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Minstrel 2 v2.6 Pixel Sync Fix

BrettHallen·Sinclair·ZX80_Pixel_Sync/ZX80_Pixel_Sync.kicad_pcb

Minstrel 2 v2.6 Pixel Sync Fix PCB layout, top view — open source board by BrettHallen
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About the Minstrel 2 v2.6 Pixel Sync Fix PCB

Minstrel 2 v2.6 Pixel Sync Fix is an open source PCB design by BrettHallen, published on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board measuring 45 × 18 mm, with 7 components from 7 distinct parts.

Other key parts include the 74LS74. By type, the board carries 2 connectors, 1 IC, 1 diode, 1 capacitor and 1 resistor.

It belongs with the test & measurement designs in this gallery.

From the project

Projects for Sinclair computers (ZX80, ZX81, TS1000, TS1500, TS2068, Spectrum and clones)

The issue would not have been noticeable back in the 1980s if using a CRT.

The fix was created by Dave at Tynemouth Software for his Minstrel 2 computer, a recreation of the ZX80. This fix is already implemented in the v2.9 board (latest as at May-2025).

This has been successfully tested (Rev. A). I didn't like how the tap wires crossed over each other so I re-arranged them and created a Rev. B board - this has not yet been tested but, apart from the re-arranged tap signals, is idential to Rev. A.

Main components on the Minstrel 2 v2.6 Pixel Sync Fix

74LS74

Minstrel 2 v2.6 Pixel Sync Fix bill of materials (BOM)

7 components, 7 distinct parts — part numbers from the project's BOM.

QtyPartRefs
1
74LS74
IC202
1
IC201
J1
1
TO_MINSTREL2
To_Minstrel2
J2
1
BC548
TR101
1
1N4148
D202
1
100NF
100nF
C1
1
75Ω
R100

Minstrel 2 v2.6 Pixel Sync Fix design files

The KiCad project lives in the BrettHallen/Sinclair repository on GitHub; these links point at the commit this page was built from.

Minstrel 2 v2.6 Pixel Sync Fix: common questions

How big is the Minstrel 2 v2.6 Pixel Sync Fix PCB?

The Minstrel 2 v2.6 Pixel Sync Fix measures 45 × 18 mm, has 2 copper layers and is 1.6 mm thick.

How many components are on the Minstrel 2 v2.6 Pixel Sync Fix?

7 components, from 7 distinct parts, with part numbers taken from the project's own BOM. The full bill of materials is listed on this page.

Where can I download the Minstrel 2 v2.6 Pixel Sync Fix design files?

From the BrettHallen/Sinclair repository on GitHub, which has the KiCad layout, the schematic and the BOM; the links under Design files point to each one.

Can I use the Minstrel 2 v2.6 Pixel Sync Fix design in my own project?

The repository has no license, so all rights stay with BrettHallen. Use it as a reference, and ask the author before reusing the design.

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