Sinclair Loki Concept

Loki was Sinclair Research's proposed next-generation entertainment computer, conceived as a powerful successor to the Spectrum 128. Plans called for a 7MHz Z80-compatible processor, at least 128KB RAM and custom graphics and sound chips able to compete with emerging 16-bit machines.

Published specifications described high-resolution and 256-colour modes, blitter-style graphics, sampled sound, MIDI, light-pen and floppy support. The project ended when Amstrad acquired Sinclair's computer business before working production hardware was completed.

Notable Features

• Proposed Rasterop graphics chip combined high-resolution modes with accelerated object operations.
• 7MHz Z80H retained a route to Spectrum compatibility while doubling processor speed.
• MIDI, sampled audio and light-pen interfaces targeted advanced entertainment software.

Historical Significance

• Shows Sinclair's intended response to the Commodore Amiga and other advanced graphics computers.
• Cancellation left the later Amstrad Spectrum models based on more conservative 128K technology.

Collector’s Notes

• Contemporary specifications contain proposals and informed reporting rather than a frozen production design.
• Loki should be treated as a concept-stage development rather than a released or fully documented prototype.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Sinclair Loki Concept
Manufacturer	Sinclair Research Ltd
Launched	Wednesday, January 1, 1986
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Zilog Z80H at 7 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	Planned SuperBASIC variant and CP/M
I/O	RGB/composite/RF, MIDI, joystick, light pen, serial, audio and expansion interfaces proposed
Keyboard	Planned full-travel keyboard
Storage	Planned floppy-disk storage
Sound	Proposed multi-channel sampled sound with 8-bit DAC
Graphics	Proposed 512 x 256 in 16 colours or 256 x 212 in 64/256 colours
Display	High-resolution programmable text
ROM	Planned SuperBASIC-derived firmware and CP/M support
RAM	128KB proposed; expandable to 1MB
CPU Speed	7 MHz proposed