TS 2050 Modem

One of the most eagerly awaited accessories was the TS 2050 Telecommunications Modem. Timex announced a modem, scheduled for release in November of 1983, that was compatible with the TS 1000/1500, ZX-81 and TS 2068. The modem is also known as the Westridge 2050.

Unfortunately, Timex exited the computer market before they received the first shipment.

At the same time, Stuart Lotwin, president of Westridge Communications, passed away. Westridge was sold to Anchor-Automation, the company that produced the modem software. Anchor released the modem not long after.

The cassette that comes with the modem (SMART TERMINAL 1) has the T/S 1000/1500 software on one side, and the T/S 2068 software on the other. An advanced version of this software, called SMART TERMINAL II, allows for the storage of up to fourteen telephone numbers with log-on instructions and the ability to upload and download.

It attaches to the computer via a 12 inch cable which ends in a Timex interface that connects to the expansion bus. The connector is of the piggy-back type so that other peripherals may be added.

The modem connects to the telephone jack in your home and has a phone jack built in so that you may connect a telephone to your modem.

Timex displayed this product at the 1984 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The majority of these modems that ended up in the hands of Timex/Sinclair users were labeled “Westridge 2050”, largely because Timex left the computer market before taking delivery of the modems.

A small number of modems labeled “Timex/Sinclair 2050” have turned up. Given that Timex showed the modem at the 1984 Consumer Electronics Show, this makes sense. At least three individuals have these rare modems in their collections. Photos of one such modem, with the serial number 000022, were shown in the groups.io TS2068 list in December 2023.