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

by morrison＠t-iii.com

You need Copy2PC to run it. Neil Morrison email:morrison@t-iii.com > -----Original Message----- > From: Jeffrey l Kaneko [SMTP:jeff.kaneko@juno.com] > Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 1999 6:43 AM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: Re: Central Point Option floppy controller > > I have one of these. Does anyone know how it's hooked up? > Anybody got the S/W for this thing? Supposedly, you can > write any format on the planet with this thing. I've > heard that it won't run i faster, newer machines. Does > anyone know what the limitations are? > > Jeff > > On Wed, 15 Sep 1999 01:32:56 -0700 Mike Ford <mikeford(a)socal.rr.com> > writes: > > Given the current discussion, has anyone looked the Central Point > > "copy > > card" floppy controller over? > > > > I am looking at one of mine right now, and to my limited "PC" eyes > > it seems > > fairly normal. Barely the length of a short ISA slot, with fingers > > on a > > edge connector as well as a set of header pins for the floppy drive > > cable. > > It has one main chip: > > > > Transcopy 3 c CPS > > TC19GO32AP-0036 > > Japan 8819EA! the ! could be just a vertical line. > > > > Its about 8051 sized, maybe 60 pins. There is a 48 khz crystal, and > > a 1987 > > copyright. Two sets of jumpers seem to select between PC/XT and > > AT/Compaq, > > another set looks like DMA1 or DMA2. > > > > Remaining chips are a LS245 to the ISA bus, a 7406 by the PC/XT > > jumpers, > > and a 8812S UM8326B next to the crystal. > > > > This is one of the cards I check every old PC I see for. > > > > > > ___________________________________________________________________ > 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, 2 months

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Homeworkers Needed!

by morrison＠t-iii.com

I suspect it's boiler plae. Neil Morrison email:morrison@t-iii.com > -----Original Message----- > From: Peter Joules [SMTP:peter@joules0.demon.co.uk] > Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 1999 1:21 PM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: Re: Homeworkers Needed! > > In article <530ABCFF6BB4D111A08400609780AB1601C1EEDE(a)hobbit.t-iii.com>, > morrison(a)t-iii.com writes > >If this was a complaint about a particular junk e-mail, we appear > >to have received as many complaints as was necessary to take > >appropriate action and do not require any further reports to > >document this incident. > > Am I cynical or does this mean that they aren't interested and so just > send this out to make it look as if they are dealing with their > spammers? > -- > Regards > Pete

26 years, 2 months

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Apple ][ in an ISA card (was Re: Central Point Option floppy controller)

by ethan_dicks＠yahoo.com

--- Innfogra(a)aol.com wrote: > If I remember, someone marketed an apple II on a card that fit in an ISA PC. > I don't remember how the drives hooked up but I do remember the software that > > came with it included Central Point's drive conversion program. It would read > > Apple at the very least. I had two of these NIB at one time. > Anyone else know of these? > Paxton Was that a "TrackStar" card? I have a complete Apple ][ on an ISA card, but I've never even installed it in a machine. It looked interesting, but I never really needed to use 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, 2 months

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Reading TRS-80 discs (was RE: Archiving old discs...)

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<It's not that hard to replace a non-standard data separator with a 9216 <or a homebrew design, or.... Or jumper the pins of the 9216 for the correct mode. Since the 9216 is only for the read side you still have to tweek the write and precomp logic. The 9229 does both sides (read and write). It's pretty trivial to do this even with SSI TTL. <But you can only do this if you have access to the signals you mentioned. <With the all-on-one-chip devices that are common on PC I/O cards you <don't. And since PCs always use double-density disks, a lot of these <chips were not properly tested in SD (FM) mode. True, you already have the resources. This is a matter I have experince with over 19 years, 19 of wich are with the 765 and heirs as I started as a product engineer with NEC before the 765 was rolled out. What I have for DOCs is, uhm, better than average. The last byte mashed in the UMC is also common to most 765s and is related to DMA read/write timing such that if you delay the DMA request by about 1-3uS (several FDD bit times) in FM mode it should work fine. In FM the internal clocks are slower and the transfers internally take longer. Some of the super parts compensate for this or there luck. It's part of the reason why when you write a command sequence or read status there can be a significant delay (12us for the 765A) as the clock runs the internal processors (one for parallel ops and one for the serial ops). OH in FM mode DTL byte in the command is significant (for MFM is filler). Allison

26 years, 2 months

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Central Point Option floppy controller

by jeff.kaneko＠juno.com

I have one of these. Does anyone know how it's hooked up? Anybody got the S/W for this thing? Supposedly, you can write any format on the planet with this thing. I've heard that it won't run i faster, newer machines. Does anyone know what the limitations are? Jeff On Wed, 15 Sep 1999 01:32:56 -0700 Mike Ford <mikeford(a)socal.rr.com> writes: > Given the current discussion, has anyone looked the Central Point > "copy > card" floppy controller over? > > I am looking at one of mine right now, and to my limited "PC" eyes > it seems > fairly normal. Barely the length of a short ISA slot, with fingers > on a > edge connector as well as a set of header pins for the floppy drive > cable. > It has one main chip: > > Transcopy 3 c CPS > TC19GO32AP-0036 > Japan 8819EA! the ! could be just a vertical line. > > Its about 8051 sized, maybe 60 pins. There is a 48 khz crystal, and > a 1987 > copyright. Two sets of jumpers seem to select between PC/XT and > AT/Compaq, > another set looks like DMA1 or DMA2. > > Remaining chips are a LS245 to the ISA bus, a 7406 by the PC/XT > jumpers, > and a 8812S UM8326B next to the crystal. > > This is one of the cards I check every old PC I see for. > > ___________________________________________________________________ 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, 2 months

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Central Point Option floppy controller

by morrison＠t-iii.com

Yes. I remember wading my way through "Beneath Apple Dos" trying to figure out Woz's Wonder Ways with not too much success! > -----Original Message----- > From: allisonp(a)world.std.com [SMTP:allisonp@world.std.com] > > Or one of the PC Diamond Trackstar Apple clone board that ran on the > ISA-8. > > FYI: the apple disks are GCR encoded. > > Allison >

26 years, 2 months

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Central Point Option floppy controller

by morrison＠t-iii.com

Yes. I thought of making a replacement FD card for my Coco that could read Apple. Nice if I could figure Commodore etc out also. Perhaps if it worked as a sort of bit copier like the CP Option card?? The Coco is easy because the card is just another program pak with it's own S/W on board. Neil Morrison email:morrison@t-iii.com > -----Original Message----- > From: Dave McGuire [SMTP:mcguire@neurotica.com] > Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 1999 1:41 PM > To: Neil Morrison; Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: RE: Central Point Option floppy controller > > > Hell, big PICs like the 17C54 run at 33MHz, at damn near 1 avg > ins/cycle, > too. I'm *sure* it could be done with a PIC. > > It'd be a neat hack, no? :-) > > -Dave McGuire > > On Wed, 15 Sep 1999, morrison(a)t-iii.com wrote: > >I wonder if one could use a PIC chip to do it. They'll do 20Mhz, and they > >like bits. >

26 years, 2 months

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HP 2114 on ebay

by morrison＠t-iii.com

Gazumped by a penny! Holy smokes that's funny! Neil Morrison Implementation GTE Enterprise Solutions ph: (604) 293-5710 email:morrison@t-iii.com > Looks like the eBay systems are running behind (yet again) in processing > info on completed auctions. The final bid shows as $455.01 and it does > not appear that there was a reserve. > > -jim >

26 years, 2 months

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Homeworkers Needed!

by morrison＠t-iii.com

I forwarded this to abuse, postmaster etc at their ISP. Received back:- Hello, You are receiving this message in follow-up to a report received by the MindSpring AUP Abuse Department. You may have submitted this report to a number of addresses including but not limited to abuse(a)netcom.com, abuse(a)mindspring.com, or abuse(a)sprynet.com. Our ticketing system would seem to indicate your report regards an issue for which we have already received a number of similar reports. Unfortunately, due in part to high volumes of reports that a single incident can generate, we are unable to respond personally to all reports. If this was a complaint about a particular junk e-mail, we appear to have received as many complaints as was necessary to take appropriate action and do not require any further reports to document this incident. ............. clipped Neil Morrison email:morrison@t-iii.com > -----Original Message----- > From: Dwight Elvey [SMTP:elvey@hal.com] > Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 1999 2:40 PM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: Re: Homeworkers Needed! > > mhco(a)mindspring.com wrote: > > > > MOHW Co > > 11054 Ventura Blvd PMB #126 > > Studio City, CA 91604 > > Name_____________________________________________________ > > > If anyone from this list sends anything other > than a complaint to these people, they should be > keel hauled. Never, ever, no matter how great it > sounds, reply favorably to a spammer. > IMHO > Dwight

26 years, 2 months

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HP 2114 on ebay

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

>I couldn't even find it in the closed or "ended auction" area. Did he or >somebody completely remove all reference to the auction? Can that be done? The E-bay administrative folks will completely remove all references to auctions that are determined to be in violation of E-bay policy. The case last week where someone was selling a human kidney is an example. I fail to see how an HP mini would fall into this category, though! Tim.

26 years, 2 months

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Central Point Option floppy controller

by morrison＠t-iii.com

Well, what I covet is a Dimension 68000. It was a Unix box, that could take cards and drives to let it emulate and run the OS for an Apple, TRS-80, CP/M and some other. I did see one once. Neil Morrison email:morrison@t-iii.com > -----Original Message----- > From: Innfogra(a)aol.com [SMTP:Innfogra@aol.com] > Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 1999 8:21 AM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: Re: Central Point Option floppy controller > > If I remember, someone marketed an apple II on a card that fit in an ISA > PC. > I don't remember how the drives hooked up but I do remember the software > that > came with it included Central Point's drive conversion program. It would > read > Apple at the very least. I had two of these NIB at one time. > Anyone else know of these? > Paxton

26 years, 2 months

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Older Intel CPUs (was Re: Central Point Option floppy controller)

by jeff.kaneko＠juno.com

On Wed, 15 Sep 1999 12:23:56 -0700 (PDT) Ethan Dicks <ethan_dicks(a)yahoo.com> writes: > I've seen 12 Mhz 286 motherboards w/memory for sale at local shows > for under $10. That's about what they are here *Finding* intact 286 systems is much harder. I was given a Taiwan No-name 286 system last year. I picked up a PC's limited 286 box for *nothing*. > Personally, I > stick with stuff that will run Linux as a baseline of new stuff to aquire for > day-to-day work (like the 486DLC w/16Mb I got for under $20 that's now a webcam > running Linux from a floppy. The only reason I paid anything for it was for > the 4Mb parity 30-pin SIMMs and the ultra-tiny form-factor motherboard - 1/2 > Baby AT sized). I use my 286's to torture test MFM disk drives (among other things). I also like toying with Xenix, when I've nothing better to do. > I tend toward XT-class and 386-class machines, depending on the use. > I never really got into 286's. I'm thinking of building an XT, just so I can test my WD-1003-WX2's, and -XT-GEN's. Yeah I know, I know, they should work in an 'AT', but 'it aint natural'. Jeff ___________________________________________________________________ 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, 2 months

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Older Intel CPUs (was Re: Central Point Option floppy controller)

by lance＠costanzo.net

At 12:23 PM 09/15/1999 -0700, you wrote: >--- allisonp(a)world.std.com wrote: >> > > and use an old 386 or 486. >> > Hah! You think everybody's got 386's and 486's laying around?! Sheesh! >> > :^) >> > I'd use one of my 286's for this job-- assuming it could do anything >> > useful. >> Live with it. Before I got a decent PC everyone assumed I had a Pentium. >> In the mean time look in dumpsters and garbage pails for your 386, they >> seems to be worthless here (Eastern MA). >I've seen 12 Mhz 286 motherboards w/memory for sale at local shows for under >$10. *Finding* intact 286 systems is much harder. I've got over 50 286's and a dozen 386's out in the shop. Various configs, all with HDD, KB, monitor (mostly mono, some mono-VGA). All for sale -cheep-. Need a spare - let me know. 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, 2 months

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Central Point Option floppy controller

by jeff.kaneko＠juno.com

On Wed, 15 Sep 1999 13:41:26 -0400 (EDT) allisonp(a)world.std.com writes: > > I'd use one of my 286's for this job-- assuming it could do > > anything useful. > > Live with it. Before I got a decent PC evenone assumed I had a Pentium. > In the mean time look in dumpsters and garbage pails for your 386, they > seems to be worthless here (Eastern MA). Actually, I was just being a wiseguy. I got *some* 32-bit WinTel stuff. It's just that they're committed to projects at the moment! > A 286 should be fine for use with that board if their software > doesn't require it. I'd bet they don't need more than that. Naw, all of that dos based stuff runs just fine on 16-bit hardware. It's when they started doing all of these fancy memory tricks that got us into trouble. Jeff ___________________________________________________________________ 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, 2 months

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Central Point Option floppy controller

by jeff.kaneko＠juno.com

On Wed, 15 Sep 1999 10:05:24 -0400 (EDT) allisonp(a)world.std.com writes: > > I have one of these. Does anyone know how it's hooked up? > > Anybody got the S/W for this thing? Supposedly, you can > > write any format on the planet with this thing. I've > > Nope, only softsector formats that used standard address marks. > That leaves out apple, some CBM, Most heath H89 and all northstar systems > at least. Now see, I was *certain* that the whole original purpose of this critter was to copy Apple floppies using a PeeCee. I guess it's not that useful after all. > > heard that it won't run i faster, newer machines. Does > > anyone know what the limitations are? > > The board is slow, make sure the ISA bus transactions are set up to > not exceed 8mhz and also there should be IO waits. Bet best is to find > and use an old 386 or 486. Hah! You think everybody's got 386's and 486's laying around?! Sheesh! :^) I'd use one of my 286's for this job-- assuming it could do anything useful. Peace. Jeff > > Allison > > ___________________________________________________________________ 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, 2 months

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Older Intel CPUs (was Re: Central Point Option floppy controller)

by ethan_dicks＠yahoo.com

--- allisonp(a)world.std.com wrote: > > > and use an old 386 or 486. > > > > Hah! You think everybody's got 386's and 486's laying around?! Sheesh! > > :^) > > I'd use one of my 286's for this job-- assuming it could do anything > > useful. > > Live with it. Before I got a decent PC everyone assumed I had a Pentium. > In the mean time look in dumpsters and garbage pails for your 386, they > seems to be worthless here (Eastern MA). I've seen 12 Mhz 286 motherboards w/memory for sale at local shows for under $10. *Finding* intact 286 systems is much harder. Personally, I stick with stuff that will run Linux as a baseline of new stuff to aquire for day-to-day work (like the 486DLC w/16Mb I got for under $20 that's now a webcam running Linux from a floppy. The only reason I paid anything for it was for the 4Mb parity 30-pin SIMMs and the ultra-tiny form-factor motherboard - 1/2 Baby AT sized). I tend toward XT-class and 386-class machines, depending on the use. I never really got into 286's. -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, 2 months

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Tandy Computers

by morrison＠t-iii.com

I called a buddy at the local Rad Shack repair depot and asked if they had any old repair manuals for the 8bit computers, pockets etc that they no longer wanted. I heard the saddest thing one can hear "We threw them all in the dumpster a month ago!" So if you have an R/S depot near you, you might want to try them and see what they may give away. Neil Morrison email:morrison@t-iii.com

26 years, 2 months

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Central Point Option floppy controller

by kaikal＠MICROSOFT.com

Actually, I would avoid a 286 with the Central Point board unless you're very familiar with the particular machine's architecture. Many 286 boxes had bus speeds greater than 8 MHz As AMD and others produced 286 chips up to 12 MHz & higher, a lot of manufacturers simply kept the bus at processor speed. Those machines were incompatible with a lot of cards. By the 386 days, they went back down to 8 MHz and kept it ever since. -----Original Message----- From: allisonp(a)world.std.com [mailto:allisonp@world.std.com] Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 1999 10:41 AM To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers Subject: Re: Central Point Option floppy controller > Now see, I was *certain* that the whole original purpose of this critter > was to copy Apple floppies using a PeeCee. I guess it's not that > useful after all. Since 90% of the apple format is done in 6502 software anything that reads that would ahve a 6502 or one of it's clones by inference. > > and use an old 386 or 486. > > Hah! You think everybody's got 386's and 486's laying around?! Sheesh! > :^) > I'd use one of my 286's for this job-- assuming it could do anything > useful. Live with it. Before I got a decent PC evenone assumed I had a Pentium. In the mean time look in dumpsters and garbage pails for your 386, they seems to be worthless here (Eastern MA). A 286 should be fine for use with that board if their software doesn't require it. I'd bet they don't need more than that. Allison

26 years, 2 months

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Central Point Option floppy controller

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

>> Now see, I was *certain* that the whole original purpose of this critter >> was to copy Apple floppies using a PeeCee. I guess it's not that >> useful after all. >Since 90% of the apple format is done in 6502 software anything that reads >that would ahve a 6502 or one of it's clones by inference. I understood that at least the nicer Central Point Option Boards (there were several different ones made) don't have any data decoder in hardware at all. The hardware simply records when transitions take place, and then pass this list to the software that does the decoding. (The Catweasel seems to work on the same principle, but it doesn't come with the decoding software...) -- 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, 2 months

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Central Point Option floppy controller

by edick＠idcomm.com

Since PC's use MFM on their floppies and are, at the hardware level, capable of MFM and FM, and the Apple ][ uses neither, it's unlikely you'll succeed taking that approach. I recommend using an Apple][ with the Z80 card running CP/M and MODEM7 <=> Terminal or HYPERTERMINAL on your PC running Windows. DOS will work if you use Pocomm or TELIX. Other comm programs are likely to work also. That's the least painful way I can envision, since the APPLE diskettes are totally foreign to "standard" modulation schemes used with FD's and their controllers. It would not surprise me to learn that there's an easy way to do this same thing with LINUX as well. Dick -----Original Message----- From: Jeffrey l Kaneko <jeff.kaneko(a)juno.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Wednesday, September 15, 1999 8:34 AM Subject: Re: Central Point Option floppy controller > > >On Wed, 15 Sep 1999 10:05:24 -0400 (EDT) allisonp(a)world.std.com writes: >> > I have one of these. Does anyone know how it's hooked up? >> > Anybody got the S/W for this thing? Supposedly, you can >> > write any format on the planet with this thing. I've >> >> Nope, only softsector formats that used standard address marks. >> That leaves out apple, some CBM, Most heath H89 and all northstar >systems >> at least. > >Now see, I was *certain* that the whole original purpose of this critter >was to copy Apple floppies using a PeeCee. I guess it's not that >useful after all. > >> > heard that it won't run i faster, newer machines. Does >> > anyone know what the limitations are? >> >> The board is slow, make sure the ISA bus transactions are set up to >> not exceed 8mhz and also there should be IO waits. Bet best is to find > >> and use an old 386 or 486. > >Hah! You think everybody's got 386's and 486's laying around?! Sheesh! >:^) >I'd use one of my 286's for this job-- assuming it could do anything >useful. > > >Peace. > >Jeff > >> >> Allison >> >> > >___________________________________________________________________ >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, 2 months

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Central Point Option floppy controller

by morrison＠t-iii.com

My buddy has one of these. It works fine in an older computer, but fails in a faster one. I may have to rebuild my 12MHz 286 to run it. Neil Morrison email:morrison@t-iii.com > -----Original Message----- > From: Mike Ford [SMTP:mikeford@socal.rr.com] > Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 1999 1:33 AM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: Central Point Option floppy controller > > Given the current discussion, has anyone looked the Central Point "copy > card" floppy controller over? > > I am looking at one of mine right now, and to my limited "PC" eyes it > seems > fairly normal. Barely the length of a short ISA slot, with fingers on a > edge connector as well as a set of header pins for the floppy drive cable. > It has one main chip: > > Transcopy 3 c CPS > TC19GO32AP-0036 > Japan 8819EA! the ! could be just a vertical line. > > Its about 8051 sized, maybe 60 pins. There is a 48 khz crystal, and a 1987 > copyright. Two sets of jumpers seem to select between PC/XT and AT/Compaq, > another set looks like DMA1 or DMA2. > > Remaining chips are a LS245 to the ISA bus, a 7406 by the PC/XT jumpers, > and a 8812S UM8326B next to the crystal. > > This is one of the cards I check every old PC I see for. >

26 years, 2 months

1
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HP 7475 Plotter

by steverob＠hotoffice.com

On Monday, September 13, 1999 6:53 PM, JAMES WEBSTER [SMTP:jwebste3@bellsouth.net] wrote: > Gene, > > I do not own one of these plotters. But from my notes, > Windows 9x has native drivers for the HP7475 and HP7550 > plotters. How functional they are, I do not know. From > the Control Panel select Add Printer and proceed from > there. I would be interested in knowing how well the > native driver works. Thanks! > Jim Webster I've used a HP 7550 with the Microsoft WIN 95 drivers and it works very well. Steve Robertson - <steverob(a)hotoffice.com>

26 years, 2 months

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Central Point Option floppy controller

by kaikal＠MICROSOFT.com

Actually, the Deluxe Option Board will copy Apple II diskettes. I've tested this myself. As far as I can tell, it will copy absolutely any soft-sector format, and there is even a bit-by-bit mode that will sometimes work on some hard sector disks. I'll be bringing my Compaq PC (a.k.a. Portable I, 8088 with the dual full-height 5-1/4" floppies) to the VCF. It has a Deluxe Option Board installed and an internal 3.5" IDE HD run by a Silicon Valley IDE controller with BIOS. The hard drive is there so I can load the Option Board software without a lot of floppy swapping. It'll be set up as a free diskette-copying station. Kai -----Original Message----- From: allisonp(a)world.std.com [mailto:allisonp@world.std.com] Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 1999 7:05 AM To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers Subject: Re: Central Point Option floppy controller > I have one of these. Does anyone know how it's hooked up? > Anybody got the S/W for this thing? Supposedly, you can > write any format on the planet with this thing. I've Nope, only softsector formats that used standard address marks. That leaves out apple, some CBM, Most heath H89 and all northstar systems at least. > heard that it won't run i faster, newer machines. Does > anyone know what the limitations are? The board is slow, make sure the ISA bus transactions are set up to not exceed 8mhz and also there should be IO waits. Bet best is to find and use an old 386 or 486. Allison

26 years, 2 months

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Central Point Option floppy controller

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

In a message dated 9/15/99 9:55:46 AM Eastern Daylight Time, jeff.kaneko(a)juno.com writes: > I have one of these. Does anyone know how it's hooked up? > Anybody got the S/W for this thing? Supposedly, you can > write any format on the planet with this thing. I've > heard that it won't run i faster, newer machines. Does > anyone know what the limitations are? > > Jeff i have something called the deluxe option board. it allows: exchange data with mac users if 3.5 drive is installed. copy copy protected disks. make copies of non-IBM formats as long as they are not copy protected. edit tracks on any disk. the book says it's compatible with anything of that time. (PC->386) d -->this message printed on recycled disk space. visit the computers of yesteryear at: http://members.aol.com/suprdave/classiccmp/museum.htm

26 years, 2 months

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Central Point Option floppy controller

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

In a message dated 9/15/99 11:32:13 AM Eastern Daylight Time, healyzh(a)aracnet.com writes: > > > > If I remember, someone marketed an apple II on a card that fit in an ISA > PC. > > I don't remember how the drives hooked up but I do remember the software > that > > came with it included Central Point's drive conversion program. It would > read > > Apple at the very least. I had two of these NIB at one time. > > Anyone else know of these? > > Paxton > > > > Could you be thinking of one of the Apple ][ on a board cards that were > available in the late 80's? I know Apple made one that went in a Mac LC, > and I think at least one company made them for the PC. You could attach a > genuine Apple ][ drive to one of these cards. > > Zane > there was something called the trackstar which allowed pretty good //e emulation. A disk ][ plugged into the adaptor card so essentially you had the real thing. d -->this message printed on recycled disk space. visit the computers of yesteryear at: http://members.aol.com/suprdave/classiccmp/museum.htm

26 years, 2 months

1
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Central Point Option floppy controller

by Innfogra＠aol.com

If I remember, someone marketed an apple II on a card that fit in an ISA PC. I don't remember how the drives hooked up but I do remember the software that came with it included Central Point's drive conversion program. It would read Apple at the very least. I had two of these NIB at one time. Anyone else know of these? Paxton

26 years, 2 months

3
2
0 0

Opening Shrink Wrapped Packages

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

In a message dated 9/15/99 11:35:18 AM Eastern Daylight Time, marvin(a)rain.org writes: > One of the things I picked up (at TRW!) a few years ago was a shrink-wrapped > copy of IBM PC-DOS 1.1 w/ Graphics. I have had the urge to open it up, but I > haven't yet and really don't plan to open it. The main reason for opening it > is curiousity as to what was included in the package. I have no intentions > of using it, and somewhere I have another DOS 1.1 system disk that I can > play with if so inclined. > > My general rule of thumb is leave it shrinkwrapped until a *compelling* > reason comes along to actually open the package. I agree. i actually found wrapped packages of OS/2 versions 1.1 and 1.3 cheap. I opened the 1.3 version only to install it on an old 286to see what it was like. -->this message printed on recycled disk space. visit the computers of yesteryear at: http://members.aol.com/suprdave/classiccmp/museum.htm

26 years, 2 months

1
0
0 0

Why is the Coleco Adam so damn popular?

by DD950＠prodigy.net

-----Original Message----- From: Glenatacme(a)aol.com <Glenatacme(a)aol.com> >I'm not familiar with the Adam. When you say it "really didn't work," do you >mean: > >1) it was poorly designed >2) it was poorly manufactured >3) it was a PITA to use or program > The easy answer would be all three, but it was a decent 1983-4 design, the printer quality control left a lot to be desired, but it was a daisy wheel printer for a very cheap price back then. (note: the Adam came with the printer, basic, and a word processor for $800 in 1984, the KayPro 2X with a Juki 6100 Daisy wheel printer I replaced the Adam with costs $1750.) I found you would not want to trust the printer to print out your work on deadline. It might take you a long time to get the formatting correct. It was definetily a PITA to use and program, and program you did. At least you typed in basic programs form listings in books and magazines. My first and last project was to type in a basic progam to make a mailing list for my customers. I never could get it to work and finally found the authors telephone number and called him. He immediately admitted the program didn't work as Coleco had shipped a different version of basic than the one they had given him to work with. He also confirmed that the printer was "very difficult" to get to print correctly. He also admitted that he was without a current Adam as he himself had returned two machines for refunds. I think later the basic was improved and the printer was improved. > >"Really didn't work" sounds as if _nothing_ useful could be done with the >machine, no matter the skills and/or perseverance of the user. I think as time went on, there were some useful filing, spreadsheet, and better word pocessing progams for the Adam. They could not have been any worse anyway :-) There was a lot of talk of CP/M for the Adam while I had one, I don't know if that ever happened. > >More plainly stated: are these things _totally_ _crap_ ??? I like >collecting the smaller machines, but don't wish to waste my time if the Adam >"really doesn't work." > > No, not total loss, but darn close IMHO. As I remember, I could always type something into the Adam, and then play hell trying to get the thing to give it back to me out of the printerr in some kind of recognizable form. With all the activity yet, they are not rare I guess. Perhaps the Adam bomb has earned it's place in any well stocked collection. There appears to be plenty of information on the Web surprisingly, to get you started visit: http://www.flash.net/~coleco/start.htm Good luck, Jim Rossbach, Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club, www.TonkinYachts.cjb.net You've heard it said that the early bird gets the worm? Well the second mouse gets the cheese ! (W. Rian Adams)

26 years, 3 months

3
3
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SoCal TRW Swap Sep 25th

by jpl15＠netcom.com

On 25th September, AD 1999, will occur YATS. (Yet Another TRW Swapmeet). The swapmeet is held in El Segundo, a suburb of Los Angeles, CA, USA, at the TRW facility. It is open from 7:00 to 11:30 Am local (pacific) time. There is no charge for buyer entry. From the 405 (San Diego) freeway, take the Rosecrans exit and proceed West on Rosecrans approximately 1 mile, to the intersection of Aviation and Rosecrans. Turn left (south) on Aviation, and go south about 1/2 mile. The TRW plant will be on your right as you go south. Find a place to park and join us. I will be happy to entertain any classiccmpers who wish to show up... my spaces are J21 and 23. Marvin threatens to attend this month's Event, so between him and myself (and maybe Mike Ford) there will be nothing Good left. On second thought... don't bother. It's too early, and we're sure you have plenty of Saturday chores to get done. But if you *do* show up, please come by and say "G'Day, Mate!". If there is sufficient interest, a post-swap Brag-n-Brunch will be held at a local greasy spoon. [We have had upwards of 15 folk at these soirees.] Also, there is always space for a few items that you may wish to expose to the Buying Public. Contact me via private e-mail and we'll sort out the logistics. NOTE: The swapmeet venue is due to be moved in December, ie., the last Meet in the present location will be November's. As of now, it is anticipated that the move will be to another parking lot a block away, but no confirmation of that is in hand. So.... get it while the gettin's good. Cheers John

26 years, 3 months

2
1
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Why is the Coleco Adam so xxxx popular?

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

In a message dated 9/14/99 9:50:19 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Glenatacme(a)aol.com writes: > Jim wrote: > > In a message dated 09/14/1999 6:21:54 AM Eastern Daylight Time, > DD950(a)prodigy.net writes: > > > I have to admit i bought one of the Coleco Adam computers in the summer of > > > 1984 (The Adam bomb). I soon found that it really didn't work and like > most > > I returned it to Toy-R-Us for a refund. > > I'm not familiar with the Adam. When you say it "really didn't work," do > you > mean: > > 1) it was poorly designed > 2) it was poorly manufactured > 3) it was a PITA to use or program > > ?? > > "Really didn't work" sounds as if _nothing_ useful could be done with the > machine, no matter the skills and/or perseverance of the user. > > More plainly stated: are these things _totally_ _crap_ ??? I like > collecting the smaller machines, but don't wish to waste my time if the Adam > > "really doesn't work." > > TIA, well, supposedly there were various applications for it, so you could process words or do the ubiquitous home budgeting. it had a built-in printer which was handy and the built-in basic was very similar to applesoft. only thing you had to remember is not to leave a data tape in the drive when turning it on or the tape's info will be destroyed. -->this message printed on recycled disk space. visit the computers of yesteryear at: http://members.aol.com/suprdave/classiccmp/museum.htm

26 years, 3 months

2
1
0 0

CLASSICCMP digest 895 -Reply

by cutler＠nmah.si.edu

I will be on vacation from Aug 23 to Sept 15 and will get back to you after that date. I apologize for the delay.

26 years, 3 months

1
0
0 0

Homeworkers Needed! -and spam reported

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

In a message dated 9/15/99 12:29:50 AM US Eastern Standard Time, some spammer scum wrote: > Dear Future Associate, > > You Can Work At Home & Set Your Own Hours. Start earning Big > Money in a short time > > NO Newspaper Advertising! LARTs sent to flash.net; thanks to spamcop.net !

26 years, 3 months

1
0
0 0

List spam traced

by kyrrin＠bluefeathertech.com

The recent spam to the list has been traced back to its source and reported. I will say only that the attempt at header forgery, on the part of the spammer, was somewhere between insignificant and pathetic. Then again, given the average intelligence level (or lack thereof) on the part of your typical chickenboner, this comes as no surprise whatsoever. In this case, the spam originated from a Los Angeles dialup node belonging to flash.net. I will advise the list of any response I receive. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Bruce Lane, Owner and head honcho, Blue Feather Technologies http://www.bluefeathertech.com // E-mail: kyrrin(a)bluefeathertech.com Amateur Radio: WD6EOS since Dec. '77 "Our science can only describe an object, event, or living thing in our own human terms. It cannot, in any way, define any of them..."

26 years, 3 months

1
0
0 0

Need ID for IBM Cards [+ Picture]

by wsmith＠gj.com

I think you're right. You are the second person to ID the cards as from an early memory typewriter. I should have mentioned in my earlier post that each of the cards was paperclipped to a carbon copy of a document. Based on the length of the documents, these cards didn't hold much. I have posted a scan of a couple of these cards at http://home.earthlink.net/~wmsmith/_uimages/IBMCards.jpg to the extent that it helps in further IDing them. Thanks. >>>> "Merle K. Peirce" <at258(a)osfn.org> 09/14 2:16 AM >>> >Sounds like a magcard, probably from an old MagcardII typewriter or a >Displaywriter. > >On Mon, 13 Sep 1999, Wayne Smith wrote: > >> I was just going through a box of old files (circa 1970) that my office is throwing out and I found four cards that I need an ID on. >>They are the same size and shape as a standard puch card, but appear to be made of some sort of magnetic media. They are >>approximately the color of standard magnetic cassette tape on one side, and nearly black on the other. Each card has "IBM" >>printed on it in white with a direction arrow next to it in one corner of the card directly opposite the notch. In the corner with the >>notch there are two groups of 3 digits, also in white. >> >> The cards have what appear to be track marks on them in three parallel rows on the horizontal, as if fed through a reader. >> >> Thanks. If it would be useful I post a scan of one of these. >> > >M. K. Peirce >Rhode Island Computer Museum, Inc. >215 Shady Lea Road, >North Kingstown, RI 02852 > >"Casta est qui nemo rogavit." > > - Ovid ! ! !

26 years, 3 months

3
2
0 0

Need ID for IBM Cards [+ Picture]

by jeff.kaneko＠juno.com

On Tue, 14 Sep 1999 22:03:37 -0400 (EDT) "Merle K. Peirce" <at258(a)osfn.org> writes: > >If I can find the MagCard manual, I'll see if I can find the capacity. > I don't know if it mirrored the punch card or not, although I think it >held more data. They were supposed to be terrors to run. Not to mention repair! One of my first jobs in the electronics industry was field service of the Redactron Redactor (tm) word processing system. This was, for all intensive purposes, an IBM MAG Card System *clone* made by the Redactron Corporation, of Yaphank, NY. It used an *IBM* selectric typewriter mechanism, a box the size of a bar fridge filled with electronics, and used either MAG Cards or special cassette tapes. ALot of our customers started with MAG cards, then upgraded to tapes (which held alot more). Some customers had machines with *both*. LAter, the Selectric (tm) mechanism was replaced with a printer/ keyboard unit called a Q-Pak. Redactron was subsequently purchased by Burroughs. Jeff ___________________________________________________________________ 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

Why is the Coleco Adam so damn popular?

by Glenatacme＠aol.com

Jim wrote: In a message dated 09/14/1999 6:21:54 AM Eastern Daylight Time, DD950(a)prodigy.net writes: > I have to admit i bought one of the Coleco Adam computers in the summer of > 1984 (The Adam bomb). I soon found that it really didn't work and like most > I returned it to Toy-R-Us for a refund. I'm not familiar with the Adam. When you say it "really didn't work," do you mean: 1) it was poorly designed 2) it was poorly manufactured 3) it was a PITA to use or program ?? "Really didn't work" sounds as if _nothing_ useful could be done with the machine, no matter the skills and/or perseverance of the user. More plainly stated: are these things _totally_ _crap_ ??? I like collecting the smaller machines, but don't wish to waste my time if the Adam "really doesn't work." TIA, Glen Goodwin 0/0

26 years, 3 months

1
0
0 0

Homeworkers Needed!

by mhco＠mindspring.com

Dear Future Associate, You Can Work At Home & Set Your Own Hours. Start earning Big Money in a short time NO Newspaper Advertising! Your job will be to stuff and mail envelopes for our company. You will receive $.25 for each and every envelope you stuff and mail out. Just follow our simple instructions and you will be making money as easy as 1… 2… 3 For example stuff and mail 200 envelopes and you will receive $50.00. Stuff and mail 1000 and you will receive $250.00. Stuff and mail 2000 and you will receive $500.00 and more Never before has there been an easier way to make money from home! Our Company's Home Mailing Program is designed for people with little or no experience and provides simple, step by step instructions. There is no prior experience or special skills necessary on your part, Just stuffing envelopes. We need the help of honest and reliable home workers like you. Because we are overloaded with work and have more than our staff can handle. We have now expanded our mailing program and are expecting to reach millions more with our offers throughout the US and Canada. Our system of stuffing and mailing envelopes is very simple and easy to do! You will not be required to buy envelopes or postage stamps. We will gladly furnish all circulars at no cost to you. We assure you that as a participant in our program you will never have to mail anything objective or offensive. There are no quotas to meet, and there no contracts to sign. You can work as much, or as little as you want. Payment for each envelope you send out is Guaranteed! Here is what you will receive when you get your first Package. Inside you will find 100 envelopes, 100 labels and 100 sales letters ready to stuff and mail As soon as you are done with stuffing and mailing these first letters, your payment will arrive shortly, thereafter. All you have to do is to order more free supplies and stuff and mail more envelopes to make more money. Our sales literature which you will be stuffing and mailing will contain information outlining our highly informative manuals that we are advertising nationwide. As a free gift you will receive a special manual valued at $24.95, absolutely free, just for joining our Home Mailers Program. Plus you will get your own special code number, so that we will know how much you are to get paid. And to make re-ordering of more envelopes, that our company supplies very simple for you. We are giving you this free bonus because we want you to be confident in our company and to ensure that we will be doing business with you for a long time. Benefits Of This Job: 1. You do not have to quit your present job, to earn more money at home 2. You can make between $2,500 to $4,500 a month depending on the amount of time you are willing to spend stuffing and mailing envelopes 3. This is a great opportunity for the students, mothers, disabled persons or those who are home bodies. To secure your position and to show us that you are serious about earning extra income at home we require a one-time registration fee of $35.00. This fee covers the cost of your initial start up package, which includes 100 envelopes, 100 labels and 100 sales letters and a manual, your registration fee will be refunded back to you shortly thereafter. Money Back Guarantee! We guarantee that as soon as you stuff and mail your first 300 envelopes You will be paid $75.00 and your registration fee will be refunded. Many of you wonder why it is necessary to pay a deposit to get a job. It is because we are looking for people that seriously want to work from home. * If 3.000 people told us they wanted to start working from home and we sent out 3.000 packages free to every one. And then half of the people decided not to work, this would be a potential loss of more than $60,000 in supply's and shipping that we have sent out to people that don't want to work We have instituted this policy to make sure that you really want to work and at least finish your first package. To Get Started Today Please Enclose Your Registration Fee of $35 Check,Cash Or Money Order and fill out the application below and mail to: MOHW Co 11054 Ventura Blvd PMB #126 Studio City, CA 91604 Name_____________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________ City____________________________________ State______________ Zip Code________________ Telephone Number(s)_________________________________________ E-mail Address______________________________________________ For all orders, please allow seven (7) days for delivery and up to 10 days. Cash and Money Orders will result in faster shipping of your package.

26 years, 3 months

3
2
0 0

Reading TRS-80 discs (was RE: Archiving old discs...)

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<There was a TRS-80 model 1 Zork that meets this description -- I bought <it years ago. It was a single-density disk (The model 1 used a 1771 <controller that could only do single desnity), and it was formatted <strangely 'copy protect' it. It was also a self-booting disk with no <filesystem as such -- the Zork program just read the text (encrypted <IIRC) from raw sectors on the disk. I think the trs80 boot code loaded on a few sectors that acutally booted and loaded ZORK as there were other things in the way of odd skewing and sector numbering the standard code didn't like. <Superutility on a TRS-80 could probably read/back up that disk, but I <don't know what else can. Or suprzap (or several others) on one of many systems using the older 1771 controller (S100, Bigboards and others). Allison

26 years, 3 months

1
0
0 0

Reading TRS-80 discs (was RE: Archiving old discs...)

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<So, bottom line, if I find a floppy card that appears to conform to one of <the favorable ones on that list from comp.os.cpm, stick it in a PC and use <something like 22DISK, I should be able to make a physical backup of a TRS- <disk? Is there some other piece of software I should use? Unless Teledis <will produce an uncompressed image, it won't help me. I can process the d <images once I get them onto the hard drive, that's the easy part. ... Maybe. It's possible to create disks especially those created using some of the more oddball marks the 1771 can do. In that case only a system with a 1771 can read those disks. It's important to note that all of the PC controllers use some chip that is 765 at it's core and will only read S34 and S3740 compatable format sequences. The 1771 can generate many non conforming formats that even the 1793 in FM mode CANNOT read. So just doing fm is not the total answer as even the hard sectored Northstar* controller was FM. There is a long list of things you can do with the 1771 and to a lesser extent in the way of making formats that are "unique". Allison

26 years, 3 months

1
0
0 0

Homeworkers Needed!

by mowhco＠att.net

Dear Future Associate, You Can Work At Home & Set Your Own Hours. Start earning Big Money in a short time NO Newspaper Advertising! Your job will be to stuff and mail envelopes for our company. You will receive $.25 for each and every envelope you stuff and mail out. Just follow our simple instructions and you will be making money as easy as 1… 2… 3 For example stuff and mail 200 envelopes and you will receive $50.00. Stuff and mail 1000 and you will receive $250.00. Stuff and mail 2000 and you will receive $500.00 and more Never before has there been an easier way to make money from home! Our Company's Home Mailing Program is designed for people with little or no experience and provides simple, step by step instructions. There is no prior experience or special skills necessary on your part, Just stuffing envelopes. We need the help of honest and reliable home workers like you. Because we are overloaded with work and have more than our staff can handle. We have now expanded our mailing program and are expecting to reach millions more with our offers throughout the US and Canada. Our system of stuffing and mailing envelopes is very simple and easy to do! You will not be required to buy envelopes or postage stamps. We will gladly furnish all circulars at no cost to you. We assure you that as a participant in our program you will never have to mail anything objective or offensive. There are no quotas to meet, and there no contracts to sign. You can work as much, or as little as you want. Payment for each envelope you send out is Guaranteed! Here is what you will receive when you get your first Package. Inside you will find 100 envelopes, 100 labels and 100 sales letters ready to stuff and mail As soon as you are done with stuffing and mailing these first letters, your payment will arrive shortly, thereafter. All you have to do is to order more free supplies and stuff and mail more envelopes to make more money. Our sales literature which you will be stuffing and mailing will contain information outlining our highly informative manuals that we are advertising nationwide. As a free gift you will receive a special manual valued at $24.95, absolutely free, just for joining our Home Mailers Program. Plus you will get your own special code number, so that we will know how much you are to get paid. And to make re-ordering of more envelopes, that our company supplies very simple for you. We are giving you this free bonus because we want you to be confident in our company and to ensure that we will be doing business with you for a long time. Benefits Of This Job: 1. You do not have to quit your present job, to earn more money at home 2. You can make between $2,500 to $4,500 a month depending on the amount of time you are willing to spend stuffing and mailing envelopes 3. This is a great opportunity for the students, mothers, disabled persons or those who are home bodies. To secure your position and to show us that you are serious about earning extra income at home we require a one-time registration fee of $35.00. This fee covers the cost of your initial start up package, which includes 100 envelopes, 100 labels and 100 sales letters and a manual, your registration fee will be refunded back to you shortly thereafter. Money Back Guarantee! We guarantee that as soon as you stuff and mail your first 300 envelopes You will be paid $75.00 and your registration fee will be refunded. Many of you wonder why it is necessary to pay a deposit to get a job. It is because we are looking for people that seriously want to work from home. * If 3.000 people told us they wanted to start working from home and we sent out 3.000 packages free to every one. And then half of the people decided not to work, this would be a potential loss of more than $60,000 in supply's and shipping that we have sent out to people that don't want to work We have instituted this policy to make sure that you really want to work and at least finish your first package. To Get Started Today Please Enclose Your Registration Fee of $35 Check,Cash Or Money Order and fill out the application below and mail to: MOHW Co PMB 11054 Ventura Blvd #126 Studio City, CA 91604 Name_____________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________ City____________________________________ State______________ Zip Code________________ Telephone Number(s)_________________________________________ E-mail Address______________________________________________ For all orders, please allow seven (7) days for delivery and up to 10 days. Cash and Money Orders will result in faster shipping of your package.

26 years, 3 months

1
0
0 0

Homeworkers Needed! Try www.spamcop.net

by morrison＠t-iii.com

"However, the amount of spam I am receiving has dropped almost to zero since I have been using www.spamcop.net to send the complaints!" ---> And if you keep off usa.net it will stay low. Talk about the Land O' Spam!!! Neil Morrison email:morrison@t-iii.com

26 years, 3 months

1
0
0 0

HELP! Kaypro 2X Drive (Was: HELP! Osbourne drives)

by wsmith＠gj.com

>>> Don Maslin <donm(a)cts.com> 09/13 9:06 PM >>> On Mon, 13 Sep 1999, Wayne Smith wrote: > This made me remember that I have a perhaps similar problem with one > of my Kaypro drives. It works at first, but eventually wears away > portions of the disk making the disk unusable. (After a few uses, if > you hold the disk up to the light there are arcs that are clear.) I > assume this is a head alignment issue. If so, is there an easy way to > realign the heads (perhaps dropping the unit a la Apple III), or should > I just look for another floppy drive? I would be more inclined to suspect magnetic media build up on the heads that needs to be cleaned off. - don ***Any suggestions on cleaning methods? Wayne ! ! !

26 years, 3 months

3
2
0 0

Reading TRS-80 discs (was RE: Archiving old discs...)

by ethan_dicks＠yahoo.com

--- allisonp(a)world.std.com wrote: > I can say the 37c65 (all vendors) and all versions of the 765(I8272) all > do single density quite well. Most PC bus cards do not do ningle > density (any/all) of those more often than not do not do SD FM due to > board level implmentation limitations. The most common is the data > seperator is hardwired for (especially true for any board with 765/8272 > on it) one maybe two data rates. So, bottom line, if I find a floppy card that appears to conform to one of the favorable ones on that list from comp.os.cpm, stick it in a PC and use something like 22DISK, I should be able to make a physical backup of a TRS-80 disk? Is there some other piece of software I should use? Unless Teledisk will produce an uncompressed image, it won't help me. I can process the disk images once I get them onto the hard drive, that's the easy part. -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

Homeworkers Needed! Try www.spamcop.net

by DD950＠prodigy.net

-----Original Message----- From: morrison(a)t-iii.com <morrison(a)t-iii.com> >I forwarded this to abuse, postmaster etc at their ISP. Received back:- > > I forwarded that spam also. I am glad there are others that take the time to complain. Now the only problem is the spammer most probably was not really using, or planned to use again that email account. But you never know so it is worth reporting it anyway. I have been cutting and pasting all my spam into the free parser at www.spamcop.net . You can use the system for free and it will address and send a nice complaint letter for you to the proper people. If you join up I understand you can use the filter that will block all the spam that is being reported. I don't do that so I can't tell you how effective that is. However, the amount of spam I am receiving has dropped almost to zero since I have been using www.spamcop.net to send the complaints! Maybe, just maybe the spammers do keep a list of us whiner and complainers and try not to send us spam. I encourage everybody to visit www.spamcop.net and use the system to file complaints. If nothing else it makes you feel good doing something. Regards, Jim Rossbach, Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club Web Ring, www.TonkinYachts.cjb.net Who were the beta testers for Preparations A through G?

26 years, 3 months

1
0
0 0

Intel Stuff from the early '80's

by edick＠idcomm.com

Back in the heyday of 8-bit micros I got involved with a couple of clients who thought the Intel 16-bit processors were pretty cool. Ultimately I was left with a bunch of software documentation and some software (copied, I suppose). Some of the software and documentation actually go together, so I though I'd make an initial offer to this group in case there's someone crazy enough to pursue this sort of stuff. I have lots ( close to 25 kg ) of manuals in the original blue Intel binders containing documents on various Intel development tools of the early 8086 era, including, I believe, Pascal, Assembler, various OS's (they were experimenting with several at the time) PL/M, among others. There's also a batch, obviously intended to go together, of 8" diskettes marked iAPX Source Code which has in it diskettes marked "CP/M to ISIS Translator" in CP/M SSSD format, RTCS UDI, PL/M-80, and LOTS of other iRMX stuff all in ISIS format (whatever that is) seemingly the source code for an entire development OS. Is anybody interested enough to want this stuff shipped to them at THEIR expense? That means I carry the stuff to the Mailboxes, Etc shop, get a quote on the packing and shipping cost, carry it back and, when your check clears, have it shipped to you. Dick Dick

26 years, 3 months

2
1
0 0

HP IC numbers was:Re: Britain is Great (Back from the Island)

by edick＠idcomm.com

Those 1820-xxxx numbers remind me of lots of HP boards I've looked at over the years. Dick -----Original Message----- From: Christian Fandt <cfandt(a)netsync.net> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Monday, September 13, 1999 7:05 PM Subject: HP IC numbers was:Re: Britain is Great (Back from the Island) >Upon the date 07:12 PM 9/13/99 +0100, Tony Duell said something like: > >>> All but 3 parts have a numbering like 1820-0xxx, wher xxx is >> >>Almost all HP logic chips are 1820-xxxx :-). And these ones are not in my >>list of equivalents, which means they might well be custom (I would >>suspect a lot of them are, since there's nowhere near enough parts to >>make a calculator using MSI TTL here). > > -- snip -- > >Tony and others: > >I can't recall for sure but has someone posted anywhere a cross ref list >between HP house numbers and industry equivalent numbers? I thought there >was some discussion here a long time ago about this but I'm subscribed to >several other lists which could have had the same type of discussion. > >Thanks for any pointers folks! > >Regards, Chris >-- -- >Christian Fandt, Electronic/Electrical Historian >Jamestown, NY USA cfandt(a)netsync.net > Member of Antique Wireless Association > URL: http://www.antiquewireless.org/

26 years, 3 months

3
2
0 0

GOOD hamfest!

by rigdonj＠intellistar.net

I just returned from the Melbourne hamfest. I picked up a Osbourne Executive complete with all the disks and manuals from the original owner, a Heathkit Hero Robot and a HP 3468 meter with HP-IL interface. :-) Found out later that I missed a Lisa keyboard.

26 years, 3 months

8
16
0 0

TSR 80

by jcmitch＠fcc.net

I have a TSR 80 that is tape driven not disk driven. I also have a number of games for it. Is this worth anything. John C. Mitchell

26 years, 3 months

2
1
0 0

Reading TRS-80 discs (was RE: Archiving old discs...)

by ethan_dicks＠yahoo.com

--- morrison(a)t-iii.com wrote: > If the TRS-80 disks are DD you can usually read them OK, but SD needs some > other computer (Model I, III, 4, Coco etc.) Hmm... I've got an ancient ORIGINAL of Zork I (published by Personal Software) I've wanted to back this thing up for years so I can see which data file is on it, but I've never owned anything that can read it. Is it likely to be SD? What kind of non-period hardware can read this? If need be, I could even hook up a 5.25" disk to my Amiga and get funky with that. Thanks, -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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VW (was Re: Why is the Coleco Adam so popular?

by ethan_dicks＠yahoo.com

--- Jacob Ritorto <jritorto(a)nut.net> wrote: > Road Trip in a Microbus? I'm game. I took my '63 to Spokane from > Pittsburgh a few years ago. Only used two engines. Ack! My beloved '76 is down; the (first) engine is in the basement undergoing a complete top-job (new heads, pistons, cylinders) after 2 owners and 125K miles > I've been meaning to > weld a pdp11/23 into the area where the refrigerator is supposed to go, > but haven't got a round tuit yet. It'd be neat to have a classic computer > survellence bus. I saved the A/C plastic enclosure that used to sit behind the heads in the fronts seats to put a computer up there someday. At the time, I was thinking about a C-64 due to low power requirements. If you powered the PDP-11 from some source other than the alternator, you might have a chance; I wouldn't want to put that kind of a load on the factory electrical system. What would you use for disk? Now... an 11/23 in a BA-23 w/ 1/2-height MFM, or better yet, 3.5" SCSI, might be doable. My 11/23's tend to have RL02's on them; not exactly road worthy. -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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Reading TRS-80 discs (was RE: Archiving old discs...)

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

>So, bottom line, if I find a floppy card that appears to conform to one of >the favorable ones on that list from comp.os.cpm, stick it in a PC and use >something like 22DISK, I should be able to make a physical backup of a TRS-80 >disk? Is there some other piece of software I should use? Unless Teledisk >will produce an uncompressed image, it won't help me. I can process the disk >images once I get them onto the hard drive, that's the easy part. The compression used inside Teledisk is very simplistic run-length-encoding. I once had a few hundred teledisk images to turn back into "regular" images, and banged out a quick little program to do the conversion in half an hour or so. If anyone's really interested, I'll forward a copy of the source. -- 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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Reading TRS-80 discs (was RE: Archiving old discs...)

by morrison＠t-iii.com

I did figure out the format, but I've long since forgotten it. But most any SU type program could read it. Neil Morrison email:morrison@t-iii.com > -----Original Message----- > From: ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk [SMTP:ard@p850ug1.demon.co.uk] > Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 1999 12:45 PM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: Re: Reading TRS-80 discs (was RE: Archiving old discs...) > > > Hmm... I've got an ancient ORIGINAL of Zork I (published by Personal > Software) > > I've wanted to back this thing up for years so I can see which data file > is on > > it, but I've never owned anything that can read it. Is it likely to be > SD? > > What kind of non-period hardware can read this? If need be, I could > even > > hook up a 5.25" disk to my Amiga and get funky with that. > > > There was a TRS-80 model 1 Zork that meets this description -- I bought > it years ago. It was a single-density disk (The model 1 used a 1771 > controller that could only do single desnity), and it was formatted > strangely 'copy protect' it. It was also a self-booting disk with no > filesystem as such -- the Zork program just read the text (encrypted > IIRC) from raw sectors on the disk. > > Superutility on a TRS-80 could probably read/back up that disk, but I > don't know what else can. > > -tony

26 years, 3 months

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Reading TRS-80 discs (was RE: Archiving old discs...)

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

--- morrison(a)t-iii.com wrote: > If the TRS-80 disks are DD you can usually read them OK, but SD needs some > other computer (Model I, III, 4, Coco etc.) There has been extensive discussion on this topic on the comp.os.cpm newsgroup in the past several years. Here's some articles that detail which PC floppy disk controllers are capable of reading/writing single- density disks: Ken Ganshirt <ken.ganshirt(a)sk.sympatico.ca> wrote in article <36899CB0.19AD9093(a)sk.sympatico.ca>... > > I must have a pretty decent floppy controller, because I can even read > my original SS/SD Os-1 floppies, even though 22Disk warns that it might > not work for that format. (For the technically curious, this is on a > Dell 486/50 running Win 95 and the floppy drive is one of those deals > that has both a 3.5 and 5.25 in a single half-height drive. It's the > only system I have left with a 5.25" floppy drive.) > Ken, I recently did a study to find out what will and what won't do single density. Here are my findings so far: Will support single density / FM: NS PC87306 Super I/O SMC FDC37C65 SMC FDC37C78 Most SMC Super I/O chips Will NOT support single density / FM: NS 8473 NS PC87332* Super I/O NS PC97307* Super I/O WD FDC37C65 Most (if not all) Intel parts Any Winbond part Any UMC part Reportedly will do single density / FM but NOT verified: NS 8477 Intel 82077AA Goldstar Super I/O The NS PC87306 is found in a lot of Dell and Compaq machines from the 486-50Mhz models to the Pentium-90 models. Most Super Micro Pentium motherboards using the PCI HX chipset also used that super I/O. *NOTE: It is important to verify the part number on the chip itself. Many of these newer NS parts will identify themselves to software as PC87306, but do NOT support single density. Best regards, Amardeep Amardeep S. Chana (asc1000(a)ibm.net) wrote: : Ken Ganshirt <ken.ganshirt(a)sk.sympatico.ca> wrote in article : <36899CB0.19AD9093(a)sk.sympatico.ca>... : > : > I must have a pretty decent floppy controller, because I can even read : > my original SS/SD Os-1 floppies, even though 22Disk warns that it might : > not work for that format. (For the technically curious, this is on a : > Dell 486/50 running Win 95 and the floppy drive is one of those deals : > that has both a 3.5 and 5.25 in a single half-height drive. It's the : > only system I have left with a 5.25" floppy drive.) : > : Ken, : I recently did a study to find out what will and what won't do single : density. Here are my findings so far: Amardeep, I fear that I must question your study. I believe that you are ascribing to some of the chips the shortcomings of the FDC manufacturer. For example, both the NS 8473 and the WD 37C65 will most assuredly support FM. I have DTK FDC cards with the 8473 and read Osborne 1 disks with them just prior to writing this. Likewise, I have the WD 37C65 in the WD FOX card and it will also read/write FM. On that basis, I must have reservations about some of your other determinations. - don : Will support single density / FM: : NS PC87306 Super I/O : SMC FDC37C65 : SMC FDC37C78 : Most SMC Super I/O chips : Will NOT support single density / FM: : NS 8473 : NS PC87332* Super I/O : NS PC97307* Super I/O : WD FDC37C65 : Most (if not all) Intel parts : Any Winbond part : Any UMC part : Reportedly will do single density / FM but NOT verified: : NS 8477 : Intel 82077AA : Goldstar Super I/O : The NS PC87306 is found in a lot of Dell and Compaq machines from the : 486-50Mhz models to the Pentium-90 models. Most Super Micro Pentium : motherboards using the PCI HX chipset also used that super I/O. : *NOTE: It is important to verify the part number on the chip itself. Many : of these newer NS parts will identify themselves to software as PC87306, : but do NOT support single density. : Best regards, : Amardeep Don Maslin <donm(a)cts.com> wrote in article <915064276.933215(a)optional.cts.com>... [snip] > > Amardeep, I fear that I must question your study. I believe that you > are ascribing to some of the chips the shortcomings of the FDC > manufacturer. For example, both the NS 8473 and the WD 37C65 will > most assuredly support FM. I have DTK FDC cards with the 8473 and > read Osborne 1 disks with them just prior to writing this. Likewise, > I have the WD 37C65 in the WD FOX card and it will also read/write > FM. On that basis, I must have reservations about some of your other > determinations. > - don > Hi Don, I understand your reservations and can address every issue. I did not go into enough detail in the first posting to fully support my assertions. > : Will support single density / FM: > > : NS PC87306 Super I/O > : SMC FDC37C65 > : SMC FDC37C78 > : Most SMC Super I/O chips > The above parts are completely stand alone with on board filters, write precomp generators, and data separators. They should work with FM in any board implementation, unless something specific is done to prevent it (not likely). This is per the National and SMSC (new name for SMC semiconductor) data sheets. I have tested the NS PC87306 and SMC FDC37C65 using Jeff Vavasour's Model 4 emulator and Tim Mann's xtrs 2.8 under Linux. They both read and write FM with no problems. > : Will NOT support single density / FM: > > : NS 8473 > : NS PC87332* Super I/O > : NS PC97307* Super I/O > : WD FDC37C65 > : Most (if not all) Intel parts > : Any Winbond part > : Any UMC part > The 1988 data sheet for the NS 8473 states on page 8-32, "While the controller and data separator support both FM and MFM encoding, the filter switch circuitry only supports the IBM standard MFM data rates. To provide both FM and MFM filters external logic may be necessary." Every 8473 board I have tried failed to write FM. However, it may be possible to read FM on some boards if the external filters have a wide enough Q. The NS PC87332 & NS PC97307 are standalone and by design do not support FM (verified on the National data sheets). The only information I have on the WD FDC37C65 is the Always IN2000 card I have with that chip cannot read or write FM. I suspect it is also dependent on implementation. I have new information on Intel... Intel 8272 is a NEC 765 clone and therefore dependent on implementation . Intel 82077AA and 82077SL - data sheet clearly states these parts suppo rt FM. Thanks to Pete Cervasio for testing and reporting that the 82077 does indeed read and write FM. Intel 82078 - data sheet clearly states these parts will NOT support FM . I haven't yet investigated the new Intel Super I/O chip which is replacing the 82078. The Winbond and UMC chips have never worked on any adapter or motherboard I've ever encountered them on. No idea if its the chip or the implementation. > : Reportedly will do single density / FM but NOT verified: > > : NS 8477 > : Intel 82077AA > : Goldstar Super I/O > The NS 8477 data sheet indicates that it does support FM (it is functionally and pin for pin compatible with the Intel 82077). The Goldstar Super I/O was reported to work with FM in a newsgroup posting I read once but have never been able to confirm it. Hope that clarifies things :) Amardeep

26 years, 3 months

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Reading TRS-80 discs (was RE: Archiving old discs...)

by morrison＠t-iii.com

The real problem was that the DD controller could only write two types of data marks, whereas the SD one could write four. Randy Cook chose the two the DD controller couldn't write for the Mod I SD O/S. Neil Morrison email:morrison@t-iii.com > -----Original Message----- > From: allisonp(a)world.std.com [SMTP:allisonp@world.std.com] > Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 1999 12:58 PM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: RE: Reading TRS-80 discs (was RE: Archiving old discs...) > > > FYI: trs80s used WD 1771 (mod-1) and later ones used the 1793. The 1771 > is SD only and the 1793 does both. There were 1793 adaptors for the > MOD-1. > > > Allison

26 years, 3 months

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Reading TRS-80 discs (was RE: Archiving old discs...)

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

>> Will support single density / FM: >> >> NS PC87306 Super I/O >> SMC FDC37C65 >> SMC FDC37C78 >> Most SMC Super I/O chips >> >> Will NOT support single density / FM: >> >> NS 8473 >> NS PC87332* Super I/O >> NS PC97307* Super I/O >> WD FDC37C65 >> Most (if not all) Intel parts >> Any Winbond part >> Any UMC part >Totally incorrect, all support SD *IF* software and external data >seperators/clocks are correct. He's specifically talking about "everything on one" FDC's, where there is no external data separator/clock - it's all on the one chip. -- 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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Why is the Coleco Adam so popular?

by DD950＠prodigy.net

-----Original Message----- From: Aaron Christopher Finney <af-list(a)lafleur.wfi-inc.com> >This is interesting: call the 800 number from the sticker on the bottom of >a Colecovision/Adam. It's now a company called "Adam's House" who are more >than happy to mail you out a catalog You don't have to call!!! they are now on the Web at http://www.flash.net/~coleco/start.htm . Scary, as you could not even access the graphic web with one. You can be glad you waited as a Coleco Adam can now be had it appears for about $59.95!! These appear to be for still new equipment. Reading the FAQ it appears Adam House bought out the inventory in 1985 from the Coleco bankruptcy? Aaron, How old are you or that VW van anyway? I have a 1977. Up for a road trip? Regards, Jim Rossbach, Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club Web Ring, www.TonkinYachts.cjb.net What If The Hokey Pokey Is Really What It's All About?

26 years, 3 months

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HP IC numbers was:Re: Britain is Great (Back from the Island)

by jeff.kaneko＠juno.com

On Tue, 14 Sep 1999 19:03:30 +0100 (BST) ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk (Tony Duell) writes: > Other manufacturers had similar number schemes. IBM have used > standard chips (TTL, etc) with just IBM part numbers on them. ICL had a 2 or > 3 character code on some of their standard TTL (etc) chips -- I > started compiling a list of those as well as they turn up in UK PERQs. > > The one I would love to get an equivalents list for is Xerox. Xerox > D-machines have what are obviously TTL chips with only house numbers > on them. I have never seen any equivalents list or dual-marked ICs, > though, which makes fixing these machines a little harder. Stuff made by Motorola's COMM group was the same way. WHen I left that organization in 1986, I took with me a table cross-referencing commonly used chips with their Motorola Part Numbers. Very useful, if you deal with alot with their old (read: mid-80's) radios, consoles, and computer-ish things. Jeff ___________________________________________________________________ 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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Expiration dates for computers? (was Re: Unopened classic... )

by morrison＠t-iii.com

Best Used By : After almost everyone had discarded them, Rad Shack dumped all software, and the repair techs shook their heads when they saw one come into the repair depot. Neil Morrison email:morrison@t-iii.com > -----Original Message----- > From: Eric Smith [SMTP:eric@brouhaha.com] > Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 1999 11:59 AM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: Expiration dates for computers? (was Re: Unopened > classic...) > > morrison(a)t-iii.com wrote: > > IMHO, the best possible use for a Mod II/12 and esp. for the external > floppy > > drive box, would be to make computer thieves have to carry it repeatedly > up > > and down the stairs of a multi story building! Then maybe they'd keep > their > > hands off other peoples property. (Some idiot actually STOLE one of > these, > > way past it's useful date!!!) > > Hmmm... I just bought a couple of Model IIs from someone a few months > ago. > I hadn't realized that they were past the "best used by" date, since I > didn't see one stamped on it anywhere. :-)

26 years, 3 months

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Why is the Coleco Adam so damn popular?

by DD950＠prodigy.net

-----Original Message----- From: Charles E. Fox <foxvideo(a)wincom.net> > I think it is human sympathy for an underdog. I'm told the reason people >AT FIRST bought the VW Beetle was because it was so homely. (Don't shoot, I >had one in 1956.) > > Regards > Charlie Fox > If that is it, then it would be an interesting ploy for a marketing department. Although, I took such a course at the local community college once and we discussed the COORS beer underdog marketing campaign of the early and mid 70's. Seems they successfully exploited the underdog thing some felt. Yes, everybody laughed at the Beetle, and bought one. Whatever, it is amazing at all the Web sites and new equipment for sell on the Web for the Coleco Adam. I paid $800 for mine in May 1984 and that was/is not really that cheap. There is not that much excitement left for Coleco's Cabbage Patch Dolls of that time. Those dolls were making headlines back then. Thanks for the input, Jim Rossbach, Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club, www.TonkinYachts.cjb.net

26 years, 3 months

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IBM magcard typewriter cards

by mmcfadden＠cmh.edu

IBM magcard typewriter IBM MagCard II typewriter introduced by IBM in 1973. The cards that look like a magnetic version of an 026/029 punch card were >from a IBM Selectric typewriter with a adjacent floor stand unit that could read/write the cards and print out what was stored on them. I think they were called IBM magcards. I saw them in use in 1974-1976. The floor unit was about 1 foot wide and 4 feet tall with a slot in the front of the unit. At one of my first jobs all of the standard canned pathology reports were stored on magcards. The pathologist would dictate reports by indicating a series of standard report text to use with any additional comments manually added at the end. The typist would feed in the correct cards as indicated. Great productivity and spelling accuracy tool. Later I saw one in the EE department at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Some of the typists could type faster that the machine under magcard control. Occasionally the engineering secretary could be seen sitting in front of the typewriter as it ran without any of her fingers touching the keys. It was great for stored forms and for editing and retyping grant applications. They had little sleeves for them where they indicated the topic or subject stored on the card. mike mcfadden Computer=computing device that can run for a year without crashing.

26 years, 3 months

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Unopened classic...

by morrison＠t-iii.com

IMHO, the best possible use for a Mod II/12 and esp. for the external floppy drive box, would be to make computer thieves have to carry it repeatedly up and down the stairs of a multi story building! Then maybe they'd keep their hands off other peoples property. (Some idiot actually STOLE one of these, way past it's useful date!!!) Neil Morrison email:morrison@t-iii.com > -----Original Message----- > From: Jim [SMTP:DD950@prodigy.net] > Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 1999 9:38 AM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: Re: Unopened classic... > > It would be interesting to find out what something like that would bring > on > eBay. You could list it with a very high reserve that would most likely > never be met, just to see what something like that is now worth. > > We might be pleasantly surprised, or then again, we might find out that > most > people do not share our passion for old computers and you have only an > interesting box of old stuff. You pay shipping, :-( > > Anyway, keep us informed. > > Jim Rossbach, Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club Web Ring, www.TonkinYachts.cjb.net > > God Made Us Sisters and Brothers, Prozac Made Us Friends > > -----Original Message----- > From: Arfon Gryffydd <arfonrg(a)texas.net> > > > >Well, I have decided to let it be for now. I am worried that there might > be > >critters (bugs) in there (through the hand-holes). I don't want to put > it > >on eBay because I am not out to make $$$. > > > >All I need to find is a 3x3x3 glass box and a tank of nitrogen. (And a > >borescope so I can look at it). > > >

26 years, 3 months

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Reading TRS-80 discs (was RE: Archiving old discs...)

by morrison＠t-iii.com

These were made for the Model I in SD. They are flippy disks, with the active part of the game (recorded with track order backwards as I recall) on one side. I know the Coco supports SD, but most IBM PC's don't AFAIK. Neil Morrison email:morrison@t-iii.com > -----Original Message----- > From: Ethan Dicks [SMTP:ethan_dicks@yahoo.com] > Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 1999 10:55 AM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: Reading TRS-80 discs (was RE: Archiving old discs...) > > > > --- morrison(a)t-iii.com wrote: > > If the TRS-80 disks are DD you can usually read them OK, but SD needs > some > > other computer (Model I, III, 4, Coco etc.) > > Hmm... I've got an ancient ORIGINAL of Zork I (published by Personal > Software) > I've wanted to back this thing up for years so I can see which data file > is on > it, but I've never owned anything that can read it. Is it likely to be > SD? > What kind of non-period hardware can read this? If need be, I could even > hook up a 5.25" disk to my Amiga and get funky with that. > > Thanks, > > -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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Everyone, ignore my last post.

by arfonrg＠texas.net

Everyone, Sorry about not checking the return address before sending on that last message. ---------------------------------------- Tired of Micro$oft??? Move up to a REAL OS... ######__ __ ____ __ __ _ __ # #####/ / / / / __ | / / / / | |/ /## ####/ / / / / / / / / / / / | /### ###/ /__ / / / / / / / /_/ / / |#### ##/____/ /_/ /_/ /_/ /_____/ /_/|_|#### # ###### ("LINUX" for those of you without fixed-width fonts) ---------------------------------------- Be a Slacker! http://www.slackware.com Slackware Mailing List: http://www.digitalslackers.net/linux/list.html

26 years, 3 months

1
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Need ID for IBM Cards

by wsmith＠gj.com

I was just going through a box of old files (circa 1970) that my office is throwing out and I found four cards that I need an ID on. They are the same size and shape as a standard puch card, but appear to be made of some sort of magnetic media. They are approximately the color of standard magnetic cassette tape on one side, and nearly black on the other. Each card has "IBM" printed on it in white with a direction arrow next to it in one corner of the card directly opposite the notch. In the corner with the notch there are two groups of 3 digits, also in white. The cards have what appear to be track marks on them in three parallel rows on the horizontal, as if fed through a reader. Thanks. If it would be useful I post a scan of one of these.

26 years, 3 months

5
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5 1/4 floppies on laptop

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

In a message dated 9/13/99 11:17:31 PM Eastern Daylight Time, mikeford(a)socal.rr.com writes: > > > > I would like to run 5 1/4 floppies on an older laptop. Can anyone > >recommend a laptop that had this size drive? Or which older laptops had > >ports for 5 1/4 external floppie drives? sring(a)uslink.net > > > > > > > > IBM 5140? Unfortunately, the 5140 (convertible) doesnt support 5.25 drives unless someone's hacked one on. Now, if you had a 5155 you could have one 3.5 and one 5.25 as long as you run dos 3.3 or higher. -->this message printed on recycled disk space. visit the computers of yesteryear at: http://members.aol.com/suprdave/classiccmp/museum.htm

26 years, 3 months

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Why is the Coleco Adam so popular?

by DD950＠prodigy.net

Sorry for the previous post, it got away from me before I was finished :-( This might be a bit off of at least the current topics, but probably the best place to ask this question. I have to admit I bought one of the Coleco Adam computers in the summer of 1984 (The Adam bomb). I soon found that it really didn't work and like most I returned it to Toys-R-Us for a refund. I bought a KayPro 2X then and was very happy with it. I used the KayPro up until 1993. Recently I searched for information on the Kaypro on the Web and other than some pictures of the old machines I really found very little about the KayPro computers or company. But then tonight I noticed a link to a Web site on the darn Coleco Adam and I found that there are still many devotees of the little system, many Web pages, and even complete systems for sell!! These people are still having conventions!! I would think it would be the other way around. It seems as the Kaypro should still have it's UG's and Web sites and the almost worthless Adam would be long forgotten. Can somebody tell me why the Adam has enjoyed so much loyalty from people 14 years after the two year poduction run ended in bankruptcy? I really am mystified by this. Jim

26 years, 3 months

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Archiving old discs...

by morrison＠t-iii.com

If the TRS-80 disks are DD you can usually read them OK, but SD needs some other computer (Model I, III, 4, Coco etc.) Neil Morrison email:morrison@t-iii.com > -----Original Message----- > From: Arfon Gryffydd [SMTP:arfonrg@texas.net] > Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 1999 8:21 AM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: Archiving old discs... > > I picked up an AppleII CP/M card and software yesterday and causes me to > raise a question... > > I have a ton of old 5.25" discs from TRS-80's, Apples and etc. Can I use a > IBM Compatible and a disc image program (like scopy) to archive these > discs? If not, how can I archive these programs? > > Thanks > > A > ---------------------------------------- > Tired of Micro$oft??? > > Move up to a REAL OS... > ######__ __ ____ __ __ _ __ # > #####/ / / / / __ | / / / / | |/ /## > ####/ / / / / / / / / / / / | /### > ###/ /__ / / / / / / / /_/ / / |#### > ##/____/ /_/ /_/ /_/ /_____/ /_/|_|#### > # ###### > ("LINUX" for those of you > without fixed-width fonts) > ---------------------------------------- > Be a Slacker! http://www.slackware.com > > Slackware Mailing List: > http://www.digitalslackers.net/linux/list.html

26 years, 3 months

1
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Why is the Coleco Adam so damn popular?

by morrison＠t-iii.com

Well of course the Model 100 from Rad Shack is eternally popular and useful, and there are many (such as me) who keep their Color Computers also. Neil Morrison email:morrison@t-iii.com > -----Original Message----- > From: Jim [SMTP:DD950@prodigy.net] > Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 1999 9:52 AM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: Re: Why is the Coleco Adam so damn popular? > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Charles E. Fox <foxvideo(a)wincom.net> > > I think it is human sympathy for an underdog. I'm told the reason people > >AT FIRST bought the VW Beetle was because it was so homely. (Don't shoot, > I > >had one in 1956.) > > > > Regards > > Charlie Fox > > > > > > If that is it, then it would be an interesting ploy for a marketing > department. Although, I took such a course at the local community college > once and we discussed the COORS beer underdog marketing campaign of the > early and mid 70's. Seems they successfully exploited the underdog thing > some felt. > > Yes, everybody laughed at the Beetle, and bought one. > > Whatever, it is amazing at all the Web sites and new equipment for sell on > the Web for the Coleco Adam. I paid $800 for mine in May 1984 and that > was/is not really that cheap. There is not that much excitement left for > Coleco's Cabbage Patch Dolls of that time. Those dolls were making > headlines > back then. > > Thanks for the input, > > Jim Rossbach, Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club, www.TonkinYachts.cjb.net > > > >

26 years, 3 months

1
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Intel 4004 processor

by wsmith＠gj.com

>>> Lawrence LeMay <lemay(a)cs.umn.edu> 09/09 7:14 PM >>> >> > I came across a letter from someone who needs one of these to fix a valuable >> > piece of equipment. >> > Are there any still in existence? >> > >> > Neil Morrison >> > email:morrison@t-iii.com >> > >> >> They sell for over $300 each on ebay. yes, they still exist. >> > >http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160258235 > >With almost 9 days left, its already at $132.50 ... Hey, if you find a >source thats giving em away, i'm sure i can find things that need them >as well.. > >-Lawrence LeMay If you can find a Busicom Model 141-PF desktop calculator, you can pull the 4004 chip right off the board. Perhaps others know of other models that used the 4004. ! ! !

26 years, 3 months

7
18
0 0

TSR 80

by morrison＠t-iii.com

Which Model ??? Z-80 or 6809? If you have any docs, I have a couple of web pages where I am posting whatever docs I can find:- http://homepages.msn.com/Arcade/colorcomputer/index.html http://homepages.msn.com/WindowsWay/t80/index.html If all else fails, I'd like any docs, or copies of same. Neil Morrison ph: (604) 293-5710 email:morrison@t-iii.com > -----Original Message----- > From: John C. Mitchell [SMTP:jcmitch@fcc.net] > Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 1999 7:55 AM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: TSR 80 > > I have a TSR 80 that is tape driven not disk driven. I also have a > number of games for it. Is this worth anything. > > John C. Mitchell >

26 years, 3 months

1
0
0 0

Unopened classic what should I do???

by arfonrg＠texas.net

Bragging part: I just got a TRS-80 Model 12!! I just got a TRS-80 Model 12!! nyah nyah!! It's un-opened!!! It's un-opened!!! WHOO HOO!!!! Dilemma: Should I open it and smellthe sweet scent of the ancient '80's air trapped in it's plastic bags or let it be, and keep it's un-opened pristine state??? A virgin. Un-touched by end-user hands. I really don't have any software for it... what should I do??? A ---------------------------------------- Tired of Micro$oft??? Move up to a REAL OS... ######__ __ ____ __ __ _ __ # #####/ / / / / __ | / / / / | |/ /## ####/ / / / / / / / / / / / | /### ###/ /__ / / / / / / / /_/ / / |#### ##/____/ /_/ /_/ /_/ /_____/ /_/|_|#### # ###### ("LINUX" for those of you without fixed-width fonts) ---------------------------------------- Be a Slacker! http://www.slackware.com Slackware Mailing List: http://www.digitalslackers.net/linux/list.html

26 years, 3 months

4
3
0 0

Unopened classic...

by DD950＠prodigy.net

It would be interesting to find out what something like that would bring on eBay. You could list it with a very high reserve that would most likely never be met, just to see what something like that is now worth. We might be pleasantly surprised, or then again, we might find out that most people do not share our passion for old computers and you have only an interesting box of old stuff. You pay shipping, :-( Anyway, keep us informed. Jim Rossbach, Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club Web Ring, www.TonkinYachts.cjb.net God Made Us Sisters and Brothers, Prozac Made Us Friends -----Original Message----- From: Arfon Gryffydd <arfonrg(a)texas.net> >Well, I have decided to let it be for now. I am worried that there might be >critters (bugs) in there (through the hand-holes). I don't want to put it >on eBay because I am not out to make $$$. > >All I need to find is a 3x3x3 glass box and a tank of nitrogen. (And a >borescope so I can look at it). >

26 years, 3 months

1
0
0 0

Why is the Coleco Adam so damn popular?

by DD950＠prodigy.net

This might be a bit off of at least the current topics, but probably the best place to ask this question. I have to admit i bought one of the Coleco Adam computers in the summer of 1984 (The Adam bomb). I soon found that it really didn't work and like most I returned it to Toy-R-Us for a refund. I bought a KayPro 2X then and was very happy with it. Used it up until 1993.

26 years, 3 months

2
1
0 0

Archiving old discs...

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

>I picked up an AppleII CP/M card and software yesterday and causes me to >raise a question... > >I have a ton of old 5.25" discs from TRS-80's, Apples and etc. Can I use a >IBM Compatible and a disc image program (like scopy) to archive these >discs? In some cases, yes, you can use something like Teledisk to make foreign disk images on the PC. In other cases (most notably Apple floppies) only the original hardware on the Apple, or very specialized hardware on the PC, can read/write the disks. > If not, how can I archive these programs? You can read, for example, Apple disks on the Apple and move the image data over a serial cable to a PC (or your favorite workstation/mini/mainframe). -- 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
2
0 0

Archiving old discs...

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

>>You can read, for example, Apple disks on the Apple and move the image >>data over a serial cable to a PC (or your favorite workstation/mini/ >>mainframe). >Forgive me for being dense but, how do you get an Apple to create the image >file and send it out the serial cable? My favorite tool is Warren Toomey's "apl2serial", available by anonymous FTP from ftp://minnie.cs.adfa.oz.au/pub/apple2/ There are also numerous other tools available on any of the gigabytes-of- Apple II-copyright-violations disk image sites. -- 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

1
0
0 0

Archiving old discs...

by arfonrg＠texas.net

I picked up an AppleII CP/M card and software yesterday and causes me to raise a question... I have a ton of old 5.25" discs from TRS-80's, Apples and etc. Can I use a IBM Compatible and a disc image program (like scopy) to archive these discs? If not, how can I archive these programs? Thanks A ---------------------------------------- Tired of Micro$oft??? Move up to a REAL OS... ######__ __ ____ __ __ _ __ # #####/ / / / / __ | / / / / | |/ /## ####/ / / / / / / / / / / / | /### ###/ /__ / / / / / / / /_/ / / |#### ##/____/ /_/ /_/ /_/ /_____/ /_/|_|#### # ###### ("LINUX" for those of you without fixed-width fonts) ---------------------------------------- Be a Slacker! http://www.slackware.com Slackware Mailing List: http://www.digitalslackers.net/linux/list.html

26 years, 3 months

1
0
0 0

Unopened classic what should I do???

by fmc＠reanimators.org

Arfon Gryffydd <arfonrg(a)texas.net> wrote: > Dilemma: > Should I open it and smellthe sweet scent of the ancient '80's air trapped > in it's plastic bags or let it be, and keep it's un-opened pristine > state??? A virgin. Un-touched by end-user hands. Consider: will the packaging degrade over time in a way that affects the artifact? Shipping cartons aren't really intended for long-term storage, they're intended to protect the contents during shipment which hopefully won't take 20 years. Styrofoam and plastics can melt if they get too hot (i.e. styrofoam peanuts and plastic bubble wrap tend to have lower melting points than do computer cases and cords, and those temperatures can easily be reached in shelters that are exposed to sunlight like outdoor sheds), and rubbers and glues can dry out and/or turn gooey over time. -Frank McConnell

26 years, 3 months

3
2
0 0

Why is the Coleco Adam so popular?

by edick＠idcomm.com

The Coleco "Adam" was one of the first mass-marketed "home" computers which was sold as a complete unit, i.e. it had a printer and storage device (originally a tape drive of some odd sort), and coming from a relatively popular game maker didn't hurt either. The basic unit IIRC cost very little and, I'm not sure of this, but I do recall a price of <$500 for the entire mess. The price was quite low, so it was quite frequently purchased. People unwilling to admit they couldn't get it to do anything useful simply threw them out and bought a Kaypro or something similar. I saw many of these make the trip from the store to the dumpster in less than a month, though, since they only "sorta" worked. The challenge here was to make them do something useful, which was quite a feat, I guess. Dick -----Original Message----- From: Jim <DD950(a)prodigy.net> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Tuesday, September 14, 1999 4:37 AM Subject: Why is the Coleco Adam so popular? Sorry for the previous post, it got away from me before I was finished :-( This might be a bit off of at least the current topics, but probably the best place to ask this question. I have to admit I bought one of the Coleco Adam computers in the summer of 1984 (The Adam bomb). I soon found that it really didn't work and like most I returned it to Toys-R-Us for a refund. I bought a KayPro 2X then and was very happy with it. I used the KayPro up until 1993. Recently I searched for information on the Kaypro on the Web and other than some pictures of the old machines I really found very little about the KayPro computers or company. But then tonight I noticed a link to a Web site on the darn Coleco Adam and I found that there are still many devotees of the little system, many Web pages, and even complete systems for sell!! These people are still having conventions!! I would think it would be the other way around. It seems as the Kaypro should still have it's UG's and Web sites and the almost worthless Adam would be long forgotten. Can somebody tell me why the Adam has enjoyed so much loyalty from people 14 years after the two year poduction run ended in bankruptcy? I really am mystified by this. Jim

26 years, 3 months

1
0
0 0

Unopened classic what should I do???

by edick＠idcomm.com

The model 12 was no great thing . . . Unopened and in unused condition, however, it might bring a fair price on eBay. That's what I'd do if I had to deal with this. Dick -----Original Message----- From: Tony Duell <ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Monday, September 13, 1999 7:36 PM Subject: Re: Unopened classic what should I do??? >> >> > I just got a TRS-80 Model 12!! I just got a TRS-80 Model 12!! nyah nyah!! >> > It's un-opened!!! It's un-opened!!! WHOO HOO!!!! >> > >> > >> >Dilemma: >> > Should I open it and smellthe sweet scent of the ancient '80's air trapped >> >in it's plastic bags or let it be, and keep it's un-opened pristine >> >state??? >> > >> Just having the original packaging is remarkable. >> >> As for me and my collection, we say keep it intact and untouched for as long >> as you can. > >This is certainly a YMMV thing.... > >I'd say the opposite -- open it (as carefully as possible) and keep the >packaging (assuming you have the space ;-)). > >I collect old computers because I enjoy using them, I enjoy fixing them, >I enjoy figuring out how they work, I learn from them, etc. Not because I >want to own 'valuable' objects. > >So a computer (in unknown working condition, remember!) in a sealed box >has no interest to me at all. The same machine upacked, tested, and >operational would be fun. > >For the same reason (and I know I'll draw flames here), if I ever >obtained an unbuilt kit for something, my first aim would be to build it. >A box of components is not interesting to me, the final object is. > >-tony >

26 years, 3 months

1
0
0 0

HELP! Kaypro 2X Drive (Was: HELP! Osbourne drives)

by edick＠idcomm.com

I've seen lots of floppies with this problem. I find that it occurs on systems which (a) leave the motor on and the head loaded (not an option on low-cost 5-1/4" drives, the head was always loaded) and (2) drives with some form of contamination, i.e. particulates, on either the head or the head-load pad. Dust and smoke are often the offending contaminant, i.e. they damage the extremely hard surface of the head, normally polished to a very fine finish, and leave a burr which subsequently scratches the emulsion off the media. In any case, the problem is much scarcer in "clean" environments than in my basement or anyplace like it. Solution: (a) take the media out of the drive when it's not in use and (b) make the fan in whatever enclosure houses the drive blow into rather than suck out of the enclosure, preferably through a filter of some sort. Dick -----Original Message----- From: CLASSICCMP(a)trailing-edge.com <CLASSICCMP(a)trailing-edge.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Monday, September 13, 1999 6:41 PM Subject: RE: HELP! Kaypro 2X Drive (Was: HELP! Osbourne drives) >>This made me remember that I have a perhaps similar problem with one of my >>Kaypro drives. It works at first, but eventually wears away portions of the >>disk making the disk unusable. (After a few uses, if you hold the disk >>up to the light there are arcs >>that are clear.) I assume this is a head alignment issue. > >Why assume this? And why is everyone so quick to assume that the >first thing you want to do to a floppy drive is realign the heads? >Reminds me of those folks who insist on tweaking the IF cores in all >their AM/FM radios without the proper test equipment, and then they >wonder why it doesn't perform so well anymore... > >In my experience, the only floppy drives I've ever had to realign >the heads on were drives that someone else decided to align the heads on :-). > >Two questions: > >1. Single sided drive? If so, check the head load pad. An extremely >worn head load pad will gouge up the media for sure. > >2. Double sided drive? If so, is there anything wedged in the spring >supports that'll make the heads press against the media with too much >force? > >-- > 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

1
0
0 0

5 1/4 floppies on laptop

by DD950＠prodigy.net

Well, I am not real knowledgeable about computers but I have still an old Toshiba 1000 that I bought for $150 in 1993 at a hamfest. I used it for packet radio for awhile. It had a 3 1/2 " internal drive and I bought a 5 1/4" external that came with a big brick power supply for $50 dollars for it. I think the Toshiba 1100 was really about the same thing. When I was looking for a 5 1/4" drive in 1993, I remember people telling me that MicroSolutions made one for various notebook computers. I think I have the name of the company correct. MicroSolutions also made external hard drives and tape drives they called/call the back-pack I think. My Toshiba works,err, maybe worked, with its own connections. I think the MicroSolution stuff was all parallel port. I have always wondered if somebody has written a driver for my parallel port 100 Mb Zip drive to work with the old XT type Toshiba 1000? That might be an interesting solution for you also. Regards, Jim Rossbach, Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club Web Ring, www.TonkinYachts.cjb.net Stop repeat offenders. Don't re-elect them!

26 years, 3 months

7
8
0 0

Really OT: Any tar experts here?

by pete＠dunnington.u-net.com

On Sep 13, 20:12, Roger Merchberger wrote: > Essential info: Problem is, I have directories that I want backed up, but > with subdirectories that I *don't* want backed up; yet when I feed the list > of dir's to tar, it recursively backs up the dir's anyway. > > Is there a way (program switch, special version of tar, anything...) to > tell tar to not recurse subdirectories, or do I need to write a sub-program > that extracts each individual filename? There are probably several ways. Here's a few I've used: 1) use the 'w' option to tar; it will prompt you for each file/dir to be included. Could be tedious, though. 2) use GNU tar, which has an option to read a list of files/dirs to be excluded, from a file. There's a similar option to read the list as part of the command line. I can't remember the options (and this system doesn't have GNU tar so I can't look them up) but I do remember you have to make the pathnames in the file to be *exactly* as tar will see them. 3) use find (or your perl program) to create a list of files to be archived, excluding all directory/subdirectory names; then it won't recurse into subdirectories. Eg: find . -type p <rest of expression> -print | tar cf tarfile.tar - The '-type p' makes find only print names of plain files, not directories or special files, etc. Problem is that you will end up with a flat file in which you can't distinguish which directory files came from from. -- Pete Peter Turnbull Dept. of Computer Science University of York

26 years, 3 months

1
0
0 0

HELP! Kaypro 2X Drive (Was: HELP! Osbourne drives)

by wsmith＠gj.com

This made me remember that I have a perhaps similar problem with one of my Kaypro drives. It works at first, but eventually wears away portions of the disk making the disk unusable. (After a few uses, if you hold the disk up to the light there are arcs that are clear.) I assume this is a head alignment issue. If so, is there an easy way to realign the heads (perhaps dropping the unit a la Apple III), or should I just look for another floppy drive?

26 years, 3 months

3
2
0 0

Really OT: Any tar experts here?

by lance＠costanzo.net

Forget tar. Use pax. Put the names of the files you want to backup in a file, feed it in. # collect the files &cmd("pax -w -f $backupname.pax < $backupname.paxin"); # make a listing $ENV{"LC_TIME"} = "%b %e %T %Y"; &cmd("pax -v -f $backupname.pax > $backupname.paxlist"); # compress &cmd("gzip $backupname.pax"); At 08:12 PM 09/13/1999 -0400, you wrote: >Sorry for the off-topic post, but I'm tired of beating what's left of my >brains on what's left of my desk... A bloody mess indeed, oozing onto the already shattered keyboard lying on the floor. 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

1
0
0 0

Unopened classic what should I do???

by kstumpf＠unusual.on.ca

> I just got a TRS-80 Model 12!! I just got a TRS-80 Model 12!! nyah nyah!! > It's un-opened!!! It's un-opened!!! WHOO HOO!!!! > > >Dilemma: > Should I open it and smellthe sweet scent of the ancient '80's air trapped >in it's plastic bags or let it be, and keep it's un-opened pristine >state??? > Just having the original packaging is remarkable. As for me and my collection, we say keep it intact and untouched for as long as you can. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Kevin Stumpf * Unusual systems * www.unusual.on.ca +1.519.744.2900 * EST/EDT GMT - 5 Collector - Commercial Mainframes & Minicomputers from the 50s, 60s, & 70s and control panels and consoles. Author & Publisher - A Guide to Collecting Computers & Computer Collectibles * ISBN 0-9684244-0-6 .

26 years, 3 months

3
2
0 0

5 1/4 floppies on laptop

by sring＠uslink.net

I would like to run 5 1/4 floppies on an older laptop. Can anyone recommend a laptop that had this size drive? Or which older laptops had ports for 5 1/4 external floppie drives? sring(a)uslink.net

26 years, 3 months

3
2
0 0

HELP! Kaypro 2X Drive (Was: HELP! Osbourne drives)

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<>>>> Joe <rigdonj(a)intellistar.net> 09/13 9:19 PM >>> <>>How long can you use the disks before they fail? <> <>Only 3-4 times. < < Yow! Definitely something wrong there! Everytime I see that it's a glob of hardend media glued to the head. Allison

26 years, 3 months

1
0
0 0

HELP! Kaypro 2X Drive (Was: HELP! Osbourne drives)

by wsmith＠gj.com

>>> Joe <rigdonj(a)intellistar.net> 09/13 9:19 PM >>> >How long can you use the disks before they fail? Only 3-4 times.

26 years, 3 months

2
1
0 0

GOOD hamfest!

by cem14＠cornell.edu

On Mon, 13 Sep 1999, Tony wrote: > I picked up an HP3421 (I think that's the number -- the data > logger/multimeter thingy) with HPIL and HPIB on it for a couple of pounds > at a factory sale aa few years back. Nobody else knew what it was. I > didn't really know what it was, but it said HP, and looked interesting > :-)... Still not figured out how to make it do something useful, but it > returns a sane ID when probed on the HPIL so I guess it's doing something. That was a great find, especially at that price. I have a couple of these with the optional HPIB interface. The most useful card for these beasts is the 10 channel multiplexer/actuator assembly (HP44462A), usually configured with the first two channels as actuators . The multiplexer works like this: when the relay on a given channel is closed, it connects its corresponding LO and HI lines to the LO/HI lines in the main chassis (which, by the way, are the same ones available in the front panel). Relays (channels) configured as actuators connect nothing to the instrument's LO and HI lines; they just close a switch for external use. Warning: because of this design, it is possible to tie two channels and the main LO/HI terminals together by closing two relays at once. The software allows this (it can be useful in some situations) but it is possible to inadvertently connect two high-current circuits together, possibly creating a short. It is also important to remember that when a relay closes, the corresponding measured voltage is available at the front panel terminals of the instrument. I like to connect my HP3468A there, since the 3421A has no display. The 3421 is really simple to use. Since it has no front panel, it is always in "remote" mode, and it doesn't respond to the hpil commands "remote", "local", or "local lockout". It has a set of high level commands and a set of lower level (or "advanced") commands. The high level commands allow pretty simple operation, and are mnemonic; here are some to get you started (note: <argument> is mandatory and [argument] is optional): DCV [channel list] Take a sequence of voltage measurements on the optionally specified channels (up to 30) ACV [channel list] TWO [channel list] Two-wire ohm measurements FWo [channel list] Four-wire ohms; needs special connections and two multiplexer assemblies. TEM [channel list] Take a temperature measurement ("T" thermocouple assumed in the corresponding channel). Each multiplexer assembly has its own cold junction compensation. FRQ [channel list] Frequency reading CLS <channel> Close an actuator relay or multiplexer channel (protected; first opens any other closed multiplexer channels) OPN <channel> Open " " ... UC <channel> Unconditionally (no protection) close a channel When the optional channel list is not specified, the commands DCV,ACV,TEM,TWO and FWO leave the current state of the relays undisturbed, so readings are taken from the last channel that was closed. When the channel list is specified, the last channel that was closed remains closed. At startup, no channels are closed, so if no channel list is provided, readings are taken from whatever is connected to the front panel terminals. The 3421A can operate for about 8 hours on its internal sealed lead-acid battery, a Panasonic LCR-306P, 6V, 3.2AH . Unfortunately, these are no longer produced. I put smaller, 2.4AH batteries in mine, similar to those used in the HP9114A/B drives. These you can get from Digikey. One thing _not_ to do with an HP3421: if you remove a multiplexer assembly and turn the thing on, it will notice that it is missing, and the next time you plug it in, it will label the assembly as "uncalibrated", requiring you to complete the calibration procedure (all calibration is done in software). I have not had a lot of time to play with my 3421's recently, but back in January I built a subwoofer with a three-chamber acoustic labyrinth. I needed an automated way of evaluating the frequency response of the thing, since tuning the relative volumes of the chambers is an iterative process. I hooked a WaveteK 111 voltage controlled function generator, the voltage control provided by a DAC08 driven by an HP82165 HPIL-GPIO converter, plus a good mike, an HP3421A, my trusty HP71B and an HP82164 HPIL-RS232 converter. So, to take a response reading at a given frequency, first the HP71B would take 10 frequency readings from the 3421A (connected to the Wavetek 111), average them, and adjust the voltage control using a Regula-Falsi algorithm (just a couple iterations required since the Wavetek 111 is pretty linear) until the desired test frequency was being output by the function generator. Of course, the subwoofer was fed by an amplifier connected to the funtion generator. When the right frequency was being output, amplitude readings were taken from the mike, and after repeating this for several frequencies, the response data was downloaded via RS232 to my pc for further analysis in matlab. After quite a few iterations, I was able to get the response to where I wanted it. Could not have done it without the automated rig. Carlos.

26 years, 3 months

2
3
0 0

HELP! Kaypro 2X Drive (Was: HELP! Osbourne drives)

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

>It's double sided. I'll have a look at the springs as you suggest. >I think you've answered your own question as to why I assumed bad head >alignment --- it's what everyone always tells you. (Particularly if the unit >was shipped without disk protectors installed.) Something of an urban myth >I suppose. The shipping cardboard doesn't really protect alignment - it's there to keep the heads from banging into each other. Indeed, if there is some physical damage to the heads this could cause it to gouge up the media too. -- 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

1
0
0 0

HELP! Kaypro 2X Drive (Was: HELP! Osbourne drives)

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

>This made me remember that I have a perhaps similar problem with one of my >Kaypro drives. It works at first, but eventually wears away portions of the >disk making the disk unusable. (After a few uses, if you hold the disk >up to the light there are arcs >that are clear.) I assume this is a head alignment issue. Why assume this? And why is everyone so quick to assume that the first thing you want to do to a floppy drive is realign the heads? Reminds me of those folks who insist on tweaking the IF cores in all their AM/FM radios without the proper test equipment, and then they wonder why it doesn't perform so well anymore... In my experience, the only floppy drives I've ever had to realign the heads on were drives that someone else decided to align the heads on :-). Two questions: 1. Single sided drive? If so, check the head load pad. An extremely worn head load pad will gouge up the media for sure. 2. Double sided drive? If so, is there anything wedged in the spring supports that'll make the heads press against the media with too much force? -- 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
0 0

HELP! Kaypro 2X Drive (Was: HELP! Osbourne drives)

by wsmith＠gj.com

>>>> <CLASSICCMP(a)trailing-edge.com> 09/13 5:39 PM >>> >>This made me remember that I have a perhaps similar problem with one of my >>Kaypro drives. It works at first, but eventually wears away portions of the >>disk making the disk unusable. (After a few uses, if you hold the disk >>up to the light there are arcs >>that are clear.) I assume this is a head alignment issue. > >Why assume this? And why is everyone so quick to assume that the >first thing you want to do to a floppy drive is realign the heads? >Reminds me of those folks who insist on tweaking the IF cores in all >their AM/FM radios without the proper test equipment, and then they >wonder why it doesn't perform so well anymore... > >In my experience, the only floppy drives I've ever had to realign >the heads on were drives that someone else decided to align the heads on :-). > >Two questions: > >1. Single sided drive? If so, check the head load pad. An extremely >worn head load pad will gouge up the media for sure. > >2. Double sided drive? If so, is there anything wedged in the spring >supports that'll make the heads press against the media with too much >force? It's double sided. I'll have a look at the springs as you suggest. I think you've answered your own question as to why I assumed bad head alignment --- it's what everyone always tells you. (Particularly if the unit was shipped without disk protectors installed.) Something of an urban myth I suppose. -- 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

1
0
0 0

HELP! Osbourne drives

by rigdonj＠intellistar.net

I played with the Osbourne Executive yesterday. I can't get it to boot. All it says is "boot error". It says the same thing with no disks in it, MS DOS disks in it and with the door open so the message doesn't tell me anything. I tried swapping drives, reseating ICs and cables and everything that I could think of. It booted once and I did DIR on both drives with no problems, it almost booted several times but filled the screeen with garbage and locked up. I tried disks from three different sets including a set of new copies from Don Maslin so I'm sure the the disks aren't the problem. Any ideas? Does anyone know if DS drives can be used in these? The drives in it are ALPS SS DD. I took the drives out and checked them, the heads and drives are clean and the speed is right. I don't think there is anything wrong with them. Several people have posted messages here in the past about problems with Osbournes that wouldn't boot. Did you ever get them working? What have you found wrong with them? Joe

26 years, 3 months

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Really OT: Any tar experts here?

by morrison＠t-iii.com

My bet would be ls. With Kornshell: tar cvf /dev/rmt0 $(ls -1F dir1 dir2 dir3 dir4 ... | grep -v "/") Try:- tar cvf junkfile $(ls -1F dir1 dir2 dir3 dir4 ... | grep -v "/") as a test. Otherwise you need to run a shell script with test to sort out dirs from files. Neil Morrison > -----Original Message----- > From: Roger Merchberger [SMTP:zmerch@30below.com] > Sent: Monday, September 13, 1999 5:12 PM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: Really OT: Any tar experts here? > > Sorry for the off-topic post, but I'm tired of beating what's left of my > brains on what's left of my desk... Please, Please, Please, private email > replies only. > > Non-essential info: I'm writing a selective backup program in Perl to read > a config file, use the info to create a list of directories to be backed > up, then give that listing to tar to back up the information. > > Essential info: Problem is, I have directories that I want backed up, but > with subdirectories that I *don't* want backed up; yet when I feed the > list > of dir's to tar, it recursively backs up the dir's anyway. > > Is there a way (program switch, special version of tar, anything...) to > tell tar to not recurse subdirectories, or do I need to write a > sub-program > that extracts each individual filename? > > Thanks in advance for any help that can be provided. > > Roger "Merch" Merchberger > -- > Roger "Merch" Merchberger --- sysadmin, Iceberg Computers > Recycling is good, right??? Ok, so I'll recycle an old .sig. > > If at first you don't succeed, nuclear warhead > disarmament should *not* be your first career choice.

26 years, 3 months

1
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HP 7475 Plotter

by gtaylor＠ccops.com

Hi ? Found you guys on www re an old HP 7475 Plotter? I recently picked up an ?A? model (RS232 version, it seems) with a pile of pens to fit (mostly very old). The plotter works great (test page), but I?m looking for a driver to use under the Windows 9x environment? What did you guys end up using? And by the way, do you need a few pens? I could maybe cut loose of a couple packages? Gene

26 years, 3 months

3
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Unopened classic what should I do???

by morrison＠t-iii.com

It should come with TRS-DOS and manuals. You can now program it in an old version of Gates Basic. I may even have some S/W for it! Neil Morrison email:morrison@t-iii.com > -----Original Message----- > From: Arfon Gryffydd [SMTP:arfonrg@texas.net] > Sent: Monday, September 13, 1999 2:31 PM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: Unopened classic what should I do??? > > Bragging part: > I just got a TRS-80 Model 12!! I just got a TRS-80 Model 12!! nyah > nyah!! > It's un-opened!!! It's un-opened!!! WHOO HOO!!!! > > > Dilemma: > Should I open it and smellthe sweet scent of the ancient '80's air > trapped > in it's plastic bags or let it be, and keep it's un-opened pristine > state??? A virgin. Un-touched by end-user hands. > > I really don't have any software for it... what should I do??? > > A > ---------------------------------------- > Tired of Micro$oft??? > > Move up to a REAL OS... > ######__ __ ____ __ __ _ __ # > #####/ / / / / __ | / / / / | |/ /## > ####/ / / / / / / / / / / / | /### > ###/ /__ / / / / / / / /_/ / / |#### > ##/____/ /_/ /_/ /_/ /_____/ /_/|_|#### > # ###### > ("LINUX" for those of you > without fixed-width fonts) > ---------------------------------------- > Be a Slacker! http://www.slackware.com > > Slackware Mailing List: > http://www.digitalslackers.net/linux/list.html

26 years, 3 months

1
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Canadian help needed

by cmcmanis＠freegate.com

I need some help from somebody living within an easy drive of Laurent, Quebec. If you could contact me off list I would appreciate it. --Chuck

26 years, 3 months

1
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How'd Apple get away with it?????

by zmerch＠30below.com

Whilst browsing the Apple store site, I found they are planning on introducing Mac OS9 very soon. Last I heard, they couldn't use that nomenclature due to MicroWare's trademark on OS-9. Was there some deal that I didn't hear about, or are the folks at Apple just being turds??? See ya, "Merch" -- Roger "Merch" Merchberger --- sysadmin, Iceberg Computers Recycling is good, right??? Ok, so I'll recycle an old .sig. If at first you don't succeed, nuclear warhead disarmament should *not* be your first career choice.

26 years, 3 months

4
6
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FS: Drum kit (new) & manual for C.Itoh CI-4, CI-4plus and CI-8

by rhblake＠bigfoot.com

ok, here goes nothing....I have an excess NEW LB-DR320 Drum Kit with instructions and included tools ~AND~ a like new copy of the User's manual for a C.Itoh model CI-8 laser printer. They go together as a set. the drum kit is still in the box,, unused and still factory wrapped. I have $50 tied up in the 2 of them and that's what I need, plus whatever shipping costs. The two together are probably 4-5 lbs and I prefer to use USPS parcel post to hold the cost down. It would ship from zip 42726 (Clarkson, KY) in case someone wanted to 'scope out' the shipping to them. USA and APO/FPO addresses only, too much expense and paperwork outside of the US and it's territitories. it goes on eBay this weekend unless I get a firm response from someone. you people with these C.Itoh printers know how expensive a new factory made drum is, so you decide.

26 years, 3 months

1
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FW: RESCUE NEEDED -- Going once, going twice...

by kyrrin＠bluefeathertech.com

If any of our Florida folk (Joe? You out there?) want to rescue some PS/2's, now's the time. Looks like they're going to be dumpstered otherwise. Attachment follows. -=-=- <snip> -=-=- On Sun, 12 Sep 1999 13:25:08 -0400, in comp.sys.ibm.ps2.hardware you wrote: >>From: "Fred Mau" <fredmau(a)ibm.net> >>Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.ps2.hardware >>Subject: Going once, going twice... >>Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 13:25:08 -0400 >>Lines: 17 >>X-Newsreader: Microsoft Outlook Express 4.72.2106.4 >>X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.2106.4 >>NNTP-Posting-Host: 32.101.174.177 >>Message-ID: <37dbe1fd(a)news1.prserv.net> >>X-Trace: 12 Sep 1999 17:25:17 GMT, 32.101.174.177 >>Organization: Global Network Services - Remote Access Mail & News Services >>X-Complaints-To: abuse(a)prserv.net >>Path: news1.jps.net!news-west.eli.net!calwebnntp!pants.skycache.com!news.maxwell.syr.edu!news-peer.gip.net!news.gsl.net!gip.net!newsfeed2.us.ibm.net!ibm.net!news1.prserv.net!32.101.174.177 >>Xref: news1.jps.net comp.sys.ibm.ps2.hardware:1368 >> >>I'm throwing the following systems in the dumpster unless someone wants to >>pay shipping on either systems or pieces/parts. Everything works, I just >>don't have the room. Systems include case/motherboard/power supply/floppy. >>No memory or hard drive, I'm keeping that for myself except as listed below. >>E-mail me if you're interested. >> >>8540-3T2 >>8555-T61 w/ 60 meg HDD >>8557-259 >>8570-161 w/ 60 meg HDD >> >> Fred Mau >> Orlando, Florida >> fredmau(a)ibm.net >> >> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 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

2
1
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