Scorpion ZS-256

The Scorpion ZS-256 was a very widespread ZX Spectrum clone produced in St. Petersburg by Sergey Zonov (same person behind the "Leningrad" clone).[1][2][3][4][5]

Scorpion ZS-256
ManufacturerScorpion
Release date1991 (1991)
Discontinued1996 (1996)
Operating systemSinclair BASIC, TR-DOS, CP/M and IS-DOS
CPUZ80B @ 3.5 MHz
Memory256 KiB
StorageHard drive
Removable storageFloppy discs, cassette tape
Display256x192
SoundBeeper, AY-3-8912
Backward
compatibility		ZX Spectrum 128
Scorpion ZS-256 Turbo+
ManufacturerScorpion
Release date1996 (1996)
Discontinued2000 (2000)
Operating systemSinclair BASIC, TR-DOS, CP/M and IS-DOS
CPUZ80B @ 7.0 MHz
Memory256 KiB
StorageHard drive
Removable storageFloppy discs, cassette tape
Display256x192
SoundBeeper, AY-3-8912
Backward
compatibility		ZX Spectrum 128

Introduced in 1991, it was fitted with a Zilog Z80B processor, a AY-3-8910 sound chip, whilst RAM memory options ranged from 256 to 1024 KB.[6]

The computer was usually assembled in a mini tower configuration with a standard IBM power supply, allowing the connection of peripherals, drives, etc.[7] Various expansions were produced, including SMUC – an adapter for IDE and ISA slots, which allowed the use of IBM PC compatible hard drives and expansion cards.[8]

The Shadow Service Monitor (debugger) in the BASIC ROM was activated by pressing the Magic Button (NMI). There was also the option of fitting the machine with a ProfROM which included such software as a clock, hard disk utilities, and the ZX-Word text editor.[9][10] The computer can work with TR-DOS, CP/M and IS-DOS systems.[7]

In 1996, the Scorpion ZS-256 Turbo+ version was introduced, featuring a "turbo" mode (7 MHz instead of the original's 3.50 MHz), IDE Controller, CMOS, interrupt controller, ISA8 slot, as part of the SMUC expansion card., expansion board 101-key PC type keyboard, 3.5 floppy disc drive and a XTR modem (allowing access to ZX Net and FidoNet).[7][1][2][11][12]

Extension kit Scorpion GMX (Graphic Memory eXpander) for Scorpion ZS-256 Turbo+, comes with 2MB of RAM and can emulate other clones like the Pentagon 128. It has new graphics modes: 640 x 200 with 16 colors; 80x25 character text mode.[1]

Production of Spectrum-compatible computers ceased in 1998, with the Scorpion company focusing on the sale of IBM PC-compatibles and office equipment.

Versions
  • Scorpion ZS-256 (1991)
  • Scorpion ZS-256 Turbo+ (1996)
  • Extension kit Scorpion GMX for Scorpion ZS-256 Turbo+ (1998)

Upgrades from the original ZX Spectrum 48/128K

References
  1. "Scorpion ZS-256". Sinclair Nostalgia Products.
  2. "Scorpion — SpeccyWiki". speccy.info.
  3. "Scorpion ZS". scorpion-zs.com.
  4. "Страничка, посвященная самому петербургскому клону Спектрума - "Scorpion ZS 256"" [Page dedicated to the St. Petersburg clone of the Spectrum - "Scorpion ZS 256"]. Главная страница.
  5. "Железо" [Iron]. Scorpion, Saint Petersburg, Trading Firm.
  6. "Скорпион ЗС-256" [Scorpion ZS-256]. alemorf.github.io. Retrieved 2023-01-29.
  7. "Компьютер Scorpion ZS-256 Turbo+" [Computer Scorpion ZS-256 Turbo+]. Scorpion.RU. 2007-02-12. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
  8. "Скорпион (СПб) - Краткий экскурс в историю создания и развития нашей фирмы" [Scorpio (St. Petersburg) - A brief excursion into the history of the creation and development of our company]. scorpion.ru. 2008-04-17. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
  9. "Scorpion ZS-256". Sinclair Nostalgia Products. Retrieved 2023-01-17.
  10. "SCORPION". speccy4ever. Retrieved 2023-01-29.
  11. Boykov, Roman (2023-01-22), Scorpion ZS-256 Turbo+, retrieved 2023-01-29
  12. "новая модель Спектрума: Scorpion ZS 256 Turbo+" [New Spectrum model: Scorpion ZS 256 Turbo+.]. zxpress.ru. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
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