TRS-80 Microcomputer System Model I (26-1003)

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The TRS-80 Model I, or just TRS-80 Microcomputer System as shown on the computer itself, was introduced in August 1977. It was one of the first low cost microcomputers available to the general public in large numbers, listing for $600 for a 4K machine. Given the fact that it was distributed through Radio Shack stores, its distribution network was already in place and quite large. The initial production run sold out in less than a month, and it took almost a year for Radio Shack to catch up with the demand. Radio Shack sold 100,000 TRS‑80 computers in 1978, over four times its nearest competitor. According to Tandy's website, more than 200,000 TRS-80 computers were sold from 1977 to 1981.

The machine initially came with 4K of RAM and included Level I BASIC and later was upgraded to 16K of RAM with the addition of a numeric keypad to the keyboard and Level II BASIC. There were four versions available; Level I with 4K RAM (26-1001), Level I with 16K RAM (26-1003), Level II with 4K RAM (26-1004), and Level II with 16K RAM (26-1006). Each came with a 12-inch video monitor, a battery/AC cassette recorder, a power supply and a two-game cassette.

The computer ran a Zilog Z80 at 1.77 MHz. The only means of storage was a cassette recorder. Unfortunately, its image soon started to be tarnished by problems caused by issues such as quirky connections between the computer and its external expansion chassis, quickly earning it the nickname 'Trash-80'. One major drawback of the original system was the massive RF interference it caused in surrounding electronics. Stricter FCC regulations on interference led to the Model I's replacement by the Model III. Despite these problems, the machine gained quite a following and was to be the first in a long line of computers sold through Radio Shack stores. It was followed by the TRS-80 Model II which was essentially the Model I and its display placed together in a single desktop enclosure.

The Expansion Interface, Tandy catalogue number 26-1140, -41, & -42, allowed the addition of up to 32K of RAM, up to 4 disk drives, serial and parallel devices.

Our model is the 26-1003 Model 1 with Level I Basic, 4K ROM, 16K RAM with Keypad CPU/KB, which together with associated manuals, Expansion Interface and Disk Drives was kindly donated by Helen Williams.

Manufacturer: Radio Shack - Tandy
Date: 1977



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TRS-80 Microcomputer System Model I (26-1003) Manuals:

Item Manufacturer Date
TRS-80 Colour Graphic Printer Manual Radio Shack Unknown
TRS-80 RS-232-C Interface Manual Radio Shack 1978
The Electric Pencil for TRS-80 Operator's Manual Small System Software 1978
TRS-80 Model III Disk System Owner's Manual Tandy 1980
Instructions for Converting Specified Model I Programs for use on TRS-80 Model III Radio Shack Aug 1980
TRS-80 Model I/III Series 1 Editor Assembler Radio Shack 1981
Trackcess 3.0 "Access to Tracks" The Alternate Source 1981
TRS-80 Model III Technical Reference Manual Tandy 1981
TRS-80 Model 100 Portable Computer Owners Manual Radio shack 1983
Tandy TRS-80 Model 100 Quick Reference Guide Tandy 1983
TRS-80 Model 4/4P Disk System Owner's Manual Tandy 1983
TRS-80 Model III Hard Disk System Start-up Manual Tandy 1984

Magazines RELATED to TRS-80 Microcomputer System Model I (26-1003) in our Library

Item Manufacturer Date
REM 80 - Volume 3, Issue 4 The North West TRS-80 USers Group Unknown
REM 80 - Volume 4, Issue 2 The North West TRS-80 USers Group Unknown
REM 80 - Volume 4, Issue 4 The North West TRS-80 Users Group Unknown
REM 80 - Volume 5, Issue 2 The North West TRS-80 Users Group Unknown
REM 80 - Volume 5, Issue 3 The North West TRS-80 Users Group Unknown
REM 80 - Volume 5, Issue 4 The North West TRS-80 Users Group Unknown
REM 80 - Volume 7, Issue 1 The North West TRS-80 Users Group Unknown
REM 80 - Volume 6, Issue 5 The North West TRS-80 Users Group Unknown
REM 80 - Volume 8, Issue 4 The North West TRS-80 Users Group Unknown
REM 80 - Volume 9, Issue 4/5 The North West TRS-80 Users Group Unknown
REM 80 - Volume 8, Issue 3 The North West TRS-80 Users Group Unknown
REM 80 - Volume 11, Issue 1 The North West TRS-80 USers Group Unknown
REM 80 - Volume 6, Issue 1 The North West TRS-80 Users Group Unknown
REM 80 - Volume 7, Issue 4 The North West TRS-80 Users Group Unknown
REM 80 - Volume 9, Issue 6 The North West TRS-80 Users Group Unknown
REM 80 - Volume 6, Issue 3 The North West TRS-80 Users Group Unknown
REM 80 - Volume 9, Issue 1 The North West TRS-80 Users Group Unknown
REM 80 - Volume 9, Issue 2 The North West TRS-80 USers Group Unknown
Popular Electronics - October 1977 Oct 1977
Personal Computer World - August 1978 Aug 1978
Personal Computer World - September 1978 Sep 1978
Personal Computer World - October 1978 Oct 1978
Practical Computing - October 1978 ECC Oct 1978
Practical Computing - November 1978 ECC Nov 1978
Practical Computing - December 1978 ECC Dec 1978
TRS-80 Computing - Volume 1, Number 1 Computer Information Exchange Inc. 1979
Practical Computing - July 1979 ECC Jul 1979
Practical Computing - August 1979 ECC Aug 1979
Practical Computing - September 1979 ECC Sep 1979
Practical Computing - November 1979 IPC Electrical Electronic Press Nov 1979
Practical Computing - January 1980 IPC Electrical Electronic Press Jan 1980
Practical Computing - April 1980, Volume 3, Issue 4 IPC Electrical Electronic Press Apr 1980
Personal Computer World - June 1980 Jun 1980
REM 80 - Volume 3, Issue 1 The North West TRS-80 USers Group 1981
REM 80 - Volume 3, Issue 3 The North West TRS-80 USers Group 1981
Personal Computer World - July 1981 Jul 1981
Personal Computer World - September 1981 Sep 1981
Your Computer - December 1981 Dec 1981
TRS-80 Microcomputer News Volume 1 Number 1 Radio Shack - Tandy Jan 1982
TRS-80 Microcomputer News - Volume 1, Number 2 Radio Shack - Tandy Feb 1982
Personal Computer World - May 1982 May 1982
Personal Computer World - December 1982 Dec 1982
REM 80 - Volume 5, Issue 5 The North West TRS-80 Users Group 1983
REM 80 - Volume 5, Issue 6 The North West TRS-80 Users Group 1983
REM 80 - Volume 6, Issue 2 The North West TRS-80 Users Group 1983
Personal Computer World - August 1983 Aug 1983
TRS-80 Microcomputer News October 1983 Oct 1983
Practical Computing - October 1983 Oct 1983
Call-A.P.P.L.E. - November 1983 Nov 1983
REM 80 - Volume 7, Issue 2 The North West TRS-80 Users Group 1984
REM 80 - Volume 6, Issue 4 The North West TRS-80 Users Group 1984
Personal Computer World - February 1984 Feb 1984
The War Machine Issue No. 25 - March/April 1984 Mar 1984
Personal Computer World - May 1984 May 1984
Byte May 1984 May 1984
Personal Computer World - August 1984 Aug 1984
Byte March 1984 Oct 1984
REM 80 - Volume 7, Issue 5 The North West TRS-80 Users Group 1985
REM 80 - Volume 8, Issue 1/2 The North West TRS-80 Users Group 1986

Catalogues RELATED to TRS-80 Microcomputer System Model I (26-1003) in our Library

Item Manufacturer Date
TRS-80 Applications Software Sourcebook Volume 2 Unknown
TRS-80 Applications Software Sourcebook Volume 3 1981
TRS-80 and Genie Software Molimerx Ltd 1982

This exhibit has a reference ID of CH16821. Please quote this reference ID in any communication with the Centre for Computing History.

 

TRS-80 Microcomputer System Model I (26-1003)

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