Hi
I picked up one of these AES/Lanier 7100 a few weeks ago.
It's in near perfect shape and boots to what looks like a word processor.
The WP software thats in there right now is on 5 1/4 hard sector disks...
I have heard rumors that a version of CP/M was available for this machine.
Anyone ever heard or seen this or would by any chance have a copy?
Claude
Canuk Computer Collector
http://computer_collector.tripod.com
On Apr 16, 8:35, Ethan Dicks wrote:
> Some of
> that is the actual artwork for the Elf-II PCB. I know I can buy iron-on
> transfer paper, but I've never made a double-sided PCB at home, only
> single-sided (and then, only with rub-on transfers). Has anyone out
there
> ever made double-sided boards at home?
Yes, plenty of times. I use tracing film, but I suppose you could use
transfer paper if you're careful (I've never tried it). I make sure I mark
one of the corners and one edge of the layout exactly in registration on
both layers. When I expose the PCB, I make sure the raw PCB is exactly
lined up on that corner and edge for both exposures (both sides). It helps
if the raw PCB is carefully cut! Transfer paper might actually be easier
if oyu can do both sides at once, but you'd have to make sure it didn't
stretch or warp.
--
Pete Peter Turnbull
Network Manager
Dept. of Computer Science
University of York
To start with the switcher in question is 1987 design maybe earlier. The MV2000 was available in 87 or 88 if memory
serves. And even if I'm wrong it's very definatly pre1990.
Dec often used standardized designs for years despite technology.
Regarding you comment on rotating technology.. your wrong. The biggest problem is that often the older technologies were kept available too long or in service too long. Add to that usually
at least 50% of the rotating memory was not even DEC to start with. Look at the DEC designed products.
Allison
------Original Message------
From: "Richard Erlacher" <edick(a)idcomm.com>
To: classiccmp(a)classiccmp.org
Sent: April 16, 2001 3:03:26 AM GMT
Subject: Re: VaxStation 2000 PSU info needed
Back in the early '80's it wasn't uncommon for switchers to malfunction, or, if
designed somewhat better, to fail to function at all, if no load was present.
This is consistent with DEC's practice of putting out 10-year old technology in
its "current" products. Their rotating memory products were always at least
one, and often three, generations behind the "current" generation in other
makers' products. That ensured maximal profits for DEC shareholders and maximal
bonuses for their execs, though it also ensured last-generation performance or
less for their users.
Dick
----- Original Message -----
From: "Brian Chase" <bdc(a)world.std.com>
To: <classiccmp(a)classiccmp.org>
Sent: Sunday, April 15, 2001 2:01 PM
Subject: Re: VaxStation 2000 PSU info needed
> On Sun, 15 Apr 2001, Richard Erlacher wrote:
>
> > Is anbody intimate enough with the VaxStation 2000 to provide a couple
> > of details? Here's the deal:
>
> Not really intimate with them, but I have used them to run NetBSD/vax and
> Ultrix.
>
> > I snagged a VaxStation 2000 box some time back, mainly for the PSU.
> > It turns out that it has a couple of lines, on the 9-pin MOLEX main
> > power output connector, the purpose of which is not clear. There's
> > one that seems to float at around -6 Volts DC, and another that floats
> > at high-impedance, yet, when the one at -6 is pulled to 0 (gnd)
> > through a resistor, the previously floating one suddenly has 9 volts
> > or so. Do these have a specific purpose that might serve some need
> > I'm likely to encounter, or are they just for the DEC folks' features?
> > Is there any way to capitalize on them, or should I just leave them
> > alone? All I'm after is fairly normal power output, with the added
> > benefit of a fan and switch. The +5 and bipolar 12's seem to work
> > fine. Spec's would be handy too, e.g. how much current can be drawn
> > from each of the supplies and, perhaps from all of them at once?
>
> I think (I'm not positive) this may be related to the nature of the power
> supply. I've not actually used them for anything but powering the
> components which normally make up a VAXstation 2000. They do have some
> interesting qualities, the main one being that they don't work right
> unless they've got a load on them.
>
> I've made the mistake of trying to run one diskless--which doesn't work.
> As soon as you add a disk drive, then the system goes through it's power
> up sequence without problem. DEC did make a diskless version of the
> VS2000, but it had a big resistor board that plugged into the internal
> drive power cable.
>
> I'm sure someone here can address the actual reasons why the power supply
> behaves like this. I think it's a trait of older switching PSUs. But
> hopefully my "systems guy" observations provide some useful clues.
>
> -brian.
> --- Brian Chase | bdc(a)world.std.com | http://world.std.com/~bdc/ -----
> Being an open and honest guy, in the big "Occupation" box in the center
> of the sheet, I had written the same thing that's on my business cards.
> "Internet Legend". -- K.
>
>
I have a NeXT Computer cube. On the back of the Cube
it has a NeXT logo and under the logo is in bold "Computer".
I was told that some cubes have instead of "Computer" either
"Cube" or "Turbo". Is this true? Did the text on the back
of the NeXT cube change over time? Can anybody point out any
other differences on the back cover of the NeXT cube.
Reuben
If anyone is interested, please contact this individual directly. I
have no connection with this except that he found my address on my
"classic computers" web page.
On Sun, 15 Apr 2001 18:09:07 +0100, "gen" <gen(a)webline.plus.com>
wrote:
>Hi there
>
>I got your email address from the internet.
>
>I have a substantial UK collection of 'antique' computers, mostly 'first
>editions' of systems such as Apple, IBM, Sirius, Apricot, Macintosh, Epson,
>etc. These are not old and used, they are in pristine condition in their
>original boxes with manuals, software & literature. Would you know of
>anyone
>interested in buying it? I am based in the UK.
>
>Regards
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Bill Richman
bill_r(a)inetnebr.com
http://incolor.inetnebr.com
Home of Fun with Molten Metal, technological
oddities, and the original COSMAC Elf
computer simulator!
Foo, mine was used, is used and works. It was dirty enough to
require a trip through the dishwasher though. It wasn't to hard to open and wipe the contacts afterwards.
The RS pad (special catalog item likely not their manufacuture)
would work as would many others. Maybe I'm just more resorceful
that others. Either that or rather that grouse about it I just do it.
Allison
------Original Message------
From: "Richard Erlacher" <edick(a)idcomm.com>
To: classiccmp(a)classiccmp.org
Sent: April 16, 2001 2:14:29 AM GMT
Subject: Re: Kim / Commie keypads
Well, in that case, since the user manual is posted at the URL included in the
original post, and you'll see it's not the "usual" scanning matrix being a 7x3
or some other obtuse pattern, and not easily physically replaced with a
run-of-the mill matrix keypad. Since you have a KIM-1, you know what the size
is, and you know what the Radio Shack product is. If the RS product would fit
in place of the original perhaps you could indicate that. If your keypad is
still working, it's clear you haven't used it much. Just let us know ... don't
equivocate. Putting a Radio Shack product on a KIM-1 kind-of makes my skin
crawl, but if it will fit closely as a replacement for the original, and if
that's what's wanted, why not?
The designers did provide access to the scanning inputs, however, so an external
and much more comfortable and durable keypad could be put in place with little
hassle. If the desired solution is to use a serious keypad the externally
applied replacement can be of whatever size is desired.
It occurred to me over the Easter dinner at Mom's that one could use the top
segment of the capacitive switches by situating them over a perfboard with wire
leads soldered to it. The somewhat conductive pad on the lower surface of the
key will close the circuit just fine if a bit of aluminum foil is
rubber-cemented to its conductive surface. If it seems I don't know what sort
of switches are in a PC keyboard, that's because I don't, BTW. The only
PC-targeted keyboard I've disassembled has been that MicroSwitch model. That
should, however, make the surplus PC-keyboard's switches useable. They're
mechanically and ergonomically decent enough.
Dick
----- Original Message -----
From: "ajp166" <ajp166(a)bellatlantic.net>
To: <classiccmp(a)classiccmp.org>
Sent: Sunday, April 15, 2001 4:16 PM
Subject: Re: Kim / Commie keypads
> From: Richard Erlacher <edick(a)idcomm.com>
> >If that were true, this entire thread would not have occurred. The
> problem with
> >most of these matrix keypads in a single, solid, monolithically-molded
> assembly
>
>
> NO it's someone that hasn't an idea how or what it is. RS sells a
> universal
> keypad kit (not usually stocked in the stores) that would work fine. One
> from a calc would also work. If someones is doing museam restore that
> would be harder.
>
> Besides I obviously don't know anything about it even though I have a
> KIM-1
> in working condition.
>
> Allison
>
>
>
>
>
Hello, all:
Just to throw my collection list into the ring. I'm just listing
machines only. I have accessories and software to go with them.
Apple: II+, III (with ProFile hard drive), FatMac (with floppy-based hard
drives), SE/30, IIci,
IIgs, Mac Portable
Commie: 4032, 8250, 2031lp, 1541, 1515, 1525, VIC20, C64, KIM-1 (3!)
Digital: Complete 11/34a system with lots of spare boards (2 RK drives and
one RX02), MicroVAX-I
Tandy: Model I (4k and 16k), EIs, complete Model 100 with DVI
IBM: Original PC with expansion chassis (and 20mb hard drive), Datamaster
(and spares)
NorthStar: Horizon and lots of boards. Never able to get it to work.
Other: AIM65
Rich
Hi
I picked up one of these AES/Lanier 7100 a few weeks ago.
It's in near perfect shape and boots to what looks like a word processor.
The WP software thats in there right now is on 5 1/4 hard sector disks...
I have heard rumors that a version of CP/M was available for this machine.
Anyone ever heard or seen this or would by any chance have a copy?
Claude
Canuk Computer Collector
http://computer_collector.tripod.com
Hi, Stu.
On Apr 15, 21:09, Stu wrote:
> any books, bits, peripherals.
> Also, looking to give away some old apricot kit to anyone who wants it.
> Cheers.
What sort of Apricot kit? If it's something like a Xen Xi, I'd be
interested.
Wasn't there something else you and I were going to trade a while ago?
--
Pete Peter Turnbull
Network Manager
Dept. of Computer Science
University of York
From: Richard Erlacher <edick(a)idcomm.com>
>If that were true, this entire thread would not have occurred. The
problem with
>most of these matrix keypads in a single, solid, monolithically-molded
assembly
NO it's someone that hasn't an idea how or what it is. RS sells a
universal
keypad kit (not usually stocked in the stores) that would work fine. One
>from a calc would also work. If someones is doing museam restore that
would be harder.
Besides I obviously don't know anything about it even though I have a
KIM-1
in working condition.
Allison
>I talked breifly in a hospital to a lady who had >worked on the
>ENIAC. It was almost a religious experience.
>
>--
>Jeffrey S. Sharp
>jss(a)ou.edu
i agree whole heartedly...but the promise of those parts is incredible...
Robert Cobbins
List it be:
All system listed are fully operational with perpherals.
Loose boards and spares not included nor are PCs
even though many are classic.
Allison
S100 based systems
-------------------------------
Altair 8800
Processor Tech SOL
NorthStar* Horizon (2)
CCS2200
Compupro Z80
Explorer 8085
Killer an S100 machine of my design (z80s, 8085, 8048)
Z80 based Packaged or Single board based Systems
-----------------------------------------
AmproLB
Kaypro 4/84
NS* Advantage
Epson PX-8 laptop
Visual 1050 (2)
DEC Vt180 (several)
Tandy TRS-80
Micromint SB180
Single board computers
----------------------------------
Kim-1
Motorola 6800 D1
SC/MP
SC/MP-II NIBBLE (tinybasic)
RCA COSMAC ELF
Intersil 6960 6100 sampler (cmos PDP-8)
IMSAI IMP48
Technico Superstarted board TI9900 cpu
MultiBUS based
------------------------
Hurikon ml92 (z80 based)
Intel MDS800
MISC systems
---------------------
TI99/4a (3)
tandy COCO-III
PDP-11 based systems
----------------------------------
DEC Pro350
DEC Pro380
DEC LSI 11/03
DEC PDP 11/23
DEC PDP11/23B
BA11VA with TU58 and 11/23
VAX based
----------------
MicroVAX-II BA23
MicroVAX-II/GPX BA123
MicroVAX 2000 (3)
MicroVAX 3100/M10E (3)
MicroVAX 3100/M76/spx
PDP-8 Based
--------------------
Decmate-III (2)
PDP-8/f
Terminals
-------------
Vt100
Vt125
Vt320
Vt340
VT1200
H19
i recently had the pleasure of meeting someone who once worked on ENIAC...aside from hearing some stories about the computer he also has several tubes from it laying around which, if he can find, will soon be mine....
--Robert Cobbins
From: Richard Erlacher <edick(a)idcomm.com>
>I snagged a VaxStation 2000 box some time back, mainly for the PSU. It
turns
>out that it has a couple of lines, on the 9-pin MOLEX main power output
>connector, the purpose of which is not clear. There's one that seems to
float
///snippage////
I have three working plus a TK50 in an external box (same box), if that
isn't enough I must have 6 or so of the PSUs that I use for "projects".
The PSU wants a 10W load minimum on both the +5 and +12.
It's rated 160W OUTPUT. It easily runs a P166 with options.
The +12 is heafty enough to run a MAXTOR2190 with reserve
figure it for not less than 4A.
The remainder is on the +5, If memory serves it's good for 12A++.
The minus voltages are for RS232 type use figure them for .5A.
The "floating line" is powerfail and is open collector. I rarely use it.
Have fun
-----Original Message-----
From: Ross Archer <dogbert(a)mindless.com>
>I think the outboard keyboard & case idea is excellent, and a fun "hour
at a
>time"kind of project to tinker with whenever bored. :) I already took
apart one
>broke >keyboard in my boneyard -- it was a membrane type. <:-(
The keyboard was the common type similar if not the same as most
calculators of the time used. Simple XY matrix of switches and easily
replaced.
The biggest problem of the keypad is the materials didn't age well over
time. Many still
work well.
Allison
I just received a 3100e/40, and have installed the setup program, but
want to install a simple word program, but am having trouble doing it.
Does anyone know the steps which I have to go through to install such a
program?
>> What did you in are the sensors on the 2 tape rollers. If either of the
>> rollers stick in either direction the drive decides it does not know
where
>> on the tape it is and shuts down. I use a marker on the top of the
rollers
>
>I assume these are the 2 rollers, about 1" in diameter, either side of
>the head assembly.
Correct.
>
>I've pulled a TK50 to bits (non-destructively), and the front roller
>doesn't seen to have a sensor on it. It does appear to have a height
>adjustment, which would not be the thing to twiddle.
>
>The rear roller has a slotted disk + optoswitch at the bottom end. I
>assume this is the sensor you are refering to.
Yes but I am sure the front one has a sensor also since the slightest
heasitation there also shuts it down.
I have not taken the time to find a front sensor but it must have one.
>
>> to determine which roller is causing the problem. Then just watch the
marks
>> while loading a tape.
>>
>> Don't feel bad - I have gone through over a dozen drives to get good ones
>> and the biggest cause failure are those roller bearings.
>
>Is it possible to replace the bearings? I've not attempted to dismantle
>the senosr (yet!), but it looks possible. Of course after doing that
>you'd probably had to do a tape path and head alignment (which could be
>'interesting')...
The rear one is not bad but the front one does involve some alignment.
Again I have not taken the time. I did try lubricating the top bearings
with a syringe and still had problems. I then removed it and did the bottom
bearing. It ran free then but I had alignment problems and no alignment
tape or info. At that point even with over a dozen drives on the way to
scrap metal it was not worth any more time to me.
Dan
U of M as in Maryland? I'm in Laurel. :-)
So far I've found endless fascination in chips and power transistors.
But, the most unbelievably fascinating thing that I've seen in that
scope was something I thought would be boring...a blown tungsten lamp
filament! I just did some quick scans of some of the
electromicrographs I've done lately. They can be seen at
http://www.neurotica.com/sem/images if you're interested. The blown
tungsten lamp filament pics are filament-1.jpg and filament-2.jpg.
-Dave McGuire
On April 13, Jason McBrien wrote:
> That's SUPER Impressive. What do you take pictures of? I'm always hoping to
> find one of those at U of M property depot, but the closest I've seen is a
> fetal ultrasound machine :)
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Dave McGuire" <mcguire(a)neurotica.com>
> To: <classiccmp(a)classiccmp.org>
> Sent: Friday, April 13, 2001 2:39 PM
> Subject: Re: My Collection
>
>
> >
> > I got motivated and took a few pics of it just a few minutes ago.
> > They can be seen at http://www.neurotica.com/sem if you're interested.
> > SEMs are some of the coolest devices ever put together, in my opinion.
> >
> > -Dave McGuire
> >
> > On April 13, Tony Eros wrote:
> > > You've got an electron microscope? Cool! How small do those things
> get?
> > >
> > > -- Tony
> > >
> > > At 11:51 AM 4/13/2001 -0400, you wrote:
> > > >On April 13, Jerome Fine wrote:
> > > > > Does anyone on the list run RT-11 still other than Megan Gentry?
> > > > > Do you tinker with the operating system code at all? Does anyone
> > > > > care about the RT-11 Operating System?
> > > >
> > > > I care about it; I like it quite a bit. I have a Micro 11/73
> > > >running v5.4, and a Kevex X-ray analyzer (an accessory to the electron
> > > >microscope) that has a pdp11/73 in it that runs RT-11.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > -Dave McGuire
> >
From: Jeff Hellige <jhellige(a)earthlink.net>
> Yes, I have CP/M and the full WPS. It's OS/278 I'm looking
>for, though I had thought there were one or two others that ran on
>the DECmate II as well. I could be wrong there though.
OS/278 is on uu.se archive if memory works. thats the only other I know
of other than PS/8 which is the realtime version of OS/8 and that would
take work to run on DECmate. There may be others, I can't be certain.
On the other hand writing an OS for PDP-8 would be interesting as
the reatime monitor and such are all around as source.
Allison
On April 13, Jerome Fine wrote:
> > I care about it; I like it quite a bit. I have a Micro 11/73
> > running v5.4, and a Kevex X-ray analyzer (an accessory to the electron
> > microscope) that has a pdp11/73 in it that runs RT-11.
>
> Jerome Fine replies:
>
> I sounds like this is now strictly for hobby use.
Not exactly. I've several monetary offers in-hand for analyses for
when I finish getting it connected to the microscope.
As far as I can tell Kevex shipped analyzers in this configuration
until just a couple of years ago. Now their newer products are based
around a Windows PeeCee that takes over twice as long to run a spectral
analysis on a sample as their previous [J11 and embedded Z8000] design
did.
> Do you have any non-DEC
> boards? What is the interface between the PDP-11 and the microscope?
I have tons of them. I assume you mean in the Kevex analyzer. ;) The
analyzer consists of a KDJ11 board, a third-party disk controller
board, a graphics board, and a bunch of parallel I/O ports. It
connects to a custom backplane containing an embedded Z8000 data
cruncher, which in turn connects to a NIM bin which contains the
analog front-end and detector interface and the A/D converter stuff.
The detector attaches to the rear of the microscope chamber in an
accessory port.
> How does RT-11 perform? Are there any enhancements that you could use
> at this point?
It performs wonderfully. The only thing I'd like better is if it [the
control software] were networkable, but since most of it talks
directly to the graphics board in the qbus backplane, I doubt that'd
be a likely hack candidate. The unit isn't old enough to be able to
get the source out of Kevex for hobbyist use, since it's still a
supported model.
-Dave McGuire
On Apr 14, 14:25, Dave McGuire wrote:
> On April 13, Eric Chomko wrote:
> > Interesting regarding chips and SBCs. Who collects them, other than
> >Allison?
>
> I collect SBCs, eval boards, and trainers. I find that, if
> operable, they're a wonderful way to learn the architecture of a given
> microprocessor, and an excellent way to compare architectural features
> and shortcomings.
Thanks for reminding me -- I have a 2901 trainer developed by the staff at
York University, which was used for Micro Architecture Design courses until
a few years ago.
--
Pete Peter Turnbull
Network Manager
Dept. of Computer Science
University of York
On Apr 14, 11:36, Don Maslin wrote:
> On Sat, 14 Apr 2001, Pete Turnbull wrote:
> > I didn't know about a proprietary OS, I've
> > only seen p-System on them, but I think you could get CP/M-68K. I met
> > someone who claimed to have CP/M-68K for a Sage but when pressed, he
> > couldn't find the Sage version.
>
> I have it as a 3 DSQD disk set in TeleDisk image form.
Hmm... the Sage is in the "heap on the shelves that need sorted" at the
moment, and I haven't time to do the sorting. But I'll file that reference
for the future :-) Thanks, Don!
--
Pete Peter Turnbull
Network Manager
Dept. of Computer Science
University of York