Timex Sinclair 2072 Prototype

The Timex Sinclair 2072 was the proposed 48KB version of the TS2000 computer demonstrated during development of Timex's enhanced Spectrum family. Its advertised total of 72KB combined 48KB RAM with 24KB ROM, establishing the numbering later used for the production 2068.

Development machines were used by writers and software specialists before Timex finalised the enclosure, firmware and product name. The commercial computer emerged in November 1983 as the Timex Sinclair 2068.

Notable Features

• 48KB RAM and 24KB ROM produced the advertised 72KB total.
• Development hardware introduced Timex display modes and bank-switched firmware concepts.
• Working pre-production machines were reportedly supplied to selected developers.

Historical Significance

• The direct development predecessor of the production Timex Sinclair 2068.
• Explains why early books and documentation sometimes refer to the TS2000 rather than the final model.

Collector’s Notes

• TS2000 and TS2072 descriptions can refer to different stages of the evolving prototype.
• A surviving unit requires careful documentation to distinguish it from a later TS2068.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Timex Sinclair 2072 Prototype
Manufacturer	Timex
Launched	Saturday, January 1, 1983
Country	United States
CPU	Zilog Z80A at 3.5 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	Extended Sinclair BASIC development firmware
I/O	Video, cassette, joystick, cartridge and expansion connections
Keyboard	Prototype moving-key keyboard
Storage	External cassette recorder; cartridge system under development
Sound	AY sound planned during development
Graphics	256 x 192 colour and 512 x 192 monochrome modes
Display	32-column text with planned extended modes
ROM	24KB development ROM
RAM	48KB
CPU Speed	3.5 MHz