Dear Ed,
Will the TS-2000 be able to use the exact same language and commands as the TS-1000? Also, I am planning to get a TS-1500 for my son for Christmas. Will there be any problems using my old 1000 programs?
E. Pavalak – Tempe AZ
Dear Ernie,
The TS-2000 will not only use the same language and commands as the 1000 (see 2000 article, this issue), but will also have many more commands. It will have as many as 6 functions per key instead of 5.
Tapes for the 1000 will not load into the 2000. For one thing, the baud rate is 4 times (1200 baud or bits per second – 8 bits in a byte – one byte per character) as fast as the 1000. Speculation is that if the 1000 programs could be speeded up to 4 times their normal loading rate, the 1000 programs will operate in the 2000. This remains to be found out.
The 1500 is identical to the 1000 except that it has 16K internal RAM (16K RAMpack can be added for 32K) and moving keys instead of the membrane. I have loaded 1000 programs into the 1500, both BASIC and machine language – Ed.
Dear Ed,
I just purchased the TS-2040 printer. I own a Memotech 16K RAMpack and a TS RAMpack. The computer works fine with the TS pack but hangs up wit the Memotech. The “K” cursor will not appear and the computer seems to be executing a “NEW” command over and over again.
Are the Memotech RAMpack and TS-2040 not compatable?
Sincerely – R. Ledo, Tulsa, OK
Dear Bob,
Both the Memotech RAMpack and the TS-2040 are designed to connect directly to the 1000 with whatever peripheral attatched to the rear piggyback connector. I have had the same problem and know of no way to overcome it. You might try writing to Memotech direct and see if they can offer some kind of modification – Ed
Dear Ed,
How can a space be typed into the “BABY SYNTEXT” program? The April issue states that the BREAK key can not be used. The BREAK key is the SPACE key!
Sincerely Yours – E. Tam – San Francisco, CA
Dear Eric,
This is one of the weak features of the 1000. The 2000 will require that the SHIFT key be pressed with the BREAK/SPACE key in order for the program to break.
A space can be typed on the 1000 by using the shifted right arrow key. If a space is needed in existing text, use the insertion mode as explained in the documentation along with the shifted right arrow key – Ed.
Dear Ed,
As a subscriber, I am obligated to write and express my feelings about Timex. I was sad to find out that the 16K 2000 series computer is not going to be manufactured. Now I am stuck with a decision. Whether to upgrade my TS-1000 or go on to another system, which I really do not want to do.
I have also written Timex a letter telling them how I feel.
Keep up the good work. You have an excellent magazine!
Sincerely yours – B. Mobley, Akron, OH
Dear Bryan,
From the content of your letter, I believe you are not aware that only the 16K version has been dropped. The 48K RAM 2068 model should be available soon. If you are aware of this and the $200.00 price is what turns you off, then keep in mind that the 16K version would have been only $50.00 cheaper.
The only other popular color computer computer that I aware of that sells for less than $200.00 is the TI-99/4A, which is selling almost everywhere for $100.00 with rebate, or the Atari 400. Both these computers have drawbacks which I feel make the 2068 a bargain, particularly when it comes to cost of expansion.
Timex’s thinking regarding dropping the 16K model was based on two premises. The late entry into the competitive market would give the 16K version a certain amount of obsolesence and by dropping the 16K version, the 48K model could be produced faster and in greater quantities. The small production quantities of the 1500 are also related to concentrating on their main effort – that is marketing the TS-2068 – Ed.