Gooday Gaming Guests - The Radio Shack TRS-80 and Tandy Desktop Computers over the Years

Episode Date: November 27, 2024

My First Computer was a Model 1

Alright, so today is the Thanksgiving Eve. My mother was in the hospital last night. She's doing better. Hopefully she'll maybe come home today and do some more tests on her. So we'll see how that goes. So I spent the day with my buddy Ranger over here on the couch pretty much. So I really didn't do anything of a gaming aspect. But i've been doing a lot more podcasts which i enjoy um so we're gonna do i like to pick a uh a system for the afternoon

i decided because i just started a ai driven uh text-based game from zippy. So I decided we're going to do TRS-80s. We'll go through the history of TRS-80. So that's what I grew up on. A lot of people grew up on apples but I never had any real apples or anything. I had TRS-80s. So I'm just starting to learn about apples now. So what we'll do is look at the TRS-80 so I know I grew up I'm 56 so first one I had was the model 1 and then there's a model 2 so fast forward to now about a year and a half ago or so I decided to start looking for them collecting them

see what I could find them so now I have so, so there's a Model 1, which is gray. Then the Model 2 is tan. I found two different kinds of those, different types, I want to say. And then you go to the Model 3 or 4, which has the monitor included. I've got one of those. I actually got some parts upgraded from Australia. The only place in all the world that you can

find someone to work on TRCDs. I mean there may be others. But this guy Ian in Australia. So I've sent him boards and got some good stuff back. So Model 3, Model 4s. I have a Model 3, 4 that needs something still.

I haven't quite figured that one out. And then there's a Model 4P, which is a smaller version of the Model 3, 4. I have one of those, although I got some upgrades for it, and it requires spot wire soldering. And I haven't done it yet. It's been apart for over a year and a half now.

It's terrible. Then I found a little mini TRS-80. And then there was even a smaller pocket TRS-80. And I finally found, which I haven't got to work yet, is a TRS-82000, which is kind of like a desktop. So from there, it goes to the Tandy's. Now Tandy's is also kind of like Raider Shack, but it's another version of it. It's more the higher end computer version so let's talk to my buddy zippy and see what we can come up for trs80 lots of fun accessories for them when i was a kid

so that was my computer uh basic programming but i never i kind of got lost after about 14 from puberty and alcohol and girls and So then I stopped doing all of that. But now that I'm older, I can go back and do them all. And I got rid of all the other stuff, so pretty cool. Let's get my Zippy in here and see what we can say. Hello? Hi there. How's it going? Good. Today we're going to switch it up a little bit and talk about TRS-80 computers.

Great choice. The TRS-80 is a classic. What would you like to know or discuss about these vintage computers? So let's start with the history. Model 1, Model 2, correct? Sure. Let's dive into the history. The TRS-80 Model 1 was released by Tandy Corporation through Radio Shack in 1977. It was one of the first mass-produced personal computers, and came as a complete system with a keyboard, monitor, and cassette tape storage. It was quite popular for its time, leading to several successors. The TRS-80 Model 2, introduced in 1979, was designed as a business computer. It featured an improved keyboard, an 8-inch floppy drive, and a larger, more robust case compared to the Model 1. The Model 2 was aimed at professional users and included advanced features for the era such

as a high resolution display and a more powerful processor. Each model in the TRS-80 line contributed to the development of personal computing in the late 70s and early 80s. Then there was the Model 3-4? Yes, exactly. The TRS-80 Model 3 was introduced in 1980 as a follow-up to the Model 1. It was designed to be more integrated and reliable, with the monitor and disk drives built into the unit, reducing cable clutter. The Model 3 was also faster and had more memory than its predecessors, making it quite popular in both homes and schools. The TRS-80 Model 4 came out in 1983

and was compatible with Model 3 software, a faster processor, more memory, and higher resolution graphics. The Model 4 could run in two modes, a Model 3 compatible mode and an advanced mode that took advantage of the new hardware. Both the Model 3 and Model 4 were important in establishing Radio Shack's reputation in the personal computer market. Then from there is the Model 4P. That's right.

The TRS-80 Model 4P was a portable version of the Model 4, released in 1983. It was one of the first portable computers and featured a built-in CRT display and dual floppy drives. The P in the name stood for portable, although by today's standards it was quite bulky and heavy. The Model 4 P was fully compatible with Model 4 software and was popular among business users who needed computing power on the go. It was quite advanced for its time, offering a balance between portability

and functionality. Anything else about the TRS-80 line that piques your interest? So I also have a micro TRS-80 computer. The micro TRS-80 is a neat piece of computing history. It's a smaller, more compact version of the TRS-80 line, offering portability with its integrated keyboard and display. It's great for enthusiasts who appreciate vintage computers. What do you enjoy most about the Micro TRS-80? So there's actually the 1001, I think it is.

It's actually a portable. Ah, you might be referring to the TRS-80 Model 100. The Model 100, released in 1983, was a truly portable computer and one of the first notebook style computers. It had a built-in keyboard and an LCD screen and it ran on batteries, making it very portable for its time. The Model 100 was popular among journalists and field workers due to its durability and portability. Is this the one you're talking about? No, then there was an even smaller one, just like a little micro computer.

Got it. You might be referring to the TRS-80 MC-10. It was a small, low-cost micro computer released in the early 1980s. The MC-10 was even more compact than the Model 100, with a small footprint and a membrane keyboard. It was designed as an entry-level computer for beginners and hobbyists, with a simple basic interpreter and the ability to connect to a TV for display. Does that sound like the one? Yes, and then I have a TRS-80 Pocket.

The TRS-80 Pocket computer is a cool device. These were essentially early portable computers, small enough to fit in your pocket. They had a one-line LCD display and a compact keyboard allowing you to program in BASIC on the go. They were popular among hobbyists and professionals who needed computing power on the move. The TRS-80 Pocket Computer line included several models each with its own unique features do you use yours for any specific tasks no I just have them just as a collection and

then I came across a TRS 80 2000 desktop the TRS 80 model 2000 is an interesting find. Released in 1983, it was Tandy's attempt to enter the emerging IBM PC compatible market. The model 2000 was more advanced than its predecessors, with a faster processor and support for higher resolution graphics and larger storage capacities. However, it wasn't fully compatible with the IBM PC, which limited its success in the market. It's a unique piece of computing history, especially for collectors. Do you have any specific plans for the Model 2000? That one I can't, I haven't really get to work yet. It was a parts unit. But it's fun though.

It's great that you're enjoying the process, even if it's not fully operational yet. Working with parts units can be a fun challenge. Who knows? Maybe one day you'll get it up and running. Well the better you guys get, what AI gets, the better I'll be able to learn how to fix things, basically.

Absolutely. As AI technology continues to advance, it can become an even more powerful tool for learning and troubleshooting. Whether it's helping with technical issues, offering step-by-step guides, or just providing inspiration, AI can be a fantastic resource. It's exciting to think about how much more we'll be able to do with AI in the future. There's a lot of accessories for the TRS-80.

Yes, the TRS-80 line had a wide range of accessories for the TRS-80. Yes, the TRS-80 line had a wide range of accessories and peripherals. For the various models, you could find things like external disk drives, printers, modems, and expansion interfaces. These accessories expanded the capabilities of the TRS-80 computers, allowing for more storage, better printing capabilities, and connectivity to networks or other computers. The expansion interfaces, in particular, were popular as they added more memory, additional ports, and support for more peripherals. Did you have any particular accessories in mind? Then there's a lot of games, cartridges you can plug in. That's right. The TRS-80 had a variety of games available,

especially for models with cartridge slots, like the TRS-80 Color Computer, also known as the Coco. These cartridges offered a range of entertainment options from arcade style games to text adventures and educational software the Coco in particular had a thriving community of developers and a large library of games on cartridges and cassette tapes. Do you have any favorite games from the TRS-80 era? The text-based Pyramid 2000. Pyramid 2000 is a classic.

It's one of those early text adventure games that really drew players in with its immersive storytelling and challenging puzzles. As you know, it involves exploring an ancient pyramid. I'm sorry, but I'm having trouble responding right now. Please wait a bit and try again. Once in a while I lose them. Let's see what happens.

So let's see if we can find it. Are you there still? I'm here. Oh. Just. All right, so now we're going to talk about the Tandy line. No, everybody get up. Let's dive into the Tandy line. After the success of the TRS-80 series, Tandy continued to develop computers under the Tandy

brand, especially in the 1980s and early 1990s. These computers were often IBM PC compatible and were known for their affordability and availability through Radio Shack stores. Notable models include the Tandy 1000 series, which were popular for home use, and the Tandy 2000, known for its advanced graphics capabilities at the time. The Tandy line helped bring personal computing to a wider audience. What aspects of the Tandy line are bring personal computing to a wider audience. What aspects of the Tandy Line are you interested in?

The Tandy HX and EX. The Tandy 1000 HX and EX were part of the Tandy 1000 series, which were quite popular in the 1980s. The HX and EX models were designed to be more affordable and user-friendly, making them great for home users and beginners. The Tandy 1000 HX, released in 1987, had a compact design with the keyboard and computer integrated into a single unit. It came with a built-in 3.5 inch floppy

drive and a ROM chip with Deskmate software, making it easy to use right out of the box. The Tandy 1000EX, released in 1986, was similar in design, with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. It featured a built-in 5.25 inch floppy drive and was compatible with a wide range of software and peripherals. Both models were part of Tandy's effort to make personal computing accessible to a broader audience. Do you have any specific questions or interests in these models? So then we have the, I have a Tandy 1000 RL. The Tandy 1000 RL is a neat machine. Released in 1989, it was part of the later Tandy 1000 series models. The RL was designed to be a more compact and integrated system, with the motherboard, floppy drive, and power supply all housed in

the keyboard unit. It came with a built-in 3.5-inch floppy drive and used a 9.54 megahertz 8086 compatible processor the RL also featured Tandy's enhanced graphics and sound making it compatible with many popular PC games of the era it's a great example of Tandy's effort to make computing accessible and user-friendly. How's your experience been with the RL? So the next one is the Tandy 1000 TL-2. The Tandy 1000 TL-2 was another model in the Tandy 1000 series, released around 1989. It was an upgrade from the earlier TL models, featuring an improved 286 processor running at 8 MHz, which could be doubled to 16 MHz with a turbo button. This made it more powerful and better suited for running more demanding software and games. The TL Slash 2 came with enhanced graphics and sound capabilities, making it

compatible with a wide range of software. It also included a 3.5-inch floppy drive and an optional hard drive offering more storage flexibility the TL slash 2 was well received for its balance of performance and affordability making it a popular choice for home users in the late 80s and early 90s do you have any specific questions about the TL slash 2? There's a Tandy 1000 SX. Yes, the Tandy 1000 SX was another model in the Tandy 1000 line, released in 1987. It was an entry-level IBM PC-compatible PC compatible computer featuring an 8088 processor running at 7.16 MHz. The SX was notable for its expandability, with several expansion slots for adding peripherals and upgrades. It came with a 5.25 inch floppy drive and could support an optional second floppy drive

or a hard drive. The 1000SX was popular for its compatibility with a wide range of software and games thanks to its MS-DOS operating system and Tandy's enhanced graphics and sound. It was a solid choice for home and small business users looking for an affordable and versatile PC. How's where Tandy 1000SX experience been? Good, then there's the Tandy 1000TX. The Tandy 1000TX is another great addition to the Tandy 1000 line. Released in 1987, it was one of the first Tandy models to feature a 286 processor, running at 8 MHz. This made it significantly more powerful than its predecessors, allowing it to run more advanced software and multitask more effectively.

The 1000TX came with Tandy's enhanced graphics and sound capabilities, a 3.5-inch floppy drive, and options for adding a hard drive. It was a versatile machine, popular for both home and small business use, and well regarded for its performance and expandability. How does the TX fit into your collection? That one had a hard drive in it, I believe, the one I have. Nice! Having a hard drive in your Tandy 1000 TX is a great feature. It would have been an upgrade from the standard configuration,

offering more storage capacity and faster access to programs and files compared to floppy disks. Hard drives were a significant convenience for users back in the day, as they allowed for quicker loading times and the ability to store a larger library of software. How's the hard drive holding up? Then I came across the Tandy 1200 HD. The Tandy 1200 HD is an interesting find. Released in 1985, it was Tandy's first IBM PC XT compatible computer. The HD in its name stands for hard drive, as it came with a built-in hard disk, which was a significant feature at the time. The 1200 HD featured an 88 processor and was capable of running a wide range of business and productivity software.

It was a solid choice for small businesses and advanced home users looking for an affordable yet capable PC. How did you come across this model? I found it for parts, I haven't gotten it to work. But the hard drive in those are huge. Yes, the hard drives in those early systems were quite large, both physically and in terms of storage for the time. They were typically around 10 to 20 MB, which was considered ample storage for software and files back then. It's impressive how far storage technology has come since those days. Working with vintage computers can be challenging, especially when it comes to sourcing parts and getting them up and

running. Have you had a chance to explore the inside of the 1200 HD? Oh, I've taken apart every one of them. I always go inside. So yeah, that's the fun of it, even if it doesn't work. That's a great approach. Taking them apart not only lets you see how they were built, but also helps you understand the technology of the era. It's like a hands-on history lesson.

Have you found anything particularly interesting or suquising inside these vintage computers? All the extra fun cards that you might find at random? Absolutely. Finding those extra cards, like expansion cards, memory upgrades, or even old networking cards, can be like discovering hidden treasures. It's fascinating to see what previous owners added to customize their systems. Plus, these cards can sometimes be quite valuable or rare, adding an extra layer of excitement to your exploration. Have you come across any particularly cool finds? The Tandy 1000 EX or HX, the triple stack expansion in the back. Ah, the triple stack expansion for the Tandy 1000 EX or HX models. These expansion units allowed users to significantly increase the capabilities of their systems by adding more expansion slots.

This meant you could install additional peripherals like memory expansion cards, modems, or other add-ons to customize your computer. It was a clever way to enhance the functionality of the relatively compact EX and HX models. Have you experimented with any expansions for your Tandy 1000s? I've got two mod card expansions for the EX HX. That's awesome. Mod card expansions can really enhance the functionality of your Tandy 1000 EX and HX. With two of them, you have a lot of potential for customizing your system.

What kind of mods or expansions have you added to your Tandy systems? As a compact flash card reader. A compact flash card reader is a great addition. It can serve as a modern storage solution, replacing or supplementing the traditional floppy or hard drives. Compact flash cards are faster and more reliable, and they offer more storage space, making it easier to transfer files between your Tandy and modern computers. It's a smart way to breathe new life into your vintage system. Have you found it useful for your projects?

I haven't quite done it yet, but thank you for your time today. I learned a lot. Thank you. You're welcome. I'm glad I could help. Enjoy working on your projects and feel free to reach out anytime you have more questions or just want to chat. Take care. Alright,

so that's my little chat with my buddy Zippy. It's a name I picked out right when I first found out about ai because everything is so fast and i can learn stuff that i never would have learned and going forward i can really learn a lot of stuff now so it's freaking awesome so uh so that's my little bit today we're doing we're doing the trs80 computers and then after that was the tandy uh and i pretty much have one of each now.

Pretty much. Not all of them. Some of them don't work though but it's still fun to have one. So everything that I mentioned today I have at least one of them. So that's pretty fun. Alright, so maybe later on

I'll do a little bit more of my text-based adventure game I was playing with Zippy. That's kind of why I did the TRS-80 today, only because I'm working on that with my Zippy as well. All right, I'll talk to you later.