Scorpion ZS-256

The Scorpion ZS-256 (ru: Скорпион ЗС-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 Turbo+

Manufacturer	Scorpion
Release date	1996 (1996)
Discontinued	1998 (1998)
Operating system	Sinclair BASIC, TR-DOS, CP/M and IS-DOS
CPU	Z80B @ 7.0 MHz
Memory	256 KiB (extendable to 2048 KiB)
Storage	Hard drive
Removable storage	Floppy discs, cassette tape
Display	256x192; 640x200
Sound	Beeper, AY-3-8912
Backward compatibility	ZX Spectrum 128

Introduced in 1992, 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 hard drive, 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]

A version of the mainboard called GMX (Graphic Memory eXpander) 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.