Won’t load from tape, or no sound
Step-by-step diagnosis for the ZX Spectrum 48K Issue 2 board. Each step lights up the signal or chip to measure in the explorer below.
LOAD doesn’t load, SAVE doesn’t record, or the speaker is silent.
- J2 · EARShow on board →
The EAR socket
The tape signal comes in here. Sockets break with use: check the solder joints and the continuity to the board.
- IC1 · ULAShow on board →
The ULA
The ULA reads the EAR signal and also generates the sound. If loading fails with a good socket, follow the signal to the ULA.
- LS1 · SpeakerShow on board →
The speaker
If there is no sound at all, check the continuity of the speaker coil with the multimeter.
- J1 · MICShow on board →
The MIC socket
This is where SAVE records to tape. If SAVE doesn’t record, start with this socket.
Didn't fix it?
We repair these boards on our bench in Loures. The request already includes the board and the fault.
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