Yesterday SMS started the production preparation process for the manufacturing of all the 2B boards and Daughterboards in Nottingham, which kicks off next week. We’ll be on site Tuesday 21st to test the first batch that came out of the assembly line, running them through the gauntlet to make sure all is well with the Spectrum Next heart and soul.
It’s a special moment to witness the final version of the Next board taking shape at last… A product of the Next’s community efforts and feedback over the past few months, the 2B features the small improvements such as the PSU capacitor that got suggested by those who own a 2A version. Both remain fully compatible, though -- a testament to the team’s focus on quality and the roots of the Next project.
Behold the 2B coming out of the oven!
Scientists busy putting Skynet together right before the armageddon...
I wasn't kidding when saying the 2B was in the oven
Lovely daughters all lined up for the assembly
Ready for testing! The lovely 2B is here!!!
Keyboard update
With the final keyboard matrix done and tested on the Next hardware back in London, we’re happy to announce it works a charm, super light touch. It’s operation is within the original parameters to allow for a good keyboard feeling, and the matrix is now being stress-tested for the material resilience back at the manufacture plant’s lab.
We’ll now push on with the injection of the keys and assembly of the keyboard, before shipping it to the case manufacturer for attachment and shipping to the UK.
Case wrap
With the final adjustments of the case requested by Phil, we have now tested it with screws inserts to allow it to be opened/closed multiple times without damage to the plastic threads. While this is a departure from the original plans of having the screws going into the plastic itself (just like in the original Spectrum and Spectrum+) we felt the hobbyist nature of the community required something built to last when allowing for opening and closing of the case for upgrades or hacks.
The metal inserts are much better for an extended life for the case
But inserting them has proven more complex than anticipated
A side effect of this decision is that the plastic gets a pressure mark on the outside, so Phil and the moulders are working on this final issue before giving the case the greenlight for mass production. This last adjustment will not cause any further delays, as the keyboard is the last item to get done before final assembly and shipping.
Next week we’ll have another update directly from SMS showing the 2B boards being tested, so stay tuned!!!
I'm very impressed with the detail in the updates provided and ability to change address for my rewards was helpful too, since I had moved. Thanks for all your hard work and passion in making this important step in the rebirth of retro computing!
@Ronan, it should be easy enough and is the same for all Kickstarter projects. Log into Kickstarter, go to Backed Projects, select ZX Spectrum Next, click View Pledge then click on Survey.
When I looked at computer case in the picture I had feeling - something is missing. Yes! It's shielding!
If you open any notebook made from plastic, what you see? Case inside is coated with copper spray to protect user and environment from EMI/RFI emissions and vice versa - to protect computer from environmental EMI/RFI. How about Next?
Of course, I can do it myself with "EMI 35" spray and some wiring, but still, will the case be shielded?
Again many thanks Guys. The next is looking spot-on and again I can’t wait to get it on my sweaty paws. Your updates continue to be enthralling, and it’s really exciting to see all the elements coming together.
and the fact that I've moved apartments and nobody has confirmed they're able to ship (eventually, if this does ever ship) to my new address. In fact, I was told my address could not be changed after a certain date (written to ROM?) and nobody has replied to my inquiries.
Not my favorite Kickstarter. I kind of regret being taken in by my nostalgia.
Loving the photo showing the two scientists inspecting the Spectrum Next boards before populating the Skynet grid. Thanks for the update, hope a financier/someone will help make a second run of the Next for those who missed out, this retro computer begs to be the one that lasts
Terrific update - very interesting! Could you share with backers your current programme? It sounds like the critical path is now the keyboard, then final assembly, then delivery. How long are these activities now expected to be? Is there anything else which is close to the critical path?
Amazing stuff guys, the attention to every detail makes this all very much worth the wait! Thanks to all the team for the ongoing hard work and excellence 👌
Enzo Papiro on
Any update on progress?
Enzo Papiro on
Any update on progress?
Ben on
I'm very impressed with the detail in the updates provided and ability to change address for my rewards was helpful too, since I had moved. Thanks for all your hard work and passion in making this important step in the rebirth of retro computing!
Michael Cadwallader on
@Ronan, it should be easy enough and is the same for all Kickstarter projects. Log into Kickstarter, go to Backed Projects, select ZX Spectrum Next, click View Pledge then click on Survey.
Normunds on
When I looked at computer case in the picture I had feeling - something is missing. Yes! It's shielding!
If you open any notebook made from plastic, what you see? Case inside is coated with copper spray to protect user and environment from EMI/RFI emissions and vice versa - to protect computer from environmental EMI/RFI. How about Next?
Of course, I can do it myself with "EMI 35" spray and some wiring, but still, will the case be shielded?
Chris Jennings on
Can't wait THANK YOU so much. Will miss the updates however, loving this ride, it's fantastic. Thank you again!!!!!
Stuart Carrier on
Again many thanks Guys. The next is looking spot-on and again I can’t wait to get it on my sweaty paws. Your updates continue to be enthralling, and it’s really exciting to see all the elements coming together.
Ronan on
Every update I get, mostly what I hear is
"ESTIMATED DELIVERY: Jan 2018"
and the fact that I've moved apartments and nobody has confirmed they're able to ship (eventually, if this does ever ship) to my new address. In fact, I was told my address could not be changed after a certain date (written to ROM?) and nobody has replied to my inquiries.
Not my favorite Kickstarter. I kind of regret being taken in by my nostalgia.
zyser on
Loving the photo showing the two scientists inspecting the Spectrum Next boards before populating the Skynet grid. Thanks for the update, hope a financier/someone will help make a second run of the Next for those who missed out, this retro computer begs to be the one that lasts
Paul Crabtree on
Yet again going over and above to keep us all up to date. Just suberb work, most involved I've ever felt as part of a kickstarter.
Scott Halman on
Absolutely love it - these updates sharing even the smallest detail are what makes this the best Kickstarter ever!!
Thank you again to everyone involved :-)
Steve Bryce on
Terrific update - very interesting! Could you share with backers your current programme? It sounds like the critical path is now the keyboard, then final assembly, then delivery. How long are these activities now expected to be? Is there anything else which is close to the critical path?
Scott Fleming on
Super work team, loving the attention to quality control. Keep it up and thanks for another great update. I'm happy!
Andres M on
Attention to detail and interesting explanations as always, Can't wait to see it finished!
Good job, Next Team!
Steve Baines on
+1 for metal inserts. Very nice touch.
Sean Mellor on
WOW!!!
Nicola Tini on
My my!
I can't wait!!! <3
William Anderson on
The attention to detail is just ridiculous! Excellent work, team, the anticipation is building nicely! :)
Mat Cooper on
Amazing stuff guys, the attention to every detail makes this all very much worth the wait! Thanks to all the team for the ongoing hard work and excellence 👌
Graeme Nattress on
Looking fantastic. The anticipation is building....