In a message dated 97-03-16 21:45:29 EST, you write:
<< In fact, if I'm not mistaken, all machine language development
for the TI 99/4(a) had to be done on one of TI's big expensive
machines for the first (couple?) years. (ie, assembler was not
available on the TI 99/4A.) At one time, I found an excellent
history of TI's computer attempts on the web, but I can't seem
to find it now.
>>
You may be referring to the "TI Home Computer Guideline", by Bill Gaskill.
It's on the web in several TI sites (i.e., Polivka, & others)...
TI did write literally all of the code of a "big expensive machine" for its
99/4 and /4A programs, except one and only - the Hopper game. Hopper was
TI's first and only entertainment game written on the TI for the TI.
Bryan
> At 02:06 PM 3/16/97 -0500, BNICALEK(a)aol.com wrote:
> I think another problem with TI 99/4A is that TI did not encourage 3rd
> party software development. TI sold the machines at a loss in order to
In fact, if I'm not mistaken, all machine language development
for the TI 99/4(a) had to be done on one of TI's big expensive
machines for the first (couple?) years. (ie, assembler was not
available on the TI 99/4A.) At one time, I found an excellent
history of TI's computer attempts on the web, but I can't seem
to find it now.
ttfn
srw
------------------------------------------------------------
Walde Techonology http://scott.cprompt.sk.ca
Box 7284 finger: scott(a)cprompt.sk.ca
Saskatoon, SK S7K 4J2 email: scott(a)cprompt.sk.ca
CANADA email: walde(a)dlcwest.com
-----BEGIN GEEK CODE BLOCK-----
Version: 3.1
GCS d- s:+>: a- C++++$ UL++++$ !P L++ E- W+++$ N+ o? K? w$ O- M-- V PS+
PE++ Y+ PGP->++ t+ 5 X+ !R tv- b+ DI++++ D+ G e* h r++ y-
------END GEEK CODE BLOCK------
> I have always wondered what happens to the software that was used on the
> computers that show up at thrift stores. I understand that someone who is
> just upgrading from a 8088 to a pentium will keep his software but what
about
> Atari's, Applle II's and Commodore 64's? Why keep the software if you are
> getting rid of the hardware? Can anybody explain this to me? This came to
> mind again because I just picked up a C64 at a thrift shop with a 1541
and a
> BusLogic card (??) but there was nary a disk or cartridge.
Some people throw it out. They develop bad sectors. The kids use the
disks for frizzbees. They can't upload the game disks because the disks
are copy protected. If the protection is broken, questions of legality
arise as to who owns the copywrite, then they still don't get uploaded.
Disk librarians try to keep as many disks as space allows, but disks
develop bad sectors over the years when they are not accessed regularly.
These are some of the reasons..
mhop(a)snip.net
On 14-Mar-97, classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu wrote:
>I think I am getting the idea. Each message we send goes to *everyone* on
>the list? Is that right?
That is what it appears to be doing. I felt kind of silly after I stopped
and thought about it once I had posted that reply! BTW, does anyone know of a
good way of removing permenant magic marker from the plastic, such as the
cases, of these machines? Some of my machines were marked on by the various
2nd hand shops and such I bought them from, and I've never come up with a way
of removing the markings.
>What I would like is Photofact schematics for Atari computer hardware. I
>have some, but I know I will be needing them when I finish my electronics
>class.
I've never run across these. Were they something generally available when
the Atari's were popular?
>I have a Timex Sinclair stashed in my closet, with a box of tapes. I also
>have something that is very similar to it, but I don't know much about it.
>When I dig through my closet, I will report what I find, assuming anyone is
>interested.
I'd be interested in hearing anything about any T/S stuff you might have.
Mine is the first computer I bought in 1982 and it is still boxed and all, but
doesn't seem to function any more. There aren't a lot of chips and such on
the mainboard of it to check for seating and such either!
Jeff
--
---------------------------------------------------------------------
// Amiga: The computer for the creative mind...since 1985!
// -------------------------------------------------------
\// True 32bit pre-emptive multitasking GUI, plug&play hardware,
\/ stereo sound, and 4096 color video modes since day #1
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Collector of classic home computers:
Amiga 1000, Atari 800, Atari 800XL, Atari Mega-ST/2, Commodore
C-128, Commodore Plus/4, Commodore VIC-20, Kaypro 2X, Mattel
Aquarius, Osbourne Executive, TI-99/4A, Timex-Sinclair 1000,
TRS-80 Color Computer-3, and a TRS-80 Model 4.
Plus Atari SuperPong and Atari 2600VCS game consoles.
>2) Sinclair/Timex-Sinclair stuff: I was looking through an old Gladstone
>Electronics catalog, from Feb. 1983, and noticed they showed a lot of add-ons
>for the T/S-1000 and ZX-81, such as speech synthesizers, Centronics and RS232
>interfaces, modems, the ZX Printer, and even a disk subsystem. I'd like more
>info on some of what was available for these machines, as I never bothered to
>buy anything other than the 16k Ram expansion for mine. I used it strictly
>for BASIC programming at the time. Also, I'd be interested in picking up a
>Timex-Sinclair 2068.
Jeff, I have an address and phone number here, an individual I met in 1993
or thereabouts. At that time I was interested in adding a disk drive to my
Timex, and this chap had all the info. Never did follow up on that, but if
this guy is still around, he'd probably be able to give you some of the
information you're looking for.
Nazir Pashtoon
940 Beau Drive
Des Plaines
Illinois,
60016
tel: (708) 439-1679
I've got a Timex/Sinclair 1000 here with a 16K expander. It sits on top of
my VIC 20 and like you, I do some BASIC on it now and then. I figure that if
any of my 17 computers are going to give me 6 winning numbers for the LOTO
6/49 it will be the Timex. So that's my only project with it - a LOTO program.
I also had a Timex 2068 at one point, but unfortunately I gave it away.
(pity.. one should NEVER do that).
-Ron Mitchell
Home of the 8 bit Speed Freaks
> The "TI-99/4A" was derived from the following:
>
> TI: Texas Instruments, of Course.
> 99: A cute little number based on the "9900"
microprocessor,
> which the computer had as the CPU.
This CPU was thought to be very powerfull for its time. Was it 16bit,
while most of the others were 8bit?
> 4: TI's first model computer - #4 - sounds cool, heh?
If it was their first, why #4? What happened to 1-3?
> A: The enhanced model of the "TI-99/4", which came out in
1981,
> the 99/4 came out around 1978.
Oh, I never knew there was a 99/4, I only heard of the 99/4A. Reminds me
of when Atari enhanced
their ST and came out with the STe.
mhop(a)snip.net
> I realize every piece of electronic equipment has a schematic
published for
> it, but I was inquiring whether the ones he was referring to were some
that
> were readily available, or if they were of the type that only a
technician was
> likely to have access to.
They would be in local electronics stores, so I suppose they are, or were,
readily available. Over the years, I did find Sams Computerfacts for the
Atari 400, 800, 520ST, and a really strange one from Sears covering the
400 that seems to be for some kind of training. The front cover reads:
NATIONAL | DIV. 3
Sears | SOURCE 637 COMPUTERS
TRAINING | ATARI
79-03S-1
(That is suppose to be a framed square box on the left) I wonder what it
means by "source 637"? It's definitely about the Atari 400 only. I would
still like to get ones for the XL series, the other ST's and STe's, as well
as the new Falcon. (I haven't really been looking that hard - I haven't
finished my repair class yet)
mhop(a)snip.net
Hi all.
I just finished reading the 279 classiccmp related e-mails in
my inbox! I'm just going to cover all the bases with this
message.
1. List Related
I haven't received a tally for today but I'm pretty sure we
broke 200 subscribers. I'm no longer requiring intro letters.
(Those of who who told me this was a silly idea are allowed
to snicker.) I'm looking into making the list available as
a digest. I'm sure it's possible, I just don't know how to
do it yet. I'm also aware (for those who asked) that this
list doesn't particularly break new ground - I just thought
it would be nice to have one place for everyone to chat.
2. Cleaning
For removing stickers, gum, resin, etc:
Goo Gone
Acetone (can destroy plastic)
Methane based freeze spray (can discolor plastic)
Mineral Oil
For removing marker
Any solvent (alcohol, naptha, etc)
Lava Soap (can damage texured surfacing)
For removing sun/tobacco discoloring
Purple Stuff (auto cleaner available at parts stores)
This stuff works really well!
For removing gunk from rubber parts
Rubber Renew (MG Chemicals)
3. Ads/"Commercial" Posts
As far as I'm concerned topic related advertisements are just
fine on this list. It's hard to find parts for old systems
and probably just as hard to sell them.
4. Crash course on mailing lists:
When you write a message to the list - everyone gets it.
When you respond to a message and choose to respond to all recipients
everyone gets it.
If a message is getting off topic you should probably stop replying
to everyone and take it to private mail.
To unsubscribe send a message to listproc(a)u.washington.edu with
UNSUBSCRIBE CLASSICCMP your-address.
5. Salvation Army Computer Sale
Sorry folks, I had car trouble and never made it :(
That's it. I'm glad to see that the list is being used and I've
been really impressed with the content so far. I'm still reeling
>from all the cool stuff I learned about while reading your intro
letters.
Bill Whitson
CLASSICCMP "owner"
bcw(a)u.washington.edu bill(a)booster.u.washington.edu
Hi guys, I was at my local PC scrap house and picked up a lonely
A1000 sitting in the corner. I got the startup disks and a mouse
for it but there's only one problem: I don't have a keyboard!
(Hey, I only paid $10 for it so...)
Anyway, if anyone knows ANYWHERE I can get one, let me know! I've
wanted one of these every since it came out! (Looks pretty sitting
next to my 128D too)
Thanks!
Les
PS I've called many Amiga supply houses including "Software Hut" which
is pretty close by. The best anyone has been able to do is $75 for a
A2000 keyboard with adaptor; I'd rather have the original style.
(Besides, I can get an A1000 with keyboard for LESS than $75)
> Called "Your Computer" made in Hong Kong. Takes all the
> Sinclair accessories, has a composite video out, a rubber
> qwrty keyboard, joystick, and adverts "sound and music".
> I've never put power to it... Have the outer box, and manual.
> If anybody knows any more about it, let me know!
That's it! That's the "other" Sinclair I mentioned! I have one too, and
haven't touched it in years.
mhop(a)snip.net
Does anyone have any disks for the Pied Piper? I have one, but
nothing to run on it. It's a CP/M computer built in Hong Kong.
-Magnus
2 x ND100 (Norsk Data)
2 x Altos
MicroVax 3100
VaxStation 3100
NeXT Cube
Oric
Pied Piper
I imagine one of you out there must be interested...
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 12 Mar 1997 21:22:21 -0500 (EST)
From: Larry D. Barchett <ldb(a)invaders.dcrl.nd.edu>
To: Bill Whitson <bill(a)booster.bothell.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: Classic Computers List
Not real interested in your list at the moment (too much else to read), but I
have something that may be of interest to your target audience. I have a
PDP-11/23 that I will have to get rid of soon (it actually belongs to the lab I
work for, and they want the space). I have been able to keep it around for a
while in the hopes of finding a good home for it.
I will be able to keep it until the end of May (I graduate then, and when I'm
gone, they'll throw it out). The machine is free for the taking (taker figures
out how to get it to wherever they want it). Don't know if it works now, but it
did when they took it offline several years ago. It sat untouched for the most
part, but someone did throw away one of the side covers.
Comes with a RL-02 cartridge disk, a PRIME-2 terminal, and the main processor, in
a small cabinet. Someone PLEASE save this classic machine.
ldb
--
---
Preserve wildlife.
Pickle a squirrel today.
---
/===================================================================\
|........Go!........ Larry D. Barchett |
|....NNN.....NNN.... Department of Computer Science and Engineering |
|.....N.N.....N .... University of Notre Dame |
|..DDDDDDNDDDDDDD... Notre Dame, IN 46556-5637 |
|...D.N...N...N..D.. |
|..DDDDDDDDNDDDDD... Internet: ldb(a)cse.nd.edu |
|.....N.....N N..... |
|....NNN.....NNN.... Phone: 219-631-5772 |
|.......IRISH....... WWW: http://www.cse.nd.edu/~dcrlab/ldb |
\===================================================================/
At 06:59 PM 3/15/97 -0800, you wrote:
>Just a quick note for those of you who subscribed
>Thursday, Friday, and Saturday -
>
>I'm no longer replying to introduction e-mail. I only
>anticipated a few subscribers and I have hundreds of messages
>in my inbox. You're all added to the list.
What Hath Bill Wrought? (snicker)
>Have fun!
One must always keep in mind with dealing with this subject, forecasts and
prognostications are always off by even factors of powers of 2! B^}
-jim
---
jimw(a)agora.rdrop.com
The Computer Garage - http://www.rdrop.com/~jimw
Computer Garage Fax - (503) 646-0174
Just a quick note for those of you who subscribed
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday -
I'm no longer replying to introduction e-mail. I only
anticipated a few subscribers and I have hundreds of messages
in my inbox. You're all added to the list.
Have fun!
Bill
I used to own a Zenith laptop, a ZP-150 I belive. Looked like a Tandy
600, except no floppy. Used 10 AA batteries!!! Had same "Microsoft Works"
software on it too!
Josh M. Nutzman
+----------------------------------------------+
|"Life is like a river, you go with the flow...|
| but in the end you usually end up dammed." |
| -The Red Green Show |
+----------------------------------------------+
Oops, you must have me confused with someone else. I don't have a TI computer
(lots of others, but not a TI). By the way, maybe I will piggyback my message
here to add to what I said in another email to you people about an hour ago.
I do not want in any way to throw cold water on your enthusiasm but I sense
>from the initial message soliticiting subscribers that you think you are
plowing virgin computer areas in this area of old computers. I assume you are
aware that there are lots of web sites already on the internet devoted to old
computers. This doesn't mean one more won't be welcome but if on the off
chance you aren't aware of the scope of exisitng stuff, here is a path you
might want to check out: www.cyberstreet.com/hcs/ncs.htm. When you get to
that web site, go down the list to Other Computer Historical Resources, then
go down that list to the Obsolete Computer Museum. Well, the more the merrier
!
In a message dated 97-03-15 01:04:11 EST, you write:
<< I noticed you have a list of systems in your sig including the TI-99/4a.
Man, that was a fun computer! I wonder how Texas Instruments came up with
that model number.
mhop(a)snip.net
>>
The "TI-99/4A" was derived from the following:
TI: Texas Instruments, of Course.
99: A cute little number based on the "9900" microprocessor,
which the computer had as the CPU.
4: TI's first model computer - #4 - sounds cool, heh?
A: The enhanced model of the "TI-99/4", which came out in 1981,
the 99/4 came out around 1978.
Bryan Nicalek
bnicalek(a)aol.com or reply direct to: classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu
I went through a couple thrift stores today and found the following items
for sale:
1) TI-99/4 Peripheral Expansion System: was intact, but only had the flex
cable interface card, cable, floppy controller, and floppy disk drive
installed. Was labeled as 'not working' and had a price of $5 on it.
2) Commodore Plus/4: included power supply, and was labeled as 'not
working' but did power up. couldn't plug it up to a TV. had a price of $7 on
it. Loose..no box or manual.
3) Commodore 1541 disk drive: new style (brown case, flip handle).
condition unknown though looks good. lacks serial cable. price of $4.
If anybody is in need of these items, or is interested in them, let me know
and we could probably work something out for me to pick them up and ship them
to you for the cost of it plus the shipping.
Jeff jeffh(a)eleventh.com
--
---------------------------------------------------------------------
// Amiga: The computer for the creative mind...since 1985!
// -------------------------------------------------------
\// True 32bit pre-emptive multitasking GUI, plug&play hardware,
\/ stereo sound, and 4096 color video modes since day #1
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Collector of classic home computers:
Amiga 1000, Atari 800, Atari 800XL, Atari Mega-ST/2, Commodore
C-128, Commodore Plus/4, Commodore VIC-20, Kaypro 2X, Mattel
Aquarius, Osbourne Executive, Sinclair ZX-81, TI-99/4A, Timex-
Sinclair 1000, TRS-80 Color Computer-3, and a TRS-80 Model 4.
Plus Atari SuperPong and Atari 2600VCS game consoles.
I have an extra TI-99/4A console, with power supply, and was wondering if
anybody would be interested in this? It works perfectly, and has been tested
with a number of program cartridges/groms/command modules, as well as with a
PEBox. It's the original silver/black, and is in fair shape cosmetically,
with some scratches on the silver portion of the case. It is 100% complete,
with no missing parts. I do not have the TI RF modulator for it though, as I
have only one of these.
If interested in it, I'd be open to all offers for this machine, including
trades for other interesting equipment/peripheral.
Jeff jeffh(a)eleventh.com
--
---------------------------------------------------------------------
// Amiga: The computer for the creative mind...since 1985!
// -------------------------------------------------------
\// True 32bit pre-emptive multitasking GUI, plug&play hardware,
\/ stereo sound, and 4096 color video modes since day #1
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Collector of classic home computers:
Amiga 1000, Atari 800, Atari 800XL, Atari Mega-ST/2, Commodore
C-128, Commodore Plus/4, Commodore VIC-20, Kaypro 2X, Mattel
Aquarius, Osbourne Executive, Sinclair ZX-81, TI-99/4A, Timex-
Sinclair 1000, TRS-80 Color Computer-3, and a TRS-80 Model 4.
Plus Atari SuperPong and Atari 2600VCS game consoles.
At 11:28 PM 3/14/97 -0800, you wrote:
>Hope this won't be construed as advertising, but I thought it worth a
>mention... (and maybe it will get people to check out my web pages B^} )
[ ad snipped ]
<HAUGHTY>
Well, to be honest, it's tough not to construe that post as advertising, as
it clearly was.
</HAUGHTY>
Good! If you don't advertise that you may be good at something, or have
some crazy parts for a crazy machine in stock, a useful machine might stay
in the closet because someone can't fix it. And seeing good machines
collect dust is something I just can't endure!
IMHO, as long as it's not SPAM, keep sending those advertisements!
Here's mine:
I've recently begun refurbishing several Tandy 200 laptops for a friend of
mine in CA. Subsequently, I've learned several tricks on how to fix these
fantastic little computers. If you need pointers on fixing up T200's, let
me know. Or if you don't want to tackle it yourself, I'm willing to fix
them for $25/hr benchtime + shipping to and from. You only pay if the
machine gets fixed, other than shipping to me. If I can't fix it, I'll pay
for shipping back to you.
Keep those geezers rolling along!
Thanks,
Roger "Merch" Merchberger
Roger Merchberger | Everyone complained to me to change my .sig,
Programmer, NorthernWay | but no-one could recommend something better.
zmerch(a)northernway.net | So you'll have to put up with this *junk*
| until I find some new wisdom to share.
At 10:49 AM 3/14/97 -0500, Sean wrote:
> I try to use the machines I have, and my big project right now is to
>implement my own OS for them. Most of my machines (with the exception of
>three) are in good working condition. One needs a replacement harddrive
What's a harddrive??
I use my atari just about every day. Thanks to some of the emulators, I
still use a program that I wrote about 13 years ago. It's a program to list
out the important things I have to do each day. It's a really old
scheduler, but it's easy to use, and works like a charm.
If anyone knows or has an eprom burner or information about burning
cartridges on the atari, I would appreciate hearing from them. My dad has a
RomMax 4G Universal Eprom Programmer at work, and we cant seem to read the
eproms from any cartridge. I would like to figure this out, maybe there is
a proprietary scheme, but we can't seem to figure it out. I would also like
to acquire my own eprom burner, so anyone with a cheap no frills one for
sale, please let me know. Of course, it would help if it could read these
atari roms.
Thanks in advance.
Isaac Davis
idavis(a)comland.com
indavis(a)juno.com
Hope this won't be construed as advertising, but I thought it worth a
mention... (and maybe it will get people to check out my web pages B^} )
In the course of things, I've ended up doing a number of restorations on
'classic computers' both in my own collection and for others, and as such
I've developed sources for many otherwise hard to come by parts.
The one example I'd like to mention here are replacement front panel
switches for Altair and IMSAI microcomputers. I have exact, original
manufacturer replacement switches for all models of Altair (both the
original small toggles, and the longer flattened toggle for the A/B series)
and complete switches and/or replacement toggle levers (in both red and
blue) for the IMSAI micros.
Details and pricing are available on my web pages. Equipment restorations
also available.
Soon to come: Replacement dress front panels (painted and screened) for
the Altair 8800/8800a microcomputer.
Regards;
-jim
---
jimw(a)agora.rdrop.com
The Computer Garage - http://www.rdrop.com/~jimw
Computer Garage Fax - (503) 646-0174
At 10:59 PM 3/14/97 -0600, you wrote:
>Has anyone but me discovered AuctionWeb?
I stop in there at least 1-2 times per week, and occasionally puchase from
there, when the mood strikes.
As a matter of fact, one of the "crazy" machines on sale there is a Tandy
600 laptop. Remember those? I actually have one, a friend sent it to me for
free. It needed fixing, tho... one key cap spring was missing (replaced it
with a Tandy 200 space-key spring) and I need to put in new nicads (anyone
know a good source for lithium-ion???)
Trivia: This was the first built-in floppy laptop made. (It's OEM is
Zenith, as a matter of fact, so if someone says "Zenith did it first"
you're still right.)
Anyway, for y'all that haven't discovered it yet, head to:
http://www.ebay.com/aw/
and you'll find a treasure trove of goodies (sometimes).
Cya l8r,
"Merch"
Roger Merchberger | Everyone complained to me to change my .sig,
Programmer, NorthernWay | but no-one could recommend something better.
zmerch(a)northernway.net | So you'll have to put up with this *junk*
| until I find some new wisdom to share.
> Hello All,
> I am mainly interested in Atari 8bits, but have found that I
enjoy
> using just about any classic type computer. If anyone has or needs atari
> information, let me know. I still have my 800 running. In fact, my kids
are
> growing up on the exact same games that honed my skills, and keep me from
> being uncoordinated and walking into walls today. I know they enjoy them
> just as much as I still do. I am looking forward to watching my
grandkids
> play choplifter on my original 800. Well, enough about me....
> Isaac Davis
Our computer user groups meets at my place once a month, and I have an 8
bit set up too, but it rarely gets touched - when someone finds a game that
they are curious enough. Most of the time, the Jaguars and the PC gets the
attention during our meetings. Not to mention the beer. :)
mhop(a)snip.net
> >What I would like is Photofact schematics for Atari computer hardware. I
> >have some, but I know I will be needing them when I finish my
electronics
> >class.
>
> I've never run across these. Were they something generally available
when
> the Atari's were popular?
It's not a matter of being "popular". Every electronic device ever made
has schematics for it. In fact, the schematics are made first. It's
basically a blueprint of what electronic components are, and an occasional
tip on how to repair. It's made for electronic technicians.
I noticed you have a list of systems in your sig including the TI-99/4a.
Man, that was a fun computer! I wonder how Texas Instruments came up with
that model number.
mhop(a)snip.net
