Color Computer 3 - Revision history

Carney at 22:16, 17 August 2024

2024-08-17T22:16:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:16, 17 August 2024
Line 4:		Line 4:


	The Color Computer 3 (Catalog # 26-3334) debuted on July 30, 1986, 6 years and 1 day after the debut of the		The Color Computer 3 (Catalog #26-3334) debuted on July 30, 1986, 6 years and 1 day after the debut of the original TRS-80 Color Computer. It featured an improved keyboard with standard PC style keys and four additional keys (F1, F2, CTRL, ALT) and [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1987_rsc-17.html?fb3d-page=37 a whopping 128K for $219.95]. It was expandable up to 512K for an additional $149.95 (26-3335). This required a plug-in daughter board and the removal of the four 128K RAM chips. The circuit board was smaller than previous models and was more highly integrated. The SAM chip was replaced by a new integrated video/memory management chip, the [[GIME]] (Graphics Interrupt Memory Enhancer). A 2 MHz 68B09E replaced the standard 1 MHz 6809E. Since the CoCo derives its clock from the video clock crystal, the CoCo3 didn't run at a full 2 MHz, but at 1.79MHz, twice the original CoCo clock rate. On power up it only runs at the original clock rate; a POKE is required to initiate double speed operation. The CoCo3 was still capable of being connected to a TV, but now it also had composite and RGB (analog) video output. The RGB analog signal was a bit of a tease -- it required a specific monitor, not the then standard (and easier to get cheap used) RGB digital monitor as used by IBM PC clones. Tandy had an answer for that, they made a somewhat affordable [[CM-8]] RGBA monitor available for $299.95. There were [[Hardware#Monitors_and_displays\|a few others on the market]] that would work, as the Amiga and some Commodore and Atari models used RGBA as well. I believe Tandy decided on RGBA as it was cheaper to pair with TV and composite output.
	original TRS-80 Color Computer. It featured an improved keyboard with standard PC style keys and four additional keys (F1, F2, CTRL, ALT) and a whopping 128K for $219.95. It was expandable up to 512K for an ~~additioanl~~ $149.95 (26-3335). This required a plug-in daughter board and the removal of the four 128K RAM chips. The circuit board was smaller than previous models and was more highly integrated. The SAM chip was replaced by a new integrated video/memory management chip, the [[GIME]] (Graphics Interrupt Memory Enhancer). A 2 MHz 68B09E replaced the standard 1 MHz 6809E. Since the CoCo derives its clock from the video clock crystal, the CoCo3 didn't run at a full 2 MHz, but at 1.79MHz, twice the original CoCo clock rate. On power up it only runs at the original clock rate, a POKE is required to initiate double speed operation. The CoCo3 was still capable of ~~bing~~ connected to a TV, but also had composite and RGB (analog) video output. The RGB analog signal was a bit of a tease -- it required a specific monitor, not the then standard (and easier to get cheap used) RGB digital monitor as used by IBM PC clones. Tandy had an answer for that, they made a somewhat affordable CM-8 RGBA monitor available for $299.95. There were a few others on the market that would work, as the Amiga and some Commodore and Atari models used RGBA as well. I believe Tandy decided on RGBA as it was cheaper to pair with TV and composite output.

	Another new feature is that the CoCo3 operates in all RAM mode all the time. This means that the ROMs are copied into RAM and run from there. Older CoCos that were upgraded to 64K could be run that way, but typically reserved part of their 64K memory access to read the ROMs. Part of the reason for all RAM mode was due to the copyright restrictions on Extended Color BASIC, which was written by Microsoft. A third party, Microware, wrote Super Extended Color BASIC (SECB), which was included with every CoCo3. In order to get around any copyright issues the ~~additioanal~~ SECB commands and enhancements were patched into ECB when in RAM, so the standard ECB code was left alone.		Another new feature is that the CoCo3 operates in all RAM mode all the time. This means that the ROMs are copied into RAM and run from there. Older CoCos that were upgraded to 64K could be run that way, but typically reserved part of their 64K memory access to read the ROMs. Part of the reason for all RAM mode was due to the copyright restrictions on Extended Color BASIC, which was written by Microsoft. A third party, Microware, wrote Super Extended Color BASIC (SECB), which was included with every CoCo3. In order to get around any copyright issues the additional SECB commands and enhancements were patched into ECB when in RAM, so the standard ECB code was left alone.

	The CoCo 3 was last listed in the first [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1991_rsc-22.html?fb3d-page=50 1991 Tandy Computer Catalog (RSC-22) at $199.95 for the 128K version]. A 512K upgrade board with no RAM chips was $39.95, RAM chips were $59.95. The CM-8 monitor still listed for $299.95. The listing takes up about 1/3 of page 50 (if you include the data cassette player listing) and the CoCo isn't even listed in the quick index. Tandy issued two more Computer Catalogs in 1991: [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1991_rsc-22a.html RSC-22A] and [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1991_rsc-22e.html RSC-22E]. The CoCo is not listed in RSC-22A. RSC-22E is an educational market catalog and has [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1991_rsc-22e.html?fb3d-page=25 one page of Color Computer software].		The cheapest the CoCo 3 was offered for was [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/m-sale_1989_449.html?fb3d-page=20 $129.95 in the 1989 Christmas sales flyer].

			It was last listed in the first [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1991_rsc-22.html?fb3d-page=50 1991 Tandy Computer Catalog (RSC-22) at $199.95 for the 128K version]. A 512K upgrade board with no RAM chips was $39.95, RAM chips were $59.95. The CM-8 monitor still listed for $299.95. The listing takes up about 1/3 of page 50 (if you include the data cassette player listing) and the CoCo isn't even listed in the quick index. Tandy issued two more Computer Catalogs in 1991: [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1991_rsc-22a.html RSC-22A] and [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1991_rsc-22e.html RSC-22E]. The CoCo is not listed in RSC-22A. RSC-22E is an educational market catalog and has [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1991_rsc-22e.html?fb3d-page=25 one page of Color Computer software].

	[[Category:Hardware]]		[[Category:Hardware]]

Carney at 22:04, 17 August 2024

2024-08-17T22:04:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:04, 17 August 2024
Line 4:		Line 4:


	The Color Computer 3 (~~catalog~~ # 26-3334) debuted on July 30, 1986, 6 years and 1 day after the debut of the		The Color Computer 3 (Catalog # 26-3334) debuted on July 30, 1986, 6 years and 1 day after the debut of the
	original TRS-80 Color Computer. It featured an improved keyboard with standard PC style keys and four additional keys (F1, F2, CTRL, ALT) and a whopping 128K for $219.95. It was expandable up to 512K for an additioanl $149.95 (26-3335). This required a plug-in daughter board and the removal of the four 128K RAM chips. The circuit board was smaller than previous models and was more highly integrated. The SAM chip was replaced by a new integrated video/memory management chip, the [[GIME]] (Graphics Interrupt Memory Enhancer). A 2 MHz 68B09E replaced the standard 1 MHz 6809E. Since the CoCo derives its clock from the video clock crystal, the CoCo3 didn't run at a full 2 MHz, but at 1.79MHz, twice the original CoCo clock rate. On power up it only runs at the original clock rate, a POKE is required to initiate double speed operation. The CoCo3 was still capable of bing connected to a TV, but also had composite and RGB (analog) video output. The RGB analog signal was a bit of a tease -- it required a specific monitor, not the then standard (and easier to get cheap used) RGB digital monitor as used by IBM PC clones. Tandy had an answer for that, they made a somewhat affordable CM-8 RGBA monitor available for $299.95. There were a few others on the market that would work, as the Amiga and some Commodore and Atari models used RGBA as well. I believe Tandy decided on RGBA as it was cheaper to pair with TV and composite output.		original TRS-80 Color Computer. It featured an improved keyboard with standard PC style keys and four additional keys (F1, F2, CTRL, ALT) and a whopping 128K for $219.95. It was expandable up to 512K for an additioanl $149.95 (26-3335). This required a plug-in daughter board and the removal of the four 128K RAM chips. The circuit board was smaller than previous models and was more highly integrated. The SAM chip was replaced by a new integrated video/memory management chip, the [[GIME]] (Graphics Interrupt Memory Enhancer). A 2 MHz 68B09E replaced the standard 1 MHz 6809E. Since the CoCo derives its clock from the video clock crystal, the CoCo3 didn't run at a full 2 MHz, but at 1.79MHz, twice the original CoCo clock rate. On power up it only runs at the original clock rate, a POKE is required to initiate double speed operation. The CoCo3 was still capable of bing connected to a TV, but also had composite and RGB (analog) video output. The RGB analog signal was a bit of a tease -- it required a specific monitor, not the then standard (and easier to get cheap used) RGB digital monitor as used by IBM PC clones. Tandy had an answer for that, they made a somewhat affordable CM-8 RGBA monitor available for $299.95. There were a few others on the market that would work, as the Amiga and some Commodore and Atari models used RGBA as well. I believe Tandy decided on RGBA as it was cheaper to pair with TV and composite output.

	Another new feature is that the CoCo3 operates in all RAM mode all the time. This means that the ROMs are copied into RAM and run from there. Older CoCos that were upgraded to 64K could be run that way, but typically reserved part of their 64K memory access to read the ROMs. Part of the reason for all RAM mode was due to the copyright restrictions on Extended Color BASIC, which was written by Microsoft. A third party, Microware, wrote Super Extended Color BASIC (SECB), which was included with every CoCo3. In order to get around any copyright issues the additioanal SECB commands and enhancements were patched into ECB when in RAM, so the standard ECB code was left alone.		Another new feature is that the CoCo3 operates in all RAM mode all the time. This means that the ROMs are copied into RAM and run from there. Older CoCos that were upgraded to 64K could be run that way, but typically reserved part of their 64K memory access to read the ROMs. Part of the reason for all RAM mode was due to the copyright restrictions on Extended Color BASIC, which was written by Microsoft. A third party, Microware, wrote Super Extended Color BASIC (SECB), which was included with every CoCo3. In order to get around any copyright issues the additioanal SECB commands and enhancements were patched into ECB when in RAM, so the standard ECB code was left alone.

	The CoCo 3 was last listed in the first 1991 Tandy Computer Catalog (RSC-22) at $199.95 for the 128K version. A 512K upgrade board with no RAM chips was $39.95, ~~ram~~ chips were $59.95. The CM-8 monitor still listed for $299.95. The listing takes up about 1/3 of page 50 (if you include the data cassette player listing) and the CoCo isn't even listed in the quick index. Tandy issued two more Computer Catalogs in 1991, RSC-22A and RSC-22E. The CoCo is not listed in RSC-22A. RSC-22E is an educational market catalog and has one page of Color Computer software.		The CoCo 3 was last listed in the first [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1991_rsc-22.html?fb3d-page=50 1991 Tandy Computer Catalog (RSC-22) at $199.95 for the 128K version]. A 512K upgrade board with no RAM chips was $39.95, RAM chips were $59.95. The CM-8 monitor still listed for $299.95. The listing takes up about 1/3 of page 50 (if you include the data cassette player listing) and the CoCo isn't even listed in the quick index. Tandy issued two more Computer Catalogs in 1991: [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1991_rsc-22a.html RSC-22A] and [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1991_rsc-22e.html RSC-22E]. The CoCo is not listed in RSC-22A. RSC-22E is an educational market catalog and has [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1991_rsc-22e.html?fb3d-page=25 one page of Color Computer software].

	[[Category:Hardware]]		[[Category:Hardware]]

Carney: URL dead; updated link to point to archived page

2023-05-19T20:32:54Z

URL dead; updated link to point to archived page

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:32, 19 May 2023
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{NavHardware}}		{{NavHardware}}
	More model specific info and pics can be found here:		More model specific info and pics can be found here:
	[http://www.tandycoco.com/coco3.shtml Color Computer 3]		[https://web.archive.org/web/20151208130253/http://www.tandycoco.com/coco3.shtml Color Computer 3]

AllenHuffman at 14:50, 3 December 2021

2021-12-03T14:50:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:50, 3 December 2021
Line 1:		Line 1:
			{{NavHardware}}
	More model specific info and pics can be found here:		More model specific info and pics can be found here:
	[http://www.tandycoco.com/coco3.shtml Color Computer 3]		[http://www.tandycoco.com/coco3.shtml Color Computer 3]

AllenHuffman: linking to GIME

2021-12-03T14:50:16Z

linking to GIME

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:50, 3 December 2021
Line 4:		Line 4:

	The Color Computer 3 (catalog # 26-3334) debuted on July 30, 1986, 6 years and 1 day after the debut of the		The Color Computer 3 (catalog # 26-3334) debuted on July 30, 1986, 6 years and 1 day after the debut of the
	original TRS-80 Color Computer. It featured an improved keyboard with standard PC style keys and four additional keys (F1, F2, CTRL, ALT) and a whopping 128K for $219.95. It was expandable up to 512K for an additioanl $149.95 (26-3335). This required a plug-in daughter board and the removal of the four 128K RAM chips. The circuit board was smaller than previous models and was more highly integrated. The SAM chip was replaced by a new integrated video/memory management chip, the GIME (Graphics Interrupt Memory Enhancer). A 2 MHz 68B09E replaced the standard 1 MHz 6809E. Since the CoCo derives its clock from the video clock crystal, the CoCo3 didn't run at a full 2 MHz, but at 1.79MHz, twice the original CoCo clock rate. On power up it only runs at the original clock rate, a POKE is required to initiate double speed operation. The CoCo3 was still capable of bing connected to a TV, but also had composite and RGB (analog) video output. The RGB analog signal was a bit of a tease -- it required a specific monitor, not the then standard (and easier to get cheap used) RGB digital monitor as used by IBM PC clones. Tandy had an answer for that, they made a somewhat affordable CM-8 RGBA monitor available for $299.95. There were a few others on the market that would work, as the Amiga and some Commodore and Atari models used RGBA as well. I believe Tandy decided on RGBA as it was cheaper to pair with TV and composite output.		original TRS-80 Color Computer. It featured an improved keyboard with standard PC style keys and four additional keys (F1, F2, CTRL, ALT) and a whopping 128K for $219.95. It was expandable up to 512K for an additioanl $149.95 (26-3335). This required a plug-in daughter board and the removal of the four 128K RAM chips. The circuit board was smaller than previous models and was more highly integrated. The SAM chip was replaced by a new integrated video/memory management chip, the [[GIME]] (Graphics Interrupt Memory Enhancer). A 2 MHz 68B09E replaced the standard 1 MHz 6809E. Since the CoCo derives its clock from the video clock crystal, the CoCo3 didn't run at a full 2 MHz, but at 1.79MHz, twice the original CoCo clock rate. On power up it only runs at the original clock rate, a POKE is required to initiate double speed operation. The CoCo3 was still capable of bing connected to a TV, but also had composite and RGB (analog) video output. The RGB analog signal was a bit of a tease -- it required a specific monitor, not the then standard (and easier to get cheap used) RGB digital monitor as used by IBM PC clones. Tandy had an answer for that, they made a somewhat affordable CM-8 RGBA monitor available for $299.95. There were a few others on the market that would work, as the Amiga and some Commodore and Atari models used RGBA as well. I believe Tandy decided on RGBA as it was cheaper to pair with TV and composite output.

	Another new feature is that the CoCo3 operates in all RAM mode all the time. This means that the ROMs are copied into RAM and run from there. Older CoCos that were upgraded to 64K could be run that way, but typically reserved part of their 64K memory access to read the ROMs. Part of the reason for all RAM mode was due to the copyright restrictions on Extended Color BASIC, which was written by Microsoft. A third party, Microware, wrote Super Extended Color BASIC (SECB), which was included with every CoCo3. In order to get around any copyright issues the additioanal SECB commands and enhancements were patched into ECB when in RAM, so the standard ECB code was left alone.		Another new feature is that the CoCo3 operates in all RAM mode all the time. This means that the ROMs are copied into RAM and run from there. Older CoCos that were upgraded to 64K could be run that way, but typically reserved part of their 64K memory access to read the ROMs. Part of the reason for all RAM mode was due to the copyright restrictions on Extended Color BASIC, which was written by Microsoft. A third party, Microware, wrote Super Extended Color BASIC (SECB), which was included with every CoCo3. In order to get around any copyright issues the additioanal SECB commands and enhancements were patched into ECB when in RAM, so the standard ECB code was left alone.

Polluks: Category

2015-09-10T21:06:08Z

Random rodder at 17:29, 30 September 2013

2013-09-30T17:29:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:29, 30 September 2013
Line 1:		Line 1:
			More model specific info and pics can be found here:
			[http://www.tandycoco.com/coco3.shtml Color Computer 3]


	The Color Computer 3 (catalog # 26-3334) debuted on July 30, 1986, 6 years and 1 day after the debut of the		The Color Computer 3 (catalog # 26-3334) debuted on July 30, 1986, 6 years and 1 day after the debut of the
	original TRS-80 Color Computer. It featured an improved keyboard with standard PC style keys and four additional keys (F1, F2, CTRL, ALT) and a whopping 128K for $219.95. It was expandable up to 512K for an additioanl $149.95 (26-3335). This required a plug-in daughter board and the removal of the four 128K RAM chips. The circuit board was smaller than previous models and was more highly integrated. The SAM chip was replaced by a new integrated video/memory management chip, the GIME (Graphics Interrupt Memory Enhancer). A 2 MHz 68B09E replaced the standard 1 MHz 6809E. Since the CoCo derives its clock from the video clock crystal, the CoCo3 didn't run at a full 2 MHz, but at 1.79MHz, twice the original CoCo clock rate. On power up it only runs at the original clock rate, a POKE is required to initiate double speed operation. The CoCo3 was still capable of bing connected to a TV, but also had composite and RGB (analog) video output. The RGB analog signal was a bit of a tease -- it required a specific monitor, not the then standard (and easier to get cheap used) RGB digital monitor as used by IBM PC clones. Tandy had an answer for that, they made a somewhat affordable CM-8 RGBA monitor available for $299.95. There were a few others on the market that would work, as the Amiga and some Commodore and Atari models used RGBA as well. I believe Tandy decided on RGBA as it was cheaper to pair with TV and composite output.		original TRS-80 Color Computer. It featured an improved keyboard with standard PC style keys and four additional keys (F1, F2, CTRL, ALT) and a whopping 128K for $219.95. It was expandable up to 512K for an additioanl $149.95 (26-3335). This required a plug-in daughter board and the removal of the four 128K RAM chips. The circuit board was smaller than previous models and was more highly integrated. The SAM chip was replaced by a new integrated video/memory management chip, the GIME (Graphics Interrupt Memory Enhancer). A 2 MHz 68B09E replaced the standard 1 MHz 6809E. Since the CoCo derives its clock from the video clock crystal, the CoCo3 didn't run at a full 2 MHz, but at 1.79MHz, twice the original CoCo clock rate. On power up it only runs at the original clock rate, a POKE is required to initiate double speed operation. The CoCo3 was still capable of bing connected to a TV, but also had composite and RGB (analog) video output. The RGB analog signal was a bit of a tease -- it required a specific monitor, not the then standard (and easier to get cheap used) RGB digital monitor as used by IBM PC clones. Tandy had an answer for that, they made a somewhat affordable CM-8 RGBA monitor available for $299.95. There were a few others on the market that would work, as the Amiga and some Commodore and Atari models used RGBA as well. I believe Tandy decided on RGBA as it was cheaper to pair with TV and composite output.

Random rodder at 15:06, 3 December 2012

2012-12-03T15:06:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:06, 3 December 2012
Line 1:		Line 1:
	The Color Computer 3 (catalog # 26-3334) debuted on July 30, 1986, 6 years and 1 day after the debut of the		The Color Computer 3 (catalog # 26-3334) debuted on July 30, 1986, 6 years and 1 day after the debut of the
	original TRS-80 Color Computer. It featured an improved keyboard with standard PC style keys and four additional keys (F1, F2, CTRL, ALT) and a whopping 128K for $219.95. It was expandable up to 512K for an additioanl $149.95 (26-3335). This required a plug-in daughter board and the removal of the four 128K RAM chips. The circuit board was smaller than previous models and was more highly integrated. The SAM chip was replaced by a new integrated video/memory management chip, the GIME (Graphics Interrupt Memory Enhancer). A 2 MHz 68B09E replaced the standard 1 MHz 6809E. Since the CoCo derives its clock from the ~~vidoe~~ clock crystal the CoCo3 didn't run at a full 2 MHz, but at 1.79MHz, twice the original CoCo clock rate. On power up it only runs at the original clock rate, a POKE is required to initiate double speed operation. The CoCo3 was still capable of bing connected to a TV, but also had composite and RGB (analog) video output. The RGB analog signal was a bit of a tease -- it required a specific monitor, not the then standard (and easier to get cheap used) RGB digital monitor as used by IBM PC clones. Tandy had an answer for that, they made a somewhat affordable CM-8 RGBA monitor available for $299.95. There were a few others on the market that would work, as the Amiga and some Commodore and Atari models used RGBA as well. I believe Tandy decided on RGBA as it was cheaper to pair with TV and composite output.		original TRS-80 Color Computer. It featured an improved keyboard with standard PC style keys and four additional keys (F1, F2, CTRL, ALT) and a whopping 128K for $219.95. It was expandable up to 512K for an additioanl $149.95 (26-3335). This required a plug-in daughter board and the removal of the four 128K RAM chips. The circuit board was smaller than previous models and was more highly integrated. The SAM chip was replaced by a new integrated video/memory management chip, the GIME (Graphics Interrupt Memory Enhancer). A 2 MHz 68B09E replaced the standard 1 MHz 6809E. Since the CoCo derives its clock from the video clock crystal, the CoCo3 didn't run at a full 2 MHz, but at 1.79MHz, twice the original CoCo clock rate. On power up it only runs at the original clock rate, a POKE is required to initiate double speed operation. The CoCo3 was still capable of bing connected to a TV, but also had composite and RGB (analog) video output. The RGB analog signal was a bit of a tease -- it required a specific monitor, not the then standard (and easier to get cheap used) RGB digital monitor as used by IBM PC clones. Tandy had an answer for that, they made a somewhat affordable CM-8 RGBA monitor available for $299.95. There were a few others on the market that would work, as the Amiga and some Commodore and Atari models used RGBA as well. I believe Tandy decided on RGBA as it was cheaper to pair with TV and composite output.

	Another new feature is that the CoCo3 operates in all RAM mode all the time. This means that the ROMs are copied into RAM and run from there. Older CoCos that were upgraded to 64K could be run that way, but typically reserved part of their 64K memory access to read the ROMs. Part of the reason for all RAM mode was due to the copyright restrictions on Extended Color BASIC, which was written by Microsoft. A third party, Microware, wrote Super Extended Color BASIC (SECB), which was included with every CoCo3. In order to get around any copyright issues the additioanal SECB commands and enhancements were patched into ECB when in RAM, so the standard ECB code was left alone.		Another new feature is that the CoCo3 operates in all RAM mode all the time. This means that the ROMs are copied into RAM and run from there. Older CoCos that were upgraded to 64K could be run that way, but typically reserved part of their 64K memory access to read the ROMs. Part of the reason for all RAM mode was due to the copyright restrictions on Extended Color BASIC, which was written by Microsoft. A third party, Microware, wrote Super Extended Color BASIC (SECB), which was included with every CoCo3. In order to get around any copyright issues the additioanal SECB commands and enhancements were patched into ECB when in RAM, so the standard ECB code was left alone.

	The CoCo 3 was last listed in the first 1991 Tandy Computer Catalog (RSC-22) at $199.95 for the 128K version. A 512K upgrade board with no RAM chips was $39.95, ram chips were $59.95. The CM-8 monitor still listed for $299.95. The listing takes up about 1/3 of page 50 (if you include the data cassette player listing) and the CoCo isn't even listed in the quick index. Tandy issued two more Computer Catalogs in 1991, RSC-22A and RSC-22E. The CoCo is not listed in RSC-22A. RSC-22E is an educational market catalog and has one page of Color Computer software.		The CoCo 3 was last listed in the first 1991 Tandy Computer Catalog (RSC-22) at $199.95 for the 128K version. A 512K upgrade board with no RAM chips was $39.95, ram chips were $59.95. The CM-8 monitor still listed for $299.95. The listing takes up about 1/3 of page 50 (if you include the data cassette player listing) and the CoCo isn't even listed in the quick index. Tandy issued two more Computer Catalogs in 1991, RSC-22A and RSC-22E. The CoCo is not listed in RSC-22A. RSC-22E is an educational market catalog and has one page of Color Computer software.

Farna: added CoCo 3 page

2012-06-12T20:14:11Z

added CoCo 3 page

New page

The Color Computer 3 (catalog # 26-3334) debuted on July 30, 1986, 6 years and 1 day after the debut of the
original TRS-80 Color Computer. It featured an improved keyboard with standard PC style keys and four additional keys (F1, F2, CTRL, ALT) and a whopping 128K for $219.95. It was expandable up to 512K for an additioanl $149.95 (26-3335). This required a plug-in daughter board and the removal of the four 128K RAM chips. The circuit board was smaller than previous models and was more highly integrated. The SAM chip was replaced by a new integrated video/memory management chip, the GIME (Graphics Interrupt Memory Enhancer). A 2 MHz 68B09E replaced the standard 1 MHz 6809E. Since the CoCo derives its clock from the vidoe clock crystal the CoCo3 didn't run at a full 2 MHz, but at 1.79MHz, twice the original CoCo clock rate. On power up it only runs at the original clock rate, a POKE is required to initiate double speed operation. The CoCo3 was still capable of bing connected to a TV, but also had composite and RGB (analog) video output. The RGB analog signal was a bit of a tease -- it required a specific monitor, not the then standard (and easier to get cheap used) RGB digital monitor as used by IBM PC clones. Tandy had an answer for that, they made a somewhat affordable CM-8 RGBA monitor available for $299.95. There were a few others on the market that would work, as the Amiga and some Commodore and Atari models used RGBA as well. I believe Tandy decided on RGBA as it was cheaper to pair with TV and composite output.

Another new feature is that the CoCo3 operates in all RAM mode all the time. This means that the ROMs are copied into RAM and run from there. Older CoCos that were upgraded to 64K could be run that way, but typically reserved part of their 64K memory access to read the ROMs. Part of the reason for all RAM mode was due to the copyright restrictions on Extended Color BASIC, which was written by Microsoft. A third party, Microware, wrote Super Extended Color BASIC (SECB), which was included with every CoCo3. In order to get around any copyright issues the additioanal SECB commands and enhancements were patched into ECB when in RAM, so the standard ECB code was left alone.

The CoCo 3 was last listed in the first 1991 Tandy Computer Catalog (RSC-22) at $199.95 for the 128K version. A 512K upgrade board with no RAM chips was $39.95, ram chips were $59.95. The CM-8 monitor still listed for $299.95. The listing takes up about 1/3 of page 50 (if you include the data cassette player listing) and the CoCo isn't even listed in the quick index. Tandy issued two more Computer Catalogs in 1991, RSC-22A and RSC-22E. The CoCo is not listed in RSC-22A. RSC-22E is an educational market catalog and has one page of Color Computer software.

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:06, 10 September 2015
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	The CoCo 3 was last listed in the first 1991 Tandy Computer Catalog (RSC-22) at $199.95 for the 128K version. A 512K upgrade board with no RAM chips was $39.95, ram chips were $59.95. The CM-8 monitor still listed for $299.95. The listing takes up about 1/3 of page 50 (if you include the data cassette player listing) and the CoCo isn't even listed in the quick index. Tandy issued two more Computer Catalogs in 1991, RSC-22A and RSC-22E. The CoCo is not listed in RSC-22A. RSC-22E is an educational market catalog and has one page of Color Computer software.		The CoCo 3 was last listed in the first 1991 Tandy Computer Catalog (RSC-22) at $199.95 for the 128K version. A 512K upgrade board with no RAM chips was $39.95, ram chips were $59.95. The CM-8 monitor still listed for $299.95. The listing takes up about 1/3 of page 50 (if you include the data cassette player listing) and the CoCo isn't even listed in the quick index. Tandy issued two more Computer Catalogs in 1991, RSC-22A and RSC-22E. The CoCo is not listed in RSC-22A. RSC-22E is an educational market catalog and has one page of Color Computer software.

			[[Category:Hardware]]