Timex Computer 3256 Explained

Type:	Home computer
Released:	never released, development started in 1987
Processor:	Zilog Z80A
Memory:	256 KB
Os:	Sinclair BASIC / Timex Extended Basic / CP/M
Predecessor:	Timex Sinclair 2068
Sound:	Beeper, AY-3-8912
Graphics:	Timex SCLD
Media:	Cartridges, cassette tape, floppy discs
Display:	TV or video monitor; text: 32×24 lines, 16 colours; graphics: 256×192, 16 colours or 512×192 pixels, two colours; attributes: 32x24 or 32x192, two colours per area.

The TC 3256^{[1] [2]} or Timex Computer 3256 was a 1987^[3] computer created by Timex of Portugal, a branch of Timex Corporation.^{[4] [5] [6]}

It was a third generation Sinclair ZX Spectrum compatible computer,^[7] with expanded capabilities and new TEC - Timex Extended Commands BASIC commands supporting the AY-3-8912 sound chip, RS-232 network and the 512x192 pixel high resolution graphic mode.^{[3] [8]}

Besides the legacy Sinclair BASIC, the ROM included a word processor (Timeword), Timex Extended Basic (with support for the Tenet^[5] network, floppy disks and RAM drive) and a CP/M terminal emulator.RAM was expanded to 256kb.

At least one prototype was built, but the machine never reached the market due to Timex of Portugal shutting down its production line before its release.^{[5] [9]}

Technical specifications

CPU

• Zilog Z80A

ROM

• 64K
  • 16K Sinclair BASIC
  • 16K Timeword text processor^[8]
  • 16K Timex Extended Basic (Tenet, disk, RAM drive)
  • 16K CP/M terminal emulator

RAM

• 256K
  • 208K RAM drive
  • 48K base memory

Display

• Timex SCLD chip^{[10] [11]} instead of the Spectrum's ULA, offering additional screen modes:
  • Text: 32×24 or 64x32 characters (8×8 pixels, rendered in graphics mode)
  • Graphics: 256×192 pixels, 15 colours (two simultaneous colours - "attributes" - per 8×8 pixels, causing attribute clash)
  • Extended Color: 256×192 pixels, 15 colors with colour resolution of 32×192 (two simultaneous colours - "attributes" - per 1×8 pixels)
  • Dual Screen: (two 256×192 pixels screens can be placed in memory)
  • A two color 512×192 mode

Sound

• Beeper (1 channel, 10 octaves and 10+ semitones via internal speaker)
• AY-3-8912

I/O

• RS-232
• Cartridge port
• Tape audio in/out for external cassette tape storage
• RF television out
• Composite video monitor out
• RGB monitor out
• Kempston Joystick input

Storage

• External cassette tape recorder
• Disk Drive: TOS / CP/M

Keyboard

• 69 keys with cursors, numpad and function keys

See also

• Timex Sinclair
• Timex Sinclair 2068

External links

• Timex Computer World

Notes and References

1. Web site: Visit guide . 2022-12-13 . Museum LOAD ZX Spectrum . en-US.
2. Web site: 2003 . Timex FDD-3000 . 2022-12-13 . Silicium . French.
3. News: Prata . Fernando . May 13, 1987 . TC 3256: A proposta Timex no mundo das aplicações profissionais . Portuguese . TC 3256: The Timex proposal in the world of professional applications . 1–2 . Micro Se7e . 46 .
4. Web site: Red . Johnny . 2001 . Timex Computer 3256 . Timex Computer World . Portuguese.
5. Web site: Adamski . Jarek . 2009 . Timex Computer 3256 . 8bit Projects For Everyone.
6. Web site: Red . Johnny . 2001 . Timex Computer 3256 Prototype . Timex Computer World.
7. Web site: Owen . Andrew . July 7, 2022 . Updating a 40-year-old computer design . 2022-12-13 . Andrew Owen Writer Designer.
8. Web site: Timex Computer 3256, Timex Portugal . Kio's Sinclair ZX Computers Archive.
9. Florindo . Bruno . CIRCE - AMERICAN COUSINS . Byte High No Limit . 22 . 64.
10. Web site: SCLD Chip . 2023-01-27 . Timex/Sinclair - The Authoritative Website for Timex/Sinclair Computers . en-US.
11. Web site: Scld in spectrusty::chip::scld - Rust . 2023-01-27 . docs.rs.