|
Index
|
Model:
Microcomputer Trainer
Release Date:
early 1980's
Original Price:
about $26
Processor:
TI TMS-1100 300
Memory:
128 nibbles RAM / 2 KB ROM
I remember when I was a kid, I spent hours on end writing programs to key into
this "computer." I want to say that this was the first computer that I ever had
the opportunity to operate and from that moment on, I was hooked. I've been working
in both electronics and computers ever since!
You program this by keying in two digit hexidecimal assembly language codes using
the pushbuttons. As you key in each code, it appears on the seven segment LED
display - one digit at a time. You can step through each memory location to verify,
and change if necessary, each command you've entered. The address of each location
is shown in binary using seven LEDs.
The programs that are shown in the manual range from simple music makers to more
complex games and timers. One of my favorite programs when I was a kid was a
rocket launcher countdown timer that I wrote. Of course, nowadays, a kid would be
labeled a terrorist for doing something like that!
One major drawback was that, being battery powered (9 volts supplied by 6 AA
batteries), all of your hard work keying in your latest programming creation was
lost when you disconnected the power. Another annoyance was that the pushbutton keys
were touchy. If you weren't careful, the key would "bounce" causing the press to
be registered twice.
>>
Click here to download the Assembly / Programming Manual (39.7 mb)
|
Radio Shack / Tandy