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Timex Computer 2048

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Type
  
Home computer

Operating system
  
Sinclair BASIC

Memory
  
48 KB

Discontinued
  
1989 (1989)

CPU
  
Zilog Z80A @ 3.5 MHz

Timex Computer 2048

Release date
  
1984; 33 years ago (1984)

The TC 2048 or Timex Computer 2048 is a computer created by "Timex of Portugal, Lda", a branch of Timex Corporation.

It was highly compatible with the Sinclair ZX Spectrum computer, although differences in the ROM prevented 100% compatibility.

Timex Portugal sold the TC 2048 in Portugal and Poland, where it was very successful. Also, a NTSC version was sold in Chile. This computer forms the basis of an improved Spectrum-compatible machine, the Spectrum SE.

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
  • Tape 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)

    • References

    Timex Computer 2048 Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA