Mounting a ZX Spectrum.

[sy_woodworking]

I'm working on a shadow box and a search of the forum reveals very little if I search for ZX Spectrum, the search ignores ZX so I just get Spectrum & they're all about the light spectrum

So, here's what I'm thinking.

The Speccy itself is relatively heavy, I'm not sure the mylar straps would be strong enough over time and it would sag? I was thinking of clear acrylic u-shaped brackets maybe, but I'm struggling to find them on Lion or Centrado. Cricket balls and golf balls are well catered for, but I can't find more generic options.

I considered the mylar wrap technique for books and newspapers from Jim's book but I thought it might be too visible with all the contours of the front of the Speccy.

My main question is, what do framers call the u shape acrylic brackets so I can search for some, and secondly, has anyone done this before and has any advice?

[pramsay13]

I've never framed a zx spectrum but I've framed a few heavy items.
For something like this I have aluminium wire that is 3mm thick and bendable.
I feed it through holes in the mountboard behind the item and then bend it into shape to hold the item in place.

[StevenG]

Hi, which model of the ZX Spectrum & does the mounting need to be reversible (to a degree)?

[JKX]

What Pramsay has shown is basically ‘formed rods’ which would be ideal. Piano wire is good just use whatever thickness suits.

I showed how they’re done here

viewtopic.php?t=9239

Photos would be good, back and front; if the back can be easily removed you could refit it over a strap of mellinex, cut to the full width (and.or depth, you could do it in both directions) of that back - that would certainly be strong enough and totally concealed.

[sy_woodworking]

Cool, they're both good ideas. The back is removable so the melinex wrap method would work, and as far as I know the device does still work so I would like it to be reversible ideally but they're quite a common item and it's not exactly in pristine condition now so something like removing the rubber feet and attaching it where they would be is an option.

I like the formed rods method though, that gig stick is a lovely job, I'm going to give that a go and I'll let you know how I get on.

It's a ZX Spectrum 48k by the way, the rubber key classic with a copy of Manic Miner to go next to it. A personal project but one I can use to showcase what I can do.

[StevenG]

It's a ZX Spectrum 48k by the way, the rubber key classic with a copy of Manic Miner to go next to it. A personal project but one I can use to showcase what I can do.

I did the same thing to mine years ago - the system itself was dead so I just attached it with VHB tape & it's still attached. Manic Miner! It is indeed a classic, I remember buying it with my pocket money many many years ago - I don't want shock & sadden myself by working out how long ago that was though!

[sy_woodworking]

The worst bit is it wasn’t even my first computer