Sinclair ZX-80 Logo
Britain's First Mass-Market Home Computer
Released January 1980

Technical Specifications

  • Processor NEC Z80A @ 3.25 MHz
  • RAM 1KB (expandable to 16KB)
  • ROM 4KB (Sinclair BASIC)
  • Display 32×24 characters (B&W)
  • Storage Cassette tape (250 baud)
  • UK Price £79.95 kit / £99.95 built

Historical Significance

Designed by Sir Clive Sinclair, the ZX-80 made computing affordable for ordinary families. At under £100, it cost less than a quarter of competing systems. The minimalist design used only 21 chips—a remarkable engineering achievement that proved personal computing didn't require expensive hardware.

Z80 CPU Membrane Keyboard RF TV Output Integer BASIC
⚡ THE £99 REVOLUTION ⚡
The ZX-80 sparked Britain's home computer boom, selling over 50,000 units in its first year. It inspired a generation of programmers and led directly to the ZX81 and legendary ZX Spectrum, establishing the UK as a world leader in affordable personal computing.

Innovative Design

The distinctive white plastic case with its blue membrane keyboard became iconic. The machine shared CPU time between computation and display—the screen would blank during processing, a quirk that became part of the ZX-80's character.

Sinclair's Vision

Clive Sinclair believed everyone should have access to computing. By ruthlessly minimizing costs while maintaining functionality, he democratized technology and changed how Britain thought about personal computers.

Restoration Notes

• Recycled a 9V power adapter from a music CD player
• Bought a tape recorder at Walmart for program loading

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