FAQ

2020-02-21T09:20:32Z

Mitja i: added retro computer shack

== I am using HDMI and I get no picture ==
When the Next boots hold down D for DIGITAL (HDMI) – Mode 7 50hz / 60hz can be selected. N selects the next frequency, ENTER selects it and saves. ONLY PRESS ENTER if you actually see a screen like the one below. N is NOT necessary as the testscreen will automatically go to the next mode albeit slower.
[[File:Figure02-TestScreenMode7.png|thumb|ZX Spectrum Next Test Screen]]

You will also get an audible intermittent tone so you know your audio is working. It's possible your display can lock onto both modes but only one being able to lock onto the audio. Choose the one with the tone before pressing ENTER.

== I am using VGA and I get no picture ==
When the Next boots hold down V for VGA – Mode 0-6 50hz / 60hz can be selected. VGA0 is the
preferred mode as this has accurate timings. 1 – 6 are also accurate timings but increase slightly
in speed. N works as above but there are 12 possible configurations you can choose from. You'll start at VGA0@50Hz, next one will be the same at 60Hz and so forth. ENTER again selects and saves the changes. Audio is also being produced during the VGA Test Screen phase, however you will need powered speakers (or earphones) plugged in the audio out connector at the back of your Next.
[[File:Spectrum-plus-3-tape-lead.jpg|thumb|ZX Spectrum Next/+3 Tape Lead]]

== What classic files can I load on my Next? ==
The Next supports TAPs (preferred), SNAs, DSKs, Z80s which can be loaded from the browser
menu by selecting them with the cursor keys and ENTER (or a joystick and Fire) -OR- by using the SPECTRUM command. (See Chapter 20 in the manual for details).
Place the files on your SD card and pick from the Browser.
If you are using an external tape player then you require a cable from player to the EAR/MIC
socket of your Next. A Tape Tester is provided from the main menu of NextZXOS – Select More
and Tape Tester.
When you are ready to load a real tape choose the Tape Loader and press PLAY on your player.
The cable follows [https://store.activeconsult.co.uk/shop?olsPage=products%2Fear-mic-cable&page=2 the +3 standard] and MUST be monophonic from the TAPE deck side. Do not try a straight mono cable as used in the Spectrum 128 and earlier as it will not work.

== How can I load TZX files? ==
TZX files can be loaded if you have a pi0 or an external TZX player. If you have a pi0 please see
below for more information

== My LED does not go out when I unplug the power! ==
Some TVs will back-power the Next through the HDMI cable, so it’s important to '''REMOVE ALL CABLES''' after a firmware
update and to turn off completely. If your TV/Display has multiple inputs try using one of the other ones as usually NOT ALL HDMI ports exhibit this behaviour.

== How do I update my Next? ==
Zero day distro is [https://www.specnext.com/latestdistro/ here]. To update your Next, extract the contents of the distro to your SD card. Power down the Next,
Press and hold U and power on until you see the Updater screen and follow the instructions. As
above if you are using HDMI you need to remove all cables when instructed to power off your
Next.

== How do I update the Pi in my Next (NextPi)? ==
NextPi can be downloaded [https://zx.xalior.com/NextPi/ here], and you can use [https://www.balena.io/etcher/ Etcher] to write this to a 1GB SD card.

== I have a pi0 but cannot get TZXs to load ==
You will require a new updated '''dot/pisend''' and '''nextzxos/tzxload.bas''' from the
[https://gitlab.com/thesmog358/tbblue git repository]. These need to be placed in the correct folders on your SD
card. These files have updated after the distro was released. 
You can check if the pi0 is correctly responding by going into Command Line and running “.term”
You should see Terminex, press SYM+SHIFT+B to switch to 115,200 baud and press Enter. If you
see the words “SUP>” then your pi0 is ready. You can quit Terminex by pressing SYM+SHIFT+Q

To load a TZX, place some TZX files on your SD card and you should be able to select the files
from the Browser and the Next should do the rest. If you come across a game that doesn’t work
please let us know.

== How do I sort the contents of my SD card? ==
You will need to use a tool on a PC such as [http://www.anerty.net/software/file/DriveSort/?lang=en DriveSort]

== Where do I buy RTC / Mouse / Memory / Wifi / Pi0 / Inline Power Switch… ==
ActiveConsult sell most of these products and can be found [https://store.activeconsult.co.uk/shop?olsPage=products&page=1 here].
SCART cables can be purchased [https://coolnovelties.co.uk/coolnovelties/sinclair-zx-spectrum/312-zx-spectrum-next-analog-rgb-scart-cable-0705693507088.html here], also here: [https://www.retrocomputershack.com/] NOTE that you will need to boot your ZX Spectrum Next and press the R key to set up the SCART output.

== What controller / joystick / gamepad can I use? ==
The Next supports any “Atari” standard joystick or gamepad, along with Master System and
MegaDrive pads. A good option is the [https://www.amazon.co.uk/8Bitdo-Wireless-Gamepad-Original-Genesis/dp/B07HB1XFQW 8bitdo wireless MegaDrive pad].
You '''CANNOT''' use the '''Sinclair Branded SJS-1''' joysticks sold for +2/2A/3 ZX Spectrums as they require a special adapter.

== How do I change the CPU speed/ Scanlines etc? ==
The following keys combinations can be used to : 
NMI + 1 Hard reset 
NMI + 2 toggle scan doubler 
NMI + 3 toggle 50 / 60 Hz 
NMI + 4 Soft reset 
NMI + 7 Toggle scan lines (25/50/75%) 
NMI + 8 Toggle CPU speed (3.5/7/14/28) 
NMI + 9 Toggle CPU speed (3.5/7/14/28) 

== Where can I download games / roms ? ==
[https://spectrumcomputing.co.uk/ Spectrum Computing] and [https://www.worldofspectrum.org/ World of Spectrum] are good places to start

== My internal keyboard is not responding – help!==
First turn off the Next completely and remove all cables and try again. Failing that a keyboard
cable may have become loose. You can watch a video on how to open your Next here: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLDz4AjL3rA

== My ps/2 keyboard is not responding – help!==
Edit your '''c:/machines/next/config.ini''' file so that '''ps2=0''', or use a [https://store.activeconsult.co.uk/shop?olsPage=products%2Fps2-keyboard-mouse-splitter ps/2 splitter].

== How do I install pi0 / Wifi / RTC / Memory? ==
As above a guide on how to open your Next can be viewed. Also read the appropriate Chapter in the manual.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLDz4AjL3rA here].

== Why doesn't the manual have a table of contents / index ==
Short answer: It didn't fit in the box as the boxes were made way before the manual was completed.
Long answer: TL;DR :)

== Further Spectrum Next Guides ==
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2lCM2mJCG_AonDyHJfqjxFR5VoqBWqoh

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