A modern working Tandy SmartWatch replacement for Tandy 1000 SL/2

[jasa1063]

A big problem I have had was finding a modern Tandy SmartWatch replacement for my Tandy 1000 SL/2. The Tandy 1000 SmartWatch+ from Cybernetic Systems on Tindie is too long because of the way the ROM socket is right up against the drive bays. I had been using a small ISA RTC that I bought a few years ago, but that takes up a valuable ISA slot that could be freed up by using a No-Slot Clock instead. Well, I finally found a SmartWatch replacement that works. ReactiveMicro.com sells a SmartWatch primarily aimed at Apple II users. I messaged the website asking if this would work on a PC. The answer was that since it is based on the Dallas 1216E design it should. I picked up two of these with one earmarked for my Tandy 1000 SL/2. It looked to be the same size as the original Tandy SwartWatch. I am pleased to say that it does work. You do need to use the SLCLK SmartWatch utility that comes with the Tandy 1000 SL & SL/2 DOS diskettes. The SWMCLOCK utility does not work. The only small issue is the Y2k display bug in SLCLK, but otherwise sets the time just fine. If you are interested in getting one here is the the website:

No-Slot Clock

The No-Slot Clock v1.0 allows your Apple II to remember the date and time. It will work on an Apple II, Apple II+, Apple IIe, Apple IIc, and Clone systems. It features dual battery holders. Two CR

www.reactivemicro.com

And here is the Wiki page:

No-Slot Clock - The ReActiveMicro Apple II Wiki

wiki.reactivemicro.com

Attached is a picture showing the No-Slot Clock installed in my Tandy 1000 SL/2 and a picture showing the date and the output of the SLCLK utility.

 

[Agent Orange]

The are numerous ways of employing a smart clock on the Tandy 1000 series. I had a card with a clock on it my 1000SX but I wanted that slot for a SCSI controller. So, I found a piggyback type socket adapter for the BIOS chip and mount my Dallas clock there.

 

[jasa1063]

The are numerous ways of employing a smart clock on the Tandy 1000 series. I had a card with a clock on it my 1000SX but I wanted that slot for a SCSI controller. So, I found a piggyback type socket adapter for the BIOS chip and mount my Dallas clock there.

The Tandy 1000 SL & SL/2 seem to be designed a bit different. I had no luck trying to piggyback on the ROM socket, but had to use the designated socket on the motherboard to use a No-Slot Clock. That is what has made it so difficult find a usable solution until now.

 

[Agent Orange]

The Tandy 1000 SL & SL/2 seem to be designed a bit different. I had no luck trying to piggyback on the ROM socket, but had to use the designated socket on the motherboard to use a No-Slot Clock. That is what has made it so difficult find a usable solution until now

The Tandy 1000 SL & SL/2 seem to be designed a bit different. I had no luck trying to piggyback on the ROM socket, but had to use the designated socket on the motherboard to use a No-Slot Clock. That is what has made it so difficult find a usable solution until now.

On the SX you can even use an open socket on your modem or controller if you have one installed, and I think you it work with A NIC, You may want to experiment.