All TIMEX Sinclair computer products have been carefully engineered and tested to provide dependable and trouble-free service. However, since no complex system can ever be made 100% “fail-safe”, a malfunction may unexpectedly crop up on rare occasions.
Please do remember that your computer — tiny as it is — is actually a complex, sophisticated, and sensitive electronic instrument. Thus, any repairs should only be made by a trained and qualified technician.
Unauthorized attempts to disassemble and fix your computer could result in the following consequences: First, tampering with the computer will void the warranty; you will be billed for servicing that otherwise would have been performed free-of-charge. Secondly, what originally may have been a small, fast job may have been transformed into a time-consuming major overhaul.
THE RIGHT RX
Your TIMEX Sinclair 1000™ Personal Computer is a sturdy, well-constructed instrument. Nevertheless, observing a few common sense precautions will help to extend the life of the unit:
- Use a damp, lint-free cloth to periodically clean your computer of dust, dirt, and grime
- Install your computer in a reasonably secure location — one that is not prone to injury (i.e. falling off a table)
- Periodically check for loose electrical connections and frayed wires
- Don’t overload house electrical circuits by connecting too many power plugs to the same wall socket
- Although the membrane keyboard is reasonably resistant to damage, avoid spilling liquids and other debris on its surface and avoid the use of sharp objects to press the keys — this will help to promote long and reliable operation
WHEN REPAIRS ARE NECESSARY
TIMEX maintains a fully-equipped, fully-staffed internal repair facility at Little Rock, Arkansas. Our trained technicians stand ready to make all necessary repairs.
Experience has demonstrated that a large percentage of those computers — that are returned for service — actually do not require repairs. So, before returning your computer, refer to the following troubleshooting table to determine if repairs are really needed.
TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR COMPUTER
SYMPTOM PROBABLE CAUSE REMEDY
"SNOW" OR "FUZZ" ON Incorrect Computer Refer to the installation diagram in your T/S User
TV SCREEN Installation Manual and install the computer correctly.
Loose Electrical Check all electrical connections and confirm that
Connections they are tight.
Maladjusted Fine Tuning Adjust fine tuning control on the TV until the
Control interference disappears.
Switch Box Set to Wrong Set two-position switch on the switch box to
Position position COMPUTER.
Channel Selectors Set to Confirm that channel selector switch on TV and on
Wrong Position the underside of the computer are both set to the
same channel.
Loose RAM Module Disconnect the 9V DC power cord to the computer.
(if used) Detach the RAM Module from circuit card at rear of
computer. Carefully but securely reinstall the RAM
Module. Restore power to the computer by
reconnecting the 9V DC adaptor.
CAN'T GET K CURSOR ON Loose Electrical Check all electrical connections between the TV
TV SCREEN Connections and the computer and confirm that they are tight.
Loose Power Cord Plug Disconnect 9V DC power connector at the computer.
Then reattach the connector. It may be necessary
to repeat this step several times; you can also
jiggle the connector until the K cursor is
produced.
K Cursor Off-Screen Adjust the TV horizontal control until the K
cursor appears at the bottom of the screen.
Loose Ram Module (if used) Refer to previously described remedy.
PROGRAM WON'T RUN — Incorrect Syntax Program statement is written incorrectly and will
S CURSOR (MARKER) IS need to be revised. Refer to the T/S User Manual
DISPLAYED for assistance.
PROGRAM WON'T RUN — Incorrect Program Logic Program logic is faulty and the program stops.
ERROR CODE IS Error code (refer to report code definitions in
DISPLAYED AT BOTTOM the T/S User Manual) identifies reason why the
OF SCREEN program stopped and line at which the program
stopped.
Debug the program; refer to the T/S User Manual
for assistance.
PROGRAM RUNS, BUT Using RUN Command to Use of RUN command deletes all user-entered data
WITHOUT DATA YOU'VE Initiate Program stored in memory. Instead of the RUN command use
ALREADY ENTERED GOTO command to initiate the program — refer to
the instructions that accompany your TIMEX
software cassette.
PROGRAM WON'T LOAD Loose Electrical Check all electrical connections between the
Connections computer, the TV and the tape recorder; confirm
that they are tight.
Improper Recorder to Tape recorder and the computer are not connected
Computer Interconnections ear-to-ear, or different color connectors are used.
Check the Transmitting Cable and confirm that the
same color connectors are secured to the EAR jacks
on both the tape recorder and the computer.
The EAR and the MIC jacks should never be
connected simultaneously.
Volume Level Too High or Correct tape recorder volume is important.
Too Low Experiment with the volume level until the program
does load (loading will usually occur when volume
level is set within a range of 1/2-to 3/4-of
maximum volume).
Heads of Tape Recorder are A simple and inexpensive adjustment can be
Misaligned performed at your local electronics store.
Improper Naming The correct method of saving a program is to use
Conventions When Program the SAVE command and the new program name in
has been Saved quotes (i.e. SAVE "NEW PROGRAM NAME").
Computer Cannot Read Load program with the following alternate loading
Program Name command: LOAD ""
PROGRAM WON'T SAVE Loose Electrical Refer to remedy under "Program Won't Load."
Connections
Improper Recorder to Tape recorder and the computer are not connected
Computer Interconnections MIC-TO-MIC, or different color connectors are
used.
Check the transmitting cable and confirm that the
same color connectors are secured to the MIC jacks
in both the tape recorder and the computer.
The MIC and the EAR jacks should never be
connected simultaneously.
Poor Quality Tape Cassette Use only high-quality tape cassettes.
TO RETURN YOUR COMPUTER
If, after reviewing the troubleshooting data and attempting to correct the difficulty (do not attempt to disassemble your computer — use only the troubleshooting techniques listed in the table) the symptoms are still present, call our Hot Line 1-800-24-TIMEX to speak with one of our representatives.
In the event that you are instructed to return your computer for service, ship your computer to:
TIMEX Product Service Center
Building 19
Adams Field
Little Rock, AR 72203
Please do be sure to enclose a letter explaining the difficulty you’ve encountered and your name and address (please print as well).
Finally, for your own protection, we recommend that your computer be insured against loss or damage during transit.