Timex Computer 2048

The Timex Computer 2048 was a Portuguese-built Spectrum-compatible computer using Timex's improved case, keyboard and SCLD video circuitry. Unlike the unreleased American TS2048 proposal, the production TC2048 contained 48KB of RAM and closely followed the original Sinclair ROM.

Composite video, a Kempston-compatible joystick port and extra Timex display modes made it a practical refinement of the Spectrum. It sold in Portugal and Poland and could use the Timex FDD3000 for disk storage, TOS and CP/M applications.

Notable Features

• 48KB production model should not be confused with the cancelled 16KB TS2048.
• SCLD chip supplied extended-colour and 512 x 192 monochrome display modes.
• High Spectrum software compatibility made it more practical than the TS2068 for many users.

Historical Significance

• One of Timex Portugal's most successful computers and an important part of Polish home-computing history.
• Extended the Spectrum platform with better video output and keyboard hardware.

Collector’s Notes

• Portuguese, Polish and Chilean machines may use different video standards or labels.
• The FDD3000 and TOS software form the most complete period disk setup.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Timex Computer 2048
Manufacturer	Timex
Launched	Sunday, January 1, 1984
Discontinued	1989
Country	Portugal
CPU	Zilog Z80A at 3.5 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	Sinclair BASIC; TOS or CP/M with FDD3000
I/O	RF, composite video, cassette, Kempston joystick and expansion bus
Keyboard	Integrated 42-key hard-key keyboard
Storage	External cassette; optional FDD or FDD3000 floppy system
Sound	Single-channel beeper
Graphics	256 x 192 standard and extended colour; 512 x 192 monochrome
Display	32 x 24 text; 64-column high-resolution text possible
ROM	16KB Sinclair BASIC-compatible ROM
RAM	48KB
CPU Speed	3.5 MHz