7/30/06 Sales of Note

Sales of note for July 30th, 2006:

Multi-Pak Interface Color Computer 2 TRS-80 Tandy CoCo

Sweet looking and highly collectible MPI (26-3024) sold for US$40.25. This is the older style white one (the silver MPI was also labeled 26-3024). Came complete with manual, a nice looking box, and packing. Even had the pastic bag it was original wrapped in! Nice one.

Radio Shack Tandy TRS-80 Multi-Pak Interface for CoCo

Another seriously nice MPI, this one a 26-3124. This would be the newer style white case multipak. It would need a PAL upgrade to work properly with the CoCo 3 under OS-9. (Though, back in the day, I used a 26-3024 unmodified with my CoCo 3 and OS-9 for years with no problems. heh! Ignorance is bliss, right?)

BUNCH OF RADIO SHACK TRS-80 MANUALS & SOROC IQ 120

Here's a good deal that I completely missed. This one had the 26-3024 MPI Service Manual and the Service Manual for the Color Computer 26-3002A/3A/4A. Both are particularly rare. Also, can add to the ol' noggin' base that the 3002A, 3A and 4A are similar enough to warrant a single Service Manual. Kind of sorry I missed that one.


TRS-80 - Mark Data - Trekboer

I baby! I was so sad I couldn't bid on this one! heh! Still, what a find. Classic Mark Data adventure goodness with the cool retro-manual and everything! Sold for about US$44.00 and, IMHO, a bargain at that price. Hope I'm wrong, but don't expect to be seeing this one again anytime soon.

TRS-80 Coco 'VIP Writer' Software

Fairly nice copy of VIP Writer from Softlaw. Went for US$11.00, so the Price Guide price nudged up a bit.

TRS-80 Coco 'VIP Database' Software

First time this one has come up for inclusion in the Price Guide. At US$9.50, it appears the retro-application market for the CoCo is a bit limited, even if it's exceedinly rare. heh! :)

Price Guide:

I did not do much adjusting to the CoCo 2 listings. Generally, the sales are in line with what's already there, sans the monster sale earlier. In fact, I would suspect a general lowering of prices coming shortly, after the flood of units hitting the listings right now.

I did a general lowering of the MC-10 after the hoard went through and some sold, some didn't, but all at lower than the Price Guide price.

There has been a general adjustment to the TRS-80 Deluxe RS/232 Pak listing. If I'm reading the data correctly, this should be slightly more accurate, but be aware that it'll need a few more sales to tell for sure, so the price could go either way quickly. It's kind of been all over the place this year.

Mint price for the Color Baseball pak went up a touch, as did the price for Downland. Adjusted the Good price for Doubleback down slightly, but it's still super rare and pretty fun to boot. (I've had two people write me this year asking where they could get it or if I had one to offer. For the record, I don't. I don't even own one. I've only ever player it on an emulator.)

Typing Tutor continues to sell like hot cakes. heh... At least some Dungeon's of Daggorath paks started showing up. :)

Angel's Luck,
Capt.

7/30/06 Auctions of Note

I finally gave up on trying to patch up and fix IE (the piece of crap... grrr...) and installed Firefox. Ahhhhh... I feel better now. :)

Auctions of note for July 30:

The CoCo 2s come rolling in! See what a US$300.00+ sale will do for you. :P

I won't list all of them here, just ones either worth looking at to buy, or the ones that are too funny to buy. heh!

Tandy Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Computer 2 Joystick MINT

I got to thinking about it, and I don't ever recall seeing a featured auction for a CoCo before. Don't it just make you proud. While certainly not "mint" as claimed, it does appear in collectible condition. The extras are nice, too. Still, it's probably a user machine, not a keep wrapped up nice and safe machine.

Tandy FD-502 Dual Floppy Drive for TRS80 Color Computer

Here's a nice looking FD-502 with double drives. With some manuals and a box it'd be collectible. Without, makes a good workhorse drive and if you're using OS-9 it's preferable (40 track, double sided) to the other Tandy drives (35 track, single sided).

VINTAGE TRS COLOR COMPUTER

A nice looking CoCo 1 with a 3rd party keyboard. I don't have this keyboard, so couldn't say which it is. And since it's midnight and I have to go to work in a few hours, I'm not digging through the mags looking for it. :)

EDTASM+ TRS-80 Color Computer Editor Assembler w/ ZBUG

This one has been sparse so far this year. It's not terribly common overall. With manual even more so. This one actually looks to be in pretty good shape as well, so potential collectible material here. These paks tended to get used quite a bit. Lots of plugging and unplugging.

TRS-80 Multi-Pak Interface

Nice MPI that the seller says has been modified (upgraded PAL) for the CoCo 3. Pontentially collectible with the box and manual. Starting bid, though, is slightly higher than where this one has sold at before without the manual and box. This seller, ryan(thumper), has several items for sale, including a nice looking in the box CoCo 2. Unfortunately, he wants $40.00 plus hefty shipping for the manuals!!! Yow! Sellers... don't list the manuals seperately. It's just... rude. heh!

TRS-80 Color Computer / Games/ Manuals / Modem 16K RAM

This one got relisted. I know, I know, it's the third time I've mentioned it. heh! The reason, though, is that I wonder where interests lie in collecting CoCos. I suspect the machines themselves, even unsual, or potentially rare ones, don't garner a lot of bids unless the price is particularly low or they're near mint condition and completeness. This one, for instance, while very nice, and with some nice extras, just isn't ringing a lot of people's bell right now.

I think the lack of interest, in part, is the lack of serious CoCo collectors. Just ticking 'em off in my head, I'd say there's fewer than a dozen regular collectors and half a dozen serious collectors. While the number does certainly appear to be growing of late, even the hard core collectors have limited resources. They tend to focus their collecting on items that aren't already in their collections. How many CoCo 1s, even an unsual one, do you really need? Eventually, though, this will change. The frequent collectors will fill up their collections, have fewer "need to buy" items, and have more to spend on stuff like this. More focus will move to mint items as well. We've seen this a little over the last year or so, but I think it'll continue to be more prevelant in years to come.

This CoCo is definately a "ha! look what I got" item. CoCo collecting hasn't really gotten to that point yet, except for some very rare software and few 3rd party hardware items.

Mislisted:

NIB Vintage Tandy Deluxe Color Mouse for Computer L@@K!

Nice collectible Deluxe Color Mouse. :)

VINTAGE TANDY COLOR COMPUTER 3 128K UNUSED IN BOX+BOOKS

Good looking, collectible CoCo 3. Box is a bit messed up, but appears intact.

Angel's Luck,
Capt.

PS Now that I've got a working browser again, hopefully we can get back to the daily or every other day postings. :) Does anyone know how to make it NOT copy the HTML tags when you copy/paste? Sheesh that's annoying.

Update: Still trying to fix it...

Sorry about the delay. Computer is still locking up while trying to write in the blog. Seemingly randomly, too, which is always fun to try to track down. Working on it, and no worries... Should be back up to speed again soon.

In the meantime, ponder this one sent in by dragon dragon:

TI 99/8 "Armadillo" Computer - Rare - Never Released!

This vintage machine has almost mythical status and sold for nearly US$3200.00. Yow! Okay, not directly CoCo related. But it gets me thinking...

What would someone pay for a prototype Color Computer? Would you pay $3200.00???

(I have to somewhat guiltily admit, if I had the money, yeah... probably. heh!)

There's plenty of quasi-mythical beasts in the CoCo's past. A prototype Project Green Thumb machine. The prototypes for the CoCo 1, 2, and 3. The CoCo 4. The vehmenently denied, then defended, then denied A and B board CoCo 1s. (I heard enough stories about the latter to say with absolute firmness that they probably might have could not have not existed. So there ya go.)

Any others?

Angel's Luck,
Capt.

Update: Added Comment List in Sidebar

I added a recent comments section to the sidebar. This makes it a little easier to follow comment threads and note when someone makes a comment. This particularly true for entries that are buried or archived. Clicking the time stamp to the right of the poster's name will bring up the entire relevent post and thread, so the context isn't lost.

Feel free to jump on in. :)

Angel's Luck,
Capt.

Update: Left Label 26-3004

TRS-80 Color Computer / Games/ Manuals / Modem 16K RAM

This nice lot just got a bit more interesting. I wrote the seller inquiring about the Cat. No. and Serial No. They responded that it is a 26-3004 with a serial number 003286. Must have been a very early 3004 in a 3001/3002 case, perhaps? I haven't seen a left label 3004 before. Kind of cool. Might be worth a looksee...

Angel's Luck,
Capt.

7/22/06 Auctions of Note

Auctions of note for July 18 through 22, 2006

I've been trying to post to the blog for a few days now, but it keeps locking up and I loose everything. So, here goes another try, and we'll cover the 18th through the 22nd in one swipe.

In the never ending MC-10 sale, Dept:

radio shack TRS-80 MICRO COLOR COMPUTER MC-10 box vinta

Here is another MC-10 in collectible condition. Sans manual, unfortunately, but looks to be in the Good to Very Good range with a pretty sweet looking box.

TRS-80 Micro Color Computer MC-10 Complete in box

And another in collectible condition. Appears like all it's fingers and toes are there.

Vintage Tandy TRS-80 Model MC-10 (New In Box)

And the Mc-10 in collectible condition is now officially no longer notable. heh! :)

There's some competition going for nice looking CoCo 2s lately, from buyers we haven't seen regularly. Some good questions being asked from these sellers as well, indicating they are looking for CoCos in collectible condition. Interesting... Will definately be keeping on eye on this trend.

If you really, really need a disk drive:

*Collectables* TANDY Floppy Disk Drive FD 500 4 CoCo

A bit high (with shipping) for this model in Fine condition. This one is without the documentation, though. Dig that crazy startup sequence. :) Still, it appears to be in Good condition at least, and with the box (though no packing material is mentioned). See the auction for the CoCo 2 below from this same seller.

Tape Deck collectible:

TRS-80 Computer Cassette Recorder CTR-80A - LQQK!!

This is actually pretty darn rare in this condition. Most of us ended up with CCR-81s with our CoCos, but this deck was sold frquently enough with the CoCo to warrant a look from the completist collector. Good looking box and bits makes this one worth a gander.

Nice, very nice:

Radio Shack Tandy TRS-80 Multi-Pak Interface for CoCo

I said awhile back that MPIs don't come up in this condition very often and then another pops right up. Sheesh! Well worth a look. Appears to be a 3124 in Fine or Very Fine condition. Includes a photocopy of the service manual for the 26-3022 drive controller, which doesn't have anying to do with the MPI, but is very rare technical information. Worth a look.

I love the grays:

TRS-80 Color Computer / Games/ Manuals / Modem 16K RAM

Here's a good looking gray. Probably a 26-3002 or 3001 E-board (though you never know, could be the rarer D-Board, or nearly impossible to find C-Board). The pak collection included is nice as well and even a modem IIB with it's box. I always look closely at these for a couple of reasons. First, it's always worth ascertaining if it's an early board CoCo. Very rare beasts. Second, finding the "not-quite-done" manual Radio Shack original released with the first Color BASIC machines. It only had something like 13 chapters (or something like that, too tired to go look it up right now) when they shipped the first lot of CoCos, prefering to get the thing on the shelves for Christmas instead of finishing the documenation. There couldn't have been many of them, so it's be a nice collectible.

Rare software alert!

TRS-80 - Mark Data - Trekboer

With the cool looking retro-Trek manual included. The seller is a good guy and ex-CoCoists, too. :)

Mislisted:

VINTAGE TANDY COLOR COMPUTER 3 128K UNUSED IN BOX+BOOKS

A very nice CoCo 3, complete with all the trimmings and in the red, white and blue box (as opposed to the more common white and orange box). A bit pricey, perhaps, but worth a look if you need a really cherry 3.

Tandy Computer 128k Color 3 with games/joysticks,manual

Nice looking CoCo 3 with manuals and some paks. Price is a bit better as well, though it's not complete. If you need a good looking CoCo to show off, or solid usable machine, this might be worth a look.

If you're in the market for a CoCo 3, it's a good idea to look outside the TRS-80 listings. Sometimes you'll find a deal, since the CoCo 3 is often mislisted in other Vintage Computing listings. I've even seen a couple posted in the Commodore listings. :)

TRS-80 CoCo Assembly Language Programming book, 6809

The Barden book on 6809 assembler using EDTASM. Solid introduction to assembly language for those looking to learn. This one also appears to be in good condition, as well, for the collector. (I know my ancient copy of this book looks "well loved" and is horrible compared to this one.)

From the "What?", Dept. :)

Tandy TRS-80 Computer TOUCH PAD 26-1185 SEALED

Isn't it customary, or at least prudent, to lower the price when something doesn't sell? :) This was listed last week at $25.00 and didn't get bid on. Trouble is, this technique of using a higher Buy It Now price, instead of a bidding auction, actually works sometimes. This is still worth a look for the serious collector, but the price may be a bit of a barrier. It would be a shame to let this go in the trash bin, though. Sigh.

Radio Shack TRS-80 games with controllers

No comment on that one. At some point, it's not even optimism. Okay, so one comment. :)

CoCo collector Random_Rodder was kind enough to spot and send in this one:

RADIO SHACK TRS-80 COLOR COMPUTER 2 w/ MANUALS Cords

Optimism defined, I'd say. At least one hopes so. Lately, ya never know.


*Collectables* TRS-80 Radio Shack Color Computer 2-CoCo

Considering this one historically has normally gone for about US$5.00 to US$6.00, I'd call it optimistic as well. This is what we call "trying to cash in."

TRS-80 RADIO SHACK COLOR COMPUTER / MANUALS AND GAMES

At least this one comes with some paks and the manuals.

So the big question is, how optimistic are these auctions? Is the CoCo 2, even "near mint" and complete, worth US$300+? Is there a round of collectors out there, thus far silent, that are willing to go that far to aquire a museum condition CoCo 2? What about a Very Fine CoCo 3, or a CoCo 1 for that matter?

Why are these even being posted? That's actually an easy one. A CoCo 2 in "almost complete" condition runs up a US$315 price tag. There were at least four bidders on that auction and only one won. So there are at least three other bidders out there that may still be willing to pay, if not that much, a decent amount for the right machine. There's a list on eBay that shows these sorts of spikes in activity, so when heavy duty sellers see these spikes, they go rushing around trying to find something comparible to throw in the mix and cash in on the interest. What we're seeing this week is a perfect example of this process in action. If these high priced CoCo 2s sell, expect it to continue for a bit. If they don't, it'll drop off pretty fast.

I'm inclined to say that big 'un last week was a fluke, of course. But even if it was, there is definately a little action in the bidding for CoCo 2s over the last two weeks. Should be interesting to see how it plays out.

Angel's Luck,
Capt

7/17/06 Auctions of Note

Auctions of Note for July 17th, 2006:

It's MC-10 and Program Pak mania! Last couple of weeks have seen a big run of program paks and MC-10s in various conditions. Here's round up of auctions currently up, with the soonest ending listed first.

MC-10s:

VintageTandy TRS-80 Micro Color Computer
A nice lloking MC-10 w/ box sans manual and quick ref card.
Radio Shack TRS-80 MICRO COLOR COMPUTER
Just the machine, sans, well, everything else. Good one if you're looking for one to hack, a spare, or for parts.
TRS-80 Micro Color Computer Model MC-10
Clearly used, but demonstrated working and includes hookups, power supply and manual. Definately one to look at if you need an MC-10 to use.
Radio Shack TRS-80, MIC-10 micor color computer new
They might get nicer than this, but not by much. Appears to be in highly collectible condition.
VINTAGE RADIO SHACK TRS-80 MC-10 ORIGINAL BOX & MANUAL
Potentially a good machine for using, perhaps on the low end of the collectible scale as well. Manual stated as included but not pictured. Watch the shipping. Ouch.
radio shack TRS-80 MICRO COLOR COMPUTER MC-10 box vinta
Almost, but missing the manual. If you have the manual, or think you can score one in nice condition later, this might be worth a look. What's there appears to be in collectible condition.

Program Paks:

TRS-80 Game Cartridges - (Lot of 27) all different
Lots of paks listing lately from this seller. Must have found a nice hoard! These are great if you want to get your playable pak collection up to speed quickly.
TRS-80 Coco Game Cartridge 'Thexder'
A complete offering of this Sierra pak. It's one of those "really should have it" paks for the CoCo 3. Appears to be in very collectible condition.
12 GAMES FOR TRS TANDY COLOR COMPUTER COCO & MANUALS
Appears the clamshells are in decent condition (they yellow horrible VERY quickly, so always look closely at the clarity). Will anyone bite at the price? Would most likely be good additions to a collection if you need them. Type Mate, Math Tutor, and Predator (complete in case) are particularly rare.
RADIO SHACK TRS-80 COLOR COMPUTER GAMES! 6 IN LOT!!
Another lot to play with and another Typing Tutor. What is it with that pak lately? :)
Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Computer Game! GIN CHAMPION
Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Computer Game! GIN CHAMPION
Two seperate auctions for this one. Rare in this condition. Is it just me or do the pictures show the pak shrink wrapped, then not? Hmmm... ask before thee bid.
Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Computer Game in Box! SKIING
Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Computer Game in Box! SKIING
Same seller, see comment above. :) This is a good pak. Fun in that wickedly retro way.
TRS80 Radio Shack Computer Cart. w/booklets - like new
Wow. Unwrapped, paks usually don't hold up this well. Those silver boxes crush easily and fade. Wonder where these have been hiding the last 20-25 years. :)



The fun part is that there's a nice range of grades, from the play with it to the highly collectible. If you're in the market for any of these, now's a good time.

Angel's Luck,
Capt

7/16/06 Auctions of Note

Auctions of note for July 16, 2006:

Auction listings from eBay will expire 14 days after the auction ends and the links will no longer work. The blogger guy (me) claims no responsibility, endorsment, or affiliation with the listings presented. 'nuff said. As alsways read the listings carefully and buy and sell responsibly. :)

This gentleman has some chips for sale:

sprybug

Included is a 6809, some PIA chips, a 6847 and a SAM. Short auction, though, so if you're gonna bid, get in there quick. Never hurts to have some of these in the parts bin.

Angel's Luck,
Capt.

Comment: From the HOLY CRAP File!

Occasionally, an auction comes along that just defies all probability, reason, and sanity. I love these. :)

RADIO SHACK TRS-80 COLOR COMPUTER 2 MIB w/MANUALS NICE!

At US$315.00 (that's three hundred and fifteen dollars, not a typo), that's a new record for a CoCo 2! Okay, say what you will about this sort of sale... go on say it. But... You gotta appreciate the CoCo-love it takes to fork over that much for 2er. Wow.

Now, for grins, let's play "What's Wrong With This Picture"

Note, I'm not saying the buyer got ripped, or anything... I'm just saying...

To me, IMHO, FWIW, Mint means mint. As in precisely the way it came from the factory. Oh, it might have passed through a couple hands since, but it's still in exactly the same condition (or near enough) as it was when it shipped out the dock. No exceptions. That's just me, though.

There's also a line of collecting, though, that classifies some items as "near mint" and/or "mint condition." These are items that are complete and in exceptional condition, as graded in most collectible circles by collectors who subscribe to this practice. Okay, I'll conceed that as viable grade and to each his and/or her own.

This CoCo, though nice, just doesn't qualify on either count. It would rate it Very Good and a possible Fine (though, I'd want to inspect it first on the latter count). CoCo, box and manuals all appear to be clean, no rips or tears, and well cared for. Problems:

1. The seller says it appears to have never been used, but then says it was fully tested and works perfectly. Um...

2. The CoCo 2 came wrapped in a plastic sleave, as did the manuals. Not present here.

3. No RF box is included (it was in the original package).

Don't get me wrong, this is a fine specimen. It's even in nicely collectible condition, a CoCo that any serious collector would be proud to add to their hoard. But we've seen better.. and recently. And it ain't mint by any stretch of the imagination. Again, I'm not saying nothing, I'm just saying... :)

Still, 315 smackers for a CoCo 2 is mighty impressive. I hope whoever bought gets plenty of enjoyment out of it!

Angel's Luck,
Capt.

7/12/06 Ooopsie, Dept.

Occasionally an auction comes that's funny... or sad... or funny and sad... I use to try to help out by sending corrections to folks that did this sort of stuff, but they always got snippy. So now I just keep my mouth shut. Well, not entirely shut. :)

Tandy TRS-80 64K Color Computer 2 Plus Extra Stuff

This CoCo 2 runs Level 2 BASIC and comes with the Model I/III game packs! Woo hoo! Um, no. Er... well, the seller does mention that the tapes are untested. Good thing, I suppose.

The Catch: The CoCo can't run Level 1 or 2 BASIC tapes, or anything else written for the TRS-80 Models I and III (or II, for that matter). The CoCo uses Microsoft Color BASIC, which is a different animal than the Level II BASIC the Model I and III use. The CoCo also uses the Motorola 6809 microprocessor, the Model I/IIIs used the Zilog Z80 chip. Very, very different beasts. Some BASIC programs could probably be converted with a bit of elbow grease, but not binary programs. Tapes made for the I/III will not work on the CoCo.

If you've got a Model I or III and want a CoCo as well (consider it an upgrade :P) this might be worth while. If you're just buying for the CoCo stuff, though, be aware there's a few odd birds mixed in there that don't belong.

Angel's Luck,
Capt.

7/15/06 Auctions of Note

Auctions of note for July 15th, 2006:

[Editor's Note: Mike Warns was kind enough to point out a gaff I made below. :) See comments. There was indeed a Deskmate 1 for the CoCo and, yes, it is listed in the Price Guide right above Deskmate 3. As said, "Doah!" :) -07/19/06]

Auction listings from eBay will expire 14 days after the auction ends and the links will no longer work. The blogger guy (me) claims no responsibility, endorsment, or affiliation with the listings presented. 'nuff said. As alsways read the listings carefully and buy and sell responsibly. :)

Nice:

Radio Shack TRS-80, MIC-10 micor color computer new

An MC-10 with 16K module in what appears to be NIB Near Mint. This combo does come up occasionally, but not in so nice a condition. Potential collectible material here.

The following items are all from the same seller, rendent. Might be worth watching these for awhile, as the seller mentioned they have a large lot of stuff from a former Radio Shack employee that they will be listing.

This has potential:

TRS-80 Coco RS-232 Interface Pak

Difficult to tell from the picture, but rare enough with the manual. The packaging is almost never seen, but it's one of those oversized plastic blister packs that yellow quickly and horribly.

Another nice MPI:

TRS-80 Coco Multi-Pak Interface

This one is a 26-3124. Easier to convert for use with the CoCo 3 (just replace the PAL chip, no other shenanigans required). In the box with the manual is a nice plus and collectible.

Here's one that might get overlooked:

TRS-80 Coco Mouse and Joystick

The mouse is the two-button deluxe mouse. No box or manual, so collectiblity is questionable, but very useful. The prize, though, is the not mentioned in the title hi-res joystick interface. Not super rare, but they come up infrequently enough that it's worth a peek. Appears to be NOS. And hey, who couldn't use another deluxe joystick. It is the rarer two button version (required for playing games like Rampage).

Somewhat rare game:

TRS-80 Coco Game Cartridge 'Thexder'

There was a short period last year where Thexder (from Sierra Online) came up several times in a row, a couple of them complete or shrink wrapped. This one is not wrapped, but it is complete and the pak, with all the trimmings, hasn't been spotted this year. Collectible and a pretty fun game.

Several software rarities:

TRS-80 Coco 'VIP Writer' Software
TRS-80 Coco 'VIP Database' Software
TRS-80 Coco 'Home Publisher' Software
TRS-80 Coco 'DeskMate 3' Software
TRS-80 Coco 'Cook Book' Software
Coco Games: raaka-tu, Madness & the Minotaur

VIP Writer is rare enough to warrant a look, but VIP Database is even rarer. Both are long time CoCo stalwarts and are in collectible condition, judging by the photos. Well worth backing up and using for practical applications as well (if you're into that retro application thang).

Home Publisher doesn't really have much practical use, unless you just like to have a lot of pain with your DTP, but complete it has a bit of collectible value and doesn't come up too often. Ditto Deskmate 3 (I know there are fans of this program... no offense. heh!) Both of these items should be in any serious collector's stash, though. Home Publisher was one of the very first true DTP programs for home use, and Deskmate 3 (there's was not Deskmate 1 or 2 for the CoCo) was a great attempt at a GUI for the CoCo. (I just never got the point of a) load deskmate, b) wait a long time, c) click to files, d) execute program, e) look there's a calendar. When you could just as easily a) type LOAD(M) "program" and b) look at the wall where the calendar is. I know, I know... I'm nut.)

Cook Book is one of those rarely seen Tandy disks. Hasn't been spotted in a very long time (since before the Price Guide started and then some). When I was 14 I wasn't into cooking database applications (always hated that Home issue of the CoCo mags), but wonder if it would be useful today. I do love to cook. Wonder if it's got any Paula Deen recipes in it. (That woman made me gain 30 pounds... seriously.) I doubt my wife would let me set up a CoCo next to the can opener, though. Sigh.

The final item has another interesting surprise in it. Both manuals are included, which makes them notable. Madness is aptly named. I recall spending hours pounding away at this game and never solving it. And almost ripping my keyboard out trying to get out of that damnable maze! Ahem. Also included in the auction is what appears to be a Radio Shack demo binder. These were used to store the program tapes for demoing software on the various Shack computers. Not something I've seen before and would be an interesting conversation piece, perhaps. That's assuming you have old TRS-80 nuts for friends, or hang out with former Radio Shack employees, of course.

Angel's Luck,
Capt.

7/13/06 Auctions of Note

Auctions of note for July 13th, 2006

Auction listings from eBay will expire 14 days after the auction ends and the links will no longer work. The blogger guy (me) claims no responsibility, endorsment, or affiliation with the listings presented. 'nuff said. As alsways read the listings carefully and buy and sell responsibly. :)

Here's a nice multipak 26-3024:

Rare TRS 80 Computer MULTI PAK INTERFACE Game System

This one would also need a PAL upgrade to work properly with the CoCo 3, but would work great with the 1 or 2. Nice to see these popping up more frequently. While this one isn't necessarily in collectiable condition, it would work nicely in a show or display machine. And of course, if you plan to use the CoCo, the MPI not exactly required equipment, but it sure makes life a lot easier. Hopefully they'll continue to be plentiful, but if you're in the market, I wouldn't wait. ;)

Here's a nice CoCo in collectible condition:

TANDY Radio Shack TRS 80 Color Computer Manuals Box

Probably would not take much, if any, fixing up. It's a mid-run 26-2002A. Not owning one of these yet, I couldn't say what board it is, but it comes up (identified, anyhow) infrequently enough to warrent a look. The box isn't so hot, but the machine looks quite nice and with the manuals included it's a good deal. According to the description, there's a bit of history with the CoCo on the part of her husband. Call me a sucker, but I'm always more happy to buy from fellow and former CoCo nuts. From the pictures, I would say, oh, Very Good to Fine overall.

Not a collectible item, but if you're in the market for a 3-er:

tandy color computer 3 and a manual

The price is right. :)

Mislisted...

TANDY COLOR MOUSE Tandy 1000 or Color Computer TRS-8

Watch the shipping and bid accordingly.

Rarity alert:

Tandy Color Computer Games (Lot of 6 different games)

Almost kept this one to myself, but then that wouldn't be in the spirit of things would it? :) Couple rare paks w/ manuals in this lot. Have a look.

Some mags:

trs 80 - 80 micro magazines lot (59)

If you absolutely must have hardcopies of these, here's a great way to start a collecting of them. Earlier issues have CoCo coverage and a CoCo column (starting near the end of '80, I think?). You can get a preview by downloading at Ira GoldKlang's site. Just be sure to drop him a few bucks in donation as a thank you for all the free stuff. :)

Angel's Luck,
Capt.

please send CoCo collecting news, information, comments, and listings to captcpu@clubltdstudios.com.

07/11/06 Sales of Note

Sales of Note ending prior to July 11th, 2006:

Auction listings from eBay will expire 14 days after the auction ends and the links will no longer work. The blogger guy (me) claims no responsibility, endorsment, or affiliation with the listings presented. 'nuff said. As alsways read the listings carefully and buy and sell responsibly. :)

Here's one you dont' see very often:

Tandy Color Computer 3 (Coco 3) motherboard with 512Kb

Just the mainboard, but nicely mod'ed to include 512K and a PC XT power supply. The seller also threw in a Magnovox monitor cable, a floppy drive, and a 10MB hard drive. The item went for US$53.00. This modified CoCo stuff is hit or miss sometimes, but this one seemed to struck a sweet spot with several bidders. The recent sale of a complete upgraded CoCo 3 for several hundred dollars makes me wonder what folks would be willing to spend on prepackaged, plug and go systems. The problem is putting it together.

Let's say you have a base system: Color Computer 3 with 512K, 6309, duel floppies (one 5 1/4" and one 3 1/2") with controller, VGA or S-Video adapter, mass storage device (hard drive or memory card) with controller, speech/sound pak, NitrOS-9 preinstalled and preconfigured to boot on start up and support disks and drivers, all running from a PC power supply. The only thing you'd need to add was a display. What would you pay for such a system? Did I leave anything out?

I figure it at about US$440 plus, say, US$60 to pay the builder for the cost of setting it all up. So maybe US$500.00 all together. Too much? Too little?

Not ideal for the collector, and we're kind of getting into the modern CoCo market here, but if you're gung-ho to CoCo, it'd be great to be able to buy it ready to rock. Problem is, complete and mostly complete system rarely ever get even close to this amount. Indeed, they frequently sell for less than the components would sell for individually. What to do?

Glen from the CoCo Lounge has been auctioning off large quantities of vintage CoCo casettes and a few disks and hardware items. Way too many to list here. Run a "ended items" only search on the TRS-80 listings see the stuff that's over. And add him to favorite sellers to see what's coming up next. He's been running the auctions pretty short, so don't delay if you see a must have or two, or three or four!

A new record for this one:

TANDY COLOR MOUSE Tandy 1000 or Color Computer TRS-80

Very mint looking Color Mouse. A very nice collectible piece as well. Definately a pack it away and keep it nice CoCo item.

In the "Watch Out" department:

Radio Shack Color Computer FD-501 5"1/4 Disk Drive NR

The drive shown in the picture is a 26-3022 or 3029 silver vertical drive (unliike the white, horizontal mounted FD-501). It's not a bad drive, mind you... but it's not an FD-501. The seller also claimed it to be one of the most difficult to find "ascessories" (sic) for the CoCo. Actually, the white 26-3029 is the probably rarest of the CoCo drives and the FD-501 one of the more common (with the FD-500/26-3129 being the most common, currently). Read carefully, view carefully, question carefully.

Couple of Price Guide bits...

How many people learned to type on a CoCo? Must have been a lot because there's been a rash of Typing Tutor paks this year! Explains my horrible typing skills, though.

Lost in the dungeons? Apparently so with the Dungeon's of Daggorath pak. Last year they were everywhere. You couldn't go into the TRS-80 listings without seeing one. This year? Four. Is it becoming rare? Or is this just a lull? I'm betting the later, but time will tell.

Angel's Luck,
Capt.

Send your CoCo collector comments, news, and annoucements to captcpu@clubltdstudios.com

07/11/06 Auctions of Note

Auctions of note for July 11th, 2006:

Auction listings from eBay will expire 14 days after the auction ends and the links will no longer work. The blogger guy (me) claims no responsibility, endorsment, or affiliation with the listings presented. 'nuff said. As alsways read the listings carefully and buy and sell responsibly. :)


A very fine looking multipak up for grabs:

Multi-Pak Interface Color Computer 2 TRS-80 Multi Pak

This is the older model and would work fine with a CoCo 1 or 2. It would need a new PAL chip to work with the CoCo 3. It's exceedinly rare to see one in this complete condition. Even the box and manual look good!

Here's one you don't see often:


Tandy TRS-80 Computer TOUCH PAD 26-1185 SEALED

The Koala pad still sealed in the box is pretty dang rare. Is the price right? We'll see, but looks about as Mint as they get!

Here's a rare Spidercide pak:

2 Radioshack TRS-80 Cartridges, Downland and Spidercide

I never played this one and couldn't say if it's good or not. Looks pretty good ---> http://nitros9.lcurtisboyle.com/spidercide.html. It doesn't come up much, so if you're in the market, as it were. :)

Angel's Luck,
Capt

Please send CoCo collecting news and notices to captcpu@clubltdstudios.com.

07/10/06 Auctions of Note

Auctions of note for July 10th, 2006:

Auction listings from eBay will expire 14 days after the auction ends and the links will no longer work. The blogger guy (me) claims no responsibility, endorsment, or affiliation with the listings presented. 'nuff said. As alsways read the listings carefully and buy and sell responsibly. :)

Two drive systems up for grabs:

Color Computer TRS-80 Mini Disk With Controller + Cable
TRS-80 vintage computer TRS 80

The first is the silver 3022 and the second is a white duel drive vertical system (3029, possibly and if so, Very Rare!). CoCo drives haven't been terribly scarce lately, but they're still tough to get.

Radio Shack TRS-80 Games (Lot of 19) w/8 books

Nice lot if you're looking to build a collection quickly. Not particularly collectible quality, but good for playing with or archiving!

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZkb8sfcQQhtZ-1

This seller has three lots of The Rainbow for sale, with issues ranging from 1985/86 (including the premier of the CoCo 3) and '88 and '90.

Angel's Luck,
Capt.

The New CoCo Collector

It's time to start anew with the CoCo Collector. Well, maybe not new, but something a little fresher. And easier. Blogs are just two dang easy to maintain and they beat the heck out of constantly formating and uploading html pages. So here it is, the new CoCo Collector.

The great thing about this is that it can be much more timely. Instead of monthly, the articles can now be punched in weekly, or even daily, with the latest trends and analysis. This blog is about collecting CoCo's and, while the machine may be 27 years old, the news doesn't have to be!

The biggest change will be posting relevant CoCo collecting news as I come across it. This means we can have more up to date information about what trends are hot and even post auction links and such. Exactly what format that will take will have to work itself out over the next few months (too much posting, too little, link to live auctions, don't, post certain price guide info, contain it all in the price guide... heck, even what to title the entries!)

When I've compiled the CoCo Collector previously, I simply kept an open file while I updated the Price Guide. Convenient, of course, but time consuming because I switch back and forth. Now the two tasks can be seperated. I can focus 100% on the Price Guide updates while doing that, and jump over to post collecting bits on the blog as they pop up throughout the week.

Some links:

Capt's CoCo Hut is the home of the CoCo Collector and the Color Computer Price Guide:

http://coco.clubltdstudios.com

The Price Guide itself is posted here:

http://coco.clubltdstudios.com/reference/cocopricelist.txt

My hope is that this will allow me to update both the Price Guide and the CoCo Collector much more frequently, and still provide the same information. Obviously, this is just a temporary template for the blog format, so don't be surprised if it looks completely different (several times) over the coming months. But the information will be the same.

Let me know what you think. Please note that comment moderation is turned on to help weed out spam, but all comments will be published as soon as I see 'em!

Angel's Luck,
Captain Computer