KILOZED Modded Open-Source ZX81/TS1000
Own a fully modded open-source ZX81/TS1000. KILOZED preserves the original's elegant industrial design in a custom 3D printable case. Developed by makers, for makers, with modern conveniences and open-source collaboration.
What is KILOZED?
The name KILOZED is rooted in the term of endearment "Zeddy" for the ZX81, combined with "KILO" to signify the supercharged nature of this reimagining.
KILOZED is a passion project of two brothers that joined forces to build a "Zeddy" the way it could have been without Sir Clive Sinclair's budgetary limitations.
KILOZED combines several community-created open-source mods with a custom mechanical keyboard that is true to the original membrane keyboard's legend and layout.
Finally, KILOZED is all housed in a custom 3D printable case that pays homage to the original design by Rick Dickinson.
Key Features
Community-Driven Innovation
Built by makers worldwide through open collaboration. Access complete schematics, contribute improvements, and benefit from collective expertise on GitHub.
Authentic Heritage + Modern Reliability
Preserves the original's minimalist elegance while eliminating notorious stability issues through quality components and proven engineering.
Modern Reliability
Quality components, proper power regulation, and robust design eliminate the original's notorious stability issues.
Expandability
Proper expansion bus, memory upgrades, and modern I/O options let you grow beyond the original's constraints.
Hands-On Learning Platform
Master computing fundamentals through tangible hardware experience. Perfect for educators, students, and anyone curious about how computers work.
Builder-Friendly
Designed for easy assembly with clear documentation, no specialized tools, and beginner-friendly instructions.
Visual Gallery
What's Included in the Kit
Hardware
- • Custom PCB with modern components
- • Z80A CPU (or compatible)
- • 32KB RAM (expandable)
- • 8KB ROM with BASIC interpreter
- • Video output circuitry
- • Power regulation & protection
- • Quality case and hardware
Documentation & Support
- • Step-by-step assembly guide
- • Video assembly tutorials
- • Programming manual & examples
- • Troubleshooting guide
- • Schematic diagrams
- • Community forum access
Who It's For
Retro Computing Enthusiasts
Relive the golden age of home computing with authentic hardware and the reliability modern components provide.
Makers & DIY Builders
Hands-on learning experience with complete documentation, open-source design, and expandability options.
Engineers
Study computer architecture fundamentals with a simple, well-documented system that's easy to understand and modify.
Educators & Students
Perfect for teaching computer science principles, assembly programming, and hardware/software interaction.
Build Experience
Tools You'll Need
- • Screwdriver set (provided)
- • Good lighting
- • 2-3 hours of focused time
- • Curiosity and patience
What You'll Learn
- • Computer architecture basics
- • How CPUs, memory, and I/O work together
- • Assembly programming fundamentals
- • Hardware debugging techniques
Open Source
KILOZED is completely open source under the MIT license. Every schematic, PCB layout, component specification, and line of code is freely available for study, modification, and redistribution.
We believe that understanding how computers work shouldn't be locked behind proprietary barriers. Join our community of builders, learners, and contributors.
Hardware Designs
Complete KiCad schematics and PCB layouts
Software Stack
ROM code, assemblers, and development tools
Documentation
Assembly guides, programming manuals, and tutorials
Community
Forums, Discord, and collaborative development
Frequently Asked Questions
KILOZED is designed to be fully compatible with original ZX81/TS1000 software and hardware expansions. It runs the same BASIC interpreter and can execute original programs and games.
No soldering required! The kit uses modern connectors and push-fit components. All you need is the ability to follow instructions and connect pre-built modules.
Absolutely! All design files, schematics, PCB layouts, and software are available on GitHub. You can order PCBs from any fab house and source components independently.
Modern components provide better reliability, proper power regulation eliminates crashes, expandable memory, and improved video output. We keep the same minimalist philosophy but without the original's cost-driven compromises.
Kits start shipping Q2 2026. We offer worldwide shipping with tracking. Pre-orders are available now with early-bird pricing.