Tandy MC-10

The Tandy MC-10 was a low-cost entry computer using the Motorola 6803 and a compact calculator-style keyboard. Its Micro Color BASIC and video system resembled a simplified Color Computer, but it was not fully software compatible.

The MC-10 briefly competed with inexpensive starter computers such as the Commodore VIC-20 and Timex Sinclair machines before rapid price reductions elsewhere ended its market.

Notable Features

• Motorola MC6803 at 0.895 MHz with 4KB; expandable to 20KB with external module.
• The principal display was Television output; 32 x 16 text.
• Storage support consisted of Cassette interface.

Historical Significance

• The MC-10 briefly competed with inexpensive starter computers such as the Commodore VIC-20 and Timex Sinclair machines before rapid price reductions elsewhere ended its market.
• Radio Shack’s large retail network made demonstration, sales and support available well beyond specialist computer dealers.

Collector’s Notes

• Factory memory, drive configuration and regional badge should be checked because many surviving systems were upgraded.
• Original monitors, manuals, software, storage hardware and Radio Shack peripherals add historical context.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Tandy MC-10
Manufacturer	Tandy
Launched	Friday, July 1, 1983
Discontinued	1984
Launch Price	$119.95
Country	United States
CPU	Motorola MC6803 at 0.895 MHz
Units Sold
CPU Speed	0.895 MHz
RAM	4KB; expandable to 20KB with external module
ROM	8KB Micro Color BASIC ROM
Display	Television output; 32 x 16 text
Graphics	MC6847 graphics up to 64 x 32 in four colours or 128 x 64 monochrome
Sound	Single-voice software sound through television
Storage	Cassette interface
Keyboard	Integrated 48-key calculator-style keyboard
I/O	RF video, cassette, serial, joystick and memory expansion
Operating System	Micro Color BASIC