test-drb May 1999

test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org

174 participants
659 discussions

FS: Review copies of books about microprocessors and microcomputers.

by kstumpf＠unusual.on.ca

As I rummage through things I keep coming up with books about very small computers. These would be put to better use by a micro collector and they will help fund more large system rescues. Unless otherwise noted, these books are in excellent condition and many are hardcover. Shipping charges are extra and depend on your address. 1. The BugBook IV, 1979, Howard Sams & Co., softcover Microcomputer Interfacing using the 8255 PPI chip with experiments $2 2. How to Troubleshoot and Repair Microcomputers, 1980, Reston, softcover with step-by-step procedures $2 (inside blank page removed from book) 3. Microcomputer Hardware, Operation, and Troubleshooting with IBM PC 1988, Prentice-Hall, hardcover $4 4. RS-232 Made Easy, 1984, Prentice-Hall, softcover $3 5. Complete Guide to RS-232 and Parallel Connections, 1988, Prentice-Hall large format, softcover, corners on cover curling, 600 pages $8 6. Your First Microprocessor, 1984, Prentice-Hall, softcover organizing, construction, debugging $3 7. Microcomputer Hardware Design, 1988, Prentice-Hall, hardcover complete in every aspect. $8 8. 16-bit microcomputers - 8086 and 68000, 1988, Prentice-Hall, softcover $2 9. MC68000 Programmer's Reference Manual, 1984, Prentice-Hall, softcover $2 10. MC68000 User's Manual, 1982, Prentice-Hall, softcover $2 11. MC68881/MC68882 Floating-point Co-processor User's Manual (2 copies) 1987, Prentice-Hall, softcover $2 12. Assembly and Assemblers - the Motorola MC68000 Family 1988, Prentice-Hall, hardcover $5 13. Programming and Designing with the 68000 Family, 1991, Prentice-Hall, hardcover $5 13. The Motorola MC68000 Family, 1985, Prentice-Hall, hardcover Assembly Language, Interface Design, and System Design $7 14. 6502 Assembly Language Programming, 1979, Osborne, softcover the classic $4 15. Z80 Assembly Language Programming, 1979, Osborne, softcover the other classic $4 16. Microcomputer Systems: The 8086/8088 Family, 1984, Prentice-Hall, hardcover a beautiful book $8 17. 16-Bit Modern Microcomputers: The Intel I8086 Family, 1985, Prentice-Hall, hardcover an even more beautiful book $9 18. File Formats and More File Formats: the Programmer's Reference, 1986 and 1987, Wiley, plastic coil remember Multimate, etc. learn how to decode native files $8 (together) 19. Programming in BASIC for the IBM Personal Computer, 1984, Prentice-Hall, hardcover $4 20. A Comprehensive Guide to the IBM PC, 1984, Prentice-Hall, softcover really comprehensive $5 21. IBM PC/XT BASIC Programming, 1984, Prentice-Hall, softcover cute book with nice photographs $2 22. Assembly Language Programming for the IBM PC, 1984, Prentice-Hall, hardcover an exceptional intro to assembly language programming for beginners $5 23. The Apple PC for Beginners, 1982, Prentice-Hall, hardcover a basic book with an outstanding cover - a must for Apple collectors $4 24. Apple IIe BASIC programming with Technical Applications, 1985, Prentice-Hall, softcover $2 Enjoy these wonderful books. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Kevin Stumpf * Unusual systems * www.unusual.on.ca +1.519.744.2900 * EST/EDT GMT - 5 Collector - Commercial Mainframes & Minicomputers from the 50s, 60s, & 70s and control panels and consoles. Author & Publisher - A Guide to Collecting Computers & Computer Collectibles * ISBN 0-9684244-0-6 .

25 years, 1 month

Who are you?

by Paul_King＠ml.com

Kind Sirs, I came across a reference to "Classic Computer Collector's Mailing List" on the following web page: http://world.std.com/~mbg/moi_ks10.html I have a small PC (as in IBM PC compatible) collection and would like to maintain contact with others interested in preserving (in operating condition) historically significant examples of these machines. Does your activity cover these little machines? Thank you for your attention. I am, Paul King at Paul_King(a)ml.com

25 years, 2 months

So CA rescue

by ddameron＠earthlink.net

For anyone in So., Calif. with a truck, Barry's (Artesia blvd in Gardena) has a Tek 40xx graphics unit. outside in the front of his salvage yard. Cost =??, I guess cheap as he is moving. -Dave

25 years, 2 months

Kaypro manuals available

by donm＠cts.com

I am surprised and pleased. There was rather more demand than I anticipated. What's left is mostly for application software and is listed below in a revision of the list. I plan to post it - revised as necessary - to comp.os.cpm on Thursday. - don ========================== The KAYPRO manuals listed below are available free for the asking, first come first served, however, you must pay shipping costs. Unless otherwise requested, they will be sent via USPS at Book Rate. E-mail your requests, please. Qty Title 5 CALCSTAR USERS MANUAL 5 DATASTAR REFERENCE MANUAL 3 DATASTAR TRAINING GUIDE 5 REPORTSTAR USER REFERENCE MANUAL 3 REPORTSTAR TRAINING GUIDE 1 WORDSTAR TRAINING GUIDE 1 WORDSTAR PROFESSIONAL (Users Manual) 1 MAILMERGE REFERENCE GUIDE GONE SUPERTERM (Communications) GONE KAYPRO CP/M GONE KAYPRO II USERS GUIDE GONE KAYPRO USERS GUIDE GONE KAYPRO 10 USERS GUIDE 2 INTRODUCTION TO SOFTWARE 4 MICROPLAN GONE CBASIC REFERENCE MANUAL 3 MICROSOFT BASIC USERS GUIDE 2 MICROSOFT BASIC QUICK REFERENCE 3 SBASIC 3 MSDOS OPERATING SYSTEM USERS GUIDE 2 PROFITPLAN 4 THE WORD Plus (Spell Checker) 1 PERFECT CALC USERS GUIDE 1 WRITING WITH A WORD PROCESSOR by William Zinsser 1 WORD PROCESSING ON THE KAYPRO by Peter McWilliams 1 KAYPRO WORD PROCESSING PLAIN & SIMPLE by David Lenfest & William Houze ======================

25 years, 2 months

FS: Review copies of books about microprocessors and microcomputers.

by kstumpf＠unusual.on.ca

> >>2. >>How to Troubleshoot and Repair Microcomputers, 1980, Reston, softcover >>with step-by-step procedures >>$2 (inside blank page removed from book) >> > >>14. >>6502 Assembly Language Programming, 1979, Osborne, softcover >>the classic >>$4 >> >>15. >>Z80 Assembly Language Programming, 1979, Osborne, softcover >>the other classic >>$4 > You got 15. Better something than nothing. Please send your address so I can calculate the shipping fee. Yours in good faith. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Kevin Stumpf * Unusual systems * www.unusual.on.ca +1.519.744.2900 * EST/EDT GMT - 5 Collector - Commercial Mainframes & Minicomputers from the 50s, 60s, & 70s and control panels and consoles. Author & Publisher - A Guide to Collecting Computers & Computer Collectibles * ISBN 0-9684244-0-6 .

25 years, 2 months

Stuff I found at Dayton

by ethan_dicks＠yahoo.com

--- Christian Fandt <cfandt(a)netsync.net> wrote: > Here's a bit of a report of what I found at the Hamvention... > a couple of AUI-to-BNC translator modules for $10 each (Too much? > Just right?) I wouldn't pay more. They are $10-$19 new, when you can find vendors that still carry them. > Also saw a pallet full (4' x 4' x 5' high) of Sun SPARC LX boxen I saw that pile, over by the white tent in the corner. I didn't get an LX (they were stripped and dirty), but I did buy an SMC segmented hub from those guys (the AUI seems to be non-functional, but the RJ45's all work) > a Grid computer, don't know exact model as I don't know Grids, but I'd > wager it was early. No model # on bottom or back. It weighed a ton it seemed, > painted black. Guy wanted $30 but by then I was flat broke by then :( ; I saw one of those near the corner of the building, probably the same one. > lots of C64 and C128 machines and accessories... One guy near the Grid had a box of C-64 and C-128 parts. I didn't make an offer because I didn't want to haul them back to the car. The only interesting device there was what looked like a 64C (wedge-shaped case) with no C= logos on it and a sticker on the bottom that indicated that the case was made in South Australia. A Dick Smith special perhaps? > Wonder what the attendance was this year? No motel rooms available within a > 75 mile or more radius. Columbus area was reported to be closest rooms. I'm glad to live close enough to day-trip. Motel rooms in that part of the state book up well in advance. Attendance in years past was many thousands of people. I'm sure it's still thousands, but my impression is not as many thousands as it used to be before the spring and summer Dayton Computerfests at the same venue. *Those* are nice because all the tables are indoors and people like us bring things to sell to other people like us. (And this August, from what I hear, the Dayton Amiga club and Columbus Amiga club (AmiCON) are planning on putting on something jointly). -ethan _____________________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Free instant messaging and more at http://messenger.yahoo.com

25 years, 2 months

Apple ProFILE Help Needed

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<> 5) There is no inherent 'format' command in the ProFile controller logic <> To enable formatting capability you have to install a special chip <> (according to rumour: a Z-80 with a piggyback EPROM) into a vacant socke < <Much more likely to be a single-chip microcontroller. Some of those had <'development' versions which took a piggyback EPROM. The Z8 (not Z80) was <one such, I think. One of two parts it can be. Z8 (NOT z80 compatable) or a NEC 78PG11 (looks like a z80 registerwise but it's not). <It probably won't help much, because you'd need the code in the EPROM, <though. I have data for the 78pg11 bit it would be hard to scan half of it (brain locked). Allison

25 years, 2 months

Yet another GRiDposting

by ds_spenc＠alcor.concordia.ca

You guys and gals are probably getting tired of my little GRiD updates, but here goes anyway... I am typing this message on the GRiDCase. So the modem works. 2400bps. I found Rob's GRiDBoard website, and from there found out that AST keeps the configuration files for a lot of old GRiDs on its website. I downloaded conf1520.exe from there. Now I have my doubts about this machine even being a GRiDCase 1520. Most of the configuration options don't work or are meaningless to this particular machine. Like the thing to set the backlighting on the display - my machine has a gas plasma display. And it seems to be telling me that my machine doesn't have a modem... so what the heck am I using right now? It did let me configure my expansion RAM from EMS to XMS... or was that the other way around? And it let me change my processor speed. But it wouldn't let me do anything with the hard disk and a whole bunch of other weird things. It's a '286 machine, magnesium alloy case, 1.44MB floppy, had a 20MB HD in it, has a 2400bps internal modem, standard PC ports, gas plasma display, two ROM sockets under a trapdoor above the keyboard... could this thing be anything other than a 1520? Note that is says "GRiDCASE 1500 Series" above the display. Now I suppose it's time to see if I can have the machine work *without* a hard drive installed. I just got a _very_ scary message about JVC drives seizing and taking HD controllers with them. (Thanks for the warning, Jason!) Of course, as the drive that was in the machine when I got it was seized up, the damage may already be done. And maybe that's why I'm still unable to access the HD. :( -- Doug Spence ds_spenc(a)alcor.concordia.ca http://alcor.concordia.ca/~ds_spenc/

25 years, 2 months

Are IBM PCs classic?

by PaKing＠exchange.ml.com

Unaccustomed as I am to keeping my mouth shut, I will endeavor to weigh in on "Are IBM PCs classic?" - even though I just joined this classic computer list today. Since I just joined this "list" today I do not know what prompted "Are IBM PCs classic?". So forgive me in advance if my views have already been offered by others. "Are IBM PCs classic?" is something that I have wondered about and certainly needs to be addressed. If one is being precise, then when one says "IBM PCs" one is referring to the original IBM Personal Computer, introduced in 1981, with a 62.5 watt power supply, Type 1 or 2 motherboard, INTEL 8088 clocked at 4.77 MHz, four ROM sockets, five 8-bit expansion adapter slots, two full height diskette (floppy disk) drive bays and 16 or 64 KILO!-bytes of soldered main memory. If one is alluding, more generally, to all the, more or less, compatible machines that followed (including the IBM PC/XT), then you have thrown open the gates to such a broad spectrum of (sometimes very interesting and significant) machines that the discussion becomes cumbersome. In the interest of circumscribing the discussion, my comments are limited to just the original PC, plus any other "highly (BIOS) compatible" 8-bit bus, 4.77 MHZ PC compatible; like the original Compaq and other early examples. Now... When saying "classic", if you intend to be using standard, plain American English, then the question may be addressed as follows... The American Heritage dictionary has 6 definitions for classic adj. And they are (with my assessment): Definition #1. Of the highest rank or class. My collection has, among other things, five IBM PCs (Type 1 or Type 2) and, wonderful as they are, I would rather assign the "highest rank or class" distinction, as far as a classic digital computer goes, to the likes of machines like ENIAC, ILLIAC 4, System 360/95, Cray (1 and up), etc. My dad worked on ENIAC. Definition #2. Serving as an outstanding representative of its kind; model. If by PC it is agreed that we mean "IBM PC hardware compatible micro computer system" then I would say that the IBM PC is an "outstanding representative" of a IBM PC hardware compatible micro computer system" - having actually initially established and then continually defined this kind of computer. Definition #3. Having lasting significance or recognized worth. The demand for, and eventual numbers sold are a clear indication that the IBM PC had a "recognized worth" to a great many people. It wasn't cheap. Had it not had recognized worth, few would have sold and it would have suffered a fate like the PC Jr. Of course IBM PC is no longer made new so the recognized worth is not what it used to be. But many are still very much in use. To glimpse just one aspect of its "lasting significance" take a look at the IBM PC main memory allocation map. The fact that the PC compatible world is STILL contending with the fixed 640 KB boundary and display adapter memory map above that indicates that the significance is lasting. There are many more aspects of this. So the IBM PC has lasting significance, and still has recognized worth. Definition #4. Pertaining to ancient Greek or Roman literature or art. No, the IBM PC does not in any way pertain to these. Definition #5. Of or in accordance with established principals or methods in the arts and sciences. Yes, the IBM PC indeed uses well "established principals and methods" - in the sciences at least. Nothing very adventurous was attempted in its design. Its design was executed by the worlds mightiest computer company. That was where the "adventurous" aspect came in. IBM being IBM. It was a very adventurous thing for IBM to do. What eventually happened to the worlds mightiest computer company, as a result of their little, adventurous creation, makes a very compelling and ironic tale indeed. But as for the actual IBM PC hardware itself, It uses normal TTL and CMOS logic and has an: internal power supply, motherboard (with Intel CPU, dynamic ram memory, ROM, adapter bus), cassette I/O port! floppy disk drive(s), detached keyboard, I/O adapters (for display, serial, parallel ports), CP/M-86, P-System Pascal, DOS (CP/M inspired), Visicalc, etc. This was all very well established by others before IBM ventured in. I am not qualified to address "in accordance with established arts" part of this definition, but the case sure looks like a classic IBM design, at least to me. Definition #6. Of lasting historical or literary significance. Literary? Not. Historical? Absolutely. The IBM PC system hardware provided a very, very good (though, unfortunately, not a really, really great) foundation upon which an entire genera of useful, rapidly advancing, affordable, accessible, (and eventually quite powerful) personal computing and data processing machines have been built. And are continuing to be built, even to this day. Plus, the very existence of the IBM PC (as good or bad as you would rate the hardware for the time) directly fostered the rapid, stable development of the entire personal computer industry. This industry was not CREATED by the IBM PC. The industry was already there (Apple, S-100, TRS-80, Sinclair, etc, etc) trying to bootstrap itself into viability. But the "endorsement" of the whole concept, by IBM creating a tangible, workable platform, that would certainly not fold up due to lack of financial resources, created an environment "comfortable" enough for the wealthy to pour in their capital and for the young and adventurous to pour their very lives. So... The IBM PC is a classic? The IBM PC is a classic general purpose stored program digital computer system. The IBM PC is a classic micro computer system. The IBM PC is a classic IBM "PC compatible" computer, odd as that may sound, and in fact defines that genre. The IBM PC is a classic little computer that you can put your arms around. The IBM PC is not a classic outside of it's league. The IBM PC is not a classic big "glass house", "mainframe" computer. The IBM PC is not one kind of classic since it doesn't even have one blinking light on the front (and I really mean "blinking" as in flashing on and off). Everybody knows that you have to have lots of blinking lights to have a REAL computer. I cut my computer teeth on an IBM 360/44 (with the 200ns high speed! register option, and that little internal pancake disk drive). It took me quite awhile to get over the fascination of watching the light show dancing around on the front panel. Lights went out with the 370 mid-life kickers and things just weren't the same after that. The IBM PC is not a classic big computer - the kind that put ITS arms around YOU. And those of you who know what I mean, know what I mean. However... If by "classic" you are using some other definition (which you have every right to do) then one can not address the question without knowing the special definition that you have in mind. For example, if by "classic" it is meant that they will eventually be sought after by overly mature, as in aging, men and women looking for a way to bring back some very fond memories of a more vital, adventurous time. And willing to pay (possibly large) sums of money to get such an object of desire - so that they can brag sagely about it to their (also older) knowing friends. If that is what is meant by "classic" then... The IBM PC is not a classic - for everyone. I know of no "classic" anything that is. Will the IBM PC be a popular classic as time goes by? I don't know. But I can tell you that it has become popular with me. I'm way more overly mature than I would like to be and, ahem, I have a original IBM PC, with a Type 1 motherboard and a serial number of _235785. Top that! I am sure some of you can. I plan to de-expand it back to an earlier representative configuration - with one SINGLE SIDED diskette drive! And boot DOS 1.0 or 3.3. And if I find a Type 1 with a number __99999 or less, then I will investigate procuring that. And if I find a Type 1 with a number ___999 or less, then I will really investigate procuring that - and so forth. No I'm not a nut. But I am a collector on the look-out. I have a small (25) "PC" collection (with a cut off at the first Pentium) mostly because I can't stand to see fully functional digital computers, who did nothing but serve their masters, trashed and lost forever. I certainly don't need to find an earlier Type 1, I already have a pretty nice example. What I NEED to find is a fully functional IBM PC Expansion Chassis (with two 10 Meg disk drives) to connect to my Type 1. This could run everything from DOS 1.1 to Windows 3.0. Are IBM PCs classic? Yes, by and large they really are - though not for everyone. Now... If you know where I could get my hands on a working IBM PC Expansion Chassis, especially one headed for oblivion, please let me know. I am, Paul King at PaKing(a)exchange.ml.com

25 years, 2 months

Honeywell Bull

by jlwest＠tseinc.com

Again, I don't have Honeywell knowledge, but didn't they create a division called Honeywell Bull Information Systems, and rebadged multiple systems under that name? My only knowledge of this comes from my General Automation days. When their Motorola based line was loosing market share to the Unix crowd, they introduced a server called a Honeywell Bull (blue/green nameplate I think)? That system I know for sure was an RS6000. Perhaps HBIS rebadged more than just the RS6000. Sounds like it anywho... Jay -----Original Message----- From: Tom Owad <owad(a)caesarville.net> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Tuesday, May 18, 1999 5:55 PM Subject: Re: Honeywell Bull >>I am by no means well acquainted with the Honeywell line. But I was under >>the impression that a Honeywell DPS was never called a BULL, it was called a >>DPS. The only system with the Honeywell brand that was called a BULL was >>actually an OEM'ed RS6000 that Honeywell put the BULL label on. > >Hmm... I haven't seen the unit, just talked to the fellow on the phone. >I asked him what kind of computer it was, he put the phone down to go >look at it, came back, and said it was a "Honeywell Bull", also giving me >the dimensions (4x3x2). The computer was used by a company that >assembles line and bucket trucks. I believe they had a good number of >remote terminals set up, and used the system to transfer specs and price >sheets. > >Tom Owad >

25 years, 2 months

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test-drb May 1999