Tandy TRS-80 Color Computer

The Tandy TRS-80 Color Computer used Motorola’s 6809E and 6847 video hardware in a compact television-based home computer. Sold in several memory and keyboard revisions, it became widely known as the CoCo.

Its cartridge expansion, strong BASIC, OS-9 support and long-lived user community created a software culture distinct from Tandy’s Z80 TRS-80 line.

Notable Features

• Motorola 6809E at 0.895 MHz with 4KB to 32KB initially; later models commonly expanded to 64KB.
• The principal display was Television output; 32 x 16 text.
• Storage support consisted of Cassette, ROM cartridge and optional floppy-disc system.

Historical Significance

• Its cartridge expansion, strong BASIC, OS-9 support and long-lived user community created a software culture distinct from Tandy’s Z80 TRS-80 line.
• 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 TRS-80 Color Computer
Manufacturer	Tandy
Launched	Tuesday, July 1, 1980
Discontinued	1983
Launch Price	$399 with 4KB
Country	United States
CPU	Motorola 6809E at 0.895 MHz
Units Sold
CPU Speed	0.895 MHz; 1.79 MHz available during some operations
RAM	4KB to 32KB initially; later models commonly expanded to 64KB
ROM	8KB Color BASIC or 16KB Extended Color BASIC ROM
Display	Television output; 32 x 16 text
Graphics	MC6847 video: up to 256 x 192 monochrome or 128 x 192 four-colour graphics
Sound	Six-bit DAC with single-voice software audio
Storage	Cassette, ROM cartridge and optional floppy-disc system
Keyboard	Integrated 53-key calculator-style or later full-travel keyboard
I/O	RF video, cassette, serial, joysticks and cartridge expansion
Operating System	Color BASIC or Extended Color BASIC; OS-9 available with disk