TRS-80

The TRS-80 Micro Computer System (TRS-80; later known as the Model I to distinguish it from successors) is a desktop microcomputer launched in 1977 and sold by Tandy Corporation through their Radio Shack stores. The name is an abbreviation of Tandy/Radio Shack, Z-80 microprocessor. It was one of the earliest mass-produced and mass-marketed retail personal computers. Notable features of the TRS-80 included its full-stroke QWERTY keyboard, its then-new Zilog Z80 processor (rather than the more common Intel 8080), 4K RAM standard memory (many 8-bit computers then shipped with only 1K RAM), small size and desk footprint, its floating-point BASIC programming language, an included 64 column video monitor, and a starting price of US$600 (equivalent to US$2400 in 2016). An extensive line of upgrades and hardware peripherals for the TRS-80 was developed and marketed by Tandy/Radio Shack. The basic system could be expanded with up to 48K of RAM (in 16K increments), and up to four floppy disk drives and/or hard disk drives. Tandy/Radio Shack provided full service after-sales support including upgrade, repair, and training services in their thousands of stores worldwide. By 1979, the TRS-80 had the largest selection of software in the microcomputer market. Until 1982, the TRS-80 was the best-selling PC line, outselling the Apple II series by a factor of 5 according to one analysis. In mid-1980, the broadly compatible TRS-80 Model III was released. The Model I was discontinued shortly after, primarily due to stricter FCC regulations on the radio-frequency interference it caused in surrounding electronics. In April 1983 the Model III was in turn succeeded by the compatible Model 4. As well as the original Model I and its compatible descendants, the TRS-80 name was later used as a generic brand on other technically unrelated computer lines sold by Tandy, such as the TRS-80 Model II, TRS-80 Model 2000, TRS-80 Model 100, TRS-80 Color Computer and TRS-80 Pocket Computer.

“The TRS-80 Microcomputer System was launched in 1977 by Tandy, and sold throughout their Radio Shack stores. In 1980 The original model was discontinued and superseded by the compatible-ish TRS-80 Model III (many programs required patches).

The TRS-80 was part of BYTE Magazine’s “1977 Trinity”, which included the Apple II, and Commodore’s PET.
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## Emul
System | Emulator | Notes
:- | – | –
Windows / Mac OS / Linux | [MAME/MESS](https://www.mamedev.org) | Good Support. Setname: `trs80` or `trs80_m3` for Model III
Windows | [TRS32](http://www.trs-80emulators.com/trs32/) | Shareware
Windows | [Sharp80](http://sharp80.com) | TRS-80 Model III emulator
Windows / Mac OS / Linux | [sdltrs](http://sdltrs.sourceforge.net) | Doesn’t work on modern Macs. Last updated 2009
Web Browser | [trsjs](http://trsjs.48k.ca) | Javascript Model III emulator
RetroPie | via sdltrs | Requires keyboard. | `F7` for options `F12` to quit

*Emulator information last updated 1st April 2020*
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## Tech
**Name** | TRS-80 Microcomputer System
:- | –
**Origin** | United States
**Processor** | Z80
**Memory** | 4KB expandable to 48K
**Display Size** (characters) | 64×16
**Colours** | monochrome
**Audio** | via cassette interface
**Storage** | Cassette, Floppy Disk
**Input** | Built-in Keyboard

**Name** | TRS-80 Model III
:- | –
**Origin** | United States
**Processor** | Z80
**Memory** | 4 KB expandable to 48 KB
**Display Size** (characters) | 16 x 64 (hi-res) or 16 x 32 (lo-res)
**Colours** | monochrome
**Audio** | via cassette interface
**Storage** | Cassette, Floppy Disk
**Input** | Built-keyboard

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## Reso
* [trs-80.org.uk](http://www.trs-80.org.uk)
* [TRS-80 Trashtalk Podcast](https://www.trs80trashtalk.com)
* [Radio Shack Catalogs](http://www.radioshackcatalogs.com)”