🎄💾🗓️ Day 22: Retrocomputing Advent Calendar – ZX Spectrum🎄💾🗓️
The ZX Spectrum, launched in 1982 by Sinclair Research, is one of the most iconic home computers from the 1980s. Designed as an affordable way to start with computing, it played an important role in popularizing programming and video games. Shipped with a Zilog Z80A processor running at 3.5 MHz and came in two models: one with 16 KB of RAM and another with 48 KB of RAM. Its 256×192 pixel display supported 15 colors (including brightness levels) but was limited to two colors per 8×8 pixel block due to the memory constraints at the time.
The system used a membrane keyboard and stored programs on cassette tapes. Its affordability, large software library, and widespread third-party support made it a choice for many people. Over 5 million units were sold, and the computer helped create a thriving developer community, particularly in Europe, where it inspired countless young programmers and game developers. The ZX Spectrum’s impact extended far beyond its hardware, influencing gaming culture and the evolution of home computing.
Have first computer memories? Post’em up in the comments, or post yours on socialz’ and tag them #firstcomputer #retrocomputing – See you back here tomorrow!
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Stop breadboarding and soldering – start making immediately! Adafruit’s Circuit Playground is jam-packed with LEDs, sensors, buttons, alligator clip pads and more. Build projects with Circuit Playground in a few minutes with the drag-and-drop MakeCode programming site, learn computer science using the CS Discoveries class on code.org, jump into CircuitPython to learn Python and hardware together, TinyGO, or even use the Arduino IDE. Circuit Playground Express is the newest and best Circuit Playground board, with support for CircuitPython, MakeCode, and Arduino. It has a powerful processor, 10 NeoPixels, mini speaker, InfraRed receive and transmit, two buttons, a switch, 14 alligator clip pads, and lots of sensors: capacitive touch, IR proximity, temperature, light, motion and sound. A whole wide world of electronics and coding is waiting for you, and it fits in the palm of your hand.
Have an amazing project to share? The Electronics Show and Tell is every Wednesday at 7:30pm ET! To join, head over to YouTube and check out the show’s live chat and our Discord!
Python for Microcontrollers – Adafruit Daily — Python on Microcontrollers Newsletter: Open Hardware is In, New CircuitPython and Pi 5 16GB, and much more! #CircuitPython #Python #micropython @ThePSF @Raspberry_Pi
EYE on NPI – Adafruit Daily — EYE on NPI Maxim’s Himalaya uSLIC Step-Down Power Module #EyeOnNPI @maximintegrated @digikey
