[This showed up on the TRS-80 list that I'm on. I figured many of you
here would enjoy it. -g.]
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sat, 16 Jul 2011 09:01:17 -0000
From: Rainer <fredrich at .......de>
Reply-To: TRS-80 at yahoogroups.com
To: TRS-80 at yahoogroups.com
Subject: [TRS-80] Reviews of TRS-80 and compatible computers in magazines of the
1970s & 80s
For some TRS-80 fans it may be interesting to have a view on the editor's judgements from the earlier times when these computers were displayed in computer shop's display windows for sale. The technical details of the reviewed computers are more precise and meaningful than the shorthand technical specifications found on modern computer museum internet sites. Some of the reviews are more well disposed and other less. Because of the different views of the various editors the reader can make himself a pretty good overview about the desired computer model. Since some of the reviews are difficult to obtain nowadays I think it might be useful to make them available in this manner.
Beside the elder TRS-80 computer enthusiasts (I'm 51 years old) which are familiar with most of the TRS-80 models since the late 1970s there may be younger ones who could be supported in their decision to obtain a specific model. The containing information of the reviews might bring some light in the beginner's lack of knowlegde of the different types of TRS-80 and compatible computers. BTW, are there any younger TRS-80 users among us (born after ~1980) or do the group members consist only of survivers of the former 8-bit times?
The reviews are taken almost all from independent magazines like Byte or 80micro and similar printed publications. The pages from the magazine 'Microcomputer News' should more seen like an introduction and advertisment than real reviews because this magazine was published by Radio Shack. Nevertheless I have added for completeness a few of the overviews from this magazine too.
Some of the models have more reviews than others. That's because my access is limited to only a small fraction of all ever printed issues of the various computer magazines. For example: the Model III which is represented only by one review is accidently the least recognized computer in this collection despite the fact that this model is one of the most spread ones. Does someone have another review of the Model III?
I've collected all the reviews found in magazines that I have (had) personally on paper or that are (were) accessible in digitized formats (PDF, JPG or plain text) on the internet. Regardless of the original data format all the reviews are now in PDF.
Featured Tandy Radio Shack computers:
- TRS-80 Model I
- TRS-80 Model II
- TRS-80 Model III
- TRS-80 Model 4
- TRS-80 Model 4P
- TRS-80 Model 12
- TRS-80 Model 16
- TRS-80 Model 16B
- TRS-80 DT-1
- TRS-80 Color Computer
Featured TRS-80 compatible computers:
- PMC-80
- Dick Smith System 80
- Video Genie
- Lobo Max-80
- LNW80
- Trommelschlaeger TCS GENIE IIIS
- Trommelschlaeger Speedmaster
The examined magazines (nearly all in English language exept the mentioned German magazines):
- 80micro
- Byte
- 80-US
- Microcomputer News
- Creative Computing
- Infoworld
- Micro-80
- CHIP (German language)
- c't (German language)
- Computer Persoenlich (German language)
The reviews of the specific models are integrated to sets of PDF files and packed in RAR archive files. To unpack the desired file you can use the program Winrar for example. Other packing programs like Winzip may work as well.
For more information look at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAR_(file_format)
The sets are named:
TRS-80_Model_I_Reviews_(Version_YYYY-MM-DD).rar
TRS-80_Model_II-12_Reviews_(Version_YYYY-MM-DD).rar
TRS-80_Model_III_Reviews_(Version_YYYY-MM-DD).rar
TRS-80_Model_4_Reviews_(Version_YYYY-MM-DD).rar
TRS-80_Model_16_and_Terminal_DT-1_(Version_YYYY-MM-DD).rar
TRS-80_Compatibles_Reviews_(Version_YYYY-MM-DD).rar
Color_Computer_Reviews_(Version_YYYY-MM-DD).rar
Additionally for the interested party that like to have all reviews a RAR file is available that includes the whole collection:
Tandy_Radio_Shack_and_Compatible_Computers_Reviews_(whole_collection)_(Version_YYYY-MM-DD).rar
A set's version date (Version_YYYY-MM-DD) is updated every time a new review is added to the set. The first version date of all sets is 2011-07-12. Coming updates will be published here.
Each archive file is stored on two different file hosting services for downloading. You can choose your preferred file hoster. The files are usually deleted by the services after a period of 30-60 days without a download. Please let me know if a file isn't accessible anymore. See below for the download links.
Have fun with reading. Additional contributions of reviews and any comments are welcome.
Best Regards,
Rainer
Germany
The archive files and their contents:
--> TRS-80_Model_I_Reviews_(Version_2011-07-12).rar
Filesize: 5.32MB
Download links:
http://www.share-online.biz/dl/8O8IKBOLCFQhttp://www.fileserve.com/file/8rFWE4n
Contents:
TRS-80 Model I
Byte 1977-11, page 46
TRS-80 Model I
Byte 1978-04, page 49
--- German ---
TRS-80 Model I
CHIP 1979-07
==========================
--> TRS-80_Model_II-12_Reviews_(Version_2011-07-12).rar
Filesize: 4.05MB
Download links:
http://www.share-online.biz/dl/61F7LBOLRHhttp://www.fileserve.com/file/KjpdT5M
Contents:
TRS-80 Model II vs. IBM PC 5150
80micro 1982-03, page 168
TRS-80 Model 12
80micro 1983-05, page 133
TRS-80 Model 12
InfoWorld 1983-08-22, page 50
--- German ---
TRS-80 Model 12
Computer Persoenlich 1983-09
==========================
--> TRS-80_Model_III_Reviews_(Version_2011-07-12).rar
Filesize: 0.95MB
Download links:
http://www.share-online.biz/dl/CHHALBOLA9http://www.fileserve.com/file/n2ZXKk6
Contents:
TRS-80 Model III
Micro-80 1981-02 (Issue 15), page 2
==========================
--> TRS-80_Model_4_Reviews_(Version_2011-07-12).rar
Filesize: 6.62MB
Download links:
http://www.share-online.biz/dl/1NZOLBOLPLhttp://www.fileserve.com/file/XnKhcbQ
Contents:
TRS-80 Model 4
80-US 1983-06 (Vol. 6 - Issue 6), page 14
TRS-80 Model 4
Micro-80 1984-01 (Vol. 4 - Issue 06), page 10
TRS-80 Model 4
Microcomputer News 1983-05, page 17
TRS-80 Model 4
Byte 1983-10, page 292
TRS-80 Model 4D
80micro 1986-02, page 29
TRS-80 Model 4P
80micro 1984-03, page 42
==========================
--> TRS-80_Model_16_and_Terminal_DT-1_(Version_2011-07-12).rar
Filesize: 4.67MB
Download links:
http://www.share-online.biz/dl/3K3ZLBOLX5Thttp://www.fileserve.com/file/EZG2e4B
Contents:
TRS-80 Model 16
Microcomputer News 1982-03, page 32
TRS-80 Model 16
80-US 1982-08, page 39
TRS-80 Model 16
80micro 1982-09, page 16 - Model 16's Future
80micro 1982-09, page 300 - Whither DOS for the Model 16?
TRS-80 Model 16
80micro 1983-02, page 228
TRS-80 Model 16B
Microcomputer News 1983-10, page 11
TRS-80 DT-1
80-US 1982-08, page 54
==========================
--> TRS-80_Compatibles_Reviews_(Version_2011-07-12).rar
Filesize: 31.6MB
Download links:
http://www.share-online.biz/dl/I7VGMBOLZDhttp://www.fileserve.com/file/QvkTac8
Contents:
Dick Smith System 80
Micro-80 1980-06 (Issue 07), page 5
PMC-80, Video Genie, Dick Smith System 80
80micro 1982-01, page 218
PMC-80
InfoWorld 1981-04-13, page 54
Lobo Max-80
80micro 1983-07, page 122
Lobo MAX-80
InfoWorld 1981-01-17, page 53
LNW-80
Byte 1984-05, page 258
LNW-80 Kit
80micro 1982-05, page 206
LNW-80 Kit
80micro 1982-10, page 356
--- German ---
Video Genie EG3003
CHIP 1980-11
Genie II EG3008
CHIP 1982-01
Trommelschlaeger TCS GENIE IIIS
c't 1985-03, page 100
Trommelschlaeger Speedmaster
CHIP 1984-09, page 98
==========================
--> Color_Computer_Reviews_(Version_2011-07-12).rar
Filesize: 4.62MB
Download links:
http://www.share-online.biz/dl/94N82FOL0Fhttp://www.fileserve.com/file/nr7pybg
Contents:
Color Computer
80micro 1981-01, page 88
Color Computer
80micro 1981-06, page 202
Color Computer
80micro 1981-08, page 286
--- German ---
Color Computer 2
c't 1984-05, page 48
==========================
--> Tandy_Radio_Shack_and_Compatible_Computers_Reviews_(whole_collection)_(Version_2011-07-12).rar
Filesize: 57.8MB
Download links:
http://www.share-online.biz/dl/FU5S3FOL2J5http://www.fileserve.com/file/VfA2cRD
Contents:
TRS-80 Model I
Byte 1977-11, page 46
TRS-80 Model I
Byte 1978-04, page 49
--- German ---
TRS-80 Model I
CHIP 1979-07
--------------------------
TRS-80 Model II vs. IBM PC 5150
80micro 1982-03, page 168
TRS-80 Model 12
80micro 1983-05, page 133
TRS-80 Model 12
InfoWorld 1983-08-22, page 50
--- German ---
TRS-80 Model 12
Computer Persoenlich 1983-09
--------------------------
TRS-80 Model III
Micro-80 1981-02 (Issue 15), page 2
--------------------------
TRS-80 Model 4
80-US 1983-06 (Vol. 6 - Issue 6), page 14
TRS-80 Model 4
Micro-80 1984-01 (Vol. 4 - Issue 06), page 10
TRS-80 Model 4
Microcomputer News 1983-05, page 17
TRS-80 Model 4
Byte 1983-10, page 292
TRS-80 Model 4D
80micro 1986-02, page 29
TRS-80 Model 4P
80micro 1984-03, page 42
--------------------------
TRS-80 Model 16
Microcomputer News 1982-03, page 32
TRS-80 Model 16
80-US 1982-08, page 39
TRS-80 Model 16
80micro 1982-09, page 16 - Model 16's Future
80micro 1982-09, page 300 - Whither DOS for the Model 16?
TRS-80 Model 16
80micro 1983-02, page 228
TRS-80 Model 16B
Microcomputer News 1983-10, page 11
TRS-80 DT-1
80-US 1982-08, page 54
--------------------------
Dick Smith System 80
Micro-80 1980-06 (Issue 07), page 5
PMC-80, Video Genie, Dick Smith System 80
80micro 1982-01, page 218
PMC-80
InfoWorld 1981-04-13, page 54
Lobo Max-80
80micro 1983-07, page 122
Lobo MAX-80
InfoWorld 1981-01-17, page 53
LNW-80
Byte 1984-05, page 258
LNW-80 Kit
80micro 1982-05, page 206
LNW-80 Kit
80micro 1982-10, page 356
--- German ---
Video Genie EG3003
CHIP 1980-11
Genie II EG3008
CHIP 1982-01
Trommelschlaeger TCS GENIE IIIS
c't 1985-03, page 100
Trommelschlaeger Speedmaster
CHIP 1984-09, page 98
--------------------------
Color Computer
80micro 1981-01, page 88
Color Computer
80micro 1981-06, page 202
Color Computer
80micro 1981-08, page 286
--- German ---
Color Computer 2
c't 1984-05, page 48
==========================
------------------------------------
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PDP-11 on an S-100 Card
Steven M Jones classiccmp at crash.com
Thu Jul 14 19:00:45 CDT 2011
Previous message: Seeking Morrow MPZ80 rev3a PALs
Next message: PDP-11 on an S-100 Card
Messages sorted by: [ date ] [ thread ] [ subject ] [ author ]
There was a thread here or on the N8VEM-S100 list about putting
different vintage CPUs on a newly designed S-100 boards. I happen to be
cleaning up my office and came across something done back in the day
worth noting on that theme...
In the May 1984 issue of Microsystems, /The Journal for Advanced
Microcomputing/ (Vol 5, Num 5), there is a directory of S-100 products.
ABACUS Technology Systems, Inc is among the vendors listed, and on page
67 they have a 1/4 page ad for their PC11 product - right next to a
similar ad for the Lattice C compiler. This board features a T11 with
32KW of RAM, and runs RT-11 v5.0 with compatible I/O devices emulated
somehow by a CP/M program (presumably running on an 808x/Z80 card in the
same chassis).
Here's the full text of the ad:
[snip]
-----REPLY-----
Hi! It was on CCTALK mailing list the S-100 PDP-11 was discussed a few weeks ago by the people here.
My offer to build a board still stands but it will take some effort of someone(s) who can design the schematic and write the software for whatever free/open source software is necessary.
As I recall, the project fizzled since the obstacles to overcome were simply too enormous. That's a shame however if someone gets ambitious and wants to take this on please let me know since I'll volunteer to make the PCB, get some prototypes, etc.
Thanks and have a nice day!
Andrew Lynch
Hey all!
I'm planning to upgrade my home network at some point in the
not-too-distant future and I'm trying to figure out what to do with my
serial-terminal-console machines. Right now I'm using a decserver
200/mc to connect to them, but its always been a little fragile: It
doesn't seem that most switches understand MOP (so it won't boot) and
requiring a lat client leaves a lot to be desired. The connected serial
terminal works great but parts of me are wanting to move to something
that takes up less space and is more tcp/ip friendly.
What is everyone else doing for this? Just a back of the envelope count
looks like there are around 8 serial-consoled machines. I've thought
about using usb-to-serial adapters but that seemed kind of hacky.
The machines are a mix of OSes, and some of them are Suns, so the
break/disconnect signal is always...amusing. If I can ditch the mop
requirement I should be able to get rid of my aging (and noisy) hub and
move everything to switches (since I don't use decnet either)
Anyone have any suggestions?
If I can get a reasonable solution I'll probably get rid of the pair of
ds200's I have (one with skins and the other without).
Brian
Hi guys,
Does anyone have a copy of the floppy disc (or possibly CD) which
accompanies the Second Edition of "The SCSI Bus and IDE Interface" by
Friedhelm Schmidt?
I just bought an ex-library copy of this, and the disc is naturally missing.
The local library is showing their copy as "Sold/disposed, content no
longer relevant"...
Thanks,
--
Phil.
classiccmp at philpem.me.uk
http://www.philpem.me.uk/
>
> Message: 24
> Date: Fri, 15 Jul 2011 02:18:09 -0700 (PDT)
> From: steven stengel <tosteve at yahoo.com>
> Subject: My first ASR-33 TTY
> To: cctech at classiccmp.org
> Message-ID:
> <1310721489.56001.YahooMailClassic at web110602.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>
> I just picked-up an ASR-33 today - it looks pretty good. Supposedly low
hours.
>
> I need to replace the rubber for the print head - it has turned hard and
is cracking.
>
> Is there anything else I need to do before I even turn it on and press a
key?
>
> Thanks!
> Steven Stengel
>
>
Here is a URL with useful information... download the power point
presentation on evaluating and setting up an ASR 33 from the VCF E 7.0
Teletype workshop.
http://vintagecomputer.net/vcf7/Teletype101/
Bill
There was a thread here or on the N8VEM-S100 list about putting
different vintage CPUs on a newly designed S-100 boards. I happen to be
cleaning up my office and came across something done back in the day
worth noting on that theme...
In the May 1984 issue of Microsystems, /The Journal for Advanced
Microcomputing/ (Vol 5, Num 5), there is a directory of S-100 products.
ABACUS Technology Systems, Inc is among the vendors listed, and on page
67 they have a 1/4 page ad for their PC11 product - right next to a
similar ad for the Lattice C compiler. This board features a T11 with
32KW of RAM, and runs RT-11 v5.0 with compatible I/O devices emulated
somehow by a CP/M program (presumably running on an 808x/Z80 card in the
same chassis).
Here's the full text of the ad:
=========================
PC11 Gives You DEC RT-11 on S-100
[B/W picture of board]
o PDP-11 Compatible Instruction Set
o Includes RT-11 Version 5.0 Operating System
o IEEE-696 S-100 Bus, 8 Consecutive I/O Ports, Switch Selectable
o 64K Bytes of Memory on the PC11 Board
o Uses 8 Inch Disks Compatible with DEC RX01 and RX02 Drives
o CP/M Interface Program Emulates Standard DEC I/O Devices
o Supported Devices: Console, Printer, Dual Single Density 8 Inch
Floppy Disk Drives
o Other Devices May Be Supported By Custom Programming
CP/M is a Trademark of Digital Research Corporation
PDP-11 and RT-11 are Trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation
ABACUS Technology Systems, Inc.
P.O. Box 740918
Houston, Texas 77274-0918
or call (713) 777 - 0401
=========================
So, anybody have one of these boards? Or did anybody on the list use one
back in the day and care to comment on the experience?
--Steve.
Multitech MPF-PC
http://elazzerini.interfree.it/MP-PC/index-en.htm
What I NEED to make this system alive::
1) new ISA 8bit video card like monochrome, CGA, or VGA card
2) boot disks: they are special because they contain the DIOS loader that
sits between the hardware and the operating system itself to allow the
complete management of the motherboard.
Regards
Enrico
Work is continuing on repairing the H7140 PSU from my PDP11/24.
Now it seems that the surge suppression resistor across the relay has
failed. This resistor is marked as R1 on the printset (p66 and p69) but
actually is two components connected in series. The parts list on p71 of the
printset lists a 3ohm 7W 5% resistor, but it is not 100% clear if this is
supposed to be the surge suppression resistor, although it does seem likely.
The thing is I measured the resistance of the two resistors (in-circuit),
one was open circuit and clearly the failed component, the other measured
10ohms, it might be failing too I suppose.
The two resistors are marked KCC 13-17198-00 8234. I have not been able to
find any information on them, so I can't verify the spec and I don't know
what to replace them with. Does anyone have any information on these
resistors?
Thanks
Rob
I sold a Morrow MPZ80 rev3a S100 CPU board to someone recently (who is
probably on this list). Somehow I didn't notice that the board was
missing chip 15A. I don't have any more MPZ80 rev3a board with that part
still mounted. What I want to do is find someone who has this board in a
working state to dump that PAL for me. I don't have the ability to dump
and burn PALs, but I'm working with some people who do to get this
oversight fixed. If you can't dump PALs, please contact me anyhow so we
can get something set up.
--
David Griffith
dgriffi at cs.csubak.edu
A: Because it fouls the order in which people normally read text.
Q: Why is top-posting such a bad thing?
A: Top-posting.
Q: What is the most annoying thing in e-mail?