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

by vintagecomputer＠bettercomputing.net

-------- Original message -------- From: "Ian S. King" <isking at uw.edu> Date: 2016-10-09 2:30 PM (GMT-08:00) To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk at classiccmp.org> Subject: Re: Twiggys [was: Re: ka... ching!] On Sun, Oct 9, 2016 at 2:37 AM, Dave G4UGM <dave.g4ugm at gmail.com> wrote: > > -----Original Message----- > > From: cctalk [mailto:cctalk-bounces at classiccmp.org] On Behalf Of Brad H > > Sent: 09 October 2016 07:41 > > To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts > > <cctalk at classiccmp.org>; jwsmail at jwsss.com > > Subject: Re: Twiggys [was: Re: ka... ching!] > > > > > > > > I'd like to learn more about programming, esp for my 6800.? It'd be fun > to test > > its limits and see what uses I can find for the graphics board I got. I > just don't > > understand how they programmed the thing. All the hex stuff throws me > > off.? :) > > Does it have a serial interface and memory. In which case it was probably > programmed in Assembler. > When I started with 6800 board and 256 bytes of memory, and toggle > switches to load it I used to hand assemble the programs to get the > hex/binary. > I soon got bored of the toggle switches and built a little box with an old > calculator keyboard and display and some TTL so I could enter data quickly. > > > Dave > > I recently acquired a SWTPC 6800, a machine I remember from when it was new.? :-)? There are many programming environments available for it - I'm working to get Forth running on mine, then I'll branch out. It's been said that the 6800 inherited a lot of ideas from the PDP-8, and I agree with that to some extent.? The ISA is actually very clean and neat, once you wrap your head around it - I used to program 6800 assembler professionally, my first paid job as a programmer!? Unlike the PDP-8, I/O is memory-mapped.? Depending on what monitor ROM you have (if any), you may have different system services available.? One very useful system is the one that can read S-records from the serial input, allowing you to easily transfer programs onto the machine. If you want to grok the 6800 in fullness, there are online scans of Motorola's programming manual for the device.? Another great resource is the swtpc.com site, even if you don't have a SWTPC machine (what do you have?). Have fun with it!? Cheers -- Ian -- Ian S. King, MSIS, MSCS, Ph.D. Candidate The Information School <http://ischool.uw.edu> Dissertation: "Why the Conversation Mattered: Constructing a Sociotechnical Narrative Through a Design Lens Archivist, Voices From the Rwanda Tribunal <http://tribunalvoices.org> Value Sensitive Design Research Lab <http://vsdesign.org> University of Washington >There is an old Vulcan saying: "Only Nixon >could go to China." I've an original SWTPC 6800. ?Also have an ASCI System X and a Tektronix 6800 board bucket. ?Right now I'm enjoying working with the SWTPC. ?I'm trying to deck it out as completely as one could have. I don't quite understand assembly.. I assume to program in that, as with BASIC you need to load an 'assembler' language first? ?I tried this with my Digital Group system with 5 different tapes marked 'assembler' but never got them to load. ?Not sure if I understand the concept.

8 years, 7 months

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Twiggys [was: Re: ka... ching!]

by vintagecomputer＠bettercomputing.net

I'd like to learn more about programming, esp for my 6800. ?It'd be fun to test its limits and see what uses I can find for the graphics board I got. I just don't understand how they programmed the thing. All the hex stuff throws me off. ?:) Sent from my Samsung device -------- Original message -------- From: william degnan <billdegnan at gmail.com> Date: 2016-10-08 8:54 PM (GMT-08:00) To: jwsmail at jwsss.com, "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk at classiccmp.org> Subject: Re: Twiggys [was: Re: ka... ching!] To me, getting old computers up and running, or programming on them *is* the game as far as I am concerned.? More fun than most packaged software games.? I have made my own games, and I certainly play computer games, but that's not why I am interested in vintage computing. I just spent a few hours tonight attempting to network my NeXTstation color computer and get to the post of accessing the vcfed.org forum so I could post a message on there.? Just for fun, using ancient dawn of the WWW technology.??? Feels like a game to me, there is no practical purpose to doing this other than enjoyment. My point is for those of us who pooh pooh vintage gamers not to take themselves too seriously.? We're all just playing games if you ask me.

8 years, 7 months

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cctech Digest, Vol 28, Issue 4

by trayres＠gmail.com

I'm interested! I'm down in California and I also have no idea what it's worth, I'm new to the PDP scene. On Oct 9, 2016 10:00 AM, <cctech-request at classiccmp.org> wrote: > Send cctech mailing list submissions to > cctech at classiccmp.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://www.classiccmp.org/mailman/listinfo/cctech > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > cctech-request at classiccmp.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > cctech-owner at classiccmp.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of cctech digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. PDP-11/23 system for sale in Portland Oregon (Scott Baker) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Sat, 8 Oct 2016 11:31:29 -0700 > From: Scott Baker <scott.l.baker at gmail.com> > To: cctech at classiccmp.org > Subject: PDP-11/23 system for sale in Portland Oregon > Message-ID: > <CABW5Ymky8tCrsTKL4ehEUDt4vtkDxO1hYTDAUS2ANnxxux8Ykg at mail. > gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > > Hi, > > Pictures can be found here: http://sierracircuitdesign. > ddns.net/temp/pdp11/ > > The system is located in Portland, Oregon. Local pick-up is preferred. > Not sure if it still works. I have not tried to turn it on in years. > I do not have any software of floppies for it. > I'm not sure what it's worth. If you are interested in it, make me an > offer. > > Regards, > Scott > > > End of cctech Digest, Vol 28, Issue 4 > ************************************* >

8 years, 7 months

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TPC-I back in one piece (was Re: TeleVideo progress)

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: Ian S. King > What I want to record here for posterity is how to open one of these > things. I archived this to the Computer History wiki: http://gunkies.org/wiki/TeleVideo_TPC-1 Hope that was OK! Noel

8 years, 7 months

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Twiggys [was: Re: ka... ching!]

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

no real interest in playing games though the curiously of seeing star trek game on friends Digital Group Computer ( had little screen in the front of it... I want one for SMECC display working or not) group and getting a baudot teletype model 14 lead to me starting a computer company in 1979... The big and best game for me was THE HARDWARE and running timeshare systems ) hp-2000 then later hp-3000 later also became full line Independent HP PC products dealer.... but that was just selling stuff not the feel of thrill and adventure the other phases had! Ed# _www.smecc.org_ (http://www.smecc.org) In a message dated 10/9/2016 9:07:45 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time, ard at p850ug1.demon.co.uk writes: > > Find better games :) > > Nope, not even. Has as much appeal as base jumping. I'd rather be I think I'm with you on this one. The only computer games I find even mildly interesting are ones that involve thought and/or hackery to complete. I found the HP67 Games Pac (A set of programs for a handheld calculator with a numeric display) to be much more entertaining than anything on a modern console. But even so, I even enjoy those games that much. Relaxation for me is reading the service manual for something I don't own, figuring out what the schematics really mean, etc. Or mindlessly stuffing a PCB. -tony =

8 years, 7 months

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Twiggys [was: Re: ka... ching!]

by vintagecomputer＠bettercomputing.net

Flipping is just treasure hunting by another name. ?Estate and storage locker sales are the modern equivalent of digging for pirate gold. ?I think people worldwide love that stuff but particularly Americans because they have that brash adventurer spirit embedded in the national character. Sent from my Samsung device -------- Original message -------- From: ethan at 757.org Date: 2016-10-09 8:46 AM (GMT-08:00) To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk at classiccmp.org> Cc: General at classiccmp.org Subject: Re: Twiggys [was: Re: ka... ching!] >>>? Just like the car collecting, comic book collection and just about >>> most other hobbies when they mature.? The same type of people who The comic book market crashed due to the flipping side of it as far as I know. When it changes from a hobby to a speculative mania, I suppose that is when things eventually explode? They can go on a lot longer if backed by the government and low interest rates, see speculation in housing. Plus weak returns in other markets. Unlike basic needs like the housing market bubble (which has yet to crash, but probably will which isn't a bad thing) hobbies like Classic Computers probably have interest waves. Certain people who grew up with such and such hold it dear. Eventually interest in it will probably fade as the people with memories of the subject fufill reliving the experience, or die. And there is a lot of money to be made, then vendors might swoop in to make cash (see Roland and Yamaha with their recent Botique recreations of vintage analog synthesizers.) Also for much of the younger generation housing costs are so high (and perhaps job opportunities weak) that collecting things becomes more of a burden. It costs a lot of time to move stuff from apartment to apartment, and money to store it. Buying a house with low prospects of job stability is also a risk and can damage chances of relocating for jobs after layoffs. The damage of the years of offshoring and outsourcing is hidden behind the national debt, student loan debt and housing debt. Also there is some sort of American obsession with flipping stuff. A lot less shows about building new things versus shows about flipping stuff (be it Pawn shops, Storage Units, American Pickers type stuff, and of course -- housing flip shows.)

8 years, 7 months

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ka... ching!

by aek＠bitsavers.org

http://www.ebay.com/itm/291894250804

8 years, 7 months

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Twiggys [was: Re: ka... ching!]

by vintagecomputer＠bettercomputing.net

-------- Original message -------- From: Chuck Guzis <cclist at sydex.com> Date: 2016-10-08 2:17 PM (GMT-08:00) To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk at classiccmp.org> Subject: Re: Twiggys [was: Re: ka... ching!] On 10/08/2016 09:46 AM, js at cimmeri.com wrote: > I think the people who complain about "Altairs just sitting on > desks" might be doing so for at least one reason being because a > particular purpose seems to violate the original spirit, intent, and > purpose behind the creation.? I hear that a lot eg. "it's a shame > it's just sitting there, not being used." > > It's when other purposes come in, and begin to make this hobby > purpose more difficult to engage in and "unobtainium", that the > hobbyists lament.? If there were enough for everyone, then there'd be > no complaining. I have to confess to a certain amount of bemusement when I witness the phenomenon of game-obsession with early PCs.? With the exception of "home" systems, such as Commodore and perhaps Apple and the like, I knew very few people who *purchased* a PC for game playing.? Did people play games on PCs?? Sure--but that was rarely the reason that anyone ponied up for a 1970s or 80s multiple-kilobuck system.? Mind you, this was around the time that one could purchase a Porsche 914 for little more than $3000. Most of the people I knew purchased a PC to do business applications (AR, AP, GL, inventory, payroll or word processing) or worked with spreadsheets.?? Yet, very little of this is ever discussed on fora such as the Vintage Computer Federation site. Indeed, I think it's safe to speculate that the bulk of Intel Inboard cards were sold to those running Lotus 1-2-3. After we're all gone, what will future generations think of us? That we developed new hardware and software solely to play games? Wow. --Chuck > When I was a kid we had the IBM PCjr through PS/2. ?Concurrently I had my own Commodore 64. ?Up until we got our AT, the Commodore was the game machine. ?There were lots of PC versions of games out there but they *sucked* in terms of graphics and sound (we also lacked a joystick for the PCs) compared to the Commodore. ?King's Quest was the earliest game I played on PC.. but I don't recall it being available on Commodore at the time. ?One of my best memories was of the computer lab at our school. ?We had 30 64s up there chained to a 4040 (I think) via C64 Link expanders. ?We had a game day every so many weeks and had all kinds of fun trying to get games to load via that setup. I remember thinking of gaming on 'Dad's computer' as an odd idea. ?But then Test Drive came out. ?Then our school dumped the Commodores and went to PCs. ?People started showing up at school for game day with PC games like Empire. ?And then the PC finally started to catch up and surpass the Commodore in quality and the games reached a level the Commodore couldn't do. ?Between that and the ease of loading things quickly from hard drive.. the C64 ended up going into hibernation. ?After that it was all about upgrading the PC to run Falcon or some such acceptably.

8 years, 7 months

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Executive desk phones anyone?

by witchy＠binarydinosaurs.co.uk

Hi folks, I happened upon a rare beast last weekend and it finally dropped into my hands yesterday. Most folk know about the ICL One-Per-Desk which was essentially a Sinclair QL with re-engineered microdrives and sold massively well here in the UK (British Telecom rebranded it as the BT Merlin) and Australia (Computerphone) and I think it made it to the US too? People don't seem to know about its predecessor, me included. STC (Standard Telephone & Cable) had this designed in the late 70s but it didn't make it to market until 1984 - the STC Executel 3010. It's an AMD8085A powered desk phone with 5" monitor that could store your phone entries, diary appointments, autodial and connect to Viewdata services - PRESTEL in the UK. It was expensive and didn't sell, some googling seems to show that there are only maybe half a dozen in existence with 4 of them in the Cambridge area, apt since it was designed by PA Consulting who amongst other things redesigned the Tandy Coco for the UK and marketed it as the Dragon32. What's interesting from a US standpoint is that it apparently DID make it over the pond and was sold as the 'Buckingham' so the question is, anyone heard of it? http://www.binarydinosaurs.co.uk/STCExecutel01.jpg -- Adrian/Witchy Binary Dinosaurs creator/curator Www.binarydinosaurs.co.uk - the UK's biggest private home computer collection?

8 years, 7 months

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PDP-11/23 system for sale in Portland Oregon

by scott.l.baker＠gmail.com

Hi, Pictures can be found here: http://sierracircuitdesign.ddns.net/temp/pdp11/ The system is located in Portland, Oregon. Local pick-up is preferred. Not sure if it still works. I have not tried to turn it on in years. I do not have any software of floppies for it. I'm not sure what it's worth. If you are interested in it, make me an offer. Regards, Scott

8 years, 7 months

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TPC-I back in one piece (was Re: TeleVideo progress)

by isking＠uw.edu

On Sun, Oct 2, 2016 at 8:20 PM, jim stephens <jwsmail at jwsss.com> wrote: > > > On 10/2/2016 6:23 PM, Ian S. King wrote: > >> Hi all, >> >> I've posted looking for help with a TeleVideo TPC-1, and I've heard a lot >> of crickets <snip> >> > I saw your FB posting, good job, and chirp chirp. > >> I've ordered an exact, tested/guaranteed >> working replacement from ePay, >> > Those were common drives, but be sure to do a careful inspection, as some > of the drives had variants that were subtle. > > good job, great you got it working. > thanks > JIm > >> and I'm going to have everything working to >> spec before I snap this thing back together. >> >> Yes, I'm having fun. :-) >> >> OK, my 'new' Teac drive arrived and passed inspection. I carefully jumpered it to match the original, reassembled just enough that I could plug it in, and... success! So to recap (pun intended), the machine had bad caps in the power supply (leaking goo) and a bad drive 0. What I want to record here for posterity is how to open one of these things. It was a real pain, which I've heard was intentional. Reassembly was challenging, too, but at least I could see what was happening. So here goes: To disassemble, you need to remove four screws. Facing the unit as it sits on the bench (i.e. operating position), there are two screws on the top of the machine at the front corners and two others on the rear, vertically centered and near each vertical edge (one of them is in the recess where you can store the power and keyboard cables). Now it gets fun. The unit disassembles into a top cover that wraps over side-to-side, and a rear piece that holds the majority of the electronics. The bottom piece of the main case holds the power supply, floppy cage and some of the video electronics. There are plastic 'teeth' that fit into indents at various point along those pieces. For the top cover, the 'teeth' are part of the cover, one per corner. For the back panel, the teeth snap into the top and bottom of the main part of the case. The teeth are also accompanied by a very thin indent in the case piece. It's sort of a muscle job to get these things separated. I got the back piece free before removing the top piece, with a little help from a putty knife in those indents. There are screws in the bottom of the case that hold in the power supply and the floppy cage One of the floppy case screws is located underneath the tilt 'foot'. Putting it back together: be sure you have the logic board *inside* the screw points for the back panel, but don't put in the screws yet. Seat the top cover with its teeth in place, and insert the two front screws (don't screw down tightly yet). Then, lever the back panel's teeth into their slots, watching the top cover to be sure it doesn't try to pop off. Insert the two rear screws and tighten. Now tighten the front two screws, and it's back together. It may take a little jostling to get everything to reseat completely. Now to go through the metric butt-ton of software I got with this thing - over a hundred floppies. Looking at the labels, some are duplicates, some are 'working' disks, and some are original TeleVideo floppies with system software. Fortunately, one of them is Kermit, which will make the archiving job a lot easier! OK, that was fun. Next! Probably the Kenwood TH-77A I bought that won't transmit. Cheers -- Ian -- Ian S. King, MSIS, MSCS, Ph.D. Candidate The Information School <http://ischool.uw.edu> Dissertation: "Why the Conversation Mattered: Constructing a Sociotechnical Narrative Through a Design Lens Archivist, Voices From the Rwanda Tribunal <http://tribunalvoices.org> Value Sensitive Design Research Lab <http://vsdesign.org> University of Washington There is an old Vulcan saying: "Only Nixon could go to China."

8 years, 7 months

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Twiggys [was: Re: ka... ching!]

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

Right on... The most important thing is.... IS THE OBJECT BEING SAVED? Even if you restore something today it will be crap in another 50 years If you do not restore it now it will run like crap too. SO... in 50 years both are equal.. they will both run like crap no matter if restored now or not. The only caveat to the above examples is in ANY and EVERY case make sure the old batteries are out of it! And lastly... usually the people that raise the most protest 'about something not being used' are those that do not have one. Draw your own conclusions... Ed# In a message dated 10/8/2016 9:46:04 A.M. US Mountain ....................... > Just like the car collecting, comic book collection and just about most other hobbies when they mature. The same type of people who complained about the price of an Xmen#1 because people would just buy and display them and not read them, complain when someone buys an ALTAIR to sit on their desk and doesn't turn it on. Better that than the garbage heap, without money coming into our hobby it would eventually die out and many artifacts would be lost to the dump.

8 years, 7 months

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Blown Tantalum Capacitor Advice

by robert.jarratt＠ntlworld.com

I have an RD53 disk drive. When I plugged it in the other day something blew up, smoke etc. I found that it was a tantalum capacitor on the motor control board that had gone. I suppose I am wondering if just replacing it is a good idea, could the failure be a symptom of another problem, could it have damaged something else? I realise that without a schematic it may be difficult to comment, but I suppose it is more a question about what can cause these caps to fail? If anyone has a schematic, or a drive they can examine, it is C1 on the motor control board, quite close to the molex socket for power. Regards Rob

8 years, 7 months

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Picked up Commodore Amiga 2000

by lyokoboy0＠gmail.com

A buddy located this just in time, it was out at a scrapyard and we are about to get hit with a hurricane over here in florida. Picked up a commodore amiga 2000 with the keyboard, no mouse or monitor. I hooked it up to a tv via composite and get to the boot screen. It appears to have a scsi hard drive controller in it. I figured this would be the place to ask... It looks as if PC compatibility boards can be added to the machine, boards with a 286, 386, or 486 and some memory on a board, capable of running MS DOS. IF i were to install such a board, what kind of graphics capability would the dos side of things have? I just got started with the machine, im still trying to get it to boot up, but if it would be pretty capable with dos then i will keep an eye out for one of the cards. any suggestions to get started would be appreciated. --Devin

8 years, 7 months

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Twiggys [was: Re: ka... ching!]

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: Fred Cisin >> Did you tell the dumpsterers that they'd thrown out stuff worth >> thousands of dollars? (I would have made to sure to let them know >> that, with great spite.) > "So? Boss said throw out everything in the closets. ..." Clearly, the Indians weren't to blame. But I sure hope someone told the chief... > From: Corey Cohen > As for stuff in vintage computer that is going up, it's not just Apple. > It has to do with how mainstream and how rare something is. ... I do > agree the rare Apple stuff is growing faster, but that's because it can > pull from the business community as buyers who love the comeback story > of Apple and what it represents. Oh, I don't have any issue with Altairs going for $1-2K; I think one can make a rational case for that; they were a key machine the growth of personal computers, etc, etc. But I do think that when it comes to Apples, there is a certain level of irrationality in some/many buyers. ($20K for a pair of floppies?) There is definitely an Apple cult, which I think is a factor. Let me make another analogy with cars (which I also used to collect). I think early Ferraris are really, really cool - and the 330 P4 is, in my eyes, one of the most beautiful race cars ever built (maybe _the_ most beautiful). But if I had $10M, I sure as hell wouldn't spend the whole lot on an original P4; I think better value would be to buy a down-to-the-last-bolt-exact replica, for say $500K, and have $9.5M left over to buy other cool stuff with. This goes quintuply for an original GTO, at $50M. One could do all sorts of amazing things with that much money. Is having an original _really_ worth as much (or more) than all those other things? Like I said, a certain level of irrationality. Noel

8 years, 7 months

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Twiggys [was: Re: ka... ching!]

by vintagecomputer＠bettercomputing.net

-------- Original message -------- From: Brent Hilpert <hilpert at cs.ubc.ca> Date: 2016-10-07 8:46 PM (GMT-08:00) To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk at classiccmp.org> Subject: Re: Twiggys [was: Re: ka... ching!] On 2016-Oct-07, at 5:17 PM, Noel Chiappa wrote: >> On 10/7/2016 5:21 PM, Chuck Guzis wrote: > >> That simply defies logic. I *really* don't get this collecting business. > > It's Apple-related. Some Apple devotees seem to have an, ah, excessive > attachment to things Apple. (Q.v. $1M Apple I's.) I'm suprised that some of > them didn't commit suttee when Steve died. I agree this valuation is primarily "Apple"-driven rather than say "vintage-computer" driven, but here's an interesting non-Apple sale, just completed: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cromemco-Dazzler-JP-1-Joysticks-D-7A-S-100-Card-Doc…>IMSAI-/291888851989 And yet the untouched original Mark-8 boards I bought only went for $1500. ?I don't get it.

8 years, 7 months

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Twiggys [was: Re: ka... ching!]

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

90 mm f 2 summacron was a great lens! wish I had one back for our M2. In a message dated 10/7/2016 7:15:36 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, cisin at xenosoft.com writes: On Fri, 7 Oct 2016, COURYHOUSE at aol.com wrote: > Leicas dumpstered? OMG !? > oh.... the humanity!!!!!!! Indeed! M2 AND M3, with marvelous lenses. CHead had promised me the Summicrons, which I have always dreamed of having. I found 2 cases that the dumpsterers missed, containing a mint 2-1/4x3-1/4 Graflex and lenses, and a Visoflex Tele-Elmarit with serious cosmetic damage due to the foam deteriorating. When it became clear that the rest were gone, I did a quick sale of the Tele-Elmarit for $1000, kept a 47mm Super-Angulon (almost fills 4x5!), and gave the Graflex with the rest of its lenses to another of CHead's friends who wanted to learn what HE considered "large format". I'm currently playing with swings and tilts with the Super Angulon on a Hama/Kenlock/Spiratone bellows as a miniature technical camera.

8 years, 7 months

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Twiggys [was: Re: ka... ching!]

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: Fred Cisin > I found 2 cases that the dumpsterers missed ... I did a quick sale of > the Tele-Elmarit for $1000 Did you tell the dumpsterers that they'd thrown out stuff worth thousands of dollars? (I would have made to sure to let them know that, with great spite.) And if so, what did they say? Noel

8 years, 7 months

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Twiggys [was: Re: ka... ching!]

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

Leicas dumpstered? OMG !? oh.... the humanity!!!!!!! In a message dated 10/7/2016 5:18:44 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, cisin at xenosoft.com writes: On Fri, 7 Oct 2016, COURYHOUSE at aol.com wrote: > but.... if you were a hardcore mustang collector you would not sleep > until you had every part that went with it... Having been around when they came out, and still around when I did not buy non-running rolling rebuildables for a few hundred dollars, I'm not likely to ever become that hardcore Mustang collector! I will sell my Leicas to the hardcore! (So that they won't get dumpstered after I die, like CHead's did!)

8 years, 7 months

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ka... ching!

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> Maybe not astronomical, but most of the systems I'm interested in, > anyways, are almost always outside my price range. > ... > it's not 'astronomical' just out of reach. Look at old cars. There's a whole range, from $15M Ferraris on down. The existence of cars are higher prices doesn't stop lots of people from enjoying lower-priced ones. I completely fail to see why old computers should be any different. Can everyone afford a Ferrari? No. Has this seriously damaged old car collecting? Doesn't see to have. Noel

8 years, 7 months

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Twiggys [was: Re: ka... ching!]

by vintagecomputer＠bettercomputing.net

I'd like to see a dig like they did for the Atari ET carts where the Lisas are buried. ?Although, I think they were all Lisa 2s? Sent from my Samsung device -------- Original message -------- From: Chuck Guzis <cclist at sydex.com> Date: 2016-10-07 4:58 PM (GMT-08:00) To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk at classiccmp.org> Subject: Re: Twiggys [was: Re: ka... ching!] On 10/07/2016 04:41 PM, Al Kossow wrote: > > > On 10/7/16 4:32 PM, js at cimmeri.com wrote: >> >> >> how astonishingly retarded that they sold for that much. > > nah.. maybe Alan in Soquel will list the ones he's been hoarding. In non-computer-related sales that initially commanded an outrageous price, I've seen the prices of subsequent sales decline precipitously. So Alan may not be in such a deliriously happy place. Sort of like a stamp collector selling a specimen thought to be the only one in existence and then discovering that there were 10 more out there. In particular, I have to wonder how much of this stuff is buried in overseas e-waste piles. --Chuck

8 years, 7 months

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Twiggys [was: Re: ka... ching!]

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

but.... if you were a hardcore mustang collector you would not sleep until you had every part that went with it... Ed# In a message dated 10/7/2016 5:07:12 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, cisin at xenosoft.com writes: If I had a 65 Mustang, missing the ashtray, the only reason that I would pay anything significant for NOS replacement would be if I had immediate plans to sell it to somebody for whom that stuff matters. Yes, I can see the differences between the original headlight assembly on the Honda, and the Chinese imitation replacement. But, I don't care.

8 years, 7 months

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'Revolutionary Force' Bombs IBM Offices

by billdegnan＠gmail.com

'Revolutionary Force' Bombs IBM Offices Computer Word, March 18, 1970.. http://vintagecomputer.net/browse_thread.cfm?id=654 Does anyone have a stash of these old Computer World's? I have found very few online. I assume there is a complete set somewhere...? Bill

8 years, 7 months

2
2
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TI memory board

by aek＠bitsavers.org

wonder why all the interest. gold bugs, or do people realize there are i1103s on there? http://www.ebay.com/itm/262652558004

8 years, 7 months

3
4
0 0

Data on a Platter!

by silent700＠gmail.com

Here's a scan - and special bonus audio tracks - of a brochure and 7" record I found on ebay recently: http://chiclassiccomp.org/docs/index.php?dir=%2Fcomputing/EG%26G "Data on a Platter" from a company called EG&G (anyone heard of them?) describes their vinyl (as in analog audio record) data storage scheme and how it will fit into your business. There's no date anywhere but the brochure is a great example of 60s typefaces, not to mention language. The recording includes examples of how the data sounds if played on a regular phonograph. Who's up for decoding it? -j

8 years, 7 months

1
0
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Picked up Commodore Amiga 2000

by barythrin＠gmail.com

I don't get the lack of love here. Every good hacker knows the answer is because it can. I think it adds to the charm and shows the power of the Amiga quite well. Also it shows off the technology of a computer on a card technology.? For the architecture wars fans it also reflects that they don't need a dreaded "pee see". In any event I'm a fan of emulation and hardware emulation I think is pretty solid technology vs the software counterparts. In a demo story an Amiga employee in town said he did a demo of his Amiga 3000 tower on a tech TV show. While he was playing some music on the Amiga he started up his bridge board app and loaded Windows 3.x. Then while waiting for Windows to load switched windows to show a restore off an internal SCSI tape drive. Pretty amazing technology. Plus you could even run a dos game then see the difference in the Amiga version ?(that'd be a great VCF demo). -------- Original message --------From: Chris Hanson <cmhanson at eschatologist.net> Date: 10/5/16 12:50 PM (GMT-06:00) To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk at classiccmp.org> Subject: Re: Picked up Commodore Amiga 2000 On Oct 4, 2016, at 7:13 PM, devin davison <lyokoboy0 at gmail.com> wrote: > > It looks as if PC compatibility Frankly, um, who cares?

8 years, 8 months

1
0
0 0

DEC 3000 model 400 memory

by lists＠sysop.ca

A generous list member gifted me a DEC 3000 model 400 early alpha system. This is my first alpha and I'm excited to play around with VMS and Tru64 however he warned me that it was having some memory issues when he retired it several years ago. It does indeed appear to have some bad ram. I'm wondering if anyone on the list has memory modules they'd be willing to part with.

8 years, 8 months

3
4
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late-night insane request

by linimon＠lonesome.com

Is there anyone on this list who has a VNEbus Ethernet adapter? I figure not, but I've been using a fair amount of alcohol to troll ePay tonight, just out of morbid curiosity, and might as well ask. mcl

8 years, 8 months

7
10
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equipment in NH

by jwest＠classiccmp.org

I forgot to post. the PDP/VAX/Altos stuff in NH has been claimed... J

8 years, 8 months

1
0
0 0

Any updates on the 3b2 emulator?

by other＠oryx.us

Hello Seth, Its been a few months, and I am wondering if the 3b2 emulator project is still moving forward, or put on the back burner for now? Thanks for any updates, Jerry

8 years, 8 months

2
1
0 0

Anyone in the UK wan 40 x PC Game CDROMS Win95/98 era for postage?

by mark＠wickensonline.co.uk

Does anyone want a collection of 40 CDROMs with PC games on from around the Windows 95 and 98 era? All I want is to cover postage and save these from the bin. A paypal gift of $4.99 will cover Collect+ shipping. Please email me direct - first come first served! Regards, Mark.

8 years, 8 months

1
0
0 0

Unexpected Apple Lisa display - what is it?

by barythrin＠gmail.com

Lol well crap. I was trying to remember which member here owned that site but figured it out. So where'd you find the picture Steven? -------- Original message -------- > From: steven stengel <tosteve at yahoo.com> > > What is this unusual Apple Lisa display - some sort of diagnostics? > > http://oldcomputers.net/temp/lisa.jpg

8 years, 8 months

3
3
0 0

mc68010+mc68451 Unix source?

by seefriek＠gmail.com

I've got a half dozen different source trees for mc680x0 Unixen, but nothing for an mc68010 CPU + mc68451 MMU. I know Unisoft did some. I don't know if the Motorola ports (like for the VME/10) were Unisoft or done internally. Did any '010+'451 source trees survive to escape into the wild? KJ

8 years, 8 months

8
7
0 0

Vintage Computer Festival West 2016 Gaming Panel 1080p with perfect audio

by applecorey＠optonline.net

https://youtu.be/bS_qGy3Ei3s <https://youtu.be/bS_qGy3Ei3s> Finally got around to converting this down from 4k 100mbps to 1080p and uploaded it to youtube. Enjoy, Erik Kline did a great job moderating the panel. Cheers, Corey

8 years, 8 months

1
0
0 0

Picked up Commodore Amiga 2000

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

have a unit with toaster but we need a keyboard. it sets flat not a tower. Ed# _www.smecc.org_ (http://www.smecc.org) fills history in 2 areas we cover - computers and video production In a message dated 10/4/2016 9:58:46 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, nf6x at nf6x.net writes: Congratulations on rescuing the 2000! I wanted one pretty badly when I was working in an Amiga dealership in the late 1980s, but had a 1000. I still don't have a 2000, but I've scratched that itch with a 3000 that I got a couple years ago. I still have my old 1000, but haven't powered it up for a very long time. It's overdue for a cleaning-up and resurrection. > On Oct 4, 2016, at 21:32, TeoZ <teoz at neo.rr.com> wrote: > > Anyway the XT and 286 Bridgeboards are not that expensive but anything faster sure is. The Bridgeboards were indeed an odd kludge. I don't remember if we actually sold any in the store I worked in, but I think we had at least one installed in an Amiga 2000 for demo purposes. I quit looking for Bridgeboards over a year ago when eBay and I started seeing other people, but at the time I had little luck finding any. I wouldn't mind having any working Bridgeboard to try out in my Amiga 3000 just for kicks, but I wouldn't expect it to be of much practical use. So if there's a hidden source of cheap XT and 286 Bridgeboards out there, I might like to acquire one. Devin would get first dibs on any that turn up, of course. I do have something vaguely Bridgeboard-esque: I have one of the SunPCi cards in my Sun Ultra 60. I think I set up DOS and NT virtual disks for it, but I haven't found any practical use for it. It's just a neat example of the wacky things that were kludged together for folks such as engineers who needed a UNIX workstation for their main job, but also needed access to a PC for things like Word. Now that I think of it, I haven't exactly found a practical use for the Sun it's installed in, either. :) -- Mark J. Blair, NF6X <nf6x at nf6x.net> http://www.nf6x.net/

8 years, 8 months

1
0
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To infinity and beyond: Re: uVAX system (mostly) that Ian King was interested in

by seefriek＠gmail.com

From: "Ian S. King" <isking at uw.edu> > Sorry for the delay in responding, Jon - I'm launching a spaceship this > week. :-) May I once in my life be able to say this and not be engaged in metaphor. :-) pssst...If Blue Origin is looking for a CSO/CISO, I'm in. KJ

8 years, 8 months

2
1
0 0

Wanted: IBM 5324 Monitor

by cctalk＠ibm51xx.net

Hello Everyone, I was wondering if anyone out on the list has (or knows of someone who has) an IBM 5324 monitor? This would be the monitor that goes with the IBM 5324 system (the tower version of the 5322/System 23/DataMaster). I have spare parts from a 5322 including a working display unit which I can transplant into a nonworking external monitor case. However, my preference would be for a clean/working monitor > non-working but clean monitor > working beat up monitor > beggars can't be choosers! Thanks. -Ali

8 years, 8 months

1
0
0 0

mc68010+mc68451 Unix source?

by seefriek＠gmail.com

From: Phil Budne <phil at ultimate.com> > >A quick google search found: > No source trees. But...thanks? KJ

8 years, 8 months

1
0
0 0

mc68010+mc68451 Unix source?

by seefriek＠gmail.com

From: "Mike Stein" <mhs.stein at gmail.com> > >Did Unisoft distribution tapes normally include sources? > Good question. I don't recall that they did, but it's been a frighteningly lot of years since I've culled through a Unisoft distro tape. KJ

8 years, 8 months

1
0
0 0

cut some updates and BS-windows-10-without-the-cruft-windows-10-ltsb-explained/

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

Due to the gnashing and wailing on windows 10 updates recently - wondering if this offers some relief! Ed# http://www.howtogeek.com/273824/windows-10-without-the-cruft-windows-10-ltsb -explained/

8 years, 8 months

1
0
0 0

Getting Ready to the NeXT Adventure at SMECC

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

Getting Ready to the NeXT Adventure at SMECC Found some of the boxes of cables, the mouse, trays for the laser printer. Another crate had these slipcases with lots of 8x11 NeXT Manuals in them... In addition there are CDs Located the CUBE, the Monitor and Keyboard need to find where the printer is. I know it is there! A couple weeks back I was given a copy of "Steve Jobs & the Next Big Thing" and started reading it. Very Interesting although it was done before apple got jobs back and from what I see in other sources adapted the NeXT software to be OS-X. I would interested in hearing from the group to how accurate they consider this book. I am also interested an any suggestions how I handle the initial power up... this whole machine is a new thing to me as Macs and NeXT are systems I never used back in the 'the day' Any advice on or off list appreciated! After I get it running, assuming it will I will set it in the display area and will need to look for some colorful advertising stuff to help decorate the display. If is totally roached and will not fire up then I guess it becomes a static display ( until some other parts units show up?) Thanks Ed# _www.smecc,org_ (http://www.smecc,org)

8 years, 8 months

1
0
0 0

Datapoint

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

So I just bought, and have been avidly reading: Lamont Wood, "Datapoint: The Lost Story of the Texans Who Invented the Personal Computer Revolution" and I was wondering what other people thought of it. (For those who aren't familiar with it, his thesis is in the sub-title. He reckons the first Datapoint machine, the 2200 - announced 1970, shipped 1971 - was the first personal computer, and a direct ancestor of all the PC's out there today. The Intel 8008 - base of the later 8080 and 8086 - was not actually related to the 4004, but instead was done persuant to a contract with Datapoint to provide a CPU for the 2200, to replace its inital CPU, which was built out of discrete chips.) It seems to be a reasonably scholarly work - he did a lot of interviewing of the principals, has made extensive use of archives of contempory written material, and it has some source footnotes (although not as many as would be optimal). So I think he might have a good case.... Any collectors of early Datapoint machines out there on the list? If his thesis is correct (and I think it is) these are very historic machines - up there with Altairs, etc. Noel

8 years, 8 months

7
8
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pinouts for LH Research Super-Mite and Mighty-Mite-A sense connectors

by michael.99.thompson＠gmail.com

> > Date: Sun, 2 Oct 2016 20:53:27 -0700 > From: Al Kossow <aek at bitsavers.org> > To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" > <cctalk at classiccmp.org> > Subject: pinouts for LH Research Super-Mite and Mighty-Mite-A sense > connectors > Message-ID: <7cf54132-fe8b-abde-0fe0-d4dcfeb17f04 at bitsavers.org> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 > > I'm working on documenting these supplies, since there seems to be almost > nothing on them on > the web of use. There is a list of what is on the 9 pin molex on the SM, > but no actual pinout. > Same for the 15 pin D on the MMA, but at least there are enough pictures > around to be able to > assume the sense lines are on 1 and 2. > > The general form of the part numbers for them starts with 2 or 3 letters > (TM,MM,MMA,SM) a rough > power rating code (1-7) and the number of outputs (1-5) a dash, then model > number probably encoding > supply outputs/amps. This is based on looking at a bunch of eBay pictures. > Al, I have a MM65-E0506/115 that needs repair. This is also known as a DEC H7130C from a KS10. 5V at 30A 5V at 60A 12V at 10A 15V at 3A 5V at 5A I see lots of companies that advertise repair services for these supplies, so the documentation must exist. It would be great if you could find some documentation for these power supplies. -- Michael Thompson

8 years, 8 months

4
4
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VCFed is restructuring

by evan＠snarc.net

Vintage Computer Federation has big dreams. We?re restructuring our organization to help make them come true. Our mission is to empower collectors, grow the community, and teach everyone about computer history. We especially want to raise interest in computer history among young people. To do so, we are planning many changes. For example, we want to expand the Vintage Computer Festival event series, offer new resources on the vcfed.org site, foster regional chapters, and improve our museum space. There are still other ideas that we hope to share in 2017 and beyond. We firmly believe these goals are attainable and imperative. However, as an all-volunteer unit, there simply isn?t enough time to devote to our cause without overly sacrificing time spent at our regular jobs, being with family, collecting vintage computers, and so on. As such, effective today, Vintage Computer Federation co-founder Evan Koblentz is stepping down as president and accepts the new position of part-time director. Evan is the Federation?s first employee. He reports to the board. Evan will continue day-to-day administration of the Federation and will embark on new fundraising initiatives. Erik Klein, formerly vice president, is now board chairman. Jeffrey Brace, also formerly a vice president, is now vice-chairman. Corey Cohen retains his role as business manager. We feel this new structure will help us gain resources, meet our goals, and continue to save and teach computer history for many years to come. Vintage Computer Federation Inc. is a 501(c) non-profit organization.

8 years, 8 months

1
0
0 0

11/35 on eBait

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: Al Kossow > Stack Limit That's there - that's the KJ11. > From: Tony Duell > KW11-L line time clock? I don't really consider the LTC as a CPU option. It's on the actual UNIBUS, it's just in a specially wired UNIBUS slot that's only one slot wide, and only has BR/G6 and D6/7 wired to it. Yes, in this case that slot is in the CPU, so one can make an argument... Noel

8 years, 8 months

4
6
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ka... ching!

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: Alexandre Souza > the outsider comes and says "if he is selling for 1000, I'll sell mine > for 1100 and see what happens" and the price goes to actual unpayable > levels. Except it usually doesn't work. Look at that PDP-8 that was listed for ever at $25K. No takers. And this PDP-11/04: http://www.ebay.com/itm/172192522620 which does, after all, have the programmer's console, and has been listed for months at $2K. Noel

8 years, 8 months

1
0
0 0

11/35 on eBait

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: William Degnan > Some of the CPU options not present. Huh? The KT11-D is there, as is the KE11-E and KE11-E, and even a KJ11-A of sorts (might be an after-market one, doesn't have the standard DEC handle). What other 11/40 CPU options are there? Noel

8 years, 8 months

3
2
0 0

My H316 environment

by hachti＠hachti.de

Hi folks, if you're interested... I have made available my Honeywell H316 environment. Consists of all you need to run the machine and more. Contains software to split and rearrange libraries. The Fortran IV compiler SOURCE. The assembler. Scripts that run compiler and assembler transparently on files (with help of SIMH). Plotter library. Mandelbrot program. Much more. Only SIMH is needed. The rest should be done by the Makefile. It's just all I have. http://gitweb.hachti.de/git/h316.git :-) -- Dipl.-Inf. (FH) Philipp Hachtmann Buchdruck, Bleisatz, Spezialit?ten Alemannstr. 21, D-30165 Hannover Tel. 0511/3522222, Mobil 0171/2632239 Fax. 0511/3500439 philipp at hachtmann.com www.tiegeldruck.de facebook.com/buchdruck UStdID DE 202668329

8 years, 8 months

3
3
0 0

pinouts for LH Research Super-Mite and Mighty-Mite-A sense connectors

by aek＠bitsavers.org

I'm working on documenting these supplies, since there seems to be almost nothing on them on the web of use. There is a list of what is on the 9 pin molex on the SM, but no actual pinout. Same for the 15 pin D on the MMA, but at least there are enough pictures around to be able to assume the sense lines are on 1 and 2. The general form of the part numbers for them starts with 2 or 3 letters (TM,MM,MMA,SM) a rough power rating code (1-7) and the number of outputs (1-5) a dash, then model number probably encoding supply outputs/amps. This is based on looking at a bunch of eBay pictures. They want waaaay too much money for them on there. This all started because I need to fix the MM72s for the Alto. I got the four I took a look at fixed by replacing all of the 19000uF/7.5v caps. All of them were dried out. Not a huge surprise since they were from around 1978. Measured the rest of the caps in them with an in circuit capacitance/ESR meter and they were all reasonable, even the 1400uf/200v ones, which I had some spares for, but are much harder to find in the right size than the 19mF ones. Switching supplies from the mid 70's are NOISY (10-20mV on all four supplies)

8 years, 8 months

1
0
0 0

HP 9000 Model 550 sold on eBay

by glen.slick＠gmail.com

I was wondering if this item would attract much attention. http://www.ebay.com/itm/262642624725 Sold for $787 this evening. I don't know anything about these systems. Looks interesting, but this bit of text didn't sound too encouraging: "The 550s have not held up particularly well over time. As of 2013, the museum had two units. Both units have non-functioning power supplies. The system control boards are also subject to damage from battery corrosion." http://www.hpmuseum.net/display_item.php?hw=581 Also this bit of text about the HP-UX 5.0 Operating System: "The downloadable file is an image of the system software tape for HP-UX on 500 Series computers. It was made from a 150ft tape. We obtained 47 read errors while imaging the tape, so it's probably not entirely intact, and we don't have a working 500 Series machine to check. However, the file contents of the tape are readable by issuing the BASIC CAT command from a 300 Series computer." http://hpmuseum.net/display_item.php?sw=534 Just curious if anyone knows much about these systems and if anyone has one in working condition. What might the chances be for whoever bought this system to get it into any sort of working setup? Does anyone else have software for these squirreled away in their collections?

8 years, 8 months

2
1
0 0

ka... ching!

by vintagecomputer＠bettercomputing.net

I have been keeping a registry of key machines.. Apple IIs and Altairs and such.. whenever a serial number is available I try to record it. ?Ive only seen one or two come up twice.. and I think one was the vintagecomputermuseum guy. ?I'll keep keeping tabs and see just for fun if stuff is in fac recycling. :) Sent from my Samsung device -------- Original message -------- From: william degnan <billdegnan at gmail.com> Date: 2016-10-02 1:37 PM (GMT-08:00) To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk at classiccmp.org> Subject: Re: ka... ching! On Sun, Oct 2, 2016 at 4:29 PM, TeoZ <teoz at neo.rr.com> wrote: > There are also the type of people who get into a hobby and buy all kinds > of gear then get bored and ditch it a few years later. > > -----Original Message----- From: Jon Elson > Sent: Sunday, October 02, 2016 3:32 PM > To: General at classiccmp.org ; Discussion at classiccmp.org:On-Topic and > Off-Topic Posts > Subject: Re: ka... ching! > > > On 10/02/2016 12:50 PM, Al Kossow wrote: > >> >> On 10/2/16 10:15 AM, Jay West wrote: >> >>> I have a new theory. No new machines are ever >>> found, we all just keep trading ownership of them amongst ourselves, >>> sometimes with the same machine coming back years later! >>> >>> Thats been a joke at hamfests for decades :-) >> >> >> >> It is NOT a joke, it really happens.? The old gear outlasts > the owners, and people use it for a while, upgrade, move to > a retirement home or whatever, and it goes to someone else. > Then, the cycle repeats. > > Jon > I have noticed a lot of "new" items coming into availability. People have been horders of computers since companies first started letting employees to take them home after depreciation.? Plenty is still out there. I still want to got to Cuba to find a Univac there.? I have this feeling that some thought-lost vintage machines are to be found there. b

8 years, 8 months

2
1
0 0

11/35 on eBait

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

So there's another 11/35 up on eBait: http://www.ebay.com/itm/142135416325 10-1/2 'desktop' cabinet. It does have the semi-mythical KE11-F, from what I can see. Not sure what the group of 4 quad cards is (none of the pictures show the numbers clearly) - maybe an RK11-D, if we can believe the tape along the edge? Does have a couple of DL11's, and one 16KB core memory group. Noel

8 years, 8 months

2
1
0 0

ka... ching!

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

thanks for the info.... I will now have to find where I put it! It was not like the mac mouse and I do not or I did not think I had one for our Lisa but I guess I do now! our SMECC Lisa has a floppy and a hard drive. hard to say what is wrong with it... just a screen full of letters (any info on this is good to hear from you-) Ed# www.smecc.org In a message dated 10/1/2016 7:13:55 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, cisin at xenosoft.com writes: On Sat, 1 Oct 2016, COURYHOUSE at aol.com wrote: > In reality, what do you feel the mouse is worth? As a mouse, $5 - $20 as a historic artifact, $10 - $1000, depending on prevenance (Engelbart's mouse is worth more than mine)

8 years, 8 months

1
0
0 0

ka... ching!

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

In reality, what do you feel the mouse is worth? Ed# In a message dated 10/1/2016 4:47:10 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, js at cimmeri.com writes: On 10/1/2016 6:38 PM, Adrian Graham wrote: > On 01/10/2016 23:52, "Santo Nucifora"<santo.nucifora at gmail.com> wrote: > >> For those who are bidding on the twiggy drives, you can have a Lisa 1 >> faceplate here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/222262204758 and a matching >> Lisa 1 mouse here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/172360487433 >> > Hells, he's still trying to flog that mouse for $3K. We've picked that one > apart a few times here :) And the incredible gall of him to have a shipping charge on top of that. Uneffingblinkenbelievable. - J.

8 years, 8 months

4
3
0 0

ka... ching!

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

Come on! there are still treasures to be found! ( probaby not the 57 chevy though) In a message dated 10/1/2016 4:06:55 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, cisin at xenosoft.com writes: Yes, it is easy to remember times when IBM 5150, '57 Chevy, Altair, Isetta, functioning TTYs, could be had for the effort of carrying them home. Well before our time, Van Gogh paintings could be had for a bottle of wine.

8 years, 8 months

2
1
0 0

ka... ching!

by cctalk＠ibm51xx.net

>Can >everyone afford a Ferrari? No. Has this >seriously damaged old car collecting? But it has seriously damaged my ability to enjoy and collect Ferraris. :D -Ali

8 years, 8 months

1
0
0 0

ka... ching!

by vintagecomputer＠bettercomputing.net

I second what Mike says, Chuck. I don't enjoy fighting with these deep pocketed 'collectors', especiallu knowing a lot of this stuff is destined for a trophy case never to be used. ?But.. that's the free market. ?Plus high prices ensure I'm not able to immediately fill my basement. :) I actually find myself more excited by reproduction.. I think as cool as it would have been to own an original TVT building one myself has really made it special. ?Along the way I keep finding new potential projects. ? ? Sent from my Samsung device -------- Original message -------- From: Mike Stein <mhs.stein at gmail.com> Date: 2016-10-01 1:47 PM (GMT-08:00) To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk at classiccmp.org> Subject: Re: ka... ching! ----- Original Message ----- From: "Chuck Guzis" <cclist at sydex.com> To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk at classiccmp.org> Sent: Saturday, October 01, 2016 2:12 PM Subject: Re: ka... ching! > On 10/01/2016 08:27 AM, js at cimmeri.com wrote: > >> Ohhhh, I see.??? Now that makes sense -- Thanks, Al.??? But, like >> airplanes and boats, this looks like only a rich person's game. > > Sigh.? There was a time when I was in this old computer stuff to help > out people who were trying to do something or retrieve otherwise lost > information. > > The game has changed, obviously.? We are in an era now when folks with > too much money and spare time and narcissism want to buy and sell and > display toys rather than play with them. > > Looks like it's time to get out of this racket. > > --Chuck > ===================== Please don't, Chuck! You're one of the most prolific sources of information and helpful advice in this hobby, across almost all platforms, and you would be sorely missed indeed. Obviously I don't have anything close to what you have to contribute, but my reasons for spending time on these lists & forums are more or less the same (as well as the hope of regaining some space in my house ;-). For various reasons I've also from time to time reflected on why I waste so much time on what is just old junk to most people; someone here (Al? Fred?) once asked rhetorically how much money or lost income we spend just storing this crap, and that in particular hit home. I did get rid of a fair bit of stuff after the unpleasantness on the Vintage Forum and have cut back a lot on the time I spend on the various lists, but when I consider 'getting out of the racket' completely the friends I've made and the occasional opportunity to actually help someone with a hard-to-find item or even a piece of advice have kept me 'in it' after all. Please don't go! m

8 years, 8 months

1
0
0 0

equipment available - NH

by jwest＠classiccmp.org

I have no idea how many people this person emailed, but I did get emailed directly about it so passing it on.. "Stuff" available (as of today for sure) in central NH. See a few pictures at www.ezwind.net/nh <http://www.ezwind.net/nh> The person said it includes 2 or 3 systems (altos? PDP? Vax?), and a lot of documentation and media. Some other documentation is present for other systems (Honeywell, etc.). They also said some Prime manuals but not sure I buy that. Snippets in email I received: You would not want to see what I have go into the dump. My Dad was a programmer from day until . His life's work is in my basement. Includes a VAX and a Dec PC and an Altos. Also have numerous PDP and PDP material. Many VAX/VMS manuals, multitude of software and manuals. And. We have some PDP=10 and somePDP11 books and manuals. Prime. And. Still available. Location Central NH. Come get it or call me via telephone. Where do you want it shipped and can you pay for freight charge? Want it gone now as soon as possible. Thank you. And. Here are pics of the DEC machines and an Altos. All of the documentation goes with the computers and some is from other mid-range platforms. Some text books as well. I need to sell all of this stuff to an interested buyer. Moving and can't take it with me. If you are serious (and able) to get this equipment within a week or two, then contact me off-list and I'll send an introduction email. Whoever takes this on should be in the NorthEastern US at least.. Best, J

8 years, 8 months

1
0
0 0

Looking for professional packaging in Stanford

by iamcamiel＠gmail.com

I'm working on getting a shipment of some 1980's computer equipment >from Stanford, CA to the Netherlands arranged. I've sorted out the pickup, shipping, and delivery part of it, but the systems will need to be palletized prior to pickup. So, I'm looking for someone, or a business, in the area that can go to the location where the systems are with 5 40"x48" pallets and other packaging materials, and then load the cabinets (up to 500 lbs each) onto the pallets, cover them with which corrugated cardboard, secure them to the pallets with straps, and put shrink-wrap all around it. Recommendations for this kind of service are most welcome. Suggestions for alternate packaging options are also welcome. Kind regards, Camiel Vanderhoeven

8 years, 8 months

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Does anyone actually have a KT11-B?

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

So, does anyone out there actually have a KT11-B? I ask because I have just realized that the "KT11-B" sold on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/201624309371 was not, in fact, a KT11-B! If you look closely at the pictures of the unit in the back of the cabinet: http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/7sYAAOSwGtNXiUAM/s-l1600.jpg https://i.sli.mg/zvOSH1.jpg https://i.sli.mg/6fWvkw.jpg although it has the quad-high backplane of the general type used by the KT11-B, the Flip Chips plugged in are completely not those given in the Flip Chip chart for the KT11-B: http://gunkies.org/wiki/KT11-B_Technical_Manual#Module_Locations Rather, the ones shown in the images show it to be (mostly) an RK11-C. Cool, but nowhere near as cool as a KT11-B. (On a cool scale of 10, I rank the RK11-C as a 6, a TC11 as an 8, and a KT11-B as a 23.) I say "mostly" because there appear to be extra cards on the right hand end; whether those are some sort of upgrade to the RK11-C, or whether someone just stored spare Flip Chips out there, I have no idea. Noel

8 years, 8 months

1
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Is anyone making replacement clear labels for DEC gear?

by Arno_1983＠gmx.de

On Thu, 29 Sep 2016 12:29:06 -0400, Paul Koning <paulkoning at comcast.net> wrote: > There are inkjet printers that support white ink (or pigment). Those are probably professional type machines, so they are likely to cost over $1000. Possibly you can find a service bureau that will do the job. I think I've > seem them described as machines for making labels (to put onto bottles and boxes etc.). Epson makes them if I remember right, and there are likely to be others. We have a couple @work to put datecodes, tracability numbers etc. on PCB assemblies, but they're probably more commonly used to print e.g. freshness dates directly onto cans, bottles etc. Ours are made by Markem Imaje in France, they can also do logos, 1D and 2D codes, and I _think_ there are white inks for them as well. They are also intended for integration into some machine or process as they depend on the material moving by and sensing its speed by an encoder. Ink droplets are continuously produced from a single nozzle and electrostatically deflected in 2 axes, either into a gutter inside the print head or out through the aperture and onto the medium. Using such to print onto clear adhesive label stock might be a start, but the resolution is hmmm...limited. So long, Arno

8 years, 8 months

1
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Looking for Bruce from Future Dimensions, Compuware

by microtechdart＠gmail.com

Interesting story (well maybe for some). For any of you who have followed my projects, here is some context: It is one and the same company who used both the Point 4 IRIS systems and the Convergent Technologies MightyFrame systems that I have spent the last 3 years reconstructing and restoring. Some of the guys from that company distinctly remember one single programmer, who was responsible for programming (and possibly sourcing the hardware) for both of these systems for them. The programmer's name was Bruce, who's initials were BAM, and who worked for a company in the Los Angeles California area called Future Dimensions, back in the 1982-1985 area. It is also possible that he later had some connection with Compuware around the same timeframe.. Anyway, I thought I would just put this "out there", to see if anyone reading this might be this very Bruce, or someone who might know who he is. He once wrote this program to run on login of their Point 4 IRIS system. He also often commented his programs as the author as BAM. #BASIC 2/CALLME LIST 10 DIM A$[10],B$[50] 20 IF ERR 0 GOTO 40 30 INPUT ""A$ 40 PRINT "\207\\233\*\215\\215\\215\\215\\215\\215\\215\\21 5\\215"; 41 PRINT "CHUCK, THE LOCATION REPORT IS READY." 42 PRINT "ALSO, THE MODEL REPORT IS READY" 50 PRINT "\215\PLEASE CALL ME. BRUCE. TYPE '0' TO GET OUT OF THIS "; 60 INPUT A$ 70 IF A$="0" CHAIN "VM." 80 GOTO 40 RUN \?* It's my hope that someone finds this at least humorous, maybe even silly, if nothing else. Thanks always, -AJ http://point4iris.com http://MightyFrame.com http://QICreader.com

8 years, 8 months

2
2
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Atari 1400XL for sale...

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

We have several Atari in the museum's collection is this really rare? I will have to go check which we have... we were given a bath of as new in box cpu, monitors, etc etc... What is a good reference site for us to come up to speed on this gear? Thanks Ed# _www.smecc.org_ (http://www.smecc.org) In a message dated 9/28/2016 7:00:47 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, ethan at 757.org writes: OMG RARE On Wed, 28 Sep 2016, Curt Vendel wrote: > Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2016 19:55:39 -0400 > From: Curt Vendel <curt at atarimuseum.com> > Reply-To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" > <cctalk at classiccmp.org> > To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk at classiccmp.org> > Subject: Atari 1400XL for sale... > > I saw one of these go on Ebay recently and I'm considering sell my 1400XL. > Looking for a respectable amount, so if you are interested, please don't > offer low ball offers. Please contact me off list to discuss, thank you. > > http://www.atarimuseum.com/computers/8bits/xl/1400xl/1400.html > > > Curt > > > > -- Ethan O'Toole

8 years, 8 months

4
3
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BA23 BA11-M power up after long time

by dj.taylor4＠comcast.net

I have a couple of BA23 based boxes and one BA11-M box that I haven't powered on in a couple of years and would like to resurrect them into working PDP11's. How should I go about powering them up without doing any damage? What is an appropriate load for the power supply?

8 years, 8 months

1
0
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Labels white on clear

by rodsmallwood52＠btinternet.com

Hi White on clear labels- yes. Size, Content and expected price to me please. Rod (Panelman) Smallwood -- *PDP-8/e PDP-8/f PDP-8/m PDP-8/i Front Panels ex Stock - Order Now*

8 years, 8 months

2
1
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Is anyone making replacement clear labels for DEC gear?

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: Ethan Dicks > One aspect of it is that some of the labels are damaged > ... > Before embarking on spinning up a process, I thought I'd ask if anyone > has already done so. This definitely sounds like a place where it would be good to have one person specialize in this, rather than everyone rolling their own. I, for instance, could use a number of these labels (starting with the one that lists the boards in the 11/45 CPU - although that one's black on white). Anyone up for becoming label-meister? Noel

8 years, 8 months

6
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Is anyone making replacement clear labels for DEC gear?

by ethan.dicks＠gmail.com

Hi, All, I'm restoring some stuff from the mid 1970s and a recent acquisition was previously cleaned of mouse damage but needs to be sanded and repainted by me. One aspect of it is that some of the labels are damaged (but some can probably be masked and painted around). The level of damage I'm talking about looks a bit like this... http://fritzm.github.io/images/pdp11/h742-corrosion.jpg Most of the item intact, but rust and scale to be cleaned, sanded, primed and painted. The damage to the label in that pic is representative. I have access to all the modern tools, so it's easy to print black on clear adhesive sheet, but not so much with white. Before embarking on spinning up a process, I thought I'd ask if anyone has already done so. In particular interest to me is the era from about 1965-1980, >from PDP-8s through PDP-11s and VAX-11 machines, both CPUs and peripherals. I would like to get close matches and I already know in some cases, there just aren't close matches with modern TrueType font files. I can, of course, just take photos of the label areas now, restore the damage, and put on stickers some time in the future, but doing it all at once has its own appeal -ethan

8 years, 8 months

5
8
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Unexpected Apple Lisa display - what is it?

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

then I head ho some lisa cases later had mc boards shoved in them!? Ed# In a message dated 9/28/2016 9:54:55 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, santo.nucifora at gmail.com writes: I have this one one of my Lisa's as well. It's like a start up menu that allows you to launch the Finder. That's all I ever do with it. I don't know what the name is but it may be a part of specific version of MacWorks Plus. Sorry, I don't have any more info. Santo On Wed, Sep 28, 2016 at 3:02 PM, Paul McJones <paul at mcjones.org> wrote: > > Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2016 09:15:42 +0000 (UTC) > > From: steven stengel <tosteve at yahoo.com> > > Message-ID: <916931269.6067118.1475054142110 at mail.yahoo.com> > > > > > > What is this unusual Apple Lisa display - some sort of diagnostics? > > > > http://oldcomputers.net/temp/lisa.jpg > > I suspect it is a Macintosh utility (Disk Copy?) Lisas could run Macintosh > software using something called MacWorks. > >

8 years, 8 months

1
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DEC ALL-IN-1

by curt＠atarimuseum.com

Hi, I had heard many years back that the DOS version of WPS could read and open DEC AI1 files. I was able to get a copy of WPSDOS and tried to no avail. Anyone have any luck opening AI1 files on a PC computer in DOS or Windows to get a file to open with all of the proper formatting and settings? I can open raw with notepad but much of it is buried is formatting code, I'd like to be able to properly open up a file with its formatting in tacked. Thanks, Curt

8 years, 8 months

1
0
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Atari 1400XL for sale...

by curt＠atarimuseum.com

I saw one of these go on Ebay recently and I'm considering sell my 1400XL. Looking for a respectable amount, so if you are interested, please don't offer low ball offers. Please contact me off list to discuss, thank you. http://www.atarimuseum.com/computers/8bits/xl/1400xl/1400.html Curt

8 years, 8 months

2
1
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Unexpected Apple Lisa display - what is it?

by paul＠mcjones.org

> Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2016 09:15:42 +0000 (UTC) > From: steven stengel <tosteve at yahoo.com> > Message-ID: <916931269.6067118.1475054142110 at mail.yahoo.com> > > > What is this unusual Apple Lisa display - some sort of diagnostics? > > http://oldcomputers.net/temp/lisa.jpg I suspect it is a Macintosh utility (Disk Copy?) Lisas could run Macintosh software using something called MacWorks.

8 years, 8 months

4
3
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cctalk Digest, Vol 27, Issue 27

by Wayne.Smith＠warnerbros.com

> Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2016 09:15:42 +0000 (UTC) > From: steven stengel <tosteve at yahoo.com> > To: "General Discussion: On-Topic Posts" <cctech at classiccmp.org> > Subject: Unexpected Apple Lisa display - what is it? > Message-ID: <916931269.6067118.1475054142110 at mail.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > > What is this unusual Apple Lisa display - some sort of diagnostics? > > http://oldcomputers.net/temp/lisa.jpg It's the MiniFinder - part of Macintosh System release 2, I believe. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CZan7K4UkAUvZak.jpg

8 years, 8 months

1
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KT11-B Paging Option engineering drawings and 'Technical Manual' online

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

So, the KT11-B Paging Option engineering drawings recently made their appearance online: http://bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/pdp11/1120/KT11-B_EngrDrws_Feb72.pdf After a good bit of study of them, I have prepared a 'Technical Manual' for the KT11-B, somewhat in the flavour of the old DEC technical manuals: http://gunkies.org/wiki/KT11-B_Technical_Manual since the prints, by themselves, are fairly inscrutable: an incredibly large mass of gates (almost no MSI, other than a couple of Flip Chips included in the drawings as modules). The article basically attempts to describe how the thing works internally; it includes sections which describe the function (i.e. point) and operation of the circuitry on each page of the prints, and there's also a signal dictionary which describes what all the major signals mean/do. It's not quite absolutely complete, but it's 96% there at this point; I am still working on it. One thing I do intend to add (when I can work it out :-) is to annotate the table of states with info one what each states _means_. If anyone is particularly interested in this device, and reads the article, I would be very grateful for feedback on what's still missing that I could add, suggestions for better organization, etc, etc. Noel

8 years, 8 months

1
0
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Unexpected Apple Lisa display - what is it?

by tosteve＠yahoo.com

What is this unusual Apple Lisa display - some sort of diagnostics? http://oldcomputers.net/temp/lisa.jpg

8 years, 8 months

1
0
0 0

Sanyo VM-4509 service manual

by aek＠bitsavers.org

As common as this monitor is, I don't see a scanned copy of a manual on any real site. Anyone know of a copy? I went ahead and bought a VM-4512 manual from Tucker to scan. At least that will be around..

8 years, 8 months

2
1
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Availability of PDP-8i Front Panel

by rayneal382＠gmail.com

Sir; I working on a project to build a PDP-8i for a combined Compute Science/Electronic Engineering course on design. The purpose of this course is to teach the basic of computer design, build and Programing a computer they must build. This course is still a year down the road. I volunteer to accomplish the building of the prototype system using only the parts available at the time the orginal computer were built. The point of the build is, if a 70+ can sit down with the course material, and design and build a working model of the PDP-8i, the there is no excuse that each student attending the course, should not be able to accomplish the same task. 1. I would like to know if you still have your PDP-8i Front Panel still available? 2. What is the cost for the panel plus shipping to Tucson, Arizona? 3. I understands that you are attempting to re-manufacture the Switch Rocker Assembly? And possibly the PCB board for mounting the switches? a. If so, I would like to know status, and an estimated cost for a complete set? B. Would these items be compatible to with c&k 7000 u-frame series switches assembly? One other question I have is do you have any drawings that give both the dimensions and profile of the mounting frame? If so are they available? I want to Thank You for taking the time ahead of time in answering this E-mail. Respectfully; Ray Neal

8 years, 8 months

3
2
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Availability of PDP-8i Front Panel

by anders.k.nelson＠gmail.com

Hi Ray (and everyone), I'm also very interested in knowing the mechanical dimensions of the front panel PCB and positions of the lamps/switches/mounts/etc., but for the PDP-8/e. Does anyone have front panel PCB dimensions and positions for all the UI components I could use? I can make a simple PCB design for each of the main areas (lamps, switch register, other switch groups) that will arrive at a few smaller PCBs, saving a ton of cost. I also have experience in LED display and switch matrix design so we won't need a thousand wires going everywhere when used with an emulator. For example, one USB cable for the entire front panel. There exists the amazing PiDP-8 ( http://obsolescence.wixsite.com/obsolescence/pidp-8) that has all of these items taken care of. But there does /not/ exist one for the PDP-8/e. I await your wisdom, -- Anders Nelson +1 (517) 775-6129 www.erogear.com ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Ray Neal <rayneal382 at gmail.com> To: cctalk at classiccmp.org Cc: Date: Sun, 25 Sep 2016 11:59:24 -0700 Subject: Availability of PDP-8i Front Panel Sir; I working on a project to build a PDP-8i for a combined Compute Science/Electronic Engineering course on design. The purpose of this course is to teach the basic of computer design, build and Programing a computer they must build. This course is still a year down the road. I volunteer to accomplish the building of the prototype system using only the parts available at the time the orginal computer were built. The point of the build is, if a 70+ can sit down with the course material, and design and build a working model of the PDP-8i, the there is no excuse that each student attending the course, should not be able to accomplish the same task. 1. I would like to know if you still have your PDP-8i Front Panel still available? 2. What is the cost for the panel plus shipping to Tucson, Arizona? 3. I understands that you are attempting to re-manufacture the Switch Rocker Assembly? And possibly the PCB board for mounting the switches? a. If so, I would like to know status, and an estimated cost for a complete set? B. Would these items be compatible to with c&k 7000 u-frame series switches assembly? One other question I have is do you have any drawings that give both the dimensions and profile of the mounting frame? If so are they available? I want to Thank You for taking the time ahead of time in answering this E-mail. Respectfully; Ray Neal

8 years, 8 months

2
1
0 0

Replacing HP 700 terminal CRTs

by aek＠bitsavers.org

I picked up a 700/60, the ANSI version of the HP 700-series terminal and when I took it apart to clean, it had a VDC 1401DP31BE inside. I swapped the CRT into a 700/92 which has a slightly different board, and a burned in amber tube, and it worked fine. Also I noticed the 700/96 PCB is almost identical to the 700/60, so I'll try a rom swap to see what happens. Too bad there aren't generally available cross reference list for terminal CRTs. FWIW, the 700/96 has a Philips M32ECD3G CRT. VDC is having a "sale" on the 1401DP4 and P31. The tube price is pretty cheap but the shipping is about double when you price it against their normal $55 price. The shipping goes down with quantity, so if you buy 5 or so it ends up being about $25 a tube and significantly cheaper than all of the ones listed on eBay.

8 years, 8 months

2
3
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FYI- Department of Defense Debuts Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship, Research Gra

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

Department of Defense Debuts Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship, Research Grant Now Accepting Proposals The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced a new competition for the "Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship" in a recent Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) (N00014-16-R-FO12) on www.grants.gov. This program is formerly known as the National Security Science and Engineering Faculty Fellowship (NSSEFF), and both program names will be used for this round of competition during the transition phase. The Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship program is sponsored by the Basic Research Office, Office of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (ASD(R&E)). The Office of Naval Research (ONR) executes the program for ASD(R&E) and is soliciting proposals. This program seeks outstanding researchers to propose basic research that is potentially transformative in topics areas of interest to the DoD. ?I strongly believe DoD faces some of the most exciting and difficult problems to be found in research and technology,? said Secretary of Defense Ash Carter. ?Vannevar Bush fellows will lead the way in transforming and defining new fields of science and in helping the Department look to the future. ? This new program name commemorates Dr. Vannevar Bush (1890-1974). He was the Director of Scientific Research and Development during World War II and the author of "Science, The Endless Frontier.? Bush was also a professor and Dean of Engineering at MIT and later founded a large defense and electronics company. As a devoted teacher, administrator and entrepreneur, Bush made creative and innovative contributions to science, engineering and the nation. During World War II, Bush mobilized America?s scientific resources to achieve advances in defense technologies that were decisive in winning the war. After the war, he was instrumental in formulating sound policies for the advancement of science, engineering and education. Bush, in his famous 1945 report, "Science: The Endless Frontier,? wrote that ?the pioneer spirit is still vigorous within this nation. Science offers a largely unexplored hinterland for the pioneer who has the tools for his task. The rewards of such exploration both for the nation and the individual are great. Scientific progress is one essential key to our security as a nation, to our better health, to more jobs, to a higher standard of living, and to our cultural progress." For more information on how to apply, please visit _http://www.acq.osd.mil/rd/basic_research/program_info/vbff.html_ (http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type =click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTYwOTI2LjY0MjI4NDExJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE2MDkyNi42NDIyODQxMSZkY XRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MzUwOTI3JmVtYWlsaWQ9Y291cnlob3VzZUBhb2wuY29tJ nVzZXJpZD1jb3VyeWhvdXNlQGFvbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==& &&101&&&http://www.acq.osd.mil/rd/basic_research/program_info/vbff.html?sour ce=GovDelivery) .

8 years, 8 months

1
0
0 0

68K Macs with MacOS 7.5 still in production use...

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: Chuck Guzis > Call it anything you want, but we know what Motorola called it. The _first implementation_ may have been 16-bit, but I am in no doubt whatsover (having written a lot of assembler code for the 68K family) that the _architecture_ was 32-bit: - 32-bit registers - many operations (arithmetical, logical, etc) defined for that length - 32-bit addresses Etc, etc, etc, etc. Noel

8 years, 8 months

21
38
0 0

UMR computer photos

by jwsmail＠jwsss.com

I was looking thru one of the yearbooks from my time at University of Missouri, Rolla. I found what I think is a photo of a GE-200. I "liberated" this system or one of them to a lab I had, when they were mothballed, and I could swear that is what the systems were. If anyone recognizes them, let me know. This is the first hint of any sort as to what I had. And my memory could be wrong. The square indicator and switch style is very much like what I recall for this particular system. I had gotten handed a couple of very heavy trays of Lambda power supplies which clearly were for some purpose due to how they were mounted. I later found the system I think was a GE-200 neglected in a stockroom in the EE building and recognized that the interconnnect would fit the power supply trays I had. The system was transistorized, not IC I might add. That was why it took 4 or 5 large Lambda supplies. Luckily we had not broken the supply tray up and i was able to play with it. The other thing i think might be of interest are several photos of an analog computer that the EE dept had. I know there was another much larger system in the Physics department as well, and maybe I'll luck out and find a photo of it later. Oh, and the blond at the keypunch. I might add that she is probably retired now. thanks Jim http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/jws1971/library/UMR%20computer%20photos

8 years, 8 months

3
3
0 0

No subject

by lproven＠gmail.com

"Fan belts only exist, briefly, in the intervals between stars Reviewing the informative Turing?s Cathedral Programming the ENIAC, the world's first digital computer (US Army photo) Book review It's a full four years since it was published, but Reg contributor Geoffrey G Rochat has finally gotten around to reading George Dyson's worthy tome Turing?s Cathedral. He finds it's not just a Best Book list lurker, but something actually worth reading." http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/01/10/turing_cathedral_fan_belts_exist_br… Contains some discussion of level-based versus pulse-based logic in early valve computers which is frankly way over my head but might be of interest to some here. -- Liam Proven ? Profile: http://lproven.livejournal.com/profile Email: lproven at cix.co.uk ? GMail/G+/Twitter/Flickr/Facebook: lproven MSN: lproven at hotmail.com ? Skype/AIM/Yahoo/LinkedIn: liamproven Cell/Mobiles: +44 7939-087884 (UK) ? +420 702 829 053 (?R)

8 years, 8 months

2
1
0 0

Fixing HP 3000 model 37 PSU

by hp-fix＠xs4all.nl

Some time ago I acquired a HP 3000/37 micro, it has a faulty psu. One of the mosfet controlling the power transistor BUX48 was shorted an blew up the whole power stage. Getting new fet's and power transistor wasn't the problem, but the regulator IC also has blown. The regulator IC is marked CC3896F made by SB and also has this number '3713045', the only info I can find on the net is provided by the known IC brokers from China. I'd like to get this box running again, so I'm looking for the IC or a replacement PSU which is an ITT PEC 3945 P/N 6064265. Any other info about it like diagrams and datasheets about the CC3896F are also welcome. Thanks, -Rik

8 years, 8 months

2
2
0 0

UMR computer photos

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

Not the GE 200 I am used to! what did it have for a console? Ed# _www.smecc.org_ (http://www.smecc.org) In a message dated 9/26/2016 3:21:41 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time, jwsmail at jwsss.com writes: I was looking thru one of the yearbooks from my time at University of Missouri, Rolla. I found what I think is a photo of a GE-200. I "liberated" this system or one of them to a lab I had, when they were mothballed, and I could swear that is what the systems were. If anyone recognizes them, let me know. This is the first hint of any sort as to what I had. And my memory could be wrong. The square indicator and switch style is very much like what I recall for this particular system. I had gotten handed a couple of very heavy trays of Lambda power supplies which clearly were for some purpose due to how they were mounted. I later found the system I think was a GE-200 neglected in a stockroom in the EE building and recognized that the interconnnect would fit the power supply trays I had. The system was transistorized, not IC I might add. That was why it took 4 or 5 large Lambda supplies. Luckily we had not broken the supply tray up and i was able to play with it. The other thing i think might be of interest are several photos of an analog computer that the EE dept had. I know there was another much larger system in the Physics department as well, and maybe I'll luck out and find a photo of it later. Oh, and the blond at the keypunch. I might add that she is probably retired now. thanks Jim http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/jws1971/library/UMR%20computer%20photos

8 years, 8 months

2
1
0 0

Short test programs for pdp 11/34

by paulp1＠gmail.com

You might try looking at the M9312 proms that Don North has made available here: http://www.ak6dn.com/PDP-11/M9312/ If you have an M9312 in your system it will have the basic console prom in it. There are listings of the prom contents on that web page. There is also a simple diagnostic prom that loops forever near the bottom of the page. If you don't have an M9312 then you could probably key in a program from the rom listings provided. I'd bet Don will be along shortly to provide a better explanation.

8 years, 8 months

4
3
0 0

Replacing HP 700 terminal CRTs

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

the only difference might be the keycaps and ROMs! let me know! Ed# In a message dated 9/25/2016 9:35:27 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, davidkcollins2 at gmail.com writes: Apart from the different colors I'd be surprised if all the tubes weren't interchangable between the 700 series. I think the only difference between models is the logic PCA and ROMs etc. The 700 series service manual would confirm one way or the other. David Collins (Sent from out of office) > On 26 Sep. 2016, at 3:08 am, Al Kossow <aek at bitsavers.org> wrote: > > I picked up a 700/60, the ANSI version of the HP 700-series terminal and when I took it > apart to clean, it had a VDC 1401DP31BE inside. I swapped the CRT into a 700/92 which > has a slightly different board, and a burned in amber tube, and it worked fine. > Also I noticed the 700/96 PCB is almost identical to the 700/60, so I'll try a > rom swap to see what happens. > > Too bad there aren't generally available cross reference list for terminal CRTs. > FWIW, the 700/96 has a Philips M32ECD3G CRT. > > VDC is having a "sale" on the 1401DP4 and P31. The tube price is pretty cheap but the > shipping is about double when you price it against their normal $55 price. The shipping > goes down with quantity, so if you buy 5 or so it ends up being about $25 a tube and > significantly cheaper than all of the ones listed on eBay. > > >

8 years, 8 months

1
0
0 0

ISO: schematics for Bunker Ramo BR2412

by derschjo＠gmail.com

Hi all -- I have myself a Bunker Ramo BR2412 12-bit minicomputer. This is similar (but not identical) to the Nuclear Data ND812. There are schematics / maintenance manuals for the ND812 on Bitsavers which have been immensely helpful. The main difference between the BR2412 and the ND812 is that the BR2412 uses Intel 1103 RAMs (backed up by a big lead-acid battery) rather than core memory. (There are other more subtle differences, the ND812 used incandescent bulbs on the front panel, the BR2412 has LEDs). I've been working on restoring this thing (which has been an interesting challenge -- there are 325 wire-wrap sockets with dodgy connections with the ICs to deal with) and I've been making steady progress, but I've finally reached a point in my debugging where the schematics differ from reality, as I get closer to the memory interface. I can likely work things out by hand, but having a real set of documents would obviously be helpful. I realize this is a long shot since it's a pretty obscure machine, but I thought I'd ask before I dive in too deep here. Oh, and while I'm asking for impossible things, if anyone has any *parts* for one of these, let me know -- I'm missing the TTY interface... Thanks! Josh

8 years, 8 months

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Replacing HP 700 terminal CRTs

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

sounds like a good reason to have a rom cloning party too! Ed# _www.smecc.org_ (http://www.smecc.org) In a message dated 9/25/2016 6:08:39 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, aek at bitsavers.org writes: I picked up a 700/60, the ANSI version of the HP 700-series terminal and when I took it apart to clean, it had a VDC 1401DP31BE inside. I swapped the CRT into a 700/92 which has a slightly different board, and a burned in amber tube, and it worked fine. Also I noticed the 700/96 PCB is almost identical to the 700/60, so I'll try a rom swap to see what happens. Too bad there aren't generally available cross reference list for terminal CRTs. FWIW, the 700/96 has a Philips M32ECD3G CRT. VDC is having a "sale" on the 1401DP4 and P31. The tube price is pretty cheap but the shipping is about double when you price it against their normal $55 price. The shipping goes down with quantity, so if you buy 5 or so it ends up being about $25 a tube and significantly cheaper than all of the ones listed on eBay.

8 years, 8 months

1
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Q-Bus Memory Diagnostics and Repair

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> If your CPU is an 11/73 (which can directly 'access' [hate that verbism > :-] all of memory from ODT, unlike the 11/23 which is restricted to the > bottom 256KB), try playing around with a failing location, and its > alternative, directly, and see if a store of random data into one can be > read back directly from the other Note: The 11/'73' CPU powers up with the cache enabled, even for ODT! So if you write xxx into some location, if you then read it back, you will get the correct data even if the memory location is busted - the CPU is getting the (correct) data from the cache. To have your 'memory' reads and writes actually go to the memory, you need to turn off the cache: 17777746/ 02000 Note that starting the machine does an INIT, which will again enable the cache. > I'll start the Computer History wiki page for this board with that info. Started: http://gunkies.org/w/index.php?title=CMV-4000 Currently has only the memory chip info, I'll add the config stuff as I get it doped out. Noel

8 years, 8 months

2
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Decoding kryoflux stream for HP9895A

by denise.devries＠flinders.edu.au

Does anyone know of documentation for the HP9895A format with its own M2FM encoding? I have a kryoflux preservation stream but so far can make no sense of it. Denise ________________________________

8 years, 8 months

5
12
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DOS laptops up for grabs

by mark＠markesystems.com

I've got quite a stack (more than a dozen) first-generation DOS laptops that are headed for the recycler unless someone wants them. They re mostly Toshiba T-1000 or T1000SE units, but there's a Tandy in there also, and probably a another outlier or two. There are also a few Portege's running Win-95, and a few fabric laptop cases. At one time all of these worked (obviously), but I'm sure that most don't now, for various reasons. A few may have been cannibalized a bit, but for the most part all the parts are there. I'm not looking for any cash for these, but I don't want to pay anything (like shipping) either, especially since the electronics recycler is less than three miles from my house. If anyone wants to pick these up (I'm in San Carlos, near Redwood City, CA), or wants to pay me to ship them (at cost only), let me know. At the end of this week (01-Oct-2016), they'll be gone... ~~ Mark Moulding -----Original Message----- From: cctalk-request at classiccmp.org Sent: Sunday, September 25, 2016 10:00 AM To: cctalk at classiccmp.org Subject: cctalk Digest, Vol 27, Issue 24 Send cctalk mailing list submissions to cctalk at classiccmp.org To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://www.classiccmp.org/mailman/listinfo/cctalk or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to cctalk-request at classiccmp.org You can reach the person managing the list at cctalk-owner at classiccmp.org When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of cctalk digest..." Today's Topics: 1. MSI Texscan SpectraGen SG4B (Jim Brain) 2. Re: DEC TC11 maindec listings? (Al Kossow) 3. Re: DEC TC11 maindec listings? (Don North) 4. Re: DEC TC11 maindec listings? (Mattis Lind) 5. Electronic surplus in the southwest (William Maddox) 6. Re: Decoding kryoflux stream for HP9895A (Eric Smith) 7. AC Filter Cap Brand Recommendations (Craig Ruff) 8. Re: AC Filter Cap Brand Recommendations (Peter Cetinski) 9. Re: AC Filter Cap Brand Recommendations (Chuck Guzis) 10. Digital Storage Architecture - Media Format (Rob Jarratt) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Sat, 24 Sep 2016 19:50:56 -0500 From: Jim Brain <brain at jbrain.com> To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk at classiccmp.org> Subject: MSI Texscan SpectraGen SG4B Message-ID: <b689fdda-69db-57fd-9874-67476dd62c26 at jbrain.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed I know it's a long shot, but does anyone have a manual for a SpectraGen 4B Video Title Generator? I am trying to resurrect one, and it seems to be a Z80-based unit. Jim -- Jim Brain brain at jbrain.com www.jbrain.com ------------------------------ Message: 2 Date: Sat, 24 Sep 2016 20:32:57 -0700 From: Al Kossow <aek at bitsavers.org> To: cctalk at classiccmp.org Subject: Re: DEC TC11 maindec listings? Message-ID: <1fe8bb6e-28bd-c997-c52c-f6ddb9e26b98 at bitsavers.org> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 I had it on fiche, which I scanned this afternoon. It should be up on the bitsavers mirrors by morning PDT under pdp11/xxdp along with rev E of the XXDP+ users guide. I'll probably also do the RX02 diags if I can find them for Don, though he may have them on fiche. The step and repeat fiche scanner isn't on line yet so I used the Canon manual positioning one. It's tedious, and it gets out of focus easily, but they are better than nothing. On 9/21/16 12:38 PM, Mattis Lind wrote: > I have been looking for TC11 maindec listings in the usual places, but > didn't find any. I think they should be named ZTCA, ZTCB, ZTCC, ZTCD and > ZTCE. > > Does anyone know of an online location or happen to have an offline paper > original? > > /Mattis > ------------------------------ Message: 3 Date: Sat, 24 Sep 2016 21:08:19 -0700 From: Don North <north at alum.mit.edu> To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk at classiccmp.org> Subject: Re: DEC TC11 maindec listings? Message-ID: <90d93153-2109-0f5f-6b1e-c1d4daa7a83b at alum.mit.edu> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed On 9/24/2016 8:32 PM, Al Kossow wrote: > I had it on fiche, which I scanned this afternoon. > It should be up on the bitsavers mirrors by morning PDT under pdp11/xxdp > along with rev E of the XXDP+ users guide. > > I'll probably also do the RX02 diags if I can find them for Don, though > he may have them on fiche. I was able to get ZRXDC0, ZRZEA0, and ZRXFB0 listings from the fiche images on http://www.retrocmp.com/tools/pdp-11-diagnostic-database so I am fine for RX02 diagnostics listings. Don > The step and repeat fiche scanner isn't on line yet so I used the Canon > manual positioning one. It's tedious, and it gets out of focus easily, but > they are better than nothing. > > > On 9/21/16 12:38 PM, Mattis Lind wrote: >> I have been looking for TC11 maindec listings in the usual places, but >> didn't find any. I think they should be named ZTCA, ZTCB, ZTCC, ZTCD and >> ZTCE. >> >> Does anyone know of an online location or happen to have an offline paper >> original? >> >> /Mattis >> > ------------------------------ Message: 4 Date: Sun, 25 Sep 2016 07:53:58 +0200 From: Mattis Lind <mattislind at gmail.com> To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk at classiccmp.org> Subject: Re: DEC TC11 maindec listings? Message-ID: <CABr82SJWUVc7HURrEhaLoL7A7CEo4kPyAp+Hhfk3Z87MhaZjvA at mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 2016-09-25 5:32 GMT+02:00 Al Kossow <aek at bitsavers.org>: > I had it on fiche, which I scanned this afternoon. > It should be up on the bitsavers mirrors by morning PDT under pdp11/xxdp > along with rev E of the XXDP+ users guide. > Exactly what I needed! Thanks a lot Al! /Mattis > > I'll probably also do the RX02 diags if I can find them for Don, though > he may have them on fiche. > > The step and repeat fiche scanner isn't on line yet so I used the Canon > manual positioning one. It's tedious, and it gets out of focus easily, but > they are better than nothing. > > > On 9/21/16 12:38 PM, Mattis Lind wrote: > > I have been looking for TC11 maindec listings in the usual places, but > > didn't find any. I think they should be named ZTCA, ZTCB, ZTCC, ZTCD and > > ZTCE. > > > > Does anyone know of an online location or happen to have an offline > > paper > > original? > > > > /Mattis > > > > ------------------------------ Message: 5 Date: Sun, 25 Sep 2016 06:41:16 +0000 (UTC) From: William Maddox <wmaddox at pacbell.net> To: "cctalk at classiccmp.org" <cctalk at classiccmp.org> Subject: Electronic surplus in the southwest Message-ID: <166539568.4256917.1474785676417 at mail.yahoo.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 I will be visiting Albuquerque, Phoenix, Tucson, and various points nearby and in-between shortly.Any recommendations on electronics surplus and junk shops to check out? ?Some of the most famous, like the Black Hole in Los Alamos are long gone. ?Any other must-see attractions for the classic computer geek? --Bill ------------------------------ Message: 6 Date: Sun, 25 Sep 2016 02:32:34 -0600 From: Eric Smith <spacewar at gmail.com> To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk at classiccmp.org> Subject: Re: Decoding kryoflux stream for HP9895A Message-ID: <CAFrGgTT31V-4HPpJU1_9TXVyMMebOd3A9mW3oSEtKZWoQxxExw at mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 On Tue, Sep 20, 2016 at 7:42 AM, Denise de Vries <denise.devries at flinders.edu.au> wrote: > Does anyone know of documentation for the HP9895A format with its own M2FM > encoding? > I have a kryoflux preservation stream but so far can make no sense of it. On Wed, Sep 21, 2016 at 12:59 AM, Christian Corti <cc at informatik.uni-stuttgart.de> wrote: > I've already written a decoder for the HP 9885/9895 format. Denise already > sent me his image, but I haven't had the time to try decoding it yet... Denise sent me the image as well. dfitoimd has now been renamed to fluxtoimd, as it now supports both DiscFerret and KryoFlux image input. I've partially added HP M2FM format; it now correctly decodes the address fields, but I have a bit more work to do on the data fields. I expect to have it completed tomorrow. > - 0xD0: ECC data address mark Any idea how they use that? Aside from that being included in the list of address marks in the service manuals, it's not described at all. Since the 7902/9885/9895 don't do ECC, perhaps it was reserved for future use. ------------------------------ Message: 7 Date: Sat, 24 Sep 2016 21:31:23 -0600 From: Craig Ruff <cruff at ruffspot.net> To: cctech at classiccmp.org Subject: AC Filter Cap Brand Recommendations Message-ID: <AE56D6F8-11C3-457E-A464-5709245849D8 at ruffspot.net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 Wouldn?t you know it, the same day I decide to order a ribbon and some paper for my HP 82905B (aka Epson MX80) printer, the AC line filter cap (C1 on the MFIL board), expelled its magic smoke rather impressively. After some cleanup, the printer has been banished to the garage until the smell diminishes. It appears to be a 250 V, 0.1 ?F X type. What manufacturers have good reliability for this application, in your opinion? ------------------------------ Message: 8 Date: Sat, 24 Sep 2016 23:38:08 -0400 From: Peter Cetinski <pete at pski.net> To: "General Discussion: On-Topic Posts" <cctech at classiccmp.org> Subject: Re: AC Filter Cap Brand Recommendations Message-ID: <35029F98-7F90-405F-85E9-3611BE2DF2BC at pski.net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 On Sep 24, 2016, at 11:31 PM, Craig Ruff <cruff at ruffspot.net> wrote: > > Wouldn?t you know it, the same day I decide to order a ribbon and some > paper for my HP 82905B (aka Epson MX80) printer, the AC line filter cap > (C1 on the MFIL board), expelled its magic smoke rather impressively. > After some cleanup, the printer has been banished to the garage until the > smell diminishes. It appears to be a 250 V, 0.1 ?F X type. What > manufacturers have good reliability for this application, in your opinion? That?s a common item on Tandy power supplies so I?ve replaced a lot of these. I?ve used this replacement numerous times with great success. https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/kemet/PMR209MC6100M047R30/399-751… <https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/kemet/PMR209MC6100M047R30/399-751…> ------------------------------ Message: 9 Date: Sat, 24 Sep 2016 22:58:53 -0700 From: Chuck Guzis <cclist at sydex.com> To: "General Discussion: On-Topic Posts" <cctech at classiccmp.org> Subject: Re: AC Filter Cap Brand Recommendations Message-ID: <e7b74d80-ceab-4a41-2b31-4a367667b52b at sydex.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 On 09/24/2016 08:31 PM, Craig Ruff wrote: > Wouldn?t you know it, the same day I decide to order a ribbon and > some paper for my HP 82905B (aka Epson MX80) printer, the AC line > filter cap (C1 on the MFIL board), expelled its magic smoke rather > impressively. After some cleanup, the printer has been banished to > the garage until the smell diminishes. It appears to be a 250 V, 0.1 > ?F X type. What manufacturers have good reliability for this > application, in your opinion? > Any of the major brands should be good--Kemet, Panasonic,.. --Chuck ------------------------------ Message: 10 Date: Sun, 25 Sep 2016 13:30:36 +0100 From: "Rob Jarratt" <robert.jarratt at ntlworld.com> To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk at classiccmp.org> Subject: Digital Storage Architecture - Media Format Message-ID: <00b601d21728$9f1eeb20$dd5cc160$(a)ntlworld.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" The VMS documentation mentions specification for the Digital Storage Architecture that cover media formats. I have looked at the DSA folder on bitsavers and cannot see any document that covers media formats. Is this documentation available anywhere? Thanks Rob End of cctalk Digest, Vol 27, Issue 24 **************************************

8 years, 8 months

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DEC TC11 maindec listings?

by mattislind＠gmail.com

I have been looking for TC11 maindec listings in the usual places, but didn't find any. I think they should be named ZTCA, ZTCB, ZTCC, ZTCD and ZTCE. Does anyone know of an online location or happen to have an offline paper original? /Mattis

8 years, 8 months

3
7
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Digital Storage Architecture - Media Format

by robert.jarratt＠ntlworld.com

The VMS documentation mentions specification for the Digital Storage Architecture that cover media formats. I have looked at the DSA folder on bitsavers and cannot see any document that covers media formats. Is this documentation available anywhere? Thanks Rob

8 years, 8 months

2
1
0 0

Electronic surplus in the southwest

by wmaddox＠pacbell.net

I will be visiting Albuquerque, Phoenix, Tucson, and various points nearby and in-between shortly.Any recommendations on electronics surplus and junk shops to check out? ?Some of the most famous, like the Black Hole in Los Alamos are long gone. ?Any other must-see attractions for the classic computer geek? --Bill

8 years, 8 months

1
0
0 0

AC Filter Cap Brand Recommendations

by cruff＠ruffspot.net

Wouldn?t you know it, the same day I decide to order a ribbon and some paper for my HP 82905B (aka Epson MX80) printer, the AC line filter cap (C1 on the MFIL board), expelled its magic smoke rather impressively. After some cleanup, the printer has been banished to the garage until the smell diminishes. It appears to be a 250 V, 0.1 ?F X type. What manufacturers have good reliability for this application, in your opinion?

8 years, 8 months

3
2
0 0

MSI Texscan SpectraGen SG4B

by brain＠jbrain.com

I know it's a long shot, but does anyone have a manual for a SpectraGen 4B Video Title Generator? I am trying to resurrect one, and it seems to be a Z80-based unit. Jim -- Jim Brain brain at jbrain.com www.jbrain.com

8 years, 8 months

1
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HP 7970B/E Tape Unit manual available

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

Hi, all, I have a HP 7970B/E Tape Unit Diagrams and Parts Manual available; I got it with a group of other manuals, and I don't have any use for it. I'd prefer to get something in return for it (some PDP-11 manual/print I don't have, or something), but mostly I want to get this into the hands of someone who can actually use it (it's already on Bitsavers, so it doesn't fill a lacuna). Noel

8 years, 8 months

3
3
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Short test programs for pdp 11/34

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: J?rg Hoppe > I'm talking of that data path check up after power-on. Huh, I never knew about that. (The manuals don't mention it.) I was just last night looking at the microccode for the 11/04 (a very similar machine - they share the front consoles, etc), and it doesn't have anything like that (see the /04 power on ucode at pg. 130 of EK-KD11D-TM-PRE). Looking through that /34 ucode flow diagram, I discovered that the /34 supported the M[FT]PS instuctions - I thought that was only the QBUS CPU's, etc. Live and learn! :-) Noel

8 years, 8 months

2
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Short test programs for pdp 11/34

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: Devin Davison >> If the machine HALTs on power-up, some micro coded diagnostic failed There are no microcoded diagnostics in the 11/34. The boot ROMs do contain minimal CPU and memory diagnostics. > using pdp11gui to load the dec diagnostics sounds like the way to go. The CPU and UNIBUS have to be basically working for the boot ROMs (and the console emulator they provide via the console serial line) to work; ditto for PDP11GUI. Note that the console emulator will work without working memory, provided the correct boot option (console emulator without diagnostics) is configured on the card that holds the boot ROMs. You won't, of course, be able to load anything without working memory. And the Programmer's Console doesn't require working memory either, and a lot less of the CPU working - the CPU only has to respond to HALT requests from the console. (I had one /04 - very similar to the /34, uses the same front console - which didn't run because there was a bit stuck on in all the registers - but the console still worked.) It does require the UNIBUS not to be wedged, though. Noel

8 years, 8 months

3
3
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Seeking docs and schematic for Novation CAT modem

by ethan.dicks＠gmail.com

Hi, All, Good seeing many of you at VCF-midwest. One of my scores was an Atari-badged Novation CAT modem. Digging around for any docs, what I'm mostly finding is lots of info about Novations Apple II products, and scant mention with thumbnail pictures of the original CAT acoustic coupler, that and dozens of sites copying the Wikipedia article. Anyone have any CAT info? I can reverse-engineer the schematic, but if that's already been done, no reason for me to redocument the wheel. I know it wants a 20VAC 400mA PSU, but I want to check how strict that is (i.e., 18VAC @ 500mA or 24 VAC @ 350 mA, for example, which may be easier to find than an unregulated 20VAC PSU). I would love to play with a CBM 8010 (since I have so many PETs) but I do happen to have a couple of IEEE-488 to RS-232 devices, which will work fine with this Atari 830/Novation CAT. -ethan

8 years, 8 months

2
2
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WTD: Sun Voyager bag, BeBox front plastics + IO Card

by ethan＠757.org

Just two random pieces that I've been after for my collection: #1. Sun Voyager tote bag. The bag the computer goes into. #2. BeBox front plastic part, and the IO board for a BeBox. Have a dual 66Mhz that is case, PSU and mobo only. Would like to complete it. Thanks. -- Ethan O'Toole

8 years, 8 months

1
0
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Seeking docs and schematic for Novation CAT modem

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

Joe - is that the direct connect one of the acoustic coupler? I any event SMECC would love a copy to for our files at the museum here. A side issue there was a Novation coupler - modem... a white one that the phone would sit on. with coupler cups to the side. Does anyone have any photos, advertising, etc etc... on this ? Thanks Ed # _www.smecc.org_ (http://www.smecc.org) In a message dated 9/13/2016 3:32:00 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, fast79ta at yahoo.com writes: On 9/13/2016 1:58 PM, Ethan Dicks wrote: > Hi, All, > > Good seeing many of you at VCF-midwest. One of my scores was an > Atari-badged Novation CAT modem. Digging around for any docs, what > I'm mostly finding is lots of info about Novations Apple II products, > and scant mention with thumbnail pictures of the original CAT acoustic > coupler, that and dozens of sites copying the Wikipedia article. > > Anyone have any CAT info? I can reverse-engineer the schematic, but > if that's already been done, no reason for me to redocument the wheel. > I know it wants a 20VAC 400mA PSU, but I want to check how strict that > is (i.e., 18VAC @ 500mA or 24 VAC @ 350 mA, for example, which may be > easier to find than an unregulated 20VAC PSU). > > I would love to play with a CBM 8010 (since I have so many PETs) but I > do happen to have a couple of IEEE-488 to RS-232 devices, which will > work fine with this Atari 830/Novation CAT. > > -ethan I have the manual for a 103/212 smart cat modem. PN 490418-1/490521-1. Circa 1982 Is that what you need? Cheers, Joe

8 years, 8 months

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HP 7970B/E Tape Unit manual available

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

Al - I have had them with 7 and with 9 but never lucky enough to get the dual headed one... yea... well worth putting online. do you have a link to any sales info on this? I used to hear of these but never laid eyes on one. Ed# In a message dated 9/22/2016 10:32:09 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time, aek at bitsavers.org writes: I'm trying to decide if I want to attempt getting my 7970 with a dual 7/9 track head running this year.

8 years, 8 months

2
1
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Short test programs for pdp 11/34

by lyokoboy0＠gmail.com

Hello, made some progress with the pdp 11/34 I picked up a while back. Managed to repair the faulty power supply. I am in the process of trying to get a minimal configuration of the machine up and running. I am looking for a short program to key in to try and test the functionality of the cpu. Is there anywhere aside from the DEC manuals I could go to get a quick idea of how to operate the front panel? The manual is very in depth, however i am looking for sort of a quick start guide to get started pretty quickly. Any site with info on how to operate the front panel or some quick short programs i can key in would be of interest. I almost have the whole machine put back together on my desk, if all goes well and it runs as expected, i want to post back with some nice orderly pictures of it in the rack next to all the drives and the tape Drive. Progress overall with the whole machine has been slow going, the machine came with a heap of rsx 11 disk packs and tapes, however I am not to the point where i can use them just yet. Ive been kinda itching to see whats on those tapes, hopefully soon. --Devin

8 years, 8 months

3
3
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Decoding kryoflux stream for HP9895A

by denise.devries＠flinders.edu.au

Based on the decoding suggested by Christian, I am plodding on but no success so far. I am not 100% sure that this is M2FM. >I'd still like to get a 9885/9895/7902 M2FM flux-transition disk >image, if anyone has one handy that they'd be willing to share. I will send the image stream to Eric Denise ________________________________ Dr Denise de Vries BCompInfSc, BSc(Hons), PhD, MACS Lecturer Computer Archaeology Laboratory School of Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics Tonsley Building 1 Flinders University South Road Tonsley 5042 GPO Box 2100 Adelaide SA 5001 Ph: +61 8 8201 3639 | Fax: +61 8 8201 3602 Room T1 3.24 - Tonsley 1 Building www.flinders.edu.au/people/denise.devries CRICOS Provider Number: 00114A This email and any attachments may be confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, please inform the sender by reply email and delete all copies of this message.

8 years, 8 months

1
0
0 0

StorageTek 2920 9-track manual or instructions wanted

by axelsson＠acc.umu.se

Hi all, I have a Norsk Data ND110324 9-track drive which is a rebranded StorageTek 2920 with SCSI interface. So far I have only found a single manual for it, a quick guide card of 10 pages. Is there a manual out there which describes the unit a bit more in depth, like setting the SCSI address, diagnostic program codes, service, technical specifications and so on. So far I have got it to load a tape automatically and detect the recording density. Next step is to get it to talk to a linux-computer for imaging some old tapes. Thanks in advance, G?ran

8 years, 8 months

6
11
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Tektronix 4051 repair.

by mattislind＠gmail.com

I took a look at the Tektronix 4051 that we got a few years back. After checking the PSU I turned it on and it seemed to start up fine. The machine responded well to the keypresses but it was hardly readable on the screen. Anyone that can give advice on what is wrong and how to deal with it. The text on the screen is very faint and many characters are scrambled as if the beam was moving when the points where plotted. When typing there is a flash of the beam which is then stored as the scrambled text. http://i.imgur.com/iQhQW67.jpg It probably reads "SYNTAX ERROR" something on the screen. My experience with DVST device is minimal. I used an old Philips storage oscilloscope many years ago but I don't remember the screen to be this dull. It seems like the storage system is not at full output. Unfortunately I am not getting a good understanding on how the DVST system works from reading the service manual. What is the purpose of the timers for cursor and character intensity? I am about to check all the voltages related to the display mentioned in the calibration section of the manual, but just in case someone directly recognize what kind of problem there is I would be much interested. /Mattis

8 years, 8 months

6
11
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Short test programs for pdp 11/34

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: Devin Davison > I am looking for a short program to key in to try and test the > functionality of the cpu. "BRANCH ." is always a good one - 0777. If that runs, much of the CPU is functional, and any errors found from there should be pretty easy to track down. > Is there anywhere aside from the DEC manuals I could go to get a quick > idea of how to operate the front panel? The manual is very in depth, > however i am looking for sort of a quick start guide to get started > pretty quickly. I'm assuming you have the 'Programmer's Front Console', the one with the 0-7 number keys, etc? If you have the simple one, instead, that uses a program in ROM to drive the console serial line, and most of the CPU has to be running to use that. The Programmer's Console is pretty simple. Key in the address, hit "LAD" (Load Address), and then you can read ("EXAM"), store ("DEP" - after entering the number you want deposit), or start the CPU running at that address (hold down "CNRTL" and "START"). Hitting "EXAM" multiple times examines successive locations - "DIS AD" will show you how far it has gotten. If the CPU is running ("RUN" light is on), pressing down "CNRTL" and "HLT/SS" will halt it. Load, deposit, etc don't work unless the CPU is halted. Noel

8 years, 8 months

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Signetics PLS173 PLA fuse numbering?

by glen.slick＠gmail.com

A Signetics PLS173 PLA has a total of 2178 programmable fuses: (32 AND gates for logic terms plus 10 AND gates for control terms) times (24 true/complement inputs plus 20 true/complement inputs/outputs) = 1848 fuses (10 OR gates) times (32 AND gates logic term outputs) = 320 fuses 10 fuses for true/complement output selection For reference see the PLS173 FPLA Logic Diagram on page 5-70 (page 242 of the PDF) of the Signetics PLD Data Manual 1987 http://www.bitsavers.org/_dataBooks/1987_Signetics_pldData.pdf The question is for anyone here that knows: How are these fuses in the FPLA Logic Diagram numbered as they would be in a JEDEC fuse map file used to program a device, or when read back from a device? I can't find that information anywhere. If I read a PLS173 device into a JEDEC fuse map it should be trivial to generate the logic equations by hand if the fuse numbering is known, which is what I want to do.

8 years, 8 months

3
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Free manuals...

by lbickley＠bickleywest.com

I'm cleaning out my library of manuals and books I no longer need and before I recycle these particular IBM manuals, I thought someone on cctalk might find them useful. They are free for the shipping and packaging cost - local pickup gets priority ;) 1) "RS/6000 Diagnostic Information for Multiple Bus Systems" (Version 5.100) 2) "RS/6000 Adapters, Devices and Cable Information for Multiple Bus Systems" 3) Large 8.5" X 11" "Systems Network Architecture, Reference Summary" (Updated to 2/4/86). Includes "IBM Synchronous Data Link Control General Information" manual. 4) 8.5" X 11: "Systems Network Architecture, Transaction Programmer's Reference Manual for LU Type 6.2" Cheers, Lyle -- 73 AF6WS Bickley Consulting West Inc. http://bickleywest.com "Black holes are where God is dividing by zero"

8 years, 8 months

3
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Michael Holley

by david＠thecoolbears.org

I'm not sure that I'm comfortable asking this, but here goes.... I ran into the famous Michael Holley (www.swtpc.com) at VCF West and had a pleasant conversation. I've emailed him several times at the address on his web page, but haven't had a reply. I'm wondering if he ever hangs out on cctech and if not, if there is someone that knows of a different email and could let him know that I would like to chat with him.

8 years, 8 months

1
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Looking for a MXV11 board (QBus)

by azd30＠telus.net

Hi, As per the subject, I'm wondering if anyone has a spare MXV11 that they would be willing to part with. It's going in 2x4 (H9281) enclosure, where I'm currently losing two slots to a mem card and a DLV11-J. I would prefer the -BF version, so I can run either my 11/23 or the 11/73 processor card in there, but the -A version will do in a pinch. Boot ROM's would also be nice, but not a hard requirement... Please let me know off-list. I am in the Pacific Northwest if that makes a difference to anyone... cheers -- alex

8 years, 8 months

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ISO: VAXBI hardware

by derschjo＠gmail.com

Hi all -- I have a VAX 8250 I'm bringing up and I'd like to track down an Ethernet adapter, this would be the T1034 (DEBNT). There are a few on eBay, but none include the cabling and bulkhead, which would be nice to have. I'm also looking for a T1010 (BI to Unibus adapter), as the one in my system is shot (and given the lack of documentation, I doubt I'm going to be able to fix it). Also -- any suggestions for mass storage? I have a KDB50 (T1002, T1003 set), but SDI drives are getting harder to find. I assume VAXBI SCSI adapters are even more scarce than their Unibus counterparts.... Thanks as always, Josh

8 years, 8 months

3
3
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DEC 3000 Model 400 Alpha Workstation

by rlloken＠telus.net

Gentlemen, I was rooting through the morgue this morning looking for a cable to revive my AlphaServer 4100 when I stumbled over my long moribund DEC 3000. This machine was retired because some of the memory failed and, although it is too large and heavy to ship, there are a lot of parts and accessories that may be of use including the strange little cable that had a connector block for the mouse and keyboard and an adaptor that I obtained from DEC which allows you to use a VGA monitor instead of the original Trinitron with its array of BNC cables. I also have an array of documentation and (good grief!) the original mouse. Anybody want any DEC 3000 parts? Or a couple of ES45 CPU cards? I have two those also. -- Richard Loken VE6BSV, Systems Programmer - VMS : "...underneath those Athabasca University : tuques we wear, our Athabasca, Alberta Canada : heads are naked!" ** rlloken at telus.net ** : - Arthur Black

8 years, 8 months

1
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Third release of the HP 3000 Series III simulator

by jdbryan＠acm.org

The third release of the HP 3000 Series III simulator is now available from the Computer History Simulation Project (SIMH) site: https://github.com/simh/simh This release adds the cold dump facility. Entering the DUMP command simulates pressing the ENABLE and DUMP front panel buttons. The contents of main memory are written to an attached magnetic tape in a format suitable for analyzing with the DPAN4 program provided with MPE. The new SET CPU DUMPDEV and SET CPU DUMPCTL options specify the default device number and control byte for the dump. Also, the user may simulate a system power loss with the POWER FAIL command and resume powered operation with the POWER RESTORE command. The SET CPU ARS/NOARS command determines whether or not MPE automatically restarts when power is restored. The full set of new features is listed in the release notes that accompany the simulator source files. In addition, an updated HP 3000 Simulator User's Guide that covers the new commands is provided in Microsoft Word format with the source download and also as a PDF file at: http://alum.mit.edu/www/jdbryan/hp3000_doc.pdf The preconfigured MPE-V/R disc image available from Bitsavers: http://www.bitsavers.org/bits/HP/HP_3000/ ...was not changed for this release. -- Dave

8 years, 8 months

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Hazeltine Esprit III manual

by aek＠bitsavers.org

Just noticed this. Did anyone on the list buy it? http://www.ebay.com/itm/221674855740

8 years, 8 months

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DEC F-11 (Fonz) processor ceramic chip carriers (PDP-11) on eBay

by scott.l.baker＠gmail.com

http://www.ebay.com/itm/191974796676?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p398…

8 years, 8 months

4
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Need help: DSD-440 with unresponsive formatter/control board

by jrw＠lolqb.us

So the DSD-440 I got at VCF is completely unresponsive. All of the LEDs are on and never go out, which is bizarre - they are supposed to go out in 1/10 of a second after power on. I tried disconnecting everything but power to the card, and it still lights all LEDs. No jumpers that I could find are in the wrong spot, but many are seemingly undocumented ( I looked in both the 1981 user manual and 1984 service manual on Bitsavers). The drive just spins and does nothing else. Altering the switches on the control board do nothing to change the state of the LEDs. I measured voltages at the power supply, and they seem to be within spec according to the manual. Are there any other things I can try before I start digging into things on a component level?

8 years, 8 months

2
5
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Value of 7-track TU10

by michael.99.thompson＠gmail.com

> From: jnc at mercury.lcs.mit.edu > Subject: Value of 7-track TU10 > > So what do people think the (monetary) value of a 7-track TU10 master drive > is? I have no idea what these older vacuum-column drives are worth - don't > recall ever seeing on for sale. This one is in good condition, and has all its > Flip Chips. The 7-track is a plus in some ways (rarer), and negative in > others (can't read old 9-track tapes, which are probably more common than > 7-track). > > Noel Noel, The TU10 would be a great addition to the PDP-9 at the RICM. The RICM is a 501(c)(3) entity so you get a tax deduction for a donation.

8 years, 8 months

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VCFMW 11

by jwest＠classiccmp.org

I just wanted to say a huge thanks to Jason and crew for putting on an incredible event last weekend. Last year was fantastic, and this year the bar was raised again in every area. To my eye, attendance was up this year yet again. There was plenty of rich toasty mini goodness, including a Prime 5300 and a Vax 6000 - and a bevy of pdp8 and pdp11 displays. The touch screen 11/70? Front panel connected to emulation was awesome! Someone was displaying some of Rod's front panels. incredible work Rod! The auction had far more goodies this year, including plenty of "big iron" that I'm sure is getting new blood into the hobby. The speakers also took things up a notch, I can't wait to see the roster for next year. I was pretty focused on Dennis's Prime the whole show, so I didn't get to really go around to every exhibit. I'm sure I missed some quality displays. I saw new people actively getting into the hobby, and I noticed quite a few listmembers and irc #classiccmp peeps that had never been to vcfmw before showed up this year. The larger space (and other amenities) over the previous venue were fully used. We may need even more space next year. It was an incredible show, of course I will be there next year, and hats off to Jason for all the hard work he put in to making it a success. Best, J

8 years, 8 months

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Value of 7-track TU10

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: Paul Anderson > A 9 can be converted to a 7 with a head change and I thing a board > change or removal. Yeah, the M768 module contains configurable diode arrays to control certain operational delays, which are different between the two - one can either change out the M768, or modify the existing one by adding/removing jumpers. > I recall having a TU10 7 track here somewhere. If it turns up, maybe someone with a 9-track drive could convert it to 7-track. Noel

8 years, 8 months

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Value of 7-track TU10

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: William Degnan > I found the doc somewhere months ago sorry I can't remember where. I > will upload to my site if I get a free moment and it's still on my > computer. Thanks; that would be great. I already did find online the TU10 Maintenance Manual (EK-TU10-MM-007), the TU10M Master System Manual (DEC-00-TU10M-D), and the TU10 Engineering Drawings, so we're pretty well set for these drives, but it would be good to have DEC-00-TU10S-DC too. > $2000 if clean. Wow. I saw a pair of H960's, a pair of CDC 92185 tape drives, 3 Fuji MiniEagles and an 11/23 go for $1.5K on eBait recently: http://www.ebay.com/itm/161928600660 Now, those are streaming drives, not vacuum column, but still - why is the TU10 worth so much more? > Master unit double that price. I find this even harder to understand. The only difference between the two is that the Master has 7 dual Flip Chips (M640, M891, M7673, M7672, M892, M895, M7671) and 3 single Flip Chips (M100, M896, M958) that the Slave doesn't have. (The backplane is, as far as I can tell, wired for both - the wire list given in the prints is for the master, and I don't see a second Slave-only wire-list. Yes, perhaps some early Slave drives had a Slave-only backplane, but that's just a guess. If someone who has a Slave drive can check their backplane to see if slots 6-15 are wired, that would be very useful to know.) Yes, the full set of 10 Flips Chips would be hard to find, but I have a hard time seeing them being worth $200 each... Noel

8 years, 8 months

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Value of 7-track TU10

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

So what do people think the (monetary) value of a 7-track TU10 master drive is? I have no idea what these older vacuum-column drives are worth - don't recall ever seeing on for sale. This one is in good condition, and has all its Flip Chips. The 7-track is a plus in some ways (rarer), and negative in others (can't read old 9-track tapes, which are probably more common than 7-track). Noel

8 years, 8 months

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Reminder: VCF Berlin, 1–3 October 2016

by stueberahoo＠yahoo.de

Hi list, VCF Berlin[0] is coming soon! We'll have a day open only for participants and other collectors on Saturday, 1st of October. On Sunday, 2nd and Monday, 3rd of October we'll be open to the general public (3rd of October is a holiday in Germany). Entry is free on all days. Apart from exhibitions there will be lectures, soldering workshops, a chiptune party and many other things. Come and visit us! Sorry this reminder is so late, I was hoping for the English version of the website to get updated, which hasn't happened yet. Please refer to a translation[1] of the German version for more information instead. Although all but one talk will be given in German, most of the exhibitors can speak English, so VCFB is worth a visit even if you don't speak any German. In case you need somewhere to stay, we can probably find a place for you. Hope to see you at VCFB! Best, Anke [0] http://vcfb.de/2016/index.html.en [1] https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=de&tl=en&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u= http://vcfb.de/2016/index.html

8 years, 8 months

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Value of 7-track TU10

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: Doug Ingraham > Put it up on EBAY with an unrealistic reserve ... What controller do > you have for it? None. I don't own either the drive, or a controller for it. Noel

8 years, 8 months

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Value of 7-track TU10

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: William Degnan >> a 7-track TU10 master > What is the model number of the TU10? The serial number plate just says "TU10"; and it's not in its original DEC rack, so any label/plate there is no longer available. But the front door says "TU10 7 CHANNEL", and the head shows 7 tracks (since someone might have changed the head, and not been able to replace the door). > The presence of the TU10M label along with a separate TU10 label plate > means the tape has the the master transport unit installed. I prefer to actually check the Flip Chips, since one ought to do that anyway to make sure they are all there (hence my previous description of it as a "TU10 master drive ... [which] has all its Flip Chips"). (There's a list here: http://gunkies.org/wiki/TU10 including locations, if anyone ever needs it.) > Hopefully this will compare with the unit you're interested in and > assist with your assessment. I am perfectly capable of assessing the technical situation from the technical documentation (which is available), and have already done so. What I really need is some idea of its value (I haven't a clue). I am aware that its exact configuration and condition will affect the value, but I thought "a 7-track TU10 master drive .. in good condition, [with] all its Flip Chips" would be enough to get to the ball-park. > See DEC-00-TU10S-DC I had previously looked online for that, but was unable to find a copy. Can you point me at one? Thanks. > more diffs 7 vs, 9 track AFAICT, the only significant difference is the head; the Flip Chip suite is the same for both, since the per-channel boards are all 9-track, and simply leave the last two bits disconnected when used with a 7-track head (see e.g. drawing # TU10-0-09, note "9 Track Only"). Of course, the drive has to be able to say (to the controller) whether it's a 7-track or 9-track. Drawing # TU10-0-07 shows (center) an incoming signal on pin AJ1 of the M514 board (slot 21) called "7 CH", that signal is intended to ground the input, so there's a jumper to ground on the backplane to indicate 7/9 (A21C2, per the MM, Appendix A.5). Noel

8 years, 8 months

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Value of 7-track TU10

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: William Degnan >> the (monetary) value of a 7-track TU10 master drive ^^^^^^ > Is there a thread with more details? No. > I assume this is a master drive See above. > the cards installed indicate whether it came from a pdp 8/9/10/11. AFAIK, all PDP-10 TU10's are Slaves. TU10's used on an -11 need a Master and Slaves, I don't know if the ones for an -8 are the same. The TU10 prints don't seem to indicate that there is more than one type of Slaveax, and similarly for the Masters - there is just the one type of each. This one is from an -11, though. > How is the power supply? No idea. And no idea about the condition of the motors, compressor, etc, etc, etc. Like I said, this one "is in good condition", from a purely external inspection. Noel

8 years, 8 months

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Linux at 25

by c.murray.mccullough＠gmail.com

Linux at 25 - created 25 years ago. Has it changed computing or is it 'better' than WIN or MacOS? Not really part of classic computing world but nonetheless it can be used today in emulators. ( I use it for ADAM emulating. ) Happy computing! Murray :)

8 years, 8 months

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pictures of IBM 6110344 and 6110345

by sales＠elecplus.com

I am getting 3 of these ready for sale, and all but 1 of the online pics I see of the boards do NOT have a PA3 or a NumLock key. Does anyone here have a good high res pic of these 2 complete keyboards, so that I can know what is supposed to be on there? Many thanks! Cindy Croxton

8 years, 8 months

2
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G4 cube (was Re: 68K Macs with MacOS 7.5 still in production use...)

by rlloken＠telus.net

On Mon, 12 Sep 2016, Al Kossow wrote: > Put it this way. The product manager for the cube was the first person > I know of who had one as a kleenex dispenser. It was a failed industrial > design experiment that never should have shipped and even he felt that > way. And now they have the mac pro which looks like a very elegant $3,000.00 can of tomato juice. Not much changes. Meanwhile, I am on my second mac Mini (third if you count my wife's) because i really like the mac mini so I probably would have bought the cube if I had been in the market for a mac at that time. -- Richard Loken VE6BSV, Systems Programmer - VMS : "...underneath those Athabasca University : tuques we wear, our Athabasca, Alberta Canada : heads are naked!" ** rlloken at telus.net ** : - Arthur Black

8 years, 8 months

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PDP-8 core memory problems.

by anders＠abc80.net

> So what are the other options? > * Trying to repair the unit. Every plane is soldered together with the ones > nearby to convey the X/Y signals. This can probably be undone with a > patience and soldering braid. But what are the chance that the X/Y wires > gets lose then? Are those soldered or welded into place? > > Then it would be quite tricky to just identify where it is actually broken. > Any ideas for how to do this? A microscope of course. Any other ideas? > Applying an electrical field between the wire and something else and try to > detect it? A stereoscopic microscope and a lot of patience is a good staring point. > Repair. If the wire is broken in the mat it is probably not to difficult to > pull out the broken parts. But then the new wire has to be spliced in. What > is t he best technique to do that? > How to push in the new wire in the matrix? I now that Anders was able to do > this with a broken X-wire in a PDP-8/L stack. I used a pair of tweezers to push the new thread in, one core at a time. You should try to change as small part as possible. I just changed the thread thru the first 64 cores, then I joined the two threads together in the middle of the core plan. I then used nail polish as an isolatur. I didn't thought I had something to lose to try to repair the existing core stack. Without it the computer is really not working at all. I'll think you should try to repair it. Start to bring out the core stack and then turn it around for a while until you are brave enough. I found some pictures on stacks to the 8/L in pieces before I started on the internet, that helped me to understand what I had to master. /Anders

8 years, 8 months

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DEC 871 / 874 power controller engineering drawings?

by mattislind＠gmail.com

Is there engineering drawings online for the DEC 871 or 874 power controllers? I have one with a failed solid state relay and I cannot figure out the spec. One is an Opto-Film OFA-2402H and the other is a CLARE 203A05A3A But I cannot find a data sheet for any of those. Does anyone know a compatible replacement device? The pinout is not something I can find amongst the ones at Mouser. /Mattis

8 years, 8 months

2
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VCFMW 11

by marvin＠west.net

I am finally getting recovered from my trip to VCFMW... the 2-day (basically non-stop) drive each way was somewhat taxing. And I too wanted to say thanks to everyone who attended along with Jason and crew who made it happen. This was my first VCFMW and the spirit and camaraderie at the whole event reminded me very much of the early VCF events. It was a pleasant surprise to find it a lot larger than what I expected. I got the opportunity to renew old acquaintances, put faces with people I only knew by name, and make a number of new friends. The big bonus for me was reducing the amount of unneeded "stuff" and having the trip pay for itself! (It could have all disappeared and would not have made a dent it the stuff here at the house.) And like Jay, I already have my reservations in for next year. Many thanks to everyone who attended and made it happen!!! Marvin, KE6HTS > Date: Sun, 18 Sep 2016 11:17:52 -0500 From: "Jay West" > <jwest at classiccmp.org> > > I just wanted to say a huge thanks to Jason and crew for putting on > an incredible event last weekend. Last year was fantastic, and this > year the bar was raised again in every area.

8 years, 8 months

1
0
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Compaq Systempro processor board repair

by frankielombos＠gmail.com

Hi, Is the topic still active?

8 years, 8 months

1
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Meaning of "architecture width" - Re: 68K Macs with MacOS 7.5 still in production use...

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: Guy Sotomayor Jr > Why? What does the width of the ALU have to do with the "bitness" of > the architecture? If the programmer's view is 8-bits .., what does it > matter (other than performance) what the width of the internal data > paths or ALU are? > It's interesting from an implementation point of view but not really > anything else. What he said (and others made the same point). When talking about processors, "Architecture" = 'what the programmer sees'. > From: Fred Cisin > There are more than a hundred different parameters involved. There is > no definitive agreement as to which parameter is to be used for the > classification, nor even which parameterS. ... a product that has one > classification by one parameter, and a different classification by > another parameter, there will be disputed classifications, since > different parameters are more or less important to each viewer. And this too. (Which is why, for the 68K, I listed several of the main user-visible parameters, and noted that they were all 32 bits.) Noel

8 years, 8 months

1
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interesting ... look at both these HP desktops - style come to the comput...

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

Christian, Thanks for those links1 Yes the packard bell wegge corner computer I actually need one of those for a display here.... ed sharpe archivist for smecc _www.smecc.org_ (http://www.smecc.org) In a message dated 9/17/2016 8:25:46 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time, captainkirk359 at gmail.com writes: On 17 September 2016 at 01:38, <COURYHOUSE at aol.com> wrote: > look at both these HP desktops - style come to the computer! > If we're going to talk about "modern" computers... I'd like to direct the list to these YouTube videos by Clint, of the Lazy Game Reviews channel (is he on this list?): "Strangest Computer Designs of the '90s": <https://youtu.be/rqyoO4eajXo> "Strangest Computer Designs of the 2000s": <https://youtu.be/fQEOvLeLfTw> There's also actual classic computer stuff on his channel too. Here's an example of him talking about his IBM 5160 PC/XT: <https://youtu.be/VfvGS7qJr4M> Cheers, Christian -- Christian M. Gauger-Cosgrove STCKON08DS0 Contact information available upon request.

8 years, 8 months

1
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interesting ... look at both these HP desktops - style come to the computer!

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

look at both these HP desktops - style come to the computer! http://www8.hp.com/us/en/campaigns/elite-slice/overview.html http://store.hp.com/us/en/ContentView?storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&langId=- 1&eSpotName=pavilionwave Ed# _www.smecc.org_ (http://www.smecc.org/)

8 years, 8 months

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Anyone have any info on a Tektronix X221CHT?

by ethan.dicks＠gmail.com

Hi, All, I unearthed what appears to be a Tektronix X terminal, marked on the bottom: MODEL: X221CHT SERIAL: <serial number> LAN: 08 00 11 <xx> <xx> <xx> KEY: <17 digit alphanumeric> The connectors on the back are: 8-pin DIN marked +5VDC/+12VDC PS/2 Mouse PS/2 Keyboard 15-pin VGA 2x DE9-M serial "RJ45" Ethernet 10Base2 BNC several empty rectangular openings presumable for expansion mods Inside is: Sonic-T DP83934CVUL-25 TI TLC34076-135FN Video SRAM LSI LR33020MC-25 "GRAPHX PROC" Tektronix 160-9461-00 29F010 FLASH EEPROM 2x 72-pin SIMM sockets with on SIMM installed, appears to be 4MB Chip dates are frequently last 60 days of 1996. Two minor SOIC parts have the newest visible date code, 9701. I do not have the PSU for it and have not tried powering it on. I can probably solder some wires to the back of the PCB to feed it +12V and +5V, but I'm a little surprised to find zero information on the web searching for variants of the vendor and model number. Anyone here have any info? If it is an X terminal, it's probably a brick without a somewhat sizable tftp area for it to slurp up. Thanks for any tips, comments or pointers. -ethan

8 years, 8 months

3
3
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TMB11 drawings?

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> I'll put together a brief page on the Computer History wiki containing > all i've gleaned covering the TM11/TMA11/TMB11 http://gunkies.org/wiki/TM11_magtape_controller Noel

8 years, 8 months

1
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TMB11 drawings?

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: Al Kossow > done. Thanks! I've spent a while poring over them, and I can report that the tape interface on the TMA11 and TMB11 is exactly identical. (Oddly enough, there are very minor differences between those of the TM11 and TMA11. Go figure.) So I expect that report of a TU10 plugged into a TMB11 is accurate. I've also compared the TM11 and TMA11, and they have the ssme complement of Flip Chips, with one exception: the TMA11 adds an M7854 "OPI/BTE Detector" - not sure what that might be. It does not seem to be, as I had guessed, for support of 1600 bpi, because the TMA11 only supports 800. I'll put together a brief page on the Computer History wiki containing all i've gleaned covering the TM11/TMA11/TMB11 (pinouts of the drive cable, Flip Chip backplane chart, etc). Noel

8 years, 8 months

1
0
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2.11BSD Device Names

by david＠thecoolbears.org

For 2.11BSD on the PDP-11, in the stand alone utilities that are found on the installation tape, the storage devices are named: dn(x,y,z) where dn is the mnemonic for the driver, x is the controller number, y is the unit number and z is the partition on the unit. So the first partition on the first drive on the first MSCP controller is ra(0,0,0). It's fairly easy form the install tape to disklabel and mkfs a drive on a second controller. Once UNIX is running, things change. The devices in /dev are named ra0 for the first unit on the first controller, ra1 for the second unit on the first controller and etc. I don't see a way in the naming convention to identify other controllers. My question is, what is the device name in /dev for the first drive on the second controller?

8 years, 8 months

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Meaning of "architecture width" - Re: 68K Macs with MacOS 7.5 still in production use...

by iamcamiel＠gmail.com

Op 15 sep. 2016 11:57 p.m. schreef "Toby Thain" <toby at telegraphics.com.au>: > > On 2016-09-15 2:38 PM, Noel Chiappa wrote: >> >> > From: Chuck Guzis >> >> > Call it anything you want, but we know what Motorola called it. >> >> The _first implementation_ may have been 16-bit, but I am in no doubt >> whatsover (having written a lot of assembler code for the 68K family) >> that the _architecture_ was 32-bit: >> >> - 32-bit registers >> - many operations (arithmetical, logical, etc) defined for that length >> - 32-bit addresses > > > GPR width, being the visible programmer model, is the most common and convenient definition of "architecture" I've come across. But there's no reason we can't just say the *visible* architecture is 32 bit (which it is), but the "internal" architecture is sort of 16. Afaik, the term computer architecture was coined for the IBM 360, which was a 32-bit architecture, with 8, 16, 32, and 64 bit implementations. The term architecture specifically refers to what the programmer sees, not to the specifics of an implementation. Camiel

8 years, 8 months

2
1
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Need help with DSD-440 QBus Controller

by jrw＠lolqb.us

Hi folks, I recently acquired a DSD-440 drive and purchased its accompanying controller on ebay. The controller is configured at defaults according to the manual on Bitsavers. However, unless it is on the bus by itself after the RAM cards, it halts the CPU at location 270. Here are the 4 card configurations I tried, < or > denotes direction of serpentine QBus: Doesn't work: 1 CPU - CPU - CPU - CPU > 2 RAM - RAM - RAM - RAM < 3 RAM - RAM - RAM - RAM > 4 RAM - RAM - RAM - RAM < 5 RAM - RAM - RAM - RAM > 6 DSD - DSD - RAM - RAM < 7 UC07-UC07- --DEQNA-- > 8 --- - --- - --- - --- - --- < 9 --- - --- - --- - --- - --- > OR 1 CPU - CPU - CPU - CPU > 2 RAM - RAM - RAM - RAM < 3 RAM - RAM - RAM - RAM > 4 RAM - RAM - RAM - RAM < 5 RAM - RAM - RAM - RAM > 6 RAM - RAM - --- - --- < 7 DSD - DSD - --- - --- > 8 UC07-UC07- --DEQNA-- < 9 --- - --- - --- - --- - --- > Works (or at least leaves the CPU in the "RUN" state): 1 CPU - CPU - CPU - CPU > 2 RAM - RAM - RAM - RAM < 3 RAM - RAM - RAM - RAM > 4 RAM - RAM - RAM - RAM < 5 RAM - RAM - RAM - RAM > 6 DSD - DSD - RAM - RAM < 7 --- - --- - --- - --- - --- > 8 --- - --- - --- - --- - --- < 9 --- - --- - --- - --- - --- > OR 1 CPU - CPU - CPU - CPU > 2 RAM - RAM - RAM - RAM < 3 RAM - RAM - RAM - RAM > 4 RAM - RAM - RAM - RAM < 5 RAM - RAM - RAM - RAM > 6 RAM - RAM - --- - --- < 7 DSD - DSD - --- - --- > 8 --- - --- - --- - --- - --- < 9 --- - --- - --- - --- - --- > The card says (C)1978 Data Systems Design on it, and the latest manual is (C)1980 - which makes me concerned this is an 18-bit only QBus card. I have not yet tried attaching the drive box to the card, thinking it would at least see the controller without hanging. The box isn't yet clean and ready to go. Any help with this card would be appreciated. Am I doing something wrong, or is this just a bad card? Thanks Julian

8 years, 8 months

2
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TMB11 drawings?

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: Al Kossow > http://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102753063 Ah, excellent! Any chance those can be scanned at some point? (No rush, I'm not about to start working with one instantly - too much else backed up in the queue! :-) >> I saw some queries about whether a TU10 could be connected to a TMB11. >> The answer is apparently 'yes', for two reasons: >> First, I found docs on a thing called a TMA11 (apparently intermediate >> between the TM11 and TMB11), and one version of the docmentation about >> it talks about the TMA11 and the TU10, but another version talks about >> the TMA11 and the TS03. So, by transitivity, if the TU10 works with a >> TMA11, and a TMA11 works with a TS03, and the TS03 works with a TMB11, >> the TMB11 must work with a TU10... >> Second, I have a report of a TU10 found plugged into a TMB11 in a >> retired computer. > the TMB11 is a special widget for the small Kennedy 7" 800bpi tape drive That's the TS03, right? Anyway, there are indications (above) that it will also work with a TU10. If the TMB11 prints get scanned in, I can take a look them, and see what gives. Further (third) clue: the TMB11 Ops manual says "The TS03 tape transport operates at only one density (800 bpi) and iin only one mode of operation (9 track). The TMB11 is capable of other densities and can operate in the 7-track .. modes." I expect this is to support these modes in the TU10... I originally thought the TB11 was TS03-specific, but after reviewing all the above, I have changed my mind. Having the drawings would be great; I could check them out to confirm that it really can drive a TU10. > we do have the TMA11 drwngs Also excellent! The TM11 ones are online, but not (AFAIK) the TMA11. So if that could get done at some point, too... :-) The two are very similar (a 19" rack backplane full of smaller FLIP CHIPs), so it's not like the RK11-C -> RK11-D, where they re-implemented it to make it cheaper. I'm _guessing_ the latter one can handle 1600 bpi, or some such, but with the prints, the difference could be confirmed. > From: Henk Gooijen > IIRC, I have the printset of the TMB11 and ISTR it is one inch thick! Hmm. No idea why - it's only a quad card and a hex card and 4 smaller standard UNIBUS FLIP CHIPs (M105, M7821, etc). Hard to see that generating 1" of paper (even with the wire list for the custom backplane - a hex-high system unit). Maybe that set includes the TS03 drawings too? Noel

8 years, 8 months

2
2
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TMB11 drawings?

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

Does anyone know of the whereabouts of a set of engineering drawings for the TMB11 (also a Technical Manual, although that's more of a luxury)? All I could find on it, online, was the Operator's Manual. Noel PS: In an older thread on TU10's/TM11's here: http://www.classiccmp.org/pipermail/cctalk/2015-September/011810.html I saw some queries about whether a TU10 could be connected to a TMB11. The answer is apparently 'yes', for two reasons: First, I found docs on a thing called a TMA11 (apparently intermediate between the TM11 and TMB11), and one version of the docmentation about it talks about the TMA11 and the TU10, but another version talks about the TMA11 and the TS03. So, by transitivity, if the TU10 works with a TMA11, and a TMA11 works with a TS03, and the TS03 works with a TMB11, the TMB11 must work with a TU10... Second, I have a report of a TU10 found plugged into a TMB11 in a retired computer.

8 years, 8 months

3
4
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68K Macs with MacOS 7.5 still in production use...

by lproven＠gmail.com

http://arstechnica.com/civis/viewtopic.php?p=30456459#p30456459 Found via: http://arstechnica.com/apple/2016/09/an-os-9-odyssey-why-do-some-mac-users-… -- Liam Proven ? Profile: http://lproven.livejournal.com/profile Email: lproven at cix.co.uk ? GMail/G+/Twitter/Flickr/Facebook: lproven MSN: lproven at hotmail.com ? Skype/AIM/Yahoo/LinkedIn: liamproven Cell/Mobiles: +44 7939-087884 (UK) ? +420 702 829 053 (?R)

8 years, 8 months

8
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More Weird Stuff

by cmhanson＠eschatologist.net

There were a couple more MIPS workstations (with MIPS property tags) at Weird Stuff a couple days ago. Two 3xxx-series and an R/12. Also a bunch of DEC stuff including a VT240 base and several keyboards. -- Chris Sent from my iPhone

8 years, 8 months

3
2
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Tips for getting to CHM from SJC airport without a car?

by barythrin＠gmail.com

A bit off topic other than tips for anyone else trying to travel cheaply. I have a trip to California in a month although the final destination isn't San Jose. I can fly in to SJC and Google is sounding like I might be able to get a few bus hops from the airport and find my way there? Any tips, tricks or warnings? *(more off-topic below, feel free to stop above for helping anyone venture around to CHM). No idea if I'm testing my luck neighborhood wise and debating taking a bus or train from Mountain view to Pasadena after my free day. Feel free to email me offline if this is too far from list interest. Mostly if anyone was to benefit it would be what's the cheapest route to spend a day at the CHM and then return to the airport again. - John

8 years, 8 months

3
2
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Ill-considered complaints [was: RE: early networking (was Re: G4 cube (was Re: 68K Macs with MacOS 7.5 still in production use...))]

by RichA＠LivingComputerMuseum.org

From: Dale H. Cook Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2016 9:52 AM > Please do not change the subject line in a thread. The subject line of > this thread has been changed twice since it began as "68K Macs with MacOS > 7.5 still in production use..." When you change a subject line the header > information concerning the subject is unchanged, and that is what the > list archives and some email clients go by. There are now three threads > concerning different subjects archived as one thread at classiccmp.org. > If you want to change a subject please start a new thread, and if you > wish you can give the new thread a subject line such as "New Subject (was > Old Subject)" to reflect its origin. Actually, Mr. Cook, the standard for the last 35 years or so has been to change the subject line, with the old subject in SQUARE BRACKETS with the characters "was: " prepended. Any decent newsreader or threading mail reader knows how to deal with that, and threading is unbroken. What was broken in the messages about which you complain is the substitution of parentheses () for brackets []. See the subject line on this message for an example. Rich Rich Alderson Vintage Computing Sr. Systems Engineer Living Computer Museum 2245 1st Avenue S Seattle, WA 98134 mailto:RichA at LivingComputerMuseum.org http://www.LivingComputerMuseum.org/

8 years, 8 months

7
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Subjects, Topics and Threading

by classiccmp＠crash.com

On 09/14/16 09:52, Dale H. Cook wrote: > > Please do not change the subject line in a thread. The subject line > of this thread has been changed twice since it began as "68K Macs > with MacOS 7.5 still in production use..." When you change a subject > line the header information concerning the subject is unchanged, > and that is what the list archives and some email clients go by. > There are now three threads concerning different subjects archived > as one thread at classiccmp.org. And what's so horrible about that? I miss entire conversations because somebody starts discussing something I *would* find interesting under a misleading Subject: and never changes it. Oh well - people will do what they do, thank goodness for search... How do you justify making everybody conform to your preferred behavior? Even though I did what you wanted in this reply/new topic. ;) But now nobody can see what I didn't quote from your original message without going off and running a search - isn't that annoying too? --S.

8 years, 8 months

8
10
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HP-35/45 Simulator for PDP-8

by kylevowen＠gmail.com

Just thought I'd share with you all one of my pet projects for the past few years. I have written an HP-35 and HP-45 simulator for the PDP-8, which uses the original microcode from these calculators. Thus, it is just as accurate as the original calculators, I would believe. Not really sure why I decided to do this, but I suppose I enjoy both HP calculators and PDP-8 programming. I guess it's nice to have a scientific calculator at one's disposal too while sitting in front of a PDP-8, too. It also shows that something like this could've existed back in the early 1970s if one were so inclined to do it. Perhaps it's also a bit of homage to the Expensive Desk Calculator for the TX-0 and PDP-1. Anyways, you can grab the code from here: https://github.com/drovak/hpcalcpdp8 The HP-45 support is new as of the past couple of days; I went ahead and through in a help function to explain the keys. Toggle between 4XXX and 0XXX on the switch register to toggle between HP-45 and HP-35 modes, respectively. Feel free to give feedback; I've tested it fairly extensively in SimH with no major issues other than no error indication on the HP-35. I have a debug mode which prints each register every instruction cycle, but I haven't used it too much in recent times; I went ahead and IFDEF'ed it as it also reads from the switch register. OS/8 support will come soon, as that shouldn't be challenging. You need 8k to run this, though I also uploaded my original hp35pdp8.pal code which runs in 4k. It lacks the help function (and obviously the HP-45 simulator), but otherwise, works pretty much the same. Big thanks to Eric Smith for his 'nonpareil' work which inspired much of the simulator. Kyle

8 years, 8 months

9
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changing Subject header in thread [was Re: Ill-considered complaints [was: RE: early networking (was Re: G4 cube (was Re: 68K Macs with MacOS 7.5 still in production use...))]]

by spacewar＠gmail.com

Rich Alderson wrote: > Actually, Mr. Cook, the standard for the last 35 years or so has been to > change the subject line, with the old subject in SQUARE BRACKETS with the > characters "was: " prepended. Any decent newsreader or threading mail > reader knows how to deal with that, and threading is unbroken. What was > broken in the messages about which you complain is the substitution of > parentheses () for brackets []. I had no idea that there was a standard. Is it in an RFC or something? I've commonly seen either parenthesis or square brackets used, and I've normally used parenthesis myself, but if there's a documented standard, I'll consider switching.

8 years, 8 months

1
0
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Internet of Things (was Re: Linux at 25)

by spacewar＠gmail.com

Chuck Guzis wrote: > I was a bit surprised to > find that my home thermostat was running BusyBox. Cameron Kaiser wrote: > s/surprised/alarmed/ > Remember, it's going to be the Internet of Pwned Things before too long. Unfortunately most people elide the first two letters of the initialism, leaving only "IoT". It is actually the "Insecure Dangerous Internet of Things".

8 years, 8 months

1
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PDP-8 Code Optimization (was Re: HP-35/45 Simulator for PDP-8)

by kylevowen＠gmail.com

On Tue, Sep 13, 2016 at 3:38 PM, Doug Ingraham <dpi at dustyoldcomputers.com> wrote: > > Thanks for an interesting bit of optimization! Need some more optimization fun? :) Vince and I were working on some code to add two signed 12 bit numbers and detect overflow, returning MAX_INT or MIN_INT in AC in the case of overflow, or the sum in AC otherwise. Here's what Vince came up with so far: CHKOVF, 0 TAD OVFA /GET A TAD OVFB /ADD B DCA OVFSUM /SAVE IT TAD OVFA /A XOR B AND OVFB CMA IAC TAD OVFA TAD OVFB SPA CLA /IF SIGNS DIFFER... JMP NOPROB /WE'RE DONE TAD OVFA /MIGHT BE OVERFLOW, A XOR SUM AND OVFSUM CMA IAC TAD OVFA TAD OVFSUM SMA /DID WE OVERFLOW (DIFFERENT SIGNS)? JMP NOPROB /NO, NO PROBLEM CLA CLL CMA RAR /YES, AC=3777 (MAX INT) DCA OVFSUM /SAVE IT TAD OVFA /GET THE SIGN OF CORRECT RESULT SPA CLA /SHOULD IT BE NEGATIVE? ISZ OVFSUM /YES, 3777 -> 4000 (MIN INT) NOPROB, CLA /GET CORRECTED SUM TAD OVFSUM JMP I CHKOVF /OUTTA HERE OVFA, 0 OVFB, 0 OVFSUM, 0 This tests the signs of both numbers; if they differ, there's no chance of overflow. If they're the same, it checks the signs of the augend with the sum; if they differ, an overflow occurred, and MAX_INT or MIN_INT will be returned depending on the sign of the augend. We tried clever tricks previously, using SNL/SZL and SMA/SPA after shifting the sign of the augend into the link and keeping the addend in the AC, but found these to be longer. Kyle

8 years, 8 months

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G4 cube (was Re: 68K Macs with MacOS 7.5 still in production use...)

by rlloken＠telus.net

On Tue, 13 Sep 2016, Liam Proven wrote: > Whereas my Mac mini has 3rd party RAM and both an SSD and an HD > (upgrades from a Toshiba desktop-replacement notebook that the Mac > replaced) on a 3rd party bracket, and I'm using a Dell 5-button mouse > and an Apple Extended keyboard from '97 or so, on a 3rd-party ADB-USB > adaptor. And a pair of mismatched 2nd hand 23" LCDs. ... > And with the original '80s keyboard, it _feels_ (and sounds) like a > proper (i.e. '80s) Mac when I'm typing on it. :-) My Mac Mini has been treated to new modern keyboard purchased at rediculous expense upon the recommendation of my long time friend G.L.Nerenberg II. And it says underneath "WASD Model: V2 Type: Cherry MX Green". It is gloriously noisy! I have an aluminum Apple keyboard in the box this keyboard came out of, those Apple chicklet keyboard are just plain horrible. -- Richard Loken VE6BSV, Systems Programmer - VMS : "...underneath those Athabasca University : tuques we wear, our Athabasca, Alberta Canada : heads are naked!" ** rlloken at telus.net ** : - Arthur Black

8 years, 8 months

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bitsavers FP11-B schem: M8115-0-01 sheets 1 and 2 missing?

by fritzm＠fritzm.org

Hi all, I?m working on debugging an FP11-B floating point option in a PDP-11/45. I?ve just discovered that in the engineering drawings for this on bitsavers, sheets 1 and 2 of the FRL board prints are missing :-( Does anybody have a complete set of FP11-B drawings? I can work around the missing sheets if I have to because sheet 1 is just the IC layout sheet and sheet 2 is probably quite similar to sheet 3, but it sure would be convenient to have the whole set? cheers, ?-FritzM.

8 years, 8 months

2
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Telnet was Re: G4 cube (was Re: 68K Macs with MacOS 7.5 still in production use...)

by cliendo＠gmail.com

Agree. It's quite easy to telnet to a port to see if you get a response. Do it a lot. > Are ifconfig, netstat, traceroute, et al really insecure? (Maybe a case > could be made for traceroute) These types of changes to the core of > userland are epic dumb IMHO. Telnet is very useful for debugging, and > certainly dropping telnetd is a good thing - which everyone has done.

8 years, 8 months

2
2
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G4 cube (was Re: 68K Macs with MacOS 7.5 still in production use...)

by glen.slick＠gmail.com

On Sep 13, 2016 9:16 AM, "Al Kossow" <aek at bitsavers.org> wrote: > > I've been working on archiving documentation and firmware from microprocessor > based CRT terminals for a couple of months, since I realized they are disappearing > the same way CRT monitors have. Did you ever get any Motorola EXORterm docs that were mentioned here? http://www.vcfed.org/forum/showthread.php?44638-Motorola-EXORciser/page4

8 years, 8 months

2
1
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Logic Analyser Advice

by mark＠markesystems.com

> I finally managed to pick up a logic analyser for a price I could justify. > It is a HP1630G and it comes with a number of pods. However the pods do > not > seem to have the actual wires/probes. Is there a separate part number for > these that I should look for. There seem to be quite a few items like > this: > http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291753390848, are these likely to be suitable > alternatives? Sign seen on an HP logic analyzer at a local swap meet: HP 1630G Logic Analyzer: $10 Complete set of probes: $500 ~~ Mark Moulding

8 years, 8 months

3
2
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Recovering 4mm tar tapes

by dj.taylor4＠comcast.net

I have a pair of 4mm DDS tapes from 1999 that I would like to recover. I was able to read one with tar on a Debian (jessie) Linux system, but the second gives an error. The tape that I could read is a Sony with DDS markings and 4 bars next to the DDS logo. It was written on an SGI computer. I was able to read this with a simple tar -xvf /dev/st0 command. The second tape is a 3M brand with DDS markings and 4 bars next to the DDS logo. It also has 'Media Recognition System' and DD-90 written on it. Here is the dialog and error: root at T5400deb:/home/taylor/4mm_tar_1998# lsscsi [0:0:4:0] disk codesrc SCSI2SD 4.2 /dev/sdc [0:0:5:0] disk codesrc SCSI2SD 4.2 /dev/sdd [0:0:6:0] tape ARCHIVE 4326XX 27871-XXX 0324 /dev/st0 [3:0:0:0] disk ATA WDC WD800JD-75MS 1E04 /dev/sda [3:0:1:0] cd/dvd PLDS DVD+-RW DH-16A6S YD11 /dev/sr0 [4:0:0:0] disk ATA ST500DM002-1BD14 KC45 /dev/sdb root at T5400deb:/home/taylor/4mm_tar_1998# mt -f /dev/st0 status drive type = 114 drive status = 318767616 sense key error = 0 residue count = 0 file number = 0 block number = 0 root at T5400deb:/home/taylor/4mm_tar_1998# tar -xvf /dev/st0 tar: /dev/st0: Cannot read: Input/output error tar: At beginning of tape, quitting now tar: Error is not recoverable: exiting now The tape drive is a Seagate CTD8000R-S with COMPAQ markings. There are 5 jumpers to configure the drive and one is for MRS which the jumper config page I have says it is enabled (Default), however the pins are missing for that option. What does that mean? (None of the config jumpers were installed for the tape that I could read) Is the 2nd tape just bad and can't be read? Or do I need a slightly different tape drive? Doug

8 years, 8 months

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68K Macs with MacOS 7.5 still in production use...

by vintagecomputer＠bettercomputing.net

Man I remember when the Cube came out.. I saw one on display at an Apple store with 23 inch Cinema display. ?Man I wanted one badly. ?But wayyyy too much money. ?Definitely want one for my collection. ?Probably not too expensive now. Sent from my Samsung device -------- Original message -------- From: George Rachor <george.rachor at gmail.com> Date: 2016-09-11 8:09 PM (GMT-08:00) To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk at classiccmp.org> Subject: Re: 68K Macs with MacOS 7.5 still in production use... My wife and I purchased the G4 cube, monitor, as well as enhanced sound package.? It?s primary? purchase was using it as a music server and some games.? My wife was working with Apple II e?s and very early Mac?s at the time. Over time I had to replace a failing hard drive. I retired it last week as I couldn?t put a modern browser on it.? The last few years I used it for only music. Retire means I?m packing it up to put in a dust proof container and placed in storage. Not looking to get rid of it but will obviously will someday. Not really vintage but it has served a long and happy life. George Rachor Hillsboro, Oregon george at rachors.com > On Sep 11, 2016, at 6:35 PM, Chris Hanson <cmhanson at eschatologist.net> wrote: > > What do you mean by ?retired,? and what kind of setup did you have for it? > >? -- Chris > >> On Sep 11, 2016, at 11:10 AM, George Rachor <george.rachor at gmail.com> wrote: >> >> I just retired my G4 cube (still working).? Replaced it with a NOT NEW iMac. >> >> George Rachor >> george at rachors.com <mailto:george at rachors.com> >> >> >>> On Sep 11, 2016, at 7:16 AM, Liam Proven <lproven at gmail.com> wrote: >>> >>> http://arstechnica.com/civis/viewtopic.php?p=30456459#p30456459 >>> >>> Found via: >>> >>> http://arstechnica.com/apple/2016/09/an-os-9-odyssey-why-do-some-mac-users-… >>> >>> -- >>> Liam Proven ? Profile: http://lproven.livejournal.com/profile >>> Email: lproven at cix.co.uk ? GMail/G+/Twitter/Flickr/Facebook: lproven >>> MSN: lproven at hotmail.com ? Skype/AIM/Yahoo/LinkedIn: liamproven >>> Cell/Mobiles: +44 7939-087884 (UK) ? +420 702 829 053 (?R) >> >

8 years, 8 months

5
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G4 cube (was Re: 68K Macs with MacOS 7.5 still in production use...)

by rlloken＠telus.net

Mark, I strongly support the addition of Oscar to your Mac Pro. -- Richard Loken VE6BSV, Systems Programmer - VMS : "...underneath those Athabasca University : tuques we wear, our Athabasca, Alberta Canada : heads are naked!" ** rlloken at telus.net ** : - Arthur Black

8 years, 8 months

1
0
0 0

Recovering 4mm tar tapes

by cruff＠ruffspot.net

> On Sep 12, 2016, at 11:00 AM, cctech-request at classiccmp.org wrote: > > Is the 2nd tape just bad and can't be read? Or do I need a > slightly different tape drive? It may be bad or perhaps it was written with a larger block size? I don?t recall what tar does if the tape was written with a record size larger than the default. You might try using dd if=/dev/st0 bs=65532 of=... on the tape to see if you can read it at all. I don?t recall what the maximum record size on these tapes are, but it seems like it isn?t a full 65KiB. Also, make sure the drive is not configured for fixed block mode.

8 years, 8 months

1
0
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Classic computer get together in Lower Mainland, BC, Canada

by azd30＠telus.net

Hi, This might only be of interest to people in the Pacific North West. We are starting a new retro-computer club in Chilliwack, BC. Both Rob C, and myself have a pretty good collection of 'classic' computers and rather than having them sit in a basement collecting dust, we thought we'd bring them out on a monthly basis for show and tells and demos... We are planning on making this a monthly meeting. I plan on bringing an ATARI 130XE w/1050 and an SD2SIO card, and the ATARI Assembler to demonstrate some 6502 ML programming, a minimal PDP11/23 in a H9281-BA enclosure (CPU, memory and DLV11 to power up to ODT) and a GrID tablet computer Rob C (who set this whole thing up) will be bringing: >I was thinking I would bring out some of the micro-controllers I have been using, together with my >ATMega based home brew computer that I have been building. I was also thinking of bringing >out my retro-chip tune tracker PC that I built and do a music demo. Meeting details: CHILLIWACK RETRO-COMPUTING CLUB 7:00PM September 22, 2016 Sardis (FVRL) Library 5819 Tyson Road, Sardis, BC We also have an email and a FB group set up (web site coming soon): chilliwackretro (at) gmail (dot) com www.facebook.com/chilliwackretro cheers -- alex

8 years, 8 months

1
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OpenVMS manuals (Grey wall + HP) available, Windermere UK

by mark＠wickensonline.co.uk

Greetings I have a set of OpenVMS 7.3 era manuals available (grey wall). They are located in Windermere, UK. At the moment I am unable to ship them due to lack of packing materials so it would be either via collection or by an arrangement. The manuals are generally in good condition. I can get a list together if anyone is interested. I also have a large numbr of HP/Compaq softbound manuals which came as a set also available. Please email me direct if interested. I am the organiser of declegacy.org.uk so if you want to come along on October 15th-16th and collect them you've got a reason to visit Windermere. Please feel free to pass this message on to anyone you think might be interested. Regards, Mark. ----- End forwarded message -----

8 years, 8 months

1
0
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obscure forgoten Machean of Europe?

by tdk.knight＠gmail.com

I've got the model for the Phillips p1000 love to get more stuff to go with it. Got the paper cut out scan someone sent me a while back. Came across this doing my once every few months search https://aconit.inria.fr/omeka/items/show/595 http://amitrtlu.free.fr/guirimand/G3d.htm What other obscure European Machean are out there? All seems we see is HP and Dec mostly talked about yet we forget about allot of others and the thread about that random lot of military grade Machean the chm called junk trash didn't want got me thinking

8 years, 8 months

10
14
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Using a modern USB joystick on a vintage computer (Atari compatible)

by mark＠wickensonline.co.uk

I've seen plenty of examples of adapters to use a vintage joystick with a modern computer. I'd like the opposite - to use a USB controller with a vintage computer (Atari compatible - for example ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64). Does anyone know of an adapter or a homebrew project? Thanks, Mark.

8 years, 8 months

5
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Finding developer docs for VME hardware?

by cmhanson＠eschatologist.net

Anyone have any suggestions for how to go about finding developer documentation for VME hardware? I haven?t been having much luck with Google searches. Given that (aside from its use by workstation manufacturers) most VME hardware was intended for composing systems from disparate parts, I assume that most of it at one time had programming documentation available. After all, you can?t just provide binary drivers when you know neither what CPU nor what OS your customers will be running?or even if they?ll be running an OS, versus some tightly-coded assembly. My current interest is in using something like a D/A board or a specific audio interface[1] to provide audio for a VME-based workstation that lacks it, but I figure being able to find information like this will be generally useful to those of us with VME hardware. -- Chris [1] Something like a Vigra MMI-210: <https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-9634773.html <https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-9634773.html>>, about $125 on eBay.

8 years, 8 months

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Need info on obscure Flip Chip

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

Yes, I did see that list entry, but I was needing the pinout, a more detailed functional description, etc. Noel

8 years, 8 months

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Need info on obscure Flip Chip

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

Hi, I'm looking for information on a semi-obscure Flip Chip; an M826 (sort sort of combination clock/counter). I can't find out anything about it. Apparently the M8xx Flip Chips were generally custom modules intended for a specific device, which is probably why I can't find anything on it. I've looked in the Digital Logic Handbooks for 1969-1977, with no luck. So I also looked through the Spare Module Handbook to see if I could find something else that used it, so I could see if the documentation for that thing covered it (e.g. I found the M167 in the RS64 Maintenance Manual). However, I struck out there too. My Google-fu wasn't strong enough to turn up anything online. Anyone have anything on this beast? Noel

8 years, 8 months

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Need info on obscure Flip Chip

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

8 years, 8 months

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Next order of MFM emulator/reader baords

by djg＠pdp8online.com

I will be ordering another batch of boards. If you wish to order more boards email me djg at pdp8online.com with how many and if bare, with surface mount chips, or fully assembled. If you currently are on the waiting list you don't need to reply. Info is here. http://www.pdp8online.com/mfm/ The price may be $5 more since it looks like the quantity will be less than last time. Bare boards should ship by end of month. I haven't found a place at these quantities to have them assembled for less than listed price so have been doing them myself. Assembled boards may be a couple more weeks. I will collect payment when getting ready to start shipping.

8 years, 8 months

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obscure forgoten Machean of Europe?

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: Adrian Stoness > All seems we see is HP and Dec mostly talked about Well, don't forget that i) a lot of people (like me) are interested in things they worked with 'back in the day', and for many people, that is very likely to be DEC and HP machines, since they were very common, ii) the conversation is partially driven by what's available now, and again, because they were so common BITD, there are more of them now, and finally iii) the list has a lot of US-based members, and they wouldn't have run across (either back then, or now) machines from the somewhat obscure European manufacturers. I don't think anyone looks down on the more obscure machines, in fact I personally (and many others, I suspect) are very happy to see people paying attention to them, and my respects to the people who are working to save them. Noel

8 years, 8 months

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obscure forgoten Machean of Europe?

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

SMECC is looking for any Philips Broadcast year new or old sorta like http://www.smecc.org/ldk20/philliconnector1.jpg which is one of our ldk-20 cameras... they can say on the side Philips, or later Thomson or BTS Philips was a great developer and implementer of CCD Technology in video cameras. this studio camera has computers in it for the control unit and you can store setups etc on Flash memory cards I keep one at the house to learn to program up the MCU controller etc for the one at the museum. So anything Philips, or later Thomson or BTS hardware, software, cables, adv. materials, training books is indeed welcome here and if you have a lighted script holder we need one for the unit at the museum.... it looks like this... http://www.smecc.org/ldk20/philli57.jpg People ask on our duplicate stuff what would we trade for? here is a non computer area that works well to get some of our extras. Have a great weekend Ed# _www.smecc.org_ (http://www.smecc.org) In a message dated 9/11/2016 11:40:13 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time, cclist at sydex.com writes: On 09/11/2016 08:23 AM, Paul Koning wrote: > Philips was founded around the end of the 19th century as a maker of > light bulbs, got into vacuum tubes in the 1920s or so. Philips was into everything. For simple appliances, most in North America were completely unaware of the parent company, because personal care products are marketed under the "Norelco" brand. I believe that Philips acquired Sylvania, then sold it to Funai. In 2000, Philips was the largest manufacturer of semiconductors, having acquired both Signetics and VLSI Technology. later spun off as NXP to a private investment consortium. If you own a Sonicare electric toothbrush, that's Philips too. It's pretty safe to say that almost everyone has a Philips product somewhere in their life--it may not be branded with the Philips name however. --Chuck

8 years, 8 months

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SWTPC GT-6144

by vintagecomputer＠bettercomputing.net

I am finally getting around to getting this GT-6144 graphics board working. ?It seems pretty straightforward, however I am confused by the advice given re:use with the CT1024 vs 6800. ?The instructions describe using it with either or, I think. ?I'm wondering what the right way to hook up would be if you are using both together. ?I'm thinking it must be CT1024 in that case, otherwise you'd need two monitors? ?I just want to be able to program the GT-6144 from the 6800 while using the CT1024. Anyone familiar enough with these to offer advice? Thanks in advance!! Brad

8 years, 8 months

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Components available - the rest of the story

by t.gardner＠computer.org

The rest of the story. As Al pointed out, much to our surprise, the museum has rejected an offer >from Art's estate for the donation of a Fast Fourier Transform computing system which included both the Unicomp Computer and a hardware FFT accelerator. This is a very strange decision since the system is one of the earliest if not the first implementation of a FFT in anti-submarine and anti-aircraft warfare. FFT mathematics dates to 1965 but processor until much later had the power to do it real time in software at the resolution necessary, so Art invented the hardware accelerator and multiple units were sold to the Navy. The estate is appealing the museum's decision. The estate would like to keep the FFT system together and so if the museum continues with a cranial rectal inversion it will look to other alternatives including those of u who have already I will respond by email not later than tomorrow to the several list members who expressed interest in the components and/or the computer. I'm busy today helping set up the Atari retrospective for the IEEE Silicon Valley History Committee. Regards, Tom Date: Tue, 6 Sep 2016 18:16:23 -0700 From: Al Kossow <aek at bitsavers.org> To: cctalk at classiccmp.org Subject: Re: Components available On 9/6/16 4:18 PM, Tom Gardner wrote: > A friend of mine died recently; he was amongst many things an > electronics tinkerer and has a closet full of small parts in bin > cabinets (resistors, capacitors, ICs, transistors, hardware, etc.). There is also a Unicomp 18 bit minicomputer, paper tape reader, and FFT processor circa 1972 in the garage (6ft rack) with full documentation. I walked out of the donations meeting with the other curators today who thought it was a piece of s**t and didn't want to take it, calling it a 'dumpster fire' Art was a friend of mine. Hopefully it can go someplace where it can be appreciated. Talk to Tom about it, unfortunately, time is short. -- 73 AF6WS Bickley Consulting West Inc. http://bickleywest.com "Black holes are where God is dividing by zero"

8 years, 8 months

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Logic Analyser Advice

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: Ian S. King > Do you have the grey rectangular bits that plug into the pods? If not, > you're pretty much screwed Not necessarily. I bought a couple of Tek 1240's, without pods or probes, but managed to locate a goodly supply of each on eBait. The key for me was to find the original Tek part number for the pods and probes, and then search for that. The same might work for this HP thingy. Noel

8 years, 8 months

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Identify HP Pods

by radiotest＠juno.com

At 01:10 PM 9/10/2016, Glen Slick wrote: >Those are the leads that go with the HP163x series logic analyzer pods such as the HP 1630G that Rob Jarratt was just asking about here. Aaah - that is why I did not recognize them - I had seen only the 165x/166x leads. Dale H. Cook, GR / HP Collector, Roanoke/Lynchburg, VA http://plymouthcolony.net/starcity/radios/index.html

8 years, 8 months

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VC8E Option

by anders＠abc80.net

> >On Thu, Sep 8, 2016 at 11:59 PM, Pontus Pihlgren <pontus at update.uu.se> >> >wrote: >>> > > >>> > >Hmm, yes, I think I might actually. What do you have so far? >>> > > >> > >> >I don't have much yet, unfortunately; still trying to get my thoughts >> >together on how it should be implemented. Mark Pizzolato recommends using >> >as much existing display code as possible. I did start an issue for it >> >here, though:https://github.com/simh/simh/issues/337 >> > >> >Kyle > I found Phils code when I looked into this yesterday. There also the VR12 > emulation in the, now dormant, GreenPea[1] project. I was wondering which > graphics library to use but since both simh and GreenPea uses SDL I guess > that settle that. > > I found and read Dougs[2] VC8E summary. Do you have any other docs? A > cursory look on bitsavers didn't give any result. > > /P > > [1]https://github.com/andysan/greenpea/ > [2]http://homepage.cs.uiowa.edu/~jones/pdp8/man/vc8e.html > There is at least schematics on bitsavers: http://bitsavers.trailing-edge.com/pdf/dec/pdp8/omnibus/VC8-E_engineering_d… I encourage you to do this, I have a working VC8E if you what me to try anything. /Anders

8 years, 8 months

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Components available - the rest of the story

by couryhouse＠aol.com

I thought chm had woosed.. out on it already?.. Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: Tom Gardner <t.gardner at computer.org> Date: 9/10/16 11:24 (GMT-07:00) To: cctalk at classiccmp.org Subject: RE: Components available - the rest of the story Hi Jason: Yes the LCM has asked for it. If the CHM says no, we need to work out details of the transfer and may take u up on your offer to help in transport.? Note it is a 6-foot rack with about 5 file drawers of documents Regards, Tom -----Original Message----- From: Jason Howe [mailto:jason at smbfc.net] Sent: Friday, September 09, 2016 10:40 PM To: cctalk at classiccmp.org Subject: Re: Components available - the rest of the story Have they thought about other museums, like the LCM up here in Seattle?? I'd be happy to volunteer to go get it and bring it back North. --Jason On 09/09/2016 08:39 AM, Mark J. Blair wrote: >> On Sep 9, 2016, at 00:59, curiousmarc3 at gmail.com wrote: >> >> I might be interested, as I already have two FFT systems that I am restoring (an HP 5420A and a HP 5451C). I am local. Just drop me an email. > > If Marc adopts it, he'll surely make some excellent Youtube videos about it! > >

8 years, 8 months

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SWTPC 6800 Weirdness

by vintagecomputer＠bettercomputing.net

Okay, I have it all dialed in now! With that iffy memory board swapped out, the system works beautifully. I did have some trouble loading Altair BASIC but after looking at a video of someone running it I discovered an extra line that appeared to be in the Altair patch file and also a couple of memory addresses that were altered. Once I did that, the prompts came up and it let me enter a program! The only problem was for some reason Hyperterminal was cutting off a column or two - so instead of the OK prompt I had O. I figured that was probably just Hyperterminal, so I switched the system back to 110 baud, loaded Altair BASIC, and then switched to the CT-1024. It worked perfectly! Pretty magical being able to use this software I've only seen demonstrated in videos on vintage hardware! Can't wait for the day I have a real Altair and teletype. I'm going to hunt around for more S19 files. I'd also like to learn more about how to program this thing (I assume in assembly). And then another thing on my wish list would be to have both the MP-S and MP-C cards working together in a way that I could use one to load and save stuff off to my PC terminal and the other for actual terminal interface. Thanks again for the help and suggestions!! Brad

8 years, 8 months

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Identify HP Pods

by radiotest＠juno.com

While going through some bags of probes that I recently acquired I found two of these HP pods that do not bear HP model numbers, just the company name and logo: http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/ONAAAOSwBahVJjOo/$_57.JPG as well as the clips used with them: http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/7aEAAOSwENxXlk5E/s-l1600.jpg They appear to be pods for an HP logic analyzer, but they are not the HP 16xx series analyzer pods with which I am familiar. Can anyone identify them? Dale H. Cook, GR / HP Collector, Roanoke/Lynchburg, VA http://plymouthcolony.net/starcity/radios/index.html

8 years, 8 months

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50 yrs. of Star Trek!

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

You bet it does! My friend Jim Early explained to me how it was used on the Bell Solar Batteries ( solar cells) for TELSTAR Ed Sharpe PDP-8 SN18 In a message dated 9/9/2016 7:55:19 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time, dpi at dustyoldcomputers.com writes: On Thu, Sep 8, 2016 at 11:34 AM, Fred Cisin <cisin at xenosoft.com> wrote: > On Thu, 8 Sep 2016, Murray McCullough wrote: > And use so much transparent aluminum. > Transparent aluminum exists. It is called sapphire. Sapphire is the crystalline form of aluminum oxide. If you recall, Apple was thinking of using it for the touch screen face of the iphone. -- Doug Ingraham PDP-8 SN 1175

8 years, 8 months

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50 yrs. of Star Trek!

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

yep! In a message dated 9/8/2016 10:46:36 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time, pete at pski.net writes: > On Sep 8, 2016, at 1:31 PM, Christian Liendo <cliendo at gmail.com> wrote: > > The only "computer" related thing I can think of is the scene from > Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, where Scotty works on the Macintosh > trying to show transparent aluminum. > > In my own humble opinion it is one of the best scenes ever from a Star > Trek movie or show. ?Hello, computer!?=

8 years, 8 months

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50 yrs. of Star Trek!

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

you mean when he picks up the mouse and says.... hello computer into it? yea I fell outta my seat! Ed# _www.smecc.org_ (http://www.smecc.org) In a message dated 9/8/2016 10:31:59 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time, cliendo at gmail.com writes: The only "computer" related thing I can think of is the scene from Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, where Scotty works on the Macintosh trying to show transparent aluminum. In my own humble opinion it is one of the best scenes ever from a Star Trek movie or show.

8 years, 8 months

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VC8E Option

by kylevowen＠gmail.com

Charles Dickman's site shows a VC8E screenshot with text: http://www.chdickman.com/pdp8/spacewar/ However, unless I'm missing something, I don't actually see what would've drawn the characters. A little digging on Bitsavers shows there was a VC8E driver. http://bitsavers.trailing-edge.com/bits/DEC/pdp8/papertapeImages/russ.ucs.i… Even in this, I don't see any sign of a character lookup table or the like. Where would all of this have been created? Thanks, Kyle

8 years, 8 months

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50 yrs. of Star Trek!

by c.murray.mccullough＠gmail.com

What role did Star Trek play in the rise of small computers that are so ubiquitous today? This science fiction series prognosticated many things but how many actually happened or am I expecting too much from a television show of 50 years ago? Happy computing! Murray

8 years, 8 months

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DEC, non DEC at VCF

by useddec＠gmail.com

The following is a partial list of things I plan on bringing to VCF tomorrow. I plan on being there by noon, and will return home Saturday night. If you have any interest, flag me down. If I have time I?ll try to grab some 8 boards. Thanks, Paul M3106 DZQ11 M3107 DHQ11 M7081 LA120 LOGIC BOARD M7504 DEQNA M7546 M7677 11/84 M7846 RX11 M7940 DLV11 M7944 MSV11-B M7946 RXV11 M7955 MSV11CD M7957 DZV11 4 LINE M8012 BDV11 M8013 RLV11 M8014 RLV11 M8015 KPV11-A M8017 DLV11-E M8021 MRV11-BA M8027 LPV11 M8029 RXV21 M8043 DLV11-J M8044 MSV11-DD M8053 DMV11 M8959F 64K M8059K128K M8067F 64KW M8067 128KW M8186 11/23 CPU M8189 11/23+ CPU M8190-A KDJ11-BF M9047 GRANT G7273 GRANT PDP8-E no cards VT52, untested 2 computer automation naked minis-never used mini 4 9 full cards can't see model of the other one, but i think it is a 4 or 5 card 2 motorola M-4408 NIB, bought new from Carroll Touch, a local company that made early touch screens for plato. Nova 3 no boards, nice clean Kennedy 9610, very clean

8 years, 8 months

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WTB: GRiDcase 3 screen or entire GRiDcase 3 or 1520 with small plasma for parts

by ian.finder＠gmail.com

Mine just died, an entire row driver went out. I just bought this thing! :( -- Ian Finder (206) 395-MIPS ian.finder at gmail.com

8 years, 8 months

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Unicomp Minicomputers [WAS: RE: Components available]

by t.gardner＠computer.org

See http://bitsavers.informatik.uni-stuttgart.de/pdf/unicomp/UNICOMP_Brochure_19 70.pdf Unicomp became Spectra Data became Gilmore Industries and then ??? Art worked for Unicomp Tom -----Original Message----- From: Mark J. Blair [mailto:nf6x at nf6x.net] Sent: Thursday, September 08, 2016 2:50 PM To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts Subject: Re: Components available I am not at all familiar with Unicomp minicomputers, and I'd love to see pictures of this one. I'm sorry that I'm not closer to the machine, but it sounds like heroic rescuers are already lined up to keep it from getting scrapped. -- Mark J. Blair, NF6X <nf6x at nf6x.net> http://www.nf6x.net/

8 years, 8 months

2
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TK50 with DEC All-in-1

by curt＠atarimuseum.com

Hi Anyone have a TK50 install of this ? Either for sale, trade or loan? Thanks, Curt

8 years, 8 months

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AS400 Model 170 potentially available...

by lbickley＠bickleywest.com

Weirdstuff has been offered an AS400 Model 170 located in a data center. If anyone is interested in purchasing it, let me know off list - please include the approximate price you'd be willing to pay for the critter. I'll pass your info on to Weirdstuff so they can decide whether to make a bid on it or not. Note: I am not affiliated with Weirdstuff other than as a paying client. They don't like to see vintage gear scrapped anymore than I do. Regards, Lyle -- 73 AF6WS Bickley Consulting West Inc. http://bickleywest.com "Black holes are where God is dividing by zero"

8 years, 8 months

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Y Combinator is restoring one of Alan Kay's Xerox Alto machines

by curiousmarc3＠gmail.com

> > On Sep 5, 2016, at 9:30 AM, Josh Dersch <derschjo at gmail.com> wrote: > > > > At the LCM, I used an Apple II to test out the Alto's memory -- the > > Alto II XM uses 4116 RAM chips. I swapped in a row at a time and wrote a > > little BASIC program to test for obvious errors. This was > > time-consuming, but eliminated the obviously bad chips, which helped immensely. > > Oh, that's so simple and clever! Are these 16k chips? I don't have an Apple II, > but I wonder if I could use the same trick and plug them in my HP 85 > for which I just managed to burn the service ROM, which has a memory > test built in. Josh, I checked, and the mysterious HP 1818-1396 or 1818-0341 RAM chips used in the HP-85 appear to be NEC uPD416-2 or MOSTEK 16k chips. They appear to be pin for pin, voltage and speed compatible with the MOSTEK 4116-3 used in the Alto. So it looks like I could check the Alto Xerox II-XM RAM chips on my HP-85. 8 at a time, that might take a while :-). Thanks for the tip, I'd never have thought about it! Marc

8 years, 8 months

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Q-Bus Memory Diagnostics and Repair

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: Jerry Weiss > I'll give that a try. Please let us know how you make out with it! :-) > I've been making do with the SMS 1000 manual for the basic settings as > well. Yeah, that's better than nothing. I just looked over my notes from looking into the CMV-x000, and alas I don't have any useful data to report (yet). > I ran a different diagnostic w/o parity testing enabled. That's kind of odd; the top block of results make it look like it's dropping the 0400 bit (e.g. "S/B", which I assume means 'should be', = 161612, and "WAS" = 161212 makes it sound like it dropped the 0400 bit); but the block below makes it look like it's picking that bit (it shows 0 and 0400 under the S/B and WAS columns for that location). Eh, no biggie; clearly the 0400 bit has issues! ;-) > I see stuck bits and address decoding problems. It looks like some > memory addresses return the contents of another address. Not sure I see that happening? If your CPU is an 11/73 (which can directly 'access' [hate that verbism :-] all of memory from ODT, unlike the 11/23 which is restricted to the bottom 256KB), try playing around with a failing location, and its alternative, directly, and see if a store of random data into one can be read back directly >from the other; e.g. set 03561212 to 0, store 0123456 in 03561612, and then try reading 03561212, etc. Then go back to 03561612 and see if you get 0123456 back when reading it. Etc, etc. That should quickly verify if the problem is just some locations which drop/pick bits, or if there are addressing issues. > I may just clip the power lead on the chip I think is faulty to confirm > I have the correct target. I looked at my CMV-x000 boards, and on all of them, the chips are soldered in, not socketed (which most of the other ones I looked into had, which made working out the chip<->bit tables very easy - pull random chips, and see what happened :-). But your proposed move should let you identify if you have the right chip. Once done, you might want to check low memory from ODT to make sure you don't have the banks inverted (i.e. what looks like the top bank is not in fact the bottom). It probably wouldn't boot the diagnostics, if so, but it'd nice to find out directly! > Hopefully the bit ordering matches the board marking and bottom row is > the highest address of memory banks. Please let me know what the layout is, and I'll start the Computer History wiki page for this board with that info. Noel

8 years, 8 months

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Q-Bus Memory Diagnostics and Repair

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: Jerry Weiss > The first is an MSV11-PL 512KB-Q-Bus 22bit. > Dead to both CSR and Memory address access in ODT. > ... before start poking around with my scope ... can recommend a > particular methodology to finding the fault. Well, the CSR and RAM address detection circuits are separate (page 5 of 11 in the drawings), so since both are not responding, it has to be something in common: perhaps something on the input side like a bus receiver (e.g. BSYNC, pg 8), perhaps something on the output side like a control line driver (e.g. BRPLY, same page), or some of the common circuitry that drives it (e.g. TRPLY generation on pg. 5). The way to tackle this is to write a two instruction loop that reads the CSR (that will be easier to grok than RAM access); it will need a NXM trap catcher which just does an RTI, too; and don't forget to set up the SP. Then, pick some likely point half way along the signal path (e.g. MSEL, on the right hand edge of pg. 5), and see if that's doing what it should. If no, start moving back upstream; if it is OK, start going downstream from there. > The second board is a CMV1000 that probably has a bad Memory Chip. > I don't have either prints or a manual for this board. Yes, either/both for this, and the sister CMV4000 (same board with 256K chips) would be really fantastic to locate. I'm in the process of working out what all the jumpers/mean do, and will work out which chips correspond to which bits, and document them, like this page: http://gunkies.org/wiki/CMV-504 However, we're not there yet for this card, so... > I was expecting bad and xor to be 16bit values, but they appear to be > mostly 22bit addresses. But then again this isn't a DEC board. That shouldn't make a difference. I can't make head or tail of the output either; can anyone else help? (I don't use DEC diagnostics, I have rolled my own PDP-11 memory diagnostic.) > The board itself is labeled with bits 0-7 P0 P1 8-15 across the top Well, that is a good hint... :-) > Any suggestions as to which chip might be suspect? Step A is to find out what the failing location(s) are, and what the bad data is. So either figure out the DEC memory diagnostic output, or roll your own (you can have mine if you like, I have Unix assembler source, or I can give it to you in .LDA binary). Noel

8 years, 8 months

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Components available

by t.gardner＠computer.org

Hi A friend of mine died recently; he was amongst many things an electronics tinkerer and has a closet full of small parts in bin cabinets (resistors, capacitors, ICs, transistors, hardware, etc.). The ICs look mostly old. His wife and kids have no interest and would like to find a good home for these parts rather than recycle the lot. They are in Palo Alto CA Anyone interested in using them could just pick them up in the next week or so. Any other ideas? Really hate to see these go to recycle. Tom (650) 941-5324 <tel:%28650%29%20941-5324>

8 years, 8 months

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{wtb} DEC VT100 5 spoke rolling stands

by smj＠ma.sdf.org

I'm looking for a couple DEC VT100 5 spoke rolling table stands. Please contact me privately if you have one available. Thank you

8 years, 8 months

1
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Powering up a 3741

by coryheisterkamp＠gmail.com

Hello gents, seeking some advice. I recently brought home my IBM 3741 Data Station that has been in controlled storage since the late 90?s and was working at that time. Given almost 20 years has passed, what would be the best way to power it back up? I believe I have a variac of sufficient size around and I'm assuming it's a linear power supply but any advice would be appreciated on the matter. Thanks, Cory

8 years, 8 months

1
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RK05 packs

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

From: Paul Koning > Some IBM systems ... have a "2315" drive which is an RK05. Yeah, I think that was the original source of these packs. The Diablo 30/31 drives (used on the RK11-C controller before the RK05 was created) were designed to use 2315 packs. > From: Tony Duell > My intention was to put the hub on a spare spindle .. put the platter > on, turn it round by hand and use a lever-type dial gauge to get > minimum run-out. One of the people I buy PDP-11 parts from reports that he actually did this (using the exact procedure you describe) BITD. Apparently there's some multi-platter pack that has the same exact platter as the RK05 (2315) pack, and he had some damaged RK05 packs, and moved platters from the bad multi-platter pack to the RK05's. Noel

8 years, 8 months

6
8
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Odd memory error in PDP-11/04

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: Paul Koning > Semiconductor memory, right? Yup. > A possible reason would be that the address drivers for that bit, or > the address decoders in that chip, are busted. The result would be that > reads and writes always touch the same address in the chip. Oooh, good point. That's a better explanation of the symptoms than mine, since it answers the thing that was confusing me ("why it can be either set or reset with a write, but freezes in one state for reads"). A fully-populated 64KB MS11-J card has 4 rows of 16Kx1 chips, so if the machine ever runs again, the first thing to check is to see if that bit at 040000 (or 0100000, if it's a larger than 32KB card) is tied to that bit at 0; if not, it's the addressing circuitry in the chip. (Looks like E75, but it might be E72). > The fact that other bits repeat every 20 also suggests issues with > addressing logic. That I don't think is a memory chip issue, since it causes the entire word to repeat, and on that card, each bit of the word is in a separate chip. > From: Jim Stephens > Is there a hint as far as the affected hardware in that the ODT is > working, but the ram is not? The rom that is running ODT is also being > accessed for read correctly. Good point. So it's probably not something in the CPU that's repeating every 020 locations. Also, IIRC, that ODT code doesn't use memory, it runs entirely out of the registers. There's some good reason for that (probably to avoid messing with the contents of memory), but maybe also so that it runs without working memory - ISTR that we discussed this at one point here, but I'm too lazy to look for the discussion. So that's why ODT runs even if the RAM isn't working. Anyway, if the 020 problem is in the memory too, it's probably the A04 bus receiver (E55), although it might be the address latch (E88, a 7475) or the RAS/CAS mux (E99, 74S153). Step a would be to put a scope probe on the output of the bus receiver (pin 2) and see if it's hopping up and down - if that, that chip is OK, and the problem is further down the line. > I don't know if the rom path to the ODT code is different than the ram, Yes. The ROM for the ODT is stored in the M9301 card (at least, if it's an 11/04, it's probably an M9301 - could be an M9312, too). The RAM is in another card, an M7847 (MS11-J). > it is interesting that the console code is being fetched, along with > the data from the serial controller to communicate with the console > terminal Which indicates that the UNIBUS is probably OK; the console serial is on yet another card, the M7856 (DL11-W); the CPU, RAM, bootstrap and serial line all talk to one another over the UNIBUS. Noel

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