Timex Computer 3256
Type | AY-3-8912 |
---|---|
Predecessor | Timex Sinclair 2068 |
The TC 3256[1][2] or Timex Computer 3256 was a 1987[3] computer created by Timex of Portugal, a branch of Timex Corporation.[4][5][6]
It was a third generation
Besides the legacy Sinclair BASIC, the ROM included a word processor (Timeword), Timex Extended Basic (with support for the Tenet[5] network, floppy disks and RAM drive) and a CP/M terminal emulator. RAM was expanded to 256kb.
At least one prototype was built, but the machine never reached the market due to Timex of Portugal shutting down its production line before its release.[5][9]
Technical specifications
- Zilog Z80A
- 64K
- 16K Sinclair BASIC
- 16K Timeword text processor[8]
- 16K Timex Extended Basic (Tenet, disk, RAM drive)
- 16K CP/M terminal emulator
- 256K
- 208K RAM drive
- 48K base memory
Display
- Timex SCLD chip[9][10][11] instead of the Spectrum's ULA, offering additional screen modes:
- Text: 32×24 or 64x32 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 two color 512×192 mode
Sound
- Beeper (1 channel, 10 octaves and 10+ semitones via internal speaker)
- AY-3-8912
I/O
- RS-232
- Cartridge port
- Tape audio in/out for external cassette tape storage
- RF television out
- Composite video monitor out
- RGBmonitor out
- Kempston Joystick input
Storage
- External cassette tape recorder
- Disk Drive: TOS / CP/M
Keyboard
- 69 keys with cursors, numpad and function keys
See also
References
- ^ "Visit guide". Museum LOAD ZX Spectrum. Retrieved 2022-12-13.
- ^ "Timex FDD-3000". Silicium (in French). 2003. Retrieved 2022-12-13.
- ^ a b Prata, Fernando (May 13, 1987). "TC 3256: A proposta Timex no mundo das aplicações profissionais" [TC 3256: The Timex proposal in the world of professional applications] (PDF). Micro Se7e (in Portuguese). No. 46. pp. 1–2.
- ^ Red, Johnny (2001). "Timex Computer 3256". Timex Computer World (in Portuguese).
- ^ a b c Adamski, Jarek (2009). "Timex Computer 3256". 8bit Projects For Everyone.
- ^ Red, Johnny (2001). "Timex Computer 3256 Prototype". Timex Computer World.
- ^ Owen, Andrew (July 7, 2022). "Updating a 40-year-old computer design". Andrew Owen | Writer | Designer. Retrieved 2022-12-13.
- ^ a b "Timex Computer 3256, Timex Portugal". Kio's Sinclair ZX Computers Archive.
- ^ a b Florindo, Bruno. "CIRCE - AMERICAN COUSINS" (PDF). Byte High No Limit (22): 64.
- ^ "SCLD Chip". Timex/Sinclair - The Authoritative Website for Timex/Sinclair Computers. Retrieved 2023-01-27.
- ^ "Scld in spectrusty::chip::scld - Rust". docs.rs. Retrieved 2023-01-27.
External links