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| Type | Home computer |
|---|---|
| Release date | 1984 |
| Discontinued | 1989 |
| Operating system | Sinclair BASIC |
| CPU | Zilog Z80A @ 3.5 MHz |
| Memory | 48 KB |
| Predecessor | Timex Sinclair 2068 |
| Successor | Komputer 2086, Spectrum SE |
The TC-2048 or Timex Computer 2048 is a 1984 computer developed by Timex Portugal, the portuguese branch of Timex Corporation. It was based on the Timex Sinclair 2048 prototype, a 16k version of the TS-2068, with a similar redesign case, Kempston joystick interface and additional video modes.[1]
It was highly compatible with the Sinclair ZX Spectrum computer, although differences in the ROM prevented 100% compatibility.[2]
Timex Portugal sold the TC 2048 in Portugal and Poland, where it was very successful, selling more than 10000 units.[3][4] Also, a NTSC version was sold in Chile.
This computer forms the basis of an improved Spectrum-compatible machine, the Spectrum SE.
Two modifications of the TC2048 exist:[5] the TC2128 (by STAVI)[6] and the TC2144 (by Jarek Adamski).[7] Both extend the RAM to 128K and upgrade the ULA to use four screen areas.
Technical specifications
- Zilog Z80A @ 3.50 MHz
- 16 KB
- 48 KB
Display
- Improved ULA offering additional screen modes:
- Text: 32×24 characters (8×8 pixels, rendered in graphics mode)
- Graphics: 256×192 pixels, 15 colours (two simultaneous colours - "attributes" - per 8×8 pixels, causing attribute clash)
- Extended Color: 256×192 pixels, 15 colors with colour resolution of 32×192 (two simultaneous colours - "attributes" - per 1×8 pixels)
- Dual Screen: (two 256×192 pixels screens can be placed in memory)
- A monochrome 512×192 mode
Sound
- Beeper (1 channel, 10 octaves and 10+ semitones via internal speaker) [By separate purchase the Joystick/Sound Unit was available to enhance sound and provide a joystick port.]
I/O
- Z80 bus in/out
- Line audio in/out for external cassette tape storage
- RF television out
- Composite video monitor out
- Kempston Joystick input
Storage
- External cassette tape recorder
- 1–8 external ZX Microdrives (using ZX Interface 1)
- Timex FDD (Floppy Disk Drive System Power Supply, Controller and Disk Drive in separate cases. 16K RAM, Timex Operating System (TOS))
- Timex FDD3000 (Enhanced version (all in one case) of the Timex FDD but upgraded to 64K RAM & TOS with two Hitachi 3″ disk drives)
See also
References
- ^ http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?st=1&c=935
- ^ http://timex.comboios.info/tc2048.html
- ^ http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?st=1&c=935
- ^ http://oldcomputer.info/8bit/timex2048/index.htm
- ^ http://www.worldofspectrum.org/faq/reference/tmxreference.htm
- ^ http://timex.comboios.info/ts2128.html
- ^ http://www.sinclair.pw/2005/Dec/13/28048.html
External links