picoFace for ZX Spectrum

The picoFace is a hardware device for the Sinclair ZX Spectrum. It was very much a exercise to see what can be done by interfacing a modern micro-controller with a retro 8-bit computer. The device can be used to:

• Replace the internal ROM with another image, optionally making it writable.
• Load and save snapshots.
• Apply pokes to loaded games.
• Remotely control the Spectrum from another machine, like a PC or phone. This includes transferring snapshots and blocks of memory between theses devices.

For a demonstration of the device in action see this video:

The software and hardware is quite complicated and was a challenge to put together. The full source and circuit design are available at these github repositories:

• Main project repository
• KiCad circuit design
• Android Studio project for the phone loading application