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Timex Computer 2048 (Thomas Conté) (xparent Bg And Retouch)
The Timex Computer 2048 or TC 2048 is a 1984 computer developed by Timex Portugal (the Portuguese branch of Timex Corporation), at the time part of Timex Sinclair. It was based on the Timex Sinclair 2048 prototype (see below), with a similar redesign case, composite video output, Kempston joystick interface, and additional video modes, while being highly compatible with the Sinclair ZX Spectrum computer (although ROM differences prevented 100% compatibility). After connecting an external disk drive, Timex FDD3000, the computer could work under TOS - Timex Operating System or CP/M. As Timex Portugal sold the Timex Sinclair models in Portugal and Poland under the Timex Computer brand, this computer is named "Timex Computer 2048", even though the "Timex Sinclair 2048" was never produced. Timex Sinclair 2048 (prototype) The Timex Sinclair 2048 was not released by Timex Sinclair because of the failure of the T/S 1500. According to an early Timex Sinclair 2000 computer flyer, it ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Read-only Memory
Read-only memory (ROM) is a type of non-volatile memory used in computers and other electronic devices. Data stored in ROM cannot be electronically modified after the manufacture of the memory device. Read-only memory is useful for storing software that is rarely changed during the life of the system, also known as firmware. Software applications, such as video games, for programmable devices can be distributed as ROM cartridge, plug-in cartridges containing ROM. Strictly speaking, ''read-only memory'' refers to hard-wired memory, such as diode matrix or a #Solid-state ROM, mask ROM integrated circuit (IC), that cannot be electronically changed after manufacture. Although discrete circuits can be altered in principle, through the addition of Jump wire, bodge wires and the removal or replacement of components, ICs cannot. Correction of errors, or updates to the software, require new devices to be manufactured and to replace the installed device. Floating-gate ROM semiconductor ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
ZX Microdrive
ZX Microdrive unit The ZX Microdrive is a magnetic-tape data storage system launched in July 1983 by Sinclair Research for its ZX Spectrum home computer. It was proposed as a faster-loading alternative to the cassette and cheaper than a floppy disk, but it suffered from poor reliability and lower speed. Microdrives used tiny cartridges containing a endless loop of magnetic tape, which held a minimum of 85 KB and performed a complete circuit in approximately eight seconds. The Microdrive technology was later also used in the Sinclair QL and ICL One Per Desk personal computers. Development It is claimed the Microdrive concept was originally suggested by Andrew Grillet at an interview with Sinclair Research in 1974. Grillet was offered a better-paying job at Xerox, and never worked for Sinclair Research. Development of the ZX Microdrive hardware by Sinclair engineers Jim Westwood, David Southward and Ben Cheese started in 1982. Products Opened microdrive ca ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Kempston Micro Electronics
Kempston Micro Electronics was an electronics company based in Kempston, Bedfordshire, England specialising in computer joysticks and related home computer peripherals during the 1980s. The Kempston Interface, a peripheral which allowed a joystick using the ''de facto'' Atari joystick port standard to be connected to the ZX Spectrum, was one of the most widely used add-ons to the machine. Interface Kempston joystick interface Kempston Interface plugged into a Spectrum Plus The Kempston Interface is a joystick interface used on the ZX Spectrum series of computers that allows controllers complying with the ''de facto'' Atari joystick port standard (using the DE-9 connector) to be used with the machine. The interface itself would be attached to the computer's rear expansion port with a single joystick port on the front or top of the system. Apart from implementing existing joystick interfacing modes they produced their own standard which delivered the joystick state on th ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Composite Video
Composite video, also known as CVBS (composite video baseband signal or color, video, blanking and sync), is an analog video format that combines image information—such as brightness (luminance), color (chrominance), and synchronization, into a single signal transmitted over one channel. It is most commonly used for standard-definition television, and is sometimes referred to as ''SD video''. The signal is typically carried on a yellow RCA connector, with separate connectors used for left and right audio channels. In professional equipment, a BNC connector is often used instead. Other connector types may appear in compact consumer devices like digital cameras. Composite video supports several line resolutions, including 405-line, 525-line, and 625-line interlaced formats. It exists in three major regional variants based on analog color encoding standards: NTSC, PAL, and SECAM. The same format can also be used to transmit monochrome (black-and-white) video. Signal comp ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
RF Modulator
An RF modulator (radio frequency modulator) is an electronic device used to convert signals from devices such as media players, VCRs and game consoles to a format that can be handled by a device designed to receive a modulated RF input, such as a radio or television receiver. Its input is a baseband signal, which is used to modulate a radio frequency source. RF modulators operate on different channels depending on the region and have been integrated into various home electronics. However, they tend to produce lower image quality than a baseband connection due to losses during the modulation and demodulation process. In professional broadcast settings, more sophisticated modulators are used. History Prior to the introduction of specialised video connector standards such as SCART, TVs were designed to only accept signals through the aerial connector: signals originate at a TV station, are transmitted over the air, and are then received by an antenna and demodulated within ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
ZX Spectrum Graphic Modes
The original ZX Spectrum computer produces a one bit per pixel, bitmapped colour graphics video output. A composite video signal is generated through an RF modulator, and was designed for use with contemporary 1980s television sets. The image size of the framebuffer is 256 × 192 pixels, with a palette of 15 non-modifiable colours, where the entire colour palette is extremely saturated. The resolution of the colour output is 64 times lower than the resolution of the pixel bitmap. The extremely low colour resolution was used to conserve memory, totaling just 768 bytes for colour attributes. Colour is stored separate from the pixel bitmap, as a 32 × 24 cell grid, using one byte per each of the character cells. One character cell is composed of 8 × 8 pixels. In practice, this means any character cell can only use two selected colours for colouring the contained 64 pixels. Since the machine was designed for usage with a standard television s ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Random-access Memory
Random-access memory (RAM; ) is a form of Computer memory, electronic computer memory that can be read and changed in any order, typically used to store working Data (computing), data and machine code. A random-access memory device allows data items to be read (computer), read or written in almost the same amount of time irrespective of the physical location of data inside the memory, in contrast with other direct-access data storage media (such as hard disks and Magnetic tape data storage, magnetic tape), where the time required to read and write data items varies significantly depending on their physical locations on the recording medium, due to mechanical limitations such as media rotation speeds and arm movement. In today's technology, random-access memory takes the form of integrated circuit (IC) chips with MOSFET, MOS (metal–oxide–semiconductor) Memory cell (computing), memory cells. RAM is normally associated with Volatile memory, volatile types of memory where s ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Central Processing Unit
A central processing unit (CPU), also called a central processor, main processor, or just processor, is the primary Processor (computing), processor in a given computer. Its electronic circuitry executes Instruction (computing), instructions of a computer program, such as arithmetic, logic, controlling, and input/output (I/O) operations. This role contrasts with that of external components, such as main memory and I/O circuitry, and specialized coprocessors such as graphics processing units (GPUs). The form, CPU design, design, and implementation of CPUs have changed over time, but their fundamental operation remains almost unchanged. Principal components of a CPU include the arithmetic–logic unit (ALU) that performs arithmetic operation, arithmetic and Bitwise operation, logic operations, processor registers that supply operands to the ALU and store the results of ALU operations, and a control unit that orchestrates the #Fetch, fetching (from memory), #Decode, decoding and ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Uncommitted Logic Array
A gate array is an approach to the design and manufacture of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) using a prefabricated chip with components that are later interconnected into logic devices (e.g. NAND gates, flip-flops, etc.) according to custom order by adding metal interconnect layers in the factory. It was popular during the upheaval in the semiconductor industry in the 1980s, and its usage declined by the end of the 1990s. Similar technologies have also been employed to design and manufacture analog, analog-digital, and structured arrays, but, in general, these are not called gate arrays. Gate arrays have also been known as uncommitted logic arrays ('ULAs'), which also offered linear circuit functions, and ''semi-custom chips''. History Development Gate arrays had several concurrent development paths. Ferranti in the UK pioneered commercializing bipolar ULA technology, offering circuits of "100 to 10,000 gates and above" by 1983. The company's early lead i ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
ZX Spectrum SE
The following is a list of clone (computer science), clones of Sinclair Research's ZX Spectrum home computer. This list includes both official clones (from Timex Sinclair, Timex Corporation) and many unofficial clones, most of which were produced in Eastern Bloc countries. The list does not include computers which require additional hardware or software to become ZX-compatible. Many List of computer system emulators#Sinclair ZX Spectrum, software emulators can fully or partially emulate some clones as well. Official The only official clones of the Spectrum were made by Timex Sinclair, Timex. There were three models developed, only two of which were released: Timex Sinclair 2068 The Timex Sinclair 2068 or T/S 2068 (also known as TC 2068 or UK 2086) was a significantly more sophisticated machine than the original Spectrum. The most notable changes were the addition of a cartridge port, an AY-3-8912 sound chip, and an improved Gate array, ULA giving access to better graphics mo ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
