[cctalk] Re: Experience using an Altair 8800 ("Personal computer" from 70s)

On 6/11/24 02:02, Dave Dunfield via cctalk wrote: I never expanded my 8800 beyond the original 4-slot kit with limp-wristed power supply. The construction (I built from the kit) I found to be appalling. More than once I zinged myself brushing against the line voltage traces on the front panel board. And that awful white wire. A couple of years later, I used an Imsai 8080 and was more favorably impressed. My first disk system was an Integrand S100 box with a power supply suitable for arc-welding that even came with the blueline prints for the construction (now hopelessly faded). I used Don Tarbell's controller and some Calcomp drives. After one of the drives failed, I got a couple of Siemens FDD-100 drives that probably still operate. At any rate, the Altair and the Integrand with its disk box sit on a shelf in a dusty corner of my workshop. I suspect that the capacitors in the Altair have long dried out. Still have no idea what to do with all that heavy iron--I haven't touched it in perhaps 40 years. I congratulate you in finding homes for yours--I doubt that will happen with mine. --Chuck