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Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 1

PostPosted: Mon Sep 02, 2013 12:37 pm
by csin
Hi, I have a Radio shack TRS-80 keyboard/micro computer and monitor for sale and I was hoping some whizz would kindly give me an idea what it may be worth or even want to buy it? It's vital statistics are Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 1 Level 1 4k CPU/Keyboard 400 catalog no 26-1001 serial 036153 and monitor, KTR 1245A Manufactured July 1978 serial 831 264540 catalogue 26-9201 for sale. It has a 240v power cord on the monitor and another cord that goes from the monitor to the keyboard. Outside condition is very good. I've plugged it in and the monitor goes great, but there doesn't seem to be a power cord for the keyboard. I assumed the cord from the right lower front of the monitor went into the port marked 'V'?

Re: Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 1

PostPosted: Mon Sep 02, 2013 1:07 pm
by matsondawson
My guess would be for a working TRS-80 model 1 in good condition $300+.
It depends if you get any big hitters fighting for it.

Re: Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 1

PostPosted: Mon Sep 02, 2013 1:17 pm
by tezza
Katherine,

The TRS-80 Model 1, Level 1 4k units were one of an historical trio released in 1977. The other members of the trio are the Commodore Pet 2001 and the Apple II. Members of this trinity were the first "consumer"-type microcomputers sold over the counter in a plastic case that you could just plug in and go. For that reason, it is a collectible model.

I would agree with Matt regarding the price. If it is in very good condition, even a non-tested (non-working?) console should go for over $300 (and if you get more than 2 people that really want this then it could go for a lot more). As he says, it all depends on how many people really want it. Even the screen is worth something. If I didn't have a working TRS-80 model 1 screen (which I do), I would be prepared to pay at least $150-$200 for it to complete a unit.

I'm wondering if it is really a Level 1 4k unit though? Many of the original ones were upgraded to the much more useful Level II BASIC with 16K of RAM. It's possible it was upgraded and yet still bears the item number of an original 4k unit?

Re: Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 1

PostPosted: Mon Sep 02, 2013 2:13 pm
by csin
Thanks so much for your input. I'll list on Trademe and see how we go!C.

Re: Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 1

PostPosted: Mon Sep 02, 2013 2:22 pm
by csin
Also, thanks re; possible upgrade of ram. I can get someone with actual skills to have a look at that ram issue. All I know is there are shiny metal snail trails and sparkly bits inside.

Re: Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 1

PostPosted: Mon Sep 02, 2013 2:27 pm
by Shayde
Didn't the keyboard have its own power supply on these computers? It's supposed to plug into one of those sockets next to the video socket I think. So it sounds like you have a missing power supply.

$300 sounds about right, though the missing power supply could be a problem as the purchaser'd need to have another one made up. I've currently got one on the way otherwise I would've been interested in your computer.

Re: Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 1

PostPosted: Mon Sep 02, 2013 2:44 pm
by csin
That's cool, thanks. Yes, it does need a power supply which does plug into a separate socket. There are sockets for tape too.

Re: Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 1

PostPosted: Mon Sep 02, 2013 3:01 pm
by tezza
Ian Marvic from Australia is the man to contact Re: power supplies for the Model 1. He might have ones for sale. I seem to remember he even made a kit one from easily sourced parts.

http://ianmav.customer.netspace.net.au/trs80/model1s

Re: Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 1

PostPosted: Mon Sep 02, 2013 3:04 pm
by tezza
The power supply kit mentioned above is here (scroll down to the second item).

http://ianmav.customer.netspace.net.au/trs80/newstuff

Re: Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 1

PostPosted: Mon Sep 02, 2013 4:36 pm
by csin
I think we just need the actual cord that goes from the socket in the back of the keyboard/comp to the wall. I don't think there is anything missing from inside the case itself. The cord must go to the wall unless there is a separate power supply unit. I'm going to list it as is. Thanks.

Re: Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 1

PostPosted: Mon Sep 02, 2013 4:47 pm
by tezza
csin wrote:I think we just need the actual cord that goes from the socket in the back of the keyboard/comp to the wall. I don't think there is anything missing from inside the case itself. The cord must go to the wall unless there is a separate power supply unit. I'm going to list it as is. Thanks.

There is a separate power supply unit.

Yes, list it as is and see what you get.