This sixth episode of “Timex Connection” examines April-May 1983 documentation, revealing the intense final push toward the TS-1500 launch. The hosts discover detailed logic diagrams for the NCR SCLD chip showing multiple revisions (A through H), demonstrating the iterative development process with weekly updates.
A crucial document provides the complete US analysis comparing the Portuguese alternative (using Ferranti ULA and existing inventory) versus the Middlebury design (using NCR SCLD). While Portugal’s version offered cost advantages, it suffered from severe RFI emissions, thermal problems after 20-25 minutes of operation, and poor video quality described as “worse than TS-1000 with rampack.”
The documentation reveals corporate politics and frustration between teams, with both sides competing while supposedly cooperating. May 1983 shows critical RFI testing failures, shipping delays of cases and keyboards, and desperate attempts to meet certification requirements just weeks before the announced launch.
The episode uncovers evidence of PCB manufacturing by Presswick Circuits Limited and details about tape loading improvements. Despite the intense pressure and technical challenges, the final decision between competing designs remains unclear in the available documentation.