Xberry Pi

Xberry Pi

The Xberry Pi (XBP) is a ZX Spectrum Next clone using a PCB that has approximately the same dimensions as a Raspberry Pi 3.

The hardware has almost the same features as a Spectrum Next KS1 but with several minor differences.

Differences between the XBP and the Spectrum Next KS1

The XBP is largely identical to a Spectrum Next KS1 but with the following differences:

• The XBP uses the much smaller Raspberry Pi 3 SBC form factor.
• No expansion slot.
• No integrated keyboard. A header is provided for connecting a Matrix keyboard.
• No second joystick port. A joystick splitter is available for a second joystick port.
• No footprint for adding a second SD card.
• No reset or NMI (Non Maskable Interrupt) buttons are on the XBP PCB. Footprints are provided for you to add these buttons if desired but these functions can be accessed via function keys.

A PS/2 splitter cable can be used to attach a PS/2 keyboard and mouse simultaneously.

PS/2 input configuration

You cannot use your PS/2 keyboard after booting a new instalation of NextZXOS on a XBP. This is because NextZXOS is designed for use on official Next computers and NextZXOS defaults to using the integrated keyboard. To fix this you have to edit MACHINES/NEXT/CONFIG.INI on your NextZXOS SD and change the ps2 line:

ps2=1

To enable PS/2 mouse input, you must enter the Next boot configuration menu by pushing the SPACE bar during boot and check the PS2 option is set to Mouse.

Modifying RPi 3 cases

You should be able to fit the Xberry Pi into most cases designed for the RPi 3 after removing its VGA output board but one or two adjustments will be required before the PCB will fit into the most Rpi 3 cases properly. You will need to use a grinder or a similar tool to create a new hole for the XBP's mic input jack and in some cases you may also need to remove the bit of plastic that separates the network socket from the USB ports, if there is one present on your case to make way for the joystick port.

Recommended power supplies

PSU's known to work with the RPi 3 should also be good enough to power the XBP such as the official RPi 3 USB power supplies. Your PSU must use the Micro USB connector and supply at least 5V 2A for reliable operation.

Known hardware issues and fixes

The XBP suffers the same HDMI backpower issue as the Spectrum Next KS1. This issue causes the XBP to fail to power cycle correctly when using HDMI. The workaround is to buy an inexpensive HDMI splitter which allows you to "disconnect" your XBP from your HDMI display at the push of a button without having to remove and re-insert your HDMI cable every time you want to power cycle the machine, likew when you want to enter the boot configuration menu, update your firmware or boot a different core.