Hello, new user here with some questions...
29 messages · 2015-10-20 → 2015-10-23 · Yahoo Group era · View archive on archive.org
Participants: Al Hartman, lord_mike_the_great, Cocodemus, Eduardo Fuentes, eebuckeye, Bill Loguidice, quantam2001, Adam Trionfo, Bob Kerner, Jack Boatwright, Mark J. Blair, rolandjuno, Pete Rittwage, David Anderson, Oscar Arthur Koepke, William McBrine
Preserved from the Timex/Sinclair 2068 Yahoo Group (2001–2019), which is no longer online. Text reproduced from the archive.org archive; email addresses masked.
Messages
1. Hello, new user here with some questions...
lord_mike_the_great · 20 Oct 2015 20:06:42 -
...well, potential new user. I may be acquiring a TS2068 in the near future. If you want to skip the back story, skip down a couple paragraphs to go directly to the questions. :-) The Timex Sinclair 1000 was the first computer I ever owned, and despite it being frustratingly limited, I always remember it fondly as my first. Even back in the 80's, I heard about the spectrum in the UK and would have loved to have had one. Of course, it was not sold in the US. The TS2068 sort of was sold here, but was incompatible with the spectrum. Years later, I thought about acquiring a spectrum again, but all the conversions necessary for PAL video and 110V power (I read that the speccy was very touchy about its power adapters) made it seem a sketchy process, so I put it out of my mind as being something so impractical, it wasn't worth it.
You may have heard the news recently that a company teamed up with ol' Sir Clive to create a standalone, games only version of the Spectrum called the ZX Vega. Despite the horrible decision not to include a keyboard or BASIC editor (BASIC is built in to run the games at least), it seemed intriguing, especially since it was new hardware that would hopefully have a long life and it natively supported NTSC TV output with USB power. My curiosity was piqued again, and I wanted one despite the high cost. Well, that was not to be, since the Spectrum embargo to the US from the 1980's apparently is still in effect (a relic of the cold war perhaps?) They simply won't ship here and ignore my requests for a reason why. They ship to Canada, but not here--maddening! Even UK Amazon won't ship it! Aaaargh! My Spectrum dreams were once again foiled...
That's when I learned that the TS2068 did have an emulator cartridge and other means to run spectrum software making it into a US compatible Spectrum clone (as I understand it), which is why I'm here humbly asking for your advice. What would I need to do to make the TS2068 speccy compatible? I see that there is a handmade cartridge for sale here that has a kempston joystic adapter. I've also heard about a "twister" board that may be available... What exactly is a "twister" board? How do I use it? How does one acquire one? I've also heard that people just plop the spectrum rom directly into the motherboard to make it compatible. Where does one get such a rom to do something like that?
In your opinion, what is the best, most cost effective way to make a TS2068 a speccy-compatible computer? Is it worth the effort? If it's possible, I would also like to confirm that the power supply is a 15V DC 1amp with negative tip adapter. Can I use any wal-wart adapter or does it need to be regulated? I found a cheap switching power adapter on amazon which seems to fit the bill once I swap the leads.
Thank you for your advice and assistance in advance... It is greatly appreciated! I am excited at all the possibilities! :-)
2. Re: Hello, new user here with some questions...
eebuckeye · 21 Oct 2015 05:32:51 -
I wanted to do the same thing so I bought two 2068 computers. Unfortunately the video is terrible quality on both units and it appears it is a known issue.
3. Re: [ts2068] Re: Hello, new user here with some questions...
Bill Loguidice · Wed, 21 Oct 2015 16:24
Video quality can definitely be an issue. I have some TS 2068's with RGB
mods and that certainly helps, but it's a shame it's not crystal clear
across the board.
Anyway, back to the original question. As someone with various TS 2068's
with either ZX Spectrum mods on-board or on cartridge, I can honestly say
that nothing beats the real thing for across-the-board compatibility, i.e.,
keep the TS 2068 for TS 2068 stuff and get a ZX Spectrum of one form or
another for pure ZX Spectrum stuff.
It's actually relatively inexpensive (exchange rate aside) to get a
composite modded ZX Spectrum, then all you have to worry about is
converting the power (easy enough). I import various classic systems all of
the time and it's usually no big deal adapting what you need to to use the
real deal hardware.
========================================================
Bill Loguidice, Managing Director; Armchair Arcade, Inc.
<http://www.armchairarcade.com>
========================================================
Authored Books
<http://www.amazon.com/Bill-Loguidice/e/B001U7W3YS/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_1> and
Film <http://www.armchairarcade.com/film>; About me and other ways to get
in touch <http://about.me/billloguidice>
========================================================
On Wed, Oct 21, 2015 at 8:32 AM, [email] [ts2068] <
[email]> wrote:
>
>
> I wanted to do the same thing so I bought two 2068 computers.
> Unfortunately the video is terrible quality on both units and it appears it
> is a known issue.
>
>
4. Re: Hello, new user here with some questions...
quantam2001 · 21 Oct 2015 14:00:26 -
Wow, didn't know that about the Vega :(
Last year, I actually purchased a TS2068 and modified it to run Spectrum programs.
The unit I purchased was DOA from a vendor. It had been killed by someone plugging in a generic adapter and getting the polarity wrong. So I had to replace some of the regulator components to bring it back to life :)
Once this was done, I went down the same path as you, wishing to make it "Spectrum compatible".
I found a web site (I think I posted it somewhere on this group) where a guy has posted the modification procedure for creating a "dual boot" set of ROMs.
He has the images for the modifications you need to make to the board (some traces need to be cut / modified). He also has posted the ROM images you need to burn the new roms.
I found a company in Canada that burns ROMS and he had the correct blank ones. All that was needed was to send him the images along with some $. I believe it was pretty cheap (around 20 or 30 bucks).
For what it's worth, another route you might be able to take is purchase a Spectrum from the UK ebay site. I did this also (it needed a new membrane keyboard). Then replaced that and used a power supply from Amazon, along with one of those composite to HDMI adapters that you can find on Amazon as well. It works great! Hope the info helps........ search the group here, you should be able to find my posts.
5. RE: [ts2068] Re: Hello, new user here with some questions...
Adam Trionfo · Wed, 21 Oct 2015 14:04
Bill Loguidice wrote:
>>
get a composite modded ZX Spectrum, then all you have to worry about is converting the power (easy enough).
>>
Don't forget that a PAL compatible TV or monitor is required for a Spectrum (or other PAL system). I prefer the Commodore 1084S monitor.
Adam
6. Re: [ts2068] Re: Hello, new user here with some questions...
Al Hartman · Wed, 21 Oct 2015 17:43
There are mods out there to improve the TS2068 video quality.
Look back in the list for the links.
You can build a cartridge board and burn a Spectrum Emulator ROM so you can
use your 2068 that way.
You can buy blank cartridge boards here:
https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/LXezqJw5
Minimum order is 3 bare boards for $41.50. I didn't check the shipping cost.
Or, if you wait, I'll have assembled and tested boards and can even provide
either Zebra OS-64 or a Spectrum Emulator ROM on them in a month or two. I'm
getting prototype boards from Mark now, and once I test the burned Spectrum
Emulator ROM with them, and source the parts to build bare boards up (so I
know how much each board will cost to complete), I'll be able to set a
price, and make them available as single pieces. I can even sell single
blank boards, as I'll order a bunch of them.
I'll try to make them as affordable as I can. I'm not looking to make a
killing with these.
-[ Al ]-
7. Re: [ts2068] Re: Hello, new user here with some questions...
Bob Kerner · Wed, 21 Oct 2015 22:06
I'm considering a small project to digitize the video signal and convert it to some other format I can use, like VGA or s-video. The converters I've seen are +90 bucks. I would otherwise spend the money, but this is also serve as a prototype for another project I have going.Has anyone attempted this before?
Bob
From: "Adam Trionfo [email] [ts2068]" <[email]>
To: [email]
Sent: Wednesday, October 21, 2015 5:04 PM
Subject: RE: [ts2068] Re: Hello, new user here with some questions...
Bill Loguidice wrote:
>>
get a composite modded ZX Spectrum, then all you have to worry about is converting the power (easy enough).
>>
Don't forget that a PAL compatible TV or monitor is required for a Spectrum (or other PAL system). I prefer the Commodore 1084S monitor.
Adam
#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145 -- #yiv1136772145ygrp-mkp {border:1px solid #d8d8d8;font-family:Arial;margin:10px 0;padding:0 10px;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145ygrp-mkp hr {border:1px solid #d8d8d8;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145ygrp-mkp #yiv1136772145hd {color:#628c2a;font-size:85%;font-weight:700;line-height:122%;margin:10px 0;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145ygrp-mkp #yiv1136772145ads {margin-bottom:10px;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145ygrp-mkp .yiv1136772145ad {padding:0 0;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145ygrp-mkp .yiv1136772145ad p {margin:0;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145ygrp-mkp .yiv1136772145ad a {color:#0000ff;text-decoration:none;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145ygrp-sponsor #yiv1136772145ygrp-lc {font-family:Arial;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145ygrp-sponsor #yiv1136772145ygrp-lc #yiv1136772145hd {margin:10px 0px;font-weight:700;font-size:78%;line-height:122%;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145ygrp-sponsor #yiv1136772145ygrp-lc .yiv1136772145ad {margin-bottom:10px;padding:0 0;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145actions {font-family:Verdana;font-size:11px;padding:10px 0;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145activity {background-color:#e0ecee;float:left;font-family:Verdana;font-size:10px;padding:10px;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145activity span {font-weight:700;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145activity span:first-child {text-transform:uppercase;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145activity span a {color:#5085b6;text-decoration:none;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145activity span span {color:#ff7900;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145activity span .yiv1136772145underline {text-decoration:underline;}#yiv1136772145 .yiv1136772145attach {clear:both;display:table;font-family:Arial;font-size:12px;padding:10px 0;width:400px;}#yiv1136772145 .yiv1136772145attach div a {text-decoration:none;}#yiv1136772145 .yiv1136772145attach img {border:none;padding-right:5px;}#yiv1136772145 .yiv1136772145attach label {display:block;margin-bottom:5px;}#yiv1136772145 .yiv1136772145attach label a {text-decoration:none;}#yiv1136772145 blockquote {margin:0 0 0 4px;}#yiv1136772145 .yiv1136772145bold {font-family:Arial;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;}#yiv1136772145 .yiv1136772145bold a {text-decoration:none;}#yiv1136772145 dd.yiv1136772145last p a {font-family:Verdana;font-weight:700;}#yiv1136772145 dd.yiv1136772145last p span {margin-right:10px;font-family:Verdana;font-weight:700;}#yiv1136772145 dd.yiv1136772145last p span.yiv1136772145yshortcuts {margin-right:0;}#yiv1136772145 div.yiv1136772145attach-table div div a {text-decoration:none;}#yiv1136772145 div.yiv1136772145attach-table {width:400px;}#yiv1136772145 div.yiv1136772145file-title a, #yiv1136772145 div.yiv1136772145file-title a:active, #yiv1136772145 div.yiv1136772145file-title a:hover, #yiv1136772145 div.yiv1136772145file-title a:visited {text-decoration:none;}#yiv1136772145 div.yiv1136772145photo-title a, #yiv1136772145 div.yiv1136772145photo-title a:active, #yiv1136772145 div.yiv1136772145photo-title a:hover, #yiv1136772145 div.yiv1136772145photo-title a:visited {text-decoration:none;}#yiv1136772145 div#yiv1136772145ygrp-mlmsg #yiv1136772145ygrp-msg p a span.yiv1136772145yshortcuts {font-family:Verdana;font-size:10px;font-weight:normal;}#yiv1136772145 .yiv1136772145green {color:#628c2a;}#yiv1136772145 .yiv1136772145MsoNormal {margin:0 0 0 0;}#yiv1136772145 o {font-size:0;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145photos div {float:left;width:72px;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145photos div div {border:1px solid #666666;height:62px;overflow:hidden;width:62px;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145photos div label {color:#666666;font-size:10px;overflow:hidden;text-align:center;white-space:nowrap;width:64px;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145reco-category {font-size:77%;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145reco-desc {font-size:77%;}#yiv1136772145 .yiv1136772145replbq {margin:4px;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145ygrp-actbar div a:first-child {margin-right:2px;padding-right:5px;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145ygrp-mlmsg {font-size:13px;font-family:Arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145ygrp-mlmsg table {font-size:inherit;font:100%;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145ygrp-mlmsg select, #yiv1136772145 input, #yiv1136772145 textarea {font:99% Arial, Helvetica, clean, sans-serif;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145ygrp-mlmsg pre, #yiv1136772145 code {font:115% monospace;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145ygrp-mlmsg * {line-height:1.22em;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145ygrp-mlmsg #yiv1136772145logo {padding-bottom:10px;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145ygrp-msg p a {font-family:Verdana;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145ygrp-msg p#yiv1136772145attach-count span {color:#1E66AE;font-weight:700;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145ygrp-reco #yiv1136772145reco-head {color:#ff7900;font-weight:700;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145ygrp-reco {margin-bottom:20px;padding:0px;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145ygrp-sponsor #yiv1136772145ov li a {font-size:130%;text-decoration:none;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145ygrp-sponsor #yiv1136772145ov li {font-size:77%;list-style-type:square;padding:6px 0;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145ygrp-sponsor #yiv1136772145ov ul {margin:0;padding:0 0 0 8px;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145ygrp-text {font-family:Georgia;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145ygrp-text p {margin:0 0 1em 0;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145ygrp-text tt {font-size:120%;}#yiv1136772145 #yiv1136772145ygrp-vital ul li:last-child {border-right:none !important;}#yiv1136772145
8. Re: [ts2068] Re: Hello, new user here with some questions...
Jack Boatwright · Wed, 21 Oct 2015 15:30
I use a video converter for this. It's a lot less expensive than a new
monitor. Also with the TS2068 I've found composite video to be
serviceable..
The best part about a Spectrum Emulator cart is the more than 5,000
programs you can access. Even an emulator will only let you access about
93% of available programs due to some internal differences...
On Oct 21, 2015 3:20 PM, "Bob Kerner [email] [ts2068]" <
[email]> wrote:
>
>
> I'm considering a small project to digitize the video signal and convert
> it to some other format I can use, like VGA or s-video. The converters
> I've seen are +90 bucks.
> I would otherwise spend the money, but this is also serve as a prototype
> for another project I have going.
> Has anyone attempted this before?
>
> Bob
>
> ------------------------------
> *From:* "Adam Trionfo [email] [ts2068]" <
> [email]>
> *To:* [email]
> *Sent:* Wednesday, October 21, 2015 5:04 PM
> *Subject:* RE: [ts2068] Re: Hello, new user here with some questions...
>
>
> Bill Loguidice wrote:
> >>
> get a composite modded ZX Spectrum, then all you have to worry about is
> converting the power (easy enough).
> >>
>
> Don't forget that a PAL compatible TV or monitor is required for a
> Spectrum (or other PAL system). I prefer the Commodore 1084S monitor.
>
> Adam
>
>
>
>
9. Re: [ts2068] Hello, new user here with some questions...
Mark J. Blair · Wed, 21 Oct 2015 16:38
> On Oct 21, 2015, at 14:43, Al Hartman [email] [ts2068] <[email]> wrote:
>
> You can build a cartridge board and burn a Spectrum Emulator ROM so you can
> use your 2068 that way.
>
> You can buy blank cartridge boards here:
> https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/LXezqJw5 <https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/LXezqJw5>
I found an error in the configuration table on the rear silkscreen, and I just corrected it. The new OSH Park link for ordering bare boards is:
https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/6ihON5Uq <https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/6ihON5Uq>
Also, all of the design files are available in my GitHub repository:
https://github.com/NF6X/ts2068cart <https://github.com/NF6X/ts2068cart>
And here's a video about the cartridge board:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYMBuVz32ZE <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYMBuVz32ZE>_,_._,___
--
Mark J. Blair, NF6X <[email] <mailto:[email]>>
http://www.nf6x.net/ <http://www.nf6x.net/>
10. Re: [ts2068] Hello, new user here with some questions...
Al Hartman · Wed, 21 Oct 2015 20:21
Ok, since Mark updated the boards - I placed an order for some. I didn't
have the money to order many, but I can sell single bare boards at $13.85
each + shipping.
It looks like a kit of parts will come out around $4.50 for each board. But,
until I get the final quote from my parts supplier, that's just an estimate.
So, you can build your own boards for $18.35 + shipping. These are dead easy
boards to build up. Very nicely labeled, and if you can solder, you can
build one of these.
I haven't decided what the OS-64 chips I have will sell for, I have to see
what these EPROMS sell for (replacement cost to burn more if the 10 I have
go fast, and people still want more. Plus, I need blanks to burn Spectrum
ROMs). Probably $5.00 above the cost of the chip to recover a little towards
the cost of the burner, printing the manual, and my time to burn and test
the chips. Probably not more than $10.00 if I can get these EPROMS cheaply
enough.
So, maybe $34.95 for an assembled/tested board with OS-64, and $29.95 for
the Spectrum Emulator as I won't have to pay a royalty to Zebra, or print a
manual.
You can send me a private e-mail if you want to be put on a list for them.
Indicate if you want a bare board, parts kit, assembled board, OS-64, or
Spectrum Emulator Chip.
I don't know what shipping will be, probably on the order of $3.00 ea for an
assembled board with chip, multiples would be cheaper to ship in a Priority
Mail Box for $6.00.
Bare boards and parts kits can probably ship in a padded envelope for $2.00
or so for the first one, and a bit more for multiples (I have to weigh a
bare board and parts kit to see if it can go First Class Mail, or if I have
to use Parcel Post.)
I will only ship within the Continental United States, but I'm sure for
people in Canada and South America - someone will step up to do what I'm
doing with these.
-[ Al ]-
11. Re: Hello, new user here with some questions...
rolandjuno · 21 Oct 2015 19:45:13 -
A TCC front slot emulation cart is the easiest way to go.
The Twister board for the TS2068 converts the rear expansion port to be compatible with the ZX Spectrum expansion port so you can use Spectrum peripherals.
If you want to play ZX Spectrum games as well, you'll want a Kempston joystick port. The TS2068 joystick ports won't work under ZX Spectrum emulation. You can get Kempston adapter for the ZX Spectrum, but you'll need a Twister board to connect it to the TS2068. Someone else might know of a source for a twister but I haven't seen them for sale in a while (they're on eBay from time to time).
---In [email], <lord_mike_the_great@...> wrote :
...well, potential new user. I may be acquiring a TS2068 in the near future. If you want to skip the back story, skip down a couple paragraphs to go directly to the questions. :-) The Timex Sinclair 1000 was the first computer I ever owned, and despite it being frustratingly limited, I always remember it fondly as my first. Even back in the 80's, I heard about the spectrum in the UK and would have loved to have had one. Of course, it was not sold in the US. The TS2068 sort of was sold here, but was incompatible with the spectrum. Years later, I thought about acquiring a spectrum again, but all the conversions necessary for PAL video and 110V power (I read that the speccy was very touchy about its power adapters) made it seem a sketchy process, so I put it out of my mind as being something so impractical, it wasn't worth it.
You may have heard the news recently that a company teamed up with ol' Sir Clive to create a standalone, games only version of the Spectrum called the ZX Vega. Despite the horrible decision not to include a keyboard or BASIC editor (BASIC is built in to run the games at least), it seemed intriguing, especially since it was new hardware that would hopefully have a long life and it natively supported NTSC TV output with USB power. My curiosity was piqued again, and I wanted one despite the high cost. Well, that was not to be, since the Spectrum embargo to the US from the 1980's apparently is still in effect (a relic of the cold war perhaps?) They simply won't ship here and ignore my requests for a reason why. They ship to Canada, but not here--maddening! Even UK Amazon won't ship it! Aaaargh! My Spectrum dreams were once again foiled...
That's when I learned that the TS2068 did have an emulator cartridge and other means to run spectrum software making it into a US compatible Spectrum clone (as I understand it), which is why I'm here humbly asking for your advice. What would I need to do to make the TS2068 speccy compatible? I see that there is a handmade cartridge for sale here that has a kempston joystic adapter. I've also heard about a "twister" board that may be available... What exactly is a "twister" board? How do I use it? How does one acquire one? I've also heard that people just plop the spectrum rom directly into the motherboard to make it compatible. Where does one get such a rom to do something like that?
In your opinion, what is the best, most cost effective way to make a TS2068 a speccy-compatible computer? Is it worth the effort? If it's possible, I would also like to confirm that the power supply is a 15V DC 1amp with negative tip adapter. Can I use any wal-wart adapter or does it need to be regulated? I found a cheap switching power adapter on amazon which seems to fit the bill once I swap the leads.
Thank you for your advice and assistance in advance... It is greatly appreciated! I am excited at all the possibilities! :-)
12. Re: Hello, new user here with some questions...
lord_mike_the_great · 21 Oct 2015 19:53:24 -
Thank you, everyone for all your answers! Scroll down for some very good news on the ZX Vega (the company finally got back to me)...
From the messages written here, it sounds like the opinions are about 60% to 40% getting a real speccy instead of messing around with the Timex. My biggest concern with the spectrum is the PAL conversion. I was going to use a PAL to VGA converter, since I have lots of unused VGA monitors around, but I've heard those don't work well, because sinclair research did a lot of shortcuts with the composite signal (typical) and it doesn't meet standards. I can check if one of my flat screens would do better, since many of them do accept PAL. I didn't think of composite to HDMI. I wonder if that would work better. From what I've read, it really depends on the converter brand/model, so it's a crap shoot. I've also been told that the speccy can be very sensitive regarding power. Do you need a regulated power adapter? I'm still not sure which direction to go, timex or spectrum. What do you think would be a good price for a TS2068?
As for the Timex video, I've heard that massive radio interference is the norm, at least with the RF modulator. That wouldn't be much different than my TS1000, which also had terrible interference bordering on modern art. I wonder if it's because sinclair modulators in the US uses VHF as opposed to the UHF used in the Sinclair's UK models.
BTW, thank you for the tip of looking at the UK ebay site. There are a lot more spectrums available there for a lower price than on ebay.com, but the shipping is still a killer.
Lastly, I'm still trying to figure out what a "twister" board is and how it works. Does it replace the ROM chip itself? Also, this spectrum ROM clone that's out there, OpenSE. how compatible is it? Is it an OK replacement for actual spectrum rom? Thanks for any answers on this subject! :-)
I have some good news on the ZX Vega. Someone from the company finally got back to me and said that they DO sell it to the US, but through a third party that I guess has exclusive US rights: http://www.funstockretro.co.uk/zx-spectrum-vega-console http://www.funstockretro.co.uk/zx-spectrum-vega-console. The better news is that funstock retro sells it at the same price and has FREE worldwide shipping on the Vega. That ends up being a significantly better deal than buying it from the manufacturer itself, since shipping from the UK can be really pricey... I'll put the vega on my Christmas list and see if my wife obliges! ;-)
Thanks everyone! I'll keep everyone posted! :-)
13. Re: Hello, new user here with some questions...
lord_mike_the_great · 21 Oct 2015 20:28:02 -
I seem to have lost the message I just wrote... it said, "Did not post" and then disappeared, so I will try to write it all again! (sigh)
Thank you so much for all your responses! Scroll down for some good news about the ZX Vega (someone from the company finally got back to me).
Judging by the posts here, it seems that the feeling is about 60-40 to go with a real speccy instead of the Timex for spectrum programs. I'm not sure what I'll do yet. My big concern is the PAL conversion. I wanted to use a PAL to VGA converter, but I've heard that they don't always work, because Sinclair used shortcuts when creating video leading to a non-standard implementation (so typical for Sinclair). I didn't think of composite to HDMI, maybe that works. I hear it's the luck of the draw depending on the make and model of the converter. I also hear that the spectrum is very finicky about power. Do I need to use a regulated power supply? Thank you for suggesting the UK ebay site. There are a lot more spectrums available there for a lower price, but the shipping is still a killer... What do you think is a good price for a TS2068?
A couple of more questions. What is a "twister" board and how does it work? Does it go into the ROM socket and replace the chip there? As for the ESBasic spectrum ROM replacement.. Does it work well? Would that be an OK substitute for the actual spectrum ROM? The cartridge w/ joystick port that was posted for sale here uses the ESBasic ROM in it.
Some good news on the ZX Vega. Someone finally got back to me to confirm that they DO sell Vega's to the United States, just that they have an exclusive third party (FunstockretroUK) sell them to us. It's still the same price, and better yet, FREE international shipping (I confirmed this)! That makes is a much better deal than direct order from the manufacturer, since shipping costs are a killer. Here is the link: http://www.funstockretro.co.uk/zx-spectrum-vega-console http://www.funstockretro.co.uk/zx-spectrum-vega-console So, that will probably go on my Christmas list. We'll see if my wife obliges.
I think I got all the points I wanted from my original post that got lost. Thank you again for all the advice! I'll keep everyone posted! :-)
14. Re: Hello, new user here with some questions...
Pete Rittwage · Thu, 22 Oct 2015 08:45
Hi guys,
I think I posted to the group and mentioned this before, but I was able to
simply burn the "TC2048" ROM to 27c256 EPROM (along with copy of original
TS2068 ROM) with a switch on the high address line to switch between the
two and replace the main ROM in my 2068.
I did not have to cut traces, mess with the secondary ROM, or anything. It
works to run Spectrum stuff just fine and boots every time.
Now, the cartridge is definitely easier if you have one, but the extensive
mod on that page is not necessary as far as I can tell. Maybe he didn't
know about the TC2048 ROM.
-Pete
15. Re: Hello, new user here with some questions...
lord_mike_the_great · 22 Oct 2015 08:25:15 -
Thank you for the twister explanation, but I've seen twister boards with Spectrum ROM's available for sale. Are they doing 2 in 1, "replacing" the rom while also providing a spectrum compatible connection?
16. Re: Hello, new user here with some questions...
lord_mike_the_great · 22 Oct 2015 08:29:36 -
I saw your earlier posts and the pictures of the screen! Yikes! That's as bad or worse than the Timex Sinclair 1000, but the TS1000 was a low resolution device. Hearing that so many other people have the same problems, even in direct composite is very worrisome. Do the video mods work at all? What about putting an RF choke on the power supply? I have a lot those around my workbench here. They seem to help with RF noise on some of my other machines.
17. Re: Hello, new user here with some questions...
David Anderson · Thu, 22 Oct 2015 12:15
Hi Mike,
I have a 2068, a twister board and an 'Interface 1bis'
(https://sites.google.com/site/interface1bis/).
The twister board, as others have mentioned, converts the 2068 rear edge
connector to Spectrum compatible. I got mine from Don Dindang
([email]). He's a member of this group. His twister board
includes an eprom with the Spectrum ROM and SE Basic.
SE Basic is a reimplementation of Spectrum BASIC. It's not compatible
with the Spectrum enough to let you run machine language programs. And
it ditches the microdrive commands, so it doesn't work with the
Interface 1bis. That said, I've poked around at it and it seems really nice.
The video output (on composite) on my 2068 isn't awesome. I have it
feeding an LCD tv/monitor and I've adjusted the contrast/brightness (and
some other setting) that reduces the ghosting down to almost nothing.
My setup is pretty good. I can load and save Spectrum programs to an SD
card. I can load it up on my PC and then run them on the 2068.
If you just want to get your feet wet, try FUSE or EightyOne (which is
based on FUSE):
http://fuse-emulator.sourceforge.net/
https://www.aptanet.org/eightyone/
FUSE includes Open SE Basic if you want to play with that.
David
18. Re: [ts2068] Hello, new user here with some questions...
Eduardo Fuentes · Thu, 22 Oct 2015 17:16
Hi Al,Can you send me a bin file with the contents of your OS64 rom?
Regards,Eduardo.
De: "Al Hartman [email] [ts2068]" <[email]>
Para: [email]
Enviado: Miércoles, 21 de octubre, 2015 21:21:28
Asunto: Re: [ts2068] Hello, new user here with some questions...
Ok, since Mark updated the boards - I placed an order for some. I didn't
have the money to order many, but I can sell single bare boards at $13.85
each + shipping.
It looks like a kit of parts will come out around $4.50 for each board. But,
until I get the final quote from my parts supplier, that's just an estimate.
So, you can build your own boards for $18.35 + shipping. These are dead easy
boards to build up. Very nicely labeled, and if you can solder, you can
build one of these.
I haven't decided what the OS-64 chips I have will sell for, I have to see
what these EPROMS sell for (replacement cost to burn more if the 10 I have
go fast, and people still want more. Plus, I need blanks to burn Spectrum
ROMs). Probably $5.00 above the cost of the chip to recover a little towards
the cost of the burner, printing the manual, and my time to burn and test
the chips. Probably not more than $10.00 if I can get these EPROMS cheaply
enough.
So, maybe $34.95 for an assembled/tested board with OS-64, and $29.95 for
the Spectrum Emulator as I won't have to pay a royalty to Zebra, or print a
manual.
You can send me a private e-mail if you want to be put on a list for them.
Indicate if you want a bare board, parts kit, assembled board, OS-64, or
Spectrum Emulator Chip.
I don't know what shipping will be, probably on the order of $3.00 ea for an
assembled board with chip, multiples would be cheaper to ship in a Priority
Mail Box for $6.00.
Bare boards and parts kits can probably ship in a padded envelope for $2.00
or so for the first one, and a bit more for multiples (I have to weigh a
bare board and parts kit to see if it can go First Class Mail, or if I have
to use Parcel Post.)
I will only ship within the Continental United States, but I'm sure for
people in Canada and South America - someone will step up to do what I'm
doing with these.
-[ Al ]-
#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983 -- #yiv1628730983ygrp-mkp {border:1px solid #d8d8d8;font-family:Arial;margin:10px 0;padding:0 10px;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983ygrp-mkp hr {border:1px solid #d8d8d8;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983ygrp-mkp #yiv1628730983hd {color:#628c2a;font-size:85%;font-weight:700;line-height:122%;margin:10px 0;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983ygrp-mkp #yiv1628730983ads {margin-bottom:10px;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983ygrp-mkp .yiv1628730983ad {padding:0 0;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983ygrp-mkp .yiv1628730983ad p {margin:0;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983ygrp-mkp .yiv1628730983ad a {color:#0000ff;text-decoration:none;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983ygrp-sponsor #yiv1628730983ygrp-lc {font-family:Arial;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983ygrp-sponsor #yiv1628730983ygrp-lc #yiv1628730983hd {margin:10px 0px;font-weight:700;font-size:78%;line-height:122%;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983ygrp-sponsor #yiv1628730983ygrp-lc .yiv1628730983ad {margin-bottom:10px;padding:0 0;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983actions {font-family:Verdana;font-size:11px;padding:10px 0;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983activity {background-color:#e0ecee;float:left;font-family:Verdana;font-size:10px;padding:10px;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983activity span {font-weight:700;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983activity span:first-child {text-transform:uppercase;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983activity span a {color:#5085b6;text-decoration:none;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983activity span span {color:#ff7900;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983activity span .yiv1628730983underline {text-decoration:underline;}#yiv1628730983 .yiv1628730983attach {clear:both;display:table;font-family:Arial;font-size:12px;padding:10px 0;width:400px;}#yiv1628730983 .yiv1628730983attach div a {text-decoration:none;}#yiv1628730983 .yiv1628730983attach img {border:none;padding-right:5px;}#yiv1628730983 .yiv1628730983attach label {display:block;margin-bottom:5px;}#yiv1628730983 .yiv1628730983attach label a {text-decoration:none;}#yiv1628730983 blockquote {margin:0 0 0 4px;}#yiv1628730983 .yiv1628730983bold {font-family:Arial;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;}#yiv1628730983 .yiv1628730983bold a {text-decoration:none;}#yiv1628730983 dd.yiv1628730983last p a {font-family:Verdana;font-weight:700;}#yiv1628730983 dd.yiv1628730983last p span {margin-right:10px;font-family:Verdana;font-weight:700;}#yiv1628730983 dd.yiv1628730983last p span.yiv1628730983yshortcuts {margin-right:0;}#yiv1628730983 div.yiv1628730983attach-table div div a {text-decoration:none;}#yiv1628730983 div.yiv1628730983attach-table {width:400px;}#yiv1628730983 div.yiv1628730983file-title a, #yiv1628730983 div.yiv1628730983file-title a:active, #yiv1628730983 div.yiv1628730983file-title a:hover, #yiv1628730983 div.yiv1628730983file-title a:visited {text-decoration:none;}#yiv1628730983 div.yiv1628730983photo-title a, #yiv1628730983 div.yiv1628730983photo-title a:active, #yiv1628730983 div.yiv1628730983photo-title a:hover, #yiv1628730983 div.yiv1628730983photo-title a:visited {text-decoration:none;}#yiv1628730983 div#yiv1628730983ygrp-mlmsg #yiv1628730983ygrp-msg p a span.yiv1628730983yshortcuts {font-family:Verdana;font-size:10px;font-weight:normal;}#yiv1628730983 .yiv1628730983green {color:#628c2a;}#yiv1628730983 .yiv1628730983MsoNormal {margin:0 0 0 0;}#yiv1628730983 o {font-size:0;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983photos div {float:left;width:72px;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983photos div div {border:1px solid #666666;height:62px;overflow:hidden;width:62px;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983photos div label {color:#666666;font-size:10px;overflow:hidden;text-align:center;white-space:nowrap;width:64px;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983reco-category {font-size:77%;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983reco-desc {font-size:77%;}#yiv1628730983 .yiv1628730983replbq {margin:4px;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983ygrp-actbar div a:first-child {margin-right:2px;padding-right:5px;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983ygrp-mlmsg {font-size:13px;font-family:Arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983ygrp-mlmsg table {font-size:inherit;font:100%;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983ygrp-mlmsg select, #yiv1628730983 input, #yiv1628730983 textarea {font:99% Arial, Helvetica, clean, sans-serif;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983ygrp-mlmsg pre, #yiv1628730983 code {font:115% monospace;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983ygrp-mlmsg * {line-height:1.22em;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983ygrp-mlmsg #yiv1628730983logo {padding-bottom:10px;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983ygrp-msg p a {font-family:Verdana;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983ygrp-msg p#yiv1628730983attach-count span {color:#1E66AE;font-weight:700;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983ygrp-reco #yiv1628730983reco-head {color:#ff7900;font-weight:700;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983ygrp-reco {margin-bottom:20px;padding:0px;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983ygrp-sponsor #yiv1628730983ov li a {font-size:130%;text-decoration:none;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983ygrp-sponsor #yiv1628730983ov li {font-size:77%;list-style-type:square;padding:6px 0;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983ygrp-sponsor #yiv1628730983ov ul {margin:0;padding:0 0 0 8px;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983ygrp-text {font-family:Georgia;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983ygrp-text p {margin:0 0 1em 0;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983ygrp-text tt {font-size:120%;}#yiv1628730983 #yiv1628730983ygrp-vital ul li:last-child {border-right:none !important;}#yiv1628730983
19. Re: [ts2068] Hello, new user here with some questions...
Al Hartman · Thu, 22 Oct 2015 13:35
Being that I have the rights from Zebra to sell OS-64, I'd rather not have
that file running around for people to roll their own.
I'd have to say no at this time. Sorry.
-[ Al ]-
From: Eduardo Fuentes [email] [ts2068]
Hi Al,
Can you send me a bin file with the contents of your OS64 rom?
Regards,
Eduardo
20. Re: [ts2068] Re: Hello, new user here with some questions...
Cocodemus · Thu, 22 Oct 2015 14:12
The divmmc does not work with the cartridge. You need to replace the rom if you want to use it.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Oct 22, 2015, at 5:45 AM, 'Pete Rittwage' [email] [ts2068] <[email]> wrote:
>
> Hi guys,
>
> I think I posted to the group and mentioned this before, but I was able to
> simply burn the "TC2048" ROM to 27c256 EPROM (along with copy of original
> TS2068 ROM) with a switch on the high address line to switch between the
> two and replace the main ROM in my 2068.
>
> I did not have to cut traces, mess with the secondary ROM, or anything. It
> works to run Spectrum stuff just fine and boots every time.
>
> Now, the cartridge is definitely easier if you have one, but the extensive
> mod on that page is not necessary as far as I can tell. Maybe he didn't
> know about the TC2048 ROM.
>
> -Pete
>
21. Re: [ts2068] Hello, new user here with some questions...
Eduardo Fuentes · Thu, 22 Oct 2015 21:17
No problem, I undertand your point.
Do you thought in selling it in binary form?
De: "Al Hartman [email] [ts2068]" <[email]>
Para: [email]
Enviado: Jueves, 22 de octubre, 2015 14:35:55
Asunto: Re: [ts2068] Hello, new user here with some questions...
Being that I have the rights from Zebra to sell OS-64, I'd rather not have
that file running around for people to roll their own.
I'd have to say no at this time. Sorry.
-[ Al ]-
From: Eduardo Fuentes [email] [ts2068]
Hi Al,
Can you send me a bin file with the contents of your OS64 rom?
Regards,
Eduardo
#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260 -- #yiv3803545260ygrp-mkp {border:1px solid #d8d8d8;font-family:Arial;margin:10px 0;padding:0 10px;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260ygrp-mkp hr {border:1px solid #d8d8d8;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260ygrp-mkp #yiv3803545260hd {color:#628c2a;font-size:85%;font-weight:700;line-height:122%;margin:10px 0;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260ygrp-mkp #yiv3803545260ads {margin-bottom:10px;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260ygrp-mkp .yiv3803545260ad {padding:0 0;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260ygrp-mkp .yiv3803545260ad p {margin:0;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260ygrp-mkp .yiv3803545260ad a {color:#0000ff;text-decoration:none;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260ygrp-sponsor #yiv3803545260ygrp-lc {font-family:Arial;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260ygrp-sponsor #yiv3803545260ygrp-lc #yiv3803545260hd {margin:10px 0px;font-weight:700;font-size:78%;line-height:122%;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260ygrp-sponsor #yiv3803545260ygrp-lc .yiv3803545260ad {margin-bottom:10px;padding:0 0;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260actions {font-family:Verdana;font-size:11px;padding:10px 0;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260activity {background-color:#e0ecee;float:left;font-family:Verdana;font-size:10px;padding:10px;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260activity span {font-weight:700;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260activity span:first-child {text-transform:uppercase;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260activity span a {color:#5085b6;text-decoration:none;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260activity span span {color:#ff7900;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260activity span .yiv3803545260underline {text-decoration:underline;}#yiv3803545260 .yiv3803545260attach {clear:both;display:table;font-family:Arial;font-size:12px;padding:10px 0;width:400px;}#yiv3803545260 .yiv3803545260attach div a {text-decoration:none;}#yiv3803545260 .yiv3803545260attach img {border:none;padding-right:5px;}#yiv3803545260 .yiv3803545260attach label {display:block;margin-bottom:5px;}#yiv3803545260 .yiv3803545260attach label a {text-decoration:none;}#yiv3803545260 blockquote {margin:0 0 0 4px;}#yiv3803545260 .yiv3803545260bold {font-family:Arial;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;}#yiv3803545260 .yiv3803545260bold a {text-decoration:none;}#yiv3803545260 dd.yiv3803545260last p a {font-family:Verdana;font-weight:700;}#yiv3803545260 dd.yiv3803545260last p span {margin-right:10px;font-family:Verdana;font-weight:700;}#yiv3803545260 dd.yiv3803545260last p span.yiv3803545260yshortcuts {margin-right:0;}#yiv3803545260 div.yiv3803545260attach-table div div a {text-decoration:none;}#yiv3803545260 div.yiv3803545260attach-table {width:400px;}#yiv3803545260 div.yiv3803545260file-title a, #yiv3803545260 div.yiv3803545260file-title a:active, #yiv3803545260 div.yiv3803545260file-title a:hover, #yiv3803545260 div.yiv3803545260file-title a:visited {text-decoration:none;}#yiv3803545260 div.yiv3803545260photo-title a, #yiv3803545260 div.yiv3803545260photo-title a:active, #yiv3803545260 div.yiv3803545260photo-title a:hover, #yiv3803545260 div.yiv3803545260photo-title a:visited {text-decoration:none;}#yiv3803545260 div#yiv3803545260ygrp-mlmsg #yiv3803545260ygrp-msg p a span.yiv3803545260yshortcuts {font-family:Verdana;font-size:10px;font-weight:normal;}#yiv3803545260 .yiv3803545260green {color:#628c2a;}#yiv3803545260 .yiv3803545260MsoNormal {margin:0 0 0 0;}#yiv3803545260 o {font-size:0;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260photos div {float:left;width:72px;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260photos div div {border:1px solid #666666;height:62px;overflow:hidden;width:62px;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260photos div label {color:#666666;font-size:10px;overflow:hidden;text-align:center;white-space:nowrap;width:64px;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260reco-category {font-size:77%;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260reco-desc {font-size:77%;}#yiv3803545260 .yiv3803545260replbq {margin:4px;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260ygrp-actbar div a:first-child {margin-right:2px;padding-right:5px;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260ygrp-mlmsg {font-size:13px;font-family:Arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260ygrp-mlmsg table {font-size:inherit;font:100%;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260ygrp-mlmsg select, #yiv3803545260 input, #yiv3803545260 textarea {font:99% Arial, Helvetica, clean, sans-serif;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260ygrp-mlmsg pre, #yiv3803545260 code {font:115% monospace;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260ygrp-mlmsg * {line-height:1.22em;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260ygrp-mlmsg #yiv3803545260logo {padding-bottom:10px;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260ygrp-msg p a {font-family:Verdana;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260ygrp-msg p#yiv3803545260attach-count span {color:#1E66AE;font-weight:700;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260ygrp-reco #yiv3803545260reco-head {color:#ff7900;font-weight:700;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260ygrp-reco {margin-bottom:20px;padding:0px;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260ygrp-sponsor #yiv3803545260ov li a {font-size:130%;text-decoration:none;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260ygrp-sponsor #yiv3803545260ov li {font-size:77%;list-style-type:square;padding:6px 0;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260ygrp-sponsor #yiv3803545260ov ul {margin:0;padding:0 0 0 8px;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260ygrp-text {font-family:Georgia;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260ygrp-text p {margin:0 0 1em 0;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260ygrp-text tt {font-size:120%;}#yiv3803545260 #yiv3803545260ygrp-vital ul li:last-child {border-right:none !important;}#yiv3803545260
22. Re: [ts2068] Hello, new user here with some questions...
Al Hartman · Thu, 22 Oct 2015 18:53
No, because OS-64 is a cartridge, and isn't meant to run in binary form.
-[ Al ]-
From: Eduardo Fuentes [email] [ts2068]
No problem, I undertand your point.
Do you thought in selling it in binary form?
23. Re: [ts2068] Hello, new user here with some questions...
Cocodemus · Thu, 22 Oct 2015 18:18
What is the os64 anyway?
Sent from my iPhone
> On Oct 22, 2015, at 3:53 PM, Al Hartman [email] [ts2068] <[email]> wrote:
>
> No, because OS-64 is a cartridge, and isn't meant to run in binary form.
>
> -[ Al ]-
>
> From: Eduardo Fuentes [email] [ts2068]
>
> No problem, I undertand your point.
>
> Do you thought in selling it in binary form?
>
24. Re: [ts2068] Hello, new user here with some questions...
Al Hartman · Thu, 22 Oct 2015 22:27
OS-64 is a cartridge that modifies TS2068 BASIC to have a 64 Column Display.
-[ Al ]-
From: Cocodemus [email] [ts2068]
What is the os64 anyway?
Sent from my iPhone
25. Re: [ts2068] Hello, new user here with some questions...
Cocodemus · Thu, 22 Oct 2015 19:35
Interesting :)
Sent from my iPhone
> On Oct 22, 2015, at 7:27 PM, Al Hartman [email] [ts2068] <[email]> wrote:
>
> OS-64 is a cartridge that modifies TS2068 BASIC to have a 64 Column Display.
>
> -[ Al ]-
>
> From: Cocodemus [email] [ts2068]
>
> What is the os64 anyway?
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
26. Re: [ts2068] Hello, new user here with some questions...
Oscar Arthur Koepke · Fri, 23 Oct 2015 11:58
Did the letters look similar to Tasword2?
Regards,Oscar A. Koepke
From: "Al Hartman [email] [ts2068]" <[email]>
To: [email]
Sent: Friday, October 23, 2015 12:27 AM
Subject: Re: [ts2068] Hello, new user here with some questions...
OS-64 is a cartridge that modifies TS2068 BASIC to have a 64 Column Display.
-[ Al ]-
From: Cocodemus [email] [ts2068]
What is the os64 anyway?
Sent from my iPhone
#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429 -- #yiv0637949429ygrp-mkp {border:1px solid #d8d8d8;font-family:Arial;margin:10px 0;padding:0 10px;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429ygrp-mkp hr {border:1px solid #d8d8d8;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429ygrp-mkp #yiv0637949429hd {color:#628c2a;font-size:85%;font-weight:700;line-height:122%;margin:10px 0;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429ygrp-mkp #yiv0637949429ads {margin-bottom:10px;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429ygrp-mkp .yiv0637949429ad {padding:0 0;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429ygrp-mkp .yiv0637949429ad p {margin:0;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429ygrp-mkp .yiv0637949429ad a {color:#0000ff;text-decoration:none;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429ygrp-sponsor #yiv0637949429ygrp-lc {font-family:Arial;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429ygrp-sponsor #yiv0637949429ygrp-lc #yiv0637949429hd {margin:10px 0px;font-weight:700;font-size:78%;line-height:122%;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429ygrp-sponsor #yiv0637949429ygrp-lc .yiv0637949429ad {margin-bottom:10px;padding:0 0;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429actions {font-family:Verdana;font-size:11px;padding:10px 0;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429activity {background-color:#e0ecee;float:left;font-family:Verdana;font-size:10px;padding:10px;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429activity span {font-weight:700;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429activity span:first-child {text-transform:uppercase;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429activity span a {color:#5085b6;text-decoration:none;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429activity span span {color:#ff7900;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429activity span .yiv0637949429underline {text-decoration:underline;}#yiv0637949429 .yiv0637949429attach {clear:both;display:table;font-family:Arial;font-size:12px;padding:10px 0;width:400px;}#yiv0637949429 .yiv0637949429attach div a {text-decoration:none;}#yiv0637949429 .yiv0637949429attach img {border:none;padding-right:5px;}#yiv0637949429 .yiv0637949429attach label {display:block;margin-bottom:5px;}#yiv0637949429 .yiv0637949429attach label a {text-decoration:none;}#yiv0637949429 blockquote {margin:0 0 0 4px;}#yiv0637949429 .yiv0637949429bold {font-family:Arial;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;}#yiv0637949429 .yiv0637949429bold a {text-decoration:none;}#yiv0637949429 dd.yiv0637949429last p a {font-family:Verdana;font-weight:700;}#yiv0637949429 dd.yiv0637949429last p span {margin-right:10px;font-family:Verdana;font-weight:700;}#yiv0637949429 dd.yiv0637949429last p span.yiv0637949429yshortcuts {margin-right:0;}#yiv0637949429 div.yiv0637949429attach-table div div a {text-decoration:none;}#yiv0637949429 div.yiv0637949429attach-table {width:400px;}#yiv0637949429 div.yiv0637949429file-title a, #yiv0637949429 div.yiv0637949429file-title a:active, #yiv0637949429 div.yiv0637949429file-title a:hover, #yiv0637949429 div.yiv0637949429file-title a:visited {text-decoration:none;}#yiv0637949429 div.yiv0637949429photo-title a, #yiv0637949429 div.yiv0637949429photo-title a:active, #yiv0637949429 div.yiv0637949429photo-title a:hover, #yiv0637949429 div.yiv0637949429photo-title a:visited {text-decoration:none;}#yiv0637949429 div#yiv0637949429ygrp-mlmsg #yiv0637949429ygrp-msg p a span.yiv0637949429yshortcuts {font-family:Verdana;font-size:10px;font-weight:normal;}#yiv0637949429 .yiv0637949429green {color:#628c2a;}#yiv0637949429 .yiv0637949429MsoNormal {margin:0 0 0 0;}#yiv0637949429 o {font-size:0;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429photos div {float:left;width:72px;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429photos div div {border:1px solid #666666;height:62px;overflow:hidden;width:62px;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429photos div label {color:#666666;font-size:10px;overflow:hidden;text-align:center;white-space:nowrap;width:64px;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429reco-category {font-size:77%;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429reco-desc {font-size:77%;}#yiv0637949429 .yiv0637949429replbq {margin:4px;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429ygrp-actbar div a:first-child {margin-right:2px;padding-right:5px;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429ygrp-mlmsg {font-size:13px;font-family:Arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429ygrp-mlmsg table {font-size:inherit;font:100%;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429ygrp-mlmsg select, #yiv0637949429 input, #yiv0637949429 textarea {font:99% Arial, Helvetica, clean, sans-serif;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429ygrp-mlmsg pre, #yiv0637949429 code {font:115% monospace;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429ygrp-mlmsg * {line-height:1.22em;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429ygrp-mlmsg #yiv0637949429logo {padding-bottom:10px;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429ygrp-msg p a {font-family:Verdana;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429ygrp-msg p#yiv0637949429attach-count span {color:#1E66AE;font-weight:700;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429ygrp-reco #yiv0637949429reco-head {color:#ff7900;font-weight:700;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429ygrp-reco {margin-bottom:20px;padding:0px;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429ygrp-sponsor #yiv0637949429ov li a {font-size:130%;text-decoration:none;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429ygrp-sponsor #yiv0637949429ov li {font-size:77%;list-style-type:square;padding:6px 0;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429ygrp-sponsor #yiv0637949429ov ul {margin:0;padding:0 0 0 8px;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429ygrp-text {font-family:Georgia;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429ygrp-text p {margin:0 0 1em 0;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429ygrp-text tt {font-size:120%;}#yiv0637949429 #yiv0637949429ygrp-vital ul li:last-child {border-right:none !important;}#yiv0637949429
27. Re: [ts2068] Hello, new user here with some questions...
Al Hartman · Fri, 23 Oct 2015 15:59
I don't know, but I'd say it's likely as from what I understand this 64
column mode is built in to the 2068.
You can look at Mark's video about the cartridge board on Youtube where he
boots up an OS-64 EPROM on his board and judge for yourself.
As soon as my first cartridge boards arrive, I'll take pictures of an OS-64
screen and post them.
Anyone know if there is a TS2068 group on Facebook?
-[ Al ]-
From: Oscar Arthur Koepke [email] [ts2068]
Did the letters look similar to Tasword2?
Regards,
Oscar A. Koepke
From: "Al Hartman [email] [ts2068]"
<[email]>
To: [email]
Sent: Friday, October 23, 2015 12:27 AM
Subject: Re: [ts2068] Hello, new user here with some questions...
OS-64 is a cartridge that modifies TS2068 BASIC to have a 64 Column Display.
-[ Al ]-
28. Re: [ts2068] Hello, new user here with some questions...
William McBrine · Fri, 23 Oct 2015 16:38
No, Tasword is that one that used the 4-pixel-wide characters. (Although, I'm not sure the distinction between Tasword and Tasword 2?) OS64 looks more like MScript. :)
> On Oct 23, 2015, at 3:59 PM, Al Hartman [email] [ts2068] <[email]> wrote:
>
> I don't know, but I'd say it's likely as from what I understand this 64
> column mode is built in
>
> From: Oscar Arthur Koepke [email] [ts2068]
>
> Did the letters look similar to Tasword2?
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
29. Re: [ts2068] Hello, new user here with some questions...
Al Hartman · Fri, 23 Oct 2015 17:15
That makes sense since Tasword was a port from the Spectrum which didn't
have the built-in 64 column mode.
I mostly used Mscript on the 2068 when I needed to, as it directly supported
the Zebra Disk System.
-[ Al ]-
From: William McBrine [email] [ts2068]
No, Tasword is that one that used the 4-pixel-wide characters. (Although,
I'm not sure the distinction between Tasword and Tasword 2?) OS64 looks more
like MScript. :)
On Oct 23, 2015, at 3:59 PM, Al Hartman [email] [ts2068]
<[email]> wrote:
I don't know, but I'd say it's likely as from what I understand this 64
column mode is built in
From: Oscar Arthur Koepke [email] [ts2068]
Did the letters look similar to Tasword2?