PRODUCT: WINKY BOARD 2000
DISCRIPTION: Cassette/Computer Interface
PRICE: $22.95
AVAILABLE FROM: G. RUSSELL ELECTRONICS
R.D. 1, Box 539
Centre Hall, PA 16828
You know by now that there are many, many software packages available for the TS 2068. And with the advent of the various Spectrum conversion kits, even more will be at your disposal. This helps to make the loss of Timex bearable. As long as there is software out there to use, we will be happy.
But what about the problem we face loading this software? You also know that all T/S computers are somewhat stubborn, even finicky when it come to loading cassette software. You start to load a new piece of software, and you get the “Tape Loading Error” message.
Yes, there are Disk Drive systems available, but for now there is next to nothing available on disk. You have to load from cassette, and save to disk yourself. And, many people can not afford the cost of the Disk Drive systems, so they will be staying with the cassettes.
There is an inexpensive product that will help you to load any stubborn cassette, and also allow you to make backup copies of any TS 2068 or Spectrum software. (It IS legal to make backup copies…but not to sell them!)
The WINKY BOARD 2000 from G. Russell Electronics is a small load filter board that plugs into your line between the 2068 (or ANY T/S computer) and your cassette player. It contains 2 LEDs, for indicating load levels, and the necessary components to clean up the line for better load levels.
I have been using my WINKY BOARD for about 2 months, and have had great success with it. If you have a second cassette recorder, you can use the WINKY BOARD to make backup copies at the same time you load them into your computer. Even Machine Code programs are a snap to copy!
G. RUSSELL ELECTRONICS seem to be on the forefront of T/S electronics. They are the producers of the famous ROMSWITCH, that allows you to have 2 computers in one, and the SRS (Speech Recognition System), that allows you to “talk” to your computer! I will be reviewing these other products from G. RUSSELL in the next few months.