Tynemouth Software
@tynemouthsoftware.co.uk
Making new things for old computers.
http://blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/
https://www.tindie.com/stores/tynemouth/
https://www.patreon.com/tynemouthsoftware
http://blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/
https://www.tindie.com/stores/tynemouth/
https://www.patreon.com/tynemouthsoftware
Pinned
I guess I should start off with some links.
I write a blog with a new post every Sunday - blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk
I sell my Z80 and 6502 based kits on Tindie (more soon) - www.tindie.com/stores/tynem...
Early access to posts and behind the scenes on Patreon - www.patreon.com/tynemouthsof...
I write a blog with a new post every Sunday - blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk
I sell my Z80 and 6502 based kits on Tindie (more soon) - www.tindie.com/stores/tynem...
Early access to posts and behind the scenes on Patreon - www.patreon.com/tynemouthsof...
I had a question about making sounds on the Commodore PET and Mini PET, so I have updated one of my old blog posts:
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2022/05/pet-...
This covers various ways to make music on the PET, as explained by someone with little understanding of proper musical terminology (sorry).
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2022/05/pet-...
This covers various ways to make music on the PET, as explained by someone with little understanding of proper musical terminology (sorry).
January 13, 2026 at 1:23 PM
I had a question about making sounds on the Commodore PET and Mini PET, so I have updated one of my old blog posts:
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2022/05/pet-...
This covers various ways to make music on the PET, as explained by someone with little understanding of proper musical terminology (sorry).
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2022/05/pet-...
This covers various ways to make music on the PET, as explained by someone with little understanding of proper musical terminology (sorry).
Reposted by Tynemouth Software
New blog post - part 1 of a series looking at replacing the microcontroller used as the CRTC in the Minstrel 4th.
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/01/a-ne...
This time looking at various options I considered.
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/01/a-ne...
This time looking at various options I considered.
January 11, 2026 at 1:35 PM
New blog post - part 1 of a series looking at replacing the microcontroller used as the CRTC in the Minstrel 4th.
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/01/a-ne...
This time looking at various options I considered.
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/01/a-ne...
This time looking at various options I considered.
New blog post - part 1 of a series looking at replacing the microcontroller used as the CRTC in the Minstrel 4th.
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/01/a-ne...
This time looking at various options I considered.
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/01/a-ne...
This time looking at various options I considered.
January 11, 2026 at 1:35 PM
New blog post - part 1 of a series looking at replacing the microcontroller used as the CRTC in the Minstrel 4th.
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/01/a-ne...
This time looking at various options I considered.
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/01/a-ne...
This time looking at various options I considered.
A mini setup on the bench today, I needed to do some PET stuff and my main bench is full of a different project.
One of the first batch of SD2PETs (2019).
The first Mini PET (2020).
The first Deluxe Keyboard (2020).
Definitely not the first mini LCD from Amazon (2024).
All still working nicely.
One of the first batch of SD2PETs (2019).
The first Mini PET (2020).
The first Deluxe Keyboard (2020).
Definitely not the first mini LCD from Amazon (2024).
All still working nicely.
January 7, 2026 at 9:53 AM
A mini setup on the bench today, I needed to do some PET stuff and my main bench is full of a different project.
One of the first batch of SD2PETs (2019).
The first Mini PET (2020).
The first Deluxe Keyboard (2020).
Definitely not the first mini LCD from Amazon (2024).
All still working nicely.
One of the first batch of SD2PETs (2019).
The first Mini PET (2020).
The first Deluxe Keyboard (2020).
Definitely not the first mini LCD from Amazon (2024).
All still working nicely.
Reposted by Tynemouth Software
New blog post - a round up of the current range of modules and backplanes for the Minstrel Expansion Bus:
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/01/mins...
Also a look at some of the things you can use them for on the Minstrel 2, Minstrel 3, ZX81 or TS1000.
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/01/mins...
Also a look at some of the things you can use them for on the Minstrel 2, Minstrel 3, ZX81 or TS1000.
January 4, 2026 at 12:14 PM
New blog post - a round up of the current range of modules and backplanes for the Minstrel Expansion Bus:
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/01/mins...
Also a look at some of the things you can use them for on the Minstrel 2, Minstrel 3, ZX81 or TS1000.
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/01/mins...
Also a look at some of the things you can use them for on the Minstrel 2, Minstrel 3, ZX81 or TS1000.
New blog post - a round up of the current range of modules and backplanes for the Minstrel Expansion Bus:
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/01/mins...
Also a look at some of the things you can use them for on the Minstrel 2, Minstrel 3, ZX81 or TS1000.
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/01/mins...
Also a look at some of the things you can use them for on the Minstrel 2, Minstrel 3, ZX81 or TS1000.
January 4, 2026 at 12:14 PM
New blog post - a round up of the current range of modules and backplanes for the Minstrel Expansion Bus:
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/01/mins...
Also a look at some of the things you can use them for on the Minstrel 2, Minstrel 3, ZX81 or TS1000.
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/01/mins...
Also a look at some of the things you can use them for on the Minstrel 2, Minstrel 3, ZX81 or TS1000.
Reposted by Tynemouth Software
I am Running The Month to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK. If you see one of my runs give me a Like or, if you're able, make a donation at runthemonthme.prostatecanceruk.org/fundraising/.... #runthemonth #prostatecanceruk
I'm taking on Run the Month: Marathon Edition!
I'm raising money for Prostate Cancer UK by taking part in Run the Month: Marathon Edition in January.
runthemonthme.prostatecanceruk.org
January 1, 2026 at 11:21 AM
I am Running The Month to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK. If you see one of my runs give me a Like or, if you're able, make a donation at runthemonthme.prostatecanceruk.org/fundraising/.... #runthemonth #prostatecanceruk
Reposted by Tynemouth Software
New blog post - Fitting Perilous Swamp into 8K on a PET 2001:
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/fitt...
When I converted the ZX81 game last month, it was 8.5K. It should be easy to fit that into 8K, right?
Lots of things you can do to make your BASIC programs smaller, faster (and less readable).
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/fitt...
When I converted the ZX81 game last month, it was 8.5K. It should be easy to fit that into 8K, right?
Lots of things you can do to make your BASIC programs smaller, faster (and less readable).
December 28, 2025 at 1:31 PM
New blog post - Fitting Perilous Swamp into 8K on a PET 2001:
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/fitt...
When I converted the ZX81 game last month, it was 8.5K. It should be easy to fit that into 8K, right?
Lots of things you can do to make your BASIC programs smaller, faster (and less readable).
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/fitt...
When I converted the ZX81 game last month, it was 8.5K. It should be easy to fit that into 8K, right?
Lots of things you can do to make your BASIC programs smaller, faster (and less readable).
New blog post - Fitting Perilous Swamp into 8K on a PET 2001:
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/fitt...
When I converted the ZX81 game last month, it was 8.5K. It should be easy to fit that into 8K, right?
Lots of things you can do to make your BASIC programs smaller, faster (and less readable).
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/fitt...
When I converted the ZX81 game last month, it was 8.5K. It should be easy to fit that into 8K, right?
Lots of things you can do to make your BASIC programs smaller, faster (and less readable).
December 28, 2025 at 1:31 PM
New blog post - Fitting Perilous Swamp into 8K on a PET 2001:
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/fitt...
When I converted the ZX81 game last month, it was 8.5K. It should be easy to fit that into 8K, right?
Lots of things you can do to make your BASIC programs smaller, faster (and less readable).
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/fitt...
When I converted the ZX81 game last month, it was 8.5K. It should be easy to fit that into 8K, right?
Lots of things you can do to make your BASIC programs smaller, faster (and less readable).
Reposted by Tynemouth Software
New blog post: Faster isn't always better - A Cautionary Tale.
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/fast...
An unexpectedly seasonal post, the red and green in the first photo looking very festive, piles of presents, and the feature charts from Microchip looking like they got them out of a cracker.
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/fast...
An unexpectedly seasonal post, the red and green in the first photo looking very festive, piles of presents, and the feature charts from Microchip looking like they got them out of a cracker.
December 21, 2025 at 1:38 PM
New blog post: Faster isn't always better - A Cautionary Tale.
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/fast...
An unexpectedly seasonal post, the red and green in the first photo looking very festive, piles of presents, and the feature charts from Microchip looking like they got them out of a cracker.
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/fast...
An unexpectedly seasonal post, the red and green in the first photo looking very festive, piles of presents, and the feature charts from Microchip looking like they got them out of a cracker.
New blog post: Faster isn't always better - A Cautionary Tale.
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/fast...
An unexpectedly seasonal post, the red and green in the first photo looking very festive, piles of presents, and the feature charts from Microchip looking like they got them out of a cracker.
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/fast...
An unexpectedly seasonal post, the red and green in the first photo looking very festive, piles of presents, and the feature charts from Microchip looking like they got them out of a cracker.
December 21, 2025 at 1:38 PM
New blog post: Faster isn't always better - A Cautionary Tale.
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/fast...
An unexpectedly seasonal post, the red and green in the first photo looking very festive, piles of presents, and the feature charts from Microchip looking like they got them out of a cracker.
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/fast...
An unexpectedly seasonal post, the red and green in the first photo looking very festive, piles of presents, and the feature charts from Microchip looking like they got them out of a cracker.
These disassemblies have been very useful to me many times over the years, helping to understand how these machines work, writing new code to run on the Minstrel 2 and the Minstrel 3, right through to porting the 4K and 8K BASIC from the ZX80 and ZX81 to run on the Minstrel 4th.
Did you know that the first instruction in the ZX Spectrum ROM is DI - Disable Interrupts. Quite a dramatic entrance. The DI instruction was not used in the ZX80 and ZX81.
Here is my ZX80 assembly listing from 2002. I tried to use the Logan O’Hara labels when apt.
web.archive.org/web/20150501...
Here is my ZX80 assembly listing from 2002. I tried to use the Logan O’Hara labels when apt.
web.archive.org/web/20150501...
Assembly Listing of the Operating System of the Sinclair ZX80.
web.archive.org
December 20, 2025 at 1:33 PM
These disassemblies have been very useful to me many times over the years, helping to understand how these machines work, writing new code to run on the Minstrel 2 and the Minstrel 3, right through to porting the 4K and 8K BASIC from the ZX80 and ZX81 to run on the Minstrel 4th.
Reposted by Tynemouth Software
With help of @robertprice.bsky.social , I've connected my Timex Sinclair 2040 printer to my @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk #Minstrel4th. ZX Printer was well-supported by #JupiterAce with lots of software, which I'll be exploring. www.robertprice.co.uk/robblog/usin... www.jupiter-ace.co.uk/sw_zxprinter...
December 19, 2025 at 8:51 PM
With help of @robertprice.bsky.social , I've connected my Timex Sinclair 2040 printer to my @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk #Minstrel4th. ZX Printer was well-supported by #JupiterAce with lots of software, which I'll be exploring. www.robertprice.co.uk/robblog/usin... www.jupiter-ace.co.uk/sw_zxprinter...
Reposted by Tynemouth Software
New blog post, that moment when it goes from "Yay! I sold one" to "Oh, now I have to write the documentation"
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/i-so...
Or, how many times do I need to redraw this schematic until I am happy with it?
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/i-so...
Or, how many times do I need to redraw this schematic until I am happy with it?
December 14, 2025 at 12:34 PM
New blog post, that moment when it goes from "Yay! I sold one" to "Oh, now I have to write the documentation"
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/i-so...
Or, how many times do I need to redraw this schematic until I am happy with it?
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/i-so...
Or, how many times do I need to redraw this schematic until I am happy with it?
New blog post, that moment when it goes from "Yay! I sold one" to "Oh, now I have to write the documentation"
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/i-so...
Or, how many times do I need to redraw this schematic until I am happy with it?
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/i-so...
Or, how many times do I need to redraw this schematic until I am happy with it?
December 14, 2025 at 12:34 PM
New blog post, that moment when it goes from "Yay! I sold one" to "Oh, now I have to write the documentation"
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/i-so...
Or, how many times do I need to redraw this schematic until I am happy with it?
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/i-so...
Or, how many times do I need to redraw this schematic until I am happy with it?
Reposted by Tynemouth Software
Hmm.. Looking at the calendar, I guess now is the time to say..
If you want something from www.tfw8b.com/shop/ to be delivered before #xmas, you should probably order your #8bit thing via express shipping NOW!
#Commodore64 #CommodoreVIC20 #SinclairSpectrum #AndMore
If you want something from www.tfw8b.com/shop/ to be delivered before #xmas, you should probably order your #8bit thing via express shipping NOW!
#Commodore64 #CommodoreVIC20 #SinclairSpectrum #AndMore
December 10, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Hmm.. Looking at the calendar, I guess now is the time to say..
If you want something from www.tfw8b.com/shop/ to be delivered before #xmas, you should probably order your #8bit thing via express shipping NOW!
#Commodore64 #CommodoreVIC20 #SinclairSpectrum #AndMore
If you want something from www.tfw8b.com/shop/ to be delivered before #xmas, you should probably order your #8bit thing via express shipping NOW!
#Commodore64 #CommodoreVIC20 #SinclairSpectrum #AndMore
Reposted by Tynemouth Software
New blog post - "Can I Add Games to the Penultimate Cartridge?"
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/can-...
(quick answer is yes, that's why we made the PU+3)
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/can-...
(quick answer is yes, that's why we made the PU+3)
December 7, 2025 at 12:36 PM
New blog post - "Can I Add Games to the Penultimate Cartridge?"
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/can-...
(quick answer is yes, that's why we made the PU+3)
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/can-...
(quick answer is yes, that's why we made the PU+3)
The full family.
December 8, 2025 at 10:07 AM
The full family.
New blog post - "Can I Add Games to the Penultimate Cartridge?"
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/can-...
(quick answer is yes, that's why we made the PU+3)
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/can-...
(quick answer is yes, that's why we made the PU+3)
December 7, 2025 at 12:36 PM
New blog post - "Can I Add Games to the Penultimate Cartridge?"
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/can-...
(quick answer is yes, that's why we made the PU+3)
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/12/can-...
(quick answer is yes, that's why we made the PU+3)
Great video.
Thanks Robin.
Throbin.
Oh. wait, no, that sounds wrong.
Thanks Robin.
Throbin.
Oh. wait, no, that sounds wrong.
I don't think @8bitshowandtell.bsky.social posts here on #Bsky anymore.. so I'll post his Penutliamte+3dcr video for him. BTW, if you are intrigued by a 280k #VIC20 with 'DOS' Wedge, it's deffo worth a watch 😎
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEQu...
@tynemouthsoftware.co.uk
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEQu...
@tynemouthsoftware.co.uk
The Best VIC-20 Cart Gets Even Better? Penultimate+3dcr
YouTube video by 8-Bit Show And Tell
www.youtube.com
December 4, 2025 at 9:50 AM
Great video.
Thanks Robin.
Throbin.
Oh. wait, no, that sounds wrong.
Thanks Robin.
Throbin.
Oh. wait, no, that sounds wrong.
Disappointing response to the new Software Serial card. A lot of work went into that, I was hoping there might have been a bit more interest. I guess those days are gone, the state the world is in right now, people have other priorities, and things have moved on. Oh well.
December 2, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Disappointing response to the new Software Serial card. A lot of work went into that, I was hoping there might have been a bit more interest. I guess those days are gone, the state the world is in right now, people have other priorities, and things have moved on. Oh well.
Reposted by Tynemouth Software
New blog post - a new serial card for Minstrel 4th and RC2014 - blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/11/soft...
Yes, that's it. No UART, no ACIA, no DART, no SIO no microcontroller, no Raspberry Pi.
How did I do it?
Yes, that's it. No UART, no ACIA, no DART, no SIO no microcontroller, no Raspberry Pi.
How did I do it?
November 30, 2025 at 12:14 PM
New blog post - a new serial card for Minstrel 4th and RC2014 - blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/11/soft...
Yes, that's it. No UART, no ACIA, no DART, no SIO no microcontroller, no Raspberry Pi.
How did I do it?
Yes, that's it. No UART, no ACIA, no DART, no SIO no microcontroller, no Raspberry Pi.
How did I do it?
I used 4 channels as there were only a few traces to display, if you read the post you will also see 8 channel captures.
And these are not cheap Chinese knocks offs, these are quality bits of kit from the actual designers, Ikalogic in France. Great products and support.
www.ikalogic.com
And these are not cheap Chinese knocks offs, these are quality bits of kit from the actual designers, Ikalogic in France. Great products and support.
www.ikalogic.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:25 AM
I used 4 channels as there were only a few traces to display, if you read the post you will also see 8 channel captures.
And these are not cheap Chinese knocks offs, these are quality bits of kit from the actual designers, Ikalogic in France. Great products and support.
www.ikalogic.com
And these are not cheap Chinese knocks offs, these are quality bits of kit from the actual designers, Ikalogic in France. Great products and support.
www.ikalogic.com
New blog post - a new serial card for Minstrel 4th and RC2014 - blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/11/soft...
Yes, that's it. No UART, no ACIA, no DART, no SIO no microcontroller, no Raspberry Pi.
How did I do it?
Yes, that's it. No UART, no ACIA, no DART, no SIO no microcontroller, no Raspberry Pi.
How did I do it?
November 30, 2025 at 12:14 PM
New blog post - a new serial card for Minstrel 4th and RC2014 - blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2025/11/soft...
Yes, that's it. No UART, no ACIA, no DART, no SIO no microcontroller, no Raspberry Pi.
How did I do it?
Yes, that's it. No UART, no ACIA, no DART, no SIO no microcontroller, no Raspberry Pi.
How did I do it?
Reposted by Tynemouth Software
Looking for a ZX-compatible computer you build yourself? You will NOT do better.
Let's try something different. Let's make today "make me a reasonable offer Friday".
See something in my Tindie store, send me an email or a DM with a reasonable offer (please don't insult me) and where you are so I can include postage, and I'll see what I can do.
www.tindie.com/stores/tynem...
See something in my Tindie store, send me an email or a DM with a reasonable offer (please don't insult me) and where you are so I can include postage, and I'll see what I can do.
www.tindie.com/stores/tynem...
Tynemouth Software on Tindie
I write a blog about old computers, repairing them, upgrading them, replacing them. Read more at blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk
www.tindie.com
November 28, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Looking for a ZX-compatible computer you build yourself? You will NOT do better.