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

by foxnhare＠goldrush.com

> From: Marion.Bates(a)Dartmouth.EDU (Marion Bates) > Subject: Commodore 64/64C? > > I was wondering, what is the difference between a regular Commodore 64 and a > 64C? I've got one of each, and everything seems identical other than that the > 64C looks like a 128. Generally they are exatly the same except the 64C went through a couple of later board revisions that noticibly cut down the chip count and the board size (and not to mention the production cost too). One 'bug' that resulted is that the 64C's SID chip was 'fixed' of a clicking sound when you change volume levels. Unfortunately that 'click' was employed by some game and sound programmers to play digitized sounds, and without the 'click' those digitized sounds in older 64 games came out either muted or non-existant. > (Well, one other difference is that the 64C overheats after about an hour or so...) I hooked in a fresh (used) 64C into my BBS couple weeks back and after about 336 hours of continual use, it doesn't seem too noticibly warm. It may be because the slimmer 64C case is closer to the motherboard. ------------ The X-1541 post and response were by: g.j.p.a.a.baltissen(a)kader.hobby.nl (Ruud Baltissen) and "Frank Kontros" <frank(a)kontr.uzhgorod.ua> If you want more info than what I posted, talk to them, as I am more of a general programmer than a hardware/OS person. Larry -- -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+- Larry Anderson - Sysop of Silicon Realms BBS (300-2400bd) (209) 754-1363 Visit my Commodore 8-Bit web page at: http://www.goldrush.com/~foxnhare/commodore.html -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

27 years, 9 months

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Small Systems (was: Single-card video/I/O solution)

by sinasohn＠ricochet.net

At 11:18 AM 9/13/98 -0700, you wrote: >With such a card I can construct a minimal, full system on an old >386sx I have using only one expansion slot, which is a necessity. I came across a couple of small systems made by SIIG (who makes expansion cards now) that are the size of a small shoebox (not my shoes; Rachel's) and are complete systems with I/O, Video, FDC, HDC, etc. Room for a single 3.5" floppy and one 3.5"hd. One 16-bit expansion slot. Unfortunately, the ones I got are 286 and 386sx machines, but they work great for my voicemail system (which can run fine on an 8088). I would love to find such a box with something more current, but SIIG doesn't mention them on their web site. --------------------------------------------------------------------- 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, 9 months

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COMPUTER HAIKU

by Philip.Belben＠powertech.co.uk

Jim Weiler wrote: > I thought this listserve might appreciate these. I know I do. If anyone > knows of a source for these, other than the one I've attributed below, > I'd appreciate knowing of it. -Jim > > COMPUTER HAIKU > > Imagine if, instead of cryptic, geeky text strings, your computer produced > error messages in haiku... [Seventeen haiku all really hilarious are snipped from this point] > Best I can tell, this can be traced back to Tanya Olsen > (tanya.olsen(a)smtpgate.coga.state.co.us). I don't know if she wrote them, or > just passed them on. I haven't checked it out. All I can say is that I > appreciate them, and thank the creator, whoever it was, from one poet to > another. They are very good, IMHO. -Jim Weiler <heavy(a)tstar.net> There used to be a long list at http://www.mong.demon.co.uk/haiku.htm but it seems to have disappeared. I think all yours were on it - I have an hard copy at home. Anyone know where it's gone? I think Haiku error messages are a good idea, and now I work off my frustration by making them up for errors I get, such as: CC:Mails are stored all in one big database which you can't access. Philip.

27 years, 9 months

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new additions

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

i posted an old computers wanted ad in a local newsgroup and today i came home with a sanyo mbc-1000 cpm computer. came in its original box and plastic wrap and included system disks and manuals and wordstar, reportstar, and datastar, calcstar and mailmerge on original disks. i also got a star gemini10 printer. the proof of purchase shows over $1700. system is very clean and booted up with no problems. even has a pleasant keyclick through the speaker too. i also got a lead on some dec stuff, but no reply back from the induhvidual yet. david

27 years, 9 months

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Tape Storage for Dummies

by pete＠dunnington.u-net.com

On Sep 15, 16:15, CLASSICCMP(a)timaxp.trailing-edge.com wrote: > Subject: RE: Tape Storage for Dummies [Attribution lost] wrote: > > but quite a few "common" ISO/ANSI standards seem to > >have ECMA equivalents (ISO9660 is a definite example). > > It looks to me like ECMA-13, "File Structure and Labelling of Magnetic > Tapes for Information Interchange", may be the equivalent. > > >Copies of these standards cost money to obtain from ISO or ANSI, but the > >identical ECMA documents are available free of charge from the ECMA web site at > >http://www.ecma.ch/. > > ECMA-13 isn't available electronically, but it does indeed seem to be > the case that they will provide hardcopy free of charge. Many of the ISO standards are just the nationally-approved copies of the ECMA standards. As has been pointed out, they're not all available online, but they will supply hardcopy free -- it just takes several weeks to get them :-) Or you can order the ECMA CD-ROM, which has most of the standards, including many that are not online. -- Pete Peter Turnbull Dept. of Computer Science University of York

27 years, 9 months

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Apple ][ keyboard encoder

by ard＠p850ug1.demon.co.uk

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27 years, 9 months

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[OT] west vs. east (was Re: COMPUTER HAIKU)

by tomowad＠earthlink.net

>Speaking of things from the East, does anyone have any microcomputers from >the former Soviet Union? Reportedly they made some sort of 8080 clone >(though it was in a 48-pin package); I've also heard of an Apple ][ clone. I had a Korean Apple II clone. It was in a white case similiar to the Franklin Ace. The keyboard had an ordinairy US layout, for the most part, but the keys were also labeled in Korean. A key combo was used to switch between the two alphapbets. Tom Owad -- Sysop of Caesarville Online Client software at: <http://home.earthlink.net/~tomowad/>

27 years, 9 months

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Apple ][ programmer's reunion

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

www.gamespot.com/features/apple2/index.html

27 years, 9 months

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Fw: PCjr available to good home (Ohio)

by cgregory＠lrbcg.com

Please contact Birger directly if you are interested in the PCjr. Cliff Gregory cgregory(a)lrbcg.com -----Original Message----- From: Cliff Gregory <cgregory(a)lrbcg.com> To: Birger A. Bentsen <ansgar(a)ix.netcom.com> Date: Tuesday, September 15, 1998 12:53 PM Subject: Re: PCjr >Hi Birger, > >Thanks for the inquiry. I already have a fair quantity of PCjr hardware, so >I really wouldn't be interested in any more at this time; however with your >permission I can post the availability of the computer with various >newsgroups and mailing lists that I subscribe to. Surely there will be >someone there who would give it a nice home. Please don't discard this >classic. Let me know if it is OK to post your message. > >Regards, > >Cliff Gregory >cgregory(a)lrbcg.com > >-----Original Message----- >From: Birger A. Bentsen <ansgar(a)ix.netcom.com> >To: cgregory(a)lrbcg.com <cgregory(a)lrbcg.com> >Date: Tuesday, September 15, 1998 8:07 AM >Subject: PCjr > > >>Cliff Gregory: >>I contacted the PCjr Club in Eugene, OR, asking if the club knew of >>anyone who might be interested in a PCjr. I received an e-mail message >>listing your name as someone who might be able to "find a home" for my >>old PCjr. >>I have one PCjr Enhanced Version in working order. I don't want to throw >>it away, rather, I would like to find someone who might want to keep it. >> >>Let me know if you are interested. I live in Riverside, a suburb of >>Dayton, OH. >> >> >

27 years, 9 months

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Tape Storage for Dummies

by CLASSICCMP＠timaxp.trailing-edge.com

>>Should've answered this in the previous message: you can order a copy >>from http://www.ansi.org/, the designation is ANSI X3.27, and it costs >>US$32.00. >This isn't really on-topic I'd disagree - it certainly *is* on topic. The standards used to produce magnetic and other computer media are of extreme interest to me, both professionally and otherwise :-). > but quite a few "common" ISO/ANSI standards seem to >have ECMA equivalents (ISO9660 is a definite example). It looks to me like ECMA-13, "File Structure and Labelling of Magnetic Tapes for Information Interchange", may be the equivalent. >Copies of these standards cost money to obtain from ISO or ANSI, but the >identical ECMA documents are available free of charge from the ECMA web site at >http://www.ecma.ch/. ECMA-13 isn't available electronically, but it does indeed seem to be the case that they will provide hardcopy free of charge. -- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology Voice: 301-767-5917 7328 Bradley Blvd Fax: 301-767-5927 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817

27 years, 9 months

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X-1541 cable - beware

by foxnhare＠goldrush.com

> Subject: Using Commodore 15xx drives on PC's... > Someone found this and sent me a link to it, a cable made to allow > hookup to any of the Commodore 15xx serial bus drives to your parallel > port on your PC. > > http://www.student.informatik.th-darmstadt.de/~mepk/c64/hw/cables/x1541.html There has been some discussion on this in the CBM Hacker's maillist about the newer parallel ports not being able to handle the voltage levels used by the Commodore's IEC. Here is a copy of one of the latest in the chain: > Subject: Re: New X1541 standard > From: "Frank Kontros" <frank(a)kontr.uzhgorod.ua> > > Hi Ruud, > > >New X1541-cable, > > > >A lot of people happily use the X1541-cable to connect their PC with their > >C= equipment. I was one of them until one day my PC started to smoke. I > >opened my PC and found out that my I/O-card had gone to the moon. From that > >day on I used X1541 only in combination with an old-fashion all-TTL-ICs > >card and was happy again. > > Happily I gone into that conclusion in very early time :-) > > >When soldering the cable I instantly knew there was something fishy about > >it because I knew the lines of the IEC-bus were used to transport signals > >in two directions while the LPT-port had no line capable of doing this. > > And the authors of X1541 supported programs doesn't mention risk came with it. > > >The problem is that more and more users, including myself, have mother- > >boards with an onboard LPT-port and no hair on my head thinks of it using > >this port for things like X1541. It is easy to say to buy an extra card for > >this purpose but I also have no confidence in these as they are fitted with > >VLSI-chips as my I/O-card was. > > >The hardware: > > > >There are two directions to go: > >1) using transistors, resistors etc. > >2) using TTL ICs > > Or > > 3) Use resistors in range 100-200 Ohms, so risk could be minimized (but not > resolved) and programs should support that little modification :-). > > >Another idea is to use pin 10, Acknowledge, as input for the ATN-signal > >because this input is capable of generating an interrupt. This can be an > >advantage when using the PC as diskdrive for an C64. > > I can remember that some cards won't like correctly generate interrupts. > > >Extra idea: > > > >The datalines of LPT-port are not used. How about connecting them to the > >userport for 8 bit parallel transfers? > > I already connected and works perfectly. > > >For the old ports this can only be used for reading but for bidirectional > >ports.... (And I rebuild an old one :-) ) > > Done. What about my version? > > http://members.tripod.com/~Frank_Kontros/easyport/cable.gif > > OK! Needs bi-directional port, but simple. > > >The consequence is that to use this feature the kernal has to be changed. > > Changed successfully. Not completed, but the whole serial protocol emulated by > parallel way, fastload/save/verify, DOS WEDGE, F-keys. > > >Yvo Nelemans wrote Server64 and he wrote it in Turbo Pascal :-). He stopped > >with the devellopment and I have decided to resume with this project after > >getting his permission. Server64 is meant to use the PC as diskdrive for > >the C64. Unfortunally it also is as slow as a standard diskdrive in > >combination with a standard C64. > > I wrote it in asm, so you can compare the speedz. Just only 10 native mode drives > emulated and a 256K REU, but in future ... anything possible. > > >My questions to you are: > >1) does anybody have detailed protocol specifications of a fastloader only > >using the IEC-cable (example EXOS V3) and/or its sourcecodes? > >2) the same for a parallel fastloader (like SpeedDos)? > > In my opininon there are no fastloader specifications at all. All transfer > operations should be maximally synchronized. There are general rules, but > no specifications. Isn't you meant the burst protocol specifications, used > in 1571/81 drives? > > Regards, > Frank Thought I should pass it along. :) P.S. Subscription info for CBM Hackers list is on my web-page - see link below. -- -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+- Larry Anderson - Sysop of Silicon Realms BBS (300-2400bd) (209) 754-1363 Visit my Commodore 8-Bit web page at: http://www.goldrush.com/~foxnhare/commodore.html -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

27 years, 9 months

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Tape Storage for Dummies

by mark_k＠iname.com

On Sun, 13 Sep 1998 CLASSICCMP(a)timaxp.trailing-edge.com wrote: >> And 'The ANSI labeled tape spec' is available where.... ? > >Should've answered this in the previous message: you can order a copy >from http://www.ansi.org/, the designation is ANSI X3.27, and it costs >US$32.00. This isn't really on-topic, but quite a few "common" ISO/ANSI standards seem to have ECMA equivalents (ISO9660 is a definite example). Copies of these standards cost money to obtain from ISO or ANSI, but the identical ECMA documents are available free of charge from the ECMA web site at http://www.ecma.ch/. There is at least one ECMA standard that covers tape formats; maybe it is the same as the mentioned ANSI standard? -- Mark

27 years, 9 months

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Commodore 64/64C?

by Marion.Bates＠Dartmouth.EDU

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27 years, 9 months

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IBM 4869 5.25" floppy drive

by yakowenk＠cs.unc.edu

On Mon 14 Sep 1998 21:56:40, Mark <mark_k(a)iname.com> wrote: ] The other week I bought an IBM 4869 5.25" floppy drive. This is an external ] unit that hooks up to a PC via a 37-way D connector. The case is massive, ] ... Hope you didn't pay much; I have three of these available on my "for trade" web page. See this URL: http://www.cs.unc.edu/~yakowenk/classiccmp/fortrade.html I'm in NC, zip code 27514 (for those of you calculating postage). Cheers, Bill.

27 years, 9 months

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Commodore 64/64C?

by jsalzman＠hersheys.com

Mostly, there are some motherboard design difference between the two. However, it is known that you can actually swap the boards between the two if you preferred one case over another and have a bad unit. There were at least 4 different board revisions, so some boards may not move to another case. Another thing you might notice is the power supply connector is different. There was a connector redesign between the newer (aka 'flat C64') and older (aka 'Breadbox') C64's. The flat 64 has a square connector where the breadbox 64 has a round one. The flat 64 also has a different component layout due to IC consolidation. Maybe those newer chip designs are what's overheating your system. Or it could be the fact that the parts are closer to the outside of the case. I'm toying with the idea of swapping boards in my systems. I only heard that it can be done. I want a functional version of each and I have 2 working flat units and 7 dead breadboxes (of which I salvaged parts from to get an SX-64 working). For my display units, I would like one of each design in working order. Hope this helps, Jeff Salzman >I was wondering, what is the difference between a regular Commodore 64 and a >64C? I've got one of each, and everything seems identical other than that the >64C looks like a 128. (Well, one other difference is that the 64C overheats >after about an hour or so...) >

27 years, 9 months

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Lisa ad

by maxeskin＠hotmail.com

Popular science used to be a good magazine, until they changed editors a few years ago and it became much less informative. While before they had some real journalism, now it's just constant articles about 'the new superplane'. >On Thu, 10 Sep 1998 sethm(a)loomcom.com wrote: > >> > Is anyone interested in the Popular Science review of the Lisa? I've >> > stumbled across that particular issue and if any one is interested I'll >> > get it scanned and uploaded. >> > >> > colan >> >> I'd love to see it! Thanks for letting us know. >> >> Next to old computers themselves, my next favorite collectible is >> classic computer collateral -- ads, catalog entries, old photos, >> that kind of thing. > >I like this kind of stuff, too. > >We actually have a large pile of Popular Science magazines that are slowly >degrading in the basement. We were going to throw them out, so I got busy >with a razor blade and cut out a lot of things. Unfortunatley that got my >father and I reading the old issues, and as a result they still haven't >been thrown out. But I do have a binder full of interesting >computer-related stuff. > >The single-system reviews I've collected from Popular Science are: > >Apple /// >Xerox 820 >Timex Sinclair 1000 >Apple Lisa >Epson QX-10 >Access >Kaypro 10 >Gavilan >Macintosh >Sinclair QL >Acorn (unknown model, it's just called the Acorn in the article, looks > like BBC-B) >Kaypro 2000 >Amiga >Atari 520ST >Macintosh Plus > >A lot of other computers are mentioned (and photographed!) in articles or >mini-reviews, including: > >Sinclair ZX80 >VIC-20 >TRS-80 Pocket Computer >Sharp PC-1211 >NewBrain >TRS-80 Color Computer >TRS-80 Model III >IBM-PC >NEC PC-8001A >Osborne 1 >APF Imagination Machine >Casio FX-9000P >TI-99/4A >HP-86 >Sony SMC-70 >Olivetti M20 >Commodore BX256 >Zenith Z200 >Commodore Max >Astrocade >Altos >Cromemco >. >. >. >(the list is lengthier than I want to type ;) ) > >There are also ads for things like the TI-99/2 with Bill Cosby, the Adam, >the PMC-80, Ohio Scientific Challenger, Atari 400, Color Computer with >Isaac Asimov, VIC-20 with William Shatner, etc, etc, etc... > >Lots of cool articles on computer technology stuff, too. > >If you cut up Popular Science magazines and condense them to just the >computer stuff, you end up with a really interesting read. :) > >> -Seth > >Doug Spence >ds_spenc(a)alcor.concordia.ca >http://alcor.concordia.ca/~ds_spenc/ > > ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

27 years, 9 months

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Any Pr1me fans out there?

by allisonp＠world.std.com

< >Or a 11/780 < >equipped with a DECterm100 (bit mapped and the map is vax resident)? < < Didn't this get called a VAXstation-I. If it's the device I remember it < one (several) Unibus cards and a fibre optic connect or was this somethi < different again? Thats the beastie, I've used it too. Not bad for it's day. Allison

27 years, 9 months

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Apple ][ keyboard encoder

by pete＠dunnington.u-net.com

On Sep 14, 16:11, Sam Ismail wrote: > On Mon, 14 Sep 1998, James Willing wrote: > > > As I recall, (going a little out on a limb here) you are correct on the J2 > > connector. That was to support an Apple marketed numeric keypad. And, I > > believe that the other switch (along with cutting the marked pads) enables > > lower case encoding. > > > > Which of course does little good on an Apple II / II+ with standard ROMs. > > True. You still needed to acquire (or burn) a character ROM with > lowercase characters. A few years ago, I made the mod and created a suitable character set ROM image, which I burned into a 2716. If anybody wants it, you can pick up the ROM image at http://www.dunnington.u-net.com/public/NewCG -- Pete Peter Turnbull Dept. of Computer Science University of York

27 years, 9 months

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Apple ][ keyboard encoder

by CLASSICCMP＠timaxp.trailing-edge.com

>You're making some of it up. DOS intercepted the command line input and >only parsed out DOS commands. If it didn't recognize a DOS command it >passed the line off to BASIC. His DOS enhancement COULD have converted >any lowercase command line to uppercase before passing it on to BASIC so >it wouldn't puke. That's the way I interpreted his description of the action. >That's entirely doable and would be rather elegant. Except what's the purpose of the hardware lowercase modification if the first thing you do with it in software is convert to uppercase? :-) The only software that I extensively used on a Apple II that dealt with lowercase characters was Paul Lutus's _Applewriter II_. A very excellent editor, with what amounts to almost "regular expression" search and replace. If only EMACS (Eight Megabytes and Continually Swapping? Escape-Meta-Alt-Control-Shift?) were as lean and mean! Tim.

27 years, 9 months

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IBM 4869 5.25" floppy drive

by roblwill＠usaor.net

> > The other week I bought an IBM 4869 5.25" floppy drive. This is an external > unit that hooks up to a PC via a 37-way D connector. The case is massive, for a > simple floppy drive. > The extra space (length) is the power supply. I also have one of those drives. > Anyway, I can't get it to work properly. It is probably a 360K drive mechanism, > and my PC (Philips 386SX AT clone) boots normally with this type of drive set > in the backup RAM. It was made to work with the XT, plugging into a special port on the disk controller card. Yes, it is a standard 360K drive. > > I can format disks and use DIR, but reading or writing any files always gives > an Abort/Retry/Cancel error. Unsurprisingly, cleaning the heads made no > difference. Actually, to elaborate on this copying a load of files to a newly- > formatted disk gives an error after copying (say) the first two files. > > Does this drive have some non-standard pinout, different from the 37-way D > 5.25" port on the back of the PC, or maybe only work with IBM PS/2 machines? > The D connector goes directly to the disk drive. > If it is just faulty, what might the problem be? The cable is unlikely I think, > as is the power supply. > > The casing has a couple of tamperproof Torx screws. I'd like to know what size > they are so that I can buy a suitable screwdriver bit. Tamperproof screw solution: a SHARP 1/2" drill bit. Just drill off the heads, and you'll have no problem. The drive that I had, I had no use for, and couldn't get it to work with my PC, so here's what I did: -Pulled the old 360K drive, and replaced it with a 1.2 meg drive. -Cut a hole in the top of the case large enough so that I could attach a 3.5" drive on top of the 5.25". -Super-glued the 3.5" to the 5.25" drive. -Split the power cable, and put a 3.5" floppy connector on it so that the P/S could power both drives. -Using a TRS-80 printer cable (ribbon - type), I twisted the cable and put on new plugs to connect the floppies. -Ran the ribbon cable under the P/S, and out a slot that I cut in the back. -Connected all cables, and put the case back together. -Ran ribbon cable into open slot on back of computer and connected to floppy connector. It may seem like a bit of work to get an external drive, but it sure beats buying a new $80 tower case. -- -Jason (roblwill(a)usaor.net) ICQ#-1730318

27 years, 9 months

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Any Pr1me fans out there?

by allisonp＠world.std.com

I'm picking as I've been around long enough in the industry to see what I call retrorevisionism. It's the terminology creep that has been occuring since the PC became the computer for all things. Though its been going on for load longer. < I don't know why you would want to class that as a MPU. Most of these < terms were invented because a new breed came into existance and it neede < a new name to distinguish it from what came before. "Microprocessor" < was coined to celebrate a logic integration landmark: a computer on a < single chip. the terms were invented after the fact. < > < Microcomputer: a computer based on a single microprocessor. < > < > What if there are several performing different tasks in the same box. < < OK, Microcomputer: a computer that runs applications on a single < microprocessor. Lessee, my visual 1050 uses the 6502 for video and a z80 for the main cpu and a z80 for the MFM hard disk controller (all running concurrently). Teh single cpu thing is a sticking point. Try: A computer based on microprocessors. < I really don't know what to call a SMP PC, though. Microsupercomputer? Or the s100 4 z80 loosely coupled SMP running CP/M2.2... Terminology sorta gets mashed. < > < Workstation: a computer designed to run Unix with a bitmapped displa < > < > What if it's a VAX running VMS? Yes the VS3100s were definatly < > workststions. < < OK, Workstation: a computer with a bitmapped display designed to run a < non-Microsoft multitasking OS. ;') a NON PC pc. < > < Minicomputer: a timesharing computer that can support fewer than 10 < > < simultaneous users. < > < > VAX and minicomputer that could and often did have more than 100 users < < OK, Minicomputer: a general purpose computer without a memory-mapped < display, smaller than a mainframe. What about a MicrovaxII servicing a half dozen Xterms? Or a 11/780 equipped with a DECterm100 (bit mapped and the map is vax resident)? Minicomputer: something significantly smaller and cheaper than mainframes of the time. The definition was based on compact size not IO interface or the presence or lack of a bit mapped display. < > < Mainframe: a timesharing computer than can support 100 or more user < > < simultaneously. < > < > Generally big iron and most that had that distinction where physically < > large. AKA univac 1180. < < OK, Mainframe: a general purpose computer without a memory-mapped displa < that weighs at least one ton. Oh dear.. the video displays on some of the big ums... Actually the break point was again size and especially cost. At the time mini and mainframe were in vogue the difference was around 10/1 in cost and around the same or greater for weight. < Some people use PC's as dedicated controllers, but that doesn't make < a PC an embedded computer in my mind. Cross-development seems to be th < only common factor when people talk about embedded, although there are < embedded environments, such as QNX, that support native development. PDP-8s and 11s were some of the mainstays for embedded controls work and some had local resources enough to develop insitu. Your viewpoint is influenced by the current vogue. ***An embedded system is simply a system that has a computer (ANY!) burried/coupled to it.*** It could be a NC mill with a PDP-8, a production line with a PDP-15 or in later years a PLC or a process control system with a s100 crate and Compucolor board and color CRT. I have seen and worked on all of these and more. Allison

27 years, 9 months

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The Pill?

by dlw＠trailingedge.com

I have a small (about 2"x2") box which has a 30 pin edge connector on one end and a switch on the other. There is a label on one side with says: ON OFF "THE PILL" This came in a box of misc Atari 800 items but I don't know where it would plug into an Atari. Anyone have any idea what it might be? ----- David Williams - Computer Packrat dlw(a)trailingedge.com http://www.trailingedge.com

27 years, 9 months

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Limiting message size

by mark_k＠iname.com

Hi, Would it be possible to enforce a maximum size for each list message in the classiccmp mailing list software? 20K maximum should be okay, and would prevent people (accidentally or on purpose) sending large files through the list, as just happened. Otherwise when someone posts a large file to the list, those who subscribe to the digest version especially must decide between downloading a huge digest message file (containing the useless large posting), or skipping it and therefore missing proper messages. (If they have configured their mail program to alert them when large messages are waiting.) Does anyone have any thoughts on this? -- Mark

27 years, 9 months

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Here's something to consider.

by maxeskin＠hotmail.com

Because people don't want to feel like they're singlehandedly running the Ministry of Truth from a desk in their room. Something engineers never seem to get is the concept of a nice look. Many of the people on this list mention how ugly something is, and if I've seen it, I'm often forced to agree. >> STD Bus 8080 Computer board set mounted in a compucolor comercial color >> terminal. This terminal was a large metal box with a 19 inch monitor >> inside. It weighed 70 or 80 pounds. No one would have wanted it in their >> house. It was ugly, huge, very unwieldy and heavy. You could attach a 8" >> hard drive, 8" or 5 " floppys and any other interface availiable on STD >> bus that would fit in a near full 6 slot backplane. No comparison to an >> Apple II, which many people wanted in their homes. > >Well, you just spent a paragraph telling us your opinion of the >Compucolor, without giving any technical reasons as to why one would >prefer an Apple II over a Compucolor. > >Sam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com >------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >Ever onward. > > September 26 & 27...Vintage Computer Festival 2.0 > See http://www.siconic.com/vcf for details! > [Last web site update: 08/25/98] > > ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

27 years, 9 months

1
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IBM 4869 5.25" floppy drive

by mark_k＠iname.com

Hi, The other week I bought an IBM 4869 5.25" floppy drive. This is an external unit that hooks up to a PC via a 37-way D connector. The case is massive, for a simple floppy drive. Anyway, I can't get it to work properly. It is probably a 360K drive mechanism, and my PC (Philips 386SX AT clone) boots normally with this type of drive set in the backup RAM. I can format disks and use DIR, but reading or writing any files always gives an Abort/Retry/Cancel error. Unsurprisingly, cleaning the heads made no difference. Actually, to elaborate on this copying a load of files to a newly- formatted disk gives an error after copying (say) the first two files. Does this drive have some non-standard pinout, different from the 37-way D 5.25" port on the back of the PC, or maybe only work with IBM PS/2 machines? If it is just faulty, what might the problem be? The cable is unlikely I think, as is the power supply. The casing has a couple of tamperproof Torx screws. I'd like to know what size they are so that I can buy a suitable screwdriver bit. Finally, on another subject, if anyone has an old PC with at least three ISA slots (386SX would be fine) I could give it a good home. -- Mark

27 years, 9 months

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NeXT system available soon!

by thomas100＠home.com

A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text/enriched Size: 2085 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.classiccmp.org/pipermail/cctalk/attachments/19980913/6f613f5e/at…

27 years, 9 months

2
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Single-card video/I/O solution

by rigdonj＠intellistar.net

Jason, I have a card like that too. There's no same on it or the manual but the description is the same. It even has the Cirrus Logic video Bios. It has nine sets of jumpers near the center of the board and a single pair toward one end. The floppy and IDE connectors are mounted vertically near the center of the board. Let me know if you want to compare them and see if they're the same. I have the manuals and software for mine. Joe At 12:45 PM 9/13/98 -0700, you wrote: > >I had a multi-I/o card that did 2 serial, 1 parallel, 1 game, SuperVGA >(Cirrus Logic 5424 I think), IDE and floppy all on one card. But it was a >VLB card. I used it in my 486SLC I had at the time. I don't remember who >made it. It was "generic" -- no name printed on the card, and all of the >large number of jumpers where labelled "JPx" so it was quite difficult to >reconfigure without the manual. > > -jrs > >At 11:18 AM 9/13/98 -0700, you wrote: >>I'm looking for a slight variation of a card I have in an old PC/XT, >>one card with: >> - video (monochrome text only is OK, VGA at best) >> - floppy disk controller (3.5in, 1.44MB is necessary) >> - serial/parallel I/O (optional, one serial port would be nice) >> - and (optionally) a hard drive controller (MFM is OK, IDE better) >>With such a card I can construct a minimal, full system on an old >>386sx I have using only one expansion slot, which is a necessity. >> >>The card I have is an 8-bit ISA card, and that or a 16-bit ISA card >>would be OK. The card I have only does up to 5.25in, 720KB floppies, >>and that's why I can't steal it from my XT. >> >>Was such a card ever made? (It's not too much of a step beyond what >>I have.) Does anyone have one around? Does someone still make such >>a card? >> >>Thanks, >>Dave >> >_______________________________________________________________________ > \/|/\ | Jason Simpson | http://www.xio.com/jason/ > /\|\/ | jason(a)xio.com | Wanted: '87-90 Volkswagen Fox 2 Door Wagon >

27 years, 9 months

1
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Here's something to consider.

by allisonp＠world.std.com

< the Compucolor came with an "integrated display", and featured 160x192, < 8-color (vector) graphics (the Apple was capable of 280x192 bit-mapped The Compucolor had raster graphics. It did run it as raster too. The software was written as vector to raster. < Yet the Apple II is celebrated as having been the first home computer wi < built-in color graphics, and almost no mention of the Compucolor is eve < made in any general computer history texts. The obvious difference < between the two is that the Apple II went on to enjoy tremendous succes < for the next 15+ years while the Compucolor was relegated to an also-ran < The victors do indeed write the history, or at least get the lion's shar < of the mention. Such are the vagarities of history. < I think its odd that a system such as the Compucolor, extremely comparab < to the capabilities of the Apple II (if not more so in some respects) < hardly gets mentioned in the computer history books I read. the difference is the apple could be had peicemeal for less and the Compucolor was big and expensive. the CC was intimidating and aimed at the highend, appleII was cuddly and inviting being aimed a bit lower. Think of it this way it's wasnt' what the hardware could do it was waht the user perceived (s)he could do with it. < The lesson of this story is, you can have the best, most amazing produc < in the world, but "build it and they will come" does not apply. You've < got to advertise. Apple was obviously more masterful at this. DEC did not learn that several times over starting with the PDP-11/150 (destop pdp-11 system), the VT180, Pro350 and Rainbow. Yet the DECMATE series which were fairly capable but generally used for wordprocessing are like flies! Allison

27 years, 9 months

2
1
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Mystery cartridge -- help identify?

by jsalzman＠hersheys.com

What are the expansion port specs (if applicable) of an Atari ST? Research on the internet turned up info about a cartridge port expander made to connect a scanner to an ST via a Navarone Cartridge Interface (ref:) http://www.ataricentral.com/wwwboard/messages/366.html Other found info: Navarone Industries is (was) located at: Navarone Industries, Inc. 510 Lawrence Expressway #800 Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (ref:) http://cws86.kyamk.fi/Computers/Commodore/articles/Enhancing_Your_64/ --------------------------------------- Navarone apparently made stuff for the TI99. I wonder if it is a pass-thru cart for the side connector of a TI99, where the speech module connects to (I forget if the port is male or female)? Or, even though it may not be as wide as a regular TI cart, does it slide into the front cartridge connector anyhow and possibly be used for copying cartridges? <insert standard liability disclaimer> --------------------------------------- Jeff Salzman >It certainly seemed about the right size for a 64 cartridge, but it doesn't >work that way. Also, the passthru plug is a teeny big too large to easily get >a cartridge to attach to it. >

27 years, 9 months

2
2
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robots?

by bill_r＠inetnebr.com

>> On Tue, 8 Sep 1998, Uncle Roger wrote: >> >> > Similarly, does anyone remember a truck-like thing (big trax?) that you >> > could program sorta like LOGO? I remember the commercials showed it >> > bringing a soda (or beer?) to one lucky owner. Unfortunately, my family's >> > gift budgets never would have covered such a nifty gadget... 8^( >> >> My oldest brother got one of those for Christmas in maybe '78. Those were >> cool! I hope I run into one of them one of these days. Weren't they made > >When I was in 4th grade a classmate had one. We were all jealous of course. >I think he said it went for $80. > >Seems like maybe it picked itself up on a turntable in order to make >turns in-place. I'm pretty sure the wheels didn't steer. > I believe you're talking about the Mattel "Big Trak"? My nephews had one of those many years ago. I believe it used tank-type steering; six wheels, and it could either lock one set and pivot using the others, or reverse one side. I've got some surplus gearboxes and motors from the Big Trak that I purchased several years ago. They're kind of neat; they have two motors and gear trains, linked together with a couple of big magnets. If you run both in the same direction, the magnets are strong enough to force both motors to turn at the same speed. If you reverse one of the motors, the magnets alternately repel and attract. This either forces the machine to drive in a straight line, or to pivot about its center, respectively. They also have an optical interrupter on one gear so the CPU can tell how far the motors have turned. It had a hookup to dump the trailer, and I think some other options that never were released. It was a pretty cool toy. A quick web search found this: BigTrak User's Guide: http://www.comp.lancs.ac.uk/computing/courses/year3/358/cwk/brown/BT_UG/ BigTrak Simulator Project: http://www.comp.lancs.ac.uk/computing/courses/year3/358/cwk/corke/ BigTrak Repair Service: http://www.lavalamp.demon.co.uk/bigtrak/bigtrak.htm Bill Richman incolor.inetnebr.com/bill_r (Home of the COSMAC Elf microcomputer simulator!)

27 years, 9 months

4
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NeXT FAQ/info

by mtapley＠swri.edu

Hello, all, > Also is there a FAQ on these systems somewhere? I took a look out on the > net, but didn't dig anything up. Here are Net.places I'd start with for info on NeXTs: http://www.stepwise.com http://www.peak.org/next http://enterprise.apple.com/NeXTanswers all extracted from the periodical "..Resources on the Net" posting in comp.sys.next.announce if you can get usenet. Also: http://www.peak.org/~luomat/next/index-noframe.html - Mark

27 years, 9 months

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Portland, Ore. Info

by Philip.Belben＠powertech.co.uk

Zane Healy wrote: > Stuff I saw: [...] > A very interesting little Tek terminal on it's own stand Get a better look at this. It could be any of the following (at least): 4006 4012 4014 4051 4052 4054 4052A 4054A I'd guess it's not a 4014 or 4054 (A or otherwise), since these are not in the least "little" However 4052s of any flavour are EXTREMELY RARE. AFAIK, the only two known still to exist are mine and the one in the computer museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (If anyone knows of another 4052 or 4054 please let me know!) All the TEK terminals of this date are interesting, partly because of the dead-end technology, viz. the storage tube. If it is more recent than storage tube TEKs, it may still be interesting... BTW, the 4050 series had computers tucked in the bottom of the terminals - a 6800 based micro in the 4051 and a 16 bit bitslice in the others. To give you an idea of value, I paid roughly $200 for my 4052, and I have been advised by Dr Dooijes at the Dutch museum to insure it for $3000. (NB he paid nothing for his). It looks like insurance for the VCF is going to cost another 100 pounds... Philip.

27 years, 9 months

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One more NeXT dealer

by mtapley＠swri.edu

All, Thomas Pfaff picked out 3 of my top 4 NeXT sources. The 4th is: http://206.67.57.106 Black Hole, Incorporated (having problems with his USP pointing to http://www.blackholeinc.com/ ) I have contacted them before, and they seemed nice, but I have not dealt with them. (They didn't have the software I was looking for.) - Mark

27 years, 9 months

1
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Mystery cartridge -- help identify?

by jsalzman＠hersheys.com

If it's for the 64, it could be a cartridge like Action Replay or whatever was made for the 64. It usually has a pass-through on the expansion bus and a button to activate the cart. These carts were used to *freeze* the computer and allow you access to all the current memory to examine, change, or save entire blocks to disk. The logic chips were probably used to transfer control electrically from the Kernel to the code stored in the EPROM upon the push of the button. Jeff Salzman > >It's a white plastic cartridge with a 44-pin male card-edge connector and a >light blue plastic female passthru for the same type of connector. It has a >square black plastic button on top. It is (was) glued shut. Inside there is >an 24-pin EEPROM (88251A+ MM2716Q) with a Mitsubish Electric sticker >covering the window, a 14-pin IC (P234 DM7400N), and another 14-pin IC (EL >SALVADOR 1820-0328 7936 <Texas Instruments Logo> SN7402N). And two small >resistors and capacitors. On the circuitboard it says "NAVARONE (C)" and >next to the contacts where the little carbon pad on the underside of the >button makes contact, it says "TOP". >

27 years, 9 months

2
1
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MX test...

by allisonp＠world.std.com

< > Can you guys ack this please? < > < > If it works, I've taught VAX/VMS to speak SMTP... Whoa! You got my attention... as they say tell me more being I have a upwards of 7 of them running here. Allison

27 years, 9 months

2
1
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Free 19-inch rack - DC area

by CLASSICCMP＠timaxp.trailing-edge.com

I've got an ex-Systems Industries 19" computer rack available. It's got about 60" of vertical mounting space available and a nice-built in surge protector and power distribution system. Very, very heavy duty construction (weight empty is about 200 lbs.) with big casters on the bottom. Sides and top are removable. Terms: first person to show up with a vehicle capable of carrying it away gets it - after they help me pull the Fuji 2444 currently residing in it. -- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology Voice: 301-767-5917 7328 Bradley Blvd Fax: 301-767-5927 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817

27 years, 9 months

6
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(Fwd) Rescue in the UK

by dlw＠trailingedge.com

If anyone in the UK is interested contact the party below. ------- Forwarded Message Follows ------- From: kthacker(a)krisalis.co.uk Date sent: Mon, 14 Sep 1998 13:57:32 +0100 Hi, If you're interested I have a Amiga A500+ in bad condition which you could try to rehabilitate. I've only got the casing (a bit dodgy), the main board (missing Kickstart 2) - when you switch it on it fails - might be problem with real time clock etc. It also has the disc drive and keyboard. I'm happy to send it to you, but you'd have to pay postage. I'm not sure if you are in the UK, but it would be better if you were. I'd prefer for it not to go into a landfill site. Kev ----- David Williams - Computer Packrat dlw(a)trailingedge.com http://www.trailingedge.com

27 years, 9 months

1
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Here's something to consider.

by jfoust＠threedee.com

At 09:43 PM 9/13/98 -0700, youthful photogenic Sam Ismail wrote: > >The lesson of this story is, you can have the best, most amazing product >in the world, but "build it and they will come" does not apply. You've >got to advertise. Apple was obviously more masterful at this.] In my experience, when engineers and programmers say "best" they mean technically pure, interesting, vibrant, and often cost-effective. They always seem baffled by the marketplace when it decides that "best" means something else and doesn't buy the coolest technology as frequently as something seemingly second-best, and it only gets worse when others begin to espouse the notion that "most popular" equals "best" as well. - John

27 years, 9 months

1
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The Pill?

by jsalzman＠hersheys.com

The Atari 8-bit FAQ mentions something about the "Pill" cartridge copying scheme. http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-dir/atari-8-bit/faq.html Jeff Salzman >\I have a small (about 2"x2") box which has a 30 pin edge connector >on one end and a switch on the other. There is a label on one side >with says: > >ON OFF > "THE PILL"

27 years, 9 months

2
1
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Commodore Plus/4

by oajones＠bright.net

I have a Commodore Plus/4 for sale. It is in mint condition and in the original box with books, ect. The price is $25 plus shipping. --Alan

27 years, 9 months

1
0
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Lisa ad

by cdrmool＠interlog.com

Is anyone interested in the Popular Science review of the Lisa? I've stumbled across that particular issue and if any one is interested I'll get it scanned and uploaded. colan

27 years, 9 months

3
2
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Rare Footage of Lisam Robot

by jolminkh＠nsw.bigpond.net.au

Doesn't he have any keyboards either? Where have all the keyboards gone?

27 years, 9 months

1
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Here's something to consider.

by WHoagIII＠aol.com

This one is a no brainer. I scrapped a Compucolor 8001 once. It was a STD Bus 8080 Computer board set mounted in a compucolor comercial color terminal. This terminal was a large metal box with a 19 inch monitor inside. It weighed 70 or 80 pounds. No one would have wanted it in their house. It was ugly, huge, very unwieldy and heavy. You could attach a 8" hard drive, 8" or 5 " floppys and any other interface availiable on STD bus that would fit in a near full 6 slot backplane. No comparison to an Apple II, which many people wanted in their homes. Paxton

27 years, 9 months

2
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Intro NeXTstation Turbo Questions

by thomas100＠home.com

Setting 17" monitors on the box is normal. The CPU can handle it. Most of the connection cables aren't long enough to do otherwise anyway. :-( Openstep 4.2 on NeXT hardware does Windows Networking (Samba). If you have a printer you can even set up your entire NeXT machine as a postscript printer from Windows and have at it! There is also an Appletalk server available for it [free] that is a double-clickable application. You probably won't have much need for Netinfo. Nevertheless it's easiest to use the Simple Networking application in /NextAdmin, enter an IP address and set it up as a Netinfo server. Before doing this, go into /etc and copy the default netinfo directory s.t. you have a spare copy. So if you mess up your netinfo database while you're getting started you can boot in single user mode and start over. Also make a copy of the default /etc/hostconfig file. [Call them hostconfig.default and netinfo.default if you like] More specifically... cd /etc cp -r netinfo netinfo.default cp hostconfig hostconfig.default If you have any problems let me know... Thomas

27 years, 9 months

1
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Intro NeXTstation Turbo Questions

by healyzh＠ix.netcom.com

As the subject says I've got a couple of REALLY basic questions. I picked up my first NeXT box yesterday, and am getting ready to start playing with it. Is it safe to set the 17" monitor on top of the box? The box seems rather flimsy for that. Also is there anything I should be aware of when initially powering the thing on? Does it need to be attached to my network prior to powering on? Basically I've got enough experience with OPENSTEP 4.2 x86 to know that I want to ask some really stupid questions prior to trying anything :^) Oh, and what's the story with the DSP port on the back? Zane | Zane H. Healy | UNIX Systems Adminstrator | | healyzh(a)ix.netcom.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, 9 months

2
3
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Stuff up for grabs, and an explanation

by kyrrin＠jps.net

Hi, folks, I just posted a blurb to the Usenet groups comp.sys.dec and comp.sys.dec.micro to start moving most of the stuff I rescued a while back from Fluke up in Everett. I'm CC'ing this to Dave Jenner as I think he was one of the folks who wanted some of the rescued gear. If this isn't true, Dave, please pardon the post. Some explanation is, I feel, in order as to why I didn't post here first (as I normally would have). When I first picked the stuff up, my contact said that there had been considerable interest in the stuff, though my response had apparently come in first. He later forwarded me an E-mail containing the contact info for the others who had responded, since I had made a promise to redistribute the stuff after I decided what I wanted to keep. Due to my own clumsiness, this E-mail has gone astray. Since my Fluke contact's original message advertising the stuff had gone to the same two groups I posted my latest blurb to, I figured it would be a good bet to do the same thing under the assumption that the same people would see this and get in touch with me. So, there you have it. I'm more concerned with finding the stuff a good home than anything else, though I did make a request for a contribution of $25 to help cover the time off from work and gas/wear/tear on my car (it was a fairly long trip). Let's see how it goes.... -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Bruce Lane, owner and head honcho, Blue Feather Technologies E-Mail: kyrrin (at) jps [d=o=t] net (munged to screw up spambots) Sent on 13-Sep-98 at 21:55:18, Pacific -- http://table.jps.net/~kyrrin "...No matter how much we may wish otherwise, our science can only describe an object, event, or living creature in our own human terms. It cannot possibly define any of them..." -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

27 years, 9 months

1
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Tape Storage for Dummies

by CLASSICCMP＠timaxp.trailing-edge.com

> And 'The ANSI labeled tape spec' is available where.... ? Should've answered this in the previous message: you can order a copy >from http://www.ansi.org/, the designation is ANSI X3.27, and it costs US$32.00. -- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology Voice: 301-767-5917 7328 Bradley Blvd Fax: 301-767-5927 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817

27 years, 9 months

1
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Tape Storage for Dummies

by CLASSICCMP＠timaxp.trailing-edge.com

> And 'The ANSI labeled tape spec' is available where.... ? ANSI sells copies - I don't know the current price. The one I carry around with me is ANSI X3.27-1978, "File Structure and Labeling of Magnetic Tapes for Information Interchange". There's a more recent Level 4 document that makes the (obvious) Y2K-compliance workaround the "official" solution, but I can't find my copy at the moment (I may very well have left it at a customer's site... oops!) >> When dealing with RT-11 (not ll!) tapes under VMS, please keep >> in mind the very detailed advice in the RT-11 "Volume and File >> Formats Manual", pages 1-37 through 1-39. > Easier kept in mind when the mind in question actually has *access* >to the aforementioned document; this one does not. :( Get me a fax number and I'll send you the relevant pages. -- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology Voice: 301-767-5917 7328 Bradley Blvd Fax: 301-767-5927 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817

27 years, 9 months

1
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Tape Storage for Dummies

by CLASSICCMP＠timaxp.trailing-edge.com

>A tape from a PDP-11 would ahve to be mounted foreign as it's a non >files-11 format. >Allison Gees, Allison, I've been interchanging tapes between VMS and RT-11 and RSX-11 for years and I don't have to mount them foreign :-). You will very likely want to review section 1.2.2 in your "RT-11 Volume and File Formats Manual" to get the straight dope RT-11 <-> VMS file interchange. In particular, it notes how RT-11 uses 80-byte HDR1 records now. If anybody *really* wants to get into minutae, we can begin a discussion about whether ANSI Standard X3.27-1978 requires that headers be exactly 80 bytes or whether it just sets forth the interpretation of the first 80 bytes. I don't have a copy of the level 4 standard with me at the moment, but I don't think this makes it any clearer. In any event, the level-4 compliant versions of RT-11's FSM handlers in RT-11 V5.7 only write 80 byte headers, so it's now a moot point. And tell any RSX devotee that his magtapes must be mounted /FOREIGN on a VAX and he'll teach you about something called an ACP :-). -- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology Voice: 301-767-5917 7328 Bradley Blvd Fax: 301-767-5927 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817

27 years, 9 months

1
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Portland, Ore. Info

by healyzh＠ix.netcom.com

For anyone in the Portland area I just met a most interesting Computer Recycler. Unlike the standard Horror stories I hear, he's working out of an apartment complex he apparently runs. He's got a ton of stuff squirreled away, and would rather sell to people that will reuse it, but if that doesn't work out, or if he doesn't think he can resell it, it gets recycled. Stuff I saw: IBM System III Model 50 A very interesting little Tek terminal on it's own stand A lot of Apollo Domain A lot of HP stuff including an interesting rack mounted system with, a 9-track drive. Sun stuff (I've got a friend that bought a complete Sparc 10 system from him) More PC stuff than you can shake a stick a Some NeXT stuff (which I got most or all of) Stuff I got: Some tape drives, mostly DAT and an old 8mm (think I cleaned him out of DAT Toshba CD-ROM (My Alpha loves it, and the DAT I hooked up) NeXT B&W Turbo slab system/32Mb RAM/1Gb HD/keyboard/mouse/monitor haven't tried it yet, so no idea how it works. Also no idea if it has an OS on it NeXT MO drive I let him know that there are people looking for a lot of the stuff he didn't seem to think anyone would want. A good example being Amiga and Atari systems. I've also asked him to let me know when any DEC stuff shows up. Zane | Zane H. Healy | UNIX Systems Adminstrator | | healyzh(a)ix.netcom.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, 9 months

2
2
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Tape Storage for Dummies

by allisonp＠world.std.com

First: $ help copy $ help backup $ help files under vms should be helpful as it nominally goes down to examples. < Distant memory time... As far as copying files to the tape, did you < initialize it prior to MOUNTing it? < $ INIT MSA0: TEST !TEST being the volume name assigned to the tape That is correct. < $ MOUNT MSA0: TEST !tape "mounts", and is given the logical name < "TEST". It's mount/foreign msa0: < $ COPY DUA0:[MYDIRECTORY]FILENAME.EXT TEST:FILENAME.EXT !file spec is < an example....... $backup/log/image DUA0: MSA0:test.bak/sav < < /FOREIGN, and use < "BACKUP". Yep! A tape from a PDP-11 would ahve to be mounted foreign as it's a non files-11 format. Allison

27 years, 9 months

1
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Tape Storage for Dummies

by CLASSICCMP＠timaxp.trailing-edge.com

> On my now beautifully working uVAX II (thanks again Allison!) I >have a Cipher 9trk and a TK50... I have the MIcro VMS User's Manuals >VOL I & II. I understand the concept of mounting the devices and >allocating them (sort of), and I have successfully loaded, mounted, >allocated, and initialized a roll of tape on the Cipher. I have made >a Test directory on the HD called [TEST] ;} on which I have created >a couple of simple text files. I have tried to copy these files to >the tape (MSA0:), and it does *something*, the tape advances and the >HD led flickers, but when I try to copy these files back, all I get >are sequentially numbered blank directory entries. Some very important questions that need to be answered: 1. Which version of VMS? 2. What commands did you use? The *exact* commands, with all qualifiers. You know, it is *very* hard for us to tell what you did wrong unless you tell us exactly what you did! It sounds like you may have very well mounted the tape /FOREIGN, in which case there is no file name associated with each file. (See the ANSI labeled tape spec for more details about what /FOREIGN isn't doing for you :-) ) > I mounted/foreign an RT-ll sig tape, and tried to copy it to the >HD; same thing. Show/Dev/MSA0: shows the right Volume Label.. but >the directories are empty when I copy them back... Again, what commands? If you MOU/FOR the tape, by default there is no "file name" associated with each file, and on a copy back you will get files named "." (apparently what you are seeing). When dealing with RT-11 (not ll!) tapes under VMS, please keep in mind the very detailed advice in the RT-11 "Volume and File Formats Manual", pages 1-37 through 1-39. Finally, don't forget "/LOG" if you want to know what each COPY command is really doing for you :-). As a basic test of ANSI labeled tape functionality under VMS, try this: INIT MSA0: TEST (if it complains, use /OVER=(ID,ACCESS) ) MOUNT MSA0: TEST COPY LOGIN.COM MSA0: DIR MSA0: COPY MSA0:LOGIN.COM []LOGIN2.COM -- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology Voice: 301-767-5917 7328 Bradley Blvd Fax: 301-767-5927 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817

27 years, 9 months

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Tape Storage for Dummies

by jpl15＠netcom.com

This is an open letter to my Northern Brother-in-Scrap, Bruce Lane, 'cause I know he's done this... and I thought maybe others will have (or soon have) these questions too... Okay.. I realize now that all of my 20+ years of computer experience has been on disk-based systems... and I am having some fundamental-concept problems in understanding the basics of Tape, as it is implemented under VMS (and maybe RT-11 too, I'll burn that bridge when I get to it). On my now beautifully working uVAX II (thanks again Allison!) I have a Cipher 9trk and a TK50... I have the MIcro VMS User's Manuals VOL I & II. I understand the concept of mounting the devices and allocating them (sort of), and I have successfully loaded, mounted, allocated, and initialized a roll of tape on the Cipher. I have made a Test directory on the HD called [TEST] ;} on which I have created a couple of simple text files. I have tried to copy these files to the tape (MSA0:), and it does *something*, the tape advances and the HD led flickers, but when I try to copy these files back, all I get are sequentially numbered blank directory entries. I mounted/foreign an RT-ll sig tape, and tried to copy it to the HD; same thing. Show/Dev/MSA0: shows the right Volume Label.. but the directories are empty when I copy them back... I am lacking in the basic understanding of how the tape system works, so I thought to ask my Firends and Listmembers. Cheers John

27 years, 9 months

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IBM System 34 and 36 questions

by rws＠ais.net

Hi everybody, I have just acquired several large pieces of equipment and I have some questions about them. I haven't moved them yet- some of these questions concern moving them. What I have are an IBM System 34 (model 5340), an IBM System 36 (model 5360), two tape drives (model 8809-1C), and two printers (model 3262-B1), plus some manuals and tapes. Everything is supposed to be in working order- they upgraded and pulled the plug. 1. How much do these things weigh? The computer person there estimated 2000 lb. for the 34, 1000 lb. for the 36, 700 lb. on the printers and 500 lb. on the tape drives. Does that sound about right? 2. How possible is partial dismantling for transport? I didn't get to tear into them to look. Loading access is fairly good in the building they are in, but unloading the 34 could be tricky. It would help if I could lighten them up. 3. What needs to be done before moving? Head locking, moving or removing anything, stuff like that. Other less important stuff that I'm curious about: 4. What kind of interface does it have to the terminals? 5. What kind of power does it need? I'd assume 3 phase 220v. 6. How much computing power is this? Compared to a VAX 11/750, say. 7. How will these things tolerate living in an unheated building over winter? I live in IL. Any other hints and tips would be greatly appreciated. I'd really like to be able to move these machines without damage (to the machines or me). I went there today mainly as a recon mission, but they convinced me to take home a Wang word processing system. The server is a model OIS-60X, and it has 4 terminals hooked up by RS336 (?) over coax (BNC connectors), plus a laser printer. I think the printer weighs more than the server. I got a bunch of cartridges for it, and some Canon copier cartridges too, "because they're almost the same". I think not. Thanks, Richard Schauer rws(a)ais.net

27 years, 9 months

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WTB: Portable

by roblwill＠usaor.net

Hello everyone. I'm looking for an old IBM or Compaq Portable (or any other that the motherboard can be replaced with a standard one (especially the IBM). I'm looking for a fairly speedy portable, because of the program that I use (needs a 486).I have an old 486/66 board that I can use, but I don't feel like spending $700 for a portable case w/display. I'd be willing to trade a VGA or an EGA monitor for it, or be willing to pay a fair (ly low) price (since I won't be using much of the guts, anyway. as always, ThAnX in advance, -- -Jason (roblwill(a)usaor.net) ICQ#-1730318

27 years, 9 months

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Single-card video/I/O solution

by djenner＠halcyon.com

I'm looking for a slight variation of a card I have in an old PC/XT, one card with: - video (monochrome text only is OK, VGA at best) - floppy disk controller (3.5in, 1.44MB is necessary) - serial/parallel I/O (optional, one serial port would be nice) - and (optionally) a hard drive controller (MFM is OK, IDE better) With such a card I can construct a minimal, full system on an old 386sx I have using only one expansion slot, which is a necessity. The card I have is an 8-bit ISA card, and that or a 16-bit ISA card would be OK. The card I have only does up to 5.25in, 720KB floppies, and that's why I can't steal it from my XT. Was such a card ever made? (It's not too much of a step beyond what I have.) Does anyone have one around? Does someone still make such a card? Thanks, Dave

27 years, 9 months

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Sorcerer Serial Number Decode

by dlw＠trailingedge.com

While digging through my Exidy Sorcerer doc, I noticed a little paragraph in the technical manul which tells how to read the Sorcerer's serial number. I'm sending this in case other Exidy owners want to check their systems. ---QUOTE--- "The first five digits of the serial number give the date of manufacturer. The next several digits are specific to the individual unit, and then, if you have a Sorcerer 2, there are the letters II. Next comes the voltage designation. For example, serial number 10299 528 II 220V indicates a Sorcerer 2, manufactured on 10/29/79, unit number 528, of 220 volts." ---END QUOTE--- Mine is 03070 0085 110v so made on 03/07/80 I guess. Funny thing is mine doesn't have the II to indicate it is a Sorcerer 2 but all the doc and looking at the mobo inside seems to indicate it is a 2. Wonder if the original owner swapped it at some point? It does list a model number of DP1000-2. ----- David Williams - Computer Packrat dlw(a)trailingedge.com http://www.trailingedge.com

27 years, 9 months

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C64

by foxnhare＠goldrush.com

> From: ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk (Tony Duell) > Subject: Re: C64 video > > > > > I tested the three C64s i got and none are getting video on a known working > > composite monitor. im also not getting a beep when i try ^G (assuming a > > speaker is inside the computer) do these systems need an rf modulator or > > require a tv? Control-G Does not produce any noise on the 64. There are no sound routines (except to clear the SID registers at start-up) in the 64 ROMs (I think they were rushed on putting the 64 to market; later they released Super Expander and Simon's BASIC which offered sound commands.) I usually use a game cartridge to check the 64's sound, video and joystick ports. Jumpman Junior seems to be my favored one (mainly because it does not rely on much of the KERNAL/BASIC ROMs in it's operation.) And yes, the Genesis A/V cable is compatible with the 64 (I've used the same cable on both units). -- -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+- Larry Anderson - Sysop of Silicon Realms BBS (300-2400bd) (209) 754-1363 Visit my Commodore 8-Bit web page at: http://www.goldrush.com/~foxnhare/commodore.html -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

27 years, 9 months

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NeXT system available soon!

by kyrrin＠jps.net

While at RE-PC in Seattle yesterday, I saw that they're working on getting a complete color NeXT system ready to sell. As near as I can tell, this is the 'Pizza Box' configuration with 32 megs RAM. I don't know what size hard drive it has as it had been taken home by one of the guys who was going to load the NeXT OS on it. If interested, give a call to the Seattle store at (206) 623-9151. Ask for Maurice or Jeff and tell them I referred you. Best of luck! -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Bruce Lane, owner and head honcho, Blue Feather Technologies E-Mail: kyrrin (at) jps [d=o=t] net (munged to screw up spambots) Sent on 13-Sep-98 at 10:25:09, Pacific -- http://table.jps.net/~kyrrin "...No matter how much we may wish otherwise, our science can only describe an object, event, or living creature in our own human terms. It cannot possibly define any of them..." -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

27 years, 9 months

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RE-PC Finds

by kyrrin＠jps.net

For those in or near the Seattle area, RE-PC has turned up some pretty cool stuff. First, some intriguing VMEBus systems. From what I can tell, they were made by Charles River Data Systems and, although they may not be terribly useful as a system in their current state, the VME backplane is very much an industry standard and can be adapted to just about any VME cards you might want to plug into it. They also have a pile of Cipher 9-track tape drives. These are the front-loading 880 series, 1600/3200 density, Pertec interface. I've looked over several of them, and most look like they've had barely any use at all (I picked one up yesterday to repair another I already have). And, if you want a rack to put such goodies into, they've got a blortload of retired five-foot high Sun racks. Although wider on the outside than the norm, all appear to be standard 19" on the inside rails. Just about all of 'em are in clean shape, and going for around $50 per. I think, last time I looked, they wanted no more than $20/unit for the tape drives, and I don't think the VME systems would be horribly expensive either. If interested, give a call to the Tukwila store at (206) 575-8737. Ask for Eric Meiney, tell him I referred you, and you're off and running. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Bruce Lane, owner and head honcho, Blue Feather Technologies E-Mail: kyrrin (at) jps [d=o=t] net (munged to screw up spambots) Sent on 13-Sep-98 at 08:16:56, Pacific -- http://table.jps.net/~kyrrin "...No matter how much we may wish otherwise, our science can only describe an object, event, or living creature in our own human terms. It cannot possibly define any of them..." -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

27 years, 9 months

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NeXT [was Re: Radio Shack Model ][ available (Portland Oregon)]

by maxeskin＠hotmail.com

So, let's say this were ported to a C128 or an upgraded 64. Would this allow one to access the 'net? As for ARCnet cards, yes, they're quite common in corporate and government places, along with token ring (I believe IBM supported these two, but not ethernet). I may have a couple. >> someone has crammed UDP, IP and ARP into a tiny PIC microcontroller. >> Does anyone know anything about this? I would kind of like to set >> up my Trs-80 Mod 4 on the net for various reasons. > > I've heard rumors of IP (not TCP/IP, just IP) being written for the C-64 >(along with PPP or SLIP I assume). Apparently, the port only had IP and >ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol---at the same layer as IP) as >nothing else could fit in 64k. IP isn't that difficult (and uncompressed >SLIP is pretty easy as well). UDP is just a user accessable (under UNIX) >version (more or less) of IP (unreliable datagram protocol, but I think UDP >stands for User Datagram Protocol, as a datagram protocol is unreliable by >definition if I recall correctly). > > -spc (Quick question: how common are ARCNET cards for PCs and Tandy > 6000s? I know there are Linux drivers for ARCNET cards, and I > have two Tandy 6000s ... ) > > > > ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

27 years, 9 months

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Osborne Vixen

by fmc＠reanimators.org

Doug Yowza <yowza(a)yowza.com> wrote: > Mine only says OSBORNE. I suspect mine has a smaller display than the > production model -- it looks like a 5" diag. If anybody else thinks they > have this same version, please let me know. Otherwise, I'll start > bragging about it on my web page as the only surviving specimen! That is a find. If you can find the Kilobaud that has the photos of Adam Osborne showing off the Vixen, you will note that the one he is showing is configured like that. -Frank McConnell

27 years, 9 months

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Need help with TRS-80 Hard Drive

by bwit＠pobox.com

Hello. I have a "TRS-80 Five Meg Disk System" model 26-1130 that I'd like to use with a Model 4D. The hard drive seems to power up fine but I have no cables to connect it to the Mod4. In addition, the back of the hard drive appears to have a connector missing. On the back of the drive cabinet I see the following: Computer In: empty opening, no cover Control Out: 34 pin male connector Data Out A: empty, metal cover over opening Data Out B: empty, metal cover over opening Data Out C: empty, metal cover over opening Opening the drive case shows no obvious connector where a missing cable might attach. If anyone can assist with information and/or parts please let me know. TIA, Bob ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bob Withers Do or do not, there is no try. bwit(a)pobox.com Yoda -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

27 years, 9 months

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MX test...

by system＠minako.umtec.com

Can you guys ack this please? If it works, I've taught VAX/VMS to speak SMTP...

27 years, 9 months

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HP 3000s avail in CA.

by jpl15＠netcom.com

Hello ListMembers.. I have available for Immediate Adoption the following Hewlett Packard stuff: 2 3000 systems and a 9144 backup device in one cabinet. 2 7914 hard drive units (one damaged mechanically) 1 2563a printer in very nice shape (serial I/O) These Items are in Malibu, CA and are free for the taking. I would prefer not to split up the load unless you are talking significant bux or trade for something I need Real Bad: (VAX 11/750 system; TE16 w/formatter card for Unibus; Kennedy 9300 or vacuum door from same; MINC-11 cards; etc.) Due to weight and size, these things are not shippable. I can be bribed to deliver them in the SoCal area, but it would be Better if you came with a small truck or minivan and rescued them. Also, work logistics pretty much dictate that it must be a weekend rescue. Otherwise.... i don't wanna think about it :( Please consider giving these lonely orphans the security and happiness of a loving home and some 110vac to munch on. I need the space for more DEC stuff. Like that 11/750 I *know* you're hiding. Hint: I'll be home all weekend......... Cheers John

27 years, 9 months

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Recent findings

by roblwill＠usaor.net

---------- > From: Uncle Roger <sinasohn(a)ricochet.net> > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> > Subject: Recent findings > Date: Friday, September 11, 1998 7:13 PM > > I managed to pick up a Fora LP-386c mini-lunchbox (kinda like some of the > Compaq's). Dated 1989, so almost classic, and my first "F" computer! > > Also, I got a Powerbook 140, which needs work on the screen, but otherwise > seems (afaik) okay. Anyone know how to remove the screen on this? Inside, > it has some interesting connectors. There are some flat... hmmm.. plastic > strips with traces on them (kinda like ultra-flat ribbon cables?) that go > into what look like IDC connectors. Only, you pull up on the top rim of > the IDC-like things, and that releases the ends of the flat things. > Surprised the heck out of me when I was (gently!) trying to pull the whole > thing off. 8^) Those are the same type of connectors that the keyboard on my PS/2 L40sx uses. > > Along with that was a Powerbook Duo 230 & 280, weird connectors for the > power supply; looks like an RCA jack. Anyone know what voltage etc, and > would an RCA plug work? > > Lastly, but not least, is probably the coolest item I've found in a while > -- A Frisbee that says XEROX PARC on it. Very neat! > > > --------------------------------------------------------------------- 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, 9 months

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Tandy 1400 HD

by oajones＠bright.net

I have a Tandy 1400 HD collecting dust in my basement. It has a power supply problem and also the battery will need to be replaced. Perhaps someone out there could use this for parts if nothing else. I am asking $25 plus shipping charges. I have the books for it and the original packing box. --Alan

27 years, 9 months

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Apple Computer Parts

by oajones＠bright.net

It is my turn to clean out my basement. Item Quanity ------------------------------------ ------- Digicard, Network Controller Card 7 Tymac, PPC-100 Tackler 2 Digicard, Modem 2 Apple Monitor /// Model #A3M0039 1 Apple Disk Drive ][ Model #A2M0003 3 Apple Unidisk Model #A9M0104 1 Apple ][e (missing 2 keys on keyboard) 1 Apple ][ Plus 2 If you are interested in any of these items please make an offer. I've never used an Apple system. I collected these parts to build one complete system but never got around to it. I don't know what this stuff is worth. I hope someone out there can put this stuff to good use. No reasonable offer will be refused. --Alan

27 years, 9 months

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VIC-20 -- no sound

by mark_k＠iname.com

Marion.Bates(a)Dartmouth.EDU (Marion Bates) wrote: >Or maybe my TV is really weird. There's been an anomaly with the >C64 for as long as I can remember, which is that when I use the >video cable (the one that splits into three RCA's, one for video >and two for sound) with the video-in jacks on the TV, I get a nice, >sharp, black and white display, no color. The C64 provides composite video, luminance, chrominance and audio on its DIN connector. The luminance and chrominance signals are what is nowadays known as S-video or Y/C. The luminance is the brightness information (i.e., a monochrome video signal), the chrominance is the colour information. By having the two signals on separate wires rather than mixing them, picture quality is improved over composite video. Many modern TVs have S-video inputs; a 4-pin mini-DIN socket is used for this. Commodore monitors use two phono sockets, marked L and C. It sounds like you are using a cable designed for connecting a C64 to a Commodore monitor. This will not directly work with your TV's composite video input. As you have found, the best you can do is to get a monochrome picture by connecting the luminance signal. To get the best possible picture quality, buy a lead that has two phono sockets on one end, and an S-video 4-pin mini-DIN connector on the other. You would connect this to the L and C jacks of your C64 video lead, and the S-video port on your TV. However, you may have trouble finding a ready-made lead like this; perhaps building one yourself will be quicker. If your TV does not have an S-video input, you'll need to get another lead that uses the C64's composite video output instead. An A/V lead for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis 1 console *may* work. >If I use the composite port and a TV/game modulator box, I get (cruddy) color. I think you mean using the RF output and a TV signal switch (as supplied with most game consoles), not a modulator. -- Mark

27 years, 9 months

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Sorry!

by oajones＠bright.net

Please excuse my mistake. I hit "reply" and so I sent some attached files to the entire mail list. --Alan

27 years, 9 months

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Using Commodore 15xx drives on PC's...

by rhblake＠bbtel.com

Someone found this and sent me a link to it, a cable made to allow hookup to any of the Commodore 15xx serial bus drives to your parallel port on your PC. http://www.student.informatik.th-darmstadt.de/~mepk/c64/hw/cables/x1541.html ___________________________________________________ Russ Blakeman, aka "Pooter Fixer" Email: rhblake(a)bbtel.com or rhblake(a)bigfoot.com Website: http://members.xoom.com/pooterfixer/ ___________________________________________________

27 years, 9 months

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New? Find

by franke＠sbs.de

> On 11 Sep 98, at 14:30, Hans Franke wrote: >> I think it will be sold on some kind of fleamarket. They also >> destroyed some stuff, opened two originaly packed Atari 400, >> trashed an Enterprise. They also took a prototype BTX telephone >> unit an various small stuff - including almost all of my C64 >> and VC20 cartridges. Also one of the PETs is gone (an ordinary >> 4016) and, thats the funiest thing, the CRT of a Sirus - only >> the CRT the computer and the stand is still available. > Arg, destroyed an Enterprise? That's one I've always wanted to see > but since the company had a short life in Europe only I don't > expect I will. Hmm brings up two questions: First: Is there already an Enterprise for display (Juhu Sa-a-am) ? Second: Will you be attending VCF ? If no for the first question, I could take the remainings and put it up on display - but if no for the second, I'm sooo sorry :) Gruss H. P.S.: Sam, answer quick, since I will do last Email-check in about 2 hours. -- Ich denke, also bin ich, also gut HRK

27 years, 9 months

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Murphy & Profiles

by dlw＠trailingedge.com

What is this, Murphy strikes again? I moved my Apple /// so I could open it all up and insert the new SoftCard ///. I have 2 profile hard drives and placed one on its side beside some bookshelves while I worked on the ///. A few minutes later I hear a crash and look over at the shelf. The middle shelf had dropped down and dumped everything on top of the profile knocking it over and burying it. These shelves have been doing just fine for over 5 years, why now? At least the SoftCard is in and working fine. I now have CP/M installed and working with the other profile. I now only have one slot left open, what else is available for the ///? As for the other profile, I guess it is still ok. I've never used it and I'm not sure if I want to use it on my ///. You see, it has a hand written label on the front which says the Lisa Office System (scratched out) and below that MacWorks 3.0 12/16/85. I can't decide if I want to format it and use it on my /// or save it in case I ever get a Lisa. Any way to copy off anything on it without a Lisa? Could the Lisa format be read from a ///? Ok, it's a shot in the dark. ----- David Williams - Computer Packrat dlw(a)trailingedge.com http://www.trailingedge.com

27 years, 9 months

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Mystery cartridge -- help identify?

by sinasohn＠ricochet.net

At 08:36 PM 9/10/98 -0700, you wrote: >resistors and capacitors. On the circuitboard it says "NAVARONE (C)" and >next to the contacts where the little carbon pad on the underside of the IIRC, Navarone made a video interface for (at least) the Atari ST -- plug your camcorder/vcr into the cart, plug the cart into the computer, and capture images. Kinda like the Snappy thing you can get these days. --------------------------------------------------------------------- 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, 9 months

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Radio Shack Model ][ available (Portland Oregon)

by roblwill＠usaor.net

Does anyone know if a TRS-80 Model II hard drive will work with a TRS-80 Model III? Are they the same thing? -- -Jason (roblwill(a)usaor.net) ICQ#-1730318 ---------- > From: George Rachor <george(a)racsys.rt.rain.com> > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> > Subject: Radio Shack Model ][ available (Portland Oregon) > Date: Saturday, September 12, 1998 12:53 AM > > I have decided at long last to part with a Model 2 of unknown condition. > The only thing I know is that the keyboard cable is slightly crushed at > the keyboard connector end. The System comes with a couple of hard drives > also of unknown condition. > > Please be prepared to pick this up in the Beaverton Oregon area as this > isn't something that I'd really want to ship. > > ========================================================= > George L. Rachor george(a)racsys.rt.rain.com > Beaverton, Oregon http://racsys.rt.rain.com >

27 years, 9 months

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WTB: TRS-80 stuff.

by roblwill＠usaor.net

I pretty much got it working (aside from a few keys on the keyboard). I basically had to just hose the boards down, because they weren't just submerged in water, they were submerged in sewage. -- -Jason (roblwill(a)usaor.net) ICQ#-1730318 ---------- > From: Keith Whitehead <K.J.Whitehead(a)massey.ac.nz> > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> > Subject: Re: WTB: TRS-80 stuff. > Date: Sunday, September 06, 1998 4:56 PM > > Well water (especially Distilled water) is a great start for this sort of > thing. > However I always rinse the boards thoughly with ethanol (If you can > submerge them for a half hour or so even better), this will displace the > water in all of those hard to get places. After this I would then go > through the drying out process...Oh BTW do this is a well ventilated > area...you can get very drunk from the fumes :-), take note that ethanol > can attack some plastics and may affect some solder masks and screen > printing, so you may want to try iso-propyl alcohol...its less abusive. > > Cheers > > > > > k.j.whitehead(a)massey.ac.nz > > Keith Whitehead > Electronics Technician > Electronics Services > Institute of Fundamental Sciences > Massey University > Palmerston North > New Zealand > 5301 > > >

27 years, 9 months

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Sun Machines for the Taking

by mcquiggi＠sfu.ca

Hi All: I am attempting to break up the logjam in the basement, and have the following machines available to any interested parties: - Sun 3/50; - Sun 3/60. Both are in working order, but the 3/60 has an inoperative CG4 frame buffer. No matter, you can boot it off of the serial port. No monitors, and you would have to supply a SCSI hard disk. Both can run SunOS or NetBSD. Free for the taking, limit one per person. I'd prefer you to pick up, but I could be convinced to ship as long as you pay for it. I also have a spare Sun 4/110, this one has a keyboard, mouse, and hard drive, with NetBSD installed on it. I'm looking to recoup $100 for this machine, however! I'm located near Vancouver, BC. Kevin --- Kevin McQuiggin VE7ZD mcquiggi(a)sfu.ca

27 years, 9 months

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WTB: Portable

by roblwill＠usaor.net

That would have been exactly what I would have needed, although I would have needed the CRT, too. The mention of the 8088 board reminded me of something: Is there any way to convert an XT keyboard to make it work with an AT? If so, how? ThAnX, -- -Jason (roblwill(a)usaor.net) ICQ#-1730318 ---------- > From: Ward Donald Griffiths III <gram(a)cnct.com> > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> > Subject: Re: WTB: Portable > Date: Friday, September 11, 1998 11:47 PM > > > Well, I'd offer the relatively gutted Compaq portable I got free at > the last Trenton festival, but I'm sort of in the middle of building > a TRS-80 Color Computer 3 into the beast. (The 8088 board is a wall > decoration, wasn't worth fixing). > -- > Ward Griffiths <mailto:gram@cnct.com> <http://www.cnct.com/home/gram/> > > When I was crossing the border into Canada, they asked me if I had any > firearms with me. I said "Well, what do you need?" -- Steven Wright

27 years, 9 months

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Looking for RX01 Floppies

by mcquiggi＠sfu.ca

Hi Gang: I am looking for some RX01 8" floppies, for use in my recently-acquired RX01 drives (thanks go to John Lawson!!). I can trade a few boxes of 5-1/4" DD floppies for them. Software on the diskettes would be a bonus (OS/8 would be great!) but is not a requirement. I just need some floppies that I can use in my new drives. Thanks, Kevin -- Kevin McQuiggin VE7ZD mcquiggi(a)sfu.ca

27 years, 9 months

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VAX 11/750s everywhere

by jpl15＠netcom.com

But not within 1000 miles of El-Lay, dammit! I would love to find a '750 system. Preferrably with a TE16 and RL02s. And docs and software. Is that too much to ask of the Universe? O Great Gods of Scrap: Just one 11/750, then I'll shut up. I promise. sigh. John.

27 years, 9 months

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Vax 730 FS

by WHoagIII＠aol.com

I have a Vax 730 for sale in Portland, Oregon. I am open to all offers above scrap. Please reply directly to whoagiii(a)aol.com.

27 years, 9 months

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Recent finds...

by karlm＠blitzen.canberra.edu.au

Today I had to transfer a vast quantity of old computers from one uni faculty down to residences (where I am sysadmin), now this load of equipment was mainly older PC's, and some Apple II and Mac stuff, now the interesting part.. Amongst the boxes of disks there is a box of about 30 hard-sectored disks, including a couple labelled 'CP/M Ver 2.2 Rev 1.2.1 9600 Baud, PIP,FILES,SYSGEN,STAT,DO(=SUBMIT),DSKCOPY(=COPY)' and a few disks of something called "GDOS". Also I was given a few shelves full of technical books, including what appears to be a complete set of Philips component books, as well as other data books, and the most interesting being the Motorola 8-bit devices manual, and a Kaypro technical manual. There is also a collection of Kaypro PC's. Would this be CP/M-86 or the Z80 version,and are they useful to anyone? Cheers Karl ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Karl Maftoum Computer Engineering student at the University of Canberra, Australia Email: k.maftoum(a)student.canberra.edu.au

27 years, 9 months

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Bye

by franke＠sbs.de

I will leve the list for the next 3 weeks - I think thats way better than to read one zillion mails :) Bis zum VCF (See you at the VCF) Hans -- Ich denke, also bin ich, also gut HRK

27 years, 9 months

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C64 video

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

In a message dated 98-09-11 18:10:36 EDT, you write: << Older machines have a 5 pin DIN socket, later ones have an 8 pin one. I can look up the pinouts if you need them. >> yes, that would be great. one socket has 6 pins, the other has 8 pins.

27 years, 9 months

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VIC-20 -- no sound

by Marion.Bates＠Dartmouth.EDU

--- Tony Duell wrote: What you need is a cable with the tips of the plugs connected to pins 5 and 3 (and the sleeves to pin 2). That's actually a very common audio cable - I would think RatShack would have one. --- end of quote --- They didn't, so I made one to match your description here. It checks out fine with the multimeter, but I still get video with no audio. Leads me to believe there's a problem with the VIC itself. Or maybe my TV is really weird. There's been an anomaly with the C64 for as long as I can remember, which is that when I use the video cable (the one that splits into three RCA's, one for video and two for sound) with the video-in jacks on the TV, I get a nice, sharp, black and white display, no color. If I use the composite port and a TV/game modulator box, I get (cruddy) color. I've checked every setting I can find on the TV for color/B&W stuff, but everything looks right. ??? Thanks again for the help. -- MB

27 years, 9 months

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Recent findings

by sinasohn＠ricochet.net

I managed to pick up a Fora LP-386c mini-lunchbox (kinda like some of the Compaq's). Dated 1989, so almost classic, and my first "F" computer! Also, I got a Powerbook 140, which needs work on the screen, but otherwise seems (afaik) okay. Anyone know how to remove the screen on this? Inside, it has some interesting connectors. There are some flat... hmmm.. plastic strips with traces on them (kinda like ultra-flat ribbon cables?) that go into what look like IDC connectors. Only, you pull up on the top rim of the IDC-like things, and that releases the ends of the flat things. Surprised the heck out of me when I was (gently!) trying to pull the whole thing off. 8^) Along with that was a Powerbook Duo 230 & 280, weird connectors for the power supply; looks like an RCA jack. Anyone know what voltage etc, and would an RCA plug work? Lastly, but not least, is probably the coolest item I've found in a while -- A Frisbee that says XEROX PARC on it. Very neat! --------------------------------------------------------------------- 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, 9 months

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the haul (revisited)

by jim＠calico.litterbox.com

Okay, yesterday I posted about a bunch of commodore stuff a friend gave me in the process of cleaning out his trailor. Here is the skinny. The 64 works, but the keyboard has about had it. A and RETURN don't work without wiggling them. I seem to recall keyboards for this machine for about 5 bucks in surplus catalogs. I'll sell it for $10 +shipping. Includes power supply (the white brick kind, possibly from a 64c?) and manual. The 1541 works flawlessly. I'm kind of surprized, mine was a finicky piece of junk. This one appears to be the later model of '41 with the rectangular access light. I'll sell it for $20 + shipping. I *think* I have a manual for this too. I didn't try the printer. It's a Seikosia sp1000vc, looks intact, but has no ribbon. If you want it, make me an offer + shipping. The monitor is junk. It works, but unless you live near Colorado Springs and like to frotz with monitors internally it's not worth mailing. Picture quality is worse than a cheap TV. If you live nearby and want it let me know and you can have it. Vicmodem - Don't know. Haven't got a phone line near where I was testing and I've long since forgotten how to use a vicmodem. May already be spoken for. has the disk it shipped with, which has victerm, 64 term, and quantumlink. All prices are in US dollars, and all the hardware is designed to run on US current with US video screens. I've already had several people express interest in the cartriges and the software, and I've sent e-mail to the person who sent the oldest timestamped message. This person also wanted the vicmodem. -- Jim Strickland jim(a)calico.litterbox.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Vote Meadocrat! Bill and Opus in 2000 - Who ELSE is there? -----------------------------------------------------------------------

27 years, 9 months

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new addition(s)

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

ive found the best way to find old machines is to let as many people know as possible. a coworker knew i collected old machines and he gave me a very clean rom3 apple //gs that works great along with a matching monochrome monitor in its box. also got a clean //c and also got 3 C64s with 3 disk drives along with the little matching dot matrix printer and all the power supplies. anyone interested in the C64s? ive also got to pick up a sanyo mbc1000 cpm machine which ive never heard of, and i also have a lead on some dec equipment. all i know is it's some terminals, cables and tapes. i've requested a detailed list of what's available. if there's anything i dont want i'll be sure to let the subscribers to this list have first craic. david

27 years, 9 months

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Murphy's Law axes my 44...

by DSEAGRAV＠toad.xkl.com

Isn't it funny how that law *ALWAYS* works? Here's the story: 44 is on a sturdy (I thought...) cart, ready to be moved into a larger room with more power available. Then RA81, and 2 BA boxes. Cart is stood toward the middle of the server room overnight, so if it does fall, nothing gets damaged, right? Try again. About 7:00, Linux server dies. Funny. I come in to investigate this morining. Arrive to the gentle beep of UPSes. Spot the 44 in multiple parts on the floor, shit pants, see the cart against the opposite wall (Or as close as it could get, there was crud in it's way...) Apparently, the 44 dove off the cart about 6:00, the distro panel for the DH11 caught the power line of a strip loaded with gear on the way down, sliced it open, and made for a small electrical fire. Total damage: A hefty dose of 120AC on the DH distro board, and I snapped the switch of the second BA11 (AAAAARRRRRGGGHHH! NOT AGAIN!), but it seems to be OK. The traces (appear to be) OK on the distro panel, so I may be able to clean the scorch mark off. As for that powerstrip, it shorted, blackened part of the wall, and nailed the power to 2 of our servers when it blew the breaker for the wall it was attached to. I hate life... -------

27 years, 9 months

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pdp-11 software license and RT-11 V5.3

by gentry＠zk3.dec.com

Recently, there was a flurry of messages regarding a license found in the RT-11 V4 tar-ball on gatekeeper.dec.com. The license appeared to be one which conveyed rights for hobbyist users of pdp-11 software from Mentec. After consulting with Mentec and Bob Supnik (praised be he for negotiating the deal), and after combing my archives for a copy of the binary distribution of RT V5.3 (which I provided to Bob Supnik for him to package up with the license), I am pleased to announce that the license has been confirmed by Mentec, and that there is at least a copy of the RT-11 V5.3 distribution kit available on: ftp://gatekeeper.dec.com/pub/digital/sim/software/rtv53swre.tar.Z I'm sure that there is work being done on obtaining distribution copies of other license-covered software. Watch this space for further notices about software. For the sake of good will between Mentec and hobbyists, please DO NOT start making copies of RT or any other pdp-11 software available from other locations without it first coming from gatekeeper. Also, please read and abide by the terms of the license. Megan Gentry Former RT-11 Developer +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+ | Megan Gentry, EMT/B, PP-ASEL | Internet (work): gentry(a)zk3.dec.com | | Unix Support Engineering Group | (home): mbg(a)world.std.com | | Compaq Computer Corporation | | | 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, 9 months

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More on emulation, Linus and Transmeta from TBTF

by jfoust＠threedee.com

..Say it ain't so, Luke Watching the watchers watch Transmeta Transmeta, the Silicon Valley company that employs Linus Torvalds, isn't saying what kind of technology it's working on. (Their Web site says, succinctly if paradoxically, "This web page is not here yet.") The Red Herring tried to find out what they are up to -- or perhaps their account of the attempt, "Stalking Transmeta," [17] is all in good fun. PC Magazine prints a more substantial guess [18]: > [Transmeta] has been working for about two years on a CPU for > PCs, which is rumored to have its own internal instruction set > but to use a fast software translator to execute x86 instruc- > tions. Transmeta has raised a large (undisclosed) amount of > venture capital and is well staffed; a product debut is likely > in 1999. In the NY Times for 8/31, John Markoff relays a rumor [19] that he says has some Sili Valley techies quite upset. Markoff's article is mostly about evidence of increasing strain in the "Wintel" alliance. One factor contributing to the wobble is the rapid growth of technology areas such as telephony and personal digital assistants that do not use Intel hardware or Microsoft software. Microsoft has an entrant at this end of the market -- Windows CE -- but Intel is seen as concentrating in- creasingly on the shrinking top end. (Its purchase of Digital's StrongArm technology may have been reduced in value by the defec- tion of key technical talent.) If Transmeta, which was founded by a former Sun Sparc architect, is working on a platform for portable computing -- let's call it a "media chip" [20] -- what OS will it run? Well, with Linus on board, you would assume the answer would be "Linux, duh." Some flavor of Java would certainly be a contender. But Markoff says the word is that Transmeta may run Microsoft software. A hardware designer is quoted thus: > It would be a little like hiring Luke Skywalker and then > turning the whole organization over to Darth Vader. [17] http://www.herring.com/mag/issue58/stalking.html [18] http://www.zdnet.com/pcmag/features/cpu98/intro10.html [19] http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/98/08/biztech/articles/31chip.html [20] http://www.techweb.com/se/directlink.cgi?EET19980706S0069 ____________________________________________ TBTF home and archive at http://www.tbtf.com/ . To subscribe send the message "subscribe" to tbtf-request(a)world.std.com. TBTF is Copyright 1994-1998 by Keith Dawson, <dawson(a)world.std.com>. Com- mercial use prohibited. For non-commercial purposes please forward, post, and link as you see fit.

27 years, 9 months

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ATARI 1040ST w/monitor

by lff＠unique-inc.com

Would you be interested in an ATARI 1040ST computer with the SC1224 monitor? I have a host of software for it, include dBASE, word processors, a C language compiler, and others. I also have a handful of games. Larry Fisher Unique Computer Services Inc. lff(a)unique-inc.com (732) 786-0111 x104 (voice) (732) 786-0097 (fax)

27 years, 9 months

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C64 video

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

I tested the three C64s i got and none are getting video on a known working composite monitor. im also not getting a beep when i try ^G (assuming a speaker is inside the computer) do these systems need an rf modulator or require a tv? david

27 years, 9 months

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Making and using PDP-11 disk images

by CLASSICCMP＠timaxp.trailing-edge.com

>Could someone provide a quick tutorial on how the process works? All you need is one page out of the RT-11 manuals: that for COPY/DEV/FI. As an example, if you've got a RX02 that you want an image of, and you're going to put that image on a RL02 and call it "MYRX02.DSK", you do: COPY/DEVICE/FILE DY0: DL0:MYRX02.DSK Then you use Kermit (or, if you're like me and have a half-dozen networked PDP-11's, you just use FTP) to move the image off to whatever other place you might want to put the image. To do the reverse operation, you'd (or course!) do: COPY/FILE/DEVICE DL0:MYRX02.DSK DY0: Note that doing this under RT-11, you *only* get the blocks that RT-11 usually addresses on the disk. There are the usual caveats about track zero on 8" floppies and the bad block forwarding table on RL02's; these are well-discussed in the RT-11 _Software Support Manual_ in the sections on individual drivers, and the .SPFUN ways of reading these areas are also thoroughly documented. Also note that in doing this, you'll be copying every block on the disk, even those not included in a file. Don't get burned like some others have and end up copying proprietary or personal data that you didn't want copied when you make the image! Bob Schor has a program called "CLEAR.SAV", that is available from the 11S113 RT DECUS SIG symposium tape, that will clear out blocks not allocated to a file. This, and many other useful utilities from Bob, are available from: ftp://sunsite.unc.edu/pub/academic/computer-science/history/pdp-11/rt/decus… ----- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology Voice: 301-767-5917 7328 Bradley Blvd Fax: 301-767-5927 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817

27 years, 9 months

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treasure haul

by jim＠calico.litterbox.com

A buddy of mine is packing up to move and asked me if I'd like to take a "bunch of computer junk" off his hands. Now that I have it home, I find I have: 1 commodore 64. 1 composite monitor for a 64. 1 1541 floppy drive. 1 Sekosia(?) printer with a C=64 interface. 1 vic 1600 modem. 1 Apple Printer. lots of manuals and stuff for the 2e I bought from him earlier. lots of manuals, cartriges, and software for the 64. I haven't had a chance to test anything but the printer, which appears to work (although as usual my GS doesn't seem to LIKE it much. I may wind up switching back to my epson lx800 with that machine.) Once I've tested the 64 and whatnot to make sure it works, and messed about with the software I always wanted to have but could never afford, I'm probably going to get rid of it. And I can't quite put my finger on why, since I was a '64 owner until 1990. Maybe its that I would miss the custom hardware I had. Or that I can't imagine going back to a 60 column screen. Or the non-standard interfaces for EVERYTHING on it. I dunno. Does it make sense that I wouldn't be nostalgic for the machine I actually owned, as opposed to the apple2s? *shrug* Anyway. Just a heads up for you Commodore folk out there. :) -Jim -- Jim Strickland jim(a)calico.litterbox.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Vote Meadocrat! Bill and Opus in 2000 - Who ELSE is there? -----------------------------------------------------------------------

27 years, 9 months

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Mystery cartridge -- help identify?

by museum＠techniche.com

Hi Jason, I can't precisely identify what you have but I've got a navarone cartridge connector somewhere in my collection. They were a small company and the connector I have allow you to have 3 cartridges connected to the TI99/4a at once. there was a switch to select the cartridge that you wanted to be active and a reset button if I remember correctly. This allow you to switch cartridges *without* reseting the computer or putting too much wear on your cartridges. This was very useful in certain circumstances such as when using the assembler cartridge. You wolld use it in this way to examine the workings of ther cartridges. Maybe your device serves a somewhat similar function. Jon > >Perhaps this list can help me identify something I just picked up. > >It's a white plastic cartridge with a 44-pin male card-edge connector and a >light blue plastic female passthru for the same type of connector. It has a >square black plastic button on top. It is (was) glued shut. Inside there is >an 24-pin EEPROM (88251A+ MM2716Q) with a Mitsubish Electric sticker >covering the window, a 14-pin IC (P234 DM7400N), and another 14-pin IC (EL >SALVADOR 1820-0328 7936 <Texas Instruments Logo> SN7402N). And two small >resistors and capacitors. On the circuitboard it says "NAVARONE (C)" and >next to the contacts where the little carbon pad on the underside of the >button makes contact, it says "TOP". > >It looked about the right size for a C64 cartridge, but it doesn't do >anything. > >Any ideas? Too bad I pretty much destroyed the case while opening it. It >was glued shut pretty tight. > > -jrs > >_______________________________________________________________________ > \/|/\ | Jason Simpson | http://www.xio.com/jason/ > /\|\/ | jason(a)xio.com | Wanted: '87-90 Volkswagen Fox 2 Door Wagon >

27 years, 9 months

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robots?

by jim＠calico.litterbox.com

I was just watching a thing on robots and they mentioned some of the early 80s attempts. Does anyone have in their collection a H.E.R.O, or other robots of that vintage? -- Jim Strickland jim(a)calico.litterbox.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Vote Meadocrat! Bill and Opus in 2000 - Who ELSE is there? -----------------------------------------------------------------------

27 years, 9 months

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IBM System 34 and 36 questions

by WHoagIII＠aol.com

In a message dated 98-09-10 23:23:46 EDT, you write: << I have just acquired several large pieces of equipment and I have some questions about them. I haven't moved them yet- some of these questions concern moving them. What I have are an IBM System 34 (model 5340), an IBM System 36 (model 5360), two tape drives (model 8809-1C), and two printers (model 3262-B1), plus some manuals and tapes. Everything is supposed to be in working order- they upgraded and pulled the plug. 1. How much do these things weigh? The computer person there estimated 2000 lb. for the 34, 1000 lb. for the 36, 700 lb. on the printers and 500 lb. on the tape drives. Does that sound about right? The weights are about right. A good loading dock or a good forklift is necessary. 2. How possible is partial dismantling for transport? I didn't get to tear into them to look. Loading access is fairly good in the building they are in, but unloading the 34 could be tricky. It would help if I could lighten them up. Genarally they are on wheels and are not taken apart to be moved. I don't know the configuation of the 34. It is possible it could be composed of several parts, but looking at the model number I think it is one piece.. I have moved several of these systems and usually I rent a truck with a railgate type of liftgate on it. These have a larger deck and ride flatter. Hopefully the truck matches the dock. Use a flat dock plate. If there is a mismatch put a piece of sheet steel over the dock plate to reate a smooth surface to roll on. IBM made a little wire U shaped clip (bent at the bottom of the U) that is used to keep the wheels from rolling. This can hold the unit still untill you can tie it down. Remember there is lots of mass involved. It is best to tie off each machine. 3. What needs to be done before moving? Head locking, moving or removing anything, stuff like that. At each corner near the wheels are leveling screws. these need to be raised with a crescent wrench, all the way up. Other less important stuff that I'm curious about: 4. What kind of interface does it have to the terminals? 5. What kind of power does it need? I'd assume 3 phase 220v. It could be single phase. 6. How much computing power is this? Compared to a VAX 11/750, say. 7. How will these things tolerate living in an unheated building over winter? I live in IL. They should survive if you don't try to power them up. They want to be warm to run. Any other hints and tips would be greatly appreciated. I'd really like to be able to move these machines without damage (to the machines or me). I went there today mainly as a recon mission, but they convinced me to take home a Wang word processing system. The server is a model OIS-60X, and it has 4 terminals hooked up by RS336 (?) over coax (BNC connectors), plus a laser printer. I think the printer weighs more than the server. I got a bunch of cartridges for it, and some Canon copier cartridges too, "because they're almost the same". I think not. >> If the Laser printer is an LDP-8 then the Canon Carts should work. The engine is a Canon SX I think.

27 years, 9 months

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treasure haul

by thedm＠sunflower.com

When or IF you get rid of it, im very interested in that monitor. -----Original Message----- From: Jim <jim(a)calico.litterbox.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Thursday, September 10, 1998 10:19 PM Subject: treasure haul >A buddy of mine is packing up to move and asked me if I'd like to take a "bunch >of computer junk" off his hands. Now that I have it home, I find I have: > >1 commodore 64. >1 composite monitor for a 64. >1 1541 floppy drive. >1 Sekosia(?) printer with a C=64 interface. >1 vic 1600 modem. >1 Apple Printer. >lots of manuals and stuff for the 2e I bought from him earlier. >lots of manuals, cartriges, and software for the 64. > >I haven't had a chance to test anything but the printer, which appears to >work (although as usual my GS doesn't seem to LIKE it much. I may wind up >switching back to my epson lx800 with that machine.) > >Once I've tested the 64 and whatnot to make sure it works, and messed about >with the software I always wanted to have but could never afford, I'm probably >going to get rid of it. And I can't quite put my finger on why, since I was >a '64 owner until 1990. Maybe its that I would miss the custom hardware I had. >Or that I can't imagine going back to a 60 column screen. Or the non-standard >interfaces for EVERYTHING on it. I dunno. Does it make sense that I wouldn't >be nostalgic for the machine I actually owned, as opposed to the apple2s? > >*shrug* > >Anyway. Just a heads up for you Commodore folk out there. :) > >-Jim >-- >Jim Strickland >jim(a)calico.litterbox.com >----------------------------------------------------------------------- >Vote Meadocrat! Bill and Opus in 2000 - Who ELSE is there? >-----------------------------------------------------------------------

27 years, 9 months

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uVAX II sleeping...

by allisonp＠world.std.com

< > < Cycling 'HALT' on the front panel causes the usual 'break' monitor < > < printout and the pc state. The LED displays '8' and that's it... I < > < have let it go for 10 minutes.... < > < > I think it's waiting for a terminal. < < < Ummmm, on power-up? I'm hooked to the 9-pin console port... < maybe I should jumper RTS-CTS on the two other DB25s? Or is it < wating for something on the ethernet port? Nope step 8 is language inquery and if it's not printing a list to respond to then the halt button is in. Step 9 is identify the terminal. If the terminal cannot or does not respond I belive it will continue. Do check the settings of the halt and run buttons and The switches on the rear pannel. Allison

27 years, 9 months

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