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.

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.

What classic files can I load on my Next?

The Next supports TAPs (preferred), SNAs, DSKs, Z80s and can be loaded from the browser menu. 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

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 : https://www.specnext.com/latestdistro/ 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.

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 : https://gitlab.com/thesmog358/tbblue 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 http://www.anerty.net/software/file/DriveSort/?lang=en

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

ActiveConsult sell most of these products and can be found here: https://store.activeconsult.co.uk/shop?olsPage=products&page=1

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 https://www.amazon.co.uk/8Bitdo-Wireless-Gamepad-Original-Genesis/dp/B07HB1XFQW

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! 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

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

As above a guide on how to open your Next can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLDz4AjL3rA

Further Spectrum Next Guides

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