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TRS-80 Model 1 - Level 1 Basic

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gepooljr

Experienced Member
Joined
Dec 8, 2012
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Location
Las Vegas NV
I just bought a TRS-80 Model 1 that had been in storage for several (?) years. I'm expecting the unit sometime next week - the shipper is taking her time to pack it very carefully to avoid any damage. The pics show it powering on and includes the original manuals. Among them is User Guide to Level 1 basic. Overall, its very clean and the serial number is 06939.

I'm aware that there were two versions; level 1 and level 2. From what I read, finding a Level 1 basic version is quite rare these days. Also, I know you can, with some hacking, upgrade to a level 2 version. I stared with Apple IIe basic way back in 1985 and used GW Basic along time ago so I feel comfortable with the language. My question is this: Should I upgrade the BASIC ROM and why?

Thanks,
Geoff
 
If it's that early serial number my bet is that it has Ver 1.1 ROM. And the Cassette reading problems that mine had.
Plus, the Keyboard studder problems. It's a real pain to try reading in the cassette tapes with those problems.
But, if it's going to be a show horse in the barn, then it's likely exactly what you want.

I'd at least upgrade it to Version 1.3 ROM as that fixes a lot of problems, and it's easy to do depending on the
existing 2 or 3 ROM set.

Larry
 
I have a picture of the bottom with the serial number, so that matches up from my reading. What is the process for upgrading the ROM? I have a burner, but I'm not sure where to find the image.

Geoff
 
I can send you the ROM if you want. It will depend on your computers ROM IC's. It might have two or three ROM's.
There is a document published on TRS8BIT about replacing the ROMS. I can send you that information too, as
I sent it in to be published.

PM me your email address.

Larry
 
Geoff,
The first clue is what is displayed on the screen at Powerup. If it has "Radio Shack Level II Basic", it's likely an early ROM.
If "R/S L2 Basic" is displayed, it's likely a Version 1.3 ROM, as text was squeezed to make more room for additional code.

The next step is to carefully open the Model 1, and have a look at the actual information documented on the ROM(s).
It should match the documentation in the file(s) I sent.

Check out:
http://www.classiccmp.org/cpmarchives/
http://www.classiccmp.org/cpmarchives/trs80.php

For TASMON and HTASMON to view ROMS, and move a copy into Memory.
You can also use a Arduino Mega 2560 to read the ROMS.


Larry
 
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