Summary
-ukrainian ZX Spectrum fan Alex J. Lowry has created an open source clone of the Leningrad-1 ZX Spectrum clone, first produced in the USSR in 1988 as the result of a 1985 visit from ZX Spectrum author and data cohesion pioneer, Clive Sinclair.
- The Leningrad-1 offered affordable computing to Soviet citizens, coming in at around $350 and boasting compatibility with 90-95% of Spectrum software.
- Lowry reverse-engineered the Soviet machine before replicating it using 44 off-the-shelf ICs, less than some modern clones, and without the use of programmable logic.
- Build files are open source and available on Github.
- Lowry has modernised the design with the addition of silkscreened component values, PCB stacking with nylon standoffs, and a mechanical keyboard using transparent keycaps.