- test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org - classiccmp.org

by jimw＠agora.rdrop.com

At 02:49 PM 9/19/98 -0700, Sam wrote: >On Sat, 19 Sep 1998, Tony Duell wrote: > >Today I plugged in the front panel and a Cromemco ZPU. It worked! The >address LEDs 15, 14 and 13 are sequencing in a binary pattern. I don't >know what this means, but at least it shows life. I got the same results >with another ZPU. I can single-step it and see different stuff happening, >but I have no idea what its doing. I buried my friggin IMSAI manual in a >box a few weeks back. No memory installed? It is executing a RST 7 (0FFH) which pushes the current address onto the stack and jumps to 038H (070 octal), and finding yet another 0FFH there, repeats the exercise forever... You are seeing the stack pointer reflected in the lights when running... It's a good sign. -jim --- jimw(a)agora.rdrop.com The Computer Garage - http://www.rdrop.com/~jimw Computer Garage Fax - (503) 646-0174

27 years, 9 months

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High density disks on double density drives

by roblwill＠usaor.net

In PC's, I always use 1.44 meg disks in 720k drives. I just tape over the second hole, and format them in one of my 720k machines. I have one of these "doctored" disks that is 5 years old, and still holding its original data strong and true. It has even been around magnetic fields (slit off monitor onto back, right above coil), and hasn't lost a byte. -- -Jason (roblwill(a)usaor.net) ICQ#-1730318 ---------- > From: Chuck McManis <cmcmanis(a)freegate.com> > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> > Subject: Re: High density disks on double density drives > Date: Saturday, September 19, 1998 2:41 PM > > It is neither the drive nor the controller per-se, it is the read/write > heads and the media that are incompatible. HD disk media requires a higher > magnetic field to magnetize reliably and the DD drives don't provide it. > > --Chuck > > At 01:36 PM 9/19/98 -0500, you wrote: > >I've heard that you shouldn't use high density disks in double > >density drives, that the data wouldn't be reliable.

27 years, 9 months

2
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NeXT tidbits

by healyzh＠ix.netcom.com

Last weekend I got a Monochrome NeXTstation Turbo slab, and with a little difficulty was able to clear out the root password using the procedures that are fairly easy to find on DejaNews. However, NetInfo was giving me a fit, and kept setting the root password back to something else. Never did solve that, because I found a cleaner solution. I found a message using DejaNews in which someone recommends prior to selling a networked NeXT system that you copy /usr/templates/client/etc/hostconfig and netinfo/* to /private/etc and then reboot. The system is then in a "out of the box" standalone configuration. When you reboot you're then in the "me" account. Another useful piece of info that I found is that most of the "Lighthouse Design" apps are now available with a free 2 user license at http://www.peak.org/next/apps/LighthouseDesign/ These apps seem to all be quad-fat binaries, and include a Word Processor, 2 different Spreadsheets, a Database, Bitmap and Vector based graphics programs, and some other stuff. You can use them to turn your old NeXT system into a truely useful system. Not sure what you'd have to do for a local printer, I'm printing over the network to the Postscript HP 5MP on my Linux box. Zane | Zane H. Healy | UNIX Systems Adminstrator | | healyzh(a)ix.netcom.com (primary) | Linux Enthusiast | | healyzh(a)holonet.net (alternate) | Classic Computer Collector | +----------------------------------+----------------------------+ | Empire of the Petal Throne and Traveller Role Playing, | | and Zane's Computer Museum. | | http://www.dragonfire.net/~healyzh/ |

27 years, 9 months

1
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Help: IBM 5170

by roblwill＠usaor.net

I had a similar problem when I got my 5170 board. I replaced the RAM chips, and it worked fine after I ran SETUP. Try replacing the RAM chips. It sounds like that that is your problem, too. -- -Jason (roblwill(a)usaor.net) ICQ#-1730318 ---------- > From: oajones <oajones(a)bright.net> > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> > Subject: Help: IBM 5170 > Date: Saturday, September 19, 1998 6:59 PM > > Recently I bought 2 IBM 5170's (PC/AT) for 6 bucks. I bought these > machines to add to my collection. Both of them say this when I boot up: > "162 - System Options Not Set - (Run SETUP)" > Both of them have a 512k System board. One only shows 256K of memory > during memory test and the other one shows 512K but has a parity error. > Is there any dip switches on the motherboard, and is SETUP a software > program? > > Thanks... > --Alan > -- > Computing since: 1982, VIC-20, CoCo, PC, CP/M > Amateur Radio since: 1971, WN8JEF, KA6EXR, N8BGR, AA4ZI > BASIC, dBASE, Assembly, C++ > <A > HREF="http://www.bright.net/~oajones">http://www.bright.net/~oajones</A>

27 years, 9 months

1
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Kids these days

by tomowad＠earthlink.net

>You might get an old EPROM programmer at a Radio rally/hamfest. But >they're often not that cheap. How about buildign one for your next >project - to program standard EPROMs (2764s - 27512s, say) is not that >hard. Basically you have to set up the address and data, take one of the >pins (Vpp) up to 12.5V (or 21V, or even 25V on older devices) and then >apply a 50ms program pulse to another pin. And repeat for all the >locations you want to program. I have a BAL-500 EMROM Programmer for the Apple II I've been meaning to experiment with. No documentation or software, of course. Is any "special" software required to operate an EPROM programmer, or can it be programmed using the Apple II's BASIC or Assembly (not that I know assembly)? >When i built my first embedded control system I had to build an EPROM >programmer first.... Tom Owad -- Sysop of Caesarville Online Client software at: <http://home.earthlink.net/~tomowad/>

27 years, 9 months

2
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Help: IBM 5170

by oajones＠bright.net

Recently I bought 2 IBM 5170's (PC/AT) for 6 bucks. I bought these machines to add to my collection. Both of them say this when I boot up: "162 - System Options Not Set - (Run SETUP)" Both of them have a 512k System board. One only shows 256K of memory during memory test and the other one shows 512K but has a parity error. Is there any dip switches on the motherboard, and is SETUP a software program? Thanks... --Alan -- Computing since: 1982, VIC-20, CoCo, PC, CP/M Amateur Radio since: 1971, WN8JEF, KA6EXR, N8BGR, AA4ZI BASIC, dBASE, Assembly, C++ <A HREF="http://www.bright.net/~oajones">http://www.bright.net/~oajones</A>

27 years, 9 months

3
3
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Does Bill Gates know how to program?

by maxeskin＠hotmail.com

Interesting that BG actually realizes that the filesystem where he never had to save anything was cool. And why, may I ask, did he never try this on a PC? With today's fast hard drives, this could probably be done. >> That is what has been reported. There used to be a link to an >> interview with Gates on the subject, but a fresh look through my >> various Model 100 bookmarks fails to turn it up, though I read it >> not much over a year ago. > >http://innovate.si.edu/history/gates/gates35.htm > >-- Doug > > ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

27 years, 9 months

1
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Books for DEC-heads

by jimw＠agora.rdrop.com

At 06:01 PM 9/19/98 -0500, you wrote: >Lucky me. I went home with a box of old DEC paperbacks today. A nice >assortment of PDP-8, PDP-11 and VAX titles. I don't do DEC (I remember >cherishing the honor of powering-down our development VAXen for the last >time), but the books are small, so I plan to get them all signed by Gordon >Bell at VCF next weekend and stash them away for 100 years or so. > >Except for one. This one is not only rare, but seems to be full of useful >info: VAX-11/750 Level II Student Workbork (For Internal Use Only). This >looks like it would be great for somebody who wants a pretty deep >understanding of the VAX architecture, including microcode, the WCS, >unibus, the works. I'm not good at estimating page count, but it's >double-sided 8.5x11x2". If some DEC-head could use this, let me know. >Offer me a trade of, say, your spare Intel MCS-4 manual and it's yours :-) Hmmm... Think I'd like to have that one! Wonder if I've got that Intel manual buried somewhere... -jim --- jimw(a)agora.rdrop.com The Computer Garage - http://www.rdrop.com/~jimw Computer Garage Fax - (503) 646-0174

27 years, 9 months

1
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Books for DEC-heads

by mcquiggi＠sfu.ca

Hi Doug: Another thought might be to post a list of the titles, and lend for scanning purposes a copy of any titles not already available on the net. They could then be posted for others reference. There are several titles already on http://highgate.comm.sfu.ca/pdp8, I'm currently scanning DEC's "Introduction to Programming, Volume 1" from 1972. The other scans are courtesy of the efforts of David Gesswein. Congratulations on your haul! Kevin At 06:01 PM 98/09/19 -0500, you wrote: >Lucky me. I went home with a box of old DEC paperbacks today. A nice >assortment of PDP-8, PDP-11 and VAX titles. I don't do DEC (I remember >cherishing the honor of powering-down our development VAXen for the last >time), but the books are small, so I plan to get them all signed by Gordon >Bell at VCF next weekend and stash them away for 100 years or so. > >Except for one. This one is not only rare, but seems to be full of useful >info: VAX-11/750 Level II Student Workbork (For Internal Use Only). This >looks like it would be great for somebody who wants a pretty deep >understanding of the VAX architecture, including microcode, the WCS, >unibus, the works. I'm not good at estimating page count, but it's >double-sided 8.5x11x2". If some DEC-head could use this, let me know. >Offer me a trade of, say, your spare Intel MCS-4 manual and it's yours :-) > >-- Doug > > > --- Kevin McQuiggin VE7ZD mcquiggi(a)sfu.ca

27 years, 9 months

2
1
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Kids these days

by maxeskin＠hotmail.com

So, why are they so expensive then? > >> I'm only 15... I had a few plans for a few things, but the only problem is >> that I need to find an EPROM programmer and some old chips. Any idea where >> to get one - cheap?? > >You might get an old EPROM programmer at a Radio rally/hamfest. But >they're often not that cheap. How about buildign one for your next >project - to program standard EPROMs (2764s - 27512s, say) is not that >hard. Basically you have to set up the address and data, take one of the >pins (Vpp) up to 12.5V (or 21V, or even 25V on older devices) and then >apply a 50ms program pulse to another pin. And repeat for all the >locations you want to program. > >When i built my first embedded control system I had to build an EPROM >programmer first.... > >-tony > > ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

27 years, 9 months

2
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Does Bill Gates know how to program?

by thomas100＠home.com

Hi, I've heard many times that he did the BASIC for the Trs-80 Model 100. At that time I think Microsoft put out pretty respectable product [I thought so anyway]. Perhaps it makes sense that since he became strictly-management oriented, Microsoft products have been backward, unimaginative and often downright creepy. Well, at least unlike the other Bill, his vices are limited to economic pursuits. I just hope that someday soon they help to modernize computing again. :-( Outside of web browsers and Java, things have been pretty dull for the last couple of years. I would say that that's okay for a maturing industry, but there are so many helpful technologies on the backburner right now that it's just unreal. What was it somebody said? "The popularization of the Internet slammed modern software development back ten years." Or something like that. Thomas

27 years, 9 months

1
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Chuck Peddle?

by dastar＠ncal.verio.com

Rumor has it that Chuck Peddle of 6502 and Commodore PET fame will be found walking the halls of VCF 2.0. Sam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ever onward. September 26 & 27...Vintage Computer Festival 2.0 See http://www.vintage.org/vcf for details! [Last web site update: 09/12/98]

27 years, 9 months

2
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GUIs 'forced' on people (was Re: Here's something to consider.)

by allisonp＠world.std.com

< If you have free reign and unlimited budget, what you're doing is *NOT* < engineering. Ah, gak another generalization. It does take out the challenge though. < Good engineers want to ship a product that customers will actually use; < the greatest satisfaction an engineer ever has is seeing or hearing < customers use the product. While it is an ego boost to hear customers !You bet! ;) I've done a few. < praise the product, most of the best engineering goes completely unnotic < When was the last time you drove across a bridge and thought "Wow, the < engineers did an awesome job on this bridge."? (At most, people might t < "Wow, this is a pretty bridge.") What people notice is that gee it does save me 20 minutes getting there. A few will notice it as something to look at like Golden Gate or the Verizanio Narrows Bridge. < Any bozo with a EE degree could have built a computer roughly comparabl < in capabilities to the Apple II using many hundreds of chips and costin < thousands of dollars. A good engineer could have done it with few enou < chips to make it affordable. An excellent engineer did it with almost < no chips, and made it not just affordable but also elegant. Ford would < have been proud to see it. Go back to Good, Fast, Cheap. Innovation is the product of careful compromize. I'm also a pilot and In aeronautical engineering given 100hp engine of nominal weight you can make a fast bird that can't carry anything or a very slow one that can and everything inbetween. Somethings however are not possible despite innovations in materials. Allison

27 years, 9 months

1
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CP/M definition

by dastar＠ncal.verio.com

This is from the CP/M FAQ: Q3: Does CP/M stand for anything? A: (Don Kirkpatrick) There are at least three popular answers - Control Program for Microcomputers, Control Program for Microprocessors, and Control Program/Monitor. The issue is clouded by authors of popular CP/M books giving different answers. According to Gary Kildall (the author of CP/M), in response to a direct question on the PBS show "The Computer Chronicles" following Computer Bowl I, the answer is: Control Program for Microcomputers. This is also consistent with DRI documentation. See, for example, p. 4 of the DRI TEX manual. If this is true then someone is lying (perhaps even Kildall himself). Sam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ever onward. September 26 & 27...Vintage Computer Festival 2.0 See http://www.vintage.org/vcf for details! [Last web site update: 09/12/98]

27 years, 9 months

2
1
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Kids these days

by roblwill＠usaor.net

> > Keep scouring those ham fests or swap meets. Check the web for the one > nearest you. If its too far away, convince Dad or Mom to take you by > mowing the lawn and cleaning up your room like you're told :) That doesn't always work. luckily, there's one every year pretty nearby. That's where I got my Tandy 1000 with 4 LPT ports (I don't know how they all work, but they do, and I'm not gonna touch 'em). I was planning on using it as the controller, and hooking up printer guts and making it work by sending line feeds and spaces, and things like through BASIC. -- -Jason (roblwill(a)usaor.net) ICQ#-1730318

27 years, 9 months

4
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Need to bring up a power supply

by dastar＠ncal.verio.com

I don't have a variac or anything and don't have the time or money to get one, but I need to bring up an IMSAI power supply that probably hasn't been powered in over a decade perhaps. What can I do to warm up the caps and transformer before bringing it fully online? Anything? Sam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ever onward. September 26 & 27...Vintage Computer Festival 2.0 See http://www.vintage.org/vcf for details! [Last web site update: 09/12/98]

27 years, 9 months

3
2
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Transformer

by maxeskin＠hotmail.com

As you yourself said, the C128 logic board requires 9vac. But why is this cheap one harmful for electronics? >> >> >> I looked in Radio Shack, at some step-down transformers for 'traveling >> abroad'. There is a price range, with some 'for heating appliances >> only' (the cheapest) and the higher priced ones allow motors, and >> the $34 ones allow electronic devices. What is the difference among >> these units? Also, could a transformer such as in these theoretically >> be reversed and used for step-up purposes? > >The very cheap one ('for heating appliances only') is probably a triac >circuit. Like a lamp dimmer fixed at half-brightness. And that one can't >step up, of course. Don't use that for anything but heaters/lamps. I've >seen the result of plugging a Mac+ into one of those, and it wasn't >pretty. It took me a long time to rebuild the analgoue board. If the >owner had asked me what to do in the first place, I'd have simply cut the >link... > >The true transformers can be used as a step-up unit. But owing to losses, >etc, you may not get the output voltage that you expect (it will, in >general, be lower than you'd expect). But it should work. > >You may find it's cheaper to buy a bare transformer and add the >case/connectors yourself. > >BTW, another trick which I hesitate to mention because it can casue >damage is the following. If you _know_ it's a switch-mode PSU, and that >the first thing it does is rectify the mains, and there's no >line-frequency transformer to provide a startup voltage, then it'll run >on DC, right. So give it DC at peak voltage of the 220V mains it's >expecting - i.e. at twice the peak voltage of the local mains. Make an >external voltage doubler to do this. > >I don't want to give more details, because IMHO if you can't work it >out from that, then you probably shouldn't be doing it. Even if you do >know what to do, examine the PSU carefully to make sure there's _nothing_ >that depends on an AC input. > >-tony > > ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

27 years, 9 months

2
1
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Warming up an IMSAI P/S

by CLASSICCMP＠timaxp.trailing-edge.com

>A note in defence of the much maligned Altair while on this subject... >May I point out the the Altair 'B' series machines were one of the first to >provide a main transformer with a multi-tap primary to allow for adjusting >for varying loads and local AC supply. And by this point in time ferroresonant transformers were also being dropped in by folks who weren't happy with the original supply, either. Having used a large variety of S-100 boxes, far and away my favorite power supplies are ones with ferroresonant transformers. Tim.

27 years, 9 months

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High density disks on double density drives

by dlw＠trailingedge.com

I've heard that you shouldn't use high density disks in double density drives, that the data wouldn't be reliable. Well, I just bought a bunch of double density 3.5" disks to use with my Apple //gs and I got to thinking about this. Is it because of the drive or the controller? I would think it was the drive, if so, I have the Apple SuperDrive which can read/write high density disks except I don't have the SuperDrive controller for the //gs. Thus I'm stuck with the 800k format. Could I still use high density disks in this drive without problems? Thanks. ----- David Williams - Computer Packrat dlw(a)trailingedge.com http://www.trailingedge.com

27 years, 9 months

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GUIs 'forced' on people (was Re: Here's something to consider.)

by allisonp＠world.std.com

< One of the goals of the Apple I was to create a low cost machine. < < Basically I just wanted to give an apple example that not all engineers < all of the time, want to built the biggest, and most expensive things. < That is a bad generalization. It indeed is a bad generalization. As an engiener myself I found it annoying but let it pass. Actually the rules are simple. Good, Fast, Cheap... Pick any two. Enginering is about compromize, tradeoff and innovation. For a given product there are often many ways to implement but more often than not considerations at higher levels may dictate which are the best ways to go. They are not always bad either. If your corperate strategy is fault tolerence the hardware is likely not have extra bits, redundancy and other things needed to make that happen. That can and is more costly. On the other hand if you making really low cost means something else takes precedent. Some thins are a surprize to the uninitiated. For example fewer chips fewer interconnections and connectors often means lower cost and to most people surprize higher realiability. So the idea of Good, Fast and Cheap is not as obvious as first stated. Allison

27 years, 9 months

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Warming up an IMSAI P/S

by CLASSICCMP＠timaxp.trailing-edge.com

>Tim wrote: >> And by this point in time ferroresonant transformers were also being >> dropped in by folks who weren't happy with the original supply, either. >> Having used a large variety of S-100 boxes, far and away my favorite >> power supplies are ones with ferroresonant transformers. >I've been told that one shouldn't plug anything using a ferroresonant >transformer into a UPS. Perhaps someone who knows more about the >characteristics of ferroresonant transformers (and UPSes) can explain why, >or refute the claim. Ferroresonant transformers really really want sine waves as input. Many UPS's put out square waves, or slightly shaped square waves. There are many high-frequency harmonics in a square wave, and these disrupt the careful LC-resonance-at-saturation regulation mechanism. Not only do ferroresonant transformers want sine waves, they want sine waves of a specific frequency. I've never tried running a 60Hz unit at 50Hz, but I do know from hard experience what happens at 400 Hz :-(. There are UPS's that do put out nice sine waves, but these aren't all that commonly found. >(*) The only modern thing, anyhow. Did DEC use ferroresonant transformers in >any of their machines? DEC computers from 1970 onwards typically used switching supplies for all high-current supplies, though there are usually some low-current supplies with linear regulators. (There are some exceptions, such as the "large" 8/E using a linear supply while the "small" 8/F used a switching supply)... DEC did sell ferroresonant line conditioners (some of them quite large; one that I passed by took 440VAC 3-phase in and had about 70 15 amp circuits out), but these came before the computer. -- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology Voice: 301-767-5917 7328 Bradley Blvd Fax: 301-767-5927 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817

27 years, 9 months

1
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Someone was looking for DOS 1?

by cdrmool＠interlog.com

I may be mixing up lists here (must get that procmail filter setup) but I think someone was looking for a copy of Dos (MS) ver 1 or 1.1. If so let me know, I have a disk image of most old versions of IBM/MS dos stored away. Its useless on a hard disk system though as it has no support for them. Just let me know... Colan

27 years, 9 months

2
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Kids these days

by maxeskin＠hotmail.com

But what about the metal parts? Those aren't any cheaper...but you're giving me ideas. I saw a show once on CNN about a guy at Lawrence Livermore who is building robot bugs out of computer parts. They are powered by neural networks. He can even pull off a couple of legs and they'll still work. BTW, where do all of those researchers get neural network chips? > >I remember when I was a kid I was dreaming about building robots and using >computers to control them, but all the parts and expecially the computers >were too expensive. I had one design based on a //c, but this was around >1986 when the //c was still relatively new. > >Today, a kid could go to a thrift store and buy all manner of salvageable >computer parts, including printers (to get the steppers and gears out of), >disk drives (for the motors and gear shafts) and of course the computers >to control their projects with easy to use languages built in, all for >just a few bucks. > >An entire robot could be built for under $100 with thrift store and flea >market parts. It could include a fairly powerful and easy to program >"brain" in the form of a Commodore 64, a Tandy CoCo, even an Apple ][ >board. This stuff is everywhere and extremely simple to hack. > >Man, I wish I was a kid again! > >Sam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com >------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >Ever onward. > > September 26 & 27...Vintage Computer Festival 2.0 > See http://www.vintage.org/vcf for details! > [Last web site update: 09/12/98] > > ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

27 years, 9 months

7
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Somebody ought to grab this!

by bobstek＠ix13.ix.netcom.com

I just saw this posting - a free Fortune 32:16 in Utah! >I have this old, but functional, Fortune 32:16 computer system that >I'm trying to get rid of. I hate throwing away working hardware, so I >wanted to see if someone else could give it a good home before I'm >forced to dispose of it by other means. > >Details at http://www.xmission.com/~skb/fortune.html (I want it but my wife would kill me.) Bob Stek bobstek(a)ix.netcom.com Saver of lost SOLs

27 years, 9 months

1
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new interesting addition

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

installing the mathco will wont speed up anything EXCEPT for programs that USE it. i bought an xt that had a 16 bit vga card in it. i dont know if every 16 bit vga card works in an 8bit slot, but i guess it's worth a try anyway. david In a message dated 98-09-18 21:14:47 EDT, you write: << I've got an Intel Inboard card, but mounted in a 5150 with a Plus hardcard. I've also been searching for the piggyback with no luck so far. Would adding a 387 co-processer speed applications up significantly ? I'm also on the lookout for an 8-bit VGA card for this set-up. I have a 16-bit card with a switch for either 9 or 15 pin connectors. I don't suppose this would work in the 8-bit 5150 would it ? I know some 16-bit cards will work in an 8-bit. ciao larry >>

27 years, 9 months

3
2
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AS400 RPG books needed

by rhblake＠bbtel.com

I'm going to have to refresh and improve my programming skills in RPG (not role playing games RPG) for the IBM AS400 system and am in search of good books on general RPG as well as RPG400 specific programming, >from a basic level to mid/advanced. Haven't even programmed in RPG in 6 or 7 yrs so I need to go way back to the beginnings. ___________________________________________________ Russ Blakeman, aka "Pooter Fixer" Email: rhblake(a)bbtel.com or rhblake(a)bigfoot.com Website: http://members.xoom.com/pooterfixer/ ___________________________________________________

27 years, 9 months

1
0
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Kids these days

by roblwill＠usaor.net

> > That doesn't always work. luckily, there's one every year pretty nearby. > > That's where I got my Tandy 1000 with 4 LPT ports (I don't know how they > > all work, but they do, and I'm not gonna touch 'em). I was planning on > > using it as the controller, and hooking up printer guts and making it work > > by sending line feeds and spaces, and things like through BASIC. > > If you go to Doug Jones' page at the University of Iowa: > > http://www.cs.uiowa.edu/~djones > > he has a link to some documentation and source code for gutting out > floppy drives so that you can control the stepper and spin the drive > motor. The link doesn't work. -- -Jason (roblwill(a)usaor.net) ICQ#-1730318

27 years, 9 months

3
2
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Need to bring up a power supply

by CLASSICCMP＠timaxp.trailing-edge.com

>I don't have a variac or anything and don't have the time or money to get >one, but I need to bring up an IMSAI power supply that probably hasn't >been powered in over a decade perhaps. What can I do to warm up the caps >and transformer before bringing it fully online? Anything? The "poor man's" substitute for a variac has always been a 120V light bulb in series with the AC. For something like an unloaded IMSAI power supply, a small (15W or so) bulb might be best for starters. That said, the capacitors are standard off-the-shelf items, and if you do blow 'em up, just put in some new ones. -- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology Voice: 301-767-5917 7328 Bradley Blvd Fax: 301-767-5927 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817

27 years, 9 months

2
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Does Bill Gates know how to program?

by allisonp＠world.std.com

< I've got a question I've been meaning to ask for a long time. Does Bill < Gates know how to program? If my memory serves me correct he knew how t < progam in BASIC back in the late 70's, his buddy Paul Allen knew machin < language. No, he knew how to code asm for a BASIC interpreter. I don't know when he stopped coding but many say the basic and OS used in the tandy 100 was the last effort he had a direct hand in. Allison

27 years, 9 months

1
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Warming up an IMSAI P/S

by allisonp＠world.std.com

< And by this point in time ferroresonant transformers were also being < dropped in by folks who weren't happy with the original supply, either. < Having used a large variety of S-100 boxes, far and away my favorite < power supplies are ones with ferroresonant transformers. Compupro and ECT come to mind... I have both and they are really well engineerd bent metal. Allison

27 years, 9 months

1
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Need to bring up a power supply

by allisonp＠world.std.com

< I don't have a variac or anything and don't have the time or money to ge < one, but I need to bring up an IMSAI power supply that probably hasn't < been powered in over a decade perhaps. What can I do to warm up the cap < and transformer before bringing it fully online? Anything? Try a 100W light bulb in SERIES. It will limit the inrush current and if there is a short it will absorb the load. Allison

27 years, 9 months

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Does Bill Gates know how to program?

by fauradon＠pclink.com

Boy! You're starting a religious war here. Most of us are not fans of the guy. Here is my cent and a half (I wouldn't give two cents for Bill Gates): He is too buisy learning monopolistic laws to be bothered with programming. If he was still in the coding arena Visual C++ probably would not be the way it is today and the MFC would probably make sense too. That is IF he was programming AND was interested in it. I guess he's more on the design and what he calls innovation (plagiarism), he says let's do that and there are 2000 employees jumping on it. So my answer is he probably forgot what code looks like. Francois ------------------------------------------------------------- Visit the desperately in need of update Sanctuary at: http://www.pclink.com/fauradon -----Original Message----- From: oajones <oajones(a)bright.net> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Saturday, September 19, 1998 7:09 AM Subject: Does Bill Gates know how to program? >I've got a question I've been meaning to ask for a long time. Does Bill >Gates know how to program? If my memory serves me correct he knew how to >progam in BASIC back in the late 70's, his buddy Paul Allen knew machine >language. >-- >Computing since 1982, VIC-20, CoCo, PC, CP/M >Amateur Radio since 1971, WN8JEF, KA6EXR, N8BGR, AA4ZI >http://www.bright.net/~oajones >Rev. O. Alan Jones >

27 years, 9 months

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Does Bill Gates know how to program?

by oajones＠bright.net

I've got a question I've been meaning to ask for a long time. Does Bill Gates know how to program? If my memory serves me correct he knew how to progam in BASIC back in the late 70's, his buddy Paul Allen knew machine language. -- Computing since 1982, VIC-20, CoCo, PC, CP/M Amateur Radio since 1971, WN8JEF, KA6EXR, N8BGR, AA4ZI http://www.bright.net/~oajones Rev. O. Alan Jones

27 years, 9 months

1
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XPOST-converting CDC7600 format to IBM/APPLE/ETC

by rhblake＠bbtel.com

If anyone can help this guy out, contact him directly: Jim Apple <jma150(a)psu.edu> University Park, PA USA - Friday, September 18, 1998 at 14:22:32 OKay, I'm quite desperate, so maybe someone out there is old (or smart) enough to help me out here. I have some old binary files that I need to open up on a present day system (PC,mac,unix). Here's the kicker, these files were originally encoded on the old CDC7600 mainframe computers. Yes, theyre that old. Anyway, I've tried numerous encoders/decoders, and notthing has worked. So, I'm shopping for new and wonderful ideas. So, if you have any clue about this, or if you can point me in the right direction, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thank you much. --jimi ps. please email me directly if possible at jma150(a)psu.edu

27 years, 9 months

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CP/M-86 / MSDOS / DRDOS / GEM / Windows

by jolminkh＠nsw.bigpond.net.au

Phil Clayton wrote: >I really would love to get even just a copy of DOS Ver 1.0, OK! I'll >settly for Ver 1.1 DOS.. I have an old XT thats is needs it really bad.. >I'll send ya a return postage paid diskette mailer for a copy, can >anyone help ? If you plan to install it on your XT's hard drive, forget it. Ver 1.1 didn't support hard drives. > >I also have a copy someone gave me of Windows Ver 1.0 , have never tried >it yet.. >Has anyone seen this yet ? I have an old 386 set up with a boot manager and three different GUI's on different partitions. GEM 1.2, Windows 1.02 and IBM's Topview 1.01. Topview is the oldest with files dated March 1985 and the most primitive looking. GEM is the best looking and most usable. Looks similar to an early Mac. Dated September 1985. Windows looks a little untidy with garish default colors. These files are dated January 1986. I have them all set up to run in EGA. The only one that gave any trouble installing was Topview, which didn't work properly until I found a 1986 mouse driver. Regards, Hans

27 years, 9 months

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Source for Fuzzball?

by mbg＠world.std.com

27 years, 9 months

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Warming up an IMSAI P/S

by ddameron＠earthlink.net

At 10:19 PM 9/18/98 -0500, Wirehead wrote: > >> I measured the voltages across a power connector and got 9.4V, +17.56 and >> -17.86. A little high but I attribute that to a lack of a load. > >Actually, I think most power supplies in S100 mainframes tend to run a >bit high so they can handle the load and because it doesn't matter since >each board has it's own regulators anyway. > >Anthony Clifton - Wirehead > On some (static memory and other) cards the linear regulators get quite hot with the high input voltages. Doesn't help here that the 117 Volts is sometimes 122 Volts or higher. For these systems I run them with a 12V transformer wired as a 120 to 108V step down (buck) autotransformer. I first tried with a variac to see how low the voltage can go, usually below 100V with supplies with a lot of "margin", such as many of those open frame linear supplies. It also helped a Heath H-19 terminal which also has a linear power supply. A slightly related matter, I found that some XT motherboards can run on only 5 volts, using a 1.44 floppy. I did this many years ago using a 12 Volt battery directly as input to a 5V regulator as power supply. Not very noteworthly now with all the portables. -Dave

27 years, 9 months

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GUIs 'forced' on people (was Re: Here's something to consider.)

by kozmik＠wave.home.com

On Fri, 18 Sep 1998 13:36:06 -0700 (PDT) Sam Ismail <dastar(a)ncal.verio.com> wrote: > Woz designed the Apple 1 with the goal of using as few chips as possible > because for him it was a mental exercise. He mentions this time and again > in numerous interviews. Having it inexpensive to replicate was a > by-product. That isn't true. If you re-read those interviews. You'll read how he spent most of his time going through catalogues finding the cheapest chips first, then deciding what kind of machine he could best make from those chips. One of the goals of the Apple I was to create a low cost machine. Basically I just wanted to give an apple example that not all engineers, all of the time, want to built the biggest, and most expensive things. That is a bad generalization. -- ============================================================--------- Dominique Cormann Email:kozmik@wave.home.com Posted with Becky 1.24 --> http://www.rimarts.co.jp/becky.htm

27 years, 9 months

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Warming up an IMSAI P/S

by dastar＠ncal.verio.com

Ok, so I have a 15W bulb in series with the P/S and it lit up. The fan didn't start blowing until the second time I powered up, but its blowing, albeit very slowly due to the limited power I assume. I didn't go the full Tony route because doing so would've required desoldering the entire transformer which wasn't an attractive prospect. I measured the voltages across a power connector and got 9.4V, +17.56 and -17.86. A little high but I attribute that to a lack of a load. At this point I feel pretty comfortable that the P/S is working pretty well, which surprised me. I expected a fight (but was hoping for the results I got). These old machines just refuse to die. I'm going to let it warm up for about an hour before I start plugging in boards. Thanks to Dave, Tony and Tim for your help!! Sam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ever onward. September 26 & 27...Vintage Computer Festival 2.0 See http://www.vintage.org/vcf for details! [Last web site update: 09/12/98]

27 years, 9 months

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LEGO MINDSTORMS Robotics Invention System Now Shipping (fwd)

by spc＠armigeron.com

With all the talk recently about kids, robots and computers, I have to pass this along (sorry about the length): It was thus said that the Great LEGO MINDSTORMS News once stated: > > Retailers Brace for Overwhelming Consumer Demand for > LEGO(reg) MINDSTORMS(tm) Robotics Invention System(tm) > > The very first units of the LEGO MINDSTORMS Robotics Invention System > arrived on U.S. retail store shelves in limited quantities during the first > week of September. Since the Robotics Invention System previewed at the > American International Toy Fair, the Nurnberg International Toy Fair, and > the British International Toy & Hobby Fair last February, the buzz over the > first consumer robotics product that can actually react to its environment > has been gaining more momentum than even the LEGO Company expected. > > To date LEGO MINDSTORMS has received over 100,000 inquiries about its new > Robotics Invention System, half of those from enthusiastic LEGO fans who > registered online for a chance to be one of only 200 product beta testers. > With just 12,000 units made available for the initial shipment, and only > 75,000 additional units to be shipped through the end of the year, LEGO > MINDSTORMS is anticipating a run on the Robotics Invention System that will > quickly empty store shelves. It is expected to be one of the hottest > products of the holiday buying season. > > "LEGO MINDSTORMS has packaged high-tech, creativity and fun into a new form > that represents a whole new direction for toys," commented Terri Bartlett, > Communications Director for Toy Manufacturers of America, Inc., the > industry association. "I don't expect to see any LEGO MINDSTORMS sets left > on retail shelves after the holidays." > > "The clamor for our new LEGO MINDSTORMS robots is far beyond even our > expectations. Thousands of LEGO lovers of all ages have sent us requests to > be the first to own the Robotics Invention System. We are already > redoubling our efforts to produce enough product to handle the demand," > added Linda Dalton, Director, LEGO MINDSTORMS. > > > PRODUCT AVAILABILITY: > > In 1998, LEGO MINDSTORMS will be available for sale in the United States, > Canada, and the United Kingdom. > > > United States: LEGO MINDSTORMS will be available on or before October 1 at > the following retail stores: select Discovery Channel Stores, FAO Schwarz, > Fry's, Learningsmith, LEGO Imagination Centers (at Mall of America and > Downtown Disney), Media Play, select Noodle Kidoodle, select Target (from > November 1), Toys "R" Us, and Zany Brainy. Some stores have reported that > they are already sold out of initial inventories. > > It is also available in the following catalogs: TigerDirect, Hammacher > Schlemmer, FAO Schwarz, and The Robot Store Catalog. LEGO MINDSTORMS can > also be purchased through LEGO Shop at Home at (800) 453-4652 and (800) > 835-4386. > > > Canada: In Canada, LEGO MINDSTORMS will be available at Toys "R" Us and > through the Sears catalog. Product should be available at retail by October > 6. > > > United Kingdom: To find out more about your local UK stockist, please call > our UK information line on 0845 606 2043. > > > Other English-speaking Countries: In 1999 the English versions of LEGO > MINDSTORMS products will be launched in the following countries: Australia, > Hong Kong, Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, and Taiwan. > > > Other language versions: In late 1999 we hope to launch localized versions > in the following languages: German, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, > Swedish, Danish, Finnish and Norwegian. > > > Internet Sales: We are working on providing Internet sales. Further > details to come. > > > > Thank you for your interest. > > The LEGO MINDSTORMS team >

27 years, 9 months

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Kids these days

by dastar＠ncal.verio.com

I was just thinking about how kids these days are so damn lucky. They've got all this cheap, extraodinarily useful computer hardware sitting around in massive quantities that they can do all sorts of killer things with. I remember when I was a kid I was dreaming about building robots and using computers to control them, but all the parts and expecially the computers were too expensive. I had one design based on a //c, but this was around 1986 when the //c was still relatively new. Today, a kid could go to a thrift store and buy all manner of salvageable computer parts, including printers (to get the steppers and gears out of), disk drives (for the motors and gear shafts) and of course the computers to control their projects with easy to use languages built in, all for just a few bucks. An entire robot could be built for under $100 with thrift store and flea market parts. It could include a fairly powerful and easy to program "brain" in the form of a Commodore 64, a Tandy CoCo, even an Apple ][ board. This stuff is everywhere and extremely simple to hack. Man, I wish I was a kid again! Sam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ever onward. September 26 & 27...Vintage Computer Festival 2.0 See http://www.vintage.org/vcf for details! [Last web site update: 09/12/98]

27 years, 9 months

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CP/M-86 / MSDOS / DRDOS / GEM / Windows

by jeff.kaneko＠juno.com

OKay, for 2000 bonus points and the game, what was Micrografx Designer when it was first released under windows 1.X? (this is on topic as that was more than ten years ago). On Fri, 18 Sep 1998 19:09:48 -0400 "Albert J. McCann, Jr." <amc358(a)interserv.com> writes: >> On Friday, September 18, 1998 3:42 AM, >> CLASSICCMP-owner(a)u.washington.edu >> wrote: > >> >client was a stand-alone GEOS app. I know there were stand-alone >Win >> >apps, but I can't remember any names. > >> The only one I've ever seen was the game "Balance of Power". >> It's Windows 1.x > >Micrografx Designer was another. It ran a stand alone 2.x Windows. > >Al McCann > _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]

27 years, 9 months

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Kids these days

by jpl15＠netcom.com

Slightly off-topic, yet topical... I have, over the years taught many ham-radio license classes to hundreds of people, a good percentage of them kids, generally from age 10-11 and up. Apart from the required information relevant to the actual FCC questions.. I stress science, technology, and D-I-Y projects.. from the simplest 555-based LED flasher to working radio sets and computer interfacing. I go to ham radio swap meets and buy up all the old scopes and meters I can find, and then make them available to kids for the price of promising to *use* the gear. I like to use junk printers for robot supplies, because the control and drive electronics are already there, as well as an easy way of making them move via print commands sent to a parallel or serial port of any computer. Sam and those of you who are robot aficianados... I have seem some pretty fancy devices made up of the steppers and servos from old unwanted printers... especially the big old wide carriage dot-matrix units from 10 or more years ago, whose motors were big and pwerful. And there are a few young scientists left out there, in and among the Beavis And Butthead clones thronging our schools. Sigh. Don't get me started.... Cheers John

27 years, 9 months

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Need to bring up a power supply

by ddameron＠earthlink.net

At 04:51 PM 9/18/98 -0700, Sam wrote: > >I don't have a variac or anything and don't have the time or money to get >one, but I need to bring up an IMSAI power supply that probably hasn't >been powered in over a decade perhaps. What can I do to warm up the caps >and transformer before bringing it fully online? Anything? > >Sam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com Connect a light bulb in series with the 120 volt line and power supply. Say 60 watts. The large caps you can estimate their capacity by seeing how long they will light a small lamp after the supply is turned off. (12 Volts for the +8Volt line, 24V for the +/-18 volt). Or you can time the discharge from the bleeder resistors. -Dave

27 years, 9 months

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Kids these days

by fauradon＠pclink.com

What's keeping you? I had the same wishes when I was a kid and somehow I still have them. Unfortunately they have evolved too: as a kid I wished I had a robot that could stack blocks (whoopee) or one that would run around without bumping in the furnitures (prety advanced). Today I wish I had one that would vacuum when it's needed, pick up the toys the kids leave all around the house, wash my car and changes the cat litter. What I'm getting at is that what we dreamed of as kids is not, by todays standards, dream material anymore: you have those programable cars and all sorts of talking toys (some of them animated) so the novelty and feeling of innovation or creation is not the same. Dreaming of building a robot that can pile blocks or solve the hanoi towers is not quite as fascinating as beating the big bad dude on level four of the latest nintendo game. But I still go and build stuff from spare parts, still keep steppers and gears in neatly ordered cabinets and still dream that one day, when I have the time, I'll build that robot or one of the numerous projects I have recorded in notebooks. In 1994 I started working on one "project" thinking to bring it to market, built a prototype thought of a better way to do it and wanted to make a second proto but it involved much more money than what I had at the time and it got filed with the rest. That is until I saw my idea in a catalog earlier this week. So I fired Quake II and logged on a server and fragged for the rest of the evening. Boy I feel like rambling today. Anyway there is not much that prevents from building the stuff you want, you just need to know what you want and how you want to do it and stick to it. Or did you loose that drive, that desire to build and bring innanimate things to (artificial) life? Francois ------------------------------------------------------------- Visit the desperately in need of update Sanctuary at: http://www.pclink.com/fauradon -----Original Message----- From: Sam Ismail <dastar(a)ncal.verio.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Friday, September 18, 1998 4:10 PM Subject: Kids these days > >I was just thinking about how kids these days are so damn lucky. They've >got all this cheap, extraodinarily useful computer hardware sitting around >in massive quantities that they can do all sorts of killer things with. > >I remember when I was a kid I was dreaming about building robots and using >computers to control them, but all the parts and expecially the computers >were too expensive. I had one design based on a //c, but this was around >1986 when the //c was still relatively new. > >Today, a kid could go to a thrift store and buy all manner of salvageable >computer parts, including printers (to get the steppers and gears out of), >disk drives (for the motors and gear shafts) and of course the computers >to control their projects with easy to use languages built in, all for >just a few bucks. > >An entire robot could be built for under $100 with thrift store and flea >market parts. It could include a fairly powerful and easy to program >"brain" in the form of a Commodore 64, a Tandy CoCo, even an Apple ][ >board. This stuff is everywhere and extremely simple to hack. > >Man, I wish I was a kid again! > >Sam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com >--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- >Ever onward. > > September 26 & 27...Vintage Computer Festival 2.0 > See http://www.vintage.org/vcf for details! > [Last web site update: 09/12/98] >

27 years, 9 months

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Kids these days

by fauradon＠pclink.com

Francois ------------------------------------------------------------- >Sure. But that's what I was getting at. There's so much advanced >tinkering that can be done very cheaply that we didn't have available to >us. I see the lego and K'nex stuff, follow the directions and there you are! >I don't think that's true at all. I think the really creative kids would >much rather build their own robot or program their own computer than sit >on their ass all day and play games. The problem is the atmosphere is >different. Everything is so nicely packaged that you don't need to get >inside your machine and learn about it. I think this needs to change. Exactly, with todays "creative sets" all the creativity is removed and prepackaged: you can buld a dino or a tower of death then you play with it for five minutes and get bored. Then you go back to your nintendo where you still have to figure out the secret of the grotto on level twelve. I'm not against nintendo and the such but they make entertainment easy and readilly available: no looking for parts, no playing with sharp objects or solvent based glue, they are the ideal "babysitters". >> But I still go and build stuff from spare parts, still keep steppers and >> gears in neatly ordered cabinets and still dream that one day, when I have >> the time, I'll build that robot or one of the numerous projects I have >> recorded in notebooks. >Me too. But my parts are all stashed in thrift stores, waiting for me to >pick them up :) I used to build stuff from old recycled materials, a few nails and lots of paint, they were "analog robots" (kid power) >What idea was that? Do a web seach on "Slam Man" >I'm not talking about me. I'm talking about the fun the nerdy kids these >days could be having if they discovered classic computers. Got your point and I aggree but I guess the problem is more the shortage of nerdy kids rather than their lack of imagination. As a classic collector you must have gone to quite a few swapmeets or hamfest. I have not attended one without seeing at least half a dozen kids with caddies or huge backpacks and filling them up with anything marked free. I think they are (the nerdy kids) having a bunch of fun with classics. I can tell you that my kids (I hope they end up like me:) will have lots of stuff available for them to tinker with. >Actually, there is one kid I've been talking to in e-mail (although he's >19 now so "kid" may not be appropriate anymore). He built some sort of >digital logic contraption with relays out of an old elevator controller! >It sounds wild. He said it can do actual useful work, such as image >processing. I don't know the total details, but I'm trying to get him to >exhibit it at the Vintage Computer Festival. He said its very large and >would be a burden to move, but I'm trying to figure out a way to help him >get it to the venue. That sort of project should inspire many people >around his age to embark on similar projects of their own. Please keep pressuring him. I wish I could help local kids in projects and getting they interest on classic computers but there are no programs that deal with that here and it's a real pain to set one up if you don't have an educator's degree. Francois ------------------------------------------------------------- Visit the desperately in need of update Sanctuary at: http://www.pclink.com/fauradon

27 years, 9 months

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Kids these days

by roblwill＠usaor.net

A couple of times, I've used old pie tins. I would make a mold out of something (like packed sand), and hold the pie tin with a tong-thing, and melt it into the mold using a blow torch. It's not the world's best thing, but it works pretty good for making things like wheels. -- -Jason (roblwill(a)usaor.net) ICQ#-1730318 ---------- > From: Sam Ismail <dastar(a)ncal.verio.com> > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> > Subject: Re: Kids these days > Date: Friday, September 18, 1998 8:16 PM > > On Fri, 18 Sep 1998, Max Eskin wrote: > > > But what about the metal parts? Those aren't any cheaper...but you're > > Metal can be found very cheaply at the big home stores. Also, look > around! Scrap yards, flea markets, etc. You can find many sources for > the raw materials for the framework. > > Sam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- > Ever onward. > > September 26 & 27...Vintage Computer Festival 2.0 > See http://www.vintage.org/vcf for details! > [Last web site update: 09/12/98] >

27 years, 9 months

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Dataproducts interface

by ard＠p850ug1.demon.co.uk

A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text Size: 1061 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.classiccmp.org/pipermail/cctalk/attachments/19980919/8d54bcd6/at…

27 years, 9 months

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new interesting addition

by maxeskin＠hotmail.com

Did Microsoft actually make the hardware, like this thing and the Softcard? I'm pretty sure that their modern hardware (mice, joysticks talking barney) are licensed from someone else. > >> since im known at work as a packrat of old computer junk, someone gave me >> something called a microsoft <!> mach 20. turns out it's a full length 8 bit >> card that has a 286-8 and 2 meg and high density floppy controller on it. it > >How funny. Back then they didn't have the clout to force computer >manufacturers to make faster hardware to run their slow, bloated >software, so they had to manufacture their own :) > >Sam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com >------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >Ever onward. > > September 26 & 27...Vintage Computer Festival 2.0 > See http://www.vintage.org/vcf for details! > [Last web site update: 09/12/98] > > ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

27 years, 9 months

2
1
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PDP-8 Core stack

by cmcmanis＠freegate.com

I'm looking for a G104 and G227 cards for a PDP-8 (these are two of the three cards needed for a 4K core stack) Alternatively a complete 4K or 8K core stack would be sufficient :-) --Chuck McManis

27 years, 9 months

3
2
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Gooeys

by mcquiggi＠sfu.ca

Sounds like an X term, it's been around for so many years, yawn..... Kevin At 03:57 PM 18/09/98 +0100, you wrote: >>> One of the most interesting programs I've seen this week is >>> the VNC ("virtual network computing") software at >>> <http://www.orl.co.uk/vnc/index.html> . > >Is this for real!? Has anyone tried it? Sounds too good to be true! I've >seen a remote desktop facility for NT before and it had a bad habit of >crashing the NT machine on which the server was running. This software >sounds awesome though, if it works... > >cheers > >Jules >> > > ========================================================== Sgt. Kevin McQuiggin, Vancouver Police Department E-Comm Project Office (604) 601-3426; Cell: (604) 868-0544 Email: mcquiggi(a)sfu.ca

27 years, 9 months

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GUIs 'forced' on people (was Re: Here's something to consider.)

by mcquiggi＠sfu.ca

At 10:54 AM 18/09/98 -0500, you wrote: >The 386 was important, but not because of performance. Virtual memory, >flat 32-bit address space, and V86 mode were all essential to the success Intel x86 series have anything _but_ a flat 32 bit address space! The flat memory model is one of the positive features of the 68K series. I taught a computer architecture course a couple of summers ago and one of the most challenging parts of the course was explaining the addressing schemes used on the 386 and above. Kevin ========================================================== Sgt. Kevin McQuiggin, Vancouver Police Department E-Comm Project Office (604) 601-3426; Cell: (604) 868-0544 Email: mcquiggi(a)sfu.ca

27 years, 9 months

5
4
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Gooeys

by JRichardson＠softwright.co.uk

>> One of the most interesting programs I've seen this week is >> the VNC ("virtual network computing") software at >> <http://www.orl.co.uk/vnc/index.html> . Is this for real!? Has anyone tried it? Sounds too good to be true! I've seen a remote desktop facility for NT before and it had a bad habit of crashing the NT machine on which the server was running. This software sounds awesome though, if it works... cheers Jules >

27 years, 9 months

3
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GUIs 'forced' on people (was Re: Here's something to consider.)

by dastar＠ncal.verio.com

On Thu, 17 Sep 1998, Dominique Cormann wrote: > You brought up the perfect example of how it *isn't* just marketing. > > The imac did well because of: > > * Good marketing of the product and... > > * Realizing that non-geek ppl want an attractive computer that is as > simple to use as any other electric appliance in the house (it should > packaged similar to other attractive household appliances). Do you think the socially retarded engineers at Apple designed the case? Hardly. I can guarantee you it was someone more affiliated with the marketing department. > * People wanted a cheaper mac Engineers didn't decide this. If engineers had their way your computer you'd be able to stick your dirty dishes inside your computer and have it wash them while you surf the web. Engineers aren't mindful of cost (and therefore price). However, marketers are. As for the next three of your points, it is speculation (and opinion) on your part. > * They have attractive educational discounts and bundles. (The > university I go too cannot stock enough of these things, to meet student > demand). Marketing. > * This computer is far easier to network up in large groups. (Another > plus for schools). I would guess marketing had a hand in defining this. Anyway, I'm sure a lot of people are getting pissed by now of this pointless argument. I'll move it offline. Sam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ever onward. September 26 & 27...Vintage Computer Festival 2.0 See http://www.vintage.org/vcf for details! [Last web site update: 09/12/98]

27 years, 9 months

2
1
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Classic Computers FS

by WHoagIII＠aol.com

Gentlepeople: Sorry, I am located in Portland, Oregon. I also have a bunch of 8" floppys both HH & FH, Shugart, Tandon, CDC, Mitsubishi & NEC. Also some 8"HDs, Quantum etc. All untested. Any interest? Paxton Hoag

27 years, 9 months

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GUIs 'forced' on people (was Re: Here's something to consider.)

by allisonp＠world.std.com

< > It would take the PC getting to the 386 before it had the < > performance perceived to be needed to attract attention. < < The 386 was important, but not because of performance. Virtual memory, < flat 32-bit address space, and V86 mode were all essential to the succes < of Windows 3. Isn't that what I meant! Performance is not exclusivly a speed metric. All those features of the 386 (its 32bitness) is the performance improment required to make GUI software more praticeable. However it's address space while better than the 286 is anything but flat. Look at teh 68k for the definition of a flat address space. < Have you ever tried GEOS? It is a very acceptable GUI with nice Yes, long time ago. Allison

27 years, 9 months

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CP/M-86 / MSDOS / DRDOS / GEM / Windows

by Marty＠itgonline.com

I have a (unsealed) copy of DOS 1.1 as well. I've never seen a copy of DOS 1.0.... still looking.... Unfortunately I was out killing brain cells at the time DOS 1.0 was released and have only vague hazy recollections that come and go with intermittant flashbacks. What was the question again? Marty ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________ Subject: Re: CP/M-86 / MSDOS / DRDOS / GEM / Windows Author: classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu at internet Date: 9/18/98 1:16 PM On Fri, 18 Sep 1998, Marvin wrote: > I've been looking for a number of years now for DOS 1.0. The best I have > been able to do was to buy a still shrinkwarpped DOS 1.1 a few years ago. > Does anyone know/remember how long DOS 1.0 was actually out before it was > upgraded? I too have a DOS 1.1 package. I'm wondering if 1.0 was only release WITH the PC, and was not available separately as the 1.1 upgrade was? Someone who was paying attention back then then should be able to shed some light on this. Sam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ever onward. September 26 & 27...Vintage Computer Festival 2.0 See http://www.vintage.org/vcf for details! [Last web site update: 09/12/98] ------ Message Header Follows ------ Received: from lists3.u.washington.edu by smtp.itgonline.com (PostalUnion/SMTP(tm) v2.1.9i(b5) for Windows NT(tm)) id AA-1998Sep18.131632.1767.64218; Fri, 18 Sep 1998 13:16:40 -0400 Received: from host (lists.u.washington.edu [140.142.56.13]) by lists3.u.washington.edu (8.8.4+UW97.07/8.8.4+UW98.06) with SMTP id KAA11825; Fri, 18 Sep 1998 10:14:31 -0700 Received: from mxu2.u.washington.edu (mxu2.u.washington.edu [140.142.32.9]) by lists.u.washington.edu (8.8.4+UW97.07/8.8.4+UW98.06) with ESMTP id KAA43978 for <classiccmp(a)lists.u.washington.edu>; Fri, 18 Sep 1998 10:14:26 -0700 Received: from mailhub2.ncal.verio.com (mailhub2.ncal.verio.com [204.247.247.54]) by mxu2.u.washington.edu (8.8.4+UW97.07/8.8.4+UW98.06) with ESMTP id KAA12449 for <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu>; Fri, 18 Sep 1998 10:14:25 -0700 Received: from shell1.ncal.verio.com (dastar(a)shell1.ncal.verio.com [204.247.248.254]) by mailhub2.ncal.verio.com (8.8.7/8.8.7) with SMTP id KAA15780 for <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu>; Fri, 18 Sep 1998 10:14:25 -0700 (PDT) Message-Id: <Pine.GSO.3.96.980918101330.2754H-100000(a)shell1.ncal.verio.com> Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 10:14:22 -0700 (PDT) Reply-To: classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu Sender: CLASSICCMP-owner(a)u.washington.edu Precedence: bulk From: Sam Ismail <dastar(a)ncal.verio.com> To: "Discussion re-collecting of classic computers" <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Subject: Re: CP/M-86 / MSDOS / DRDOS / GEM / Windows In-Reply-To: <3602751A.2B676A5F(a)rain.org> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII X-To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> X-Listprocessor-Version: 8.1 beta -- ListProcessor(tm) by CREN

27 years, 9 months

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GUIs 'forced' on people (was Re: Here's something to consider.)

by allisonp＠world.std.com

< I feel that people also dismissed the first Mac for the same reason. (I < had limited apps to start with, but wider initial acceptance would've po < changed that.) If they had gone on ease of use, elegance of interface, a < technological superiority, they wouldn't have bought slow, clunky DOS-ba < XT's instead. The Amiga suffered the same fate. Drastically superior < technically, but perceived by the business world as only a toy. Multimed < for games and kids until Gates and IBM told them that this new "multimed < thing they came up with was going to be the wave of the future. Ok, Boys and Girls. Fetch a cup of your favorite drink and follow along. There were events and products that had to happen before we could make the quantum leap of faith to GUI interfaces. One of which was a competent and reasonably inexpensive platform to execute on. this is about technology convergence on a set of parameters needed to produce a GUI based system. I will touch on a few of them here. At the time people were looking for more serious machines the Apples were in businesses as were trs80s. S100 crates however were acknowledge as more potent *IF* the user was willing to get into the guts. At the time of the 5150 intro S100 crates with 6mhz z80s and 8mhz 8088s were on the desks of some (compupro 8/16 for example) and setting the standard for performance that PC would not achieve for several years. The problem as I saw it back then (1980 -early 82)was the number of possible systems you could buy and their attractiveness beyond appearance. Apples were fast, had graphics and were fairly easy to configure and find tons of cheap software. Many vendors also supported Apples with hardware add ons like the Softcard extending it's performance and range of executeable software. TRS80s were popular as they also offered a soft introduction for the hardware timid. Game software may have factored in the Apple success at the time as well. BUT, they were 8bit systems. Those that needed raw computing power and couldn't afford the cost of a decent PDP-11, Nova or HP system would bite the hardware bullet and go S100, Multibus, STD or VME busses for it.They also eyed the 68000 and 8086 series of 16bit cpus for a bit more computational power and larger address spaces that their bigger programs would need. The XT at first really was lackluster. It wasn't until it started showing up with a 5 or 10 mb hard disks and at least 256-512k of ram that people could see it as a potential engine of greater performance than the Apple or the others of the time. It offered the prople that hit the hardware path something less hardware intensive like the Apple or TRS80 but with the potential of 16bit performance. That last item was selling hard at the time as the next place to be and it wasn't IBM alone saying that. Even the S100 oriented knew that already. You see the idea of graphics, WYSIWYG text editing and other memory intensive tasks were already being seen in products like DBASE, Multiplan and others. This extended to push people from the floppy to larger fixed drives as well. So in the end it was the need for more performance that would alter the shape of the early 80s computer market with the outcome fairly uncertain till the late 80s. There is no small coincidence that when 8bit systems were common storage of hundres of kilobytes were adaquate. The 8088 made megabyte a word used and storage was in the same range. The 80286 and the 68000 would stay in the megabyte range but the software was using more of it and the storage formerly in the 5-10mb range was now reaching for the 40-80mb or more realm. The advent of the 32bit 386 and the faster 68010/020 made memories also move from the 512k to 2mb range in to the serious 2-8mb range with disks pushing the 100mb region and growing fast this would push RLL, EDSI and eventually IDE is the quest for more space. One more notch up. While GUIs aren't mentioned as yet, they were not the standard. Computer performance and graphics had to come up a notch or two to support that and offer acceptable prformance. Its offering of a less complex user interface would take many years to be realized and those already knowledgable of command lines saw them as slow and awkard as they sometimes were. It would take one more notch up to 32bit computing to establish the platform that GUIs needed to succeed. When it happend those timid people looking for a computer solution without the languages and hardware jumped on the bandwagon. Since Apple chose the 68000 series there were there a bit sooner and had polish off some of the rough edges. They were first, best didn't really matter. It would take the PC getting to the 386 before it had the performance perceived to be needed to attract attention. What was missed is that in the time line GUIs needed 32bit cpus. The VAX, ECLIPSE, SUN and other worstations already knew that but at $50,000 or so they were not in the running. We are talking in the under $5000 bracket throughout this dicertation. Graphics require big address spaces or at least larger than a 16bit word could easily provide. Motorola was already there with the 68000 and Intel was still working their way to it and the 286 a 16 bit cpu was not it yet! So from the time of the PC introduction to the day of the GUI is long, nearly seven years and lot's of other things had to happen along the way, each significant in it own right and also contributing to system as we know them now. Allison

27 years, 9 months

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Gooeys

by jfoust＠threedee.com

At 06:36 PM 9/17/98 -0700, Sam wrote: > >One of the most useful aspects of Linux when I was using it way back when >was the virtual terminals. One of the most interesting programs I've seen this week is the VNC ("virtual network computing") software at <http://www.orl.co.uk/vnc/index.html> . It's graphical remote-control software like the Win-world's pcAnywhere program, but it's not platform-specific. They hand out source code and define the protocol, and there are servers available for several platforms, and viewers (controlling ends) for even more platforms. Incredibly, you can control your Windows or Unix X Window box from an old DOS box, a Palm Pilot, or many other machines. It runs over TCP/IP, but I'm sure eventually someone will adapt it to direct serial or dial-up interface. What does this mean for the classic collector? To me, it means being able to control old machines from different rooms, or to put old computers to better use, allowing me to peek into windows of my present-day computers. - John

27 years, 9 months

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Classic Computers FS

by WHoagIII＠aol.com

Gentlepeople; I am liquidating my warehouse and I have a lot of collectable computers for sale. Following is a rough list of what I have. If interested please e-mail whoagiii(a)aol.com. Paradise Convertable DBS 16 (MPM) IBC IMI 5021H Onyx C5000 Vector 4 Vector 3 Kaypro II Zeus 4 Mindset CPU only Zorba Plexus P/55 Chieftain S50 Altos 8000-12 with MTU (tape) Altos 580s & 586 uSci Cromemco systems 1, 2 & 3 XORI Ampro Little Board 80186 MS-Dos Lomas Data Products S100 Kurtzweil/AI KUSPPC CPU only Morrow Decision 1 with HD/Floppy Compupro S100 Televideo 8/16-40 Xerox 820, 8/16 Multibus dual Sun Intel iPDS 8080 Portable(several) wi E-prom Programmer Intel Multibus 310s, 330s & 380s Heath/Zenith Dual 8" HH Floppy Disk Drives 2 other Dual 8" HH Floppy Disk Drives Misc 5" Hard and floppy external disk drives & cases DEC Vax 730 Wi R80 DEC TU 81 Plus Several RA 81s DEC MINK 11s DEC Rainbows & 350s Tek 43XX & Tek terminals (Many 4025, 4028, 4029, 4105, 4107, 4108, 4109, 4208, 4211, Mice Keyboards) HP Integrals HP 150 I & II HP 9810A, 9815B, 9825B, 9830B, 9845B, Many peripherals and interface cables. Separate list availiable on request. I am open to reasonable offers. Please reply to my e-mail address and not the list. I am able to ship UPS, FedEX or USPS and with special arrangements, commercial trucking. Paxton Whoagiii(a)aol.com

27 years, 9 months

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CP/M-86 / MSDOS / DRDOS / GEM / Windows

by allisonp＠world.std.com

< CP/M actually stands for Control Program/Monitor. Yes. Taken from the first paragraph of An Introduction to CPM features and facilities version 1.4 1976. (my V1.4 manual!) QUOTE: CP/M is a monitor control program for microcomputer system development which uses IBM-compatable flexible disks for backup storage. Using a mainframe based upon Intel's 8080 microcomputer, CP/M provides a general enviornment for program construction, storage, and editing, along with assembly and program check-out facilities. It goes on from there. < While I don't know for sure, I suspected PL/M stands for Programming < Language/Monitor and not Programming Language/Microprocessor. No, PL/M is Programming Language/Microprocessor It derives it's structure from PL/1 and can be viewd as an integer version of it like smallc is to full C. < By 1978, Sharp and Zenith had yet to even create computer divisions, le < alone have computers running CP/M. Zenith at the time was doing TVs and would later aquire Heathkit who did already have products (H8 and H11). generally speaking the japanese companies like Sharp, NEC, Epson and other would be a bit later. Allison

27 years, 9 months

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CP/M-86 / MSDOS / DRDOS / GEM / Windows

by allisonp＠world.std.com

< I have to admit that I'd love to know (from Gary) whether the < similarities between CP/M PIP and RT-11 (or even OS/8) are < simply coincidental or if there is something more to it... Gary was a DEC system user and did a fair amount of cross development on DEC platforms. DEC systems (PDP-8, PDP10, PDP-11 and later VAX) were the models he knew and had used. There is no coincidence that CP/M and DEC command lines and utilities were so similar. Allison

27 years, 9 months

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CP/M-86 / MSDOS / DRDOS / GEM / Windows

by allisonp＠world.std.com

that CP/M could have possibly been our main stream OS.. How could so ma < great ideas get lost in the big shuffle..? Yes I ahve a lot of the 8bit stuff like DRGRAPH. < I know everyone has been talking about GUI's, and according to this arti < Digital Research did alot of work in this area. And real product for both 8 and 16 bit systems. < Also Digital Research back in 1989 released a very good DOS called DRDOS < used this for awhile back in 1990 and was very impressed with its featur < then MS came out with a clone of it called MSDOS ver 6.0.. I still own < several original copies of DRDOS in unopened packages.. What you missed is MPM-86 and CCPM that DRI did before DRDOS! Btoh of wich were a significant advancement over DOS. Allison

27 years, 9 months

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GUIs 'forced' on people (was Re: Here's something to consider.)

by jfoust＠threedee.com

At 04:19 PM 9/16/98 -0700, Sam Ismail wrote: > >Anyway, sorry for the rambling. But I hope you see my point. The >majority of people buy stuff because a disembodied voice on TV or a >caption in a magazine compels them to. Buy my stuff. Buy my stuff. Buy my stuff. Is it working yet? This isn't an ordinary disembodied voice. Only *you* hear it in your head, so it should be extra-effective. The usual technoid misanthropy aside, "buy what everyone else is buying" isn't a bad strategy if it's something that's not central to your life. Do you spend as much time researching, optimizing and comparing your decisions for buying food as you do with buying computers? > The majority of the people buying >into your propaganda (marketing) is what it takes to make a successful >product. I could sell dogshit if I marketed it right. Like <http://www.doodoo.com/> ? Someone's beat you to it. - John

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GUIs 'forced' on people (was Re: Here's something to consider.)

by sinasohn＠ricochet.net

At 09:10 PM 9/16/98 -0500, you wrote: >There was never any O/S or GUI war. After the PC and MS-DOS, Apple never >owned any serious hearts and minds except for a few niches like desktop >publishing and graphics design. DR's GEM was never a serious contender, I disagree. There are plenty of people who are mac fanatics (or Atari/Amiga/Etc fanatics) but because their employer/school/software requires MS/PC stuff, they switch. The vast majority of people who really don't care one way or another; they just use whatever they have at work/school/etc, or whatever their grandson said they should get, or even what the guy at circuit city said they should use. Personally, I feel the lack of Mac Clones is what kill^h^h^h^h wounded the Mac. An awful lot of people 10-15 years ago looked at buying a full-price Mac, a Full-price IBM/Compaq/Etc, and a PC's Limited clone, and let their budget do the choosing. I know I did -- I bought a used clone motherboard and case, added a disk drive, brand-x video card with a composite monitor, and so on. There's no way I (or a lot of other people) could afford, let alone justify the cost of a name brand computer. (The same is true, to a lesser extent of the Atari ST (which was also hampered by Tramiel) and possibly the Amiga.) >nobody has mentioned the real reason for the success of Windows 3.x: >Solitaire. Just as sex videos made VHS a standard, Solitaire is the one >thing that kept users from simply deleting Windows 3.0 after the standard I agree completely on this. Although, I explained its inclusion as a tool to help people get used to the concept of and to practice with the mouse. --------------------------------------------------------------------- O- Uncle Roger "There is pleasure pure in being mad roger(a)sinasohn.com that none but madmen know." Roger Louis Sinasohn & Associates San Francisco, California http://www.sinasohn.com/

27 years, 9 months

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Oh no, not another imporvement!

by Philip.Belben＠powertech.co.uk

Over the course of the next two weeks, here at Power Tech, we are being migrated from Lotus Cack-mail to Lotus Not. It just happens that I shall be on holiday in California at the time, doing things like vintage computer festivals. The concurrence of these two happenings means I am going to POSTPONE the list for the time being... no saying how long it will take me to get back on, though! Nice knowing you all! Philip.

27 years, 9 months

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CP/M-86 / MSDOS / DRDOS / GEM / Windows

by mbg＠world.std.com

I have to admit that I'd love to know (from Gary) whether the similarities between CP/M PIP and RT-11 (or even OS/8) are simply coincidental or if there is something more to it... It sure looked like a PIP from V3B of RT-11 (I remember we did some comparisons back in the 80's...) Megan Gentry Former RT-11 Developer +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+ | Megan Gentry, EMT/B, PP-ASEL | Internet (work): gentry!zk3.dec.com | | Unix Support Engineering Group | (home): mbg!world.std.com | | Compaq Computer Corporation | addresses need '@' in place of '!' | | 110 Spitbrook Rd. ZK03-2/T43 | URL: http://world.std.com/~mbg/ | | Nashua, NH 03062 | "pdp-11 programmer - some assembler | | (603) 884 1055 | required." - mbg | +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+

27 years, 9 months

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new interesting addition

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

since im known at work as a packrat of old computer junk, someone gave me something called a microsoft <!> mach 20. turns out it's a full length 8 bit card that has a 286-8 and 2 meg and high density floppy controller on it. it has a cable that plugs into the 8088 socket and the board does all the processing. basically turns an xt into an at with lots of memory. i got everything, disks manuals and the special cable. i guess for a fun vacation project, i'll see about getting win3.1 running in standard mode or maybe even os2 1.3 for a challenging project... david

27 years, 9 months

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GUIs 'forced' on people (was Re: Here's something to consider.)

by maxeskin＠hotmail.com

Indeed, that's the way it should be. Would you buy an item that's never been reviewed or advertised? The only problem is that there's a tradeoff between product quality and marketing quality most of the time. Back to GUIs, I think that a GUI is very useful for some things. For example, let's say I want to look at the files in a directory and copy five certain ones. It's easiest to do with a GUI. Graphical software can use either. AutoCAD had a CLI up to the latest version, not sure if they took it out. It was a Command-line drafting program, usable very efficiently. Only now have they jumped on the Windows buttons-pop-up-when-mouse-moves nonsense. One GUI I really appreciate is the early Mac GUI, for being almost as simple and clear as a CLI. That was really a user-friendly computer. But the lessons of PARC and early Apple were forgotten and turned into a who-can-make-the-nicest- 3d-menu competition. >Oh, I disagree. > >> If anything, Sony had better marketing. Many people continued to refer >> to VCRs in general as "Betamax" even into the mid-80s. It is widely >> believed (but of course unproven) that VHS was preferred due to the >> longer recording time per tape. JVC rarely even mentioned this feature >> in advertising. > >M-A-R-K-E-T-I-N-G > >Mac vs. Windows - who won? Microsoft. Why? Marketing. > >PowerPC vs. Pentium - who won? Intel. Why? Marketing. > >Those are simply two of the most obvious examples. > >Anyway, sorry for the rambling. But I hope you see my point. The >majority of people buy stuff because a disembodied voice on TV or a >caption in a magazine compels them to. The majority of the people buying >into your propaganda (marketing) is what it takes to make a successful >product. I could sell dogshit if I marketed it right. > >Sam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com >------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >Ever onward. > > September 26 & 27...Vintage Computer Festival 2.0 > See http://www.vintage.org/vcf for details! > [Last web site update: 09/12/98] > > ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

27 years, 9 months

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GUIs 'forced' on people (was Re: Here's something to consider.)

by sinasohn＠ricochet.net

At 05:05 PM 9/16/98 PDT, you wrote: >Indeed, that's the way it should be. Would you buy an item that's >never been reviewed or advertised? The only problem is that there's Never advertised, sure. Never reviewed, possibly. Don't think I ever saw an ad for the Sony Mavica I've got, and I know I never read a review. Bought it because a friend had one. I don't recall seeing much advertising for the Voicemail system I have. Saw a mention of it somewhere, got info, compared what it could do to others, and bought it. It's still the only consumer-priced system I've seen that can do what I need it to. The mechanics I take my (non-Land-Rover) cars to doesn't have an ad in the phone book. Doesn't need one; they get all the business they need by word of mouth. If you need a big ad, your customers aren't doing your selling for you. Which of course does not mean that the majority of the idiots out there don't buy things simply because some guy in a fancy suit says they should. --------------------------------------------------------------------- O- Uncle Roger "There is pleasure pure in being mad roger(a)sinasohn.com that none but madmen know." Roger Louis Sinasohn & Associates San Francisco, California http://www.sinasohn.com/

27 years, 9 months

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PDP-11/84 & Cipher tape drive questions

by rexstout＠uswest.net

Lets start with the PDP-11/84... What is that console distribution board connected to the DB-25 port in the back? Remote power control, dumb terminal or what? What's the pinout of the connector? And about terminals... What do I need to hook up a dumb terminal? It'll be either a VT-220(after a good cleaning of the keyboard and a switch or two replaced) or WY-99GT. OK, when I turn on the system the DC on light turns on and the LED's just show a boring "77" every time... What does that mean? Anyone have a list of error codes for the 11/84? And then Cipher... Got two of them actually, the nicer one is labeled as an IBM 4968(goes with my IBM Series/1). The big noisy one says it's a Cipher 0920640-98-125OU. So, what kind of interface do I need to hook it up to my 11/84? And is there any easy way to use them with a PC or Mac? And while I'm talking about drives, does anyone in the PDX area have any cheap or free drives or Unibus cards laying around they don't need? -------------------------------------------------------------- | http://members.tripod.com/~jrollins/index.html - Computers | | http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Lair/1681/ - Star Trek | | Orham(a)qth.net list admin KD7BCY | --------------------------------------------------------------

27 years, 9 months

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Gooeys

by dastar＠ncal.verio.com

On Thu, 17 Sep 1998, Uncle Roger wrote: > And therein lies one of the main reasons I use a GUI (and would have a hard > time going back to DOS-only.) Yes, it's possible to run multiple > programs/sessions/etc. under a CLI (use to do it with a terminal and a > CompuPro 8/16 under MPM16 -- that was a great system!) but a GUI, with the > ability to arrange windows, cut and paste, etc. is a definite advantage. Certainly. One of the most useful aspects of Linux when I was using it way back when was the virtual terminals. I could switch between something like 32 different virtual terminals and be doing all sorts of stuff on each. Very powerful, very useful. Its what a computer was intended to allow one to do with it. Sam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ever onward. September 26 & 27...Vintage Computer Festival 2.0 See http://www.vintage.org/vcf for details! [Last web site update: 09/12/98]

27 years, 9 months

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Web Standards Project (Off-topic but useful)

by dastar＠ncal.verio.com

I wanted to share with you guys what I learned last night at a meeting of the Web Guild (affiliated with the Association of Internet Professionals). Basically a SIG for web development. The speakers introduced the audience to the Web Standards Project, which is an effort to force web browser vendors to confirm to ONE (and only one) standard so that the web isn't such a kludge. Check out the whole deal at http://www.webstandards.org. Its very promising. Sam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ever onward. September 26 & 27...Vintage Computer Festival 2.0 See http://www.vintage.org/vcf for details! [Last web site update: 09/12/98]

27 years, 9 months

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Rare Find

by roblwill＠usaor.net

Sounds like some type of terminal. -- -Jason (roblwill(a)usaor.net) ICQ#-1730318 ---------- > From: John R. Keys, Jr. <jrkeys(a)concentric.net> > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> > Subject: Rare Find > Date: Thursday, September 17, 1998 7:22 PM > > I have not been posting my latest finds because most are not that rare but > yesterday I got Japanese monitor for $5 that is made of wood. The casing is > wood shaped like the new iMac believe it or not but smaller. It has gold > plated trim around the screen. uses 220v only and has a 9pin mono connector. > The name on it in English is Intech Systems model CP2054B SN 1002. It has a > RS232 serial port, a Centronics 8 Bit Parallel port and is in good shape. I > can not read the Japanese writing on the front or back of it. If anyone has > anymore info on it I'd like to hear it. John >

27 years, 9 months

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Printronix Info #2

by jpl15＠netcom.com

Hello to All.. Thank you so much for the various respomses to my P 300 inquiry. In doing some research, I discovered several sites with info, but nothing specific about this model, other than someone here in SoCal who has several of them for sale ($500..... not!). I have a call in to see if they might have docs and, now that I know such a thing exists.... an RS232 or Centronics I/O card. I would like to re-iterate my previous request, though... I am interested in buying, trading, copying, or otherwise acquiring a nice set of manuals for this printer.. engineering, user, etc. I like to have the docs for stuff... it cuts down on the guess-work when they break. ;) Thanks again for all the other info... and especial regards to the individual who took the time to FAX me some critical material on VMS magtape issues... taken from an important book I don't have. Yet. I am further interested in getting a VMS 5.x Grey Wall. Purchase/ship/trade/whatever. Cheers John

27 years, 9 months

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Rare Find

by jrkeys＠concentric.net

I have not been posting my latest finds because most are not that rare but yesterday I got Japanese monitor for $5 that is made of wood. The casing is wood shaped like the new iMac believe it or not but smaller. It has gold plated trim around the screen. uses 220v only and has a 9pin mono connector. The name on it in English is Intech Systems model CP2054B SN 1002. It has a RS232 serial port, a Centronics 8 Bit Parallel port and is in good shape. I can not read the Japanese writing on the front or back of it. If anyone has anymore info on it I'd like to hear it. John

27 years, 9 months

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CP/M Disks may be Northstar

by karlm＠blitzen.canberra.edu.au

Hi, I was showing those CP/M disks I found to a friend of mine (also a computer collector), and some of them are marked as being for a Northstar, if anyone is interested in these let me know, I'd like to see them go to a good home. Cheers Karl ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Karl Maftoum Computer Engineering student at the University of Canberra, Australia Email: k.maftoum(a)student.canberra.edu.au

27 years, 9 months

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Here's something to consider.

by dastar＠ncal.verio.com

I'm looking thru this June 1977 issue of Byte. Inside I find an ad from Apple on page 14&15. The copy starts "Introducing Apple II", which makes sense as the Apple II was introduced at the West Coast Computer Faire in April 1977, so this ad was probably one of the first for the Apple II. Now, one of the great things about the Apple II was its ability to display color graphics, apparently a big deal at the time, as supposedly no other machine in the home computer class had this capability (save for the S-100 machines with a Cromemco TV Dazzler, but that was an add-on, as opposed to the Apple II's built-in capability). Yet there is another ad on page 61 for the Compucolor 8001. The Compucolor boasts pretty much the same features as the Apple II (64K RAM, cassette storage, built-in BASIC) although it runs on an 8080. However, the Compucolor came with an "integrated display", and featured 160x192, 8-color (vector) graphics (the Apple was capable of 280x192 bit-mapped graphics). The Compucolor also had "mini-disk drives" (I assume 8") available for it separately. The retail price advertised for the Compucolor was $2,750, very comparable with a similarly equipped Apple II. Yet the Apple II is celebrated as having been the first home computer with built-in color graphics, and almost no mention of the Compucolor is ever made in any general computer history texts. The obvious difference between the two is that the Apple II went on to enjoy tremendous success for the next 15+ years while the Compucolor was relegated to an also-ran. The victors do indeed write the history, or at least get the lion's share of the mention. I think its odd that a system such as the Compucolor, extremely comparable to the capabilities of the Apple II (if not more so in some respects) hardly gets mentioned in the computer history books I read. Maybe someone who is cognizant of that era can shed some additional light on this. The lesson of this story is, you can have the best, most amazing product in the world, but "build it and they will come" does not apply. You've got to advertise. Apple was obviously more masterful at this. Sam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ever onward. September 26 & 27...Vintage Computer Festival 2.0 See http://www.siconic.com/vcf for details! [Last web site update: 08/25/98]

27 years, 9 months

10
21
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Apple ][ programmer's reunion

by MPritchard＠EnsembleStudios.com

As someone who was there, I can tell you all it was a blast. :) :) :) The turnout was pretty high and everyone was pleasntly surpised at that. The food was even good! Woz was great form; gratious, humble, and sense of humor fully intact; people brought _all_ manner of Apple hardware for him to sign ;-) So many good people, and the memories just flowed... -Matt Pritchard Graphics Engine and Optimization Specialist MS Age of Empires & Age of Empires ][ > -----Original Message----- > From: SUPRDAVE(a)aol.com [SMTP:SUPRDAVE@aol.com] > Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 1998 4:30 PM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: Apple ][ programmer's reunion > > www.gamespot.com/features/apple2/index.html

27 years, 9 months

1
0
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GUIs 'forced' on people (was Re: Here's something to consider.)

by sinasohn＠ricochet.net

>a nuisance. I always have at least two DOS windows open under 95 for when And therein lies one of the main reasons I use a GUI (and would have a hard time going back to DOS-only.) Yes, it's possible to run multiple programs/sessions/etc. under a CLI (use to do it with a terminal and a CompuPro 8/16 under MPM16 -- that was a great system!) but a GUI, with the ability to arrange windows, cut and paste, etc. is a definite advantage. --------------------------------------------------------------------- O- Uncle Roger "There is pleasure pure in being mad roger(a)sinasohn.com that none but madmen know." Roger Louis Sinasohn & Associates San Francisco, California http://www.sinasohn.com/

27 years, 9 months

4
3
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Printronix Info

by allisonp＠world.std.com

< Might anyone within the sound of my bytes have docs on a < Printronix P 300 line printer? Tech Docs? User's Guide? or at least < the I/O pinouts? Same as data products B300, B600 and LP25/26/27 series. Use DEC LAV-11, LP-11 interfaces. < Also: do any of the big mail-order computer supply houses carry < ribbons for the Decwriters? Not that I couldn't kludge one from < something the same width.... Yes. Allison

27 years, 9 months

3
2
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Printronix Info

by CLASSICCMP＠timaxp.trailing-edge.com

> Also: do any of the big mail-order computer supply houses carry >ribbons for the Decwriters? Not that I couldn't kludge one from >something the same width.... Have you tried 1-800-DIGITAL? You *will* have to know the model number of the printer you need the ribbon for. Tim.

27 years, 9 months

1
0
0 0

Printronix Info

by jpl15＠netcom.com

To the List-Group, greetings! Might anyone within the sound of my bytes have docs on a Printronix P 300 line printer? Tech Docs? User's Guide? or at least the I/O pinouts? This machine was last in service on a Prime system, and has a large (36-pin??) Winchester connector fitted. It's in prime shape [STOP THAT!!!] and I'm wishing to make it part of the DEC managerie. Also: do any of the big mail-order computer supply houses carry ribbons for the Decwriters? Not that I couldn't kludge one from something the same width.... O Yes: I would entertain the notion of purchasing (cheaply) and having shipped a VAXVMS 5.x Grey Wall... I saw one advertised a while ago but it's gone now. Thanks y'all John

27 years, 9 months

2
1
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Tandy Model 3000 HL

by oajones＠bright.net

I'm still cleaning out my basement parts supply. I found a Tandy 3000 HL motherboard and the owner's manual. The last time I tried this motherboard it was acting flaky. But if anyone wants it for parts you can have it. Just pay for shipping and its yours. Have a nice day! --Alan

27 years, 9 months

1
0
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GUIs 'forced' on people (was Re: Here's something to consider.)

by allisonp＠world.std.com

< > Since DRI was doing a GUI interface for CPM someone would have. < < Was that how GEM was started? A project for CPM, then later moved to DO < and the atari platform? Yes. It started on 8bit cpm as GSS kernal and GKS graphics extensions also with the DR Graph product. Allison

27 years, 9 months

1
0
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Commodore 64 stuff

by oajones＠bright.net

I have the following items for sale: 1. Cartridges: Music Machine Super Snapshot, V5, with screen copy (with Docs) Fast Load Visible Solar System Oil's Well 2. C2N Cassette Unit 3. Aprospand 64 (holds 4 cartidges/switchable) I would like to sell this stuff as a package. I'm asking $20. If anyone is interested please send me email. --Alan

27 years, 9 months

3
3
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GUIs 'forced' on people (was Re: Here's something to consider.)

by allisonp＠world.std.com

< M-A-R-K-E-T-I-N-G < < Mac vs. Windows - who won? Microsoft. Why? Marketing. Wrong, wrong, wrong! MS won because intel won and several downs manufacturers of clones won. Mac was a single point product that was also for much of it's life a closed product. People do like the appearence of competition so intel boxen did get a little cheaper while Macs did have like product pressure. < PowerPC vs. Pentium - who won? Intel. Why? Marketing. Too little to late. Allison

27 years, 9 months

3
2
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GUIs 'forced' on people (was Re: Here's something to consider.)

by allisonp＠world.std.com

> Before Windows became popular, many people sneered about icons, and WI < > interfaces. Most of those same people are running GUIs now. And ther < > evidence that the GUIs were forced on them. First off the early GUI interfaces were pretty primitive and deserved a sneer. The GUI interface we know and love is far more powerful than the originals with the ability to manipulate data and objects. < The original posting claimed that if Apple hadn't been successful, we < wouldn't be running GUIs. This is absurd; Microsoft was aware of the Xe < work before Apple developed the Lisa, and had in fact hired some ex-Xero < people. Windows might have been released later, but it still would hav < happened. And if Microsoft hadn't done it, someone else would have. Since DRI was doing a GUI interface for CPM someone would have. Allison

27 years, 9 months

2
1
0 0

C128D

by maxeskin＠hotmail.com

Hans Franke just gave me a Commodore 128 D, the 220 volt version. Could someone please tell me a) how to convert the PSU (no switch) or b) how to hook up a normal PC PSU. ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

27 years, 9 months

6
13
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GUIs 'forced' on people (was Re: Here's something to consider.)

by IVIE＠cc.usu.edu

Captain Napalm said: > Nope. Porn. Sony would not allow the adult film industry the liceses > required to produce Betamax tapes. The adult film industry could, however, > get VHS licenses that that probably drove customer demand for VHS over > Betamax. At least that's the story I heard. I recently read a news story on the net regarding net.porn and porn on DVDs. A Sony spokesman was quoted as saying the porn thing was a major reason for the death of Betamax and they dang well were gonna make sure people could license DVD for porn so DVD wouldn't go the way of Betamax. Roger "Another unsubstantiated net.rumor slung your way" Ivie ivie(a)cc.usu.edu

27 years, 9 months

1
0
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Lisa floppy problems

by PB14＠leicester.ac.uk

On 16 Sep 98 at 0:14, Tony Duell wrote: > One interesting 'feature' of the 800K Mac drive (and I suspect the 400K > drive is similar) is that there's a pin on the connector (pin 9, I think) > which will trigger the eject mechanism if clamped to ground. It's not > used on the Mac AFAIK. Maybe it was used on the Lisa. I suspect that the feature is used by the Apple II family. External 3.5" drives for the II have an eject switch. Phil ************************************************************** Phil Beesley -- Computer Officer -- Distributed Systems Suppport University of Leicester Tel (0)116 252-2231 E-Mail pb14(a)le.ac.uk

27 years, 9 months

3
2
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Classic Computer Essentials (was C128D)

by PB14＠leicester.ac.uk

On 16 Sep 98 at 1:42, Tony Duell wrote: > How about a list of useful things for classic computer collectors, even > for those who don't want to get involved with repair. I'd start with the > following... Feel free to add things > > A transformer to convert your local mains into the 'other' standard. I.e. > a 110V step-down transformer for the UK, a 220V step-up transformer for > the states. > > A composite monochrome monitor, capable of working with UK and US TV > standards (almost all will do that). > > An analogue RGB colour monitor, TV scan rates The analogue RGB monitor is an essential but getting one that runs at TV scan rates is getting difficult. I was lucky enough to find a Microvitec badged NEC Multisync (digital and analog inputs) that seems to display almost anything. However it's now more than ten years old and starting to display its age. These types of display are snapped up by the Amiga enthusiasts so what are the alternatives? Does anyone know the signal requirements for the "new" desktop flat screen displays? Phil ************************************************************** Phil Beesley -- Computer Officer -- Distributed Systems Suppport University of Leicester Tel (0)116 252-2231 E-Mail pb14(a)le.ac.uk

27 years, 9 months

4
3
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Kaypro & Osborne Floppy Drive compatability

by fmc＠reanimators.org

Phil Clayton <handyman(a)sprintmail.com> writes: > I have several old 360K floppy drives removed from old XT's > is it possible to use these in my CP/M machines..? > Are they compatable, and has anyone used these drives in the old > CP/M's.? Kaypro: yes Osborne: I dunno I'm thinking that the O1 has funny disk drives that need power somewhere on the ribbon cable. But it's been a while since I had one open to check, and am posting in the spirit of getting someone else to jump in and correct me. -Frank McConnell

27 years, 9 months

4
5
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Small Systems (was: Single-card video/I/O solution)

by IVIE＠cc.usu.edu

Uncle Roger said: >I came across a couple of small systems ... > that are the size of a small shoebox ... > Unfortunately, the ones I got are 286 and 386sx machines ... > I would > love to find such a box with something more current ... http://www.mod.com/html/desktop_products.html The only thing that might possibly link this to being on-topic is that this is Ken Olsen's new company. Roger Ivie ivie(a)cc.usu.edu

27 years, 9 months

2
1
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Classic Computer Essentials (was C128D)

by maxeskin＠hotmail.com

Most flat screen displays use analog SVGA signals. They're trying to elminiate SVGA, and have pure digital signals, which is how it should be for a TFT screen. When this happens, you'll have a harder time using it with old machines. Eventually, CRTs may be relegated to second place (kinda like dot matrix printers). >> for those who don't want to get involved with repair. I'd start with the >> following... Feel free to add things >> >> A transformer to convert your local mains into the 'other' standard. I.e. >> a 110V step-down transformer for the UK, a 220V step-up transformer for >> the states. >> >> A composite monochrome monitor, capable of working with UK and US TV >> standards (almost all will do that). >> >> An analogue RGB colour monitor, TV scan rates > >The analogue RGB monitor is an essential but getting one that runs at >TV scan rates is getting difficult. I was lucky enough to find a >Microvitec badged NEC Multisync (digital and analog inputs) that >seems to display almost anything. However it's now more than ten >years old and starting to display its age. These types of display are >snapped up by the Amiga enthusiasts so what are the alternatives? >Does anyone know the signal requirements for the "new" desktop flat >screen displays? > >Phil > > > >************************************************************** >Phil Beesley -- Computer Officer -- Distributed Systems Suppport >University of Leicester > >Tel (0)116 252-2231 >E-Mail pb14(a)le.ac.uk > ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

27 years, 9 months

1
0
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C128D

by maxeskin＠hotmail.com

No, this is an internal PSU. > >>Hans Franke just gave me a Commodore 128 D, the 220 volt version. >>Could someone please tell me a) how to convert the PSU (no switch) >>or b) how to hook up a normal PC PSU. > >Is this by any chance the same power supply used by the C-128, A-500, >A-600, A-1200? I know that for these systems the best powersupply is the >one that came with the A500 as it has the highest wattage. > > Zane >| Zane H. Healy | UNIX Systems Adminstrator | >| healyzh(a)ix.netcom.com (primary) | Linux Enthusiast | >| healyzh(a)holonet.net (alternate) | Classic Computer Collector | >+----------------------------------+----------------------------+ >| Empire of the Petal Throne and Traveller Role Playing, | >| and Zane's Computer Museum. | >| http://www.dragonfire.net/~healyzh/ | > ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

27 years, 9 months

1
0
0 0

Classic Computer Essentials (was C128D)

by roblwill＠usaor.net

One RGB monitor that I have is a Magnavox Professional. It has composite input, RGB input, and another input that I don't have the cable for. I like it because it also is capable of displaying Monochrome (green) display in either CGA/RGB, Composite, or Monochrome mode. I think the third connector is to connect it to a Hercules card, but I don't have the cable (not the same as RGB cable. -- -Jason (roblwill(a)usaor.net) ICQ#-1730318 ---------- > From: Phil Beesley <PB14(a)leicester.ac.uk> > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> > Subject: Classic Computer Essentials (was C128D) > Date: Wednesday, September 16, 1998 8:10 AM > > On 16 Sep 98 at 1:42, Tony Duell wrote: > > > How about a list of useful things for classic computer collectors, even > > for those who don't want to get involved with repair. I'd start with the > > following... Feel free to add things > > > > A transformer to convert your local mains into the 'other' standard. I.e. > > a 110V step-down transformer for the UK, a 220V step-up transformer for > > the states. > > > > A composite monochrome monitor, capable of working with UK and US TV > > standards (almost all will do that). > > > > An analogue RGB colour monitor, TV scan rates > > The analogue RGB monitor is an essential but getting one that runs at > TV scan rates is getting difficult. I was lucky enough to find a > Microvitec badged NEC Multisync (digital and analog inputs) that > seems to display almost anything. However it's now more than ten > years old and starting to display its age. These types of display are > snapped up by the Amiga enthusiasts so what are the alternatives? > Does anyone know the signal requirements for the "new" desktop flat > screen displays? > > Phil > > > > ************************************************************** > Phil Beesley -- Computer Officer -- Distributed Systems Suppport > University of Leicester > > Tel (0)116 252-2231 > E-Mail pb14(a)le.ac.uk

27 years, 9 months

1
0
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C128D

by maxeskin＠hotmail.com

You don't have the schematics for this anywhere? The PSU is separate and it looks like I could plug in a PC power supply if I knew pinout. As for useful things, I would also suggest an older model printer, a 5.25" drive, and, if possible, an 8" drive. Then, I would say a VOM is obligatory either way. > >This is rapidly becoming a FAQ here - how to convert between 110V and >220V mains. > >By far the easiest and safest way is to use a step-up transformer. It >doesn't need to be an isolating transformer - an autotransformer is fine. >You feed 110V in and get 220V out. Since 240V -> 110V transformers are >fairly common in the UK, I would guess you can get the reverse in the States. > >If you can't find a suitable transformer, then there's a sort-of kludge >that works, but you need to take a little care when wiring it up. > >Get a mains transformer with _2_ 115V (or thereabouts) primary windings. >Such transformers are fairly common, since by connecting the primaries in >parallel you can use them in the States, and by connecting them is series >(230V) you can use them in Europe. It doesn't matter what the secondaries >are, as you're not going to use them. > >Connect the windings in series, like you would for 230V mains. Connect >the output across the 2 windings. Connect the 115V mains across one of >them. In effect you're using the primaries as an autotransformer. > >The power rating of the transformer that you use should be about twice >that of the computer you want to run. That gives a reasonable safety margin. > >Another way, which should be safe, but which for some odd reason is >against the US electrical code is to connect the 220V unit to a 220V US >outlet - the sort of thing you plug an air conditioner or whatever into. > >It may be possible to modify the PSU. If it uses an iron-core 50Hz/60Hz >transformer, then look to see if there are 2 primaries wired in series >for 220V mains. Connect them in parallel for 110V mains - taking care to >get the relative polarity correct. I'll not give any more details, >because it really depends on the PSU design what you should do. > >For a switcher, the input circuit is often a bridge rectifier for 230V >mains. If you can convert this to a voltage doubler, and if there's no >line-frequency transformer for a start-up supply, then it should work. > >A lot of switchers have 2 smoothing capacitors in series - look for 2 >large capacitors of about 470uF at 200V. Connecting the centre-tap of >these to one side of the mains (after the switch/fuse/filter) will do it. >Often there's a link on the PCB (marked 'link for 115V' or something like >that) for this purpose. Again, knowing how PSUs work is a great help here. > >But I'd recomend the step-up transformer in your case. It avoids >modification, and it's safe. > >How about a list of useful things for classic computer collectors, even >for those who don't want to get involved with repair. I'd start with the >following... Feel free to add things > >A transformer to convert your local mains into the 'other' standard. I.e. >a 110V step-down transformer for the UK, a 220V step-up transformer for >the states. > >A composite monochrome monitor, capable of working with UK and US TV >standards (almost all will do that). > >An analogue RGB colour monitor, TV scan rates > >A dumb terminal (or a PC + terminal emulator program) > >One of those RS232 quicktesters with red/green LEDs. (I use mine more >than my Tektronix datacomms analyser) > >An assortment of cables. In particular IEC mains leads (like PC mains >leads), RS232 cables (straight and null-modem), video cables (RCA - RCA, >BNC, PL259, etc) > >-tony > > ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

27 years, 9 months

2
1
0 0

Rainbows and S/W for sale.

by mtapley＠swri.edu

All, spotted this on the comp.sys.dec.micro newsgroup. Please reply to him, not me. I love my Rainbow but don't know anything about his :-) Also, you probably should check out ftp.update.uu.se in the /pub/rainbow directory to see whether there's anything there that might suit your Rainbow software needs better. Or check it out to see what a wonderful variety of reasons there is to get a Rainbow! - Mark vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv Path: Supernews70!SupernewsNP!Supernews73!supernews.com!howland.erols.net!feed1.news.r cn.net!rcn!news-xfer.netaxs.com!feed.centuryinter.net!not-for-mail From: aljohnson(a)centuryinter.net Newsgroups: comp.sys.dec,comp.sys.dec.micro Subject: FS: Misc DEC Software for DEC rainbow and Hardware Date: Wed, 16 Sep 98 04:52:05 GMT Organization: CENTURYinter.net Lines: 9 Message-ID: <N.091598.235205.05(a)ppp093.av.centuryinter.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: ppp093.av.centuryinter.net X-Newsreader: Quarterdeck Message Center [2.00] Xref: Supernews70 comp.sys.dec:67074 comp.sys.dec.micro:9067 I have misc software including wordprocessing, multiplan, operating stuff for dec rainbows and similar machines. Have several rainbow machines and some cables. Parting out all of it CHEAP. Software a buck a box, Hardware a buck a part. Most but not all software is still in plastic. Got to get rid of it. Please email with any question. Allen ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

27 years, 9 months

1
0
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Lisa floppy problems

by Marion.Bates＠Dartmouth.EDU

--- Eric Smith wrote: Marion.Bates(a)Dartmouth.EDU (Marion Bates) wrote: > As far as I know, it is the same in almost all respects, right down = > to the model number. But, the Lisa version supports the Lisa's = > auto-eject feature when shutting down from the front button, = > whereas the Mac version does not. No, they are in fact identical, and have auto-eject. The eject when the white "power" button on the Lisa is pressed is done by software; the button doesn't really have anything to do with the power supply. Eric --- end of quote --- I asked David Craig about this, and here's what he had to say: "Concerning your recent question about the differences between the Mac and Lisa 400k drives as pertaining to auto eject at machine shutdown, my understanding is the Lisa drive has extra circuitry to detect when its power is turned off and it then auto ejects the floppy. The Mac drive does not have this extra circuitry and therefore does not auto eject a floppy by itself. The Mac floppy ejection is controlled by the system software. See Sun's Lisa repair manual which talks about this feature. FWIW, the Lisa drive being smarter does not suprise me since the Lisa hardware philosophy was to have specific components handle specific tasks. That's why the Lisa twiggy drives were smart and did stuff like formatting whereas the Mac handles everything about the disk. The Lisa's keyboard was also smart and had its own chip to control it -- COPS, control oriented processing system." -- MB

27 years, 9 months

5
5
0 0

Commodore 64/64C? & X1541 Repost

by foxnhare＠goldrush.com

> From: Marion.Bates(a)Dartmouth.EDU (Marion Bates) > Subject: Commodore 64/64C? > > I was wondering, what is the difference between a regular Commodore 64 and a > 64C? I've got one of each, and everything seems identical other than that the > 64C looks like a 128. Generally they are exatly the same except the 64C went through a couple of later board revisions that noticibly cut down the chip count and the board size (and not to mention the production cost too). One 'bug' that resulted is that the 64C's SID chip was 'fixed' of a clicking sound when you change volume levels. Unfortunately that 'click' was employed by some game and sound programmers to play digitized sounds, and without the 'click' those digitized sounds in older 64 games came out either muted or non-existant. > (Well, one other difference is that the 64C overheats after about an hour or so...) I hooked in a fresh (used) 64C into my BBS couple weeks back and after about 336 hours of continual use, it doesn't seem too noticibly warm. It may be because the slimmer 64C case is closer to the motherboard. ------------ The X-1541 post and response were by: g.j.p.a.a.baltissen(a)kader.hobby.nl (Ruud Baltissen) and "Frank Kontros" <frank(a)kontr.uzhgorod.ua> If you want more info than what I posted, talk to them, as I am more of a general programmer than a hardware/OS person. Larry -- -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+- Larry Anderson - Sysop of Silicon Realms BBS (300-2400bd) (209) 754-1363 Visit my Commodore 8-Bit web page at: http://www.goldrush.com/~foxnhare/commodore.html -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

27 years, 9 months

2
1
0 0

Small Systems (was: Single-card video/I/O solution)

by sinasohn＠ricochet.net

At 11:18 AM 9/13/98 -0700, you wrote: >With such a card I can construct a minimal, full system on an old >386sx I have using only one expansion slot, which is a necessity. I came across a couple of small systems made by SIIG (who makes expansion cards now) that are the size of a small shoebox (not my shoes; Rachel's) and are complete systems with I/O, Video, FDC, HDC, etc. Room for a single 3.5" floppy and one 3.5"hd. One 16-bit expansion slot. Unfortunately, the ones I got are 286 and 386sx machines, but they work great for my voicemail system (which can run fine on an 8088). I would love to find such a box with something more current, but SIIG doesn't mention them on their web site. --------------------------------------------------------------------- O- Uncle Roger "There is pleasure pure in being mad roger(a)sinasohn.com that none but madmen know." Roger Louis Sinasohn & Associates San Francisco, California http://www.sinasohn.com/

27 years, 9 months

1
0
0 0

COMPUTER HAIKU

by Philip.Belben＠powertech.co.uk

Jim Weiler wrote: > I thought this listserve might appreciate these. I know I do. If anyone > knows of a source for these, other than the one I've attributed below, > I'd appreciate knowing of it. -Jim > > COMPUTER HAIKU > > Imagine if, instead of cryptic, geeky text strings, your computer produced > error messages in haiku... [Seventeen haiku all really hilarious are snipped from this point] > Best I can tell, this can be traced back to Tanya Olsen > (tanya.olsen(a)smtpgate.coga.state.co.us). I don't know if she wrote them, or > just passed them on. I haven't checked it out. All I can say is that I > appreciate them, and thank the creator, whoever it was, from one poet to > another. They are very good, IMHO. -Jim Weiler <heavy(a)tstar.net> There used to be a long list at http://www.mong.demon.co.uk/haiku.htm but it seems to have disappeared. I think all yours were on it - I have an hard copy at home. Anyone know where it's gone? I think Haiku error messages are a good idea, and now I work off my frustration by making them up for errors I get, such as: CC:Mails are stored all in one big database which you can't access. Philip.

27 years, 9 months

6
8
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new additions

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

i posted an old computers wanted ad in a local newsgroup and today i came home with a sanyo mbc-1000 cpm computer. came in its original box and plastic wrap and included system disks and manuals and wordstar, reportstar, and datastar, calcstar and mailmerge on original disks. i also got a star gemini10 printer. the proof of purchase shows over $1700. system is very clean and booted up with no problems. even has a pleasant keyclick through the speaker too. i also got a lead on some dec stuff, but no reply back from the induhvidual yet. david

27 years, 9 months

1
0
0 0

Tape Storage for Dummies

by pete＠dunnington.u-net.com

On Sep 15, 16:15, CLASSICCMP(a)timaxp.trailing-edge.com wrote: > Subject: RE: Tape Storage for Dummies [Attribution lost] wrote: > > but quite a few "common" ISO/ANSI standards seem to > >have ECMA equivalents (ISO9660 is a definite example). > > It looks to me like ECMA-13, "File Structure and Labelling of Magnetic > Tapes for Information Interchange", may be the equivalent. > > >Copies of these standards cost money to obtain from ISO or ANSI, but the > >identical ECMA documents are available free of charge from the ECMA web site at > >http://www.ecma.ch/. > > ECMA-13 isn't available electronically, but it does indeed seem to be > the case that they will provide hardcopy free of charge. Many of the ISO standards are just the nationally-approved copies of the ECMA standards. As has been pointed out, they're not all available online, but they will supply hardcopy free -- it just takes several weeks to get them :-) Or you can order the ECMA CD-ROM, which has most of the standards, including many that are not online. -- Pete Peter Turnbull Dept. of Computer Science University of York

27 years, 9 months

1
0
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Apple ][ keyboard encoder

by ard＠p850ug1.demon.co.uk

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27 years, 9 months

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[OT] west vs. east (was Re: COMPUTER HAIKU)

by tomowad＠earthlink.net

>Speaking of things from the East, does anyone have any microcomputers from >the former Soviet Union? Reportedly they made some sort of 8080 clone >(though it was in a 48-pin package); I've also heard of an Apple ][ clone. I had a Korean Apple II clone. It was in a white case similiar to the Franklin Ace. The keyboard had an ordinairy US layout, for the most part, but the keys were also labeled in Korean. A key combo was used to switch between the two alphapbets. Tom Owad -- Sysop of Caesarville Online Client software at: <http://home.earthlink.net/~tomowad/>

27 years, 9 months

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Apple ][ programmer's reunion

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

www.gamespot.com/features/apple2/index.html

27 years, 9 months

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Fw: PCjr available to good home (Ohio)

by cgregory＠lrbcg.com

Please contact Birger directly if you are interested in the PCjr. Cliff Gregory cgregory(a)lrbcg.com -----Original Message----- From: Cliff Gregory <cgregory(a)lrbcg.com> To: Birger A. Bentsen <ansgar(a)ix.netcom.com> Date: Tuesday, September 15, 1998 12:53 PM Subject: Re: PCjr >Hi Birger, > >Thanks for the inquiry. I already have a fair quantity of PCjr hardware, so >I really wouldn't be interested in any more at this time; however with your >permission I can post the availability of the computer with various >newsgroups and mailing lists that I subscribe to. Surely there will be >someone there who would give it a nice home. Please don't discard this >classic. Let me know if it is OK to post your message. > >Regards, > >Cliff Gregory >cgregory(a)lrbcg.com > >-----Original Message----- >From: Birger A. Bentsen <ansgar(a)ix.netcom.com> >To: cgregory(a)lrbcg.com <cgregory(a)lrbcg.com> >Date: Tuesday, September 15, 1998 8:07 AM >Subject: PCjr > > >>Cliff Gregory: >>I contacted the PCjr Club in Eugene, OR, asking if the club knew of >>anyone who might be interested in a PCjr. I received an e-mail message >>listing your name as someone who might be able to "find a home" for my >>old PCjr. >>I have one PCjr Enhanced Version in working order. I don't want to throw >>it away, rather, I would like to find someone who might want to keep it. >> >>Let me know if you are interested. I live in Riverside, a suburb of >>Dayton, OH. >> >> >

27 years, 9 months

1
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Tape Storage for Dummies

by CLASSICCMP＠timaxp.trailing-edge.com

>>Should've answered this in the previous message: you can order a copy >>from http://www.ansi.org/, the designation is ANSI X3.27, and it costs >>US$32.00. >This isn't really on-topic I'd disagree - it certainly *is* on topic. The standards used to produce magnetic and other computer media are of extreme interest to me, both professionally and otherwise :-). > but quite a few "common" ISO/ANSI standards seem to >have ECMA equivalents (ISO9660 is a definite example). It looks to me like ECMA-13, "File Structure and Labelling of Magnetic Tapes for Information Interchange", may be the equivalent. >Copies of these standards cost money to obtain from ISO or ANSI, but the >identical ECMA documents are available free of charge from the ECMA web site at >http://www.ecma.ch/. ECMA-13 isn't available electronically, but it does indeed seem to be the case that they will provide hardcopy free of charge. -- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology Voice: 301-767-5917 7328 Bradley Blvd Fax: 301-767-5927 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817

27 years, 9 months

1
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X-1541 cable - beware

by foxnhare＠goldrush.com

> Subject: Using Commodore 15xx drives on PC's... > Someone found this and sent me a link to it, a cable made to allow > hookup to any of the Commodore 15xx serial bus drives to your parallel > port on your PC. > > http://www.student.informatik.th-darmstadt.de/~mepk/c64/hw/cables/x1541.html There has been some discussion on this in the CBM Hacker's maillist about the newer parallel ports not being able to handle the voltage levels used by the Commodore's IEC. Here is a copy of one of the latest in the chain: > Subject: Re: New X1541 standard > From: "Frank Kontros" <frank(a)kontr.uzhgorod.ua> > > Hi Ruud, > > >New X1541-cable, > > > >A lot of people happily use the X1541-cable to connect their PC with their > >C= equipment. I was one of them until one day my PC started to smoke. I > >opened my PC and found out that my I/O-card had gone to the moon. From that > >day on I used X1541 only in combination with an old-fashion all-TTL-ICs > >card and was happy again. > > Happily I gone into that conclusion in very early time :-) > > >When soldering the cable I instantly knew there was something fishy about > >it because I knew the lines of the IEC-bus were used to transport signals > >in two directions while the LPT-port had no line capable of doing this. > > And the authors of X1541 supported programs doesn't mention risk came with it. > > >The problem is that more and more users, including myself, have mother- > >boards with an onboard LPT-port and no hair on my head thinks of it using > >this port for things like X1541. It is easy to say to buy an extra card for > >this purpose but I also have no confidence in these as they are fitted with > >VLSI-chips as my I/O-card was. > > >The hardware: > > > >There are two directions to go: > >1) using transistors, resistors etc. > >2) using TTL ICs > > Or > > 3) Use resistors in range 100-200 Ohms, so risk could be minimized (but not > resolved) and programs should support that little modification :-). > > >Another idea is to use pin 10, Acknowledge, as input for the ATN-signal > >because this input is capable of generating an interrupt. This can be an > >advantage when using the PC as diskdrive for an C64. > > I can remember that some cards won't like correctly generate interrupts. > > >Extra idea: > > > >The datalines of LPT-port are not used. How about connecting them to the > >userport for 8 bit parallel transfers? > > I already connected and works perfectly. > > >For the old ports this can only be used for reading but for bidirectional > >ports.... (And I rebuild an old one :-) ) > > Done. What about my version? > > http://members.tripod.com/~Frank_Kontros/easyport/cable.gif > > OK! Needs bi-directional port, but simple. > > >The consequence is that to use this feature the kernal has to be changed. > > Changed successfully. Not completed, but the whole serial protocol emulated by > parallel way, fastload/save/verify, DOS WEDGE, F-keys. > > >Yvo Nelemans wrote Server64 and he wrote it in Turbo Pascal :-). He stopped > >with the devellopment and I have decided to resume with this project after > >getting his permission. Server64 is meant to use the PC as diskdrive for > >the C64. Unfortunally it also is as slow as a standard diskdrive in > >combination with a standard C64. > > I wrote it in asm, so you can compare the speedz. Just only 10 native mode drives > emulated and a 256K REU, but in future ... anything possible. > > >My questions to you are: > >1) does anybody have detailed protocol specifications of a fastloader only > >using the IEC-cable (example EXOS V3) and/or its sourcecodes? > >2) the same for a parallel fastloader (like SpeedDos)? > > In my opininon there are no fastloader specifications at all. All transfer > operations should be maximally synchronized. There are general rules, but > no specifications. Isn't you meant the burst protocol specifications, used > in 1571/81 drives? > > Regards, > Frank Thought I should pass it along. :) P.S. Subscription info for CBM Hackers list is on my web-page - see link below. -- -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+- Larry Anderson - Sysop of Silicon Realms BBS (300-2400bd) (209) 754-1363 Visit my Commodore 8-Bit web page at: http://www.goldrush.com/~foxnhare/commodore.html -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

27 years, 9 months

4
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Tape Storage for Dummies

by mark_k＠iname.com

On Sun, 13 Sep 1998 CLASSICCMP(a)timaxp.trailing-edge.com wrote: >> And 'The ANSI labeled tape spec' is available where.... ? > >Should've answered this in the previous message: you can order a copy >from http://www.ansi.org/, the designation is ANSI X3.27, and it costs >US$32.00. This isn't really on-topic, but quite a few "common" ISO/ANSI standards seem to have ECMA equivalents (ISO9660 is a definite example). Copies of these standards cost money to obtain from ISO or ANSI, but the identical ECMA documents are available free of charge from the ECMA web site at http://www.ecma.ch/. There is at least one ECMA standard that covers tape formats; maybe it is the same as the mentioned ANSI standard? -- Mark

27 years, 9 months

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Commodore 64/64C?

by Marion.Bates＠Dartmouth.EDU

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27 years, 9 months

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IBM 4869 5.25" floppy drive

by yakowenk＠cs.unc.edu

On Mon 14 Sep 1998 21:56:40, Mark <mark_k(a)iname.com> wrote: ] The other week I bought an IBM 4869 5.25" floppy drive. This is an external ] unit that hooks up to a PC via a 37-way D connector. The case is massive, ] ... Hope you didn't pay much; I have three of these available on my "for trade" web page. See this URL: http://www.cs.unc.edu/~yakowenk/classiccmp/fortrade.html I'm in NC, zip code 27514 (for those of you calculating postage). Cheers, Bill.

27 years, 9 months

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Commodore 64/64C?

by jsalzman＠hersheys.com

Mostly, there are some motherboard design difference between the two. However, it is known that you can actually swap the boards between the two if you preferred one case over another and have a bad unit. There were at least 4 different board revisions, so some boards may not move to another case. Another thing you might notice is the power supply connector is different. There was a connector redesign between the newer (aka 'flat C64') and older (aka 'Breadbox') C64's. The flat 64 has a square connector where the breadbox 64 has a round one. The flat 64 also has a different component layout due to IC consolidation. Maybe those newer chip designs are what's overheating your system. Or it could be the fact that the parts are closer to the outside of the case. I'm toying with the idea of swapping boards in my systems. I only heard that it can be done. I want a functional version of each and I have 2 working flat units and 7 dead breadboxes (of which I salvaged parts from to get an SX-64 working). For my display units, I would like one of each design in working order. Hope this helps, Jeff Salzman >I was wondering, what is the difference between a regular Commodore 64 and a >64C? I've got one of each, and everything seems identical other than that the >64C looks like a 128. (Well, one other difference is that the 64C overheats >after about an hour or so...) >

27 years, 9 months

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Lisa ad

by maxeskin＠hotmail.com

Popular science used to be a good magazine, until they changed editors a few years ago and it became much less informative. While before they had some real journalism, now it's just constant articles about 'the new superplane'. >On Thu, 10 Sep 1998 sethm(a)loomcom.com wrote: > >> > Is anyone interested in the Popular Science review of the Lisa? I've >> > stumbled across that particular issue and if any one is interested I'll >> > get it scanned and uploaded. >> > >> > colan >> >> I'd love to see it! Thanks for letting us know. >> >> Next to old computers themselves, my next favorite collectible is >> classic computer collateral -- ads, catalog entries, old photos, >> that kind of thing. > >I like this kind of stuff, too. > >We actually have a large pile of Popular Science magazines that are slowly >degrading in the basement. We were going to throw them out, so I got busy >with a razor blade and cut out a lot of things. Unfortunatley that got my >father and I reading the old issues, and as a result they still haven't >been thrown out. But I do have a binder full of interesting >computer-related stuff. > >The single-system reviews I've collected from Popular Science are: > >Apple /// >Xerox 820 >Timex Sinclair 1000 >Apple Lisa >Epson QX-10 >Access >Kaypro 10 >Gavilan >Macintosh >Sinclair QL >Acorn (unknown model, it's just called the Acorn in the article, looks > like BBC-B) >Kaypro 2000 >Amiga >Atari 520ST >Macintosh Plus > >A lot of other computers are mentioned (and photographed!) in articles or >mini-reviews, including: > >Sinclair ZX80 >VIC-20 >TRS-80 Pocket Computer >Sharp PC-1211 >NewBrain >TRS-80 Color Computer >TRS-80 Model III >IBM-PC >NEC PC-8001A >Osborne 1 >APF Imagination Machine >Casio FX-9000P >TI-99/4A >HP-86 >Sony SMC-70 >Olivetti M20 >Commodore BX256 >Zenith Z200 >Commodore Max >Astrocade >Altos >Cromemco >. >. >. >(the list is lengthier than I want to type ;) ) > >There are also ads for things like the TI-99/2 with Bill Cosby, the Adam, >the PMC-80, Ohio Scientific Challenger, Atari 400, Color Computer with >Isaac Asimov, VIC-20 with William Shatner, etc, etc, etc... > >Lots of cool articles on computer technology stuff, too. > >If you cut up Popular Science magazines and condense them to just the >computer stuff, you end up with a really interesting read. :) > >> -Seth > >Doug Spence >ds_spenc(a)alcor.concordia.ca >http://alcor.concordia.ca/~ds_spenc/ > > ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

27 years, 9 months

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Any Pr1me fans out there?

by allisonp＠world.std.com

< >Or a 11/780 < >equipped with a DECterm100 (bit mapped and the map is vax resident)? < < Didn't this get called a VAXstation-I. If it's the device I remember it < one (several) Unibus cards and a fibre optic connect or was this somethi < different again? Thats the beastie, I've used it too. Not bad for it's day. Allison

27 years, 9 months

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Apple ][ keyboard encoder

by pete＠dunnington.u-net.com

On Sep 14, 16:11, Sam Ismail wrote: > On Mon, 14 Sep 1998, James Willing wrote: > > > As I recall, (going a little out on a limb here) you are correct on the J2 > > connector. That was to support an Apple marketed numeric keypad. And, I > > believe that the other switch (along with cutting the marked pads) enables > > lower case encoding. > > > > Which of course does little good on an Apple II / II+ with standard ROMs. > > True. You still needed to acquire (or burn) a character ROM with > lowercase characters. A few years ago, I made the mod and created a suitable character set ROM image, which I burned into a 2716. If anybody wants it, you can pick up the ROM image at http://www.dunnington.u-net.com/public/NewCG -- Pete Peter Turnbull Dept. of Computer Science University of York

27 years, 9 months

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Apple ][ keyboard encoder

by CLASSICCMP＠timaxp.trailing-edge.com

>You're making some of it up. DOS intercepted the command line input and >only parsed out DOS commands. If it didn't recognize a DOS command it >passed the line off to BASIC. His DOS enhancement COULD have converted >any lowercase command line to uppercase before passing it on to BASIC so >it wouldn't puke. That's the way I interpreted his description of the action. >That's entirely doable and would be rather elegant. Except what's the purpose of the hardware lowercase modification if the first thing you do with it in software is convert to uppercase? :-) The only software that I extensively used on a Apple II that dealt with lowercase characters was Paul Lutus's _Applewriter II_. A very excellent editor, with what amounts to almost "regular expression" search and replace. If only EMACS (Eight Megabytes and Continually Swapping? Escape-Meta-Alt-Control-Shift?) were as lean and mean! Tim.

27 years, 9 months

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IBM 4869 5.25" floppy drive

by roblwill＠usaor.net

> > The other week I bought an IBM 4869 5.25" floppy drive. This is an external > unit that hooks up to a PC via a 37-way D connector. The case is massive, for a > simple floppy drive. > The extra space (length) is the power supply. I also have one of those drives. > Anyway, I can't get it to work properly. It is probably a 360K drive mechanism, > and my PC (Philips 386SX AT clone) boots normally with this type of drive set > in the backup RAM. It was made to work with the XT, plugging into a special port on the disk controller card. Yes, it is a standard 360K drive. > > I can format disks and use DIR, but reading or writing any files always gives > an Abort/Retry/Cancel error. Unsurprisingly, cleaning the heads made no > difference. Actually, to elaborate on this copying a load of files to a newly- > formatted disk gives an error after copying (say) the first two files. > > Does this drive have some non-standard pinout, different from the 37-way D > 5.25" port on the back of the PC, or maybe only work with IBM PS/2 machines? > The D connector goes directly to the disk drive. > If it is just faulty, what might the problem be? The cable is unlikely I think, > as is the power supply. > > The casing has a couple of tamperproof Torx screws. I'd like to know what size > they are so that I can buy a suitable screwdriver bit. Tamperproof screw solution: a SHARP 1/2" drill bit. Just drill off the heads, and you'll have no problem. The drive that I had, I had no use for, and couldn't get it to work with my PC, so here's what I did: -Pulled the old 360K drive, and replaced it with a 1.2 meg drive. -Cut a hole in the top of the case large enough so that I could attach a 3.5" drive on top of the 5.25". -Super-glued the 3.5" to the 5.25" drive. -Split the power cable, and put a 3.5" floppy connector on it so that the P/S could power both drives. -Using a TRS-80 printer cable (ribbon - type), I twisted the cable and put on new plugs to connect the floppies. -Ran the ribbon cable under the P/S, and out a slot that I cut in the back. -Connected all cables, and put the case back together. -Ran ribbon cable into open slot on back of computer and connected to floppy connector. It may seem like a bit of work to get an external drive, but it sure beats buying a new $80 tower case. -- -Jason (roblwill(a)usaor.net) ICQ#-1730318

27 years, 9 months

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Any Pr1me fans out there?

by allisonp＠world.std.com

I'm picking as I've been around long enough in the industry to see what I call retrorevisionism. It's the terminology creep that has been occuring since the PC became the computer for all things. Though its been going on for load longer. < I don't know why you would want to class that as a MPU. Most of these < terms were invented because a new breed came into existance and it neede < a new name to distinguish it from what came before. "Microprocessor" < was coined to celebrate a logic integration landmark: a computer on a < single chip. the terms were invented after the fact. < > < Microcomputer: a computer based on a single microprocessor. < > < > What if there are several performing different tasks in the same box. < < OK, Microcomputer: a computer that runs applications on a single < microprocessor. Lessee, my visual 1050 uses the 6502 for video and a z80 for the main cpu and a z80 for the MFM hard disk controller (all running concurrently). Teh single cpu thing is a sticking point. Try: A computer based on microprocessors. < I really don't know what to call a SMP PC, though. Microsupercomputer? Or the s100 4 z80 loosely coupled SMP running CP/M2.2... Terminology sorta gets mashed. < > < Workstation: a computer designed to run Unix with a bitmapped displa < > < > What if it's a VAX running VMS? Yes the VS3100s were definatly < > workststions. < < OK, Workstation: a computer with a bitmapped display designed to run a < non-Microsoft multitasking OS. ;') a NON PC pc. < > < Minicomputer: a timesharing computer that can support fewer than 10 < > < simultaneous users. < > < > VAX and minicomputer that could and often did have more than 100 users < < OK, Minicomputer: a general purpose computer without a memory-mapped < display, smaller than a mainframe. What about a MicrovaxII servicing a half dozen Xterms? Or a 11/780 equipped with a DECterm100 (bit mapped and the map is vax resident)? Minicomputer: something significantly smaller and cheaper than mainframes of the time. The definition was based on compact size not IO interface or the presence or lack of a bit mapped display. < > < Mainframe: a timesharing computer than can support 100 or more user < > < simultaneously. < > < > Generally big iron and most that had that distinction where physically < > large. AKA univac 1180. < < OK, Mainframe: a general purpose computer without a memory-mapped displa < that weighs at least one ton. Oh dear.. the video displays on some of the big ums... Actually the break point was again size and especially cost. At the time mini and mainframe were in vogue the difference was around 10/1 in cost and around the same or greater for weight. < Some people use PC's as dedicated controllers, but that doesn't make < a PC an embedded computer in my mind. Cross-development seems to be th < only common factor when people talk about embedded, although there are < embedded environments, such as QNX, that support native development. PDP-8s and 11s were some of the mainstays for embedded controls work and some had local resources enough to develop insitu. Your viewpoint is influenced by the current vogue. ***An embedded system is simply a system that has a computer (ANY!) burried/coupled to it.*** It could be a NC mill with a PDP-8, a production line with a PDP-15 or in later years a PLC or a process control system with a s100 crate and Compucolor board and color CRT. I have seen and worked on all of these and more. Allison

27 years, 9 months

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The Pill?

by dlw＠trailingedge.com

I have a small (about 2"x2") box which has a 30 pin edge connector on one end and a switch on the other. There is a label on one side with says: ON OFF "THE PILL" This came in a box of misc Atari 800 items but I don't know where it would plug into an Atari. Anyone have any idea what it might be? ----- David Williams - Computer Packrat dlw(a)trailingedge.com http://www.trailingedge.com

27 years, 9 months

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Limiting message size

by mark_k＠iname.com

Hi, Would it be possible to enforce a maximum size for each list message in the classiccmp mailing list software? 20K maximum should be okay, and would prevent people (accidentally or on purpose) sending large files through the list, as just happened. Otherwise when someone posts a large file to the list, those who subscribe to the digest version especially must decide between downloading a huge digest message file (containing the useless large posting), or skipping it and therefore missing proper messages. (If they have configured their mail program to alert them when large messages are waiting.) Does anyone have any thoughts on this? -- Mark

27 years, 9 months

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Here's something to consider.

by maxeskin＠hotmail.com

Because people don't want to feel like they're singlehandedly running the Ministry of Truth from a desk in their room. Something engineers never seem to get is the concept of a nice look. Many of the people on this list mention how ugly something is, and if I've seen it, I'm often forced to agree. >> STD Bus 8080 Computer board set mounted in a compucolor comercial color >> terminal. This terminal was a large metal box with a 19 inch monitor >> inside. It weighed 70 or 80 pounds. No one would have wanted it in their >> house. It was ugly, huge, very unwieldy and heavy. You could attach a 8" >> hard drive, 8" or 5 " floppys and any other interface availiable on STD >> bus that would fit in a near full 6 slot backplane. No comparison to an >> Apple II, which many people wanted in their homes. > >Well, you just spent a paragraph telling us your opinion of the >Compucolor, without giving any technical reasons as to why one would >prefer an Apple II over a Compucolor. > >Sam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com >------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >Ever onward. > > September 26 & 27...Vintage Computer Festival 2.0 > See http://www.siconic.com/vcf for details! > [Last web site update: 08/25/98] > > ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

27 years, 9 months

1
0
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IBM 4869 5.25" floppy drive

by mark_k＠iname.com

Hi, The other week I bought an IBM 4869 5.25" floppy drive. This is an external unit that hooks up to a PC via a 37-way D connector. The case is massive, for a simple floppy drive. Anyway, I can't get it to work properly. It is probably a 360K drive mechanism, and my PC (Philips 386SX AT clone) boots normally with this type of drive set in the backup RAM. I can format disks and use DIR, but reading or writing any files always gives an Abort/Retry/Cancel error. Unsurprisingly, cleaning the heads made no difference. Actually, to elaborate on this copying a load of files to a newly- formatted disk gives an error after copying (say) the first two files. Does this drive have some non-standard pinout, different from the 37-way D 5.25" port on the back of the PC, or maybe only work with IBM PS/2 machines? If it is just faulty, what might the problem be? The cable is unlikely I think, as is the power supply. The casing has a couple of tamperproof Torx screws. I'd like to know what size they are so that I can buy a suitable screwdriver bit. Finally, on another subject, if anyone has an old PC with at least three ISA slots (386SX would be fine) I could give it a good home. -- Mark

27 years, 9 months

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NeXT system available soon!

by thomas100＠home.com

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27 years, 9 months

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Single-card video/I/O solution

by rigdonj＠intellistar.net

Jason, I have a card like that too. There's no same on it or the manual but the description is the same. It even has the Cirrus Logic video Bios. It has nine sets of jumpers near the center of the board and a single pair toward one end. The floppy and IDE connectors are mounted vertically near the center of the board. Let me know if you want to compare them and see if they're the same. I have the manuals and software for mine. Joe At 12:45 PM 9/13/98 -0700, you wrote: > >I had a multi-I/o card that did 2 serial, 1 parallel, 1 game, SuperVGA >(Cirrus Logic 5424 I think), IDE and floppy all on one card. But it was a >VLB card. I used it in my 486SLC I had at the time. I don't remember who >made it. It was "generic" -- no name printed on the card, and all of the >large number of jumpers where labelled "JPx" so it was quite difficult to >reconfigure without the manual. > > -jrs > >At 11:18 AM 9/13/98 -0700, you wrote: >>I'm looking for a slight variation of a card I have in an old PC/XT, >>one card with: >> - video (monochrome text only is OK, VGA at best) >> - floppy disk controller (3.5in, 1.44MB is necessary) >> - serial/parallel I/O (optional, one serial port would be nice) >> - and (optionally) a hard drive controller (MFM is OK, IDE better) >>With such a card I can construct a minimal, full system on an old >>386sx I have using only one expansion slot, which is a necessity. >> >>The card I have is an 8-bit ISA card, and that or a 16-bit ISA card >>would be OK. The card I have only does up to 5.25in, 720KB floppies, >>and that's why I can't steal it from my XT. >> >>Was such a card ever made? (It's not too much of a step beyond what >>I have.) Does anyone have one around? Does someone still make such >>a card? >> >>Thanks, >>Dave >> >_______________________________________________________________________ > \/|/\ | Jason Simpson | http://www.xio.com/jason/ > /\|\/ | jason(a)xio.com | Wanted: '87-90 Volkswagen Fox 2 Door Wagon >

27 years, 9 months

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Here's something to consider.

by allisonp＠world.std.com

< the Compucolor came with an "integrated display", and featured 160x192, < 8-color (vector) graphics (the Apple was capable of 280x192 bit-mapped The Compucolor had raster graphics. It did run it as raster too. The software was written as vector to raster. < Yet the Apple II is celebrated as having been the first home computer wi < built-in color graphics, and almost no mention of the Compucolor is eve < made in any general computer history texts. The obvious difference < between the two is that the Apple II went on to enjoy tremendous succes < for the next 15+ years while the Compucolor was relegated to an also-ran < The victors do indeed write the history, or at least get the lion's shar < of the mention. Such are the vagarities of history. < I think its odd that a system such as the Compucolor, extremely comparab < to the capabilities of the Apple II (if not more so in some respects) < hardly gets mentioned in the computer history books I read. the difference is the apple could be had peicemeal for less and the Compucolor was big and expensive. the CC was intimidating and aimed at the highend, appleII was cuddly and inviting being aimed a bit lower. Think of it this way it's wasnt' what the hardware could do it was waht the user perceived (s)he could do with it. < The lesson of this story is, you can have the best, most amazing produc < in the world, but "build it and they will come" does not apply. You've < got to advertise. Apple was obviously more masterful at this. DEC did not learn that several times over starting with the PDP-11/150 (destop pdp-11 system), the VT180, Pro350 and Rainbow. Yet the DECMATE series which were fairly capable but generally used for wordprocessing are like flies! Allison

27 years, 9 months

2
1
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Mystery cartridge -- help identify?

by jsalzman＠hersheys.com

What are the expansion port specs (if applicable) of an Atari ST? Research on the internet turned up info about a cartridge port expander made to connect a scanner to an ST via a Navarone Cartridge Interface (ref:) http://www.ataricentral.com/wwwboard/messages/366.html Other found info: Navarone Industries is (was) located at: Navarone Industries, Inc. 510 Lawrence Expressway #800 Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (ref:) http://cws86.kyamk.fi/Computers/Commodore/articles/Enhancing_Your_64/ --------------------------------------- Navarone apparently made stuff for the TI99. I wonder if it is a pass-thru cart for the side connector of a TI99, where the speech module connects to (I forget if the port is male or female)? Or, even though it may not be as wide as a regular TI cart, does it slide into the front cartridge connector anyhow and possibly be used for copying cartridges? <insert standard liability disclaimer> --------------------------------------- Jeff Salzman >It certainly seemed about the right size for a 64 cartridge, but it doesn't >work that way. Also, the passthru plug is a teeny big too large to easily get >a cartridge to attach to it. >

27 years, 9 months

2
2
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robots?

by bill_r＠inetnebr.com

>> On Tue, 8 Sep 1998, Uncle Roger wrote: >> >> > Similarly, does anyone remember a truck-like thing (big trax?) that you >> > could program sorta like LOGO? I remember the commercials showed it >> > bringing a soda (or beer?) to one lucky owner. Unfortunately, my family's >> > gift budgets never would have covered such a nifty gadget... 8^( >> >> My oldest brother got one of those for Christmas in maybe '78. Those were >> cool! I hope I run into one of them one of these days. Weren't they made > >When I was in 4th grade a classmate had one. We were all jealous of course. >I think he said it went for $80. > >Seems like maybe it picked itself up on a turntable in order to make >turns in-place. I'm pretty sure the wheels didn't steer. > I believe you're talking about the Mattel "Big Trak"? My nephews had one of those many years ago. I believe it used tank-type steering; six wheels, and it could either lock one set and pivot using the others, or reverse one side. I've got some surplus gearboxes and motors from the Big Trak that I purchased several years ago. They're kind of neat; they have two motors and gear trains, linked together with a couple of big magnets. If you run both in the same direction, the magnets are strong enough to force both motors to turn at the same speed. If you reverse one of the motors, the magnets alternately repel and attract. This either forces the machine to drive in a straight line, or to pivot about its center, respectively. They also have an optical interrupter on one gear so the CPU can tell how far the motors have turned. It had a hookup to dump the trailer, and I think some other options that never were released. It was a pretty cool toy. A quick web search found this: BigTrak User's Guide: http://www.comp.lancs.ac.uk/computing/courses/year3/358/cwk/brown/BT_UG/ BigTrak Simulator Project: http://www.comp.lancs.ac.uk/computing/courses/year3/358/cwk/corke/ BigTrak Repair Service: http://www.lavalamp.demon.co.uk/bigtrak/bigtrak.htm Bill Richman incolor.inetnebr.com/bill_r (Home of the COSMAC Elf microcomputer simulator!)

27 years, 9 months

4
3
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NeXT FAQ/info

by mtapley＠swri.edu

Hello, all, > Also is there a FAQ on these systems somewhere? I took a look out on the > net, but didn't dig anything up. Here are Net.places I'd start with for info on NeXTs: http://www.stepwise.com http://www.peak.org/next http://enterprise.apple.com/NeXTanswers all extracted from the periodical "..Resources on the Net" posting in comp.sys.next.announce if you can get usenet. Also: http://www.peak.org/~luomat/next/index-noframe.html - Mark

27 years, 9 months

1
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Portland, Ore. Info

by Philip.Belben＠powertech.co.uk

Zane Healy wrote: > Stuff I saw: [...] > A very interesting little Tek terminal on it's own stand Get a better look at this. It could be any of the following (at least): 4006 4012 4014 4051 4052 4054 4052A 4054A I'd guess it's not a 4014 or 4054 (A or otherwise), since these are not in the least "little" However 4052s of any flavour are EXTREMELY RARE. AFAIK, the only two known still to exist are mine and the one in the computer museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (If anyone knows of another 4052 or 4054 please let me know!) All the TEK terminals of this date are interesting, partly because of the dead-end technology, viz. the storage tube. If it is more recent than storage tube TEKs, it may still be interesting... BTW, the 4050 series had computers tucked in the bottom of the terminals - a 6800 based micro in the 4051 and a 16 bit bitslice in the others. To give you an idea of value, I paid roughly $200 for my 4052, and I have been advised by Dr Dooijes at the Dutch museum to insure it for $3000. (NB he paid nothing for his). It looks like insurance for the VCF is going to cost another 100 pounds... Philip.

27 years, 9 months

1
0
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One more NeXT dealer

by mtapley＠swri.edu

All, Thomas Pfaff picked out 3 of my top 4 NeXT sources. The 4th is: http://206.67.57.106 Black Hole, Incorporated (having problems with his USP pointing to http://www.blackholeinc.com/ ) I have contacted them before, and they seemed nice, but I have not dealt with them. (They didn't have the software I was looking for.) - Mark

27 years, 9 months

1
0
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Mystery cartridge -- help identify?

by jsalzman＠hersheys.com

If it's for the 64, it could be a cartridge like Action Replay or whatever was made for the 64. It usually has a pass-through on the expansion bus and a button to activate the cart. These carts were used to *freeze* the computer and allow you access to all the current memory to examine, change, or save entire blocks to disk. The logic chips were probably used to transfer control electrically from the Kernel to the code stored in the EPROM upon the push of the button. Jeff Salzman > >It's a white plastic cartridge with a 44-pin male card-edge connector and a >light blue plastic female passthru for the same type of connector. It has a >square black plastic button on top. It is (was) glued shut. Inside there is >an 24-pin EEPROM (88251A+ MM2716Q) with a Mitsubish Electric sticker >covering the window, a 14-pin IC (P234 DM7400N), and another 14-pin IC (EL >SALVADOR 1820-0328 7936 <Texas Instruments Logo> SN7402N). And two small >resistors and capacitors. On the circuitboard it says "NAVARONE (C)" and >next to the contacts where the little carbon pad on the underside of the >button makes contact, it says "TOP". >

27 years, 9 months

2
1
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MX test...

by allisonp＠world.std.com

< > Can you guys ack this please? < > < > If it works, I've taught VAX/VMS to speak SMTP... Whoa! You got my attention... as they say tell me more being I have a upwards of 7 of them running here. Allison

27 years, 9 months

2
1
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Free 19-inch rack - DC area

by CLASSICCMP＠timaxp.trailing-edge.com

I've got an ex-Systems Industries 19" computer rack available. It's got about 60" of vertical mounting space available and a nice-built in surge protector and power distribution system. Very, very heavy duty construction (weight empty is about 200 lbs.) with big casters on the bottom. Sides and top are removable. Terms: first person to show up with a vehicle capable of carrying it away gets it - after they help me pull the Fuji 2444 currently residing in it. -- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology Voice: 301-767-5917 7328 Bradley Blvd Fax: 301-767-5927 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817

27 years, 9 months

6
7
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(Fwd) Rescue in the UK

by dlw＠trailingedge.com

If anyone in the UK is interested contact the party below. ------- Forwarded Message Follows ------- From: kthacker(a)krisalis.co.uk Date sent: Mon, 14 Sep 1998 13:57:32 +0100 Hi, If you're interested I have a Amiga A500+ in bad condition which you could try to rehabilitate. I've only got the casing (a bit dodgy), the main board (missing Kickstart 2) - when you switch it on it fails - might be problem with real time clock etc. It also has the disc drive and keyboard. I'm happy to send it to you, but you'd have to pay postage. I'm not sure if you are in the UK, but it would be better if you were. I'd prefer for it not to go into a landfill site. Kev ----- David Williams - Computer Packrat dlw(a)trailingedge.com http://www.trailingedge.com

27 years, 9 months

1
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Here's something to consider.

by jfoust＠threedee.com

At 09:43 PM 9/13/98 -0700, youthful photogenic Sam Ismail wrote: > >The lesson of this story is, you can have the best, most amazing product >in the world, but "build it and they will come" does not apply. You've >got to advertise. Apple was obviously more masterful at this.] In my experience, when engineers and programmers say "best" they mean technically pure, interesting, vibrant, and often cost-effective. They always seem baffled by the marketplace when it decides that "best" means something else and doesn't buy the coolest technology as frequently as something seemingly second-best, and it only gets worse when others begin to espouse the notion that "most popular" equals "best" as well. - John

27 years, 9 months

1
0
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The Pill?

by jsalzman＠hersheys.com

The Atari 8-bit FAQ mentions something about the "Pill" cartridge copying scheme. http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-dir/atari-8-bit/faq.html Jeff Salzman >\I have a small (about 2"x2") box which has a 30 pin edge connector >on one end and a switch on the other. There is a label on one side >with says: > >ON OFF > "THE PILL"

27 years, 9 months

2
1
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Commodore Plus/4

by oajones＠bright.net

I have a Commodore Plus/4 for sale. It is in mint condition and in the original box with books, ect. The price is $25 plus shipping. --Alan

27 years, 9 months

1
0
0 0

Lisa ad

by cdrmool＠interlog.com

Is anyone interested in the Popular Science review of the Lisa? I've stumbled across that particular issue and if any one is interested I'll get it scanned and uploaded. colan

27 years, 9 months

3
2
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Rare Footage of Lisam Robot

by jolminkh＠nsw.bigpond.net.au

Doesn't he have any keyboards either? Where have all the keyboards gone?

27 years, 9 months

1
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Here's something to consider.

by WHoagIII＠aol.com

This one is a no brainer. I scrapped a Compucolor 8001 once. It was a STD Bus 8080 Computer board set mounted in a compucolor comercial color terminal. This terminal was a large metal box with a 19 inch monitor inside. It weighed 70 or 80 pounds. No one would have wanted it in their house. It was ugly, huge, very unwieldy and heavy. You could attach a 8" hard drive, 8" or 5 " floppys and any other interface availiable on STD bus that would fit in a near full 6 slot backplane. No comparison to an Apple II, which many people wanted in their homes. Paxton

27 years, 9 months

2
1
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Intro NeXTstation Turbo Questions

by thomas100＠home.com

Setting 17" monitors on the box is normal. The CPU can handle it. Most of the connection cables aren't long enough to do otherwise anyway. :-( Openstep 4.2 on NeXT hardware does Windows Networking (Samba). If you have a printer you can even set up your entire NeXT machine as a postscript printer from Windows and have at it! There is also an Appletalk server available for it [free] that is a double-clickable application. You probably won't have much need for Netinfo. Nevertheless it's easiest to use the Simple Networking application in /NextAdmin, enter an IP address and set it up as a Netinfo server. Before doing this, go into /etc and copy the default netinfo directory s.t. you have a spare copy. So if you mess up your netinfo database while you're getting started you can boot in single user mode and start over. Also make a copy of the default /etc/hostconfig file. [Call them hostconfig.default and netinfo.default if you like] More specifically... cd /etc cp -r netinfo netinfo.default cp hostconfig hostconfig.default If you have any problems let me know... Thomas

27 years, 9 months

1
0
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Intro NeXTstation Turbo Questions

by healyzh＠ix.netcom.com

As the subject says I've got a couple of REALLY basic questions. I picked up my first NeXT box yesterday, and am getting ready to start playing with it. Is it safe to set the 17" monitor on top of the box? The box seems rather flimsy for that. Also is there anything I should be aware of when initially powering the thing on? Does it need to be attached to my network prior to powering on? Basically I've got enough experience with OPENSTEP 4.2 x86 to know that I want to ask some really stupid questions prior to trying anything :^) Oh, and what's the story with the DSP port on the back? Zane | Zane H. Healy | UNIX Systems Adminstrator | | healyzh(a)ix.netcom.com (primary) | Linux Enthusiast | | healyzh(a)holonet.net (alternate) | Classic Computer Collector | +----------------------------------+----------------------------+ | Empire of the Petal Throne and Traveller Role Playing, | | and Zane's Computer Museum. | | http://www.dragonfire.net/~healyzh/ |

27 years, 9 months

2
3
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Stuff up for grabs, and an explanation

by kyrrin＠jps.net

Hi, folks, I just posted a blurb to the Usenet groups comp.sys.dec and comp.sys.dec.micro to start moving most of the stuff I rescued a while back from Fluke up in Everett. I'm CC'ing this to Dave Jenner as I think he was one of the folks who wanted some of the rescued gear. If this isn't true, Dave, please pardon the post. Some explanation is, I feel, in order as to why I didn't post here first (as I normally would have). When I first picked the stuff up, my contact said that there had been considerable interest in the stuff, though my response had apparently come in first. He later forwarded me an E-mail containing the contact info for the others who had responded, since I had made a promise to redistribute the stuff after I decided what I wanted to keep. Due to my own clumsiness, this E-mail has gone astray. Since my Fluke contact's original message advertising the stuff had gone to the same two groups I posted my latest blurb to, I figured it would be a good bet to do the same thing under the assumption that the same people would see this and get in touch with me. So, there you have it. I'm more concerned with finding the stuff a good home than anything else, though I did make a request for a contribution of $25 to help cover the time off from work and gas/wear/tear on my car (it was a fairly long trip). Let's see how it goes.... -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Bruce Lane, owner and head honcho, Blue Feather Technologies E-Mail: kyrrin (at) jps [d=o=t] net (munged to screw up spambots) Sent on 13-Sep-98 at 21:55:18, Pacific -- http://table.jps.net/~kyrrin "...No matter how much we may wish otherwise, our science can only describe an object, event, or living creature in our own human terms. It cannot possibly define any of them..." -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

27 years, 9 months

1
0
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Tape Storage for Dummies

by CLASSICCMP＠timaxp.trailing-edge.com

> And 'The ANSI labeled tape spec' is available where.... ? Should've answered this in the previous message: you can order a copy >from http://www.ansi.org/, the designation is ANSI X3.27, and it costs US$32.00. -- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology Voice: 301-767-5917 7328 Bradley Blvd Fax: 301-767-5927 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817

27 years, 9 months

1
0
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Tape Storage for Dummies

by CLASSICCMP＠timaxp.trailing-edge.com

> And 'The ANSI labeled tape spec' is available where.... ? ANSI sells copies - I don't know the current price. The one I carry around with me is ANSI X3.27-1978, "File Structure and Labeling of Magnetic Tapes for Information Interchange". There's a more recent Level 4 document that makes the (obvious) Y2K-compliance workaround the "official" solution, but I can't find my copy at the moment (I may very well have left it at a customer's site... oops!) >> When dealing with RT-11 (not ll!) tapes under VMS, please keep >> in mind the very detailed advice in the RT-11 "Volume and File >> Formats Manual", pages 1-37 through 1-39. > Easier kept in mind when the mind in question actually has *access* >to the aforementioned document; this one does not. :( Get me a fax number and I'll send you the relevant pages. -- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology Voice: 301-767-5917 7328 Bradley Blvd Fax: 301-767-5927 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817

27 years, 9 months

1
0
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Tape Storage for Dummies

by CLASSICCMP＠timaxp.trailing-edge.com

>A tape from a PDP-11 would ahve to be mounted foreign as it's a non >files-11 format. >Allison Gees, Allison, I've been interchanging tapes between VMS and RT-11 and RSX-11 for years and I don't have to mount them foreign :-). You will very likely want to review section 1.2.2 in your "RT-11 Volume and File Formats Manual" to get the straight dope RT-11 <-> VMS file interchange. In particular, it notes how RT-11 uses 80-byte HDR1 records now. If anybody *really* wants to get into minutae, we can begin a discussion about whether ANSI Standard X3.27-1978 requires that headers be exactly 80 bytes or whether it just sets forth the interpretation of the first 80 bytes. I don't have a copy of the level 4 standard with me at the moment, but I don't think this makes it any clearer. In any event, the level-4 compliant versions of RT-11's FSM handlers in RT-11 V5.7 only write 80 byte headers, so it's now a moot point. And tell any RSX devotee that his magtapes must be mounted /FOREIGN on a VAX and he'll teach you about something called an ACP :-). -- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology Voice: 301-767-5917 7328 Bradley Blvd Fax: 301-767-5927 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817

27 years, 9 months

1
0
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Portland, Ore. Info

by healyzh＠ix.netcom.com

For anyone in the Portland area I just met a most interesting Computer Recycler. Unlike the standard Horror stories I hear, he's working out of an apartment complex he apparently runs. He's got a ton of stuff squirreled away, and would rather sell to people that will reuse it, but if that doesn't work out, or if he doesn't think he can resell it, it gets recycled. Stuff I saw: IBM System III Model 50 A very interesting little Tek terminal on it's own stand A lot of Apollo Domain A lot of HP stuff including an interesting rack mounted system with, a 9-track drive. Sun stuff (I've got a friend that bought a complete Sparc 10 system from him) More PC stuff than you can shake a stick a Some NeXT stuff (which I got most or all of) Stuff I got: Some tape drives, mostly DAT and an old 8mm (think I cleaned him out of DAT Toshba CD-ROM (My Alpha loves it, and the DAT I hooked up) NeXT B&W Turbo slab system/32Mb RAM/1Gb HD/keyboard/mouse/monitor haven't tried it yet, so no idea how it works. Also no idea if it has an OS on it NeXT MO drive I let him know that there are people looking for a lot of the stuff he didn't seem to think anyone would want. A good example being Amiga and Atari systems. I've also asked him to let me know when any DEC stuff shows up. Zane | Zane H. Healy | UNIX Systems Adminstrator | | healyzh(a)ix.netcom.com (primary) | Linux Enthusiast | | healyzh(a)holonet.net (alternate) | Classic Computer Collector | +----------------------------------+----------------------------+ | Empire of the Petal Throne and Traveller Role Playing, | | and Zane's Computer Museum. | | http://www.dragonfire.net/~healyzh/ |

27 years, 9 months

2
2
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Tape Storage for Dummies

by allisonp＠world.std.com

First: $ help copy $ help backup $ help files under vms should be helpful as it nominally goes down to examples. < Distant memory time... As far as copying files to the tape, did you < initialize it prior to MOUNTing it? < $ INIT MSA0: TEST !TEST being the volume name assigned to the tape That is correct. < $ MOUNT MSA0: TEST !tape "mounts", and is given the logical name < "TEST". It's mount/foreign msa0: < $ COPY DUA0:[MYDIRECTORY]FILENAME.EXT TEST:FILENAME.EXT !file spec is < an example....... $backup/log/image DUA0: MSA0:test.bak/sav < < /FOREIGN, and use < "BACKUP". Yep! A tape from a PDP-11 would ahve to be mounted foreign as it's a non files-11 format. Allison

27 years, 9 months

1
0
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Tape Storage for Dummies

by CLASSICCMP＠timaxp.trailing-edge.com

> On my now beautifully working uVAX II (thanks again Allison!) I >have a Cipher 9trk and a TK50... I have the MIcro VMS User's Manuals >VOL I & II. I understand the concept of mounting the devices and >allocating them (sort of), and I have successfully loaded, mounted, >allocated, and initialized a roll of tape on the Cipher. I have made >a Test directory on the HD called [TEST] ;} on which I have created >a couple of simple text files. I have tried to copy these files to >the tape (MSA0:), and it does *something*, the tape advances and the >HD led flickers, but when I try to copy these files back, all I get >are sequentially numbered blank directory entries. Some very important questions that need to be answered: 1. Which version of VMS? 2. What commands did you use? The *exact* commands, with all qualifiers. You know, it is *very* hard for us to tell what you did wrong unless you tell us exactly what you did! It sounds like you may have very well mounted the tape /FOREIGN, in which case there is no file name associated with each file. (See the ANSI labeled tape spec for more details about what /FOREIGN isn't doing for you :-) ) > I mounted/foreign an RT-ll sig tape, and tried to copy it to the >HD; same thing. Show/Dev/MSA0: shows the right Volume Label.. but >the directories are empty when I copy them back... Again, what commands? If you MOU/FOR the tape, by default there is no "file name" associated with each file, and on a copy back you will get files named "." (apparently what you are seeing). When dealing with RT-11 (not ll!) tapes under VMS, please keep in mind the very detailed advice in the RT-11 "Volume and File Formats Manual", pages 1-37 through 1-39. Finally, don't forget "/LOG" if you want to know what each COPY command is really doing for you :-). As a basic test of ANSI labeled tape functionality under VMS, try this: INIT MSA0: TEST (if it complains, use /OVER=(ID,ACCESS) ) MOUNT MSA0: TEST COPY LOGIN.COM MSA0: DIR MSA0: COPY MSA0:LOGIN.COM []LOGIN2.COM -- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology Voice: 301-767-5917 7328 Bradley Blvd Fax: 301-767-5927 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817

27 years, 9 months

2
1
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Tape Storage for Dummies

by jpl15＠netcom.com

This is an open letter to my Northern Brother-in-Scrap, Bruce Lane, 'cause I know he's done this... and I thought maybe others will have (or soon have) these questions too... Okay.. I realize now that all of my 20+ years of computer experience has been on disk-based systems... and I am having some fundamental-concept problems in understanding the basics of Tape, as it is implemented under VMS (and maybe RT-11 too, I'll burn that bridge when I get to it). On my now beautifully working uVAX II (thanks again Allison!) I have a Cipher 9trk and a TK50... I have the MIcro VMS User's Manuals VOL I & II. I understand the concept of mounting the devices and allocating them (sort of), and I have successfully loaded, mounted, allocated, and initialized a roll of tape on the Cipher. I have made a Test directory on the HD called [TEST] ;} on which I have created a couple of simple text files. I have tried to copy these files to the tape (MSA0:), and it does *something*, the tape advances and the HD led flickers, but when I try to copy these files back, all I get are sequentially numbered blank directory entries. I mounted/foreign an RT-ll sig tape, and tried to copy it to the HD; same thing. Show/Dev/MSA0: shows the right Volume Label.. but the directories are empty when I copy them back... I am lacking in the basic understanding of how the tape system works, so I thought to ask my Firends and Listmembers. Cheers John

27 years, 9 months

2
1
0 0

IBM System 34 and 36 questions

by rws＠ais.net

Hi everybody, I have just acquired several large pieces of equipment and I have some questions about them. I haven't moved them yet- some of these questions concern moving them. What I have are an IBM System 34 (model 5340), an IBM System 36 (model 5360), two tape drives (model 8809-1C), and two printers (model 3262-B1), plus some manuals and tapes. Everything is supposed to be in working order- they upgraded and pulled the plug. 1. How much do these things weigh? The computer person there estimated 2000 lb. for the 34, 1000 lb. for the 36, 700 lb. on the printers and 500 lb. on the tape drives. Does that sound about right? 2. How possible is partial dismantling for transport? I didn't get to tear into them to look. Loading access is fairly good in the building they are in, but unloading the 34 could be tricky. It would help if I could lighten them up. 3. What needs to be done before moving? Head locking, moving or removing anything, stuff like that. Other less important stuff that I'm curious about: 4. What kind of interface does it have to the terminals? 5. What kind of power does it need? I'd assume 3 phase 220v. 6. How much computing power is this? Compared to a VAX 11/750, say. 7. How will these things tolerate living in an unheated building over winter? I live in IL. Any other hints and tips would be greatly appreciated. I'd really like to be able to move these machines without damage (to the machines or me). I went there today mainly as a recon mission, but they convinced me to take home a Wang word processing system. The server is a model OIS-60X, and it has 4 terminals hooked up by RS336 (?) over coax (BNC connectors), plus a laser printer. I think the printer weighs more than the server. I got a bunch of cartridges for it, and some Canon copier cartridges too, "because they're almost the same". I think not. Thanks, Richard Schauer rws(a)ais.net

27 years, 9 months

5
4
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WTB: Portable

by roblwill＠usaor.net

Hello everyone. I'm looking for an old IBM or Compaq Portable (or any other that the motherboard can be replaced with a standard one (especially the IBM). I'm looking for a fairly speedy portable, because of the program that I use (needs a 486).I have an old 486/66 board that I can use, but I don't feel like spending $700 for a portable case w/display. I'd be willing to trade a VGA or an EGA monitor for it, or be willing to pay a fair (ly low) price (since I won't be using much of the guts, anyway. as always, ThAnX in advance, -- -Jason (roblwill(a)usaor.net) ICQ#-1730318

27 years, 9 months

4
3
0 0

Single-card video/I/O solution

by djenner＠halcyon.com

I'm looking for a slight variation of a card I have in an old PC/XT, one card with: - video (monochrome text only is OK, VGA at best) - floppy disk controller (3.5in, 1.44MB is necessary) - serial/parallel I/O (optional, one serial port would be nice) - and (optionally) a hard drive controller (MFM is OK, IDE better) With such a card I can construct a minimal, full system on an old 386sx I have using only one expansion slot, which is a necessity. The card I have is an 8-bit ISA card, and that or a 16-bit ISA card would be OK. The card I have only does up to 5.25in, 720KB floppies, and that's why I can't steal it from my XT. Was such a card ever made? (It's not too much of a step beyond what I have.) Does anyone have one around? Does someone still make such a card? Thanks, Dave

27 years, 9 months

3
2
0 0

Sorcerer Serial Number Decode

by dlw＠trailingedge.com

While digging through my Exidy Sorcerer doc, I noticed a little paragraph in the technical manul which tells how to read the Sorcerer's serial number. I'm sending this in case other Exidy owners want to check their systems. ---QUOTE--- "The first five digits of the serial number give the date of manufacturer. The next several digits are specific to the individual unit, and then, if you have a Sorcerer 2, there are the letters II. Next comes the voltage designation. For example, serial number 10299 528 II 220V indicates a Sorcerer 2, manufactured on 10/29/79, unit number 528, of 220 volts." ---END QUOTE--- Mine is 03070 0085 110v so made on 03/07/80 I guess. Funny thing is mine doesn't have the II to indicate it is a Sorcerer 2 but all the doc and looking at the mobo inside seems to indicate it is a 2. Wonder if the original owner swapped it at some point? It does list a model number of DP1000-2. ----- David Williams - Computer Packrat dlw(a)trailingedge.com http://www.trailingedge.com

27 years, 9 months

1
0
0 0

C64

by foxnhare＠goldrush.com

> From: ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk (Tony Duell) > Subject: Re: C64 video > > > > > I tested the three C64s i got and none are getting video on a known working > > composite monitor. im also not getting a beep when i try ^G (assuming a > > speaker is inside the computer) do these systems need an rf modulator or > > require a tv? Control-G Does not produce any noise on the 64. There are no sound routines (except to clear the SID registers at start-up) in the 64 ROMs (I think they were rushed on putting the 64 to market; later they released Super Expander and Simon's BASIC which offered sound commands.) I usually use a game cartridge to check the 64's sound, video and joystick ports. Jumpman Junior seems to be my favored one (mainly because it does not rely on much of the KERNAL/BASIC ROMs in it's operation.) And yes, the Genesis A/V cable is compatible with the 64 (I've used the same cable on both units). -- -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+- Larry Anderson - Sysop of Silicon Realms BBS (300-2400bd) (209) 754-1363 Visit my Commodore 8-Bit web page at: http://www.goldrush.com/~foxnhare/commodore.html -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

27 years, 9 months

1
0
0 0

NeXT system available soon!

by kyrrin＠jps.net

While at RE-PC in Seattle yesterday, I saw that they're working on getting a complete color NeXT system ready to sell. As near as I can tell, this is the 'Pizza Box' configuration with 32 megs RAM. I don't know what size hard drive it has as it had been taken home by one of the guys who was going to load the NeXT OS on it. If interested, give a call to the Seattle store at (206) 623-9151. Ask for Maurice or Jeff and tell them I referred you. Best of luck! -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Bruce Lane, owner and head honcho, Blue Feather Technologies E-Mail: kyrrin (at) jps [d=o=t] net (munged to screw up spambots) Sent on 13-Sep-98 at 10:25:09, Pacific -- http://table.jps.net/~kyrrin "...No matter how much we may wish otherwise, our science can only describe an object, event, or living creature in our own human terms. It cannot possibly define any of them..." -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

27 years, 9 months

1
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RE-PC Finds

by kyrrin＠jps.net

For those in or near the Seattle area, RE-PC has turned up some pretty cool stuff. First, some intriguing VMEBus systems. From what I can tell, they were made by Charles River Data Systems and, although they may not be terribly useful as a system in their current state, the VME backplane is very much an industry standard and can be adapted to just about any VME cards you might want to plug into it. They also have a pile of Cipher 9-track tape drives. These are the front-loading 880 series, 1600/3200 density, Pertec interface. I've looked over several of them, and most look like they've had barely any use at all (I picked one up yesterday to repair another I already have). And, if you want a rack to put such goodies into, they've got a blortload of retired five-foot high Sun racks. Although wider on the outside than the norm, all appear to be standard 19" on the inside rails. Just about all of 'em are in clean shape, and going for around $50 per. I think, last time I looked, they wanted no more than $20/unit for the tape drives, and I don't think the VME systems would be horribly expensive either. If interested, give a call to the Tukwila store at (206) 575-8737. Ask for Eric Meiney, tell him I referred you, and you're off and running. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Bruce Lane, owner and head honcho, Blue Feather Technologies E-Mail: kyrrin (at) jps [d=o=t] net (munged to screw up spambots) Sent on 13-Sep-98 at 08:16:56, Pacific -- http://table.jps.net/~kyrrin "...No matter how much we may wish otherwise, our science can only describe an object, event, or living creature in our own human terms. It cannot possibly define any of them..." -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

27 years, 9 months

1
0
0 0

NeXT [was Re: Radio Shack Model ][ available (Portland Oregon)]

by maxeskin＠hotmail.com

So, let's say this were ported to a C128 or an upgraded 64. Would this allow one to access the 'net? As for ARCnet cards, yes, they're quite common in corporate and government places, along with token ring (I believe IBM supported these two, but not ethernet). I may have a couple. >> someone has crammed UDP, IP and ARP into a tiny PIC microcontroller. >> Does anyone know anything about this? I would kind of like to set >> up my Trs-80 Mod 4 on the net for various reasons. > > I've heard rumors of IP (not TCP/IP, just IP) being written for the C-64 >(along with PPP or SLIP I assume). Apparently, the port only had IP and >ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol---at the same layer as IP) as >nothing else could fit in 64k. IP isn't that difficult (and uncompressed >SLIP is pretty easy as well). UDP is just a user accessable (under UNIX) >version (more or less) of IP (unreliable datagram protocol, but I think UDP >stands for User Datagram Protocol, as a datagram protocol is unreliable by >definition if I recall correctly). > > -spc (Quick question: how common are ARCNET cards for PCs and Tandy > 6000s? I know there are Linux drivers for ARCNET cards, and I > have two Tandy 6000s ... ) > > > > ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

27 years, 9 months

1
0
0 0

Osborne Vixen

by fmc＠reanimators.org

Doug Yowza <yowza(a)yowza.com> wrote: > Mine only says OSBORNE. I suspect mine has a smaller display than the > production model -- it looks like a 5" diag. If anybody else thinks they > have this same version, please let me know. Otherwise, I'll start > bragging about it on my web page as the only surviving specimen! That is a find. If you can find the Kilobaud that has the photos of Adam Osborne showing off the Vixen, you will note that the one he is showing is configured like that. -Frank McConnell

27 years, 9 months

1
0
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Need help with TRS-80 Hard Drive

by bwit＠pobox.com

Hello. I have a "TRS-80 Five Meg Disk System" model 26-1130 that I'd like to use with a Model 4D. The hard drive seems to power up fine but I have no cables to connect it to the Mod4. In addition, the back of the hard drive appears to have a connector missing. On the back of the drive cabinet I see the following: Computer In: empty opening, no cover Control Out: 34 pin male connector Data Out A: empty, metal cover over opening Data Out B: empty, metal cover over opening Data Out C: empty, metal cover over opening Opening the drive case shows no obvious connector where a missing cable might attach. If anyone can assist with information and/or parts please let me know. TIA, Bob ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bob Withers Do or do not, there is no try. bwit(a)pobox.com Yoda -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

27 years, 9 months

2
1
0 0

MX test...

by system＠minako.umtec.com

Can you guys ack this please? If it works, I've taught VAX/VMS to speak SMTP...

27 years, 9 months

4
4
0 0

HP 3000s avail in CA.

by jpl15＠netcom.com

Hello ListMembers.. I have available for Immediate Adoption the following Hewlett Packard stuff: 2 3000 systems and a 9144 backup device in one cabinet. 2 7914 hard drive units (one damaged mechanically) 1 2563a printer in very nice shape (serial I/O) These Items are in Malibu, CA and are free for the taking. I would prefer not to split up the load unless you are talking significant bux or trade for something I need Real Bad: (VAX 11/750 system; TE16 w/formatter card for Unibus; Kennedy 9300 or vacuum door from same; MINC-11 cards; etc.) Due to weight and size, these things are not shippable. I can be bribed to deliver them in the SoCal area, but it would be Better if you came with a small truck or minivan and rescued them. Also, work logistics pretty much dictate that it must be a weekend rescue. Otherwise.... i don't wanna think about it :( Please consider giving these lonely orphans the security and happiness of a loving home and some 110vac to munch on. I need the space for more DEC stuff. Like that 11/750 I *know* you're hiding. Hint: I'll be home all weekend......... Cheers John

27 years, 9 months

1
0
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Recent findings

by roblwill＠usaor.net

---------- > From: Uncle Roger <sinasohn(a)ricochet.net> > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> > Subject: Recent findings > Date: Friday, September 11, 1998 7:13 PM > > I managed to pick up a Fora LP-386c mini-lunchbox (kinda like some of the > Compaq's). Dated 1989, so almost classic, and my first "F" computer! > > Also, I got a Powerbook 140, which needs work on the screen, but otherwise > seems (afaik) okay. Anyone know how to remove the screen on this? Inside, > it has some interesting connectors. There are some flat... hmmm.. plastic > strips with traces on them (kinda like ultra-flat ribbon cables?) that go > into what look like IDC connectors. Only, you pull up on the top rim of > the IDC-like things, and that releases the ends of the flat things. > Surprised the heck out of me when I was (gently!) trying to pull the whole > thing off. 8^) Those are the same type of connectors that the keyboard on my PS/2 L40sx uses. > > Along with that was a Powerbook Duo 230 & 280, weird connectors for the > power supply; looks like an RCA jack. Anyone know what voltage etc, and > would an RCA plug work? > > Lastly, but not least, is probably the coolest item I've found in a while > -- A Frisbee that says XEROX PARC on it. Very neat! > > > --------------------------------------------------------------------- O- > > Uncle Roger "There is pleasure pure in being mad > roger(a)sinasohn.com that none but madmen know." > Roger Louis Sinasohn & Associates > San Francisco, California http://www.sinasohn.com/ >

27 years, 9 months

2
1
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Tandy 1400 HD

by oajones＠bright.net

I have a Tandy 1400 HD collecting dust in my basement. It has a power supply problem and also the battery will need to be replaced. Perhaps someone out there could use this for parts if nothing else. I am asking $25 plus shipping charges. I have the books for it and the original packing box. --Alan

27 years, 9 months

1
0
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Apple Computer Parts

by oajones＠bright.net

It is my turn to clean out my basement. Item Quanity ------------------------------------ ------- Digicard, Network Controller Card 7 Tymac, PPC-100 Tackler 2 Digicard, Modem 2 Apple Monitor /// Model #A3M0039 1 Apple Disk Drive ][ Model #A2M0003 3 Apple Unidisk Model #A9M0104 1 Apple ][e (missing 2 keys on keyboard) 1 Apple ][ Plus 2 If you are interested in any of these items please make an offer. I've never used an Apple system. I collected these parts to build one complete system but never got around to it. I don't know what this stuff is worth. I hope someone out there can put this stuff to good use. No reasonable offer will be refused. --Alan

27 years, 9 months

1
0
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VIC-20 -- no sound

by mark_k＠iname.com

Marion.Bates(a)Dartmouth.EDU (Marion Bates) wrote: >Or maybe my TV is really weird. There's been an anomaly with the >C64 for as long as I can remember, which is that when I use the >video cable (the one that splits into three RCA's, one for video >and two for sound) with the video-in jacks on the TV, I get a nice, >sharp, black and white display, no color. The C64 provides composite video, luminance, chrominance and audio on its DIN connector. The luminance and chrominance signals are what is nowadays known as S-video or Y/C. The luminance is the brightness information (i.e., a monochrome video signal), the chrominance is the colour information. By having the two signals on separate wires rather than mixing them, picture quality is improved over composite video. Many modern TVs have S-video inputs; a 4-pin mini-DIN socket is used for this. Commodore monitors use two phono sockets, marked L and C. It sounds like you are using a cable designed for connecting a C64 to a Commodore monitor. This will not directly work with your TV's composite video input. As you have found, the best you can do is to get a monochrome picture by connecting the luminance signal. To get the best possible picture quality, buy a lead that has two phono sockets on one end, and an S-video 4-pin mini-DIN connector on the other. You would connect this to the L and C jacks of your C64 video lead, and the S-video port on your TV. However, you may have trouble finding a ready-made lead like this; perhaps building one yourself will be quicker. If your TV does not have an S-video input, you'll need to get another lead that uses the C64's composite video output instead. An A/V lead for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis 1 console *may* work. >If I use the composite port and a TV/game modulator box, I get (cruddy) color. I think you mean using the RF output and a TV signal switch (as supplied with most game consoles), not a modulator. -- Mark

27 years, 9 months

1
0
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Sorry!

by oajones＠bright.net

Please excuse my mistake. I hit "reply" and so I sent some attached files to the entire mail list. --Alan

27 years, 9 months

3
2
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Using Commodore 15xx drives on PC's...

by rhblake＠bbtel.com

Someone found this and sent me a link to it, a cable made to allow hookup to any of the Commodore 15xx serial bus drives to your parallel port on your PC. http://www.student.informatik.th-darmstadt.de/~mepk/c64/hw/cables/x1541.html ___________________________________________________ Russ Blakeman, aka "Pooter Fixer" Email: rhblake(a)bbtel.com or rhblake(a)bigfoot.com Website: http://members.xoom.com/pooterfixer/ ___________________________________________________

27 years, 9 months

1
0
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New? Find

by franke＠sbs.de

> On 11 Sep 98, at 14:30, Hans Franke wrote: >> I think it will be sold on some kind of fleamarket. They also >> destroyed some stuff, opened two originaly packed Atari 400, >> trashed an Enterprise. They also took a prototype BTX telephone >> unit an various small stuff - including almost all of my C64 >> and VC20 cartridges. Also one of the PETs is gone (an ordinary >> 4016) and, thats the funiest thing, the CRT of a Sirus - only >> the CRT the computer and the stand is still available. > Arg, destroyed an Enterprise? That's one I've always wanted to see > but since the company had a short life in Europe only I don't > expect I will. Hmm brings up two questions: First: Is there already an Enterprise for display (Juhu Sa-a-am) ? Second: Will you be attending VCF ? If no for the first question, I could take the remainings and put it up on display - but if no for the second, I'm sooo sorry :) Gruss H. P.S.: Sam, answer quick, since I will do last Email-check in about 2 hours. -- Ich denke, also bin ich, also gut HRK

27 years, 9 months

4
4
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Murphy & Profiles

by dlw＠trailingedge.com

What is this, Murphy strikes again? I moved my Apple /// so I could open it all up and insert the new SoftCard ///. I have 2 profile hard drives and placed one on its side beside some bookshelves while I worked on the ///. A few minutes later I hear a crash and look over at the shelf. The middle shelf had dropped down and dumped everything on top of the profile knocking it over and burying it. These shelves have been doing just fine for over 5 years, why now? At least the SoftCard is in and working fine. I now have CP/M installed and working with the other profile. I now only have one slot left open, what else is available for the ///? As for the other profile, I guess it is still ok. I've never used it and I'm not sure if I want to use it on my ///. You see, it has a hand written label on the front which says the Lisa Office System (scratched out) and below that MacWorks 3.0 12/16/85. I can't decide if I want to format it and use it on my /// or save it in case I ever get a Lisa. Any way to copy off anything on it without a Lisa? Could the Lisa format be read from a ///? Ok, it's a shot in the dark. ----- David Williams - Computer Packrat dlw(a)trailingedge.com http://www.trailingedge.com

27 years, 9 months

1
0
0 0

Mystery cartridge -- help identify?

by sinasohn＠ricochet.net

At 08:36 PM 9/10/98 -0700, you wrote: >resistors and capacitors. On the circuitboard it says "NAVARONE (C)" and >next to the contacts where the little carbon pad on the underside of the IIRC, Navarone made a video interface for (at least) the Atari ST -- plug your camcorder/vcr into the cart, plug the cart into the computer, and capture images. Kinda like the Snappy thing you can get these days. --------------------------------------------------------------------- O- Uncle Roger "There is pleasure pure in being mad roger(a)sinasohn.com that none but madmen know." Roger Louis Sinasohn & Associates San Francisco, California http://www.sinasohn.com/

27 years, 9 months

2
1
0 0

Radio Shack Model ][ available (Portland Oregon)

by roblwill＠usaor.net

Does anyone know if a TRS-80 Model II hard drive will work with a TRS-80 Model III? Are they the same thing? -- -Jason (roblwill(a)usaor.net) ICQ#-1730318 ---------- > From: George Rachor <george(a)racsys.rt.rain.com> > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> > Subject: Radio Shack Model ][ available (Portland Oregon) > Date: Saturday, September 12, 1998 12:53 AM > > I have decided at long last to part with a Model 2 of unknown condition. > The only thing I know is that the keyboard cable is slightly crushed at > the keyboard connector end. The System comes with a couple of hard drives > also of unknown condition. > > Please be prepared to pick this up in the Beaverton Oregon area as this > isn't something that I'd really want to ship. > > ========================================================= > George L. Rachor george(a)racsys.rt.rain.com > Beaverton, Oregon http://racsys.rt.rain.com >

27 years, 9 months

3
2
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WTB: TRS-80 stuff.

by roblwill＠usaor.net

I pretty much got it working (aside from a few keys on the keyboard). I basically had to just hose the boards down, because they weren't just submerged in water, they were submerged in sewage. -- -Jason (roblwill(a)usaor.net) ICQ#-1730318 ---------- > From: Keith Whitehead <K.J.Whitehead(a)massey.ac.nz> > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> > Subject: Re: WTB: TRS-80 stuff. > Date: Sunday, September 06, 1998 4:56 PM > > Well water (especially Distilled water) is a great start for this sort of > thing. > However I always rinse the boards thoughly with ethanol (If you can > submerge them for a half hour or so even better), this will displace the > water in all of those hard to get places. After this I would then go > through the drying out process...Oh BTW do this is a well ventilated > area...you can get very drunk from the fumes :-), take note that ethanol > can attack some plastics and may affect some solder masks and screen > printing, so you may want to try iso-propyl alcohol...its less abusive. > > Cheers > > > > > k.j.whitehead(a)massey.ac.nz > > Keith Whitehead > Electronics Technician > Electronics Services > Institute of Fundamental Sciences > Massey University > Palmerston North > New Zealand > 5301 > > >

27 years, 9 months

4
3
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Sun Machines for the Taking

by mcquiggi＠sfu.ca

Hi All: I am attempting to break up the logjam in the basement, and have the following machines available to any interested parties: - Sun 3/50; - Sun 3/60. Both are in working order, but the 3/60 has an inoperative CG4 frame buffer. No matter, you can boot it off of the serial port. No monitors, and you would have to supply a SCSI hard disk. Both can run SunOS or NetBSD. Free for the taking, limit one per person. I'd prefer you to pick up, but I could be convinced to ship as long as you pay for it. I also have a spare Sun 4/110, this one has a keyboard, mouse, and hard drive, with NetBSD installed on it. I'm looking to recoup $100 for this machine, however! I'm located near Vancouver, BC. Kevin --- Kevin McQuiggin VE7ZD mcquiggi(a)sfu.ca

27 years, 9 months

1
0
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WTB: Portable

by roblwill＠usaor.net

That would have been exactly what I would have needed, although I would have needed the CRT, too. The mention of the 8088 board reminded me of something: Is there any way to convert an XT keyboard to make it work with an AT? If so, how? ThAnX, -- -Jason (roblwill(a)usaor.net) ICQ#-1730318 ---------- > From: Ward Donald Griffiths III <gram(a)cnct.com> > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> > Subject: Re: WTB: Portable > Date: Friday, September 11, 1998 11:47 PM > > > Well, I'd offer the relatively gutted Compaq portable I got free at > the last Trenton festival, but I'm sort of in the middle of building > a TRS-80 Color Computer 3 into the beast. (The 8088 board is a wall > decoration, wasn't worth fixing). > -- > Ward Griffiths <mailto:gram@cnct.com> <http://www.cnct.com/home/gram/> > > When I was crossing the border into Canada, they asked me if I had any > firearms with me. I said "Well, what do you need?" -- Steven Wright

27 years, 9 months

1
0
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Looking for RX01 Floppies

by mcquiggi＠sfu.ca

Hi Gang: I am looking for some RX01 8" floppies, for use in my recently-acquired RX01 drives (thanks go to John Lawson!!). I can trade a few boxes of 5-1/4" DD floppies for them. Software on the diskettes would be a bonus (OS/8 would be great!) but is not a requirement. I just need some floppies that I can use in my new drives. Thanks, Kevin -- Kevin McQuiggin VE7ZD mcquiggi(a)sfu.ca

27 years, 9 months

1
0
0 0

VAX 11/750s everywhere

by jpl15＠netcom.com

But not within 1000 miles of El-Lay, dammit! I would love to find a '750 system. Preferrably with a TE16 and RL02s. And docs and software. Is that too much to ask of the Universe? O Great Gods of Scrap: Just one 11/750, then I'll shut up. I promise. sigh. John.

27 years, 9 months

1
0
0 0

Vax 730 FS

by WHoagIII＠aol.com

I have a Vax 730 for sale in Portland, Oregon. I am open to all offers above scrap. Please reply directly to whoagiii(a)aol.com.

27 years, 9 months

1
0
0 0

Recent finds...

by karlm＠blitzen.canberra.edu.au

Today I had to transfer a vast quantity of old computers from one uni faculty down to residences (where I am sysadmin), now this load of equipment was mainly older PC's, and some Apple II and Mac stuff, now the interesting part.. Amongst the boxes of disks there is a box of about 30 hard-sectored disks, including a couple labelled 'CP/M Ver 2.2 Rev 1.2.1 9600 Baud, PIP,FILES,SYSGEN,STAT,DO(=SUBMIT),DSKCOPY(=COPY)' and a few disks of something called "GDOS". Also I was given a few shelves full of technical books, including what appears to be a complete set of Philips component books, as well as other data books, and the most interesting being the Motorola 8-bit devices manual, and a Kaypro technical manual. There is also a collection of Kaypro PC's. Would this be CP/M-86 or the Z80 version,and are they useful to anyone? Cheers Karl ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Karl Maftoum Computer Engineering student at the University of Canberra, Australia Email: k.maftoum(a)student.canberra.edu.au

27 years, 9 months

1
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Bye

by franke＠sbs.de

I will leve the list for the next 3 weeks - I think thats way better than to read one zillion mails :) Bis zum VCF (See you at the VCF) Hans -- Ich denke, also bin ich, also gut HRK

27 years, 9 months

1
0
0 0

C64 video

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

In a message dated 98-09-11 18:10:36 EDT, you write: << Older machines have a 5 pin DIN socket, later ones have an 8 pin one. I can look up the pinouts if you need them. >> yes, that would be great. one socket has 6 pins, the other has 8 pins.

27 years, 9 months

2
1
0 0

VIC-20 -- no sound

by Marion.Bates＠Dartmouth.EDU

--- Tony Duell wrote: What you need is a cable with the tips of the plugs connected to pins 5 and 3 (and the sleeves to pin 2). That's actually a very common audio cable - I would think RatShack would have one. --- end of quote --- They didn't, so I made one to match your description here. It checks out fine with the multimeter, but I still get video with no audio. Leads me to believe there's a problem with the VIC itself. Or maybe my TV is really weird. There's been an anomaly with the C64 for as long as I can remember, which is that when I use the video cable (the one that splits into three RCA's, one for video and two for sound) with the video-in jacks on the TV, I get a nice, sharp, black and white display, no color. If I use the composite port and a TV/game modulator box, I get (cruddy) color. I've checked every setting I can find on the TV for color/B&W stuff, but everything looks right. ??? Thanks again for the help. -- MB

27 years, 9 months

4
4
0 0

Recent findings

by sinasohn＠ricochet.net

I managed to pick up a Fora LP-386c mini-lunchbox (kinda like some of the Compaq's). Dated 1989, so almost classic, and my first "F" computer! Also, I got a Powerbook 140, which needs work on the screen, but otherwise seems (afaik) okay. Anyone know how to remove the screen on this? Inside, it has some interesting connectors. There are some flat... hmmm.. plastic strips with traces on them (kinda like ultra-flat ribbon cables?) that go into what look like IDC connectors. Only, you pull up on the top rim of the IDC-like things, and that releases the ends of the flat things. Surprised the heck out of me when I was (gently!) trying to pull the whole thing off. 8^) Along with that was a Powerbook Duo 230 & 280, weird connectors for the power supply; looks like an RCA jack. Anyone know what voltage etc, and would an RCA plug work? Lastly, but not least, is probably the coolest item I've found in a while -- A Frisbee that says XEROX PARC on it. Very neat! --------------------------------------------------------------------- O- Uncle Roger "There is pleasure pure in being mad roger(a)sinasohn.com that none but madmen know." Roger Louis Sinasohn & Associates San Francisco, California http://www.sinasohn.com/

27 years, 9 months

1
0
0 0

the haul (revisited)

by jim＠calico.litterbox.com

Okay, yesterday I posted about a bunch of commodore stuff a friend gave me in the process of cleaning out his trailor. Here is the skinny. The 64 works, but the keyboard has about had it. A and RETURN don't work without wiggling them. I seem to recall keyboards for this machine for about 5 bucks in surplus catalogs. I'll sell it for $10 +shipping. Includes power supply (the white brick kind, possibly from a 64c?) and manual. The 1541 works flawlessly. I'm kind of surprized, mine was a finicky piece of junk. This one appears to be the later model of '41 with the rectangular access light. I'll sell it for $20 + shipping. I *think* I have a manual for this too. I didn't try the printer. It's a Seikosia sp1000vc, looks intact, but has no ribbon. If you want it, make me an offer + shipping. The monitor is junk. It works, but unless you live near Colorado Springs and like to frotz with monitors internally it's not worth mailing. Picture quality is worse than a cheap TV. If you live nearby and want it let me know and you can have it. Vicmodem - Don't know. Haven't got a phone line near where I was testing and I've long since forgotten how to use a vicmodem. May already be spoken for. has the disk it shipped with, which has victerm, 64 term, and quantumlink. All prices are in US dollars, and all the hardware is designed to run on US current with US video screens. I've already had several people express interest in the cartriges and the software, and I've sent e-mail to the person who sent the oldest timestamped message. This person also wanted the vicmodem. -- Jim Strickland jim(a)calico.litterbox.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Vote Meadocrat! Bill and Opus in 2000 - Who ELSE is there? -----------------------------------------------------------------------

27 years, 9 months

1
0
0 0

new addition(s)

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

ive found the best way to find old machines is to let as many people know as possible. a coworker knew i collected old machines and he gave me a very clean rom3 apple //gs that works great along with a matching monochrome monitor in its box. also got a clean //c and also got 3 C64s with 3 disk drives along with the little matching dot matrix printer and all the power supplies. anyone interested in the C64s? ive also got to pick up a sanyo mbc1000 cpm machine which ive never heard of, and i also have a lead on some dec equipment. all i know is it's some terminals, cables and tapes. i've requested a detailed list of what's available. if there's anything i dont want i'll be sure to let the subscribers to this list have first craic. david

27 years, 9 months

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Murphy's Law axes my 44...

by DSEAGRAV＠toad.xkl.com

Isn't it funny how that law *ALWAYS* works? Here's the story: 44 is on a sturdy (I thought...) cart, ready to be moved into a larger room with more power available. Then RA81, and 2 BA boxes. Cart is stood toward the middle of the server room overnight, so if it does fall, nothing gets damaged, right? Try again. About 7:00, Linux server dies. Funny. I come in to investigate this morining. Arrive to the gentle beep of UPSes. Spot the 44 in multiple parts on the floor, shit pants, see the cart against the opposite wall (Or as close as it could get, there was crud in it's way...) Apparently, the 44 dove off the cart about 6:00, the distro panel for the DH11 caught the power line of a strip loaded with gear on the way down, sliced it open, and made for a small electrical fire. Total damage: A hefty dose of 120AC on the DH distro board, and I snapped the switch of the second BA11 (AAAAARRRRRGGGHHH! NOT AGAIN!), but it seems to be OK. The traces (appear to be) OK on the distro panel, so I may be able to clean the scorch mark off. As for that powerstrip, it shorted, blackened part of the wall, and nailed the power to 2 of our servers when it blew the breaker for the wall it was attached to. I hate life... -------

27 years, 9 months

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pdp-11 software license and RT-11 V5.3

by gentry＠zk3.dec.com

Recently, there was a flurry of messages regarding a license found in the RT-11 V4 tar-ball on gatekeeper.dec.com. The license appeared to be one which conveyed rights for hobbyist users of pdp-11 software from Mentec. After consulting with Mentec and Bob Supnik (praised be he for negotiating the deal), and after combing my archives for a copy of the binary distribution of RT V5.3 (which I provided to Bob Supnik for him to package up with the license), I am pleased to announce that the license has been confirmed by Mentec, and that there is at least a copy of the RT-11 V5.3 distribution kit available on: ftp://gatekeeper.dec.com/pub/digital/sim/software/rtv53swre.tar.Z I'm sure that there is work being done on obtaining distribution copies of other license-covered software. Watch this space for further notices about software. For the sake of good will between Mentec and hobbyists, please DO NOT start making copies of RT or any other pdp-11 software available from other locations without it first coming from gatekeeper. Also, please read and abide by the terms of the license. Megan Gentry Former RT-11 Developer +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+ | Megan Gentry, EMT/B, PP-ASEL | Internet (work): gentry(a)zk3.dec.com | | Unix Support Engineering Group | (home): mbg(a)world.std.com | | Compaq Computer Corporation | | | 110 Spitbrook Rd. ZK03-2/T43 | URL: http://world.std.com/~mbg/ | | Nashua, NH 03062 | "pdp-11 programmer - some assembler | | (603) 884 1055 | required." - mbg | +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+

27 years, 9 months

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More on emulation, Linus and Transmeta from TBTF

by jfoust＠threedee.com

..Say it ain't so, Luke Watching the watchers watch Transmeta Transmeta, the Silicon Valley company that employs Linus Torvalds, isn't saying what kind of technology it's working on. (Their Web site says, succinctly if paradoxically, "This web page is not here yet.") The Red Herring tried to find out what they are up to -- or perhaps their account of the attempt, "Stalking Transmeta," [17] is all in good fun. PC Magazine prints a more substantial guess [18]: > [Transmeta] has been working for about two years on a CPU for > PCs, which is rumored to have its own internal instruction set > but to use a fast software translator to execute x86 instruc- > tions. Transmeta has raised a large (undisclosed) amount of > venture capital and is well staffed; a product debut is likely > in 1999. In the NY Times for 8/31, John Markoff relays a rumor [19] that he says has some Sili Valley techies quite upset. Markoff's article is mostly about evidence of increasing strain in the "Wintel" alliance. One factor contributing to the wobble is the rapid growth of technology areas such as telephony and personal digital assistants that do not use Intel hardware or Microsoft software. Microsoft has an entrant at this end of the market -- Windows CE -- but Intel is seen as concentrating in- creasingly on the shrinking top end. (Its purchase of Digital's StrongArm technology may have been reduced in value by the defec- tion of key technical talent.) If Transmeta, which was founded by a former Sun Sparc architect, is working on a platform for portable computing -- let's call it a "media chip" [20] -- what OS will it run? Well, with Linus on board, you would assume the answer would be "Linux, duh." Some flavor of Java would certainly be a contender. But Markoff says the word is that Transmeta may run Microsoft software. A hardware designer is quoted thus: > It would be a little like hiring Luke Skywalker and then > turning the whole organization over to Darth Vader. [17] http://www.herring.com/mag/issue58/stalking.html [18] http://www.zdnet.com/pcmag/features/cpu98/intro10.html [19] http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/98/08/biztech/articles/31chip.html [20] http://www.techweb.com/se/directlink.cgi?EET19980706S0069 ____________________________________________ TBTF home and archive at http://www.tbtf.com/ . To subscribe send the message "subscribe" to tbtf-request(a)world.std.com. TBTF is Copyright 1994-1998 by Keith Dawson, <dawson(a)world.std.com>. Com- mercial use prohibited. For non-commercial purposes please forward, post, and link as you see fit.

27 years, 9 months

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ATARI 1040ST w/monitor

by lff＠unique-inc.com

Would you be interested in an ATARI 1040ST computer with the SC1224 monitor? I have a host of software for it, include dBASE, word processors, a C language compiler, and others. I also have a handful of games. Larry Fisher Unique Computer Services Inc. lff(a)unique-inc.com (732) 786-0111 x104 (voice) (732) 786-0097 (fax)

27 years, 9 months

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C64 video

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

I tested the three C64s i got and none are getting video on a known working composite monitor. im also not getting a beep when i try ^G (assuming a speaker is inside the computer) do these systems need an rf modulator or require a tv? david

27 years, 9 months

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Making and using PDP-11 disk images

by CLASSICCMP＠timaxp.trailing-edge.com

>Could someone provide a quick tutorial on how the process works? All you need is one page out of the RT-11 manuals: that for COPY/DEV/FI. As an example, if you've got a RX02 that you want an image of, and you're going to put that image on a RL02 and call it "MYRX02.DSK", you do: COPY/DEVICE/FILE DY0: DL0:MYRX02.DSK Then you use Kermit (or, if you're like me and have a half-dozen networked PDP-11's, you just use FTP) to move the image off to whatever other place you might want to put the image. To do the reverse operation, you'd (or course!) do: COPY/FILE/DEVICE DL0:MYRX02.DSK DY0: Note that doing this under RT-11, you *only* get the blocks that RT-11 usually addresses on the disk. There are the usual caveats about track zero on 8" floppies and the bad block forwarding table on RL02's; these are well-discussed in the RT-11 _Software Support Manual_ in the sections on individual drivers, and the .SPFUN ways of reading these areas are also thoroughly documented. Also note that in doing this, you'll be copying every block on the disk, even those not included in a file. Don't get burned like some others have and end up copying proprietary or personal data that you didn't want copied when you make the image! Bob Schor has a program called "CLEAR.SAV", that is available from the 11S113 RT DECUS SIG symposium tape, that will clear out blocks not allocated to a file. This, and many other useful utilities from Bob, are available from: ftp://sunsite.unc.edu/pub/academic/computer-science/history/pdp-11/rt/decus… ----- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology Voice: 301-767-5917 7328 Bradley Blvd Fax: 301-767-5927 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817

27 years, 9 months

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treasure haul

by jim＠calico.litterbox.com

A buddy of mine is packing up to move and asked me if I'd like to take a "bunch of computer junk" off his hands. Now that I have it home, I find I have: 1 commodore 64. 1 composite monitor for a 64. 1 1541 floppy drive. 1 Sekosia(?) printer with a C=64 interface. 1 vic 1600 modem. 1 Apple Printer. lots of manuals and stuff for the 2e I bought from him earlier. lots of manuals, cartriges, and software for the 64. I haven't had a chance to test anything but the printer, which appears to work (although as usual my GS doesn't seem to LIKE it much. I may wind up switching back to my epson lx800 with that machine.) Once I've tested the 64 and whatnot to make sure it works, and messed about with the software I always wanted to have but could never afford, I'm probably going to get rid of it. And I can't quite put my finger on why, since I was a '64 owner until 1990. Maybe its that I would miss the custom hardware I had. Or that I can't imagine going back to a 60 column screen. Or the non-standard interfaces for EVERYTHING on it. I dunno. Does it make sense that I wouldn't be nostalgic for the machine I actually owned, as opposed to the apple2s? *shrug* Anyway. Just a heads up for you Commodore folk out there. :) -Jim -- Jim Strickland jim(a)calico.litterbox.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Vote Meadocrat! Bill and Opus in 2000 - Who ELSE is there? -----------------------------------------------------------------------

27 years, 9 months

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Mystery cartridge -- help identify?

by museum＠techniche.com

Hi Jason, I can't precisely identify what you have but I've got a navarone cartridge connector somewhere in my collection. They were a small company and the connector I have allow you to have 3 cartridges connected to the TI99/4a at once. there was a switch to select the cartridge that you wanted to be active and a reset button if I remember correctly. This allow you to switch cartridges *without* reseting the computer or putting too much wear on your cartridges. This was very useful in certain circumstances such as when using the assembler cartridge. You wolld use it in this way to examine the workings of ther cartridges. Maybe your device serves a somewhat similar function. Jon > >Perhaps this list can help me identify something I just picked up. > >It's a white plastic cartridge with a 44-pin male card-edge connector and a >light blue plastic female passthru for the same type of connector. It has a >square black plastic button on top. It is (was) glued shut. Inside there is >an 24-pin EEPROM (88251A+ MM2716Q) with a Mitsubish Electric sticker >covering the window, a 14-pin IC (P234 DM7400N), and another 14-pin IC (EL >SALVADOR 1820-0328 7936 <Texas Instruments Logo> SN7402N). And two small >resistors and capacitors. On the circuitboard it says "NAVARONE (C)" and >next to the contacts where the little carbon pad on the underside of the >button makes contact, it says "TOP". > >It looked about the right size for a C64 cartridge, but it doesn't do >anything. > >Any ideas? Too bad I pretty much destroyed the case while opening it. It >was glued shut pretty tight. > > -jrs > >_______________________________________________________________________ > \/|/\ | Jason Simpson | http://www.xio.com/jason/ > /\|\/ | jason(a)xio.com | Wanted: '87-90 Volkswagen Fox 2 Door Wagon >

27 years, 9 months

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robots?

by jim＠calico.litterbox.com

I was just watching a thing on robots and they mentioned some of the early 80s attempts. Does anyone have in their collection a H.E.R.O, or other robots of that vintage? -- Jim Strickland jim(a)calico.litterbox.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Vote Meadocrat! Bill and Opus in 2000 - Who ELSE is there? -----------------------------------------------------------------------

27 years, 9 months

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IBM System 34 and 36 questions

by WHoagIII＠aol.com

In a message dated 98-09-10 23:23:46 EDT, you write: << I have just acquired several large pieces of equipment and I have some questions about them. I haven't moved them yet- some of these questions concern moving them. What I have are an IBM System 34 (model 5340), an IBM System 36 (model 5360), two tape drives (model 8809-1C), and two printers (model 3262-B1), plus some manuals and tapes. Everything is supposed to be in working order- they upgraded and pulled the plug. 1. How much do these things weigh? The computer person there estimated 2000 lb. for the 34, 1000 lb. for the 36, 700 lb. on the printers and 500 lb. on the tape drives. Does that sound about right? The weights are about right. A good loading dock or a good forklift is necessary. 2. How possible is partial dismantling for transport? I didn't get to tear into them to look. Loading access is fairly good in the building they are in, but unloading the 34 could be tricky. It would help if I could lighten them up. Genarally they are on wheels and are not taken apart to be moved. I don't know the configuation of the 34. It is possible it could be composed of several parts, but looking at the model number I think it is one piece.. I have moved several of these systems and usually I rent a truck with a railgate type of liftgate on it. These have a larger deck and ride flatter. Hopefully the truck matches the dock. Use a flat dock plate. If there is a mismatch put a piece of sheet steel over the dock plate to reate a smooth surface to roll on. IBM made a little wire U shaped clip (bent at the bottom of the U) that is used to keep the wheels from rolling. This can hold the unit still untill you can tie it down. Remember there is lots of mass involved. It is best to tie off each machine. 3. What needs to be done before moving? Head locking, moving or removing anything, stuff like that. At each corner near the wheels are leveling screws. these need to be raised with a crescent wrench, all the way up. Other less important stuff that I'm curious about: 4. What kind of interface does it have to the terminals? 5. What kind of power does it need? I'd assume 3 phase 220v. It could be single phase. 6. How much computing power is this? Compared to a VAX 11/750, say. 7. How will these things tolerate living in an unheated building over winter? I live in IL. They should survive if you don't try to power them up. They want to be warm to run. Any other hints and tips would be greatly appreciated. I'd really like to be able to move these machines without damage (to the machines or me). I went there today mainly as a recon mission, but they convinced me to take home a Wang word processing system. The server is a model OIS-60X, and it has 4 terminals hooked up by RS336 (?) over coax (BNC connectors), plus a laser printer. I think the printer weighs more than the server. I got a bunch of cartridges for it, and some Canon copier cartridges too, "because they're almost the same". I think not. >> If the Laser printer is an LDP-8 then the Canon Carts should work. The engine is a Canon SX I think.

27 years, 9 months

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treasure haul

by thedm＠sunflower.com

When or IF you get rid of it, im very interested in that monitor. -----Original Message----- From: Jim <jim(a)calico.litterbox.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Thursday, September 10, 1998 10:19 PM Subject: treasure haul >A buddy of mine is packing up to move and asked me if I'd like to take a "bunch >of computer junk" off his hands. Now that I have it home, I find I have: > >1 commodore 64. >1 composite monitor for a 64. >1 1541 floppy drive. >1 Sekosia(?) printer with a C=64 interface. >1 vic 1600 modem. >1 Apple Printer. >lots of manuals and stuff for the 2e I bought from him earlier. >lots of manuals, cartriges, and software for the 64. > >I haven't had a chance to test anything but the printer, which appears to >work (although as usual my GS doesn't seem to LIKE it much. I may wind up >switching back to my epson lx800 with that machine.) > >Once I've tested the 64 and whatnot to make sure it works, and messed about >with the software I always wanted to have but could never afford, I'm probably >going to get rid of it. And I can't quite put my finger on why, since I was >a '64 owner until 1990. Maybe its that I would miss the custom hardware I had. >Or that I can't imagine going back to a 60 column screen. Or the non-standard >interfaces for EVERYTHING on it. I dunno. Does it make sense that I wouldn't >be nostalgic for the machine I actually owned, as opposed to the apple2s? > >*shrug* > >Anyway. Just a heads up for you Commodore folk out there. :) > >-Jim >-- >Jim Strickland >jim(a)calico.litterbox.com >----------------------------------------------------------------------- >Vote Meadocrat! Bill and Opus in 2000 - Who ELSE is there? >-----------------------------------------------------------------------

27 years, 9 months

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uVAX II sleeping...

by allisonp＠world.std.com

< > < Cycling 'HALT' on the front panel causes the usual 'break' monitor < > < printout and the pc state. The LED displays '8' and that's it... I < > < have let it go for 10 minutes.... < > < > I think it's waiting for a terminal. < < < Ummmm, on power-up? I'm hooked to the 9-pin console port... < maybe I should jumper RTS-CTS on the two other DB25s? Or is it < wating for something on the ethernet port? Nope step 8 is language inquery and if it's not printing a list to respond to then the halt button is in. Step 9 is identify the terminal. If the terminal cannot or does not respond I belive it will continue. Do check the settings of the halt and run buttons and The switches on the rear pannel. Allison

27 years, 9 months

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