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---
title: TIMEX / SINCLAIR 2068
categories:
- Computers
types:
- Home Computer
origins:
- U.S.A.
years:
- '1983'
cpus:
- Z80A
params:
name: '2068'
image: /media/museum/photos/timex_2068_system_1.jpg
company: /companies/timex-sinclair
company_name: TIMEX / SINCLAIR
specs:
- label: NAME
value: '2068'
- label: MANUFACTURER
value: TIMEX / SINCLAIR
- label: TYPE
value: Home Computer
- label: ORIGIN
value: U.S.A.
- label: YEAR
value: Fall 1983
- label: BUILT IN LANGUAGE
value: TS 2068 Basic
- label: KEYBOARD
value: Chicklet keyboard
- label: CPU
value: Z80A
- label: SPEED
value: 3.58 Mhz
- label: RAM
value: 48 KB
- label: ROM
value: 24 KB (16 KB + 8 KB Exrom)
- label: TEXT MODES
value: 32 x 24
- label: GRAPHIC MODES
value: 256 x 192 (with 32x24 or 32x192 attributes), 512 x 192
- label: COLORS
value: '16'
- label: SOUND
value: AY-3-8912 Sound Chip (same as 128K Spectrums)
- label: I/O PORTS
value: Two joystick connectors, RF out, Composite video output, RGB video output, cartridge slot, tape-recorder
- label: POWER SUPPLY
value: DVE power supply, 15 V at 1 Amp DC, and with the outside sleeve of the plug positive and the inside negative.
- label: PRICE
value: US $199.99 (USA, 1983)
tabs:
- photos
- adverts
- hardware
- software
- links
photos:
- title: 'KEYBOARD CLOSE-UP #1'
subtitle: ''
text: ''
image: /media/museum/photos/timex_2068_keyboard_1.jpg
- title: 'KEYBOARD CLOSE-UP #2'
subtitle: ''
text: ''
image: /media/museum/photos/timex_2068_keyboard_2.jpg
- title: ROM CARTRIDGES HOUSING
subtitle: ''
text: ''
image: /media/museum/photos/timex_2068_rightside_1.jpg
- title: LEFT SIDE
subtitle: ''
text: Left joystick connector and On/Off switch
image: /media/museum/photos/timex_2068_letfside_1.jpg
- title: REAR CONNECTORS
subtitle: ''
text: |-
**(1)** Right joystick DB9 connector\
**(2)** Expansion connector trap door\
**(3)** Composite video RCA connector\
**(4)** Tape recorder In/Out jacks\
**(5)** External AC power adaptor jack\
**(6)** UHF modulator output for TV set connexion
image: /media/museum/photos/timex_2068_back_1.jpg
- title: ROM CARTRIDGES
subtitle: ''
text: ''
image: /media/museum/photos/timex_2068_cartridges_1.jpg
- title: MOTHERBOARD
subtitle: ''
text: |-
**(1)** Left joystick DB9 connector\
**(2)** Power switch\
**(3)** Loudspeaker\
**(4)** RF modulator for TV connexion\
**(5)** Sound generator chip AY-3-8912 from General Insrtruments (3 voices, 9 octaves and white noises)\
**(6)** External power supply unit connector\
**(7)** Keyboard flat cable connector\
**(8)** Tape recorder Ear/Mic jack plugs\
**(9)** RCA plug for a composite video monitor\
**(10)** Zilog Z80A processor\
**(11)** Spectrum ULA chipset made in USA by NCR\
**(12)** 6 x 4416 chips hold 48 KB of RAM memory\
**(13)** BASIC and operating system ROM chips\
**(14)** ROM cartridges connector and housing\
**(15)** Right joystick connector
image: /media/museum/photos/timex_2068_motherboard_1.jpg
- title: ULA AND SYSTEM ROM CLOSE-UP
subtitle: ''
text: ''
image: /media/museum/photos/timex_2068_motherboard_2.jpg
- title: THE BOX
subtitle: ''
text: ''
image: /media/museum/photos/timex_2068_box_1.jpg
adverts:
- title: PROMOTIONAL PICTURE
subtitle: ''
text: ''
image: /media/museum/pubs/timex_2068_prm-pic.jpg
hardware:
- title: TIMEX SINCLAIR 2020
subtitle: Tape recorder
text: ''
image: /media/museum/hardware/timex_sinclair_2020_1.jpg
- title: COMPLETE SET
subtitle: ''
text: |-
Mounted at the back of the 2068 is the Bus Expansion Unit (TS 2060) which remained a prototype as Timex folded... It offered a maximum of 16MB of RAM (!), Serial and Centronic ports, disk interface and RGB monitor...
On top of the Expansion Box Unit is the TS-2050 modem (300 baud). In fact the Timex Sinclair version never came out, but the original manufacturer, Westridge, released it when Timex disapeared.
On top of the modem are two Microdrives (TS 2065) which also remained prototypes.
At the left hand part is the TS 2080, a 80 columns 9 pin dot matrix printer (a redressed Mannsman Tally Spirit 80).
Thanks to [Timex Computer World](http://members.fortunecity.com/johnnyred/home.html) for this picture.
image: /media/museum/hardware/timex-sinclair_2068_perifs.jpg
- title: TIMEX SINCLAIR 2040
subtitle: Printer
text: The TS 2040 was the rebadged US version of the ZX Printer that could be connected to all of the Timex (and Sinclair ZX-QL) systems. It used the same thermal metallised paper rollers. LPRINT and LLIST commands redirected output to the printer. COPY did a screen dump.
image: /media/museum/hardware/timex_1000_printer2040_1.jpg
- title: TIMEX SINCLAIR 2040
subtitle: Box
text: ''
image: /media/museum/hardware/timex_1000_printer2040_box_1.jpg
- title: WESTRIDGE 2050
subtitle: Modem
text: |-
The TS 2050 Telecommunications Modem was designed for Sinclair Research by Westridge Communications CIE. At the same period first deliveries of this modem should occur, Timex went out of the computer business. Westridge which then had a large stock of unsold modems decided to release them with the 'Westridge 2050' name.
The modem was compatible with TS100, 1500 and 2068 models. A specific software was delivered for each model. It used an Intel 8251 USART chip with 300 baud capability through a direct connexion to a telephone socket.
image: /media/museum/hardware/timex_2068_modem2050_1.jpg
- title: TIMEX FDD 3000
subtitle: Floppy Disk Drive
text: |-
The Timex FDD 3000 was a Full Computer made by Timex Portugal. It could also be used as a Floppy Drive System for ZX Spectrum, TC 2048 and Clones, including the Timex 2068.\
It featured:\
Z80 Processor\
64 KB RAM\
2 x Serial Ports\
2 x 3" floppy Disk Drives
As it was a full computer it allowed to run CPM on it with Timex Computers acting as a terminal, or it could act as a Floppy drive system that kept the ZX Spectrum or compatible computer free because of the FDD own processor and RAM.\
On 'floppy drive mode' user ran TOS (Timex Operating system).
Thanks to **Jose Pina Coelho** for the pictures
image: /media/museum/hardware/timex_2048_fdd3000_s1.jpg
screenshots:
- title: BOOT SCREEN
subtitle: ''
text: Thanks to the [Unofficial Timex Sinclair 2068 page](http://www.timexsinclair.org/) for this picture
image: /media/museum/software/timex_2068_boot_ss.gif
- title: CRAZYBUG GAME CARTRIDGE
subtitle: ''
text: ''
image: /media/museum/software/timex_2068_cart_crazybug_1.jpg
- title: STATES & CAPITALS CARTRIDGE
subtitle: ''
text: ''
image: /media/museum/software/timex_2068_cart_states_1.jpg
links:
- title: Timex Computer World
url: http://members.fortunecity.com/johnnyred/
text: Very interesting site presenting all the Timex computers and more!
- title: TS1000.US
url: http://www.ts1000.us/
text: '"TS1000.US, a tribute to the most unique and powerful small computer ever built!"... with docs, tips & tricks, software, info, etc.'
- title: Unofficial Timex Sinclair 2068 site
url: http://www.timexsinclair.org/
text: The reference! Visit this excellent site.
- title: World Of Spectrum
url: http://www.worldofspectrum.org/documentation.html
text: This page has a link to the TS 2069 Technical Manual & Sinclair Hardware Fact Sheet (plus many other docs)
comments:
- author: David (US)
date: Saturday 20th June 2020
text: 'JB, almost all of the US magazines and many newsletters about Timex/Sinclair computers are on archive.com. You can find them on my site, here: https://www.timexsinclair.com/computers/timex-sinclair-2068/'
- author: JB (Ohio, USA)
date: Monday 27th April 2020
text: Due to the time I have on my hands these days I decided to set up and start learning to program a TS 2068 like I did a TS 1000 back in the 1980''s. I used to write programs on it for everything I wanted to. But did not have the color that the 2068 has. I purchased a color TV and now I want to spend some time to learn to program it. I need some of the old magazines that were written on it in the 1980''s. Anyone out there have any to sell?
- author: Yan (Brazil)
date: Thursday 28th November 2019
text: It was my second computer and the one I missed more. If I could go back in time I never would have sold it. Currently I have a replica hanging on my office wall that I made myself and that I can look and touch when I feel that nostalgia for the good old times. :)
- author: Norman Flessas (Maryland, USA)
date: Friday 13rd September 2019
text: It was my second computer. My first was a Timex 1000. I modified the Commadore''s BASIC so I could run it''s programs on the Timex 1000.
- author: Ariel (Argentina)
date: Thursday 13rd September 2018
text: I was my firs computer on May 1984. Sold it in October 1986 for another computer (too 8 bits). Last year I came back to buy again the TS 2068. Today, I have three Timex Sinclair 2068 and the Printer TS-2040.
- author: Clay Bowen (USA)
date: Thursday 18th April 2013
text: This was also my first computer, and the first programming language I learned. One-touch BASIC. I remember having to store data on cassette tapes, and never being able to find those solid state programs (other than the ones it came with, CrazyBugs and something else)
- author: RuiG (Portugal)
date: Saturday 28th April 2012
text: |-
Hello all.
This was my first computer... if I can call it that.
I should still have it at home, along with hundreds of games, joystick and such.
How much would a collector pay for one of this?
Thanks.
- author: Marco G (Portugal)
date: Saturday 21st April 2012
text: |-
My cousin had one of this with a printer. The "emulator" was a cartridge accessible at the right. When the cover was lifted, you could actually swap cartridges and use word processing and other applications.
A couple of games didn''t work, Spectrums came later, or at the same time, and then dominated the scene in Portugal. Compared to the 48k specys, this "clones" where better built and the keyboard was just excellent. The TV converter was also better than the 48k.
- author: Kumbah2006 (USA / Boston area)
date: Thursday 8th July 2010
text: |-
For those looking for Spectrum "tapes" or other\
goodies, give "World of Spectrum" a spin.
Ah, Crazybugs, cool game - and Androids was\
a definite challenge - the memories! :)
WOS has a whole load of nice legal software\
for your Speccy or other (related) machine.
Good luck!
- author: Packard (Argentina)
date: Thursday 12th October 2006
text: Yeah!! My first computer!!! I'm looking for the Androids or Crazybugs games.. for Spectrum emulators... Anybody has one of them??? Thanks!!
- author: Petrvs (Argentina)
date: Wednesday 16th June 2004
text: 'It is true that was largely sold in Argentina, much more than the Sinclair Spectrum. In fact until the CZ 2000 appeared software for Spectrum was denominated: "software for 2068 with emulator"'
related:
- /museum/timex-computers-tc-2048
- /museum/timex-sinclair-1500
oc_id: 634
source:
url: https://web.archive.org/web/20230605035710/http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=634
date: '2023-06-05'
---
This is the American version of the Spectrum. It has an additional 8K extension ROM, cartridge port, two joystick ports and AY-3-8912 sound chip with extra Sinclair BASIC commands to support these devices (STICK, SOUND). It was packaged in a hard plastic silver case with nonstandard plastic keys.
The TS2068 is Timex's re-engineered 48K Spectrum. It was released in Fall 1983 just before Timex Computer Corp folded in Spring 1984. A rogue arm of Timex in Portugal continued to sell TC2068s (same as TS2068) and TC2048s (an improved Spectrum) until 1989. They, of course, were only allowed to sell in non-Sinclair controlled marketplaces.
Timex recognized that a 48K Spectrum would not continue being competitive in North America for long without changes being made. They developed two computers that were to be North America's debut of the Spectrum. One was called the TS2048 and the other the TS2068. The TS2048 was basically a 48K Spectrum w/ Kempston joystick and the advanced video modes of the TS2068. The TS2068 was a completely different computer with the Spectrum as its roots. Timex decided to only sell the TS2068. When sales over Christmas 1983 were disappointing, they pulled the plug. Timex of Portugal, no doubt encouraged by the Spectrum's popularity in Europe, continued to sell the TS2068 and offered the TS2048 as the TC2068 and TC2048 in parts of Europe, notably Portugal and Poland. When Timex pulled the plug, they dumped all their surplus TS2068s in Argentina.
As for Spectrum compatibilty: The tape I/O is the same so you can load Spectrum tape files. Spectrum BASIC is a subset of the TS2068's BASIC, so you can run Spectrum BASIC programs. The TS2068's ROM is different, though, so you can't run Spectrum m/c that makes use of the ROM. Without the aid of a Spectrum emulator, you can run about 7% of the Spectrum's commercially available software.
The Spectrum emulator is really a Spectrum ROM on cartridge (there are other forms) that is bankswitched into the lower 0-16K region. The top 48K region is filled with RAM. To the software this looks exactly the same as a 48K Spectrum. There are a few hardware reasons for incompatibilities but using an emulator, you can reach 97% compatibility.
---
Text taken from Sinclair Computer Hardware Factsheet.\
Thanks Bob Johnson.
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