Interesting TS2068 item on Ebay...
13 messages · 2006-07-14 → 2006-07-17 · Yahoo Group era · View archive on archive.org
Participants: Jarek Adamski, Timex, Louis Florit, James Diffendaffer
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. Interesting TS2068 item on Ebay...
Louis Florit · Fri, 14 Jul 2006 15:47
Anyone actually know what this is? My guess is a CPM module to
connect to the Zebra drive extension.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Timex-Sinclair-Adapter-Zebra_W0QQitemZ120006674903QQihZ002QQcategoryZ1247QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Text from the auction here:
The larger unit has a small red Reset button and a Power indicator
light on the front panel. The rear panel has an Interface Connection
port, 4-pin Power port, and 2 9-pin RS 232 ports, CH B & CH A., and a
cord with a 15-pin female plug. The screws holding the cover have
been loosened (but they're here) and the cover lifts off (see photo).
Handwritten on the bottom is "112585" and "20004 TG".
The smaller unit has a Reset button on top. It has a 15-pin male port
matching the cable on the unit above. On the opposite side it has a
port that looks like it plugs onto an expansion port. The underside
has a tag that's printed "P/N 397-980156". The top has a tag that
says, "***WARNING*** Do not plug this Interface directly into the
Expansion port of your Timex/Sinclair 2068 Computer..Use only Zebra
Disk Drive adaptor".
The styrofoam box these are in has handwritten, " C +CPM 64K". This
note may have nothing to do with the contents however.
I've obtained a large lot of vintage computer stuff at a local
auction. The previous owner appears to have either been in the
computer repair business in the old days or, at least, was a very
serious hobbiest. Everything appears visually to be in good shape,
although some items are dusty or has plastic yellowed with age.
--
Louis Florit
AIM: lflorit MSN:[email] Y!: indygolunaria
GoogleTalk: [email]
2. Re: [ts2068] Re: Interesting TS2068 item on Ebay...
Louis Florit · Fri, 14 Jul 2006 18:52
Thanks James. There actually turns out to be quite a pile of
interesting and unique Timex/Sinclair stuff on ebay, all from the
below seller. It appears he got it from some local auction in
Florida. Might be a good month to shop for gems and unique pieces for
your collections!
L
On 7/14/06, James Diffendaffer <[email]> wrote:
> It's a disk drive + 2 comm port interface if the web page I found is
> accurate. I forwarded some info to the seller and it's split out
> throughout the auctions of the parts.
>
> To have a working system you need the interface, the power supply and
> at least 1 drive. The drives use the same 3 inch disks as the Amdek
> drives that were in the US. It's the same as those in the Spectrum +3
> and some Amstrad computers. They are impossible to find new and the
> only used ones I've seen are in Europe.
>
> I believe the web page I saw said it was made in Portugal. It may
> also require an adaptor to work on some computers.
>
> --- In [email], "Louis Florit" <florit@...> wrote:
> >
> > Anyone actually know what this is? My guess is a CPM module to
> > connect to the Zebra drive extension.
> >
> >
> http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Timex-Sinclair-Adapter-Zebra_W0QQitemZ120006674903QQihZ002QQcategoryZ1247QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
--
Louis Florit
AIM: lflorit MSN:[email] Y!: indygolunaria
GoogleTalk: [email]
3. Re: [ts2068] Interesting TS2068 item on Ebay...
Jarek Adamski · Sat, 15 Jul 2006 00:55
Hello!
On Pt Lipca 14 2006, 9:47 pm, Louis Florit wrote:
> Anyone actually know what this is? My guess is a CPM module to
> connect to the Zebra drive extension.
This is Timex FDD 3 computer with Timex Interface M-397.
It need +5V/+12V power supply unit. Four 3" or 5.25" or
3.5" floppy drives can be connected to the white slot -
they also need separate power supply. The interface can
be connected to Timex 2048, ZX Spectrum 48kB. The Timex
Sinclair 2068 needs Twister Board, ZX Spectrum 128K
needs ROM upgrade in the interface.
Timex Sinclair 2068 and Timex Computer 2068 may need also
cartridge with ZX Spectrum compatibile ROM, unless the
interface has Zebra ROM - in this case will work only
with Timex 2068.
The Timex FDD 3 has 16kB by factory and can be upgraded
to 64kB RAM. (Or 4MB RAM, with YABUS.TF3.) The 16kB version
can use only TOS A.2. With 64kB RAM, also TOS A.4, CP/M 2.2
and CPM22QED can be used. The item on eBay may have 64kB,
but I cannot distinguish from the pictures.
My page:
http://8bit.yarek.pl/computer/timex.fdd3/
In Poland such hardware has price ~30 USD.
--
Jarek Adamski
4. Re: Interesting TS2068 item on Ebay...
James Diffendaffer · Fri, 14 Jul 2006 20:49
It's a disk drive + 2 comm port interface if the web page I found is
accurate. I forwarded some info to the seller and it's split out
throughout the auctions of the parts.
To have a working system you need the interface, the power supply and
at least 1 drive. The drives use the same 3 inch disks as the Amdek
drives that were in the US. It's the same as those in the Spectrum +3
and some Amstrad computers. They are impossible to find new and the
only used ones I've seen are in Europe.
I believe the web page I saw said it was made in Portugal. It may
also require an adaptor to work on some computers.
--- In [email], "Louis Florit" <florit@...> wrote:
>
> Anyone actually know what this is? My guess is a CPM module to
> connect to the Zebra drive extension.
>
>
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Timex-Sinclair-Adapter-Zebra_W0QQitemZ120006674903QQihZ002QQcategoryZ1247QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
>
5. Re: [ts2068] Interesting TS2068 item on Ebay...
Timex · Sat, 15 Jul 2006 12:15
To not create confusion let's not call it a computer but the FDD-3
Disk Controller when used with the Timex Interface.
You can only use it as a computer with Timex Terminal 3000 (Or with
CP/M terminal emulator but you need another computer to use it as a
computer).
We can discuss if TT3000 is a computer because it have is how Z80A,
ROM, RAM, SCLD and even a speaker, but can only be programmed if a
ROM re-write is done and only powered up with FDD-3 with 64K RAM or
FDD3000.
http://timex.comboios.info/tt3000.html
Jarek do you know how can a FDD-3 controller be upgraded to 64K?
Encarnado, Portugal
On Jul 14, 2006, at 11:55 PM, Jarek Adamski wrote:
> Hello!
>
> On Pt Lipca 14 2006, 9:47 pm, Louis Florit wrote:
>> Anyone actually know what this is? My guess is a CPM module to
>> connect to the Zebra drive extension.
> This is Timex FDD 3 computer with Timex Interface M-397.
> It need +5V/+12V power supply unit. Four 3" or 5.25" or
> 3.5" floppy drives can be connected to the white slot -
> they also need separate power supply. The interface can
> be connected to Timex 2048, ZX Spectrum 48kB. The Timex
> Sinclair 2068 needs Twister Board, ZX Spectrum 128K
> needs ROM upgrade in the interface.
>
> Timex Sinclair 2068 and Timex Computer 2068 may need also
> cartridge with ZX Spectrum compatibile ROM, unless the
> interface has Zebra ROM - in this case will work only
> with Timex 2068.
>
> The Timex FDD 3 has 16kB by factory and can be upgraded
> to 64kB RAM. (Or 4MB RAM, with YABUS.TF3.) The 16kB version
> can use only TOS A.2. With 64kB RAM, also TOS A.4, CP/M 2.2
> and CPM22QED can be used. The item on eBay may have 64kB,
> but I cannot distinguish from the pictures.
>
> My page:
> http://8bit.yarek.pl/computer/timex.fdd3/
>
> In Poland such hardware has price ~30 USD.
>
> --
> Jarek Adamski
>
>
>
>
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>
6. Re: [ts2068] Re: Interesting TS2068 item on Ebay...
Timex · Sun, 16 Jul 2006 11:45
On Jul 16, 2006, at 11:00 AM, Jarek Adamski wrote:
>
>
>> Jarek do you know how can a FDD-3 controller be upgraded to 64K?
> The two 4416 must be replaced with 4464. It could be hard to
> desolder them, as they are upside-down on the top board.
> Also another 74*157 like multiplexer must be added, but only
> one of four its gates is used. The A0 connected to pin 10 of the
> memory must be replaced with multiplexer output. As the inputs
> of the multiplexer should be connected A14 (A) and A0 (B).
> A15 can be connected to pin 3 of the ULA IHO35E, after cuting
> out ground from this pin. The selection line is on pin 1 of
> the 74LS157 on top board and also on pin 14 of the ULA.
That's too much for me
> Anyway, I recommend upgrade to 4MB RAM and YABUS slot for RTC
> and IDE.
> http://zxtest.yarek.pl/upgrade/yabus.tf3/
> http://zxtest.yarek.pl/upgrade/yabus.tf3/ytf3007.jpg
The request /upgrade/yabus.tf3/ytf3007.jpg was not found on this server.
The request /upgrade/yabus.tf3/ was not found on this server.
I think I have damaged all my Timex Interfaces...
Johnny Red, Portugal
7. Re: Interesting TS2068 item on Ebay...
Jarek Adamski · Sun, 16 Jul 2006 10:00
Helo Johnny!
Unfortunately my first reply was lost due the stupid
Yahoo! everyday password reqest.
--- In [email], "Johnny Red (Timex)" wrote:
> To not create confusion let's not call it a computer but
> the FDD-3 Disk Controller when used with the Timex Interface.
OK. But from my point og view, it is a computer. I have a
Je80, CP/M machine from Sveden, it has similar possibilities
to Timex FDD and also needs external teminal.
http://8bit.yarek.pl/computer/z80.jet80/
I found Svedish article with picture. The Jet80 has desktop
case and the terminal is placed over it.
http://8bit.yarek.pl/computer/z80.jet80/Elektronikvarlden_84-11.jpg
When you boot CP/M on Timex FDD, you can use also the serial
interface to connect a terminal. This needs change in initial
value of IOBYTE at the boot disk.
> Jarek do you know how can a FDD-3 controller be upgraded to 64K?
The two 4416 must be replaced with 4464. It could be hard to
desolder them, as they are upside-down on the top board.
Also another 74*157 like multiplexer must be added, but only
one of four its gates is used. The A0 connected to pin 10 of the
memory must be replaced with multiplexer output. As the inputs
of the multiplexer should be connected A14 (A) and A0 (B).
A15 can be connected to pin 3 of the ULA IHO35E, after cuting
out ground from this pin. The selection line is on pin 1 of
the 74LS157 on top board and also on pin 14 of the ULA.
Anyway, I recommend upgrade to 4MB RAM and YABUS slot for RTC
and IDE.
http://zxtest.yarek.pl/upgrade/yabus.tf3/
http://zxtest.yarek.pl/upgrade/yabus.tf3/ytf3007.jpg
Jarek Adamski
8. Re: [ts2068] Re: Interesting TS2068 item on Ebay...
Timex · Sun, 16 Jul 2006 19:19
Jarek,
> Hi Johnny!
>
> You wrote:
>> That's too much for me
> Well, the upgrade is a bit complicated.
But it was upgradable. Now how Timex planed to upgrade it I never
know if they simply replaced the daughter board or upgraded it.
>> The request /upgrade/yabus.tf3/ was not found on this server.
> Oh, sorry. I use zxtest domain for local access and I
> forgot co change it to 8bit. I hoped the URL redirection
> works, but it wasn't. :( Now should.
>
> The links should be:
> http://8bit.yarek.pl/upgrade/yabus.tf3/
> http://8bit.yarek.pl/upgrade/yabus.tf3/ytf3007.jpg
No problem. It seems to be a very good job. But I will be only with TOS.
I like TOS :-)
>> I think I have damaged all my Timex Interfaces...
> I've damaged two or three, so in 1997 I've designed
> a new contents that is harder to damage and easier
> to repair. I still have some boards.
> http://8bit.yarek.pl/upgrade/zx.ti-of-ttl/
Yes I remember it. It goes already in version 009!
> My picure of 16 damaged Timex Interfaces:
> http://8bit.yarek.pl/upgrade/zx.ti-of-ttl/zepsute.jpg
Geezz. So many? I only have 3. And I think all three are damaged. My
2068 is still damaged... but I found another 2068 with all chips in
sockets (even SCLD) and I can't make any TI work.
My neptun monitor broken down and I don't have a TV that gets the
Timex signal good enough to see.
> Since I made this photo in 1999, I got 6 next boards. :)
:\
My Timex stuff is all in boxes. :(
Johnny Red, Portugal
9. Re: Interesting TS2068 item on Ebay...
Jarek Adamski · Sun, 16 Jul 2006 14:51
Hi Johnny!
You wrote:
> That's too much for me
Well, the upgrade is a bit complicated.
> The request /upgrade/yabus.tf3/ was not found on this server.
Oh, sorry. I use zxtest domain for local access and I
forgot co change it to 8bit. I hoped the URL redirection
works, but it wasn't. :( Now should.
The links should be:
http://8bit.yarek.pl/upgrade/yabus.tf3/
http://8bit.yarek.pl/upgrade/yabus.tf3/ytf3007.jpg
> I think I have damaged all my Timex Interfaces...
I've damaged two or three, so in 1997 I've designed
a new contents that is harder to damage and easier
to repair. I still have some boards.
http://8bit.yarek.pl/upgrade/zx.ti-of-ttl/
My picure of 16 damaged Timex Interfaces:
http://8bit.yarek.pl/upgrade/zx.ti-of-ttl/zepsute.jpg
Since I made this photo in 1999, I got 6 next boards. :)
Jarek Adamski, Poland.
10. Re: [ts2068] Re: Interesting TS2068 item on Ebay...
Timex · Sun, 16 Jul 2006 22:10
> The A14 and A15 address lines are not available in the
> slot, so must be found on bottom board. For YABUS.TF3
> I have taken them from the PAL place, where I installed
> another slot for top board.
How many version of bottom board have you found?
I know that 2 version have existed, because (I don't remember this
very well) the bottom board of my FDD3 controller is different from
the controller of one of my FDD3000.
>> But I will be only with TOS. I like TOS :-)
> For TOS 16kB is enough. Unless you would like to try
> the TOS A.4, that requires 64kB and probaby was the
> main reason for 64kB upgrades in Poland.
Well TOS A.4 doesn't support 640K disk format. 640K disks have a
world inside them :)
It's 4x 3" disks in one 3.5" disk. 5 1/4" disks are rare and I have
alot of 3.5" disks. Even HD disks work!
>> Yes I remember it. It goes already in version 009!
> The current schematic with 128kB PEROM is 011, but I
> still use 009 boards.
Only thing I would like to have in a TI-of-TTL is a switch to switch
different ROMs (like having the TI ROM for 2048 and 2068 in one TI-of-
TTL or even the 128K version).
>> but I found another 2068 with all chips in
>> sockets (even SCLD) and I can't make any TI work.
> Well, you need at least one TI-of-TTL then. ;)
Yes, and I need to find them. I want my Timex back :)
>> My neptun monitor broken down and I don't have a
>> TV that gets the Timex signal good enough to see.
> Hm, Sintech-shop.de sells VGA-BOX quite cheap, with
> this you could use VGA monitor. I haven't tested
> this device - I use AverMedia JoyTV since 1999 and
> it gives medium picture quality. It works both with
> PAL and NTSC, but doesn't show colors for NTSC.
I must get someone to fix it... or fix my Commodore 1082S color monitor.
Johnny Red, Portugal
11. Re: Interesting TS2068 item on Ebay...
Jarek Adamski · Sun, 16 Jul 2006 19:11
> But it was upgradable. Now how Timex planed to upgrade
> it I never know if they simply replaced the daughter
> board or upgraded it.
I've seen 3 or 4 upgraded boards, all as home-made.
They intended to make kind of "SIMM" module.
The 22 pins stright slot for douther board provides
multiplexed address lines.
But the multilexation is not suitable for 4416
memories. Also power track for 74LS157 muliplexer is
missed on bottom board. So they had to make another
board.
The A14 and A15 address lines are not available in the
slot, so must be found on bottom board. For YABUS.TF3
I have taken them from the PAL place, where I installed
another slot for top board.
> No problem. It seems to be a very good job.
Thank you. ;)
> But I will be only with TOS. I like TOS :-)
For TOS 16kB is enough. Unless you would like to try
the TOS A.4, that requires 64kB and probaby was the
main reason for 64kB upgrades in Poland.
> Yes I remember it. It goes already in version 009!
The current schematic with 128kB PEROM is 011, but I
still use 009 boards.
> but I found another 2068 with all chips in
> sockets (even SCLD) and I can't make any TI work.
Well, you need at least one TI-of-TTL then. ;)
> My neptun monitor broken down and I don't have a
> TV that gets the Timex signal good enough to see.
Hm, Sintech-shop.de sells VGA-BOX quite cheap, with
this you could use VGA monitor. I haven't tested
this device - I use AverMedia JoyTV since 1999 and
it gives medium picture quality. It works both with
PAL and NTSC, but doesn't show colors for NTSC.
> My Timex stuff is all in boxes. :(
:(
Jarek Adamski, Poland.
12. Re: Interesting TS2068 item on Ebay...
Jarek Adamski · Mon, 17 Jul 2006 00:12
Wrrrr... Again... I have written reply and then...
To protect your account, you need to confirm
your password periodically.
Please, Yahoo!, please, don't protect my account,
no-one else uses my computer ever!!!!
13. Re: Interesting TS2068 item on Ebay...
Jarek Adamski · Mon, 17 Jul 2006 14:37
OK, I have written this again...
--- In [email], "Johnny Red (Timex)" wrote:
> How many version of bottom board have you found?
I know only one. I never studied if the tracks are the
same.
The board for Timex FDD 3000 is quite different in
dimensions, used chips and port decoding. These
differences are transparent to software.
> Well TOS A.4 doesn't support 640K disk format.
> 640K disks have a world inside them :)
I've copied most of my TOS games to 820kB disks,
runable in CPM22QED. TOS file server is simulated
by TOSQ1.COM program.
My best experiment was attaching Amiga HD drive and
formatting the disk to 1640kB on Timex FDD 3000.
> Only thing I would like to have in a TI-of-TTL is
> a switch to switch different ROMs (like having the
> TI ROM for 2048 and 2068 in one TI-of-TTL or even
> the 128K version).
The recent boot software is looking for ZX Spectrum
ROM first in Home, then Dock. If not found, switches
to Home and selects the Zebra TOS ROM for 2068 mode.
This works in 32kB EPROM and you don't need a switch.
The TOS is patched to work with ZX Spectrum 128K and
even ZX+3.
The 64kB version also have own, build-in copy of ZX
Spectrum ROM, so you don't need a cartridge. In the
recent TI-of-TTL I've mounted a switch to select
between the build-in ROM and computer ROM.
> I must get someone to fix it... or fix my Commodore
> 1082S color monitor.
I cannot help you with this. I have very little
knowledge about video circuits.
My dream is to build world-wide network of 8bit
service... But this must be done first.
Jarek Adamski, Poland.