Color Computer 2 - Revision history

Carney: /* Pricing */

2024-08-20T16:22:05Z

Pricing

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:22, 20 August 2024
Line 107:		Line 107:

	= Pricing =		= Pricing =
	Prices dropped quickly. In [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1984_rsc-11.html?fb3d-page=52 mid 1984 RS cut the price for the 16K standard model to $159.95] and the [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1984_rsc-11.html?fb3d-page=52 16K Extended BASIC model to $199.95]. Production then shifted from Tandy's US plant to a Korean subcontractor. Those models appeared in mid 1984 at the same prices as the previous models, with new model numbers and revised circuit boards. For Christmas 1984 prices were reduced -- $99.95 for a standard Color BASIC 16K model (31-3134), $139.95 for 16K and Extended Color BASIC (31-3136), and $199.95 with 64K and Extended Color BASIC (31-3127). Prices continued to drop as the home computer market got very competitive and IBM PC clones started coming down in price.		Prices dropped quickly. In [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1984_rsc-11.html?fb3d-page=52 mid 1984 RS cut the price for the 16K standard model to $159.95] and the [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1984_rsc-11.html?fb3d-page=52 16K Extended BASIC model to $199.95]. Production then shifted from Tandy's US plant to a Korean subcontractor. Those models appeared in mid 1984 at the same prices as the previous models, with new model numbers and revised circuit boards. For [https://archive.org/details/198412Rainbow/page/186/mode/2up Christmas 1984 prices were reduced] -- $99.95 for a standard Color BASIC 16K model (31-3134), $139.95 for 16K and Extended Color BASIC (31-3136), and $199.95 with 64K and Extended Color BASIC (31-3127). Prices continued to drop as the home computer market got very competitive and IBM PC clones started coming down in price.

	To put these prices in perspective, the new for 1985 Tandy 1000, which was an IBM PC clone (actually an enhanced IBM PC Jr. clone that could be upgraded to standard IBM PC specs) was [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1985_rsc-14.html?fb3d-page=4 listed at $1,199 with 128K RAM and a single 360K floppy drive]. An RF modulator could be purchased ($24.95) to use a standard TV as a display (limited to 40 columns) or a digital $159.95 monochrome/$549.95 color monitor could be used. The CoCo 2 was a relative bargain, although there were a few IBM clones that could be purchased a bit cheaper than the Tandy 1000. In 1987 the [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1987_rsc-17b.html?fb3d-page=8 Tandy 1000SX was priced at $849 with 384K of RAM and one 360K floppy drive].		To put these prices in perspective, the new for 1985 Tandy 1000, which was an IBM PC clone (actually an enhanced IBM PC Jr. clone that could be upgraded to standard IBM PC specs) was [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1985_rsc-14.html?fb3d-page=4 listed at $1,199 with 128K RAM and a single 360K floppy drive]. An RF modulator could be purchased ($24.95) to use a standard TV as a display (limited to 40 columns) or a digital $159.95 monochrome/$549.95 color monitor could be used. The CoCo 2 was a relative bargain, although there were a few IBM clones that could be purchased a bit cheaper than the Tandy 1000. In 1987 the [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1987_rsc-17b.html?fb3d-page=8 Tandy 1000SX was priced at $849 with 384K of RAM and one 360K floppy drive].

Carney: /* 26-3127B (64K ECB ) (some with lowercase support) */

2024-08-19T16:06:16Z

26-3127B (64K ECB ) (some with lowercase support)

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:06, 19 August 2024
Line 80:		Line 80:
	The last Korean-made model number associated with the 64K ECB CoCo 2, this is an odd one indeed.		The last Korean-made model number associated with the 64K ECB CoCo 2, this is an odd one indeed.

	Some of the 26-3127B CoCo 2 models are known to have been produced with different Video Display Generator (VDG) chips, either the [[Motorola 6847\|Motorola MC6847 or the enhanced MC6847T1]] (marked XC80652P, [https://colorcomputerarchive.com/repo/Documents/Datasheets/MC6847T1%20MOS%20Video%20Display%20Generator%20%28Motorola%29.pdf#page=23 spec sheet]). In comparison, the CoCo3 does not have a real 6847, it has a custom chip (the ACVC) with an internal character generator ROM.		Some of the 26-3127B CoCo 2 models are known to have been produced with different Video Display Generator (VDG) chips, either the [[Motorola 6847\|Motorola MC6847 or the enhanced MC6847T1]] (marked XC80652P, [https://colorcomputerarchive.com/repo/Documents/Datasheets/MC6847T1%20MOS%20Video%20Display%20Generator%20%28Motorola%29.pdf#page=23 spec sheet]). In comparison, the CoCo3 does not have a real 6847; it has a custom chip (the ACVC) with an internal character generator ROM.

	Among these models we find :		Among these models we find :

Carney: /* Pricing */ links to catalog pages documenting price statements

2024-08-17T19:56:15Z

Pricing: links to catalog pages documenting price statements

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:56, 17 August 2024
Line 107:		Line 107:

	= Pricing =		= Pricing =
	Prices dropped quickly. In mid 1984 RS cut the price for the 16K standard model to $159.95 and the 16K Extended BASIC model to $199.95. Production then shifted from Tandy's US plant to a Korean subcontractor. Those models appeared in mid 1984 at the same prices as the previous models, with new model numbers and revised circuit boards. For Christmas 1984 prices were reduced -- $99.95 for a standard Color BASIC 16K model (31-3134), $139.95 for 16K and Extended Color BASIC (31-3136), and $199.95 with 64K and Extended Color BASIC (31-3127). Prices continued to drop as the home computer market got very competitive and IBM PC clones started coming down in price.		Prices dropped quickly. In [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1984_rsc-11.html?fb3d-page=52 mid 1984 RS cut the price for the 16K standard model to $159.95] and the [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1984_rsc-11.html?fb3d-page=52 16K Extended BASIC model to $199.95]. Production then shifted from Tandy's US plant to a Korean subcontractor. Those models appeared in mid 1984 at the same prices as the previous models, with new model numbers and revised circuit boards. For Christmas 1984 prices were reduced -- $99.95 for a standard Color BASIC 16K model (31-3134), $139.95 for 16K and Extended Color BASIC (31-3136), and $199.95 with 64K and Extended Color BASIC (31-3127). Prices continued to drop as the home computer market got very competitive and IBM PC clones started coming down in price.

	To put these prices in perspective, the new for 1985 Tandy 1000, which was an IBM PC clone (actually an enhanced IBM PC Jr. clone that could be upgraded to standard IBM PC specs) was listed at $~~1199~~ with 128K RAM and a single 360K floppy drive. An RF modulator could be purchased ($24.95) to use a standard TV as a display (limited to 40 columns) or a digital $159.95 monochrome/$549.95 color monitor could be used. The CoCo 2 was a relative bargain, although there were a few IBM clones that could be purchased a bit cheaper than the Tandy 1000. In 1987 the Tandy 1000SX was priced at $849 with 384K of RAM and one 360K floppy drive.		To put these prices in perspective, the new for 1985 Tandy 1000, which was an IBM PC clone (actually an enhanced IBM PC Jr. clone that could be upgraded to standard IBM PC specs) was [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1985_rsc-14.html?fb3d-page=4 listed at $1,199 with 128K RAM and a single 360K floppy drive]. An RF modulator could be purchased ($24.95) to use a standard TV as a display (limited to 40 columns) or a digital $159.95 monochrome/$549.95 color monitor could be used. The CoCo 2 was a relative bargain, although there were a few IBM clones that could be purchased a bit cheaper than the Tandy 1000. In 1987 the [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1987_rsc-17b.html?fb3d-page=8 Tandy 1000SX was priced at $849 with 384K of RAM and one 360K floppy drive].

	The final CoCo2 was listed in the 1987 Tandy catalog for only $99.95 with 64K and Extended Color BASIC.		The final CoCo2 was listed in the [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1987_rsc-17b.html?fb3d-page=36 1987 Tandy catalog for only $99.95 with 64K and Extended Color BASIC].

	= Differences =		= Differences =

MagicFab: /* ROM upgrade */

2022-09-07T00:36:53Z

ROM upgrade

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:36, 6 September 2022
Line 66:		Line 66:

	==== ROM upgrade ====		==== ROM upgrade ====
	The 26-3134A ~~model board's ROM design has yet to be confirmed~~.		The 26-3134A and 26-3136A models use boards with 28-pin, 16-kilobyte ROMs containing both Color BASIC and Extended BASIC.

	~~The 26-3136A model uses a single~~ 28-pin, ~~16-kilobyte~~ ROM ~~containing both~~ Color BASIC ~~and Extended BASIC~~.		28 pin EPROMs are commonly available. When flashing them, the ECB ROM file should be concatenated to the Color BASIC ROM resulting in one single file to be flashed. See [[EPROM Programming]] for an example.

	=== 26-3134B (16K CB 1.3), 26-3136B (16K ECB) ===		=== 26-3134B (16K CB 1.3), 26-3136B (16K ECB) ===

MagicFab: /* 26-3126 (64K, ECB) CoCo 2 kit */ added references

2022-07-24T12:10:32Z

26-3126 (64K, ECB) CoCo 2 kit: added references

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:10, 24 July 2022
Line 36:		Line 36:
	== 26-3126 (64K, ECB) CoCo 2 kit ==		== 26-3126 (64K, ECB) CoCo 2 kit ==

	This particular model ~~of CoCo 2~~ was sold in the educational market as a kit of parts to be assembled. It included a booklet with full instructions to assemble the kit into a full CoCo 2 system, including all electronics parts but also power supply, keyboard and complete case.		This particular model was sold as the "Color Computer 2 Kit" in the educational market as a kit of parts to be assembled. It included a booklet with full instructions to assemble the kit into a full CoCo 2 system, including the board and all electronics parts but also power supply, keyboard and complete white plastic case.

			* https://www.facebook.com/groups/2359462640/posts/10153646511017641/
			* https://www.facebook.com/groups/2359462640/posts/10159470040357641/

	== 26-3127 (64K, ECB), 26-3127B ==		== 26-3127 (64K, ECB), 26-3127B ==

MagicFab: Added the 26-3126 model

2022-07-24T12:07:38Z

Added the 26-3126 model

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:07, 24 July 2022
Line 33:		Line 33:
	Example documented upgrades :		Example documented upgrades :
	* [https://www.st-hubert.org/phase2/truepages/elec0006.html 26-3026 model 16K to 64K upgrade]		* [https://www.st-hubert.org/phase2/truepages/elec0006.html 26-3026 model 16K to 64K upgrade]

			== 26-3126 (64K, ECB) CoCo 2 kit ==

			This particular model of CoCo 2 was sold in the educational market as a kit of parts to be assembled. It included a booklet with full instructions to assemble the kit into a full CoCo 2 system, including all electronics parts but also power supply, keyboard and complete case.

	== 26-3127 (64K, ECB), 26-3127B ==		== 26-3127 (64K, ECB), 26-3127B ==

MagicFab: /* 26-3027 (16K ECB), 26-3003 (64K ECB) */

2022-07-13T19:15:08Z

26-3027 (16K ECB), 26-3003 (64K ECB)

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:15, 13 July 2022
Line 21:		Line 21:

	== 26-3027 (16K ECB), 26-3003 (64K ECB) ==		== 26-3027 (16K ECB), 26-3003 (64K ECB) ==
	This 16K ECB model was listed for $319.95, $399.95 for 64K. A 64K RAM upgrade (26-3017) was "only" $149, and the Extended BASIC ROM upgrade was $79.95, making the $399.95 26-3003 a relative bargain (add the ROM and RAM upgrade to a 16K basic model the total price was $468.90).		This 16K ECB model was listed for $319.95, $399.95 for 64K. A 64K RAM upgrade (26-3017/26-3017B) was "only" $149, and the Extended BASIC ROM upgrade (26-3018) was $79.95, making the $399.95 26-3003 a relative bargain (add the ROM and RAM upgrade to a 16K basic model the total price was $468.90).

	The 26-3027 model is identical to the 26-3026, with the exception that it already has the Extended BASIC ROM factory-installed.		The 26-3027 model is identical to the 26-3026, with the exception that it already has the Extended BASIC ROM factory-installed.
Line 29:		Line 29:
	=== RAM upgrade ===		=== RAM upgrade ===

	To upgrade the 26-3026 or 26-3027 to 64 KB of RAM, it is necessary to replace the eight 8040517 chips with 4164 chips of 200 ns or better access time, and to solder a wire between the two pads ~~labeled~~ W1. W1 is located between U6 and U7.		To upgrade the 26-3026 or 26-3027 to 64 KB of RAM, it is necessary to replace the eight 8040517 chips with 4164 chips of 200 ns or better access time, and to solder a wire between the two pads labelled W1. W1 is located between U6 and U7.

	Example documented upgrades :		Example documented upgrades :

MagicFab: Moved 26-31-27B to Korean-made models section

2022-07-13T14:59:43Z

Moved 26-31-27B to Korean-made models section

@@ Line 69: / Line 69: @@
 The 26-3136B model is the Extended BASIC version of the 26-3134B.
-=== RAM upgrades for all Korean models ===
+=== 26-3127B (64K ECB ) (some with lowercase support) ===
 The last Korean-made model number associated with the 64K ECB CoCo 2, this is an odd one indeed.
@@ Line 98: / Line 90: @@
 * [https://damieng.com/blog/2016/08/09/typography-in-bits-for-a-few-pixels-more/ Typography in bits: For a few pixels more]
 * [http://www.cocovga.com/documentation/system-identification/korean-made-coco-2-identification/ Korean-Made CoCo 2 Identification (either 6847 or 6847T1)]
 = Pricing =

MagicFab: /* 26-3127B (64K ECB ) */ Added detailed info on lowercase on 2B models

2022-07-13T14:58:27Z

26-3127B (64K ECB ): Added detailed info on lowercase on 2B models

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:58, 13 July 2022
Line 77:		Line 77:
	For the 26-3134A model the option also exists (by means of several special connectors on the board) of a factory upgrade consisting of eight 4164 chips on a daughter board. Legend has it that the option of using either 4164s or 4464s was incorporated for economic reasons (the pricing and availability of RAM were quite unstable when these machines were manufactured). Additionally, this board introduces the use of a single 28-pin ROM socket. A 24-pin ROM containing only Color BASIC 1.3 shipped in that socket in this model. With appropriate jumpering, this socket is able to accept a 27128 EPROM.		For the 26-3134A model the option also exists (by means of several special connectors on the board) of a factory upgrade consisting of eight 4164 chips on a daughter board. Legend has it that the option of using either 4164s or 4464s was incorporated for economic reasons (the pricing and availability of RAM were quite unstable when these machines were manufactured). Additionally, this board introduces the use of a single 28-pin ROM socket. A 24-pin ROM containing only Color BASIC 1.3 shipped in that socket in this model. With appropriate jumpering, this socket is able to accept a 27128 EPROM.

	== 26-3127B (64K ECB ) ==		== 26-3127B (64K ECB ) (some with lowercase support) ==

	The last model number associated with the 64K ECB CoCo 2, this is an odd one indeed.		The last Korean-made model number associated with the 64K ECB CoCo 2, this is an odd one indeed.

	~~Three distinctly different machines, each bearing this exact model number,~~ are known to have been produced:		Some of the 26-3127B CoCo 2 models are known to have been produced with different Video Display Generator (VDG) chips, either the [[Motorola 6847\|Motorola MC6847 or the enhanced MC6847T1]] (marked XC80652P, [https://colorcomputerarchive.com/repo/Documents/Datasheets/MC6847T1%20MOS%20Video%20Display%20Generator%20%28Motorola%29.pdf#page=23 spec sheet]). In comparison, the CoCo3 does not have a real 6847, it has a custom chip (the ACVC) with an internal character generator ROM.
	* ~~One is a~~ USA-made TRS-80 with a #20261044 board and a 6847
	* ~~One is a~~ USA-made Tandy with a #20261058 board and a 6847T1		Among these models we find :
	* ~~One is a~~ Korean-made Tandy with a #20261058 board and a 6847T1.		* A USA-made TRS-80 with a #20261044 board and a 6847
			* A USA-made Tandy with a #20261058 board and a 6847T1
			* A Korean-made Tandy with a #20261058 board and a 6847T1.

			They were three distinctly different machines, each bearing this same exact 26-3127B model number. This VDG chip is also known as the 6847 or 6847T1, the T1 version would include a lowercase character set.

	Contrary to some rumors, the presence of the 'B' in the model number does NOT necessarily indicate the presence of a 6847T1. As noted previously, the Tandy label appears to be the best external indication thereof.		Contrary to some rumors, the presence of the 'B' in the model number does NOT necessarily indicate the presence of a 6847T1. As noted previously, the Tandy label appears to be the best external indication thereof.

	One absolutely accurate method of determining if one is present is to type a '0' (zero) on an operating machine. If the resulting character on the screen is displayed with a slash through it, the machine in question has a 6847T1.		One absolutely accurate method of determining if one is present is to type a '0' (zero) on an operating machine. If the resulting character on the screen is displayed with a slash through it, the machine in question has a 6847T1.

			* [https://bigcode.wordpress.com/2020/05/09/tandy-coco-2b-true-lowercase-fonts/ Tandy Coco 2B true lowercase fonts]
			* [https://stardot.org.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=22505 6847t1 Font Mystery]
			* [https://damieng.com/blog/2016/08/09/typography-in-bits-for-a-few-pixels-more/ Typography in bits: For a few pixels more]
			* [http://www.cocovga.com/documentation/system-identification/korean-made-coco-2-identification/ Korean-Made CoCo 2 Identification (either 6847 or 6847T1)]

	= Pricing =		= Pricing =

MagicFab: /* RAM upgrade */

2021-09-12T13:38:26Z

RAM upgrade

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:38, 12 September 2021
Line 29:		Line 29:
	=== RAM upgrade ===		=== RAM upgrade ===

	* To upgrade the 26-3026 or 26-3027 to 64 KB of RAM, it is necessary to replace the eight 8040517 chips with 4164 chips of 200 ns or better access time, and to solder a wire between the two pads labeled W1. W1 is located between U6 and U7.		To upgrade the 26-3026 or 26-3027 to 64 KB of RAM, it is necessary to replace the eight 8040517 chips with 4164 chips of 200 ns or better access time, and to solder a wire between the two pads labeled W1. W1 is located between U6 and U7.

			Example documented upgrades :
			* [https://www.st-hubert.org/phase2/truepages/elec0006.html 26-3026 model 16K to 64K upgrade]

	== 26-3127 (64K, ECB), 26-3127B ==		== 26-3127 (64K, ECB), 26-3127B ==