2040 Printer - Clonable?
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2040 Printer - Clonable?
I am new, but I would like to ask about the TS2040 printer. Knowing how difficult it would likely be to find one in decent condition, how difficult would it be to assemble a reasonable "clone" of one? Perhaps it could be set up to use the same type of paper and ribbon as some printing calculators? I don't know. I suppose that if there were a schematic available it could be done. Any thoughts? I am asking because I am considering using a TS1000 as the control for a basic robot and would like to having the ability to print out from it.
Christopher L. Rose
Re: 2040 Printer - Clonable?
The TS2040 is not actually very difficult to find in working condition - I recently sold 3 of them.
It is also a rebadged Alphacom 32 printer, so you may need to search for that.
It is also a rebadged Alphacom 32 printer, so you may need to search for that.
Rich Mellor
RWAP Software
RWAP Adventures
SellMyRetro
Retro-Printer Module
Also Involved in:
Icephorm
RWAP Software
RWAP Adventures
SellMyRetro
Retro-Printer Module
Also Involved in:
Icephorm
Re: 2040 Printer - Clonable?
I agree there are Quite a few Alphacom32s about, I have two in regular use one since 85 very reliable and paper easy to find.
The only "Quirk" I find with them is that when used with Memotech memory packs, programs like the assembler ZXAS or MCODER2 suffer screen corruption then a white-out. It only seems to affect programs that lower ramtop and store data above ramtop.
The Sinclair/Timex ones don't have this problem.
A forum member from the long defunct TS1000 site suffered a similar problem unfortunately with no resolution.
Moggy
The only "Quirk" I find with them is that when used with Memotech memory packs, programs like the assembler ZXAS or MCODER2 suffer screen corruption then a white-out. It only seems to affect programs that lower ramtop and store data above ramtop.
The Sinclair/Timex ones don't have this problem.
A forum member from the long defunct TS1000 site suffered a similar problem unfortunately with no resolution.
Moggy
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Re: 2040 Printer - Clonable?
I did some searching on the internet today and found this:
http://k1.dyndns.org/Vintage/Sinclair/
I was able to download the 25 page service manual for the sinclair printer. I think with a minor modification to the circuit (to reduce power consumption to 1.5VDC) I can otherwise create a reasonable clone of the printer, at least insofar as the computer itself will be concerned. This will probably be a summer project though, got too much to do still as it is, including verifying that my Timex Sinclair even works.
http://k1.dyndns.org/Vintage/Sinclair/
I was able to download the 25 page service manual for the sinclair printer. I think with a minor modification to the circuit (to reduce power consumption to 1.5VDC) I can otherwise create a reasonable clone of the printer, at least insofar as the computer itself will be concerned. This will probably be a summer project though, got too much to do still as it is, including verifying that my Timex Sinclair even works.
Christopher L. Rose
Re: 2040 Printer - Clonable?
Cloning Sinclairs printer is a bit of a dead end as it wasn't a thermal printer like the Alphacom but a spark printer which used special silvered paper, long since unobtainable. (except for the 40 odd rolls I have)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spark_printer
Regards.
Moggy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spark_printer
Regards.
Moggy
Re: 2040 Printer - Clonable?
what's that Smell.... smells like fresh flux and solder fumes...
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Re: 2040 Printer - Clonable?
I wasn't planning to perfectly clone it. I was planning on doing something more to the effect of the set up for a modern printing calculator. My plan is to extract the printer of a used printing calculator (once I am certain that it works) and then to replicate the circuit from the TS 2040. I know some printing calculators use thermal paper, so that is a possibility. For my particular project, I need to make everything as compact as possible. The simple truth is I plan to use my ZX81 as the CPU for a simple robot design, though in the vein of an older sci-fi style robot.
Christopher L. Rose
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Re: 2040 Printer - Clonable?
I decided to get a printer last year, as I fancied doing some creative things with my ZX81. I researched it a bit and decided against a ZX Printer, because of the type of paper needed. The Alphacom 32 seemed like just what I needed, and I picked one up on eBay. They're often available, paper is easy to find, and the quality of print is pretty good - is it really worth the hassle of trying to clone it? I'd suggest not...the TS2040/Alphacom 32s are built like little tanks and will last you pretty much forever.
Lee
Lee
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Re: 2040 Printer - Clonable?
PrimitivePerson wrote: is it really worth the hassle of trying to clone it?
Lee
Given my present budget and the only one I can find on ebay is $80 USD, yes, it is worth the hassle.
Christopher L. Rose
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Re: 2040 Printer - Clonable?
What about Item number: 260934818732
ZX81 Variations
ZX81 Chip Pin-outs
ZX81 Video Transistor Buffer Amp
Standby alert
There are four lights!
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb
Looking forward to summer later in the year.
ZX81 Chip Pin-outs
ZX81 Video Transistor Buffer Amp
Standby alert
There are four lights!
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb
Looking forward to summer later in the year.