Tandy TRS-80 Model 16B

The Tandy TRS-80 Model 16B revised the dual-processor business system with updated electronics, improved expansion and increased standard 68000 memory. Hard-disc configurations supported several serial terminals under Xenix.

It refined Tandy’s multi-user business strategy and became the direct predecessor of the faster, rebranded Tandy 6000.

Notable Features

• Zilog Z80A at 4 MHz with Motorola 68000 at 6 MHz with 64KB Z80 memory plus 256KB 68000 memory; expandable.
• The principal display was Built-in 12-inch green monochrome CRT; 80 x 24 text.
• Storage support consisted of 8-inch floppy drive with 15MB hard disc on common configurations.

Historical Significance

• It refined Tandy’s multi-user business strategy and became the direct predecessor of the faster, rebranded Tandy 6000.
• 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 Model 16B
Manufacturer	Tandy
Launched	Wednesday, June 1, 1983
Discontinued	1985
Launch Price	$5,000–$6,000 USD
Country	United States
CPU	Zilog Z80A at 4 MHz with Motorola 68000 at 6 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	Microsoft Xenix with TRSDOS/CP/M host support
I/O	Expansion card cage, printer, serial, terminal and external storage interfaces
Keyboard	Separate professional keyboard with numeric keypad
Storage	8-inch floppy drive with 15MB hard disc on common configurations
Sound	Internal beeper
Graphics	Text display with optional graphics hardware
Display	Built-in 12-inch green monochrome CRT; 80 x 24 text
ROM	Boot and host firmware
RAM	64KB Z80 memory plus 256KB 68000 memory; expandable
CPU Speed	4 MHz Z80 host; 6 MHz 68000