RWAP Software

[RWAP]

In late stages of development is the ZXPander Interface for the Sinclair ZX81.

The final feature set is as follows:
Plug and Play.
32k hires capable RAM for running the latest ZX81 software.
16K EPROM in 2 software selectable pages of 8K.
Ultra-fast loading from MMC/SD/SDHC cards formatted as FAT12, 16 or 32.
RAM mapping selectable as 8..40K or 16..48K via software.
Ability to disable overlay ROM via software for using the zx printer or programs which require the character table.
Patched LOAD and SAVE for ease of use.
Tape routine still available when LOAD"" is typed.
Reset button.
Bootloader to update interface firmware from SD card.

New commands:
DELETE"..." - delete a file from the card
COMMAND"..." - send command to interface, for controlling rom paging, ram mapping etc
CAT"..." - list the files in a given directory

Features to be confirmed:
Ability to write to EEPROM when used instead of EPROM.
A secret add-on expansion possibility...

[RWAP]

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the launch of the ZX81 (5th March 1981), we have now released more details of the ZXpander interface and uploaded the draft manual onto our website:

http://www.rwapsoftware.co.uk/zx812.html

[RWAP]

We are pleased to announce the launch of the ZXpand Interface for the Sinclair ZX81 Home Computer.

The ZXpand interface is a brand new interface for the Sinclair ZX81 Home Computer which provides the following facilities:

• SD Memory Card reader - for instant loading from / saving to .p files (used by ZX81 emulators)

• 32K of configurable RAM memory, which can then be set up to use the various hi-resolution graphics schemes for the Sinclair ZX81

• New keywords are added to the system ROM to allow you to load and save programs, produce a catalogue of files on the memory card, configure the ZXpand Interface, and delete files.

• You can still load programs from cassette as well as using the interface, to allow you to copy files onto the SD memory card

• Sub-directories are supported on the memory card.

• The new ROM can be switched off once a program is loaded for full compatability.

• There is a built in reset button to reset the ZX81 without having to pull the power lead.

• You can connect a 9 pin joystick socket to enable you to use it with specially written games, or converted games, such as the latest game, 'Nanako in Classic Japanese Monster Castle '81' by the Mojon Twins.

• We are working on a daughterboard which will plug into the ZXpand and provide an AY sound card!

The current version of the ZXPand EPROM is v3 - we are still working on v4, which main feature is for instant start-up of the ZXpand. If you have an EPROM programmer, we can supply the upgrade files as they are released, or else can offer an upgrade service for a small fee (£5 plus postage)

The manual (in English and Spanish) can be downloaded from http://www.rwapsoftware.co.uk/zx812.html

Price Only £50 plus postage

Available only through SellMyRetro.com - the trading platform for retro computer enthusiasts - http://www.sellmyretro.com/search/naturalSearch?keyword=zxpand

[RWAP]

There are now some more ZXpand and ZXpand-AY modules available for sale -

http://www.sellmyretro.com/offer/details/1930

and

http://www.sellmyretro.com/offer/details/1929