FAQ

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.

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.

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 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!

HDMI will back power the Next, so it’s important to REMOVE ALL CABLES after a firmware update and to turn off completely. This might be fixed in a later FW.

How do I update my Next?

Zero day distro is 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 here, and you can use 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 git repository. These need to be place 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 DriveSort

Where do I buy RTC / Mouse / Memory / Wifi / Pi0 / Inline Power Switch…

ActiveConsult sell most of these products and can be found here.

What controller / joystick / gamepad can I use?

The Next supports any “Atari” standard joystic or gamepad, along with Master System and MegaDrive pads. A good option is the 8bitdo wireless MegaDrive pad.

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 ?

www.spectrumcomputing.co.uk / worldofspectrum.org are good places to start

My keyboard is not responding – help!

Cased Nexts

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

Board-Only Nexts

Edit your c:/machines/next/config.ini file so that ps2=0, or use a ps/2 splitter.

How do I install pi0 / Wifi / RTC / Memory?

As above a guide on how to open your Next can be viewed here.

Further Spectrum Next Guides

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2lCM2mJCG_AonDyHJfqjxFR5VoqBWqoh