Byte - Moldovan ZX Spectrum Clone

Object/Artifact

-

Australian Computer Museum Society (ACMS)

"Berlin Wall" Display Case

"Berlin Wall" Display Case

Name/Title

Byte - Moldovan ZX Spectrum Clone

Entry/Object ID

2024.25.6

Description

An unlicensed clone of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum produced in Moldova shortly after the fall of the Soviet Union. The 8-bit Z80 CPU was commonly used in Soviet computers, and Eastern European factories continued producing copies of the chip well after the West had moved on to newer technologies. The Byte appears to be fully compatible with the original 48k Spectrum model, with the notable inclusions of a built-in joystick port and a full RGB video output that gives a much clearer image on a modern monitor.

Collection

Microcomputers

Category

2.3.2.1 Desktop Computer
2.3.2.0 Digital Computer, 2.3.0 Digital Data Processor, 2.0 Data Processing Devices

Acquisition

Accession

2024.2

Source or Donor

Brett Hallen

Acquisition Method

Gift

Web Links and URLs

Documentary video by the donor, ACMS video showing the build process for the museum display.