TRS-80 Model 1 Character Generator Replacement (30+ sets)

Finding a replacement for a broken TRS-80 Model 1 character generator can be both challenging and costly. Our TRS-80 Model 1 Character Generator Replacement offers a practical and cost-effective solution. This drop-in replacement utilizes a regular ROM and an adapter PCB to emulate the original character generator, providing an easy and reliable upgrade for your vintage computer.

This replacement goes beyond merely replicating the original functionality. It allows you to switch between 30 different character sets, including all the variations released by Tandy RadioShack over the years, as well as some that were never available in that form. With "Combination Mode," you can choose from 16 different feature combinations, such as the floating "a," duplicate characters in the first row for lower-case mods, and international characters like the British pound symbol.

Additionally, the "Selection Mode" offers 14 other character sets, including the Kana (Japanese) version, multiple versions of the GenDon character set, and character sets from various other systems. These character sets have been carefully modified to fit the size constraints of the Model 1. While some fidelity is lost due to these modifications, this drop-in replacement makes these character sets accessible in a simple and convenient way, without the need to add jumper wires across the board. You can explore all of these sets and styles on the fly while the machine is running.

For a full GenDon adapter that uses a wider vertical field for display, Ian Mavric at "The Right Stuff" offers a solution at TRS-80.com.au.

This product features a low-profile DIP switch, and the ROM is directly soldered onto the adapter, ensuring sufficient clearance for the case.

Options:

• DIP Switch on Cable: For added flexibility, there is an option to disconnect the DIP switch from the adapter and connect it via a ~30cm cable, allowing you to attach the DIP switch to the case or lead it outside of the case.

• Fixed Character Set: Through a solder jumper, you also have the ability to fix a specific character set. This option is useful if you want to recreate a specific version and reduce the footprint of the adapter.

Please provide the information for your option selection in the cart. By default, if nothing is explicitly mentioned, the DIP switch will be attached to the adapter itself.

You can see a demo of the TRS-80 Model 1 Character Generator Replacement in action on YouTube.

Note: Items are assembled on-demand. The expected assembly time is about 1 week.