The Model I System Expander is a new add-on device for the Radio Shack TRS-80 Model I microcomputer. It provides a number of capabilities that make the Model I easier and more enjoyable to use:

• Solid-state hard drives on included 2GB Compact Flash Card. 64MB is available as configured; additional 64MB images can be populated on the same card. That's a whole lot of space for programs mostly written for 16KB of TRS-80 RAM. A slot is provided for a second CF card (not included) which can be used for even more storage or easy backups.
  


• LDOS-5.3.1 pre-loaded on the hard drives with "year 2012" patches. The MISE system is self-booting: there is no need for a boot floppy or Level II ROM modifications.
  


• 10/100 Mbps wired Ethernet adapter with software on the CF card including: FTP server, FTP client, DHCP client, SNTP client, Telnet client, and more. Easily transfer files between your TRS-80 and Windows/Mac/Linux/etc using familiar software such as Windows Explorer, Filezilla, and many others.
  


• 800x600 @ 60Hz VGA display output, no software required. One-of-eight selectable foreground, background, and border colors. Available 80-column display mode. You can still use your original TRS-80 monitor instead if you prefer, or you can even use both at the same time.
  


• Real-time clock/calendar, compatible with the vintage Alpha Products Newclock-80. Battery backup means the date and time will be accurate and automatically set at every system power-on.
  


• Joystick port for Atari 2600 compatible joysticks, works with most vintage joystick-enabled games.
  


• 256-byte general purpose EEPROM for persistent storage.
  


• ROM drivers for Tandy and Percom/Aerocomp double-density floppy adapters, real-time clock, and hard drives. No high memory is consumed by these drivers.

A TRS-80 Model I Level II is required to use the MISE. An Expansion Interface is highly recommended, but not required.For more information, check out the MISE website.

Here's a video of MISE in action.There's also a demonstration of using MISE without an Expansion Interface.Note that the URL shown in the videos is outdated; the new link is [link removed by ].

What's in the box:

• MISE 1.1 card, fully tested and partially disassembled for shipping; see the website for easy setup instructions.
  


• 40-pin ribbon cable assembly for attaching the MISE to the TRS-80 Model I.
  


• UL-listed switching power supply, US-style 120V plug.

Note: CF card and coin cell brands may vary from photographs. CF card capacity may be greater than 2GB, but will not be less. Power supply size, shape, and plug orientation may be different from shown.Note to international customers: non-US orders will be shipped without the CR2032 lithium coin cell battery used by the real-time clock/calendar chip due to hazmat shipping regulations. Also, send me a note if you don't want the US-plug power supply and I'll refund $6.00 (my cost for the adapter) on your order. The MISE requires 5V regulated power with a 2.1mm/5.5mm center-positive plug. Unregulated supplies and higher voltages should work but have not been tested. The adapters I've supplied so far provide 2 amps, but that's significantly more than is really necessary.