Timex is well known for building ZX81 and ZX Spectrum computers at its Dundee, Scotland facility. The Timex/Sinclair 1000 computers, on the other hand, were assembled by Timex Portugal. While Timex usually did all their own work, they did sometimes subcontract to other producers. One of those subcontracts resulted in “Made In Spain” printed circuit […]
“Made In Spain” ZX81 and TS1000 PCBs Read More »
Not long after the TS 2068 came out, some enterprising users figured out that they could replace the internal ROM with a Spectrum ROM and run almost all Spectrum software. There were essentially two methods: replace the internal ROM chip with something like the ROMSWITCH or use a Spectrum ROM on a cartridge. Initially both
How Did TS 2068 Users Make a Spectrum ROM? Read More »
Or “I finally learned how to use more memory” Often while folks gather and talk about their computers I hear something like this, “Why don’t you try this” and the almost standard reply is “I didn’t know you could do it that way, thanks” This article is the result of my being in that same
How To Enjoy an Expanded Timex 2068 Read More »
Here are some of the tools and programs I’ve been using to archive cassettes and disks for Timex/Sinclair computers. Audacity Available for Windows, Linux and Mac computers, Audacity is my go-to for converting cassette tapes to digital files. Audacity can record from just about any audio input source on your computer. My MacBook does not
Modern Tools for Working With TS Computers and Software Read More »
The TS 1500 video signal includes the back porch, a part of the video signal important to setting the black level and overall contrast. This is an improvement over most Sinclair ZX81 and some Timex/Sinclair 1000 computers, which did not produce the signal. Composite video output is available on pin 53 of the TS 1500 standard cell
TS 1500 Composite Video Output Read More »
In the late 1970s, computer hobbyists in Chicago set up the first public-access computerized bulletin board system (BBS). Inspired by physical bulletin boards in grocery stores and other public locations, bulletin board systems offered computer enthusiasts a way to communicate directly outside of user group meetings. Many BBSes provided an private user-to-user email system, open
Bulletin Board Systems Read More »
What Was CP/M? CP/M was a command-line disk operating system, initially developed for Intel 8080-based home and small business computers. Gary Kildall, who developed it, brought features and tools he’d used on mainframes and minicomputers to small computers with CP/M. CP/M offered a universal, consistent interface to between the hardware, operating system and software. Instead
CP/M for the Timex Sinclair 2068 Read More »
Two power supplies in the TS 2068 provide the 5 volts necessary for the computer’s CPU, ROM, RAM, SCLD, logic chips, and 12 volts for the video modulator. The primary power supply uses the LM78S40 switching voltage regulator to produce 5 volts. This voltage regulator has an op amp that drives the internal speaker. The
Upgrading the Power in Your Timex/Sinclair 2068 Read More »
This week I began reading and using “Timex Sinclair Color Graphics” by Nick Hampshire. I mentioned this book in my first blog entry. As a reminder, you can find a description and a pdf of the book here. As far as I can tell, all of these BASIC programs are available in the original version of the
Overview: Timex Sinclair Color Graphics, Chapter 1: “Colour Plotting” Read More »
I have not always been a fan of the Timex/Sinclair 2068 computer. Maybe this isn’t the best way to begin my first blog entry on David Anderson’s TimexSinclair.com website. Yet, that first sentence does show a bit of hope, don’t you agree? I haven’t always been an admirer of this relatively rare home computer from the
Timex Sinclair Color Graphics Read More »
