SpecNext Wiki - User contributions [en-gb]

FAQ

2020-09-12T09:57:26Z

Remysharp: Swapped yafs for fatsort as it doesn't run on a mac (nor does it build)

== 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.

== I'm using an HDMI display and a game's graphics appear garbled ==
Some games (specifically ones with multicolour or border effects - eg. Nirvana/Bifrost engine games, certain demos particularly ex-Soviet demoscene ones) require precise timings as with a regular Spectrum. Due to the nature of HDMI displays and the lack of internal buffering on the Spectrum Next display hardware currently these will not work properly and require a VGA or RGB display.
This is expected to be fixed in a future edition of the core/distribution but until then, there are a few alternative solutions:
a. An extra Spectrum core that implements precise HDMI timings by removing some of the Next's extra features.
b. Use of OSSC hardware which takes the Next's RGB/VGA display and converts it to HDMI independently
c. Use of the ZXHD or TkPie hardware expansions (only for standard Spectrum modes at 3.5MHz clock)
Next specific programs do not have this issue as they're made taking the current HDMI timing differences into account and will continue to work in the future when the most appropriate HDMI solution is implemented.

== HELP! My <insert game name here> doesn't work while it works on my <insert older Spectrum model here> ==
This is most likely due to a specific incompatibility of said program with the Next's extra hardware. The NextZXOS loader module, provides a lot of options for loading software catering to each model's idiosyncracies but also gives you the option to disable almost all Next extra hardware in order to make it work. If, after trying everything, the software doesn't work, you need to inform the team using the official gitlab repo "Issues" (registration is required) and provide a link to a copy of your program. The team will look at the specific issue and respond/fix the issue as soon as possible.

== What classic files can I load on my Next? ==
[[File:Spectrum-plus-3-tape-lead.jpg|thumb|ZX Spectrum Next/+3 Tape Lead]]
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. Before asking for help please have this information ready<br>

== My LED does not go out when I unplug the power! ==

[[File:Next HDMI PSU.jpg|thumb|Remove ALL cables]]
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.

The back-power situation also happened in one case with I/O serial cable used at joystick port, general rule seems to be "if it has own power, and is connected to Next, it may back-power it" - in case of problems to power-cycle the Next properly, unplug all such cables/peripherals first and try again.

== 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.<br>
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.

I have problems loading TZXs:<br>
<br>
Are you on the latest core / NextZXOS?<br>
Have you updated to the latest git distro? [https://gitlab.com/thesmog358/tbblue/-/archive/master/tbblue-master.zip git repository]<br>
What video mode are you using? (VGA0/HDMI etc)<br>
What game didn't work? (You need to supply the exact name)<br>
Where did the loading fail? Did the game load fine but crash etc?<br>

== 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] (Windows) or [https://fatsort.sourceforge.io/ FatSort] (cross OS compatible)

== 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? ==
[[File:Atari-2600-Paddles.jpg|thumb|Atari 2600 Paddles]]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.
If your joystick has both black and grey plugs, '''DO NOT''' plug in the grey plug, as that only works on +2/2A/3 ZX Spectrums and will damage your Next.

The Next also supports [https://www.atariage.com/controller_page.php?ControllerID=3&SystemID=2600 Atari 2600 driving controllers]. These are digital quadrature rotary encoder devices, identifiable by the word "driving" and picture of a racing car. [https://www.atariage.com/controller_page.php?SystemID=2600&ControllerID=2 Atari 2600 paddles] (identifiable by the word "paddle" and picture of tennis rackets) contain analogue potentiometers, which are '''NOT''' physically compatible and could damage your Next.

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

== 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:<br>
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].

== How can I get the expansion bus working with external hardware? ==
By default, the Next disables the expansion bus, as external hardware can conflict and is unlikely to run at CPU speeds faster than 3.5MHz. The bus can be enabled and and individual conflicting internal hardware disabled through Next registers 128 and 130..137 (manual pages 270..271). [https://www.specnext.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1482&p=9701&hilit=RAM+music+machine+expansion+bus#p9701 Here] is a detailed example of getting the RAM Music Machine working, and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU9NTQqQ1fg here] is a video demonstrating unsing Interface 1/microdrives.

== Can I use Amstrad/Sinclair SJS-1 joysticks with the Next? ==

'''NO!''' [https://rk.nvg.ntnu.no/sinclair/computers/peripherals/sjs1.htm SJS-1 joysticks] have fundamentally incompatible wiring compared with the standard Atari-wired joysticks the Next uses. Using them on the Next will short the 5V line to ground, potentially damaging your Next. Bin them, sell them, or keep them for your original +2, +2A or +3, where they will work fine but still be quite rubbish.

== Why don't my VGA/joystick sockets have hex nuts to screw the cable in? ==
VGA sockets with hex nuts are typically bolted to a metal chassis. On the Next there is no chassis to screw onto, so you would just be screwing into the connector which is a VERY bad idea. The Next sockets are only fixed tight with small solder pads.
VGA cables are heavy and will put a lot of leverage on the VGA PCB pins, and likely to fracture the PCB or pins on the VGA socket. An unscrewed cable will still stay firmly in the socket during normal use, but will safely unplug if you yank the cable or leverage the plug.

== I thought I had the latest version of the distro? ==
Go by the version numbers of the firmware, core and NextZXOS when deciding if you have the latest version. Ignore the post date on the [https://www.specnext.com/latestdistro/ latest distro] page. Wordpress post dates don't automatically update when existing posts are edited.

== 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 :)

== Where can I download a copy of the manual with a ToC and index? ==
Right here : https://www.specnext.com/zx-spectrum-next-user-manual-first-edition/

Myopian's [https://www.cs.hmc.edu/~oneill/specnext/manual-fixed.pdf fixed version] displays correctly in Safari, and can be read directly in browsers.

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

== Essential Lesser-Known Technical Docs ==
* The master [https://gitlab.com/SpectrumNext/ZX_Spectrum_Next_FPGA/-/blob/master/cores/zxnext/nextreg.txt nextreg] and [https://gitlab.com/SpectrumNext/ZX_Spectrum_Next_FPGA/-/blob/master/cores/zxnext/ports.txt port] lists are kept up to date, and fully describe the Next hardware for developers.
* The [https://gitlab.com/thesmog358/tbblue/-/blob/master/docs/extra-hw/pinouts/pinouts.txt pinouts] list has detailed information on connectors.
* The [https://gitlab.com/thesmog358/tbblue/-/raw/master/docs/nextzxos-changelog.txt NextZXOS change log] details what was new and fixed in each version of NextZXOS/NextBASIC.
* The four [https://gitlab.com/thesmog358/tbblue/-/tree/master/docs/nextzxos NextZXOS PDFs] have detailed information on the NextZXOS and esxDOS APIs, NextBASIC sysvars, and NextBASIC syntax.
* varmfskii's [https://raw.githubusercontent.com/varmfskii/zxnext_code/master/zx_next_notes/zxnext_notes.pdf ZX Spectrum Next Programming Notes] are an attempt to consolidate the Next programming interface into a single location.
* Myopian's [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dB8fKIfByGJTts409Ud8ly450a6SLPnLZc-nCBghBl8 API spreadsheet] summarises NextZXOS/IDEDOS entry points along with calling conditions.
* Myopian's [https://www.cs.hmc.edu/~oneill/specnext/dot-cmds.html dot command summary] collects together help and readme text for NextZXOS dot commands in one handy place.

Miscellaneous

2020-08-20T08:16:03Z

Remysharp: Added more tools to zx.remysharp.com

=== ''[http://simon.mooli.org.uk/nextech/ Simon N Goodwin's Spectrum Next Page]'' ===
: A host of utilites for NextBasic written by Simon, NextPort, Nextramon,
: Next MGT Reader amongst other treasures.

=== ''[https://github.com/kounch/vscode_zx Visual Studio Code Tasks and Scripts]'' ===
: Some VSC goodies by kounch to work with NextBasic and ZX Basic

=== ''[https://github.com/stefanbylund/zxnext_bmp_tools Next BMP Tools]'' ===
: The Next BMP tools are BMP image conversion tools targeting the Sinclair ZX Spectrum Next written
: by Stefan Bylund

=== ''[https://wiki.twistedraven.net/index.php?title=Downloads Octarine Studio]'' ===
: Octarine Studio by Guy Black is a PC based editing tool that currently supports palettes and tiles.

=== ''[https://www.specnext.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=351 UDGeedNext Sprite Editor]'' ===
: Windows based sprite editor written by some guy I have never heard of. Currently supports 8 bit
: palettes. 9 bit and 4 bit sprites should be added at some point....

=== ''[http://worldofpaul.com/speccyart/ Speccy Art]'' ===
: An online drawing experience that aims to help you create Sinclair ZX Spectrum-like images.
: Supports the classic ULA mode (256x192 pixels with 8x8 attribute squares and 15 classic ZX colours)
: Supports the Timex HiColour mode (256x192 pixels with 8x1 attribute rectangles and 15 classic ZX colours)
: Images can be saved and loaded through TAP files or exported into SCR/SHC files.

=== ''[https://github.com/varmfskii/zxnext_tools ZX Spectrum Next tools by Theodore (Alex) Evans]'' ===
: Multiple tools for various graphics conversions and processing

=== ''[https://gitlab.com/zxnexttools/nim Next Image Manipulator by Matt Davies]'' ===
: windows command line tool to convert various image and palette formats to custom "nip/nim" binary formats which are simple enough to parse (or include directly into source with assemblers supporting binary includes)
: this is early version (already working, build it from source), but further expansion to support also tiles/etc may happen in future

=== ''[https://github.com/gasman/hdfmonkey hdfmonkey]'' ===
: A Swiss Army Knife for working with FAT partitions on Spectrum emulator HDF images

=== ''[https://github.com/MrKWatkins/ZXSpectrumNextTests ZXSpectrumNextTests by Kevin Watkins and Peter Helcmanovsky]'' ===
: Suite of tests exercising various aspects of ZX Spectrum Next
: Tests for: Next registers, Copper, Sprites, Layer2, ULA modes, Extended ULA, Layers mixing modes, Z80N instructions, ...
: ASM Sources for each test (sjasmplus assembler syntax)

=== ''[https://github.com/Threetwosevensixseven/ZXSpectrumNextTests ZXSpectrumNextTests by Robin Verhagen-Guest]'' ===
: Suite of tests exercising various aspects of ZX Spectrum Next (yes, one more :) )
: Tests for: DMA, MMU paging, Layers mixing modes
: ASM Sources for each test (Zeus assembler syntax)

=== ''<div id="WASPtools" name="WASPtools">WASPtools by Phoebus Dokos</div>'' ===
WASPtools is a suite of tools comprised of a palette manipulator, a sprite editor, a graphics converter, and tilemap editor (both virtual tilemaps for say Layer2, and the hardware tilemap mode).

=== ''[https://zx.remysharp.com Online sprite, palette and tilemap editor by Remy Sharp]'' ===
: Browser based tooling that works fully offline
: Sprite editor with import and export tools
: Tile map editor with 16x16 and 8x8 tile support
: Full 512 palette import and export
: Also includes image conversion tools from PNG to 8 bit BMP and SL2 formats

=== ''[https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=remysharp.nextbasic NextBASIC extension for VS Code by Remy Sharp]'' ===
: Syntax highlighting, folding and definition jumping
: Export and import .bas to .txt and visa versa
: Inline help, line number completion and inline error checking
: Launches Cspect with minimal configuration

Audio / Music

2020-07-28T16:53:31Z

Remysharp: Add ayfx editor

=== ''[https://www.julien-nevo.com/arkostracker/ Arkos Tracker 2]'' ===
: Cross-platform (win/linux/mac) modern chiptune/sampled music tracker with support for 9-channel AY tracking, and player routine for Next.

=== ''[https://zx.remysharp.com/audio AYFX Editor and driver]'' ===

: Web app for generating sound effects on for AY chips (based on Shiru's AYFX Editor) - works fully offline, upload, export and edit your sound effects and use in NextBASIC using the AYFX driver.

Compilers

2020-06-12T10:53:35Z

Remysharp: Add txt2bas/bas2txt for windows/mac/linux

=== ''sccz80'' and ''zsdcc'' ===
Part of [https://github.com/z88dk/z88dk Z88dk]
: "sccz80" is a small C derived C compiler that is nearly C90 compliant with a few notable exceptions. Emphasis is on small code.
: "zsdcc" is a fork of sdcc-z80 that is an open source optimizing C compiler with C90 and elements of C99 and C11 compliance.
: A Next target is present and under development. Output file types include tap, sna, and esxdos dot commands.

=== ''[https://zxbasic.readthedocs.io/ ZX Basic]'' ===
: A Basic to Z80 compiler with extensions added to Sinclair Basic.

=== ''[https://github.com/em00k/NextBuild NextBuild v6]'' ===
: NextBuild is a suite of tools for Windows which uses Boriel's ZX Basic Compiler. It comes with a Next library of routines
: to take advantage of the Nexts hardware. Examples included.

=== ''[https://github.com/speccyorg/bas2tap bas2tap utility]'' ===
: The utility to convert `BASIC in an ASCII file' to a TAP tape image file (can be loaded by emulator or Next as regular BASIC program).
: Comes complete with portable C source. With full BASIC syntax checking!
: (does not support NextBASIC extensions)
: (for NextBASIC you can use the NextZXOS dot commands .txt2bas and .bas2txt directly on the Next)

=== ''[https://github.com/remy/txt2bas txt2bas & bas2txt CLI utility]'' ===
: Cross platform command line tool to convert NextBASIC to +3dos .bas file and convert .bas files to plain text.
: The tool also includes verbose validation, tap and 3dos, BANK compatible and headerless export and import support

Miscellaneous

2020-05-23T07:51:56Z

Remysharp: sprite and Tilemap tools, and vscode extension for NextBASIC

=== ''[http://simon.mooli.org.uk/nextech/ Simon N Goodwin's Spectrum Next Page]'' ===
: A host of utilites for NextBasic written by Simon, NextPort, Nextramon,
: Next MGT Reader amongst other treasures.

=== ''[https://github.com/kounch/vscode_zx Visual Studio Code Tasks and Scripts]'' ===
: Some VSC goodies by kounch to work with NextBasic and ZX Basic

=== ''[https://github.com/stefanbylund/zxnext_bmp_tools Next BMP Tools]'' ===
: The Next BMP tools are BMP image conversion tools targeting the Sinclair ZX Spectrum Next written
: by Stefan Bylund

=== ''[https://www.facebook.com/groups/OctarineStudio/ Octarine Studio]'' ===
: Octarine Studio by Guy Black is a PC based editing tool that currently supports palettes and tiles.

=== ''[https://www.specnext.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=351 UDGeedNext Sprite Editor]'' ===
: Windows based sprite editor written by some guy I have never heard of. Currently supports 8 bit
: palettes. 9 bit and 4 bit sprites should be added at some point....

=== ''[http://worldofpaul.com/speccyart/ Speccy Art]'' ===
: An online drawing experience that aims to help you create Sinclair ZX Spectrum-like images.
: Supports the classic ULA mode (256x192 pixels with 8x8 attribute squares and 15 classic ZX colours)
: Supports the Timex HiColour mode (256x192 pixels with 8x1 attribute rectangles and 15 classic ZX colours)
: Images can be saved and loaded through TAP files or exported into SCR/SHC files.

=== ''[https://github.com/varmfskii/zxnext_tools ZX Spectrum Next tools by Theodore (Alex) Evans]'' ===
: Multiple tools for various graphics conversions and processing

=== ''[https://gitlab.com/zxnexttools/nim Next Image Manipulator by Matt Davies]'' ===
: windows command line tool to convert various image and palette formats to custom "nip/nim" binary formats which are simple enough to parse (or include directly into source with assemblers supporting binary includes)
: this is early version (already working, build it from source), but further expansion to support also tiles/etc may happen in future

=== ''[https://github.com/gasman/hdfmonkey hdfmonkey]'' ===
: A Swiss Army Knife for working with FAT partitions on Spectrum emulator HDF images

=== ''[https://github.com/MrKWatkins/ZXSpectrumNextTests ZXSpectrumNextTests by Kevin Watkins and Peter Helcmanovsky]'' ===
: Suite of tests exercising various aspects of ZX Spectrum Next
: Tests for: Next registers, Copper, Sprites, Layer2, ULA modes, Extended ULA, Layers mixing modes, Z80N instructions, ...
: ASM Sources for each test (sjasmplus assembler syntax)

=== ''[https://github.com/Threetwosevensixseven/ZXSpectrumNextTests ZXSpectrumNextTests by Robin Verhagen-Guest]'' ===
: Suite of tests exercising various aspects of ZX Spectrum Next (yes, one more :) )
: Tests for: DMA, MMU paging, Layers mixing modes
: ASM Sources for each test (Zeus assembler syntax)

=== ''<div id="WASPtools" name="WASPtools">WASPtools by Phoebus Dokos</div>'' ===
WASPtools is a suite of tools comprised of a palette manipulator, a sprite editor, a graphics converter, and tilemap editor (both virtual tilemaps for say Layer2, and the hardware tilemap mode).

=== ''[https://zx.remysharp.com Online sprite and Tilemap editor by Remy Sharp]'' ===
: Browser based tooling
: Sprite editor with import and export tools
: Tile map editor with 16x16 and 8x8 tile support

=== ''[https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=remysharp.nextbasic NextBASIC extension for VS Code by Remy Sharp]'' ===
: Syntax highlighting, folding and definition jumping
: Export and import .bas to .txt and visa versa
: Inline help, line number completion and inline error checking
: Launches Cspect with minimal configuration