Friday, March 30, 2007

The Watchdog Biteth... :)

Well, Since Cris mentioned it, I'll start off with this one:



NIB Tandy Color Computer 2 - RARE



Okay, as much of a fan as I am of the CoCo, no CoCo2 by itself is worth this. I have two that I didn't pay more than $12 each for. Granted, they were not boxed. I'd say maybe $30-$35 for a NIB CoCo2. $75.00 is in the range of 512k CoCo3. That is all.





Tandy 128K Color Computer 3 w/Original Box and Manual



Here's one I'm keeping an eye on myself. Looks to be a decent semi-complete CoCo3 system If you sole purpose is collection, this one may not be for you as Cris mentioned, it appears to have no cables. Myself, I'd buy it in a heartbeat...



RadioShack TRS-80 Color Computer II, 16 K with Magazine



The $5 starting bid is okay. The box is ratty as hades, and, his shipping prices seem a little high. I got a CoCO3 and MPI sent to me last year for less than his Priority mail price. If you can swallow the shipping, then the price is good. However, this one is far from collectible.



And in other news...



Yeah, Cris is right again. I pretty much prefer usable stuff. I'll buy collectible if the price is right (meaning if Cris isn't around trying to bid on it as well :p ). But, since I like to do repacks, I do not want to mess with the pristine equipment. I'd prefer scuffs, nicks and scratches since I'll be gutting the computer anyway. Now keep in mind, if I do come across a collectible piece, it stays that way. I've got a pristine FD-502 still in it's box. That's where it'll stay...



Speaking of repacks... what does a CoCo3 + THIS  equal? Stay tuned, it might just happen... :)



Later, (B)













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3/29/07 Auctions of Note

Auctions of Note for March 29th, 2007:



Got an email asking why I didn't hit all TRS-80 and Tandy Color Computer stuff that appears on eBay.  In particularly, the question was in regard to stuff listed outside of the TRS-80 listings.  I'll update the Collector FAQ here soon, but it's worth going over the purpose of this blog again anyhow, since I don't think I have in, oh, a couple of years. :)



The "Auctions of Note" listings, posted by yours truly, deal mostly with collectible stuff of interests to people who are serious about collecting and preserving original equipment and software packages.  Many times they WILL have the dual function of being of interest to those looking for stuff to use on their CoCos.  Most of the time, in fact.  And occasionally, I do point out an item or two that is of primary interest to the user, not necessarily to the collector.  Mainly, though, my posts are oriented toward the collector, and my comments tend toward that crowd. 



Brian will often post primarily on usable stuff he finds interesting or of particular relevance at the moment.  Also, where I tend toward a happy, buy it anyway, damn the cost attitude, he tends to act more as a watchdog regarding those really ludicrous auctions. :)  Those posts are always worth reading!  Brian is hands on and visiting his personal blog, CoCo/Model III Repak, is a CoCo-life changing experience.



Briza is kind of the "collector at large" and will occasionally post news and related information. For a great News and Software site, be sure to check out his blog at CoCo Downunder.  Briza may (okay, does) have the most comprehensive CoCo game collection on the planet.  He's one of the two widely recognized experts on vintage CoCo games (the other is L. Curtis Boyle, who's CoCo games list is required bookmarking for any CoCoist).  If you need info on a game, ask him.  He'll not only know, but will most likely have the game as well. :)





Of course, there's no rules the contributors are bound by, nor are the limited to subject, other than the broad "Anything about or relevant to collecting, buying or selling Color Computers and CoCo stuff."  So all of the above is just "usually."  It's pretty much anything goes.  The idea hear is to give multiple viewpoints on collecting Color Computers, regardless of why YOU collect.  You may just be in it for the games.  Maybe you just like to tinker with the CoCo.  Maybe you're a die hard gotta have it collector.  Or, more likely, you're some or all of the above.  Hopefully, one of us will be able to give you information you can use in some part of your CoCo endeavors. 



Of course, we're always looking for additional viewpoints and contributors.  And hopefully in the future, we'll be able to add a few more.  Drop an email and let us know how we're doing, what you'd like to see, or any questions as well.  Always happy to get them!



Now, on to the auctions...



Not a whole lot of notable items out there, but the amount of CoCo stuff on eBay continues to be strong.  If you're building a system, or just starting a collection, you couldn't have picked a better time to jump into the fray.  Activity in the CoCo listings is also up and there's a ton of interest flirting about on the net in the Color Computer.  Tune in and stay tuned!



eBay: VINTAGE TANDY COLOR COMPUTER DISK DRIVE FD501 (item 160101501095 end time Apr-01-07 17:27:51 PDT)



As more and more CoCo 3s are selling, more and more people are trying to acquire drives for them.  As such, drive prices appear to on the rise. At the very least, I'd call the prices and sales "healthy."  I'll start listing them as "hot items," regardless of condition.  This is a nice looking FD-501 with both the controller pak and the manual. This is a single sided, 35-track drive.  It's my personal favorite of the vintage drives but that's probably because it's the one I use. :)  It's also easy to add a second drive.  Just grab another FD-501, pop open the case, and slap the new drive in there.  Hook up the power and flat cable and you're good to go.  No jumpers or terminators or other silliness to deal with.



eBay: Radio Shack Color Computer Software - LOGO + More (item 110108859901 end time Apr-04-07 21:27:52 PDT)



Here's a lot of somewhat rare CoCo Goodness.  First up is CoCo Graphics Designer Plus from Zebra Systems.  If you've ever read a CoCo magazine from the mid to late 80s, you've seen this advertised. :)  The seller also mentions a "bunch of related disks."  Probably the font and/or clipart disks, but inquire if it's important.   Kid Writer is one of those on my "keep meaning to get" lists.  This is not a complete version.  The original game in one of those heavy plastic cases, I believe.  Finally, is Color Logo on disk.  On disk? you say! Wasn't that a pak?  Yup.  See, here's the thing.  Tandy did a whole line of "other" software under the brand "Tandy Home Education Systems."  There were a bunch of these titles over the years and they came in these big ugly brown binders.  I've got a big pile of them around here somewhere.  Many of these titles were also marketed in other formats (tape or pak, for example) for sale as a consumer product, with different packaging.  I don't know for certain if this is the same Logo as the pak.  Hopefully someone can confirm that.  Although if it is, it would a) rare and b) nifty to have Color Logo with disk access available (the pak saves to tape).  Don't mistake this for D.L Logo for OS-9.  While this may be that Logo, it doesn't look like it.  Hopefully more information about this disk version of Color Logo will be forthcoming.



eBay: TRS-80 COLOR COMPUTER 3 DISK PROGRAM : SOUNDTRAX (item 110108831489 end time Apr-04-07 19:22:12 PDT)



In our Wet Your Pants in Excitement category today, we have what appears to be a full and complete copy of SoundTrax sound sequencer for the CoCo 3.  Drool Factor 5, Mr. Sulu!  Haven't seen this one before, so no comment other to point out that it might just be highly collectible. :)



eBay: TRS-80 Color Computer DISK DRIVE FD-502 Tandy NR (item 130095262879 end time Apr-04-07 05:32:20 PDT)



Another nice drive, this one an FD-502.  This is a good one on account (and someone correct me if I'm wrong here) it has 40-track drives built in.  All you need is a DOS (NitrOS-9, HDB-DOS, ADOS, etc.) that can access 40-tracks.  No manual, alas, but it does include the program pak.



eBay: TRS-80 Color Computer OPERATING DISKS EDTASM demos more (item 130095266437 end time Apr-04-07 05:48:58 PDT)



While this isn't the best condition one I've seen (though it's actually better than mine.. heh), this one is rare enough to warrant a look. It has the original disks and what looks like some other disks someone used while learning to use the system.  The binder appears in tact and the manual looks nice with bright colors.  This package, and those like it, is notorious for yellowing and getting messed up real bad.  Not one of the better packaging schemes Tandy came up with over the years.  For that reason, this one gets snaps for being, at the very least, presentable. 



eBay: Tandy 128K Color Computer 3 w/Original Box and Manual (item 270104394467 end time Apr-03-07 15:41:21 PDT)



Good looking CoCo 3.  Appears to have the box and manuals, but the cables do not appear to be present, pictured, or mentioned.  Worth a question if you're interested.  If you're going to use it (and you know you will) you'll probably use good old A/V cables anyhow (at least until you're ready for a real display... heh).



Brian's busy putting his repak together, so I'll play watch dog here for a bit... ;)



eBay: NIB Tandy Color Computer 2 - RARE (item 270104316407 end time Apr-01-07 11:38:16 PDT)



This is what I call optimism. It's not NIB.  It is, however, listed in the Vintage PCs section (instead of under TRS-80s). I really wouldn't be surprised if it sold for this price.  Really.



Angel's Luck,

Capt







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Tuesday, March 20, 2007

3/21/07 Auctions of Note

Auctions of note for March 21st, 2007:







eBay: Vintage TRS-80 Radio Shack Color Basic Computer in Box+ (item 110105782822 end time Mar-27-07 16:22:48 PDT)



Sweet looking Color Computer in original box. Comes with a couple of extras but the condition of the computer itself is probably of most interest.



eBay: TANDY 128K COLOR COMPUTER 3 (NEW IN BOX) (item 150103944990 end time Mar-29-07 18:04:33 PDT)



An apparently pretty darn close to NIB CoCo 3. Seller does not mention manuals or cables, so ask questions.



eBay: 1990 Rainbow on Disk Complete! TRS-80 Coco, rare! (item 230107428604 end time Mar-27-07 15:07:37 PDT)



This seller has some complete runs of The Rainbow on Disk. Be sure to hit Seller's Other Items for a complete list.



eBay: Tandy Deluxe Pistol Grip Joystick / Mint in Box (item 250096718291 end time Mar-27-07 17:04:17 PDT)



Okay, from the picture this doesn't look mint, but these are rare enough to list. A better stick for the CoCo.



Angel's Luck,

Capt





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Monday, March 19, 2007

3/19/07 Auctions of Note

Auctions of note for March 19th, 2007:

Plenty of Color Computer Goodness out there, including a nice selection of vintage CoCo magazines. Some of these are ending soon, so jump in and get them while they're hot. Also, a lot of CoCo 2s and 3s listing lately. While most are not technically "notable" as far as collecting goes, they are certainly useful. One of the other guys may call these gems out, but even if not, do a thorough search. You'll probably come up with some great deals for hobby use!

eBay: GFL Championship Football II color computer coco (item 110105039586 end time Mar-25-07 17:28:54 PDT)

Nice looking pak with instructions and a clear clamshell case. The price seems right, if you need to add this one to the collection.

eBay: TRS 80 Color Computer Accessories/Games/Joysticks/etc!! (item 290095456244 end time Mar-24-07 18:09:28 PDT)

Giant lot of games, books and miscellaneous hardware. The seller doesn't catalog all the disks, but Text Pro IV and P51 Flight Simulator are both in there, among other goodies. On the rare manuals and books side we have Leventhal's 6809 manual, a 6809 Reference Card, the Motorolla 6809 manual and a couple of the Unraveled Books. Hardware includes a y-cable, CoCo Max hi-res pak and a Wico trackball (which by the way, is loads of fun to play with). Definitely worth a peek if you're looking for a big score to boost the collection a bit.

eBay: TRS 80 Color Computer 3 with 512 MB Expansion (item 290095449984 end time Mar-24-07 17:43:58 PDT)

Here's a 512K CoCo 3 in the original box with manuals. Seller doesn't mention which upgrade is in it, but these come up infrequently enough that I thought it was worth a mention.

eBay: Dual Half Height CoCo Compatible Drives w. Controller (item 280095060574 end time Mar-27-07 09:23:59 PDT)

Didn't this sell already? Maybe I'm going nuts, but could have swore this sold already.... Which will just teach me to update the Price Guide and Sales of Note more often, won't it. ha! Anyhow, an unusual dual vertical drives for the CoCo hooked up to a super rare Disto Mini Controller. The latter alone is worth the opening bid.

eBay: Complete Working Tandy TRS-80 Color Computer 2 (item 170092354929 end time Mar-23-07 16:32:26 PDT)

Large lot of CoCo 2 stuff with drives. Of interest to the collector will be the three boxes of diskettes. Kind of a grab bag, since alas, the seller does not list the disks' contents.

eBay: Rare Basic Computing The TRS-80 User Journal Magazines (item 230104939975 end time Mar-21-07 21:44:14 PDT)

Basic Computer started life as 80 US, I seem to recall. Don't quote me on that. Regardless, the magazine covered all TRS-80s, including the CoCo. Haven't seen these come much before, so worth a look!

eBay: Vintage Radio Shack TRS-80 2 w/37 pieces WORKS!! (item 140097040212 end time Mar-21-07 21:07:40 PDT)

This huge lot has a considerable amount of the old Tandy educational software with it. Some of it's actually fun to play with if you have kids. If you want to score a bulk of the edu-tainment stuff for the CoCo all at once though, have a looksee.

eBay: TRS-80 LEISURE SUIT LARRY 128 K DISK NO RESERVE (item 260097262387 end time Mar-21-07 20:17:31 PDT)

Okay, Leisure Suit Larry for the Color Computer 128K. I honestly don't remember this game being available for the CoCo. Starting price is high. I'd ask plenty of questions.

eBay: TRS-80 SHANGHAI COLOR COMPUTER 128 K NO RESERVE (item 260097259177 end time Mar-21-07 20:11:26 PDT)

One of the best CoCo 3 puzzle games. Comes as a pak. Here it is shrink wrapped.

eBay: Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Computer Disk Drive System (item 200089750936 end time Mar-21-07 19:51:42 PDT)

Occasionally a peek at an auction I normally would not list as notable as far as a collection goes turns up a gem or two. Okay, nice drive and certainly worth a look. The seller lists that it comes with COCOPACT 6.0 and COPACT 3 Version 1.0 disks. Don't know what those are, but they haven't appeared before! Also includes COCOPBBS 4.02 on disk, which is I'd guess as being a BBS software package. No mention of manuals for them, alas.

eBay: Vintage 80 US Magazines for TRS-80 - Jun 82 to Jun 83 (item 230104698062 end time Mar-21-07 14:17:07 PDT)

A nice run of 80 US in the early years. Also covered the Color Computer.

eBay: RADIO SHACK TRS-80 COLOR COMPUTER 2 LIKE NEW + 3 BOOKS (item 160095787130 end time Mar-20-07 19:01:18 PDT)

What appears to be an almost complete and nice looking 64K 26-3127 Color Computer 2.

eBay: Vintage Computronics Magazine TRS-80 computers 82-83 (item 230104119410 end time Mar-20-07 10:45:45 PDT)

Here's a TRS-80 magazine I haven't seen before. Couldn't say whether it covers the Color Computer or not, though. Ask questions.

eBay: Vintage TRS-80 Microcomputer News Magazines 81-83 (item 230104084121 end time Mar-20-07 09:17:14 PDT)

I rarely mention these because they're kind of common, but this is Tandy's own computer magazine. It did cover the CoCo... occasionally.

eBay: Vintage Computer User Magazine 83-84 TRS-80 computers (item 230103779691 end time Mar-19-07 14:28:39 PDT)

Another somewhat rare collection of magazines for the TRS-80, called Computer User. This magazine also covered the Color Computer from time-to-time.

eBay: Vintage Basic Computing Magazine 83-84 TRS-80 Users (item 230103774997 end time Mar-19-07 14:14:45 PDT)

More Basic Computing magazines. The seller actually mentions that it was formerly 80 US, so maybe my memory isn't entirely fried yet.

eBay: COLOR COMPUTER MAGAZINE, PREMIER THRU 10/84, short 4 (item 250096054395 end time Mar-25-07 18:27:49 PDT)

Big fat lot of Color Computer Magazine. Good magazine. From the pictures, these look to be in pretty good condition.

eBay: 10 ISSUES OF COLOR COMPUTER NEWS - 2 1982, 8 1983 (item 250093817355 end time Mar-19-07 15:55:55 PDT)

The always rare and, for the early CoCo collector, excellent Color Computer News.


Angel's Luck,
Capt.

Friday, March 09, 2007

3/9/07 Auctions of Note

Auctions of note for March 9th, 2007:



eBay: *Collectables* TRS-80 Color Computer 2 Model:26-3027 (item 160092692571 end time Mar-12-07 22:26:33 PDT)



A very early 3027 with a low serial number. This is the 16K ECB version of the 3026. This one has the full 64K, the full profile keyboard, and some sort of composite video connector coming out it's arse. Hmmm... Seller doesn't mention upgrades, but it obviously is, so inquire if interested.



eBay: TRS 80 color computer games. Nevar been open (item 160092598579 end time Mar-10-07 16:14:37 PST)



Very nice lot of still sealed paks!



eBay: TRS 80 Color computer (item 160092591255 end time Mar-10-07 15:45:18 PST)



Here's a good looking estate sale find. An original left-label CoCo with one of the best looking boxes I've seen recently. Questions I'd ask would be cat no and serial no? What's the RAM button say? Are the Tandy labels intact? What BASIC ROM?



eBay: 5 Tandy coco colour computers w software hardware books (item 150098576591 end time Mar-12-07 00:53:15 PDT)



Interesting auction from Australia. Probably too much to ship, unless you're loaded, but worth looking at if you're Down Under!





eBay: Lot Motorola Hitachi 6809 8-bit Microprocessor 39Pcs (item 130085895090 end time Mar-12-07 15:28:32 PDT)



Nice fat lot of Motorola and Hitachi 6809s including the MC68B09EP (the CoCo 3 processor) and the Hitachi flavor of the same part. Theoretically these should work fine, but look up the specs sheets before you buy. As far as I know there are no differences between the Motorola and Hitachi parts (unlike the Hitachi 6309-based processors). Hitachi just picked up manufacturing the chip without modification from Motorola.





eBay: Lot of Motorola 6809 8-bit Microprocessor - 52 Pcs (item 130085899607 end time Mar-12-07 15:43:18 PDT)



Massive lot of Motorola 6809s. If you need replacements for original CoCos, or CoCo 2s, this would certainly keep yo going for awhile. Great for electronics projects as well.



eBay: TRS-80 Color Computer Multi-Pak Interface Tandy 26-3124 (item 110101605092 end time Mar-16-07 20:14:11 PDT)



Here's a usable (though untested) 25-3124 MPI. These have been going up considerably in price again lately, so I'll start noting them when I see them. This model would need to be upgraded to work on a CoCo 3 running OS-9.



Angel's Luck,

Capt.





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Sunday, March 04, 2007

3/4/07 Auctions of Note

Austions of note for March 4th, 2007:



I'm late, I'm late, I'm late. Been CoCo playing. And buying. More on that later, but just made a substantial investment in the ol' collection. Looking forward to cataloging it, and I'll share details when the pile of stuff arrives. :)



eBay: NOS 6309E CPU for TRS-80 Color Computer (HD63B09EP) (item 120093180206 end time Mar-12-07 11:25:02 PDT)



6309 replacement CPUs for the CoCo 3 for only $5.00?!? There's 12 available. Get 'em while their hot (and still around)!



eBay: Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Computer 2 (item 290089091012 end time Mar-05-07 17:57:50 PST)



Early to mid-run CoCo 2 (judging from the manuals) in box. The CoCo itself looks a bit yellowed in the photos, but the paks included and manuals look good. Even the box appears in half-way decent condition.



eBay: Lot of Software/Games for Tandy Color Computer 3 (item 110097872073 end time Mar-07-07 16:21:48 PST)



Nice lot of CoCo 1/2 and 3 software for sale, all in original packaging with manuals. Biosphere is a personal favorite. One of the best and most unique strategy games made for the CoCo. I still fire this one up and enjoy the heck out of it. Highly recommended.



eBay: Lot of Vintage TRS-80 Computer Programs Manuals NIB (item 290088353341 end time Mar-05-07 19:17:39 PST)



Okay, I don't issue warnings much but... These are listed as NIB (New In Box) and are quite clearly not. Might be good for spares or usable copies, but the price is a bit high for that. There's always stuff that's priced to high, of course, but how close to you have to cut it before an auction claim simply comes out as a flat out falsehood. NIB my ass.



eBay: RADIO SHACK TANDY TRS-80 14 VIDEO GAME CARTRIDGE LOT (item 230095604596 end time Mar-06-07 19:00:14 PST)



Lot includes the rare Don Pan and Reactoid paks with instructions.



eBay: Rainbow magazine for the TRS-80 Color Computer Sept. 85 (item 260093523959 end time Mar-11-07 20:06:52 PDT)



This seller again has a large lot of The Rainbow on sale, listed individually. Good for filling in those holes in the collection.



eBay: VINTAGE~TANDY~COLOR COMPUTER (item 320088566257 end time Mar-09-07 18:50:01 PST)



Great looking CoCo 3 with box, packaging and manuals.



eBay: Tandy Color Computer 3 512 K RAM with game Vintage (item 270095520858 end time Mar-09-07 14:37:11 PST)



Another great looking, still in the wrapper CoCo 3. Seller says it's 512K but doesn't mention how that is known, so ask if it's a concern.



eBay: 6 - 1981 ISSUES OF RAINBOW MAGAZINE - COLOR COMPUTER (item 250089979679 end time Mar-08-07 19:53:43 PST)



Reprint run of the The Rainbow (the copied issues from Falsoft), first volume. Pretty rare stuff. Check this one because the seller has several runs, including the rare second year (also mostly reprint editions).



Angel's Luck,

Capt.





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