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Getting Started with Spectranext

Spectranext is a modern network cartridge for the ZX Spectrum that provides internet connectivity and file system access. It is 100% backwards-compatible with the original Spectranet while adding modern features like WiFi, TLS/SSL support, and improved performance.

What is Spectranext?​

Spectranext brings modern networking capabilities to your ZX Spectrum:

  • Wifi Connectivity: Connect to WiFi networks and access the internet
  • Secure Connections: Support for HTTPS/TLS encrypted connections
  • Development Tools: Debug your Spectrum programs with integrated debugging support
  • Backwards Compatibility: Works with all existing Spectranet software

Hardware Requirements​

Take not of special switch for +2/+3 machines

+2/+3 machines are not physically compatible on the Edge port of ZX Spectrum.spectranext

Make sure you set the special switch Spectranext has into correct position:

  • <+3 for +2/+3 devices
  • 48k> for 48k/128k devices

plus3 switch

Failure to set the switch correctly has potential to strain VIDEO pin on 48k, with potential breakage.

  • ZX Spectrum (48K, 128K, +2, +2A, +3, or compatible)
  • Spectranext cartridge (inserted into expansion port)
  • USB-C cable for advanced communication with console interface (optional)
  • WiFi network for internet connectivity

Emulation

You can install FuseX emulator with Spectranext support from Emulation Page on the main site.

  1. Install FuseX emulator.
  2. Enable Spectranext cartridge if not already
  3. Enable Advanced debugger (gdb server)

Note: SDK can natively talk to FuseX emulator automatically, much like real hardware.

First Boot​

Spectranext is ready to use on first boot. After firsr boot, you would need to

  1. Connect to WiFi
  2. Access TNFS Resources

Loading a test program

This example will load a small demo program that makes an HTTPS request into CloudFlare:

%mount "https://spectranext.net/test/web/"
%load ""
Spectranext BASIC shorthand

%mount "<url>" is a Spectranext-only BASIC shortcut. It mounts the URL into a free slot and switches %fs to that slot automatically, so the %load "" above works without an extra %fs command.

This shorthand is not available on the original Spectranet. If you want BASIC compatibility with Spectranet in your program you share with others, use the full form %mount <slot>, "<url>" + %fs <slot>. For program-loading HTTPS trees, slot 1 is still the usual manual choice.

For general business or app file access (TNFS, HTTPS data, etc.), prefer mount point 3 when using the full explicit form. See Filesystem overview: mount points.

Programming for Spectranext​