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Timex Computer 3256

The TC 3256[1][2] or Timex Computer 3256 was a 1987[3] computer created by Timex of Portugal, a branch of Timex Corporation.[4][5][6]

It was a third generation Sinclair ZX Spectrum compatible computer,[7] with expanded capabilities and new TEC - Timex Extended Commands BASIC commands supporting the AY-3-8912 sound chip, RS-232 network and the 512x192 pixel high resolution graphic mode.[3][8]

Besides the legacy Sinclair BASIC, the ROM included a word processor (Timeword), Timex Extended Basic (with support for the Tenet[5] network, floppy disks and RAM drive) and a CP/M terminal emulator. RAM was expanded to 256kb.

At least one prototype was built, but the machine never reached the market due to Timex of Portugal shutting down its production line before its release.[5][9]

Technical specifications

CPU ROM RAM Display Sound

I/O Storage

Keyboard

  • Zilog Z80A
  • 64K
  • 16K Sinclair BASIC
  • 16K Timeword text processor[8]
  • 16K Timex Extended Basic (Tenet, disk, RAM drive)
  • 16K CP/M terminal emulator
  • 256K
  • 208K RAM drive
  • 48K base memory
  • Timex SCLD chip[9][10][11] instead of the Spectrum's 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 two color 512×192 mode
  • Beeper (1 channel, 10 octaves and 10+ semitones via internal speaker)
  • AY-3-8912
  • RS-232
  • Cartridge port
  • Tape audio in/out for external cassette tape storage
  • RF television out
  • Composite video monitor out
  • RGB monitor out
  • Kempston Joystick input
  • External cassette tape recorder
  • Disk Drive: TOS / CP/M
  • 69 keys with cursors, numpad and function keys

See also

External links

References

  1. Visit guide Museum LOAD ZX Spectrum, retrieved 2022-12-13^
  2. Timex FDD-3000 Silicium, 2003, retrieved 2022-12-13^
  3. Fernando Prata. TC 3256: A proposta Timex no mundo das aplicações profissionais Micro Se7e, May 13, 1987^
  4. Johnny Red. Timex Computer 3256 Timex Computer World, 2001^
  5. Jarek Adamski. Timex Computer 3256 8bit Projects For Everyone, 2009^
  6. Johnny Red. Timex Computer 3256 Prototype Timex Computer World, 2001^
  7. Andrew Owen. Updating a 40-year-old computer design Andrew Owen, July 7, 2022, retrieved 2022-12-13^
  8. Timex Computer 3256, Timex Portugal Kio's Sinclair ZX Computers Archive^
  9. Bruno Florindo. CIRCE - AMERICAN COUSINS Byte High No Limit^
  10. SCLD Chip Timex/Sinclair - The Authoritative Website for Timex/Sinclair Computers, retrieved 2023-01-27^
  11. Scld in spectrusty::chip::scld - Rust docs.rs, retrieved 2023-01-27^