Q. I am thinking of buying a Spectrum. As I already have a Microvitec colour monitor, would it be possible to connect the Spectrum to this or will it have to be modified?

S. Dunsdon, Dulwich, London SE21

A. Microvitec actually produces a special monitor set up to use with the Spectrum - the bad news is it probably isn't the one you've got. The Spectrum produces a composite video signal from the edge connector, and to use it all you've got to do is take one lead from the video line and one from 0 volts to your monitor, should your monitor have composite video input. See the manual for where these are.

The most convenient way of doing this is to get yourself an extension edge connector and solder the wires to the right lines, but you could also open the Specturm's case and solder it carefully on the inside, then run the wire through a hole drilled in the case, but this would of course void your warranty.

You could also just short out the modulator, but you wouldn't be able to use a TV if you did. If you want to do this it's just a matter of soldering two short wires to the wires going into the modulator (marked Astech on the top left of the circuit board) and running them ot the current TV output.

The video line, by the way, should be connected to the centre pin of the monitor plug. As you haven't bought your Spectrum yet, you'll get an issue three and there's nothing else you need do. On an issue 1 or 2 you'd also have to bridge the gap between TC1 and TC2 on the circuit board with a blob of solder. If you're faced with this problem it's probably best to take advice from someone who's done it before, or consult The Complete Sinclair Database, by Adams, Beardsmore and Gilbert. This estimable work includes a sketch map on the subject.

If you're unsure what kind of monitor you've got, phone Microvitec on 0274 390011 for advice, or consult your dealer.