Recently I’ve been curious about the TRS-80 Pocket Computer (the PC-1), the first pocket computer Radio Shack sold. I was able to find one on eBay and replace the LCD.
Author: N1UGK
I found a deal on a Kenwood MC-50 Desk Mic for my TS-530SP or TS-830S. All that was needed was a new 4-pin connector and the mic worked perfectly.
The PC-6 was the best (in my opinion) rebadged Casio pocket computer Radio Shack sold. I built a cable to connect the PC-6 to the FP-12S printer and updated my banner program using only 909 bytes of memory.
I was able to solve an issue connecting a TRS-80 Model 100 to a Kantronics KPC-3 TNC.
After successfully connecting a TP-10 to the Model 100, I did the same with the PC-2. I also updated the banner program for the PC-2. This gives the PC-2 the ability to print without needing those expensive plotter pens.
After getting the TP-10 printer working with the Model 100, I set out to improve the banner program I wrote for the PC-8.
I found a great printer for the Model 100, the TP-10. This printer is thermal and uses 4 1/8″ paper. It has a serial connection and I’ve updated the banner program as an example of it’s capabilities.
I found the pocket computer model on eBay that I wanted as a kid, but couldn’t get. I repaired the printer cassette interface for it, and wrote a banner program using only 964 bytes of RAM.
I recently tried HF packet using a vintage Kantronics KAM All Mode TNC and the FT-991A. I used an RJ45 A/B switch to be able to switch between either port of the KAM or between the KAM and my KPC-3.
The Model 100 was arguably the first commercially successful laptop computer. I recently acquired one and recapped it to be able to experiment with its capabilties.