Timex/Sinclair Online User Group Meeting November 17, 2024

Date: November 17, 2024

Timex Joystick for Fairchild Channel F
David Anderson, Joe Vandezande, and Adam Trionfo discussed a 1983 Timex joystick for the Fairchild Channel F, noting its unique features and considering a teardown to explore its internals. Joe compared it to a similar model, discussing modifications for better functionality.

Emulators and File Naming Standards
David Solly needed help with the Zx Spectrum Next emulator. David Anderson recommended Zesarux over C-spec and discussed using Fuse for tape recordings. The team also debated file naming standards and header information.

Minimum Hardware for Tenet System
Gustavo inquired about the minimum hardware for running the tenant system. Johnny recommended a setup including one master and two slave boards, discussing newer FPGA boards and interface boards designed by Yarek Adamski for better connectivity.

FDD Systems and Zebra Discussion
The discussion centered on FDD 3000 units and Zebra systems, both sourced from Portugal. Variations in system versions and the potential use of Gotek emulators were highlighted. The team also noted the use of 3-inch Hitachi drives in these systems.

TS-Pico
Ryan talked about his issues in developing a menu-based navigator for the TS-Pico.
**Doc Files Functionality and Compatibility**
The team examined the functionality of Doc files in emulators, discussing their ability to modify data banks and compatibility issues. They agreed on the Pico’s capability to handle Doc files affecting Home ROM and XROM.

**Pico Loader Issues and Doc Functionality**
Ryan reported problems with the Pico loader handling Doc files, suspecting a memory leak. The team considered focusing on tap files as a more immediate solution, though some supported shipping basic Doc functionality.

**Programming Issues and Hardware Discussions**
Timothy discussed porting Zx Basic to the 2068, encountering issues with string functions. The team also discussed Boreal Basic and other programming topics. Peyton planned to delve into programming the 2068, with David Anderson cautioning about manual inaccuracies.

**Programming, Scripting, and Emulators Discussed**
The group, including Peyton and Gustavo, discussed programming challenges, scripting applications, and emulator issues. Plans for holiday-themed programs and updates on the CX 81 reference card were also shared. The meeting concluded with a note on Archive.org’s recovery from a hacking incident.

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