- test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org - classiccmp.org

by jeffh＠eleventh.com

On 13-Apr-97, classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu wrote: >Quite apart from the fact that the machine should be kept original. After >all, it's one of the few portables for which a real techref is >available... And that's exactly what I intend to do with it. Jeff jeffh(a)eleventh.com -- --------------------------------------------------------------------- Sent from an Amiga 3000..the computer for the creative mind! --------------------------------------------------------------------- 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, IBM 5155, Kayro 2X, Osbourne Executive, Radofin Aquarius, Sinclair ZX-81, TI-99/4A, Timex-Sinclair 1000, TRS-80 Color Computer-3, and a TRS-80 Model 4. Plus Atari Superpong and 2600VCS game consoles.

28 years, 7 months

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How did you get started?

by jeffh＠eleventh.com

On 11-Apr-97, classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu wrote: >I remember demonstrating my Tandy CoCo-3 in 1988 to some PC-goon or >other. He had a 386 PC running MS-DOS. I had a 2 mHz 6809 running OS-9. He >was totally amazed that 'that little video game' could have several >programs running at once, displaying their output in different windows >(something his PC didn't do at that time), and that I could even log on to >my machine from a remote terminal. I still want to find a disk system for my CoCo-3 so that I can run OS-9 on it. OS-9 is still amazing to this day, which is why any number of companies use it for the base OS for cutting edge stuff such as set-top boxes for the TV. Until I saw it, I would've never thought you could put a Unix-like OS witch was multitasking and multiuser on a 128k 8bit machine! I've heard mention of there being a version that runs on the Commodore 128 as well, but haven't been able to find anything out about it. >I don't play computer games that much, but IMHO the games from 10-15 years >ago are much more fun than the modern ones. OK, so now we have 3D rendered >graphics, real sound effects, but no 'plot' - nothing to do except blast >everything in sight. I personally prefer a good text-only adventure with >some logic behind it, and no sound. I agree. The excitement just isn't there, even though the technology is years ahead in graphics and sound. About the only game I've enjoyed recently was a 3d bitmapped update of 'Asteroids' on the Mac, which I play on my Amiga 3000 under emulation. I'm also a big fan of INFOCOM's text adventure games, as well as the Basic 'Star Trek' game that seems to have been ported to nearly every platform known. I have a number of original disks for my Atari and Commodore's that have the INFOCOM games on them. 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.

28 years, 7 months

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Aquisitions

by jeffh＠eleventh.com

Well I went out yet again today and found a really nice IBM 5155 Portable PC at the local Salvation Army thrift store. I picked it up and brought it home, and it works like a champ! The only DOS I had for it though was either CoronaDOS 1.25 or 2.11, and both booted fine on it, though I can't get either CP/M-86 or Concurrent CP/M to boot on it. This is an interesting machine considering it has the full 8 expansion slots in the rear! I think it will make a nice addition to the Osbourne and Kaypro portables I already have, though I hadn't planned on adding a PC to the collection at all. Now all I have to do to round out the portables is find a Commodore SX-64 some day for a good price. BTW, the IBM has a whopping 256k of RAM. 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.

28 years, 7 months

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How did you get started?

by carl.friend＠stoneweb.com

On Tue, 8 Apr 1997, Mr. Paul E Coad spake thusly unto us: > This raises the question of how people got into this hobby. Was it > a single event or something which happened over time (with or without > you being aware of it?) Well, I'm not sure whether there was a single event that got me started (other than an offer of my original Nova 1210), but I can honestly state that there was an event that made me get serious about the preservation of older machines. That event was my missing the acquisition of a PDP-15 by about a half-hour in 1987. I had expressed an interest in the machine, and was told that it was going to scrap _very soon_, so I should grab what I wanted. I was going to try and make arrangements to get the machine picked up (it was fully configured and quite large) and get the machine home. I arrived (hurriedly) to do an initial disassembly and triage on the system, only to find that the bone man had come earler in the hour, and all that was left of the system was an empty space where it once was. I knew then that -15s weren't very common, and when I realised that the count had just dropped by one, I was fairly beside myself. Other than that anecdote, I've been collecting for about 10 years or so; my stash is fairly well focussed on minicomputers, although I do have the odd micro here and there. Minicomputers are where I desire to keep my energies, especially those of DG manufacture. With DG, at its' peak, being only 1/5 the size of DEC those machines are pretty hard to come by nowadays. Any leads, of course, would be vastly appreciated. :-) While I'm greatly pleased that folks are preserving microcomputers, I've never felt a "bond" to that particular realm of design. I like things like time-states, core memory, and pulse-logic. I guess that makes me an "old fart". ______________________________________________________________________ | | | | Carl Richard Friend (UNIX Sysadmin) | West Boylston | | Minicomputer Collector / Enthusiast | Massachusetts, USA | | mailto:carl.friend@stoneweb.com | | | http://www.ultranet.com/~engelbrt/carl/museum | ICBM: N42:22 W71:47 | |________________________________________________|_____________________|

28 years, 7 months

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How did you get started?

by kaikal＠MICROSOFT.com

| From: A.R. Duell[SMTP:ard12@eng.cam.ac.uk] | I wonder how many others on this list don't even own a non-classic | computer? Depends on how you define "computer". Even my surround sound processor has a 80 MHz 40 MIPS 24-bit DSP with more than 64K of RAM on-chip. Most of our cars have sophisticated engine management computers. I mentioned to my wife the other day that my Pentium Pro has more transistors (5.5M) than the entire rest of my antique machine collection and other household items put together, _including_ her Pentium machine (3.1M). Even subtracting the Pentium chip, the Pro still has enough transistors to make about 83 PC-XT's and who knows how many Altairs. On the other hand, we all still have a bunch of Z80's even if we don't collect classics. Zilog has a huge family of Z80 processors for IR remotes, keyboard controllers, IDE hard drives, PCMCIA, televisions/cable boxes, voice memo units, serial ports, etc. I wouldn't be surprised if the average American owned half a dozen Z80's. Kai

28 years, 7 months

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Just getting started.

by idavis＠comland.com

Speaking of getting started, my next door neighbor who is retired and in his sixties and I were talking the other day, and I mentioned that I would kill to be retired. He asked me just what I would do with my time. I mentioned that I would probably spend every waking moment on my atari writing programs. He looked interested and wanted to go take a look. He has never owned a computer, and can't afford an expensive pc, and what I showed him on my atari just blew him away. He now wants to buy an atari and get started in the world of computers. I am now on the active alert for an atari system for him. It's neat to see someone that hasn't ever owned a computer get interested especially on one of the older computers. He was even happy about the fact that you could connect it to a tv, and not have to shell out hundreds of dollars for a monitor that you can't use on anything but the computer. I think these classic computers are great to learn on and now they can be picked up for a very reasonable price. Of course, I miss being able to go down to the local store and pick up what I needed, but there are things still out there, it just takes a little longer to find. I got started when I went to visit my uncle in california in 1981 or 82. He had an atari 800, and after playing a few games, I asked him how you make a game. He pulled a sheet of paper out of the basic manual, and told me to type this in exactly as it is printed. I did, and two hours later, I had an american flag on the screen. I couldn't decide whether you just type and type and whatever comes up, you just enjoy it, or if these people actually knew what they were doing. Before I had even received my atari, I had magazines laying around, and had just about figured out how to program before I had even gotten the machine. I bet I really pissed off that u.p.s. guy stopping him every day asking if I had a package. That started my career in computers, and now I program for a living. I still own my atari, and use it often. I didn't start as a classic collector, I started as a classic user, but through time I have ended up as a classic collector. If anyone comes across an atari, or atari equipment that they don't want, I will be more than happy to give it a good working home. To me it feels like stepping into a time machine and rolling back the clock to my high school years to be able to sit down and use my old machines. Of course, back then I didn't have any bills, and had 3 months off in the summer. Maybe that's why I keep using my atari. Isaac Davis : Doing the bull dance. idavis(a)comland.com : Feeling the flow. indavis(a)juno.com : Working it. Working it.

28 years, 7 months

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How did you get started?

by jeffh＠eleventh.com

On 11-Apr-97, classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu wrote: >I assume you realise that a CoCo2 disk drive + controller will work. >That's what I currently use. Actually, it's just that I've not run across the drive and/or controller yet. I recall seeing the items years ago on the clearance shelf of a local Radio Shack, and could kick myself for not picking them up...then again, I didn't have a CoCo at that point either. It brings to mind that I saw a whole bunch of TRS-80 bus mice for the Model 2000 at the military exchange in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba about 1990 or so...long after they became hard to find here in the U.S. I had just gotten rid of my Model 2000, so didn't bother picking any of them up either. 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.

28 years, 7 months

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Aquisitions

by jeffh＠eleventh.com

On 12-Apr-97, classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu wrote: >Hmmm. Y'know, if that portable really is built up from a standard PC >motherboard with the video connector in a card slot, you could (if you wanted >to) change the motherboard for a newer one and have all kinds of fun. The biggest hurdles would be the 8-3/8" CRT (measured bezel-bezel) and the power supply inside. If one wanted to upgrade the CRT as well, you'd have a hard time finding a modern one to fit, or you'd have to go with an expenisve LCD, which would destroy the appearance that it was still the orginal machine. Also, given that most XT-clones tended to ship with 135-150W power supplies, and the early IBM's shipped with even less, you'd have a hard time running a newer board on one. I tried a few years ago with a 386DX-40, and it didn't like it at all! >Yeah, I know this is a collecter's item probably, but with PCs upgrading is >my first instinct. I don't even want to talk about how much that's cost me >over the years. Your idea isn't any worse than turning the orginal Mac's into aquariums, which seems to have a bit of a following! At least you're talking of keeping it a useful computer. I know the feeling about the upgrade-mania though...it's one of the things that turned me away from the PC, though I have two now, including the portable. 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.

28 years, 7 months

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How did you get started?

by jeffh＠eleventh.com

On 11-Apr-97, classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu wrote: >The Full-screen editor & other stuff were in 10K Rom, with the Basic in >another 8K Rom, totalling 18K. I wasn't aware that the editor for Basic was in the OS Rom...I stand corrected. Still, to think that the game cartridges either were confined to the 8k space or they somehow bankswitched to allow larger programs, I find interesting. >Of course, there were 3rd party upgrade boards that would up the memory to >256K to be used as a Ram drive or as a printer buffer... How many people >you know nowadays who are hacking their 486/Pentium machines to be able to >use over 5x more memory than it's supposed to??? A friend of mine had his Atari 800 upgraded to 128k I believe. It required a bit of soldering on his part to incorporate the bankswitching scheme the manufacturer used. He also had a 'Happy' chip and any number of other things added to it as well, having bought the machine new in the early 80's and continued to use it for quite a few years. 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.

28 years, 7 months

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Osborne withdrawal !

by classicjr＠juno.com

Help! I was promised an Osborne Executive a couple of weeks ago and was getting psyched up to get it for nothing other than the shipping costs, then at the last minute the guy said his wife wanted him to keep it. Anyone else have an Osborne they can part with? I have never owned one and would love to get it and pamper it. Any model will do, just would like it to be in good working order and in good physical shape. Any diskettes would be appreciated also. Thanks!! Jeff R. in Texas rottman(a)juno.com

28 years, 7 months

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How did you get started?

by jeffh＠eleventh.com

On 11-Apr-97, classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu wrote: >When I look at the software (and hardware) of 10-15 years ago, I realise >how far _down_ we've gone since then. Very well put Jim! I know my Amiga 3000, which is my everyday system, doesn't fit into the realm of this group (being roughly 6 years old), but it is far superior to modern systems when it comes to usability and efficiency. That is one of the reasons I appreciate the early micros so much....it's amazing what was done by programmers and such in such tight constraints. Take for example the Atari 800...this is a 2mhz 6502 cpu with 48k RAM and a full Basic, with full-screen editing, in an 8k ROM. This system amazes me at the animations and such I've seen on it at times. It's version of Frogger is great, and I typed in a Basic program from 'Compute!' that displayed the Atari logo with 128 colors onscreen at once. I think modern day systems could still learn quite a few things from the earlier ones. 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.

28 years, 7 months

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Bernoulli Drive

by gmast＠polymail.cpunix.calpoly.edu

Our local Goodwill has an old Bernoulli drive. Looks like a dual drive that takes two 10 meg disk (or was it 5 meg?) cartridges that are about 10" square. Includes 1 disk. Anyway if this sounds interesting to someone, I could snag it and ship it for cost. (probably $5 + shipping) Greg

28 years, 7 months

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Classic Computer Available

by dcobley＠island.net

Several weeks ago, through a contact made here, I offered my Xerox 16/8 system to a fellow Canadian who lives in Saskatoon, and to whom I had previously shipped a set of manuals for the TRS 80 Model 16. I never heard if they arrived. And I can't get a reply to an e-mail from him so I'm assuming he's incommunicado or uninterested. So - I'm going to follow the suggestion made by our worthy founder and offer it here. I wish to dispose of my Xerox 16/8 system which is just sitting idle packed away in it's original cartons. I'm not interested in selling the system. It's free to whoever wants to pay the shipping charges. Can't beat the price. But it's take the lot or take nothing! It comprises:- Xerox 16/8 Professional Computer system:- 1 Display Unit. 1 Rigid Drive + 5.25" Floppy Disk Expansion Module. 1 Keyboard and Mouse. 2 Shoe boxes full of 5.25" 360k diskettes, some original, some copies, about 200 or so disks altogether. Manuals, All in original covers and in excellent condition. 1 Operating System Reference Guide. 1 Technical Reference Manual 1 CP/M 80 & CP/M 86 Operating Systems Programmer's Information Manual. 1 Operations Manual. 1 MS-DOS Operating System Programmer's Reference Manual. 1 Business Graphics Reference Guide. 1 MS-DOS Operating System Reference Guide including: 1 - User's Guide & 1 - Macro Assembler Manual. 1 CP/M 80 & CP/M 86 Operating Systems Handbook. 1 MS-DOS Operating System Handbook. 1 Business Graphics Handbook. 1 dBase II Manual. When I received the system from my vendor, last summer, I assembled it and it worked beautifully. But I needed the space in my computer room for my heavily upgraded Coleco-Adam which was my first computer. So the Xerox had to be stored away and I'm concerned it may be deteriorating in my unheated loft. So, either the Xerox continues sitting up in the loft, or someone wants it. The problem is I live on Vancouver Island which means that shipping these 4 heavy cartons, 3 for the computer and 1 for the books and disks, could be expensive. Even by bus. That's how they came to me from Vancouver. I weighed each of the four packages that comprise the Xerox and it worked out like this:- Expansion Module (hard and floppy drives) weighs just under 35 lbs. I called it 35# Display unit weighs just under 35 lbs. I called it 35#. Keyboard and Mouse weigh just under 10 lbs. I called it 10# And the books and disks weigh just under 40 lbs. I called it 40#. I also have a Kaypro Technical Manual covering the Kaypro 2, 2/4, 10. 2/84, 2X, 4/84, and ROBIE systems that I don't need. Anyone interested can let me know by e-mail. Cheers. David Cobley. Fidonet on the ADAM, CP/M Tech and Hewlett-Packard Echoes. Internet-dcobley(a)island.net, or, davidc(a)macn.bc.ca

28 years, 7 months

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Wanted Systems

by kaikal＠MICROSOFT.com

I can't believe you have Nova 1200's. I used a 1220 in the late 70's in high school and it was old then. Ours actually had a hard drive which was about 36" on a side, covered with woodgrain vinyl, with a capacity of a MEGABYTE!! I might still have the source to my Nova multiuser Star Trek around someplace. It was so popular it got banned from the system since it slowed everything down too much. Kai > ---------- > From: carl.friend@stoneweb.com[SMTP:carl.friend@stoneweb.com] > Sent: Tuesday, April 08, 1997 6:02 AM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: Wanted Systems > > I've seen a certain amount of conversation as to the > appropriateness > of "For Sale" messages on the list. So long as it doesn't get out of > hand, some of the posts can be quite useful (like the one on IMSAI > switches, for instance). How about "Wanted Systems" posts? > > I'm looking to flesh out my collection of 16-bit Data General > hardware, and am looking for leads to systems, or systems themselves. > Anything in the Nova/Eclipse line is fair game, with the exception > of the 32-bit MV series (although I hope somebody is preserving > them!). > Any documentation is, of course, more than welcome. > > Thanks! > > -- > > > ______________________________________________________________________ > | | > | > | Carl Richard Friend (UNIX Sysadmin) | West Boylston > | > | Minicomputer Collector / Enthusiast | Massachusetts, USA > | > | mailto:carl.friend@stoneweb.com | > | > | http://www.ultranet.com/~engelbrt/carl/museum/ | ICBM: N42:21 W71:46 > | > |________________________________________________|____________________ > _| >

28 years, 7 months

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Classic Computer Available

by dcobley＠island.net

At 11:11 PM 4/7/97 -0500, you wrote: > >Maybe <snif> we <snif> should<snif>n't <snif> allow <snif> posts like >this!!!! BAWWWWWWWWWW BAWWWWWWWW BAAWWWBAWWWWBAWWWWWW > >I could NEVER afford the shipping. I could probably DRIVE there and >PICK IT UP but not until summer BAWWWBAWWWWW Tell you what, if I ever get another one, I'll save it until Summer and you can drive from wherever you are and pick it up. Deal? Cheers, David Cobley. Fidonet on the ADAM, CP/M Tech and Hewlett-Packard Echoes. Internet-dcobley(a)island.net, or, davidc(a)macn.bc.ca

28 years, 7 months

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Wanted Systems

by carl.friend＠stoneweb.com

I've seen a certain amount of conversation as to the appropriateness of "For Sale" messages on the list. So long as it doesn't get out of hand, some of the posts can be quite useful (like the one on IMSAI switches, for instance). How about "Wanted Systems" posts? I'm looking to flesh out my collection of 16-bit Data General hardware, and am looking for leads to systems, or systems themselves. Anything in the Nova/Eclipse line is fair game, with the exception of the 32-bit MV series (although I hope somebody is preserving them!). Any documentation is, of course, more than welcome. Thanks! -- ______________________________________________________________________ | | | | Carl Richard Friend (UNIX Sysadmin) | West Boylston | | Minicomputer Collector / Enthusiast | Massachusetts, USA | | mailto:carl.friend@stoneweb.com | | | http://www.ultranet.com/~engelbrt/carl/museum/ | ICBM: N42:21 W71:46 | |________________________________________________|_____________________|

28 years, 7 months

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It's true! (Also, Acetronic/Radofin Video Games)

by alexios＠vennea.demon.co.uk

Ok, I admit it. You really *can* find more stuff these few weeks. I went to car boot sale today and got three machines (five, were I willing to shell out for two C64Cs with a floppy drive and a PSU between them). I'm not the proud owner of a Spectrum 48k (at last!) in mint condition and a Spectrum +2A in even better shape. I actually got the +2A at half the price of the 48k -- 5 pounds for the +2A (around $7? Not sure) as opposed to 10 pounds for the 48k. There was another +2A for sale at the outrageous price of 15 pounds (at least I *hope* I heard 15 -- at that noise level, it could have been -gasp- 50). Anyway, enough about the Spectra (sic). :-) There's another find I might need a little help with. It's not strictly a computer, it's a video game (Video Entertainment System, as it says on the front panel). Specifically, an Acetronic MPU-1000. The PCB has a Radofin label on it. There are two analog joysticks with two red fire buttons and a 12 button keypad each. They're connected to the unit with spiral cable (no plugs). The controllers are designed to take overlays to give meaning to the 12 unmarked keys. I don't have any overlays, but there are four carts: Invaders, cart #1 (Olympics -- actually a more or less standard set of Pong-like games), cart #11 (Super Maze -- remember A-Maze-ing on the TI? It's very similar. Analogue control of the players is quite tricky), and cart #13 (Circus -- I haven't figured this one out yet due to the erratic behaviour of one of the controllers [read: vertical axis doesn't work properly, fire button won't]). The cartridges claim to be "suitable for Acetronic, Radofin 1292 & Prinztronic microprocessor systems". Does anyone have any ideas about this? Is it common or uncommon? The name Radofin was familiar, after a bit of research it turns out it's the company that bought the rights to the Aquarius. Any technical information would be welcome, since I can't identify either of the LSI ICs on the PCB (yes, two of them). Oh, by the way, in the highly unlikely case this is amazingly rare and the only one left on the planet (unlikely because at least another person on the WWW has one, albeit an MPU-2000), I obtained this at the silly price of 2 UK pounds. The previous owners seemed a bit amazed at the fact that someone might actually be *INTERESTED* in that piece of junk. Can't complain, really. :-) Thanks, Alexios --------------------------- ,o88,o888o,,o888o. ------------------------------- Alexios Chouchoulas '88 ,88' ,88' alexios(a)vennea.demon.co.uk The Unpronouncable One ,o88oooo88ooooo88oo, axc(a)dcs.ed.ac.uk

28 years, 7 months

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FS: Misc Computers on AuctionWeb

by gmast＠polymail.cpunix.calpoly.edu

I just listed a few different systems on auctionweb. This is a great place to look for stuff. Included is an Apple III, hard to find. I also have some old video game systems listed. Check them out at the links below: Channel F Game Console Bidding starts at: $2.00 Auction ends on: 04/12/97, 19:12:53 PDT http://www.ebay.com/aw/item.cgi?item=wwm1252 Lot of 4 Channel F Game Cartridges Current bid: $2.00 Auction ends on: 04/12/97, 19:23:06 PDT http://www.ebay.com/aw/item.cgi?item=omg7762 Commodore Plus 4 Computer Bidding starts at: $2.00 Auction ends on: 04/12/97, 19:30:29 PDT http://www.ebay.com/aw/item.cgi?item=myy11036 Lot - Texas Instr. TI-99/4A Computers & More! Bidding starts at: $2.00 Auction ends on: 04/12/97, 19:58:46 PDT http://www.ebay.com/aw/item.cgi?item=ggv55391 RS TRS-80 Color Computer 2, Carts, Joy, More! Bidding starts at: $2.00 Auction ends on: 04/12/97, 20:48:46 PDT http://www.ebay.com/aw/item.cgi?item=tdu0192 Atari 7800 ProSystem w/Game Cartridges! Current bid: $10.50 Auction ends on: 04/12/97, 21:31:20 PDT http://www.ebay.com/aw/item.cgi?item=fcf174 Apple III Computer System! (photo) Bidding starts at: $20.00 Auction ends on: 04/12/97, 22:55:24 PDT http://www.ebay.com/aw/item.cgi?item=ely44807

28 years, 7 months

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How long will they last?

by jimw＠agora.rdrop.com

At 06:01 PM 3/31/97 -0800, you wrote: > >I was talking to a friend this weekend who brought >up this idea that before long EPROMs in our old >computers are going to start to go bad. This is >something I've heard before but, to be honest, I >don't know enough to make a judgement on it. If >this is the case, I suppose I should be burning >backups. > >While I'm at it... What are some other concerns >along these lines. What should we be planning >for as these machines grow 5, 10, 15 years older? Good questions all, so some comments and some thoughts. EPROMS: yes, they will forget. Being stored charge devices they will eventually start to lose the stored information. As I recall the original estimated life for stored data was 10-15 years. Punched tape (mylar preferably or paper if stored properly) may be the closest thing we have to a true "archival" medium. Electrolytic Capacitors: They dry out, or will start to ooze the electrolyte. (I address this to some extent on the 'Repair Tips & Tricks' section on my web pages) Average lifetime (of large caps such as found in power supplies) is probably 5-10 years. On machines that I restore they are (almost) always replaced before I do anything else. The very small caps found on logic boards for timing and similar circuits do not seem to be a prone to failure. Disks: depends highly on how they are stored. Should be treated similar to records. (remember those?) Store upright, loosely packed, dry but cool. Watch for oxide flaking on very old disks. Tapes: similar to disks for storage. Should be retensioned (repacked?) >from time to time. (fast forward to end, then rewind) As with disks, watch for oxide flaking. Dampness will cause some tapes to adhere to itself, and strip off the oxide when run. Had this happen to my "Standard Pack" tape for an HP-85 I obtained recently. Went to load the tape and got a read error. Manual inspection of the tape showed a 3/4 inch strip where there was no oxide at all. it was stripped away by the tape adhesion when I rewound the tape for probably the first time in 4-5 years! Card edge connectors: corrosion is common, expecially is stored in damp places or contaminated by skin oils. Can be cleaned with the classic "Pink Pearl" eraser. (Don't use the grey erasers - too abrasive!) Hmmm... probably more, but it's late and I forget... (often it seems - bad EPROM?) More later... -jim --- jimw(a)agora.rdrop.com The Computer Garage - http://www.rdrop.com/~jimw Computer Garage Fax - (503) 646-0174

28 years, 7 months

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New ATARI 1040ST user needs help...

by jeffh＠eleventh.com

On 07-Apr-97, classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu wrote: >I picked up an Atari 1040ST today for $25 -- as is. No cables, no manuals, >no floppy disks, nothing. I figured I'd be able to build up a little >working system (if the thing still works), but need some help. >If anyone here knows of any resources for floppy disks, manuals (i.e. how >do I plug this thing in?), etc. please let me know -- I'd like to put this >computer to use in my studio -- it has MIDI In/Out, and there's some cool >software for it and one of my synthesizers that I've been meaning to check >out. The 1040ST is a nice system, but you'll need to find one of the Atari monitors for it, such as the SM-124 (very nice mono) or the SC-1224 (color). You don't need an OS disks for it, as the OS is built into ROM, and it uses standard PC 720k disks. For software and such, Toad Computers in Severna, MD is a good resource..and they even sell TOS upgrades and refurb monitors. Atari's have been their specialty for years. Hope this helps. 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.

28 years, 7 months

2
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Digital Microsystems DMS-3F, DEC Rainbow, TS 1000

by Bill_Opalka.INTDATA＠notes.intdata.com

>> Btw, is it true that you can't format disks on the Rainbow and need DEC >> preformatted ones instead? Actually, if you have CPM-86, you can format regular 5 1/4 floppies into RX50 floppies. The MSDOS version of the software was hindered so that it couldn't be done. /Bill

28 years, 7 months

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FS: Misc Computers on AuctionWeb

by gmast＠polymail.cpunix.calpoly.edu

bm_pete(a)ix.netcom.com (Barry Peterson) wrote: > <snip> > > >Ahem... If you were really interested in offering these systems to = > someone.....<snip...Snip> > > I had assumed that for sale ads were forbidden/discouraged here. I was under the impression that it was ok as long as it's not excessive. I even mentioned it in my introduction message and have seen it discussed a couple times. I believe this was my first post of this type. I don't want to make any enemies here. Sorry for any inconvenience. Greg

28 years, 7 months

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New ATARI 1040ST user needs help...

by lists＠phx6.phxmedia.com

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28 years, 7 months

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FS: Misc Computers on AuctionWeb

by gmast＠polymail.cpunix.calpoly.edu

Hello, Jim Willing <jimw(a)agora.rdrop.com> wrote: >>I just listed a few different systems on auctionweb. This is a great >>place to look for stuff. Included is an Apple III, hard to find. I also >>have some old video game systems listed. Check them out at the links >>below: <<< listing omitted to save space... >>> Thanks Jim > (hoping that this does not come off sounding too rude... ((I'm going > to develop a reputation)) It doesn't (I don't think). I feel the same way sometimes. > Ahem... If you were really interested in offering these systems to someone > who might appreciate them, why not list them HERE with an asking price first > and then move to AuctionWeb (or similar) if they did not sell or you could > not get your price. Here's my situation: I enjoy searching for these old computers. Sometimes even more than toying with them. I spend a lot of time digging and driving and hauling and testing but I love it. I have saved quite a few from the landfill. If you watch the auction you will see that the items there do not necessarily sell for more than their value. In most cases, I don't even know what to ask and in quite a few I have sold them for less or as much as I paid for them. Not to mention my time and packing, shipping, etc. No, I'm not a charity. But I'm also genuinely interested in the hobby. I make a few bucks and it helps me pay my tuition. I'm a full time engineering student and am putting myself through school. I'm really working cheap. And believe me if I was back in the "real" world with a paycheck coming in every week, I'd probably give these little guys away for a song or trade them to help someone elses collection. > This message to me feels like little more than trolling for dollars... Sorry it appears that way. I really try not to post this stuff too much. Greg

28 years, 7 months

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Digital Microsystems DMS-3F, DEC Rainbow, TS 1000

by george.lin＠documentum.com

Hello, Does anyone know something about Digital Microsystems DMS-3F? I saw one today. It has a built-in monitor, 2 5.25" floppy disk drives, centronics printer interface, and 4 serial ports (?) for connecting terminals I presume. If it is worth collecting then I will haul it home. I also saw a DEC Rainbow. However, it is priced at $89.95--way more than I am used to pay. Does a DEC Rainbow worth this much? I picked up a mint condition Timex Sinclair 1000 though. I have been wanting to collect it for some time. Does anyone know the polarity of its 9V DC input? I don't want to risk damaging it by reversing the polarity. Thanks in advance for any information. George -- George Lin "Accelerating your business through Network Architect, MIS enterprise document managment." Documentum, Inc. (Nasdaq: DCTM) http://www.documentum.com Inet Fax: mailto:remote-printer.George_Lin@4.3.8.6.3.6.4.0.1.5.1.tpc.int My PGP Public Key for encryption is at http://george.home.ml.org/pgp.htm

28 years, 7 months

2
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New ATARI 1040ST user needs help...

by jeffh＠eleventh.com

On 07-Apr-97, classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu wrote: > get started. An Atari can read IBM/compatable disks (but not vice-versa) > What this means is that you can download software on your PC at > double-density (720K) and then pop the disk into your 1040ST and run it. Actually, that's not true...it was meant to be write compatible as well, but there is a bug in TOS 1.02 and below that screws up part of the format...there are plenty of utilities to fix this, or you can upgrade the machine to TOS 1.04, 'Rainbow Tos'. Fixes a lot of bugs. 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.

28 years, 7 months

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How long will they last?

by MPritchard＠ensemble.net

>>I decided to seriously collect only those machinews that were built with >>standard parts. >Not a bad idea. It's been my experience that those who attempted to build >the 'perfect widget' ended up shooting themselves in the foot more likely >than not, all in the name of securing some perceived competitive advantage. >In Coleco's case, the results were disastrous. > -Ron Mitchell Wasn't the Colecovision built entirely out of "standard" parts, unlike the other systems of the day? Matt Pritchard graphics_grunt@ensemble_studios

28 years, 7 months

1
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(fwd) Computer Shows

by bm_pete＠ix.netcom.com

Someone wondered about Hamfests, etc.: On Sat, 05 Apr 97 05:15:48 GMT, in misc.forsale.computers.other.systems valuecf(a)tiac.net (Value Computer Fairs, Inc.) wrote: > > >Value Computer Fairs, Inc. > >Visit us on the web: www.vcfonline.com > > >Upcoming Shows (NY) > >April 6th- Hofstra University > Hempstead, Long Island > > Show Hours: 9:30am - 3:00pm > Admission: $5 ($4 w/ copy of this post) > > >April 20th- Golden Gate Inn > Brooklyn, N.Y. > > Show Hours: 9:30am - 3:00pm > Admission: $5 ($4 w/ copy of this post) > >April 26th- Holiday Inn > Carle Place, Long Island > >April 27th- Holiday Inn > Ronkonkoma, Long Island > > > >Want a show in your area, e-mail us with your suggestion!!!!! > >For more info, visit our web site or call us at (800)997-Show. > >and remember WHY PAY RETAIL? _______________ Barry Peterson bm_pete(a)ix.netcom.com Husband to Diane, Father to Doug, Grandfather to Zoe now and to Tegan any day now!

28 years, 7 months

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How long will they last?

by ronaldm＠mars.ark.com

>I decided to seriously collect only those machinews that were built with >standard parts. Not a bad idea. It's been my experience that those who attempted to build the 'perfect widget' ended up shooting themselves in the foot more likely than not, all in the name of securing some perceived competitive advantage. In Coleco's case, the results were disastrous. -Ron Mitchell

28 years, 7 months

1
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Cassette Tapes Aging

by foxnhare＠goldrush.com

>>How long do cassette tapes last? >> >I'm still getting data reliably off of Coleco Datapacks that I recorded >circa 1986. But I've heard there are limitations. Don't use the tapes much >any more. One person talking about this a while back claimed it was better >to store casettes vertically rather than horizontally. Never paid much heed >to that, so I don't know if it's true or not. I have just pulled out a cassette from storage that I used in high school starting late 1980 or early 1981. Besides the tape end breaking when rewinding (getting a bit brittle I guess), I was able to recover the files I wanted without a problem. (this was a tape used on a Commodore PET, not particularly the fastest tape drive on earth). I don't know anything about vertical, it's been in cassete cases and cassette binders. Larry Anderson

28 years, 7 months

3
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Timoniom/The Goods...

by dynasoar＠mindspring.com

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

28 years, 7 months

2
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Compucolor

by MPritchard＠ensemble.net

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 >

28 years, 7 months

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Compucolor

by kaikal＠MICROSOFT.com

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 >

28 years, 7 months

1
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Weekend Scavenging

by jeffh＠eleventh.com

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.

28 years, 7 months

2
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Cassette Tapes Aging

by jeffh＠eleventh.com

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.

28 years, 7 months

2
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Compucolor

by MPritchard＠ensemble.net

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

28 years, 7 months

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Vectrex (was RE: Stuff I found & WWW update)

by kaikal＠MICROSOFT.com

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 >

28 years, 7 months

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Stuff I found & WWW update

by ard12＠eng.cam.ac.uk

> 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

28 years, 7 months

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Stuff I found & WWW update

by foxnhare＠goldrush.com

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

28 years, 7 months

2
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Weekend Scavenging

by ronaldm＠mars.ark.com

> >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

28 years, 7 months

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How long will they last?

by ronaldm＠mars.ark.com

> >I was talking to a friend this weekend who brought >up this idea that before long EPROMs in our old >computers are going to start to go bad. According to the experts in our Coleco ADAM group, there is truth to this. Apparently computer chips generally have a tendency to fail after about 10 years. I have 4 Coleco ADAMs all roughly the same age (12 years) and I've yet to experience this problem with any of them. Unfortunately in our case 1 of the chips, the MIOC or Memory Input/Output Controller is a rarity and apparently cannot be duplicated. Most of us have been stockpiling old ADAMs in the hopes of keeping ourselves going as long as we can. (We're like Edsul owners... we refuse to give up). At any rate, I don't know of anyone in our community who has experienced the problem.... yet, but we've been warned. -Ron Mitchell

28 years, 7 months

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Classic computers & home video game systems for sale/trade/wanted

by kaikal＠MICROSOFT.com

> For Sale/Trade: > > - Kaypro II CP/M portable > - TRS-80 Model 4 > - Commodore VIC-20 in original box, power supply, some docs > - Commodore 64 in original box, power supply, manuals (plus various > accessories available) > - Commodore 128 in original box, power supply > - Atari 1200XL computer (no power supply, untested) > - Colecovision, 2 controllers, power supply, a few games > - Atari 5200, base system unit only > > Computers Wanted: > > - S-100 bus systems (specifically Altair, Imsai, North Star, Processor > Tech, Cromemco) > - TI 99/4A in original box only > - IBM 5100 portable > - Exidy Sorcerer > - Compucolor II or 8051 > - Atari 400 or 800 (not XL) > - RCA COSMAC VIP - KIM-1 > Software/Accessories Wanted: > > - Microsoft Adventure for Apple II or TRS-80 > - CP/M & any manuals/diagrams for Altair, Imsai, North Star, Processor > Tech, Cromemco, Kaypro, Osborne > - Atari 5200 controllers > - Lear Siegler ADM-3a dumb terminal > - S-100 bus cards > > Game Systems Wanted: > - Tandy VIS > - Bally Professional Arcade > - Fairchild Channel F > - Magnavox Odyssey (not Odyssey2) > - Sears Telegames Pong (not Super Pong, not Atari-branded) > - Intellivision, Sega Master System or any Atari model in original > boxes only (I already have them loose) >

28 years, 7 months

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The list

by bill＠booster.bothell.washington.edu

I've been scraping this together for a few months. I though some of you might have use for it. Bill Whitson ClassicCmp "owner" bcw(a)u.washington.edu bill(a)booster.u.washington.edu --- Computers Through 1988 Part 1/3 (Manufacturers A-D) This list is compiled from various sources: fliers, magazines, ads, manuals, and price books. The information is as acurate as the original sources. The dates are probably particularly unreliable as many of them are just guesses. I have excluded most PC clones from this list. A few of the more important, or interesting PC's are listed. If you have anything to add or revise, contact Bill Whitson (e-mail bill(a)booster.u.washington.edu). MANUFACTURER MODEL CA ------------------------------------------------------------------- Acorn Model B 82 Automated Computer Systems 4040 MC 78 8080 MC 79 Z80 MCS 81 ACE Discovery 500 83 Discovery 1600 83 Actrix Computers Actrix 83 Adra Systems Model 1000 86 Model 3000 86 Advanced Digital Corp. SuperStar 84 Alcyon Alcyon 84 Alpha Info Systems Model 100 77 Alpha MicroSystems Model 680 84 Model 1000 82 ALSPA Computer ACI-1 81 ACI-2 82 Altos Computer Systems Model 580 83 Model 680 85 Model 3068 88 Model 8000 78 Advanced Micro Devices Model 96 80 Ampere, Inc. WS1A 85 WS1B 85 APF Electronics IM1 80 Apollo Computer Model 400 82 Apple Computer, Inc. II 78 II+ 81 IIe 82 IIc 85 IIc+ 86 IIgs 86 III 83 III+ 84 Lisa 1 83 Lisa 2 84 Macintosh 128 84 Macintosh XL 84 Applied Electronics Model 10 81 Model 15 81 AT&T 3B2/300 86 3B2/400 86 Atari 400 80 600 82 800 83 800XL 84 1200XL 83 130XE 84 520ST 85 1040ST 85 Mega 2 87 Mega 4 87 Auragen Systems System 4000 84 Barreto Associates MicroMaster 83 Barrington International Elite 82 Barrister Info Systems Law Office Manager 75 Basis Model 108 80 BBN Computer Corp. C60 80 C70 81 Beehive Corp. The Topper 83 Bell Computer Systems Model 4 84 Bell and Howell Model 78400 83 Model 3016 83 Berkel Systems Model 4410 74 Billings Computer Corp. System 500 82 System 6000 82 BC12 79 BlackHawk Computers BlackHawk 3 79 BlackHawk 4 79 BMC, Inc. Model 20C 81 Model 20G 81 Bondwell Computers BW2 85 BW8 86 BW12 85 BW14 85 BW16 85 BOS Systems BOS-M 81 Cyte 86 82 BTI Computer Systems BTI 4800 84 BTI 5000 83 BTI 6000 84 BTI 8000 85 Burroughs Corp. B1800 83 B1910 83 OW400 82 CADO Systems CAT III 82 System 20 78 CCG Ultra PDP 11/23 83 Ultra PDP 11/44 83 Ultra PDP 11/73 83 Ultra 11/730 83 California Computer Systems Model 1000 82 Model 3000 83 System 200 81 System 300 81 System 400 81 Callan Data Systems CD 100 81 CD 100M 82 UniStar 100 84 UniStar 200 84 UniStar 300 84 Canaan Computer Corp. 5410 85 5412 84 Canon, Inc. TX-10/15 80 Casio, Inc. FX-9000 83 Computer Consoles, Inc. Power 5 84 Control Data Corp. Cyber 18 76 Model 110 83 Computer Enhancement Corp. CE Micro 1 83 Centurion Computer Corp. Model 100 79 Model 200 79 Model 5200 82 Model 5300 82 Model 6100 83 Model 6200 83 Model 7100 84 Model 9200 84 Micro Plus 82 Century Computer Corp. System 300 75 System 400 75 System 700 75 System 900 75 Vanguard 8000 82 Vanguard 8500 82 X1000 75 X2000 75 Challenge Systems, Inc. CS1000 82 Charles River Data Systems Universe 32/115T 85 Universe 32/137T 85 Universe 32/35 85 Universe 65/115T 85 Universe 68/05 82 Universe 68/137T 84 Universe 68/35 84 Universe 2402 85 Charter Information Corp. System 4 83 CIE Systems, Inc. 680/20 83 680/30 83 680/40 83 680/50 87 680/100 84 680/150 87 680/200 84 CMC Systems SuperSystem 1 81 SuperSystem 2 82 Codex Corporation Model 268/21 83 Model 268/24 82 Model 268/44 82 Colby Computer MacColby 128 84 MacColby 512 84 Coleco Industries, Inc. ADAM 83 Colonial Data Services SB80 81 Columbia Data Products Commander 500 79 Commander 964 79 Commander FX 79 Comark Corp. Disktor M1 83 Disktor M3 83 Disktor Q 79 Commodore 655 83 128 86 Amiga 500 87 Amiga 1000 86 Amiga 2000 87 8032 79 16 84 64 82 Executive 64 83 PET 79 SuperPET 81 VIC-20 81 Plus 4 84 Compal Computer Systems 8200+ 81 Electric Briefcase 82 EZ Type 83 CompTech EVE II 85 CompuCorp Model 745 83 Model 799 83 Compupro Systems System 816/10 84 System 816/A 82 System 816/E 84 System 816/G 84 System 816/Z 84 The Computerist Focus FLEX 82 Covergent Technologies MiniFrame 86 MiniFrame Plus 86 MightyFrame 86 Cortex Systems Microdent 1 79 Microdent 2 79 Cromemco, Inc. C10 82 CS-1 82 CS100 85 CS110 86 CS115 87 CS120 86 CS200 86 CS220 86 CS300 86 CS400 86 CS420 86 CS-2 82 CS-3 83 System 100 84 System 300 84 System 0 82 CYB Systems MultiBox I 82 MultiBox II 82 Cyberchron CDS-201 79 CDS-231 83 Data General Corp CEO 81 CB/50 83 CS/5 82 CS/10 80 CS/20 83 CS/30 83 CS/40 83 CS/50 80 CS/60 83 CS/70 80 CS/100 82 CS/200 82 Eclipse C/150 79 Eclipse C/350 78 Eclipse MV/4000 82 Eclipse S/120 83 Eclipse S/130 83 Eclipse S/140 80 Eclipse S/250 83 Eclipse S/280 83 Enterprise 1000 81 Enterprise 3000 81 MPT/80 83 MPT/100 83 Nova 3 83 Nova 4 83 Datamac Computer Systems Series 1200 81 Datapoint Corp. Model 1560 82 Model 8600 81 Model 8800 81 Series 1800 83 Series 4000 83 Series 6600 78 Datavue Corp. 80/100 81 80/200 81 80/300 81 80/400 83 3000 79 DEC Correspondent 83 Datasystem 150 83 Datasystem 208 78 Datasystem 300 83 Datasystem 315 83 Datasystem 320 83 Datasystem 336 83 Datasystem 356 83 Datasystem 512 83 Datasystem 500 83 DECMate II 82 Micro/PDP-11 82 MicroVAX I 84 PDP-11/23 82 PDP-11/24 81 PDP-11/34 76 PDP-11/44 80 PDP-11/70 75 Professional 300 82 Professional 325 83 Professional 350 83 Rainbow 100 82 Rainbow 100+ 83 VAX-11/730 82 VAX-11/750 80 Deltadata Systems Corp. D8000 83 Micro Manager 83 Delta Products Inc. Delta One 83 Delta Two 83 Delta Four 83 DP/Net 83 DP/125 83 Digicomp Research System 100 81 Digidyne 5832 77 5864 80 Series 200 82 Digital Microsystems DMS-3 83 DMS-4 80 DMS-15 83 DMS-86 82 DMS-1280 83 DMS-5080 82 Digital Technology Model 580 79 Digitex Model 7100 83 Model 7200 83 Model 7300 83 Model 7500 83 Model 8100 83 Model 8200 83 Model 8300 83 Model 8500 83 Dimension Computer Corp. 1010 82 1020 82 2010 82 3020 83 Direct, Inc. Model 1000 81 Model 1025 81 Model 1031 83 Display Data Corp. Insight 74 DMC Systems Commfile 78 Docutel BCS 2025 80 BCS 2030 79 DC-M18 84 M10 84 M20 83 P6060 77 S6000 81 DTC 710 83 A22 83 B23 82 Micro 210 81 Data Technology Industries Associate 79 Dual Systems Control Corp. 83/20 84 83/80 84 83/500 84 Durango Systems Inc. 800 79 800XR 83 900 83 910 83 Dynabyte Business Computers 6600 82 6900 82 Monarch 6000 82 ---end-

28 years, 7 months

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How long will they last?

by ronaldm＠mars.ark.com

> >How long do cassette tapes last? > I'm still getting data reliably off of Coleco Datapacks that I recorded circa 1986. But I've heard there are limitations. Don't use the tapes much any more. One person talking about this a while back claimed it was better to store casettes vertically rather than horizontally. Never paid much heed to that, so I don't know if it's true or not. -Ron Mitchell

28 years, 7 months

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Dayton Hamvention

by wbrco＠valuenet.net

How many of the crazies that get this list will be attending? If there's enough of us, maybe we can do lunch and complain about the bland sloppy joe that's served! I know a lot of the "informal" nets meet in the lunch room, so I'm sure we could chisel out some chairs! -- | Allen Underdown - wbrco(a)valuenet.net | | Amateur Radio Operator - N0GOM, computer geek, | | homebrewer and outdoor enthusiast! | | Try My BBS at 314.939.9445! |

28 years, 7 months

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Weekend Scavenging

by bill＠booster.bothell.washington.edu

Yep, it was another profitable weekend scavenging mission! The stats: New Machines: 5 New Periphs: 3 New Manuals: 2 New Disks/Software: 60+ Money Spent: $32 So... help me with this stuff! These are all machines I've never had before. 1. Franklin Ace 500. Seems to be a really nice Apple II clone. Problem is I don't have a power supply. Any chance the ratings are the same as a IIc supply? 2. Tandy Color Computer. Boasts a whopping 4k! Fixed a broken keyboard - now all I have to do is find some software. 3. Atari 800xl! Oops, I lied earlier. I used to have one and now have one again. It was new, still-shrinkwrapped! 4. Televideo 950 terminal. Seems to be a nice terminal for one of my cp/m boxes. 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... Also picked up a commodore printer and 1571 disk drive. It was a good weekend ;) Bill Whitson ClassicCmp "owner" bcw(a)u.washington.edu bill(a)booster.u.washington.edu

28 years, 7 months

3
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mitsubishi MP386 help please

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

i recently acquired a mitsubishi MP386 machine; a proprietary late 1980s 386dx-16. i need to configure the hdd and monitor since it will not boot properly, but it doesnt have a standard cmos, and has dip switches in the front which i cant figure out even after trial and error. does anyone have information on this machine before i round file it? david (suprdave(a)aol.com) <!>

28 years, 7 months

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In case you don't read EVERYTHING 8-)

by danjo＠xnet.com

I found these diggin' around other News Groups and thought of you guys - instantly 8-) >From: "Tom Jacobson" <trjacobs(a)wolf.co.net> >Subject: Morrow computer >Date: 31 Mar 1997 19:20:26 GMT > >This is my thir day on the "net"...really..! >I have a Morrow MD2 (2 floppy disk system) with a lot of Morrow >newsletters, original software etc. >Yes (at last check) it did work fine. >Is anyone interested in this thing. I hate to get rid of it..was my >first system. But no use in having it around. - And - >From: ninja(a)asu.edu (Jay Noh) >Subject: TRS-80 Model-100 FS >Date: Wed, 02 Apr 1997 01:57:24 -0700 > >TRS-80 Model 100 portable forsale. >Asking $100. >Please reply via e-mail. >-- >Jay Noh (ninja(a)asu.edu) >ASU Dept. of CSE, 5406 >Tempe, AZ 85287-5406 BC

28 years, 7 months

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How long will they last?

by bill＠booster.bothell.washington.edu

I was talking to a friend this weekend who brought up this idea that before long EPROMs in our old computers are going to start to go bad. This is something I've heard before but, to be honest, I don't know enough to make a judgement on it. If this is the case, I suppose I should be burning backups. While I'm at it... What are some other concerns along these lines. What should we be planning for as these machines grow 5, 10, 15 years older? Bill Whitson ClassicCmp "owner" bcw(a)u.washington.edu bill(a)booster.u.washington.edu

28 years, 7 months

10
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Enterprise Computers

by jeffh＠eleventh.com

This is for all of our European members. I'm interested in the Enterprise line of computers, either the 64 or the 128. How common are these machines in Europe? Would it be hard to find one? Jeff jeffh(a)eleventh.com -- --------------------------------------------------------------------- // Amiga: The computer for the creative mind...since 1985! // ------------------------------------------------------- \// 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.

28 years, 7 months

2
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CLASSICCMP digest 11

by classicjr＠juno.com

CLASSICCMP Digest 11 Topics covered in this issue include: 1) Re: How long will they last? by William Donzelli <william(a)ans.net> 2) Re: How long will they last? by Sam Ismail <dastar(a)crl.com> 3) Re: How long will they last? by hellige <jeffh@eleventhFrom classicjr From: classicjr Full-Name: Jeffrey G. Rottman To: ronaldm(a)mars.ark.com Date: Wed, 2 Apr 1997 08:02:47 PST Subject: Osborne Parts X-Status: Unsent X-Mailer: Juno 1.00 Ron, Did you say you have a Drive C and things for the Osborne? I might be interested. I am getting an Osborne Executive, but not sure whether the same Drive C would work on both the O1 and the Exec. Did you just want to get rid of it? I could pay shipping costs to me in Texas if it could work with the Exec. Reply here or to: rottman(a)juno.com my other Email address. Thanks!!

28 years, 7 months

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How long will they last?

by jeffh＠eleventh.com

On 01-Apr-97, classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu wrote: >We ORIC users do exactly this -- use a PC sound card to transfer/copy those >old program tapes. Works wonderfully. You might want to take a look at the >Oric pages on http://www.ensica.fr/oric to see if any of the technology in >use there is worthwhile for your needs. I would think that all that would be needed was a standard cassette player that has both a MIC jack and a line-out jack. To make a WAV or other format recording of the data cassette, one would just plug the line out of the cassette player into the line-in on the soundcard and use your favorite recording software. You'd likely have to play with the volume to get it just right though. One would do just the opposite to create a copy of the data cassette file: plug the line-out of the soundcard up to the MIC jack on the cassette recorder. Again, it's likely one would have to play with the volume level for a bit. I used to use my home stereo system for my Timex-Sinclair's mass storage, and sometimes it got outright picky about the volume! The question then is: what sampling rate would be the best overall for this? Obviously, I don't think you'd need to use the stereo mode, but it'd be nice to keep the file size down if possible, without affecting the quality of the recording. I realize it'd be on shaky ground legally, but would any of you be interested in creating an archive of these data tape images? This would certainly ensure the programs originally provided on tape would be around much longer than the original tapes themselves. 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.

28 years, 7 months

2
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Laser PC-4

by classicjr＠juno.com

I have had a response to my request to find a Laser PC-4 Notebook computer from someone here, but they referred me to a reseller that has modified it by adding a larger screen and more memory, which is fine, except now it doesn't have software for appointments and a clock calendar, I don't believe. They call it a Laser PC-5. Does anyone know where I could find a real PC-4 as sold several years ago? I would be interested in a used one. Respond here or at : rotation(a)juno.com

28 years, 7 months

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Mattell Aquarius (was: Re: VIC-20 Programmer's

by jeffh＠eleventh.com

On 31-Mar-97, classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu wrote: >Just the machine itself, unfortunately (Remember, the Aquarius was >discontinued just about the same time it hit the stores . . .) There were >promises of memory expansion, disk drives, etc., but I never saw any for >sale . . . Actually, the only piece of documentation I have for mine shows a pic of all kinds of stuff hooked to it as well as a price list for the stuff. It's pretty interesting. 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.

28 years, 7 months

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Mattell Aquarius (was: Re: VIC-20 Programmer's Aid

by jeffh＠eleventh.com

On 30-Mar-97, classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu wrote: >> Mattel Aquarius, Osbourne Executive, Sinclair ZX-81, TI-99/4A, > ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ >You got one too? Have you ever been able to do much with it? >(I picked up one for free at a flea market a few years back. Only about >4K, but I was able to write some simple Basic programs, and even save them >on tape, with it. . .) I've actually got two...One under the Mattel name, the other under the Radofin name. Same machine though, as Radofin was the actual manufacturer of it I believe. It's a pretty simple machine, but interesting. I've played with the Basic somewhat, but haven't tried to do much. What all do you have for the Aquarius? 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.

28 years, 7 months

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Mattell Aquarius (was: Re: VIC-20 Programmer's

by jeffh＠eleventh.com

On 31-Mar-97, classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu wrote: >This was my very first computer. I still miss it to this day. I harbor >few regrets in my life but one of them is selling this system with my >atari 2600 to buy my first apple. The 2600 I've since replaced (ten >fold) and I'm sure someday I'll run into another aquarius and will have >it too, but I can never replace the programming I did on it. I had a >comic book inventory database program and I wrote seevral simple arcade >games. My setup was the aquarius with an expansion box that plugged into >the expansion slot that allowed two carthridges to be plugged in >simultaneously. This allowed a 4K memory expansion card to be plugged in >along with other game carthridges which required the increased memory. I >had a 4K mem carthridge, a couple games, keypad controllers, a thermal >printer, and two tape drives. What a fun little system. Some day I will >recoup all this gear. I just hope the kid I sold it too got as much use >out of it as I did. Sam, Sounds like quite a system. From the picture on the flyer I have, the Aquarius hooked up to all the expansion gear was quite a sight as well. As has already been mentioned, I have two base Aquarius computers, one of which is the Mattel variant which I recently picked up on a whim. Would you be interested in this machine? It's fucntional,though needs a little cleaning up. You are welcome to it...just let me know. 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.

28 years, 7 months

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Osborne Accessories?

by ronaldm＠mars.ark.com

>At 07:22 AM 3/28/97 PST, you wrote: >>I'm about to become the proud owner of my first Osborne Computer. An >>"Executive" is being sent to me next week. I can't wait to get it going. > >Congratulations. They are neat beasts. >> internal Ram >>Disk known as "Drive C" or maybe a Bios upgrade, or some software. >> >>Anyone have a source for these items now? Such as the Ram Disk or maybe a >>Hard Disk upgrade?? > >Interesting you mention the "Drive C" unit, I have on e in my collection >but no software or docs. Anyone have any info on this critter? > Yes. Where are you? I have a manual that deals with both the hard drive and the Drive "C" attachment. Also have two drive "C" units. Have never been able to get them to work properly, and the docs don't help much. At any rate, the manual is a rather thick document and unfortunately, it's not mine to lend or sell at this point. Depending on what you want to know, I could photocopy exerpts. -Ron Mitchell

28 years, 8 months

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VIC-20 Programmer's Aid Cartridge

by ronaldm＠mars.ark.com

JEFF>>> At a swap meet today, I picked up 9 VIC-20 cartridges as well as one JEFF>>> program tape. Among the VIC cartridges was a 16k RAM expansion and one called JEFF>> 'Programmers Aid Cartridge' (VIC-1212). Jeff, there is a 28 page manual that comes with that cart. Following quote might help get you started: Quote: After the VIC is inserted (the cartridge) type the following: SYS 28681 (and hit the return key) The VIC will display the following message: PROGRAMMER'S AID READY All of the AID commands are now included in your VIC's internal instruction set and may be used like any BASIC commands END QUOTE The cartridge adds 20 apecial editing commands to the VIC's instruction vocabulary and gives you an easy method for re-defining the VIC's programmable function keys. the commands are: AUTO FIND OFF CHANGE HELP PROG DELETE KEY RENUMBER DUMP KILL STEP EDIT MERGE TRACE CTRL A, E, L, N, Q, U also provide additional editing functions. Function keys are assigned various jobs; ie F1 is LIST, F3 is RUN, F5 is GOTO, F7 is INPUT Of course, there is more detail as to useage and some specific examples contained in the manual. Was just trying the thing out... hoping that the HELP command would provide some syntax examples for you. Unfortunately it doesn't. The HELP command will pinpoint a syntax error in your program if you use it directly after receiving an error message. Photocopying this short manual would cost me about $5. If you'll send me the money, I'll do it for you. JEFF>>> Also, can anyone explain the reasoning behind the different color schemes JEFF>> >for the labels? I have both. Don't know why it is so. Manufacturer's perrogative? -Ron Mitchell

28 years, 8 months

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VIC-20 Programmer's Aid Cartridge

by jeffh＠eleventh.com

At a swap meet today, I picked up 9 VIC-20 cartridges as well as one program tape. Among the VIC cartridges was a 16k RAM expansion and one called 'Programmers Aid Cartridge' (VIC-1212). I popped the cartridge into the VIC-20 and the computer still boots right into Basic 2.0. Is this some kind of debugging cartridge then that helps with errors and such? None of the cartridges I picked up came with the docs but the ones I've tried seem to work ok so far. Also, can anyone explain the reasoning behind the different color schemes for the labels? The Gorf and Radar Ratrace cartridges I already had both have cream cases with cream/brown/black labels. The new cartridges I got today have brown cases with silver/black labels, though some have off-white cases with silver/black lables, while one has and off-white case with a silver/gold label! All of these are from Commodore. 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.

28 years, 8 months

2
1
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Computer Listing

by MTapley＠swri.edu

Brett, I couldn't help myself (and besides, I won't have web-acess this weekend) and looked already. This is gonna be way, way, way cool. I have some minor questions/suggestions. 1) Check those features/dates/etc I posted for the Rainbow with somebody who actually knows. I have not done so, and they were just from my often-flaky memory. Some real Rainbow expert should please chime in here and set me straight on whatever I missed. 2) There actually does exist a Rainbow web site. Under construction at the moment, its url is: http://b61984.student.cwru.edu/rainbow.htm Can users just enter a link like that instead of a link to an image? Or can you add a field for that kind of link? 3) How does info get edited? Is it locked once entered (to prevent net.vandalism or well-intentioned but incorrect "corrections")? Maybe each computer web page can be changed only by emailing you, and is put under the responsibility of a single volunteer to make sure what's there is correct? Or maybe just put in an edit facility so anybody who so desires can add info? In any case, *thanks* for setting this up. I am really looking forward to browsing this site. - Mark

28 years, 8 months

6
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Intel MDS (Microcomputer Development System)

by dmabry＠mich.com

Hello all, Just wanted to ask if anyone out there has an Intel MDS (Microcomputer Development System). That was the 8080-based system that Intel sold for developers to develop hardware and software based on their microcomptuers. It ran an operating system called ISIS-II from Intel. An interesting point of trivia is that Gary Kildall originally developed CP/M on the first 8080-based MDS called an Intellec 800. This system was based on the Multibus (a bus system developed by Intel and used in lots of industrical applications of single board comptuers). If you happen to buy a CP/M in the generic form it would run on one of those Intelled 800. Anyway, anyone who would like to discuss these systems, I'm game. I have an Intellec 800 and a Series II (the successor). I would be interested in anyone who might have for sale a set of floppy diskette controller boards for these systems. It is a two-board set and I need the double density version. Thanks. -- Dave Mabry dmabry(a)mich.com Great Lakes Maritime Institute Underwater Research Team NACD NSS-CDS #42872

28 years, 8 months

6
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Help with Osborne 1 and TI 99/4A needed please

by george.lin＠documentum.com

Hi all, I picked up a very nice Osborne 1 from a local thrift store yesterday. The system powers up. Everything looks good. However, I don't have the boot disk. I tried the CP/M boot disk from my Kaypro II. No good. If I remember correctly, the disk drives on old CP/M machines are not compatible with each other even though the binaries are. It looks like that I need an Osborne formatted CP/M boot disk. Does anyone know where I can get one? Also, it would be nice to get a CP/M communication software on an Osborne formatted disk so that I can start transferring other CP/M software to it. In the same store, I picked up a Peripheral Expansion Box for my TI 99/4A. It comes with 1 floppy disk drive, 32K memory expansion, serial adapter, and flex cable adapter. However, the fuse and the cap that holds the fuse in place are gone. Does anyone know the specification for the fuse or know where I can get a replacement for it and the cap? Any help is greatly appreciated. George -- George Lin "Accelerating your business through Network Architect, MIS enterprise document managment." Documentum, Inc. (Nasdaq: DCTM) http://www.documentum.com Inet Fax: mailto:remote-printer.George_Lin@4.3.8.6.3.6.4.0.1.5.1.tpc.int My PGP Public Key for encryption is at http://george.home.ml.org/pgp.htm

28 years, 8 months

4
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The Sexy ORIC!!!!

by lists＠phx6.phxmedia.com

A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text Size: 1074 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.classiccmp.org/pipermail/cctalk/attachments/19970331/efaac96b/at…

28 years, 8 months

1
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Insurance of your collection...

by kevan＠motiv.co.uk

Ok, what do people do about insurance of their computer collections. I guess mine is covered on the plain old house contents insurance, but the more I think about it the more I worry about a potential claim for over 60 old (and I guess in the minds of insurers, obsolete) computers. I guess insurers will want a current market value, but what is current market value for old computers? As far as I am concerned there isn't a market value and each computer is only worth as much as the person selling it wants for it, or what the purchaser is willing to pay. I have recorded the prices I have payed for most of the things I have in my collection, but some of the rarest and most valuable to me I got given for free. Other items I have payed a lot of money for, probably too much sometimes when I realy want the item. In no case have I got a reciept for a purchase. Thoughts please. -- Kevan Old Computer Collector: <URL:http://staff.motiv.co.uk/~kevan/>

28 years, 8 months

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Attn: Jay Vaughan

by idavis＠comland.com

Please excuse the global post everyone, but Jay, if you could send me your email address, I will email you the fedex tracking number for your terminal. Thanks Isaac Davis : Doing the bull dance. idavis(a)comland.com : Feeling the flow. indavis(a)juno.com : Working it. Working it.

28 years, 8 months

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Osborne Accessories?

by classicjr＠juno.com

I'm about to become the proud owner of my first Osborne Computer. An "Executive" is being sent to me next week. I can't wait to get it going. I have on old catalog from the "JMM Computer Products" from Auburn Washington which details many accessories and cables that they sold for the Osbornes. I may be interested in getting a Parallel Cable, maybe an internal Ram Disk known as "Drive C" or maybe a Bios upgrade, or some software. Anyone have a source for these items now? Such as the Ram Disk or maybe a Hard Disk upgrade?? BTW, I have color brochures of all three of the Osborne machines, the O1, Exec. and the Vixen that I have stashed away since the 80's. They are fun to look at once and a while.

28 years, 8 months

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C Itoh Video Terminal

by idavis＠comland.com

At 12:48 PM 3/28/97 -0800, you wrote: >Hi! > >If you still have this, I would definitely have a use for it... I have about >7 Unix machines that I could use an extra dumb terminal on... > Jay Vaughan Jay, It's yours. I will try and box it up this weekend and ship it out early next week, it's not extremely heavy, but it's close. I will even see if I can get the crayon off of it. There's not much, just a little scribble, but everything works just fine on it. I don't have any cables to hook it up, just the keyboard and the monitor, but it looks like it has standard rs232 and parallel ports on the back. I knew someone could use it, and sure hated to throw it away. I have never really shipped anything(man i'm naieve), so if you want anything special fed-ex wise, email me and let me know what to do. Isaac Davis : Doing the bull dance. idavis(a)comland.com : Feeling the flow. indavis(a)juno.com : Working it. Working it.

28 years, 8 months

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C Itoh Video Terminal

by idavis＠comland.com

I have a C Itoh Video Terminal model number CT101. If anyone can use it, and doesn't mind paying shipping, I would be happy to send it to them. It is in good working condition, there are some crayon marks on the side, but I'm sure they will come off. I put it into my kids room and let them hit the keys and watch the characters come up on the screen. They thought it was the neatest thing. It is nothing more than a dumb terminal, but I know some of you have mini computers and might be able to use it as a console or something like that. Just email me and let me know, or if you need more information. I live in Austin, TX. and would bring it to work if you are local and don't mind picking it up. It's nothing really special, but I hate to throw out something that someone might be able to use. Isaac Davis idavis(a)comland.com indavis(a)juno.com

28 years, 8 months

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Epic Computer

by bm_pete＠ix.netcom.com

Greetings; I've found/uncovered another computer in my garage, does anyone know anything about it? The label says Epic Computer Products, Inc. Fountain Valley, Calif. Model 2296 It measures about 9" wide, 7" high, and 14" deep (breadbox size) Most of the space is taken by 2 FH 5?" drives (Qume model 592) one drive has a disk in it which is labeled 77 tracks/side, so I assume they are 640K or 720K. The processor is a Z80A with 64KB, so my best guess is that it's a CP/M system. The back panel contains a RESET button, a TEST/NORMAL switch, a DB-25F connector with a switch labeled toCOMM EQUIP/toPRINTER, a Centronics connector labeled PARALLEL, and a couple of other "phone jack" type connectors. (I don't know the name for these connectors, but they're the same size as the one on my phone-handset connection, not the plug-in-the-wall size) One of these connectors is labeled CONSOLE, the other is labeled PRINTER SERIAL. I would like to get this thing running, but don't know how to do it, what to use, or where to connect it. Any help/info would be appreciated. _______________ Barry Peterson bm_pete(a)ix.netcom.com Husband to Diane, Father to Doug, Grandfather to Zoe now and to Tegan soon!

28 years, 8 months

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Laser PC-3, 4

by johnz＠utxvms.cc.utexas.edu

>Anyone know where I could find a PC-4 ?? I saw one at a workshop 2 years age. At that time they were selling for $239.00, with a number of add on options. They are or were available from Perfect Solutions 12657 Coral Breeze Dr. West Palm Beach, FL 33414 1-800-726-7086 (407) 790-1070 John Moore

28 years, 8 months

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Laser PC-3, 4

by classicjr＠juno.com

Anyone on the list ever heard of the Laser PC-3 and PC-4 Laptop computers? They were small NonDos, NonWindows computers to be used mainly as Organizers and Word Processors. They were out about 7 years ago and sold at Sears stores, etc. I sure would like to get one of those machines... Especially the PC-4, with the bigger screen. They came with a choice of Ms-Dos or Mac connection cables and Software. Anyone know where I could find a PC-4 ??

28 years, 8 months

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Computer Listing

by jeffh＠eleventh.com

On 24-Mar-97, classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu wrote: > After CoCos and 64s, next would be TI 99/4 whatevers, then Atari >800/400 series. I was surprised to see an Aquarius WITH expansion >module and controllers for sale a month or so ago. Larry, That certainly is interesting...I would have liked to have seen that one. I picked up a second Aquarius the other day, this one from Mattel, while my first doesn't bear the Mattel name anywhere on it, and seems to have been sold directly by Radofin Electronics. Other than the Mattel name missing from the case and ID label though, and the fact that the Radofin machine has an 'R' tacked to the end of the model number, they are identical. The third variant I've heard of, but not seen, is the PAL version sold in the UK. I don't recall it's model number, but it's model was totally different than the 5931 model of the US NTSC version. Jeff jeffh(a)eleventh.com -- --------------------------------------------------------------------- // Amiga: The computer for the creative mind...since 1985! // ------------------------------------------------------- \// 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, 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.

28 years, 8 months

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The return of the 'Mark-8'

by jimw＠agora.rdrop.com

(Attempting not to drop into 'blatant advertising' mode... B^} ) In preparation for an exhibit of 'Classic Computers' that I am working on with other local collectors and the Oregon Museum of Science and History (OMSI - http://www.omsi.edu) to be presented this November, we are planning to reconstruct (at least one) functioning 'Mark-8' microcomputer as originally presented in a construction article in the July 1974 edition of 'Radio-Electronics' magazine. (predating the presentation of the 'Altair' construction project in a competing magazine by six months) Briefly for those not familiar with the unit, the 'Mark-8' (referred to as a "minicomputer" in the original article) is an Intel 8008 microprocessor based unit with a clock speed of 500kHz and a maximum addresing range of 16kb. The unit as implemented in this project features a full 'programmers' front panel, and is constructed on six double sided circuit boards which comprise the CPU board, parallel data input and output boards, display board, address latch and memory boards. The reconstruction as I will be implementing it will add a seventh board to stand in for the original memory board which was designed for 1101 static RAM chips which are no longer available in any quantity. The revised memory board will substitute 2102 static RAM chips which are readily available. (Note: there is a possibility that we may just update the existing memory board layout to allow the use of either RAM chip, but we are not quite that far along as yet) To help defer the costs of having the circuit boards made, we are offering sets of the boards to interested parties at our cost. Currently, with the minimum run of boards to make this project practical (6 sets) the cost per set stands at $200.00US. Four sets are currently spoken for. To get this rolling, we at least to find people interested in the other two board sets, and if more people are interested we can get the price per set down even further. (or if someone out there works for a PC board house???) And, since someone will no doubt ask... Yes, we do have a source for the Intel 8008 microprocessors. The quantities are limited however, and the current price for the microprocessor is $200.00US. All other required parts to construct this unit are readily available through stardard sources. Also, through the kindness of the management of Gernsback Publications (publisher of 'Radio-Electronics' and other related publications) we can provide reprints of the original construction article and documentation set for the 'Mark-8' project to anyone who purchases one of the board sets. (with updates for the revised memory board) If anyone is interested in joining us on this classic adventure or has any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thanks! -jim --- jimw(a)agora.rdrop.com The Computer Garage - http://www.rdrop.com/~jimw Computer Garage Fax - (503) 646-0174

28 years, 8 months

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Laser500

by walgen＠do.isst.fhg.de

-----Original Message----- From: Doug Spence [SMTP:ds_spenc@alcor.concordia.ca] Sent: Friday, March 21, 1997 8:34 AM To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers Subject: Re: Laser500 >> are you sure the VZ200 is from Video Technologies? I have one new in box >> with 16kB RAM but there is no reference to Video Technologies on the case. > Well, my source for this info was the March, 1983 issue of COMPUTE! > magazine, in the article entitled "New Home Computers At The Winter > Consumer Electronics Show": > "....Three new computers reatiling for $99 were shown at the show, > including the first one with color. > The colour model is the VZ200, the first home computer from Video > Technologies Ltd., a company with two factories in Hong Kong. Promised > for delivery by April, the VZ200 comes with 4K of RAM, expandable to 16K > ($45) or 64K (price not yet determined)...." That sounds correct - HongKong is mentioned on the box. Maybe Video Technologies was a unkown name at this time. I have the 16k-Ram Expansion card you mention so it looks like that this announce was not completely vapourous ... >> I have four LASER 500 with LASER Tapes. Anyone heard of these? > > Well, obviously I haven't. :) Is the Laser 500 an Apple-compatible > machine, or is it something entirely different? I will check this but I this it has a Z80 ... >>I'd like instructions on >how to use the SOUND, NOISE, SOUND DEF, and SOUND TEMPO extended BASIC >commands if you have such information. Also PAINT, as I haven't yet >figured out the syntax for that one, either. sorry I don't have a single line of doc for my machines. > LASER Tapes? Did the Laser use something other than standard audio > cassettes? No I don't think so - but they have made a special cassett-player. Does anyone know how to load a file from a tape with a LASER? Doug Spence ds_spenc(a)alcor.concordia.ca

28 years, 8 months

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Computer Listing

by carl.friend＠stoneweb.com

On Fri, 21 Mar 1997 17:54:15 -0500, "Captain Napalm" uttered: > but you might want to add an availability field [for (in the good Captain's case, microcomputers)], something like: > Limited - only a single run ever made, and then, not very > many. How about some of the rarer minicomputers that were made in the '60s? Beasts like the LINC-8 (of which there were only 142 built) or Packard Bell equipment from the very early sixties count here. PDP-1. > Rare - Only made for a year or so. I'd put into this category the Classic DEC PDP-8, and orginal Data General Novas. PDP-12s might go here (production run of ~1000). > Uncommon - the less popular machines of an era. I'm speculating at this point, but I'd tend to lump Prime equipment and Interdata gear in this one. You can find them, but it's a lucky find. Later Novas and Eclipses might fit here. > Common - Fairly easy to find. DEC pdp11 gear fits, for the most part here, although a case can be made for the 11/20 to fall into the "uncommon" classification. This class is especially appropriate for early- to mid- life 11s. > Abundant - the era of the PClone. Can't go to a thrift > store, auction, ham fest, etc without finding > hundreds if not thousands of old units. This is a level of concentration that you'll never find with mini- computers. In this class, I'd tend to place late-life-cycle pdp11s, like the 11/84 and up, and various classes of small VAXen. Note that in many cases these machines are still performing their assigned tasks and may not be de-commissioned for several years to come. I hate to flog a horse that's weak, but there is more to computing life than microprocessors. Whilst I don't disagree that the micro- based machines should be preserved (they should), I hope that folks, through their study of machines' history, become aware of what is now _distant_ history, even though it only happened 25-35 years ago. Bitmapped displays and typewriter keyboards are nice, but it's also good to sit in front of the blinking lights and work switches to program the machine. ______________________________________________________________________ | | | | Carl Richard Friend (UNIX Sysadmin) | West Boylston | | Minicomputer Collector / Enthusiast | Massachusetts, USA | | mailto:carl.friend@stoneweb.com | | | http://www.ultranet.com/~engelbrt/carl/museum | ICBM: N42:22 W71:47 | |________________________________________________|_____________________|

28 years, 8 months

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Computer Encyclopedia

by bill＠booster.bothell.washington.edu

Hi folks. The computer encyclopedia seems to have survived the weekend and is ready for new entries. So far six machines have been cataloged. Here's your chance to show off what you know about your obscure machines (and help justify all the work that went into this thing). Go to the CCL site (http://weber.u.washington.edu/~bcw/ccl.html) and click on the Classic Computer Encyclopedia. Then just go to Add a computer. Or just browse around and see what you think. Bill Whitson ClassicCmp "owner" bcw(a)u.washington.edu bill(a)booster.u.washington.edu

28 years, 8 months

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Collectors web pages...

by kevan＠motiv.co.uk

Hi, Simply, I am looking for URL's of collectors who document their collection on the Web. For some time I have had page on my Web site that lists other classic computer collectors who have web pages that document their collection. I am now in the process of revamping my collection web site and I would like to improve the list of the collectors web pages I have. The URL for this new page is: http://staff.motiv.co.uk/~kevan/collection/other_collectors.html If you have a web page that documents your collection and I haven't already got it then please drop me a note and I will add it to the list. Regards -- Kevan Heydon Old Computer Collector: <URL:http://staff.motiv.co.uk/~kevan/>

28 years, 8 months

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Computer Listing

by MPritchard＠ensemble.net

>What about machines built at prototypes only (PERQ 2T4, PERQ3A, Tiger? >Tandy Deluxe Coco, etc). Some of those are very difficult to find. Don't forget the Atari 1400, 1450xld, etc, which exists as prototypes only. Absolutely. It never fails to amaze me that some 1980's home micros (particularly Sinclar ZX80's, ZX81's, etc and Commodore 64's) still fetch quite high prices second-hand, while I am often _given_ minicomputer equipment. It's a memory/nostalgia thing. When I was a young boy, I got access to a bunch of early micros (Ohio Scientific, Exidy Sorcerer, Kim -1, etc). Now I'm older and want own things from my youth. ;-) -Matt Pritchard

28 years, 8 months

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Computer Listing

by zmerch＠northernway.net

At 05:54 PM 3/21/97 -0500, you wrote: > Uncommon - the less popular machines of an era. Usually > have to hunt around, but persistence pays off. > Color computers, Coleco Adams and what not > fall into this catagory (IMHO). > > Common - Fairly easy to find. Apple ][s, Amigas would be > here (again IMHO). Ummm... my intention here is not to flame, but Tandy Color Computers are *much* more abundant than you realize, mainly because (and I've learned this thru observation and personal experience) that one usually notices the most what one owns or has owned. <TANGENT> Dumb kid: "What the heck kinda car is that... it looks funny." Grandpa: "Son, that's a '47 Pontiac (or Mercury, or... insert personal favorite here) with a xxx V-8 engine & bla, bla, bla. I used to have one of those in my heyday, when I was a ..........." [[a week passes, same car]] Dumb kid: "What the heck kinda car is that... it looks funny....." </TANGENT> My point is there was an immense production of the Color Computer (there must... I own 3 myself) and in my little town of 14,000, I can name people who still own and use them, but the last Amiga I saw in this town was almost 10 years ago. Mind you, I'm not saying they're not around... I'm saying I don't see/take note of them, because I prefer Color Computers... You have a good suggestion, but I think that instead of just an arbitrary listing of who notices what or what might never be seen in a particular region (Amigas in Sault Ste. Marie, Color Computers in the Ukraine, ad nauseum...) that it should be based on actual production statistics when available. I can give you one bit of information: The Tandy Color Computer line was in production longer than any other 8-bit (and some 16-bit) home computer. Anywho, that's my $0.00000002 (that's all it's worth), FWIW, which ain't much. Thanks for the bandwidth, Roger "Merch" Merchberger Roger Merchberger | Everyone complained to me to change my .sig, Programmer, NorthernWay | but no-one could recommend something better. zmerch(a)northernway.net | So you'll have to put up with this *junk* | until I find some new wisdom to share.

28 years, 8 months

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Adam for Sale

by BigLouS＠aol.com

Someone on AOL has an Adam for sale. Is anyone interested? Lou

28 years, 8 months

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FS: Tandy Model 100 w/manuals, case, cables

by gmast＠polymail.cpunix.calpoly.edu

Hello, I have decided to sell my Tandy Model 100. It comes complete with both the owner's manual and service manual, a soft vinyl case, modem/phone cable and cassette cable. Works great! Since I didn't know what to ask, I went ahead and listed it on AuctionWeb. Here's the link to bid and get more info, see picture, etc: http://www.ebay.com/aw-cgi/item.cgi?item=lvp42398 Thanks and any questions, please feel free to ask. Greg -- http://www.calpoly.edu/~gmast ______________ NOTICE ___________________ My email will be down from 3/25 to 3/29. The system may not be receiving mail. If you send a message I won't be able to reply until 3/30. If you don't receive a reply, please resend after 3/29. Thanks, Greg _________________________________________

28 years, 8 months

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Atari 800xe ?

by BigLouS＠aol.com

In a message dated 97-03-21 03:01:19 EST, you write: > Anyone interested in 800XEs? I can try to get hold of some ... I certainly would be. Lou

28 years, 8 months

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Digests

by bill＠booster.bothell.washington.edu

Due to popular demand digesting has been enabled. Furthermore, it has been changed since this morning from weekly to daily distribution. Digests will be sent at 23:59 each day. Bill Whitson ClassicCmp "owner" bcw(a)u.washington.edu bill(a)booster.u.washington.edu

28 years, 8 months

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Regular Post: Mailing Lists

by bill＠booster.bothell.washington.edu

ClassicCmp Regular Posting Mailing Lists and How to Talk to the List Robot This message is posted with frequency proportional to subscription rate (or monthly). Mailing List Basics A mailing list is a simple device which takes an e-mail and redistributes it to a group of people. People can add and remove themselves from the distribution list by Subscribing and Unsubscribing. When you send a message to the list, it is first examined by the robot for key words that tell it to process an automatic funtion (like help, subscribe, unsubscribe, etc). If the message does not contain a keyword it is sent to the distribution list. How to Talk to the Robot There are a few List Processor commands that you might want to use. To send a command to the list processor, write a message to listproc(a)u.washington.edu. In the body of the message (not the subject line, that is) write one of the following commands. Then send the message. SET CLASSICCMP MAIL ACK Tells the robot to send you a copy of messages you write to the list. This is the default. SET CLASSICCMP MAIL NOACK Tells the robot NOT to send you a copy of messages you write to the list. I don't recommend this. SET CLASSICCMP MAIL DIGEST Tells the robot to send you a digest of messages rather than each as it is posted. With this option you will get a weekly bundle of messages and keep a nice, tidy in-box. SUBSCRIBE CLASSICCMP Your.Address Subscribes you to the list. UNSUBSCRIBE CLASSICCMP Your.Address Removes you from the list. That's the basics. If you need to know more just drop me a line at bcw(a)u.washington.edu. Bill Whitson ClassicCmp "owner" bcw(a)u.washington.edu bill(a)booster.u.washington.edu

28 years, 8 months

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Computer Listing

by HamiJohn＠aol.com

In the few days this group has been going, I have been taken down memory lane over and over again! I would like to propose that we begin documenting all the great classic computers of the past. I suggest it be a SIMPLE compilation such as: Name/Model Manufacturer Date released/stopped RAM/ROM included Languages included Ports included Peripherals offerred etc. Of course the exact categories need to be decided by discussion on this mail list. And somebody would need to tabulate the info (then publish the list monthly). Finally, an "expert" committee for those items "in dispute"! Well ... what do you think? John Hamilton hamijohn(a)aol.com "Old computers never die, they just fade away bit by bit!"

28 years, 8 months

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S-100 Lovers! Old Digital Research Operating Systems(fwd)

by danjo＠xnet.com

---------- Forwarded message ---------- Newsgroups: comp.os.cpm >From: gee(a)linda.teleport.com (Chuck Gee) Date: 21 Mar 1997 10:48:15 -0800 Organization: Teleport - Portland's Public Access (503) 220-1016 S100 cards for sale. Make offer. ================================= This is my second posting of this ad. The first time around, about 1/2 of the cards found new homes. Since these are the leftovers, I am willing to consider any reasonable offer. Most have no documentation, but have been removed from working systems (mostly from a BBS I once ran). If you live in the Northwest, these are located in Corvallis, Oregon, and you can get to them any weekday. Otherwise, UPS ground prefered. quantity part# mfg. desc. ======== ===== ==== ===== 3 INTERFACER 3 GODBOUT/COMPUPRO 8 CHANNEL SERIAL 1/O (1 interfacer 3 technical manual included) ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1 PWA.05-00060 MOUNTAIN COMPUTER 100,000 DAY CLOCK ---------------------------------------------------------------- 4 RAM 21 GODBOUT ELECTRONICS 64K X 16 RAM CARD ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1 CPU 86/87 GODBOUT 8086-1 CPU CARD ---------------------------------------------------------------- 2 SYSTEM SUPPORT 1 COMPUPRO I/O, CLOCK,MATH, INT, ETC.. ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1 UFDC-1 COMPU/TIME FLOPPY DISK CONTROLLER ---------------------------------------------------------------- 5 SCP400B,C SEATTLE COMPUTER MULTIPORT SERIAL CARD ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1 Suntronics Co., inc CLOCK/CALENDAR ================================================================ I also have the following manuals that I will send off for the price of shipping, or will include with some/all of the above cards. Digital Research CP/M-86 Operating System User's Guide -- Digital Research Concurrent CP/M User's Guide/Utilities Guide -- Gifford Computer Systems Multiuser Concurrent DOS User's Manual (includes a pile of 8" diskettes) ================================================================= 6 assorted S-100 motherboards ================================================================= A "pile" of 14 assorted S100 cards that have never been used by me and are untested. I picked them up (used) for future use, but never got around to firing them up. Their condition is unknown, and I'd like to sell them as one batch. They've been sitting in my warehouse for 15 years, and are pretty dusty. ================================================================= Please contact me at gee(a)teleport.com if interested in any of the above. Thanks... ========================================================================== For an Online, Interactive Science-Fiction Adventure, please point your browser to: http://www.teleport.com/~gee/oiin.html ========================================================================== -- gee(a)teleport.com Hope someone can use this - before it gets chucked that is 8-) BC

28 years, 8 months

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Computer Listing

by dlormand＠aztec.asu.edu

I'm not totally sure yet another ad hoc list is in our best interests. There are some Web sites dedicated to Classic Computers that list some/most of the old sets and what went with them (peripherals, memory, etc.). If you feel that a seperate list is still a good idea, BMG, but I'd like to see a list of "history" Web sites and how good you think they are. Some, like Rich Polivka's page, are dedicated to a single machine (our trusty TI). I imagine other machines have something similar. -- ********************************************** * David Ormand *** Southwest 99ers * * dlormand(a)aztec.asu.edu *** Tucson, Arizona * **************************** TMS9900 Lives! *

28 years, 8 months

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Whoops!

by bill＠booster.bothell.washington.edu

Y'know, every once in a while you shoot out a message and immediatly realize you just did something embarrasing. And there's not a damn thing you can do ;). I just said to thank Dan Tucker for the html work on the comp list. And within seconds of pressing send remembered that actually it's a shared mailbox and the guy I've been chatting with for that last few days is, in fact - Brett Crapser. So, everybody say "Thanks, Brett!" And I'll go bury my head in the sand :x Bill Whitson ClassicCmp "owner" bcw(a)u.washington.edu bill(a)booster.u.washington.edu

28 years, 8 months

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Compaq Model III, anyone?

by bboys＠mcja.com

Would anyone like to have (ie, for FREE) a Compaq Model III? It's one of those newfangled 286s, but it does have a cool fold-out LCD screen. The 5 1/2 floppy works but the hard drive is doubtful. If you're interested e-mail me to figure out how to get it to you. Brian bboys(a)mcja.com

28 years, 8 months

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how many old comps are dumped?

by dzander＠solaria.sol.net

A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text Size: 643 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.classiccmp.org/pipermail/cctalk/attachments/19970320/e99582fc/at…

28 years, 8 months

3
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Atari 800xe ?

by walgen＠do.isst.fhg.de

-----Original Message----- From: mhop [SMTP:mhop@snip.net] Sent: Friday, March 21, 1997 8:21 AM To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers Subject: Atari 800xe ? >> Common European Computer (esp. Germany): >> >> Atari 800XE (common in eastern europe) >> > > Really? There was the 800, 800lx, and the 130xe. I think I heard of a > 600ex game system, but I never heard of an 800ex. What are its specs? I have a 800XE new in the box for ex. east germany. It looks like a 130XE but has only 64kB. If you are interested in further details I can check the instuction booklet. Anyone interested in 800XEs? I can try to get hold of some ...

28 years, 8 months

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Laser500, Computer from Europe, FleaMarket

by walgen＠do.isst.fhg.de

>> Laser 50, Laser 2000, Sinlair QL, > ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^ > > Now THESE machines interest me. Why? Because I am the proud owner of a > Laser 3000 from Video Technologies Ltd. Are the 50 and the 2000 from > the same company? The only other machines from them that I've heard of > are the VZ200 and the Laser 128 (I think they were?). are you sure the VZ200 is from Video Technologies? I have one new in box with 16kB RAM but there is no reference to Video Technologies on the case. I have four LASER 500 with LASER Tapes. Anyone heard of these? > There are a lot of very common (in Europe) European machines I'd like to > get my hands on, perhaps someone should set up an intercontinental > computer trade route. :) VERY GOOD IDEA - I got some of my computers from the US ... If anyone is interested in trading (Computer and Video-Games): http://hal.do.isst.fhg.de/~walgen/Museum/Gallery/Gallery.html I also have a small flea-market for old computer at http://hal.do.isst.fhg.de/~walgen/Museum/HCM.html Furthermore it could be interesting to make a list of common european computers that are possibly rare in the US. Here a first try - please make comments on the rarity of these computers in the US: Common European Computer (esp. Germany): Atari 800XE (common in eastern europe) Commodore C-116 Commodore C-16 Commodore VC-20 (has not VIC-20 as label) Philips VG 8010, VG8020, NMS8280 (all MSX) Philips G7000 (Video games) Schneider CPC 464, CPC 664, CPC6128, Joyce PCW 8256 Sharp MZ-700, MZ-800 Sinclair QL Sony HitBit HB-75D (MSX) Triumph Adler Alphatronic TA Robotron KC85/3 (from ex. east germany - Z-80 clone) Common European Computer (esp. France): Matra Alice, Alice 90 Thomson TO7, TO7-70 Thomson MO5, TO8, TO8D Common European Computer (esp. Netherlands): MSX Computer. esp. Philips

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Any ORIC owners here?

by lists＠phx6.phxmedia.com

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Atari 800xe ?

by mhop＠snip.net

> Common European Computer (esp. Germany): > > Atari 800XE (common in eastern europe) > Really? There was the 800, 800lx, and the 130xe. I think I heard of a 600ex game system, but I never heard of an 800ex. What are its specs? mhop(a)snip.net

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TI Speech Synthesizer question...

by jeffh＠eleventh.com

On 20-Mar-97, classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu wrote: >There were many "Speech Synthesizer" modules released. Most of them had to >do with entertainment packages, but there also many for education as well. > Education packages included the Scott, Foresman series were the computer >would say the numbers and letters to children, and for entertainment, there >was Alpiner, Parsec, M*A*S*H, Star Trek, Microsurgeon, and many, many others. Actually, I was referring to the modules that were to plug into the Speech Synthesizer itself, beneath the flip-top. Numerous references mention them, and though on my Synthesizer, there isn't a connector in it for the module, I was wondering if maybe some early examples were shipped with one. Even the Speech Synthesizer manual mentions the cartridges. >There are more than 373 words to choose from. In fact, with the Terminal >Emulator II cartridge, you have unlimited "text-to-speech" capability. > Literally anything you type in can be spoken. Sometimes you would have to >make the the pronunciation spellings different in order for this to work, but >mostly, it was fine. Extended BASIC was the only cartridge that limited >"text-to-speech", but even then TI later released a "text-to-speech" diskette >which would allow the user to type in anything (much like the Terminal >Emulator II, and Speech Editor). I got the 373 word limit from the Synthesizer manual, though I've not counted up the words in the list it shows. I plan on playing with TE-II once I recieive the RS232 board for my PEBox. It'd be interesting having it speak the ascii data as it came across! >I just picked up a Speech Editor cartridge for $20 from someone who was >selling it along with other old TI stuff. Expect to pay this, or more for it >- as it is rare. I just got it, and I can't even use it because I don't have >the manual. That's fine with me...BTW, here's another question regarding the GROM cartridges. When did Atari begin making the arcade game cartridges for the TI-99/4A? Most people admit that TI didn't allow much 3rd party software to be produced initially, yet here is one of their competitors writing programs for it. I have the Donkey Kong and Pac Man cartridges, and they are both dated 1983. Jeff jeffh(a)eleventh.com -- --------------------------------------------------------------------- // Amiga: The computer for the creative mind...since 1985! // ------------------------------------------------------- \// 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, 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.

28 years, 8 months

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TI Model Number

by HamiJohn＠aol.com

In a message dated 97-03-16 18:18:32 EST, Bryan Nicalek writes: > The TI-99/2 was never actually produced. Only pre-production units were ever > made. This was after the TI-99/4A, back in 1983. A whole line of > peripherals were planned to be offered, including the new HEX-BUS interface. > The 99/2 was black and white only, 40 columns, and limited but a very > portable computer. Only rare photos have ever been seen. The 99/2 did make it out the door - I bought one in a MSP Target. The hex bus peripherals also were produced, and worked with the CC40 (handheld from TI). John Hamilton hamijohn(a)aol.com "Old computers never die, they just fade away bit by bit!"

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Hello all!

by COAKLEY＠AC.GRIN.EDU

> My nephew owns an Atari 800XL computer, and I was wondering if anyone > knows of any source for basic programs he could type in and learn from. > I think the basic programs should be short and easy for a 7th grader to > learn from. Thanks for any help. I will be writing up a mastermind program > for him and maybe a tic-tac-toe game for him. Anyone have ideas for other > games that can be written in BASIC and are easy to understand and short? > Thanks in advance. Used book stores. They often have old computer books lying around which they'll sell to you for a couple dollars, and it shouldn't be too hard to find books of basic games. Heck, I have a book of 33 games designed for PET, Apple ][, or TRS-80 BASIC that I could send to you, if you want. They're pretty, uh, basic, but taking them apart isn't a bad way to learn BASIC. I really should sleep more, -- Ben Coakley coakley(a)ac.grin.edu 530 User anonymous access denied. http://www.math.grin.edu/~coakley for fiction, etc.

28 years, 8 months

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Let people know about collectors

by BigLouS＠aol.com

In a message dated 97-03-20 13:55:54 EST jimw(a)agora.rdrop.com (James Willing) wrote: > I guess my base fear here is that if we actually managed to get the > media's attention, a few major stories like this might drive the equipment > costs to high (note I said COSTS, not VALUE) that only deep pocketed > people with no real interest in the equipment other than its percieved > 'value' would be able to afford to obtain it! Well said. Publicity is not always a good thing. imw(a)agora.rdrop.com (James Willing) also wrote: Me, I'm doing new board layouts and am planning to reconstruct a 'Mark-8' or two... Anyone else interested in a board set? I might be, post some details. Lou

28 years, 8 months

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Zenith Z386-20

by CHEER＠us.oracle.com

Captain Napalm sez: >It was thus said that the Great Christopher Heer once stated: >> Wow. 72 pin? Are you certain? In any case, ISTR older Zeniths taking proprietary >> memory. > Yup. Without any SIMMS, the system just sits there producing vast amounts >of nothing quite fast. With memory installed, I get the bad CMOS error, >then vast amounts of nothing quite fast. Well that's pretty ironclad. I doubt you're having a memory problem. >> > Then the screen goes blank and the system just sits there, fans spinning. >> How long? I mean, how long have you let it wait? If it's mis-configured on the >> hard disk, it could take simply ages to time out. > Oh, two minutes maybe. Nothing very long. Let it go longer. Sweartagod I've seen PC's take 15 minutes to error out. Also, if there's a hard disk controller installed, yank it. It may make it time out faster. And as someone else mentioned, Zenith was fond of using Ctrl-Alt-Ins as the keystroke combination to get into setup. Give that a go. -- Christopher D. Heer ORACLE Corporation Network Engineer III 203 N. La Salle Avenue #2000 Work: (312) 704-1676 Chicago, IL 60601 Fax: (312) 726-4635 Email: cheer(a)us.oracle.com Visualize Whirled Peas

28 years, 8 months

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Zenith Z386-20

by CHEER＠us.oracle.com

Captain Napalm sez: > At an auction this past Saturday, I picked up a Zenith Z386-20 (okay, it >might, just might, be 10 years old). It looks to be a decent system, and >today is the first day I've been able to play around with it, as I had to >scrape up some 72-pin SIMMS for memory. Wow. 72 pin? Are you certain? In any case, ISTR older Zeniths taking proprietary memory. > Upon turning the unit on, I get (if I recall - it doesn't stay very long >on the screen): > Bad CMOS configuration blah blah yada yada > Then the screen goes blank and the system just sits there, fans spinning. How long? I mean, how long have you let it wait? If it's mis-configured on the hard disk, it could take simply ages to time out. > I have some questions about the unit I figure I'd through out here before >going to alt.folklore.computers. > 1. It doesn't seem to even look at the keyboard. Do Zeniths use > a proprietary keyboard, or is the POST routine not getting past > the bad CMOS? Zeniths were, ISTR, slightly touchy about keyboards, but they didn't have to be proprietary. Odds are something else is hanging it. > 2. The computer itself has a daughter board that contains the > ROMs, a SmartBattery (DALLAS - DS1260-100 / 9816 / 3V > Lithium battery), an Intel 8742 (Universal Peripheral Interface > 8-bit Slave uController) and other neat features (the 8 LEDs > are a nice touch). The Smart battery can be removed, but I'm > wondering if it's a common item and is easily replaced. Depends on how you define "common" and "easily," but yeah, you should be able to find it and replace it. They last a long time, though; I'd resolve the config issue before replacing it. -- Christopher D. Heer ORACLE Corporation Network Engineer III 203 N. La Salle Avenue #2000 Work: (312) 704-1676 Chicago, IL 60601 Fax: (312) 726-4635 Email: cheer(a)us.oracle.com Visualize Whirled Peas

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