Tape leads: Difference between revisions

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Avoid redirect, tidy up reference to ZX Spectrum 128 with tape audio sockets
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m (Avoid redirect, tidy up reference to ZX Spectrum 128 with tape audio sockets)
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==Original tape leads==
==Original tape leads==
The [[ZX Spectrum 16K/48K]] and [[ZX Spectrum+ 128K]] both have a pair of 3.5mm mono sockets labelled EAR and MIC. These computers were supplied with a twin cable terminated at each end with a pair of 3.5mm mono jacks.
The [[ZX Spectrum 16K/48K]] and [[ZX Spectrum 128]] both have a pair of 3.5mm mono sockets labelled EAR and MIC. These computers were supplied with a twin cable terminated at each end with a pair of 3.5mm mono jacks.


Note that the EAR socket is the '''input''' and connects to the earphone output of the cassette deck while MIC is the '''output''' and should be connected to the microphone input.
Note that the EAR socket is the '''input''' and connects to the earphone output of the cassette deck while MIC is the '''output''' and should be connected to the microphone input.
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Normal off-the-shelf stereo to stereo leads however are '''not''' suitable for '''any''' spectrum model.
Normal off-the-shelf stereo to stereo leads however are '''not''' suitable for '''any''' spectrum model.


On the 16K/48K and 128K the type of mono sockets used will only contact the tip and ring of the stereo jack plug, connecting the ring (right hand audio channel) to the Spectrum's ground and leaving the sleeve not grounded. The usual symptom of this is that the signal reaching the Spectrum is far too low to load.
On the 16K/48K and ZX Spectrum 128 the type of mono sockets used will only contact the tip and ring of the stereo jack plug, connecting the ring (right hand audio channel) to the Spectrum's ground and leaving the sleeve not grounded. The usual symptom of this is that the signal reaching the Spectrum is far too low to load.


Using such a cable with the +3 is even worse because while the right hand channel is connected to the EAR input, the left hand channel is connected to the Spectrum's output. Again this is unlikely to cause permanent damage, but connecting two audio outputs to each other is generally a bad idea!
Using such a cable with the +3 is even worse because while the right hand channel is connected to the EAR input, the left hand channel is connected to the Spectrum's output. Again this is unlikely to cause permanent damage, but connecting two audio outputs to each other is generally a bad idea!

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