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questions on TS2068 (and TS1500) carts

18 messages · 2004-02-16 → 2004-06-29 · Yahoo Group era · View archive on archive.org

Participants: Jack Boatwright, David, Johnny Red, joe schmoe, Louis Florit, Abed Kahale, Russ Perry Jr

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. questions on TS2068 (and TS1500) carts

David · Mon, 16 Feb 2004 06:44

Not sure if this has been asked before, but here it goes:

I've been doing some research on the TS2068 and TS1500 carts (hope that no one 
minds the TS1500 stuff in this post) - game carts in paricular, and was wondering 
what folks opinions (or facts if you have them) are on the following carts and 
hardware (see my thoughts at the bottom):

Timex/Sinclair 2068

U.S. Game Releases
07-3000 Flight Simulator - (c) Psion 1983
07-3001 States & Capitals - (c) Timex 1983
07-4000 Pinball - (c) A. Laity 1983 Softsync, Inc.
07-4001 Androids - (c) Peter Aked 1983
07-4004 Casino I - (c) R. Leninger, 1983 Soft-Sync
07-4005 Crazy Bugs - (c) Stephen Hughes 1983

Prototypes and One-of-a-Kind
07-4002  Penetrator (not released on cart) - (c) Melbourne House 1983

Non-Cartridge Items
TS2090 Command Stick - (c) Timex 1983

========

Timex/Sinclair 1000/1500
U.S. Game Releases

07-9001 Supermath - (c) PSI 1983
07-9002 States & Capitals - (c) Timex 1983
07-9003 Chess - (c) Psion 1983
07-9004 Flight Simulator - (c) Psion 1983

Non-Cartridge Items
TS1510 Cartridge Player - (c) Timex 1983

=========

Questions I have about the above items are:

How many were made on a whole for TS2068 (and TS1500) carts.

On a scale of 1-10, w/10 being rarest (almost impossible to get/very few made), 
what would you rate the rarety of each cartridge or item above.

Also, what would you say the average price of each cart or item is.

Last but not least, were the TS1500 carts listed above actually released? And did they 
work on the ZX81/TS100/and TS/1500, or just the 1500?


Here's my opinions on things:

On amount of cartridges made:
Personally, I don't have a clue on this. I would think less that 10,000 each - and that's 
probably too high a figure, as only 60,000 2068's were made. As for the TS1500 
carts, since I have never seen one, I would guess they were only made in the low 
thousands at best.

All TS2068 carts - Rarity 7. Average price per cart, around $30 (50+ w/box and 
instructions).
Penetrator cart - I've heard it had been seen in prototype form, but have not been 
able to confirm this?!  Has anyone seen this (or can confirm this rumor)?

TS2090 Joystick - Rarity 6 - Price, around $25.

TS1500 carts opinions:
All four carts - I would put the Rarity at around 9 (since I have yet to see one, but 
know a few folks that have one or more). Price, around $50+ for each cart.

TS1510 Cartridge Player - Rarity 9, price at $100+ (same as above - never seen one, 
but know a few guys who have one). I do not know if this only works on the TS1500, 
or if it works on the TS1000 and ZX81 also. Would really like to know.


Any help/insites/fact/whatever on the above would be appreciated, by myself, and 
probably by many of the folks in this group. I find this stuff fascinating.

-dave

2. Re: [ts2068] questions on TS2068 (and TS1500) carts

Jack Boatwright · Tue, 17 Feb 2004 15:26

IMHO

TS2090 Command Stick - (8/9)

TS2068 Carts (rarity, in regard to each other):
Androids                 - (8)
Budgeter                 - (8)
Casino I                  - (8)
Crazybugs              - (4)
Flight Simulator       - (6)
Pinball                    - (9)
Penetrator               - does not exist (unless prototype)
States & Capitals    - (4)
VU-Calc                 - does not exist
VU-File                  - does not exist

TS1000/1500 Carts (rarity): [All Exist]
Chess                                           - (10)
Flight Simulator                              - (10)
States & Capitals                           - (10)
Super Math                                    - (10)
TS1510 Command Cartridge Player  - (10)
I seem to remember hearing that only 1500 of each (cart and cart player) were made.  The cart player works with TS1000/ZX81 by USR call to initiate the cartridge.  On the TS1500 you just have to turn the computer on.

Another rare TS item is the TS2020A AC Adapter for the TS2020 Computer Program Recorder (it was actually a DVE wall wort adapter, but came in a TS-badged box).

Jack

3. Re: [ts2068] questions on TS2068 (and TS1500) carts

Johnny Red · Wed, 18 Feb 2004 01:25

On Tuesday, February 17, 2004, at 11:26 PM, Jack Boatwright wrote:

> Super Math                                    - (10)
> TS1510 Command Cartridge Player  - (10)
> I seem to remember hearing that only 1500 of each (cart and cart 
> player) were made.  The cart player works with TS1000/ZX81 by USR call 
> to initiate the cartridge.  On the TS1500 you just have to turn the 
> computer on.
>

Super Math... Some of those cartridge were made in Portugal.
I have somewhere a scan of the instruction paper.
But never seen one... or the TS1510 Cartridge Player...

Johnny Red, Portugal

4. Re: questions on TS2068 (and TS1500) carts

David · Wed, 18 Feb 2004 23:06

--- In [email], "Jack Boatwright" <jboatno4@o...> wrote:
see my comments below:

> IMHO
> 
> TS2090 Command Stick - (8/9)

Wow. Would not have thought this to be that rare! Then again, I haven't seen one for 
sale on ebay or elsewhere in some time.

> 
> TS2068 Carts (rarity, in regard to each other):
> Androids                 - (8)
> Budgeter                 - (8)
> Casino I                  - (8)
> Crazybugs              - (4)
> Flight Simulator       - (6)
> Pinball                    - (9)
> Penetrator               - does not exist (unless prototype)
> States & Capitals    - (4)
> VU-Calc                 - does not exist
> VU-File                  - does not exist

At this point, I agree with the Crazybugs rating. It seem to be the one that pops up on 
ebay the most. I have yet to see or find a Pinball cart, thus I believe it deserves the 
higher rarity rating.

> 
> TS1000/1500 Carts (rarity): [All Exist]
> Chess                                           - (10)
> Flight Simulator                              - (10)
> States & Capitals                           - (10)
> Super Math                                    - (10)
> TS1510 Command Cartridge Player  - (10)
> I seem to remember hearing that only 1500 of each (cart and cart player) were 
made.  The cart player works with TS1000/ZX81 by USR call to initiate the cartridge.  
On the TS1500 you just have to turn the computer on.

Thanks for the feedback on this. I was not 100% sure the carts existed. I new they 
were very rare, but not that rare! Makes me wonder if I'll ever get/see one. Also, 
thank for ths info on what it works on too! Very useful information!

> 
> Another rare TS item is the TS2020A AC Adapter for the TS2020 Computer Program 
Recorder (it was actually a DVE wall wort adapter, but came in a TS-badged box).

Another interseting tidbit for the TS library of hardware!

> 
> Jack

5. Re: [ts2068] Re: questions on TS2068 (and TS1500) carts

Jack Boatwright · Thu, 19 Feb 2004 08:54

There are scans of the boxes for the TS1000 cartridges on my web site, in the TS1000 software listing.  Also scans of the TS2068 boxes, except Pinball (have the cart and instructions but not the box).

As Johnny Red indicated in another post, some of the TS1000 cartridges came with both English and Portuguese instructions (Super Math is one).

Jack
http://www.outlawnet.com/~jboatno4/index.html

6. Re: [ts2068] questions on TS2068 (and TS1500) carts

joe schmoe · Thu, 19 Feb 2004 14:24

i know someone with the 1500 cartridge player
also...how bout 2-clear plexiglass prototype 2068
cases from the R & D dept of Timex in Waterbury
Conn.prototype ram cartridges .....what ya reckon
those would be worth?


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7. Re: [ts2068] questions on TS2068 (and TS1500) carts

Jack Boatwright · Fri, 20 Feb 2004 10:00

There is a picture of one of the clear-cased 2068's in an old issue of 'Time Designs Magazine'.


  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: joe schmoe 
  To: [email] 
  Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2004 2:24 PM
  Subject: Re: [ts2068] questions on TS2068 (and TS1500) carts


  i know someone with the 1500 cartridge player
  also...how bout 2-clear plexiglass prototype 2068
  cases from the R & D dept of Timex in Waterbury
  Conn.prototype ram cartridges .....what ya reckon
  those would be worth?


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8. Re: [ts2068] questions on TS2068 (and TS1500) carts

Louis Florit · Sun, 22 Feb 2004 23:30

Does anyone have a scan of this?  I'd be interested in adding it to the 
digital archive...

L

Jack Boatwright wrote:

> There is a picture of one of the clear-cased 2068's in an old issue of 
> 'Time Designs Magazine'.
>  
>  
> 
>     ----- Original Message -----
>     *From:* joe schmoe <mailto:[email]>
>     *To:* [email] <mailto:[email]>
>     *Sent:* Thursday, February 19, 2004 2:24 PM
>     *Subject:* Re: [ts2068] questions on TS2068 (and TS1500) carts
> 
>     i know someone with the 1500 cartridge player
>     also...how bout 2-clear plexiglass prototype 2068
>     cases from the R & D dept of Timex in Waterbury
>     Conn.prototype ram cartridges .....what ya reckon
>     those would be worth?

9. Re: [ts2068] questions on TS2068 (and TS1500) carts

Abed Kahale · Fri, 27 Feb 2004 11:16

I have the circuit board picture of the 2068 in "The Best of SUM".
Not a very good picture.
How should I send it?

Abed 
On Sun, 22 Feb 2004 23:30:47 -0500 Louis Florit <[email]>
writes:
> Does anyone have a scan of this?  I'd be interested in adding it to 
> the digital archive...
> 
> L
> 
> Jack Boatwright wrote:
> 
> > There is a picture of one of the clear-cased 2068's in an old 
> issue of  'Time Designs Magazine'.
> >  
> >  
> > 
> >     ----- Original Message -----
> >     *From:* joe schmoe <mailto:[email]>
> >     *To:* [email] <mailto:[email]>
> >     *Sent:* Thursday, February 19, 2004 2:24 PM
> >     *Subject:* Re: [ts2068] questions on TS2068 (and TS1500) 
> carts
> > 
> >     i know someone with the 1500 cartridge player
> >     also...how bout 2-clear plexiglass prototype 2068
> >     cases from the R & D dept of Timex in Waterbury
> >     Conn.prototype ram cartridges .....what ya reckon
> >     those would be worth?
> 
> 
> 
> 
>  
> Yahoo! Groups Links
> 
> 
> 
>  
> 
> 
>

10. Re: [ts2068] questions on TS2068 (and TS1500) carts

Jack Boatwright · Sun, 29 Feb 2004 11:49

Louis,

I could look it up, but as I remember the picture wasn't all that good anyway, sort of grainy and may not come out well.  Let me know and I'll see what I can come up with.

Jack
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Louis Florit 
  To: [email] 
  Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2004 8:30 PM
  Subject: Re: [ts2068] questions on TS2068 (and TS1500) carts


  Does anyone have a scan of this?  I'd be interested in adding it to the 
  digital archive...

  L

  Jack Boatwright wrote:

  > There is a picture of one of the clear-cased 2068's in an old issue of 
  > 'Time Designs Magazine'.
  >  
  >  
  > 
  >     ----- Original Message -----
  >     *From:* joe schmoe <mailto:[email]>
  >     *To:* [email] <mailto:[email]>
  >     *Sent:* Thursday, February 19, 2004 2:24 PM
  >     *Subject:* Re: [ts2068] questions on TS2068 (and TS1500) carts
  > 
  >     i know someone with the 1500 cartridge player
  >     also...how bout 2-clear plexiglass prototype 2068
  >     cases from the R & D dept of Timex in Waterbury
  >     Conn.prototype ram cartridges .....what ya reckon
  >     those would be worth?




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11. Re: questions on TS2068 (and TS1500) carts

David · Sun, 07 Mar 2004 23:12

--- In [email], "Jack Boatwright" <jboatno4@o...> wrote:
> There are scans of the boxes for the TS1000 cartridges on my web site, in the 
TS1000 software listing.  Also scans of the TS2068 boxes, except Pinball (have the 
cart and instructions but not the box).
> 
> As Johnny Red indicated in another post, some of the TS1000 cartridges came with 
both English and Portuguese instructions (Super Math is one).
> 
> Jack
> http://www.outlawnet.com/~jboatno4/index.html

Wow! Didn't realize that was your site. Darn cool! Thanks for the info - I've visited 
there before, but somehow missed the ts1500 cart scans.

12. TS2068 Books

Jack Boatwright · Thu, 6 May 2004 21:09:

Hi all,

I have 12 copies of the book "T/S 2068 BASICs and Beyond" written in 1985 by Sharon Zardetto Aker.  These are brand new, never used books still sealed in packets of four.  Part of the blurb on the back cover reads:

"Polish your BASIC programming skills with 'T/S 2068 BASICs and Beyond'.  Designed for beginning and intermediate BASIC programmers this book offers a collection of tips and techniques that contribute to easier and better programming.  You'll develop a working knowledge of the finer points of T/S BASIC - including many programming methods and commands not found in the Timex/Sinclair manual.  Perform complex mathematical calculations, generate random numbers, use trigonometric functions, make music and sound effects, create graphics in over 100 colors, coordinate sound and graphics and much more".

For those in the US, I would be happy to send anyone interested a copy for $5.00 (including shipping cost).  If you'd like a copy but are not in the US please send an email with your country and I will let you know the cost.

I know this group is not a forum for selling items, and I appologize for that, but I can no longer store these and want them to go to those of you who can use them rather than to a thrift store (or worse).

Jack

13. TS2068 - Timex Software List Update

Jack Boatwright · Sat, 15 May 2004 08:37

fwiw

I have found a document showing list of programs by Timex Computer Corp. for the 2068 that I had not seen before and have updated the 2068 software list on my web site.  The document found has the programs listed by name, Timex catalog number, and has a brief program description.

The list now contains 20 more programs (including one cartridge) that could have been available had Timex not dropped the computer line.  There are now only 10 unknown program titles.

http://www.outlawnet.com/~jboatno4/ts2068.htm

Jack

14. Re: [ts2068] TS2068 - Timex Software List Update

Russ Perry Jr · Mon, 17 May 2004 23:20

At 8:37 AM -0700 5/15/04, Jack Boatwright wrote:
> The list now contains 20 more programs (including one cartridge)
> that could have been available had Timex not dropped the computer
> line.

Sword Fight?  Cool!  Glad to see that gap filled in the list.  Good
find!
-- 
//*================================================================++
||  Russ Perry Jr   2175 S Tonne Dr #114   Arlington Hts IL 60005  ||
||  847-952-9729   [email] [NEW!]   VIDEOGAME COLLECTOR!  ||
++================================================================*//

15. Re: [ts2068] TS2068 - Timex Software List Update

Jack Boatwright · Tue, 18 May 2004 12:43

Yea, just wish it/they existed......
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Russ Perry Jr 
  To: [email] 
  Sent: Monday, May 17, 2004 9:20 PM
  Subject: Re: [ts2068] TS2068 - Timex Software List Update


  At 8:37 AM -0700 5/15/04, Jack Boatwright wrote:
  > The list now contains 20 more programs (including one cartridge)
  > that could have been available had Timex not dropped the computer
  > line.

  Sword Fight?  Cool!  Glad to see that gap filled in the list.  Good
  find!
  -- 
  //*================================================================++
  ||  Russ Perry Jr   2175 S Tonne Dr #114   Arlington Hts IL 60005  ||
  ||  847-952-9729   [email] [NEW!]   VIDEOGAME COLLECTOR!  ||
  ++================================================================*//


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16. Re: TS2068 - Timex Software List Update

David · Mon, 21 Jun 2004 05:18

--- In [email], "Jack Boatwright" <jboatno4@o...> wrote:
> fwiw
> 
> I have found a document showing list of programs by Timex Computer Corp. for 
the 2068 that I had not seen before and have updated the 2068 software list on my 
web site.  The document found has the programs listed by name, Timex catalog 
number, and has a brief program description.
> 
> The list now contains 20 more programs (including one cartridge) that could have 
been available had Timex not dropped the computer line.  There are now only 10 
unknown program titles.
> 
> http://www.outlawnet.com/~jboatno4/ts2068.htm
> 
> Jack

For Sword Fight - you have the Cart # listed. I'm sure Timex would have been the 
manufacturer, but is there any hint at the software copyright (Timex or some other 
software company).   Just curiuos...

dave

17. Re: TS2068 - Timex Software List Update

David · Fri, 25 Jun 2004 06:07

--- In [email], "Jack Boatwright" <jboatno4@o...> 
wrote:
> fwiw
> 
> I have found a document showing list of programs by Timex Computer 
Corp. for the 2068 that I had not seen before and have updated the 
2068 software list on my web site.  The document found has the 
programs listed by name, Timex catalog number, and has a brief 
program description.
> 
> The list now contains 20 more programs (including one cartridge) 
that could have been available had Timex not dropped the computer 
line.  There are now only 10 unknown program titles.
> 
> http://www.outlawnet.com/~jboatno4/ts2068.htm
> 
> Jack

2nd time trying to reply to this (not sure why the 1st one didn't go 
through). I was wondering if your info shows what company would have 
done the software side of Sword Fight?

18. Re: [ts2068] Re: TS2068 - Timex Software List Update

Jack Boatwright · Mon, 28 Jun 2004 23:34

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David" <[email]>
To: <[email]>
Sent: Sunday, June 20, 2004 10:18 PM
Subject: [ts2068] Re: TS2068 - Timex Software List Update


> --- In [email], "Jack Boatwright" <jboatno4@o...>
wrote:
> > fwiw
> >
> > I have found a document showing list of programs by Timex
Computer Corp. for
> the 2068 that I had not seen before and have updated the 2068
software list on my
> web site.  The document found has the programs listed by name,
Timex catalog
> number, and has a brief program description.
> >
> > The list now contains 20 more programs (including one
cartridge) that could have
> been available had Timex not dropped the computer line.  There
are now only 10
> unknown program titles.
> >
> > http://www.outlawnet.com/~jboatno4/ts2068.htm
> >
> > Jack
>
> For Sword Fight - you have the Cart # listed. I'm sure Timex
would have been the
> manufacturer, but is there any hint at the software copyright
(Timex or some other
> software company).   Just curiuos...
>
> dave

Soft-sync Inc.

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