TS Machines Thrive In South America
When the Timex Computer Corporation here in the States closed their doors for good, a rumor was going around that thousands of TS2068’s had been “dumped” upon the South American consumer electronics market. But the rumor couldn’t be substantiated and was soon forgotten. Later on, an “unauthorized” Spectrum clone was discovered in Brazil, along with a dubious software supply. The manufacturer of the Brazilian Spectrum had even improved some of the bugs in the original Sinclair ROM. Versions of this improved ROM found it’s way here in the U.S., and some Spectrum Emulator boards for the TS2068 featured the chip.
The extent of the Timex Sinclair market in South America wasn’t realized until just recently, and it appears that the TS activity is in Argentina, the most educated country in Latin America (and ranks very high world-wide). Christian Pusso, Director of the largest computer publication in Argentina, called “K64”, recently reported to TIME DESIGNS, “The market here in Argentina is strongly formed by Commodore 64, 128, MSX compatibles, Timex Sinclair, Atari 800/130, Apple Macintosh, IBM PC’s and its clones…all assumed to be a total of 500,000 home and PC users”.
Laws are very strict in some of the South American countries on importing large quantities of computer goods, forcing many manufacturers (including Commodore) to license existing companies within the country to assemble the computers and then distribute them. In this case, the CZERWENY (an odd-sounding name) Company is licensed through Timex (and more than likely, Timex of Portugal) to manufacture the CZ1000 (the TS1000) and the CZ2000 (the TS2068). Other Timex “clones” and Spectrum clones are widely available…along with stock (U.S. versions) of the Timex Sinclair line.
Many South Americans are discovering the powerful capabilities of the TS machines, and their lower cost is especially appealing. Many computer dealers feature add-ons and software. Devices to convert the 2068 into a Spectrum, like emulators and twister boards are the most popular. Spectrum games and other programs are readily available.
The impact of this South American Timex Sinclair “connection” may be far-reaching. The need for an information exchange is great, and currently there is a great interest in programming and low-cost disk drive systems.
Sinclair Clones In The Kremlin
TDM contributor, J. Kevin Paulsen, brought this to our attention: In the March 16th issue of INSIGHT Magazine (published by The Washington Times) an article on the Soviet Union’s attempt at catching up with the microcomputer technology race was featured. The interesting article pointed out how the Soviet’s have surpassed the West in many areas except for the development of inexpensive personal computers for the masses. The author reports that, “It is a system in which access even to typewriters and copying machines is carefully guarded, out of fear of dissident and other unofficial communications. Printers are not available on the open market, and computer components are prohibitively priced”.
But the most surprising revelation is that the Soviets have started to manufacture computer “clones”. “Smaller computers with brand names such as Agat, Iskra, and Electronika began to dribble off assembly lines, closely resembling machines from IBM, Apple Computer Inc and Sinclair Research Ltd.“.
Newest Sinclair
TDM correspondent, Bob Lussier, supplied us with information on the new SPECTRUM PLUS 3 computer which will replace the current 128K+2 model shortly. The computer makes history as the first Sinclair with a disk drive unit, and it is also a return to the old black styling we had grown accustomed to, plus several other new features makes this the ideal personal computer. It’s sad though to think that Sir Clive had no hand in this latest version of the time-tested ZX Spectrum. Instead, the forward marketing strategies of Amstrad are the driving forces behind this new micro.
Along with the built-in 3″ Amstrad floppy drive, there is also a built in Centronics printer port, an auxiliary disk drive port for adding a second drive, MIDI port, RGB monitor connection, twin joystick ports, and standard cassette tape I/O ports. The DOS is a version of Amstrad’s own Ams-DOS, but has been modified, and uses the old Microdrive commands exclusively. The price of the Spectrum Plus 3 is £249, and includes a disk with six games, plus a joystick. The Spectrum Plus 2 now sells for £149. For further info, you can write to: Sinclair, Brentwood House, 169 Kings Road, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4EF, U.K.
CP/M is compatible with the built-in disk operating system, but Amstrad has released no plans to offer a CP/M emulator. However, outside developers are currently working on such a system. In fact, most of the large software houses in Great Britain are enthused about the new Spectrum and are gearing up for production of new game software supplied on the 3″ disk format. To quote one source, “From a software point of view the 128K Plus 3 means that huge games–similar to the best of the US Commodore 64 disk-based programs will be possible. The way these work is to load in sections of the game as you play–deleting those areas of the game you’ve already played through from memory, as you go”.
More Computer Fests Announced
“Mini-Fair” Comes to the Northwest
Plans abound for regional and national TS computer fests. It has been said that the future of our Timex Sinclair community depends on gatherings such as these. Now more users will be able to attend this next year due to a variety of locations currently being proposed.
The three user groups from the Bay Area of Northern California are currently making plans for a “Silicon Valley TS Computer Fest” to be held somewhere in the South Bay Area, and a suggested date of June 1988. The region offers itself as an excellent family vacation spot, as well as the “bargain hunter’s dream”…several large electronic parts houses are nearby. For further information write to: Norm Lehfeldt, [address omitted].
Four user groups from Florida are currently working on details for the “Sunstate TS Winterfest ’88” to be held in Orlando, Florida, either at the end of February or first part of March 1988…an exact date has not been set yet. The Central Florida area is the number one vacation destination in America, with Walt Disney World nearby. Along with U.S. dealers of Sinclair merchandise, the planning committee will invite companies from the U.K. as well. A 24 hr. BBS has been set up to serve as an information exchange on the Winterfest. The phone number is: (904) 775-0093 (7/1/N). Or write to: Mary-Lynn Johnson, [address omitted].
Good News for TS users in the Northwest–the “Timex Sinclair Mini-Fair” will be held on Saturday, September 26th, 1987, in Seattle, Washington. Hours are 10 am to 5:30 pm, and small admission charge of $2 per person ($3 for family) will be charged at the door. Five user groups from the region will be participate, along with at least six TS dealers. The TS Mini-Fair is sponsored in part by Time Designs Magazine and RMG Enterprises. Nine guest speakers are planned for a wide variety of Sinclair topics and interests. As of this writing the exact location had not been established. For further information write to: TDM, 29722 Hult Rd., Colton, OR 97017.
Other TS computer fests have been discussed for both the Midwest again, and one for the Eastcoast. Watch this space for further developments.