KRADLE eliminates the major deficiencies of your Timex / Sinclair computer with a full-sized 50 key keyboard, 64K bytes of RAM, a cassette read enhancer, a joystick interface, and other good things in a compact metal case that also holds your fully assembled computer. KRADLE installs easily and requires no computer disassembly. Its low-power design runs cool, using your present power supply, and special circuitry and the all-metal package help minimize TV interference.
KRADLE’s conventionally styled keyboard uses tactile “click” switches and has a wide space bar with double width keys for Enter and two Shift
keys, plus nine extra keys that are automatically shifted :
- Function – Delete
- Edit – List
- Graphic – four Cursor Arrows
The legends on and around KRADLE’s keytops are color coded (like your computer’s) and very wear resistant.
KRADLE has a full 64K of RAM under a flexible memory mapping scheme that is compatible with existing RAM packs. Even memory mapped peripherals fit with minimal loss of usable memory space. BASIC can use the top 48K for programs and data, while all but the top 16K is usable for machine language programs. Two blocks of 4K can be individually disabled via switches, and the bottom 8K can be switched between ROM to RAM under software (machine language) control.
KRADLE includes a Cassette Read Enhancer that makes tape recorder play-back volume less important. It suppresses hum and noise and prevents a “ground loop” so both cassette cables can remain connected at all times. Tapes will load easier and more reliably, often even eliminating the need for an external filter with “fast load” routines.
KRADLE’s top mounted pilot light tells when the computer is powered. Improved reset circuitry in KRADLE starts your computer properly every
time, also preventing operation under normally undetectable low supply voltage conditions. This reset circuit is insensitive to how big or small a power supply is used, or how fast or slow it turns on.
On KRADLE’s back panel is a joystick connecter that matches with Atari 2600 TV-game joysticks, letting it act as the “Graphic” and four arrow
keys. The back panel has new connectors for EAR, MIC, and 9V DC, as well as an extension of the computer’s bus for use with standard peripherals and ROM packs. Two extra openings on the back allow KRADLE to support plug-in expansion options, such as the KRADLE Communicator – serial expansion with real RS-232 capability, and the KRADLE Manipulator – parallel expansion with 16 (+4) lines of digital I/O.
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