Technical details
Description, documents, and source code.
What is it?
This is a ZX80 replica computer kit that you solder and assemble yourself.
It is designed to be software/ROM compatible with the original Sinclair ZX80 (1980) — one of the earliest afford…
What is it?
This is a ZX80 replica computer kit that you solder and assemble yourself.
It is designed to be software/ROM compatible with the original Sinclair ZX80 (1980) — one of the earliest affordable home computers, built around a Z80-class CPU and mostly standard TTL logic.
Our goal is authenticity: apart from the enclosure (3D-printed instead of injection-molded) and a small number of hard-to-source parts/connectors (handled via drop-in alternatives and adapter solutions), the kit follows the original ZX80 design philosophy and behavior as closely as possible.
Why did you make it?
Original ZX80 machines are increasingly rare, expensive, and often non-functional due to age and fragile parts. Building a replica lets you experience early 1980s home computing the hands-on way: soldering, bringing it up, and then programming on real hardware behavior rather than an emulator.
What makes it special?
Historically faithful architecture: a ZX80-style Z80/TTL machine (no custom ULA chip), capturing the “clever minimalism” of the original design.
Modern-build reliability: all parts are new production; obsolete components are replaced with modern equivalents via clean, documented substitutions/adapters.
3D-printed enclosure: keeps the classic look/feel while avoiding the need for injection molding.
Builder-friendly: through-hole assembly (where possible), clear silkscreening, and a step-by-step build flow.
Original product page: https://www.tindie.com/products/johnson/zx80-replica-kit-with-3d-printed-case/