Sinclair ZX Spectrum 16K/48K Repair & Refurbishment Service

Description

Professional Repair and Refurbishment for Your ZX Spectrum

Is your Sinclair ZX Spectrum 16K or 48K showing its age? From screen corruption and “dead” keys to power failure, vintage hardware often requires expert attention to remain functional. We provide a comprehensive repair and refurbishment service designed to restore your machine to its former glory, ensuring it is ready for another forty years of use.

Our Comprehensive Restoration Process

We treat every computer as if it were our own. Our refurbishment isn’t just about “fixing” the immediate problem; it is about future-proofing your machine through high-quality component selection and rigorous testing.

High-Quality Recapping with Vishay Capacitors

The electrolytic capacitors in original Spectrums are well past their intended lifespan. As part of our service, we perform a full recapping of the motherboard.

• Premium Parts: We use high-quality Vishay capacitors, chosen for their exceptional reliability and consistent performance.
• Visual Fidelity: We select capacitors that match the classic blue colouring of the original Sinclair components, ensuring the internal aesthetics remain authentic.

Thermal Protection and ULA Care

The custom ULA (Uncommitted Logic Array) is the heart of your Spectrum and is prone to heat-related failure. To protect this critical component:

• Heatsink Installation: We add a heatsink to the ULA to dissipate heat effectively.
• Socket Management: When adding a heatsink to the ULA, we remove the ULA socket and solder the chip directly to the motherboard, saving enough room to add the heatsink. (Note: if you DON’T want this done, please let us know when making your order).

Rigorous Testing Protocols

Before any machine leaves our workshop, it must pass our multi-stage quality control process:

1. Diagnostic ROM Check: A thorough scan of the internal memory and system logic.
2. Keyboard Matrix Test: Ensuring every single “rubber key” registers correctly.
3. Soak Test: A minimum one-hour continuous power-on test to ensure thermal stability.
4. Game Load & Play Test: A real-world verification using original tape loading to confirm the EAR/MIC circuits and graphical output are fully functional.

Optional Upgrades: Composite AV Mod

Are you struggling with the original RF signal on modern televisions? Upon request, we can perform a composite AV modification. This bypasses the old modulator and provides a significantly cleaner, sharper video signal via a standard RCA cable, making your Spectrum much easier to enjoy on modern displays.

Why Choose Professional Restoration?

Vintage PCBs are delicate. Improper soldering or the use of cheap, low-spec capacitors can lead to lifted tracks or future failure. By choosing a professional service, you are ensuring that your machine is handled with the correct equipment and expertise.

Please Note: This service is for the 16K/48K rubber key models only. If your machine requires major chip replacements (such as a faulty ULA), we will always contact you to discuss the options before proceeding.