Hi Merle -
I couldn't help but respond to a posting that I saw. I'm amazed that these computers are still around. This just brings up all kinds of memories. I was one of the original development engineers at Basic Four from 1973 through 1978. I wrote all the firmware for the 1300 CPU which was an enhanced emulation of the 1200 that we bought from (I think) Microdata, in addition to almost every peripheral diagnostic, most of the drivers and a big hunk of BB2. So, if the computer museum ever needs a little background on the company or products of Basic Four, give me a yell.
William L. (Bill) Miller, Ph.D.
---------------------------------
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Sincerely,
Ross E. Dykes
Student Technology Services Manager
Santa Clara University Information Technology
Voice: 408-554-5747
>>> cctalk 12/18/03 10:06 >>>
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When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
than "Re: Contents of cctalk digest..."
Today's Topics:
1. Re: shipping help from UK (Joe)
2. Re: shipping help from UK (Mike)
3. Re: OT: I never knew... (Ron Hudson)
4. OT - any C programmers out there? (Ron Hudson)
5. HP 9000 Series Configuration Reference Manual (Joe)
6. RE: OT: I never knew... (Fred Cisin)
7. Re: shipping help from UK (Tony Duell)
8. RE: OT: I never knew... (Davison, Lee)
9. Re: shipping help from UK (Tony Duell)
10. Re: OT: Google PI, I never knew... (Fred Cisin)
11. hp 21mx E on ebay (question/comment) (Jay West)
12. Re: More on building PDP-11s (Tony Duell)
13. So I've finally got it... (Patrick Finnegan)
14. Re: So I've finally got it... (R. D. Davis)
15. Ann: D8TAPE -- unix program to dump/disassemble PDP-8 BIN/RIM
formatted paper tapes (Robert Krten)
16. Re: In need of a dumb part... (Mike Ford)
17. Re: FTGH DEC Cables. (UK) (Dan Williams)
18. Re: OT: I never knew... (Christopher McNabb)
19. Re: OT: I never knew... (Ed Tillman)
20. Re: OT: I never knew... (Jules Richardson)
21. New Research Machines finds (Jules Richardson)
22. RE: OT: I never knew... (chris)
23. Re: D8TAPE -- unix program to dump/disassemble PDP-8
BIN/RIMformatted paper tapes (vrs)
24. RE: New Research Machines finds (Witchy)
25. Re: OT: I never knew... (Marvin Johnston)
26. RE: New Research Machines finds (Jules Richardson)
27. Viking disk controller on Ebay (Christopher Cureau)
28. Re: D8TAPE -- unix program to dump/disassemble PDP-8
(Robert Krten)
29. Basic Four Computers (William Miller)
30. Re: New Research Machines finds (Dan Williams)
31. Free to a good home... (Cambridge UK) (Jules Richardson)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2003 22:25:03 -0500
From: Joe <rigdonj(a)cfl.rr.com>
Subject: Re: shipping help from UK
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts"
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org>
Message-ID: <3.0.6.32.20031217222503.007a7100(a)pop-server.cfl.rr.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
At 08:15 PM 12/17/03 -0500, Mike wrote:
>From: Vintage Computer Festival <vcf(a)siconic.com>
>
>> On Wed, 17 Dec 2003, Joe wrote:
>>
>> > PS I just threw an 11/05 into storage today. After your's arrives I'd
>> > like to compare notes with you about them.
>>
>> I've got one too.
>>
>> --
>>
>> Sellam Ismail Vintage Computer
>Festival
>
>
>Hey me too. I think it originally came from Joe in a trade for several
>hp5036s long ago. It had the m7261 board and two sets of g110 , g231, h213
>core memory. It was missing the other half of the processor, the m7260. I
>bought a 60, 61 board set off ebay some time back so I might have a spare
>61. I think that leaves one slot available in the 11/05 and I'm hoping a
>rx02 controller and 8" drives out of my 11/44 will work. (?)
No, that's an 11/04 and I GAVE it to you :-/
Joe
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2003 22:37:13 -0500
From: "Mike" <dogas(a)bellsouth.net>
Subject: Re: shipping help from UK
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts"
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org>
Message-ID: <000701c3c518$3a992d70$88db3fd0@DOMAIN>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
From: Joe <rigdonj(a)cfl.rr.com>
> >
> >
> >Hey me too. I think it originally came from Joe in a trade for several
> >hp5036s long ago. It had the m7261 board and two sets of g110 , g231,
h213
> >core memory. It was missing the other half of the processor, the m7260.
I
> >bought a 60, 61 board set off ebay some time back so I might have a spare
> >61. I think that leaves one slot available in the 11/05 and I'm hoping a
> >rx02 controller and 8" drives out of my 11/44 will work. (?)
>
> No, that's an 11/04 and I GAVE it to you :-/
>
> Joe
>
Nope, You''re not remembering back far enough. it was an 11/05 earlier.
You did give me a filled LSI-11 card cage in that *big* pile later that
might be the 11/04 your thinking about (although I thought it was 11/03 ish)
otherwise you must be thinking of someone else. No 11/04s here but
definately an 11/05 and 11/44 among too many others.
;)
- Mike
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2003 21:52:23 -0600
From: Ron Hudson <ron.hudson(a)sbcglobal.net>
Subject: Re: OT: I never knew...
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts"
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org>
Message-ID: <9675FE24-310D-11D8-8167-000393C5A0B6(a)sbcglobal.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; delsp=yes; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed
On Wednesday, December 17, 2003, at 08:12 PM, Davison, Lee wrote:
>
>> Arrgh Dislexia again!
>
> Shouldn't that be dyslexia ?
probably :^)
>
> DARFC,
> Lee.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________________________________
> _
> This e-mail has been scanned for all viruses by Star Internet. The
> service is powered by MessageLabs. For more information on a proactive
> anti-virus service working around the clock, around the globe, visit:
> http://www.star.net.uk
> _______________________________________________________________________
> _
>
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2003 22:15:40 -0600
From: Ron Hudson <ron.hudson(a)sbcglobal.net>
Subject: OT - any C programmers out there?
To: Classic Computers <cctalk(a)classiccmp.org>
Message-ID: <D7019474-3110-11D8-8167-000393C5A0B6(a)sbcglobal.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed
I am having a problem with sscanf and a record with mixed numbers and
strings.
If you can help, please email off list
rhudson(a)sbcglobal.net
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2003 22:30:58 -0500
From: Joe <rigdonj(a)cfl.rr.com>
Subject: HP 9000 Series Configuration Reference Manual
To: cctalk(a)classiccmp.org
Message-ID: <3.0.6.32.20031217223058.00806520(a)pop-server.cfl.rr.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Hey if anyone is interested in the HP 9000 Series 200 and 300s you NEED
this book. This book lists ALL of the cards and peripherals can be used on
the systems and explains how to configure many of them. You don't see this
manual very often and it's dammed handy to have!
<http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2581298787&category=1504>
Joe
------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2003 20:32:56 -0800 (PST)
From: Fred Cisin <cisin(a)xenosoft.com>
Subject: RE: OT: I never knew...
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts"
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org>
Message-ID: <20031217203147.M28805(a)newshell.lmi.net>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
> > Arrgh Dislexia again!
> Shouldn't that be dyslexia ?
lysdexia
DYSLEXICS UNTIE!
------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2003 00:39:48 +0000 (GMT)
From: ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk (Tony Duell)
Subject: Re: shipping help from UK
To: cctalk(a)classiccmp.org
Message-ID: <m1AWmCl-000J1UC@p850ug1>
Content-Type: text/plain
> No, but you could ship the PSU in a separate box. (I don't know how easy
> it comes out). That's what I did with the Lisa.
The PSU does come out, but it's not totally trivial. IIRC, you have to
remove the PSU PSB from the PSU chassis (a number of screws) in order to
reach some of the connectors (mate-n-lock in-line things). Then you can
remove the PSU chassis complete with the (heavy) mains transformer.
-tony
------------------------------
Message: 8
Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2003 04:49:07 -0000
From: "Davison, Lee" <Lee.Davison(a)merlincommunications.com>
Subject: RE: OT: I never knew...
To: "'General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts'"
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org>
Message-ID: <8B39793544120140B253EFE052E7ED0A0171DD0E@nbulif015>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>>> Arrgh Dislexia again!
>> Shouldn't that be dyslexia ?
> lysdexia
> DYSLEXICS UNTIE!
Making fun of dyslexics is neither clever or furry!
________________________________________________________________________
This e-mail has been scanned for all viruses by Star Internet. The
service is powered by MessageLabs. For more information on a proactive
anti-virus service working around the clock, around the globe, visit:
http://www.star.net.uk
________________________________________________________________________
------------------------------
Message: 9
Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2003 04:48:05 +0000 (GMT)
From: ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk (Tony Duell)
Subject: Re: shipping help from UK
To: cctalk(a)classiccmp.org
Message-ID: <m1AWq52-000J1UC@p850ug1>
Content-Type: text/plain
> Hey me too. I think it originally came from Joe in a trade for several
> hp5036s long ago. It had the m7261 board and two sets of g110 , g231, h213
> core memory. It was missing the other half of the processor, the m7260. I
> bought a 60, 61 board set off ebay some time back so I might have a spare
> 61. I think that leaves one slot available in the 11/05 and I'm hoping a
> rx02 controller and 8" drives out of my 11/44 will work. (?)
Certainly should do. That spare slot is a standard SPC device slot. Of
course you'll have to cut the NPG jumper on the back of the backplane if
you put an RX211 in there.
-tony
------------------------------
Message: 10
Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2003 20:54:46 -0800 (PST)
From: Fred Cisin <cisin(a)xenosoft.com>
Subject: Re: OT: Google PI, I never knew...
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts"
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org>
Message-ID: <20031217205107.E28805(a)newshell.lmi.net>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
By now, you all know what happens if you search "miserable failure" in
Google.
But, if you go to
www.pi.nersc.gov
neither "miserable", NOR "failure" occur in the first 4 billion bits of
PI. Although "google" does, as does "pi" and "cctalk"
------------------------------
Message: 11
Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2003 22:55:03 -0600
From: "Jay West" <jwest(a)classiccmp.org>
Subject: hp 21mx E on ebay (question/comment)
To: <cctalk(a)classiccmp.org>
Message-ID: <000701c3c523$19d4f5a0$6400a8c0@HPLAPTOP>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
I looked a while ago at the HP 21MX E series on ebay. Just now happened to
come across it again at
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2772816038&category=1247
The unit says 21MX-E on the front, and also clearly says "E series
computer". However, the tag on the back says 2112A, which was an M series
machine. Odd. But further still... the keyswitch has positions operate,
standby, R, and lock. This was indicative of M series machines I thought.
True enough, M series were often upgraded to E series via a motherboard
upgrade. But the rotary key switch is obviously still connected. And from
what I've seen, M series upgraded to E they generally didn't take the time
to upgrade the front panel silkscreen.
I'm betting it's an M series. Or maybe an M that was very completely
upgraded to an E. Anyone have thoughts on this?
Regards,
Jay West
------------------------------
Message: 12
Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2003 04:51:38 +0000 (GMT)
From: ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk (Tony Duell)
Subject: Re: More on building PDP-11s
To: cctalk(a)classiccmp.org
Message-ID: <m1AWq8U-000J1UC@p850ug1>
Content-Type: text/plain
> Yes, well, it's also possible to use Unibus memory on an 11/70, but
> you have to set jumpers on one of the CPU cards. The Unibus memory will
> not be cached, nor will the RH70 Massbus adapters be able to access
> it.
You are limited to 124K words of memory on the Unibus. On the 11/45
that's all the memory the machine can address, and yes, you can have it
all on the Unibus. On the 11/70, that's only a small fraction of the
address space. It seems perverse to have a CPU capable of 22 bit
addressing, and with fast Massbus interfaces, and then cripple it like this!
I suspect you can use Unibus memory on the 11/44 too, with similar
restrictions.
-tony
------------------------------
Message: 13
Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2003 00:34:21 -0500
From: Patrick Finnegan <pat(a)computer-refuge.org>
Subject: So I've finally got it...
To: cctalk(a)classiccmp.org
Message-ID: <200312180034.21984.pat(a)computer-refuge.org>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
I know this is OT by a couple years, but I hope you all don't mind too
much ; )
After a few weeks of calling people, renting a uhaul, building a ramp,
pinning myself in a closet for a while, and nearly causing much damage
to my apartment, I now have what has been a dream/goal in my life:
There's a Mainframe sitting in my living room. Not just any mainframe,
but a nice black S/390 G3 (9672-RC4). It's got a 1996 list price that
rivals the prices of houses in SoCal, and it's managed to depreciate to
about 0.2% of its list price in around 7 years. And, with 2GB ram,
it's got more memory on its processor than I do in my fairly fast/
capable (very OT) PC...
Of course, it's configured for 3phase 200-480VAC (well, that's what it's
marked on the power supplies... I'm fairly suprised that they can have
that much variance)... but I've managed to get it to spin its fans and
power its "Support Element" laptop with single-phase 240VAC - using the
old "tie together two of the input phases to one leg of the power line"
trick. I've still got to fix how the wiring job is on that is done...
currently a ball of electrical tape, I'd like to stick the proper plugs
back on it and get some proper outlets (which hopefully will be less
than $50 apiece); that'll also let me power both the front AND back
power supplies on the sucker.
So, I've got the laptop booting, and the fans spinning on the S/390, but
none of the boards are powered up yet.. and it's asking for a username/
password to log into the "SE" application it has, which I'm willing to
bet is what will let me power up and IPL (boot) my new toy. Of course,
it doesn't have DASD (disks)... something will need to be worked on for
that, but it can probably come later... I'm hoping on using 'a UNIX
look-alike' on it for now, and am hoping I'll be able to get the kernel
booted without using DASD to boot it from. I'd have to install it from
somewhere, anyway, right?
Well, If anyone knows info to help me get into the SE or HMC, drop me a
line, I'd be interested in learning : ). For now, I'm trying to
contact the people I got it from for the info, but I'm not anticipating
much luck on that front.
For the rest of you, I've got some eye candy that's where I plan to put
information about this thing once I get farther along with it..
http://computer-refuge.org/s390/
Pat
--
Purdue University ITAP/RCS
Information Technology at Purdue
Research Computing and Storage
http://www.itap.purdue.edu/rcs/
------------------------------
Message: 14
Date: 18 Dec 2003 01:36:14 -0500
From: "R. D. Davis" <rdd(a)rddavis.org>
Subject: Re: So I've finally got it...
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts"
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org>
Message-ID: <20031218063614.GE280(a)rhiannon.rddavis.org>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Quothe Patrick Finnegan, from writings of Thu, Dec 18, 2003 at
12:34:21AM -0500:
> I know this is OT by a couple years, but I hope you all don't mind too
> much ; )
Nah... nice find!
> There's a Mainframe sitting in my living room. Not just any mainframe,
> but a nice black S/390 G3 (9672-RC4). It's got a 1996 list price that
> rivals the prices of houses in SoCal, and it's managed to depreciate to
Congratulations! Now all you need to do is find a little bit more
space for the immortal power supply (diesel generator and
appropriately sized battery-backed UPS) to go with it. :-)
Have fun!
> about 0.2% of its list price in around 7 years. And, with 2GB ram,
> it's got more memory on its processor than I do in my fairly fast/
> capable (very OT) PC...
Wow, twice the amount of RAM in my SparcServer 1000 (since we're
mentioning off-topic computer systems) :-)
--
Copyright (C) 2003 R. D. Davis The difference between humans & other animals:
All Rights Reserved an unnatural belief that we're above Nature &
rdd(a)rddavis.org 410-744-4900 her other creatures, using dogma to justify such
http://www.rddavis.org beliefs and to justify much human cruelty.
------------------------------
Message: 15
Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2003 21:11:10 -0500 (EST)
From: "Robert Krten" <root(a)parse.com>
Subject: Ann: D8TAPE -- unix program to dump/disassemble PDP-8 BIN/RIM
formatted paper tapes
To: cctech(a)classiccmp.org
Message-ID: <200312180211.VAA09013(a)parse.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Just released: d8tape
This program takes a BIN or RIM formatted paper tape binary file and disassembles
it. It features the documentation for the BIN and RIM paper tape formats as source
code comments, along with the documentation for the 8/I and 8/L IOTs (which it also
decodes). Released as "free for non-commercial" license.
Comments, bug reports, feature requests welcome.
See: http://www.parse.com/~museum/pdp8/software/index.html
Cheers,
-RK
--
Robert Krten, PARSE Software Devices +1 613 599 8316.
Realtime Systems Architecture, Consulting, Books and Training at www.parse.com
Looking for Digital Equipment Corp. PDP-1 through PDP-15 minicomputers!
------------------------------
Message: 16
Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2003 00:35:11 -0800
From: Mike Ford <mikeford(a)socal.rr.com>
Subject: Re: In need of a dumb part...
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic Posts Only" <cctech(a)classiccmp.org>
Message-ID:
<5.1.0.14.0.20031218003321.031359d0(a)pop-server.socal.rr.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
>IF anybody does have a PS/2 isa mouse card please let me know would really
>like one so my 386 can use the mouse on my kvm (have too many mice on my
>desk as it is.
I've seen plenty of cards that have a PS/2 mouse looking connection on
them, ie MS Mouse cards, is that what is being looked for?
------------------------------
Message: 17
Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2003 11:04:49 +0000
From: Dan Williams <dan_williams(a)ntlworld.com>
Subject: Re: FTGH DEC Cables. (UK)
To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org>
Message-ID: <3FE189D1.1050402(a)ntlworld.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Rob O'Donnell wrote:
> Hi.
>
> I've had these kicking about for a while, and I'm sure someone out
> there can use them; I know I can't. I picked them up in a factory
> that a customer had taken over. Going off the labels on the sockets,
> they had a microvax, so I presume these were for that.
>
> A multiway cable, big centronics style connector, with eight cables
> terminating in RJ45s, P/N BN26R-03 (or so it says on the plug)
>
> Two circuit boards, corresponding centronics style socket, and eight
> RJ45 sockets. marked 5022364-01B1T1 5422365 L1 H3117MA
> and 5022364-01 B1 5422365 L1 H3117MA.
>
> Pic at http://www.irrelevant.com/pics/deccable.jpg
>
> Free to good home (or first person to ask, anyway) just pay shipping;
> I'm in the UK, and package weighs a bit under 750g.
>
> regards
>
> Rob.
>
>
>
Am I too late or have these gone already ?
Dan
------------------------------
Message: 18
Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2003 06:09:17 -0500
From: Christopher McNabb <cmcnabb(a)4mcnabb.net>
Subject: Re: OT: I never knew...
To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org>
Message-ID: <3FE18ADD.5050201(a)4mcnabb.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed
Davison, Lee wrote:
> Making fun of dyslexics is neither clever or furry!
>
That is the message being put out by DAM (Mothers Against Dyslexia)
------------------------------
Message: 19
Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2003 08:24:12 -0600
From: Ed Tillman <ETILLMAN(a)satx.rr.com>
Subject: Re: OT: I never knew...
To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org>
Message-ID: <3FE1B88C.6020501(a)satx.rr.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Davison, Lee wrote:
>>>>Arrgh Dislexia again!
>>>>
>>>>
>>>Shouldn't that be dyslexia ?
>>>
>>>
>
>
>
>>lysdexia
>>
>>
>
>
>
>>DYSLEXICS UNTIE!
>>
>>
>
>Making fun of dyslexics is neither clever or furry!
>
>
>
>
Wyh nto?! I have to fight with this daily, and have had to for 50
years... If I can't laugh at it, then what good is it?
>
>
>
>
>
>________________________________________________________________________
>This e-mail has been scanned for all viruses by Star Internet. The
>service is powered by MessageLabs. For more information on a proactive
>anti-virus service working around the clock, around the globe, visit:
>http://www.star.net.uk
>________________________________________________________________________
>
>
>
------------------------------
Message: 20
Date: 18 Dec 2003 12:37:39 +0000
From: Jules Richardson <julesrichardsonuk(a)yahoo.co.uk>
Subject: Re: OT: I never knew...
To: "General Discussion: "On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org>
Message-ID: <1071751058.14556.77.camel(a)weka.localdomain>
Content-Type: text/plain
> > On Wed, 17 Dec 2003, Ron Hudson wrote:
> >> Google thinks 335 / 113 = 2.96460177
>
> Arrgh Dislexia again!
>
> >
> > but it thinks that 355/113 is 3.14159292
OK I totally missed the typo, thinking that you were implying that
Google treats the spaces as significant and interprets them as numerical
vaules :-)
umm, values too... dyslexia here too today...
J.
------------------------------
Message: 21
Date: 18 Dec 2003 12:45:43 +0000
From: Jules Richardson <julesrichardsonuk(a)yahoo.co.uk>
Subject: New Research Machines finds
To: cctalk(a)classiccmp.org
Message-ID: <1071751543.14556.86.camel(a)weka.localdomain>
Content-Type: text/plain
Couple of new Research Machines finds just turned up:
A 380Z in great condition, with the added bonus that it came with all
the manuals. Quick look inside shows it to be pretty stock, except that
I was told it had some sort of silicon disk option fitted. It does look
to have a memory-type board hooked up to the bus that I wasn't
expecting. Currently drying out prior to strip-down and checking as it
had to overnight in the car...
An RM NB300 laptop. Bet there aren't many of those about (I confess to
not even knowing that RM made a laptop until the guy I got the 380Z from
suddenly remembered that he had it!). Looks to be fairly standard stuff
inside - Conner crap-o-matic 40MB IDE drive, 386 cpu, 4MB RAM etc. but
probably a quite nice spec for the time.
The internal keyboard cable (one of those flat ribbons) is snapped -
anyone know of a UK source for them? Othwise I'll just have to keep an
eye out for replacements in broken laptops...
Oh, I also got various bits of software for both machines - system
disks, Windows 1.0 for the laptop etc.
cheers
Jules
------------------------------
Message: 22
Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2003 09:22:22 -0500
From: chris <cb(a)mythtech.net>
Subject: RE: OT: I never knew...
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts "
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org>
Message-ID: <S.0000293682(a)mythtech.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
>> Arrgh Dislexia again!
>
>Shouldn't that be dyslexia ?
D is for Lysdexia !
-chris
<http://www.mythtech.net>
------------------------------
Message: 23
Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2003 06:58:11 -0800
From: "vrs" <vrs(a)msn.com>
Subject: Re: D8TAPE -- unix program to dump/disassemble PDP-8
BIN/RIMformatted paper tapes
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts"
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org>
Message-ID: <BAY5-DAV99Jv3zOdnjQ0000086c(a)hotmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
> Just released: d8tape
>
> This program takes a BIN or RIM formatted paper tape binary file and
disassembles
> it. It features the documentation for the BIN and RIM paper tape formats
as source
> code comments, along with the documentation for the 8/I and 8/L IOTs
(which it also
> decodes). Released as "free for non-commercial" license.
>
> Comments, bug reports, feature requests welcome.
>
> See: http://www.parse.com/~museum/pdp8/software/index.html
Hey, I did one of these (in Perl), too! I used it to reverse engineer
sources for various versions of Focal. I also have a perverse version that
"disassembles" to x86 assembly, which then links to a support module to help
emulate the IOTs.
Your stuff gets published, though :-)!
Thanks!
Vince
------------------------------
Message: 24
Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2003 15:35:17 -0000
From: "Witchy" <witchy(a)binarydinosaurs.co.uk>
Subject: RE: New Research Machines finds
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts"
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org>
Message-ID:
<EAELLACDNKNOEIOECBEEEEDNEFAA.witchy(a)binarydinosaurs.co.uk>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
> -----Original Message-----
> From: cctalk-bounces(a)classiccmp.org
> [mailto:cctalk-bounces@classiccmp.org]On Behalf Of Jules Richardson
> Sent: 18 December 2003 12:46
> To: cctalk(a)classiccmp.org
> Subject: New Research Machines finds
>
>
> Couple of new Research Machines finds just turned up:
>
> A 380Z in great condition, with the added bonus that it came with all
> the manuals. Quick look inside shows it to be pretty stock, except that
> I was told it had some sort of silicon disk option fitted. It does look
> to have a memory-type board hooked up to the bus that I wasn't
Swine :o)
--
adrian/witchy
www.binarydinosaurs.co.uk - the online computer museum
www.snakebiteandblack.co.uk - ex-monthly gothic shenanigans :o(
------------------------------
Message: 25
Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2003 07:54:17 -0800
From: Marvin Johnston <marvin(a)rain.org>
Subject: Re: OT: I never knew...
To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org>
Message-ID: <3FE1CDA9.A9CF4083(a)rain.org>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Dam - Mothers Against Dyslexia
Ed Tillman wrote:
>
> Davison, Lee wrote:
>
> >>>>Arrgh Dislexia again!
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>Shouldn't that be dyslexia ?
> >>>
> >>>
> >
> >
> >
> >>lysdexia
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >>DYSLEXICS UNTIE!
> >>
> >>
> >
> >Making fun of dyslexics is neither clever or furry!
> >
> >
> >
> >
> Wyh nto?! I have to fight with this daily, and have had to for 50
> years... If I can't laugh at it, then what good is it?
>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >________________________________________________________________________
> >This e-mail has been scanned for all viruses by Star Internet. The
> >service is powered by MessageLabs. For more information on a proactive
> >anti-virus service working around the clock, around the globe, visit:
> >http://www.star.net.uk
> >________________________________________________________________________
> >
> >
> >
------------------------------
Message: 26
Date: 18 Dec 2003 16:06:51 +0000
From: Jules Richardson <julesrichardsonuk(a)yahoo.co.uk>
Subject: RE: New Research Machines finds
To: witchy(a)binarydinosaurs.co.uk, "General Discussion: "On-Topic and
Off-Topic Posts <cctalk(a)classiccmp.org>
Message-ID: <1071763610.14557.94.camel(a)weka.localdomain>
Content-Type: text/plain
On Thu, 2003-12-18 at 15:35, Witchy wrote:
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: cctalk-bounces(a)classiccmp.org
> > [mailto:cctalk-bounces@classiccmp.org]On Behalf Of Jules Richardson
Hmmm... something very odd be happening with my email, I need to go pick
the server apart I think...
> > Couple of new Research Machines finds just turned up:
> >
> > A 380Z in great condition, with the added bonus that it came with all
> > the manuals. Quick look inside shows it to be pretty stock, except that
> > I was told it had some sort of silicon disk option fitted. It does look
> > to have a memory-type board hooked up to the bus that I wasn't
>
> Swine :o)
Heh heh :p
It's not boxed though... although I must ask the person who I got it
>from if he has the box. I know he has some more RM stuff at an old
office but I think it's all Nimbus-era equipment.
Nice to have the proper manuals for the 380Z though - and they're from
that era of real computing, meaning that all the schematics etc. come
with them :)
Will hopefully check it out this evening and see if it fires up.
cheers
Jules
------------------------------
Message: 27
Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2003 10:59:20 -0600
From: "Christopher Cureau" <chrisc(a)addpower.com>
Subject: Viking disk controller on Ebay
To: cctalk(a)classiccmp.org
Message-ID: <OF87A1DC00.A305D3CD-ON86256E00.005D1DC0(a)addpower.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Does anyone have information on this controller? Does it do MSCP
emulation? I want SCSI, but I don't want to get something that won't be
compatible with 2.11BSD or the like...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2772733938&category=1247
------------------------------
Message: 28
Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2003 11:22:01 -0500 (EST)
From: "Robert Krten" <root(a)parse.com>
Subject: Re: D8TAPE -- unix program to dump/disassemble PDP-8
To: cctech(a)classiccmp.org
Message-ID: <200312181622.LAA04062(a)parse.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
vrs sez...
>
> > Just released: d8tape
> >
> > This program takes a BIN or RIM formatted paper tape binary file and
> disassembles
> > it. It features the documentation for the BIN and RIM paper tape formats
> as source
> > code comments, along with the documentation for the 8/I and 8/L IOTs
> (which it also
> > decodes). Released as "free for non-commercial" license.
> >
> > Comments, bug reports, feature requests welcome.
> >
> > See: http://www.parse.com/~museum/pdp8/software/index.html
>
> Hey, I did one of these (in Perl), too! I used it to reverse engineer
> sources for various versions of Focal. I also have a perverse version that
> "disassembles" to x86 assembly, which then links to a support module to help
> emulate the IOTs.
>
> Your stuff gets published, though :-)!
:-)
A new feature that I'm working on now is the ability to convert RIM -> BIN
or vice versa, as well as a RIM -> RIM and BIN -> BIN "cleanup" phase that
trims off excess pre-header and post-trailer stuff. Look for it at a website
near you soon! :-)
Cheers,
-RK
--
Robert Krten, PARSE Software Devices +1 613 599 8316.
Realtime Systems Architecture, Consulting, Books and Training at www.parse.com
Looking for Digital Equipment Corp. PDP-1 through PDP-15 minicomputers!
------------------------------
Message: 29
Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2003 08:46:16 -0800 (PST)
From: William Miller <wlm_phd(a)yahoo.com>
Subject: Basic Four Computers
To: cctech(a)classiccmp.org
Message-ID: <20031218164616.11909.qmail(a)web13306.mail.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Hi Merle -
I couldn't help but respond to a posting that I saw. I'm amazed that these computers are still around. This just brings up all kinds of memories. I was one of the original development engineers at Basic Four from 1973 through 1978. I wrote all the firmware for the 1300 CPU which was an enhanced emulation of the 1200 that we bought from (I think) Microdata, in addition to almost every peripheral diagnostic, most of the drivers and a big hunk of BB2. So, if the computer museum ever needs a little background on the company or products of Basic Four, give me a yell.
William L. (Bill) Miller, Ph.D.
---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharingFrom cctalk-admin Thu Dec 18 11:40:26 2003
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Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2003 09:21:11 -0800 (PST)
From: "George Leo Rachor Jr." <george(a)rachors.com>
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk(a)classiccmp.org>
In-Reply-To: <20031215212530.GR2585(a)rhiannon.rddavis.org>
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Subject: Re: Gould Biomation K-105D Logic Analyzer Available
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As one who ended up with 2 I can tell you that Pods are hard to come
by. Where is this one located?
George Rachor
=========================================================
George L. Rachor Jr. george(a)rachors.com
Hillsboro, Oregon http://rachors.com
United States of America Amateur Radio : KD7DCX
On 15 Dec 2003, R. D. Davis wrote:
> Is there anyone on this list who is looking for a spare Gould
> Biomation K-105D logic analyzer? This one appears to be rather nice,
> but it has no pods or probes. It did power up and pass self-tests the
> last time that I checked it. Trades are welcome.
>
> --
> Copyright (C) 2003 R. D. Davis The difference between humans & other animals:
> All Rights Reserved an unnatural belief that we're above Nature &
> rdd(a)rddavis.org 410-744-4900 her other creatures, using dogma to justify such
> http://www.rddavis.org beliefs and to justify much human cruelty.
>
------------------------------
Message: 30
Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2003 17:38:41 +0000
From: Dan Williams <dan_williams(a)ntlworld.com>
Subject: Re: New Research Machines finds
To: witchy(a)binarydinosaurs.co.uk, General Discussion: On-Topic and
Off-Topic Posts <cctalk(a)classiccmp.org>
Message-ID: <3FE1E621.3030407(a)ntlworld.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Witchy wrote:
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: cctalk-bounces(a)classiccmp.org
>>[mailto:cctalk-bounces@classiccmp.org]On Behalf Of Jules Richardson
>>Sent: 18 December 2003 12:46
>>To: cctalk(a)classiccmp.org
>>Subject: New Research Machines finds
>>
>>
>>Couple of new Research Machines finds just turned up:
>>
>>A 380Z in great condition, with the added bonus that it came with all
>>the manuals. Quick look inside shows it to be pretty stock, except that
>>I was told it had some sort of silicon disk option fitted. It does look
>>to have a memory-type board hooked up to the bus that I wasn't
>>
>>
>
>
>
I had up until about 5 years ago two of these, with all original 8"
software disks, double 8" drive and two external winchester drives. The
external winchesters where big mfm disks with a convertor board to scsi
or sasi I can't remember. They are great looking machines with a BIG
reset button and keyswitch. I wish I hadn't given them away. One of them
still had all the server software on it to boot a network of 30 odd 480z
machines which it did with ease until they replaced it with a nimbus server.
On another note does anyone still have a nimbus with c-dos and the 480z
network software installed on it. I have very fond memories of these
>from school. I can remember when they replaced all the 480z's with
nimbus's (nimbi ?). They had a few 286's when I left which I believe
where around the ?2000 mark then.
I know the borough I lived in (Bromley) used almost exclusivly RM
machines was that the same everywhere in the UK.
Dan
------------------------------
Message: 31
Date: 18 Dec 2003 17:25:32 +0000
From: Jules Richardson <julesrichardsonuk(a)yahoo.co.uk>
Subject: Free to a good home... (Cambridge UK)
To: "General Discussion: "On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org>
Message-ID: <1071768332.14557.138.camel(a)weka.localdomain>
Content-Type: text/plain
I'm planning a minor clear-out, so just seeing if there's any initial
interest in the following:
Machines, (currently half-buried in storage)
Commodore 16 (I haven't yet found where I've put the PSU!)
Memotech MTX 500 + PSU
Commodore Vic 20, games, welcome pack, tape deck, joystick etc.
I'll dig them out properly and make sure they still power up ok if
someone wants them.
Printers (currently very buried in storage :-)
Canon PW1080A standard dot matrix thingy
DEC LQP02 wide-carriage daisywheel
TI Omni 800 - 820 RO terminal (wide carriage)
I have vague memories of the Canon and the TI working before I shoved
them in the store room years ago. Can't remember when it comes to the
DEC (or where on earth I got it!)
Odds and ends:
A Ferranti IBM XT clone / approximation. From memory: 8bit ISA bus,
plus a couple of non-standard slots, uses an 8086 CPU, two seperate
PSUs. Lots of ULA logic. I have a spare board set for it too. Never got
it to boot - not sure what version of DOS it requires.
DEC Rainbow 100 system board, case lid, and I think I have a PSU
kicking around too. Kept around as spares for my working 'bow, but I
think I'd rather have the space the bits take up.
The Philips P3800 mini that I've mentioned on here before - power
supply certainly is hosed. I just don't know when I'm ever going to get
the time to try and sort it out, and it's a bit too bulky to justify
hanging onto it. Hence it's going to have to go to the scrap if I can't
find a home for it soon :-(
I may have either a Mac II or a Mac IIcx free soon too, when I decide
which one I want to part with :-)
There may be other stuff as and when I unearth it...
I'm not much of a shipping fan I'm afraid so really want someone to pick
anything they want up - as well as Cambridge I get over Milton Keynes
way every so often too.
cheers
Jules
End of cctalk Digest, Vol 4, Issue 38
*************************************
I'm looking at getting a cpu shipped to me from the UK. I checked UPS and it
says 40 pounds, 30x20x10 inches, would be about $106 to ship to me in US,
63146.
I've never shipped anything from UK to US before - can anyone advise if
there is a better carrier, things to look out for, etc. I'd appreciate any
advice.
Normally I wouldn't go to so much trouble, but it's a older PDP-11 that
would particularly round out my collection :)
Jay
---
[This E-mail scanned for viruses by Declude Virus]
I'm planning a minor clear-out, so just seeing if there's any initial
interest in the following:
Machines, (currently half-buried in storage)
Commodore 16 (I haven't yet found where I've put the PSU!)
Memotech MTX 500 + PSU
Commodore Vic 20, games, welcome pack, tape deck, joystick etc.
I'll dig them out properly and make sure they still power up ok if
someone wants them.
Printers (currently very buried in storage :-)
Canon PW1080A standard dot matrix thingy
DEC LQP02 wide-carriage daisywheel
TI Omni 800 - 820 RO terminal (wide carriage)
I have vague memories of the Canon and the TI working before I shoved
them in the store room years ago. Can't remember when it comes to the
DEC (or where on earth I got it!)
Odds and ends:
A Ferranti IBM XT clone / approximation. From memory: 8bit ISA bus,
plus a couple of non-standard slots, uses an 8086 CPU, two seperate
PSUs. Lots of ULA logic. I have a spare board set for it too. Never got
it to boot - not sure what version of DOS it requires.
DEC Rainbow 100 system board, case lid, and I think I have a PSU
kicking around too. Kept around as spares for my working 'bow, but I
think I'd rather have the space the bits take up.
The Philips P3800 mini that I've mentioned on here before - power
supply certainly is hosed. I just don't know when I'm ever going to get
the time to try and sort it out, and it's a bit too bulky to justify
hanging onto it. Hence it's going to have to go to the scrap if I can't
find a home for it soon :-(
I may have either a Mac II or a Mac IIcx free soon too, when I decide
which one I want to part with :-)
There may be other stuff as and when I unearth it...
I'm not much of a shipping fan I'm afraid so really want someone to pick
anything they want up - as well as Cambridge I get over Milton Keynes
way every so often too.
cheers
Jules
Just released: d8tape
This program takes a BIN or RIM formatted paper tape binary file and disassembles
it. It features the documentation for the BIN and RIM paper tape formats as source
code comments, along with the documentation for the 8/I and 8/L IOTs (which it also
decodes). Released as "free for non-commercial" license.
Comments, bug reports, feature requests welcome.
See: http://www.parse.com/~museum/pdp8/software/index.html
Cheers,
-RK
--
Robert Krten, PARSE Software Devices +1 613 599 8316.
Realtime Systems Architecture, Consulting, Books and Training at www.parse.com
Looking for Digital Equipment Corp. PDP-1 through PDP-15 minicomputers!
>>> Arrgh Dislexia again!
>> Shouldn't that be dyslexia ?
> lysdexia
> DYSLEXICS UNTIE!
Making fun of dyslexics is neither clever or furry!
________________________________________________________________________
This e-mail has been scanned for all viruses by Star Internet. The
service is powered by MessageLabs. For more information on a proactive
anti-virus service working around the clock, around the globe, visit:
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________________________________________________________________________
Somebody just showed me "Google calculator". Go to google and enter any of
the following:
0xf342 - 54
38891 in octal
10kg * 4m/s^2
26tbsp
I guess I can throw away my 27S now. :-) --Patrick
Hi.
I've had these kicking about for a while, and I'm sure someone out there
can use them; I know I can't. I picked them up in a factory that a
customer had taken over. Going off the labels on the sockets, they had a
microvax, so I presume these were for that.
A multiway cable, big centronics style connector, with eight cables
terminating in RJ45s, P/N BN26R-03 (or so it says on the plug)
Two circuit boards, corresponding centronics style socket, and eight RJ45
sockets. marked 5022364-01B1T1 5422365 L1 H3117MA
and 5022364-01 B1 5422365 L1 H3117MA.
Pic at http://www.irrelevant.com/pics/deccable.jpg
Free to good home (or first person to ask, anyway) just pay shipping; I'm
in the UK, and package weighs a bit under 750g.
regards
Rob.
I know this is OT by a couple years, but I hope you all don't mind too
much ; )
After a few weeks of calling people, renting a uhaul, building a ramp,
pinning myself in a closet for a while, and nearly causing much damage
to my apartment, I now have what has been a dream/goal in my life:
There's a Mainframe sitting in my living room. Not just any mainframe,
but a nice black S/390 G3 (9672-RC4). It's got a 1996 list price that
rivals the prices of houses in SoCal, and it's managed to depreciate to
about 0.2% of its list price in around 7 years. And, with 2GB ram,
it's got more memory on its processor than I do in my fairly fast/
capable (very OT) PC...
Of course, it's configured for 3phase 200-480VAC (well, that's what it's
marked on the power supplies... I'm fairly suprised that they can have
that much variance)... but I've managed to get it to spin its fans and
power its "Support Element" laptop with single-phase 240VAC - using the
old "tie together two of the input phases to one leg of the power line"
trick. I've still got to fix how the wiring job is on that is done...
currently a ball of electrical tape, I'd like to stick the proper plugs
back on it and get some proper outlets (which hopefully will be less
than $50 apiece); that'll also let me power both the front AND back
power supplies on the sucker.
So, I've got the laptop booting, and the fans spinning on the S/390, but
none of the boards are powered up yet.. and it's asking for a username/
password to log into the "SE" application it has, which I'm willing to
bet is what will let me power up and IPL (boot) my new toy. Of course,
it doesn't have DASD (disks)... something will need to be worked on for
that, but it can probably come later... I'm hoping on using 'a UNIX
look-alike' on it for now, and am hoping I'll be able to get the kernel
booted without using DASD to boot it from. I'd have to install it from
somewhere, anyway, right?
Well, If anyone knows info to help me get into the SE or HMC, drop me a
line, I'd be interested in learning : ). For now, I'm trying to
contact the people I got it from for the info, but I'm not anticipating
much luck on that front.
For the rest of you, I've got some eye candy that's where I plan to put
information about this thing once I get farther along with it..
http://computer-refuge.org/s390/
Pat
--
Purdue University ITAP/RCS
Information Technology at Purdue
Research Computing and Storage
http://www.itap.purdue.edu/rcs/