I am currently fooling about with some HP9000/200 series machines,
specifically an HP9816 and an HP9817.
The serial ports of these machines are on 50 pin microribbon connectors
(like SCSI connectors (!)). They're RS232 levels (1488 anmd 1489 interface
chips). I believe the HP98626 RS232 interface card for these machines has
the same connector. Needless to say I need to make up adapter cables to
DB25 connectors.
I assume HP sold said cables at one point, but I can't find the wirelists
in any of the obvious manuals on hpmuseum.net (OK, if it's hidden is,
say, a printer manual, I'll not have spotted it, but I've read just about
every manual for the machines, the interface cards, and the BASIC).
I have pinouts for the microribbon connector, so I can work out where
most of the wires should go, but there are a few signals that seem to be
non-standard (they're driven by I/O port lines inside the machine so what
they actually do is software-determined. They're probably not important,
but in the interests of compatability I'd like to wire them as HP would
have wired them
So does anyone have :
1) Wirelists of the original HP cables. I assume there was one going to a
DB25-P (male), wires as a DTQ, that would be the most useful to me, but
_any_ would be a start
2) The original cables that they can 'buzz out' and produce a wirelist
from.
3) A 'spare' cable thet they can sell
Thanks in advance for any help
-tony
I just picked-up an IBM 5110 in Las Vegas. It cost me
a few hundred, but a nice system (no printer).
Unfortunately, I had the leave the giant floppy drive
chassis there - too big for the car - I think it
weighs around 150 lbs.
I will drive out there again in a few weeks (with a
bigger vehicle) to bring it back to southern
California.
Steve.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Be a PS3 game guru.
Get your game face on with the latest PS3 news and previews at Yahoo! Games.
http://videogames.yahoo.com/platform?platform=120121
> I see there are source code listings as PDF files there too.
> How common is this on bitsavers?
If I have code as paper listings, I'll put them under pdf
Date: Thu, 10 May 2007 09:03:28 -0400
From: "Ethan Dicks" <ethan.dicks at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Offtopic? ESR's Jargon File
> >> http://www.catb.org/~esr/jargon/html/meaning-of-hack.html
> >
> > Is anyone else seeing broken UTF-8 characters on the Jargon File? I'm
> > using Firefox 2.0.0.3 on Ubuntu Feisty.
And Firefox 1.5.0.10 (Centos 4.4).
So I doubt we are imagining it; the question is, does it look good
under _any_ browser?
-ethan
--------------
FWIW, they look fine in Explorer if I select UTF-8 and local pages stay
that way, but any new page reverts to Western ISO.
m
Is there any way (besides taking it apart) to find out if my Macintosh 128 is
original or if it has been modified/upgraded? It works just fine and has the
original Picasso disks and plastic box with it. Thanks!
Hi,
I am looking for a datasheet for the N8202N or equivalent.
It would have been described in "Digital 8000 series TTL/MSl".
It was apparently manufactured by Signetics and equivalents
seem to have been available from Motorola and others.
I have the pinout for the device. What I'm looking for is
whether the clock is edge or level sensitive, which edge or
level, and maybe something about setup and hold times, etc.
(This is to help design replacements for some hard-to-find
old DEC gear.)
Thanks!
Vince
Hi,
>....But USB has been flaky and an incompatibility nightmare. (The
>latter being exactly what hardware makers want, of course, because
>it sells *new* hardware.)
Amen to that.
The biggest problem I've had, outside of (the *VAST* majority of) USB
drivers which were so buggy as to cause my machine to BSOD as soon as I
tried to use the device, is that every time you change/upgrade your OS you
need to wait for the hardware manufacturer to release updated drivers....in
most cases I've seen these "updated" drivers provide just the bare minimum
of functionality in order to "persuade" you to buy a newer device.
HP are a prime example, the 64-bit drivers for my printer/scanner/copier
only allow the use of the unit as a printer....and a monochrome, text only
one at that! :-(
> And, quite aside from that, SCSI is far more backwards-compatible....
>....SCSI goes back to the '80s - and, what's more, it's *compatible* all
>the way back to the '80s....
Quite. The only compatibility problems I've ever had with SCSI were caused
by a couple of 5.25" full height hard drives which refuse to work if
*ANYTHING* else is connected to the SCSI bus at the same time (one is a
Siemens drive, the other a Fujitsu - I still have them, LOL).
Other than that I've always found SCSI to be quite wonderful.... :-)
TTFN - Pete.
>
>Subject: Re: DEC Pro380 disk drives
> From: Pete Turnbull <pete at dunnington.plus.com>
> Date: Tue, 08 May 2007 17:56:02 +0100
> To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts <cctalk at classiccmp.org>
>
>On 08/05/2007 15:53, Roger Ivie wrote:
>> On Mon, 7 May 2007, Curtis H. Wilbar Jr. wrote:
>>> Can the drives be formatted on a VAXstation 2000 and moved to a PRO ?
>>> (like you can do from a VS2000 to a PDP-11 (with RQDX3 ?))
>>
>> I doubt it.
>>
>> Folks have been talking about formatting on an RQDX1. The RQDX1 uses a
>> different format than that used by the RQDX2 and the VS2000. You can't
>> format a disk on an RQDX1 and use it in an RQDX2.
>>
>> The RQDX2 was built around a single-chip disk controller, SMC's HDC9224.
>> The same controller was used in the VS2000. The RQDX1 had a hand-crafted
>> disk controller that used a slightly different format. Among other
>> things, an RQDX1 can stuff 18 sectors on a track whereas the RQDX2,
>> VS2000, and PCs for that matter can only do 17.
>
>That's incorrect; I suspect you're thinking of the RQDX3. The RQDX2 is
>just a modified RQDX1, and it definitely uses the same controller. They
>both put 18 sectors per track, and use the same format. You can take a
>disk formatted on an RQDX1 and connect it to an RQDX2, though in some
>cases the RQDX2 will alter some values on the disk and then it won't be
>recognised properly if you move it back to the RQDX1 (depending on the
>level of firmware on the two controllers).
>
>The RQDX3 definitely *is* different, and you have to reformat hard
>drives for that (and AFAIR *that's* the same format as VS2000).
Pete You have it correct 100%.
The RQDX1/2 are the same board and mostly interchageable depending on
firmware rev. It's a Quad width board.
RQDX3 is a smaller board (dual VS quad) and is fully compatable format
wise with VS2000.
Allison
>--
>
>Pete Peter Turnbull
> Network Manager
> University of York
Hey all,
Anybody familiar with a person called Don Crowther (Maynard, Mass.)
His ebay handle is 'doncrow'.
I bought an item from him and up to know he did not respond to
2 inquiries for follow up.
Thanks,
Ed
All:
I?m trying to convert some old Mac Excel files I found from college
which I think are Excel version 1 files. I have Office 4 for the Mac that I
run in Basilisk (under System 7.5.3), but it can?t open the files I have.
So, I fired up Mini vMac Plus (with System 7) and tried to run Excel but I
get error ?605 which I think is ?memory full? (or insufficient memory). The
Mini vMac Plus configuration has 4mb of RAM (with about 3mb free), which
should be enough, but I guess not.
So, I was wondering if someone has a copy of a slightly later version of
Excel (later than 1.0 but before 4.5.2) that can run on a IIci (in Basilisk)
that one would be willing to make a DSK/HFV image of? Alternatively, if
someone had a copy of the ROM for the Mac SE, I could try that version of
Mini vMac.
Thanks in advance.
Rich
--
Rich Cini
Collector of Classic Computers
Build Master and lead engineer, Altair32 Emulator
http://www.altair32.comhttp://highgate.comm.sfu.ca/~rcini/classiccmp
On Wednesday 09 May 2007 05:14:11 pm cctalk-request at classiccmp.org wrote:
--- Ed Groenenberg <quapla at xs4all.nl> wrote:
> Hey all,
>
> Anybody familiar with a person called Don Crowther (Maynard, Mass.)
> His ebay handle is 'doncrow'.
>
> I bought an item from him and up to know he did not respond to
> 2 inquiries for follow up.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Ed
I bought a few things from him also recently.
No issues at all.
--
Kindest Regards,
Francesca Smith
"No Problems Only Solutions"
Lady Linux Internet Services
Baltimore, Maryland 21217
Lots of good suggestions-- Thank you.
And many are correct- what to keep depends on what I wish to do with 'em. Sounds like a familiar topic here!
I leaning toward a rarer representative/useful machine- A packed II, I guess. I need to determine which cards will work in it and then what maxing it out means in a practical sense. That is, understanding the associated limitations (memory, speed, languages, etc.) I like the idea of a serial card (as a hope to interface with the current world), SCSI (to save on floppy wear and tear), etc, etc.
Thanks again.
Scott
----- Original Message ----
From: Scott Austin <us21090 at yahoo.com>
To: cctalk at classiccmp.org
Sent: Sunday, May 6, 2007 4:58:39 PM
Subject: Freecycle stash of Apples found.
All,
About a month ago I picked a nice stash from a freecycler wishing to
clean out. The summary list: Partial Apple II, II+, IIe and lots of h/w
accessories and software. The fuller list is at the end of this entry.
I'm not a big collector (I have a Obtronix Apple Replica and Kim-1
(another 6502 SBC)). But I thought I'd piece together a nice
representative Apple 2 and sell off the rest. I haven't tested anything
yet.
Question 1: Which to keep: II, II+, or IIe? I need to review Apple
system hardware history, but I'd figure the IIe has the most
capability, but the II is more significant.
Question 2: Which accessories are significant to keep (you know, but
hate to say it: "VERY R at RE!!!")? Some
things may be rare, but I doubt I'd use them. For example, the Switch-A-Slot
(see http://tinyurl.com/2m8b3e )
Thanks for any helpful suggestions!
Scott
Fuller lengthier list (my notes are shoddy in places)
***Systems***
Apple II MN/SN: A2A0016/A2S1-61847
* Manufacture Date (corner of mobo): 7928
* Missing Power supply
* Missing Cover (aaargh!!)
Apple II+ MN/SN: A2S1016/A2S2-102594
* Ram Card (CSE/KS??)
* Disk ][ Interface card
* Apple IIe MN/SN: A2S2064/A2S2-D45-055F
* Disk ][ Interface card
* Mouse interface
* Mockingboard
* Parallel Card - Precision S/W
* RAM Works II
***Other Hardware***
Apple Disk ][ A2M0003 (Qty 3 older style, Qty 1 newer)
Transware Accelerator
Joystick
Koala Pad
Numeric Keypad IIe A2M2003
Synch Printer Interface card
IRQ Manager - Berkeley Softworks
Switch-A-Slot - South Calif. Research Group
IEEE-488 Card
MPC Peripherals AP-S10
SUP'RMOD VHF Converter
Interactive Structres A/D
Modem - Applied Engineering Datalink
Floppy Drive Controller for IIe 3.5" Drive
Disk ][ Interface Card
CMS SCSI II
Apple Super Serial Card II
Apple IIe 80 Col/64K Memory Expansion
Sequential Systems Ram80
Silentype Printer A2M0032
Hardrive in enclosure (I didn't open to get model, size)
Apple Monitor (I didn't note the model)
Commodore Monitor (I didn't note the model)
***Software***
Copy II Plus
DOS 3.3 Basics, System Manual
MousePaint
ProDOS
Start Smith's Adventure Construction Set
Apple Fortran
Apple Pascal
GEOS - includes GEOFile, GEOCalc,...
Merlin Pro Macro Assembler IIe, IIc
No Slot Clock
more (if I remember correctly)
***Software on Cassette***
Mastermind
Apple Lis'ner, Apple talker
RamTest
Forte' Music
Dynacomp - Poker Party, Teacher's Pet, Games Pack
Renumber/Append, Alignment Test Tone
MicroUsers Software Exchange (Baltimore) - UDraw, Music Box
Apple - Phone List, Brian's Theme
Apple - Hopalong Cassidy, Lemonade
Apple - Penny Arcade, Finance 1
Speakeasy Bulls & Bears
Avalon MicroComp Game - Computer Baseball Strategy
***Books***
A Guide to Programming in AppleSoft (2nd Ed)
Apple II Basic Manual, Ref Manual
DOS Manual (DOS3.3, I think)
SuperSerial Card
AppleSoft Basic Programming Reference Manual
Apple Machine Language (Don and Kurt Inman)
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com
Rather an odd find today, tucked away in a box of printer paper: A pair of
"Olivetti Minidisks". The flexible disks are around 2" in diameter, but
curiously have no jacket whatsoever - just a cardboard sleeve to protect them
when not in use.
I've never come across these before; any idea what system(s) they're for? Were
they something cheap and cheerful for some sort of word processor machine?
cheers
Jules
Date: Wed, 09 May 2007 16:32:32 +0200
From: Johnny Billquist <bqt at softjar.se>
Subject: Re: PDP-11 Software (Was: Mentec)
>As for Jay West and Jerome Fine's claims that it's all right just
because Mentec haven't set any lawyers on their backs must stand for
them.
Eh? Funny, I don't recall either of them making those claims; in fact I
thought they were pretty well saying the opposite, that it's not just
simply "all right", and that this whole discussion was about how to
get the issue resolved and do it legitimately. Maybe I need new glasses...
--------------
>If Jay West happens to ...have proof that people here are running their
software without a license, ... then I think it would be a good thing for
him to actually say so...
Eh again? He said that too? So you're suggesting what? _If_ there are such
people and he has "proof" he should broadcast this over the Internet, right
alongside the child molester sites?
-------------
>I do notice that noone have yet publicly admitted to violating Mentecs IP rights
Does this mean that you have proof that some people are? And if so, that they
should shout it out over the Internet? Or what _do_ you mean, exactly?
------------
>No point in arguing.
Agreed, but this is CCtalk after all... ;-)
m
Hi Brad,
I came across a post you had regarding running an imac with a 24VAC
powersupply. I was wondering if you had any success with this? Im in
a similar situation and would rather not dump the working DCB if i
can supply what it requires.
Many thanks for any info you might have,
All the best
Nicky
To answer a few details in short.
PDP-11 licenses (alteast RSX, and I believe all of them) are bound to a
specific customer. So they don't transfer along with the hardware.
However, DEC did have a license transfer program. It wasn't expensive,
and I used it at my end back when DEC still existed.
I think it was still possible to transfer licenses after Mentec bought
the software and DEC still sold it. What the exact status of this is
right now, I don't know. Haven't asked.
As for Jay West and Jerome Fine's claims that it's all right just
because Mentec haven't set any lawyers on their backs must stand for
them. I don't think it's okay, and furthermore, I don't think their
claims that it's OK because they think that Mentec knows a lot of things
will hold much water if it went to court. But that's just my thoughts.
And yes, I do speak with Mentec on business matters from time to time,
so I'm not totally unaware of what they do.
If Jay West happens to know for a fact that Mentec is aware of the
discussions here, and furthermore, have proof that people here are
running their software without a license, and choose to not do anything
about it, then I think it would be a good thing for him to actually say
so, since it actually would strengthen his case against Mentec, if it
ever came to that. By playing the "it's not something we're willing to
discuss in public" is just idle talk, since it's in fact more supporting
of what I'm saying than what he is.
But I'll leave it here. No point in arguing. Everyone have to decide for
them self. I do notice that noone have yet publicly admitted to
violating Mentecs IP rights.
Johnny
--
Johnny Billquist || "I'm on a bus
|| on a psychedelic trip
email: bqt at softjar.se || Reading murder books
pdp is alive! || tryin' to stay hip" - B. Idol
>
>Subject: Re: Classic Computers and LCD TV's
> From: "dwight elvey" <dkelvey at hotmail.com>
> Date: Wed, 09 May 2007 07:57:48 -0700
> To: cctalk at classiccmp.org
>
>
>
>
>>From: Allison <ajp166 at bellatlantic.net>
>>
>> >
>> >Subject: Classic Computers and LCD TV's
>> > From: "Zane H. Healy" <healyzh at aracnet.com>
>> > Date: Tue, 08 May 2007 17:35:01 -0700 (PDT)
>> > To: cctalk at classiccmp.org
>> >
>> >Does anyone have any experience plugging something like a C-64 into
>> >something like this?
>> >
>> >http://www.cobyusa.com/_en/prod_item.php?item=TFTV561&pcat=tv&pscat=port_tv…
>> >
>> >I've got a chance to get one, and really the only reason I can see would
>>be
>> >to hook a classic computer up to it. If I replaced my Commodore 2002
>> >monitor with one of these I'd have room to keep my C64 setup. :^)
>> >
>> >Zane
>>
>>I forgot to add I've been on the hunt for a monochrome or color (not
>>needed)
>>for use instead of the rather old 9" Panasonic I monitor I use. I'm more
>>interested in monitor (no tuner) and 12V operation.
>>
>Hi Allison
>It seems like I saw someone else mention the monitors used in head
>rest for cars. These mostly use S video or similar signals.
>A few months back, I bought two screens, DVD player, two headphones,
>video distribution amp, FM to radio and FM to headsets for a little over
>$300.
>This was on ebay.
>Dwight
>
I'm thinking more like RS170 video and 30-50$.. The rest of that I
don't need. ;)
Seems anying that installs in the back of the headrest in my Toyota
Pickup would be more amusing to the car following me (2 seater cab).
My goal is to make some of my CMOS based systems more portable. As
their power is low and at least two do video out but even a 12V
monitor eats most of the current needed (around 1 amp) making
battery operation difficult.
Allison
>
>Subject: Classic Computers and LCD TV's
> From: "Zane H. Healy" <healyzh at aracnet.com>
> Date: Tue, 08 May 2007 17:35:01 -0700 (PDT)
> To: cctalk at classiccmp.org
>
>Does anyone have any experience plugging something like a C-64 into
>something like this?
>
>http://www.cobyusa.com/_en/prod_item.php?item=TFTV561&pcat=tv&pscat=port_tv…
>
>I've got a chance to get one, and really the only reason I can see would be
>to hook a classic computer up to it. If I replaced my Commodore 2002
>monitor with one of these I'd have room to keep my C64 setup. :^)
>
>Zane
I forgot to add I've been on the hunt for a monochrome or color (not needed)
for use instead of the rather old 9" Panasonic I monitor I use. I'm more
interested in monitor (no tuner) and 12V operation.
Allison
Hi-
I am looking to purchase older DEC computer hardware. Is this something
you have available for sale?
Appreciate it.
Carol
Carol Audlee
Director of Business Development
Compurex Systems
35 Eastman St.
S. Easton, MA 02375
508.230.3700 x250
800.426.5499 x250
508.238.8250 fax
www.compurex.com
AOL IM: CompurexCarol
Independent reseller of Cisco/Compaq/DEC/HP/Nortel/Sun computer systems
and peripherals since 1987.
This message may contain information that is confidential and or
protected by law. If the reader of this message is not the intended
recipient, you are herby notified that any dissemination, distribution,
copying or communication of this message is strictly prohibited. If you
have received this communication in error, please contact the sender
immediately and delete the message. Please note that although we will
take all commercially reasonable efforts to prevent viruses from being
transmitted from our systems, it is the responsibility of the recipient
to check for and prevent adverse action by viruses on its own systems.
>From: "Dave Caroline" <dave.thearchivist at gmail.com>
>
>FPGA designs
>
>Which reminds me back in 1987 or so I bought a NX4 single board
>computer that ran Forth was that a FPGA design? it had a Mostek
>MKGD02TG as far as I can make out from the picture. It failed some
>years ago when I last had a play with it.
>
>Dave Caroline
>
>pic at www.archivist.info/computers/nx4.jpg
Hi
There were several Forth implementations during that time.
After the NC4000 was created, many realized how easy it was
to create a Forth processor with the newer technology in
ASIC or programmable arrays.
I wonder what has failed on your board. If it isn't the chip,
the rest of the board is relatively standard parts.
These Forth board were often used as accelerators for PC
systems. Several test that showed that these simple processors
could run application more than 10 times faster than
similar clocked x86 or 68K machines of the time.
The RTX2000's were made RAD hardened and used quite a
bit in satellites.
Much of the speed was because Forth lends it self to a 3 bus
architectures that functionally used at least two of these buss
on each instruction.
Dwight
_________________________________________________________________
Catch suspicious messages before you open them?with Windows Live Hotmail.
http://imagine-windowslive.com/hotmail/?locale=en-us&ocid=TXT_TAGHM_migrati…
"Jay West" <jwest at classiccmp.org> skrev:
Johnny wrote...
> > Jerome makes some interesting, if strange and faulty assumptions.
> > Such as assuming that since Mentec hasn't complained although people
> > "appear" to have been using and posting about RT-11 on classiccmp list
> > for a long time.
...and...
> > So I would somewhat ignore Jeromes view on the legality of things.
> No, actually, Jerome's points are valid and his views are worth far more
> than an admonishment to ignore them.
I don't agree in this case. While I usually don't bother, since he's
mostly into RT-11, which I haven't used, we're in rather separate
worlds. But his assumptions about Mentec are just assumptions.
> I should point out something that you dont seem to be aware of (at least
> based on your statement above) - a demonstrable pattern of
non-enforcement
> of license does in fact weaken the ability to enforce it. That is why
often
> a company will act to notify, issue a cease & desist, etc. an infringing
> entity about an infraction of license that they actually in fact don't
> really care about - because it can then be argued that they didn't
enforce
> it in case xyz, so how can they selectively enforce it in another
instance.
Yes, but this is all based on the assumption that the company is aware.
Otherwise it's not a point at all. So you should then first of all
demostrate that the company *is* aware, and haven't bother taking
action. I haven't seen that proven yet, and I'm pretty sure you haven't
either...
For the company to be aware two criteria must be fulfilled:
1) Mentec must know of this list, and monitor it.
2) People on this list must in no unclear terms make it clear that they
are breaking the license agreements or violating Mentecs rights.
And as I said before, I haven't seen either of these two proven yet.
But to make it easier for Mentec (in case they are looking), how about a
head count. Anyone who is using Mentec software without having a correct
license: let us all know. Make a public reply to this.
That will atleast fulfill one of the two requirements (if anyone will
reply to this call out.)
> This is also one of several reasons that some - not all - companies
are wary
> of creating a hobbyist license, because there is some amount of
perception
> that it will put their ability to enforce a license at peril - or at the
> least possibly cloud the issue.
Yes. That is true.
> On a separate and unrelated point, I believe Johnny (or someone)
questioned
> whether Mentec is aware of this list, various archives, etc. I can
assure
> you that they are, just as Jerome intoned.
Really? And how do you know this? Just because one ex-Mentec employee
occasionally post here, do you think that Mentec knows about it?
For all that I wish that a hobbyist program was available, none exist at
the moment, and actions and false beliefs like this is likely going to
keep preventing it from ever happening...
Call me Mr. Negative if you like. I just try to point out things as I
see them. You may all disagree. Can't help that. Atleast I got valid
licenses. And you can have that too, if you pay for it.
Johnny
--
Johnny Billquist || "I'm on a bus
|| on a psychedelic trip
email: bqt at softjar.se || Reading murder books
pdp is alive! || tryin' to stay hip" - B. Idol
FPGA designs
Which reminds me back in 1987 or so I bought a NX4 single board
computer that ran Forth was that a FPGA design? it had a Mostek
MKGD02TG as far as I can make out from the picture. It failed some
years ago when I last had a play with it.
Dave Caroline
pic at www.archivist.info/computers/nx4.jpg
Does anyone here have a Mac SE/30 in good working order? I'd prefer one
with little to no yellowing, keyboard, mouse, a good crt, and good floppy.
Hard drive is unimportant as I have plenty of suitable SCSI drives.
Extra memory would be nice too.
--
David Griffith
dgriffi at cs.csubak.edu
A: Because it fouls the order in which people normally read text.
Q: Why is top-posting such a bad thing?
A: Top-posting.
Q: What is the most annoying thing in e-mail?
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Wayne Smith [mailto:wayne.smith at charter.net]
> Sent: Sunday, May 06, 2007 10:00 PM
> To: 'cctalk at classiccmp.org'
> Subject: Re: value of IBM 5110?
>
>
> This system isn't in Europe, and as much as everyone would
> like to believe that old iron should be virtually free, the
> reality is that it isn't - at least not on this side of the
> pond. The 5110 unit alone will sell for at least $500 if
> posted on Ebay - some have gone for much more. If it is an
> APL/BASIC unit - something that isn't apparent from the
> listing - it will go for over $1000.
Well, from the listing it probably is a BASIC only unit, but $600 is
still a good price.