> Date codes are stamped on just about every IC, and some other parts too.
>
> They are generally a four digit number of the form YYWW, where YY is the
> last two digits of the year in which the chip was munfactured and WW the
> week number, from 01 through 52.
>
> Examples would be "7830" for the 30th week of 1978, and "8101" for the
> first week of January 1981.
>
> Generally for the old machines we talk about on this list, the chip type
> code is easy to differentiate from the date code, because of the
> prevalence of 7400-series TTL chips. Any 74xx or 54xx number will be the
> chip type, while the other number will be the date code.
I learnt this one in a DEC PDP11-05. The chips are TTL - 74xx not
74LSxx or anything else - and almost every date code is in 1974. (i.e.
also 74xx). The trick is that the chip no. usually has manufacturers
name codes, package codes etc. embedded, e.g. SN7400N for one of the TI
packages (I forget which!), while the date code in my experience never
does. Be warned! I read somewhere (Horowitz and Hill?) that many
distributors got this wrong in 1974 and shipped the wrong chips...
Philip.
> At 07:48 PM 4/2/98 -0600, you wrote:
> >* I'll return or destroy any personal data I find on a machine I acquire.
>
> change to:
>
> ...acquire, keeping it in the strictest confidence should I find it
> necessary to view it.
>
> or something like that.
I would also substitute "personal or commercially sensitive data" in
this rule.
Philip.
A while ago, I found a SummaSketch Plus graphics tablet sans the
little mouse thing, whatever the official name is. Can I make one,
get one REALLY cheap, or operate the thing without one? Also, it
hasthree connectors; a serial connector, an RJ-11 connector that
I think is for the mouse, and some kind of weird square four-pin
connector; what is that for? Do I need some kind of card?
NOTE: I do have AutoCAD with the appropriate drivers.
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Hi all,
Well, I've got some good news, and I've got some bad news.
The good news is that I've finally had my IMSAI 8080 sent out to me
>from Connecticut! It's in my "workshop" (a.k.a. the Garage) right now.
The bad news is... my parents, god bless 'em -- They really didn't know
any better, and it's partially my fault for not getting it shipped out
to me sooner -- well, they had the poor thing stored, along with my BYTE
and Dr. Dobbs collection, in an outdoor shed. Although largely protected
>from the elements, this poor sad little IMSAI has endured two New England
summers followed by two New England winters in a non-climate-controlled
room. Great.
The practical upshot of this is that it's not doing so well. I need
help :)
The power supply seems to be worst off of everything. The boards,
although needing to be cleaned of some spots of mildew, seem mostly OK.
Possibly a few tiny rust spots -- I'd say 100% of the chips are replacable
by easily-found parts, either period pieces or newer pieces. But probably
99% of the chips won't need replacing. They seem to be doing very well.
I have two Cromemco ZPU boards, so even if one has some bad parts,
I should be able to take spares from the other.
But that power supply... eek. The transformer is covered in a thick layer
of rust, and the whole thing just looks dirty and mildewed. I think
the best course of action now would be to desolder every component of
the power supply and build a new one -- sadly, losing a bit of IMSAI
authenticity in the process. Oh well... Say, does anyone know where
I can get a pair of 95000uF 15VDC electrolytic capacitors? =) Oh, and
a pair of 10000uF 25VDC -- mustn't forget those.
The good news here is that I have the original IMSAI User Manual --
the one with complete system diagrams and assembly instructions, since
this was a kit. Full parts list and photos from many angles. This will
make rebuilding the power supply _so_ much easier.
The S100 backplane is mildewed as well. How should I clean this? I know
this is probably a FAQ question, but I still can't find the archives of
this list, I'm afraid.
I'll probably also need to replace the little screws that hold on the
front panel plexiglass. It's really odd how some little components,
like these, rusted over terribly, while 95% of the rest of the system
just has mildew or mold spots, and no rust. Weird (but wow I'm glad.
Of course, I think the chassis is aluminum, so it's no wonder it didn't
rust =) Time for a Fry's run...
If anyone would like to help me out with this little project, please
drop me a line. I'm a bit out of my league here -- see, I'm mainly a
software guy, and my hardware building/fixing experience is very slim.
I can work a soldering iron alright, but that's about where my electronics
skill ends :) I have, however, always wanted to learn.
Suggestions welcome! Note, however, that it is not productive to
point at me and go "HA ha!" :)
-Seth
I have a newly acquired DEC VT 131 with keyboard to get rid of. In great
physical shape, untested working condition. I'll know more about the
electrical condition.
Whether working or not I need $15 plus shipping for this unit. I need to
weigh it as well but wanted to give everyone a chance to mull it over
and have a chance to inquire while I check on the working condition and
weight.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Russ Blakeman
RB Custom Services / Rt. 1 Box 62E / Harned, KY USA 40144
Phone: (502) 756-1749 Data/Fax:(502) 756-6991
Email: rhblake(a)bbtel.com or rhblake(a)bigfoot.com
Website: http://members.tripod.com/~RHBLAKE/
ICQ # 1714857
* Parts/Service/Upgrades and more for MOST Computers*
--------------------------------------------------------------------
One other item I recently acquired that I thought I'd ask about.
Ever hear of the Exatron Stringy Floppy mass storage system? The
one I have was apparently used with a TRS-80 model 1. But it had
a brochure that said it was available for S-100 and 6800 systems.
It is a minature tape system...the tapes look like very small
casette tapes. The tapes/waffers apparently come in different
sizes with a 5 foot length holding about 4k. Anyone ever use one?
Seems pretty interesting.
Thanks...Win
--
Win Heagy
wheagy(a)erols.com
Well... I find myself on the virge of a major equipment aquisition and
development project, and it has become painfully obvious (as I fall over
things trying to map out space) that I need to free up some major space in
both the Computer Garage and warehouse.
So, I offer up the first Computer Garage 'Virtual Garage Sale'.
(since it always grates me when I see a posting from someone about their
latest Ebay auction rather than letting the group have a first shot)
The Garage rules are fairly simple: (tho rambling)
1) The sale will run for one calendar week. After that any items not
spoken for will most likely end up in an auction on Ebay.
2) All items are to be considered complete, but untested unless specified
in its listing.
3) Documentation is not included. I have docs on many of the items
(somewhere in the archives), but if I have to find them it will add $5.00
to the cost of the item.
4) Shipping is not included. Figure $5.00 for most (small) items such as
S-100 boards and such. Larger (heavier) items will ship at prevailing UPS
rates plus cost of packaging. If you are close enough (to Oregon) to pick
things up, all the better (and cheaper)
5) To claim an item, respond by email. I must receive payment for the item
(plus applicable shipping) within seven business days (weekends don't
count) from the time I confirm your request or the item will be released
for the next inquiry or to go into the auction. Orders paid by check will
held for five business days, orders paid by bank or Postal Money Order will
be shipped as soon as possible.
6) In the event that multiple people request the same item, the message
that arrives first will get the first shot.
7) All descriptions reflect as much information as I have on the items at
the moment, and usually reflect their manufacturer's designation or model
number. If you don't know what it is, ASK! If possible/practical, I'll
try to get more information/details. Once you have it, it is yours. If it
is not what you thought it was, you had your chance.
8) Trade offers may be considered (see my web page for the wish list) but
it would have to be a good one! (now, if you have contacts in the bowling
equipment industry, send me an email and lets talk)
9) Prices on items are not (firmly) cast in concrete, but let's not get too
ridiculous. Offers will be considered, remember I'm trying to make space
as much as money, but Ebay lurks. Price are per item. There are multiples
of some items. (and all price flames direct to /dev/null) If you want a
bidding war, wait for the auction.
10) All sales are final.
There will likely be more items to follow, but this is what I could get
to/catalog this weekend...
Now... On to the list!
============================================================================
=======
S-100 compatable items
qty. 1 - CompuPro (Godbout) CPU 86/86 - $35.00
qty. 1 - CompuPro RAM 17 - $35.00
qty. 1 - CompuPro System Support 1 - $35.00
qty. 3 - CompuPro RAM 22 - $45.00
qty. 1 - CompuPro NET 100A - $50.00
qty. 2 - CompuPro Disk 1 - $30.00
qty. 1 - CompuPro disk 1A - $35.00
qty. 1 - CompuPro SPIO - #25.00
qty. 1 - CompuPro SP186 - $35.00
qty. 1 - CompuPro Interfacer 3+ - $30.00
qty. 1 - CompuPro Interfacer 4+ - $35.00
qty. 2 - CompuPro CPU 8085/88 - $35.00
qty. 4 - CompuPro 20 slot shielded/terminated S-100 motherboards
(with all connectors) - $50.00
qty. 1 - Teletek SBC-1 (single board computer) - $25.00
qty. 1 - Teletek SBC-1 (socketed board, no components) - $5.00
qty. 2 - CCT Printerfacer 1 (printer interface/buffer) - $25.00
qty. 1 - Konan DCG100 hard drive controller - $35.00
qty. 1 - California Computer Corp. Modem 2501A 12 slot shielded S-100
motherboard (with all connectors) - $25.00
qty. 1 - S-100 rack mount chassis (mfgr. unknown) - $40.00
============================================================================
=======
Computers
qty. 1 - DEC VAXstation 3540 (badged as a 3520, but has 2nd CPU board.)
memory, no drives, drive/console cabling missing, dress panel
missing, tower cabinet - $150.00
qty. 2 - DEC DECstation 2100 - $45.00
qty. 2 - Altos Model 580 - $40.00
qty. 2 - Altos Model 586 - $45.00
qty. 1 - Bell & Howell (Black) Apple ][+ - $45.00
qty. 1 - Compaq Deskpro 386/20e - $20.00
qty. 1 - Compaq Deskpro 433i - $30.00
============================================================================
=======
Disk Drives
qty. 2 - DEC Storage Expantion Units (matching cabinets to the DECstations)
with (I believe) two RZ24 drives in each - $40.00
qty. 2 - DEC Storage Expantion Units (VAXstation 2000 style cabinets) with
one RZ55 drive in each) - $30.00
qty. 1 - NEC Disk Unit PC-8881 (single 8 inch drive in cabinet) - $15.00
qty. 1 - Fujitsu dual 5.25 inch drive unit Model MB27611 (appears to have some
type of interface/controller board mounted in cabinet) - $15.00
============================================================================
=======
Misc.
qty. 1 - Black Box HPIB (IEEE-488) AB Switch - $10.00
qty. 1 - ICS Electronics Model 4880 Instrument Controller - $20.00
qty. 3 - Qume QVT101 Video Terminals - $20.00
qty. 1 - Tektronix Model 650 Studio Video Monitor - $50.00
qty. 1 - Compaq docking station (if there is any interest, I'll try to get
the model number) - $10.00
qty. 1 - DEC VAX 11/750 backplane (with or without card cage) - $25.00
qty. 1 - DEC VAX 11/750 power supply (H7104-C) - $20.00
qty. 1 - DEC VAX 11/750 power supply (H7104-D) - $20.00
qty. 1 - DEC VAX 11/750 power controller (875A) - $20.00
qty. 1 - DEC LN03 Laser Printer - $20.00
qty. (lots) - 5.25 inch diskettes DD or HD, mixed soft sector/hard sector.
(specify your needs, I'll see what I've got) - $0.10
============================================================================
=======
Let the crazyness begin...
-jim
---
jimw(a)agora.rdrop.com
The Computer Garage - http://www.rdrop.com/~jimw
Computer Garage Fax - (503) 646-0174
>The cached (486) and highly piplined (pentium and friends) are more
>variable as the clock speed is only an indicator of performance and if
>the code runs with a log of cache misses the speed can really drop to
>nothing. I know as the external cache croaked on my 486/25 and I ran
>for a bit with the internal cache turned off and the performance was
>worse than a 286/12! With the internal cache running it was only about
>10% off the performance of the 64k external cache. Just to give you
and
>idea.
Are you saying that a 486 is only faster than a 286 because of the
cache?
><That's one, but there are many others. You could recompile them to be
><optimized for a 386, though.
>
>Funny I have unix v7 running on a PDP11 with only 256kb of ram. it can
be
>done.
Isn't v7 the latest UNIX distribution?
><><>Windows 3.1 does run on it with the 1meg.
><>Runs good and most software that will fit in 1meg runs ok. Swapping
is
><>heavy though so a fast disk helps.
I once had an old 386 with a 20MB MFM hard drive and 2MB RAM. Windows
ran OK, but Word 2.0 ran very poorly. Strange that I've never seen
3.0. Is it rare?
>
>IF you mean running netscape, that monster wants a minimum of 8m just
to
>run and will still crash if pressed. Wordperfect for windows runs
great,
>as does Word3.0 in 1meg. There are a lot of older packages that run
real
>well in winders3.1 and 2meg or less.
>
Actually, Windows 3.0 came with a copy of MS-DOS executive, the
precursor to the program manager, while 3.1 didn't. That's not
bad, as well as the ability to run real mode programs.
>Windoes 3.0 was not widely supported and it was upgraded to 3.1.
><already have. BTW, where can I get a lisence+docs, disks for Windows
2.x
Well, someone from this list let me copy his. It's not bad, but needs
DOS Version 3.3. You can use Setver for the same thing, but you will
have to disable it for Windows 95, which needs at least 7.0. I have
DOS 3.3, and it's a good DOS. If only it had MOVE...I can send anyone
who wants them some copies. I THINK I have four more boxes. Five are
already spoken for.
It's too bad that Linux needs so much space and so little RAM. I
would rather have somewhat of a greater balance... I installed red
hat recently, and it's an awful pain, just like slackware. I wish
I could install Mac System 1.0 on my PC without emulators...
>Yes I did with help from a few people. The system it's on is a
386DX/33
>with 128k cache and a 420mb IDE and a CDrom. I'm not running X on it as
it
>only has 8megs and a low end VGA board currently. I'm not that
>enthusastic over it as somea re.
>
>
>Allison
>
>
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<I recently picked-up a couple TRS-80 model 1 keyboards, but there
<was no monitor. Does anyone have info on using a B/W TV as
<the monitor? I understand that the model 1 monitor was basically
<a converted TV.
Yes, you can take video from pin4 video and pin5 (ground) and drive a
common NSTC monitor.
Allison
I found a PS/2 Model 70 recently, which would normally have a 386,
but the previous owner installed a Cyrix 486 upgrade chip. Does
anyone know if I can use a 386 math coprocessor with this? I want
to run AutoCAD.
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