Tandy TRS-80 Micro Color Computer
Tandy TRS-80 Micro Color Computer
[Vin106]
The Tandy TRS-80 MC-10, introduced in 1983, was an affordable, compact home computer aimed at electronics hobbyists and first-time computer buyers interested in programming. Its notable features included a Motorola MC6803 CPU, graphics provided by the MC6847 video display generator, cassette-based storage, and a built-in RS-232 serial port鈥攗nusual for its price point at the time. Despite its approachable BASIC language and low cost, the MC-10 was not commercially successful and was quickly discontinued due to limited expandability and stiff competition from more powerful entry-level computers.
- Manufacturer: Tandy Corporation (Radio Shack)
- Model: MC-10
- Type: Home computer
- Released: 1983
- Cost at release (base price): USD $119.95 (CAD ~$400 adjusted for inflation)
- Cost at release (with peripherals): USD $229.90 (CAD ~$790 adjusted for inflation)
- MIPS: 0.05-0.08 (50-80 KIPS)
Hardware Specifications
- CPU: Motorola MC6803, 8-bit, 0.89 MHz clock speed
- RAM: 4 KB onboard, expandable to 20 KB via external memory expansion
- ROM: 8 KB (Micro Color BASIC developed by Microsoft)
- Graphics: Motorola MC6847 Video Display Generator (VDG)
- Text resolution: 32脳16 characters
- Graphics resolutions:
- Low-res: 64脳32 (8 colors)
- Medium-res up to 128脳96 pixels (2 to 4 colors)
- High-res up to 256脳192 pixels (limited support due to video RAM)
- Input: 48-key Chiclet-style keyboard
- Storage: Cassette tape interface (1500 baud)
- I/O:
- RS-232C serial interface (300-9600 baud; 600 baud from BASIC)
- Internal RF modulator for TV output (channels 3 or 4)
- Expansion port for memory and accessories
- Power: 8V AC, 1.5A via external power adapter
- Weight: ~1 kg
Operating System & Programming Languages
- O/S: Standard ROM-based OS: Microsoft Micro Color BASIC built into its ROM, serving as its operating environment. This was a version of Microsoft BASIC specifically adapted for the MC-10’s hardware features.
- Programming Languages: BASIC (specifically Microsoft BASIC), which was used for writing and running programs on the machine
Notables
- The MC-10 was nicknamed the 鈥淢icro Color Computer鈥 and sometimes affectionately called the 鈥淩S MC-10鈥 or simply 鈥淢C-10鈥 by enthusiasts.
- Its compact size, built-in RS-232 serial port, and low price were unusual for early-1980s home computers, but it lacked expansion options compared to competitors.
- Featured Microsoft Micro Color BASIC in ROM, a version rarely seen outside the MC-10 and its French cousin, the Matra Alice.
- Despite Tandy鈥檚 hopes, it was neither a huge commercial success nor a breakthrough; it was discontinued within a year, earning a reputation as a 鈥渃uriosity鈥 among collectors.
Donated by: Arlen Michaels