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

by roblwill＠usaor.net

O.K. I think I'll try Minix, but where can I get it?? I can't seem to find it on the web anywhere (using WebCrawler). Does anyone have a copy that they could email, or a website to go to to download it? Happy Holidaze -and- ThAnX, -- -Jason Willgruber (roblwill(a)usaor.net) ICQ#: 1730318 <http://members.tripod.com/general_1> -----Original Message----- From: Allison J Parent <allisonp(a)world.std.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Sunday, December 20, 1998 2:23 PM Subject: Re: Linux or what? > >How about minix 2.0. It run on 8088 and fits in small disks. > >Likely the caldara openlinux can be trimmed of you eliminate the source >files. The problem is not fitting it on the disk but will you have useable >disk left? Finding a 40mb disk for that laptop would be a good idea. > >Allison > >

27 years, 4 months

2
1
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Type 0665? This is 5.25" FH IBM HD, on topic. :)

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

my june94 ref guide suggests this is a 30meg hard drive for an IBM AT. FRU 8286216. not worth much, but fascinating to take apart! In a message dated 12/20/98 6:37:05 PM EST, jpero(a)pop.cgocable.net writes: << More info might help: Type 0665, 060386-ESP177-38 I have error table with 2 entries, cutout area is 20, and FPU # is 62X1017, 470 110127 30MB stuck to the front end metal plate. I had an old exact hd chassis design which had 4 platters without the extra circuit board that I have now that attaches upright to the mainboard at "front end" hidden behind metal plate. >>

27 years, 4 months

3
3
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Need help on notebook

by mbg＠world.std.com

I don't know if this fits the 10-year-old rule (I doubt it), but my brother has an Epson ActionNote 4SLC2/50 and for Christmas I'd like to upgrade the measly 100+ Mb system disk he has with something a little larger (approx 300 Mb). I'm sure it probably has the 528 Mb limit, but that's okay, I don't have a disk that large (in 2.5" form factor) to give him. Anyway, I wanted to know if anyone has information on this notebook and can tell me if it can accept larger disks. Does it have the capability of SETUP and setting disk parameters (if the disk itself doesn't match one of the type 1-47 disks)? Rather than clutter the list with off-topic PC stuff, please respond to me directly. Thanks in advance for all the help... Megan Gentry Former RT-11 Developer +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+ | Megan Gentry, EMT/B, PP-ASEL | Internet (work): gentry!zk3.dec.com | | Unix Support Engineering Group | (home): mbg!world.std.com | | Compaq Computer Corporation | addresses need '@' in place of '!' | | 110 Spitbrook Rd. ZK03-2/T43 | URL: http://world.std.com/~mbg/ | | Nashua, NH 03062 | "pdp-11 programmer - some assembler | | (603) 884 1055 | required." - mbg | +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+ My home_systems page has been massively updated... check it out.

27 years, 4 months

1
0
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Linux or what?

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<My laptop's an 8088 with 640K RAM, CGA, 720k 3.5" floppy, and a 20 MB HD. <Obviously, not big enough. What I want to know is if I can get some old <version of it, or some "mini version", that still has the newer features, <just in a smaller package. Or does anyone have an alternative O/S that I <could run on it, besides DOS? How about minix 2.0. It run on 8088 and fits in small disks. Likely the caldara openlinux can be trimmed of you eliminate the source files. The problem is not fitting it on the disk but will you have useable disk left? Finding a 40mb disk for that laptop would be a good idea. Allison

27 years, 4 months

2
1
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Neat time-wasters for DEC enthusiasts

by A_Finney＠wfi-inc.com

Ok, I may be a little slow and everyone else on the list has been to these pages... The first is about retro-computing on digital.com's main site: http://www.digital.com/info/DTJN02/DTJN02HM.HTM The second isn't so nicely packaged, it's just a loose set of documents that are (I assume) intended just for this facility. I personally found some interesting stuff by hunting through the trees, but then I am like an empty vessel when it comes to these systems. But neat documents, like the RSX-11M System Generation Guide... http://www-ols.fnal.gov/ols/documents/docpn.html If anyone hunting through the latter site finds anything of real interest, I'd love to hear about it... Aaron

27 years, 4 months

8
8
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Electrical knowledge, was Another ~1960 computer kit

by kurtkilg＠geocities.com

On Sun, 20 Dec 1998 ddameron(a)earthlink.net wrote: > Another example, it surprises me how many "electrical" people do not > understand, for example, what happens when one wires speakers in series or > parallel. What _does_ happen? ---------------------------------------------------- Max Eskin | kurtkilgor(a)bigfoot.com | AOL: kurtkilgor

27 years, 4 months

4
3
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Can I conclude......

by mbg＠world.std.com

Jon - Somewhere in my collection is a set of ASR-33 technical manuals (four in the set, if I remember correctly). I'll start searching to see if I can find them... On another note, I came across my pdp-8/i maintenance manuals (vol.1 and Vol.2) the other day... Megan Gentry Former RT-11 Developer +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+ | Megan Gentry, EMT/B, PP-ASEL | Internet (work): gentry!zk3.dec.com | | Unix Support Engineering Group | (home): mbg!world.std.com | | Compaq Computer Corporation | addresses need '@' in place of '!' | | 110 Spitbrook Rd. ZK03-2/T43 | URL: http://world.std.com/~mbg/ | | Nashua, NH 03062 | "pdp-11 programmer - some assembler | | (603) 884 1055 | required." - mbg | +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+

27 years, 4 months

2
1
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Another ~1960 computer kit

by mbg＠world.std.com

ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk (Tony Duell) wrote: >; Tape player - a trivial music program for the P850 >; Written 1987 by A.R.Duell, and placed in the Public Domain. >; Reads a paper tape from the standard reader (a Trend HSR500interfaced >; to the PTR card). The tape contains pairs of bytes which define the >; pitch (in number of empty loops per half cycle) and duration (in number >; of cycles). This program produces sound by toggling the LSB of the >; Digital I/O (DIOC) unit >; As few other users know P850 assembler, I'll try and explain the >; instructions If I remember correctly, this is exactly how the hackers at Stanford got the DECsystem-10 to play music, but toggling the low-order bits of the AC (Bits 30-35) and driving a speaker. This gave them 6 'voices'. Someone developed a music compiler and there was a lot of music entered by various people... My favorite was 'Bumble Boogie'. About 15 or so years ago, a friend of mine wrote a compiler for the same music files in -11 macro, and I (knowing a little more music than he) entered a number of pieces. I entered some like Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata and Joplin's Crush Collision Rag. I wish I could find that compiler again... I still have LOTS of the music files. Megan Gentry Former RT-11 Developer +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+ | Megan Gentry, EMT/B, PP-ASEL | Internet (work): gentry!zk3.dec.com | | Unix Support Engineering Group | (home): mbg!world.std.com | | Compaq Computer Corporation | addresses need '@' in place of '!' | | 110 Spitbrook Rd. ZK03-2/T43 | URL: http://world.std.com/~mbg/ | | Nashua, NH 03062 | "pdp-11 programmer - some assembler | | (603) 884 1055 | required." - mbg | +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+

27 years, 4 months

2
1
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Electrical knowledge, was Another ~1960 computer kit

by netcafe＠pirie.mtx.net.au

-----Original Message----- From: Tony Duell <ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Sunday, 20 December 1998 14:56 Subject: Re: Electrical knowledge, was Another ~1960 computer kit >Incidentally, in the days of valves, you could light a neon mains tester >by holding it near (not touching) the line output valve (sweep tube?). A >very quick test for EHT problems. A screwdriver (insulated handle!) blade touched to the top cap of the 1S2 would produce a healthy arc when held somewhere near chassis if the line/eht stage was running. This practice did not survive the transition to solid state devices that disliked the spikes etc it could cause! >> Another example, it surprises me how many "electrical" people do not >> understand, for example, what happens when one wires speakers in series or >> parallel. Several non-electrically minded customers of mine now have 1st hand knowledge of the effects of this. 1 particular Guy had no less than 8 speakers wired in a series/parallel MESS (whether a speaker was series or parallel was determined by it's physical location in relation to the audio leads he had running all over the house) Actual impedance was around 1 ohm on the left channel and about 2 on the right. Result: 1 very dead STK chip output amp. Amazingly, it actually worked for about an hour before expiring. Seems he had done something similar in the past (old fella) with valve based stuff, and aside >from a little(?) distortion it worked. I guess that proves that valves have their advantages. I suspect the Speaker Transformer on the valve amp could have been used to boil water though. Cheers Geoff Roberts Computer Room Internet Cafe Port Pirie South Australia. netcafe(a)pirie.mtx.net.au

27 years, 4 months

2
1
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Electrical knowledge, was Another ~1960 computer kit

by ddameron＠earthlink.net

At 12:18 PM 12/20/98 -0500, you wrote: >On Sun, 20 Dec 1998 ddameron(a)earthlink.net wrote: >> Another example, it surprises me how many "electrical" people do not >> understand, for example, what happens when one wires speakers in series or >> parallel. > >What _does_ happen? Power is divided to the speakers, as a function of power formula's for series/parallel circuits. The amplifier also has a resultant load. These considerations can be important for the amp ratings, as well as the speaker ratings and sound level matching. -Dave

27 years, 4 months

1
0
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Genicom 3820 printer info wanted.

by netcafe＠pirie.mtx.net.au

Hi Folks, I have acquired a Genicom 3820 High speed serial printer that I'm hoping to use on my Microvax II. I think it was previously on a Microvax 2000, (got that too :^) As usual, I have no docs whatsoever. Had a look at the Genicom web site, but nothing there is useful, since this is evidently a "Legacy" model. I need to find some technical info on this, especially dip switch settings, so it can be configured to run off a serial port on a Microvax II, or even a DMB32 on a Vax 6000. Any additional info is a bonus of course. Any help appreciated. Computer Room Internet Cafe Port Pirie South Australia. netcafe(a)pirie.mtx.net.au

27 years, 4 months

1
0
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Linux or what?

by jolminkh＠nsw.bigpond.net.au

>Off the top of my head about the only other thing I can think of is >CP/M-86, which had been available, but the "Unofficial CP/M Web Page" seems >to have disappeared (did it move?). > Here is a link to the current location: http://www.mathcs.emory.edu/~cfs/cpm/

27 years, 4 months

1
0
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Linux or what?

by roblwill＠usaor.net

I've been thinking of putting Linux on my laptop. Thing is, I have a few questions: What are the requirements for it? I was looking at Caldera OpenLinux, and one of the download files was 30 MB. My laptop's an 8088 with 640K RAM, CGA, 720k 3.5" floppy, and a 20 MB HD. Obviously, not big enough. What I want to know is if I can get some old version of it, or some "mini version", that still has the newer features, just in a smaller package. Or does anyone have an alternative O/S that I could run on it, besides DOS? Happy Holidaze -and- ThAnX, -- -Jason Willgruber (roblwill(a)usaor.net) ICQ#: 1730318 <http://members.tripod.com/general_1>

27 years, 4 months

2
1
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DOS Version of Supnik PDP-11 Emulator?

by healyzh＠aracnet.com

A while back someone had mentioned that they'd compiled a DOS version of the Supnik emulator. Is it available for FTP somewhere? Zane | Zane H. Healy | UNIX Systems Adminstrator | | healyzh(a)aracnet.com (primary) | Linux Enthusiast | | healyzh(a)holonet.net (alternate) | Classic Computer Collector | +----------------------------------+----------------------------+ | Empire of the Petal Throne and Traveller Role Playing, | | and Zane's Computer Museum. | | http://www.dragonfire.net/~healyzh/ |

27 years, 4 months

4
5
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Another ~1960 computer kit

by ddameron＠earthlink.net

Hi Tony and all, At 03:09 PM 12/19/98 +0000, you wrote: >One of the most depressing things I've done recently was buy a number of >books (some second-hand, some new) with titles like 'The boy mechanic', >'Every boy his own mechanic', etc. > >OK, so the titles are sexist, and I do believe that's wrong, and that >there's no reason why girls shouldn't also be interested in this sort of >thing. > >But worse still is the fact that back in the early years of this century, >it appears that boys - say about 12-15 years old - were expected to try >woodwork, metalwork, using a lathe, wiring electric lights, bells, >telephones, etc, making induction coils, etc, etc, etc. Things that I bet >few boys ever try today. And yet, today, it could be made a little easier >for them. > I have some of these books, and it always amazes me what "boys" were doing back then - all the things you mentioned and more. One day I hope to start aluminum casting. Alfred Morgan was writing books like this at least until up to the 50's. Just today I bought a 1927 book on radio construction and repair. Last week I listened to a tube/valve regenerative SW receiver. OFF topic: Max wrote: There's little need to make coils these days, and wiring electric lights isn't very fun when one can play around with things millions of times more complex. Hey! I've wound several experimental coils this year. Did you wonder _how_ a transformer works? I know the equations to design one, but am asking something more fundamental. The secondary winding of a transformer has voltage induced in it, but what couples the energy to it from the primary winding's magnetic field? (Hint: The magnetic field can be zero at the secondary) As for wiring lights, Christmas tree light strings here are now cheap series strings although the bulbs may have some wire turns wrapped around the leads to prevent a open circuit if a bulb burns out. This often don't work, so the entire string is usually thrown away, like many modern ASIC type computer boards END off topic -Dave

27 years, 4 months

4
4
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Can I conclude......

by museum＠techniche.com

Hi Aaron, Can I conclude from the lack of a response that I didn't make the cut for the ASR-33 documentation? Was I too late or ......?????? Thanks Jon > >Free (*) manuals, maybe some hardware too. > >Multiple sets of ASR-33 teletype maintainance volumes and print sets. > >Dynex Series 6000 Disk Drive instruction (/maint) manual. > >System Industries Model 3040 manual. >System Industries Modem 3051 print set. >(I have the OMNIBUS card for these around here someplace too.) > >Diablo Series 40 print set & manual. > >Plessy PM-80 (or something like that) prints set & manual (I think >I have one or two of the cards too), it's OMNIBUS core memory. > >Four trays of PDP-11 paper-tape diagnostics. > >Some kind of Roytron/Litton OEM punch manual (I need to look at this >one and make sure it's not something in a DEC box). > >PDP11 PAL/EDIT/ODT/PIP/LINK/LIBR manual. > >PDP-8/e (ONLY!) maintainance manual Vol 1. (note: old version!) > >PDP10 reference handbook. (big) > >Decsystem 10 TECO > >Decsystem 10 Users Handbook, 2nd ed (big) > >EMAIL replies to me, not to the newsgroup or mailing list. > >(*): Free for the cost of shipping. I will use subjective criteria >in resolving between multiple requesters for the same material. I >apologize in advance if I do not personally reply to you. > > >-- >Aaron Nabil >nabil(a)teleport.com >

27 years, 4 months

1
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Electrical knowledge, was Another ~1960 computer kit

by ddameron＠earthlink.net

I guess this post will also show how weird I am. At 09:31 PM 12/19/98 +0000, Tony wrote: >> >But worse still is the fact that back in the early years of this century, >> >it appears that boys - say about 12-15 years old - were expected to try >> >woodwork, metalwork, using a lathe, wiring electric lights, bells, >> >telephones, etc, making induction coils, etc, etc, etc. Things that I bet >> >few boys ever try today. And yet, today, it could be made a little easier >> >for them. >> > >> I have some of these books, and it always amazes me what "boys" were doing > >Some of them are available as reprints from Lindsay Publications (in the >UK, available from Camden Miniature Steam Services). > Lindsay is at www.lindsaybks.com. I have many too. Have tried to talk him into having more computer books besides the "How to repair and upgrade your PC" type. The "Practical Electronics" TTL calculator would be good if he could do something like that. >> aluminum casting. Alfred Morgan was writing books like this at least until > >I've never tried it, but I believe that getting a _good_ casting from >aluminium is not that easy. Sure it's an easy metal to melt, but it also >picks up all sorts of garbage very easily, leading to a terrible casting. >Iron/steel is supposed to be easier to cast - if you can melt it. I've read the next step up from aluminum, copper or brass, can have its own problems too. > >> >> OFF topic: >> Max wrote: >> There's little need to make coils these days, and wiring electric lights >> isn't very fun when one can play around with things millions of times more >> complex. >> >> Hey! I've wound several experimental coils this year. Did you wonder _how_ a > >This year? This week, more like :-). > >> transformer works? I know the equations to design one, but am asking > >It may just be me, but I never like using equations to _explain_ >anything. Sure they're useful tools when you come to design a transformer >(or whatever), but you should be able to understand the operation of the >transformer using qualitative arguements. Well, more often than "this year", actually. I like practice and experiments, but sometime require some equations/theory. Think of a transformer secondary wound with coax cable. What would happen... > >> As for wiring lights, Christmas tree light strings here are now cheap series >> strings although the bulbs may have some wire turns wrapped around the leads >> to prevent a open circuit if a bulb burns out. This often don't work, so the >> entire string is usually thrown away, like many modern ASIC type computer boards > >You mean people don't get little packets of replacement bulbs and play >'hunt the dud' any more. That used to be a ritual each winter here for >many years. Apparently not much anymore. Don't have a "Voltstick" type of detector yet. Are they only AC, or can they pick up the charge on a CRT screen? > >Those little electrostic field detectors (aka 'Voltstick') took all the >fun out of it ;-). > And, >These people didn't have a clue that you could make logic circuits using >relay contacts. > >Don't get me wrong. I'm totally in favour of digital _electronics_, >microcontrollers, FPGAs, etc when they're the right solution. But when I >want to make an XOR gate to control the light over the stairs here, you >can be sure I'm going to use a couple of changeover switches and nothing >more. And Max wrote: > >OK, now I have the feeling I may have forgotten something. When you wire >some bulbs in series, and one burns out, they all fail. If they are wired >in ||, and one burns out, the others keep burning. What more is there? True, series and parallel are basic, but not too interesting if you only stop there! 2 single-pole double throw (changeover) switches can be wired so either one can turn a light on or off. Like one switch at the top and one at the bottom of stairs. Suppose you need a third switch? A double-pole, double-throw one will work. When you see how it is wired, you see how any number can be wired. And the light is now a "parity" indicator! (No when I knew how to wire the switches, had never heard of the word parity yet.) Another example, it surprises me how many "electrical" people do not understand, for example, what happens when one wires speakers in series or parallel. >I wonder how many people here have made a light bulb, or a cell/battery >from scratch. OK, on this list, quite a few I would guess. Elsewhere, >close to 0? What about winding a motor (and that's almost on-topic - one >day you're going to have to rebuild an LA36, and carriage motors are >neither common nor cheap...) Yes to all 3. >You can learn a lot more by actually making something (however poorly it >actually performs) than by reading a book or playing with a simulation. >The latter are useful as well (particularly the books), but in the end >you actually have to try making something. > >I heard that a number of physics graduates from, I think US, but it >might have been UK, universities were given a battery, some wire, and a >bulb of the same voltage as the battery. The task was to light the bulb. >An amazing percentage (something like 80%) couldn't do it (and no, there >were no tricks). Sad if true. Thanks for bringing back the memory of a very early experiment I did. I took apart a flashlight and had the bulb and a D size cell. Both the bulb and the cell looked like they had one terminal- the metal bump on the bottom of the bulb and the center metal contact on the top of the D cell. But when the 2 were connected, the bulb didn't light. So I had to go back and examine the flashlight more closely, then find some wire. Learning that way sticks. -Dave

27 years, 4 months

2
1
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Another ~1960 computer kit

by ddameron＠earthlink.net

I was looked through some older magazines and found another computer kit >from about 1959, 1960, a full page ad for the "geniac". It has 6 dials, each with 16 sets of radial holes. It's cost was US$19.95 and made in Mass. My guess is it was electro-mechanical, but could not tell any more from the ad. The ad said it could play "Nim", but that doesn't seem to be that unusual. Has anyone seen one or knows what it did? Thanks, -Dave

27 years, 4 months

12
25
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I don't believe this spam I just got!

by healyzh＠aracnet.com

I can't believe it. My NETCOM account is on some SPAM list of NETCOM subscribers (apparently someone sometime sold their user list). Anyway, I just got a SPAM from a computer seller. Half the stuff listed is classic DEC Hardware! Based on the prices on Exabyte stuff if they hadn't spammed me I'd probably be interested in doing business with them!?!?! I just don't believe it! Zane | Zane H. Healy | UNIX Systems Adminstrator | | healyzh(a)aracnet.com (primary) | Linux Enthusiast | | healyzh(a)holonet.net (alternate) | Classic Computer Collector | +----------------------------------+----------------------------+ | Empire of the Petal Throne and Traveller Role Playing, | | and Zane's Computer Museum. | | http://www.dragonfire.net/~healyzh/ |

27 years, 4 months

4
6
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More -11 systems

by mbg＠world.std.com

Again, contact the person listed in the post, not me: - - - - - I have the following warm and not-so-friendly creatures available free to good home (they've had their shots and are eager to please): Cards: 1 DLV2 1 TMM10010 1 M8186 7 USDC 1101 Systems: 1 PDP-? containing the following cards: 1 TMM10010 1 8186 1 DLV2 Appears to have a QBUS USDC Cabinet 1 PDP-? containing the following cards: 1 TMM10010 1 8186 1 DLV2 Appears to have a QBUS USDC Cabinet The two systems power up and produce the "@" prompt. Sorry, there are no disks for these systems. Sorry, I know nothing more than the above. We have been cleaning house and I've asked that these items be saved for distribution to a cheerful, happy household! The systems are located at U.S. Design in Columbia, MD. I would prefer that you come by and pick these systems up, all or in part. First-come, first-served! If you're interested, please call me at (410)-381-3000 x130 to set up a pick up time. Thanks, Chuck McCrobie (** MAD VAX **) - - - - - Megan Gentry Former RT-11 Developer +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+ | Megan Gentry, EMT/B, PP-ASEL | Internet (work): gentry!zk3.dec.com | | Unix Support Engineering Group | (home): mbg!world.std.com | | Compaq Computer Corporation | addresses need '@' in place of '!' | | 110 Spitbrook Rd. ZK03-2/T43 | URL: http://world.std.com/~mbg/ | | Nashua, NH 03062 | "pdp-11 programmer - some assembler | | (603) 884 1055 | required." - mbg | +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+

27 years, 4 months

1
0
0 0

Some pdp-11s and a uVax available

by mbg＠world.std.com

This was posted on a newsgroup - contact the address in the posting, not me. - - - - - > I have two PDP-11's and one Microvax II which I need to sell or donate > (maybe give away). After doing a search I came across your site and thought > you might know of someone who might be interested in these machines. They > have worked hard for our hotels and need a new home. I appreciate your > time. Keven Combs IS Director HSC-Hotels kcombs(a)bellsouth.net - - - - - Megan Gentry Former RT-11 Developer +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+ | Megan Gentry, EMT/B, PP-ASEL | Internet (work): gentry!zk3.dec.com | | Unix Support Engineering Group | (home): mbg!world.std.com | | Compaq Computer Corporation | addresses need '@' in place of '!' | | 110 Spitbrook Rd. ZK03-2/T43 | URL: http://world.std.com/~mbg/ | | Nashua, NH 03062 | "pdp-11 programmer - some assembler | | (603) 884 1055 | required." - mbg | +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+

27 years, 4 months

1
0
0 0

Couple oddball RSX-11M questions

by mbg＠world.std.com

<>house. Using the network I should be able to transfer those Disk Images <>over to the PDP-11. However, can I mount those disk images under RSX-11M <>4.2 like I can RT-11 disk images under RT-11? If so what do I need to do <>this? >Check out Megan's (I think it's www.world.std.com/~mbg) page I think she >has something you can use for that. Thanks for the nod, Allison, but my file transfer program is RT<->RT only at this time... I've never found someone knowledgable *and* interested enough to write the RSX peer for the program. Actually - some of the RSX stuff is already in my source, but I'm not an RSX-heavy, so I've never built or tested it. Then again, with TCP/IP being available, my program seems like a moot exercise (though it was and is a lot of fun to work on). I have been thinking about a Digital Unix and/or Linux peer for it. Megan Gentry Former RT-11 Developer +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+ | Megan Gentry, EMT/B, PP-ASEL | Internet (work): gentry!zk3.dec.com | | Unix Support Engineering Group | (home): mbg!world.std.com | | Compaq Computer Corporation | addresses need '@' in place of '!' | | 110 Spitbrook Rd. ZK03-2/T43 | URL: http://world.std.com/~mbg/ | | Nashua, NH 03062 | "pdp-11 programmer - some assembler | | (603) 884 1055 | required." - mbg | +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+

27 years, 4 months

1
0
0 0

alt.folklore.computers

by foxvideo＠wincom.net

Is anyone besides me having trouble with alt.folklore.computers? Regards Charlie Fox Charles E. Fox Chas E. Fox Video Productions 793 Argyle Rd. Windsor N8Y 3J8 Ont. Canada email foxvideo(a)wincom.net Homepage http://www.wincom.net/foxvideo

27 years, 4 months

4
3
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Another ~1960 computer kit

by kurtkilg＠geocities.com

On Sat, 19 Dec 1998 CLASSICCMP(a)trailing-edge.com wrote: > Unfortunately, lots of "fundamental" knowledge gets left out when you > skip electric lights and go to things much more complex. OK, now I have the feeling I may have forgotten something. When you wire some bulbs in series, and one burns out, they all fail. If they are wired in ||, and one burns out, the others keep burning. What more is there? ---------------------------------------------------- Max Eskin | kurtkilgor(a)bigfoot.com | AOL: kurtkilgor

27 years, 4 months

2
1
0 0

Debian Linux

by rhblake＠bigfoot.com

In case no one else has located this source of info for the Debian version of Linux, you can go to http://www.debian.org/ for all sorts of info. Wanna guess where I found it? On a links page at http://www.dorkbot.com/ (yes this is a real site).

27 years, 4 months

1
0
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RSX-11M and TAR

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

>So, does anyone know of a good TAR program for RSX-11M that can be used to >un-tar a tar file? Or am I off in left field somewhere again :^) Absolutely - it's distribued with DECUS C. See, for example, ftp://metalab.unc.edu/pub/academic/computer-science/history/pdp-11/rsx/decu… for the C version, or ftp://metalab.unc.edu/pub/academic/computer-science/history/pdp-11/rsx/decu… for a PDP-11 BASIC version. If you'd prefer physical BRU tapes of various DECUS SIG items, I can arrange to run off copies from the masters here. There's also a CD-ROM in the works. -- 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

27 years, 4 months

1
0
0 0

RSX-11M and TAR

by healyzh＠aracnet.com

Looking through the Metalab (used to be Sunsite) PDP-11 archives, I realized that probably the easiest way to get some of the RSX-11 DECUS stuff over to my system would be to have FTP tar it up for me and I could then send the resulting tar to the PDP-11. This of course assumes that there is a way to un-tar it once I get it to the PDP-11. So, does anyone know of a good TAR program for RSX-11M that can be used to un-tar a tar file? Or am I off in left field somewhere again :^) Zane | Zane H. Healy | UNIX Systems Adminstrator | | healyzh(a)aracnet.com (primary) | Linux Enthusiast | | healyzh(a)holonet.net (alternate) | Classic Computer Collector | +----------------------------------+----------------------------+ | Empire of the Petal Throne and Traveller Role Playing, | | and Zane's Computer Museum. | | http://www.dragonfire.net/~healyzh/ |

27 years, 4 months

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Couple oddball RSX-11M questions

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<>house. Using the network I should be able to transfer those Disk Images <>over to the PDP-11. However, can I mount those disk images under RSX-11M <>4.2 like I can RT-11 disk images under RT-11? If so what do I need to do <>this? Check out Megan's (I think it's www.world.std.com/~mbg) page I think she has something you can use for that. <>Second question. As I understand it, using DECnet it is possible to use <>the tape drive on VAX from another VAX. Yes but that is mostly vax/vms to vax/vms. I use it all the time as I have a TLZ04, Tk50, TLZ30 on three different machine and I mount and use tapes across the net and even do backups that way. You do that with 7machines and 3 drives. <> Well, the VAX in the house doesn't <>have a tapedrive, and I've not run the network out to the garage. So is i <>possible to have the VAX access the TK-50 on the PDP-11/73 via DECnet? Put a tape on the vax. ;) I think RSX decnet may not do that. <My favorite solution would be sneakernet - pull the drive and controller <and move it ! Me too. I'd put the tape on the VAX. The 11/73 can backup to RL02s or even RX50. It can also copy files to the vax if you have the net. Allison

27 years, 4 months

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Another ~1960 computer kit

by ddameron＠earthlink.net

At 06:47 PM 12/18/98 +0000, Tony wrote: >[...] > >Sounds interesting... I don't think I have the appropriate year of WW, >though. I do have all the articles for the PE 'digical', which was a >build-it-yourself-from-TTL 4-function calcualtor. This sounds interesting. Is PE "Popular Electronics" or another mag.? I assume it was in the 1970's, could you say what issues? Thanks, -Dave It used successive >addition for multiplication (and was thus slow as heck) and a diode >matrix ROM for the control store. Needless to say it is rather interesting. > >How I wish we got projects like this in magazines today... I quess you make up your own today. -Dave > >-tony > > >

27 years, 4 months

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Fw: PDP Stuff available in Columbia, MD. (Maryland?)

by netcafe＠pirie.mtx.net.au

US PDP collectors, Saw the following in comp.sys.dec. -----Original Message----- From: Chuck McCrobie (** MAD VAX **) <mccrobi(a)ibm.net> Newsgroups: comp.sys.dec Date: Friday, 18 December 1998 15:17 Subject: PDP Stuff >I have the following warm and not-so-friendly creatures available free >to good home (they've had their shots and are eager to please): > >Cards: >1 DLV2 >1 TMM10010 >1 M8186 >7 USDC 1101 > >Systems: >1 PDP-? containing the following cards: > 1 TMM10010 > 1 8186 > 1 DLV2 > Appears to have a QBUS > USDC Cabinet > >1 PDP-? containing the following cards: > 1 TMM10010 > 1 8186 > 1 DLV2 > Appears to have a QBUS > USDC Cabinet > >The two systems power up and produce the "@" prompt. Sorry, there are >no disks for these systems. Sorry, I know nothing more than the above. >We have been cleaning house and I've asked that these items be saved for >distribution to a cheerful, happy household! > >The systems are located at U.S. Design in Columbia, MD. I would prefer >that you come by and pick these systems up, all or in part. First-come, >first-served! > >If you're interested, please call me at (410)-381-3000 x130 to set up a >pick up time. > >Thanks, > >Chuck McCrobie (** MAD VAX **) Cheers Geoff Roberts Computer Room Internet Cafe Port Pirie South Australia. netcafe(a)pirie.mtx.net.au

27 years, 4 months

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PDP-8 for free, ACT FAST!!!! Like, This afternoon

by netcafe＠pirie.mtx.net.au

-----Original Message----- From: Jon Healey <museum(a)techniche.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Saturday, 19 December 1998 15:02 Subject: Re: PDP-8 for free, ACT FAST!!!! Like, This afternoon > I asked if this was the "right" dumpster. > >He said that it was but that there was a line of MIT students >waiting when the computers hit the loading platform. They >apparently didn't last long. Good. It didn't wind up as razor blades or beer cans. I hate it when that happens. Sounds like it found a home. cheers Geoff Roberts Computer Room Internet Cafe Port Pirie South Australia. netcafe(a)pirie.mtx.net.au

27 years, 4 months

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Fw: *URGENT* moving IBM 5360 to museum-need advice

by netcafe＠pirie.mtx.net.au

Hi folks, This gentlemen could use some expert advice. I don't know diddly about IBM stuff of this magnitude, so, at his request, I have reposted his plea here. Can someone respond directly to him with some useful information? Thanks in advance..... I've also suggested that he join the CC list...:^) -----Original Message----- From: Tony Epton <aceware(a)iinet.net.au> Newsgroups: alt.folklore.computers Date: Saturday, 19 December 1998 18:04 Subject: *URGENT* moving IBM 5360 to museum-need advice >On Tuesday we will be moving an IBM 5360 10 Km from a warehouse to our >museum. > >Can anyone please give me any advice on issues such as how to lock >down drives and any other steps which should be taken to protect the >machine while moving it. > >I already have another IBM 5360, with a disk expansion bay. But this >machine is of rather dubious origins. I bought it from a scrap metal >yard and I don't know how badly treated it was before I obtained it. >Also, to move it I had to dismantle the power supply to reduce the >weight. I carefully labelled every lead but unfortunately some of the >labels fell off. Hence I have been reluctant to power it up for fear >of it errupting into a molten ball of flames. >For these reasons I was thinking of gutting the present machine for >any good parts and replacing with the newer machine. >The new machine has no expansion bay but was working two years ago >when turned off. >How hard would it be to add the expansion bay on to the new machine ? >In terms of configuration steps ? > >Some guys are going to use a forklift to move the machine on Monday >and stick it in a storage area - what do I need to do beforehand ? > >Many thanks in anticipation. > >Tony Epton >Hardware Curator >Australian Computer Museum Association (Western Australia) Cheers Geoff Roberts Computer Room Internet Cafe Port Pirie South Australia. netcafe(a)pirie.mtx.net.au

27 years, 4 months

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PDP-8 for free, ACT FAST!!!! Like, This afternoon

by mbg＠world.std.com

>Well Don't feel too bad everyone, >at least we were represented. <...> >He said that it was but that there was a line of MIT students >waiting when the computers hit the loading platform. They >apparently didn't last long. Sorry your detour was unproductive, but I'm really glad that the machines didn't end up in land-fill somewhere... Megan Gentry Former RT-11 Developer +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+ | Megan Gentry, EMT/B, PP-ASEL | Internet (work): gentry!zk3.dec.com | | Unix Support Engineering Group | (home): mbg!world.std.com | | Compaq Computer Corporation | addresses need '@' in place of '!' | | 110 Spitbrook Rd. ZK03-2/T43 | URL: http://world.std.com/~mbg/ | | Nashua, NH 03062 | "pdp-11 programmer - some assembler | | (603) 884 1055 | required." - mbg | +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+

27 years, 4 months

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PDP-8 for free, ACT FAST!!!! Like, This afternoon

by museum＠techniche.com

Well Don't feel too bad everyone, at least we were represented. I was kind of passing by Boston this evening (on my way >from Connecticut to New Hampshire). So I made plan for a little detour when I saw this original message. I was not familiar with the "alley" in question so it proved to be a pretty painful adventure (for any of you familiar with the streets of downtown Boston). I knew I wouldn't arrive by 6pm, but when I finally found the right dumpster, it was closer to 8pm. All that was left were two empty steel racks. While I was rummaging an employee happened by on a cigarette break. I asked if this was the "right" dumpster. He said that it was but that there was a line of MIT students waiting when the computers hit the loading platform. They apparently didn't last long. Now, aren't you glad you didn't all drive into Boston like I did? Merry Christmas, Jon ========================================== >< That is today! If you're in Boston and want a PDP-8 or want to help >< someone get one, please act fast! Please pass this note on to anyone >< you feel could help rescue this system. > >Damm, no wau I could make it in there and I want one too. > >Allison > >

27 years, 4 months

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Couple oddball RSX-11M questions

by healyzh＠aracnet.com

Since DECnet I can get files from my Linux box to the VAX, and from there to the PDP-11 when it's running RSX-11M 4.2 it's now easier to get stuff transfered to the PDP-11, and this weekend I hope to have TCP/IP working under RT-11 since I figured out how to transfer files from the RSX disks to the RT-11 disk. Now the first quesiton is this. I've got a bunch of RL01's and RL02's with software on them, and when I got them I backed them up onto my Linux box so I could play with them in the Emulator without having RL01/02 drives in the house. Using the network I should be able to transfer those Disk Images over to the PDP-11. However, can I mount those disk images under RSX-11M 4.2 like I can RT-11 disk images under RT-11? If so what do I need to do this? Second question. As I understand it, using DECnet it is possible to use the tape drive on VAX from another VAX. Well, the VAX in the house doesn't have a tapedrive, and I've not run the network out to the garage. So is it possible to have the VAX access the TK-50 on the PDP-11/73 via DECnet? Zane | Zane H. Healy | UNIX Systems Adminstrator | | healyzh(a)aracnet.com (primary) | Linux Enthusiast | | healyzh(a)holonet.net (alternate) | Classic Computer Collector | +----------------------------------+----------------------------+ | Empire of the Petal Throne and Traveller Role Playing, | | and Zane's Computer Museum. | | http://www.dragonfire.net/~healyzh/ |

27 years, 4 months

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Another find available in Maryland

by mtapley＠swri.edu

All, I wrote: >...Village Thrift Store in Laurel, MD, on the north side of 198 about a >mile west of 95. (Same place as last time I found a cool computer ... That would be a mile west of the Balt.-Wash. parkway, *2*95. I hope nobody wasted a trip due to my abysmal map-reading skills. Sorry about that! - Mark

27 years, 4 months

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Another find available in Maryland

by mtapley＠swri.edu

All, Next time I come to Maryland I am $^&(*& well going to bring more luggage. Awright, gentlemen, start your engines. The finish line is the Village Thrift Store in Laurel, MD, on the north side of 198 about a mile west of 95. (Same place as last time I found a cool computer while travelling and couldn't carry it home.) The prize is a Hewlett Packard Portable Plus together with an HP 9114B box (which I think is just an external battery powered 3.5" floppy. Anyone?). It runs Lotus 1-2-3 and there are a couple of other programs on it which I didn't have time to explore. There was only one power supply for the computer plus the external box. Price was not marked. The store worker quoted me $30 for the two of them, but (already aware that I could not pack it) I said "hmph" and walked off. Hopefully he'll now quote you a lower price. There were HP-IL (?) cables connecting the two. The computer said it had a 300/1200 boud modem, and did have an RJ-11 jack. It also said "file not found" on drive A: and had about 2.7 Mbytes left on drive B: That's about all I remember about it. Let me know how it is... - Mark

27 years, 4 months

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TI 9900N

by netcafe＠pirie.mtx.net.au

-----Original Message----- From: Max Eskin <kurtkilg(a)geocities.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Saturday, 19 December 1998 8:47 Subject: TI 9900N >I just got this curious item from somebody. It's labelled LORAN C >NAVIGATOR on the back. I haven't powered it up yet, but I guess this is >something similar to GPS Well, sorta. ie both are navigation systems. LORAN is a civil version of a radio hyperbolic navigation aid developed by the Brits in WW2. The Germans had a similar thing, which was originally based in the Bay of Biscay, when the Brits found out about it, instead of destroying it, they had charts made to suit it, and it was used extensively by Coastal Command in the area. It was continued as a nav service after the war, last I heard, it was actually still operating, but that was about 7 or 8 years ago now. The British version was called GEE and was used to navigate (mostly) bomber command aircraft, although I believe Coastal Command and possibly the RN minesweepers and other small ship also used it. In those days it was mostly used by aircraft though. >(only LORAN is on the ground, isn't it?). LOng Rnge Area Navigation. No, it doesn't really matter, it will work in a ship, a plane or a car. (Or on foot if you have a small enough one to carry.) >It looks pretty old, and certainly has digital electronics in it. Could >someone tell me what to do with this thing? Would it be useful in a car or >an airplane? (I have neither) A small boat, like a yacht or a power boat could use it. If they do, and you have the the special maps it needs, then yes, you should be able to use it ok. I know it was popular with small boats in the US area til a few years ago, yachts especially used it quite a bit. I found the following web site, info there says LORAN-C is still operating, and it now seems likely it will continue til 2005 at least. http://www.illgen.com/ila/news/LoranDecision.htm Hope this helps. Cheers Geoff Roberts Computer Room Internet Cafe Port Pirie South Australia. netcafe(a)pirie.mtx.net.au

27 years, 4 months

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TI 9900N

by allisonp＠world.std.com

< > I just got this curious item from somebody. It's labelled LORAN C < > NAVIGATOR on the back. I haven't powered it up yet, but I guess this i < > something similar to GPS (only LORAN is on the ground, isn't it?). It < > looks pretty old, and certainly has digital electronics in it. Could < > someone tell me what to do with this thing? Would it be useful in a ca < > an airplane? (I have neither) < < Loran is a system of radio transmitters that ships and planes use to < navigate by triangulating the direction of the signals from two or < more stations. Can't thing of too much use for it in a car, unless < you're going _way_ off-road. It's loran C, still in use for aircraft and ships that cannot afford or do not yet have NAVSAT(GPS) hardware. IT's basically a specialized 100khz reciever and signal processing system coupled to a microporcessor to translate LOP to lat/long. Accuracy better than 1mile and typicaly .2mile. I have a smaller one in my plane and still use it. I wouldn't mind having one of the old TIs as they were amoung the first commercial loran C. Allison

27 years, 4 months

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PDP-8 for free, ACT FAST!!!! Like, This afternoon

by allisonp＠world.std.com

< That is today! If you're in Boston and want a PDP-8 or want to help < someone get one, please act fast! Please pass this note on to anyone < you feel could help rescue this system. Damm, no wau I could make it in there and I want one too. Allison

27 years, 4 months

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Luftschiffe (was:ebay - Minivac 601, 1st pers. digital computer 1960s)

by rigdonj＠intellistar.net

At 04:31 PM 12/18/98 -0500, you wrote: >> >From what I've heard, the reason why the US military stopped using >> airships was because so many crashed in storms... > >The first bunch did (1920s-30s), but they were reborn in the 1940s, as >they were _wonderful_ ASW platforms. They continued to be used well into >the 1950s, carrying early warning radar stuff. > They're still being used for RADAR platforms. There's one flying not 30 miles from here. Supposedly being to used to stop the flow of drugs. Yeah -- right! Joe

27 years, 4 months

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PDP-8 for free, ACT FAST!!!! Like, This afternoon

by mbg＠world.std.com

The following was posted on alt.sys.pdp8... I don't have any other knowledge of it, and can't save it myself... SOMEONE, please save it! I have been asked to post the following anonymous tip about the availability of a PDP-8 system in Boston: ------------------------------ Two functional PDP-8e minicomputers, 32k, RK8e disk, TD8e DECtape, bound for dumpster in Boston Friday afternoon, 18 december. Researcher has finally decided he needs floor space more than potential access to original data. Also RK05 disk packs, documentation, tapes, etc. In racks, with wheels. 243 Charles St., Boston, alley beside Mass. Gen'l Hosp. Founders' House, rolling out between 4pm and 6pm. "Too much paperwork" to donate or sell, they say. If you have a truck, and make appropriate offerings to the housekeeping folks, they could be yours. ------------------------------ That is today! If you're in Boston and want a PDP-8 or want to help someone get one, please act fast! Please pass this note on to anyone you feel could help rescue this system. Doug Jones jones(a)cs.uiowa.edu

27 years, 4 months

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H/Z 100 parts source

by lwalker＠mail.interlog.com

For those who are looking for a parts source for these beasts , a new one has popped up. Well, Gernware Enterprises >finally< put up some web pages on all the stuff still in stock for all the old ZDS systems. Although these systems are long obsolete, Gernware still has both new products and used parts available for the Z-100, Z-150, Z-171, Z-248, and other stuff (including a 8-color flatbed plotter!). It can't hurt to try Gernware to keep an old ZDS system running! Front of the line ZDS software for the Z-100 is being offered this time around. And as always at below really cheap costs. For all the details hit the web pages at: www.borg.com/~gern Gernware wishes a merry seasons greetings to all Gernware customers, both the loyal past customers and future ones! Cheers, Gern I don't know who thsi is but it's a rare source. ciao larry lwalker(a)interlog.com

27 years, 4 months

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GRiD Compass, anyone?

by sinasohn＠ricochet.net

At 10:55 PM 12/17/98 -0600, you wrote: >And that reminds me, Compass owner that I am, to ask if there are any >other Compass owners out there? I've got an 1100, 1101, 1129, and 1139. I've got an 1101 that doesn't work. I'd love any others anyone wants to part with. --------------------------------------------------------------------- O- Uncle Roger "There is pleasure pure in being mad roger(a)sinasohn.com that none but madmen know." Roger Louis Sinasohn & Associates San Francisco, California http://www.sinasohn.com/

27 years, 4 months

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Emulex doc archive site gone now . . .

by sinasohn＠ricochet.net

At 09:14 AM 12/17/98 -0600, you wrote: >There have been other cases where sites were "framing" content from >other people's sites - imagine a super-news site that gave you the >impression all the content was their own, but that only embedded >(via links) content made by others, side-stepping their menus >and banners, etc. Today's relevant bit from TBTF below. I can certainly see the issue with making content appear to be yours, when in fact it was someone elses (I seem to remember someone framing WSJ articles this way, and rightfully getting busted.) However, the simple act of "get your tickets at ticketmaster.com" (with an embedded link) is more akin to "go three blocks that way, and turn left and you'll see TM on the right". --------------------------------------------------------------------- O- Uncle Roger "There is pleasure pure in being mad roger(a)sinasohn.com that none but madmen know." Roger Louis Sinasohn & Associates San Francisco, California http://www.sinasohn.com/

27 years, 4 months

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OT: Learning new words (was RE: "Single instance" machines)

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

>(mean?) humorous streak. They taught him a very interesting form of >English - and colourful. Instead of saying "wow, excellent!", they >convinced him that the correct thing to say was "most spannerlike!", and >that a correct form of greeting was "Hello Sailor!". There were many more >interesting variations, and his English was eventually, suffice it to say, >unusual :) Six words: "My hovercraft is full of eels" Tim.

27 years, 4 months

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Halleluyah! Hooray! Eureka! Success! (OS-65U)

by bill＠chipware.com

A few of you may know that one of my first postings to Usenet (alt.folklore.computers) was a request for a copy of Ohio Scientific's OS-65U 6502 operating system. I have been looking for it since 1993. Well, Santa came to me a little early today in the form of the UPS man and I have here in my hand (well, sitting on the desk next to me) a factory original set of 8 inch floppies of OS-65U! Level 1 version 1.44 CD-23 revision. I also have demo disks, and level 1 v 1.2 CD-7 revision. I think to myself, "My quest is over." Now the real work begins. I own six 8 inch floppy drives that came with OSI machines. None of them have had a disk in them since I have owned them (I haven't had one to put in them until now!). three are: Siemens FDD 200-8P one is: Shugart Model 801 the other two are in a box, I'll have to check later. One of the Siemens has the gold face plate I mentioned in another post. The Siemens look like double sided drives, the Shugart is definitely a single sided drive. Nothing on the disks indicate single or double sided. I think they are soft sectored (only one index hole). How should I proceed? Could I get full repair and calibration instructions for these drives? Does anybody have an 8 inch set up that can read and duplicate most formats? Maybe recover questionable/compromised data on the disks? Thanks, Bill Sudbrink

27 years, 4 months

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SOL feeding frenzy?

by Watzman＠ibm.net

Actually, in the US, the FCC regulations on emissions did not go into effect until 1981 or 1982, before that the only laws were those general laws against operating an unlicensed or unauthorized transmitter. You could make an argument that any given item constituted such a transmitter, but even the FCC did not interpret things this way until the formal Class A / Class B certification rules went into effect. Kits are a "grey" area, but generally it would be expected that they would comply when assembled according to the instructions (and believe me, pre-1980 computers are generally WAY out of compliance). Since you are dealing with a "regulation" and not a "law" (in the US, anyway), enforcement is an administrative function of the FCC rather than a civil/criminal action by the courts (although in some cases it can spill over). The safety issue, in the US, is NOT a legal requirement (except in the state of Oregon and some cities/counties, including Los Angeles). Otherwise, there are generally no laws requiring UL approval. But just try to get insurance or defend a lawsuit if you are a company that markets a non-UL approved product. UL only applies to devices that use certain threshold levels of voltage; a board would not be impacted, but an IMSAI chassis that plugs into the wall, for example, would - and it would not pass (there is exposed full line voltage, among other things). ---------- From: Tony Duell [SMTP:ard@p850ug1.demon.co.uk] Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 1998 8:38 PM To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers Subject: Re: SOL feeding frenzy? > > I would actually like to be able to buy a "new" IMSAI (for example), = > even if it wasn't made by IMSAI, but I would want it to be understood = > that it was a newly produced copy. It won't happen, however, in part = > because it would be illegal to make any of these computer as "new" = Well, there might be interlectual property/copyright problems, but do the other rules apply to kits/bare boards? The UK rules are strange IIRC. Kits have to pass the appropriate directives (covering EMC/safety, for example), when assembled as per the instructions. But I seem to remember that bare boards can be classed as components, and are thus exempt. Of course if you then populate the board, you'd better make sure it causes no interference. Or at least I think that's roughly how most people interpret the regulations. The people who composed them seem not to realise that experimental designs exist, that example circuits exist, and that nobody can know what a circuit will do until it's built and tested... > products. There were no FCC regulations when these machines were = I am sure there _were_ FCC rules, mainly to do with causing interference to other services. Now, if it causes no intereference outside your house, who is to know or care :-). OK, if %random-public buys a computer he should be able to assume it'll not interfere with his TV in the same room. But if you build one, then provided it only wipes out _your_ TV and not those of your neighbours, then there's no real problem. > originally built, and none of them are in compliance, and they couldn't = > be put in compliance without a complete redesign (in fact, they are WAY = > out of compliance). Most of these were also not UL approved either. So = I don't see how UL approval can be applied to a bare board (OK, if it's designed so user controls are live or something...), since whether it is safe or not depends on how it is constructed, what parts are used, whether or not it is cased, etc. -tony

27 years, 4 months

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2650 (was:Type list (was: single instance machines))

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

>> I seem to recall that there were commercially available 2650 S100 cards.... >Do you have more information ? I recall this as well. The source of more information would undoubtedly be to page through a big stack of _BYTE_'s from the mid and late 70's. Remember, in the S-100 world "commercially available" means that someone etched a PC board and maybe, if you're lucky, they actually typed up a manual with hand-drawn schematics. Tim.

27 years, 4 months

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Modem tones over television or radio

by jfoust＠threedee.com

Somewhat apropos the recent thread about sending mains power through modems, can anyone tell me if it's legal or illegal here in the States to send data in the audio of television or radio? Certainly there would be bandwidth and therefore speed limitations, but does the FCC allow this? Is it legal in other countries? - John

27 years, 4 months

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"Single instance" machines

by JRichardson＠softwright.co.uk

>>> had the (somewhat rare) 6809 CPU. >> >> I have a sales brochure here for the Acorn System 1,2 & 3. Inside it there >> is an 'Advance Information' flyer describing the 6809 card. I quote: what machines were the 6809's used in? I believe I still have a box of these somewhere - were they drop-in replacements for the 6502 then, but with an extended instruction set or something? cheers Jules > >

27 years, 4 months

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Packet Radio (was:Re: Modem tones over television or radio)

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

In a message dated 12/18/98 1:10:45 AM EST, marvin(a)rain.org writes: << What you are looking for is called a TNC (Terminal Node Controller.) And surprise, surprise, this is all on topic as I have several TNCs designed for the C-64 (no, I'm not interested in getting rid of them.) Years ago, I sold a friend of mine an IBM PC (yes, PC) with two floppy drives that he used up to last year to monitor packet radio here in Santa Barbara. There is also a device/software IIRC called Baycom that can be connected to the serial or parallel port and will work for packet radio. I might add you also need a radio to monitor packet radio :) and a ham license to utilize it. >> at every radio rally i've been to, there is always someone displaying a TNC for the C64 that appears to directly plug into the computer. I have seen one TNC for sale, and it was ~$60. Unfortunately, i dont know anything about TNCs like if there's just one type that plugs into a serial port or whether there are other styles, but i do know you need a 2 meter radio and the license to run it. packet radio seems to run at 2400, but i almost certainly remember being told once that some were running at 9600.

27 years, 4 months

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Another ~1960 computer kit - Philips?

by Innfogra＠aol.com

In a message dated 12/17/98 4:54:01 PM Pacific Standard Time, yowza(a)yowza.com writes: > I think there were other "real" computers that also > used magnetic drum for primary storage. My first home computer was a Litton 1259 (maybe 1251, it was a while ago) It had dual Drum memories of 200K each. The system had 5 3'X4' interconnected cabinets, the CPU and console, the 2 drum memories, a printer and a paper tape reader and punch. It took half of the Living room when I moved it in. It came with a punch tape to generate snoopy calendars off the printer. The Litton had worked for The State of Oregon General Services doing inventory >from 1969 till 1979. I think I got it in 1981. Paul Pierce has a Litton 1231, same but with a single drum, saved. He is planning to have it set up in his museum. Paxton

27 years, 4 months

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RT-11 IND - Curious Error Message

by jhfine＠idirect.com

I have been asked to modify a medium sized IND control file in order to upgrade a system to Y2K compliance. The specifications call for testing a specific file on the old data diskette and replacing it with a new version. In the course of making the changes, I have had a problem! Rather than post the complete IND control file, I have retained the statements which are causing the problem. And they have been modified so as to be generalized. Please be aware that while these statements serve no useful purpose by themselves, all but their essence was removed so as to produce this example in which the problem still appears. Most are from the original control file and a few are present due to the new specifications. So PLEASE don't just respond that the control files shown serve no useful purpose - 99% is missing and only the part which causes the problem has been retained. Someone taking a quick look at the problem might dismiss it as useless. I have 2 questions: (a) Is my understanding of IND incorrect and am I using IND in an incorrect manner? (b) Is there a bug in IND which is causing the problem? I have attached 2 files. The first is the minimum which causes the problem. The second provides a control test situation which does seem to work at first, but not under the conditions which are present in the "minimum" test file. Anyone out there who is still working with RT-11? Sincerely yours, Jerome Fine

27 years, 4 months

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Vax Rescue in Adelaide.

by netcafe＠pirie.mtx.net.au

Hi all, Just had a chat yesterday with the VMS System Manager at a big national company in Adelaide. He used to admin the Vax system we have at my School, when it was with it's original owners. Heard about this on the unofficial S.A. VMS Managers "old boy" network, a wonderful resource, and it was mentioned I should contact him as his company is retiring a Vax 6410/6240 Cluster next month. It's just come off DEC maintainance and is still in service at the moment. I expressed an interest, and it now seems likely, pending final approval by the PTB at his company, that it will be ours gratis. Just pickup and take away. They dropped a couple of others at a scrap yard last month as well. Probably could've had them too if we'd known. Seems there are a couple of HSC70's and a mixed bag of RA70's, 90's and 92's in the haul. Plus a TA79. I did a deal with a scrapyard earlier for 2 "spares" boxes, a 6440 with a full XMI card fit, including the CI, Ethernet and DSSI cards, (it has no BI backplane at all). 128Mb of RAM. Also a very beatup, (front door torn off) but probably still functional 6240, with ditto ram and a more low end BI card fit. (CI, TK70, Ethernet etc) I have to pick that up end of next month too. At this rate, I'll have more 6000 spares than Digi^H^H^H^H Compaq. The 6440's card fit (or perhaps the 6440) will migrate to the 6320 box at the school, and give it a big boost in performance, and the 6240 will move in as a standby/testbed box. (This leaves a 6220 and 6320 for me to play with here. :^) I'm still looking for a PDP11, Vax 11/780 or similar, and IBM and Prime Mainframes of some description for the "Hall of the Dinosaurs" Computer Museum I intend to start here. I'll include some smaller stuff, Microvax's and the like, but that's being done in several places already, so I'm going to concentrate on the real big stuff. FWIW, I'm using a VAX 8530 + CIBCI Cabinet and a TA78/TU78 as a room divider in the cafe, and a HSC50 and another same size cabinet with 3 RA81's in it as a counter. They get some very interested looks, and some classic double takes too. Cheers Geoff Roberts Computer Room Internet Cafe Port Pirie South Australia. netcafe(a)pirie.mtx.net.au

27 years, 4 months

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KIM/MOS-Tech

by rcini＠email.msn.com

On Mon, 31 Aug 1998 19:23:11 +1, "Hans Franke" <franke(a)sbs.de> wrote: >>does anybody know who has right now the rights for >>the KIM-1 design and the respective ROM code? >>Or more in general - is there any successor for >>the Commodore Semiconductor divison ? I did some research on this about 18 months ago in preparation for contacting Commodore's bankruptcy counsel to see about purchasing the rights to Commodore's 8-bit technology. Even though I read the Chapter 11 reorganization plan and Chapter 7 liquidation motion, and my corporate counsel looked at the docs, it's really hard to trace the chain of asset transfers, since I could not find a specific list of those assets sold; only broad "all intellectual property" language was used. Collectively, Commodore's assets were sold to Escom (a German computer manufacturer) for $14 million, $4 million of which realted to CBM and $10 million related to Commodore International Bahamas, Ltd. an affiliate of CBM. The former CSG operation located at 950 Rittenhouse Road in Norristown PA was purchased by GMT Microelectronics Corp., a company formed by former CSG management in order to purchase the chip-making assets. The purchase price was $4.3 million plus another $1 million to clear EPA liens. Assets included the plant, equipment, other inventory items at that location. Last year, I made a field trip to GMT and verified that they exist and are operating out of the old CSG building. The non-CSG assets stayed with Escom until they filed for receivership (bankruptcy), in 1996. The assets were then sold to a Netherlands-based company (Commodore NL??), who then sold the Amiga assets to Gateway (the Holstein cow people). I don't think that anyone truly knows who owns the old 8-bit assets. Commodore NL sells PeeCee compatible machines under the Commodore name, so I'd bank on Gateway owning them. If anyone on this list knows anyone at Gateway, now may be the time to use the relationship. Rich Cini/WUGNET <nospam_rcini(a)msn.com> - ClubWin/CW7 - MCP Windows 95/Windows Networking - Preserver of "classic" computers <<<< ========== reply separator ========== >>>>>

27 years, 4 months

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Free IBM 4997 rack in Portland, OR

by rexstout＠uswest.net

Come and get it, it's a bare IBM 4997. No side panels, no power strip, no mounting rails... Just a plain rack. Free to the first person who can come pick it up in north Portland(not too far off of I-5). -------------------------------------------------------------- | http://members.tripod.com/~jrollins/index.html - Computers | | http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Lair/1681/ - Star Trek | | orham(a)qth.net list admin KD7BCY | | ham-mac(a)qth.net Portland, OR | --------------------------------------------------------------

27 years, 4 months

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Packet Radio (was:Re: Modem tones over television or radio)

by netcafe＠pirie.mtx.net.au

-----Original Message----- From: SUPRDAVE(a)aol.com <SUPRDAVE(a)aol.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Saturday, 19 December 1998 0:37 Subject: Re: Packet Radio (was:Re: Modem tones over television or radio) >packet radio seems to run at 2400, but i almost certainly remember >being told once that some were running at 9600. The user end of the packet network runs at 1200 baud mostly, at least in this country. However, the digipeaters and BBS's are linked by 4800 and 9600 bps backbones. Higher speeds are more widespread in the US. By way of interest, the Russian Space Station Mir has a couple of Packet setups, one is the 1200bps terrestrial system, in the 2m amateur band, which I have worked a couple of times, using just my normal 1/4wave on the roof. They also have a more sophisticated G3RUH 9600 BPS modem which I think is on a 70cm radio with their SSTV gear. Cheers Geoff Roberts VK5KDR Computer Room Internet Cafe Port Pirie South Australia. netcafe(a)pirie.mtx.net.au

27 years, 4 months

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Packet Radio (was:Re: Modem tones over television or radio)

by netcafe＠pirie.mtx.net.au

-----Original Message----- From: Marvin <marvin(a)rain.org> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Friday, 18 December 1998 17:41 Subject: Re: Packet Radio (was:Re: Modem tones over television or radio) >What you are looking for is called a TNC (Terminal Node Controller.) And >surprise, surprise, this is all on topic as I have several TNCs designed for >the C-64 (no, I'm not interested in getting rid of them.) Years ago, I sold >a friend of mine an IBM PC (yes, PC) with two floppy drives that he used up >to last year to monitor packet radio here in Santa Barbara. There is also a >device/software IIRC called Baycom that can be connected to the serial or >parallel port and will work for packet radio. I have a Baycom modem that I made by converting a Sendata C64 Dumb modem. (Hey, that makes this msg on topic even, it dates from about 1983!) Basically, it works with driver software, either eprom based in the 64, (can't think of the name offhand) or device drivers and and a terminal, on a pc. Provided the PC was quick enough, (an XT will do for the genuine Baycom software) the effect is that it emulates a tnc at a fraction of the cost, significant, since tnc manufacturers are the biggest thieves out IMHO, charging $300 for the equivalent of a 1200 baud half duplex modem, with very simple firmware. There are now several different drivers for baycom modems, including some for Windows and Win95, which was always a no-no because of interrupt latency, but the new machines are so quick that it's not a big factor at 1200 anymore. Linux also has native support for both AX25 packet and Baycom modems. I still use my converted C64 modem on 2M packet, though it now talks to a P100 running Win95 rather than the original XT with Dos 3.3 >I might add you also need a radio to monitor packet radio :) >and a ham license to utilize it. I have seen packet activity in Sydney (some years ago now) on the 476mhz CB Band. It's illegal to do it there of course, but I have never heard of anyone being prosecuted for it either. It is still going on in some places. I have heard there is some activity using 300baud packet, AMTOR and RTTY on the 27Mhz CB band as well, though I've not heard it myself. Cheers Geoff Roberts VK5KDR Computer Room Internet Cafe Port Pirie South Australia. netcafe(a)pirie.mtx.net.au

27 years, 4 months

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Language and wiered people

by netcafe＠pirie.mtx.net.au

-----Original Message----- From: Tony Duell <ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Friday, 18 December 1998 9:53 Subject: Re: Language and wiered people >> If we were born 30 years earlier, we'd probably have been >> collectors/restorers of antique >> cars or aeroplanes or steam engines instead. > >What do you mean 'would have been' ? > >You mean there are people here who _don't_ love other forms of ancient >machinery? I am (seriously) very supprised - I've never met a classic >computer enthusiast face-to-face who doesn't also love steam engines or >vintage cars, or antique clocks/watches or old cameras, or something like >that (those are all _inclusive_ ORs, of course). You still haven't. I LOVE the stuff you mentioned. I was speaking in a "if there were no old computers to collect" mode. I have a weakness for clocks, watches and teleprinters. I also like classic cars and aircraft (I used to fly quite a bit when I was younger) I'm in mourning at the moment because the RAAF is retiring it's last Dakota's in a couple of weeks. I'm an Air Force Cadet Officer and Instructor, and have been on a few rides in the old Dak's with cadets. Alas, no more.... (I am restoring a 3cm radar off a commercial ship at the moment, for use by our cadets. Very different.) My first ever ride in an aircraft was in an Ansett ANA DC3, around 1961. I'd have one in my collection, but I can't figure how to get it past my wife..;^) Steam engines? Yes, I have been on the Pichi Richi railway here in S.A. and also Puffing Billy in the Melbourne area, and the Funicular Railway in the Blue Mountains. I can still remember the steamers coming down the main street. (the rail line ran down the centre for many years, gone now unfortunately) Cheers Geoff Roberts Computer Room Internet Cafe Port Pirie South Australia. netcafe(a)pirie.mtx.net.au

27 years, 4 months

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New doc to be posted on Web site

by rcini＠msn.com

Hello, all: Through the kindness of our own Bill Yakowenko, I've been given a copy of the MOS Microcomputers Hardware Manual, which I scanned last night. It appears that this document is like a summary of and a design guidelines white paper for the MOS 65xx product line, but it includes information traditionally found in the data sheets, like pinouts, pin function descriptions, mask-programmable options, chip architecture and function, plus so much more! The chips covered explicitly in the book include the 6501, 6502, 6503-05, 6520, and 6530. It also describes "System Diagnosis Using Hardware Programmer Aids", which mentions the KIM, TIM (Teletype Input Monitor), and the MDT (Microcomputer Development Terminal). The TIM is implemented as a single 6530 chip. The MDT appears to be acomplete development system: "MDT is a prepackaged system and, therefore, should not have the problems described above {debugging the initial system design} unless it is being used in in circuit emulation mode. Therefore, the user will be primarily be debugging his programs and his basic interconnection to his I/O devices with the MDT." This is a large scan, and will be posted in parts. Enjoy. [ Rich Cini/WUGNET [ ClubWin!/CW7 [ MCP Windows 95/Windows Networking [ Collector of "classic" computers [ http://highgate.comm.sfu.ca/~rcini/classiccmp/ [ http://highgate.comm.sfu.ca/~rcini/pdp11/ <================ reply separator =================>

27 years, 4 months

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disk drive database

by roblwill＠usaor.net

I think a few words will sum up the whole situation: U/B error (User/Browser error). I can log on to the site fine with various versions of IE from 1.x to 4.0, Netscape Navigator 3.0, NetTamer (text - 2400 modem), Opera, and Mosaic (Mac Portable, 2400 modem). Granted, frames doesn't work in the earlier versions of IE and in NetTamer, but I can successfully log onto the site with no username/password prompt. -- -Jason Willgruber (roblwill(a)usaor.net) ICQ#: 1730318 <http://members.tripod.com/general_1> -----Original Message----- From: Sam Ismail <dastar(a)ncal.verio.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Thursday, December 17, 1998 12:50 AM Subject: Re: disk drive database >On Wed, 16 Dec 1998, Zane H. Healy wrote: > >> >I just went in with no problems. Is it possible a filter has been installed >> >to reject your site(s)? >> >> Not sites, browsers. Sam, what browser are you using? From Netscape > >I'm using Communicator 4.6. It was working fine just a few weeks ago when >I added the link to the VCF links page. I'll try it with this default >version of IE in Win95... > >Nope, still no dice. > >> 4.08/Mac I can't access the site, but using lynx from my server (Alpha >> running OpenBSD) I can access the site. Second alternative is it doesn't >> like NAT/IP Masq suddenly. > >Hmmm, Lynx from the shell will take me to the main site, and to /tech, but >I get this when I try to go to /tech/no_frames.html: > > The requested URL /tech/no-frames.html was not found on this server. > >I think I'll send a bitch to the webmaster. > >Sellam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com >--------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- >Always being hassled by the man. > > Coming in 1999: Vintage Computer Festival 3.0 > See http://www.vintage.org/vcf for details! > [Last web site update: 12/07/98] > >

27 years, 4 months

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Packet Radio (was:Re: Modem tones over television or radio)

by roblwill＠usaor.net

Now that we seem to have drifted to the topic of Packet radio, I was wondering if anyone knew where I could pick up an inexpensive box (not sure what they're called - the packet converter?). Even an old, "obsolete one would be good, since I was going to try to connect it to a 286 or 8088 laptop (probably 8088 Zenith). ThAnX -and- Happy Holidaze, -- -Jason Willgruber (roblwill(a)usaor.net) ICQ#: 1730318 <http://members.tripod.com/general_1> -----Original Message----- From: John Lawson <jpl15(a)netcom.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Thursday, December 17, 1998 8:18 PM Subject: Re: Modem tones over television or radio > > > Ummm, Bill... you mean the Navy had AX.25 protcol damn near 40 >years before Bolt Beranek and Newman....? > > Now *Baudot* Teletype over radio...maybe, and I'd like to see that >document, since I love the "green keys" and run RTTY more than voice, >but AFAIK, the Tuscon Amateur Packet Radio club first transmitted >AX.25 over radio in the late 70s / early 80s, and did so only after >the advent of easily-available microprocessors to implement the >Packet Assembler/Disassembler function. > > > Cheers and Best of the Season to All: > > John > >> >> >

27 years, 4 months

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Filetypes (was Re: Xerox)

by mbg＠world.std.com

>Me and a friend almost liberated a DIGITAL sign from the Field Service >office but they beat us to it. My mother liberated a stop sign once >though she got in loads of trouble, but she still has the sign :) When the RT-11 development group moved out of the Mill for the Parker St. complex, I kept the "8/11 systems engineering" sign which had hung outside our area... I also kept one of the 'exit' signs which someone had modified (keeping in mind RT-11 programmed requests) to read '.EXIT' A few months before the Monster Board had renovations to ML5-5 done (after Digital sold the Mill complex) I was able to go back and get one of the 'ML5-5' signs. Just a few remnants/keepsakes of a different time... Megan Gentry Former RT-11 Developer +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+ | Megan Gentry, EMT/B, PP-ASEL | Internet (work): gentry!zk3.dec.com | | Unix Support Engineering Group | (home): mbg!world.std.com | | Compaq Computer Corporation | addresses need '@' in place of '!' | | 110 Spitbrook Rd. ZK03-2/T43 | URL: http://world.std.com/~mbg/ | | Nashua, NH 03062 | "pdp-11 programmer - some assembler | | (603) 884 1055 | required." - mbg | +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+

27 years, 4 months

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OT: Value/money making (was Re: SOL feeding frenzy?)

by cmcmanis＠freegate.com

At 07:00 PM 12/15/98 -0600, Doug wrote: >However, if money isn't the main goal, there are alternatives that work. >Following your reasoning, all of the museums would be empty. Actually this is why there is very little of the artifacts from the Spanish Galleon "Atocha" in museums. The same is true for paintings, many are traded by art dealera for profit, and now and then they get donated to museums or the museum uses its own "acquisitions" fund for adding to their collection. The bottom line is that I agree that preserving computers has in my opinion more "value" than the potential dollars involved. To give a "real life" example, I have a PDP-8/m that I am attempting to get running (it needs a core stack and potentially a bit of power supply work.) The goal of getting it running is so that it can be put on _operating_ display at a "hands on" museum. Now as readers of the list know I've been looking for a core stack for it for a few months now. Recently (in the last couple of months) I've been getting inquiries from _dealers_, some subtle some less so, of people who want to buy it (not working!). [for those counting the highest offer has been $1,000]. I even got Aaron all pissed off at me because I was concerned _he_ was one such dealer. All of this hassle because 1) the "collectible" computer market has moved into more mainstream places, and 2) the prices have gotten to the point where "real" people notice. (e.g. professional dealers). So the role of "collector" takes on more the role of "caretaker." You and I are classic computer caretakers, we care about the computers, we care about their history, we care about how they are used, and we care that they will survive us. People who buy and sell "collectible" computers in order to increase their personal wealth are "collectors" in the more common usage of the word. The collectors are "moving in" and the caretakers job gets harder. This isn't news to anyone here I'm sure, --Chuck McManis

27 years, 4 months

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Compaticard IV, anyone?

by A_Finney＠wfi-inc.com

My quarterly troll for a Micro-Solutions Compaticard... If anyone has one they would trade/sell, I'm sure I could come up with something interesting enough to make it worth while. Or if anyone finds one in a junk bin somewhere, I'd be more than happy to pay cost/shipping/finder's fee for one. As always, please reply via private email. Aaron

27 years, 4 months

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Luftschiffe (was:ebay - Minivac 601, 1st pers. digital computer 1960s)

by kurtkilg＠geocities.com

>Yes, this is pretty much off topic, but as I said before, >airships were the immediate cause of my getting involved with >computers back in the late 70s when I was fresh out of the >USAF and sick and tired of heavier-than-air equipment. With the exception of certain bloated operating systems that indeed float on vapour, most computers are heavier-than-air equipment :) Why _were_ you sick of airplanes?

27 years, 4 months

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Language and wiered people

by geoffrob＠stmarks.pp.catholic.edu.au

-----Original Message----- From: Hans Franke <Hans.Franke(a)mch20.sbs.de> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Friday, 18 December 1998 0:36 Subject: Language and wiered people >Say, is there at least ONE (1) ordinary person around >on this list ? Just by being here, we announce ourselves to be technophile collectors, with a sense of history, and a liking for unusual, oldish, sometimes very large and complex hardware, on which we spend considerable time and money, when you can get an 'ordinary' computer for a fraction of the effort..... If we were born 30 years earlier, we'd probably have been collectors/restorers of antique cars or aeroplanes or steam engines instead. In short, I doubt it.... Their are enough ordinary people in the world to let a few be a little unique (or eccentric I suppose). Just my 2c worth. Cheers Geoff Roberts Computer Systems Manager Saint Marks College Port Pirie South Australia. My ICQ# is 1970476 Ph. 61-411-623-978 (Mobile) 61-8-8633-0619 (Home) 61-8-8633-8834 (Work-Direct) 61-8-8633-0104 (Fax)

27 years, 4 months

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disk drive database

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

In a message dated 12/17/98 8:55:17 PM EST, jpero(a)pop.cgocable.net writes: << Tonite I'm able to access it from Netscape 4.08/Mac, where last night I > couldn't. > > Zane Zane, Nope. I tried again after this msg. I'm disappointed. email: jpero(a)cgocable.net Pero, Jason D. >> still no go here either.

27 years, 4 months

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Another ~1960 computer kit - Philips?

by Innfogra＠aol.com

In a message dated 12/16/98 7:04:19 PM Pacific Standard Time, ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk writes: > > You're right. It's a logic trainer and not a computer (well, unless you > can afford a few hundred modules...) But it's an interesting toy. > Yes, we set it up at the whse sales to entertain the children who came with the adults. Paxton

27 years, 4 months

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Computer parts for trade

by pctech＠davidbowie.com

I have alot of spare parts around the office and i would like to trade for a Commodore 64 or TRS 80 or other old computers i have some old FP 72pin memory simms 4megs and a bunch of 486 and pentium boards and processors. if interested e-mail me.

27 years, 4 months

1
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disk drive database

by roblwill＠usaor.net

It may possibly be that the server that you're connecting to (ISP) is having some problems. -----Original Message----- From: Sam Ismail <dastar(a)ncal.verio.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Thursday, December 17, 1998 12:51 PM Subject: Re: disk drive database >On Thu, 17 Dec 1998, Jason Willgruber wrote: > >> I think a few words will sum up the whole situation: U/B error (User/Browser >> error). > >That's a silly assumption, young Jason. I still can't access the site >from ANY browser. I think it depends on where you're coming from, or how >you are getting there. I still haven't heard back from the webmaster >regarding my query. > >Sellam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com >--------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- >Always being hassled by the man. > > Coming in 1999: Vintage Computer Festival 3.0 > See http://www.vintage.org/vcf for details! > [Last web site update: 12/07/98] > >

27 years, 4 months

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disk drive database

by roblwill＠usaor.net

> >I just went in with no problems. Is it possible a filter has been installed >to reject your site(s)? > What browser were you using? I was using IE. It's possible that there's something messed up that makes it not work with Netscape. -- -Jason Willgruber (roblwill(a)usaor.net) ICQ#: 1730318 <http://members.tripod.com/general_1>

27 years, 4 months

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ebay - Minivac 601, 1st pers. digital computer 1960s

by altair8800＠hotmail.com

From: Doug Yowza <yowza(a)yowza.com> Wait a minute. Who's high bidder right now? Why it's Dealer Bob. Hi, Bob. I thought you were only into Altairs :-) Doug When I was in high school a friend and I saw one of these. He was so inspired by this thing's ability to play tic, tac, toe that he built a similar device from my pinball machine parts and entered it into the local Science Fair. The Minivac is interesting to me because (being an old man) my tinkering began with electro-mechanical technology. I could look at this stuff and "see" how it works. I found it very difficult to make the transition to solid state and digital technology. After so many years of relays and blade switches, I just could not "see" what was happening inside those IC packages. For that reason I walked away from it. I now wish I had approached it differently. As for my "Dealer Bob" status, afraid I still have most of the Altairs. I have only sold duplicate items and not even all of the duplicates. Still have both of my Attaches. Have become way too attached to the stuff. Bob Wood ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

27 years, 4 months

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Apple 2 GS cartridge drive (was: re: dec 3100 100mb scsi)

by roblwill＠usaor.net

The Apple 2 GS could have a hard drive in it? I never knew that. My school used to have about 10 of them, and they all ran off of quad-floppy drives, and some sort of cartridge drive that was used to transfer files to a PC (You would just pull the cartridge from the Apple, bit it in the drive connected to the IBM, and run whatever you wanted. I can't remember much about it (about 6 yrs ago). Does anyone have any info on a drive like this? It was a black drive that was about the size of a Disk ][, had about a 3/4" cable running to the back of the computer, and a grounded power cord. The drive itself weighed about 5-10 lbs, and the cartridge weighed about 2 lbs (it was metal). -- -Jason Willgruber (roblwill(a)usaor.net) ICQ#: 1730318 <http://members.tripod.com/general_1> -----Original Message----- From: Jim Strickland <jim(a)calico.litterbox.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Thursday, December 17, 1998 1:20 PM Subject: dec 3100 100mb scsi >Hey gang. Thought you would want to know that Alltronics has 5 dec 3100 >100mb 3.5 inch half height drives for sale for 24.95 each. They had 7, but >I just bought 2. One for a Mac SE30, one which will wind up either in the >vaxstation Tim Shoppa is putting together for me, or in my Apple 2 GS, which >in turn will donate its disk to the aforementioned vax. (the GS's disk is >230 megs. Far more than is really useful for it.) >-- >Jim Strickland >jim(a)DIESPAMMERSCUMcalico.litterbox.com >----------------------------------------------------------------------- >Vote Meadocrat! Bill and Opus in 2000 - Who ELSE is there? >----------------------------------------------------------------------- >

27 years, 4 months

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SOL feeding frenzy?

by kurtkilg＠geocities.com

On Tue, 15 Dec 1998 jfoust(a)threedee.com wrote: > What do you think you can wipe out, and how? I simply thought of a sentence that could be used as the marker for the start of something. I might as well have used Kennedy's statement about sending a man to the moon. > Hobby? Who said it was a hobby? There are obviously some people > on this list who have made it their life's work. Quick show of hands here; how many of the people who have done this are running a for-profit organization? Mind you, there's nothing wrong with doing that; it's just that as the original poster said, it is no longer possible to assume that the purpose of these collections is academic. All of them are, AFAIK, but in a decade, I'm sure we can expect to see XTs with documentation sealed in clear polished plastic (tony cringes). They will be repainted to the original color (or, better yet, the limited edition blue and gold colors) and sold for thousands. > - John > ---------------------------------------------------- Max Eskin | kurtkilgor(a)bigfoot.com | AOL: kurtkilgor

27 years, 4 months

6
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dec 3100 100mb scsi

by jim＠calico.litterbox.com

Hey gang. Thought you would want to know that Alltronics has 5 dec 3100 100mb 3.5 inch half height drives for sale for 24.95 each. They had 7, but I just bought 2. One for a Mac SE30, one which will wind up either in the vaxstation Tim Shoppa is putting together for me, or in my Apple 2 GS, which in turn will donate its disk to the aforementioned vax. (the GS's disk is 230 megs. Far more than is really useful for it.) -- Jim Strickland jim(a)DIESPAMMERSCUMcalico.litterbox.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Vote Meadocrat! Bill and Opus in 2000 - Who ELSE is there? -----------------------------------------------------------------------

27 years, 4 months

2
1
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Digital Group system

by eric＠brouhaha.com

My Digital Group system has arrived. I haven't had a chance to do anything with it yet, but it looks nice and was very well packaged. As expected, I received no documentation or software. Sam has offered to let me use the documentation and software he will be getting with his system, and that will be very helpful. However, my system has the Phideck digital cassette drives rather than disk drives, so I need to get either: PHIMON or other software that uses the Phidecks or a Digital Group disk controller Of course, any other Digital Group (or Peripheral Vision) goodies that might be available for sale or trade would interest me as well. I've updated my Digital Group web page a bit more; I've started scanning their early advertisments. One of my friends in Colorado has a fairly complete set of their catalogs, so I should be able to get them on line as well. http://www.brouhaha.com/~eric/retrocomputing/the_digital_group/ Cheers, Eric

27 years, 4 months

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the Canonical List of Commodore Products

by dcoward＠pressstart.com

Jim Brain said: >Calculator Series: >* 202 electric, 1 digit display with slider indiciator, > black case, white keypad, black,white,red keys SN B-63768 WW >* 208 mechanical tape calc with red/black ribbon. MI >* Blue LEDs, basic math, cream color, blue/red butons. TA >* Scientific calc, made in England, 44 extra keys BD >* 401 paper readout, darkgreen/bluegreen DV There are a few calculators that I didn't see on your list: 301 X-24 SR-6120R F4146R C112 US*5M US*10 see http://www.best.com/~dcoward/museum/mccommod.htm And maybe you can help me with information on a PET 2001 I have. It has the chicklet keyboard and built-in cassette deck, but in a redesigned case and a Friden name plate on the bottom (Yes, I know they were out of business by 1977). What do you know about re-badged PETs? ========================================= Doug Coward Press Start Inc. Sunnyvale,CA =========================================

27 years, 4 months

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Filetypes (was Re: Xerox)

by jfoust＠threedee.com

At 10:19 AM 12/17/98 -0800, Sam Ismail wrote: >On Thu, 17 Dec 1998, John Foust wrote: > >> Amiga trivia time: I and a friend liberated the Amiga Corp. sign from >> the lawn, too. It lived in his garage in San Jose for a while, then >> moved to Topeka, and then back to Sacramento. > >Oooh, cool! Any chance of this being exhibited at VCF 3.0? Offhand, I'd guess it's at <http://www.play.com/about/museum.html> today. - John

27 years, 4 months

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FSOT: PS/2 50 and 50Z Units

by rhblake＠bigfoot.com

(Sorry about the previously mis-addressed message) I have some PS/2 model 50Z's to move QUICK, and very reasonable. These are 286-10 processor units with ram, hard drive, etc. These are the main units only without monitor, mouse or keyboard. The units are listed as follows with specs and condition: 1) 50Z, overhauled, 2 mb ram, 30mb HD - $14 plus shipping 2) 50Z, overhauled, 2 mb ram, 30mb HD - $14 plus shipping 3) 50Z, overhauled, 1 mb ram, 30mb HD - $12 plus shipping 4) 50Z, overhauled, 1 mb ram, 30mb HD - $12 plus shipping Both 1 and 2 for $25 plus shipping. Both 3 and 4 for $20 plus shipping. I also have 3 other units with at least 1 mb memory but need work on the hard drives, or hard drive replacements. PS/2 drivs can be found all over cheaply up to 120mb. I need either $7 each for these working-but-need-work units (plus shipping) or all three for $15 plus shipping. Payment by money order only, US 48 states only please. Contact me by direct email if interested - I need these out very soon. Trades? Not for shipping but *possibly* for common PC items such as cdrom drives, sound boards, simm's in 30 and 72 pin, higher speed (28.8k and up) internal and external modems, etc. Should a trade occur, the buyer will pay shipping for the PS/2 units (minus the shipping of the trade item). I live in central KY near Louisville/Ft. Knox in zip 40144 in case anyone is curious. Anyone close can arrange for pickup with me to avoid shipping. Save shipping - three units should be able to go in one box for a lot less than one unit each in three cartons. As I said, all are complete and functional, some need work.

27 years, 4 months

1
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FSOT: PS/2 50 and 50Z units

by blakeman＠creative-net.net

I have some PS/2 model 50Z's to move QUICK, and very reasonable. These are 286-10 processor units with ram, hard drive, etc. These are the main units only without monitor, mouse or keyboard. The units are listed as follows with specs and condition: 1) 50Z, overhauled, 2 mb ram, 30mb HD - $14 plus shipping 2) 50Z, overhauled, 2 mb ram, 30mb HD - $14 plus shipping 3) 50Z, overhauled, 1 mb ram, 30mb HD - $12 plus shipping 4) 50Z, overhauled, 1 mb ram, 30mb HD - $12 plus shipping Both 1 and 2 for $25 plus shipping. Both 3 and 4 for $20 plus shipping. I also have 3 other units with at least 1 mb memory but need work on the hard drives, or hard drive replacements. PS/2 drivs can be found all over cheaply up to 120mb. I need either $7 each for these working-but-need-work units (plus shipping) or all three for $15 plus shipping. Payment by money order only, US 48 states only please. Contact me by direct email if interested - I need these out very soon. Trades? Not for shipping but *possibly* for common PC items such as cdrom drives, sound boards, simm's in 30 and 72 pin, higher speed (28.8k and up) internal and external modems, etc. Should a trade occur, the buyer will pay shipping for the PS/2 units (minus the shipping of the trade item). I live in central KY near Louisville/Ft. Knox in zip 40144 in case anyone is curious. Anyone close can arrange for pickup with me to avoid shipping. Save shipping - three units should be able to go in one box for a lot less than one unit each in three cartons. As I said, all are complete and functional, some need work.

27 years, 4 months

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disk drive database

by dburrows＠netpath.net

I just tried with Netscape 4.04 and IE4.0 ver 4.72 Both under NT 4 Works fine. Dan ><< > Anyway, I have no problem accessing anything in > http://www.blue-planet.com/tech/ while using Netscape 4.03 under windoze95. > Got a box around w/this setup? The site uses frames which I sometimes find > annoying myself. > > Send a *carefully* worded 'bitch' regarding their "no frames" access. We > don't want to p*** off the owner of *this* fine technical resource website:) > > Regards, Chris >> > > >grrr, i cannot get in either from amerika offline or from work using netscape >4.05 >

27 years, 4 months

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disk drive database

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

In a message dated 12/17/98 7:42:20 AM Pacific Standard Time, cfandt(a)netsync.net writes: << Anyway, I have no problem accessing anything in http://www.blue-planet.com/tech/ while using Netscape 4.03 under windoze95. Got a box around w/this setup? The site uses frames which I sometimes find annoying myself. Send a *carefully* worded 'bitch' regarding their "no frames" access. We don't want to p*** off the owner of *this* fine technical resource website:) Regards, Chris >> grrr, i cannot get in either from amerika offline or from work using netscape 4.05

27 years, 4 months

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good source of obscure IBM parts?

by gareth.knight2＠which.net

R. Stricklin (kjaeros) >For those unfamiliar with the Thinkpad Power Series line, they are IBM's >brief foray into the RS/6000 laptop market. The 850 sports a 100 MHz PPC >603e (not speedy) and a surprising array of multimedia capabilities >(including NTSC video I/O), and runs AIX up to 4.1.5, or 4.2.something if >one feels lucky. These are possibly one of the collectable machines of the last few years IMO. I've heard that it is even possible to run certain versions of MacOS 8 on them. -- Gareth Knight Amiga Interactive Guide | ICQ No. 24185856 http://welcome.to/aig | "Shine on your star"

27 years, 4 months

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disk drive database

by cfandt＠netsync.net

At 00:49 12/17/98 -0800, Sellam wrote: > >Hmmm, Lynx from the shell will take me to the main site, and to /tech, but >I get this when I try to go to /tech/no_frames.html: > > The requested URL /tech/no-frames.html was not found on this server. > >I think I'll send a bitch to the webmaster. Careful Sam! The webmaster may not like getting a female dog delivered to him/her! :) :) Anyway, I have no problem accessing anything in http://www.blue-planet.com/tech/ while using Netscape 4.03 under windoze95. Got a box around w/this setup? The site uses frames which I sometimes find annoying myself. Send a *carefully* worded 'bitch' regarding their "no frames" access. We don't want to p*** off the owner of *this* fine technical resource website:) Regards, Chris -- -- Christian Fandt, Electronic/Electrical Historian Jamestown, NY USA cfandt(a)netsync.net Member of Antique Wireless Association URL: http://www.ggw.org/freenet/a/awa/

27 years, 4 months

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Emulex doc archive site gone now . . .

by sinasohn＠ricochet.net

At 11:43 AM 12/15/98 -0500, you wrote: >Bruce had an unusual policy of sending nastygrams to folks who >(gasp!) put a link to his site without permission. Anyone who >did link without permission would find that their network was I seem to remember a lawsuit not too long ago wherein Ticketmaster sued Microsoft (I think) because MS had put a link to TM's web site on their Sidewalk site. Seemed silly then, and seems silly now. As I understand it, the whole idea of having a web site is to get people to visit it. Discouraging links to it would seem to be counter-productive. But, I guess it is a self-eliminating trait anyway. 8^) --------------------------------------------------------------------- O- Uncle Roger "There is pleasure pure in being mad roger(a)sinasohn.com that none but madmen know." Roger Louis Sinasohn & Associates San Francisco, California http://www.sinasohn.com/

27 years, 4 months

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CTSC BASIC Reference: free to a good home

by adavie＠mad.scientist.com

For just the postage cost from Australia (est. $5 surface, $15 air); the manual itself is free. I'll be throwing this out in a week unless there are any takers - a CTSC BASIC Reference manual - good condition - 350 pages. E00146-01 (Rev 5-CP) May 1974 by Infonet, The Information Network division of Computer Sciences Corporation. "This book describes the INFONET BASIC language, which is part of the Computer Sciences Teleprocessing System (CSTS)" A

27 years, 4 months

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disk drive database

by jim＠calico.litterbox.com

A week ago, someone was asking for hard disk params and someone else posted a really good web site with all kinds of disks. Naturally I forgot to bookmark it. Could someone repeat that URL, please? -- Jim Strickland jim(a)DIESPAMMERSCUMcalico.litterbox.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Vote Meadocrat! Bill and Opus in 2000 - Who ELSE is there? -----------------------------------------------------------------------

27 years, 4 months

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SOL feeding frenzy?

by Watzman＠ibm.net

I would actually like to be able to buy a "new" IMSAI (for example), even if it wasn't made by IMSAI, but I would want it to be understood that it was a newly produced copy. It won't happen, however, in part because it would be illegal to make any of these computer as "new" products. There were no FCC regulations when these machines were originally built, and none of them are in compliance, and they couldn't be put in compliance without a complete redesign (in fact, they are WAY out of compliance). Most of these were also not UL approved either. So if they were built, they would have to be described as antiques rather than as new reproductions. Barry Watzman ---------- From: Tony Duell [SMTP:ard@p850ug1.demon.co.uk] Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 1998 1:51 PM To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers Subject: Re: SOL feeding frenzy? > Don't hold your breath. I suspect we will be seeing "forged" computers by > late next year. Oh, I agree. There's been the suggestion of a reproduction Apple 1 here before. And I have no problem at all with 'reproductions'. Meaning a copy that's described as such. It gives more people a chance to use the whatever. But I do have a problem with faking - describing something as what it isn't. I think it will happen, though. -tony

27 years, 4 months

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Another ~1960 computer kit

by ddameron＠earthlink.net

Hi Doug and all, At 12:50 AM 12/16/98 -0600, you wrote: >On Tue, 15 Dec 1998, dave dameron wrote: > >> I was looked through some older magazines and found another computer kit >> from about 1959, 1960, a full page ad for the "geniac". It has 6 dials, each >> with 16 sets of radial holes. It's cost was US$19.95 and made in Mass. My >> guess is it was electro-mechanical, but could not tell any more from the ad. >> The ad said it could play "Nim", but that doesn't seem to be that unusual. >> Has anyone seen one or knows what it did? > >Geez, Dave, you're stealing all of my thunder. Can't you wait until I >open up my museum of personal computing? :-) O.K. :-) Well, I guess your museum will be that much more appealing. I have seen ads for many other computer kits, most have no name so I cannot describe them. The Digicomp I and Geniac seem to be more known. And yes, I would eliminate "logic trainers" too. I even saw a 74181 wired with input switches and output lamps. The time to assemble it would vastly exceed the time to exercise the 16 or so demo's! Others are very simple, such as the 3 potentiometer "3 dialer" analog "computers". I still have one I built in Jr. high school. (About age 14). > >The GENIAC was designed by Edmund Berkeley in 1955 and sold by his buddy >Oliver Garfield until the late 50's. Thomas Haddock calls the GENIAC the >first pc. He was close, but wrong. > >A nice guy by the name of Tom Boyko has a GENIAC (please, dealers, don't >bug him about selling it): > >Here are some pics of the manual: > http://www.Tom.Boyko.com/comp.htm A lot of other interesting systems, too. > >And here's an excellent Usenet account of how the GENIAC works: > http://www.dejanews.com/getdoc.xp?AN=213505518 This info is interesting. He made a card reader to input "Monopoly" data. So it appears to be 6 rotary switches made on the panel. Up to 6 poles, 16 position each. Amazing what could be "programmed"! Changing the "hard wired" connections may be a chore if its wires under the screw terminals, did not notice any place for a sort of a breadboard or "patch panel" to do this, or that one would fit the scope of it anyway. Thanks for all the information. -Dave

27 years, 4 months

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disk drive database

by roblwill＠usaor.net

The site seems to work fine for me without any login... I'm running IE4.0. -- -Jason Willgruber (roblwill(a)usaor.net) ICQ#: 1730318 <http://members.tripod.com/general_1> -----Original Message----- From: Zane H. Healy <healyzh(a)aracnet.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Wednesday, December 16, 1998 8:09 PM Subject: Re: disk drive database >>A week ago, someone was asking for hard disk params and someone else posted >>a really good web site with all kinds of disks. Naturally I forgot to >>bookmark it. Could someone repeat that URL, please? > >That would have been me that posted it, but <sniff> <sniff> it doesn't >matter that you forgot to bookmark it from the looks of things <sniff>. I >just went to http://www.blue-planet.com/tech/ and they've got some kind of >login, but no clue as to what it's about <sniff>. > >This really sucks! This was one of the most useful sites I've run across, >I REALLY am hoping it's some kind of configuration mistake! > > Zane >| Zane H. Healy | UNIX Systems Adminstrator | >| healyzh(a)aracnet.com (primary) | Linux Enthusiast | >| healyzh(a)holonet.net (alternate) | Classic Computer Collector | >+----------------------------------+----------------------------+ >| Empire of the Petal Throne and Traveller Role Playing, | >| and Zane's Computer Museum. | >| http://www.dragonfire.net/~healyzh/ | >

27 years, 4 months

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SOL feeding frenzy?

by sinasohn＠ricochet.net

At 04:19 PM 12/15/98 -0500, you wrote: >there are actually people trying to make money off this hobby. And this is bad? In the world of classic Land Rovers (mine turns 40 next year), I and all the other enthusiasts would be up the proverbial creek were it not for people out to make a buck -- the parts dealers, mechanics, magazines, show producers, rally arrangers, etc. Where would classic computers be without thrift shops, surplus dealers, jameco, digi-key(?), heck, even eBay? --------------------------------------------------------------------- O- Uncle Roger "There is pleasure pure in being mad roger(a)sinasohn.com that none but madmen know." Roger Louis Sinasohn & Associates San Francisco, California http://www.sinasohn.com/

27 years, 4 months

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unencoded keyboard

by jim＠calico.litterbox.com

Was someone here looking for un-encoded keyboards? If so, Alltronics has them for $1.99 US. 43 keys, 5.5 inches by 2 inches. www.alltronics.com -- Jim Strickland jim(a)DIESPAMMERSCUMcalico.litterbox.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Vote Meadocrat! Bill and Opus in 2000 - Who ELSE is there? -----------------------------------------------------------------------

27 years, 4 months

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Computer paint jobs (was Re: SOL feeding frenzy?)

by sinasohn＠ricochet.net

At 10:41 PM 12/15/98 -0500, you wrote: >Y'know, many times I've thought of painting computers, but never to >"fake" a classic, merely to make a computer I liked look good. For >instance, I never liked the dingy (and getting dingier every year) >off-white color of the TRS-80 Model 16 and most later Tandy There was some discussion a while back on the [TRS-80 Model 100] m100 list about that -- some one (a college kid iirc) had taken his apart and used purple(?) spray paint to add a cool design to the case. I always thought that was cool, but I haven't come across a computer I feel comfortable doing that to. Yet. --------------------------------------------------------------------- O- Uncle Roger "There is pleasure pure in being mad roger(a)sinasohn.com that none but madmen know." Roger Louis Sinasohn & Associates San Francisco, California http://www.sinasohn.com/

27 years, 4 months

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Another ~1960 computer kit - Philips?

by Innfogra＠aol.com

In a message dated 12/16/98 1:43:06 PM Pacific Standard Time, ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk writes: > > The other is, I think, considerably rarer. It was made by Philips, and > called the CL1600 series. It consists of a number of logic blocks that > can be wired (using patch leads) as a general 3-input logic gate. There > are 3 input sockets (A,B,C), one output socket (F) with a lamp next to > it, and 8 sockets to program the logic function, Another module, the same > size contained a battery-operated PSU and 6 input switches I think I might have a large version of this. I considered it a logic trainer, not a computer. The description of one of the blocks is the same. "There are 3 input sockets (A,B,C), one output socket (F) with a lamp next to it. Mine are white, about 2" square. The leads are black with gold tips of three varying lengths. I also have 6 different logic modules. I have a total of 30 to 50 modules and a couple of hundred leads. The large plug board is about 2' X 3' and powered by 120V AC. I haven't checked the power supply but I think the voltage on the logic units is about 2 or 3 volts. The whole assembly fits in its own wood travel case with handles. I have never found any info about this. There is no manufacturer's label anywhere on the units. I will try to get pictures of this in the next few days. Thurs. & Fri. I am out of town, it may wait till I return. > > There were some extension modules that I never had. One seemed to be the > same logic module with a relay as the output in place of the lamp. You > could control little model motors, etc using it. Another was a flip-flop > module. And there were probably others. >

27 years, 4 months

2
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Filetypes (was Re: Xerox)

by allisonp＠world.std.com

< If you look through memory, you can find the string BARSBAIT. < < > The Commodore's filetypes are silly. PRG, SEQ and USR are all just seq < > Only REL is truly different. generally in OS design there are only a few significant extensions (filetypes). the most common are: .EXE (executable, generally fixed address) nearly always a binary loaded at a nominal standard address. .COM also executeable but vary in composition Can be a binary, often in DEC systems it's a command file (SCRIPT). .SYS commonly drivers or system specific and usually loads differently (unique address or relocated). Most others are application specific and the OS treats them as "files" and it's up to the apps to do the right thing. Clearly Windows has carried that to the opposing extreme such that the extension determines the action but that is not at the file level it's at the command processor (GUI) level. Likely the extreme at the other end of the spectrum is CP/M-80 where .com is significant to the command processor and all others are only significant to apps. It allows for TYPE FOO.COM where FOO.COM is a binary that would load at 100H and looks like Greek on a vt100. In most OSs at the basic file level (FILE SYSTEM) one type is the same as another. the differentiation often occured at a higher level where the user command are interpreted and acted on. Exceptions abound but, they often do not add any value and are system specific. One that comes to mind is NS* DOS and the OS/FileSystem and command processor are so tightly bound that they live as only monolithic 2.5K(or so) block of code. It has some economies but ofthen its simplicity is a trade off. An alternate to this is having file information inside the file as a header block that binds the file to it's respective application. Correct me someone but I think the Apple MAC OS does this. It removes the need for the extension driving the application. Allison

27 years, 4 months

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Free PDP-8/10/11 (and related hardware) manuals (&boards)

by nabil＠teleport.com

Free (*) manuals, maybe some hardware too. Multiple sets of ASR-33 teletype maintainance volumes and print sets. Dynex Series 6000 Disk Drive instruction (/maint) manual. System Industries Model 3040 manual. System Industries Modem 3051 print set. (I have the OMNIBUS card for these around here someplace too.) Diablo Series 40 print set & manual. Plessy PM-80 (or something like that) prints set & manual (I think I have one or two of the cards too), it's OMNIBUS core memory. Four trays of PDP-11 paper-tape diagnostics. Some kind of Roytron/Litton OEM punch manual (I need to look at this one and make sure it's not something in a DEC box). PDP11 PAL/EDIT/ODT/PIP/LINK/LIBR manual. PDP-8/e (ONLY!) maintainance manual Vol 1. (note: old version!) PDP10 reference handbook. (big) Decsystem 10 TECO Decsystem 10 Users Handbook, 2nd ed (big) EMAIL replies to me, not to the newsgroup or mailing list. (*): Free for the cost of shipping. I will use subjective criteria in resolving between multiple requesters for the same material. I apologize in advance if I do not personally reply to you. -- Aaron Nabil nabil(a)teleport.com

27 years, 4 months

2
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Info on Laser 128

by pctech＠davidbowie.com

Someone i know came across this machine and asked if i could restore it.It is a Laser 128 I know it is an Apple II clone but what else can anyone tell me about it.I have cleaned this thing out(it was filthy)But cant start it up because i have no power cord to do so any info will be of great help Brian

27 years, 4 months

4
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"Single instance" machines

by foxnhare＠goldrush.com

> From: "Hans Franke" <Hans.Franke(a)mch20.sbs.de> > Subject: Re: "Single instance" machines > > ::Actually, the VIC-20's seem to be fairly hard to get now days. > > > Not that difficult. They appear on eBay from time to time and a place around > > here has a few refurbished models in stock. They *do* seem to inspire more > > loyalty to them than the 64 did, though, for some inexplicable reason. > > Don't forget: the V(I)C-20 was a bit faster and a way better > design then the C64. Way better? I would say simpler, the 64 was more complex in design but was par woith the machines of the time (Atari and Apple) where the VIC-20 was lagging at that point. And you guys mention graphics which were good, but it took YEARS for anyone to match the 64 in the sound depertment (first the Amiga then later the Soundblaster - was about to say IBM, but the big computer co.s had nothing to do with quality sound development on that platform.) Though it is sure easy to read that 22x23 character screen! I did with a VIC-20 and a datasette for a year, it sure teaches one to code tight. In reference to the memory question some VIC/VC REUs went to 24k (like the MSD one I have here), but there was also the Aprotek RAM expander/cartridge expander which filled every gap, all the contiguous memory (including the 3k portion in lower RAM) as well as the upper 8K Game ROM space. 32k? I think they gave it a bigger number, maybe by adding the 5k and the ROMS to the 'total memory', regardless, the Aprotek one was the ultimate in VIC-20 expanders... > And by the way, to catch up with the title - is there any > other Commodore B500 around, or a Pascal Microengine ? I hear of more of the P/B500 in europe then here, actually in the U.S. I think there are maybe three or so around, since they never were oficially released past the late prototype stage (due to one of Commodore's run-ins with the FCC). Dunno how many (if any) they sold in europe. 00101110010101100101011001000110 > From: jeff.kaneko(a)juno.com (Jeffrey l Kaneko) > Subject: Re: "Single instance" machines > > That's the story I heard. > The original name Commodore chose for the VIC was 'Vixen'. Before that the 'color computer' Commodore was developing was referred to as the TOI. I have read in one place that the TOI unit used a different video chip (recommended by Peddle?), but it could just be a rumor. I recall my first seeing the TOI article in a Cursor tape newsletter (paper portion), anyone got that issue?

27 years, 4 months

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