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Timex Computer 3256

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Timex Computer 3256
TypeHome computer
Release datenever released, development started in 1987
MediaCartridges, cassette tape, floppy discs
Operating systemSinclair BASIC / Timex Extended Basic / CP/M
CPUZilog Z80A
Memory256 KB
DisplayTV or video monitor; text: 32×24 lines, 16 colours; graphics: 256×192, 16 colours or 512×192 pixels, two colours; attributes: 32x24 or 32x192, two colours per area.
GraphicsTimex SCLD
SoundBeeper, AY-3-8912
PredecessorTimex Sinclair 2068

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

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CPU

  • Zilog Z80A

ROM

RAM

Display

  • 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

Sound

  • Beeper (1 channel, 10 octaves and 10+ semitones via internal speaker)
  • AY-3-8912

I/O

Storage

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

Keyboard

  • 69 keys with cursors, numpad and function keys

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Visit guide". Museum LOAD ZX Spectrum. Retrieved 2022-12-13.
  2. ^ "Timex FDD-3000". Silicium (in French). 2003. Retrieved 2022-12-13.
  3. ^ a b Prata, Fernando (May 13, 1987). "TC 3256: A proposta Timex no mundo das aplicações profissionais" [TC 3256: The Timex proposal in the world of professional applications] (PDF). Micro Se7e (in Portuguese). No. 46. pp. 1–2.
  4. ^ Red, Johnny (2001). "Timex Computer 3256". Timex Computer World (in Portuguese).
  5. ^ a b c Adamski, Jarek (2009). "Timex Computer 3256". 8bit Projects For Everyone.
  6. ^ Red, Johnny (2001). "Timex Computer 3256 Prototype". Timex Computer World.
  7. ^ Owen, Andrew (July 7, 2022). "Updating a 40-year-old computer design". Andrew Owen | Writer | Designer. Retrieved 2022-12-13.
  8. ^ a b "Timex Computer 3256, Timex Portugal". Kio's Sinclair ZX Computers Archive.
  9. ^ a b Florindo, Bruno. "CIRCE - AMERICAN COUSINS" (PDF). Byte High No Limit (22): 64.
  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.
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