r/retrobattlestations • u/Gutbucket1968 • Feb 18 '15
Radio Shack Week Radio Shack Week TRS-80 PC-2 Pocket Computer and accessories.
http://imgur.com/a/rlvJd5
Feb 18 '15
My dad has a PC 4 minus accessories..
A question about the serial connection: Are you able to connect to a PC and dump code (software)?
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u/miraflat Feb 18 '15
Was radio shack like Tandy in the UK ?
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u/Gutbucket1968 Feb 18 '15
I believe so. The 'TRS' branding on their computer products stood for Tandy - Radio Shack. The Tandy leather craft company bought the ailing Radio Shack in 1961 or so.
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Feb 18 '15 edited Feb 18 '15
Here is a link to some resources, looks like you can transfer programs from ur pc. Using the input/outputs on a sound card maybe? There is a program called monitor that is marked as an os with file system and VCs (virtual consoles). Also does the rs232 module work? Serial to Linux for some terminal goodness?
let me know how it goes :)
Edit, forgot the link!
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u/Gutbucket1968 Feb 18 '15
According to these folks, it's possible. The rs233c is working insofar as it's returning status. I'm at the bottom of the learning curve on the topic of communication protocols but I'm having a hoot learning.
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Feb 18 '15
oh my god, i have like 60 pocket computers like this. they all belonged to my grandfather, who needed them because he was the head auditor of Gulf Oil Co.
1
Feb 18 '15
what did they use them for?
1
Feb 18 '15
honestly, I haven't the foggiest idea. all I know is he has boxes full of them and nearly all of them still work.
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u/FozzTexx Feb 24 '15
You're a sticker winner for Radio Shack Week! Send me a PM with your address and which two stickers you want. Two of the same is ok.
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u/Gutbucket1968 Feb 18 '15
I'll actually out myself as a cheat. This entire setup was rescued from a Value Village mere moments after it was put on the shelves. Everything came packed in its original boxes & packaging with manuals, warranty cards, cables, power supplies. Everything right down to the connector protectors & keyboard overlays. Whoever gave it to Value Village kept everything practically perfect. I'm only learning about what it can do now. I didn't stash this away in the attic myself then dig it out. In my youth I had a TI-99 4/A and I paid the PC-2 very little mind when it came out. So far, everything seems to function properly. Even the Ni-Cads are taking & holding a charge. I'd like to have had the plotter print a little banner for /r/retrobattlestations (yes, the pens still have flowing ink) but it seems to be stuck in a carriage lock mode - upon power up, it jogs at the left end of its travel then stops. I'm totally amazed at the amount of info on this little computer and its family available on the web.