I remember back in the day you had to try every one in the shop before you found the working one you took home. They're recreating the full experience for you.
@Tom_RUclips_stole_my_handle ours had to be sent for repair a few times because the display was garbled, I remember. Good job we have firmware updates now.
@shuflie I actually wouldn't mind one of those. I want to program Frere Jacques again in BEEP code and maybe that breakout game I'm sure was in the manual too. I'll have a look archive.org to see what's there.
I haven't sent mine back yet. Only opened it yesterday but I'm guessing I'll have to refund it. I've tried the factory reset but it always boots back to the test mode. I'm assuming there is pressure inside on a button that activates this mode or something similar. Not sure there will be a software fix unless we can run a firmware update by holding down certain keys with a USB stick plugged in.
I've been looking up their other retro machines to try to info about factory test mode. Apparently, the A500 Mini has a small button on the board that puts it into 'FEL' mode. I'm wondering whether our new Spectrums have something similar and it's either in the wrong position or maybe the casing is putting pressure on it?
@@drbristowtube I think it's a combination of keys or some jumper or button inside the case. Anyway, the guy who turned it on to test the computer and then forgot to turn it off has really done a great job.....
@Brichy yeah, I think it's something to do with the construction of the unit, and something is pressing on a component. Only going by what I found about the a500 minis board here: thec64community.online/thread/1490/thea500-fel-mode-rescue-boot?page=1
@@drbristowtube They just released the solution on the retrogrames website in the FAQ section "How to bypass The Spectrum factory test". I'm going to try it
Hi, I have just opned mine I bought for my son, its Christmas day and it doesnt work!!! Samer fault, I ahve tried the fix and still the same doesnt even try to update... any ideas?
@ConradSharp-kt9yt you need to download the firmware from the retrogames site, copy it to a memory stick and them plug the usb stick into the usb port near the power. With the spectrum off, hold down the power button until it starts to update.
@@drbristowtube I tried that, itd oesnt work just boots up with factory screen every time, I even followedf their guide to flash the USB drive no joy still doesnt work 😞
Maybe the memory stick you are using is too big? Have you tried other, older memory sticks with a lower capacity? It's definitely this firmware you're trying too is it? retrogames.biz/support/thespectrum/faq/factory-test-fix/ the 1.0.0 version?
@@drbristowtube tried all that, no joy will see what they say, in ur vid i saw u could plug in controls, nothing was picked up in mine...can see it going back, they need to swap it
@ConradSharp-kt9yt have you tried different usb plugs? Maybe it's not getting enough power to power the usb ports. I just downloaded the file, unzipped the contents to usb stick, plugged it in, held down the button and it did its thing... even though I had the wrong screen connected 🙈
@CainSouthern2112 if you get a usb stick, look for ones that are like 32gb of less. You might get away with bigger ones but I think smaller ones are more compatible. It will work once you can get hold of one but I know how annoying it must be. I pre ordered mine. Waited months then had to wait for the fix to appear. Luckily I have loads of usb sticks. Good luck!
I remember back in the day you had to try every one in the shop before you found the working one you took home. They're recreating the full experience for you.
@Tom_RUclips_stole_my_handle ours had to be sent for repair a few times because the display was garbled, I remember. Good job we have firmware updates now.
Thought you were going to pull out a full spiral bound spectrum manual for a minute, think I should still have one somewhere.
@shuflie I actually wouldn't mind one of those. I want to program Frere Jacques again in BEEP code and maybe that breakout game I'm sure was in the manual too. I'll have a look archive.org to see what's there.
Same for me too, notice no protection film on mine either. Gone back to retailer, but none left in stock anywhere, unless I travel miles.
I haven't sent mine back yet. Only opened it yesterday but I'm guessing I'll have to refund it. I've tried the factory reset but it always boots back to the test mode. I'm assuming there is pressure inside on a button that activates this mode or something similar. Not sure there will be a software fix unless we can run a firmware update by holding down certain keys with a USB stick plugged in.
Same issue here . I sent an e-mail to retrogrames. Waiting for response...
I've been looking up their other retro machines to try to info about factory test mode. Apparently, the A500 Mini has a small button on the board that puts it into 'FEL' mode. I'm wondering whether our new Spectrums have something similar and it's either in the wrong position or maybe the casing is putting pressure on it?
@@drbristowtube I think it's a combination of keys or some jumper or button inside the case. Anyway, the guy who turned it on to test the computer and then forgot to turn it off has really done a great job.....
@Brichy yeah, I think it's something to do with the construction of the unit, and something is pressing on a component. Only going by what I found about the a500 minis board here: thec64community.online/thread/1490/thea500-fel-mode-rescue-boot?page=1
@@drbristowtube They just released the solution on the retrogrames website in the FAQ section "How to bypass The Spectrum factory test". I'm going to try it
@@Brichy nice! I'll check it out. Thanks.
Hi, I have just opned mine I bought for my son, its Christmas day and it doesnt work!!! Samer fault, I ahve tried the fix and still the same doesnt even try to update... any ideas?
@ConradSharp-kt9yt you need to download the firmware from the retrogames site, copy it to a memory stick and them plug the usb stick into the usb port near the power. With the spectrum off, hold down the power button until it starts to update.
@@drbristowtube I tried that, itd oesnt work just boots up with factory screen every time, I even followedf their guide to flash the USB drive no joy still doesnt work 😞
Maybe the memory stick you are using is too big? Have you tried other, older memory sticks with a lower capacity? It's definitely this firmware you're trying too is it? retrogames.biz/support/thespectrum/faq/factory-test-fix/ the 1.0.0 version?
@@drbristowtube tried all that, no joy will see what they say, in ur vid i saw u could plug in controls, nothing was picked up in mine...can see it going back, they need to swap it
@ConradSharp-kt9yt have you tried different usb plugs? Maybe it's not getting enough power to power the usb ports. I just downloaded the file, unzipped the contents to usb stick, plugged it in, held down the button and it did its thing... even though I had the wrong screen connected 🙈
This is so annoying i got one for Christmas and i don't have a usb stick
@CainSouthern2112 if you get a usb stick, look for ones that are like 32gb of less. You might get away with bigger ones but I think smaller ones are more compatible. It will work once you can get hold of one but I know how annoying it must be. I pre ordered mine. Waited months then had to wait for the fix to appear. Luckily I have loads of usb sticks. Good luck!