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| # Timex Computer 3256
The **Timex Computer 3256** (TC 3256) was a [home computer](/Home_computer) developed by [Timex of Portugal](/Timex_Sinclair), a subsidiary of the [Timex Corporation](/Timex_Group_USA). Although development began in 1987, the system never reached commercial release due to the closure of Timex of Portugal's production facilities. The TC 3256 was intended as a third-generation [Sinclair ZX Spectrum](/ZX_Spectrum) compatible computer, featuring expanded capabilities and new features such as the [AY-3-8912](/AY-3-8912) sound chip, [RS-232](/RS-232) networking, and a high-resolution 512×192 pixel graphics mode. The machine's ROM included [Sinclair BASIC](/Sinclair_BASIC), a built-in [word processor](/Word_processor) named Timeword, [Timex Extended Basic](/Sinclair_BASIC) with support for the Tenet network, floppy disks, and a [RAM drive](/RAM_drive), as well as a [CP/M](/CP/M) terminal emulator. The system was equipped with 256 KB of RAM, a significant upgrade from its predecessors.
## Development and History
The TC 3256 was part of Timex of Portugal's effort to expand its presence in the professional computing market. The machine was designed to be a high-end model, targeting both home users and business applications. Despite the ambitious specifications, only one prototype is known to have been built. The project was ultimately abandoned when Timex of Portugal ceased operations, leaving the TC 3256 as a notable "what-if" in the history of [home computers](/Home_computer).
The system was a direct successor to the [Timex Sinclair 2068](/Timex_Sinclair_2068), incorporating several advancements in hardware and software. The inclusion of [CP/M](/CP/M) compatibility was particularly significant, as it allowed the TC 3256 to run a wide range of business software, making it a versatile machine for both gaming and productivity.
## Technical Specifications
### CPU and Memory
The TC 3256 was powered by a [Zilog Z80A](/Zilog_Z80) processor, a common choice for many [home computers](/Home_computer) of the era. The system featured 64 KB of ROM, which was divided into several segments:
- **16 KB** for [Sinclair BASIC](/Sinclair_BASIC), providing backward compatibility with existing [ZX Spectrum](/ZX_Spectrum) software.
- **16 KB** for Timeword, a built-in word processor designed for basic text editing tasks.
- **16 KB** for [Timex Extended Basic](/Sinclair_BASIC), which included additional commands for networking, disk operations, and [RAM drive](/RAM_drive) management.
- **16 KB** for a [CP/M](/CP/M) terminal emulator, allowing the system to interface with [CP/M](/CP/M) based software and peripherals.
The system was equipped with **256 KB of RAM**, a substantial increase over earlier models. This memory was allocated as follows:
- **48 KB** for base memory, used for system operations and basic programming.
- **208 KB** for a [RAM drive](/RAM_drive), enabling fast data storage and retrieval without the need for external media.
### Display
The TC 3256 utilized the **Timex SCLD chip**, a custom graphics processor that replaced the [ZX Spectrum](/ZX_Spectrum)'s ULA. This chip provided several advanced display modes:
- **Text Mode**: 32×24 or 64×32 characters, with each character rendered in an 8×8 pixel grid.
- **Standard Graphics Mode**: 256×192 pixels with 15 colors, though limited to two simultaneous colors per 8×8 pixel block, a limitation known as "attribute clash."
- **Extended Color Mode**: 256×192 pixels with 15 colors, but with a color resolution of 32×192, allowing two simultaneous colors per 1×8 pixel line.
- **Dual Screen Mode**: Allowed for two separate 256×192 pixel screens to be stored in memory, enabling quick switching between displays.
- **High-Resolution Mode**: A two-color mode with a resolution of 512×192 pixels, offering sharper graphics for detailed applications.
### Sound
The TC 3256 featured two sound output methods:
- **Beeper**: A single-channel sound output capable of producing 10 octaves and 10+ semitones via the internal speaker, similar to the [ZX Spectrum](/ZX_Spectrum)'s audio capabilities.
- **[AY-3-8912](/AY-3-8912)**: A programmable sound generator that provided three channels of sound, significantly enhancing the system's audio capabilities over the basic beeper.
### Input/Output and Storage
The TC 3256 included a variety of input/output options:
- **[RS-232](/RS-232)**: A serial port for connecting to external devices such as printers or modems.
- **Cartridge Port**: Allowed for the use of [ROM cartridges](/ROM_cartridge), expanding the system's software library.
- **Tape Audio In/Out**: For connecting an external [cassette tape](/Cassette_tape) recorder, a common storage medium for [home computers](/Home_computer) of the era.
- **RF Television Out**: For connecting to a television set for display.
- **Composite Video Out**: For connecting to a [composite video](/Composite_video) monitor.
- **RGB Monitor Out**: For connecting to an RGB monitor, providing a higher-quality display.
- **[Kempston Joystick](/Kempston_Micro_Electronics) Input**: For connecting a joystick for gaming.
Storage options included:
- **External Cassette Tape Recorder**: For loading and saving programs and data.
- **Disk Drive**: Compatible with TOS and [CP/M](/CP/M) formats, allowing for more reliable and faster data storage than cassette tapes.
### Keyboard
The TC 3256 featured a **69-key keyboard**, including cursor keys, a numeric keypad, and function keys. This layout was designed to enhance usability for both programming and general computing tasks.
## Software and Compatibility
The TC 3256 was designed to be compatible with the [ZX Spectrum](/ZX_Spectrum) software library, ensuring that users could run existing games and applications. The inclusion of [Timex Extended Basic](/Sinclair_BASIC) added new commands and capabilities, particularly for networking and disk operations. The built-in [CP/M](/CP/M) terminal emulator further expanded the system's utility, allowing it to run business software and interface with [CP/M](/CP/M) based systems.
The Timeword word processor was a notable addition, providing basic text editing capabilities directly from the system's ROM. This feature, combined with the [RAM drive](/RAM_drive) and disk support, made the TC 3256 a versatile tool for both home and professional use.
## Legacy
Despite never reaching the market, the TC 3256 remains an interesting footnote in the history of [home computers](/Home_computer). Its advanced specifications and ambitious design reflect Timex of Portugal's efforts to innovate within the constraints of the [ZX Spectrum](/ZX_Spectrum) architecture. The system's cancellation due to the closure of Timex of Portugal's production line underscores the challenges faced by computer manufacturers in the late 1980s, as the market became increasingly competitive and consolidated.
## See Also
- [Timex Sinclair](/Timex_Sinclair)
- [Timex Sinclair 2068](/Timex_Sinclair_2068)
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