test-drb May 2000

test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org

172 participants
541 discussions

by mgregory＠vantageresearch.com

-----Original Message----- From: Vintage Computer GAWD! <foo(a)siconic.com> To: classiccmp(a)classiccmp.org <classiccmp(a)classiccmp.org> Date: Tuesday, May 16, 2000 10:37 PM Subject: Re: Finding Vintage Computers - A Primer > >Also, I think I'll mention Pawn Shops in a revised edition, mostly to warn >people not to even bother. Anything they have will be too recent to be of >any interest, and they certainly wouldn't give anyone good money for an >old piece of junk computer, and thus have any for sale. Also, the stuff >they sell is, in my experience, horribly over-priced, sometimes over >retail! > In my area, there's a related type of store that is worth a look. It's a chain called "Cash Converters", where they buy your unwanted goods (at substantially less than the estimated value) and then sell them in a retail environment. Like a permanent garage sale under one roof. Unlike a pawn shop, you can't reclaim your item for what they gave you for it. They occasionally have classic comp stuff; I've found TRS-80s of various kinds, Model 100s, PS/2s, Newtons and a lot of older software. The prices are initially set high, but if an item doesn't sell, they progressively reduce the price until it does. IIRC, the concept originated in Australia, and there are also stores in the States. Regards, Mark.

25 years, 1 month

Finding Vintage Computers - A Primer

by jolminkh＠nsw.bigpond.net.au

>> Model 100s, PS/2s, Newtons and a lot of older software. The prices are >> initially set high, but if an item doesn't sell, they progressively >reduce >> the price until it does. > >You in Sydney? The Ca$h Converter$ in Adelaide seem not to have heard >of the progressive reduction in price part of the concept. I saw an >real IBM XT, 2FDD no HDD, Monochrome, about 6 months ago with a $250 >price tag on it. It was still there with the same price 3 weeks ago. >Perhaps the Sydney stores get more turnover. I've yet to see a good He can't be in Sydney. I am and I've never seen them behave like that. I rarely even look. At the Bondi Junction store there's usually more staff than customers at the hours I visit and they look mean and hungry. Hans

25 years, 1 month

Finding Classic Computers

by mgregory＠vantageresearch.com

-----Original Message----- From: Mike Ford <mikeford(a)socal.rr.com> To: classiccmp(a)classiccmp.org <classiccmp(a)classiccmp.org> Date: Tuesday, May 16, 2000 4:08 PM Subject: RE: Finding Classic Computers > >There is a couple in AZ with a working, flying, F104. (one of those neat >ones if not the 104). > Actually, it's an ex-CF-104, built for the Canadian Armed Forces. The main differences (IIRC) were in modified flaps, leading edge slats and air brakes to provide better low-speed performance. The perennially cash-strapped CAF actually operated the Starfighter, designed as a high-speed interceptor, as fighter-bombers (!) for ground support in Europe. This doubtless contributed to the 104's reputation as a "widow-maker" in the CAF. Nice toy if you have money to burn and like to sightsee at Mach 2. Mark.

25 years, 1 month

Building PDP-11 Boot Tapes

by healyzh＠aracnet.com

OK, I'm feeling lazy. Is it possible to build a PDP-11 TK-50 Boot tape under OpenVMS V7.2? What can I say, I really don't feel like getting my DECstation 5000/133 fully up and running with NetBSD, moving the TZ30 from my PDP-11/73 to the DECstation, making the tape, then moving the TZ30 back just to build a tape. Hmm, maybe I should just use an emulator to build UNIX V7M RL02 images for my /44 and then use a VAX to make the diskpacks :^) BTW, PUP's is now setup so you can access it after going through the SCO 'click-through' AT&T Source License. Zane | Zane H. Healy | UNIX Systems Adminstrator | | healyzh(a)aracnet.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.aracnet.com/~healyzh/ |

25 years, 1 month

additional DEC PDP-11 Manual For Sale

by jdarren＠ala.net

*shipping is not included in listed price. DEC PDP-11 DR11-C GENERAL DEVICE INTERFACE MANUAL, 1974 ($15) ==================================================== ? ORIGINAL ISSUE ? UNUSED CONDITION ? 46 PAGES ? SECTIONS ARE (1) INTRODUCTION, (2) SOFTWARE INTERFACE, (3) USER INPUT/OUTPUT SIGNALS, (4) THEORY OF OPERATION, (5) MAINTENANCE, (6) EXAMPLES, AND (7) ENGINEERING DRAWING SET. ? APPENDICES ARE (A) INTEGRATED CIRCUIT AND (B) USE OF BB11.

25 years, 1 month

DEC PDP-11 Manuals For Sale

by jdarren＠ala.net

*shipping is not included in listed price. CR11/CM11 CARD READER SYSTEM MANUAL, 1975 ($25) ========================================= ? ORIGINAL ISSUE ? UNUSED CONDITION ? 1/4-INCH THICK ? SECTIONS ARE (1) INTRODUCTION, (2) GENERAL DESCRIPTION, (3) OPERATION, (4) PROGRAMMING INFORMATION, AND (5) THEORY OF OPERATION. ? APPENDICES ARE (A) GDI CARD READERS, (B) CARD READER INTERFACE SIGNALS, (C) HOLLERITH CODE, AND (D) INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DESIGN. DEC PDP-11 DL11-W SERIAL LINE UNIT/REAL-TIME CLOCK OPTION MAINTENANCE MANUAL, 1977 ($15) ============================================================================ ? ORIGINAL ISSUE ? UNUSED CONDITION ? 74 PAGES ? SECTIONS ARE (1) INTRODUCTION, (2) CONFIGURATION, (3) PROGRAMMING INFORMATION, (4) DETAILED DECSRIPTION ? APPENDICES ARE (A) IC SCHEMATICS AND (B) VECTOR ADDRESSING. DEC PDP-11 BA11-K MOUNTING BOX 10.5 INCH MOUNTING BOX TECHNICAL MANUAL, 1978 ($15) ====================================================================== ? ORIGINAL ISSUE ? UNUSED CONDITION ? 1/2-INCH THICK ? SECTIONS ARE (1) MOUNTING BOX CHARACTERISTICS, (2) UNPACKING AND INSTALLATION, (3) SYSTEM UNITS, OPTIONS, AND HARNESSES, (4) H765 POWER SYSTEM, (5) MAINTENANCE. ? APPENDICES ARE (A) H745 -15 VOLT REGULATOR, (B) H744 +5 VOLT REGULATOR, (C) H754 +20, -5 VOLT REGULATOR, (D) H7441 +5 VOLT REGULATOR, (E) H785 BATTERY BACKUP REGULATOR, AND (F) H775 BATTERY BACKUP UNIT. DEC PDP-11 BA11-K MOUNTING BOX 10.5 INCH MOUNTING BOX ILLUSTRATED PARTS BREAKDOWN, 1981 ($10) ================================================================================== ? ORIGINAL ISSUE ? UNUSED CONDITION ? 10 PAGES ? 2 COPIES H744 REGULATOR ILLUSTRATED PARTS BREAKDOWN, 1976 ($10) ================================================ ? ORIGINAL ISSUE ? UNUSED CONDITION ? 10 PAGES 861-A THROUGH -F POWER CONTROLLER ILLUSTRATED PARTS BREAKDOWN, 1980 ($10) =================================================================== ? ORIGINAL ISSUE ? UNUSED CONDITION ? 14 PAGES H745 REGULATOR ILLUSTRATED PARTS BREAKDOWN, 1974 ($10) ================================================ ? ORIGINAL ISSUE ? UNUSED CONDITION ? 12 PAGES H754 REGULATOR ILLUSTRATED PARTS BREAKDOWN, 1974 ($10) ================================================ ? ORIGINAL ISSUE ? UNUSED CONDITION ? 20 PAGES H7420 POWER SUPPLY ILLUSTRATED PARTS BREAKDOWN, 1975 ($10) ==================================================== ? ORIGINAL ISSUE ? UNUSED CONDITION ? 10 PAGES PDP-11/45 16-BIT COMPUTER (BASIC) ILLUSTRATED PARTS BREAKDOWN, 1974 ($10) ============================================================== ? REPRODUCTION, NOT ORIGINAL ISSUE ? VERY GOOD CONDITION ? 28 PAGES DEC PDP-11 TMB11/TU10W DECMAGTAPE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE MANUAL (TMB11-E/F SYSTEM), 1979 ($10) ================================================================================= ? REPRODUCTION, NOT ORIGINAL ISSUE ? EXCELLENT CONDITION ? 1-1/2 INCHES THICK ? SECTIONS ARE (1) GENERAL INFORMATION, (2) INSTALLATION, (3) OPERATION, (4) PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE, (5) MAINTENANCE, TMB11 THEORY OF OPERATION, (7) M8926 THEORY OF OPERATION, AND (8) TU10W HOST TRANSPORT THEORY OF OPERATION. ? APPENDICES ARE (A) MAGNETIC TAPE FUNDAMENTALS, (B) SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS, (C) FLOW DIAGRAM GLOSSARY, (D) M8926 INTERFACE SIGNALS, AND (E) TMB11/TU10W DATA SHEETS. DEC PDP-11 TE16/TE10W/TE10N DECMAGTAPE TECHNICAL MANUAL, 1977 ($10) ========================================================== ? REPRODUCTION, NOT ORIGINAL ISSUE ? EXCELLENT CONDITION ? 1-1/2 INCHES THICK ? SECTIONS ARE (1) INTRODUCTION, (2) INSTALLATION, (3) OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS, (4) PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE, (5) THEORY OF OPERATION, AND (6) SERVICING. ? APPENDICES ARE (A) MAGNETIC TAPE FUNDAMENTALS, AND (B) GLOSSARY. DEC TE16 DECMAGTAPE ILLUSTRATED PARTS BREAKDOWN, 1980 ($10) ===================================================== ? REPRODUCTION, NOT ORIGINAL ISSUE ? EXCELLENT CONDITION ? 1/4-INCH THICK DEC PDP-11 DL11 ASYNCHRONOUS LINE INTERFACE MANUAL, 1975 ($10) ====================================================== ? REPRODUCTION, NOT ORIGINAL ISSUE ? EXCELLENT CONDITION ? 1/2-INCH THICK ? SECTIONS ARE (1) INTRODUCTION, (2) GENERAL DESCRIPTION, (3) INSTALLATION, (4) PROGRAMMING INFORMATION, AND (5) DETAILED DECSRIPTION. ? APPENDICES ARE (A) IC SCHEMATICS AND (B) VECTOR ADDRESSING. DEC LA36/LA35 DECWRITER II USERS MANUAL, 1977 ($25) ========================================= ? ORIGINAL ISSUE ? UNUSED CONDITION ? 1/2-INCH THICK ? SECTIONS ARE (1) LA36 USERS INFORMATION, (2) LA35 USERS INFORMATION, AND (3) COMMON INFORMATION. DEC LA36/LA35 DECWRITER II MAINTENANCE MANUAL, 1978 ($10) ================================================ ? REPRODUCTION, NOT AN ORIGINAL ISSUE ? EXCELLENT CONDITION ? 1-1/2 INCHES THICK ? SECTIONS ARE (1) GENERAL DESCRIPTION, (2) INSTALLATION, (3) OPERATION, (4) THEORY, (5) UPGRADED LA36, (6) ELECTRICAL SERVICING, (7) MECHANICAL SERVICING, AND (8) ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES. ? APPENDICES ARE (A) ENGINEERING DRAWINGS, (B) IPB, (C) REFERENCE DATA.

25 years, 1 month

Building PDP-11 Boot Tapes

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

>OK, I'm feeling lazy. Is it possible to build a PDP-11 TK-50 Boot tape >under OpenVMS V7.2? Yeah, sure it is. Question is, what do you want to boot into? Just make sure all the files are laid down correctly, all the record lengths are right, and you've got the tape marks in the right places. Those are the essential ingredient to any tape. Tim.

25 years, 1 month

Cool AppleSoft BASIC trick I never thought of before

by pete＠dunnington.u-net.com

On May 17, 0:16, Vintage Computer GAWD! wrote: > On Wed, 17 May 2000, Pete Turnbull wrote: > > > If I remember correctly, Applesoft BASIC is one of those that searches from > > the start of program every time it executes a GOTO or GOSUB. If I'm right, > > the easy way to preserve variables (and all the rest of the program state, > > including the GOSUB/FOR..NEXT stack) would be to POKE in the new start > > address and then GOTO 10 instead of RUN. > > I think you'd have to do more than this since the interpreter won't know > the difference between Program A running and Program B. In other words, > the varibale A$ in Programs A&B will both point to the same variable > (hmmm...an interesting way to implement shared memory in BASIC!) That's right; I just assumed you wanted to keep all the variables around all the time. If you want something more like a real mutitasking system, and program independence (not to have to worry about variables in one program sharing names with those in another) then you need to save-and-restore all the relevant pointers: start of variable space, start of arrays, end of numerics, start of strings. Maybe more (I've not tried it personally). > > If you do this, you better set LOMEM as well (but only once), or make sure > > the highest-loaded program is the first one RUN, so the variables start in > > a suitable place. > > LOMEM does almost what you need: it moves the start of the variable data > pointer to the address specified with the command. However, I do believe > this initializes the variable space, which would not be good. No, it wouldn't be good, and the LOMEM comand probably does reset the other pointers (I can't check, my Apples are both in store at the moment). I really just meant "set the LOMEM pointer". > I've never > devled into the way BASIC variables are kept but I am pretty sure that > they are searched for from the beginning of whatever LOMEM is to the end > (as given, I believe, by HIMEM). LOMEM and HIMEM simply set pointers in > the zero page that BASIC uses to keep track of the low and high memory > locations for variable storage. So manually keeping track of these and > POKEing them in for each swap should appropriately keep the variable > memory for each program in memory separate and intact. Yes, the variables aren't stored in any specially structured way (they are in some other BASICs). You probably want to keep track of the end of string space as well (HIMEM, essentially) and make liberal use of FRE() to minimise waste. > I was just thinking that a sort of Multi-Tasking BASIC Operating System > (MTBOS) could be developed that would take care of all this for you. > Also, since the text screen on the Apple ][ can be defined by poking in > the left column, right column, top row and bottom row into the > appropriately zero page addresses, one can also specify a screen area that > each program is allowed to run in. This could be maintained by the MTBOS. > > The MTBOS would basically reside somewhere in memory (a simple one could > probably be made to fit in $300-$3A0 which is the common unused space > where simple machine language utilities go) and can be CALLed from each > program running at regular intervals to allow a swap to the next process. > It would be sort of like Windows 3.0 :) (but probably faster). Yes, probably :-) Since you wouldn't need much code, and nothing on a standard Apple uses interrupts, you could go one further and make it a time-sliced system instead of a cooperative one, with a very simple circuit (not much more than a 555 timer, though you might want it on a card with a PROM to hold the code). -- Pete Peter Turnbull Dept. of Computer Science University of York

25 years, 1 month

Computer Value (was Re: value of RK05)

by jfoust＠threedee.com

Back on May 6, I said: >RK05s? I bought five RL02 disk packs the other day for $2 each. >I see they're going for $30 on eBay. I'll use the proceeds to >fund other bad habits. Just to confound the eBay hysteria, I'll recount what happened with these RL02s. I was all excited because eBay's history showed a single RL02 went for $28 a few weeks ago. I mentioned I had these packs on this list on May 6 and no one responded. I listed one pack on eBay on May 9. I composed a nice page, sent private e-mail to likely bidders telling them of the auction. Chuck McManis missed my original post to this list, but he was the winning bidder and picked one up for $5.50. I sold the rest to him for that price, so he got five with shipping for $45. (Did I bend any eBay rule by selling him the other ones?) In another eBay story, I was the top bidder for a Leitz illuminator transformer for an old microscope I have, at $5. However, the seller wanted to charge $12 shipping. This item is two-three pounds at best. I questioned this and haven't heard from them yet. Similarly, someone sent me a note about Pascal MicroEngine schematics they're auctioning. For 50 xeroxed pages, the first bid is $9 and they want $7 shipping. No doubt some eBay sellers have discovered the old mail-order rule of thumb that the cost of goods and shipping should be covered by the "shipping and handling" charge, and that the price is just gravy. :-) BTW, I always charge "actual shipping cost". - John

25 years, 1 month

Is this for real -- a new C64/128

by RCini＠congressfinancial.com

Check this site out http://www.commodore2000.com The Commodore Evolution (in the development process) looks like a fat PC keyboard. I e-mailed the guy to try to get some more detailed specs. I wonder if this is for real or not. It looks like a recent domain registration. FYI, the domain is owned by: Administrative Contact: Barton, Raymond (rbarton(a)ONEBOX.COM) Computersnational, inc. 112 Carman Place Amityville , NY 11701 (516) 827-8667 (FAX) (516) 691-1589 Technical Contact, Zone Contact: Mindspring Domreg (domreg(a)MINDSPRING.COM) Mindspring Enterprises, Inc. 1430 West Peachtree St. NW, Ste. 400 Atlanta, GA 30309 US 888-932-1997 Fax- - 404 815-8805 Record last updated on 24-Nov-1999. Record expires on 11-Oct-2001. Record created on 11-Oct-1999. It looks like it's a small e-commerce Web site hosted by Mindspring. The page link for the PeeCee compatible seems to be broken... Rich ========================== Richard A. Cini, Jr. Congress Financial Corporation 1133 Avenue of the Americas 30th Floor New York, NY 10036 (212) 545-4402 (212) 840-6259 (facsimile)

25 years, 1 month

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test-drb May 2000