Tandy TRS-80 Color Computer (1980)
YOU’LL NEED THIS
A COPY OF VCC
Downloads are provided on the project’s GitHub page.
Extra system ROMs not required. https://github.com/VCCE/VCC/releases
THIS MONTH we explore a true American classic: the TRS-80 Color Computer, otherwise known as “CoCo” for short. Not to be confused with the original TRS-80 manufactured in the late 1970s, the CoCo was to be a new system for the 1980s, designed to take on Apple and Commodore with something more affordable, and in color no less.
The CoCo provides a sizeable library for any 8-bit enthusiasts. Unfortunately, running this software can be a tricky process, so we will guide you through the steps needed to emulate this groundbreaking machine.
–JOHN KNIGHT
1DEVELOPMENT AND RELEASE
The CoCo began life as a VideoTex terminal designed to provide farmers with access to real-time agricultural information. The VideoTex terminal used Motorola’s Video Display Generator (VDG) chip and 6809 processor. Although the VideoTex was commercially unsuccessful, in 1980, it was combined with newer hardware to form the basis of a new color computer.
>> Tandy removed the VideoTex’s internal modem and added expansion for ROM cartridges, cassette input, serial I/O, and joystick ports. Video output was based around a standard TV set.