Timex Computer 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	Timex Sinclair 2068
Successor	Komputer 2086, Spectrum SE

The TC-2048 or Timex Computer 2048 is a 1984 computer developed by Timex Portugal (the Portuguese branch of Timex Corporation), at the time part of Timex Sinclair. It was based on the Timex Sinclair 2048 prototype (see below), with a similar redesign case, composite video output, Kempston joystick interface, and additional video modes, while being highly compatible with the Sinclair ZX Spectrum computer (although ROM differences prevented 100% compatibility).

After connecting an external disk drive, Timex FDD3000, the computer could work under TOS - Timex Operating System or CP/M.

As Timex Portugal sold the Timex Sinclair models in Portugal and Poland under the Timex Computer brand, this computer is named "Timex Computer 2048", even thought the "Timex Sinclair 2048" was never produced.

Timex Sinclair 2048 (prototype)

The Timex Sinclair 2048 was not released by Timex Sinclair because of the failure of the TS1500. According to an early Timex Sinclair 2000 computer flyer, it would be a cut-down TS2068 with 16 KB of RAM. It had an added Kempston-compatible joystick interface and a monochrome high resolution mode for 80 column text.

History

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

TC 2048 started to be sold in Poland in 1986, with 5000 units available at the "Central Scouting Store" for a price of PLN 106,000. It was the equivalent of 4 average salaries (24,095 PLZ), and slightly higher than a ZX Spectrum (PLN 70,000-80,000).

Peripherals where also made available at the time of release:

Description	Price PLZ	Quantity
TIMEX 3″ diskdrive	250 000	1 500
TIMEX 50 Printer	96 000	700
TIMEX 1000 Printer	280 000	500
TIMEX 2020 cassete tape recorder	30 000	2000
"Quickshot" Joystick	8 500	3 500
3″ floppy disc	3 000	15 000

Further developments

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

Two modifications of the TC2048 exist: the TC2128 (by STAVI) and the TC2144 (by Jarek Adamski). 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

• Z80 bus in/out
• Line audio in/out for external cassette tape storage
• RF television out
• Composite video monitor out
• Kempston Joystick input

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

• Timex Sinclair
• Timex Sinclair 2068

External links

• Timex Computer World