The Color Computer 2 (coco2) replaced the Color Computer "Model 1" in 1983. It has the same characteristics than the Model 1 but has a better keyboard and a more integrated circuitry.
There were several models of the Coco2, some with only 8k ROM (Color Basic) called Standard Color Computer 2, and others with 16k ROM (Extended Color Basic) called the Extended Color Computer 2. Some later models differ also in RAM capacity (16k, 32k or 64k).
About the double speed, Gary Clouse specifies:
The double speed mode was not really accomplished by changing the clock speed. The Synchronous address multiplexor (SAM) chip by default generated memory refresh cycles for the entire address space. the "double speed poke" disabled the refresh cycle for the upper 32k memory address, where the ROM was mapped. Since the ROM was static, it didn't need this and since BASIC spent most of its time in the rom routines, it would appear to nearly double the speed. The flip side of this was that many I/O functions that relied on timing loops would be unusable, such as saving data to a tape. Also if you were using the upper 32k of ram, the double speed poke would wipe the memory.
If you want to use it on a mordern TV, buy a coauxual to RCA adaptop. Connect one end or the TV cable of a video cable use for a VRC to one end then plug it into the TV out of the Co-co 2. Connect the coaxual free end to the antenna connection of the Television set. Select channel 3 on the TV, turn on the computer and it willwork. It was a gret computer to learn computer interfacing on. I use the analog ports to create a scope for checking and repairing saudio equiptment and the tape output as a signal generator.
Tuesday 15th August 2006
Chulang Searles (Barbados(West Indies))
I dont understand BASIC and the coco2 i have is junk now that we dont have a compatible TV. Is there a way to hook it up to new TVs?
Sunday 19th March 2006
Onekopaka (west side of rockies)
My first computer was a CoCo 1. I just picked up a 'Tandy Color Computer 2 with 64kb of ram. Plugged it into the wall and TV and there it was... M$ Extended Basic! The 'puter, while not in its origional box still had the operational manuels with it. I got it at Saint Vinnie's and I figured that the books, alone, were worth the price [it cost me a buck!]. I still have the casette player from my coco1... now if I can just find the cords to connect them! For their time they were powerful educational tools, and I kicked butt at astroids!
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