EDIT – our new computer technology/software became useless for this issue when Radio Shack was unable to fulfill my printer paper order! May I suggest people with the TIMEX-Sinclair 2040 printer huddle and make an arrangement with a Radio Shack store to get in one big order (perhaps at a discount). The paper for the Radio Shack TP-10 printer works fine in the TS2040 (Radio Shack cat. no. 26-1332) So we lost a bit of total copy for that reason.
SORRY- The second part of Wes’ article about the brick wall in the TS 1000 will be published next month, along with an explanation of the cause sent in by a SINCUS member.
NEWS- The very latest news that I have on TIMEX products includes:
(1) TIMEX is selling everything at half price over the 800-24-TIMEX phone number on credit card. They still had 2068’s and a few printers, software. 1500’s and modems were gone.
(2) I have ordered the Byte Back modem which will work with the 2068 (it only needs software) and has an RS232 built in. Byte-Back is taking orders C.C.D. ($3.00 charge).
(3) The modem will be produced by a third party as per TIMEX hotline.
(4) A third party will be selling an 80 column printer for the TIMEX 2068 (if not the TS 1000) in the near future.
(5) SYNC lost so many ads after the Feb 22 bomb the next issue was alledged to be only 40 pages!
(6) Many good software deals – ex. E. Arthur Brown Company is selling TS 1000 software 3 for $10!!!
FACTS- The TIMEX-Sinclair 2068 is a super computer for the money! We are collecting a large library of software in the local area. You will have all of the computer you may ever need. I can account for every main home computer application for the TS 2068 except the “exercise fad”. Word processing is weak, but all other applications: spread sheet, budgeting, filing, education, entertainment, scientific and telecommunications are well represented. Add to that we can, through the use of “First Loader” load BASIC programs of the TS 1000/ZX-81 into the TS 2068! So if you haven’t yet called 800-24-TIMEX and bought a TS 2068, time is running out.
PERHAPS-I did receive word that the cartridge software is even being worked on by some “cottage industry” types! Also, the technical manual – the one TIMEX gave to third party companies – will be available AFTER May 1. It will sell for $25 and explain all of those things we’re missing (how to get the 64 character display, etc) including the system software, I/O’s, a reduced size schematic, etc. I promised not to give out the address until May 1 in print!
SINCUS-We ran a bit short on articles from members this month. Thanks to Bill Stemples for his very well written and informative article on the KEY points of the Keyboard. (If you haven’t gotten that pun by now …….).
Anyway – we can always use ideas like that. Something straight ward to explain what you have learned or observed about your Sinclair computer or its software. Reviews of books or software are particularly needed. If you’ve got something you like (or dislike) – tell us all about it.
An Open Letter to the Members of SINCUS, other Users’ Groups and third party TIMEX-Sinclair equipment suppliers and dealers.
Mostly this is directed at non-SINCUS members in an effort to build a Sinclair network.
Since TIMEX announced they were pulling out I have had some really bad days wondering if the money that I had invested, the energy I had given, and the enthusiasm I had for my TS 2068 and its future had been wasted. Worse yet, had I been a fool? Friends and visitors who had seen my 2068 in action seemed duly impressed and even talked about buying one. Then doubts set in as the future became very uncertain – what was next? Well, about three weeks ago (late March) the word was out – TIMEX is selling at half price everything they have! The people who would have bought the computer at full price now leaped at the chance to buy it at half price! Tom Woods (a software producer) reported to me that his sales QUADRUPLED! Debbie, at TIMEX, could not say how many TS 2068 they had. I only hope that it was the reported 200,000 plus. Here is why:
1) To build yourself a powerful home computer system based on the 2068, you need to be able to have the following items:
a) External memory device - AVAILABLE - any cassette recorder
b) Quality monitor - AVAILABLE - several brands $99-999
c) Printer - AVAILABLE - TS 2040 thermal printer for
"everyday" use
d) RS232 interface - AVAILABLE - now you can use any serial
printer you can afford
e) Centronics interface - AVAILABLE ? a SINCUS member has built one, so
I believe it can be available.
f) Disc drive - ?????????? I have an English magazine that has
ads for the Sinclair Spectrum that
states they are shipping the Micro-
drives in England
g) Modem - AVAILABLE - at least one model is available
h) EVERYTHING ELSE WORTH HAVING IS BUILT IN - except voice synthesizer!
2) There existed a piece of software called “Chamelion” that converts the Spectrum software to the TIMEX 2068. If produced, the Spectrum has 2000 software titles for it. (Spectrum is the number 1 home computer in Europe with sales of 2,000,000 – there are only 7 million home computers in USA)
3) TIMEX has no reason not to provide service on the machines for the near future – long enough for us to enjoy the benefits before moving up!
4) The technical information will be available – look at all of the “cottage businesses” that grew up on the ZX-81/TS1000 market!
The final ingredient to make this work, it seems to me, is a new network of information. The Sinclair specific publications are shaky at best. I would like to volunteer as a clearing house for information. If you are a user group, send me your name PLUS the names of any user group that you know is still functioning. If you’re a supplier and want to advertise in a national Sinclair newsletter – write to me. May I suggest to suppliers that you consider supporting the user groups by approaching them with a package of your products in exchange for their sincere public, and promoted, demonstration of the Sinclair computers using your products. I will respond to every inquiry and compile all of the information sent to me for everyone’s use. Send it to:
GARY ENNIS
2K EXPRESS
P.O. Box 523
Owego, NY 13827