Scorpion ZS-256 explained

Processor:Z80B
Memory:256 KiB
Os:Sinclair BASIC, TR-DOS, CP/M and iS-DOS
Display:256x192
Cpuspeed:3.5 MHz
Compatibility:ZX Spectrum 128
Manufacturer:Scorpion
Scorpion ZS-256
Sound:Beeper, AY-3-8912
Memory Card:Floppy discs, cassette tape
Storage:Hard drive
Processor:Z80B
Memory:256 KiB
Os:Sinclair BASIC, TR-DOS, CP/M and iS-DOS
Display:256x192
Cpuspeed:7.0 MHz
Compatibility:ZX Spectrum 128
Manufacturer:Scorpion
Scorpion ZS-256 Turbo+
Sound:Beeper, AY-3-8912
Memory Card:Floppy discs, cassette tape
Storage:Hard drive

The Scorpion ZS-256 was a very widespread ZX Spectrum clone produced in St. Petersburg by Sergey Zonov (same person behind the "Leningrad" clone).[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Introduced in 1991, it was fitted with a Zilog Z80B processor, a AY-3-8910 sound chip, whilst RAM memory options ranged from 256 to 1024 KB.[6]

The computer was usually assembled in a mini tower configuration with a standard IBM power supply, allowing the connection of peripherals, drives, etc.[7] Various expansions were produced, including – an adapter for IDE and ISA slots, which allowed the use of IBM PC compatible hard drives and expansion cards.[8]

The Shadow Service Monitor (debugger) in the BASIC ROM was activated by pressing the Magic Button (NMI). There was also the option of fitting the machine with a ProfROM which included such software as a clock, hard disk utilities, and the ZX-Word text editor.[9] [10] The computer can work with TR-DOS, CP/M and iS-DOS systems.

In 1996, the Scorpion ZS-256 Turbo+ version was introduced, featuring a "turbo" mode (7 MHz instead of the original's 3.50 MHz), IDE Controller, CMOS, interrupt controller, ISA8 slot, as part of the SMUC expansion card., expansion board 101-key PC type keyboard, 3.5" floppy disk drive and a XTR modem (allowing access to ZX Net and FidoNet).[11]

Extension kit Scorpion GMX (Graphic Memory eXpander) for Scorpion ZS-256 Turbo+, comes with 2MB of RAM and can emulate other clones like the Pentagon 128. It has new graphics modes: 640 x 200 with 16 colors; 80x25 character text mode.

Production of Spectrum-compatible computers ceased in 1998, with the Scorpion company focusing on the sale of IBM PC-compatibles and office equipment.

Versions

Upgrades from the original ZX Spectrum 48/128K

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Scorpion ZS-256 . Sinclair Nostalgia Products.
  2. Web site: Scorpion — SpeccyWiki . speccy.info.
  3. Web site: Scorpion ZS . scorpion-zs.com.
  4. Web site: Страничка, посвященная самому петербургскому клону Спектрума - "Scorpion ZS 256" . Page dedicated to the St. Petersburg clone of the Spectrum - "Scorpion ZS 256" . Главная страница.
  5. Web site: Железо . Iron . Scorpion, Saint Petersburg, Trading Firm. https://web.archive.org/web/20010411204426/http://www.scorpion.ru/spectrum/hard/sc_hard.htm . 2001-04-11 .
  6. Web site: Скорпион ЗС-256 . Scorpion ZS-256 . 2023-01-29 . alemorf.github.io.
  7. Web site: 2007-02-12 . Компьютер Scorpion ZS-256 Turbo+ . Computer Scorpion ZS-256 Turbo+ . 2023-01-30 . Scorpion.RU. https://web.archive.org/web/20070212044940/http://scorpion.ru/spectrum/hard/kompSCT.htm . 2007-02-12 .
  8. Web site: 2008-04-17 . Скорпион (СПб) - Краткий экскурс в историю создания и развития нашей фирмы . Scorpio (St. Petersburg) - A brief excursion into the history of the creation and development of our company . 2023-01-30 . scorpion.ru. https://web.archive.org/web/20080417063922/http://scorpion.ru/history.php . 2008-04-17 .
  9. Web site: Scorpion ZS-256 . 2023-01-17 . Sinclair Nostalgia Products.
  10. Web site: SCORPION . 2023-01-29 . speccy4ever.
  11. Web site: новая модель Спектрума: Scorpion ZS 256 Turbo+. . New Spectrum model: Scorpion ZS 256 Turbo+. . 2023-01-30 . zxpress.ru.