Loading and saving to tape could be very challenging for Sinclair owners. The TS 1000 required an audio signal of sufficient volume and tonal quality to load software. Most portable cassette recorders that owners used were up to the task but, often as not, owners encountered head alignment issues that added to their frustration.
A number of vendors offered devices to help find the right volume level; G. Russell Electronics’ Winky Board was a very popular solution.
Other vendors took tape storage to an extreme, offering devices that could control multiple tape decks with program and data saving to two different units.
| Name | Description | Computers |
|---|---|---|
| Abacus Controller for TS1000 | Eliminate swapping of plugs when LOADing and SAVEing programs on cassette. Single switch selection of TALK, SAVE, CUE, and LOAD modes. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| Abacus Controller for TS2000 | Eliminate swapping of plugs when LOADing and SAVEing programs on cassette. Single switch selection of SAVE, LOAD, and AMP modes. Built in amplifier and loudspeaker boosts sound output. | Timex/Sinclair 2068 |
| Cassette Interface | Optional LED indicator. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| Cassette loading monitor | Digital VU meter. Hooks up in seconds outside the computer; helps ensure proper loading level. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| Cassette output level setting | Schematic for precision setting of cassette output level. | Sinclair ZX80, Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| Complete LOAD and SAVE Plans | Documentation packet that covers troubleshooting tips and plans for LOAD monitor and signal filtering. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| Data Conditioner II | Tape loading aid. Accurate volume control setting, easy tape cueing, use remote feature. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| In-Line Load Monitor | Tape loading aid. Helps to LOAD prerecorded software from cassette. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| L-Monitor | Multipurpose tape loading aid assures LOADing. Features extremely sensitive, reliable microammeter. Output for earphone, amplifier, or duplicating. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| Loading Aid | Removes guesswork from adjusting cassette recorder volume. Optimum level attained when red and green LEDs flash in unison. Plugs between computer and recorder. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| Loading monitor | LED cassette loading monitor. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| Loadstar | Calibrated distortion free tape loading amplifier for all tape machines. Triple LED displays for low, normal, overload. Connects between tape player and computer. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| QSave | LOAD/SAVE a full 16K in 29 seconds (16 times faster). QSAVE amplifier/filter unit plugs between recorder and computer. A data transfer rate of 4000 plus baud vs 250 on the standard TS 1000. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| RZ1 tape controller | Allows control of the SAVE and LOAD leads as well as the tape motor for one or two tape recorders. Relay isolation from the computer allows control of 110 volts AC 1 amp from the unit. Also has a built in 5 bit port (6 if only one motor relay fitted). Outputs can be used | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| Speedload | Cartridge and flexible extension cable. Program in ROM speeds up load, promised to load a 5 minute program in 20 seconds. | Timex/Sinclair 1000, Timex/Sinclair 1500 |
| Tape Loading System | Eliminate the frustration of tape loading. LED indicators show high volume or low/noisy tape. Earphone plug lets you monitor tape while loading. Reset switch. Save/Load switch allows both to be connected. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| Tape Recorder Interface | Improves load signal level. | Sinclair ZX80, Sinclair ZX81 |
| Test and Alignment Cassette | Helps align mono cassette recorder head for best results, check tape speed and path. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| The Box | Tape load aid; includes VU meter and remote pause switch. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| The Hilderbay Loading Aid | Simple device to determine proper volume setting for loading. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| The Last Cassette/16K Fix | Small modification reduces RAM pack noise at the signal source. Kit and instructions. 16K. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| TS 2020 Cassette Recorder | The 2020 cassette recorder was one of several peripherals matched the 2068 in design. A variation was also sold by Radio Shack as the Minisette-9. | |
| Visi-Load Tape Load Monitor | Three step LED meter that monitors tape loading level with just a glance. Plugs inline between the computer and the tape player. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| Vu-Load | Monitors tape output level; gives a positive SAVE induction; detects blank tape without disconnecting cassette wires. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| WIDGITAPE | Standard cassette recorder modified for computer control. Offers file directory, read/write from programs. Uses endless loop tapes. | Sinclair ZX80, Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| Winky Board | Passive filter that plugged into the cassette tape recorder to produce easier tape loading. Supported other functions such as a tape duplication and listening via earphone. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| Winky Board 2 | Tape interface that filters noise when saving for clean, easy loading tapes. Duplicate any cassette —even normally unsavable cassettes. Save on two cassettes simultaneously. Monitor signal via earphone to set optimum tape volume. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| Winky Board 2000 | The Winky Board 2000 brought the same features of the Winky Board to TS 2068 users. It provided visual feedback of signal level, a jack for monitoring the signal itself and was a tool for duplicating cassettes as backups. | Timex/Sinclair 1000, Timex/Sinclair 2068 |
| Z-DUBBER | The Z-DUBBER is an interface between the Sinclair computer and its cassette recorder which allowed even the most difficult cassette program to load more easily. Additionally, the Z-DUBBER allowed you to connect two cassette recorders to create perfect backup copies of your programs. The Z-DUBBER operated on two AAA cells. | Sinclair ZX80, Sinclair ZX81, Timex/Sinclair 1000, Timex/Sinclair 2068 |
| ZX-21 Metered Cassette Interface | Cassette loading interface with VU meter. Reduce program load errors to a minimum by pre-setting your tape recorder to the level that is compatible with the computer. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| ZX-22 Powered Cassette Interface | Power driven cassette loading interface. This unit uses the power pack to test audio level and gives a red or green signal to indicate the proper setting for the computer. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| ZX-99 Tape Control | Automatic tape control (up to 4 units) and RS-232C printer interface. Built-in USR commands provide program control over the cassette recorders and features such as “Tape to Tape Copy” or program list. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |