Home Computing Weekly


ZX Tape Loader

Categories: Review: Software
Author: B.B.
Publisher: Elinca Products
Machine: Sinclair ZX81

 
Published in Home Computing Weekly #28

Another tape loading aid, ZX81. Measuring 119 x 99 x 40 mm, the box has a small edgewise meter set into the front, and a three position switch for Load, Off and Save. There's an LED to indicate when the switch is in the load position, which of course means that you require a battery, a PP3 in fact.

The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and on the back page are four illustrations of the screen showing various load signals.

To test the unit I used an old cassette recorder/player that I had proved was no use for computing, then I found some old tapes which I had labelled as 'unloadable'. After setting up as per instructions, every tape loaded perfectly and re-saved perfectly to become quite normal tapes again.

It can be left in position all the time, which saves you the trouble of moving leads (to avoid the ear/mic loop). The battery retaining clip is not very effective, but to be fair, you wouldn't be throwing the thing about (would you?). A bit on the expensive side, perhaps. A Spectrum version is also available.

B.B.

Other Sinclair ZX81 Game Reviews By B.B.


  • Speed Snake Front Cover
    Speed Snake
  • Wrath Of Kong Front Cover
    Wrath Of Kong
  • High Resolution Graphics Front Cover
    High Resolution Graphics
  • Mines Of Saturn/Return To Earth Front Cover
    Mines Of Saturn/Return To Earth
  • Fastload Front Cover
    Fastload
  • Computerized Diet Front Cover
    Computerized Diet
  • Tiny Logo Front Cover
    Tiny Logo
  • Signals/Morse Code Front Cover
    Signals/Morse Code
  • Mr. Munchee Front Cover
    Mr. Munchee