Color Computer 1

Released in July 1980, the Tandy Color Computer, better known as the CoCo 1, was Radio Shack’s answer to the growing home computer market — but with a unique twist. Instead of using a Z80 or 6502 CPU like many competitors, the CoCo was based on the powerful Motorola 6809E, giving it an edge in performance and expandability. Originally developed in partnership with Motorola as “Project Green Thumb,” it supported color graphics on a standard TV, had a built-in BASIC interpreter, and was expandable via cartridge, RS-232, and disk interfaces. It quickly gained popularity among hobbyists, programmers, and later educators.

Notable Features

• One of the first home computers with the Motorola 6809 CPU
• Supported artifact-based color graphics through NTSC quirks
• Strong support from The Rainbow and Hot CoCo magazines
• Widely used in education, telecommunications, and hobbyist programming
• Multifaceted expansion through the side-mounted cartridge slot

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Historical Significance

• Radio Shack’s answer to the Commodore VIC-20 and Apple II
• One of the few non-6502/Z80 home computers of its time
• Developed in partnership with Motorola to promote the 6809E
• Spawned a loyal user base and evolved into a full 3-generation line
• Used by many for custom programming, robotics, and control systems

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Collector's Notes

• Rarity: Moderate – especially early 4K and “chiclet keyboard” versions
• Desirability: High for 6809 enthusiasts and Tandy collectors
• Common Issues:
  • Aging electrolytic capacitors
  • RF modulator drift or TV incompatibility
  • Keyboard wear (especially on chiclet versions)
• Display Tips: Looks best running Color BASIC programs or games like Dungeons of Daggorath or Skiing

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Color Computer 1
Manufacturer	Tandy
Launched	Tuesday, July 1, 1980
Discontinued	1983-07-01
Launch Price	$399 USD (4K model)
Country	United States
CPU	Motorola 6809E @ 0.895 or 1.79 MHz
Units Sold	~300,000–500,000
Power	Internal linear power supply (US 120V AC)
Operating System	Color BASIC, Extended Color BASIC, Disk BASIC (if expanded)
Expansion	Cartridge slot, RS-232 pak, multi-pak, disk, printer, modem
Storage	Cassette interface; optional floppy disk via controller cartridge
Keyboard	53-key full-travel keyboard
Sound	1-bit sound via internal speaker (bit-banged)
Graphics	9 video modes (text, semigraphics, hi-res); color artifacting
Display	RF output to TV; up to 256×192 semigraphics or 128×192 bitmap (artifact color)
ROM	8KB or 16KB (Color BASIC, later Extended BASIC)
RAM	4KB, 16KB, or 64KB (varied by model)