What is the primary function of the TRS-80 Expansion Interface?
- To expand the memory capacity of the TRS-80.
- To connect external devices like printers and disk drives.
- To enhance the processing power of the TRS-80.
- To increase the speed of data transfer.
Correct Answer: To connect external devices like printers and disk drives.
Correct Answer Explanation: The Expansion Interface serves as a hub for connecting external devices like screen printers, line printers, Mini-Disk systems, and additional cassette recorders to the TRS-80 Microcomputer.
What is the maximum amount of RAM supported by the Expansion Interface?
- 8KB
- 16KB
- 32KB
- 64KB
Correct Answer: 32KB
Correct Answer Explanation: The Expansion Interface allows for the addition of up to 32KB of RAM to the TRS-80 Microcomputer, expandable in increments of 16KB.
What is the storage capacity of the Mini-Disk System used with the Expansion Interface?
- 10KB
- 50KB
- 80KB
- 100KB
Correct Answer: 80KB
Correct Answer Explanation: The Mini-Disk System, when connected to the Expansion Interface, offers approximately 80,000 bytes of storage space on the first disk, and 89,600 bytes on each additional disk.
Which of these modules is compatible with Level I BASIC on the TRS-80?
- Screen Printer
- Line Printer
- Mini-Disk System
- Cassette Recorder
Correct Answer: Screen Printer
Correct Answer Explanation: Only the Screen Printer module can be directly connected to a Level I TRS-80 Microcomputer. The Line Printer and Mini-Disk system require Level II BASIC for operation.
What is the purpose of the real-time clock in the Expansion Interface?
- To keep track of the computer’s internal time.
- To control the speed of data transfer.
- To regulate the power supply.
- To provide a backup for the computer’s memory.
Correct Answer: To keep track of the computer’s internal time.
Correct Answer Explanation: The real-time clock in the Expansion Interface keeps track of the current time and date, even when the computer is turned off.
What is the significance of the presence of a disk controller in the Expansion Interface?
- It allows the computer to access data on a Mini-Disk drive.
- It regulates the speed of the computer’s internal clock.
- It enables the computer to use multiple cassette recorders simultaneously.
- It enhances the computer’s graphical capabilities.
Correct Answer: It allows the computer to access data on a Mini-Disk drive.
Correct Answer Explanation: The disk controller in the Expansion Interface is designed for use with the Mini-Disk System. Pressing the BREAK key allows for accessing the regular Level II operation without the Mini-Disk mode.
What is the advantage of using two cassette recorders with the Expansion Interface?
- It increases the speed of data transfer.
- It allows for simultaneous data input and output.
- It expands the computer’s memory capacity.
- It improves the computer’s audio quality.
Correct Answer: It allows for simultaneous data input and output.
Correct Answer Explanation: Having two cassette recorders connected to the Expansion Interface enables the user to input data from one recorder while simultaneously outputting data to the other. This optimizes data management, especially for tasks like updating payroll records.
Why does the Expansion Interface include housing for a future expansion PCB?
- To allow for the addition of new modules in the future.
- To provide space for a second real-time clock.
- To enable the computer to connect to a network.
- To enhance the computer’s processing power.
Correct Answer: To allow for the addition of new modules in the future.
Correct Answer Explanation: The Expansion Interface includes housing for a future expansion PCB, suggesting the potential for future expansion of the system with new modules and features.
What is the significance of the power switch being recessed into the front of the Expansion Interface?
- To prevent accidental power loss.
- To enhance the aesthetics of the interface.
- To make it easier to turn the interface on and off.
- To reduce the risk of electrical shock.
Correct Answer: To prevent accidental power loss.
Correct Answer Explanation: The power switch is recessed to prevent accidental power loss while the computer is in use.
What color change indicates that the Expansion Interface is powered on?
- White to red
- Green to blue
- Yellow to green
- White to orange
Correct Answer: White to orange
Correct Answer Explanation: When the Expansion Interface is powered on, the end surface of the power switch changes from white to orange.
What is the recommended method for preventing accidental mismatches between cable connectors and the Expansion Interface’s edge connectors?
- Using special adapters
- Connecting the cables carefully
- Using hoods for cable connectors
- Ensuring the power supply is connected correctly
Correct Answer: Using hoods for cable connectors.
Correct Answer Explanation: The manual emphasizes using hoods for cable connectors to prevent mismatches between the cable connectors and the edge connectors on the printed circuit board.
What is the warranty period for the TRS-80 Expansion Interface?
- 30 days
- 60 days
- 90 days
- 1 year
Correct Answer: 90 days
Correct Answer Explanation: The warranty period for the TRS-80 Expansion Interface is 90 days from the date of delivery, covering defects in material and workmanship.
What is the significance of the fact that the Expansion Interface was released in 1980?
- It marked the beginning of the personal computer revolution.
- It demonstrated the growing importance of networking.
- It showcased the potential of graphical user interfaces.
- It highlighted the growing demand for expanded computer functionality.
Correct Answer: It highlighted the growing demand for expanded computer functionality.
Correct Answer Explanation: The Expansion Interface’s release in 1980 coincides with a period of rapid innovation and growing demand for expanded computer functionality in the personal computer industry. The interface represented a step toward making the TRS-80 Microcomputer more versatile and useful for a wider range of applications.
Which of these features was NOT a direct result of the introduction of the Expansion Interface?
- Increased memory capacity
- Ability to connect external devices
- Improved processing power
- Real-time clock functionality
Correct Answer: Improved processing power
Correct Answer Explanation: The Expansion Interface primarily focused on expanding the capabilities of the TRS-80 Microcomputer by connecting external devices and adding memory. It did not directly enhance the processing power of the computer.
What is the significance of the Expansion Interface in the context of the history of personal computing?
- It represented a major technological breakthrough.
- It was the first device of its kind.
- It paved the way for the development of more powerful computers.
- It demonstrated the potential for expansion and customization.
Correct Answer: It demonstrated the potential for expansion and customization.
Correct Answer Explanation: The Expansion Interface, with its ability to connect external devices and expand memory, demonstrated the potential for expansion and customization in personal computing, allowing users to tailor their systems to their specific needs.
How did the Expansion Interface contribute to the popularity of the TRS-80 Microcomputer?
- It made the TRS-80 more user-friendly.
- It increased the computer’s processing power.
- It expanded the TRS-80’s functionality and usability.
- It made the TRS-80 more affordable.
Correct Answer: It expanded the TRS-80’s functionality and usability.
Correct Answer Explanation: The Expansion Interface expanded the TRS-80’s functionality by allowing it to connect to various external devices, enhancing its usability and making it a more versatile and appealing option for users.
What was the main challenge that the Expansion Interface addressed for TRS-80 users?
- Limited memory capacity
- Lack of connectivity
- Slow processing speed
- Poor software compatibility
Correct Answer: Lack of connectivity
Correct Answer Explanation: The Expansion Interface primarily addressed the challenge of limited connectivity faced by TRS-80 users, allowing them to connect external devices like printers and disk drives to enhance the computer’s functionality and usability.
How did the Expansion Interface impact the way people used the TRS-80?
- It made the TRS-80 more suitable for gaming.
- It allowed users to create more complex programs.
- It made the TRS-80 more useful for business applications.
- It facilitated the development of new software.
Correct Answer: It made the TRS-80 more useful for business applications.
Correct Answer Explanation: The Expansion Interface, with its ability to connect printers and disk drives, made the TRS-80 more suitable for business applications, allowing for data storage, printing, and efficient management of information.
What was the main advantage of the Mini-Disk System compared to using cassette tapes for data storage?
- Faster access times
- Greater storage capacity
- Better data security
- Increased data transfer speed
Correct Answer: Faster access times
Correct Answer Explanation: The Mini-Disk System offered faster access times compared to cassette tapes, enabling quicker retrieval of data.
What is the primary function of the cassette recorder cables provided with the Expansion Interface?
- To connect the Expansion Interface to the TRS-80.
- To connect the Expansion Interface to external devices.
- To transfer data between cassette recorders.
- To provide power to the Expansion Interface.
Correct Answer: To transfer data between cassette recorders.
Correct Answer Explanation: The cassette recorder cables provided with the Expansion Interface are used to transfer data between cassette recorders and the Expansion Interface.
What is the significance of the printed circuit board (PCB) in the Expansion Interface?
- It provides the physical structure for the interface.
- It contains the electrical circuits that control the interface’s functions.
- It stores the computer’s operating system.
- It regulates the power supply to the interface.
Correct Answer: It contains the electrical circuits that control the interface’s functions.
Correct Answer Explanation: The printed circuit board (PCB) in the Expansion Interface houses the electrical circuits that control the interface’s functions and its connection to the TRS-80 Microcomputer.
What is the significance of the fact that the Expansion Interface is compatible with Level II BASIC but not Level I?
- Level II BASIC was more popular than Level I.
- Level II BASIC provided more advanced features.
- Level II BASIC was required for the operation of most external devices.
- Level II BASIC was designed specifically for the Expansion Interface.
Correct Answer: Level II BASIC was required for the operation of most external devices.
Correct Answer Explanation: Most of the external devices, such as the Line Printer and the Mini-Disk System, require Level II BASIC for operation. The Screen Printer is the only device compatible with Level I BASIC.
How did the Expansion Interface facilitate the use of the TRS-80 for a wider range of applications?
- By providing more processing power
- By enabling the use of external devices
- By making the TRS-80 more user-friendly
- By increasing the computer’s memory capacity
Correct Answer: By enabling the use of external devices
Correct Answer Explanation: The Expansion Interface, by enabling the connection of external devices like printers and disk drives, made the TRS-80 suitable for a wider range of applications, including business tasks, data management, and advanced programming.
What is the significance of the user’s ability to override the Mini-Disk mode and access regular Level II operation by pressing the BREAK key?
- It allows for switching between different modes of operation.
- It enhances the data transfer speed.
- It provides a backup for the computer’s memory.
- It makes it easier to connect external devices.
Correct Answer: It allows for switching between different modes of operation.
Correct Answer Explanation: The ability to override the Mini-Disk mode allows the user to switch between accessing the Mini-Disk System and using the regular Level II operation.
What is the purpose of the replacement parts, such as doors and hoods, that can be ordered through local Radio Shack stores?
- To allow for future expansion of the interface.
- To enable the repair or replacement of damaged parts.
- To provide access to the interface’s internal components.
- To enhance the aesthetics of the interface.
Correct Answer: To enable the repair or replacement of damaged parts.
Correct Answer Explanation: The availability of replacement parts, such as doors and hoods, allows for the repair or replacement of damaged components, ensuring the functionality and longevity of the Expansion Interface.
What is the significance of the fact that Radio Shack kept users updated on improvements and updates to the TRS-80 Microcomputer system through newsletters, addenda, and manual revisions?
- It demonstrated the company’s commitment to customer support.
- It ensured the compatibility of the Expansion Interface with future upgrades.
- It allowed users to learn about new features and applications.
- It facilitated the sharing of information among users.
Correct Answer: It demonstrated the company’s commitment to customer support.
Correct Answer Explanation: Radio Shack’s efforts to keep users updated through newsletters, addenda, and manual revisions demonstrated their commitment to providing ongoing customer support and ensuring users had access to the latest information about the TRS-80 Microcomputer system.
How did the Expansion Interface contribute to the development of the personal computer industry?
- It popularized the use of disk drives for data storage.
- It made personal computers more affordable.
- It paved the way for the development of more powerful computers.
- It demonstrated the potential for expansion and customization in personal computing.
Correct Answer: It demonstrated the potential for expansion and customization in personal computing.
Correct Answer Explanation: The Expansion Interface, by allowing users to connect external devices and expand memory, demonstrated the potential for expansion and customization in personal computing. This influenced the development of future personal computer systems, leading to more modular and adaptable designs.
What is the main takeaway from the TRS-80 Expansion Interface Operator’s Manual?
- The TRS-80 Expansion Interface was a revolutionary device.
- The Expansion Interface was primarily designed for business applications.
- The Expansion Interface significantly expanded the functionality and usability of the TRS-80.
- The Expansion Interface was a complex device that required extensive technical knowledge to use.
Correct Answer: The Expansion Interface significantly expanded the functionality and usability of the TRS-80.
Correct Answer Explanation: The manual highlights the Expansion Interface’s role in expanding the TRS-80’s functionality, allowing users to connect external devices, increase memory capacity, and utilize the Mini-Disk System. This significantly enhanced the usability of the TRS-80 for a wider range of applications.
What is the legacy of the TRS-80 Expansion Interface?
- It became the standard for computer expansion interfaces.
- It influenced the development of future expansion interfaces.
- It was widely adopted by other computer manufacturers.
- It was a major contributor to the growth of the personal computer industry.
Correct Answer: It influenced the development of future expansion interfaces.
Correct Answer Explanation: While the Expansion Interface was not a universal standard, its design and features influenced the development of future expansion interfaces for personal computers. It demonstrated the value of modularity and expandability, shaping the way computer systems were designed in the years to come.
What is the best way to understand the significance of the TRS-80 Expansion Interface?
- By reading the Operator’s Manual
- By comparing it to similar devices from that era
- By studying the history of personal computing
- By analyzing its impact on the development of future computer systems
Correct Answer: By studying the history of personal computing
Correct Answer Explanation: Understanding the significance of the TRS-80 Expansion Interface requires understanding the context of its development and its role in the evolution of personal computing. Studying the history of personal computing allows us to appreciate the interface’s contribution to the development of more powerful and versatile computer systems.