At 02:01 PM 6/10/97 -0400, you wrote:
>(there is a port) and how hard. Do they run any real OSs or some TRShack?
I am told that OS-9 is a pretty good OS, but I don't have any real
experience with it. I'm sure there are OS-9 resources out on the net
somewhere...
--------------------------------------------------------------------- O-
Uncle Roger "There is pleasure pure in being mad
sinasohn(a)crl.com that none but madmen know."
Roger Louis Sinasohn & Associates
San Francisco, California http://www.crl.com/~sinasohn/
>
> After the collapse of the market for the TI 99/4a, Radio Shack sold many
> of the parts (including the keyboard, the internal switching power supply
The TI99/4a is not a switcher. I have both the RS powersupply board and
two TI99/4a (a black one and a grey one) and neither use a switcher!
Now the original ti99/4 with the chicklet keyboard (scarce) did use the
switcher.
Allison
> Somewhere in the back of my head I had the idea that a TDP-100
> was a Coco with added serial hardware included so that Radio
> Shack could sell it as a color video terminal. Does anyone
> else remember this, or am I completely out of my mind?
Looking at the board and my moto data book says no serial devices (6850
or the like).
Allison
Im not rich, Don't have one. Do I want one? Help me out here? what is it?
----------
> From: Kevan Heydon <kevan(a)motiv.co.uk>
> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers
<classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu>
> Subject: Sage IV...
> Date: Tuesday, June 10, 1997 11:08 AM
>
>
> Hi all,
>
> I have just recieved this email offering me a Sage IV. I am not
> interested as I already have one so the cost of shipping to here in the
> UK isn't worth it. So if someone wants it contact him directly.
>
> Kevan
>
> ------- Forwarded Message
>
> To: collector(a)heydon.org
> Subject: sage IV
>
> Hello, I own a Sage IV computer and have some word processing software
> and spreadsheet software for the computer. I also own two amber
> monitors for the Sage IV. If you are interested in purchasing these, or
> know a source in the United States that is interested in this computer
> equipment, please leave me a note on the web, or at CompuServe 76627,224
> Jim Krasno (my wife is Nancy Nelson)
> Jim
>
> ------- End of Forwarded Message
>
>
>
>
Hi,
I should qualify myself as comming from when personal computer meant you
owned a computer be it a minuteman-1 missle guidence computer(all
transistor), mark-8 or a PDP-8!
The TI99/4a was 81 technology and should be compared to that not a P1000000!
This seems to occur often.
It compared to the PCjr with the chicklet keyboard or COCO1 with same at
a time when the osborne-1 totable was new and neat. Apple/III had bombed on
the market.
It compared to z80 based system at 4mhz and a few emerging at 6mhz or the
other non-IBM-PC 8088/6 based s100 systems. There were even 68000 based
system but 8mhz were fast ones.
It was color! At a time when that capability was uncommon.
It didn't require an engineer to hook it up or make it do
something/anything. At that time S100 systems, apples, and the like were
rarely packaged systems. The trs80 and others started something with ready
to run boxes that were also slow and cranky.
Can I say it better as...back then a lot of things were starting to shake
out, emerge and outright happen. The TI99/4a was one of those and it was
far cheaper than a PC even at it introduction price. 1980 to 1984 was an
interesting time. Who knows, if IBM and intel didn't hook up we could be
running unix on a fifth generation z8000.
Allison
> I have a question for you folks. I have a basic TI 99/4a.... that's it. N
> cables, no peripherals, no nothing with it. I am wanting to get this
Minimally you need the power brick that was 18Vac and 8.5vac, and also the
video cable that took compossite color to channel 3/4 or the other that
allowed direct hookup to the TI color monitor.
FYI sams photofact had a print set for the machine and it was set CC2,
TI99/4a model PHC004a. There was also a 66 page technical manual from TI
on the console and expansion box.
Allison
Actually the Tandy 600 was a 1989 concoction. It looks like an early
Toshiba laptop, with flip-up narrow LCD display. It has Multiplan, a
subset of MS Word, a built-in modem, 360K 3.5" drive, 80x16 display, and
sold for $999. I passed up one of these at a swap meet a few weeks ago.
Kai
> ----------
> From: Marvin[SMTP:marvin@rain.org]
> Reply To: classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu
> Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 1997 10:21 AM
> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers
> Subject: Tandy 600
>
> In checking through the master computer lists, I found a Tandy 600
> computer that is not listed. In checking through the docs, I can't
> find
> any reference to what the CPU is and I would prefer not to take it
> apart
> to find out:). Anyone know what CPU it uses? The manual was
> copyright
> 1985 but I don't know when the machine was actually released although
> I
> would *assume* 1985. It operates with MS-DOS style files and with all
> software residing in ROM. It appears that the basic machine comes
> with
> 32K of RAM expandable to 128K or 224K with special 96K upgrade kits.
> It
> is classified as a "lap-size" or "handheld" computer; this with the
> dimensions being 11 1/2" x 12 1/2" x 2 1/2" and weighing about 9 1/2
> pounds. It comes with a 16 line x 80 character LCD screen, 3 1/2"
> drive
> and a build-in modem. Built in software includes MS Works V1.2 with
> Word, Calendar, File, Telecom, and Multiplan.
>
This is a reminder for those in the San Francisco Bay area that
on June 14 in Mountain View, there will be an junk/electronics sale.
The location will be at Haltek (1062 Linda Vista Ave (Shoreline exit off
101)). I believe that this sale will have stuff from 7 different stores.
The sale should run from 9am to 3pm. The stores participating are:
Alltronics
Campbell Techinical
Excess Solutions
Halted Specialities
Haltek
Test Labs
Weirdstuff
Directions:
Take Highway 101 to Shoreline Blvd. West
Turn Left on Terra Bella
Turn left on Linda vista.
Haltek is at the end of the road on the left.
There will likely be a small get together (two people so far). Anyone who
is interested in the get together let me know. There is a pretty good
(if slightly expensive) Mexican food place nearby. Within a few miles
>from Haltek just about any kind of food can be found.
I'm not associated with any of the participants, I just a customer.
--pec
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
> RS published a technical manual for the color computer; I have a copy of i
> somewhere. HOWEVER I found there's an app note from Motorola with schemati
> that almost exactly match those in the RS technical manual. I don't recal
> whether it was a 6809 app note or a 6847 app note though. If you can find
> set of old Motorola data books you may be able to find it.
Since I have three distinctly different generation boards I suspect the moto
prints would hold to the oldest.
Allison
Due to massive amounts of caffeine & sleep deprivation, Doug Spence said:
>...and a BIZARRE
>piece of IBM equipment: an external 5-1/4" floppy drive, model 4869.
Actually, if one worked in an IBM shop, they were quite commonplace...
especially when the PS/2's came out. The PS/2's had *no* way to hook an
internal 5.25" floppy (due to size of case... and IBM's wanting to create a
new standard...) so you had to go external if you wanted/needed to share
data with other machines with 5.25" drives.
>Now, on the subject of that weirdo IBM 4869 disk drive... what does this
>plug into? The guy I bought it from said it was for an old PC. It has a
>37-pin connector on the end of its cable. It's LARGER in two dimensions
>than even a Commodore 1541 drive. Its power switch is very high quality.
>:) Would this be a 160K drive? I haven't ripped it apart (yet) to see
>how many heads the thing has.
The size of the drive is mainly because of the PS & case (the case is
*very* well RFI shielded)... the drive itself is a standard 1/2 height 360K
40TKDSDD 48TPI drive, with a standard 34-pin edge connector. I have one
sitting on my desk at home, modified to use a standard cable (read: hole
cut with dremel tool in top of case to fit cable) so I can use it with
either my PC or with my Tandy CoCo3. *Very* nice drive. Trying to find a
few more, so I can floppyize my CoCo2 and CoCo1.
If you (or anyone) needs more info on this drive, lemme know. But I can
tell you, that just taking it apart is *fun*, if you have 3-4 hours to get
it apart and back together. I've had mine disassembled 3-4 times now, to
figure where to cut holes & stuff for my cable mods.
Enjoy!
Roger "Merch" Merchberger
--
Roger Merchberger | If at first you don't succeed,
Programmer, NorthernWay | nuclear warhead disarmament should
zmerch(a)northernway.net | *not* be your first career choice.
I have one of these and I believe it is based on the Intel 8086.
Bob
----------
From: Marvin
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 1997 1:21 PM
To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers
Subject: Tandy 600
In checking through the master computer lists, I found a Tandy 600
computer that is not listed. In checking through the docs, I can't find
any reference to what the CPU is and I would prefer not to take it apart
to find out:). Anyone know what CPU it uses? The manual was copyright
1985 but I don't know when the machine was actually released although I
would *assume* 1985. It operates with MS-DOS style files and with all
software residing in ROM. It appears that the basic machine comes with
32K of RAM expandable to 128K or 224K with special 96K upgrade kits. It
is classified as a "lap-size" or "handheld" computer; this with the
dimensions being 11 1/2" x 12 1/2" x 2 1/2" and weighing about 9 1/2
pounds. It comes with a 16 line x 80 character LCD screen, 3 1/2" drive
and a build-in modem. Built in software includes MS Works V1.2 with
Word, Calendar, File, Telecom, and Multiplan.
Subject: Re: Seattle Computer CPU Module
> The 8080 is a 40-pin package. The Z-80 is a 48-pin package. If I
> remember correctly (my life in computers started with the Z-80, really,
Whn I got up off the floor laughing... The z80, 8085, 8080 are all 40 pin
packages and the z80 in any varient was never in a 48 pin package. The z180
aka 64180 was a 64 pin package or 68pin plcc.
> since my friend with the Altair when I was in the USAF didn't let me at
> the hardware, he knew my [inclined to injure myself] soldering skills).
> This generally means that an adapter was needed to plug a Z-80 into a
> board designed for a 8080. But I started my real computer career when
Not true. there were z80 based boards to replace the 8080 board. For a
while due to costs there where boards that carried z80s that would plug into
an 8080 socket to upgrade the machine to z80 perfomance...
> computers showed up where you didn't have to count the pins on the CPU,
> specifically the TRS-80 (later renamed the Model One). I remember the
> first time I looked down into a Model 16 and saw the MC68000 and wondered
> why the hell that thing wasn't climbing up the side of the Empire State
> Building.
What you missed was the ti9900 chip that was 3 years older and also 64 pins.
FYI the ti9900 chips was a 16bit cpu!
Allison
--LAA09304.865785477/europe.std.com--
Hi all,
I have just recieved this email offering me a Sage IV. I am not
interested as I already have one so the cost of shipping to here in the
UK isn't worth it. So if someone wants it contact him directly.
Kevan
------- Forwarded Message
To: collector(a)heydon.org
Subject: sage IV
Hello, I own a Sage IV computer and have some word processing software
and spreadsheet software for the computer. I also own two amber
monitors for the Sage IV. If you are interested in purchasing these, or
know a source in the United States that is interested in this computer
equipment, please leave me a note on the web, or at CompuServe 76627,224
Jim Krasno (my wife is Nancy Nelson)
Jim
------- End of Forwarded Message
At 07:23 PM 6/9/97 -0700, Jeff wrote:
>written specifically for the Bit-3 or not? Also, could someone tell me
>the power requirements for an Atari 850 interface, as I also picked up
>one of those but it didn't have the PSU. Thanks.
>
> Jeff jeffh(a)unix.aardvarkol.com
>--
>---------------------------------------------------------------------------
------
>Collector of Classic Computers: Amiga 1000, Apple II+, Atari 800,
>800XL, MegaST-2, XE System, Coleco Adam, Commodore 128D, 16, Plus/4,
>VIC-20, IBM 5155, Kaypro 2X, Mattel Aquarius, Osbourne Executive,
>Radofin Aquarius, TI-99/4A, Sinclair ZX-81, Timex-Sinclair 1000, TRS-80
>Color Computer 3, Model 4, and Model 4P. Also Odyssey2, Atari SuperPong
>and Atari 2600VCS game consoles
>
I have been using the same power supply for my 850 as my 800. Come to think
of it, just about everything I have hooked to my atari is using the exact
same power supplies, except for the 1027 printer which has a different sized
connector. I will double check the 850 manual when I get home, but I know I
just grabbed a regular old atari 800 power supply and started using it. If
it turns out to be different, I will post the requirements.
Isaac Davis
idavis(a)comland.com
indavis(a)juno.com
Although I currently have a decent QBUS-to-SCSI adapter (Sigma Information
Systems model RQD11), it does not appear to be capable of handling, or
booting from, a CD-ROM drive with its current revision of firmware.
Despite this, it does appear to work quite well (recognized by the
MicroVAX it's plugged into, sees devices on the SCSI bus). Since I need to
boot from CD, though, the board is of little use to me in its current state.
Anyone on here interested in maybe trading me an Emulex or Dilog SCSI card
for this one? I do have the original manual (and if you think that was easy
to find...) ;-)
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Bruce Lane, Sysop, The Dragon's Cave BBS (Fidonet 1:343/272)
(Hamateur: WD6EOS) (E-mail: kyrrin(a)wizards.net)
http://www.wizards.net/technoid
"Our science can only describe an object, event, or living thing in our own
human terms. It cannot, in any way, define any of them..."
> Personally, my opinion of the TI-99/4a varies from stupid piece of shit
> to semi-decent machine. Today I feel like stupid piece of shit. It was
> almost completely closed, it's BASIC sucked and was slow, it's keyboard
I have two of the beasts and a expansion box with floppy, ram, aftermarket
ram and rs232 and ever the little talker thing and a box of games.
It is slow. The manuals for the cpu and expansion were available, I got
them. It's a compilation of the things you can do to a good cpu to make it
run slow and try to do everything.
> but then, I came from the world of Apple ][, to which nothing could
> compare (uh oh, here come the holy wars).
It's attraction? One it was cheaper than an apple with disks! When TI had
the great sell off the console was $50, expansion $50, and modules $25-100.
That made it appealingly cheap for what it was. I got my during the fire
sale so they have been with me since new and work great. Parsec is still
a favorite game. Since I have the editor, assember and other packages
I also use it for assembly of TI9900 code for the technico board.
An aside: The ti994a was an attempt at the time of emerging PCs to deliver
the home computing applance. Everyone had an idea and generally the all
were poor. Even the original PC was really bad, mostly closed design. They
were all noteable as it told marketers what would fly and what had to be
there. Amusingly the ti has what every P5 box has today, graphics, sound,
games so they weren't that far off <in a perverse sort of way>.
Allison
Greetings!
I will be going to the US next week and would naturally like to take the
chance to find some classic stuff. It presently looks like I will be
moving around the states Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota.
Unfortunately, airline baggage regulations will not allow me to purchase
any considerable amounts of hardware, so I will be mostly interested in
software.
Does anyone have any information about shops or other places in those
states where I may purchase classic software (or hardware)? I mostly
collect Commodore, but anything is of potential interest.
/Fredrik
I picked up a Commodore 64 a while ago that had this special board
inside. It was inserted between the keyboard and the motherboard. IE.
it had a connector that plugged into the keyboard rolex connector on the
motherboard and then the keyboard ribbon cable plugged into it. Then it
had a 9-pin male D-type connector than came out the back of the C64. My
guess is that it was for a numeric keypad or something. I forgot what
was stamped on the circuit board. Any ideas?
Sam
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Computer Historian, Programmer, Musician, Philosopher, Athlete, Writer, Jackass
I would really like to get old Windows and Turbo Prolog, but
I can not go there to pick them up. Is it impossible to send them to me?
Of course I will pay for shipping and every thing.
Thank you,
Yujin Nagasawa
Of course, Sam and others have taken to talking about the Mattel Aquarius
lately, but I've never seen a mention of the Radofin version, which other than
the lack of 'Mattel' logos and the change to the model number and label on the
bottom of the machine, is identical. Were many of them sold? Does anyone
else out there have one? About all I've been able to learn is that since
Radofin was the actual manufacturer of both versions, they continued to
produce it for an unknown length of time after Mattel dropped it from their
line. There's not even a mention of it on any of the Aquarius references on
the web.
Jeff jeffh(a)unix.aardvarkol.com
--
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Sent from an Amiga 3000..the computer for the creative mind!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Collector of classic home computers:
Amiga 1000, Apple II+, Atari 800, 800XL, Mega-ST/2 and XE System,
Coleco ADAM, Commodore 128D, 16, Plus/4 and VIC-20, IBM 5155,
Kaypro 2X, Mattel Aquarius, Osborne Executive, Radofin Aquarius,
Sinclair ZX-81, TI-99/4A, Timex-Sinclair 1000, TRS-80 Color
Computer-3, Model 4, and Model 4P, plus Odyssey2, Atari Superpong
and 2600VCS game consoles.
> Does anyone know how to read/write TRS-80 Model I format diskettes with
> a PC?
>
> I have a CompatiCard II and a Copy II Option Board. I assume the Option
> Board is able to copy TRS-80 diskettes (I hope, just got it this weekend
> and haven't tried yet) but I need to actually write files. Sydex 22Disk
> appears to support only CP/M formats.
TRS-80 disks are single density, single sided, soft sector non-cpm unless
after market cpm is installed. The original disk controller was wd1771.
There is two form to trs-80 disks those from TRSDOS and those from
DiskBASIC. As far as I remember(18 years!) they were compatble with each
other. Their structure was very unlike CP/M and it used a FAT style of
directory.
Now to add to the pain, there were various mods that allowed for double
density and even two sided disk drives. If so the controller was wd1793
in the form of a piggy back card.
Knowing the controller used is important as some of the system out there
created disk formats that are completely unreadable by anything other than
a system with 1771/1793!
Allison
Howdy folks:
I am writing this to let you know... if you would like to be mailed a very
complete listing of TRS-80 hardware and software, just e-mail me with your
name and mailing address to coslor(a)bobcat.peru.edu. This listing costists
of 65 pages and will be sent via 1st Class mail ASAP. If you would like it
even quicker, please send $3 to the address below to cover MOST of the
shipping charges... you would then be 'prioritized'.
I collect all types of TRS-80 hardware and software, and specialize in
games in both original diska nd tape format, as well as converted for use
with modern PC emulators. I have a HUGE collection and would like to share
this with others. I like to think I have 'nearly' every commercially sold
game (and hundreds of others) written for the TRS-80 line of computers. I
also have most applications and DOSs ... all for the Model 1,3,4 as well
as a limited supply of CoCo hardware and software. I also collect for many
other classic systems, including but not limited to: MSX, Colour Genie,
Apple ][, Apple ][e, Apple ][c, Apple ][+, Commodore 64, C-16, Vic 20,
Plus 4, Atari series, Coleco, Sincalire Spectrum, P2000, and Vectrex
systems.
All I ask for most of the software is to be compensated for my expenses
(postage, media, etc.) and have very low prices on most of my hardware as
I have accumulated a large inventory over the years and need to clear my
shelves.
I am also looking for the following items in particular:
1) YOUR classic hardware and/or software. I am always buying and trading
for those item.
2) 80-Micro, TRS-80 Microcomputing News, Computer News 80, and 80-US
Journal magazines, etc.
3) Original manuals, instruction, and game boxes concerning the TRS-80
4) Atari 800 - Atari Artist cartridge. A800LX - RX8053.
Just please remember, I am always buying, selling, and trading for these
hard to find items... even for things not on the above list. If you're
looking for something or have some things to offer... PLEASE let me know.
I simply love the TRS-80 and other classic machines and would appreciate
any help you may be able to provide in expanding my collection. I most
gladly will help you out in adding to your own classic computer or game
machine collection.
Finally, I have ALL my original disk, tape, and cartridge software... for
all systems, converted to run on their respective PC emulators!
Send me your want lists, request for a catalog, or what you have to offer:
via e-mail, United States Postal Service, or give me a call... I look
forward to hearing from you.
Best Wishes,
CORD COSLOR
//*=====================================================================++
|| Cord G. Coslor P.O. Box 308 - 1300 3rd St. Apt "M1" -- Peru, NE ||
|| (402) 872- 3272 coslor(a)bobcat.peru.edu 68421-0308 ||
|| Classic computer software and hardware collector ||
|| Autograph collector ||
++=====================================================================*//
At 05:38 09/06/97 -0700, Greg Mast wrote:
>
> I apologize if this is a repeat question but I can't seem to find the
> previous post.
>
> What were the solutions to removing yellowing from the plastic cases? I
> bought a printer that looks terrible. Not sure what caused it so any
> suggestions helpful at this point.
>
> thanks,
>
> Greg
>
Hi Greg,
I don't know if this will help you in solving cleaning problems, but here is
my favourite:
FULCRON from AREXONS.
I do maintenance and cleaning of computer cases since 10 years (for both job
and passion), and i found it to clean jellow stains (caused by nicotine)
EVEN BETTER THAN TRIELINE (honestly I find it better than anything else for
any kind of dirt exept: paint and ink).
It seems to take away the outer layer of jellowing but is not smelling like
any petrol derived-solvent.
I don't know if you will be able to find it there (AREXONS it's a
multinational company, isn't it?), but here in Italy was introduced 3 years
ago and now you can find it in any detergent shop.
For ink and tape adhesive I use a ISOPROPILIC ALCOOL based product called
TERGITUTTO, but this time the company (Sutter) I'm shure it's Italian only,
so try to find a similar remedy in your town.
Bye
Riccardo Romagnoli.
Classic Computer Collector
Forli' - Italy
I recommend "3M General Purpose Adhesive Remover", which is inexpensive
and comes in a red and white quart-size can that will last you until
roughly the year 2020. Some hardware stores carry it, but it's most
reliably found at an auto paint supply store (check your local yellow
pages).
I once used this stuff to remove an entire vinyl top from a '68 Chevy,
so I can tell you it really does work, and does not appear to harm
either your skin or any kind of plastic. Doesn't smell very bad, and
isn't highly flammable.
In response to an earlier question, Cameo copper cleaner can be found in
most any grocery store or general goods store.
Kai
> ----------
> From: Sam Ismail[SMTP:dastar@crl.com]
> Reply To: classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu
> Sent: Monday, June 09, 1997 10:56 AM
> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers
> Subject: Re: Cleaning Plastic
>
> On Mon, 9 Jun 1997, Mr. Self Destruct wrote:
>
> > I've always just used those blue brillo pad thingys. They generally
> do
> > well at taking off a bunch of hard to remove stuff (tape spooge,
> stains,
> > etc.) Sometimes when I'm REALLY bored I take the keyboard apart
> (keycaps,
> > etc.) and scrub them up too. Real satisfying to see a 12 year old
> machine
> > look like new...
>
> Regarding "tape spooge" (what a great moniker, if not gross) this is
> the
> bane of my existence. I hate that shit. I went out and got some
> stuff
> called Goof Off from Home Depot which was supposed to do away with
> that
> stuff but it didn't work very well. I didn't try it on anything metal
>
> yet, but most of my problems are with people putting velcro with the
> sticky backs on plastic cases. I tried cleaning some plastic with
> tape
> spooge on it and it just melted the damn thing. Anyone have any
> ideas?
>
> Sam
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> ---------
> Computer Historian, Programmer, Musician, Philosopher, Athlete,
> Writer, Jackass
>