Timex Computer 2048

The TC-2048 or Timex Computer 2048 is a 1984 computer developed by Timex Portugal, the portuguese branch of Timex Corporation. It was based on the Timex Sinclair 2048 prototype, a 16k version of the TS-2068, with a similar redesign case, Kempston joystick interface and additional video modes.[1]

Timex Computer 2048
TypeHome computer
Release date1984 (1984)
Discontinued1989 (1989)
Operating systemSinclair BASIC
CPUZilog Z80A @ 3.5 MHz
Memory48 KB
PredecessorTimex Sinclair 2068
SuccessorKomputer 2086, Spectrum SE

It was highly compatible with the Sinclair ZX Spectrum computer, although differences in the ROM prevented 100% compatibility.[2]

Timex Portugal sold the TC 2048 in Portugal and Poland, where it was very successful, selling more than 10000 units.[3][4] Also, a NTSC version was sold in Chile.

This computer forms the basis of an improved Spectrum-compatible machine, the Spectrum SE.

Two modifications of the TC2048 exist:[5] the TC2128 (by STAVI)[6] and the TC2144 (by Jarek Adamski).[7] Both extend the RAM to 128K and upgrade the ULA to use four screen areas.

Technical specifications

CPU

  • Zilog Z80A @ 3.50 MHz

ROM

  • 16 KB

RAM

  • 48 KB

Display

  • Improved ULA offering additional screen modes:
    • Text: 32×24 characters (8×8 pixels, rendered in graphics mode)
    • Graphics: 256×192 pixels, 15 colours (two simultaneous colours - "attributes" - per 8×8 pixels, causing attribute clash)
    • Extended Color: 256×192 pixels, 15 colors with colour resolution of 32×192 (two simultaneous colours - "attributes" - per 1×8 pixels)
    • Dual Screen: (two 256×192 pixels screens can be placed in memory)
    • A monochrome 512×192 mode

Sound

  • Beeper (1 channel, 10 octaves and 10+ semitones via internal speaker) [By separate purchase the Joystick/Sound Unit was available to enhance sound and provide a joystick port.]

I/O

Storage

  • External cassette tape recorder
  • 1–8 external ZX Microdrives (using ZX Interface 1)
  • Timex FDD (Floppy Disk Drive System Power Supply, Controller and Disk Drive in separate cases. 16K RAM, Timex Operating System (TOS))
  • Timex FDD3000 (Enhanced version (all in one case) of the Timex FDD but upgraded to 64K RAM & TOS with two Hitachi 3″ disk drives)

See also

References
  1. http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?st=1&c=935
  2. http://timex.comboios.info/tc2048.html
  3. http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?st=1&c=935
  4. http://oldcomputer.info/8bit/timex2048/index.htm
  5. http://www.worldofspectrum.org/faq/reference/tmxreference.htm
  6. http://timex.comboios.info/ts2128.html
  7. http://www.sinclair.pw/2005/Dec/13/28048.html


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