atomic14
Gaming
Mobile Devices

ESP32 Rainbow

A ZX Spectrum single-board computer with a built-in keyboard and display

$15,345 raised

of $12,500 goal

122% Funded!

Back this project to help bring it into existence.
Funding ends on Dec 19, 2024 at 03:59 PM PST.

$99

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The ESP32 Rainbow is our modern recreation of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum, a classic personal computer first released in 1982. It emulates the look and feel of the original 48K machine, replicating its iconic keyboard. It has a built-in color LCD, a microSD card slot for storage, and USB Type-C port for power. This project brings a beloved retro computer back to life, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge technology to create a unique device for enthusiasts and new users alike.

Relive the ZX Spectrum Experience

For those looking to relive their childhood gaming experiences, the ESP32 Rainbow emulates both the 48K and 128K ZX Spectrums. We’ve recreated the iconic keyboard in full color, and it looks amazing! Whether you’re reminiscing about classic games, remembering your first Basic program, or filling a display case with nostalgia, ESP32 Rainbow is both fully functional and nice to look at.

A Great Platform for Your Own Projects

ESP32 Rainbow is more than just a retro emulator—it’s an open-source hardware project designed for learning and innovation. With two built-in QWIIC connectors and an expansion port that provides access to the GPIO pins, the display, and the microSD card, it can easily interface with external peripherals and sensors. This flexibility, along with the powerful ESP32-S3 processor, allows for the creation of a wide range of applications, from simple experiments to more advanced projects.

Features & Specifications

Comparisons

ESP32 RainbowThe SpectrumEspectrumPICOZXOriginal
Manufacturer CMG Research Ltd (atomic14) Retro Games Ltd antoniovillena Bobricus Sinclair Research
Underlying CPU ESP32-S3 Unknown possibly FPGA based ESP32 Raspberry Pi Pico Zilog Z80
Keyboard Touch Keyboard Unknown, possibly with rubber keys Rubber keys Black and White push button Rubber keys
Compatibility 48K and 128K ZX Spectrum 48K and 128K ZX Spectrum Uses ESPectrum emulator Uses pico-zxspectrum 48K
Display type Full-color TFT HDMI out VGA Full-color TFT TV
Built-in display320x240, 3.2-inch None None 320x240, 2-inch, None
AudioBuilt in speaker and audio jack HDMI audio Built in speaker PIEZO sound buzzer Built in speaker
StorageSD Card Unknown SD Card SD Card Tape (or Microdrive if you are rich!)
Built-in gamesNone 48 None None NA
Ports2x QWIIC connectors, GPIO Expansion port, USB Type-C Four USB ports USB USB Type-C Edge Connector
Price$99 $120 (£89.99) $101 (€91) $125 Originally £175 (equivalent to ~$1000 today!)

A Few Tips For the DIY Set

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can cobble together a ZX Spectrum emulator from various development boards either by building the entire thing on a breadboard or by using one of the RP2040-based HDMI or ESP32-based VGA boards. Some of these even have built-in PS/2 ports and or USB ports so you can connect a keyboard. You can also find bare boards that are compatible with the old ZX Spectrum membrane keyboards, which can be purchased from various retro suppliers.

Below are some boards that are great for the hobbyist who wants to build their own system. This is not an exhaustive list, and most solutions will require an external PS/2 or USB keyboard as well.

Support & Documentation

Manufacturing Plan

Fulfillment & Logistics

After final assembly and testing in the UK, we will box up each batch of ESP32 Rainbow systems and send them to Crowd Supply’s fulfillment partner, Mouser Electronics, who will handle distribution to all backers. You can learn more about Crowd Supply’s fulfillment service under Ordering, Paying, and Shipping in their guide.

Risks & Challenges

We’ve been designing and manufacturing ESP32-based systems for several years and have gained considerable experience with the feature set of this chipset and with custom PCB design in general. ESP32 Rainbow has been refined over several prototypes and has been stable for some time. We’re therefore confident that we’ve built a robust and well-tested product.

We are relatively new to manufacturing at scale, however. There are many things that can go wrong with a project like this: a key component might go out of stock, for example, or we might encounter unanticipated assembly bottlenecks. These risks are why we’ve decided to outsource the major part of the production process to PCBWay. They will handle PCB fabrication and all of the SMT assembly. Final assembly and testing will take place in the UK, so we can ensure that everything is working properly.

Thankfully, we have intentionally designed ESP32 Rainbow to be easy to reproduce by anyone. That means we are not locked into any particular manufacturer or manufacturing process. There are now several PCBA fabs that provide full-color silk screen printing, and major components such as the display and the speaker are readily available. All SMD components are well stocked, and substitutes are available should that change. As a result, there should be little risk that production as a whole will encounter serious delays.

ESP32 Rainbow is part of PCBWay Assembly Hub

In the Press

Hackster News

"The ESP32 Rainbow is a ZX Spectrum-inspired single-board computer powered by an ESP32-S3 chip for an authentic-feeling emulation experience."

Hackaday

Hackaday

"(H)ere we have an example of a project that’s not only making practical application of the technology (of full-color PCB silkscreens), but one that arguably couldn’t exist... without it: a single-PCB ZX Spectrum emulator developed by atomic14."

Electromaker

"The ESP32 Rainbow is more than just a throwback to the beloved ZX Spectrum—it’s a modern recreation designed for today’s retro computing enthusiasts."


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Produced by atomic14 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Sold and shipped by Crowd Supply.

ESP32 Rainbow

A single-PCB recreation of the original Sinclair ZX Spectrum computer, fully assembled and tested, with a built-in speaker, LCD, and full-color touch keyboard

$99 $8 US Shipping / $18 Worldwide

About the Team

atomic14

 ·   · 

Making increasingly fun and interesting things.

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