Project PI #3 - Introducing the NEW PI Spectrum ZX 3.14

Introducing the Spectrum ZX 3.14 (ZX+Pi)

This is how Clive Sinclair should have designed the ZX Spectrum of the future.

After a bit of grovelling and offering to do some more cooking my other half agreed to let me use one of his spare ZX Spectrums.

I wanted to use a keyboard but have no way of using the original Spectrum keys so I was going to have to go for something a bit drastic and remove these original keys and replace it with another keyboard preferable Bluetooth.

The main thing was to be able to find a keyboard that will be small enough to fit inside this Spectrum Case with enough room left over to squeeze in the Raspberry PI etc.

So after some Googling and reviewing I discovered the perfect size Bluetooth keyboard + mouse that would replace the old Spectrum's keys. So knowing this was going to take some brutality with a Dremel I did some more groveling... as my other half is a whizz with this and I know he would do a fab job on removing the keyboard as its solid plastic and could easily crack with the wrong pressure etc; and then Ive not only ruined my plans but a 31 year old case...eeep.

Keys removed from the case leaving the key framework underneath.

With a bit of fun along the way.

This took alot of time and careful etching and Dremeling to grind out this solid plastic keyboard. My other half made such a neat job, don't you think...thank you huny XxX.

Just look at how gorgeous the new Bluetooth keyboard fits into the newly ground out space; its as though it came out the factory like this.

This is how the ZX Spectrum should have looked...Im just in awe at how beautiful it looks.

Underneath its attached by Fixit bonding putty and the "original" keyboard clips.

  A black blutak-esk type putty that gives you approx 15mins to play and get it into place before it sets rock hard; perfect to secure the keyboard inside the case.

 While doing the case I made a Raspberry order or mini PI haul,

From left to right;

Raspberry PI GPIO Breakout board with paddle terminals.

2 x tank tracks and wheels+motors (future project).

Adafruit 2.8" LCD screen.

 5 x Micro switches.

Micro USB.

 Note; About the new Adafruit touch screen above as much as it was the perfect size; it needed to sit on top of the PI not enough space for inside this case inclusive of keyboard. So I have returned this one in replacement for a nice and easy USB Touchscreen (seen below on the latest image - The DFRobot touch display screen on order). This new version came out the week I bought this mini haul, it seems so much more polished and looks so much nicer...sorry Adafruit.

Included into the haul was an extra pressie from my other half.

Build a weevil and learn to solder.

He thought Id love this fun little kit to get me started as Ive never soldered before; so rather I kill off a weevil than my new PI...eeep!

Looking forward to putting this together...Ill add a video of how I do later on...I'm sure that will be exciting lol!

So where am I so far...well take a look at the image above...the bottom section of the case sits underneath the keyboard and as you can see everything squeezes in nicely.

The DFRobot touch display screen may fit where you see the white square in the image above; Im waiting for this to arrive and cant wait to see it, it has a great design and look to it.

Next to the screen will be the Raspberry PI attached by the Raspberry PI GPIO Breakout board with paddle terminals...note we chose this rainbow colour as it corresponds to the Spectrum rainbow logo...just a little thing but it blends Raspberry and Spectrum together a bit more don't you think.

I am now on the lookout for a rechargeable power-pack that puts out 5v/2A and will fit, I have my eye set on one that will possibly be able to charge and power at the same time like a UPS. (Uninterruptible Power Supply).

So what do you think of the new invented Spectrum ZX so far the new keyboard gives a sexier edge to the original. But still keeping the gorgeous vintage Speccy feel to it.

No ZX Spectrum's were harmed in the making of the new ZX 3.14  ..okay maybe the keys, but they are looking for new homes...so if you need any spare keys for your ZX Spectrum contact me!
p.s All the G's are gone ;-)

Project PI #1 Introduction.

Project PI #2 Choosing the case.

Project PI #3 Introducing the new ZX 3.14.

 Project PI #4 The Build

Project PI #5 Finished Build

 New PI Project idea coming soon...something fun....teaser.

KitSound Swing Alarm Clock FM Radio Review and video.

KitSound Swing Alarm Clock FM Radio

 I couldnt wait to show this to you guys, as I know so many of you love the retro 60's & 70's home-style products that are making a huge come back right now. We had an old record player in exactly the same colours as this adorable KitSound radio...infact I think my parents still have it.

But whatever reason you love this design, its simple clean lines and variety of colours means this adorable Swing radio will fit right into any home!

I have reviewed quite a few items from KitSound over the last year and I know I always get excellent quality sound and build. (See above) So I just couldn't wait to get my hands on this adorable radio.

At KitSound they believe your music deserves to be listened to on great quality products that doesn't cost the earth. That's why they are constantly fine-tuning their headphones, speakers etc so you can showcase your music at its best.

Click after the break for my full photo and video review of this gorgeous radio.

You have the choice of 4 colours, blue (which is more of a minty green), cream, black and red my favorite out of these four great colours.

Packaging

As usual KitSound have made the effort to produce bright, stylish, packaging so it can easily be used as a gift. They have the knack for showing a great product image and then a snippet image of how good it will look in a home.

In the box you get;

•  KitSound Swing Radio.
• Mains adapter in matching white.
• Detailed user manual.

1960's called to say they want their radio back!

Description

As soon as you set eyes on this radio you are transported back to the swinging sixties, of mini skirts and rock and roll. I really appreciate and love this retro feel.

The red leatherette casing and off-white plastic front brings timeless charm combined with its back-lit blue modern LCD screen which is elegant, bright and fun. Along with KitSound's excellent electronics and design you have a beautiful radio for any part of your home or to keep with you at all times.

At 179mm long, 72mm in depth and 115mm height the Swing is a perfect size for anyone's home. Its isn't too much in your face and isn't too small to lose sound quality. This radio is small enough to be unobtrusive yet bright enough to add a classic addition to your home. Perfect for dorms, students bedrooms, kitchens, garages infact absolutely anywhere. Bung in some batteries and take it to the park for a picnic as its both mains and battery powered....its such a clever little thing!

Main features

• Alarm Clock.
• FM Radio.
• Multifunction control panel.
• Easy to read digital display with back-light.
• Mains and Battery powered (4 x AA batteries not supplied).
• Carry handle.

Specifications

•  Frequency Response: 60Hz -18KHz
• Drivers: 65mm
• Output power: 2W
• Weight: 630g
• Size: 179mm long, 72mm in depth and 115mm height.

The front of the radio is elegant, uncluttered and framed by the most gorgeous bright red leatherette. 

This follows through onto the 2cm thick handle with neat contrasting white stitching as it would have been done all those years ago; finished off with a white plastic hinge. This swings neatly backwards when not needed so not in the way. 

The front has an easy to read 5cm x 5cm square LCD screen which when turned on has a lovely bright blue back light. Kitsound headphones not included but dont they look fab.

It has a large 1 inch long silver power-on button which has a responsive touch too; perfect for those with dexterity problems or us girls with long nails.

 Matching chrome/silver KitSound logo badge.

 Chrome Swing logo etched onto the front this gives a lovely quality feel.

The six 6.8cm chrome speaker strips gives the speaker its elegant retro design. I absolutely love this.

 Just to remind you that you also get a clock, alarm clock, date and room temperature in either Fahrenheit or Celsius.
Turn on the power button and you turn on your radio with the right-hand image, click again and you will get the stand-by mode on the left showing your date time and temperature.
The lovely bright blue backlight stays on for approximately 8 seconds perfect for night time music playing.

The top of the radio is where all the action is, with an off-white plastic circle of buttons set into a square that frames them.
Here you can set the time, date and the alarm where you even get to have a snooze! When on your radio screen simply click scan and it will automatically scroll through all your local radio stations, when its found one you like; simply click the preset number then set and your ready to rock! Plus you have up and down volume buttons; back, forward and skip tracks arrows when you are using your phone or MP3 player.

 The back of the Swing radio is also in the off white cream plastic and has your battery compartment, aerial and clip to keep it out the way also the speaker hole allowing the air pressure to equalize on both sides of the speaker.

 The back shows your Auxillary in port and mains 6V DC port.

Using the Auxillary-in cable (not included) you can also plug in your phone, Ipod or MP3 player and use the Swing as an external speaker. It was great to be able to listen to my own music when I didn't want to listen to the radio.

The chrome aerial adds a great finishing touch to this radio, it extends smoothly out to 14 inches high as you can see from the images above and then folds back and out the way when not in use.

Its even finished off underneath too right down to the 4 white rubber feet that are then set into white plastic feet.

Please take a few minutes to see my video mini sound clip to see just how good the sound quality is..see this baby in action.

Opinion

From getting this baby out of the box it has that excellent quality feel to it with the bright red well stitched leatherette covering the sides. This adorable radio isn't just a pretty face...its easy to set up and I didn't even need to look at the manual; the scan button does all the work for you in finding your FM channels and you only have to press the set button to save them...simples..! Each channel had perfectly crisp and clear reception with no crackles whatsoever.
The sound quality is just amazing and you can crank-up the volume to almost full; but the Swing is more comfortable if you can stay just below 27/30...anything more you can get a bit of distortion. But this can also depend on the volume of your device when listening to your phone or ipod etc.
The sound is warm and rich with crisp trebles and fab bass which I certainly wasn't expecting...so I'm a happy bunny! I also loved the extra bonus of seeing the temperature of the room its a nice added extra to the screen.

I have been enjoying just relaxing listening to the radio while surfing my favorite sites snuggled up with a hot chocolate; doesn't it make you feel homely and cosy.

I can honestly say this is one of THE best radios Ive ever owned and Ive had alot in 30 years. Im so impressed with the sound quality, I love the retro design and it looks amazing wherever I put it; either in the kitchen, bedroom, lounge, dining room, Ive even taken it outside for sounds while feeding and watching the birds it fits absolutely anywhere. Personally I feel this would make a personal statement in any home but in particular the kitchen it just seems to want to live there.

I would 100% recommend this adorable radio as everyone has loved it from kids to teens, even my parents who are in their 80's loved it. I know what my Dad wants for his birthday this year. 

This gorgeous affordable radio will make the perfect gift for anyone of any age and fit seamlessly into the design of any home. It has character and fun all of its very own.

Pro's

• Alarm Clock.
• FM Radio.
• Multifunction control panel.
• Easy to read digital display with back-light.
• Mains and Battery powered (4 x AA batteries not supplied).
• Portable and convenient.
• Practical carry handle.

Con's

• None - Except everyone wants to borrow it.

You can buy your

 KitSound Swing Portable FM radio with alarm clock

 from Amazon UK and many larger superstores

For £35

All my thanks goes to the lovely girls at KitSound Uk for sending me the Swing free of charge for an honest unbiased review. This page and my video is not sponsored and all my views and opinions are my own.

I have reviewed quite a few items from KitSound and KitVision over the last year; see HERE for my summarized gadget page from my Valentines special which has links to each of these reviews or simple scroll through my full gadget page HERE.

My Valentines Day Pandora Charms #1

 My Valentines Day pressies.

I don't usually show you guys what I get for Valentines Day as its very personal to me; but I'm so excited as I know many of you collect the Pandora silver charms; so I wanted to share my new charms with you all.

 I got up yesterday to find these 2 gorgeous Pandora bags wrapped in a pink ribbon from the best guy in the world who knows exactly what I like.
I love my gadgety things but I also love a bit of girly bling too. 

 

At Christmas he bought me my very first Pandora Charm bracelet and charms (above) but I hadn't got around to showing you yet.

Here are my silver bracelet and charms I got for Christmas. The 4 silver Pandora are charms on the top row. 

The last charm is one of my favorites; a rare discontinued Pandora dinosaur and I just had to have him...well just look at that face!

The Reindeer, crystal bee and flower & trowel are from Soufeel in Hong Kong. It was the very first time I bought from out of the UK and was worried about customs. Everything arrived within 10 days well packaged in gorgeous bags, jewellery box and pouch.

 I got these 2 gorgeous pressies today for Valentines day.

 The adorable Home Sweet Home charm and the Hearts safety chain; 2 really special charms for me as I'm a sentimental old fool lol!

  My collection.

My Pandora and Soufeel charms so far.
Today is part one of my silver charm collection as I will be doing regular posts with closeups and details of every charm I have so you will get to see them in gorgeous technicolor closeup.

Do you collect Pandora or any other silver charms; which are your favorites and why, I'd love to hear from you.

Thanks for popping by.