World of Spectrum and the TZX Vault keep an extensive archive of Sinclair ZX Spectrum sofware (currently about 11,000 titles).

It is important to remember that nearly all ZX Spectrum games are still under copyright.

There is an excellent article here on the World of Spectrum website regarding common misconceptions on distributing vintage computer games.

Spectaculator for Android supports adding games in .TAP/.TZX/.DSK/.SZX/.Z80/.SNA format:

• Upgrade to the full verson if you haven't already (tap the Shop icon in the ActionBar menu).
• Spectaculator will then create a folder named "Spectaculator" in your external storage area. Depending on the model of Android device you have, this may be on the SD card or internal to the device.
• Connect your device to your PC or Mac. Mac users will need to install the official Android File Transfer program. Windows users do not need any additional software.
• Locate the "Spectaculator" folder and copy your .TAP/.TZX/.DSK/.SZX/.Z80/.SNA files into it. The files can be in a Zip archive but Spectaculator will only load the first game it finds in the archive.
• Spectaculator does not look inside any subdirectories inside the "Spectaculator" folder - the games must be inside the "Spectaculator" folder itself.
• Disconnect your device from your computer and start Spectaculator. The games you have just added are now available to play.

As of release 2.1, the Spectaculator folder should be visible immediately after upgrading to the full version.

If you still can't find it, here are a few things to try:

• Make sure you have upgraded to the full version. Spectaculator only creates this folder after you have upgraded.
• Unplug your device from your PC or Mac and then reconnect it.
• If your Android device has multiple storage areas, check all of them.
• If all else fails, reboot your device (this is known to work every time).

To use an iCade arcade controller with Spectaculator:

• Follow the instructions in the manual to pair the iCade with your Android device.
• Open the Settings screen in Spectaculator and enable the iCade Controller option.
• You're now ready to play!
• NOTE: The touch screen is still required to navigate around the app and use the Spectrum soft keyboard.

As of version 2.0, Spectaculator will now look for artwork for each game you have added.

Two images can be added for each game:

1. A smaller thumbnail used in the games and programs list. This should be 90 pixels wide, 138 pixels tall and must be named <game filename>.icon.jpg.
2. A larger version used on the game details screen. This one should be 280 pixels wide, 357 pixels tall and must be named <game filename>.artwork.jpg.

Place both in the same folder as the game itself (you will need to tap the refresh button on the games list screen if Spectaculator is already running).

In the example below, artwork has been added for Quazatron by Hewson (available from WoS since Rebellion® have granted free distribution rights):

Some programs (mainly demos from the European demo scene) will not work unless loaded in USR0 mode on 128K Spectrums.

To select USR0 mode, long press 'Model' and choose the appropriate Spectrum model:

(If you only do a regular, short press, USR0 options will not be shown).

This is now possible in version 2.1 and above.

The folder where Spectaculator reads additional games from can now be changed in the app settings:

The built-in and purchased games are enhanced versions which them easier to play (especially for new users that may not be familiar with the ZX Spectrum).

Normally the user is responsible for selecting the correct controls (Keyboard, Kempston, Interface II etc.) and pressing various keys to start the game (which vary from game to game).

Spectaculator automates all of this: The correct controls are automatically selected and locked so the user doesn't accidentally change them. Pressing the red button (or button A on a gamepad) starts the game.

However, if you want to use a Bluetooth keyboard, locking the controls restricts which keys can be used to play the game. There are a fixed set of keys that map directly to the on-screen controls:

From version 2.1, the automatic game setup feature can be disabled:

This disables all enhancements to the built-in and purchased games - the game is loaded in its original, unmodified form.

Do not disable this feature unless you need it for the reasons outlined in this document. Doing so generally makes all built-in and purchased games unplayable using the touch controls and gamepads.