William's description of the goodies at the Hamfest made me envious...
Is there a listing somewhere of these meets? I sure would love to
go to a few.
Also: anyone out there with any parts resources/docs/specs for an
Amstrad PC6400DD? Got one in very good shape at a local yard sale, but
am unsure just exactly how to go about fixing it up. From looking at it,
seems to resemble a PCJR clone. Any help or information would be
appreciated.
Thanks,
Kirk Scott
dynasoar(a)mindspring.com
Well, this particular unit had a color raster monitor and a 5 inch
floppy drive vertically mounted in the monitor portion. Any idea which
model it was. I think there were also 3 different keyboards as options
for it.
Matt Pritchard
graphics_grunt@ensemble_studios
----------
From: Kai Kaltenbach [SMTP:kaikal@MICROSOFT.com]
Sent: Friday, April 04, 1997 7:58 PM
To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers
Subject: RE: Compucolor
The models are Compucolor II and 8051. I recall they had vector
color
monitors, which are not easily replaced, which accounts for
their
scarcity. Note that they're on my want list. If you find one,
please
let me know.
Kai
> ----------
> From: Matt Pritchard[SMTP:MPritchard@ensemble.net]
> Sent: Friday, April 04, 1997 5:11 PM
> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers
> Subject: Compucolor
>
>
> Hey guys, is there any information on a machine called
"Compucolor"
> from
> the late 70's around?
>
> I did a search on a couple engines and came up with nothing.
I'm
> asking because about 3 years ago, I let a working machine slip
through
> my hands (I had actually programmed on that same machine back
in '79)
> Next month, when I go back home, I'm going to launch an effort
to find
> it (if it hasn't been thrown away).
>
> Thanks,
>
> Matt Pritchard
> graphics_grunt@ensemble_studios
>
The models are Compucolor II and 8051. I recall they had vector color
monitors, which are not easily replaced, which accounts for their
scarcity. Note that they're on my want list. If you find one, please
let me know.
Kai
> ----------
> From: Matt Pritchard[SMTP:MPritchard@ensemble.net]
> Sent: Friday, April 04, 1997 5:11 PM
> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers
> Subject: Compucolor
>
>
> Hey guys, is there any information on a machine called "Compucolor"
> from
> the late 70's around?
>
> I did a search on a couple engines and came up with nothing. I'm
> asking because about 3 years ago, I let a working machine slip through
> my hands (I had actually programmed on that same machine back in '79)
> Next month, when I go back home, I'm going to launch an effort to find
> it (if it hasn't been thrown away).
>
> Thanks,
>
> Matt Pritchard
> graphics_grunt@ensemble_studios
>
I just got back from checking out the 3 thrift stores that are just a few
blocks from my house, and made quite a nice haul today, and I've yet to check
the big flea market for the weekend! I picked up the following:
1) 1 TI-99/4A cassette tape: 'Tunnels of Doom', #PHT 6073, circa 1982
2) 3 Commodre 64 cassette taes: 'Software Starter Kit', tape #3, circa
1983; 'Start Programming with Gortek and the Microchips', 2 tapes, circa 1982.
3) 5 Timex-Sinclair 1000 tapes:
'The List Manager', 'The Budgeter', 'The Checkbook Manager', 'The Gambler',
'Grimms Fairy Tales'. All are circa 1982 and require the 16k RAM expansion.
Also, they are all still in thier original Black/Red cassette cases.
I also picked up some misc. manuals as well. I've not had the chance to
try any of the cassettes out, but they all turn freely.
Jeff jeffh(a)eleventh.com
--
---------------------------------------------------------------------
// Amiga: Today's Technology Ten Years Ago
// -------------------------------------------------------
\// True 32bit pre-emptive multitasking GUI, plug&play hardware,
\/ stereo sound, and 4096 color video modes since day #1
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Collector of classic home computers:
Amiga 1000, Atari 800, Atari 800XL, Atari Mega-ST/2, Commodore
C-128 & C128D, Commodore Plus/4, Commodore VIC-20, Kaypro 2X,
Mattel Aquarius, Osbourne Executive, Sinclair ZX-81, TI-99/4A,
Timex-Sinclair 1000, TRS-80 Color Computer-3, and a TRS-80 Model 4.
Plus Atari SuperPong and Atari 2600VCS game consoles.
A few days ago, I posted a note asking for peoples thoughts about starting
an archive for sound file images of cassette tapes. The couple of people I've
heard from were fairly possitive about it, so I've decided to take the
initiative and begin one. I have a two gig hard disk connected to my Amiga
3000, and am willing to use most of it to hold such an archive.
Now I'd like to ask for subscribers to this list to email me images of data
tapes that they may have for ANY classic computer platform. I would like to
ask you do the following when doing so though:
1) Save the image as a .WAV file
2) Try to verify that the image will restore to a usuable tape, and load
and run on the computer
3) include a short text file with a description and any comments such as
required hardware or key commands
4) archive the files with either PKZIP or LHA
5) don't email me more than 2 images at a time.
I am open to any comments or suggestions concerning this, including
suggestions on what would be a good name for the archive. I also have a
2.5gig 8mm tape drive connected to my Amiga, so it would be fairly easy to
back the archive up on occassion.
Jeff jeffh(a)eleventh.com
--
---------------------------------------------------------------------
// Amiga: Today's Technology Ten Years Ago
// -------------------------------------------------------
\// True 32bit pre-emptive multitasking GUI, plug&play hardware,
\/ stereo sound, and 4096 color video modes since day #1
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Collector of classic home computers:
Amiga 1000, Atari 800, Atari 800XL, Atari Mega-ST/2, Commodore
C-128 & C128D, Commodore Plus/4, Commodore VIC-20, Kaypro 2X,
Mattel Aquarius, Osbourne Executive, Sinclair ZX-81, TI-99/4A,
Timex-Sinclair 1000, TRS-80 Color Computer-3, and a TRS-80 Model 4.
Plus Atari SuperPong and Atari 2600VCS game consoles.
Hey guys, is there any information on a machine called "Compucolor" from
the late 70's around?
I did a search on a couple engines and came up with nothing. I'm
asking because about 3 years ago, I let a working machine slip through
my hands (I had actually programmed on that same machine back in '79)
Next month, when I go back home, I'm going to launch an effort to find
it (if it hasn't been thrown away).
Thanks,
Matt Pritchard
graphics_grunt@ensemble_studios
You can get Vectrex controllers from http://www.atari2600.com
He generally has a range available, from $50 used (which is probably
more than you paid for the system, but you should see the prices a
complete system goes for) to $70 new in a box.
BTW, you should pick up the Multicart, which has every Vectrex game ever
produced in one cartridge with an on-screen menu select. See
http://www.xnet.com/~skelly/multis.htm. This is the page for the guy
who manufactures the multicarts, but you can also buy them from
atari2600.com.
You can get reproduction color overlays from
http://home.earthlink.net/~mfmurdock/Vectrex/vectrex.htm.
The web pointer list for Vectrex is at
http://fly.hiwaay.net/~lkseitz/cvg/nexus/Home/Vectrex/.
There is actually one person creating brand new games for the Vectrex!
Kai
> ----------
> From: A.R. Duell[SMTP:ard12@eng.cam.ac.uk]
> Sent: Friday, April 04, 1997 2:18 AM
> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers
> Subject: Re: Stuff I found & WWW update
>
> > Vectrex Game system, looks kinda grimey and no joystick, but does
> > power up with the space mines game, already found a few resources on
> the
> > 'net but not the pinouts for the joystick yet.
>
> The _service_ manual is available from ftp.csus.edu in /pub/vectrex, I
> think. That contains a full schematic, and hence a pinout of the
> joystick
> port. If you can't find it, I'll dig out the pinout.
>
> I also have schematics of adapters to use Tandy CoCo and IBM PC
> joysticks
> with the Vectrex. If you'd like copies, I'd be happy to provide them.
>
>
> --
> -tony
> ard12(a)eng.cam.ac.uk
> The gates in my computer are AND,OR and NOT, not Bill
>
> The _service_ manual is available from ftp.csus.edu in /pub/vectrex, I
> think. That contains a full schematic, and hence a pinout of the joystick
> port. If you can't find it, I'll dig out the pinout.
As I've found it, I might as well post it....
Here you are :
1 Switch 0 (Push to make, connected between here and ground)
2 Switch 1
3 Swtich 2
4 Switch 3
5 Pot 0 (X direction, -5V to +5V analogue input)
6 Pot 1 (Y direction, -5V to +5V analogue input)
7 +5V
8 Ground
9 -5V
The vectrex connector is a 9 pin D, but it's down a rather deep hole. A
normal socket won't fit, alas. I've found the best thing to do is to buy
the extension lead for a Sega control pad, cut the _plug_ off the cable,
and use the socket (which fits after a bit of cutting) and cable to
connect to the Vectrex. Make sure you buy a cable that connects to all 9
pins - all the ones I've found do.
--
-tony
ard12(a)eng.cam.ac.uk
The gates in my computer are AND,OR and NOT, not Bill
Well in a last minute romp over to Oakdale (CA) I found a few goodies
to add to my collection. A thrift store (located on F Street, FYI) had
a good selection that day AND a 1/2 price sale!
What I picked up:
An Atari 800; always liked this machine, good resolution, fun games
and FOUR joystick ports. I popped open the cartridge cover before
purchasing to discover the BASIC cart ws in it. After getting it home I
found it was loaded with 48k of RAM, now all I have to do is start
looking for a power supply and other peripherals to go with it (if it
works). Can't wait till I find star raiders and all those other cool
games I saw at store displays years back. This is a divergence from my
mainly Commodore collection but prices are pretty tempting nowadays...
(at least there is something good about the intel/microsoft hype).
Vectrex Game system, looks kinda grimey and no joystick, but does
power up with the space mines game, already found a few resources on the
'net but not the pinouts for the joystick yet.
A Commodore Greenline Calculator WITH the power supply. A nice
compliment to the two Minutemans (a model 6 and 6X) and the rechargable
one (which I have to still figure out if the rechargable batteries are
still good.)
What I left behind:
A Commodore Plus/4 (computer, power supply and books located at
various locations around the store.) I have a couple already, that
should be enough.
A Beige TI 99/4a (in box w/power supply, $20.) They also had an extra
TI 99/4a keyboard assembly for about $5... Tandy 2000 (keyboard priced
separately from CPU), then the usual monochrome monitors, Atari
joysticks, etc...
Also... I just uploaded some new stuff to my web page!
So step rrrrright up and see the amazing Commodore Collection of Larry
Anderson, a rare glimpse at a Commodore P-500 Computer, A few notes on
the Commodore PET, and what happened at the last Silicon Realms BBS
Gaming/Gathering! just go to:
http://www.goldrush.com/~foxnhare
Larry Anderson
>
>Yep, it was another profitable weekend scavenging mission!
You were indeed busy. :)
2. Tandy Color Computer. Boasts a whopping 4k! Fixed a broken
>keyboard - now all I have to do is find some software.
Is this a RADIO Shack Co-Co? If so, I have software, but I don't think any
of it would run in 4k. The model I have is a 64k version.
>
>5. HP Series 100. This one doesn't currently work. It will
>probably be a project for some upcoming weekend. Anyone know
>what it is? Very strange little machine...
I have 2 HP150's. If your HP100 is a forerunner, it could be constructed
such that the computer and monitor are in one unit. Do you have a keyboard
with it? I really have no knowledge of the earlier model you have, but there
is a FIDOnet echo devoted to Hewlett Packard's equipment, and I believe
there were some contacts on there who know a thing or two about the older
machines.
-Ron Mitchell
