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Fuller Micro Systems
Fuller Micro Systems was a UK company founded in the early 1980's in Liverpool, Merseyside, manufacturing and retailing a range of hardware addons to the Sinclair ZX80/81 and ZX Spectrum microcomputers.

The company was well known on the burgeoning Sinclair home microcomputer scene for its 'keyboard and case' products which allowed customers to transfer the Sinclair microcomputer motherboard from its original case into a much larger case containing a keyboard with full-travel mechanical keyswitches, improving on the original membrane keyboards which were considered unresponsive and difficult to use.

Over the four years it was operational, Fuller released a range of add-ons primarily for the ZX Spectrum, intended to improve the Spectrum's basic features.

It remained operational until late 1984 before ceasing to trade. A previous supplier to Fuller Micro Systems, Nordic Keyboards, bought the remaining stock to retail alongside its own products.

Products
Fuller FD System for ZX80/81

A mechanical keyboard and moulded ABS case replacement for the Sinclair ZX80 and ZX81 sold as a do-it-yourself kit requiring a screwdriver to assemble, or as a mail-order upgrade service. The FD Keyboard Kit was priced at £18.95, assembled price was £24.95, or Fuller would carry out the work for an additional £10.00.

Fuller FD 16k RAM Board

A plug-in RAM 16k Ram expansion for the Sinclair ZX80/81, priced at £39.95.

Fuller FD System for the ZX Spectrum

A mechanical 42-key keyboard and moulded ABS case replacement for the Sinclair ZX Spectrum sold as a do-it-yourself kit requiring a screwdriver to assemble, or ready assembled. The case was large enough to house the Spectrum DC power adaptor.The FD System kit for the ZX Spectrum was priced at £33.95. Assembled price was £39.95.

Mother Board for the Spectrum

A passive board which attached to the ZX Spectrum expansion port allowing two or three peripherals to be connected. The two-slot version was £15.95; the three slot version was £19.95.

Spectrum Sound Amplifier

An external speaker with volume control mounted in an ABS project case, which sold for £5.95

The Fuller Box

A combination audio amplifier, 3-channel synthesizer, and joystick adapter housed in an ergonomic case that closely matched the Spectrum form-factor. The synthesizer functionality was based on the AY-3-8912 chip. Priced at £29.95

The Fuller Orator

A programmable speech synthesizer housed in the same case as the Fuller Box, based on the SP0256 chip, available at £39.95 fully assembled, or £24.95 as an upgrade for the Fuller Box.

Fuller Master Unit

A Fuller Box with the Fuller Orator added internally, priced £54.95.

Fuller Spectrum Upgrade Pack

A memory upgrade for 16k Spectrums to increase RAM to 48k, price £34.95.

Improved Fuller Desktop System

A mechanical keyboard and moulded ABS case replacement for the Sinclair ZX80, ZX81 and Spectrum which sold for £39.95. The case was redesigned to be slimmer and sloped for a more ergonomic typing experience. The keyboard changed to injection moulded key-caps and a full-size space bar.

FD Printerface

A serial printer interface which sold for £34.95

Fuller 16k RAM Pack for the ZX81

A 16k ram upgrade that plugged into the ZX81's expansion port, priced at £24.95

History
Fuller Micro Systems began as a mail-order only business advertising in Sinclair-focussed computer magazines such as Sinclair User and Your Computer. It operated from a domestic house in Sandfield Park East, Liverpool L12 9HP. By July 1982 the business had relocated to City Centre commercial premises on the ground-floor of 17 Sweeting Street, Liverpool. Known as 'The ZX Centre', the owners encouraged customers and enthusiasts to spend time trying out their peripherals on a selection of Sinclair computers, typing-in program listings, and socialising.

By June 1983 the business had relocated again to a more prominent location, 71 Dale Street, and close to Progressive Radio Services, a popular long-established electronic components retailer.

An article in Sinclair User Magazine dated January 1985 mentions that Fuller Micro Systems "went into liquidation a few months ago". By that time Fuller were competing directly against Sinclair which launched the ZX Spectrum+ in October 1984, essentially a ZX Spectrum with an improved keyboard. The 'plus' keyboard was subsequently sold as an upgrade to existing ZX Spectrum owners for just £20, significantly undercutting Fullers' prices.