Samiksha Jaiswal (Editor)

Timex Computer 3256

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Type
  
Home computer

Operating system
  
Sinclair BASIC / CP/M

Memory
  
256 KB

Discontinued
  
1989

CPU
  
Zilog Z80A

The TC 3256 or Timex Computer 3256 was a computer created by Timex of Portugal, a branch of Timex Corporation.

It was a third generation Sinclair ZX Spectrum compatible computer, with expanded capabilities. The machine never reached the market since Timex of Portugal shut down its production line before its release.

Technical specifications

CPU

  • Zilog Z80A

    • ROM

  • 64K
  • 16K Sinclair BASIC
  • 16K Timeword text processor
  • 16K Timex Extended Basic (Tenet, disk, RAMdrive)
  • 16K CP/M Terminal emulator

    • RAM

  • 256K
  • 208K RAMdrive
  • 48K base memory

    • Display

  • Improved 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 monochrome 512×192 mode

    • Sound

  • Beeper (1 channel, 10 octaves and 10+ semitones via internal speaker)
  • AY-3-8192

    • I/O

  • RS232:
  • Cartridge Port
  • Tape audio in/out for external cassette tape storage
  • RF television out
  • Composite video monitor out
  • RGB monitor out
  • Kempston Joystick input

    • Storage

  • External cassette tape recorder
  • Disk Drive: TOS / CP/M

    • Keyboard

  • 69 keys with cursors, numpad and function keys

    • References

    Timex Computer 3256 Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA