Timex Computer 2048

This article is about the Timex Computer 2048 (TC 2048). For the similarly named but different ZX Spectrum-variant prototype intended for sale in North America, see Timex Sinclair 2048 (TS 2048).
Timex Computer 2048
Type Home computer
Release date 1984 (1984)
Discontinued 1989 (1989)
Operating system Sinclair BASIC
CPU Zilog Z80A @ 3.5 MHz
Memory 48 KB
Predecessor ZX Spectrum
Successor Timex Sinclair 2068, Spectrum SE

The TC-2048 or Timex Computer 2048 is a 1984 computer created by "Timex North American, Lda", a 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]

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


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