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

by avri＠freemail.c3.hu

Hello. I need some help. I have a WANG (WLTC) Laptop with printer, and my operation system was crashed. I have no any boot disk. I need a boot disk and the latest operation system. If it's possible please send me some links, or let me know where I can download this programs. My laptop's properties are : WANG Laboratories Inc. FCC I.D.: B4Y8P7 WLTC MADE DATE Febr 24 1987 Serial number : 95235V Sorry about my English, and thank you very very much . Avramucz Mihaly from Hungary

26 years, 3 months

6
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DS3100 Questions

by cmcmanis＠mcmanis.com

I gave the DECStation 3100 to a fellow caretaker and he had some questions I thought I would bring up here to see if there were any easy answers: 1) Is the display adapter on the main board of the DS3100 always monochrome? 2) I found Bruce Lane's description of making a color cable for the 15 pin connector but not the equivalent idea for a monochrome connector. 3) Does anyone have a spare cable? 4) What monitor works with this system? --Chuck

26 years, 3 months

2
1
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Vax 4000/VLT

by cmcmanis＠freegate.com

Ok, buried under a pile of stuff was a little tiny VAX. A VAXStation 4000/VLC, what the heck is that? Can I netboot it? Cluster it? can it run headless? --Chuck

26 years, 3 months

6
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More OS wants....

by peter.pachla＠wintermute.org.uk

While I'm thinking about it.... Would anyone (again in the UK) know where I can get a set of (presumably) Microsoft XENIX installation discs for my Jarrogate "Sprite"? Mine came with both CDOS and XENIX installed, but I only got the discs and manuals for CDOS. Also, I've been playing with "Concurrent DOS XM" on a '286 for a few years on and off, but I don't really have the right hardware to run it effectively. So, can anyone please help me out with a compatible EEMS board (AST RAMpage! or RAMpage! 286 AFAIK) or even a copy of Concurrent DOS 386? TTFN - Pete. -- Hardware & Software Engineer. Sound Engineer. Collector of Arcade Machines, Games Consoles & Obsolete Computers (esp DEC) peter.pachla(a)wintermute.org.uk | peter.pachla(a)vectrex.freeserve.co.uk | peter.pachla(a)virgin.net | peter.pachla(a)wintermute.free-online.co.uk | www.wintermute.free-online.co.uk --

26 years, 3 months

1
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Looking for IBM Xenix

by peter.pachla＠wintermute.org.uk

Hi, sorry not to have been posting here lately but things have been very hectic with both of my parents being hospitalised. :-( To be brief I'm looking for a copy of IBM Xenix v2.00 to have a play with on my XT-286. Anyone here in the UK able to help, preferably I need a copy WITH the manuals.... *PLEASE* respond directly rather than via the list, although I'm still receiving it I don't have time to read the messages at the moment (it's been nearly two weeks since I have). TTFN - Pete. -- Hardware & Software Engineer. Sound Engineer. Collector of Arcade Machines, Games Consoles & Obsolete Computers (esp DEC) peter.pachla(a)wintermute.org.uk | peter.pachla(a)vectrex.freeserve.co.uk | peter.pachla(a)virgin.net | peter.pachla(a)wintermute.free-online.co.uk | www.wintermute.free-online.co.uk --

26 years, 3 months

1
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Just picked up a HUGE PDP-8I and PDP-15 and .....

by ethan_dicks＠yahoo.com

--- John B <dylanb(a)sympatico.ca> wrote: > Here is what I picked up: (lot of questions); > > PDP-8I (came from a former Dec employee): Cool haul. > I hope to have the 8I running early next week (looks like it is plug and > play). Very much so. > Questions: > > 1. How much memory is inside the 8I and what was the stack size, how much > expansion is the MM8Ia s? I can tell you only that there are spaces in the CPU backplane for two 4K stacks. The MM8I's _might_ be 8K each. The standard stack for the -8/i and -8/L is 4K. I am not aware of any larger ones. The external box on my -8/L has two stacks - total of 12K. > 3. I found a board made by digital that says "CMOS-8" (memory),, what model > PDP-8 does this work on? Does it look like an OMNIBUS card? If so, then -8/a and -8/e/f/m. Pretty much there are three types of -8s - transistorized, TTL FLIP-CHIP and ONMIBUS (not including DECmates). -ethan ===== Infinet has been sold. The domain is going away in February. Please send all replies to erd(a)iname.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com

26 years, 3 months

1
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11/24 backplane - was Re: Wanted: TK50 Cartridges

by danburrows＠mindspring.com

>I have an 11/24 CPU - do you have the other supporting cards? The 11/24 >backplane? I have a few spare 11/24 CPU backplanes but it will be a while before I can dig one out. Dan

26 years, 3 months

1
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Wanted: Old DEC stuff in Texas

by mrbill＠mrbill.net

Anybody out there within a reasonable driving distance (6 hours?) of Austin, Texas that has any old DEC gear they'd like to get rid of to a good home? I've got a two-car garage thats finished out with carpet and paneling, and I'd like to start that collection of DEC stuff I always wanted. I'm looking for VT1xx/2xx/3xx terminals, MicroVAX/ VAX equipment, PDP-11 (especially) gear, etc. Stuff I've got for sale or trade or donation if you need it bad enough: Six 1200 watter power supplies for a Sun 4/690MP Six 2.1gig SCSI differential FH 5.25" HDs from a 4/690MP Six 1.3gig IPI 5.25" FH HDs from a 4/690MP 16-slot VME cardcage/backplane/blower assembly from a Sun 4/690MP Five 4/330 / 4/630MP deskside VME chassis One SCSI drive shelf and two IPI drive shelves/trays (with slide rails) for a 19" rack Two IBM POWERServer 530 RS/6000 servers, each with 64mb RAM, 2.3gig Exabyte tape drives, one with CD-ROM and 1gig HD, both with IBM 3151 amber terminals. AIX 4.1.3 loaded, with AIX on CD-ROM included. Other stuff like a 16-port serial breakout box, etc. Couple of Toshiba laptops with the orange plasma screen (not sure about the models, I think one's a 3100 and one a 5100; I used them for serial terminals) If anybody's interested in any of this equipment, please let me know. I'd love to see it go to a good home where someone cna get some use out of it, and possibly get something for me to play with in return. Bill -- Bill Bradford * mrbill(a)mrbill.net / http://www.mrbill.net mrbill(a)sunhelp.org / http://www.sunhelp.org --------------------------------------------------------------------- "Never criticize anybody until you have walked a mile in their shoes, because by that time you will be a mile away and have their shoes." -- Unknown

26 years, 3 months

2
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Xerox D-series workstations

by schoedel＠kw.igs.net

Hello all, I've just been fortunate enough to obtain a pair or Xerox D-series machines. One is a 53D (Daybreak? Dove? 6085? 1186?) and the other an 8010. I understand the 53D has its microcode control store in RAM; is there any available information on the microinstruction encoding, and how I might in principle be able to write my own? (I work for a company that did microcode compilers, ten years ago when people still built microcoded machines, so yes, I *do* know what I'm suggesting.) For that matter, is there any available information on the macroinstruction set(s)? So far I've been able to find very little about these boxes. The 53D boots happily into Lisp. Err... could someone please tell me, as soon as possible, how to safely shut this machine off? Two boxes of Lisp manuals, dated June 1997, and still shrink-wrapped. If there is a 'collector' out there who would like to trade for 'working' copies of the same, contact me before I open them.... A carton of Lisp floppies; although these were sold with the 8010, they clearly belong to the 53D, since they're 5.25" not 8". They're marked DS/DD 48tpi; is there anything unusual about these, or could they in principle be read and archived from a current pc? The 8010 doesn't boot. The power supply is fine; the drive spins up and is loud but sounds smooth. The LEDs rest at 0000, and nothing happens. Any obvious things I should try, or will I have to wait until I can do Serious Work on this? -- Kevin Schoedel schoedel(a)kw.igs.net

26 years, 3 months

8
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HP9825 on epay

by lance＠costanzo.net

Picked this off of another list: >Dan B forcefld(a)verinet.com >http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=195400748 >Fort Collins, CO USA - Saturday, November 06, 1999 at >19:28:06 >I just took this thing off my freinds porch and stuck it on >EBAY. Can anybody fill me in a little on its age? I used to >play with HP 9830 computers, I think this is a little >newer-but its hard to say. Its a 9825, with red LED display, >tape drive, and thermal printer, and it comes with a pile of >other junk. Well-its on ebay!~any info that I might add to >the auction would be helpful. Thankyou! Lance Costanzo http://www.webhighrise.com System Administrator Website and Virtual Domain Hosting lance(a)costanzo.net starting at $5/month, no setup fees

26 years, 3 months

2
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Wanted: TK50 Cartridges

by wirehead＠retrocomputing.com

I'm looking for a bunch of TK50 cartridges since local sources have turned up nothing. Does anyone want to unload a bunch? I'm willing to pay for them. Email with details and what you want for them. If nothing else, I'd be willing to trade an 11/24 board set (M7133) and MOS RAM board (M8743) for some. Thanks... Anthony Clifton

26 years, 3 months

3
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VR241 vertical linearity problem

by ard＠p850ug1.demon.co.uk

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26 years, 3 months

2
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VR241 vertical linearity problem

by dburrows＠netpath.net

-----Original Message----- From: Tony Duell <ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk> >The fault is in the vertical scan. The top 2 lines (or so) are spread >out, so that the top row of characters appears to have black lines >running through them. In other words the vertical scan is very non-linear >at the top. I have seen this on many VR241's when the HT supply is about ready to smoke. (literally) I have not taken the time fix them as I normally have a few spares readily available for exchange. I buy them for a LOT less than my time is worth to fix one. (free to $30 - shipping is more than the monitor usually) Dan

26 years, 3 months

2
1
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VR241 vertical linearity problem

by dylanb＠sympatico.ca

-----Original Message----- From: Tony Duell <ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Sunday, November 07, 1999 12:10 PM Subject: VR241 vertical linearity problem >I'm still working on that Rainbow, and today I've tried it with a DEC >VR241 colour monitor. > >The good news is that the graphics card (and GSX) works fine. And the >graphics are rather impressive compared to the (contemporary) IBM CGA card. > >The bad news is that the VR241 has a fault. I feel somewhat strange >asking this here, as I'm normally the one to answer such questions, but >here goes... Hmmmm > >The fault is in the vertical scan. The top 2 lines (or so) are spread >out, so that the top row of characters appears to have black lines >running through them. In other words the vertical scan is very non-linear >at the top. If part of the picture is cut off with a horizontal line then it is either a video timing problem or a fault in the deflection circuitry preventing the beam from being where it is supposed to scan in enough time. > >Adjusting the vertical linearity control improves things a little, but >reducing the spacing at the top increases it at the bottom. What is odd >is that the vertical position control affects the fault as well -- the >problem gets worse as the picture is moved up the screen. This seems to >rule out a problem with the ramp generator, since the vertical position >control operates by applying a DC current to the yoke. This is likely a vertical deflection problem - possibly a bad capacitor, bad connection, bad flyback/pumpup diode. >The problem gets >better as the monitor warms up. > Ahh,, a dried up electrolytic capacitor is most likely.. if it got a lot worse then it would be a semiconductor. >I've not dived into it yet -- and I suspect the electrolytic in the >vertical output stage. I am wondering if anyone's seen this before and >can suggest a possible cause. > Easiest thing to do is substitute a good capacitor for each electrolytic in the vertical output circuit. (if you don't have a scope). If you do have a scope then work your way through the vertical output circuit and locate the problem. john >-tony >

26 years, 3 months

2
1
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Tandy 2000

by jrice＠texoma.net

I was given a Tandy 2000 recently. Due to the death of my mother this week I just tried to boot it. It puts the 256k memeory message on the screen and the floppy drive light comes on but it never seems to boot. I recieved a boot disk copy with the machine and have ordered a MSDOS/Basic boot disk from RSU but no resultds. Any common prblem I should look for? I've already reversed the floppy drives with the same results. James -- ICQ 2286850 Home Page http://home.texoma.net/~jrice Classic Comp Page at http://home.texoma.net/~jrice/classiccomp.html Robotics Page at http://home.texoma.net/~jrice/hobbies.html All pages under construction!

26 years, 3 months

1
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Priority for a QDSS color framebuffer?

by mbg＠world.std.com

>Where is the color frame buffer normally placed relative to everything >else in a Vaxstation II/GPX ? (everything else being defined as ethernet, >TQK70, disk, and async muxes) According to the Vaxstation II/GPX hardware manual, the correct sequence of boards is: 1) CPU 2) Memory 3) Ethernet interface 4) VCB02 base 5) VCB02 memory 6) VCB02 memory 7) Async comm (DZQ) 8) Asyn multiplexor (DHV) 9) Sync Comm (DMV) 10) Disk controller (RQDX3) 11) Tape controller (TQK50) But I have always placed the disk controller after the ethernet interface and before the VCB02... it puts the controller electrically closer to the CPU, which should make disk I/O a little faster (I know, almost infinitesimal, but the delay has got to be measurable, and adds up over time). Megan Gentry Former RT-11 Developer +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+ | Megan Gentry, EMT/B, PP-ASEL | Internet (work): gentry!zk3.dec.com | | Unix Support Engineering Group | (home): mbg!world.std.com | | Compaq Computer Corporation | addresses need '@' in place of '!' | | 110 Spitbrook Rd. ZK03-2/T43 | URL: http://world.std.com/~mbg/ | | Nashua, NH 03062 | "pdp-11 programmer - some assembler | | (603) 884 1055 | required." - mbg | +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+

26 years, 3 months

1
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Just picked up a HUGE PDP-8I and PDP-15 and .....

by dylanb＠sympatico.ca

Here is what I picked up: (lot of questions); PDP-8I (came from a former Dec employee): This mini is loaded. (I am really tired and have not had a chance to look at it all but..): It came in two racks. The first rack contained the 8I with high speed paper tape, and a DF32. The second rack had 4 core memory expanders (MM8I), an AX08, an Oscilloscope interface, and a REALLY COOL NEGIBUS 8" floppy drive that emulates 2-4 DF32s. The second rack is a "LAB-8" config. I got all the manuals (for every part), maintenance docs, "D" size prints, heaps of OS/8 stuff, TSS/8, and disk monitor. The system came with 12 trays of paper tape. I have no idea how much core is in the CPU as I have not pulled it out. In the prints I saw it has "EAE" and some other options... Oh,oh, and I got at least 30 negibus cables :-) PDP-15 This unit came in 3 racks. The first rack is the CPU/control panel with: high speed paper tape, mag tape, and a "blinky light panel on the top". The second rack is the CPU and power supply. The third rack contains a large drum memory unit and interface. The CPU has two large core planes. I don't know if there are any more hidden anywhere. This unit is large and came with 6 large boxes of documentation, schematics, maintenance manuals... Software wise it has a lot more than I expected... 45 trays of paper tape. I was told MUMPS was on it/with it? I have not looked at the paper tapes yet. Bought boxes of spare boards: I also bought 10 large boxes of PDP 11, PDP 8, and other digital peripheral/CPU cards. I will compile a list in case anyone needs anything I am not keeping. I also picked up 15-20 boxes of brand new boards from dec/third party still wrapped... no idea what they are yet. Bought a large box of Nova core memory/FPU I picked up around 10 core memory planes and tons of Nova 2/3 spares. I got a lot more Flip Chips and another H901 blue flip chip patch panel. I will take a picture when I can but these systems are taking up my families hallway, living room and dining room at the moment so I have to clean out more of my lab and roll the stuff in. Basically, I bought everything but the PDP 11/34 that was left there. I hope to have the 8I running early next week (looks like it is plug and play). Questions: 1. How much memory is inside the 8I and what was the stack size, how much expansion is the MM8Ia s? 2. Does drum memory crash when you cycle the power? 3. I found a board made by digital that says "CMOS-8" (memory),, what model PDP-8 does this work on? 4. Anything "bugs" I should watch out for before powering up the 8I or the PDP-15? Thanks john...

26 years, 3 months

1
0
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Priority for a QDSS color framebuffer?

by cmcmanis＠mcmanis.com

Where is the color frame buffer normally placed relative to everything else in a Vaxstation II/GPX ? (everything else being defined as ethernet, TQK70, disk, and async muxes) --Chuck

26 years, 3 months

2
1
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scans needed

by Glenatacme＠aol.com

Hi I'm passing this along in case someone on the list can help this fellow: Date: Wed, 03 Nov 1999 10:04:50 +0100 From: Stephan Slabihoud stephannews1(a)slabihoud.de Hi, I am looking for scans of homecomputer mainboards of the 70ths and 80ths. These scans I would like to add to my computing museum (<A HREF="http://www.8bit-museum.de)">http://www.8bit-museum.de)</A>. Unfortunately a lot of scans are not available yet: No scan available: :-( Acorn, Amstrad, Coleco, Dragon, EACA, Enterprise, Excidy, Jupiter, Luxor, Mattel, NeXT, Osborne, Sharp, Spectravideo, Tandy, Tatung, Camputers and Exelvision A few scans available: :-) Apple (Apple I), Atari (2600 black, 800XL), Commodore (8032, VC20, C64, C64C, C116, C16, P/4), MITS (8800), Oric (1, Atmos, Telestrat), Sinclair (MK14, ZX80/81, Spectrum Issue 1+2, QL), Texas (99/4A), VTech (Laser 500) Some of the scans are not very good and I will be pleased to replace them by better ones. Who wants to help me but does not know how to make a scan or photo of the mainboard can ask for my advice. :-) A picture should not exceed 800 KByte (JPG medium). Thanx very much Stephan Slabihoud

26 years, 3 months

1
0
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Experience with Dilog DQ696-20?

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<At the risk of starting a flame fest, does anyone have any ideas on <"tuning" tools such that one could know when they are getting the "best" <performance out of a classic machine? Why a flame fest? If anything this is why some of the old hardware is still around as it could be run to 99.999% of its capacity. Tuning was the way to get there. The tuning tool would be OS specific. Allison

26 years, 3 months

1
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Q: Re: 11/34 inventory - board list

by mbg＠world.std.com

>Does anyone know if the RL11 will swap with the TA11 to switch from >cassette operation to RL02 operation? What do you mean by 'swap with'? The RL11 and TA11 show up at entirely different addresses in the IO page, and which the system boots is dependent upon the bootstrap code available, and not the position of boards in the bus. Megan Gentry Former RT-11 Developer +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+ | Megan Gentry, EMT/B, PP-ASEL | Internet (work): gentry!zk3.dec.com | | Unix Support Engineering Group | (home): mbg!world.std.com | | Compaq Computer Corporation | addresses need '@' in place of '!' | | 110 Spitbrook Rd. ZK03-2/T43 | URL: http://world.std.com/~mbg/ | | Nashua, NH 03062 | "pdp-11 programmer - some assembler | | (603) 884 1055 | required." - mbg | +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+

26 years, 3 months

2
1
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HP 9144 and HP tapes: Again

by rigdonj＠intellistar.net

I just got back from another hamfest. The only interesting computer stuff that I scored was two dozen new HP tapes. In the box are some that are marked "(for use with the HP9142)". This is the first time that I've seen tapes for the 9142. They have part number 92242L for the long ones (600 ft.) and part number 92242S for the long ones (150 ft.) These are not usable in the 9144 or 9145 tape drives. Joe

26 years, 3 months

1
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Needed, Memory chip info for a Compaq

by edick＠idcomm.com

There were two types of SIMMs, initially. The ones with equal numbers of devices on both sides were viewed in some systems as being two SIMMs, but occupying a single site. I had one motherboard which required you jumper it differently for the double-sided variety than for the single-sided. Now, some of the single-sided SIMM had the parity chips on the reverse side, but were still thought/spoken of as single-sided. You might do well scrounging around an electronics graveyard (landfill). I've left bunches of them lying there while diving for pearls. Dick -----Original Message----- From: B'ichela <mdalene(a)home.ctol.net> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Saturday, November 06, 1999 5:59 PM Subject: Needed, Memory chip info for a Compaq > I am aware that this list covers Older systems than Compaq. From >what I can see from reading this list.. someone might have an answer. > I have a Compaq Despro 386n. Currently it has 4mb of ram. I am >painfully running Slackware 3.1 on it. Does anyone know what kind of >Memory this machine is using? From what I can see, it has two Simm modules >that appear to be 72 pin. There is memory chips on both sides of these. >Does standard Simms of the 72pin variety have memory chips on both sides >of the simm? > If these ARE standard, does anyone have two 8mb ones? I want to >put 16mb of ram on the Deskpro as 4mb stinks! The Compaq only can hold two >of them unless you have the special Compaq memory expander board. If these >are specialized. again who has them inexpensivly? > Please respond either via the list or priate email to my address >above. > > A pearl of wisdom from the y2K newsgroups: >------------------------------------------------------------------------- >aY2K appears to be the Baby Boomers mid-life crisis, and it has the >potential to be a dandy. > -- Anonymnous -- >-------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > B'ichela > >

26 years, 3 months

1
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11/34 inventory - board list

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

>Backplane #1 (working from right to left as seen from the front) >M8266 (6) 11/34A control >M8265 (6) 11/34A data paths >M8267 (6) 11/34A FP >M7859 (4) M9312 (2) Console interface and bootstrap/terminator >M7896 (6) My book says the M7896-YA is a quad board, and is a DSS11 with 48 24V contact sense inputs. This doesn't match up with what I'd expect here, nor your description of it as a hex-height board. Can you double-check this one? I suspect that it's actually a memory board... >M7856 (4) DL11 async line interface >M7228 (4) M920 (2) ** bus jumper ** KW11-P real-time programmable clock >Backplane #2 >M7800 (4) >M7800 (4) KL11's >M7860 (4) >M7860 (4) DR11-C's (general purpose parallel input/output) >M7892 (4) TU60 interface >Dual D/A converters (third party) (6) >Grant card >M8716 (4) M9202 (2) ** bus jumper ** DR11-W, DMA parallel input/output >Backplane #3 >M7219 (4) RC11 bus interface >M7821 (3?) Interrupt control >M796 (1) Unibus master control >(hidden) (2) >M9760 (2) 60-wire cable, presumably running to a drive. >M9302 (2) Terminators >In this last back plane there are several cards that are dual or one wide >and are short with white extension things over them so that they can be >pushed from the top (but they hide the M numbers) > >So it seems that this is actually an 11/34a on the inside, that's nice to >know. Anyone have any clues on the third backplane? It looks to be at least part of the Unibus interface (RC11) for the RS64/RS03/RS04 drives. These are head-per-track disks with capacities of 64K, 256K, and 512K words respectively. -- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology WWW: http://www.trailing-edge.com/ 7328 Bradley Blvd Voice: 301-767-5917 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817 Fax: 301-767-5927

26 years, 3 months

3
5
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KIM-1, KIM-2, KIM-3, KIM-4

by edick＠idcomm.com

KIM-3 is a memory expansion board with 8KB of 2102's, twice what's on the KIM-2. Dick -----Original Message----- From: John Lewczyk <jlewczyk(a)his.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Saturday, November 06, 1999 1:33 PM Subject: KIM-1, KIM-2, KIM-3, KIM-4 >I know what a KIM-1 is, the processor, tape and serial interface, etc. >I know what a KIM-2 is, a memory expansion board >I know what a KIM-4 is, its a "motherboard" for expanding a KIM-1 > >What is a KIM-3? >

26 years, 3 months

1
0
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MicroVax Amusement

by wirehead＠retrocomputing.com

Just thought I'd share my amusement. Right now I'm booting up a MicroVax II using an Apple IIgs as a console. It just amuses me that Retrocomputerists often combine systems in strange ways totally unforeseen and unexpected by the original designers. Anthony Clifton

26 years, 3 months

1
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OT: Tru64 Unix 5.0 Hobbyist

by healyzh＠aracnet.com

For those that don't know, Tru64 is the what used to be called DEC Unix, which in turn used to be called OSF/1. Friday evening Compaq announced/release a Hobbyist version. It's $99.00 for a copy, I don't know what licenses are included. Please note, this doesn't run on VAXen, but it does run on most Alpha's with 64MB+ RAM and 1GB+ Hard Drive space. http://www.unix.digital.com/webadvisory/ http://www.unix.digital.com/noncommercial-unix/ Personally, I might get it, but the system that is running UNIX right now is going to continue to run OpenBSD. Zane | Zane H. Healy | UNIX Systems Adminstrator | | healyzh(a)aracnet.com (primary) | Linux Enthusiast | | healyzh(a)holonet.net (alternate) | Classic Computer Collector | +----------------------------------+----------------------------+ | Empire of the Petal Throne and Traveller Role Playing, | | and Zane's Computer Museum. | | http://www.aracnet.com/~healyzh/ |

26 years, 3 months

1
0
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Experience with Dilog DQ696-20?

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

>Anyone have any experience with the Dilog DQ696 ESDI disk controllers? I >just installed one in a MicroVAX III and I've been getting really _dismal_ >performance out of it. I had it misterminated for a bit (the middle drive >(of two) was terminated rather than the end drive). But I fixed that >without any increase in performance. The format/block analysis took about >10 hours for a 600MB disk. > >The interleave was set to 1 but that seems pretty standard these days, >should I up it to 2 or 3? or perhaps reduce it to 0? > >The drives are Micropolis 1568's so they're nice fast drives. Were these 1568's used previously on this Dilog controller? If not, they're probably configured for use on a PC-clone, and have the sector length set on the "short" side. The PLO in the Dilog isn't locking onto successive blocks, and as a result it's reading only one sector per revolution. The cure is to set the sector length on the 1568's to be a bit longer. You'll lose a little bit of capacity (and will have to reformat), but it'll be able to read more than one sector per revolution. Setting the interleave can interact with this, of course. If you don't know how to alter the block length on your drives, try altering the interleave and see if that helps any. > How about >Q-bus priority? No, if things are slow with the controller running the built-in exerciser (which *don't* move disk data over the Q-bus) it's not a Q-bus problem. It's a drive problem. -- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology WWW: http://www.trailing-edge.com/ 7328 Bradley Blvd Voice: 301-767-5917 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817 Fax: 301-767-5927

26 years, 3 months

2
1
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11/34 inventory - board list

by cmcmanis＠freegate.com

So this is what is stuck in the 11/34 I got: Backplane #1 (working from right to left as seen from the front) M8266 (6) M8265 (6) M8267 (6) M7859 (4) M9312 (2) M7896 (6) M7856 (4) M7228 (4) M920 (2) ** bus jumper ** Backplane #2 M7800 (4) M7800 (4) M7860 (4) M7860 (4) M7892 (4) Dual D/A converters (third party) (6) Grant card M8716 (4) M9202 (2) ** bus jumper ** Backplane #3 M7219 (4) M7821 (3?) M796 (1) (hidden) (2) M9760 (2) M9302 (2) In this last back plane there are several cards that are dual or one wide and are short with white extension things over them so that they can be pushed from the top (but they hide the M numbers) So it seems that this is actually an 11/34a on the inside, that's nice to know. Anyone have any clues on the third backplane? --Chuck

26 years, 3 months

3
2
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Tennecomp Systems TP-000020B - What is it?

by wirehead＠retrocomputing.com

Looking at some of the inventorying of an 11/34 inspired me to look inside my 11/34a again. It has a board labelled -> Tennecomp Systems TP-000020B Anyone know what this board is or what kinds of boards Tennecomp made? I did a search on the Net and only found a resume of someone who worked there. If nobody here knows, maybe I'll send her an email (but she looked like a production manager not an engineering type) and see if she can tell me what sorts of things they made. Thanks... Wirehead

26 years, 3 months

1
0
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KIM-1, KIM-2, KIM-3, KIM-4

by jlewczyk＠his.com

I know what a KIM-1 is, the processor, tape and serial interface, etc. I know what a KIM-2 is, a memory expansion board I know what a KIM-4 is, its a "motherboard" for expanding a KIM-1 What is a KIM-3?

26 years, 3 months

2
1
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DEC VAX

by James＠Brownfamily.com

I'm looking for the printer/terminal for an old vax. the part number is a LA-100-BA It's a printer with the keyboard integrated. Would you happen to have one???? James

26 years, 3 months

2
1
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Looking for Intel's 8008 programming tools: PL/M, Assembler, Simulator

by jlewczyk＠his.com

Hi All, I am looking for Intel's programming tools for the 8008 microprocessor. These were written in Fortran and consisted of: An assembler A simulator A PL/M compiler Any information on these tools would be appreciated! An original tape, card deck, listing, would be great to find, but a copy of any or all of those would be acceptable! The PL/M compiler and 8008 Similator were written by the late Gary Kildall (of CP/M fame) for Intel. Thanks! jlewczyk(a)his.com

26 years, 3 months

1
0
0 0

Finally got a "straight" DF32 yesterday

by dylanb＠sympatico.ca

-----Original Message----- From: Ethan Dicks <ethan_dicks(a)yahoo.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Friday, November 05, 1999 8:20 AM Subject: Re: Finally got a "straight" DF32 yesterday >--- John B <dylanb(a)sympatico.ca> wrote: >> >What's the -8/I switch? > >> Depending on the DF32, I have found two transistor versions. One with a >> rotary switch on the right side of the front and one without. The switch >> allowed you to select "PDP 8, 8/S, 8/I". > >I don't think I have that switch on my drives. You have schematics? Do you >know what that switch affects? Yes I do for that model, in fact (as of tomorrow morning) I will have schematics and maintenance documents for every DF32 version ever made... including more DF32s, and a ton of more PDP 8 stuff (will update)... and... I believe I am VERY lucky to have a wife and children that don't mind co-existing with such hardware (it is in its own room)! I can answer your question when you tell me: What kind of modules are in your DF32 - purple M series with "G", or read "R" series with "G". john > >-ethan > > >===== >Infinet has been sold. The domain is going away in February. >Please send all replies to > > erd(a)iname.com >__________________________________________________ >Do You Yahoo!? >Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com >

26 years, 3 months

3
2
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DEC VAX

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<I'm looking for the printer/terminal for an old vax. the part number is <a LA-100-BA < <It's a printer with the keyboard integrated. Would you happen to have <one???? Yes, but you won't pry it from my dead cold hands. If it's a really old VAX then you should have a LA120 on the console (common useage). Allison

26 years, 3 months

1
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FW: Large number of DEC manuals for sale, Dealer inquiries welcome

by kyrrin＠bluefeathertech.com

Seen on Usenet. Maybe some of us can use the stuff? Contact the fellow directly if you're interested. Thanks. -=-=- <snip> -=-=- On 05 Nov 1999 23:38:37 GMT, in comp.os.vms you wrote: >>From: choaglin(a)aol.com (CHoaglin) >>Newsgroups: comp.os.vms >>Subject: Large number of DEC manuals for sale, Dealer inquiries welcome >>Lines: 124 >>NNTP-Posting-Host: ladder07.news.aol.com >>X-Admin: news(a)aol.com >>Date: 05 Nov 1999 23:38:37 GMT >>Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com >>Message-ID: <19991105183837.11411.00001426(a)ng-fa1.aol.com> >>Path: news1.jps.net!news-west.eli.net!news.vcd.hp.com!news.planetc.com!leto.backbone.ou.edu!hammer.uoregon.edu!newsfeed.direct.ca!portc01.blue.aol.com!spamz.news.aol.com!audrey04.news.aol.com!not-for-mail >>Xref: news1.jps.net comp.os.vms:4884 >> >>I have a huge number of manuals I'd like to sell off. All are in good >>condition, and some are shrinkwrapped still. I'm asking 5 bucks a piece in >>single quantities, less in some cases. I'll sell in any quantity, although I >>wouldn't mind selling them as a lot, since they're taking up space in my >>dining room right now. If anybody does want the whole lot, I'll certainly work >>with them as far as the per-book price goes. >> >>Here's a list of maybe half of the stuff... >> >>Decstation GW basic User's Guide & Reference >>VAX Fortran Vol. 2 Language Reference Manual >>DECnet/OSI Network Management >>DECnet/OSI for VMS: Introduction, planning, and glossary >>DECnet/OSI for VMS: DECnet use >>DECnet/OSI DECdts management >>DECnet/OSI End System Installation/Use >>DECnet/OSI Introduction & planning >>DECnet/OSI FTAM and Virtual Terminal Use and Management >>DECnet/OSI Network Control Language >>DECnet/OSI Network Management >>DECnet/OSI Problem Solving >>DECstation MS-DOS ver. 03.30.01 Enhancements $1 >>DEC TCP/IP services for OpenVMS system services and C socket programming >>Alpha AXP Firmware Porting Guide >>Mentec RSX-11M-plus release notes July 1995 $3 >>Emulex QD01/D Technical Manual >>Emulex QD35 Disk controller Installation and user guide >>Digital Microcomputers and Memories 1982 >>Digital Microcomputer processors 1978-79 >>DECnet/OSI Network control Language Quick reference guide >>DECnet/OSI Master index >>Digital LATplus/VMS Service Node Management Guide >>DECnet/OSI Installation and Configuration >>DECnet/OSI Glossary >>DEC C Run-Time Library Reference Manual for OpenVMS Systems >>DEC PC 400ST series Installation Guide >>The Software Dispatch: RSX-11M/S, M-PLUS, Micro/RSX october 1987 >>Software dispatch review: RSX-11M, RSX-11-MPLUS September 1985 >>DEC PC MS-DOS ver. 5.0 User's Guide and Reference >>DEC PC SVGA color monitor Installation Guide $1 >>VMS for Alpha Platforms Internals and Data Structures Vol. 1 >>DSSI VMScluster Installation and Troubleshooting Guide >>VAX 4000 Model 100A User Manual >>Digital: OpenVMS Compatibility Between VAX and Alpha >>Digital: Writing an OpenVMS Alpha SCSI Port Device Driver >>Webster WQESD Winchester Disc Controller User Manual (Quad ESDI for Q Bus) >>VAX Rdb/VMS guide to using SQL >>DEC PC Microsoft Windows Ver. 3.1 User's Guide $1 >>Digital Pathworks for OpenVMS (netware) Netware Utilities >>VMS for Alpha Platforms Internals and Data Structures Vol. 2 >>DEC PC MS-DOS Ver. 5.0 User's Guide and Reference >>RSX-11-MPLUS Vol. 1 >>Pathworks Product Family Overview >>Pathworks V5 for OpenVMS Server Administrator's Guide >>Pathworks for OpenVMS Planning and Setup Guide >>Pathworks V5 for OpenVMS Server Administrator's Command Reference >>Pathworks WAN Access (DOS/Windows) V1.0 Installation and Configuration Guide >>Pathworks V5 for Open VMS Server Messages >>Pathworks LAN Manager Remote Boot Guide >>DECprint Supervisor for OpenVMS: New Features >>Pathworks V5 for DOS and Windows User's Handbook >>Pathworks V5 for DOS and Windows Mail User's Reference >>Pathworks V5 for DOS and Windows PC DECWindows Motif Guide >>Pathworks V5 for DOS ands Windows SEDT User's Reference >>Pathworks V5 for DOS and Windows Terminal Emulation Guide >>Pathworks V5 for DOS and Windows Mail User's Reference >>Pathworks V5 for DOS and Windows SEDT User's Reference >>Pathworks V5 for DOS and Windows PC DECWindows Motif Guide >>Pathworks X.25 (DOS/Windows) V5.0 Guide >>Pathworks V5 for DOS and Windows Client Messages >>Pathworks for OpenVMS Printer Administration Guide >>Pathworks for OpenVMS Server Master Index $1 >>Pathworks for OpenVMS Server Administration Guide >>Pathworks for OpenVMS Guide to Managing Pathworks Licenses >>Pathworks for OpenVMS Server Installation and Upgrade Guide >>Pathworks V5 for DOS and Windows Client Installation and Configuration Guide >>Pathworks V5 for DOS and Windows Client Messages >>Pathworks for OpenVMS Printer Administration Guide >>Pathworks for OpenVMS Server Master Index $1 >>Pathworks for DOS and Windows Microsoft LAN Manager User's Guide for MS-DOS >>Pathworks V5 for DOS and Windows TCP/IP User's Guide >>Pathworks for OpenVMS Server Administration Guide >>Digital VAX 4000 Model 105A/106A Manual >>Digtial Datatrieve-11 Reference Manual >>Pathworks for OpenVMS Netware API Reference Set >>Software Dispatch RSX-11M/S, RSX-11M-PLUS, Micro/RSX April 1986 >>Software Dispatch RSX-11M/S, RSX-11-MPLUS, Micro/RSX July 1987 >>Software Dispatch RSX-11M/S, RSX-11-MPLUS, Micro/RSX May 1986 >>Software Dispatch RSX-11M/S, RSX-11-MPLUS, Micro/RSX August 1986 >>Software Dispatch RSX-11M/S, RSX-11-MPLUS, Micro/RSX June 1986 >>Software Dispatch RSX-11M/S, RSX-11-MPLUS, Micro/RSX October 1986 >>Software Dispatch RSX-11M/S, RSX-11-MPLUS, Micro/RSX November 1986 >>Software Dispatch RSX-11M/S, RSX-11-MPLUS, Micro/RSX March 1987 >>Software Dispatch RSX-11M/S, RSX-11-MPLUS, Micro/RSX February 1986 >>Software Dispatch RSX-11M/S, RSX-11-MPLUS, Micro/RSX January 1990 >>Software Dispatch RSX-11M/S, RSX-11-MPLUS, Micro/RSX April 1989 >>Software Dispatch RSX-11M/S, RSX-11-MPLUS, Micro/RSX December 1989 >>TCPware for OpenVMS Management Guide >>DEC C Installation Guide for OpenVMS VAX Systems >>VMScluster Systems for OpenVMS >>RSX-11 Utilities and commands: A Self-Paced Course Vol. 1 >>RSX-11M/RSX-11S Release Notes >>RSX-11M/MPLUS Utilities Manual >>Digital Peripherals Handbook 1981-82 >>OpenVMS AXP May 94 Layered Products Compact Disc User's Guide >>DECprint Supervisor for OpenVMS >>VAX MACRO and Instruction Set Reference Manual >>Oracle Rdb Guide to Database Performance and Tuning >>DEC VMS/LMF System Services Reference Manual >>OpenVMS Management Station Overview and Release Notes >>DEC C User's Guide for OpenVMS Systems >>NCR 53CF94/96-2 Fast SCSI Controller Data Manual >>RSX-11M Version 4.2 Update Notes Revision D >>DECprint Supervisor for OpenVMS System Manager's Guide >>QMA DLV Asychronous Line Interface Technical Manual >>DRV11-WA General Purpose DMA Interface User's Guide >>RSX-11M-PLUS/RMS-11 Release Notes, Guide to Writing an I/O Driver, SYSGEN >>Software Dispatch RSX-11M/S, RSX-11M-PLUS, Micro/RSX January 1986 >>Software Dispatch RSX-11M/S June 1989 >>RSX-11M-PLUS Version 3.0 Updates Notes Revision D >>RSX-11M-PLUS Version 3.0 Update Notes Revision E >>VAX 4000 Model 100A 2T-BA21X-TP Adapter Kit Installation Guide >> >>-Chris -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Bruce Lane, Owner and head honcho, Blue Feather Technologies -- kyrrin (at) bluefeathertech [dot] com Web: http://www.bluefeathertech.com "...No matter how we may wish otherwise, our science can only describe an object, event, or living thing in our own human terms. It cannot possibly define any of them..."

26 years, 3 months

1
0
0 0

OT: Microsoft Ruling is finally out!

by healyzh＠aracnet.com

Guity! http://www.zdnet.com/zdnn/special/msdojendgame.html I found this elsewhere, I think this sums it up nicely. "Microsoft has demonstrated that it will use its prodigious market power and immense profits to harm any firm that insists on pursuing initiatives that could intensify competition against one of Microsoft's core products," Jackson wrote in his findings. "The ultimate result is that some innovations that would truly benefit consumers never occur for the sole reason that they do not coincide with Microsoft's self-interest." Something tells me that this is going to help Caldera's case against Microsoft! Zane | Zane H. Healy | UNIX Systems Adminstrator | | healyzh(a)aracnet.com (primary) | Linux Enthusiast | | healyzh(a)holonet.net (alternate) | Classic Computer Collector | +----------------------------------+----------------------------+ | Empire of the Petal Throne and Traveller Role Playing, | | and Zane's Computer Museum. | | http://www.aracnet.com/~healyzh/ |

26 years, 3 months

2
1
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Shipping old heavy stuff

by mranalog＠home.com

"George Currie" <g(a)kurico.com> said: > What shipping methods do people prefer for shipping larger (say > > 100lbs, large deskside, small mini type) systems. I've heard that many coin-op video game collectors like to use Forward Air. The last I heard, they charge $28.50 per 100. But it's primarily an airport to airport transport service. Airports served by Forward Air - http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/6996/forwardair.html Home Page http://www.forwardair.com/ I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I may be getting my 1800 pound computer from Indiana this month. A friend made a deal with a car collector that has his own enclosed car van. The driver should be picking it up on the way back from Florida. It might pay you to start hanging out at your local car clubs. :) --Doug ==================================================== Doug Coward dcoward(a)pressstart.com (work) Sr. Software Eng. mranalog(a)home.com (home) Press Start Inc. http://www.pressstart.com Sunnyvale,CA Curator Analog Computer Museum and History Center http://www.best.com/~dcoward/analog ====================================================

26 years, 3 months

2
1
0 0

HP 9144 tapes

by fmc＠reanimators.org

jeff.kaneko(a)juno.com wrote: > Humbug. They don't say 'compatible' anything. Damn. > I guess these are stock DC615 stapes, then. Here's how to guess; it depends on the tape having been properly rewound before ejection. But as you might have guessed, it's hard to get the HP drives to let go of a tape 'til they're darn good and ready and that means rewound. Hold the tape so you're looking at the clear plastic side with the capstan roller at the top. Which reel has (almost) all of the tape on it? Left -> HP tape, right -> non-HP. -Frank McConnell

26 years, 3 months

1
0
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HP 9144 tapes

by jeff.kaneko＠juno.com

Humbug. They don't say 'compatible' anything. Damn. I guess these are stock DC615 stapes, then. Jeff On Fri, 05 Nov 1999 20:18:19 Joe <rigdonj(a)intellistar.net> writes: >Jeff, > > The distribution ones don't have a regular tape part number only the >PN >of the update but they should still say "9144 compatible". They >should >work fine. > > Joe > >At 02:33 PM 11/5/99 -0600, you wrote: >>Joe: >> >>Hmmm. The ones I have were used as distribution media for HPUX, >>and aren't so marked with a part number. I dunno . . . . >> >> >>Jeff >> >>On Fri, 05 Nov 1999 10:37:02 Joe <rigdonj(a)intellistar.net> writes: >>> I went and looked up the HP part number for the 9144 tapes. It's > >>> "HP >>> 88140LC" for the 65 Mb ones and "HP 88140SC" for the 15 Mb ones. >>> >>> Joe >>> >> >>___________________________________________________________________ >>Get the Internet just the way you want it. >>Free software, free e-mail, and free Internet access for a month! >>Try Juno Web: http://dl.www.juno.com/dynoget/tagj. >> > ___________________________________________________________________ Get the Internet just the way you want it. Free software, free e-mail, and free Internet access for a month! Try Juno Web: http://dl.www.juno.com/dynoget/tagj.

26 years, 3 months

1
0
0 0

HP 9144 tapes

by jeff.kaneko＠juno.com

Joe: Hmmm. The ones I have were used as distribution media for HPUX, and aren't so marked with a part number. I dunno . . . . Jeff On Fri, 05 Nov 1999 10:37:02 Joe <rigdonj(a)intellistar.net> writes: > I went and looked up the HP part number for the 9144 tapes. It's > "HP > 88140LC" for the 65 Mb ones and "HP 88140SC" for the 15 Mb ones. > > Joe > ___________________________________________________________________ Get the Internet just the way you want it. Free software, free e-mail, and free Internet access for a month! Try Juno Web: http://dl.www.juno.com/dynoget/tagj.

26 years, 3 months

2
1
0 0

SuperUser ID's

by ethan_dicks＠yahoo.com

--- "Zane H. Healy" <healyzh(a)aracnet.com> wrote: > >My "favorites" are BYPASS and CMKRNL. BYPASS does just that: bypasses all > >UIC-based checking - reads, writes, deletes, etc. It's handy when you need > >to delete a directory tree, but it's a dangerous one to leave on by default. > > Default Privileges: > NETMBX TMPMBX > > Well, with 7.2 these are it by default. Default for ordinary users or default to SYSTEM? I mean I turn off BYPASS as a default priv for SYSTEM. It's _NEVER_ on for ordinary users. NB: my experiences with VMS peter out around 6.1. If SYSTEM no longer has the world of privs turned on at login, I wouldn't know about it. -ethan ===== Infinet has been sold. The domain is going away in February. Please send all replies to erd(a)iname.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com

26 years, 3 months

2
1
0 0

DF32 or RF08/RS08

by dylanb＠sympatico.ca

-----Original Message----- From: Eric Smith <eric(a)brouhaha.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Friday, November 05, 1999 2:59 PM Subject: DF32 or RF08/RS08 >With all this talk of DF32s, I'd like to mention that I'm still interested >in getting a DF32 or RF08/RS08 for use with my PDP-8/I and PDP-12. If >anyone knows where an extra can be found, or has one for sale or trade, >please let me know. There's a partial list of stuff I have available for >trade on my web page, http://www.brouhaha.com/~eric/retrocomputing/ > >I'm also still hoping to track down a copy of TSS/8 or TSS/12. I have that! I just found the manual "TSS/8 MONITOR".. there is a pile of other stuff. I am picking up a huge 8I and Lab-8 in the morning. I don't know what it is yet though (some kind of timesharing system?). I have the manual and the paper tapes.. What tapes are you looking for (I have no idea which different tapes are needed as I have too much documentation to go through right now). I can download them to my PC and get them to you. I have quite a list to send you. I think we can do some trades and some $$. john > >Cheers, >Eric >

26 years, 3 months

1
0
0 0

SuperUser ID's

by lance＠costanzo.net

HP-3000 MANAGER.SYS or any account with capabilities of SM (system manager) OP (operator) NM (network manager) CV (create volume) PM (priv mode) Each capability enables different commands. There's about 20 other caps, but these are the basic ones for system management. ITF "OPRTR" which was usually aliased to something else Anybody ever use this? It was an interactive timesharing system running on IBM 360/370 systems in the early 70's. It had BASIC and PL/1. Pretty cool for its time. The rest of this is based on my rapidly eroding memory banks: RSTS/E [1,1] was the system (you couldn't really use it) [1,2] was the "system admin" [1,*] were privilged accounts ITS "1000" account users. This was a timesharing system running on CDC equipment at the California State University campuses in the mid/early 70's. NOS ******** (8 asterisks) This was the "upgraded" timesharing system running on CDC equipment (6000's??) at the CSU campuses in the mid/late 70's. Lance Costanzo | Speaker to Animals lance(a)costanzo.net | speaker(a)kzin.com http://www.webhighrise.com | http://www.kzin.com Website and Virtual Domain | PC Resources, Hosting starting at $5/month, | Accoutrements, no setup fees | and other oddities.

26 years, 3 months

3
2
0 0

Cleaning an 11/34?

by mbg＠world.std.com

>> 1) Pull the boards and grants (noting location) > >Good first step. I would suggest vacuuming as much as possible before even pulling the boards -- especially the deteriorating foam... try to orient the box such that any foam which breaks off while you're doing this doesn't fall into the backplane... Once the boards are out, then vacuum directly over the slots, spending lots of time, and make sure you have good suction. [... section on cleaning PSU removed ...] Sounds sound... >I've never needed to go any further, but by doing the above you can >_really_ clean up the machine. It sounds a long job, but it takes me <30 >minutes to do all the above. > 3) Washing the boards, (except for core mats) Vacuum the boards (and/or blow them off with the dust-off... I'll admit to being leary of putting boards in the dishwasher the way Allison does, but it works for her, and she definitely knows more than I about the electronics... so ... > 5) Install enough boards to get ODT to talk to me > and then work it one set at a time until I can > boot from the TU-60. Sounds good.. One problem is that you have to keep in mind the slots which might need the CA1-CB1 jumper installed if you don't have boards in it... otherwise you may get bus errors... I would also think about a PSU power-on test with no backplanes attached, then with backplanes attached, then with Unibus jumpers, etc... I don't know if the PSU can handle a no-load condition, though -- Allison, Tony or Tim.S might be able to answer that better. Megan Gentry Former RT-11 Developer +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+ | Megan Gentry, EMT/B, PP-ASEL | Internet (work): gentry!zk3.dec.com | | Unix Support Engineering Group | (home): mbg!world.std.com | | Compaq Computer Corporation | addresses need '@' in place of '!' | | 110 Spitbrook Rd. ZK03-2/T43 | URL: http://world.std.com/~mbg/ | | Nashua, NH 03062 | "pdp-11 programmer - some assembler | | (603) 884 1055 | required." - mbg | +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+

26 years, 3 months

2
1
0 0

gauging interest in VAX 6000-530

by cem14＠cornell.edu

At 10:08 PM 10/25/99 -0700, you wrote: >>Two 1MHz busses will be faster than a single 2MHz bus if they are being used >>for different purposes, such as one for I/O and one for memory accesses. > >But my point is that one 4 MHz synchronous bus is going to be faster than >two 1 MHz busses in all cases. No, no and no. A dumb 4Mhz burst bus that requires cpu attention to work will be many times slower in actual applications than two 1Mhz buses with distributed arbitration and such smarts. That's all the point of the discussion. That's why raw numbers tend to be meaningless. That's why system designers nowadays make decisions based on simulations and not on raw specs. Carlos.

26 years, 3 months

16
29
0 0

SuperUser ID's

by ethan_dicks＠yahoo.com

--- wpe101(a)banet.net wrote: > As memory (dimly) serves me, under VMS, any userid with "SETPRV" > capabilities Oh, yeah. That's the ticket! > would do it. There were some other priviledges, that, if carelessly granted, > could enable a user to gain control of a system. IIRC, SYSNAM was one of > them. My "favorites" are BYPASS and CMKRNL. BYPASS does just that: bypasses all UIC-based checking - reads, writes, deletes, etc. It's handy when you need to delete a directory tree, but it's a dangerous one to leave on by default. My typical scheme is to leave BYPASS _disabled_ for the SYSTEM account asa default priv. CMKRNL allows your process to execute a "change mode to kernel" call, which allows you to read and write physical memory. With this priv, a malicious programmer can write code to peek at the process headers of other processes on the system (like a "who" command would) or even tweak their own header bits, possibly granting themselves permissions or changing their effective user name. I used to have programs in C and FORTRAN to do all these things, but they only work on pre-VMS-5 releases (and I didn't write them; I inherited them when I took over a VAX-11/750 w/Fuji Eagle, running VMS 4.2 about 13 years ago). -ethan ===== Infinet has been sold. The domain is going away in February. Please send all replies to erd(a)iname.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com

26 years, 3 months

2
1
0 0

Using insults when arguments fail

by ethan_dicks＠yahoo.com

--- Hans Franke <Hans.Franke(a)mch20.sbs.de> wrote: > > I'll fess up, if it ain't C= it ain't a real computer :-) > > They did computers ? They had to put _something_ on that office furniture. ;-) -ethan ===== Infinet has been sold. The domain is going away in February. Please send all replies to erd(a)iname.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com

26 years, 3 months

1
0
0 0

HP 9144 tapes

by rigdonj＠intellistar.net

I went and looked up the HP part number for the 9144 tapes. It's "HP 88140LC" for the 65 Mb ones and "HP 88140SC" for the 15 Mb ones. Joe

26 years, 3 months

1
0
0 0

Finally got a "straight" DF32 yesterday

by dylanb＠sympatico.ca

Okay, I have the same drive(s-this weekend). The switch allows you to select one of three computers the drive will be used on: Straight 8 PDP-8/S PDP-8I the switch controls bus lines, (and selectors diode or resistor) logic for: pcl - straight 8 init - for 8i certain bus signals for 8/8s/8i, and other things I am finding in the schematic (mentioned changes between 8,8I,8/s). I haven't read the whole book yet as I have been inundated with documentation again... and my pick up this weekend will make my current document set look like a pamphlet. Do you have schematics? Contact me off the list. P.S. They did not put this switch on early model DF32s as only the 8,8/S was around. I am getting a newer drive that has the 8I switch (more changes). Does anyone know if digital fixed the head crashing problem with the DF32-D, or -F? Thanks john -----Original Message----- From: Ethan Dicks <ethan_dicks(a)yahoo.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Friday, November 05, 1999 9:45 AM Subject: Re: Finally got a "straight" DF32 yesterday >--- John B <dylanb(a)sympatico.ca> wrote: >> >> >What's the -8/I switch? > >> I believe I am VERY lucky to have a wife and children that don't mind >> co-existing with such hardware (it is in its own room)! > >I ended up buying a farm with a 30'x50' quonset hut, but for more reasons than >just the collection. If all goes well, I'll be breaking ground for a purpose- >built edifice for the collection in the spring. > >> I can answer your question when you tell me: >> >> What kind of modules are in your DF32 - purple M series with "G", or read >> "R" series with "G". > >No M. R. On all drives, masters and slaves. > >-ethan > >===== >Infinet has been sold. The domain is going away in February. >Please send all replies to > > erd(a)iname.com >__________________________________________________ >Do You Yahoo!? >Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com >

26 years, 3 months

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Finally got a "straight" DF32 yesterday

by ethan_dicks＠yahoo.com

--- John B <dylanb(a)sympatico.ca> wrote: > >> >What's the -8/I switch? > I believe I am VERY lucky to have a wife and children that don't mind > co-existing with such hardware (it is in its own room)! I ended up buying a farm with a 30'x50' quonset hut, but for more reasons than just the collection. If all goes well, I'll be breaking ground for a purpose- built edifice for the collection in the spring. > I can answer your question when you tell me: > > What kind of modules are in your DF32 - purple M series with "G", or read > "R" series with "G". No M. R. On all drives, masters and slaves. -ethan ===== Infinet has been sold. The domain is going away in February. Please send all replies to erd(a)iname.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com

26 years, 3 months

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expanding PDP-8 memory (was Re: Finally got a "straight" DF32 yesterday)

by dylanb＠sympatico.ca

-----Original Message----- From: Ethan Dicks <ethan_dicks(a)yahoo.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Friday, November 05, 1999 8:17 AM Subject: expanding PDP-8 memory (was Re: Finally got a "straight" DF32 yesterday) >--- John B <dylanb(a)sympatico.ca> wrote: >> >--- Mike Ford <mikeford(a)socal.rr.com> wrote: >> >> >More Paper tape software... >> >> If the paper tapes have anything PDP 8 on them I can send you a copy. I have >> the PDP-8/S already hooked up to my PC (positive level converters ;-) ) > >Great. > >> One other thing.... you mentioned you wanted to add more memory to one of >> your straight 8s. > >Not quite. I have no interest in adding more memory to the Straight 8s. I >was contemplating either replacing a core stack in an -8/L with battery- >backed CMOS static RAM to free up a core stack for my -8/i, or adding 28K of >CMOS static RAM to the -8/i. This is all to be able to run OS/8. I know >the Disk Monitor will run in 4K. Okay... > >> I have two studies done by the McMaster University on >> building core memory expanders for the 8,8/s using straight 8 memory (8/s,8 >> used the same kinds) and some flip chips. > >Interesting. > Very.. very nice.. makes it easy to ad memory. I also got a copy of the 8K RIM loader and 8K binary loader. >> You might want to kill one of your straight 8s for the memory... > >> A straight-8 still isn't worth as much whole as it is in parts.. Ugh.. > >I'm not completely convinced about that. I might be, but as the "first 8", >there's a certain aura that goes with it. > I do appreciate what you are saying about "aura". Some people like to own the first. I have a population problem and have owned too many "firsts" including univac stuff. But, one the Straight 8 stuff - one sold on ebay this spring, complete untested for $1400 (but in great cosmetic condition) on eBay... they are getting more for Altairs :-(. I am picking up at least one over the next three weeks in MINT condition and I have a friend that wants one bad (I won't part with my 8/s) so I will sell it to him around $1000. The first PDP 8 was made for many years as DEC had problems with memory on the 8I. I have scrapped quite a few 8s (I am sure rack straight 8s as I have found front panel PCBs in my storage for them) over the years as I at the time I did not like 12 bit computers at all. (here is where I know large rocks will be thrown at me - I'm ready.. ;-)) A straight 8 in pieces is worth a lot more. You can sell the front panel on eBay for at least $250. Then, toss the core memory out of it for souvenirs and get an easy $500 - even maybe sell it to someone who needs it. You then could get a few hundred for the chassis (if its table top) from someone on eBay who wants to convert a rack mount unit. Sell the flip chips away or keep them as spares and you are way head of the standard $1400 for an 8. Original documents command good $$ too on eBay. A lot of folks have straight 8s which seems to be keeping the prices down.. it would not surprise me if there was a few hundred in the States alone as there are 8 "mint" running units in Australia! Abundance of a model dictates it's value.. ie: A LINC-8 and a PDP-8/S exists in very low numbers and fetch a lot more $$$. I've been talking to some folks on here about the $$ of old machines to get an idea of what "deep pockets" and collectors value the machines at.. and have found that I still can't get much for a Straight-8... But HEADS-UP - Some of these old ultra-rare minis are commanding some serious $$$. I was offered $12,000 and $15000 (this one wants to make another offer) for my 8/S (running) with docs and software in mint condition. I refused both offers (these were two eBay deep pockets that found me by looking at my "About Me" page.). I don't know what a LINC-8 in mint condition running is worth but probably more.... Another HEADS-UP - Honeywell 316s - Not whole but in parts. One of my 316s was carted to the dump this spring but spares for the machine are fetching big $$$ from those who want to hang up on their wall a piece of "ARPANET". The core memory gets at least $1000 CAD for the set and CPU boards/micropacs are fetching at least $60 US EACH!. Front Panel - no idea but probably a couple hundred. You can't get $4000US for a 316 whole but you can if you kill it. In my defense for such actions I do have/had "population" problems with some mini models.. The IBM 1130 took up the entire first floor of my parents home (it had every accessory), it was scrapped. I had 16 large racks of 316/ARPANET type stuf,Singers, Olivettes, etc... There is only so much one person can handle and "funding" is required for new loads of minis. >> You might want to think about doing that as it is nice to keep the same >> boards/technology in a transistor computer like that. > >I have every interest in keeping the technology "pure". It's the M-series >-8s that I'm considering polluting with modern parts. That's good. I like to keep transistor computers all transistors and tube computers all tubes... > >-ethan > > >===== >Infinet has been sold. The domain is going away in February. >Please send all replies to > > erd(a)iname.com >__________________________________________________ >Do You Yahoo!? >Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com >

26 years, 3 months

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New Collector in Need of Help!

by mrdos＠swbell.net

I don't know. Where is/was it? >Do they still have that first Saturday sale each month ? I never got to >there to see it but was told you pay almost any can of computer item made >during the one day sale.

26 years, 3 months

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Finally got a "straight" DF32 yesterday

by ethan_dicks＠yahoo.com

--- John B <dylanb(a)sympatico.ca> wrote: > >What's the -8/I switch? > Depending on the DF32, I have found two transistor versions. One with a > rotary switch on the right side of the front and one without. The switch > allowed you to select "PDP 8, 8/S, 8/I". I don't think I have that switch on my drives. You have schematics? Do you know what that switch affects? -ethan ===== Infinet has been sold. The domain is going away in February. Please send all replies to erd(a)iname.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com

26 years, 3 months

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expanding PDP-8 memory (was Re: Finally got a "straight" DF32 yesterday)

by ethan_dicks＠yahoo.com

--- John B <dylanb(a)sympatico.ca> wrote: > >--- Mike Ford <mikeford(a)socal.rr.com> wrote: > >> >More Paper tape software... > > If the paper tapes have anything PDP 8 on them I can send you a copy. I have > the PDP-8/S already hooked up to my PC (positive level converters ;-) ) Great. > One other thing.... you mentioned you wanted to add more memory to one of > your straight 8s. Not quite. I have no interest in adding more memory to the Straight 8s. I was contemplating either replacing a core stack in an -8/L with battery- backed CMOS static RAM to free up a core stack for my -8/i, or adding 28K of CMOS static RAM to the -8/i. This is all to be able to run OS/8. I know the Disk Monitor will run in 4K. > I have two studies done by the McMaster University on > building core memory expanders for the 8,8/s using straight 8 memory (8/s,8 > used the same kinds) and some flip chips. Interesting. > You might want to kill one of your straight 8s for the memory... > A straight-8 still isn't worth as much whole as it is in parts.. Ugh.. I'm not completely convinced about that. I might be, but as the "first 8", there's a certain aura that goes with it. > You might want to think about doing that as it is nice to keep the same > boards/technology in a transistor computer like that. I have every interest in keeping the technology "pure". It's the M-series -8s that I'm considering polluting with modern parts. -ethan ===== Infinet has been sold. The domain is going away in February. Please send all replies to erd(a)iname.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com

26 years, 3 months

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Shipping old heavy stuff

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<gets. Sounds like you did everything that you could to protect it. Do yo <have any other suggestions other than using someone other than UPS? Did <you file a claim with UPS? What were the results? Over the years I've shipped 3 VS3100s, two PC minitowers and an assortment of stuff via UPS. They all arrived as shipped, one peice no scars. Several errors are often made. BUBBLE DOES NOT WORK. Ok why? Most people put one or two layers of the large bubbles around an item and wedge it into a box. At arrives with the corners rounded. Look at any commercial product of similar weight and you find expanded foam or a VERY thick layer of stuff between the item and box. There's a reason for this. You drop a box 30" to concrete and there has to be enough padding to protect it. The other is use of extra cardboard at the corners to reinforce the padding and the external box or better yet wrap it, box it and pad it and box it. I've seen a lot of stuff shipped and if packaged correctly it will survice that 30" drop and then some. Oh, and Fedex will drop boxes too. Allison

26 years, 3 months

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New Collector in Need of Help!

by mrdos＠swbell.net

I live around the Dallas/Fort Worth area. How far I am willing to travel depends on the system. Probably a few hours, say 3 or 4. -----Original Message----- From: Mike Ford <mikeford(a)socal.rr.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Thursday, November 04, 1999 5:16 AM Subject: Re: New Collector in Need of Help! >> I am kind of new to the collecting game. I am in need of some >>help. I need someone to tell me where I can find older and larger >>computers. I have a lot of micros, but now I am looking for bigger game. >>I have decided to focus my collection on older mainframes and >>minicomputers. Can anyone point me to sources? I found a local business >>that has older and larger computers, but the > >To be of any use we would need to know what area you are willing to travel >to to pick up stuff. > >

26 years, 3 months

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Finally got a "straight" DF32 yesterday

by dylanb＠sympatico.ca

-----Original Message----- From: Ethan Dicks <ethan_dicks(a)yahoo.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Thursday, November 04, 1999 2:42 PM Subject: Fwd: Finally got a "straight" DF32 yesterday >--- John B <dylanb(a)sympatico.ca> wrote: >> Looks like the PDP 8/S will be running a lot more than FOCAL in the near >> future. > >Cool. > >> Yesterday in our snow storm I picked up: >> >> DF32 with docs and "Disk Monitor" paper tapes. This is the first series >> DF32s with the "R" series modules and no "8I switch". > >What's the -8/I switch? I have several DF-32's. All well used and not >necessarily working (I have played with them but never really tried to use >them for storage - the rotation sensor has been verified on at least one >drive, but that's about it). One set came with the straight -8s, another >set came with the -8/I. Depending on the DF32, I have found two transistor versions. One with a rotary switch on the right side of the front and one without. The switch allowed you to select "PDP 8, 8/S, 8/I". I went through the logic today and all looks good. (I am NOT spinning the drive up.....yet). > >If you get this working, I'd love to get a copy of the tapes - I have an -8/I >that may someday have 8K on it (if I sacrifice an -8/L by stealing its core; >I have N machines that use them and (including the second field on the -8/I), >N-2 core stacks) I'm thinking of wiring up some CMOS static RAM on the pins >of an -8/L for its 4K and migrating the core to the -8/I). I could use the >slot between the planes on the core stack for workspace It's unpopulated. > You don't need 8K for DM. It happily works in 4K of space (with FOCAL 1968 [I have two versions of focal - any idea why????]). I am just getting together a list of tapes and boards now to help folks out. I played the dice game today (craps - 5/8-14 ). Pretty cool! >> This unit was wrapped in plastic >> and was used as a spare - it looks like it was used very little. I also got >> a new spare disk for it if I need it. > >You know that the heads crash everytime you power it off, yes? They are the >kind of disks you power up and leave on forever. In the real world, when the >osmium coating wore too thin to record data, DEC FS flipped the disk once >and reformatted. > Yes I do. People have been warning me.... and I have *one* thing to say. I didn't get this far with this transistor computer to let some silly design flaw stop this system from running a disc. I will modify the hardware anyway I can to stop it from crashing (even add some solenoids to pull the heads back if I have to!). I want to keep this system "chip" free... I almost fell over when I saw the "disc file" had no chips too! I will have this system done when it is running only/all transistor peripherals it now has plus the DF32 with DM software and the 32B Oscilloscope interface. >> But... the DF32 needs 13 I/O cables to >> connect to the 8/s. Anyone still selling these kinds of things? > >I do not know *who* would have that sort of thing. I have one set per master >drive. No spares. Sorry. > >> H901 Flip Chip Patch Panels - These are really sweet. You basically plug the >> flip chips in the back and use banana plugs in the front. Also, (I didn't >> know this at the time) hundreds of those "plastic" cards for the front of >> the H901 to make it easy to wire circuits. > >Is this the original DEC logic experimenter's board? There were two produced: >one for DTL, one for TTL. I got a classroom book for the TTL version when I >was in grade school. I did many of the exercises on paper since I didn't have >the hardware to try stuff out on. Yes they are. You can find them in the DEC handbooks. These only support A,B,R,K,W flip chips... sorry no Ms :-) . Only for the transistor stuff! > >> I am building a quick testing station with the H901s with the 8/s so I can >> quickly fix these Flip Chips so I can provide a list on my website for >> anyone who needs one. > >I'd love to see pictures. > I am putting pictures online this weekend and will update everyone here. I installed the H901 panels on the 8/s so I can start some "testing" fun. I have to go out this weekend to buy some banana plug test leads for interconnection. These make it a lot easier to work with flip chips. I think I am going to have our graphic designer make a "No Chips Allowed" gif for the page. >> I will update the webpage over the next few weeks to catalog the parts and >> software I have to help others with their old transistor computers. > >Perhaps in a couple of months, I'll dig down through the pile far enough to >begin to recondition the cleaner of my Straight-8s. The dirty one was >apparently from a newspaper and coated in ink. It has a PA-60 which is, I >think, some kind of typesetter's interface. > Good stuff. I really enjoy restoring transistor systems.... it's made PDP 11s/newer 8s really boring. I am sure you will have as much fun as I have. >> Updates to members here (trying to save bandwidth) >> >> Chuck: I am going to storage this weekend. I will look for the RK8E cables >> for you. I don't need them as I don't like any "IC" PDP-8.. well, maybe an >> 8I. > >You have maybe an extra RK8E that you aren't going to use? All I have for >hard disk on ONMIBUS is RL01/RL8A sets. I've never had any RK stuff for >the -8. I do have this 16-sector RK05F pack (and no 16-sector RK05J packs, >only 12 sectors) that I'd love to read, but we've been over this on the >list before. At this point, I'd probably have to hack one of my RK05J drives >and replace the heads, realign it to match the pack, back it up, etc., etc. >I've always wondered what's on it. I've had it since 1984 and never owned the >gear to read it. > I have 8 RK05 drives. They all run well. I use to add as many of them as I could. I am looking for newer PDP-8 parts for folks here as I use to scrap them up to a couple of months ago. I even found bits of an 8I I butchered 15 years ago... I could never understand how someone could get excited about a 12 bit computer in 1972 when all the big boys were 16 bit or more. If I still have the cables he can have them. Besides, even if I tried to patch an RK05 to the 8/s (with about 400 flip chips) I would be doing it's "chip free" atmosphere a real disservice. john >-ethan > > >===== >Infinet has been sold. The domain is going away in February. >Please send all replies to > > erd(a)iname.com >__________________________________________________ >Do You Yahoo!? >Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com >

26 years, 3 months

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Finally got a "straight" DF32 yesterday - bandwidth saver - many messages inside

by ethan_dicks＠yahoo.com

--- Mike Ford <mikeford(a)socal.rr.com> wrote: > >More Paper tape software - A lot of old DECUS stuff for the 8/s (old dice > >game, 5,5/8,8), etc.. Two trays of Disk Monitor and PAL III-D. I STILL NEED > >MANY MORE PAPER TAPE TRAYS! > > I have two trays, blue things with a clear top and 8 sections about 1x1 > inch, 4 or 5 of said sections complete with papertape still in them. $1 & > postage to the first who wants them. Ooh... ooh... I'm interested (if you don't want to ship them to Canada). What's on the paper tape? I'm about to have a serial papertape reader hooked up to my Linux box (DEC PR/S01) as soon as I can borrow my friend's 20mA<->RS-232 adapter. -ethan ===== Infinet has been sold. The domain is going away in February. Please send all replies to erd(a)iname.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com

26 years, 3 months

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Some articles on VCF 3.0

by siconic＠jasmine.psyber.com

Here are some articles on VCF 3.0 in case anyone is interested. http://www.mercurycenter.com/svtech/columns/dispatches/docs/mc093099b.htm http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,31638,00.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/technology/archive/1999/10/… I apologize for the lack of activity on the VCF website. I'm hoping to have it updated with pictures from the event (including the exhibits) before the end of the year :) Sellam International Man of Intrigue and Danger ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Looking for a six in a pile of nines... VCF East? VCF Europe!? YOU BETCHA!! Stay tuned for more information or contact me to find out how you can participate http://www.vintage.org

26 years, 3 months

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Shipping old heavy stuff

by wsmith＠gj.com

FedEx 3-days service or FedEx freight is more expensive than UPS, but they take much better care of your stuff. I recently shipped my IBM 5100 cross-country by UPS and had bad results. I heavily wrapped the unit in bubble wrap, put it in a 275 lb test large box full of styrofoam popcorn, and then put that box in a larger 275 lb test box full of styrofoam popcorn. It arrived badly banged up, and half the cards had fallen out of the backplane. >>> "George Currie" <g(a)kurico.com> 11/04 12:39 PM >>> What shipping methods do people prefer for shipping larger (say > 100lbs, large deskside, small mini type) systems. If you send it through ups are you just guaranteeing it'll get banged up? What alternative, relatively inexpensive methods are available? George

26 years, 3 months

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11/34 & Cool stuff, but what is it? (Q-bus gear)

by cmcmanis＠freegate.com

So I'm trying to collect the stuff I won at a recent auction, the most unexpected deal was the PDP 11/34 for $10 with the DEC Cassette tape transport. Its dirty and grimy but it seems complete. I could satisfy my desire for a Unibus -11 for now (and at a cost I appreciate :-) Anyone have any info on the DEC Cassettes? TU-?? they are standard audio format cassettes and one of the cassetes that came with it claims to have PAL, EDIT, and LINK on it. This will be fun to explore. Then I bid on a rack of "junk" which was topped off by a Kennedy 9610 tape drive. I bid on it because the tape drive had what appearred to be a 50 pin cable going to a Q-bus card marked Emulex. In fact it was _two_ 50 pin cables and the Emulex card is labelled QT1310401-00-REV E. On the firmware the label reads QT1310201-02 REV K. What is it? A search of the web turned up zilch. I was hoping it was a SCSI controller but two connectors? (one is terminated with resistor packs) On board is the obligatory processor and some switches. Anyone know how to configure this? (If nothing else it gives me 9-track capability. Another "jewel" on the rack was a Dilog Q696-20 dual ESDI controller. I'm going to try swapping the RQllD for this one and see if I can get NetBSD to run stably. The MSCP implementation in the RQ has a bug that NetBSD tickles so it makes it hard to debug things. Then what clearly _was_ a SCSI controller was a board from Alphatronix. This thing was connected to a dual cartridge disk unit. It looks from the front like CD-ROM drives with CDs in carriers but until I choose to risk power to it I can't get the media out to inspect it. The box is called an "inspire"? Anyway, the model number is Q/9142 or Q1.50, _any_ help here would be greatly appreciated. Then the other interesting card was a national instruments 179055-01 which has an Intel 8291? on board (date code of either '84 or '91). Sort of a weird 40 pin connector that goes to what looks like the old GPIB connectors. Final question, how do you "de-rack" the 11/34? I can get it to rotate but I can't get it to let go and come out of the rack. I don't want to transport it in the rack so... Its like christmas, --Chuck

26 years, 3 months

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HP 9144A, other stuff

by jeff.kaneko＠juno.com

I think the caveat is that it needs to be INITIALIZE'd before use. Jeff On Thu, 4 Nov 1999 09:49:48 -0500 (EST) John Ruschmeyer <jruschme(a)hiway1.exit109.com> writes: > > > > John: > > > > Have you actually tried this? > > Back when we were using 9144's, we used to do it all the time. > > > The reason I'm asking is that on the Imation web site, they have a > > > compatibility chart, and the HP 9144 is listed as having 'NONE': > > > > HEWLETT-PACKARD, HP9134A NONE > > HEWLETT-PACKARD, HP9142A, HP9144A/M NONE > > HEWLETT-PACKARD, HP9145A NONE > > > > Although IOTAMAT format tapes are listed elsewhere on the table > at: > > > > http://www2.imation.com/dsp/cmptblty/dc_drv.html > > > > Could it be that Imation is hiding HP's 'dirty little secret'? > > Odd. > > <<<John>>> ___________________________________________________________________ Get the Internet just the way you want it. Free software, free e-mail, and free Internet access for a month! Try Juno Web: http://dl.www.juno.com/dynoget/tagj.

26 years, 3 months

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DECStation 5000/240 how to open?

by cmcmanis＠mcmanis.com

Ok, so its not classic but it was sitting under the Sun Shoebox I bid on so they made me take it. (And a DECStation 3100 which I thought at first was a VAX but alas, it was a mipper-doodle.) Two questions: 1) How do you open the 5000? I unscrewed the big knurled screw in the back/middle of the case but it is still stuck together like ants on honey. 2) The 3100 is stuffed with RAM, but I'm not sure what kind of RAM. Are the 3100 (and 5000) simms "standard?" (ie could I put them in a PC to get a size number, or better yet is there a number->size translation somewhere?) --Chuck

26 years, 3 months

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Update: Schottky diode

by jpero＠cgocable.net

I just threw together that condcuivity tester and diode checker: All are in series: Pair of quick clips (those push-release to hook on something) I saved 2 dollars by cutting pair of clip jumpers and use the halves. 60mA 6V lamp and 6V battery and all that bits. The schottky diode DUT worked one way that lamp lights not else. The resistance ranges on my DMM is lying especially on those schottky diodes. Sheesh! I half-expected to blame bad diodes. What is your comments now that I have new results turned out this time? I have to borrow another DMM to scope out my DMM's resistance ranges, so keep everybody updated. Wizard

26 years, 3 months

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Mitsubishi MP286L

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

In a message dated 11/4/99 5:53:02 PM Eastern Standard Time, rberryman(a)lucent.com writes: > I saw your question about getting into the set up of the MP286L and have a > similar problem, did you ever get an answer as to how to get into the setup? > I picked up one for $5 at a garage sell and the internal battery is dead so > the setting didn't save. It boots from the floppy and I want to check the > hard drive before I spend any money replacing the CPU battery, any help > would appreciated. > never got an answer, but i did find a generic setup program called gsetup31.exe that let me set the cmos parameters. unfortunately, i think the hard drive is dead in mine. if you cannot locate the program LMK and i will send it to you. DB Young Team OS/2 --> this message printed on recycled disk space view the computers of yesteryear at http://members.aol.com/suprdave/classiccmp/museum.htm (now accepting donations!)

26 years, 3 months

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Conf-Cookie:941752187-43038-1

by jbmcb＠hotmail.com

Conf-Cookie:941752187-43038-1

26 years, 3 months

3
3
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Shipping old heavy stuff

by Innfogra＠aol.com

UPS Hundredweight is a cheaper way of shipping 100 pound + packages. UPS will also ship up to 150 pounds I believe. Packaging is very important in shipping. There should be little open space. I use large bubble wrap and buy it in bulk at a packaging supply wholesaler. Anything that could be shaken apart should be taken apart and wrapped separately. For heavy items use at least two layers of large bubble wrap. The box is important also. Most boxes have weight ratings, often printed on them. For loads over 100 pounds usually you should use a double weight box with two layers of cardboard. Use good tape. If you have a Federal Express account they will ship pallet weight loads in their economy rates. Contact them. Heavier loads often get strapped to a pallet. I recommend wrapping the item in many layers of cardboard and then use stretch wrap to contain the package, including the top. If the item is on wheels block it up with wood so the load is off the wheels. Use a good strapping machine. The bands need to be tight. Consider support in all three dimensions. In strapping to a pallet consider where the forks go. You don't want the forks of the forklift cutting the straps. Check the business around you. If they do regular freight shipments they might have a significant discount with an LTL shipper. I used to ship with a place that sold bearings. They had a 50% discount. This can make it affordable. If you have several full height cabinets call freight forwarders for partial truck loads. This is sold by a combination of floor space and weight. You may not need to palletize the cabinets. If you have a valuable item it can be shipped in an air ride trailer. I have shipped several older disk drives and some fab equipment by this method. We just rolled it on, they threw a blanket over it and tied it to the wall. This was the easiest for me and the costliest for the buyer. However it got through with no problems. Good luck Paxton PS If you have specific questions about specific equipment contact me off the list.

26 years, 3 months

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Conf-Cookie:941752187-43038-1

by KFergason＠aol.com

What, you didn't get the cookie? It was good! hmmm, cookies..... (best homer voice) In a message dated 11/4/99 5:10:23 PM Central Standard Time, healyzh(a)aracnet.com writes: > OK, someone mind explaining what the **** this was about? > > Zane >

26 years, 3 months

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Mitsubishi MP286L

by rberryman＠lucent.com

I saw your question about getting into the set up of the MP286L and have a similar problem, did you ever get an answer as to how to get into the setup? I picked up one for $5 at a garage sell and the internal battery is dead so the setting didn't save. It boots from the floppy and I want to check the hard drive before I spend any money replacing the CPU battery, any help would appreciated. Richard N. Berryman RTS III rberryman(a)lucent.com 1111 Freeport Parkway Cube 2E-370-F Coppell, Texas 75019 Direct # (972) 745-5699 Pager # (800) 401-3011 TampaBay Ext # 74558

26 years, 3 months

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Wanted: PDP-11 in Texas

by mrbill＠mrbill.net

I'm in Austin, willing to drive most anywhere in Texas (well, within a 4-5 hour radius, which normally gets me over the Oklahoma border), and looking for a PDP-11. Preferrably something I can rackmount, but I'll consider MicroPDP- based boxes as well. I'd like to purchase the machine, or trade if the other party is interested in either a pair of RS/6000 workstations (POWERserver 530s) or some older Sun VME gear. Thanks! -- Bill Bradford * mrbill(a)mrbill.net / http://www.mrbill.net mrbill(a)sunhelp.org / http://www.sunhelp.org --------------------------------------------------------------------- "Never criticize anybody until you have walked a mile in their shoes, because by that time you will be a mile away and have their shoes." -- Unknown

26 years, 3 months

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Shipping old heavy stuff

by danburrows＠mindspring.com

I made arrangements with a national trucking company. If you get set up with a business account (takes several days) you can get 50+% off the normal tariff rates. Dan -----Original Message----- From: George Currie <g(a)kurico.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Thursday, November 04, 1999 3:46 PM Subject: Shipping old heavy stuff What shipping methods do people prefer for shipping larger (say > 100lbs, large deskside, small mini type) systems. If you send it through ups are you just guaranteeing it'll get banged up? What alternative, relatively inexpensive methods are available? George

26 years, 3 months

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Finally got a "straight" DF32 yesterday - bandwidth saver - many messages inside

by dylanb＠sympatico.ca

-----Original Message----- From: Mark Green <mark(a)cs.ualberta.ca> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Thursday, November 04, 1999 4:23 PM Subject: Re: Finally got a "straight" DF32 yesterday - bandwidth saver - many messages inside >> >> One other thing.... you mentioned you wanted to add more memory to one of >> your straight 8s. I have two studies done by the McMaster University on >> building core memory expanders for the 8,8/s using straight 8 memory (8/s,8 >> used the same kinds) and some flip chips. You might want to kill one of your >> straight 8s for the memory and ebay/keep the rest of it. I am picking up at >> least one straight-8 over the next 3 weeks and if I end up with two (looks >> that way) I have the one sold (have to quickly restore it first) and the >> other I will butcher for memory for my 8/s. A straight-8 still isn't worth >> as much whole as it is in parts.. Ugh.. You might want to think about doing >> that as it is nice to keep the same boards/technology in a transistor >> computer like that. >> > >I remember that particular 8s from when I was an undergraduate. I >did my undergraduate degree at McMaster, at a time when they were >still running PDP 8 machines. That probably ages me :-). At one >point it was a server for a group of DG Novas (I think the >original ones). > I actually bought the Nova network that was there too! I have the Nova 2, Nova 3 with the Nova-PDP 8/S link, Ken-Net and all the original software and docs. The Nova 2 has a graphics interface and IC tester, Kennedy 9800, and a diablo 42. The first memory expansion study was called "8K Interface for PDP-8S with memory protect (A study in frustration)", by John Elton McFee, 1966. BTW I wasn't BORN yet... doesn't that age me! To give you an idea.. Focal 1969 outdates me! john > >-- >Dr. Mark Green mark(a)cs.ualberta.ca >Professor (780) 492-4584 >Director, Research Institute for Multimedia Systems (RIMS) >Department of Computing Science (780) 492-1071 (FAX) >University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2H1, Canada >

26 years, 3 months

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Finally got a "straight" DF32 yesterday - bandwidth saver - many messages inside

by dylanb＠sympatico.ca

-----Original Message----- From: Ethan Dicks <ethan_dicks(a)yahoo.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Thursday, November 04, 1999 3:04 PM Subject: Re: Finally got a "straight" DF32 yesterday - bandwidth saver - many messages inside > > >--- Mike Ford <mikeford(a)socal.rr.com> wrote: >> >More Paper tape software - A lot of old DECUS stuff for the 8/s (old dice >> >game, 5,5/8,8), etc.. Two trays of Disk Monitor and PAL III-D. I STILL NEED >> >MANY MORE PAPER TAPE TRAYS! >> >> I have two trays, blue things with a clear top and 8 sections about 1x1 >> inch, 4 or 5 of said sections complete with papertape still in them. $1 & >> postage to the first who wants them. > >Ooh... ooh... I'm interested (if you don't want to ship them to Canada). >What's on the paper tape? I'm about to have a serial papertape reader >hooked up to my Linux box (DEC PR/S01) as soon as I can borrow my friend's >20mA<->RS-232 adapter. > If the paper tapes have anything PDP 8 on them I can send you a copy. I have the PDP-8/S already hooked up to my PC (positive level converters ;-) ) One other thing.... you mentioned you wanted to add more memory to one of your straight 8s. I have two studies done by the McMaster University on building core memory expanders for the 8,8/s using straight 8 memory (8/s,8 used the same kinds) and some flip chips. You might want to kill one of your straight 8s for the memory and ebay/keep the rest of it. I am picking up at least one straight-8 over the next 3 weeks and if I end up with two (looks that way) I have the one sold (have to quickly restore it first) and the other I will butcher for memory for my 8/s. A straight-8 still isn't worth as much whole as it is in parts.. Ugh.. You might want to think about doing that as it is nice to keep the same boards/technology in a transistor computer like that. john john >-ethan > > >===== >Infinet has been sold. The domain is going away in February. >Please send all replies to > > erd(a)iname.com >__________________________________________________ >Do You Yahoo!? >Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com >

26 years, 3 months

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Fwd: Finally got a "straight" DF32 yesterday

by ethan_dicks＠yahoo.com

--- John B <dylanb(a)sympatico.ca> wrote: > Looks like the PDP 8/S will be running a lot more than FOCAL in the near > future. Cool. > Yesterday in our snow storm I picked up: > > DF32 with docs and "Disk Monitor" paper tapes. This is the first series > DF32s with the "R" series modules and no "8I switch". What's the -8/I switch? I have several DF-32's. All well used and not necessarily working (I have played with them but never really tried to use them for storage - the rotation sensor has been verified on at least one drive, but that's about it). One set came with the straight -8s, another set came with the -8/I. If you get this working, I'd love to get a copy of the tapes - I have an -8/I that may someday have 8K on it (if I sacrifice an -8/L by stealing its core; I have N machines that use them and (including the second field on the -8/I), N-2 core stacks) I'm thinking of wiring up some CMOS static RAM on the pins of an -8/L for its 4K and migrating the core to the -8/I). I could use the slot between the planes on the core stack for workspace It's unpopulated. > This unit was wrapped in plastic > and was used as a spare - it looks like it was used very little. I also got > a new spare disk for it if I need it. You know that the heads crash everytime you power it off, yes? They are the kind of disks you power up and leave on forever. In the real world, when the osmium coating wore too thin to record data, DEC FS flipped the disk once and reformatted. > But... the DF32 needs 13 I/O cables to > connect to the 8/s. Anyone still selling these kinds of things? I do not know *who* would have that sort of thing. I have one set per master drive. No spares. Sorry. > H901 Flip Chip Patch Panels - These are really sweet. You basically plug the > flip chips in the back and use banana plugs in the front. Also, (I didn't > know this at the time) hundreds of those "plastic" cards for the front of > the H901 to make it easy to wire circuits. Is this the original DEC logic experimenter's board? There were two produced: one for DTL, one for TTL. I got a classroom book for the TTL version when I was in grade school. I did many of the exercises on paper since I didn't have the hardware to try stuff out on. > I am building a quick testing station with the H901s with the 8/s so I can > quickly fix these Flip Chips so I can provide a list on my website for > anyone who needs one. I'd love to see pictures. > I will update the webpage over the next few weeks to catalog the parts and > software I have to help others with their old transistor computers. Perhaps in a couple of months, I'll dig down through the pile far enough to begin to recondition the cleaner of my Straight-8s. The dirty one was apparently from a newspaper and coated in ink. It has a PA-60 which is, I think, some kind of typesetter's interface. > Updates to members here (trying to save bandwidth) > > Chuck: I am going to storage this weekend. I will look for the RK8E cables > for you. I don't need them as I don't like any "IC" PDP-8.. well, maybe an > 8I. You have maybe an extra RK8E that you aren't going to use? All I have for hard disk on ONMIBUS is RL01/RL8A sets. I've never had any RK stuff for the -8. I do have this 16-sector RK05F pack (and no 16-sector RK05J packs, only 12 sectors) that I'd love to read, but we've been over this on the list before. At this point, I'd probably have to hack one of my RK05J drives and replace the heads, realign it to match the pack, back it up, etc., etc. I've always wondered what's on it. I've had it since 1984 and never owned the gear to read it. -ethan ===== Infinet has been sold. The domain is going away in February. Please send all replies to erd(a)iname.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com

26 years, 3 months

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New to the list & other Stuff....

by steverob＠hotoffice.com

On Thursday, November 04, 1999 12:23 AM, Benjamin Gardiner [SMTP:cvisors@CarnageVisors.net] wrote: > Hi all, > I have been lurking on this list for the last few days, and I thought I > will introduce myself... > Well I'm 25 or so ,living in australia, and I have aquired a number of > DEC MicroVAX IIs. > one of which is missing enough cards to render it useless...(oh well > such is life.. > I am slowly trying to get at least one of these machines working, and I > hope to have one of them working soon. What I was wondering, is I have a > lot of cards for these machines, and was wondering if anyone would be > able to help me identify them and tell me what would be the best way to > order them in the Q-bus, and help me with setting the adresses on the > cards which nees such settings. > I realy want to get one of these old beasts going, and hopefully get > netBSD running on them. > > Thanks > Benjamin Gardiner Hi Benamin, Well you've found the right place for info on these machines. I don't collect VAXs but, many of the list members do. I think you'll find everyone most cooperative in sharing their knowledge of these things. If you have any specific questions, just ask... Later, Steve Robertson - <steverob(a)hotoffice.com>

26 years, 3 months

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Basic 4 tape drive?

by edick＠idcomm.com

The only thing that is in any way familiar about this is the Cipher name. Cipher Data Products was a supplier of 9-track tape drives for most of the time during which 9-track drives were relevant. For example, I've got an S-100 board set and a controller formatter which comes from Cipher. The board set I have seems to be a Pertec-type interface adapter, though, i.e. it uses the same pair of 50-conductor cables. Is that what you have on this tape drive? Is it a 9-track type? Dick -----Original Message----- From: Charles E. Fox <foxvideo(a)wincom.net> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Thursday, November 04, 1999 10:00 AM Subject: Basic 4 tape drive? > > > I was just bequeathed a batch of Basic 4 bits, terminals, etc. and the >only thing that looks interesting is some sort of tape drive with the >following identification: > > MAI Basic 4 Information Systems > Model 4402 > > and > > Cypher F880640-90-1025U > > Can anyone tell me what this thing is? > > Regards > > Charlie Fox > > > Charles E. Fox > Chas E. Fox Video Productions > 793 Argyle Rd. Windsor N8Y 3J8 Ont. Canada > email foxvideo(a)wincom.net Homepage http://www.wincom.net/foxvideo >

26 years, 3 months

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Basic 4 tape drive?

by foxvideo＠wincom.net

I was just bequeathed a batch of Basic 4 bits, terminals, etc. and the only thing that looks interesting is some sort of tape drive with the following identification: MAI Basic 4 Information Systems Model 4402 and Cypher F880640-90-1025U Can anyone tell me what this thing is? Regards Charlie Fox Charles E. Fox Chas E. Fox Video Productions 793 Argyle Rd. Windsor N8Y 3J8 Ont. Canada email foxvideo(a)wincom.net Homepage http://www.wincom.net/foxvideo

26 years, 3 months

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HP 9144A, other stuff

by fmc＠reanimators.org

John Ruschmeyer <jruschme(a)hiway1.exit109.com> wrote: > I don't recall seeing 3rd-party 9145 tapes (32-track), but for the 9144 > you want 3M DC600 IOTAMAT-format. 3M used to sell the 15MB/150-foot 9144-compatible flavor as the DC615HC. A former employer tried to get me to use those once, which is how I found this out. After trying one for a while, I declined. Here's why: There are two or three layers of "formatting" on these. The 3M tapes had the lowest layer, the one that must be done at the factory because it requires the full-width head that can write block delimiters. The HP tapes have the next layer as well, the data that is read by the tape drive and which contains usage and block sparing information. If you have an HP3000 w/9144 the VINIT FORMAT command will write this, but in my experiments at the former employer I found it took noticeably longer to format the 3M tapes (perhaps it was testing the tape blocks to figure out which blocks need sparing? I don't know). I didn't think it was worth the couple of bucks we would save per tape for someone to sit on his or her butt waiting for this to happen. But once you do this they do work. And I have no idea how to do this step with a 9000. The third layer? Well, on a 3000 you access the 9144 as though it is a removable-pack disc drive. Fortunately the 3000 has the concept of accessing a disc serially: you use the VINIT SERIAL command to label the "disc" (actually the tape) as a serial volume. I don't think this applies to 9000s but I think for the 9000s you are supposed to pipe tape data through tcio (which buffers the tape drive I/O in a way that reduces wear and tear on the drive and tape). -Frank McConnell

26 years, 3 months

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HP 9144A, other stuff

by jeff.kaneko＠juno.com

John: Have you actually tried this? The reason I'm asking is that on the Imation web site, they have a compatibility chart, and the HP 9144 is listed as having 'NONE': HEWLETT-PACKARD, HP9134A NONE HEWLETT-PACKARD, HP9142A, HP9144A/M NONE HEWLETT-PACKARD, HP9145A NONE Although IOTAMAT format tapes are listed elsewhere on the table at: http://www2.imation.com/dsp/cmptblty/dc_drv.html Could it be that Imation is hiding HP's 'dirty little secret'? Jeff On Thu, 4 Nov 1999 09:09:20 -0500 (EST) John Ruschmeyer <jruschme(a)hiway1.exit109.com> writes: > > I don't recall seeing 3rd-party 9145 tapes (32-track), but for the > 9144 > you want 3M DC600 IOTAMAT-format. > > <<<John>>> ___________________________________________________________________ Get the Internet just the way you want it. Free software, free e-mail, and free Internet access for a month! Try Juno Web: http://dl.www.juno.com/dynoget/tagj.

26 years, 3 months

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HP 9144A, other stuff

by jeff.kaneko＠juno.com

Steve: You have a working hp-9000? What model? What OS are you using? If it's a 68020 or higher, I *really* want to talk to you! Jeff On Thu, 4 Nov 1999 09:25:08 -0500 Steve Robertson <steverob(a)hotoffice.com> writes: > I recently pickup up a 9144 and it works great with my HP9000. I've > also got a couple of boxes of new tapes and might be willing to part with > a few if someone REALLY needs them (Joe?). > > Later, > > Steve Robertson - <steverob(a)hotoffice.com> > ___________________________________________________________________ Get the Internet just the way you want it. Free software, free e-mail, and free Internet access for a month! Try Juno Web: http://dl.www.juno.com/dynoget/tagj.

26 years, 3 months

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OT: TANSTAAFL (was: VMS architects)

by mtapley＠swri.edu

Megan wrote: >Sorry... the Nivenisms are: > > TANJ - "There Ain't No Justice" > TANSTAAFL - "There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch" I haven't got my copy around, but I'm pretty sure TANSTAAFL appeared prominently in "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" by Robert Heinlein. Maybe 1969? Anybody got a copy? It may have appeared in a Niven reference earlier, I don't know. - Mark

26 years, 3 months

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HP 9144A, other stuff

by steverob＠hotoffice.com

On Thursday, November 04, 1999 4:21 AM, Joe [SMTP:rigdonj@intellistar.net] wrote: > Mike, > > At 12:29 AM 11/4/99 -0800, you wrote: > >A HP 9144A tape thing is sitting at one of the salvage places I go by. > >There is a tape in it, but thats about all I can tell. Location is southern > >Orange county. > > The 9144 is a tape backup. It's HP-IB and can be used EXACTLY like a > HP-IB disk drive. You can even boot from it but it's S-L-O-W and HP doesn't > advise it except in case of emergency. It's capacity depends on which tape > you use in it. The "S" tape has a capacity of 15 Mb and the "L" tape has a > capacity of about 65 Mb. The 9144s are common but the tapes are sort of > hard to come by. I could use the tape if you can get it without any > trouble. The 9144 uses a 16 track tape. The 9145 is similar but uses a 32 > track tape. BTW the 9144 and 9145 both use preformatted tapes. You MUST > use preformatted HP tapes in them. The 9145 can read but not write 9144 > tapes, I have neve been able to find 9145 tapes. > > Joe > > I recently pickup up a 9144 and it works great with my HP9000. I've also got a couple of boxes of new tapes and might be willing to part with a few if someone REALLY needs them (Joe?). Later, Steve Robertson - <steverob(a)hotoffice.com>

26 years, 3 months

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New Collector in Need of Help!

by mrdos＠swbell.net

I am kind of new to the collecting game. I am in need of some help. I need someone to tell me where I can find older and larger computers. I have a lot of micros, but now I am looking for bigger game. I have decided to focus my collection on older mainframes and minicomputers. Can anyone point me to sources? I found a local business that has older and larger computers, but the owner and I didn't hit it off. It's really a shame. He had some great stuff. While I was there I had to watch the workers scrap what looked like a very old classic control panel. Also, someone recently offered me a UNIVAC System 80. Anyone know anything about it? Is it something worth having in a collection?

26 years, 3 months

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Finally got a "straight" DF32 yesterday - bandwidth saver - many messages inside

by dylanb＠sympatico.ca

Looks like the PDP 8/S will be running a lot more than FOCAL in the near future. Yesterday in our snow storm I picked up: DF32 with docs and "Disk Monitor" paper tapes. This is the first series DF32s with the "R" series modules and no "8I switch". This DF32 has all the interface hardware to connect to the 8/S. This unit was wrapped in plastic and was used as a spare - it looks like it was used very little. I also got a new spare disk for it if I need it. But... the DF32 needs 13 I/O cables to connect to the 8/s. Anyone still selling these kinds of things? 500+ flip chip spares - mostly R (mostly the #s used in the CPU of 8,8/S) and a bunch of A,B,K,W,Z.. no Ms :-) If anyone is looking for any kind of transistor Flip Chip I am sure I can help. I have over 800+ spares now for this system. Hundreds of Flip Chip Test Specs/Schematics - every possible module I have seen. H901 Flip Chip Patch Panels - These are really sweet. You basically plug the flip chips in the back and use banana plugs in the front. Also, (I didn't know this at the time) hundreds of those "plastic" cards for the front of the H901 to make it easy to wire circuits. More Paper tape software - A lot of old DECUS stuff for the 8/s (old dice game, 5,5/8,8), etc.. Two trays of Disk Monitor and PAL III-D. I STILL NEED MANY MORE PAPER TAPE TRAYS! A half dozen more PDP 8/S software manuals. A data General Nova 3 with 2 40 series drives, paper tape high speed reader, and more docs, disks. Another teletype by Leigh (ASR-33)... This one is nice as it has seen almost no use.. Also, 2 more sets of schematics and serice manuals for this teletype. A couple of weeks ago I picked up another PDP 11/34 with 2 RL02s... Next month I will be getting at least one Straight-8, a bunch of Honeywell 316 systems.. I am still waiting to find out which mystery IBM system I am picking in in the near future (was purchased before '68). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Questions: Is there a company that still sells I/O negibus cables? Has anyone here worked with Disk Monitor? Any special tricks to setting it up or using it? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------- Notes: I am building a quick testing station with the H901s with the 8/s so I can quickly fix these Flip Chips so I can provide a list on my website for anyone who needs one. I got a dedicated internet line now so I will have the 8/S connected to telnet soon. I am hoping to have the drive up and running in a few days so interested people can connect to the 8/s or a Nova. If I can get a good 220V->110V transformer then I can run a couple of PDP 11 systems too. I will update the webpage over the next few weeks to catalog the parts and software I have to help others with their old transistor computers. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------- Updates to members here (trying to save bandwidth) I am just starting to move my personal collection from storage and have found many versions of complete sets of documentation for RT11, RSX-11M/PLUS, and RSTS/E - ver 7.0,9.0, etc..) also many original distribution sets for many of the above PDP 11 O/Ss. As I am trimming my collection of minis pre '73 (unless they are REALLY something) and many 11s. I am not going to waste anyones time waiting for "will trade for" or anything like that... reasonable $$ will take it. Kevin: Will get back to you on the 11/45,TS03 this week. Chuck: I am going to storage this weekend. I will look for the RK8E cables for you. I don't need them as I don't like any "IC" PDP-8.. well, maybe an 8I. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------- Enjoy! john Enjoy...

26 years, 3 months

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Nx 586

by jolminkh＠nsw.bigpond.net.au

Hans Franke wrote: >> >Not classic I know, but maybe more obsolete than some 10 year old computers >> >perhaps? > >> Now this comment I like!!! It sums up my feelings about the collectibility >> of x86 based systems designed to run Microsoftian OS's. > >Well, the NextGen is (was) a quite remarkable step. And for >PCs, I'm already starting to aquire some early Pentiums. >Dual P60 server systems _are_ already vanishing. > Well I've put aside some P60's with the floating point bug at least. >Anyway, what kind of Nx586 boards are offered ? > Don't know yet, I'm still negotiating price. They're in Australia. Hans Olminkhof

26 years, 3 months

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New to the list & other Stuff....

by cvisors＠CarnageVisors.net

Hi all, I have been lurking on this list for the last few days, and I thought I will introduce myself... Well I'm 25 or so ,living in australia, and I have aquired a number of DEC MicroVAX IIs. one of which is missing enough cards to render it useless...(oh well such is life.. I am slowly trying to get at least one of these machines working, and I hope to have one of them working soon. What I was wondering, is I have a lot of cards for these machines, and was wondering if anyone would be able to help me identify them and tell me what would be the best way to order them in the Q-bus, and help me with setting the adresses on the cards which nees such settings. I realy want to get one of these old beasts going, and hopefully get netBSD running on them. Thanks Benjamin Gardiner

26 years, 3 months

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11/34 & Cool stuff, but what is it? (Q-bus gear)

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

>> >Then the other interesting card was a national instruments 179055-01 which >> >has an Intel 8291? on board (date code of either '84 or '91). Sort of a >> >weird 40 pin connector that goes to what looks like the old GPIB connectors. >> >> Yep, it's a IEEE-496 interface. >A what? Is this some varient of IEEE-488, or something totally different? Whoops, wrong IEEE number there :-). I meant IEEE-488, as you figured out. I believe that the confusion was caused by IEEE-696, aka "S-100"... -- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology WWW: http://www.trailing-edge.com/ 7328 Bradley Blvd Voice: 301-767-5917 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817 Fax: 301-767-5927

26 years, 3 months

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11/34 & Cool stuff, but what is it? (Q-bus gear)

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

>So I'm trying to collect the stuff I won at a recent auction, the most >unexpected deal was the PDP 11/34 for $10 with the DEC Cassette tape >transport. Its dirty and grimy but it seems complete. I could satisfy my >desire for a Unibus -11 for now (and at a cost I appreciate :-) > >Anyone have any info on the DEC Cassettes? TU-?? TU-60. > they are standard audio >format cassettes and one of the cassetes that came with it claims to have >PAL, EDIT, and LINK on it. This will be fun to explore. Sounds like the standard cassette tape development tools. >Then I bid on a rack of "junk" which was topped off by a Kennedy 9610 tape >drive. I bid on it because the tape drive had what appearred to be a 50 pin >cable going to a Q-bus card marked Emulex. In fact it was _two_ 50 pin >cables and the Emulex card is labelled QT1310401-00-REV E. On the firmware >the label reads QT1310201-02 REV K. What is it? The QT13 emulates either a MS: (TS11) or MU: (TMSCP) type drive and talks to tape drives with the Pertec-formatted formatted interface. > I was hoping it was a SCSI controller but two connectors? Not SCSI, it's Pertec formatted. >Then the other interesting card was a national instruments 179055-01 which >has an Intel 8291? on board (date code of either '84 or '91). Sort of a >weird 40 pin connector that goes to what looks like the old GPIB connectors. Yep, it's a IEEE-496 interface. >Final question, how do you "de-rack" the 11/34? I can get it to rotate but >I can't get it to let go and come out of the rack. I don't want to >transport it in the rack so... There were several different styles of chassis-mount slides on the 11/34 series. Are your slides shiny metal or are they grey? If they're shiny metal, look for one shiny wobbly lever on each side that has to be pressed in to release the catch. -- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology WWW: http://www.trailing-edge.com/ 7328 Bradley Blvd Voice: 301-767-5917 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817 Fax: 301-767-5927

26 years, 3 months

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Schottky diode Question.

by edick＠idcomm.com

Well . . . MY DMM doesn't read the DIODE the same in both directions. If it reads the same when the DMM is in DIODE TEST mode (the only one which is really meaningful) it should read the voltage across the diode. If it's the same in both directions, AND NO OTHER CONNECTED Devices are present, it's not a diode. In your case that probably means that it's broken. If you're measuring it in situ, the other components in the circuit are probably playing a role. I don't have the data book on that diode here, so I'm guessing it's a rectifier, and therefore has a forward voltage on the order 0.275 volts. (SCHOTTKY diodes are preferable for rectifiers in portable devices because they (1) require less voltage overhead, and (2) don't generate as much heat. Be sure you know what you're measuring! I've never had a battery on my notebooks go bad, so I don't know how they behave when they do that, but I've seen some sensor circuits used in turning the system on which don't work when the battery is in "deep discharge" as it might be if it was left on and became "empty" enough that the charge circuit sees it as a short and defends itself by shutting down. Try an external charger for the battery. If that doesn't charge the battery, then charge up a 7500 microfarad capacitor to about 75 volts and discharge it through the battery, observing correct polarity. That may blow out any cilia which may be causing a cell to behave as though it's collapsed. good luck! Dick -----Original Message----- From: jpero(a)cgocable.net <jpero(a)cgocable.net> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Tuesday, November 02, 1999 4:28 PM Subject: Schottky diode Question. > It might work better if you use an unused gate or some such. Phantom often > has numerous loads on it, so you could consider a pair of OC gates if > they're available. Otherwise, a SCHOTTKY diode should suffice, since its > forward voltage isn't enough to confuse any other device into missing the > LOW on the PHANTOM line. I have measured resistance both ways, it becomes less of a diode as I go higher in resistance scale on my DMM, around 20K and up I read like a piece of 100 ohm resistor both ways but reads fine on diode mode. BTW: these are 1N5822. I'm working on a bondwell 486NC2 notebook seems to have power problem. Even with batteries unplugged, charge LED lights up same time as power lights up when I plug power brick in. Sometimes I can get hint of action and just once got computer to boot up for few seconds then dies. What gives? Wizard

26 years, 3 months

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schottky diode again..

by edick＠idcomm.com

Its not a bad idea to test a diode at the current for which it was designed. If you want to do that, it won't be a waste of your effort. However, I would guess it's time not well spent to continue fiddling with the diode you've apparently shown has too much reverse leakage to be of use. I'm persuaded (perhaps incorrectly) that your diode is from a rectifier or switching circuit associated with the battery charging/power conversion process. If it is, then it's probably a rectifier and not a signal diode. You can probably replace it for less than a dollar and get several spares in the same operation. Dick -----Original Message----- From: jpero(a)cgocable.net <jpero(a)cgocable.net> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Wednesday, November 03, 1999 5:48 PM Subject: Re: schottky diode again.. > Date: Thu, 4 Nov 1999 00:10:57 +0000 (GMT) > Reply-to: classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu > From: ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk (Tony Duell) > To: "Discussion re-collecting of classic computers" <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> > Subject: Re: schottky diode again.. > Have you tried reading the 'manuals' for most modern meters (or other > test gear)? They're useless for actually telling you what the instrument > is doing. At one time, such manuals contained schematics, simplified > schematics, circuit descriptions, etc. Not any more :-( Tony as usual is right. I don't read those modern manuals these days. Except skimming for few areas just to be sure. > > Surely the sort of person who buys a multimeter is also the sort of > person who can read/understand a schematic. So the lack of such > information is something of a puzzle to me. That DMM is built by me in kit form and calibrated it for voltage and current. Good as any normal DMM should do. Same with ESR. no calibrating required. Zeroes when shorting and press the button twice. One push turns on ESR, when on and probes is showing low resistance or shorted together and pressed button again zeroes it to account for losses in internal circuits and probe wires. That ESR meter has real docs because it's kit and info that explains why can most of time can measure caps in circuit. Came from Dick Electronics (Aus) for about 40 US. The pot is only there to preset for voltage cut off to warn of low battery condition. > > For this reason, I _always_ test every feature of a new piece of test > gear, often in unconventional ways. I _will_ check diodes on resistance > ranges to see what happens. Often the lower resistance ranges _do_ > provide enough current to provide a useful test on diodes, and the > ability to do the check at more than one current sometimes picks up > 'rogue' diodes. Correct as I suspected by playing. My DMM actually shows better when I move from low res scales to mid to high ranges. I need to grab another meter to see what it do on my dmm. :-) Tony inpsired me to this! > > -tony > Wizard

26 years, 3 months

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schottky diode again..

by edick＠idcomm.com

If you have a diode of any kind which behaves more as a resistor and less as a diode, i.e. it measures more or less the same in both directions, though differently on different settings on your DMM, I'd say it's broken. The reason for all the discussion about batteries is that a set of batteries for a typical notebook costs only a bit less than $200 for a cheap one, and it's useful to know whether the notebook works before buying a new battery pack. Most of them don't work with no battery at all, though some do. If there's something wrong with your diode and the diode is in the charging circuit, with behavior like you've described, it will discharge your battery and subsequently into deep discharge, which will permanently and irrevocably damage NiCd and NiMH batteries. A schottky diode is simply a diode. It has doping different from a typical silicon diode, hence has a lower forward voltage, hence dissipates less power than a silicon diode at the same current. If it has measurable resistance cathode to anode and anode to cathode which is about the same, it's no longer acting as a diode. Dick -----Original Message----- From: jpero(a)cgocable.net <jpero(a)cgocable.net> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Wednesday, November 03, 1999 3:30 PM Subject: schottky diode again.. Sheesh, that topic wandered off the diode discussion! Snip! The important thing I wanted to hear about is how schottky diodes reacts if good and what it's like when bad or sick on a DMM with different resistance scale settings used, diode test also seems says "good" but I know it's very low current also low voltage so that would usually not screen out sick diodes. That why I used resistance ranges just to be sure. Yes, I pull diodes and transistors out for checks to be sure. Ingore the battery thing please. I'm more concerned getting the notebook going. Thanks. Wizard

26 years, 3 months

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Alphatronix == Viking

by cmcmanis＠freegate.com

Darn if Dan the Man didn't win the prize on this one. The Alphatronix board is a re-badged Viking SCSI board with some of their own firmware. Now to see if I can change its notion of identity.... --Chuck

26 years, 3 months

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schottky diode again..

by sms＠antinode.org

> From: "Richard Erlacher" <edick(a)idcomm.com> > > If you have a diode of any kind which behaves more as a resistor and less as > a diode, i.e. it measures more or less the same in both directions, though > differently on different settings on your DMM, I'd say it's broken. I'd say you have a modern meter, and neither of you knows how to use it. The "diode" range on the meter is there because the other resistance ranges are not useful for testing diodes. Read the manual for the meter, or buy a curve tracer, or build a continuity tester from an old flashlight (two-cell preferred), or ... I'm curious. Have you tried the same family of (mostly misleading) tests on a known-good, plain-old silicon diode? > > From: jpero(a)cgocable.net <jpero(a)cgocable.net> > > ... > > says "good" but I know it's very low current also low voltage so that > > would usually not screen out sick diodes. The current and voltage for the resistance ranges are probably much lower, which is why the readings are so useless. (Repeat previous rant here.) > That why I used resistance ranges just to be sure. This must be some new meaning of "sure". There are some subtle defects possible in a diode which will not be revealed by the "diode" test on a multimeter, but that's almost certainly the best test offered by the meter. > Wizard Apparently a misnomer. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Steven M. Schweda (+1) 651-645-9249 (voice, home) 1630 Marshall Avenue #8 (+1) 612-754-2636 (voice, work) Saint Paul MN 55104-6225 (+1) 612-754-6302 (facsimile, work) sms(a)antinode.org sms(a)provis.com (work)

26 years, 3 months

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Items Added to Classic Computer Sale

by bill_r＠inetnebr.com

Today a number of additional items were added to my on-line sale, including a Tandy 1000, a Tandy 2000, Tallgrass hard drive, Tektronix scope, Beehive MicroB1 video terminal, and a Hazeltine 1000 terminal. Check it out at: http://incolor.inetnebr.com/bill_r/computer-sale.htm -Bill Richman (bill_r(a)inetnebr.com) http://incolor.inetnebr.com/bill_r - Home of the COSMAC Elf Microcomputer Simulator, Fun with Molten Metal, Orphaned Robots, and Technological Oddities.

26 years, 3 months

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Victor series 1400 CRT tube display calculator

by bill_r＠inetnebr.com

I'm trying to restore a Victor series 1400 CRT tube display calculator, and wondered if anyone had any information about them. It's got a 3" or so green CRT display with masks for the numbers, and a big board full of mostly unmarked chips. It used to work fine, but one day it quit, and I have no clue why. It's just totally dead. Have checked the fuse, caps, etc. A schematic would be wonderful. -Bill Richman (bill_r(a)inetnebr.com) http://incolor.inetnebr.com/bill_r - Home of the COSMAC Elf Microcomputer Simulator, Fun with Molten Metal, Orphaned Robots, and Technological Oddities.

26 years, 3 months

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schottky diode again..

by edick＠idcomm.com

SInce I sometimes take testing fairly seriously, I have several meters with several slightly different diode testing modes. I've found none which indicate a bad diode is good, nor do any of them indicate a good diode is bad. One of my testers is something I built for matching diodes, and and transistors, and it runs a pretty constant 1.26 or 12.6 ma (from an LED biasing a 2N3904) through a diode, and a panel meter displays the forward voltage. Not one of my meters exhibits behavior as described by "Wizard" however. I can't imagine what the problem is, but I agree that digital meters can produce unpredictable results when used in a way not intended by the designers. Generally speaking, the DMM is a Digital Panel Meter with a fixed reference voltage built into it, looking a the output of an analog or even mechanical switch, the purpose of which is to run the appropriate current through/into the component under test to generate a voltage scaled to display a value reflecting the value of the component under test. In the case of diode test, that's really easy, since it's a current within a fairly forgiving range, and which will, with most any diode produce a voltage reflecting what that particular diode drops at that current. Almost all measurements can easily be done in this way. Voltage is easiest, of course. Dick -----Original Message----- From: sms(a)antinode.org <sms(a)antinode.org> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Wednesday, November 03, 1999 4:40 PM Subject: Re: schottky diode again.. >> From: "Richard Erlacher" <edick(a)idcomm.com> >> >> If you have a diode of any kind which behaves more as a resistor and less as >> a diode, i.e. it measures more or less the same in both directions, though >> differently on different settings on your DMM, I'd say it's broken. > > I'd say you have a modern meter, and neither of you knows how to use >it. The "diode" range on the meter is there because the other >resistance ranges are not useful for testing diodes. Read the manual >for the meter, or buy a curve tracer, or build a continuity tester from >an old flashlight (two-cell preferred), or ... > > I'm curious. Have you tried the same family of (mostly misleading) >tests on a known-good, plain-old silicon diode? > >> > From: jpero(a)cgocable.net <jpero(a)cgocable.net> >> > ... >> > says "good" but I know it's very low current also low voltage so that >> > would usually not screen out sick diodes. > > The current and voltage for the resistance ranges are probably much >lower, which is why the readings are so useless. (Repeat previous rant >here.) > >> That why I used resistance ranges just to be sure. > > This must be some new meaning of "sure". > > There are some subtle defects possible in a diode which will not be >revealed by the "diode" test on a multimeter, but that's almost >certainly the best test offered by the meter. > >> Wizard > > Apparently a misnomer. > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > Steven M. Schweda (+1) 651-645-9249 (voice, home) > 1630 Marshall Avenue #8 (+1) 612-754-2636 (voice, work) > Saint Paul MN 55104-6225 (+1) 612-754-6302 (facsimile, work) > sms(a)antinode.org sms(a)provis.com (work)

26 years, 3 months

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Gridpads on epay

by Innfogra＠aol.com

I noticed a couple of Gridpads on epay that are closing in 6 hours. Current price is $31 and it hasn't changed in over 24 hrs. Item number 187950991 Paxton

26 years, 3 months

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VMS architects

by mbg＠world.std.com

>> Sorry... the Nivenisms are: >> >> TANSTAAFL - "There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch" >> >> Megan Gentry >> Former RT-11 Developer > >Sorry, That one's Robert A. Heinlein. Yep, sorry about that... Megan Gentry Former RT-11 Developer +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+ | Megan Gentry, EMT/B, PP-ASEL | Internet (work): gentry!zk3.dec.com | | Unix Support Engineering Group | (home): mbg!world.std.com | | Compaq Computer Corporation | addresses need '@' in place of '!' | | 110 Spitbrook Rd. ZK03-2/T43 | URL: http://world.std.com/~mbg/ | | Nashua, NH 03062 | "pdp-11 programmer - some assembler | | (603) 884 1055 | required." - mbg | +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+

26 years, 3 months

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Help: Identify DEC/Dilog Modules

by mcquiggi＠sfu.ca

Hi Groups: I have some DEC modules that aren't in the latest Field Guide (thanks to Tim Shoppa for bringing this up to date). The identifiers are: M7684 M7773 M7774 M7776 M7786 M7787 I also have two questions: 1. I have a M7133 Unibus 11/24 CPU. As it's a single card CPU, does it still need a custom backplane, or is this a leter model CPU that can fit in a standard SU or something like that? 2. I have two Dilog controllers, the DQ236 and the DQ256. The Q for Dilog generally indicates Q bus. These have 1 x 60 pin header and 4 x 26 pin headers on them. Disk controllers? What type of drives? Any info appreciated, Kevin -- Kevin McQuiggin VE7ZD mcquiggi(a)sfu.ca

26 years, 3 months

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