TBBLUE SD Distribution v.0.8a:

Here’s the latest SD image with everything you need to get your Next updated and running!

Latest distribution is always found at https://www.specnext.com/latestdistro/

OBLIGATORY DISCLAIMER: READ THIS POST IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE ASKING FOR HELP

In the link you will find TBBLUE v.0.8 SD card distribution containing the following changes over v.0.8:

• New Core 1.10.010 with a brand new singular PS/2 keyboard controller which makes the need for an option switch redundant. From this version onwards, the previous option  [AlternativePS2] section in your config.ini is deprecated and therefore ignored
• New NextOS 1.94b in two versions: one with Geoff Wearmouth’s Gosh Wonderful 1.32 48K ROM (Default) which is incompatible for now with games utilizing the Nirvana/Nirvana+ Engines and one with the standard 48K ROM which IS compatible with the Nirvana Engines. Also additional fixes in loading of several games which were previously incompatible with even original 128K machines. Changes
• New UART dot command with several bug fixes which allows usage of a 9600 baud speed without a timeout. Also has CIPSEND mode that allows usage like a terminal.
• New SANXION Spectrum Remix in the games folder, distributed with kind permission by Thalamus, featuring the originally intended loading screen in two versions 48K and 128K.

Installation

Prepare the card as usual, dumping the appropriate version (Regular or speed reduced) into your card. Firmware file will be replaced.

********WARNING*********

USERS OF FlashAir CARDS are advised to perform ALL file copy operations locally on their PC/MAC and NOT over the air.

*******IMPORTANT NOTES**********

• If you’re a user of a Perixx PS/2 keyboard or a keyboard with a similar controller (ie certain Lenovo PS/2 keyboards) you may not be able to flash without using the AB method. If that’s the case follow the instructions in #2 below.
• Default config.ini settings assume an HDMI monitor. If you’re using a VGA monitor you should delete your config.ini file located in c:/tbblue/ and replace it with the config.ini.VGA file (also located there) renamed to config.ini. YOU ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO EXPERIMENT WITH DIFFERENT DISPLAY SETTINGS (Display modes 0 to 6 that is) TO ACHIEVE THE BEST RESULTS FOR YOUR DISPLAY AS THE DEFAULT CHOSEN ALTERS THE TIMINGS SLIGHTLY AND CERTAIN PROGRAMS MAY NOT DISPLAY PROPERLY (especially certain Demos)

Flashing the new core

1. For people with functioning keyboards after boot and/or membranes (but which also have PS/2 keyboards)

Let the machine boot normally, then press and hold U on your PS/2 keyboard, then tap momentarily on F1 (still holding U) and release U when you see the updater module. Press Y, wait until all flashing is completed, then power down the Next and REMOVE ALL CABLES. Wait a little and then plug everything back up again. If you have a VGA you need to replace your config.ini (see above) or edit it and set the second number after the machine type to 0. If you’re in Brazil, Japan, the USA or Canada or any country that uses normally an NTSC TV signal (or a PAL 60 signal), chances are your monitor only supports 60Hz, so go ahead and tap F3 now -or alternatively you can change the [50_60] setting to 1 from config.ini or by editing the settings at boot time with the EDITOR module (Press SPACEBAR when prompted on boot then press E to edit your settings)

2. For people with Perixx PS/2 keyboards and/or keyboards with a similar controller on board AND people with membranes that are not functioning or having trouble entering the UPDATER module.

• Enter AntiBrick (AB) mode by removing all cables (including HDMI), pressing and holding M1 and Drive (simulaneously), then reapplying power (no HDMI or VGA yet) waiting a few seconds (2-3) and releasing the keys, then reconnecting the display lead that worked for you previously. Press Y for update. If Y cannot be pressed then the press M1 button for Y or Drive button for N
• Follow the instructions in Step 1 to boot the system.

Download the distribution

 TBBLUE distribution v.0.8a (Download Here)

Credits

Article image: Image of cards piling up by MrGAWN
https://mrgawn.deviantart.com/

TBBLUE Core/FW: Victor Trucco (with input from Mark Smith)
Sanxion: Thalamus / Distributed under License. Portions (Screen$): Jarrod Bentley
NextOS: Garry Lancaster (http://www.worldofspectrum.org/zxplus3e/)
Gosh Wonderful: Geoff Wearmouth
ZX80/81 Emulators: Paul Farrow (http://www.fruitcake.plus.com)
Demos: David Saphier, Geoff Wearmouth
Utilities: Jim Bagley, Geoff Wearmouth, John M Kerr (http://mycodehere.blogspot.com)
Dot Commands: esxDOS team and contributors, Allen Albright, Tim Gilberts, Jim Bagley, Garry Lancaster