David and João, after an arduous journey, have successfully completed their in-depth analysis of the first batch of TS1500 documentation. The effort invested was truly rewarding as it has greatly enhanced our understanding of the computer’s development. Both projects (LOAD ZX museum and timexsinclair.com) benefited from dissecting all this information.
This seventh episode of “Timex Connection” examines October 1983 through July 1985 documentation, revealing post-launch developments. After a gap from May to October 1983, the documents show ongoing technical challenges and improvements.
The documentation reveals extensive cost reduction efforts, with detailed bill-of-materials showing the evolution from original six-chip designs to streamlined versions using Aztec modulators instead of onboard types. FCC certification documents for a “cartridge player” (the 1510) provide technical insights.
Remarkably, documents from May-July 1985 show continued cost reduction work and FCC approvals, suggesting the 1500 remained in production much later than expected. The episode also reveals discussions about PAL versions and potential UHF variants, plus evidence of Tony Gomes visiting Middlebury to discuss bringing the TC-2068 to the US market.