ZX Touch – Firmware 1.12a

ZX Touch Firmware 1.12 – A major update

I had actually intended to include this firmware update in my article on the ZX Touch, as it was released shortly before publication. However, given the scope of the update, I decided to write a separate article – this way I can present all the new features in detail without having to cut anything out. Goran from Elmar Electronics has been hard at work again and, in addition to bug fixes, has incorporated some exciting new features into firmware 1.12. Version 1.12a, released shortly afterwards, immediately corrected a few minor bugs that had crept into the major update.
Download

Note

After updating the firmware, we recommend resetting the device to its factory settings so that the parameters changed by this update can be initialised correctly. -> Save/Load Settings – tap the button with the home icon and then select “Save Defaults”.

Improved AY chip emulation

Until now, the AY emulation was optimised for the built-in speaker, which is unable to reproduce deep bass tones. The new software emulation improves the sound quality, particularly when using headphones. This option can be adjusted in the sound menu.

Improvements to the emulation

Numerous optimisations ensure a more accurate emulation, particularly when the CPU is not accessing memory. Among other things, this improves accuracy in demos and delivers an even more authentic Spectrum experience.

More stable loading of .tap files

Issues with loading .tap files have been resolved, meaning that games with specific block structures now launch more reliably.

Increased file size for .ztg files

The maximum size of .ztg files has been increased from 640 KB to 4 MB – a major advantage for large .tap and .tzx files containing many blocks.

Automatic library updates & new conversion options

A feature I’d been hoping for has finally been implemented: .ztg files are now automatically added to the library. In addition, .TRD, .TZX and .SCL files can now also be converted to ZTG format.

Improved touchscreen navigation

If you hide the side panels by tapping the screen, the game will now continue. This feature can be adjusted in the settings if required.

New Turbo Mode

A new mode emulates a 7 MHz CPU, whilst the ULA interrupt remains at 50 Hz – comparable to a Pentagon (ZX Spectrum clone). This often results in better graphics without affecting the AY sound. Alternatively, the ULA interrupt can be doubled to 100 Hz.

Support for .SCL and .TZX files

SCL files, a compressed version of TRD files for Beta-Disk drives, are now supported natively. The Beta-Disk interface has also been optimised. The TZX format is now fully integrated as well, enabling the loading of copy-protected games and custom loaders – although, as with a real tape drive, loading can sometimes take several minutes.

Simulated cassette player

A cassette player has been integrated to load TAP and TZX files, simulating a real tape drive. Turbo mode can be enabled in the options to reduce loading times.

Snapshot function

At last, snapshots can be saved in Z80 or SNA format! This is particularly useful for games in TAP or TZX format, which can only be launched from tape due to certain load block types. Now, after loading, you can create a snapshot that can be reloaded immediately or converted to ZTG format. Snapshots can also be transferred to a PC and used in an emulator.

New games included

The new firmware also brings a fresh batch of games:

• Pentacorn Quest (José Ignacio Rodríguez – Nightwolf)
• Secrets: The Castle of Doom (Wizbit Games)
• Max Stone (Juan Leal – Flopping)
• Quest For The Golden Eggcup (Harvey Lodder – Network Adventure Games, 1986)

A great update with lots of useful improvements – ZX Touch users have something to look forward to!