FAQ - Revision history

Luzie: Minor Edit

2026-01-16T17:38:12Z

Minor Edit

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:38, 16 January 2026
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	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.		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.

	The game "Bikers" https://www.specnext.com/bikers/ support the Atari 2600 driving ~~controllers~~.		The game "Bikers" https://www.specnext.com/bikers/ support the Atari 2600 driving controller.
	On https://github.com/ped7g/ZXSpectrumNextMisc/tree/master/ReadingAtariDrivingController we can find a "Atari driving controller (paddle) example" Test-program.		On https://github.com/ped7g/ZXSpectrumNextMisc/tree/master/ReadingAtariDrivingController we can find a "Atari driving controller (paddle) example" Test-program and infos "how it works".

	== How do I configure the joystick ports to be Kempston / Sinclair / Megadrive / Cursor? ==		== How do I configure the joystick ports to be Kempston / Sinclair / Megadrive / Cursor? ==

Luzie: Added two addional Infos on Atari 2600 driving controllers

2026-01-16T17:34:04Z

Added two addional Infos on Atari 2600 driving controllers

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:34, 16 January 2026
Line 132:		Line 132:

	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.		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.

			The game "Bikers" https://www.specnext.com/bikers/ support the Atari 2600 driving controllers.
			On https://github.com/ped7g/ZXSpectrumNextMisc/tree/master/ReadingAtariDrivingController we can find a "Atari driving controller (paddle) example" Test-program.

	== How do I configure the joystick ports to be Kempston / Sinclair / Megadrive / Cursor? ==		== How do I configure the joystick ports to be Kempston / Sinclair / Megadrive / Cursor? ==

Johnnyo: /* Are there alternative pre-made images of the distro for emulators? */ uncapitalize

2025-07-23T10:23:19Z

Are there alternative pre-made images of the distro for emulators?: uncapitalize

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:23, 23 July 2025
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	== Are there alternative pre-made images of the distro for emulators? ==		== Are there alternative pre-made images of the distro for emulators? ==

	This site maintains [https://zxnext.uk/hosted/#sd ~~CURRENT DISTRO IMAGES~~] based on the state of the GitLab, which reflects the "current development" state of the distro.		This site maintains [https://zxnext.uk/hosted/#sd current distro images] based on the state of the GitLab, which reflects the "current development" state of the distro.

	== Further Spectrum Next Video Guides ==		== Further Spectrum Next Video Guides ==

Johnnyo: added link to zxnext.uk hosted sd

2025-07-23T10:22:12Z

added link to zxnext.uk hosted sd

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:22, 23 July 2025
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	Until a better version appears, there's currently (2025-05-23) also a copy of the [https://zxn.gg/zxnmanualrev3 third edition print-only manual with the OCR generated text] available.		Until a better version appears, there's currently (2025-05-23) also a copy of the [https://zxn.gg/zxnmanualrev3 third edition print-only manual with the OCR generated text] available.

			== Are there alternative pre-made images of the distro for emulators? ==

			This site maintains [https://zxnext.uk/hosted/#sd CURRENT DISTRO IMAGES] based on the state of the GitLab, which reflects the "current development" state of the distro.

	== Further Spectrum Next Video Guides ==		== Further Spectrum Next Video Guides ==

Johnnyo: /* Where can I download a copy of the manual? */

2025-05-23T09:32:55Z

Where can I download a copy of the manual?

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:32, 23 May 2025
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	Long answer: TL;DR :)		Long answer: TL;DR :)

	== Where can I download a copy of the manual ~~with a ToC and index~~? ==		== Where can I download a copy of the manual? ==
	~~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.		The official page of the first edition was: https://www.specnext.com/zx-spectrum-next-user-manual-first-edition/ and for a while hosted also a version corresponding to the third edition in the "print only" form, and currently (2025-05-23) the link there is not functioning.

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

			Until a better version appears, there's currently (2025-05-23) also a copy of the [https://zxn.gg/zxnmanualrev3 third edition print-only manual with the OCR generated text] available.

	== Further Spectrum Next Video Guides ==		== Further Spectrum Next Video Guides ==

Em00k: /* How do I connect to Wi-Fi? */

2025-04-15T00:02:02Z

How do I connect to Wi-Fi?

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:02, 15 April 2025
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	<code>AT+GMR </code>		<code>AT+GMR </code>

			This will report your current ESP firmware. FW v1.2.0.0 is the version shipped with both KS models. The reliability of this differs in opinion and some people have updated to newer versions 1.6.0.0 and 1.7.6.0 reporting less oddities and overall more stable operation. Owner's must understand the risks involved when updating fw as it is possible to brick your ESP and for KS2 models, the ESP is soldered to the motherboard making replacing more complicated. FW updates can be done using the .espupdate dotcommand supplied on the official distro and heading over [https://github.com/Threetwosevensixseven/espupdate/wiki/Update-ESP-Firmware-From-ZX-Spectrum-Next here for more information].

	Furthur information on the ESP and AT commands is [[ESP8266-01\|linked here]]		Furthur information on the ESP and AT commands is [[ESP8266-01\|linked here]]

	This will report your current ESP firmware. FW v1.2.0.0 is the version shipped with both KS models. The reliability of this differs in opinion and some people have updated to newer versions 1.6.0.0 and 1.7.6.0 reporting less oddities and overall more stable operation. Owner's must understand the risks involved when updating fw as it is possible to brick your ESP and for KS2 models, the ESP is soldered to the motherboard making replacing more complicated. FW updates can be done using the .espupdate dotcommand supplied on the official distro and heading over [https://github.com/Threetwosevensixseven/espupdate/wiki/Update-ESP-Firmware-From-ZX-Spectrum-Next here for more information].

	[[File:Uart-fw.png\|frameless]]		[[File:Uart-fw.png\|frameless]]

Em00k: /* How do I connect to Wi-Fi? */

2025-04-14T23:53:05Z

How do I connect to Wi-Fi?

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:53, 15 April 2025
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	This will report your current ESP firmware. FW v1.2.0.0 is the version shipped with both KS models. The reliability of this differs in opinion and some people have updated to newer versions 1.6.0.0 and 1.7.6.0 reporting less oddities and overall more stable operation. Owner's must understand the risks involved when updating fw as it is possible to brick your ESP and for KS2 models, the ESP is soldered to the motherboard making replacing more complicated. FW updates can be done using the .espupdate dotcommand supplied on the official distro and heading over [https://github.com/Threetwosevensixseven/espupdate/wiki/Update-ESP-Firmware-From-ZX-Spectrum-Next here for more information].		This will report your current ESP firmware. FW v1.2.0.0 is the version shipped with both KS models. The reliability of this differs in opinion and some people have updated to newer versions 1.6.0.0 and 1.7.6.0 reporting less oddities and overall more stable operation. Owner's must understand the risks involved when updating fw as it is possible to brick your ESP and for KS2 models, the ESP is soldered to the motherboard making replacing more complicated. FW updates can be done using the .espupdate dotcommand supplied on the official distro and heading over [https://github.com/Threetwosevensixseven/espupdate/wiki/Update-ESP-Firmware-From-ZX-Spectrum-Next here for more information].

	[[File:Uart-fw.png\|~~thumb~~]]		[[File:Uart-fw.png\|frameless]]

	== How can I get the expansion bus working with external hardware? ==		== How can I get the expansion bus working with external hardware? ==

Em00k: /* How do I connect to Wi-Fi? */

2025-04-14T23:50:53Z

How do I connect to Wi-Fi?

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:50, 15 April 2025
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	<code>.espbaud -dR </code>		<code>.espbaud -dR </code>

	This will >Reset and try to >detect the current speed. A message saying "Resetting ESP", then a baud rate test will begin, once the program has finished, ~~it will either say~~ :		This will >Reset and try to >detect the current speed. A message saying "Resetting ESP", then a baud rate test will begin, once the program has finished, a success would look like this :

	<code>ESP reports 115273		<code>ESP reports 115273
Line 198:		Line 198:

	This usually confirms the correct speed has been negotiated. Now run .uart and run the command above and see if you get a response.		This usually confirms the correct speed has been negotiated. Now run .uart and run the command above and see if you get a response.
	~~A comprehensive overview of the ESP and AT commands can be found here [[ESP8266-01]]~~ Another useful AT command to run is :		Another useful AT command to run is :

	<code>AT+GMR </code>		<code>AT+GMR </code>

			Furthur information on the ESP and AT commands is [[ESP8266-01\|linked here]]

	This will report your current ESP firmware. FW v1.2.0.0 is the version shipped with both KS models. The reliability of this differs in opinion and some people have updated to newer versions 1.6.0.0 and 1.7.6.0 reporting less oddities and overall more stable operation. Owner's must understand the risks involved when updating fw as it is possible to brick your ESP and for KS2 models, the ESP is soldered to the motherboard making replacing more complicated. FW updates can be done using the .espupdate dotcommand supplied on the official distro and heading over [https://github.com/Threetwosevensixseven/espupdate/wiki/Update-ESP-Firmware-From-ZX-Spectrum-Next here for more information].		This will report your current ESP firmware. FW v1.2.0.0 is the version shipped with both KS models. The reliability of this differs in opinion and some people have updated to newer versions 1.6.0.0 and 1.7.6.0 reporting less oddities and overall more stable operation. Owner's must understand the risks involved when updating fw as it is possible to brick your ESP and for KS2 models, the ESP is soldered to the motherboard making replacing more complicated. FW updates can be done using the .espupdate dotcommand supplied on the official distro and heading over [https://github.com/Threetwosevensixseven/espupdate/wiki/Update-ESP-Firmware-From-ZX-Spectrum-Next here for more information].

Em00k: /* How do I connect to Wi-Fi? */

2025-04-14T23:46:43Z

How do I connect to Wi-Fi?

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:46, 15 April 2025
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	== How do I connect to Wi-Fi? ==		== How do I connect to Wi-Fi? ==
	~~You~~ can connect to a 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi ~~network~~, make sure your password does not contain spaces. You can use the application wifi2.bas from /apps/wifi/setup - when you load wifi2.bas and type RUN to start		The Next's ESP can only connect to 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi networks, make sure your password does not contain spaces. You can use the application wifi2.bas from /apps/wifi/setup - when you load wifi2.bas and type RUN to start

	You can confirm your IP address by going in to command line and typing .uart then the following:		You can confirm your IP address by going in to command line and typing .uart then the following:

Em00k: /* How do I connect to Wifi? */

2025-04-14T23:45:01Z

How do I connect to Wifi?

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:45, 15 April 2025
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	[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLDz4AjL3rA here].		[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLDz4AjL3rA here].

	== How do I connect to ~~Wifi~~? ==
	You can connect to a 2.4Ghz ~~wifi~~ network, make sure your password does not contain spaces. You can use the application wifi2.bas from /apps/wifi/setup - when you load wifi2.bas and type RUN to start		== How do I connect to Wi-Fi? ==
			You can connect to a 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi network, make sure your password does not contain spaces. You can use the application wifi2.bas from /apps/wifi/setup - when you load wifi2.bas and type RUN to start

	You can confirm your IP address by going in to command line and typing .uart then the following:		You can confirm your IP address by going in to command line and typing .uart then the following:

	AT+CIFSR		<code>AT+CIFSR</code>

			This should return your IP. If you are still having issues, confirm the network is 2.4Ghz, and you are not too far away from an access point.

			See if other internet apps work, try ZXDB-DL from /apps/wifi/zxdb-dl and launch zxdb-loader.bas. When the program launches, enter a game search term and press return. If you see results wifi is working.

			If you continue to have issues confirm the ESP baud rate, from the command line :

			<code>.espbaud -dR </code>

			This will >Reset and try to >detect the current speed. A message saying "Resetting ESP", then a baud rate test will begin, once the program has finished, it will either say :

			<code>ESP reports 115273
			Setting uart to 115273</code>

			This usually confirms the correct speed has been negotiated. Now run .uart and run the command above and see if you get a response.
			A comprehensive overview of the ESP and AT commands can be found here [[ESP8266-01]] Another useful AT command to run is :

			<code>AT+GMR </code>

	This ~~should return~~ your IP. ~~If you are still having issues confirm~~ the ~~network~~ is 2.~~4Ghz~~ and ~~you are not too far away from an access point~~.		This will report your current ESP firmware. FW v1.2.0.0 is the version shipped with both KS models. The reliability of this differs in opinion and some people have updated to newer versions 1.6.0.0 and 1.7.6.0 reporting less oddities and overall more stable operation. Owner's must understand the risks involved when updating fw as it is possible to brick your ESP and for KS2 models, the ESP is soldered to the motherboard making replacing more complicated. FW updates can be done using the .espupdate dotcommand supplied on the official distro and heading over [https://github.com/Threetwosevensixseven/espupdate/wiki/Update-ESP-Firmware-From-ZX-Spectrum-Next here for more information].

	~~See if other internet apps work, try ZXDB~~-~~DL from /apps/wifi/zxdb-dl and launch zxdb-loader.bas. When the program launches enter a game search term and press return. If you see results wifi is working~~.		[[File:Uart-fw.png\|thumb]]

	== How can I get the expansion bus working with external hardware? ==		== How can I get the expansion bus working with external hardware? ==