Thread: Review: Tatung Einstien TC01

Hi all,

This is a Tatung Einstein TC01

the all important specs...

CPU : Zilog Z80-A @ 4 Mhz
RAM: 64 Kb system RAM; 8 Kb ROM with expansion for up to 32k internally; 16 Kb seperate video RAM
Display : Hi-Res graphics 256 x 192 pixels, plus 32 planes of "sprites". In addition to "sprites" there is a text/graphics and backdrop plane. The display is capable of 16 colours.
Display Format : Raster Scanned 625 lines 50Hz field non-interlaced; Resolution 256 x 192 pixels.
Display Priority : Sprite 0 (Highest), Sprite 31, Text/Graphics, and Backdrop (lowest)
Character Generator : 96 alphanumeric characters and 160 graphics symbols. All characters and symbols are software re-progammable.
RF Output : UHF - 591.25 Mhz 1.5mv peak syncs, negative modulation, PAL encoded.
Display Output : YUV : Y-Luminance signal with negative going syncs. 1V p-p into 75 ohms. U & V-chrominance signals. 0.68V p-p into 75 ohms.
RGB and Syncs : 1V p-p into 75 ohms.
RS232-C Port : Full duplex capability to RS232-C/V24 standards. Transmission speeds are software programmable between 75 & 9600 bauds. Signals available - Tx data, Rx data, RTS, CTS, Ground.
User Port : 8 bit bi-directional with strobe and ready signals TTL levels.
Analogue to Digital Converter : 4 Channels, 8 bits resolution. Conversion speed less than 40us (for 8 bits). Input range 2V.
Printer Output : Centronics interface standard.
Tatung 'Pipe' : Z80A buffered bus to TTL Levels, with clock and control signals.
External Disc Interface : Provides signals for up to two self-powered external disc drives. Either 3 inch compact floppy, 3.5 inch micro floppy disc, or 5.25 inch mini floppy.
Programmable Sound Generator : A means of providing a variety of sounds, including chromatic music, with envelope shaping is provided. The sound generator has three 'voices'.
Sound Output : 250mW into internal 3.5 x 2.25 inch elliptical loudspeaker.
Switch Mode Power Supply Unit : Self Oscillating Flyback Converter 20 - 40Khz; Mains - 220V to 240V; 50 to 60Hz; Output (Fused @ 1AMP); External 5V output load.
Full QWERTY keyboard
Disc Drives : Teac FD30A 3 Inch disc drive is to be incorporated; Single Sided, 100 tpi, 40 tracks, MFM coding, Disc fully enclosed in a cassette - Access time 12ms track-track, 171ms average; 250K bit/sec transfer rate; 10 sectors per track; 512 bytes per sector.


sweet huh?


the machine is well made and very sturdy


easy to set up as it does have an RF out, this is definately a machine for coders (even Amiga programs were written on these)






I keep forgetting to post these pictures for Big Z so here you go please enjoy

ooooH

I thought there was one up for sale for a mo....

Excellent machine Juzzy, but please we need piccy's under the hood

TC

ok Einstein nekkid for all you pervs

A 4MHz Z80 and a TMS91129


Now THAT is what I am talking about!






looks like I will be brining my hot-air-rework-station to replay after all!.... muwahahahahaha

I remember those. Huge! Didn't they also make a dedicated monitor for them?

Looks in great condition.

I still have a magazine from 1984 with a review of this. Can see if I can find it and scan it in if interested?

Not related, but around at the same time, there was a system with a spherical monitor. Does anyone know what it was called?

yeah, would love to see the review

amazingly i haven't cleaned it! i opened it up to remove 27 years of muck and dust (and to take some pics) and there was nothing to clean

anyone got any Einstien 3" disks they don't want?

hmmmm maybe a wanted thread coming up

Originally Posted by fatbob_gb

I have just been creating some disks for my Einstein 256 in preparation for R3play.
If you have any requests I can stick a few disks in the post for you.
It will only be a few though because I am a bit short of 3" disks at the moment.

cool

you don't have "The Gronks" do you?

Yes - but I havent tried it yet.

I have been testing the images that are available at www.tatungeinstein.co.uk, so far thay have all worked OK on a real Einstein.

Originally Posted by Justin

....cool

you don't have "The Gronks" do you?

Thats a bit personal Juv, that sounds like something you need to see the doctor for!

Perhaps even a visit to accident and emergency at the hospital....