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ZX-EQ/README.en.md
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ZX-EQ Nemo-bus Edition (Universal CPLD)

Spectrolyzer Cartridge for ZX Spectrum. Based on the RBSC architecture.

English | Русский

ZX-EQ is a hardware audio spectrum analyzer (expansion cartridge) designed for the ZX Spectrum computer family, heavily inspired by the original hardware design developed by the RBSC team. The device visualizes music frequencies and notes in real time during games and demo-scene playbacks using multi-segment LED bars.

The core processor of the cartridge is an Altera/Intel MAX CPLD chip housed in a TQFP-100 package.

Important Note: This repository is based on the official RBSC/ZX-EQ project documentation. All enhancements, structural modifications, and edge-connector changes have been executed with strict respect to the original authors.

Key Hardware Upgrades

  1. Nemo-bus Form Factor: The printed circuit board is designed to plug directly into the standard Nemo-bus expansion slots found on modern clones and upgraded vintage motherboards (such as the ZX-Evolution, Scorpion ZS-256, Kay, and ZXM-Phoenix).
  2. Multi-CPLD: The board is designed for universal power supply and logic level tolerance. Two types of FPGA chips in TQFP-100 packages are supported:
    • Altera MAX 7000S: EPM7128STC100 / EPM7160STC100.

CPLD Firmware Programming

This repository includes custom modifications and provides full, seamless integration with the alternative firmware repository by andykarpov/zx-eq-firmware. This third-party code branch vastly broadens the choice of compatible LED bar components and pin polarities.

Available Firmware Binaries

Please browse the /Firmware folder of this repository. Select the specific .pof/.jed file that exactly matches your soldered CPLD model, your specific LED segment bar configuration, and desired polarity.

JTAG Programming Steps

  1. Connect an Altera USB Blaster (or equivalent hardware programmer) to the onboard 10-pin JTAG header.
  2. Provide power to the cartridge either by plugging it into a powered Nemo-bus slot or using an external +5V desktop power supply.
  3. Open the Quartus Programmer software tool, scan for the JTAG chain, select your chosen .pof file, check the Program/Configure option, and press Start.

🎨 Hardware Gallery & PCB Renders

Visual project documentation, high-definition photographs of assembled devices, and 3D PCB renders can be found inside the /Foto directory.

👥 Credits & Acknowledgments

  • RBSC (Retro-Computers Breeding Society) — Authors of the original circuit diagram, Core Spectrum analyzer hardware logic, and general cartridge concept.
  • Andrey Karpov (andykarpov) — Author of the excellent alternative firmware optimization branch featuring robust 8-bit scale controls and flexible LED pin polarity configuration.

📜 Disclaimer and Licensing Terms

In absolute accordance with the open-source distribution rules established by the original authors (RBSC):

  • This project files are provided "AS IS", without any warranties of any kind, explicit or implied.
  • ⚠️ STRICTLY NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE! Fabricating a small batch of PCBs and selling the excess unpopulated blank boards to local hobbyists solely to cover your manufacturing costs is perfectly fine. However, any large-scale, automated commercial production or commercial kit distribution requires explicit, prior written approval from the RBSC team.