SOUND IMPROVEMENT

Telesound 84 is the latest version of the sound modulator for Spectrum, ZX-81 and the BBC computer. There is a reduction in size to 3/4in. x 1/2in. x 1/2 in, and the length of the leads which connect it to the computer is much-improved. The sound quality is also better and because of the connection by clips to the circuit it can be removed easily.

The Spectrum BEEP is now amplified by the TV set and is loud enough for anyone. The cost of the Telesound 84 is £9.95 from Compusound, 32 Langley Close, Redditch, Worcs B98 0ET. Tel: 0527 21438.

INTRICATE CONNECTION TO COMPUSOUND BOARD

Compusound has announced a new version of its Tele-Sound sound board. As with previous models it is a small printed circuit board which fits inside the Spectrum case and outputs sound through the TV. Now, however, the unit will also work on the new issue 3 Spectrums.

Fitting the unit is fairly straightforward, provided that you have the courage to open your Spectrum, and should present no difficulties. Three wires have to be connected to the Spectrum PCB and detailed instructions are given with the unit.

It is an intricate procedure, the connection to the speaker being particularly so. Once fitted, the unit can be stuck down and the case screwed back together. In some cases the unit may have to be tuned to get the best sound and vision on your TV and, depending on the make of your set, may degrade the picture slightly. If the picture is not particularly good to start, the degradation will probably not be noticed.

If you are looking for an inexpensive sound amplifier and are prepared to open your Spectrum, this unit, priced at £9.95 inc., is worth considering.

Compusound is at 32-33 Langley Close, Redditch, Worcs B98 0ET.

SOUND VALUE ON THE BOX

In March 1984, I first looked at the Tele-Sound from Compusound. That has now resurfaced as the Sound boost from Saga Systems.

Sound boost is a small PCB that fits inside the Spectrum case and puts the BEEP out via the TV.

It has changed little in the last two years, and although fiddly to fit, it has the advantage that once fitted you do not have to worry about it.

If you want to blast the neighbours at full volume the Soundboost has many advantages. However, as it does not disable the internal beeper you cannot zap in private.

One other feature it shares with its 1984 counterpart is the price, still at £9.95 inc.

Saga Systems Ltd, 2 Eve Road, Woking, Surrey GU21 4JT. Tel: 04862-22977.

A SOUND INVESTMENT

Franco Frey goes Bleeper Boosting

PIANO PIANISSIMO

If you think your ears need a washing, then it's high time that you assist the internal bleeper of the Spectrum in penetrating the empty caverns of your ear. There are several sound amplifiers on the market for the Spectrum. Most of them include a loudspeaker and some feature special sound generator chips, which are only useful if you do your own programming.

Compusound on the other hand reduce the cost of the unit by utilising the existing hardware and by arranging the electronics within the Spectrum. This saves costly packaging and leaves the edge connector free for other uses. TELESOUND makes use of the amplifier and loudspeaker of the TV set, a special loudspeaker is therefore not required. The beep signal is modulated and brought via modulator onto the antenna input of the TV set. This may prove to be a handicap, if you have a mute monitor connected to your Spectrum, but most users operate with normal TV sets.

ANDANTE

The unit comes in a cassette box and consists of a miniature populated PCB with three flying leads terminated with cross-leaf gold contacts. The instructions are very explicit and there should be no problem in following the connection procedure without committing silly errors.

The PCB is located beside the video modulator or underneath the voltage regulator heatsink depending on what type of Spectrum issue you have. The connections are made fairly easy by clipping the gold contacts onto the correct component terminals on the Spectrum board. The major problem however is that it is quite easy to create a short circuit with the bare contacts by touching neighbouring terminals or tracks. The same thing can be said about the mini printed circuit board. The only answer to this problem is that the PCB and the contacts should be carefully shrouded in insulating tape. A better solution for the contacts would be to solder the flying leads to the terminals, but this obviously cannot be expected to be done by the average Spectrum owner. This problem could lead to serious trouble if care is not taken during assembly.

FORTE FORTISSIMO

The installation should be double-checked to make sure everything is at it's right place and only then should the Spectrum be switched on. Only one adjustment is required for the proper functioning of TELESOUND. A trimmer capacitor provides an adjustment of the modulation frequency for the TV sound. Therefore the Spectrum is best left open and a beep loop program initiated. With the constant beep sound the trimmer can be adjusted for maximum sound output ( it helps to recheck the TV tuning as some background hiss may be audible at a high volume level).

The TELESOUND can now be positioned in its final position and the Spectrum reassembled. The sound effects can now reverberate throughout the house and the fight for TV volume control between mum, dad and you...

FINALE LARGO

TELESOUND is an effective sound booster for the Spectrum. The small cost of £9.95 is achieved by making use of existing hardware and the quality of the sound will depend on the quality of your TV set.

The installation causes the loss of the Spectrum guarantee and serious thought will have to be given to this. The installation may prove to be a bit fiddly and may require some parental overlooking. TELESOUND will not cause any problems with other add-ons such as microdrives and joysticks, etc., as it does not involve the use of the system bus.

TELESOUND definitely is a sound investment and converts your shy Spectrum into a public nuisance.

HARDWARE WORLD

With ever-increasing amounts of peripherals available for Sinclair computers, users are finding it more and more difficult to know what to buy. We present a buyer's guide to joysticks, keyboard and printers and review the best of the rest from the 1984 add-on market.

The last year has brought about a vast change in the sort of add-ons available for the Sinclair machines. Many are technically brilliant while some would have made Heath Robinson blush. There are few add-ons still being produced for the ZX81, with even fewer new ones, but there has been an avalanche of Spectrum designs, and the start of what promises to be an interesting range for the QL.

The most popular areas of interest - printers, joysticks and keyboards - are dealt with in separate sections but there have been some very innovative designs produced in other areas.

TELESOUND AMPLIFIER

A simpler BEEP amplifier is the Telesound from Compusound. As with previous models that a small printed circuit board which fits inside the Spectrum case and outputs sound through the TV. It has, however, been modified this year to work on the troublesome Issue 3 and 4 Spectrums.

Fitting the unit is fairly straightforward, provided that you actually have the courage to open up your Spectrum, and should present no difficulties. Three wires have to be connected to the Spectrum PCB and detailed instructions are given with the unit. That is a fiddly procedure, particularly the connection to the speaker. Once fitted the unit can be stuck down and the case screwed back together. In some cases the unit may have to be tuned to get the best sound and vision on your TV and, depending on the make of your set may slightly degrade the picture. If the picture is not good to begin with then that degradation probably will not be noticed.

Telesound beep amplifier, £9.95 inc. from Compusound, 32-33 Langley Close, Redditch, Worcestershire B98 0ET.