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Hello I took a Timex out of the Library in 1983
Posted: Tue May 04, 2021 4:19 pm
by TS1000 Library User
![TimexComputerPower.jpg](./download/file.php?id=9687)
- TimexComputerPower.jpg (8.37 KiB) Viewed 4430 times
Hi!
I had a 4K TRS-80 when
my local library obtained Timex Sinclair 1000's for patrons to take out on loan like books.
It was fascinating to check out the Timex Sinclair 1000 and Sinclair BASIC, and the 2K was quite usable with the screen efficient memory scheme.
I didn't get to keep the Micro long enough to get as familiar with it as I wanted to as a programmer, and always wanted one of my own despite having a TRS-80 that was also an excellent machine!
I've been planning to pick one up with working keys if I can find one so I can actually use it with CRT again, there was something mesmerizing about programming the old machines connected to a classic Television that is lost Today - it was so easy to lose track of time.
I'd like to write a 2K game with the 64x48 block graphics and learn about the new methods for hi-res programming.
I'd also like to explore what might be possible with the sound using the cassette port,
this tune by yerzmyey is fantastic but uses additional sound hardware, the TRS-80 was also intended to have no sound hardware but could be made to
output sound through the cassette.
Re: Hello I took a Timex out of the Library in 1983
Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 2:32 pm
by Moggy
Hi TS1000.
Welcome to our little forum.
There's stack of information on the forum that should make for interesting reading, some of which covers your interests,plus some very knowledgeable folk who will help with any queries you might have.
Feel free to join in and again welcome aboard!
Regards.
Moggy.
Re: Hello I took a Timex out of the Library in 1983
Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 3:46 pm
by BarryN
TS1000 Library User wrote: ↑Tue May 04, 2021 4:19 pm
TimexComputerPower.jpg
Hi!
I had a 4K TRS-80 when
my local library obtained Timex Sinclair 1000's for patrons to take out on loan like books.
It was fascinating to check out the Timex Sinclair 1000 and Sinclair BASIC, and the 2K was quite usable with the screen efficient memory scheme.
I didn't get to keep the Micro long enough to get as familiar with it as I wanted to as a programmer, and always wanted one of my own despite having a TRS-80 that was also an excellent machine!
I've been planning to pick one up with working keys if I can find one so I can actually use it with CRT again, there was something mesmerizing about programming the old machines connected to a classic Television that is lost Today - it was so easy to lose track of time.
I'd like to write a 2K game with the 64x48 block graphics and learn about the new methods for hi-res programming.
I'd also like to explore what might be possible with the sound using the cassette port,
this tune by yerzmyey is fantastic but uses additional sound hardware, the TRS-80 was also intended to have no sound hardware but could be made to
output sound through the cassette.
The original hardware does show up on eBay from time to time and modern replacement parts are available, such as new keyboards and replacement ULA chips. There are also the EightyOne and SZ81 emulators which support a number of features.
There is even this project:
https://revspace.nl/ZX81plus38_simple_t ... X-81_clone
Re: Hello I took a Timex out of the Library in 1983
Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 7:18 pm
by TS1000 Library User
Thanks Moggy and Barry!
I've been reading the manuals online and have downloaded EightyOne and some classics and amazing new games like 1K hires Qbert and ZX81 Assembly lessons from Dr Beep.
That is a very interesting article you linked on rewriting the video driver for tile based blitter games, I'm looking forward to seeing that develop.
I like that EightyOne will let me configure it as a TS1000 or ZX81, and that it supports other models including the Jupiter Ace running Forth. I was intrigued by that contemporary Micro as well but I never saw the Jupiter Ace anywhere other than early advertisements in BYTE.
Regarding the real hardware I would like to find a new old stock Timex Sinclair 1000, or a rarely used model to ensure that the keyboard works and if not I will look into one of the new membrane keyboard replacements.
Re: Hello I took a Timex out of the Library in 1983
Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 8:38 pm
by mrtinb
It's not so bad if the keyboard is broken. You'll then connect an external keyboard, and you'll appreciate it in the long run.
Re: Hello I took a Timex out of the Library in 1983
Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 8:50 pm
by BarryN
Even new old stock ones often need the keyboard replaced. The plastic degrades over time, wither anyone has used the system or not. The replacement keyboards are pretty much an exact match though.
Re: Hello I took a Timex out of the Library in 1983
Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 9:22 pm
by Lardo Boffin
Its also quite often possible to trim the connectors to get an old one working again.
Re: Hello I took a Timex out of the Library in 1983
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 9:59 pm
by jdfan1000
Re: Hello I took a Timex out of the Library in 1983
Posted: Fri May 14, 2021 12:49 am
by David G
Checked out of the library? I learned something new today, never heard of that before. Right on!
TS1000 Library User wrote: ↑Tue May 04, 2021 4:19 pmI'd also like to explore what might be possible with the sound using the cassette port
Try "MUSIK" by Memotronic, listen from the cassette port
I've been working on a real-time editor for the tunes ... work still in progress. The original note-based editor works OK
Re: Hello I took a Timex out of the Library in 1983
Posted: Sat May 22, 2021 3:05 pm
by TS1000 Library User
Cool site I liked the descriptions and photos of the systems, wonder if the MicroAce influenced the ZX81/TS1000 black case and streamlining.
David G wrote: ↑Fri May 14, 2021 12:49 am
Checked out of the library? I learned something new today, never heard of that before. Right on!
TS1000 Library User wrote: ↑Tue May 04, 2021 4:19 pmI'd also like to explore what might be possible with the sound using the cassette port
Try "MUSIK" by Memotronic, listen from the cassette port
P2A-musiccomposer.p
I've been working on a real-time editor for the tunes ... work still in progress. The original note-based editor works OK
Thanks I will check this out! Looking forward to seeing the real-time editor develop. I wonder if there is any way to use this in games and maintain the display like slow mode. Curious how the DA conversion happens under CPU control without dedicated DA Convertor hardware, very clever design.
Found this demo:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyLlLsznedY