Timex Computer 3256

Timex Computer 3256

Type	Home computer
Discontinued	1989
Operating system	Sinclair BASIC / Timex Extended Basic / CP/M
CPU	Zilog Z80A
Memory	256 KB
Predecessor	Timex Sinclair 2068
Successor	line discontinued

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-3-8912

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

See also

• Timex Sinclair
• Timex Sinclair 2068

External links

• Timex Computer World