Some models (e.g., the 150) supported Multibus. In the early 1980s at Tandem Austin we used one with a SUN graphics board in a Multibus slot to prototype a 68000 workstation we were building (but that never became a product). Al Kossow has lots of information about Wicat in bitsavers. Here’s a brochure for the 150: http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/wicat/brochures/System_150_Brochure.pdf
Is anyone familiar with WICAT Systems?
I came across their ad in BYTE Nov 1981 (page 84), with a claim of
"first family of microcomputers with mainframe capability"
It is a 68000 based system (like the Lisa?), one configuration offers
400x300 monochrome graphics. Ad also claims 1.5MB main memory and a
multi-user operating system ("UNIX/V7 and a CP/M Emulation also available")
called MCS.
Address mentions Orem, Utah.
Haven't come across a price sheet, but I imagine they were quite expensive
($6000+ would be my guess).
From the images, looks to me the main problem is a lack of an expansion bus
(and overall not a very appealing-looking system).
Was just curious if anyone had witnessed one ever running.
-Steve
Message: 1
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 2023 11:26:58 -0400
From: KenUnix <ken.unix.guy(a)gmail.com>
Subject: [cctalk] Earliest version of 3b2/400 sim
To: CCTALK <cctalk(a)classiccmp.org>
Message-ID:
<CAJXSPs_duQJNrpdf=gy1iZyPta5-wpoDJ-CUdJyhqdqL281gKw(a)mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
Hi,
Does anyone know the oldest version of the SIM 3b2/400
is and where I can get it?
Thanks,
Ken
--
Found this toohttps://loomcom.com/3b2/emulator/
- 2017-12-27: HD135 and HD161 are now both recognized names forthe Maxtor XT-2190 disk drive.
- 2017-12-27: Fix for CPU traps. The UNIX debugger sdb should nowwork correctly under System V Release 3.
- 2017-12-17: Minor compiler warning fix.
- 2017-12-16: Fixed a FIFO overflow bug in the CONTTY device.
- 2017-12-15: Critical MMU bugfix.
- 2017-12-13: Improved support for multiple hard disk drives, aswell as adding support for additional hard disk geometries.
- 2017-12-09: Added support for the secondary on-board serialterminal (CONTTY).
RMS
1. Earliest version of 3b2/400 sim (KenUnix)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 2023 11:26:58 -0400
From: KenUnix <ken.unix.guy(a)gmail.com>
Subject: [cctalk] Earliest version of 3b2/400 sim
To: CCTALK <cctalk(a)classiccmp.org>
Message-ID:
<CAJXSPs_duQJNrpdf=gy1iZyPta5-wpoDJ-CUdJyhqdqL281gKw(a)mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
Hi,
Does anyone know the oldest version of the SIM 3b2/400
is and where I can get it?
Thanks,
Ken
This is what I have found after searching, which implies around or before Nov 2017,
AT&T 3B2 400 emulated
Posted on November 24, 2017
https://virtuallyfun.com/2017/11/24/att-3b2-400-emulated/
WWL 📚
End of cctalk Digest, Vol 233, Issue 1
**************************************
I've got a few RX50 floppies that are *part* of a couple of backup sets.
I don't have the complete sets, so the backup utility (BUP?) won't
process the set in bits and pieces.
Is the BACKUP.SYS file format documented anywhere? This is the file
that starts out "JOURNAL", a few nulls, then "MICRORSX"
Any help would be appreciated!
TIA,
Chuck
The Star Trek simulation game TREK7 was written in FORTRAN by Donald M.
Ecclestone in the early 70ties for the PDP-10.
The game was ported to VAX computers running VMS in 1978 by the author with
the help of Dan Gahlinger.
For some years TREK7 fell into a deep slumber until in 1993 Dan Gahlinger
decided to revive it, but some severe bugs remained, hindering any
successful round of game.
Last year I began to work on the problems still present in TREK7.
After detecting and fixing more than 60 bugs (mostly caused by
transcription errors) step by step, the game is playable again now.
Dan Gahlinger backed out of the project and I am the maintainer of TREK7
now.
For details see: https://gunkies.org/wiki/TREK7
Former TREK7 players please give me a shout!
Ulli
The VAXorcist
Originating in 1960, Lisp is second only to Fortran as the oldest
programming language still in use today. Historically used for research,
artificial intelligence, and mathematics, Lisp remains relevant in these
fields, as well as in quantum computing research and other cutting-edge
applications.
In the mid-1970s, researchers sought high-performance, single-user,
interactive machines due to the constraints of running their code on large
multi-user mainframes. Such machines would allow for more efficient and
flexible research and development. Richard Greenblatt at the MIT AI Lab
spearheaded the development of the first dedicated Lisp machines, including
the successful CONS machine and later CADR machines.
MACSYMA, a symbolic mathematics program written in Lisp which consumed
significant resources on the PDP-10 running ITS, was a key motivator for
the Lisp Machine's creation.
LispM hackers in residence, including Daniel Weinreb (DLW), David Moon
(MOON), Richard Stallman (RMS), John L. Kulp (JLK), Mike McMahon (MMcM),
and others, were responsible for the overall system development. Kulp
designed the legendary Space Cadet keyboard, known for its unique key
arrangements and symbols, and Moon and Weinreb wrote the first and second
Lisp Machine editors (EINE, ZWEI) respectively.
Brad Parker developed the first working CADR simulator (usim), which
emulates the MIT CADR, and with the Lisp Machine microcode running on top,
allows users to explore the historic system and its unique features.
Until recently, only up until system 78 of the LISP operating system and
microcode from MIT could be emulated. Alfred M. Szmidt (AMS) received
copies of backup tapes containing systems 98 and 99, dating from 1983 and
1984, respectively, and was able to get them running after a decade of
effort. The bootstrap process was an impressive hack, due to the Lisp
Machine's use of network booting and a mixture of compiled and uncompiled
code. Szmidt has now iterated the distribution to system 100 with all of
his fixes included.
This marks the first time in 35 years that anyone can use this environment,
designed to support AI and computational research at the cutting edge. The
windowing and graphical feel of the environment stand out, and the Lisp
machine and CADR processor allow users to dive deep into the operating
system's inner workings. The line between compiled and source code is thin,
and users can open and read almost everything.
The CADR machine served as the foundation for commercial products sold by
LISP Machines, Inc., founded by Richard Greenblatt, and Symbolics, founded
by MIT AI Lab ex-administrator Russell Noftsker. The emulator provides a
glimpse into the height of 80s MIT hacker culture by booting to MIT System
100.
Find more information and try the system out yourself via AMS's
announcement post:
https://tumbleweed.nu/r/bug-lispm/forumpost/7475d8a3db
Or visit https://tumbleweed.nu/lm-3
-Eric
Is there a list of floppy disk drives which could read and write both 3.5"
1.44mb and 720k diskettes?
A product line of musical instruments (General Music/Ahlborn-Galanti) I
service use 3.5" 720K DD floppy disk drives.
I've never had any problems formatting or backing up data files prior on
other instruments. Tuesday, I attempted to format a floppy disk using the
instrument's internal FDD prior to backing up the data files. After the
format an error appears "corrupted data". Which could mean so several
different things from a bad floppy drive, etc.
I currently have one box of Sony MFD-2DD 3.5" 720K Double Density Floppy
diskettes which were bought new a few years ago, kept in their box, and
stored in a dust free place. I've used them prior for the same purpose with
no problems.
I'd like to be able to verify at home that the diskettes haven't all
suddenly gone bad.
Thanks
Don Resor
Hello Vintage Computer Enthusiasts!
VCF SouthWest (VCFSW) is returning to Dallas after a long hiatus! We will
be gathering June 23rd to 25th, details at https://www.vcfsw.org/
We are seeking speakers, exhibitors, vendors, sponsors, and volunteers!
We already have some great speakers and panels lined up, and are looking
for people with stories to tell about computing in Texas especially.
Details and a sign up form are on the website for signing up as an
exhibitor or vendor, and speakers can contact the organizers at
vcfsouthwest(a)gmail.com
Vendor and exhibitor tables are $50 each, and we have a limited number of
tables available inside. After the inside tables are sold, we will consider
selling outdoor vendor spaces if there is demand.
Sponsor packages are available, starting at $250. This includes prime
vendor space if desired, and placement of the sponsors logo and promotional
materials proportionate to the amount of the sponsorship.
Please contact us with any questions, ideas, or concerns.
Thank you for being awesome and supporting the vintage computer community!