Sinclair ZX Spectrum +2A

The Sinclair ZX Spectrum +2A combined the black enclosure and revised electronics of the disk-based +3 generation with the built-in cassette recorder of the earlier +2. Its 64KB ROM included the expanded +3 firmware family while retaining 128K and 48K compatibility modes.

Although externally similar apart from colour, the +2A was not simply a black +2. New memory decoding and bus behaviour introduced compatibility differences with some software and peripherals designed for earlier Spectrums.

Notable Features

• Black case distinguished it from the original grey +2.
• Four-page 64KB ROM and motherboard were closely related to the +3.
• Cassette recorder occupied the space used by the +3's disk drive.

Historical Significance

• Brought the revised +3 architecture to a lower-cost tape-based model.
• One of the last major Spectrum hardware redesigns.

Collector’s Notes

• Compatibility with older expansion devices is less predictable than on the grey +2.
• Correct multi-voltage +2A/+3 power supplies are not interchangeable with the earlier +2 supply.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Sinclair ZX Spectrum +2A
Manufacturer	Sinclair Research Ltd
Launched	Thursday, January 1, 1987
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Zilog Z80A at 3.5469 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	+3 BASIC, 128 BASIC and 48 BASIC compatibility mode
I/O	RF, RGB, cassette audio, two joystick, printer and expansion ports
Keyboard	Integrated full-travel keyboard
Storage	Built-in cassette recorder
Sound	AY-3-8912 three-channel sound plus beeper
Graphics	256 x 192 pixels; 15 colours with two screen banks
Display	32 x 24 characters
ROM	64KB in four 16KB pages
RAM	128KB bank-switched
CPU Speed	3.5469 MHz