--- title: "Timex Sinclair 2068 Timeline" id: "25006" type: "post" slug: "2068-timeline" published_at: "2025-12-08T03:03:20+00:00" modified_at: "2025-12-09T15:13:03+00:00" url: "http://localhost/blog/2068-timeline/" markdown_url: "http://localhost/blog/2068-timeline.md" excerpt: "The Timex/Sinclair went from product announcement to in stores in just under a year. And then Timex left the market. A few examples of computers released during this timeline are included for context." taxonomy_category: - "Blog" taxonomy_post_tag: - "TS 2000" - "TS 2068" taxonomy_indiv: - "Bill Skyrme" - "Daniel Chen" - "Danny Ross" - "Dave Boyle" - "Gary Grimes" - "Kirk Pond" - "Lon Hildreth" - "Louis M. Galie" - "Michael H. Branigin" - "Rex Naden" - "Scott McCourt" - "Susan Mahoney" - "V. Carole Corcoran" - "Will Collum" --- The Timex/Sinclair went from product announcement to in stores in just under a year. And then Timex left the market. A few examples of computers released during this timeline are included for context. 1982 ### Staffing Begins [Lou Galie](/indiv/lou-galie/) joins Timex as director of engineering, coming from Burroughs; begins recruiting others. [Kirk Pond](/indiv/kirk-pond/) joins as an executive vice-president and [Rex Naden](/blog/interview-with-rex-naden/) joins as vice-president of research and design. Both come from Texas Instruments. July 1982 [/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Epson-hx-20.jpg](/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Epson-hx-20.jpg) ### Epson HX-20 Released The HX-20 was an early laptop computer released by Seiko Epson in July 1982. Its size is referenced in [one of Gary Grimes’ TS 2000 sketches](/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/TS2068_3-scaled.jpg) . November 1982 [/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SCR-20251130-qzdb.png](/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SCR-20251130-qzdb.png) ### ZX Spectrum Source Obtained Timex received the [source code](https://archive.org/details/timex-computer-corp/ZX%20Spectrum%20ROM%20Assembly%20Code%2011-23-1982/page/n3/mode/1up) for the Sinclair ZX Spectrum and loaded it into their development system. January 1983 ### Scott McCourt, Dave Boyle, Lon Hildreth, Will Collum, and Gary Grimes join Timex [Scott McCourt](/indiv/scott-mccourt/) , manager of system software, joined Timex from Burroughs. [Dave](/indiv/dave-boyle/) , [Lon](/indiv/lon-hildreth/) , and [Will](/indiv/will-collum/) , who worked together on an all-on-one office system at Burroughs, join Timex as software engineers. [Gary Grimes](/indiv/gary-grimes/) , an industrial designer, immediately begins work on the design for what will become the Timex/Sinclair 2068. January 6, 1983 [/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/TS-2000.png](/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/TS-2000.png) ### TS 2000 Series Announced [Timex announced their intention](/article/timex-shows-color-computer-with-48k-for-under-200/) to produce their own version of the ZX Spectrum, the TS 2000, at the Winter 1983 Consumer Electronics Show. January 21, 1983 [/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Timex-1.jpg](/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Timex-1.jpg) ### Gary Grimes Completes New Design Industrial designer [Gary Grimes](/indiv/gary-grimes/) was tasked with designing the case and cartridges for the new 2000 series. March 1983 [/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/2000.jpg](/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/2000.jpg) ### TS 2000 Delayed [Improvements planned for the TS 2000 will delay launch to fourth quarter](/article/editor-ramblings-10/) . May 1983 ### Mike Branigin, Daniel Chen join Timex [Mike Branigin](/indiv/m-h-branigin/) , manager of computer hardware engineering, joined Timex from Sperry Univac. [Daniel Chen](/indiv/daniel-chen/) , a senior project engineer, is yet another staffer to join from Texas Instruments. Branigin and [Carol Corcoran](/indiv/v-carole-corcoran/) would author the Technical Manual for the 2068 in 1984. May 1983 ### Timex Sinclair 2000 Third Party Software Guide [This document](https://archive.org/details/timex-computer-corp/Timex%20Sinclair%202068%20Third%20Party%20Software%20Guide/mode/2up) helped Spectrum programmers and US developers prepare for the 2000 and gave info for new development. It was a little preliminary: not all things described in it made it into the 2068. May 9, 1983 ### TS2000 System Software Design Specification Dave Boyle, Will Collum and Lon Hildreth author the [document that describes the operating system for the TS 2000](https://archive.org/details/timex-computer-corp/TS%202000%20System%20Software%20Design%20Specification/mode/1up) . May 17, 1983 [/wp-content/uploads/images/timex/Timex-Sinclair-2048-press-photo.jpg](/wp-content/uploads/images/timex/Timex-Sinclair-2048-press-photo.jpg) ### TS 2000 Improvement Announced Timex announced it has [enhanced the Timex Sinclair 2000](/document/press-release-timex-sinclair-2000/) series by expanding the memory capacity, increasing the number of characters that can be displayed adding a “soft-touch” keyword data entry capability, while keeping the suggested retail price under $200. They also shared [product art for the two computers](https://ia902901.us.archive.org/24/items/timex-computer-corp/Timex%20Product%20Art%20and%20Headlines.pdf) . June 1983 ### TS 2000 Features Defined Timex announced the following feature set for the TS 2000 computers: - cartridge interface* - 42 keys - two separate program selectable 32 by 24 character line displays - 64 by 24 character line display mode - 256 X 192 regular resolution - 512 by 192 high resolution mode* - 4 sound channels* - 2 joystick ports* *These features are unique to the TS2000 computers, they are not in original Spectrum. June 1983 ### TS 2000 System Software Readies for Release Two internal Timex documents show that the TS 2000 software is being prepared for release to the ROM manufacturer. The [TS 2000 System Software Engineering Release](https://archive.org/details/timex-computer-corp/TS%202000%20System%20Software%20Engineering%20Release/) is a schedule of code finalization for the 2000 OS; the [TS 2000 System Software Software Test Schedule](https://archive.org/details/timex-computer-corp/TS%202000%20System%20Software%20Test%20Schedule/) is a parallel document for testing the functions of the OS. June 1983 [/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/1800px-Memotech_MTX500_cropped.jpg](/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/1800px-Memotech_MTX500_cropped.jpg) ### Memotech MTX500 Released Originally a manufacturer of memory and other add-ons for Sinclair and Timex computers, [Memotech](/tag/memotech/) developed their own competing computer when it was perceived the expansion pack business would no longer be viable. June 5, 1983 ### TS 1500 and 2000 at Summer CES Timex shows production prototype at the [Summer Consumer Electronics Show](/article/consumer-electronics-show/) . According to [Lon Hildreth](/indiv/lon-hildreth/) : “… everyone [was] working towards this common goal of getting to CES and, of course, the hardware wasn’t ready. When CES came around we had the keyboard. As far as the board goes that was breadboards. So for CES, they had three machines running with breadboard underneath the table.” June 15, 1983 ### Sue Mahoney Gives Update to Boston Computer Society The [TS-1500 and the TS-2000 series would be shipped to the distributors in August](/article/highlights-of-the-last-meeting/) . The TS-1500 is an upgraded version of the TS-1000. It has movable keys and 16K of built-in RAM memory. The TS-2000 is now called the TS-2068. June 20, 1983 [/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/TRS-80_MC-10_Microcomputer.jpg](/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/TRS-80_MC-10_Microcomputer.jpg) ### Radio Shack Announces MC-10 The [TRS-80 Model MC-10 Micro Color Computer](/article/trs-80-mc-10-battles-t-s-2000/) , retailing for $119.95, was available in all Radio Shack retail stores. The 4K computer was more like a color T/S 1000 than a true competitor to the T/S 2000. July 1983 ### Test Spec for BEU Extensions Prepared Lon Hildreth is [working on the OS 5.0 Test Spec](https://archive.org/details/timex-computer-corp/Lon%20Hildreth%27s%20Notebook%20%28typed%29/page/n19/mode/2up) . This specification documented testing the initialization and features of the TS 2000 when connected to a Bus Expansion Unit. August 1983 [/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/TS2000-System-Software-memo-bug_0000.jpg](/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/TS2000-System-Software-memo-bug_0000.jpg) ### Work Continues as TS2068 is Shipped to Distributors Lon [wrote tool on the Timex VAX minicomputer to assist in making cartridges](https://archive.org/details/timex-computer-corp/Lon%20Hildreth%27s%20Notebook%20%28typed%29/page/n31/mode/2up) . Scott McCourt sent a [memo to Lou Galie about a bug in the Function Dispatcher](https://archive.org/details/timex-computer-corp/TS2000%20System%20Software%20%5Bmemo%2C%20bug%5D/mode/2up) (a set of jump points to facilitate software compatibility across ROM versions). The Function Dispatcher could not be called by machine code running from the Dock Bank (a cartridge). September 1983 [/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/TS2000-Bug-Fixes-Enhancesments-memo_0000-1.jpg](/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/TS2000-Bug-Fixes-Enhancesments-memo_0000-1.jpg) ### CP/M Development, Bug Fixes Lon working on CP/M on the Microdrive (through the rest of the year). Carol Corcoran’s [proposal on how to implement bug fixes and enhancements](https://archive.org/details/timex-computer-corp/Memo%20from%20Carol%20Corcoran%20re%20Enhancements%20and%20Bug%20Fixes/mode/2up) by using the extra space in the “ROM Extension”. This assumed a total of 32K ROM: 16K Home and 16K Extension. Memo from Carol Corcoran to Scott McCourt [describing a schedule for testing bug fixes](https://archive.org/details/timex-computer-corp/TS2000%20Bug%20Fixes%20%26%20Enhancesments%20%5Bmemo%5D/) . Goal was to test fixes in October with the aim of a final ROM version by Nov 1, for a proposed mid-November release to the ROM vendor. October 1983 [/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Timex-Microdrive-Operating-System_0000.jpg](/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Timex-Microdrive-Operating-System_0000.jpg) ### Timex Selects Microdrives Memo from Scott McCourt with [Timex Microdrive Operating System (TMOS) Functional Specification](https://archive.org/details/timex-computer-corp/Timex%20Microdrive%20Operating%20System/) . The memo “… reflects the shift in priorities from floppy disk to microdrive based product (including support for the RS-232 channel and local network)”. October 1983 [/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/1920px-Coleco-ADAM-computer-with-parts_edit.jpg](/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/1920px-Coleco-ADAM-computer-with-parts_edit.jpg) ### Coleco Adam Released The ADAM was was released in October 1983 with the initial price of $700. It featured 64K of RAM, a digital tape drive, and printer. According to Lon, “we got the Coleco Adam when it was released. Someone at Timex got hold of it and there was a big crowd around it to see what what our competition was doing.” October 26, 1983 [/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Screenshot_2019-03-16-Dan-Ross-Presents-the-Timex-Sinclair-1500-and-2068-%E2%80%93-Timex-Sinclair.png](/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Screenshot_2019-03-16-Dan-Ross-Presents-the-Timex-Sinclair-1500-and-2068-%E2%80%93-Timex-Sinclair.png) Dan Ross### Dan Ross Presents the 1500 and 2068 In partnership with the Boston Computing Society, [Dan Ross and Billy Skyrme presented the new Timex/Sinclair 2068](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBsxK2yLyGo) and the already-launched T/S 1500. November 1983 ### Timex Sinclair 2068 In Stores The computer is delivered just in time for Christmas sales. November 1983 [/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Lon-Hildreth-dri-visit.jpg](/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Lon-Hildreth-dri-visit.jpg) ### CP/M Development Moves Forward Lon Hildreth visits Digital Research in Monterey, CA. He is supposed to receive BDOS source and BIOS sample from Digital Research. Initially projected to have CP/M complete by January 31, 1984. Later revised (due to delay in receiving necessary code from DRI) to March 30. November 14, 1983 [/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Ross-demonstrates-2068.png](/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Ross-demonstrates-2068.png) ### Dan Ross Demos 2068 for Infoworld Ross, vice-president of Timex Computer Corporation, [demonstrated some impressive software on the 2068](/article/qa-dan-ross/) , including a flight simulator, a three-dimensional graphics editor and a computerized Scrabble game. November 23, 1983 [/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Application-Development-Library_0000.jpg](/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Application-Development-Library_0000.jpg) ### 64 Column Mode, Technical Memos Carol Cororan delivers the 64 column mode code in the [Application Development Library 64 Column Mode](https://archive.org/details/timex-computer-corp/Application%20Development%20Library/mode/2up) (11/23/83). Technical Memo #0004, [TS2068 I/O Port Map](https://archive.org/details/timex-computer-corp/Technical%20Memo%20%230004%20TS2068%20IO%20Port%20Map/mode/2up) , and Technical Memo #0005, [TS2068 Advanced Video Modes](https://archive.org/details/timex-computer-corp/Technical%20Memo%20%230005%20TS2068%20Advanced%20Video%20Modes/mode/2up) , delivered. December 1983 [/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SCR-20251201-pwwy.png](/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SCR-20251201-pwwy.png) ### Dan Ross Released Dec 5 – Dan Ross, Timex Marketing Vice President and national spokesman for the Timex Sinclair Computer line, released from his post. Carol Corcoran and Dave Boyle deliver the 80 column mode support code (12/16/82); Carol Corcoran delivers 40 column mode (12/19/83). December 15, 1983 [/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Infoworld-TS2068-Review-memo_0000.jpg](/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Infoworld-TS2068-Review-memo_0000.jpg) ### Positive Infoworld Review Distributed Dan Ross, still working at Timex, distributes positive Infoworld review. January 24, 1984 [/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/TS2060-Interface-Product-Specification.jpg](/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/TS2060-Interface-Product-Specification.jpg) ### TS2060 Bus Expansion Unit Product Specification This internal document, marked Preliminary, “describes the TS2060 Interface Unit, Drives, and associated Software. The functional, physical, electrical, and environmental characteristics are specified. A description of the operation of the TS2068 system with this unit is included.” February 1984 [/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SCR-20251201-ojtd-1.png](/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SCR-20251201-ojtd-1.png) ### CP/M Development Continues February 13: Lon Hildreth working on routines to support CP/M. February 22: Carol Corcoran’s Dual Screen Mode Support code available. February 22, 1984 ### Timex Leaves Computer Market #### New York Times “The Timex Corporation, after watching sales of its inexpensive home computers dwindle to virtually nothing over the last year, officially abandoned its efforts yesterday, saying it had determined it could not make a ‘reasonable profit’ on the machines.” The announcement marks the end of Timex Computer Corporation. Some support is continued for a few months after. ### Tags [Blog](/category/blog/) [TS 2000](/tag/ts2000/) [TS 2068](/tag/ts2068/) ### People [Bill Skyrme](/indiv/bill-skyrme/) [Daniel Chen](/indiv/daniel-chen/) [Danny Ross](/indiv/ross-dan/) [Dave Boyle](/indiv/dave-boyle/) [Gary Grimes](/indiv/gary-grimes/) [Kirk Pond](/indiv/kirk-pond/) [Lon Hildreth](/indiv/lon-hildreth/) [Louis M. Galie](/indiv/lou-galie/) [Michael H. Branigin](/indiv/m-h-branigin/) [Rex Naden](/indiv/rex-naden/) [Scott McCourt](/indiv/scott-mccourt/) [Susan Mahoney](/indiv/susan-mahoney/) [V. Carole Corcoran](/indiv/v-carole-corcoran/) [Will Collum](/indiv/will-collum/) ### About The Author [David Anderson](/author/david/) I'm a big fan of the Timex/Sinclair computers: my first was the TS 1000. I love building things for my TS 2068 and sharing them with others on this site and andertone.com.