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Repair & Schematics
ZX Spectrum 16/48k

Power Circuit (ZX Spectrum 16/48k)

4min

The ZX Spectrum 16/48k accepts 9V DC positive outer (inverted) power supply.

The 9V goes to parts of the system.

Expected Power Draw

The 9V input is expected to draw around 580mA when powered on and running in a working system.

A faulty Z80 for example is known to draw about 800mA so significantly more.

Obviously any components could fail and draw more or less power, but a working system typically pulls 580mA.

5V Rail

The 9V is passed into a 7805 LDO regulator to generate the 5V rail.

12V DC / -12V DC / -5V DC Rails

The remaining voltage rails are all generating from a circuit on the PCB.

Supplementary Power Rails
Supplementary Power Rails
īģŋ

The main components involved (and those that usually fail) are the coil, the transistors TR4 and TR5, and a bunch of diodes.

A quick spot to measure the voltages are below.

Power Rails Test Points
Power Rails Test Points
īģŋ

The -12V Rail is not needed in order to get AV output

īģŋ

Updated 20 Aug 2023
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