ITEM: The December issue of DISCOVER, and presumably other magazines, has an 8-page booklet from TIMEX with the comic strip character B.C. introducing the TS2068 and the following peripherals: TS2040 32-column thermal printer ($99.95, nothing new), TS2050 Modem ($119.95, no mention whether it is TS1000-compatible), TS2020 Program Recorder ($49.95, cassette recorder), TS2090 Command Stick ($14.95 each, game controller). Some of the software touted in the booklet are an auto mechanic program, foreign language teaching, IRA interest, flight simulation, drag race, spelling, astronomy, solar heating, and spelling. The hardware is available from Timex Computer Corp., P.O.Box 3138, Wallingford, CT 06492. (Add $5.00 handling; TS2068 price is $199.95.)
ITEM: The Timex Sinclair Amateur Radio Users Group is made up of computer users who are interested in putting their Timex or Sinclair computers to use in amateur radio operations. Most of the members are not computer experts, and most but not all are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission to operate in the amateur radio service.
The group publishes a journal called QZX, which is the main benefit of membership. It is sent monthly by first class mail to all members. Membership is $12 per year (with a $7 surcharge for members who live outside of the United States, Canada, and Mexico). The journal publishes complete programs and hardware projects submitted by members. The journal also publishes personal items about the members and information about operating events such as nets in which the members might be interested.
Those who wish to join (and they need not be licensed amateurs) can do so by sending $12 dues to Alex. F. Burr, K5XY; [address omitted].
ITEM: Hawg Wild Software recently announced a new set of programs for amateur radio enthusiasts. The programs are called the “Ham-Hacker” series. The series includes:
- Morse code (16K). Code practice with built-in audio tone. $14.95
- MiniMUF 3.5. A maximum usable frequency radio propagation program. $17.95
- CE Amp – Common Emitter Amplifier design/test program. $19.95
Prices are discounted 10% until December 15, 1983. Available from Hawg Wild, P.O.Box 7668, Little Rock, AR 72217.
ITEM: Just got our new 32-page catalog from E. Arthur Brown. They sell all the Timex hardware, all Memotech products, Basicare products, and others. And they sell their own line of MKIV peripherals including a keyboard (with optional numerical keypad), a modem, keyboard overlays, and 16K and 64K memories. They have tried to select an assortment of peripherals with maximum compatibility with other products. The catalog is attractive and informative. Available from: E. Arthur Brown Co., 1702 Oak Knoll Drive, Alexandria, MN 56308.
ITEM: TIMEX has a hotline for Timex users. Just dial their toll free number 1-800-24-TIMEX and (if you can get through) the Timex Technical Support Group will provide a quick answer to your hardware or software questions. Monday thru Friday, 8AM to 8PM, ET.
ITEM: TIMEX also has a personal computer club. Members receive an official newsletter filled with creative programming ideas and early notice of new products. Write to Timex Personal Computer Club, Timex Computer Corporation, Waterbury, CT 06725.
ITEM: In England, Sinclair Research has unveiled a compact, continuous loop tape-drive and interface for the Spectrum called the ZX Microdrive. The approximately 1½ inch-wide tape cartridge has an 85K capacity and an average access time of 3½ seconds. The tape drive requires a $50.00 interface unit but the interface can handle up to eight drives. (The drives are $75.00 each.) The interface has an RS-232 port and a local-area network port. It is expected to be marketed in the U.S. for the Timex 2068. Sinclair Research, Ltd., 23 Motcomb Street, London, England SW1X 8LB.