Tools

These are some common tools used to work on this device. You might not need every tool for every procedure.

Troubleshooting

Track down a number of hardware problems using the TRS-80 Color Computer Troubleshooting guide.

Background

The TRS-80 Color Computer was originally a collaborative project of Tandy Corporation and Motorola Semiconductors. The projects goal was to build a low cost Videotex terminal for agricultural industry, titled AgVision.

In 1980 the AgVision terminal began being sold throughout Radio Shack stores. Later the internal modem was removed in favor of multiple I/O ports and an expansion connector for program cartridges. On July 31, 1980 the TRS-80 Color Computer was announced; sharing the same case, keyboard, and layout of the AgVision terminal.

The TRS-80 was one of the more powerful 8-bit computers of it's time. Although lacking graphics and sound capabilities of other home computers, the TRS-80 had greater computing power and the ease of programming in BASIC.

The TRS-80 Color Computer was replaced in 1983 by the smaller, more compact TRS-80 Color Computer 2, which also provided upgraded ROM as well as changes in programming structure.

Identification

The TRS-80 can be identified by the square nameplate, located above the keyboard, reading "Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Computer 1"

Additional Information