test-drb June 1997

test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org

115 participants
569 discussions

by dbetz＠xlisper.mv.com

Does anyone know anything about the Vector 3-5030 from Vector Graphics? Is it considered a collectable? I recently found one at the town dump and brought it home. It displays some sort of ROM monitor screen when it comes up with version number 4.2. It has a dual floppy drive but no software. I assume it is a CP/M machine since one of the boards in the S-100 card cage has a Z80 on it. -- David Betz DavidBetz(a)aol.com dbetz(a)xlisper.mv.com (603) 472-2389

27 years, 6 months

Introduction

by rector＠christcom.net

Hello, I guess it's about time that I introduce myself. I've been lurking here for a month or better. I guess I really have not responded before because I didn't really have much to add especially to the discussions of late 70's stuff and the discussions of minis. My main interests (although I enjoy reading all of this) is the older systems based on the IBM-PC (XT & AT class) machines and PS/2s which I know is a bit more current than many of you like. I also have a Commodore 64 and Plus/4 and periphs, I guess I can qualify based on that. I really didn't start out to be a collector, but kind of fell into it. The Plus/4 was the first computer my family ever had, so I've now taken over the care and nurturing of it. I picked up my C64 a couple of years ago from my former minister who had is sitting in his closet. He had two 1541s, a MPS-803 printer, vicmodem, fast load cartrigde, joystick, and monitor, plus a ton of software. He wanted $30 for the lot after I enquired. I was in hog heaven but why wife rolled up her eyes and said "What are you going to do with THAT!" The XTs and PS/2s were give aways. I've really been having fun with the PS/2 Mod 60 (a 286 w/ one 1M and 40M HD). I have been watching AuctionWeb and have added pieces to bring it up to a '486 with 8 meg with SCSI periphs. One of the more interesting 'gives' I have since obtained is the Amstrad PC1512 - It's an XT class machine with built in joystick port in the keyboard (uses same joystick as C64), built it mouse port, serial and parrallel built in with the expansion slots going left to right rather than front to back. The power supply for the whole thing is in the monitor. The case has a 'cutout' for the the stand of the monitor to fit into. It also uses 4 AA bateries for the clock which are easily accessible (move the monitor). It is really a neat design. I live in Rochester, MN - so I'm not close to either coast (but Canada isn't that far away) Dan

27 years, 6 months

PET

by foxnhare＠goldrush.com

> From: Paul E Coad <pcoad(a)crl.com> > Subject: Re: Who was in Australia? >On Fri, 20 Jun 1997, Kai Kaltenbach wrote: >> Subject: Mint Commodore PET FOR Sale >> From: "Stephen McCoy and Charmiane Barr" >> <mrsmrx(a)efni.com> >> Date: 1997/06/17Message-Id: >> <01bc7b43$fddee5c0$b8933dcf@charmaine> >> Newsgroups: aus.computers.amiga[More Headers] >I'll bite on this. How much is one of these worth? I have almost >zero experience with PETs having only seen 2 in person. What are the >relative rarities of the various models of PETs? Did they make a >bunch of them? Are they really common in some places and pretty >rare in others? As everyone says worth is a relative term, some computers that hvae high perceived values are given to people, etc. This is a question YOU have to answer as a collector, no one can set your price for you. Well alot of the PETS were purchased by schools and some businesses, prices for the computer back then when they were new (1977-1981) ranged >from $700-$1,200, disk drives were about $1,000 for a dual drive model. Nowadays in my region of California schools have been ridding themselves of them at a high rate. The computers are not too terribly hard to come by but the drives are harder to find. Rarity? Hmm, probably the most interesting is the original series with it's colorful calculator-style keyboard (circa 1977) and in-case cassette unit. Next I would say is the SuperPET (circa 1981, the last of the line, which I described about two digests ago) with it's mainframe-friendly, multi-language ability. All units had monochrome displays and either 40x25 or 80x25 screens (no hi-res graphics without 3rd party hardware), the BASIC is almost exacly the same as in the Commodore 64 or VIC-20 and uses a 6502 processor. Memory ranged from the first 4k units (a short run), 8k, 16k and 32k with some of the latter 80 column machines sporting 96k expansion bnoards. There are a few collections of programs available on the internet with most still to be re-discovered. >The ones I have seen are pretty cool looking in a retro-future kind of way. That's true, back then they 'looked' like a modern computer, more than some of the other computers (which looked like the steel boxes they were in). You can spot them as props in movies now and again (Star Trek II, in Kirk's apartment). They were fun, and they were pretty good even for their limitations. If you are a fan of Commodore computers it is a nice addition to have some PETs in the house. ;) >Also note that whois reports that efni.com is in Canada. The machine >might not be in Australia. Commodore was pretty big for a good while in other countries as they had the foresight to start manufacturing plants internationally (Germany was probably one of its largest). As far as shipping a PET it would require a very sturdy box about the size needed for a 19" television and would weigh 30 to 40 pounds. -- Larry Anderson -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+- Visit our web page at: http://www.goldrush.com/~foxnhare/ Call our BBS (Silicon Realms BBS 300-2400 baud) at: (209) 754-1363 -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

27 years, 6 months

C64 CP/M carts

by allisonp＠world.std.com

> Z-80 CP/M -- This cartridge goes right into the cartridge slot to turn > your machine into a Z-80 base computer enabling you to access the vast > array of CP/M software. With over 2000 CP/M software programs > available, there is little you will not be able to access. That's 20,000 and for those with a PC Walnut Creek produces a CP/M cdrom that has most all of them. They also have titles online WWW.cdrom.com Allison

27 years, 6 months

IBM PCjr

by thedm＠sunflower.com

Welp, that rules out rigging one, thats beyond my techincal ability to fabricate. Anyone have an Extra for sale or trade? ---------- > From: jpero(a)mail.cgo.wave.ca > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> > Subject: Re: IBM PCjr > Date: Monday, June 23, 1997 8:44 AM > > > Date: Mon, 23 Jun 1997 11:13:59 -0500 > > Reply-to: classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu > > From: "Bill Girnius" <thedm(a)sunflower.com> > > To: "Discussion re-collecting of classic computers" <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> > > Subject: IBM PCjr > > X-To: "Classic" <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> > > > Picked up one of these the other day, no power supply, anyone know what > > this monster needs for the 3 pin powersupply connection? {pinouts} > > > Center tapped ransformer is used. Both 17v ac at 2amp each on each > outmost pins, center pin is the center tapped wire for transformer. > > Kind of kludge. But I worked out a pinout for that power slot to use > regular efficient power supply via a custom adapter. > > Jason D.

27 years, 6 months

info about...

by allisonp＠world.std.com

I have a PC05 card (LSI-11) it's a punch reader interface. This one is different...it's a virgin bare board! Anyone that want's it let me know. Anyone know what a DEC 54-17101/2- ACTOR video daughter is used on? I have two of these. Allison

27 years, 6 months

FS on AuctionWeb: Apple, Atari, Commodore

by gmast＠polymail.cpunix.calpoly.edu

I apologize for the intrusion but I just bought a lot of Apple service parts for older apples (IIe, IIc, IIGS) and listed some of the ones I don't need on the auction. They were supposedly in stock at a service facility when they cleaned out the old stuff. I'mm still intending on clearing out most of my stuff but I couldn't pass up a good deal. I did get some parts for my laserwriter, Mac plus, a couple new in box 400k drives. Too bad I had to buy 30 boxes to get the 5 things I wanted. ;-) There are also some systems listed. Here's what I have listed there as of today: Apple IIe Power Supply (new in box!) Bidding starts at: $1.00 Auction ends on: 06/29/97, 11:58:50 PDT http://www2.ebay.com/aw/itemfast.cgi?item=egt71446 IBM PS/2 MOD 50 Mother Board (in box) Bidding starts at: $1.00 Auction ends on: 06/29/97, 12:07:10 PDT http://www2.ebay.com/aw/itemfast.cgi?item=lbl753 Apple IIe Ext 80 Column/RGB Card (in box) Current bid: $1.00 Auction ends on: 06/29/97, 17:54:14 PDT http://www2.ebay.com/aw/itemfast.cgi?item=jaq4937 bjv77574: Apple IIGS Memory Expansion Card (in box) Current bid: $1.00 Auction ends on: 06/29/97, 17:58:41 PDT http://www2.ebay.com/aw/itemfast.cgi?item=bjv77574 oyf368: Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Computer I (photo) Current bid: $3.00 Auction ends on: 06/29/97, 19:33:30 PDT http://www2.ebay.com/aw/itemfast.cgi?item=oyf368 fwr8114: Radio Shack TRS-80 5 MB Ext. Hard Drive (pic) Bidding starts at: $3.00 Auction ends on: 06/29/97, 20:19:52 PDT http://www2.ebay.com/aw/itemfast.cgi?item=fwr8114 Pair Apple IIc, IIe Handcontrollers (photo) Current bid: $1.00 Auction ends on: 06/26/97, 12:40:28 PDT http://www2.ebay.com/aw/itemfast.cgi?item=sfx4367 Commodore 128D System Current bid: $51.00 Auction ends on: 06/26/97, 21:12:47 PDT http://www2.ebay.com/aw/itemfast.cgi?item=qrk459038 Commodore 64 - White Current bid: $10.00 Auction ends on: 06/26/97, 21:16:04 PDT http://www2.ebay.com/aw/itemfast.cgi?item=wbj37502 Apple IIC System with External Floppy Current bid: $10.50 Auction ends on: 06/26/97, 21:22:31 PDT http://www2.ebay.com/aw/itemfast.cgi?item=hxz389 Atari 520ST Computer, Floppy, Mouse, etc Current bid: $50.00 Auction ends on: 06/26/97, 21:26:58 PDT http://www2.ebay.com/aw/itemfast.cgi?item=czo512

27 years, 6 months

apple II - SCORE!

by thedm＠sunflower.com

I use alcohol, windex, fingernail paint remover and other noxious things to clean apple][ cases, just avoid getting the nastiest of these solvents on things like the little lite that says power, or the apple ][ logos on monitors or the name badge at the top of the machine. I've also heard that some people will dissasemble the computer leaving the empty shell, take out EVERYTHING, and run the plastic case through the dishwasher, not using the Heated drying cycle of course. As for key repair, they are little plastic wedges that are shoved against two vertically mounted contacts, counter forced by a small spring. You can not remove the keys without damage. To repair a keyboard you have two options, One, Replace the entire keyboard, or aquire a ][ for parts and remove the keyboard from the unit, the contacts are soldered into the keyboard cirucuit board. You can then replace the switch. The Key caps can be removed. but you can't get to the switch of course without destroying it, or desoldering it as a unit. I have manually recontructed them before, but they never seem to work quite right once forced open, but the do function enough to use as long as it's not an alpha charcter, or god forbid the enter key. ---------- > From: J. Maynard Gelinas <maynard(a)jmg.com> > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> > Subject: apple II - SCORE! > Date: Sunday, June 22, 1997 11:57 PM > > > OK, I just got my first decent item since I stopped collecting > several years ago. This is an original apple II, serial number 7833. It > came with what appears to be the Microsoft basic language card. The card > contains six 24 pin sockets, five filled by PROMs (C48040; each with an > APPLE 1978 sticker), a red switch on the back, and another sticker on the > board's surface reading: 851. Just below that sticker printed on the card > it says ROM CARD 600. There's also a disk II interface card, circa '78, > but the drive itself was unavailable. Could someone verify if that card > *is* the Integer BASIC replacement, or Microsoft BASIC? > > The motherboard is functional, video works just fine, it seems > filled out with 48K of that old Military grade metal topped RAM; obviously > the PSU is good. The keyboard is a mess, hoewver. It's been sitting in a > basement for years, so many keys have gummed up; some seem to have been > in a perpetual depressed state waiting out obsolesence like Atlas. The > machine itself is filthy. The plastic case has just burned in grime from > years of use and then even more years of basement ambiance. > > I'm guessing that some folks here may know a bit more about > system restoration. Mind if I ask a few questions? > > How do I go about cleaning this without destroying the case? Does > anyone know of some good solvents or cleaners for plastic? > > Can I pull a keytop off the keyboard without destroying the key? > If it's really bad I guess I could change keyboards - but I'd really like > to attempt to get this guy working, as it was the original. > > > And then there's stuff: I lack a floppy disk drive. Hmmm... how > rare is hard disk technology that will work with this apple? Hahaha, > here's a good one: does anyone know if ever there's been manufactured > 10base-T cards, or am I just dreaming here? If so, guess I'll be looking > for a SuperSerial card as well. > > And basic 'dumb' (no time to RTFM quite yet!!) questions: How do > I get out of the ROM monitor into BASIC? I guess I need some basic DOCS > here as well as a good technical reference, huh?. I figure most of the > 'stuff' can be had on comp.sys.apple2.marketplace and the M.I.T. flea > fest approaching on July 20. If anyone wishes, however, please feel free > to offer items for sale. I want to get this computer clean and > *functional*, but I'm also not in a hury to do it tomorrow. ;-) > > Price: I got it FREE! 8-)) > > And the guy couldn't imagine why I'd want it!!! > > J. Maynard Gelinas

27 years, 6 months

Hams who collect

by timolmst＠cyberramp.net

At 01:25 PM 6/22/97 -0700, you wrote: >I see a number of references to people who get things at hamfests, >swapfests, and other amateur radio type events. As such, I was just >curious who out there has their amateur radio license. I have one and >my call is KE6HTS. > I'm WB5PFJ, but VERY inactive. Tim Olmstead timolmst(a)cyberramp.net

27 years, 6 months

Current for trade/wanted list

by kaikal＠MICROSOFT.com

FOR TRADE: - Osborne 1 (with copy of Osborne CP/M system disk) - Kaypro 2 (good condition, no boot disk, though it's available through the cp/m archive) - Commodore PET 2001 (full size graphics keyboard version, looks great, one small hole drilled in front panel, probably for a switch) - Tandy Color Computer 1 (good condition, some cosmetic wear at hand positions) - Macintosh 128 with keyboard and mouse - Macintosh 512 in original box with keyboard and mouse - VIC-20 in original box with PS - Commodore 64 in original box with PS - Timex-Sinclair ZX1000 (no PS but it takes standard 9VDC I believe) (game systems) - Vectrex system, very rare, yes this is the original *vector graphic monitor* console game system by Milton Bradley/GCE - Odyssey^2 system, PS, joysticks, in original box - Intellivision system, captive joypads & integral PS - Colecovision system, 2 controllers, PS WANTED: - Exidy Sorcerer - Processor Tech Sol-20 - Apple II (no suffix) - Apple Lisa - Apple /// - Compucolor II (software, parts, etc.) - TI 99/4A disk operating system cartridge - Expansion Interface for TRS-80 Model I - Tandy floppy for TRS-80 Model I - DOS master disks for Apple II+ - Tandy Color Computer I 5.25" disk software Kai

27 years, 6 months

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test-drb June 1997