The affordable alternative to floppy discs...
Written on February 28th, 2026 by Tech Ads
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Sinclair ZX Microdrives and
ZX Interface 1
The affordable alternative
to floppy discs...
..in the shops, now!
The unique ZX Microdrive system sets the
ZX Spectrum apart from all other computer systems.
At a fraction of the cost of floppy discs, it gives
fast access to 85K of program and data on Micro-
drive cartridges. And it opens up exciting possibilities
through an RS232 interface and local area network.
2X Microdrives — the fast way to save or
load 85K of program and data £49.95
ZX Microdrives are controlled by ZX Interface 1.
For their compact size they're massively power-
ful. Each interchangeable Microdrive cartridge stores
at least 85K of program and data!
You can create up to 50 files on the cartridge -
identified by titles of your own choice.
And when you want to display the data again,
Microdrives give you lightning-fast access:
© Just 3.5 seconds to access a typical file.
®@ Only 9 seconds to LOAD a typical 48K program.
ZX Microdrives use the Spectrum's own power
supply.
Your first Microdrive is connected to Interface 1
by a Microdrive lead. Then, up to 7 more Micro-
drives can be added using Microdrive connectors.
That gives you a minimum of 680K bytes of
on-line capacity.
With memory like that, the possibilities are
limitless — stock control, word-processing, even huge
adventure games!
With each Microdrive, you'll receive a Micro-
drive connector and Microdrive demonstration
cartridge. Blank Microdrive cartridges cost £4.95
each. They are available in packs of 4 (with a free
cartridge wallet) or singly.
ZX Interface 1 — the multi-purpose
controller. £49.95
ZX Interface 1 is a multi-purpose device. It controls
up to 8 Microdrives. And it adds file-handling and
communication facilities to your Spectrum.
So in one low-priced unit, you also get these
two built-in features:
@ RS232 interface This industry standard interface
allows you to link your Spectrum with full-size
printers, communicate with other computers
employing RS232, and transmit data over telephone
lines via modems.
@ The ZX Net Now you and your friends can
transfer programs and data on alocal area network—
or even play computer games together.
The ZX Net makes it easy, and fast!
It links between 2 and 64 Spectrums, trans-
mitting at 10,000 characters per second. (So a full
screen is transferred in around 3 seconds!) With the
ZX Net, only one person need type ina program.And
aMicrodrive or printer can be shared by everyonein
the network!
ZX Interface 1 offers you all these facilities, and
retains the same peripheral port as the Spectrum
itself.
With each ZX Interface 1, you'll! receive a
connecting lead for the first Microdrive; a ZX Net
®@ Circle No. 188
lead with jack plugs; plus a comprehensive manual.
An RS232 lead is available as an optional
extra at £14.95.
Available from: larger branches of Bootse WHSmith
Computer Stockists e Greens Computer Centres @
Spectrum Computer Stores @ and larger branches of
John Menzies @ Dixons @ Laskys @ Currys @ John
Lewis Partnership @ Rumbelows e British Home
Stores @ House of Fraser and many other good
computer stockists nationwide.
Find out more —in your local shop!
The best way to evaluate ZX Microdrives and
Interface 1 is to see them for yourself.
There isa full range of ZX peripherals—including
ZX Interface 2 for joystick and ROM Cartridge
capability, alongside the oniy computer that
supports them — the ZX Spectrum!
For more information, telephone
Sinclair Research Ltd, on 0276 685311.
@® Sinclair, ZX, ZX Spectrum, ZX Microdrive, ZX Net and
ZX Interface are trade marks of Sinclair Research Ltd.
— | | ol — ||
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‘The affordable alternative to floppy discs…’
The ZX Interface 1 by Sinclair Research was a combined tape, RS-232, and network interface for the ZX Spectrumand first shipped in 1983. As a tape interface, it was designed to connect up to eight ZX Microdrives to a single Spectrum Computer. As a RS-232 interface it was capable of operating at up to 19.2KB/s and could have a modem connected. As a network interface it allowed a number of Spectrum computers equipped with the Interface 1 to be daisy-chained together. The ZX Interface 1 was priced at around 50GBP at launch.
The ZX Microdrive by Sinclair Research was a proprietary magnetic tape drive for the ZX Spectrum. Designed to fit in the performance/cost gap between classic cassette tapes and floppy drives, the Microdrive read and wrote to proprietary Microdrive cartridges that comprised of a 5 metre endless loop of tape. Storing 85KB of data, the tape loop could be fully traversed in around eight seconds. The Microdrive first shipped in July 1983 for around 50GBP (tapes starting at 4.95GBP) and quickly developed a reputation for unreliability.
A service manual for the ZX Interface 1/2 and the ZX Microdrive can be viewed at SpectrumForEveryone.co.uk.
A deeper look at the ZX Microdrive - and it’s history - can be found at The Register.
Taken from: Practical Computing - Volume 7, Issue 6 (June 1984)