Radio Shack Line Printer, Model TRS-80 V, circa 1980

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Artifact Overview

Dot matrix printers were introduced to the computing market in the 1970s. Their operation is similar to a typewriter: a print head moves across the page, striking an inked ribbon, producing characters. As hardware improved, speed and typeface options increased. However groundbreaking, by the 1990s, dot matrix printers were replaced by inkjet and laser printers, capable of producing photorealistic images.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Line printer

Date Made

circa 1980

Creator Notes

Unit made in Japan for Radio Shack, a company based in Fort Worth, Texas and a division of Tandy Corporation.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

95.114.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)
Plastic
Metal
Rubber (Material)

Dimensions

Height: 7.25 in
Width: 16.25 in
Length: 24.25 in

Inscriptions

plaque, rear: Radio Shack Cat. No. 26-1165 Ser. No. 1P12038 TRS-80 Line Printer V Custom Manufactured in Japan for Radio Shack A Division of Tandy Corporation Fort Worth, Texas 76102 WARNING: No User Serviceable Parts Inside this Unit. Unit should be taken to Radio Shack Service Center for service.
Radio Shack Line Printer, Model TRS-80 V, circa 1980