Okay,
I have the manual now (a listmember kindly downloaded it and sent it to me, thanks again).
However, one picture in there shows the cardcage (not very clearly or close-up, I have to add), but it looks like theirs has all slots populated. Either they used one which was fully tricked out with options, or mine is indeed missing some cards.
I'll have a look what's in mine sometime next week.
So long,
--
Arno Kletzander
Hilfskraft Informatik Sammlung Erlangen
www.iser.uni-erlangen.de
Psssst! Schon vom neuen GMX MultiMessenger geh?rt?
Der kanns mit allen: http://www.gmx.net/de/go/multimessenger
I have been scrounging for parts for my computer, and I believe I have hit
the jackpot. A friend of mine set me up with some older Seiko control system
boards, various revisions, from the late 80s. On them are many ICs,
including RAMs, Z80 CPUs, and PIOs, as well as some AMD Arithmetic
processors, a Z80 SIO/2, and other various components. I want to try to make
my computer from these components. Can anyone point me in a good direction
for the datasheets, preferably online, for these mostly obsolete ICs? Some
of them I don't even know what they are, and some I cannot find online,
presumably because they are obsolete. Here's a partial list of them:
NEC D780C
NEC D770008AC-6
NEC D4364C-15L
NEC D8251AC
NEC D449C
AMD AM9511A-1DC
Sharp LH0081A
Sharp LH0082
Intel 8339
Intel 8325
Intel K3235001
Zilog Z8442BPS
Zilog Z8430BPS
Thanks for any help
>
>Subject: Re: Building my own classic style computer update
> From: ard at p850ug1.demon.co.uk (Tony Duell)
> Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2007 23:52:47 +0100 (BST)
> To: cctalk at classiccmp.org
>
>>
>> I have been scrounging for parts for my computer, and I believe I have hit
>> the jackpot. A friend of mine set me up with some older Seiko control system
>> boards, various revisions, from the late 80s. On them are many ICs,
>> including RAMs, Z80 CPUs, and PIOs, as well as some AMD Arithmetic
>> processors, a Z80 SIO/2, and other various components. I want to try to make
>> my computer from these components. Can anyone point me in a good direction
>> for the datasheets, preferably online, for these mostly obsolete ICs? Some
>> of them I don't even know what they are, and some I cannot find online,
>> presumably because they are obsolete. Here's a partial list of them:
>> NEC D780C
>
>AFAIK it's an exact equivaletn of a Z80 CPU. I've never found a circuit
>that works with one and not the other.
It is an exact bug for bug and hidden opcode match for Z80/MK3880.
>> NEC D770008AC-6
You sure of that number?
>> NEC D4364C-15L
>
>I guess that's a 64K*1 DRAM, similar to a 4164
Might be mask rom if 24/28 pin.
>> NEC D8251AC
>
>Equivalent to the Intel 8251, National Semiconductor INS8251, etc. It's a
>USART
There are differnt flavors of the 8251, and the D8251AC is similar to the
intel 8251A. It's a matter of different bugs.
>> NEC D449C
6116 ram 2kx8
>> AMD AM9511A-1DC
>
>AMD floating point chip
>
>> Sharp LH0081A
>> Sharp LH0082
>
>No idea
>
>> Intel 8339
>> Intel 8325
>
>Are you sure you've not given me the date codes?
Those are either mask roms or date codes.
>> Intel K3235001
>
>No diea
Thats a mask and date code. Not a part number.
Just google "z80" there are a carload of sites for those parts
and people playing with them.
Allison
I've started a project to use the Catweasel for making images of NorthStar
hard sector disks. I have some working code. It is not ready for public
release.
Please contact me offline if interested in being a developer. The code is
not available publicly at this time.
Thanks
Andrew Lynch
I've just bought the base unit (VS240) for a VT240 terminal on E-bay and
know little about it (OK, I know it's a DEC graphics terminal). Perhaps
somebody can enlightent me
1) One site i looked at said a VT240 is a monochrome unit, a VT241 is the
colour version. Is the only difference the monitor? Can I use a colour
monitor with my base unit?
2) On the back are obvious connectors for an RS232 port (DB25), current
loop (8 pin mate-n-lock). There's a DE9 labelled 'PR', presumably a
printer port, also RS232. A RJ11 keyboard socket, I assume an LK201 will
work here (yes?). A BNC which seems ot be composite mono video. And a
DA15 plug, also for a monitor. I assume a VR201 links here, or a V241
with the right cable. Also, can I connect the keybaord to, say, the back
of the VR201, or do I have to use the RJ11 on the terminal itself?
3) How much is known about the insides? Of course I've taken it apart.
It's really easy to get inside, just undo 2 screws on the bottom at the
very front and remove the top cabinet shell (lift it up from the front).
Then release 2 nylatch fasteners and lift up the metal screening cover.
The PSU (a switch-mode unit) is inside the cover. Reach inside and unlug
the PSU ribbon cable from the mainboard and remove the cover/PSU. The
mainboard comes out by releasing 3 more nylatch fasteners.
On this board, there's an 8085, 2681 (dual serial chip), 8251 (USART,
maybe used for the keybaord interface), 7220 (graphics chip) -- along with
what seemms to be much the same circuitry as a Rainbow colour card, there
are a couple of PALs, I've not checked to see if they're the same as the
ones in the 'bow. Pletny of RAM and ROM, and some glue logic. And another
40 pin chip, DC310. For some reason this is saying 'processor' to me. Is
it?
-tony
Just a thought ..
Wouldn't the model making fraternity have this kind of problem all the
time.?
There must be a way to make a mould using an existing part as the
template.
Rod
-----Original Message-----
From: cctech-bounces at classiccmp.org
[mailto:cctech-bounces at classiccmp.org] On Behalf Of woodelf
Sent: 24 August 2007 20:16
To: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts
Subject: Re: DEC switch handles
Dave McGuire wrote:
> I have an interest, but only for a handful. Will is right; the
> molds will be the killer. I worked on a commercial product a few
> years ago that used a two-part plastic chassis that was about the size
> of a small book. The two halves were very, very simple...no weird
> shapes, and not difficult for mold design. The "cheap" aluminum molds
> cost us about $10,000 to have made, and the good stainless steel ones
> (last much
> longer) were to cost about $18,000.
I was looking at DIY molding ... 1 ounce of plastic at most.
But you need access to a machine shop ... None around here.
See here for the book. http://www.lindsaybks.com/dgjp/index.html
> Molds for small parts such as switch handles will be cheaper, and
> there's a side benefit to their small size: we might be able to design
> one mold that can make several different types of switch handles
> (PDP8/e-PDP11/20 style, PDP11/45-PDP11/70 style, etc) in one shot.
> DEC didn't use that many different styles of switch handles.
I got drooling over things like the PDP-12. Don't forget you need
several colors. The problem is finding a place that does small runs.
> There's still the front-end-loaded cost of having a mold cut, but
> after that, the community would never again have problems getting
> switch handles.
Or you can get custom switches made ... Now what about the switches that
go with the handles? Are they special?
> -Dave
>
> --Dave McGuire
> Port Charlotte, FL
> Farewell Ophelia, 9/22/1991 - 7/25/2007
>
>
>
>
> .
>
If you use the simh VAX simulator (which emulates a VAX 3800 iirc), the oldest version of VMS to support this one is V5.1.
VMS V5.5-2 is the last V5.x version before V6.x came up - some like the last sub version of a main version most because they think they're the most stable ones.
If you use the simh VAX780 simulator (which emulates the VAX 780, the first VAX ever built), the oldest version of VMS to support this one should be V1.0.
If you want really old VMS versions (V4.x and earlier) just contact me offline.
Ulli
(The Vaxorcist)
... And now for somthing completely different..
As many of you know my main interest is DEC equipment.
As with most electronics its the parts that are under the most stress
that fail.
I am starting to accumulate a pile of DEC VT series terminals with low
out put picture tubes
and failed Line Output Transformers.
Before doing anything drastic it crossed my mind that somebody at some
may have changed the tube in a DEC terminal.
There are two issues with this one.
a) Where do you get the replacement tube from.
b) How do you fit it.
If anybody has tried it I would be pleased to hear how they got on.
Rod Smallwood
The DecCollector
> From: ard at p850ug1.demon.co.uk> To: cctalk at classiccmp.org> Date: Thu, 23 Aug 2007 20:39:10 +0100> Subject: Re: Gooey rollers again.> > > This is a great idea. I have used two part, rubber like, materials in > > the past. I found I can buy new rollers for $35 each, much too expensive > > for all 16 needed. I'll probably buy one and try to make a mold from it. > > I'll post the results. > > I was thinking about mashining a mould from a block of metal and using that.> >
---snip---
Hi
I thought I might add that even with a mold, it will be difficult
to keep it concentric. It is best to over size the mold and
grind it down to the right size.
Dwight
_________________________________________________________________
Find a local pizza place, movie theater, and more?.then map the best route!
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&ss=yp.bars~yp.pizza~yp.movie%20theate…
This is interesting.
Cracking Open Vintage Computers Photo Galleries...
As giant lizards once roamed our planet, so did mammoth machines once
balance our checkbooks.
Come along as we take a look back the some of the earliest and most unique
personal computers - the Kenbak-1, Altair 8800, and Pet 2001.
-- Bill Detwiler, TechRepublic Content Development Manager
Kenbak-1
http://content.techrepublic.com.com/2346-10877_11-15160-1.html
Altair 8800
http://content.techrepublic.com.com/2346-10877_11-1453.html?tag=nl.e099.dl0…
PET 2001
http://content.techrepublic.com.com/2346-10877_11-1477.html?tag=nl.e099.dl0…
-----
237. [Philosophy] "Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to
add
but when there is nothing more to take out." --Antoine St Exupery
--... ...-- -.. . -. ----. --.- --.- -...
tpeters at nospam.mixcom.com (remove "nospam") N9QQB (amateur radio)
"HEY YOU" (loud shouting) WEB: http://www.mixweb.com/tpeters
43? 7' 17.2" N by 88? 6' 28.9" W, Elevation 815', Grid Square EN53wc
WAN/LAN/Telcom Analyst, Tech Writer, MCP, CCNA, Registered Linux User 385531
I am working on a software project (GPL v2) to make the Catweasel make
images of NorthStar hard sector disks based on the Tim Mann cw2dmk code.
I have some mostly working code which can make disk images of 10 sector
5.25" hard sector floppy disks. It is not ready for public release. I am
looking for some brave person(s) who:
1) own a Catweasel
2) have access to a Horizon or Advantage or S-100 bus computer with MDS
controller, and
3) are willing and able to do some testing/debugging/fixing of some rough
code.
Please contact me offline if interested. The code is not available publicly
at this time.
Thanks
Andrew Lynch
I have the 4002A drawer unit and keyboard maintenance manual. I don't
have the monitor manual. I also have the 611 monitor manual. Not sure
how close either will be to your unit. The 4002A looks similar to the
picture online. It will be a couple weeks before I can scan them if they
are useful.
David Gesswein
http://www.pdp8online.com/ -- Run an old computer with blinkenlights
Hi,
> I used one of those both at JPL and Caltech in the '70s.
>Worked quite well.
Yes, from the pictures it looks rather like the Tektronix terminal I used
while at Leicester Polytechnic from 1983 - 1985.
It was located in the miniscule "Graphics Lab" alongside a DEC "GiGi" (wish
I'd kept mine) and another graphic terminal the model of which I forget now.
Anyone else attend Leicester Poly around that time?
TTFN - Pete.
Hi,
While searching for something else (AMOS Jotre extension to play THX files) I stumbled across this page.
It seems to be a huge file extension database. It's not all modern stuff (AMOS .ABK extension is there) so it does qualify as retro :)
http://www.attingo.com/software.php
I don't suppose anyone here has the Jotre extension?
Regards,
Andrew B
aliensrcooluk at yahoo.co.uk
All:
I had some time today so I started scanning a few random articles I had
lying around. Back in 1988, Ed Roberts published a series of articles in
Radio-Electronics for a stackable Z80-based industrial-like computer system
called REACTS 7000.
I seem to have most of the articles but I wondered if anyone on the list
maybe has the original design packet you could order from Ed?s company, or
any other info on it. As I find these random kind of systems, I?m putting
together resource pages on my Web site for them (The Hawthorne 68k and the
LittleBoard/186 are recent examples). So, if anyone has any info on this
system, let me know.
Thanks.
Rich
--
Rich Cini
Collector of Classic Computers
Build Master and lead engineer, Altair32 Emulator
http://www.altair32.comhttp://highgate.comm.sfu.ca/~rcini/classiccmp
Craigslist San Francisco has an "HP 250 vintage computer" listed for
$150 Post ID is 401790216.
Is anyone on-list familiar with this? Worth acquiring? or is it
fairly common gear?
Doesn't seem to be in bad shape, claims to be bootable and even has
some manuals but clearly missing the worktable and monitor.
I'm a newbie here so opinions welcome
s shumaker
I gott an M8549 Universal Substitute Board off the 'bay recently,
but it's not what I was expecting, which was a blank board with
lots of places to mount DIPs.
The board does have 27 pads for 16-pin DIPS, but also three
"DEC10101" and one "DEC10110" chips on it (are those ECL?), many
traces on the lower half of the board coming from the Omnibus
fingers, and a couple of dozen 0-ohm jumpers.
Is there a schematic anywhere? I can't find it on bitsavers... So
what exactly did I buy??
-Charles
Nothing great here, but I thought I'd check before they get pulped.
Will send for cost of postage from 60074:
Introducing dBase II by Lan Barnes
Introducing dBase III by Lan Barnes
Mastering VisiCalc by Douglas Hergert
Lotus 1-2-3 for the IBM PC by Lon Ingalsbe
The Power of VisiCalc Volume 1/Volume 2 by Robert E. Williams and some
other guys
All are discards from Valparaiso, IN library.
On 23/08/07, Zane H. Healy <healyzh at aracnet.com> wrote:
> At 2:50 PM +0100 8/23/07, Liam Proven wrote:
> > > If you're not too fussed about England specifically, I have a MicroVAX
> >> 3300 and a couple of VAXStation 3100s going spare. I also know where
> >> you could lay hands on a MicroVAX II.
> >
> >How do you mean?
> >
> >I have to collect it somehow and I don't have a car - I'm a biker. I
> >do have a trike, so wide loads and balance aren't a problem, but we'd
> >have to wrap it weatherproof and strap it on my back seat or luggage
> >rack!
>
> Unless you can pull some sort of trailer, or have a sidecar (not sure
> what you mean by trike), I'd really recommend staying away from
> systems like the MicroVAX 3300, and MicroVAX II. I'd prefer not to
> hear about you being crushed by a VAX. Hint, they make nice
> end-tables.
I moved my old MicroVAX home from Horsham in my sidecar. It sat on my
then-G/F's lap. Poor girl could hardly walk for the rest of the day.
Small, like a pizza-box workstation, but *heavy*.
> VAXstation 3100's could prove interesting, but should be totally
> doable, plus they'll be easier to get up and running.
I can hope...
--
Liam Proven ? Profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/liamproven
Email: lproven at cix.co.uk ? GMail/GoogleTalk/Orkut: lproven at gmail.com
Tel: +44 20-8685-0498 ? Cell: +44 7939-087884 ? Fax: + 44 870-9151419
AOL/AIM/iChat: liamproven at aol.com ? MSN/Messenger: lproven at hotmail.com
Yahoo: liamproven at yahoo.co.uk ? Skype: liamproven ? ICQ: 73187508
I can't believe I've opened such a heated debate!
How about another suggestion - a UK cctalk members get together. It looks like
the complexity of organising a general event, and previously documented
failures, are likely to put people off.
I'm thinking 'start small' here. Maybe an event with 30 or so participants?
Primarily to 'chew-the-cud'?
It's more likely to get off the ground I would have thought.
Mark.
Bob Rosenbloom <bobalan at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> (...)
> After you check out the power supply and reform/replace any bad caps,
> and power it on, the screen should slowly turn fully green. Leave it
> this way for 5 min. or so before you issue any erase commands (keyboard
> or program). This procedure reduces the ion content in the CRT and
> maximizes the CRT life. I got this from a Tektronix service manual
> for the 611 storage display. It says to do this anytime it's been off
> for two weeks or more. I have been following this for 15 years now on my
> 611 (built in 1971) and it's still working great.
>
> Bob
Hey, thank you for that useful hint! That's just the kind of stuff I wanted to know. (This one's particularly nasty because I wouldn't even have noticed an ill effect in the beginning, nevertheless harming the equipment...)
"John A. Dundas III" <dundas at caltech.edu> wrote:
> I used one of those both at JPL and Caltech in the '70s. Worked quite
> well.
>
> I don't have any service information but I did scan the user manual
> that I have. Al or others may have other scans or additional
> information. For my scan, see:
> <http://dundas-mac.caltech.edu/~dundas/retro/DEC%20Docs/Tektronix/070-
> 1404-00.pdf>
>
> John
Which seems to be down currently (produces a "Server not found" error) and can't even be found archived anywhere due to site policies (robots.txt). Thank you for scanning anyway, I'm looking forward to when it becomes available again - most probably a good resource for starters.
Jos Dreesen / Marian Capel <jos.mar at bluewin.ch> wrote:
> When you come over to fetch that uVAX II you can have a go at my Tek
> 4014.....
>
> Jos Dreesen
No, I haven't forgotten it...it looks as if we could manage it 22./23.09, but that's not fixed yet (haven't reached our relatives where we'd be staying overnight).
So long,
--
Arno Kletzander
Hilfskraft Informatik Sammlung Erlangen
www.iser.uni-erlangen.de
Der GMX SmartSurfer hilft bis zu 70% Ihrer Onlinekosten zu sparen!
Ideal f?r Modem und ISDN: http://www.gmx.net/de/go/smartsurfer
> If there's anything that's not on bitsavers, I'll get it to Al.
I have a big backlog of 250 docs that are scanned but not post processed.
May be different manual revs, though.
Did you get any distribution floppies?
> You do kind of have to wonder how much it costs HP to keep running this
> licensing scheme...
Well, AFAIK the only O/Ses still working on a per-user fee scale are
the DEC derived systems (OpenVMS and Tru64), SCO, and Microsoft.
Everyone else (including HP for HP-UX) went over to unlimited user
licensing in the late '90s.
Being a hobbyist, I've never had occasion to poke around in commercial
VMS licensing. Do they still enforce the machine restrictions (i.e.
machine X is a "workstation" so it can only host up to 2 users, period,
another machine with the exact same VUPS rating is a "departmental
timeshare" that can host up to N users (with the proper licenses) . .
.)