Timex Computer 2048

This article is about the Timex Computer 2048 (TC 2048). For the similarly named but different ZX Spectrum-variant prototype intended for sale in North America, see Timex Sinclair 2048 (TS 2048).

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

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)

See also

• Timex Sinclair
• Timex Sinclair 2068

External links

• Timex Computer World