David Anderson discussed plans for VCF Midwest and East events, encouraging email responses about 2026 attendance. If you’re planning to attend a vintage computer fest in 2026, please help us coordinate via this poll: https://forms.gle/2F9HonyY2VMapygy6
Jack DeLisle shared his ZX81 and Timex Sinclair history. Jack recently donated a significant collection of magazines and newsletters for archiving, including early issues of QZX, a newsletter for amateur radio enthusiasts and Sinclair/Timex users.
David, who aims to get his ham license in 2026, gave a brief overview ham radio’s technical aspects, including low-powered devices, repeaters, and communication via voice, Morse code, and digital data, plus fox hunts. Gustavo Pane, who got his license at 15, detailed his packet radio experience using a TNC to exchange programs with friends in pre-Internet Argentina.
Spectrum Next
We discussed this FPGA-based ZX Spectrum replica with Wi-Fi and multiple emulation “personalities.” Adam shared his experience; Carl explained its design history with Rick Dickinson. They noted limited production, high cost, and acquisition challenges. We also talked about X-Berry Pi and other ZX Spectrum Next clones.
Jupiter Ace
Jeff Fetta told us about this rare 1980s computer, designed by two of the people involved in designing the ZX81. Jeff plans to build a Forth simulator before creating hardware. Topics included its memory decoding, calculator-style keyboard, and lack of system compatibility.
Eastern Bloc ZX Spectrum Clones
Josef Jelinek discussed the Didactic series of computers, reverse-engineered clones of the ZX Spectrum. He described hardware differences and Yugoslav computing culture (1980s-90s), evolution with Soviet/Eastern European manufacturing changes.