| Description | |
| Manufacturer | Tandy Radio Shack |
| Model | TRS-80 Model I |
| Date Announced | 1977 |
| Date Canceled | 1981 |
| Number Produced | Hundreds of Thousands |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Price | About $600 for the base machine with display |
| Current Value | $25-$250 |
| Specifications | |
| Processor | Zilog Z80 |
| Speed | 4 MHz |
| RAM | 4K to 16K internally, 32K additional in the expansion interface |
| ROM | 4K (12K on the step II) |
| Storage | Cassette tape, 5.25" floppy disks (optional) |
| Expansion | TRS-80 Expansion Base |
| Bus | N/A |
| Video | 64 x 24 text, 128x48 graphics (modified text) on a monochrome monitor |
| I/O | Parallel and Serial with expansion unit |
| OS Options | TRS-DOS, NewDOS, others. |
| Notes | The TRS-80 was one of the first "complete" personal computers available. It was introduced at around the same time as the Commodore Pet 2001 and the Apple II and competed with those machines directly. |
| Related Items in Collection | Expansion Interface, Disk drive, some software, most manuals, TRS-80 Model I with Numeric Keypad |
| Related Items Wanted | Additional software, disk drives, voice synth unit, other Tandy peripherals (modem, hard drive, etc.) |
There are currently 3 TRS-80 Model Is in my collection. Two are versions without the numeric keypad, both of which have been upgraded to Step II ROMs. Both are fully functional.
The system unit is complete and in very good shape. As is typical with these units, some of the silver paint has worn away below the keyboard. I'm not sure why Radio Shack didn't just make them that way!
The monitor is a modified black and white RCA 13" television set. The tuner was removed and a nameplate added during the conversion.
The expansion interface is designed to sit behind the CPU/Keyboard and beneath the monitor. It contains the power supply for the system unit, up to 32K of additional RAM, two cassette ports and a floppy disk interface.
The TRS-80 floppy drives were typical full-height, soft sectored 35 or 40 TPI units storing about 140K or so of data.
When assembled into a full system the setup requires a number of interconnects and at least 4 power plugs (with one disk drive)
The system came with a complete set of documentation for BASIC, TRS DOS, the Expansion Interface and the machine itself
Thank you to Bob Wickman who donated one of these machines along with a bunch of other TRS-80 Model I gear.
(Submitted June 30, 2009 22:11:22 by jeff oliphant)
I have an early model 1 with the early expansion interface. It has the buffer mod, but i don't have the buffer cable. does anyone know where to get one, or how to make my own? thanks,
(Submitted June 18, 2009 17:03:28 by Kim)
TRS-80 Color Computer for sale. Accessories and manuals included. It worked, the last time I tried it - in about 1981. It has been in storage since then. Any idea on value?
(Submitted May 27, 2009 20:20:53 by Kevin A)
Looking for a CoCo3 modem pak manual.
thanks
(Submitted May 18, 2009 12:42:04 by David)
I have a very original TRS-80 that has been stored for the last 20+ years. I'm not sure of the condition. I bought it new the day it came out. According to a tech at Radio Shack it was the 501st one made. About a year later I got the expansion box, and floppy disk and updated the ram. I had loads of software and books (also stored). Hopefully, I'll have it up and running in the next few months.
(Submitted April 16, 2009 08:07:07 by Kevin)
I have a TRS-80 Color Computer 2 that i found new in box. the manual still had static in it and looks like just off the press. it has been turned on once when i tested it and all works like new. anyone interested email me at harvey_electronicsj119@yahoo.com
(Submitted April 3, 2009 09:10:10 by Alva Allen)
I have a lot of multiple trs-80 systems, programs, and manuals. If anyone is interested email me Ill send pics and a complete list of what I have.
(Submitted March 15, 2009 09:10:30 by James Pettey)
I have a TRS-80 6 pen Plotter, Model 191Z (Catalog 26-1191); mint condition, no pens. Includes data cable and clear plastic cover. Has been in climate controlled storage for over 20 years. Original cost was $ 1995.00.
(Submitted January 23, 2009 12:17:38 by Bill Caldwell)
I have a similar situation to Mike Boughton (above), except mine is a Model 4. It worked when last used, but has been in my attic for many years. I also have manuals and many copies of 80 Micro magazine. I would like to find a good home for it all.
(Submitted January 22, 2009 11:37:46 by henry)
in search responce you list a printer is one included- could any printer be attached to expansion interface or is a special printer needed
(Submitted January 15, 2009 20:21:59 by Nathaniel Ward)
Hello, i have a trs 80 model 3 and 4, i beleive the screen on the model 3 is dead, and the keyboard on the model 4 is abit wierd, useable, but irritating. i was wondering if any one is interested, or knows how much these may be worth. my email is nate-dogg@earthlink.net I also have a compaq portable 2 and 3, both have problems, but im sure they are easily fixable.
(Submitted October 27, 2008 14:23:40 by William Adams)
I have a TRS-80 Color Computer Technical Reference Manual (Information for Programmers and Technicians)+ a Motorola Semiconductor Advance Information on MC6809, MC68A09 and MC68B09 + I also have a Dragon 32 (faulty) and a Acorn Electron computer (not able to test it as I do not have a power supply) I live in the UK
(Submitted October 13, 2008 17:20:00 by ginger )
I also have a TRS-80 COMPUTER for sale: I bought it from spokane falls college in spokane wa. i saw it all work, but, i never have put it back together again. i am a senior citizen and have had health problems, so, I have to sell it. email for all the pics and info. I havent set a price yet, so I am open. its being stored. GP
(Submitted August 17, 2008 19:11:51 by Mauriece)
I have a TRS-80 Model 3 for sale. Make offer. sax4hire@aol.com
(Submitted June 23, 2008 22:20:24 by Randy)
Hi! I'm looking for a TRS-80 Model 4. A model in working condition would be great, but I also have some interest in a non-working model that is in very good cosmetic condition with all visible parts in place and with an intact case. Please email me at shyster@toast.net if you have something that meets, or nearly meets those criteria. I'm a tinkerer by nature and think it would be fun to work with one of these. Thanks!
(Submitted June 23, 2008 22:25:06 by Randy)
If I said a Model 4....I erred. Looking for a trs-80 model 3. Thanks
(Submitted June 2, 2008 12:41:07 by Bill)
I have a TRS 80 Model II with a keyboard problem, some software and a working, at least last time I used it, DWP 410. Need the space. Would like to sell all or part.
(Submitted April 22, 2008 11:31:49 by Videogamerdaryll)
Awesome Site,I have some cassettes Defense Command,Stellar Escort,Meteor Mission 2,Cosmic Fighter on Ebay and was curios to what a TRS-80 Model I & III looked like as the games look quite cool. I'd love to see what the Cassette unit looks like..
(Submitted February 6, 2008 15:06:13 by William R. Cousert)
My first computer was a Model 1 (4k, level I BASIC).
I'd like to find another. Email me if you have one for sale. I'd prefer one in Southern California.
(Submitted August 27, 2007 11:06:10 by Tom Lake)
You have the TRS-80 Model I listed as 4 MHz. That's incorrect. The Model I was 1.77 MHz. The Model II was 4 MHz, The Model III was 2.03 MHz and the Model 4 (*NOT* IV) was 2.03 or 4 MHz.
(Submitted April 11, 2007 10:59:41 by Andy Wing)
Anyone else discover the dump memory to screen trippy graphics for this machine?
(Submitted April 10, 2007 23:07:28 by (a href=mailto:)Mike Wall(/a))
I wrote games for the TRS-80 back in 1980. That was a fun machine to program, so simple. Hard to even imagine, let alone remember, it had black and white graphics with just 128x48 pixels on the entire screen!
(Submitted April 8, 2007 01:35:17 by Cathy Bradford)
I have an old Tandy 3000 complete with Berneli Drives and Manuals that needs a new home. Any takers??
(Submitted April 4, 2007 15:46:03 by Gary Booth)
I have a TRS80 model 4 to dispose of to a good home. It comes with Tandy printer, and an extra hard drive plus discs and all handbooks, plus dictionary etc.Tel: 0117 9640665
(Submitted November 23, 2006 09:15:30 by Al Hartman)
It was never called Step Two ROMS, as in the picture further down the page, the more advanced BASIC was ALWAYS called Level II, there was even a Level III BASIC available that one could load from tape.
I recently won an LNW-80 Computer on eBay. The LNW-80 was a clone of the TRS-80 Model I that had additional features like High Speed, Integral LowerCase and more...
I still have my original 1979 Vintage Model I computer, that started life as a 16k Level I computer and has been extensively upgraded to Level II, Lowercase, Turbo Speed, and more...
It's not working well any more. But someday I'll take the time to repair it and get it running again.
(Submitted October 9, 2006 18:08:30 by Jeff Cramer)
My Dads old TRS 80, Model II is available. My
Mom wants to find a home for it, maybe get a tax
deduction.
This unit, I'm pretty sure, is in original boxes,
lightly used. 64k ram, Disk expansion unit, Line
printer V with stand. Lot's of 8 floppys.
Software: Visicalc, Gen. Ledger, Accts Pay,
Accts Rec. All cables.
My Dad bought this to go into business with but
died before that could happen. The computer has
been boxed ever since.
Email me if there is interest. cjc1@getnet.net
Arizona
(Submitted September 29, 2006 21:49:11 by Tony)
I have the following: TRS80 Model I LII 48K, Tandy green screen, nonstandard (Gnomic) expansion interface with built in double density upgrade and integral floppy drive, and another external drive, two 80 track DD drives, and a Model 4P. I was a great supporter of Tandy machines, and ran the West Herts TRS-80 Users Group in the UK - and am still amazed at the incredible quality of L-DOS operating system. Here in the UK we also had a TRS-80 Model I clone called a Video Genie (Japanese) which had a built in cassette recorder/player. Anyone want to know about TRS-80s I, III and 4, please drop me a line!
(Submitted August 5, 2006 11:56:17 by Sherman)
I went through college first with a Vic, then upgraded to a Trash 80 Model IV. Never did get around to getting the acceler8 kit for it. I kinda miss fighting the TRS-DOS/LS-DOS vs MS-DOS battle.
(Submitted July 29, 2006 20:55:04 by Tom)
I have a Model 1 LII with a 5 1/4 drive. I also did some mods to add 2 8 disk drives with a switch to boot from a 5 or an 8. Note: The 5 1/4 drive capacity is 189K. By punching holes in the outer diskette case you can reverse the disk and write on the other side (flippy disk).
(Submitted July 4, 2006 21:26:15 by Mike West)
I am looking to buy a TRS-80 Model III. If you can help me, email me at mikewest98@hotmail.com
(Submitted June 29, 2006 10:37:48 by Gabriel Moore)
I have a New in the Box (Yes I said New in the Box) TRS-80 Type II with 16k catalog number 26- 1056. It has the Tape drive and monitor all packaged in the box. Never used. The box was open, but the computer was never used. I can submit pictures of this for verification. The stickers around the door for the power button that reads (Read manual first) has never been cut or removed. I do not have the origional reciept, but I do have the contract for the extended warranty showing the origional purchase date as 10/02/78 and the origional warranty expires 12/03/79 and the extended warranty expires 12/31/80. The monitor tape drive and computer it self are all new, never used. If interested, leave me an email and I will send a phone number (In Iowa) and photos for you to verify the condition of the machine.
(Submitted November 11, 2005 08:12:00 by Erik Klein)
Instead of a picture I'd love to get a
machine! :)
The Micral was an 8008 based PC (I think you had
a typo in your posting) that came out just
before the Scelbi (another machine I'd love to
get!) and it does hold the honor of being the
first microprocessor based personal computer.
Most, however, consider the Kenbak-1 to be the
first Personal Computer since it offered most or
all of what the Micral, Scelbi and others
offered but earlier although without a
microprocessor.
Firsts are always qualified, I guess. ;)
(Submitted November 11, 2005 06:46:16 by Claude BARBOT)
If you want, I can send you photo of the first microcomputer in the world : Micral_N designed on 1973. It's the first microcomputer based on the 8080 chip with bus for add on cards. The stack was got with an I/O board of 256 bytes to replace the 7 level included in the 8008. It's the ancestor of ALTAIR, and later PC ...
(Submitted September 27, 2005 09:26:21 by Chrisitina)
I have the following cassettes for this machine:
Color File Cat. No. 26-3103
Personal Finance Cat. No. 26-3101
Football Cat. No. 26-3053
Atom Cat. No. 26-3149
Color Cubes Cat. No. 26-3075
Wildcatting Cat. No. 26-3067
Bridge Tutor Cat. No. 26-3158
I would like to know how much these are worth, if
anything.
(Submitted August 19, 2005 15:22:20 by Gamefreak)
i have a trs-80, i dont know what type tho. Its in storage and its 1 unit that plays a standard tv. You can animate and play cartridges. do u know its value? I have a game dungeons of daggorath.
(Submitted May 24, 2005 02:56:53 by peter)
just found a tsr 80 model III, it is one unit i.e kb, screen drives all in one, all original disks and manuals ,also a printer radio shack dwp410, looking for a good home, unless of course it's worth thousands of dollars
(Submitted May 11, 2005 09:50:27 by Jim Moore)
There was also a big hunky dot-matrix printer
sold for this model. I think it was a Centronix
printer in a Tandy case.
I have a hardcopy of the disassembled operating
system.
(Submitted April 1, 2005 20:41:49 by Kendrick )
Hello, I am interested as well. My Email address is Obsoletecomputer@yahoo.ca. Also, Mellissa, i know how you feel,I'm 16 and have 12 or so computers and my mom is ready to have a fit!
(Submitted March 15, 2005 14:29:48 by Melissa)
I am extremely interested, but my mom wouldn't approve. I'm only 12 and I have 7 computers already!
(Submitted October 29, 2004 13:58:34 by Mike Boughton)
Not an addition exactly. I have a version of the
TRS-80 sold by Tandy (Radio Shack) dating from
about 1987. It is essentially pristine but I
used it for over a year. The set includes the
machine, a printer (thermal paper, and several
rolls unused), the telephone modem, floppy drive
and 10 disks, all cables, manuals (including a
Radio Shack book and tape, Portable Computing
with the Model 100), carrying case and
leatherette case for the computer iteslf.
I would like to find a good home for it since I
am not a collector so much as a pack rat and I
have more things than I need.
Please e-mail me if this is interesting enoughto
talk about, or call at 808.575.9592.
I found you, incidentally, via eBay, but with
difficulty even so.
Mike