case. However, it can also function independently thanks to its integrated keyboard.

The keyboard switch spacing is the same as the original ZX rubber keyboard/faceplate. This may be helpful if you're designing your own case. I could have designed the keyboard differently, but I preserved this option.

Note: The board won't fit perfectly and will require some adjustments with a file.

Other models available

PICOZX Retro Computing Platform

Available Models

PLEASE READ: Explore Our Product Family

Check out our complete lineup of retro-computing devices:

PICOZX VGA - Desktop model with ZX Spectrum-style keyboard, colored motherboard PCB, also fits into original case PICOZX-VGA
PICOZX LCD - Handheld portable with IPS LCD, ZX Spectrum-style keyboard, colored cover PCB with ZX layout, also with MCUME support, optional VGA PICOZX-LCD
PICOZX HDMI - Latest IPS LCD handheld with ZX Spectrum-style keyboard, colored cover PCB, HDMI with audio support PICOZX-HDMI
PYPRCA - Handheld device with calculator-style/QWERTY keyboard, originally designed as CircuitPython calculator PyPrCa
PICOmputer ZX - Handheld device with round corner IPS LCD PICOmputer ZX
PICOmputer MAX - Handheld device with 2" IPS LCD PICOmputer MAX

ZX128k retro computer emulator based on Raspberry Pi PICO

IMPORTANT NOTICE!

This board can run the retro computer emulator ZX128 by Phil SCULL with quick save functionality and USB OTG support for full keyboard and USB joystick/gamepad compatibility. The firmware version labeled AUK can be downloaded from the DATASHEET section on this page.

> NOTE! The 9-pin DSUB ATARI joystick connector may cause issues if the cable is too long. We recommend shortening the cable to approximately 30cm.

FEATURES:

Dimensions: 210mm × 130mm - Motherboard with keyboard (black)
Dimensions: 210mm × 55mm - Motherboard only (red)
Dimensions: 210mm × 83mm - Keyboard only (white)
Minimal component requirements: just 7 resistors for VGA signal
QWERTY ZX keyboard with the same matrix as the original
VGA output
Speaker
Reset button
Micro SD card slot
9-pin DSUB ATARI joystick connector

Purchase options:

Bare main PCB board without components, clean PCB for self-assembly (gallery images are for inspiration)
Assembled unit ready for use without ZX Spectrum case (PCB only)

Required components

Component	Qty	Description	Note
Raspberry PICO	1	main green board	-
TACT-65K-F	50	tactile switch, 1N	Or any other 1N force switch - very comfortable to press
1K 0603/0805/TH Ø1.8×3.2mm	3	Resistor	for VGA
470R 0603/0805/TH Ø1.8×3.2mm	3	Resistor	for VGA
82R 0603/0805/TH Ø1.8×3.2mm	1	Resistor	for VGA
DSUB15 FEMALE	1	Female connector	for VGA monitor
DSUB9 MALE	1	Male connector	for Joystick
SD card SMD	1		Micro SD card reader
LD-BZPN-3510	1	Piezo Speaker	-
1503-20	1	3.5mm jack	Line Audio output
82R 0603/0805/TH Ø1.8×3.2mm	1	Resistor	Line Audio output
4k7 0603/0805/TH Ø1.8×3.2mm	1	Resistor	Line Audio output
100n 0603/0805	1	Capacitor	Line Audio output
USB-A	1	USB connector	USB host
USB-B	1	USB connector	USB Power only (if using USB host)

USB host

External power must be connected to USB-B
Remember to connect 2 small wires from test points to D+ D-

Supported computer systems:

ZX Spectrum 48k
ZX Spectrum 128k

Features:

USB keyboard/joystick support
8×5 key keyboard matrix
USB joystick compatibility
VGA video output (RGB222)
PWM sound (1 pin) with AY-3-8912 emulation
SPI SD card support
12 quick save slots
Loading from .z80 snapshot files
Reading from .tap tape files with emulated loading sounds and loading times
On-screen menu
Kempston and Sinclair joystick emulation

Latest firmware for this board:

You can verify if the firmware is active by:

Caps + Cursor = onboard LED is ON
Caps + Kempston = onboard LED is OFF

Change Destination Country:

Bobricius Shipping Policy:

📦 Ready to Ship All products I offer are pre-built, tested, and ready for immediate dispatch. I maintain inventory of finished items to ensure you receive a quality-tested product as quickly as possible. I'm committed to shipping your order as soon as possible – typically within 1-2 business days of receiving payment. 🔧 What I Sell I primarily offer two types of products:

Bare PCBs – for advanced makers who want to source and solder their own components
Finished products – fully assembled, tested, and ready to use

Please note: I do not sell complete component kits or beginner assembly sets. My products are designed for intermediate to advanced electronics enthusiasts who are comfortable with soldering and component sourcing. Why This Approach? I want to work with experienced makers who have solid soldering skills and electronics knowledge. However, I've designed my PCBs to be as builder-friendly as possible:

Minimal component count – simpler builds, fewer parts to source
Easy-to-find components – standard parts available from common suppliers
Clear labeling – all component values printed directly on the PCB next to each footprint

💰 Pricing Transparency You'll notice my PCB prices are higher than ordering directly from mass manufacturers. Here's why: Every product represents months of intensive development, multiple prototype iterations, and several failed batches before reaching perfection. The pricing reflects:

Extensive R&D and testing cycles
Small-batch artisan production
High-quality materials and components
Continuous design improvements

The fact that each piece is handcrafted at home, not mass-produced in a factory

When you purchase from me, you're supporting independent hardware development and getting a unique, collectible piece of functional art that you won't find anywhere else.

✨ What Makes My Products Special

Handcrafted in small batches – each piece made with care
Constantly evolving designs – every batch can include improvements
Not just hardware, but functional art – unique, one-of-a-kind creations
Smarter design with fewer components
Retro spirit meets modern innovation
Perfect for makers, retro enthusiasts, learners, and collectors

🚀 Popular Products

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PICOZX – ZX Spectrum clone with fully labeled keyboard
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📬 Questions? If you have any questions about shipping, product specifications, or component sourcing, feel free to contact me.

Review Breakdown

Average Ratings

Product: (3.00)

Documentation: (3.00)

Shipping: (3.00)

Communication: (3.00)

Andrzej | Sept. 11, 2024

...an unpleasant experience.

I checked on two monitors, and it didn't work. I sent it back and it was a bit of a hassle to get my money back, but I finally received it. Unfortunately, the contact with the seller was not very pleasant, he does not use the language of a gentleman. But in the end, after an unpleasant experience, I received a refund and we will not see each other again.

Response from Bobricius | Sept. 11, 2024

Haha, scammer, that amused me. I think if I were a fraudster, I'd surely find an easier way to make money than spending hours soldering some circuit board and then dealing with dozens of emails for an month from someone who can't seem to connect a monitor properly.
So, to clarify for those not involved:

- I returned the money within a minute of the gentleman's request, even before I received the shipment back.

- I wanted to refund the shipping cost for the returned package as well, but since Tindie can't refund more than the customer paid, I asked for a PayPal address where I could send the shipping amount, but the gentleman didn't bother to respond.

- Subsequently, I received the package back and tested it on multiple monitors. It worked flawlessly on all of them, and I even sent the gentleman a photo, to which he also didn't respond.

- So I really don't understand why this guy is crying over 6.49 euros, which I'm more than willing to refund - I just need his PayPal address, but the gentleman has decided not to communicate.

Marian | Nov. 24, 2023