Amstrad ZX Spectrum +3 upgrades

Combines DivMMC-compatible microSD storage, 512 KB of expansion RAM, dual-AY audio, DAC modes, and configurable joystick or mouse input on the ZX expansion bus.

For this system (exact model): The upstream project reports testing on the +3. Confirm the interface detects Amstrad mode and use the current ESXDOS and firmware instructions.

The seller exposed a login-or-register-to-buy path on 2026-07-27 and documented firmware 1.5. Power off before changing the edge connection or input mode. Automatic Sinclair-versus-Amstrad selection depends on 9 V at edge pin 3B; compatible clones without that signal need the documented modification. Firmware updates require a separate Gowin programmer and removal of the flash ROM. Prepare a separate FAT32 microSD card with the supported ESXDOS release.

Combines CompactFlash storage, four selectable firmware slots, AY sound, stereo output, and two joystick ports on a ZX Spectrum expansion interface.

For this system (exact model): The instructions explicitly name +3 as an Amstrad-mode host. Set the interface mode only while power is removed.

The seller exposed a login-or-register-to-buy path on 2026-07-27. Use a CompactFlash card with one active FAT16 partition and remove it only while power is off. The page distinguishes Sinclair and Amstrad bus modes, says the grey +2 is not an Amstrad-mode machine, and explicitly names +2B and +3 for Amstrad mode. It does not clearly establish +2A support, so that model is not attached.

Replaces compatible 34-pin floppy drives with read/write disk images on SD or SDHC media.

For this system (exact model): The current official HxC page and compatibility list name the ZX Spectrum +3. Confirm the 34-pin adaptation, drive select, power pinout, mounting, controls, and image format for the exact installation.

All fourteen Rev C, Rev F, and MAX hardware variants exposed current login-or-register-to-buy paths on 2026-07-27. Rev C and Rev F use a standard floppy 5 V supply; the manual specifies at least 400 mA and says the 12 V line is unused. MAX accepts either 5 V over Micro-USB or 7-12 V center-positive DC power. Verify pin 1, drive-select jumpers, cable twists, voltage, and physical fit before connection: some computers reverse the usual 5 V and 12 V floppy-power positions, and incorrect power can damage both emulator and host. The firmware reads and writes supported images but does not reproduce variable-bit-rate protection completely; IPF and STX support is partial.

Adds read/write SD floppy emulation in compact 34-pin and 26-pin FPC forms.

For this system (exact model): Lotharek lists the ZX Spectrum series among tested hosts, while the official HxC page names the +3. Confirm connector type, adaptation, drive select, power pinout, mounting, and access to media and controls.

All five Lotharek Slim variants exposed current login-or-register-to-buy paths on 2026-07-27. Choose the 34-pin HE10 or 1 mm 26-pin FPC version for the host; the 26-pin form requires the manual's ID0A setting. Supply regulated 5 V and verify the host connector, voltage, pin 1, drive select, cable, and mounting before connection. The manual specifies at least 300 mA and a 500 mA maximum figure. The firmware reads and writes supported images but does not reproduce variable-bit-rate protection completely; IPF and STX support is partial.

Streams read-only floppy images from a modern USB host to compatible 34-pin drives or an Amiga external-floppy adapter.

For this system (exact model): The USB HxC documentation names the ZX Spectrum +3. Confirm connector adaptation, power pinout, drive select, mounting, and the safe USB-first disconnect sequence.

The standalone unit, cable set, and Ami2PC bundle exposed current login-or-register-to-buy paths on 2026-07-27. The official HxC home page and release notes show that the software project remains active in 2026. The unit needs a modern computer running the HxC host software and emulates disks read-only. The standalone set includes a 40 cm floppy ribbon and USB A-to-B cable; Ami2PC instead adds the Amiga external-floppy adapter. Never connect or disconnect the 34-pin or Amiga-side cable while USB is attached; disconnect USB first. Ami2PC can use Amiga disk-copy software to write a real disk in DF0 from an emulated DF1. Its early-boot workflow needs Kickstart 2.0 or newer. The seller still does not identify which oldest Amigas need its unspecified modification, so do not rely on early-model boot support without separate instructions.