Jul 28, 2015
The TRS-80 Model III and 4
On the personal computer timeline, we’re currently in the 1979 to 1980 time frame. I do apologize that this month’s topic, the TRS-80 Model III and 4, is being presented slightly out of order in that there were a couple of machines introduced a little prior to this that I plan to cover. However, as I already had this one recorded I decided to present it now rather than hold up publishing an episode just to maintain a precise order.
As usual, I have a short preamble before we get into this month’s topic, covering new acquisitions, upcoming shows, and a little bit of feedback.
I was lucky enough to get author and vintage computer collector Michael Nadeau to agree to co-host this episode with me, so this should be a fun and interesting episode.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
News
New book from Evan Koblentz "Abacus to smartphone, The evolution of mobile and portable computers” - http://www.amazon.com/dp/1514810301/?tag=flodaypod-20, https://www.createspace.com/5596053
Retro Computing News, Stuart Williams, Editor & Publisher - http://retrocomputingnews.com
VCF Midwest 10 - http://vcfmw.org/ August 29-30, 2015, Elk Grove Village, IL
Chicago TI International World Faire - http://www.chicagotiug.com/tiki-index.php?page=Faire October 31, 2015, Evanston, IL
Interview with Co-Host - Michael Nadeau
Michael’s Classic Tech Site - https://classictech.wordpress.com/
Magazines/Newsletters
TRS8BIT - http://trs-80.org.uk/Tandy_Page_2x.html - current magazine produced today
80-U.S. Journal - http://www.trs-80.org/80-us-journal/
TRS-80 Microcomputer News - http://www.trs-80.org/trs-80-microcomputer-news/
80 Microcomputing/80 Micro - https://archive.org/details/80-microcomputing-magazine
Books
“Priming the Pump: How TRS-80 Enthusiasts Helped Spark the PC Revolution” by Welsh, Theresa; Welsh, David (2011-02-23). The Seeker Books - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004P8JNIS/?tag=flodaypod-20
Modern Upgrades
FreHD TRS-80 Hard Drive Emulator - http://www.vecoven.com/trs80/trs80.html
Ian Mavric’s TRS-80 Store - http://ianmav.customer.netspace.net.au/trs80/emulator
Hi-Res Graphics Board (HRG) - Improved Grafyx HRG board - Ian Mavric (Australia) - http://ianmav.customer.netspace.net.au/hires/hires.htm
Emulation
TRS32 - http://www.trs-80emulators.com/ - Matthew Reed's emulators, utilities, and development tools for TRS-80 Models 1/3/4. Windows and DOS
XTRS - http://www.tim-mann.org/xtrs.html - Tim Mann’s TRS-80 Model I/III/4/4P Emulator for Unix
Current Web Sites
Matthew Reed’s web site - http://www.trs-80.org
Terry Stewart video of Model 4 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjkjIN1pe_A
vwestlife video of Model 4D - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycjNyud0RMc
TRS-80 Model 4p movie streaming Dr. Who from floppy (gp2k00) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SkfJgMuERo
TRS-80 on Wikipedia -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRS-80
Ira Goldklang's TRS-80 Revived Site - http://www.trs-80.com/wordpress/trs-80-computer-line/model-iii/
Really enjoyed the show, thanks for making it. I'm the fellow behind the Doctor Who video (not just audio) on the 4P. My name seems to accidentally be a secret. Extensive detail can be found here: http://members.shaw.ca/gp2000/drwho.html
I've a few minor corrections. The Model III never came in an uppercase only version and the Model I supported 32 x 16 character mode; it wasn't introduced with the Model III. The Model 4 was introduced with all the cables (except cassette port and power) out the bottom like the Model III. I think even before the 4D they put the RS-232 connector out the back at some point. Except for the RS-232 the bottom cables weren't such a big deal since they're all card-edge connectors which naturally have a 90 degree connector.
I used the high speed cassette interface and while it sucked compared to a floppy it was otherwise excellent. Very reliable and the 3X speed over 500 baud made quite a difference. I think a large part of this was using a frequency modulation scheme rather than the square clock pulses of the 500 baud format. If we'd been able to afford a floppy we'd have dropped it in a heartbeat.
In case anyone gets the wrong impression, there was all manner of software available for the Model III including many games. The 128 x 48 graphics weren't great but nonetheless there were excellent versions of arcade games such as Asteroids, Targ, Berzerk, BattleZone and Defender. I've no direct original experience with the Model 4, but I do get the impression that few games were made that required a Model 4.
For support or generally connecting with other TRS-80 owners, I recommend this Vintage Computer forum:
http://www.vintage-computer.com/vcforum/forumdisplay.php?46-Tandy-Radio-Shack