- cctalk - classiccmp.org

by Chuck Guzis

I am Michael St. Clair, Chuck's nephew by marriage. I'm writing from his account to establish bona fides; apologies for any surprise it might cause. You appear to be the people he considered his professional peers, so I'm reaching out to you for some help. Chuck had little warning before he passed. He left his equipment and development environments in working order, but without a legacy plan. I'm a software engineer and data archivist, and my aunt has asked me to find good homes for his equipment and IP. I'm going to organize and open-source the software and other IP that he hadn't already released. However, I don't know how to safely use, maintain, or even store his physical gear. I'm only in Eugene for a couple more days on this particular trip. is there any specific physical information (that doesn't require disassembly) that might be useful to potential adopters? I don't have time to make a complete inventory, but here's a list of highlights and a Drive folder containing some photographs. This is not (yet) a formal "come and get it" offer, but it's likely a prelude to one (excluding business documents and computers). Highlights: - Multiple 8-inch floppy drives in built-like-a-truck housings - Dozens of assorted 80s and 90s-era I/O devices -- ZIP drives, 5 1/4" readers, etc. - rack-mounted HP 7970B tape drive - another full-height rack-mounted 9-track tape drive with external control panel; no manufacturer or model number on anything I can get to - custom-built 'tape dehydrator' - around a thousand pieces of assorted removable media, primarily 3.5", 5 1/4", 8", CD, DVD, and a variety of late-90s and 00s digital tape formats. Per labels and spot-checks, their contents range from widely-distributed commercial software to Sydex master floppies to lost BASIC dialects to industrial control software in CP/M formats. Basically 25 years of Chuck's professional life and the industry around it. - full electronics workbench with partially-finished projects, including something involving Pertec controllers - a variety of functioning vintage keyboards, from IBM Model Ms to something apparently taken from an industrial control station. Drive folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1KUs-x6t4OtzS_b7lxYMM7i-GxNi-QRv3 I'd very much appreciate any input. -- Michael St. Clair

9 hours, 27 minutes

4
5
0 0

Re: Chuck Guzis -- Equipment and Archive

by Chuck Guzis

On 7/31/25 16:06, Wayne S wrote: > Michael, Chuck was knowyo a lot of us on the Classic Computer Discord. > Everyone was wondering what was going to happen with his collection. > Glad that you’re willing to oversee the disposition of it all. > > Join the discord snd put your post in maybe general channel. > You’ll get a lot of suggestions and probably buyers. > > Here the invite. > 6e39fdc07ab9ac7cfcf7636761aff7f7.jpg > Join the ClassicCMP Discord Server! <https://discord.gg/tKedmSze> > discord.gg <https://discord.gg/tKedmSze> > > <https://discord.gg/tKedmSze> > Thanks, Wayne. I'll do that.

9 hours, 32 minutes

2
1
0 0

Re: Chuck Guzis -- Equipment and Archive

by Gary Clark

Chuck was also highly active at the Vintage Computer Federation and there are lots of people on this forum who should be able to help or advise. Best wishes to you and his family. From the small amount of contact I had through the forum, he was a special person. https://forum.vcfed.org/index.php?threads/sad-news-chuck-g.1253843/page-4#po st-1459242

19 hours, 14 minutes

1
0
0 0

Re: Q about DS3881, N8881 DEC8881..

by Martin Bishop

How available, as NoS rather than pulls, are K559IP1 and its chums 2 & 3 ? Martin -----Original Message----- From: Holm Tiffe [mailto:holm@freibergnet.de] Sent: 01 August 2025 10:45 To: Martin Bishop <mjd.bishop(a)emeritus-solutions.com> Subject: Re: [cctalk] Q about DS3881, N8881 DEC8881.. Martin Bishop wrote: > The 8881 data sheet you reference is identical to the one I found last night, quicker to search than rummage. > ok. > The closest it comes to an output drive specification is in the test conditions for the "0" output voltage. The 17 ma current with 5v supply and 0v4 Vol limit suggests a 270R test load. This is interestingly different from the Qbus use case of 178/383 termination; the Thevinin equivalent being 120R at 3v4 - equivalent to ~25 mA to pull down to 0v4. And, ~22 mA to pull down to 0v8 - the Lo voltage you require, 0v4 being what you would like. Yes, I've read that. > > I am extremely sceptical that bus currents of 70/80 mA are likely, to get 70 mA you need a Thevinin R of ~40R ie three terminators in parallel (61 / 131); many years ago, I could not get two backplane systems to do reliable DMA - never mind three ... However, its in the spec so everyone wants one ... Similarly, getting down to 0v4 with a realistic NPN is a joke, under 0v8 yes but with a Q-bus as load my expectation is only a bit below 0v6. ..german saying "you are heavy on the wood way! (Du bist schwer auf dem Holzweg..yes, I know english for runnaways (englisch für Fortgeschrittene = nonsense)) Thy don't specify bus currents with 70mA, they specify the maximal Output low current that the device could handle ..which has almost nothing todo with the current in the use case Unibus or Qbus. > > If you can obtain K559IP1 I suggest you test them on the bench, they could well be usable. But, yes, the well of old parts is drying out. And, IMHO, some of the requirements in the specs are more what DEC would have liked rather than what they could source. I already have some on stock and.. I own an russian 11/03 equivalent Elektronika E60 with M2 CPU .. worked 5 years before now, stored sine then. As far as I remember the K559IP1 is used there on some boards, and The Bus is a QBUS ..but with metric dimensions even on the connectors. If you are interested here are som pics from the boards: https://www.tiffe.de/Robotron/PDP-VAX/E60/ The Interface Board I4vers3 (И4ред3 in the upper left) E60-06.jpg for the russian RX02 has an K559IP1 (К559ИП1) on the bus side, but nmostly used in this machine are K559IP2 and 3 ..8640 and 8641. So there is no need to test those chips, I know they are working. E60-01.jpg and E60-02.jpg are the CPU Board M2. Regards, Holm BTW: why off-list? [DrB] Your 01 0906Z Aug 25 (below) was off list ... > > Best Regards > > Martin > > -----Original Message----- > From: Holm Tiffe [mailto:holm@freibergnet.de] > Sent: 01 August 2025 09:06 > To: Martin Bishop <mjd.bishop(a)emeritus-solutions.com> > Subject: Re: [cctalk] Q about DS3881, N8881 DEC8881.. > > Martin Bishop wrote: > > > https://forum.vcfed.org/index.php?threads/dec-ttl-part-number-equiva > > le nts.79306/ is a collection of rumours about what DEC 8881's > > > > DS3862 was a National Semi trapezoidal (ie slew rate limited driver), whether that makes a DS3881 a National part is a good question (never found it). > > > > DEC documentation on LSI-11 BusDrivers mentions the 8881 as having DEC order code 957, and describes it as a bus driver. The documentation goes on to say that a 8641 is a 8640 (Bus Rx) integrated with a 8881 (Bus driver); followed by pin out (14p classic TTL NAND pin out) and parametrics. I shall try to find a link to the pdf; I have pp55-58 on A4. > > > > The DS3881 might be an urban myth, perpetuated typo / error ? > > That's my tough too.. > Regarding the russian Datasheet the K559IP1 can source 70mA (an other databook shows 80mA here) that's over the spec of an 8881 as far as I know, the "1972_Signetics_SSI_8400_8800_TTL_DTL.pdf page 2-44" has no value for the max output sink current.. > > It seems that this part is modified from the russians but listet as > DEC Standard and used for the same purpose as the 8881, but it has a > modified Pinout too (2 extra free pins, DIP16 instead of DIP14) > > If found a interesting discussion about the western parts here: > > https://forum.vcfed.org/index.php?threads/dec-ttl-part-number-equivale > nts.79306/ > > I'm a former East-german from "behind the iron curtain"..that's why I'm at least kew of the existence of that equivalent parts. I still know of a source of 8640, 8641 equivalents and I've bought the last 7 8T24 equivalents there. This source is now drying out too... > > Regards, > Holm > > > > > Martin > > > > PS off looking for URLs > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Holm Tiffe via cctalk [mailto:cctalk@classiccmp.org] > > Sent: 31 July 2025 20:01 > > To: cctalk(a)classiccmp.org > > Cc: Holm Tiffe <holm(a)freibergnet.de> > > Subject: [cctalk] Q about DS3881, N8881 DEC8881.. > > > > The russians build PDP11's and VAXes. They made chips similar to the special DEC chips. For example there is an K559IP2 which is an DS8640, and there is an K559IP1 and they list an DS3881 as equivalent, 4 NAND gates "standard DEC" Bus driver ..hmm. > > > > 1,2-3, 4,5-6 10,11-9 and 13,14-12. ..input,input-output. 16 VCC, 8 > > GND, > > 7,15 free. It is an 16 pin 300mil DIP. > > > > Now I have problems to find a Datasheet for an DS3881 which is NOT an CCFL Inverter from Maxim/Dallas/Analog but I' pretty shure I've seen such beasts already in the past. > > An DEC8881 is sitting next to an DS8640 on a DLV11 I have in my hands..but this is an DIP14 Chip (similar to an 7401 or an 7439). > > > > What the heck could a DS3881 be? > > > > (DEC Bus drivers are getting rare those days, that's the cause that I've bought those russian chips in the past for cheap.. > > > > Regards, > > Holm > > > > -- > > Technik Service u. Handel Tiffe, www.tsht.de, Holm Tiffe, > > Goethestrasse 15, 09569 Oederan, USt-Id: DE253710583 > > info(a)tsht.de Tel +49 37292 709778 Mobil: 0172 8790 741 > > -- > Technik Service u. Handel Tiffe, www.tsht.de, Holm Tiffe, > Goethestrasse 15, 09569 Oederan, USt-Id: DE253710583 > info(a)tsht.de Tel +49 37292 709778 Mobil: 0172 8790 741 -- Technik Service u. Handel Tiffe, www.tsht.de, Holm Tiffe, Goethestrasse 15, 09569 Oederan, USt-Id: DE253710583 info(a)tsht.de Tel +49 37292 709778 Mobil: 0172 8790 741

22 hours, 28 minutes

1
0
0 0

Re: RSX11M (not PLUS) v4.8 question

by Mark Matlock

Peter, I also had the same problem when using RSX11M instead of M+. Below is a quick Macro-11 program that sends two VT100 escape sequences. The first clears the screen and the second sends the cursor home. It can be easily modified for other terminal types if needed. For command line editing that works with RSX11M, take a look at the MCE command line editor. It is a great DECUS program found on RSX SIG Tape Spring 1989 in [265,1] Best, Mark >TYP CLR.MAC .TITLE Reset VT Terminal .MCALL QIOW$S,EXIT$S .EVEN MSG: .ASCII <33>/[2J/<33>/[H/ LEN = . - MSG .EVEN START: QIOW$S #IO.WVB,#5,#1,,,,<#MSG,#LEN,> EXIT$S .END START >MAC CLR=CLR >TKB TKB>CLR=CLR TKB>/ TKB>TASK=…CLR TKB>// >PIP LB:[1,54]/NV/CO=CLR.TSK >INS $CLR

22 hours, 59 minutes

2
1
0 0

Q about DS3881, N8881 DEC8881..

by Holm Tiffe

The russians build PDP11's and VAXes. They made chips similar to the special DEC chips. For example there is an K559IP2 which is an DS8640, and there is an K559IP1 and they list an DS3881 as equivalent, 4 NAND gates "standard DEC" Bus driver ..hmm. 1,2-3, 4,5-6 10,11-9 and 13,14-12. ..input,input-output. 16 VCC, 8 GND, 7,15 free. It is an 16 pin 300mil DIP. Now I have problems to find a Datasheet for an DS3881 which is NOT an CCFL Inverter from Maxim/Dallas/Analog but I' pretty shure I've seen such beasts already in the past. An DEC8881 is sitting next to an DS8640 on a DLV11 I have in my hands..but this is an DIP14 Chip (similar to an 7401 or an 7439). What the heck could a DS3881 be? (DEC Bus drivers are getting rare those days, that's the cause that I've bought those russian chips in the past for cheap.. Regards, Holm -- Technik Service u. Handel Tiffe, www.tsht.de, Holm Tiffe, Goethestrasse 15, 09569 Oederan, USt-Id: DE253710583 info(a)tsht.de Tel +49 37292 709778 Mobil: 0172 8790 741

1 day, 13 hours

2
2
0 0

Ferroresonant transformer mystery

by Tom Hunter

Recently I got a nice and complete PDP-8/s from the US. The power supply uses a ferroresonant transformer which in addition to the standard primary and secondary windings has a separate 2.3H winding connected in series to a 2uF 660VAC capacitor forming a resonant "tank" circuit. The transformer's secondary side and the resonant circuit are operated in saturation. There is a magnetic shunt to prevent the primary side going into saturation as well. It accepts a wide input voltage range, but is very sensitive to the input frequency of 60Hz. This is quite a nice if not elegant design for the period in question, but maybe not the most efficient. As I live in Australia I get 240VAC and 50Hz as opposed to the US 115VAC and 60Hz. I can easily convert our 240VAC to 115VAC with a step-down transformer, but cannot easily supply 115VAC at 60Hz. So I was considering using a step-down transformer to get the 115VAC, but modify the resonant "tank circuit" for 50Hz. Unfortunately there is some magic I don't understand. The resonant frequency of a LC circuit with L=2.3H and C=2uF is about 75Hz not the expected 60Hz. Otherwise I could just solve the standard LC resonant circuit formula for C and plug in 50Hz and 2.3H to get the required C. Obviously ferroresonant transformers are more complex than this former software engineer can grasp. Could any experienced EE with relevant transformer knowledge please chime in and help me understand how to redimension the tank circuit to use 50Hz instead of the original 60Hz input. Obviously I could replace the entire power supply with two modern switch mode supplies to create the two rails, but it would be really nice to keep the original supply and just reversibly adapt it for 50Hz. Thanks and best regards Tom

1 day, 17 hours

14
19
0 0

RSX11M (not PLUS) v4.8 question

by Peter Ekstrom

So, I may just be spoiled from using RSX11M-PLUS and now expect too much from the RSX11M OS. But it seems to me the CLS command would be a nice-to-have, but I am not able to find anything about it. So did that not exist for RSX11M? How does one clear the screen in that environment? -Peter

1 day, 20 hours

1
0
0 0

RP2350 5V Input Tollerant Pins

by Martin Bishop

https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/rp2350/ From postings, I know that folks use the RP2350 for interfacing; the trade press has been shipping news of RP's rev A4 datasheet in volume. The datasheet should tell all. However, the 5V tollerance of the "IO" pins is significant for its simplification of TTL interfacing; the maximum supply and output voltage remains 3v3. See section 14.8.2 (p 1335) et seq - NB the FT indication. Martin

2 days, 13 hours

6
16
0 0

rsts.org -- contact and info for them

by Jay Jaeger

I tried to contact rsts.org using their web site form, but it threw a server error when I tried. I have two pieces of info for them, if they hang out here: 1) The files at http://www.rsts.org/autoindex.php?dir=distros/RSTS_tapes/V_10.0/ and http://www.rsts.org/autoindex.php?dir=distros/RSTS_tapes/V_10.1/ cannot be downloaded: access Forbidden error. 2) I have a product code for the RSTS 10.0 distribution tape (they say "Unknown DEC Product Code" on the index page.) The code on the actual tape is BB-P016P-BC RSTS/E V10.0 INSTALL 16MT9 (Unfortunately, my tape has not yet responded to my attempts to read it - I think the signal that ought to tell the drive it is 1600 BPI PE isn't being recognized by my HP SCSI tape drive - it thinks the tape is 800BPI, but it works OK with other 1600BPI tapes.) JRJ

2 days, 17 hours

1
0
0 0

HP900/735 Ram Modules

by hupfadekroua

Hi all, I‘m looking for Ram modules for my HP9000/735 system. Best Andreas

2 days, 17 hours

2
1
0 0

Re: Wanted: IBM 5324 Monitor

by Jaume López Martin

Hello, I am a collector of old computers and a fellow owner of Datamaster computers. I have seen your CCMP post about wanting to have image output from your 5324. I imagine this computer hasn't been serviced. If you want I could help you to solve both issues. If you still have the computer and want to do something with it, we would first need to diagnose and repair it if necessary. I would guide through the entire process of troubleshooting. After the service, I would instruct you how to get video output through HDMI. Regards, Jaume

4 days, 4 hours

1
0
0 0

IBM SMS cards

by Henk Stegeman

Hi all, I just spotted an auction on eBay for 40 IBM SMS cards. It sold for over $2,000 (!) Does anyone know if this reflects collector value or the value of the gold content? Also, what’s the current value of a set of SMS cold contacts? Thanks, Henk www.ibmsystem3.nl

4 days, 16 hours

5
5
0 0

Scada computers and remote terminal units

by Devin

Greetings, Been a long while since i have posted in on here. I usually discuss my pdp 11 and vax systems. I have decided to pivot my career to scada syatems. The company i am with has some interesting stuff that goes pretty far back. Our custom in house tech is a plc pump controller with a radio connection for data logging and control. Pretty cool, 8051 based, with a version of basic in rom that has scada functions added. The backend servers are just linux systems, although in a modular backplane for easy replacement. I have not read much about this tech outside of what we have in house. Are there other historic scada system computers or technologies that are similar, easily found on ebay for example? Ive seen some mention of old allen bradley stuff, but not much notes on how it would be used remotely in the field, as a remote terminal unit. Any suggestions are appriciated, trying to read more into scada tech outside of my company's tech. Thanks, Devin D.

5 days, 20 hours

13
21
0 0

Re: Scada computers and remote terminal units

by Mark Moulding

Honeywell made a large number of these systems, which were in use in many industries (oil refining, manufacturing of all types, water utility distribution, etc.). They were quite expensive, and PLC manufacturers have made great inroads into that market in the past couple of decades. As a result, some of that equipment is showing up in the surplus market. I found a Honeywell "Orion" console desk being disposed of that I would have loved to take, except that it was truly massive (it must have weighed nearly a thousand pounds!). It was electrically height adjustable (with memory), had mounts for two very large monitors, integrated lighting, cable management, and rack spaces for physical buttons and lights. Actually, a lot of their equipment is pretty massive, especially when compared to current-day PLCs. ~~ Mark Moulding

1 week

1
0
0 0

Sad news re: Chuck Guzis

by John

There's been discussion of this on the VCFed forum, but it doesn't look like anybody's brought it up here yet. Per Mike Brutman, list member Chuck Guzis a.k.a. Chuck(G) passed away recently. He was highly knowledgeable, a full-bore storage expert, and an all-around even-keeled decent sort, and will be missed.

1 week, 1 day

19
20
0 0

NeXT Cubes Available

by Bill Degnan

(forgive the dual post with Midatlantic Retro if you're in both groups....) Hello I have been in my spare time messing around with NeXT hardware and I have built three extra working NeXT cube systems (mouse keyboard, computer, display) that I would be willing to let go for less than Ebay prices (look on Ebay for sold status complete systems). Two of them have SCSI2SD hard drives and I have one that still has a working original drive. I don't have any optical disks available, but the optical drives come with the system, untested. There are always caveats to define "works", but basically these are working computer systems that could be connected to a network and they come with a basic Next OS installed. I don't want to ship these if possible. So if you're willing to pick up the system (Landenberg, PA), you can try before you buy and pick the one you want at a discount to Ebay price. Contact me through kennettclassic.com/contact.cfm with your offer/timeline. FIrst come first served. Shipping is available if you want to pay a shipping charge, plus postage. I have shipping boxes. I am going to VCFMW this year, but I am flying there and won't be able to bring them. If you want the cube system delivered to VCFMW, you'd have to find someone to deliver it for you, or have it shipped. I am willing to deliver a system a reasonable distance from the Phila/Baltimore area. Cash, CC, Paypal, check accepted. Bill Degnan 484 732 7041 kennettclassic.com

1 week, 2 days

2
2
0 0

VCF West 2025 Hotel Block Still Available!

by Jeffrey Brace

What do you mean you haven't booked your hotel room for VCF West 2025? The hotel block is filling up fast! Check out this link for more info: https://vcfed.org/2025/07/22/vcf-west-2025-hotel-still-available/

1 week, 2 days

3
2
0 0

AMIGA/040th – Step Behind the Curtain @ VCF West 2025 @ CHM - Aug 1 &2

by Jeffrey Brace

Travel back to the legendary 1984 CES debut of the Amiga and witness exclusive prototype demos in a fully immersive recreation. Rare Amiga Corp and Commodore artifacts will be on display, along with special presentations celebrating key milestones—including the launch of the Amiga 500 and its pop culture impact, featuring a recreation of the Spielberg-inspired “bedroom computer” scene. Explore the revolutionary NewTek Video Toaster and Flyer in a 1990s editing room, and experience rare Amiga coin-op arcade machines in action. Dive into the vibrant world of European Amiga demos and explore a full lineup of Amiga systems—from original classics to modern enhancements using Raspberry Pi, AmiKit, Vampire, MorphOS, AROS, and AmigaOS 4. Browse Tony’s Amiga Emporium for collectible systems, and check out the latest hardware from A-Eon and AmigaKit, including the A1222, A600GS, and A1200NG. Don’t miss this celebration of innovation and legacy! Show info: https://vcfed.org/events/vintage-computer-festival-west/ Tickets: https://vcfed.org/events/vintage-computer-festival-west/vcf-west-tickets/ Jeff Brace

1 week, 4 days

1
0
0 0

SyQuest disk anyone?

by Peter Ekstrom

I am looking for a 15MB SQ300 disk cartridge in working condition. Anyone have one they wouldn't mind parting with? - Peter

1 week, 4 days

6
10
0 0

PDP-11/93 memory question

by Bill Gunshannon

I have an 11/93 with 2MB of memory onboard. I would like to kick it up to 4MB. I got some memory a while ago that was supposed to be PMI for it but it turned out to be UNIBUS and thus no help. I have some old fashioned QBUS memory module floating around. Will these work to add the missing 2MB or can the 11/93 only use PMI? Would be nice to wake this old box up again. I have this cool Decromancer just crying for somewhere to run. bill

1 week, 4 days

2
1
0 0

Compaq 9.1GB Ultra3 SCSI disks + Hot Plug Drive Trays

by Johan Helsingius

Anyone need Compaq hot plug SCSI drives and/or drive trays (part number 386536-001)? I have 16 of them spare. Julf

1 week, 4 days

2
3
0 0

VCF West 2025 Consignment, Aug 1 & 2, Mountain View, CA

by Jeffrey Brace

Get your items into the system! Print your labels ahead of time! Buy and sell treasures. More info here: https://vcfed.org/events/vintage-computer-festival-west/vcf-west-consignmen… Jeff Brace

2 weeks

1
0
0 0

Endeco Cartridge Reader

by Steve Lewis

Is anyone familiar with the Type 1138SSM Cartridge Reader by Endeco, Inc (of Marion, MA) ? I recently got one, it appears to have an RS-232 interface at the back (and a power cable). I believe it is from around 1989. The cartridge slot has a connector that looks like something an NES might have. That is, it is not a tape, but it is much larger than CompactFlash. If anyone is familiar with these, I'm trying to find some cartridges and any kind of manual on how to interface with the thing. Thanks! Steve

2 weeks, 1 day

2
1
0 0

RK06/7 manual?

by Mark Kahrs

LSSM is looking for a copy of the RK06/07 Technical Description Manual, EK-RK067-TD-001. If anyone can give or loan it to us, we can scan it as well for public distribution. Thanks.

2 weeks, 1 day

2
1
0 0

Selling a Wang calculator

by pontus

Hi I know this isn't exactly the right group for this. But I have a fairly uncommon Wang calculator for sale and am not sure where to post about it. I've tried "Vintage Calculators Buy & Sell" on facebook without much luck. I see there is some calculator activity on discord, so I'll post about it there but I'd be happy for suggestion of other venues before I go the E-bay route. Below is the blurb I posted on facebook and here is a link to photos of the thing: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gNdVSsNDxDL1Ukjh13-2ElJXRiWKQ5rx?us… FOR SALE: a Wang 362E electronic calculator in good condition, some scuff marks and light scratches but the inside is clean and looks to be complete. It comes with the 370K programming keyboard with nixie tube display in original dust cover, two card readers model 371 (with feet), four manuals in English and one in Swedish with handwritten notes. Also included is an IBM port-a-punch in box. I have decided not to test it in order to avoid causing any damage from improper handling or due to problems with ageing hardware. Located in Uppsala, Sweden. I will ship internationally but please allow some time for me to package it properly and figure out the best shipping options. I have shipped heavy computers and even CRTs with success, so I’m not without experience. Give me an offer :)

2 weeks, 1 day

1
0
0 0

9-Track Tape Extraction

by lukeparkerson1＠gmail.com

Hi all, I recently got my hands on what I believe is a 9-track tape, dated 1986, which has some old survey data stored on it from a university research project several decades ago. I'm hoping to be able to extract the information from the tape and convert it to a more modern data file accessible to the public, but I don't know very much about these tapes nor do I have 9-track tape equipment. I'm wondering if anyone who is more familiar with this technology can tell me it's even still possible to extract this data, and if so, is there's anyone here who can try and run the tape, or knows someone with a working 9-track tape drive? The frame is not in the best shape, but the tape is hopefully fine. Here's a photo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PrdBnIWUO4-317ZSwqvY-TD6dHr2CxC8/view?usp=… Thanks, Luke

2 weeks, 1 day

10
11
0 0

Re: Lee Felsenstein at VCF West August 1 at 4:30PM

by John Foust

At 04:22 PM 7/10/2025, you wrote: >Lee Felsenstein at VCF West Friday, August 1 at 4:30PM. >He will talk about the 50th Anniversary of The Homebrew Computer Club. Here's the line-up: https://vcfed.org/events/vintage-computer-festival-west/vcf-west-speakers/v… Not just Lee... but also Bob Marsh of Processor Tech, and Harry Garland of Cromenco, and Dan Sokol of Apple... And then for the Amiga 40th events, Dale, RJ, Trevor, Perry, Willie, Marco, Bill, Aaron, Brad, and me, too! And Sellam is there! - John

2 weeks, 1 day

1
0
0 0

Comstar System 4 Intel 4004 based Industrial Computer Documentation

by Christian Liendo

I was able to obtain a number of documents that pertain to the Comstar System 4. I spoke about this computer in the past but I have scanned some documentation that should help explain this unique computer People who have been interested in the Intel 4004 might find this interesting The Comstar System 4 Reference Manual is rather detailed on the computer itself and it's applications This is the Complete Comstar System 4 Reference Manual https://archive.org/details/comstar-system-4-reference-manual_202507 Warner & Swasey Reference Manual https://archive.org/details/warner-swasey-comstar-star-system-reference Comstar System 4 Programming Manual https://archive.org/details/comstar-system-4-programming-manual Comstar System 4 Tester Manual https://archive.org/details/wscomstar-system-4-test-manual Comstar System 4 CPU Module Schematic https://archive.org/details/comstar-system-4-cpumodule Comstar System 4 Serial Communications Schematic https://archive.org/details/comstar-system-4-serial-communications Comstar Star System 4 RAM Module Schematic https://archive.org/details/comstar-star-system-4-rammodversion Comstar Star System 4 HTL I/O DATA Module Schematic https://archive.org/details/comstar-star-system-4-iodatamodule Comstar Star System 4 PROM Module Schematic https://archive.org/details/comstar-star-system-4-prommodule Comstar Star System 4 PROM 1k 2k Module Schematic https://archive.org/details/comstar-star-system-4-prom-1k-2k-module Warner & Swasey Comstar System 4 Process Control Language https://archive.org/details/wscomstar-system-4-pclref-manual Warner & Swasey Computer Division Comstar System 4 Machine Language / Assembly Language Reference Manual https://archive.org/details/wscomstar-system-4-assembly-language Comstar System 4 Program Analyzer Reference Manual https://archive.org/details/comstar-system-4-reference-manual Computer History Museum's Archive of the Manual https://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102686568 Comstar Computer Systems Process Control Language Data Sheet https://archive.org/details/comstar-star-pclcompiler-data-sheet

2 weeks, 4 days

2
1
0 0

Video: Introduction to Chiptunes by Inversephase @ VCF East2025

by Jeffrey Brace

Introduction to Chiptunes by @inversephase video released today (7/14/2025): https://youtu.be/i0v712l2RWE Enjoy! Jeff Brace

2 weeks, 4 days

1
0
0 0

Interact One Message Center

by Steve Lewis

Hey all, I'm trying to track down a manual or instructions for the Message Center program on the Interact One (from 1978). I've run this in the MAME emulator, and it seems the program has a "partial" BASIC-like interpreter. You can do line numbers, like 10 HELLO 20 WORLD Then issue the command SCROLL, and it will start scrolling text in the numeric sequence they were specified. Then you can also do commands like FLASH, BUZZ, BEEP in its equivalent of "immediate mode" -but I don't know yet how to specify these commands in the numeric program. And in the emulator, I can't yet parse the commands PLOT, SOUND, SIZE - these "message center" program specific commands,not BASIC (BASIC on this system is loaded from tape). Anyway, a manual on a program for the Interact One called "Message Center" is what I'm trying to track down. Thanks, Steve

3 weeks

1
0
0 0

IBM System/23 Datamaster 5324 Towers and IBM 5247 HDD Tower Available

by Ali

Hello All, A long time ago I acquired a System/23 desktop unit and eventually a number of the tower units including the HDD tower unit. The plan was to setup a System/23 Muli-User system with multiple terminals connected together. Well, like many great plans real life got in the way and the units have been sitting in storage for a few years. I have accepted that this is one of the projects I will never get to and it is time to pass them on to someone else who can enjoy them. The systems are in SoCal (Upland, CA to be more exact). More info can be found at the following links: https://forum.vcfed.org/index.php?threads/ibm-system-23-datamaster-5324-towe r-model-of-the-5322-with-original-clicky-keyboard.1253651/ https://forum.vcfed.org/index.php?threads/ibm-system-23-datamaster-5324-towe r-model-of-the-5322-with-one-floppy-drive.1253652/ https://forum.vcfed.org/index.php?threads/ibm-system-23-datamaster-5322-or-5 324-hdd-tower-model-5247.1253653/ I hate to part/scrap them as the towers rarely show up so I am hoping someone local would be interested in them. Feel free to email me directly or reach out through VCF. Thanks -Ali

3 weeks

2
1
0 0

Vax boxes, parts

by Paul Anderson

I did some digging and found one 3000-400 with no lid( It could be here somewhere) and I'll have to move it to look it over to see what's there. I had 6 or so 3000s and I guess I sold them, but more digging to do. MV3100 M76 MV3100s I can't get to the model number 4000-60 5000-25 5000-125 5000-133 5000-200 I had to pull some boards and made a small list. M7621 M7622 M7624 M7625 M7626 54-21149 KN15 If you need a board I have not listed, please email me off list. If I haven't replied, bug me. I did not list qtys- some items are more than one. Thanks, Paul

3 weeks, 1 day

1
0
0 0

Q-bus, PDP8, VAX items

by Paul Anderson

As many of you know I have been trying to finish organizing my Unibus parts and finish building several systems for years. Other than time and my health I don't have enough space. I would like to sell, at reasonable prices, all of my q-bus parts which include 400 - 500 boards, about a dozen boxes, and a lot of spare parts. I have BA11-M, BA11-N, BA11-S and a few BA23 boxes left. If you have an original 11/03, I have a dozen or so H780 power supplies, which are very hard to find. They are also used in the Vax 11/780 front end, the RKV11-D and possibly a few other items. I can test them if I have time, but that might take awhile. I'm also taking offers on some of my 8-E and all of my 8-A items. I will entertain offers on the VT14 and all of the PDP 14 industrial controller parts. I have a few Vax 3000, 5000, and a few others along with parts including memory. Those of you who have been here know I have a ton of DEC and DEC-compatible parts, but no one has seen everything. I have brand new disk heads, tape drive heads, alignment packs, and literally tons more. I went through over 50 backplanes a few weeks ago looking for a few specific ones. Some Unibus items are also going. Probable some 11/05s, 11/34s, 11/83 and/or 84s and a lot of options and boards. So if you need or are thinking about DEC items, feel free to send me a wish list off list. I prefer phone calls and will send my number upon request. I was never great at typing and I'm getting worse. Oh- I also trade for US and foreign coins and currency. Thank, Paul

3 weeks, 1 day

7
25
0 0

More equipment available in Upland, CA

by Ali

I also have the following available for whoever is interested: Sony StorStation AIT Library LIB-162 https://forum.vcfed.org/index.php?threads/sony-storstation-ait-library-lib-1 62.1253656/ HP SureStore SC10 https://forum.vcfed.org/index.php?threads/hp-surestore-sc10.1253657/ HP Impact Line Printer 2563C (this is one nice printer and if I had the room I would keep it but alas....) https://forum.vcfed.org/index.php?threads/hp-impact-line-printer-2563c.12536 54/ -Ali

3 weeks, 1 day

1
0
0 0

Lee Felsenstein at VCF West August 1 at 4:30PM

by Jeffrey Brace

Lee Felsenstein at VCF West Friday, August 1 at 4:30PM. He will talk about the 50th Anniversary of The Homebrew Computer Club. Get tickets here: https://connect.computerhistory.org/.../1ffceb98-f556... <https://connect.computerhistory.org/events/1ffceb98-f556-df49-f011-42475680…> Info here: https://vcfed.org/events/vintage-computer-festival-west/ <https://vcfed.org/events/vintage-computer-festival-west/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZ…> Jeff Brace

3 weeks, 1 day

1
0
0 0

Re: Burroughs backplane story, was Re: Another 780 backplane story

by Freek Heite

Ah, thank you Paul, for sharing this story. Postings like this make cctalk worth every penny, IMO! Regards, Freek. -----Original Message----- Date: Tue, 08 Jul 2025 21:30:36 -0000 From: paul.kimpel(a)digm.com Subject: [cctalk] Burroughs backplane story, was Re: Another 780 backplane story To: cctalk(a)classiccmp.org Message-ID: <175201023609.1228.2550589532797629102(a)classiccmp.org> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" In early 1971, I started working as an on-site software tech on a rather large (for the time), dual-processor Burroughs B6500. It was early days for that system, and we had a lot of problems with it in the field. We got those ironed out pretty well and eventually got the system up to an acceptable level of operation. <<< snip>>> We finally deduced that the problem had been present since the system left the factory floor. The original I/O software had been so poor that the system was seldom (if ever) able to initiate more than one I/O to disk at a time, but the new version we had recently installed was really good at initiating multiple I/Os. Mux 1 had a lower selection priority than Mux 0, so under the old software it was seldom selected, and perhaps never so for tag transfer I/Os, which are relatively rare. The new software allowed the system to get busy enough that Mux 1 started to be used a lot more often, and eventually it got busy enough that a paging I/O for that master PCW array got scheduled to Mux 1, and the system just didn't survive for very long after that.

3 weeks, 2 days

1
0
0 0

Burroughs backplane story, was Re: Another 780 backplane story

by paul.kimpel＠digm.com

In early 1971, I started working as an on-site software tech on a rather large (for the time), dual-processor Burroughs B6500. It was early days for that system, and we had a lot of problems with it in the field. We got those ironed out pretty well and eventually got the system up to an acceptable level of operation. About a year later, a major upgrade to the MCP (the OS) was released. A major component of that release was a completely rewritten I/O subsystem with much higher reliability and much, much better performance, especially in "Logical I/O," the interface between user programs and the memory buffers and physical I/O mechanism. Soon after installing this release, we started to get fatal system crashes in Logical I/O. Describing what was happening requires a little background on the system architecture. The B6500, like its predecessor the B5500, is known as an ALGOL-oriented stack machine, but it is less well-known as a type of capability system. To support that, it used a segmented memory model and tagged memory. Each word had an extra three bits, not accessible to user programs, that identified the type of data in a word. For example, tag 0 was ordinary data, tag 2 indicated a double-precision word, tag 5 was a data descriptor through which data segments were addressed, and tag 7 was a Program Control Word (PCW) that effectively addressed a location in an object-code segment. It was used primarily as a procedure (subroutine) entry-point address. In reading the dumps from the crashes and the MCP source code, we started to learn how the new Logical I/O mechanism worked. It cleverly used the stack addressing of the system to implement a very object-oriented interface. The "methods" of this interface were small procedures that were customized to handle very specific cases of record handling -- random vs. sequential I/O, blocked vs. unblocked I/O, translation or no translation, etc. There were scores of these methods. The idea was do a little as possible for each user request and to avoid making as many decisions as possible and to optimize the buffer handling in each case. There were about a half-dozen different types of user requests, and the methods for those were accessed through a branch table in the FIB (control block) for each open file. That branch table contained PCWs for the appropriate methods needed by that file. The table was set up during file open, but could be changed as the nature of the user program's requests changed, e.g., from sequential to random access. We discovered that the crash was caused by some PCWs in the file-level branch tables having tags of 5 instead of tags of 7. Attempting to call a procedure using a tag-5 word was a no-no that was trapped by the hardware, hence the fatal dump. Then we discovered that the branch tables were loaded from a master array of PCWs for all of the possible methods, and when we looked at that array in the dump, ALL of the PCWs in the array had tags of 5! We know that array initially had to have had words with tags of 7, because the system had run for quite a while before crashing, so how could all of the words in the array suddenly have changed to tags of 5? There wasn't any straightforward way to do that in software. That master array was loaded from from the OS image on disk at the initial boot, but then we found out the array was overlayable -- it could be paged out and back in by the virtual memory mechanism. So we began to suspect there was an issue with I/O. Normally, a disk read stored words in memory with a constant tag of 0, but there was a special I/O mode, termed "tag transfer," that would read and write the tag bits along with the regular data bits. Fortunately, the other tech on the site had worked in the MCP group for a while and knew the I/O hardware pretty well, so he started writing some standalone programs to exercise the hardware in specific ways. This system had two I/O Multiplexors (multi-channel DMA units) numbered 0 and 1, and the disk drives were dual-ported so that either Mux could address any of them. My colleague's programs tried doing I/Os with various combinations of Mux and channel assignments. And as you might expect by now, he discovered that doing a tag transfer read through Mux 1 always dropped the middle tag bit. We turned that finding over to the on-site Field Engineers, who pulled out their schematics and started tracing signals. It took several hours, but eventually they discovered not a loose wire, but that Mux 1 was completely missing a wire. Of course, it was the wire that carried the middle bit of the tag during tag transfer. We finally deduced that the problem had been present since the system left the factory floor. The original I/O software had been so poor that the system was seldom (if ever) able to initiate more than one I/O to disk at a time, but the new version we had recently installed was really good at initiating multiple I/Os. Mux 1 had a lower selection priority than Mux 0, so under the old software it was seldom selected, and perhaps never so for tag transfer I/Os, which are relatively rare. The new software allowed the system to get busy enough that Mux 1 started to be used a lot more often, and eventually it got busy enough that a paging I/O for that master PCW array got scheduled to Mux 1, and the system just didn't survive for very long after that.

3 weeks, 3 days

1
0
0 0

Update on Qbus backplanes

by Paul Anderson

For those of you who wanted the Qbus backplanes here is the list. I've been moving things around and found them while looking for something else. Please contact me off list with any questions. H9270 4 x 4 used in the BA11-M for the original PDP11/03 H9270 with card cage complete 11/03 box, boards available H9276-B H9276-B with card cage H9278-A 2x12 micro backplane with card cage BA123-A Sygma 4x8 with card cage Heath

3 weeks, 4 days

1
0
0 0

Re: Another 780 backplane story

by Marvin Johnston

While not on a 780 back plane, about 50 years ago, I was basically in charge of some 26 PDP16M computers. Periodically, one of the chips would be found with the top blown off. At some point, I pulled the computer and examined the backplane filled with wirewrap wires. The solution turned out to be fairly simple... a -15V bus was about .001" near one of the wirewrap posts. A slight moving of that bus away from the wirewrap post solved that problem. I have to assume it was a temperature related problem since increasing that spacing solved the problem. Unrelated to the computer problem, another source of angst was intermittently one of those computers would crash. That one took probably a year to find... one of the interface M series pullup cards had a pulldown card installed in its place. I should mention all the above took place on a newly install system. Marvin

3 weeks, 4 days

3
2
0 0

IBM backplane story was Re: Another 780 backplane story

by trp

I worked part time at a computer center for a large bank while getting my undergraduate degree. The center was getting one of the first IBM 3081 machines to replace the existing 3033 MP. Because of the helium filled modules, getting the machine from the climate controlled truck to the center, which was on the 7th floor of the bank building was crazy; the move had to be accomplished in 30 minutes. As a dry run, IBM supplied a size and weight dummy 3081 in advance to make sure the delivery went smoothly. As you might imagine, the install and switch over to the 3081 was high profile. The VP in charge of the center was under pressure to get it done on schedule. The delivery and initial install went according to plan. The data was migrated to the new disks and the various application software was run through its paces. Unfortunately, the 3081 would occasionally throw a power fault. The local FE’s could not determine the cause, so after a week or so second level support was called in. They could not figure it out, so IBM brought in Ivan (I think that was his name). You know when you get the hot shot from IBM when he arrives in bib overalls and tennis shoes, not a suit and 5 pound wingtips. After the second day, Ivan got tired of the stream of managers asking him when the 3081 would be available, so he went down the the main bank floor and grabbed the thing (I cannot remember the proper name) banks used to use to create teller lines (posts and satin “ropes”), and formed a cordoned area around the 3081’s console. Note that each computer console had a telephone (1 for each 3033 and one for the new 3081) for communicating with the computer operator. On the third day, the VP bypassed the cordon and asked Ivan when the 3081 would be operational and Ivan replied he was’t sure. The VP said he had already told the president it would be up by the end of the day, and Ivan handed the VP the phone on the console and said, and I quote, “Call someone who cares”. I kid you not, I still remember verbatim. Early afternoon of the third day, Ivan asked the Lead FE to get a torch. There was an awesome hardware store about 6 blocks away, so in about 20 minutes the torch was delivered. The power bus on the 3081 had enormous cables composed stranded 4-6 large gauge wires that were soldered to large metal plates. Ivan had determined that the wires were improperly soldered and used the torch to resolder them. You can imagine the horror on the faces of the staff as Ivan opened the power bay, lit the torch, and started melting the solder. And it worked! No more power faults. — Todd

3 weeks, 4 days

3
2
0 0

PDP8-A parts

by Paul Anderson

As requested, here is a partial list of the 8-A parts available. I have a few more to go through, but most are on here except for possibly a 128K memory board. I have some omnibus boards, M8357 RX8e, LA180, LQP, etc, and will try to make a list next week. If you need something not on here, please ask. I have at least one of each of the following, and more than one of some. G8016 G8018 H9194 12 slot 8-A backplane limited front panel programmers panel MM8-AA MM8-AB M8315 M8316 M8317 M8319 M8416 M8417 Also some non dec: REMEX PC8E core memory A complete 8-A mounted in the desk with RX02s. It's currently in the back of a 20 or 25 foot rental locker, but I hope to get it out this summer. It came with a LA35 and maybe a VT52.

3 weeks, 5 days

1
0
0 0

VAX 86x0 schematics

by P Gebhardt

Dear list members, I was wondering if anybody is aware of VAX 86x0 schematics having survived the product life cycle within DEC? I searched the web extensively but could not find any hints on this. It seems that DEC never published such details as schematics for the successor of the VAX 11/78x systems, not even on microfiche, maybe due to the macrocell array implementation (just a guess). All I could find is that there were illustrated parts list on microfiche. However, maybe Hewlett Packard handed DEC-internal documents over to a museum such as the CHM? Or a former designer still have schematics in their archives? Any pointers would be greatly appreciated! Best regards, Pierre ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.digitalheritage.de

3 weeks, 5 days

13
33
0 0

Another 780 backplane story

by Mark Kahrs

Jon Elson's take hits home. A 780 was delivered and VMS was running. We installed 4.1BSD and it ran fine until it crashed. Field service insisted we needed a full set of RS-232 wires in our cable. Still crashed (surprise!). Switched to VMS, still crashed after a while. Local field service couldn't find it. The big guns flew in from Maynard. First day: Couldn't find it. Second day: "What, what's that wire doing there? Have a wire-wrap tool?". Removed wire from backplane. Boots, runs. Engineer flies home.

3 weeks, 5 days

21
34
0 0

Repair procedures

by Paul Koning

Side tracking slightly from the "VAX 86x0 schematics" discussion into changing field service procedures over the years: I remember some fairly hairy cases in the 1970, when FS engineers had to be way more capable than board swappers. 1. DEC RS64 fixed head disk was behaving badly, making more noise than expected. Machine was not under contract. FS tech took it apart, diagnosed bad bearing. To save the customer (college physics department) a pile of money, he took it to Appleton Electric Motor Co., where they found a suitable bearing, pulled off the bad one, pressed a replacement on. Jim reinstalled the motor into the drive, worked great. 2. Same college, different machine: RF11 drive was showing "clock track failure". Diagnosis: drive is not spinning. Same tech. Jim took the drive apart on a desk in the computer center, noticed a head had crashed and melted, hot-glueing itself to the platter so the motor was blocked. This machine was under warranty, so he ordered a pile of parts: full set of heads, motor, platter, plus tools. Replaced the motor, replaced all the heads and aligned them, replaced the platter, and formatted the timing track. The manual for that formatter was not exactly intellegible... 3. Different university, CDC 6500 mainframe, occasional data corruption in one of the mass memory transfer paths. After lots of test code added to the application (PLATO system), the tech concluded he knew the answer. Opened up one of the cabinets, lifted up a massive bundle of wire to reach a spot where one of those wires was "punched in" to a module connector, and re-punched the pins of that wire. Repeat at the other end of that wire. Run tests, problem fixed. In that machine, there were a dozen or so chassis, with up to 750 or so modules, each with 28 signal pins, most of them interconnected to elsewhere with twisted pair wires terminated in tapered pins that were pressed into place. It was a surprisingly reliable system but we learned it wasn't 100%, and it took quite some skill and perseverance to find which of those tens of thousands of wire connections was the failed one. paul

4 weeks, 1 day

2
1
0 0

VCF West 2025 Hotel Block is available!

by Jeffrey Brace

VCF West 2025 Hotel block is available! https://vcfed.org/2025/07/03/vcf-west-2025-official-hotel-available-now/ Take care! Jeff Brace \

4 weeks, 1 day

1
0
0 0

DEC music board

by pontus

Hi Paul I see that you are clearing out QBUS board. I've been looking for a "DIGITAL Q BUS music board" for a while. It is a board without M-number as it was never sold. It is a simple dual board with two AY-3-8192 chips on. There are pictures available, if you want I can send them to you. I live in Sweden, I hope we can work out shipping if you have the board. Regards, Pontus.

1 month

2
2
0 0

DEC items: update II

by Paul Anderson

I was digging through DEC compatible boards for someone and realized I should have posted them. I have over 100 dual, quad, hex and VAX boards from the usual suspects- ABLE, CMD, DIGITAL PATHWAYS, DILOG, EMULEX, MT, PLESSEY, REMEX (paper tape interfaces for 8s and 11s). Included are core memory boards for 8s and 11s.

1 month

1
0
0 0

Databook Library to be scrapped

by Charles Dickman

A small data book library at my work is going to be cleaned out soon. It is mostly common stuff from 1995 and older. I don't believe there is anything unique. You can see a some pictures of the shelves here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/jdJnUdRPvzvRzeTp6 I can't sell them and I won't ship them. If you see anything that should be saved I will squirrel it away with the intention of scanning and getting it online someday. -chuck

1 month

5
5
0 0

The Big Rewrite (American Pie parody)

by Chris Elmquist

Apologies if this is a dupe here but I don't remember seeing it, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCGu5Z_vaps :-) -- Chris Elmquist

1 month

2
1
0 0

DEC items: update

by Paul Anderson

Front panels: I have both 8-A, KY11-LA and -LB for 11/04, /34, one each 11/70 RDC remote diag con, corporate (blue/blue), and regular. I think there is an 11/40 with a 11/35 silkscreen. I have to go through the 8-E, F, and Ms. The last dual extender is on hold, one quad is left, a few hex, a comet (730 or 750 I think), and a 780. Also a few 11/04 and 34 in BA11-L, maybe a -K, and a few 11/83s. I think most of these are systems, not just boxes. The printers include LA12, LA34, LA36, and LA120 and parts for most. There are several hundred non-DEC boards, and a lot of core memory. I'm still looking for the rest of the simms. At some point, I'll be cutting the fingers off of boards no one wants. If you are interested in any qbus or unibus boards for chips, let me know. I can bring items to VCFMW to drop off there. There are a lot of people who drive in from different parts of the country who might be willing to work something out for some gas money. Thanks, Paul

1 month

7
10
0 0

Re: Q-bus, PDP8, VAX items

by Alan Frisbie

Paul Anderson <useddec(a)gmail.com> wrote: > If you have an original 11/03, I have a dozen or so H780 power supplies, > which are very hard to find. They are also used in the Vax 11/780 front > end, the RKV11-D and possibly a few other items. Wow, someone who actually knows about the RKV11-D!!! I've had DEC people visit my place, see the RKV11-D, and proclaim that "DEC never made that!". Since you know what it is, can you tell us anything about how it came to be, and why it is so little-known? I bought mine back in 1978 or so from Newman Computer Exchange for my 11/03. I later added the missing wires (and chip) to enable 18-bit addressing when I got an 11/73. I haven't used it since I moved to Oregon six years ago, but it would take just a few hours to remove the RK05 head locks and plug things in, assuming that all the capacitors are still good. It came in handy to prove to the RSX development group that RSX-11M version 2.0 would run on an 11/73. :-) Alan Frisbie

1 month

3
2
0 0

Is there a more modern replacement for paper tape punch/reader

by ben

Now that I have my 18 bit retro computer working, I am thinking of adding classic IO, like paper tape. Sadly I am a few decades too late. Is there anything out there to replace a punch/reader used as 70's i/o? Any good mag tape (cassete tape) replacements? I would love a tiny 9 track mag tape toy sized if they made one, like the wall hanging PDP8's. On wish list, a flex writer or TTY video display replacement, ie overstrike and underline in 2/3 size VT100 case. Ben. https://www.instructables.com/23-Scale-VT100-Terminal-Reproduction/

1 month

22
77
0 0

Re: VCF West August 1-2, 2025 - Mountain View, California

by John Foust

At 09:18 PM 3/11/2025, Jeffrey Brace via cctalk wrote: >VCF West is back on August 1 & 2, 2025 at the Computer History Museum in >Mountain View, California. > >We're partnering with the Sacramento Amiga Computer Club and AmiWest to >celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Amiga and other special guests. I'm considering attending this Amiga 40th anniversary celebration. I was invited to speak on a panel on the topic of the experience of early Amiga code development. Who else might attend? - John

1 month

4
3
0 0

EPSON 6110 Tape Punch Interface

by Martin Bishop

I have a salvaged Epson 6110 tape punch on the bench, also it's interface card from a Data Dynamics Zip 30. The 6110 is the shiny paper tape punch which was very common, at front left, on TTY etc in the 70's and into the 80's I'm working on reverse engineering the Epson 6110's connector / interface, it's a "centronics" 24 pin. Does anyone have or know of a spec for the Epson interface, or manuals for a system using it. The basics are plain enough 24V power, ground connections, 8b+s, all low side drivers (54SN463's), one output (to a 7414) I presume Ready_n, and another two inputs I guess Enable_n and Advance_n (or maybe Reverse). RevEng should get me there, documentation would ensure no possibility of magic smoke - excluding bad components. Bring up plan is: - apply 28 V and scope "connector" - button up to suitable processor; ie interpose LoSide drivers between processor's LVTTL and the punch VMTiA Martin

1 month

1
0
0 0

DEC VT11/VR17, BA350/BA356, "S" box boards

by Paul Anderson

Just a quick note/ update from my earlier post. If you're looking for an option, please send me the board #. Example:A DLV11 can be a M8017, M8027, M8028, or M8043 if my memory is working tonight. My boards are basically in numeric order, and it takes time to convert option # to part # and I don't want to ship anyone the wrong part. I have a few VT11's I will finally sell, along with a (believe it or not, long story...) VR17 which now has screen rot. A few dozen BA350 and BA356 boxes and selection of power supplies and drives. 50 or so "S" box handle boards including M3108, M3116, M3127 DESQA, M3134, M5976 KZQSA, M7493, M7740 KLESI, M8086 LPV11, M8020 DPV11, M7516 DELQA, M7504 DEQNA, M7504, M7554 CPU, Non DEC and more. Also found a pile of DECMUXII , DECMUX300, decservers and that type of stuff. And something everyone needs, SC08s!!! Please excuse any typos or messed up part #s. Thanks, Paul

1 month

1
0
0 0

VCF West 2026 - Speaker List

by Jeffrey Brace

Speaker List VCF West 2025: https://vcfed.org/events/vintage-computer-festival-west/ Show info: https://vcfed.org/events/vintage-computer-festival-west/ Ticket info: https://connect.computerhistory.org/events/1ffceb98-f556-df49-f011-42475680…

1 month

1
0
0 0

VCF Montréal 2026 Speaker Registration

by Jeffrey Brace

VCF Montréal 2026 speaker registration is open now! https://forms.gle/iGqhMsfu94YcGoLp6 Show info is here: https://vcfed.org/vcf-montreal/ Les inscriptions pour les conférenciers du VCF Montréal 2026 sont ouvertes ! https://forms.gle/iGqhMsfu94YcGoLp6 Informations sur le salon : https://vcfed.org/vcf-montreal/ Jeff Brace

1 month, 1 week

1
0
0 0

Looking for IBM System/3 BASIC book

by Steve Lewis

Per the link below, it mentions a reference manual to IBM's BASIC for the System/3 as part number GC34-0001-1 but that no digital copies are known to exist. https://manx-docs.org/details.php/19,11119 I know at VCF East they've been trying to restore one of these. Not sure if any functional system still exists (especially probably not the Model 6 with CRT and disk drive). Anyway, if anyone happens to have the physical manual described above, I'm just curious if in the first few pages was it publication date? (before or after 1970?) Also - since IBM went out of their way to re-use the BASIC from the System/3, does that imply there was never a variation of BASIC written for the IBM 360/370? (asking because from my understanding, the System/3 was a lot more difficult to program and operate -- and yet someone wrote a BASIC interpreter for it). -Steve

1 month, 1 week

12
22
0 0

VCF West 2025 - Exhibit Lineup - Aug. 1 & 2, Mountain View, California

by Jeffrey Brace

Wow! VCF West 2025 Exhibit lineup: https://vcfed.org/events/vintage-computer-festival-west/vcf-west-exhibits/ Show info: https://vcfed.org/events/vintage-computer-festival-west/ Ticket info: https://connect.computerhistory.org/events/1ffceb98-f556-df49-f011-42475680…

1 month, 1 week

1
0
0 0

VCF Montréal 2026 Exhibit Registration

by Jeffrey Brace

VCF Montréal 2026 exhibit registration is open now! https://forms.gle/TKrCy7EyBHubRAdu7 Show info is here: https://vcfed.org/vcf-montreal/ Les inscriptions pour l'exposition VCF Montréal 2026 sont ouvertes ! https://forms.gle/TKrCy7EyBHubRAdu7 Informations sur l'exposition : https://vcfed.org/vcf-montreal/

1 month, 1 week

1
0
0 0

VCF West 2025 - Tickets - Aug. 1 & 2 at Computer History Museum - Mountain View, California

by Jeffrey Brace

Get your tickets to VCF West 2025 now! https://connect.computerhistory.org/events/1ffceb98-f556-df49-f011-42475680… VCF West takes place August 1 & 2 in Mountain View at the Computer History Museum. More info here: https://vcfed.org/events/vintage-computer-festival-west/

1 month, 1 week

1
0
0 0

VCF Montréal 2025 Jan 25-26

by Jeffrey Brace

VCF Montréal is coming Jan 24-25, 2026. Reserve your hotel now! https://vcfed.org/vcf-montreal/vcf-montreal-2026-hotel/ Show updates here: https://vcfed.org/vcf-montreal/ Le VCF Montréal aura lieu les 24 et 25 janvier 2026. Réservez votre hôtel dès maintenant ! https://vcfed.org/vcf-montreal/vcf-montreal-2026-hotel/ Consultez les mises à jour ici : https://vcfed.org/vcf-montreal/

1 month, 1 week

1
0
0 0

eBay strikes again!!

by Bill Gunshannon

Just when I thought eBay couldn't get much stupider... I went out to see if I could find a current going price for PDP-11 Pedestal Boxes as I have a couple I would like to cull from my collection. I came upon this: DEC PDP 11/23 - BC needs Power Supply Repair, NO cards, Vintage DEC History $900.00 If it has no cards, what makes it a PDP-11/23 other than the paint on the front cover? Dead PSU? Looks like a $900 backplane to me. And that is making the assumption that the backplane is actually usable. :-) bill

1 month, 1 week

16
28
0 0

3 VCF's this weekend! Atlanta, Dallas, Australia

by Jeffrey Brace

Wow! There are 3 VCFs this weekend! VCF SE (Atlanta, GA) : https://vcfed.org/events/otherevents/vintage-computer-festival-southeast/ VCF SW (Dallas, TX): https://www.vcfsw.org/ VCF Down Under (Australia) : https://www.facebook.com/events/s/cvce-vcf-downunder-2025-planni/5904082869… Jeff Brace

1 month, 1 week

7
6
0 0

VCF Midwest 20 Pre-Tabling Announcement Announcement

by Jason T

The table request form for VCF Midwest 20 will open at 19:00 CDT next Friday, June 27th. Read the mailing list announcement here: https://list.vcfmw.org/w/TagW1e4K9x4Rl8wpSnorrA (and join the mailing list, too, if you haven't!) -jt

1 month, 2 weeks

1
0
0 0

Bill Atkinson

by Murray McCullough

Bill Atkinson, a true early microcomputer pioneer, ca. 1984+, brought drawing on a computer screen and linking to external files a reality. He will be missed. Murray--

1 month, 2 weeks

8
8
0 0

DEC backplanes

by Paul Anderson

I've been digging through a few shelves of backplanes looking for a specific one for a listmember. Along with the DD11-CK and DKs, I found a RK611 and RH11. I probably have the boards for both. Any interest? Also found a few DDV11-D which I think is a 6x9 hex qbus backplane, but it's been a while. If you need any backplanes (11/84, 11/44) or options (DR11-B, etc) now is the time! Also a lot of core memory and backplanes. Please contact me off list. Thanks, Paul

1 month, 2 weeks

1
0
0 0

Tadpole Sparcbook 2

by Andreas Holz

Hi all, by surprise I got a Tadpole Sparcbook 2 some time ago. Sadly there seems to be almost no documentation available in the net for a Sparcbook 2, neither a technical/service nor a user manual, only for Sparcbook 1 and later models. I do have the following issues: - the battery pack is missing. I found two ressources, e.g. the CHM - but none does have any infos about the battery pack - The external power connector requieres 18V - no problem - After connecting the fitting power the Sparcbook does power up, the display is lit and the unit is trying to boot from the internat SCSI disc. Nevertheless the boot process is failing this is a good sign. - after trying to reboot the unit will be almost dead. While pressing the power on button the LEDs on the left upper side of the display will be lit shortly, but nothing else will happen. - trying to reboot an power on the same as above will happen If I'll keep the unit several weeks/months unpowered the unit will power up again - but of course will be stuck again while trying to boot from disk and the same semidead issues as noted above. I'm suspecting the TOD chip/battery is deads or are there any other sugegstions? Up to today I didn't have a look inside of the unit ... Does any have the manuals hidden in theirs shelves? Best Andreas

1 month, 3 weeks

8
9
0 0

Re: Bill Atkinson

by John

In addition to everything already cited, he developed what is still my favorite dithering algorithm. Atkinson dither was probably optimized more for speed than anything, but I've always loved the look of it, and have even implemented it myself for that reason. R.I.P., sir.

1 month, 3 weeks

1
0
0 0

Re: Tadpole Sparcbook 2

by Adrian Godwin

Tadpole were in Cambridge, weren't they ? https://www.computinghistory.org.uk/ have collected a fair bit of Cambridge history. I haven't found them very willing to search their archives but there may be individuals who have more time available, or they may have a resource problem in putting information online. On Fri, Jun 6, 2025 at 8:28 AM erik--- via cctalk <cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote: > > > > Hi Andreas, > > great that there are still some people looking into the > old SPARCbooks from Tadpole. I have got a 3GX up and running. > > > Sadly there seems to be almost no documentation available > > in the net for a Sparcbook 2 > > Yeah, that is really sad. Also do not have got any information! > Just to report from my work on the 3 series ones (which are > probably not to different from the earlier ones): > > Mine works without battery pack, so there is some intelligence > in the battery pack (for power management), but using a power > supply it is working even without that pack! > > > - after trying to reboot the unit will be almost dead. > > While pressing the power on button the LEDs on the left > > upper side of the display will > > be lit shortly, but nothing else will happen. > > Hmm, that sounds strange and I never observed this due to > lost NVram values. But what I observed is the yellow/orange > Tantalum caps going bad in the small power supply piggy back > PCB inside the unit. A short prevents the notebook from > working (and sometimes even some inductors release smoke and > completely destroyong the PCB depending on which cap went > short). > After a longer time powered off, the faulty cap can recover > explaining your observation. Fortunately I had some spare > PCBs and replaced all caps in my live one which works nicely > now... > > Good luck, > > Erik. >

1 month, 3 weeks

3
2
0 0

Re: ASR-33 Help and Parts Needed

by Gregory Beat

START with SIMPLE GREEN. For Old Plastics and Bakelite, I keep Mineral Oil available. Refurbishing the Teletype model 15 https://www.aetherltd.com/refurbishing15.html Teletype model 33 Wiki https://wiki.theretrowagon.com/wiki/Teletype_Model_33 Wayne Durkee, WB1FDW in Vermont is good Teletype 32/33 Resource He still repairs them ! https://www.qrz.com/db/KB1FDW greg, w9gb

1 month, 3 weeks

2
1
0 0

Re: ASR-33 Help and Parts Needed

by donald donaldwhittemore.com

Any fluid you need is probably banned by local, state or federal government. :)

1 month, 3 weeks

3
2
0 0

ASR-33 Help and Parts Needed

by Mike Katz

I was given an ASR-33 complete with stand, read & punch. This ASR-33 has been modified for RS-232 though a blue perfboard mounted in the connection enclosure (under the cover place where the dialer would be. Is has a DB25 ribbon cable coming off of this board. The perfboard does not have a label on it that I can find. The ASR-33 also has a 3 x 5 conductor rectangular connector coming out of the read of the unit with 6 female contacts installed. I was able to connect the ARS-33 to a VT-330+ at 110B 8-N-2 and send and receive on the teletype. The punch seems to work as well. The reader will "chatter" then the reader is put in the stop position and the tape out sensor is pressed but the sprocket does not advance and the reader pins to not move. Questions: 1. Why the reader is not advancing and the pins are not activating? Could this be a read enable contact not being in the active position? 2. What are the outs of the RS-232 DB-25. Other than TX, RX and GND 3. What are the pin outs of the 3 x 5 rectangular connector. I think this is the current loop and other control signals. Does any any of the items below for sale or have a 3D model I can print: 1. Roll Paper spindle (the spindle that the roll paper spins on) 2. Paper Tape Punch Spindle (the spindle that the paper tape spins on) 3. Paper Tape Chad feed tube 4. Paper Tape Chad Box I will be connecting this to either a PiDP-8/I or a PDP-8/E for now and eventually a PDP-8/L Thank you, Mike

1 month, 3 weeks

10
17
0 0

Tadpole Sparcbook 2

by erik＠baigar.de

Hi Andreas, great that there are still some people looking into the old SPARCbooks from Tadpole. I have got a 3GX up and running. > Sadly there seems to be almost no documentation available > in the net for a Sparcbook 2 Yeah, that is really sad. Also do not have got any information! Just to report from my work on the 3 series ones (which are probably not to different from the earlier ones): Mine works without battery pack, so there is some intelligence in the battery pack (for power management), but using a power supply it is working even without that pack! > - after trying to reboot the unit will be almost dead. > While pressing the power on button the LEDs on the left > upper side of the display will > be lit shortly, but nothing else will happen. Hmm, that sounds strange and I never observed this due to lost NVram values. But what I observed is the yellow/orange Tantalum caps going bad in the small power supply piggy back PCB inside the unit. A short prevents the notebook from working (and sometimes even some inductors release smoke and completely destroyong the PCB depending on which cap went short). After a longer time powered off, the faulty cap can recover explaining your observation. Fortunately I had some spare PCBs and replaced all caps in my live one which works nicely now... Good luck, Erik.

1 month, 3 weeks

1
0
0 0

SWAP MEET IS ON! - UPDATE 6/5/25 - Wall, NJ

by Jeffrey Brace

Swap Meet Update 6/5/25 So the negotiations with the weather gods have been successful! The latest weather forecast shows a 57% chance of rain around 8AM and thunderstorms 5PM or later. So with this, I'm going ahead with the swap meet as planned. Everyone is encouraged to use their best judgment as to their safety in coming to the event. My highest recommendation is to bring a tent that can be anchored with sandbags. Generally a good idea regardless of rain. Also bring waterproof clothing (i.e. raincoats, etc.) If any vendor should feel uncomfortable and needs to cancel, we will refund you, but once you show up, there is no refund. Vendor setup is 7AM General Admission is 8AM More info here: https://vcfed.org/vcf-swap-meet/

1 month, 3 weeks

1
0
0 0

CTOS Ethernet EDL software

by r.stricklin

There is a copy of the Convergent CTOS EDL (ethernet data link / packet driver) for the ETH150 (SMC 8416T ISA ethernet) board on Bitsavers. I am wanting to make use of an SG410P (CTOS EISA Ethernet IOP) but as far as I can tell the EDL archived on Bitsavers is missing the piece(s) necessary for use with an IOP or other supported non-ISA ethernet board. Has another copy of the EDL survived? Can it be made available? It might be the case that it was included as a separate disk in another CTOS networking software package (e.g. TCP/IP, OSI Transport, or LANce). Secondarily, CTOS FTP has ISAM II as a pre-req; Bitsavers has (what appears to be) an update-only disk archived, but no “base” install. I’d be quite interested in finding out if that has survived and could be made available as well. If there’s a more likely mailing list or forum I might also direct my enquiries, I’ll be glad to engage there. Thanks! ok bear.

1 month, 4 weeks

1
0
0 0

ComputerVision input devices

by Alan Perry

Does anyone here have or know of ComputerVision CADDStation input devices (e.g., puck, tablet) that ard for sale? I have started restoring the CADDStation Model 32 that has been sitting in my garage for a while but am missing some pieces to get the full experience. alan

1 month, 4 weeks

2
1
0 0

RSX11M tape copy

by Peter Ekstrom

Hello all, I have transferred some simh .tap files to my PDP-11/23+ running RSX11M+. There I have tried to use VCP to attach them to a virtual device but I keep getting an invalid record format error. I then realized the simh .tap files most likely aren't organized correctly. If I attach them to TS0 in simh I can work with them. So now I am trying duplicate a tape into a new .tap file created using VCP. I can't for the life of me get it to work though. BRU doesn't support tape-to-tape and FLX doesn't complain but also never completes. Is there a process for tape duplication under RSX? The images were first transferred to my PiDP-11 using ftp in binary mode over TCP/IP. From there I used NFT in image mode and I tried both record and block modes. I have also seen the simh tape tools but there doesn't seem to be a tool to convert a simh file back to what would be on a real tape. Anyone have any information or pointers to get this to work? Thanks! -Peter

1 month, 4 weeks

10
18
0 0

UPDATE: Swap Meet in Wall, NJ - June 7

by Jeffrey Brace

Swap Meet Update 6/4/25 Weather The weather on Saturday is being watched closely. A little rain is not concerning, but the thunderstorms are concerning. We will make a final call on Thursday at 10PM about what we will do. We will post updates here: https://vcfed.org/vcf-swap-meet Food Truck The food truck cancelled on us and we can't find a replacement at the last minute. We *may* have some solution to support at least the vendors and volunteers. The general public are on their own. Otherwise we have plenty of vendors signed up with lots of interest. We have been posting daily on Facebook & Instagram to tell everyone about the event. Lots of engagement, interest and excitement. Take care! Jeff Brace VCF/MARCH Fundraising Manager

1 month, 4 weeks

1
0
0 0

What was this AT&T SCSI enclosure for?

by Andrew B

I have an AT&T branded SCSI enclosure. Two half-height bays with the drives held vertically (on their sides), with a door that opens to expose one for a tape drive, activity lights labeled hard drive and tape, CN50 connectors, the AT&T beige and brown color scheme I associate with 3B's and 6300 PCs. No model number. Anyone have any idea what this was made for?

1 month, 4 weeks

11
23
0 0

ASR-33 Help and Parts Needed - corrected message

by Mike Katz

I was given an ASR-33 complete with stand, reader & punch. This ASR-33 has been modified for RS-232 though a blue perfboard mounted in the connection enclosure (under the cover place where the dialer would be on the right side). It has a DB25 ribbon cable coming off of this board. The perfboard does not have a label on it that I can find. The ASR-33 also has a 3 x 5 conductor rectangular connector coming out of the rear of the unit with 6 female contacts installed. I was able to connect the ARS-33 to a VT-330+ at 110B 8-N-2 and send and receive on the teletype. The punch seems to work as well. The reader will "chatter" then the reader is put in the start position and the tape out sensor is pressed but the sprocket does not advance and the reader pins to not move. Questions: 1. Why the reader is not advancing and the pins are not activating? Could this be a read enable contact not being in the active position? 2. What are the pin outs of the RS-232 DB-25. Other than TX, RX and GND 3. What are the pin outs of the 3 x 5 rectangular connector. I think this is the current loop and other control signals. Does any one of the items below for sale or have a 3D model I can print: 1. Roll Paper spindle (the spindle that the roll paper spins on) 2. Paper Tape Punch Spindle (the spindle that the paper tape spins on) 3. Paper Tape Chad feed tube 4. Paper Tape Chad Box I will be connecting this to either a PiDP-8/I or a PDP-8/E for now and eventually a PDP-8/L Thank you, Mike

1 month, 4 weeks

2
1
0 0

TRS-80 BASIC oddity

by Bill Gunshannon

I am going to assume there are other TRS-80 people hanging out here and go ahead and ask this: Has anyone here used the DEFUSRx command? I tried to use it for something I am working on and it didn't work. So, I copied the example program from page 115 of the Model III Disk System Owner's Manual and, guess what, it didn't work either. 150 DEFUSR1 = &H7D00 returns a Syntax Error 150 DEFUSR1 = 32000 works fine. Anybody else ever run into this? I can't believe something as blatant as that could have gone on for all those years. bill

2 months

9
16
0 0

USDC Unibus SCSI Controller

by emanuel stiebler

It is few years that anybody asks, so here it is again: ANYBODY has any manuals for it? On Discord, we have some discussions, I found some of them in my boxes, but nobody has documentation, and no success to get them working. Any chance?

2 months

1
0
0 0

IBM 5100 side scroller (PALM processor)

by Steve Lewis

I've written a "side scroller" program using the IBM 5100's native PALM instruction set. I talked about the 5100 in 2023, and for 2025 I wanted to present something special for its 50th anniversary. I kept getting sidetracked with other projects over the year. But thanks to the IBM 5100 emulator now in MAME, that helped a lot in debugging the program more efficiently. There is much I still don't fully understand about PALM, so I probably do this in the most efficient way, but it does work well. I'm also still working towards restoring a POLY-88 (8080 based system, similar to SOL-20 as far as being S-100 based). Someday I'd like to attempt a similar side-scroller on that platform, to see how the performance compares and if a micro that early could handle it (at 1.8MHz and will need to find 16KB of working RAM- one thing about the IBM 5100, it feels fairly rock solid after 50 years). Unless anyone already has a working 8080-based system and wants to take a stab at this? I'll talk more about the design approach (and use of PALM instruction set) after VCF next month. Here is the YouTube video preview of this scroller in action on real hardware: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRAxKGkXC1I And the Rumble version in case anyone has issues with YT: https://rumble.com/v6tu80h-ibm-5100-vertical-side-scroller-hardware-demonst… If anyone has a 5100 with the "expansion feature" and async card, we're always interested in trying to get old system "online" (through WiModem type devices), or a non-working 5100 is always good for spare parts on the ones that do still work. But one "fabled accessory" of the 5100 is it's carrying case -- which surprisingly was the cheapest item on its price sheet (at $150 new). I've only seen one of these once (in Florida), so they do exist. Or tapes (even later 3M QIC DC6120 are compatible). Cheers, Steve

2 months, 1 week

2
1
0 0

Board repairs?

by Peter Ekstrom

Was there someone on this list who can help repair boards, like the RQDX3s I broke in my H9278? I don't know if it would be too costly, but if not I'd like to restore them to working condition. -Peter

2 months, 1 week

2
1
0 0

Problems with an RQDX3 in an 11/23.

by Peter Ekstrom

Hello to the group, I have been banging my head against a PDP-11/23 where I have an RQDX3 I'm trying to get to work. Actually, I have two RQDX3's but only one at a time. It is configured to the factory CSR, 172150, and it has the latest microcode on it. When I run the XXDP ZRQCH0 formatter I get the following: RQDX3 Disk Formatter Utility UNIT IS Formattable Winchester (RDnn) or Floppy (RX33) Drives RSTRT ADR 145702 DR>STA CHANGE HW (L) ? Y # UNITS (D) ? 1 UNIT 0 Enter controller IP Address (O) 172150 ? What unit do you want to format [0-255] (D) 0 ? Would you like to revector a single LBN only [Y/N] (L) N ? Do you want to use the "AUTOFORMAT" Mode [Y/N] (L) Y ? N ZRQC SYS FTL ERR 00006 ON UNIT 00 TST 001 SUB 000 PC: 105742 Fatal Controller Error During Initialization. ZRQC SYS FTL ERR 00006 ON UNIT 00 TST 001 SUB 002 PC: 105742 Fatal Controller Error During Initialization. ZRQC EOP 1 2 TOTAL ERRS DR> I have been booting XXDP and also RT11 over an emulator TU58. And I have a BDV11 so it has an LTC. I did try downgrading the microcode on the RQDX3 to the previous version, 3. It was 4. But no luck. Am I missing something? This should work with an M8186 CPU board, right? Anyone have any ideas? I haven't yet, but I plan to pop one of these RQDX3s in my 11/23+ and see if it works there. -Peter

2 months, 1 week

3
4
0 0

Re: IBM 5155

by Phill Kennedy

Bill, Please update your email on QRZ.com to a working email address. Thanks Phill, a fellow ham.

2 months, 1 week

2
2
0 0

IBM 5155

by Bill Gunshannon

I just managed to score a 5155. Well, soon, it is waiting for me to pick it up at the University where I used to work. It looks to be in really good shape and has been in storage for probably two decades or more. A couple quick question for anyone familiar with this system. Is it likely there is one of those little batteries on it that would now be dead and need replacing before I try to use it? And, also, would this have a floppy controller on it that was capable of reading and writing disks from systems like the TRS-80 with an SD boot track? Inquiring minds want to know. :-) bill

2 months, 1 week

7
11
0 0

Comstar Computer Systems System 4 Intel 4004 based Industrial Computer

by Christian Liendo

Back in Nov of 2023 Ed Sharpe asked the following: “Was there ever a COMPUTER using a 4004 that you could really do something or did that finally arrive with the 8008” https://classiccmp.org/mailman3/hyperkitty/list/cctalk@classiccmp.org/messa… I hope to answer that question, or at least spark a discussion. For a number of years now I have been researching this computer called a Comstar System 4 which is based on the Intel 4004. The Comstar Corporation of Minneapolis was a developer of microcomputer control and automation systems and in 1972 released the System 4 microcomputer. Comstar built a general purpose capable computer that could be programmed to do a multitude of tasks but their market focus was industrial automation. Comstar was eventually bought by Warner & Swasey in 1974 to integrate their computers into the Warner & Swasey product line. Warner & Swasey was a huge manufacturer of industrial machines. So they bought Comstar to be their Computer division. In fact it was called " Warner & Swasey Comstar Microcomputer Electronic Products" Warner and Swasey also licensed the Micral N to do the same and we call the Micral N a computer. The Micral N was designed for process control, but we know of it as a computer. Now before anyone argues about if this is a computer or not, I will state the following. It was called a Microcomputer in the ACM titled "Development of a portable compiler for industrial microcomputer systems " It was called a Microcomputer in Electronics Magazine July 11th 1974 It was listed as a Microcomputer in "Auerbach Guide to Minicomputers" April 1976 & Winter 1976 - 1977 It was listed as a Microcomputer in Datamation Magazine Dec 1974 It was called a Microcomputer in "A MICROCOMPUTER BASED SUBSTATION CONTROL SYSTEM" The University of Oklahoma, Ph.D., 1975 Engineering, electronics and electrical Page 90 It was listed as a Microcomputer in the Intel MCS 4 User Manual Feb 1973 page 171 It was listed as a Microcomputer in Electronics Magazine Jan 1973, they promote the 4004 and 8008 and use the System 4 as an example. The reality is this existed, was 4004 based and there were discussions about it in the media at the time. Anyway I wanted to see if there was more interest in researching this computer. I listed a number of articles and references below that either discuss Comstar, The Warner Swasey Computer Division, the “System 4” or “Star 4” Computer. All the Manuals and schematics I was able to upload to archive.org https://archive.org/search?query=subject%3A%22Comstar+Computer+Systems%22 Computer History Museum's Archive of the Manual https://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102686568 Pictures of the items I have collected so far https://imgur.com/a/Oyts3A9 The website "Internet Scripophily Museum of Computing" has a page on the history of The Warner & Swasey Company. It's a decent timeline of the company http://ismoc.blogspot.com/2017/06/the-warner-swasey-company.html "Development of a portable compiler for industrial microcomputer systems" by LEROY H. ANDERSON The Warner & Swasey Company, it discusses the system and has images on the unit. https://www.computer.org/csdl/pds/api/csdl/proceedings/download-article/12O… In the ACM's archives "Development of a portable compiler for industrial microcomputer systems" by LEROY H. ANDERSON The Warner & Swasey Company, it discusses the system and has images on the unit. https://www.computer.org/csdl/pds/api/csdl/proceedings/download-article/12O… Electronics Magazine July 11th 1974 Article: Industrial Automatic control proliferates, they are mentioned on page 84 & 85 https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Electronics/70s/74/Electronics-19… There is a mention about the compiler in the IEEE on Page 25 under Compiler Programmer https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=6368812 Computer Design Magazine Nov 1975 Page 129 they talk about the compiler. https://archive.org/details/bitsavers_ComputerDe_90611286/page/128/mode/2up The Intel MCS 4 User Manual Feb 1973 page 171 and in Electronics Magazine Jan 1973, they promote the 4004 and 8008 and use the System 4 as an example. http://www.bitsavers.org/components/intel/MCS4/MCS-4_UsersManual_Feb73.pdf https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Electronics/70s/73/Electronics-19… There are a number of sources that list the computer as a "microcomputer" and provide specs showing it being 4004 based. Datamation Magazine Page 97 & 101 http://www.bitsavers.org/magazines/Datamation/197412.pdf In "Auerbach Guide to Minicomputers" April 1976, the computer is mentioned on page 54 and page 70. http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/auerbach/Auerbach_Guide_to_Minicomputers_Apr76… In "Auerbach Guide to Minicomputers" Winter 1976 - 1977, the computer is mentioned on page 32 http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/auerbach/Auerbach_Guide_to_Minicomputers_1976-…

2 months, 1 week

7
7
0 0

Re: IBM 5155

by Ali

>Is it likely there is one of those little batteries on it that would>now be dead and need replacing before I try to use it?>Congrats and no. This is your std XT (5160) MB just shoved in a case with a handle and monitor.>And, also, would this have a floppy controller on it that was capable>of reading and writing disks from systems like the TRS-80 with an SD boot track?>If it works on an XT it will work on a 5155. If not then no.

2 months, 1 week

1
0
0 0

DEC MAD-11

by hupfadekroua

Hi All, In my collection I do have a blinkenlight front panel with a label MAD-11. Based on the adress and data switches the system should be of 18 Bits wide. I don‘t see any kind of references or links to docs while querying the internet. Does some of you have any information or hints available? A.

2 months, 2 weeks

3
3
0 0

Philips P3800 key lock swtch

by Tony Duell

Does anyone know anything about the key lock on the mains on/off switch of the P3800? I have one without a key. I can't identify the lock manufacturer (no markings on it at all) so I've not been able to get a blank to cut a replacement key. A friend who is a locksmith said she'd never seen anything like it. Any ideas who made the lock itself? Were all P3800 machines normally 'keyed alike' If so, a copy of an existing key (anyone have one?) would be a great help. Yes, I can trvially bypass the lock/switch mechanically or electrically. But I want to try to get this thing as original as possible. -tony

2 months, 2 weeks

27
80
0 0

Wanted: DEC ba23 or ba123 chassis

by lbmgmusic＠gmail.com

I am building up a micro vax and need an empty chassis. Given the number of dec boards on ebay, I assume (hopefully) that there are some empty chassis out there. Please PM if you know of an option. tnx jc

2 months, 2 weeks

10
13
0 0

Re: Finding a Honeywell 316?

by Adrian Stoness

digging through emails and just found this again strangely i have the h316 manuals from lynn lake found them in my house i bought in 2017 did some digging around to find the system but it got tossed out in 2016 apparently argg On Sat, Jul 21, 2012 at 10:39 PM Paul Anderson <wackyvorlon(a)me.com> wrote: > My father worked in a mine in the '70s that was using a Honeywell 316 for > process control. I was thinking it might be neat to see if I could track > one down. What are they worth the days? How common are they? > > Sent from my iPad >

2 months, 2 weeks

5
8
0 0

Wanted: DEC ba23 or ba123 chassis

by lbmgmusic＠gmail.com

I am building up a micro vax and need an empty chassis. Given the number of dec boards on ebay, I assume (hopefully) that there are some empty chassis out there. Please PM if you know of an option. tnx jc

2 months, 2 weeks

1
1
0 0

Wanted: 64Mb 72-pin, single sided, non-ecc, non-parity SIMMs. 3.3V and 5V tolerant or 5V

by Anders Gustafsson

Asking for a friend �� Reason is this... I built an expansion board for the HP1000 A-series. I found some modules on eBay that work fine for me, but a friend that built the board have had probems finding and yes, most of the vendors on eBay do not know what they are selling and the picture might not match what you get. So I am asking here if anyone has a module they might want to part with. The board design is here: https://www.dalton.ax/hp1000/memory/ -- Med vänlig hälsning Anders Gustafsson, ingenjör anders.gustafsson(a)pedago.fi | Support +358 18 12060 | Direkt +358 9 315 45 121 | Mobil +358 40506 7099 Pedago interaktiv ab, Nygatan 7 B , AX-22100 MARIEHAMN, ÅLAND, FINLAND

2 months, 2 weeks

1
0
0 0

Skype

by Murray McCullough

It is with some sadness to here of Skype's demise even though MS owned it. It's not necessarily on topic of 'ancient' personal computing but then again maybe it is! Happy computing, Murray 🙂

2 months, 2 weeks

12
17
0 0

Summer house keeping.

by Jerry Wright

I have some more thing to move out of my shop. These are in Kent Washington. most are too big to ship. Hp 1000f 2117f computer. Lots of boards. Unknown condition. looks good. 400.00Hp 2753a Paper Tape 100.00Hp 7906 drive 200.00 HP 7970e Tape HPIB interface in cabinet 100.00HP 7970B tape 50.00 HP 9000/380 in Desk side Cabinet with drives and Hi-Res graphics 250.00 Intel 310 development system 200.00 General Automation computer 100.00 HP K-210 server works with drives in a Rack Free Sun 4-260 desk side computer. No drives. missing top cover. did boot 200.00 Dec 11/44 loaded with boards in Rack, comes with 2) RA-80's, 1) TU80 in 42" rackHas 2 RA81 and 2 RA 91 drives.( loose), + a second 42" cabinet, with a 11/44 chassis, (no Boards) with a Power supply. (mint) Computer has booted in the past, but now has 12v power supply issues 600.00 Dec 11/34 Chassis and Boards 300.00 Nova 3 Chassis, Front panel and Boards 450.00 Nova 4 Chassis and boards 200.00 3 DG Desk Top computers. made out of modular units connected together like model 10/20 Style 50.00 each Altos 486, 586, 5-15AD desk tops computers 50.00 each Private Mail please with questions and or requests. most have not been turned on. Some have but years ago. All stored in a heated shop. - Jerryg-wright(a)att.net

2 months, 2 weeks

9
12
0 0

VMR question for RSX11M and DECnet CEX

by Peter Ekstrom

I am putting together a PDP-11/23 and have a working RSX-11M 4.4 OS running in simh while I wait for a few parts. I want DECnet as well. I have the 4.7 kit and have done a netgen, but I can't install it because I don't have the CEXPAR partition in my system image. I have gone over the VMR command in the manual a few times and tried various things to try and create the partition in my image, but have not been successful. I assume (from looking in the manuals) that I either need to create that partition in my image, or make room for it? The netgen process has the defaults of 113500 as the base and 4300 as the size. VMR complains about 'non-existing memory' for the base and if I try the wild card I get 'alignment error'. I have 512KW of memory that I plan to use in the real machine, so simh is configured with that as well. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated. -Peter

2 months, 3 weeks

13
14
0 0

2025

2024

2023

2022

cctalk