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

by jwsmail＠jwsss.com

I wonder if there is any better archive of the original DejaNews and peoples personal archives than Google Groups. When the Google Groups took over I know a lot of stuff I had participated in was dropped for not reason from Googles take on the import of data. And the BBSs I used were generally participating in such discussions as technical ones on hardware and the like, and went directly in some cases to usenet discussions as that became available. I'd be interested in hearing recollections.? I'd not recalled DejaNews in a long time. Main reason is this weeks Minix kerfuffle in the press.? I exchanged emails and comments with Tanenbaum when he published the system in his original book.? I don't have any info around at hand to look at what I did beside run it, but one of my main interests in any platform at that time was to be able to compile the system on itself. thanks Jim

8 years, 7 months

1
0
0 0

No subject

by spacewar＠gmail.com

My first FPGA-Elf (2009) used an FPGA board that is long-since obsolete, and while I updated it last year, it used an FPGA board that was not commercially available, and would have been frighteningly expensive if it was. For the most recent RetroChallenge, I updated the FPGA-Elf to work on a readily-available, inexpensive FPGA module, the Digilent CMOD-A7-35T, which is available for $89. (It can also be made to work on the $75 CMOD-A7-15T, but I recommend the -35T as it can provide more RAM.) As part of the RetroChallenge, I added emulation of the CDP1861 PIXIE graphics. Various photos can be seen at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/22368471 at N04/albums/72157687136287141 The project progress is described, in reverse chronological order, on my blog: http://whats.all.this.brouhaha.com/category/computing/retrocomputing/retroc… I designed a base PCB into which the which the CMOD-A7 module plugs. The base board provides for use of hexadecimal displays (either HP or TI) for data and (optional) address, a connector for the switches, a serial port, a composite video ports, and an optional MicroSD breakout board. A 5V 2A regulated wall-wart provides power. There are a few issues with the board design requiring a few traces cut and jumpers and resistors added, and I haven't yet written any software to deal with the MicroSD card. I plan to have a new revision of the main board made to correct the known issues. The switch PCB and bezel PCB don't need another revision. I still need to write some documentation, but I've put the rev 0 main board Eagle files, Gerber files, and PDF files of the schematic and layout at: http://www.frobco.com/e1000/ I'm willing to make bare boards available for those who want to build their own. This version runs at 256x the speed of a normal Elf w/ PIXIE. It's clocked at 56.34 MHz, but it executes all instructions in one-eighth the clock cycles required by an 1802. My 1861 implementation uses a dual-port RAM to allow the CPU to run fast while still producing normal NTSC-rate video. I plan to make the processor speed configurable to 1x or 256x, with perhaps a few intermediate choices.

8 years, 7 months

1
0
0 0

List Problems?

by healyzh＠avanthar.com

I know around the 20th I wasn?t the only one having problems. Are there still issues? Oddly enough, once I got access back to my Aracnet email address, and even though it has problems receiving email, it?s getting classiccmp just fine. Which a surprise, considering I didn?t think my Aracnet account existed for much of that time. OTOH, I?ve not received any from classiccmp at this address since the 20th. I seem to be having problems logging into the website to check my preferences, and can?t even get it to send me a password. It will be interesting to see if this makes it through. Zane

8 years, 7 months

9
11
0 0

PDP-8 chassis on eBay

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: Dave > I managed to snag the chassis and what I hope is the matching cover. No, that cover is for a paper-tape reader. Noel

8 years, 7 months

3
2
0 0

looking at buying a pocket PC / PDA

by tomasparks.ts＠gmail.com

I am looking at buying a pocket PC / PDA, so I can write idea/notes when I am away from my computer the [Psion 3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psion_Series_3) and [Psion 5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psion_Series_5) look like good options, but i read about the hinge/screen issues I am leaning more towards the Psion 5 because of the easy of getting accessories, but it has more things to break but I am wounding about other options?

8 years, 7 months

18
40
0 0

PDP-8 chassis on eBay

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

So if someone's building an earlier -8 from bits and pieces, here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/192350321318 is something they might find useful - an empty chassis. (I'm not associated with the seller, although I've bought stuff from them before. They have some other PDP-8 stuff listed, too.) Noel

8 years, 7 months

6
6
0 0

snippit of R2E hisoty on the surplus market. DEALIN'' ELECTRONICS date??

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

Later in life when Bull owned R2E there was a z-80 with either just floppy or floppy and hard drive... I have a catalog of an outfit surplussing a group of them in USA called DEALIN'' ELECTRONICS in Palo Alto. Date? Ed Sharpe archivist for SMECC

8 years, 7 months

1
0
0 0

RK06 dirve

by billdegnan＠gmail.com

Does anyone out there have an DEC RK06 drive? Bill

8 years, 7 months

3
2
0 0

RL02 Spinup fails

by aaron＠aaronsplace.co.uk

Hi everyone, I have managed to hook up an RL02 drive to my PDP-11 (thanks to Dave Wade for the drives) . This took me longer than I thought it would - I tried with a flat ribbon cable with a DIY terminator going straight into board , but couldn't get it to work. Removed the terminator, and the fault light turned off. So that's positive. I tried to load a cartridge, which I had cleaned, inspected and generally appears to be in good condition. It started to spin up and I could hear it getting faster, but after 30-40 seconds the fault light returns. I made a short video demonstrating this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=japwBBodO8U According to the manual the fault light can appear for the following reasons: - Drive select error... Surely this would come on at the start? - Seek time out error... I'd have to hear the heads move first - Write current in heads during sector time error... Same as above - Loss of system clock... The fault light would be on from the start. - Write protect error... I don't think it got that far - Write data error... Same as above - Spin error... Is this the only remaining fault? So could the only cause be a spin error? I am wondering if the belt is slipping or something like that? Can anyone offer some advice? Thanks, Aaron.

8 years, 7 months

6
8
0 0

Sun part available, new old stock

by sales＠elecplus.com

I have no idea if these are old enough to be useful. Not affiliated with seller, etc. WTS Sun MODULES, NEW, qty 300, CALL, New Surplus Sun Accessories and Modules We have quantities of the following Sun part numbers. All stock is new/surplus. SUN 594-3394-01 SUN X4444A SUN SG-XPCIE1FC-QF4 SUN QLE2460-SUN-X0 SUN X6920A SUN X7282A-Z SUN X4422A-2 SUN X4447A-Z SUN X4445A SUN 375-3418-01 SUN X4213A SUN X5043A-Z SUN 375-3382-01 Contact us at sales01 at assetlc.com for additional details. Thank you. Asset Life Cycle, LLC Phone: (785) 861-3100 Fax: (785) 861-3193 sales01 at assetlc.com Cindy Croxton Electronics Plus --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

8 years, 7 months

2
1
0 0

H7826 PSU, No Signal On Transformer Outputs

by robert.jarratt＠ntlworld.com

I have moved on with the work on the H7826 PSU in the TURBOchannel Extender. However I have found that there appears to be no signal at all on the output windings of the transformer. I have posted all the details of what I have been doing here http://robs-old-computers.com/2017/11/05/repair-progress-on-the-h7826-power- supply/, and I would welcome any suggestions as to what might cause this? Thanks Rob

8 years, 7 months

2
2
0 0

"Left a home full of computers" Craigslist ad

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: Peter Cetinski >> I was left a home with all of its contents tons of electronics and >> computers, call if you want me to send pics > FWIW, I received some pics of these items. So, what else was there (that you don't mind telling us about because you're not grabbing them... :-)? Noel

8 years, 7 months

1
0
0 0

looking at buying a pocket PC / PDA

by r_a_feldman＠hotmail.com

>From: Fred Cisin <cisin at xenosoft.com> >Is there a reason to AVOID mentioning the Poqet? Yes... >The original MSRP at announcement was WAY too high, and priced it out >of the market, but the actual/street price wasn't bad. >Larger keyboard that the HP (which was otherwise a better deal for the price) True, but the HP keyborad is not that bad. >AA batteries with long life. Yep. HP LX is the same. >two PCMCIA slots (before PCMCIA was officially named and standardized) But they are pre-PCMCIA 1, so do not handle a full range of card types, such as CF. >Bus connector, with a few unobtanium accessories, such as 3.5" drive. If you want, I can send you a mask image that I made many years ago for a serial connector for the bus port that you can etch. > Had LOTUS available as a ROM card! The HP LX has Lotus 1-2-3 in ROM. >MS-DOS 5.00 - I learned how to write TSRs on one. Same for the HP LX. The main reason, apart from the non-standard PC Card slots, not to get one (and I have three -- one working and two non-working) is that the video cable tends to break where it flexes at the case hinge and it is next to impossible to repair it. Bob

8 years, 7 months

1
0
0 0

"Left a home full of computers" Craigslist ad

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

YEA BUT THAT ASR 35 IS WORTH GOING AFTER IF YOU ARE CLOSE! ED# In a message dated 11/6/2017 10:43:32 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time, cctalk at classiccmp.org writes: > On Nov 5, 2017, at 1:46 AM, jim stephens via cctalk <cctalk at classiccmp.org> wrote: > > I don't know anything but the ad copy the poster placed. > > I'd think there might be more to the story if someone is in Southern New Hampshire and can contact and perhaps visit. Londonderry, north west from Lawrence, Lowell, Ma. > > https://nh.craigslist.org/sop/d/teletype-printer/6369045622.html > > "Antique teletype for sale it has been indoors with other computers that are 20plus yrs old , Also have a new Radio Shack TRS80 ,with all the software and hardware ,printers,disc drives all like new , I was left a home with all of its contents tons of electronics and computers, call if you want me to send pics" FWIW, I received some pics of these items. The TRS-80 is far from being in new condition. It?s quite a bit beat up and worn.=

8 years, 7 months

1
0
0 0

"Left a home full of computers" Craigslist ad

by jwsmail＠jwsss.com

I don't know anything but the ad copy the poster placed. I'd think there might be more to the story if someone is in Southern New Hampshire and can contact and perhaps visit.? Londonderry, north west >from Lawrence, Lowell, Ma. https://nh.craigslist.org/sop/d/teletype-printer/6369045622.html "Antique teletype for sale it has been indoors with other computers that are 20plus yrs old , Also have a new Radio Shack TRS80 ,with all the software and hardware ,printers,disc drives all like new , I was left a home with all of its contents tons of electronics and computers, call if you want me to send pics"

8 years, 7 months

2
1
0 0

☀yahoo astonishing!

by steve＠stephenmerrony.co.uk

Hey friend, This is merely something really amazing, I'm telling you, you have to take a look http://www.n5xmotorsport.com/store.php?UE9jY3RhbGtAY2xhc3NpY2NtcC5vcmc- Walter Irizarry

8 years, 7 months

3
2
0 0

PDP-8 chassis on eBay

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

So if someone's building an earlier -8 from bits and pieces, here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/192350321318 is something they might find useful - an empty chassis. (I'm not associated with the seller, although I've bought stuff from them before. They have some other PDP-8 stuff listed, too.) Noel

8 years, 7 months

1
0
0 0

Tek4052 V5 ROMdumps available

by jos.dreesen＠greenmail.ch

For the upcoming VCFe in Zurich / Switzerland (18/19 Nov ) I repaired my TEK4052, which is now up and running ( no usable tapes yet...) I took the opportunity to read all the programmable devices from the machine, you find these at ftp.dreesen.ch/ftp/TEK4052 They are release V5 for the ALU-(microcode), and release V5.1 for the MAS-(firmware) board. They do not use patch-pla's, I believe them to be the latest revision for the 4052. These are for the 4052, not the 4052A which is a different beast. (differnt IO and MAS board, different microcode and firmware ) As a reference, the romdump's at Al's site are for the 4052A, the romdumps at the Stuttgart museum site are the earlier release V4.x for the 4052 Take note : a 4052 does not boot without the tapedrive attached... I also dumped the contents of both 2716's onboard the diagnostic rom pack. ( also containg a 6810 ) I have (untested) spare boards if anyone in the neighboorhood wants to try some boardswapping... Jos

8 years, 7 months

1
0
0 0

looking at buying a pocket PC / PDA

by cctalk＠snarc.net

> I guess you'd also just dismiss Harlan Ellison, Woody Allen, Isaac Asimov and the dozens of other writers who prefer to use a typewriter over a modern computer as "old cranks"... They used typewriters in the 1980s, maybe some into the 1990s, when typewriters were still common. You're talking about the Model 100 which is now a 34-year-old computer. Big difference.

8 years, 7 months

2
1
0 0

☑yay interesting stuff, just take a look

by steve＠stephenmerrony.co.uk

Yo! I've seen that interesting stuff recently, you'll definitely love it. Just take a look http://www.saratov-les.ru/deficit.php?UE9jY3RhbGtAY2xhc3NpY2NtcC5vcmc- Archie Knowles

8 years, 7 months

2
1
0 0

H7826 PSU Transformer Failure?

by robert.jarratt＠ntlworld.com

I tried out the H7826 PSU that came with my TURBOchannel Extender after cleaning up the board and replacing a number of the electrolytic capacitors. Naturally, it doesn't work :( Having traced the signals, I can see an alternating voltage going from the inverter into the transformer on the primary side, but on the secondary side I see no signal whatever on any of the output windings (I am not sure how many there are, but I think at least two). Before I take out the transformer, is there anything other than a failure of the transformer that could cause such a problem? Thanks Rob

8 years, 7 months

1
0
0 0

looking at buying a pocket PC / PDA

by r_a_feldman＠hotmail.com

<From: tom sparks <tomasparks.ts at gmail.com> <snip> <I want something that has anti-procrastinate features (no internet, no <videos, no mp3s, etc), <long battery life (40+ hours), <easy replaceable batteries On all of your points, I would recommend the HP LX200. I have one and carry it with me every day. Runs MS-DOS 5.0 on two AA batteries (alkaline or rechargeable) for months (literally). VT100 emulation is built-in. You can get them on the internet (they even have been used as a web server), but you will want to use the PCMCIA slot for a RAM card, rather than a network card. Many users like the keyboard: it is easy to thumb type on it, and it has a full number pad -- it was designed as a portable Lotus 1-2-3 computer. You can get versions with a double-speed crystal and internal RAM up to 64 MB. There is still an active user community, repair services available in the US and Europe and thousands of programs available. The main problem is that the plastic at the hinges has a tendency to crack, but that often can be repaired. Bob

8 years, 7 months

7
8
0 0

Collections in Sydney

by robert.jarratt＠ntlworld.com

I will be visiting Sydney soon. I am interested to know if there are any collections or museums that may be open to a visit? I am already aware of ACMS and have sent them an email. Thanks Rob

8 years, 7 months

1
0
0 0

looking at buying a pocket PC / PDA

by barythrin＠gmail.com

Lol that's indeed the one. I had no idea it was same era though. I think i was looking at one years ago as an option to document my collection and serial numbers. I realized despite the cool factor, i would be putting my faith in that system with no back-up and less ability to export elsewhere so never followed through with it. -------- Original message --------From: Fred Cisin via cctalk <cctalk at classiccmp.org> Date: 11/3/17 10:52 PM (GMT-06:00) To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk at classiccmp.org> Subject: Re: looking at buying a pocket PC / PDA On Fri, 3 Nov 2017, Sam O'nella via cctalk wrote: > I could have sworn there was a newer black colored m100 type system that > someone was selling a bunch of on ebay. Iirc they were calling it the > tandy killer and i thougbt it was a "slate". Convergent Technologies "Workslate". sexy machine Far from a killer. Unless you are one who defines spreadsheet as "killing" word processor. Take a look at the Epson Geneva PX-8.? CP/M.

8 years, 7 months

1
0
0 0

Which Dec Emulation is the MOST useful and Versatile?

by spacewar＠gmail.com

IBM invented computer emulation and introduced it with System/360 in 1964. They defined it as using special-purpose hardware and/or microcode on a computer to simulate a different computer. Anything you run on your x86 (or ARM, MIPS, SPARC, Alpha, etc) does not meet that definition, and is a simulator, since those processors have only general-purpose hardware and microcode. Lots of people have other definitions of "emulator" which they've just pulled out of their a**, but since the System/360 architects invented it, I see no good reason to prefer anyone else's definition.

8 years, 7 months

9
13
0 0

PDP-8/a wire-to-board connector for power?

by thebri＠gmail.com

I'm assembling a PDP-8/a from a pile of parts, but I'm missing the entire AC power entry assembly, as shown in http://www.retrotechnology.com/restore/8a_trans_gnd0.jpg. Does anyone know what the 6-pin connector is? Even better, does anyone have an extra assembly? Thanks to Herb Johnson for the 8/a repair write ups ( http://www.retrotechnology.com/restore/8a_repairs.html) and pictures. Very helpful! bri

8 years, 7 months

4
5
0 0

looking at buying a pocket PC / PDA

by barythrin＠gmail.com

I could have sworn there was a newer black colored m100 type system that someone was selling a bunch of on ebay. Iirc they were calling it the tandy killer and i thougbt it was a "slate". I did forget about the m100 pc expansion though (price is always higher than desirable). But best of both worlds. Super portable m100 and plug it in at desk ams have a monitor, memory expansion and dual disk drive. Always wanted to find one for the right price. The poqet is also a great mention for compatability in a palmtop.? I think the bad part is all these great choices also have higher prices for their usability.? You sort of "need" the expansions on the poqet.?? Back to the hp 200lx standard (small plug) but sorta easy to make a serial cable and use as a termial also. That's why we only find the lesser units and these all hover over 100.:-( null

8 years, 7 months

2
1
0 0

looking at buying a pocket PC / PDA

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

In days of old would use one with a 50 ft ribbon cable as a 'portable' console fro one of my hp 2000 systems I would just rag it around to wherever I was in the Computer Room. or into the front office west of the computer room as the back of the 2000 was against that wall. In those days seemed so amazing to do so! Ed# In a message dated 11/3/2017 10:57:23 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time, cctalk at classiccmp.org writes: Hey, TRS-80 M100 rocks! I've got several, and they all work perfectly to this day. Built by Kyocera, who isn't known for making junk.. The 30+ hr. battery life alone is enough to earn them a high rating, and they have a built-in terminal program. I've used them to control headless Linux boxes several times via serial port. I believe they do 9600 or possibly 19200.

8 years, 7 months

1
0
0 0

HP 2640 character set generation manual in the UK

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

no.... the other hp museum! across the pond! http://hpmuseum.net/ good people! it may already be online they have done a good job scanning stuff. ed# In a message dated 11/3/2017 12:30:36 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, cctalk at classiccmp.org writes: > > Well they say they would like to scan but no resource. Available to > > view on three days notice On Fri, 3 Nov 2017, Ed via cctalk wrote: > what about the kind folks at the hp museum? . . . and' don't they have some sort of archive in Santa Rosa?

8 years, 7 months

3
2
0 0

HP 2640 character set generation manual in the UK

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

what about the kind folks at the hp museum? Ed# In a message dated 11/3/2017 10:38:04 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time, cctalk at classiccmp.org writes: Well they say they would like to scan but no resource. Available to view on three days notice Dave On 3 Nov 2017 10:41, "Dave Wade" <dave.g4ugm at gmail.com> wrote: > Marc, > They seem to have a big collection of Manuals but no intention of scanning > them, or making them available other than on personal request. I am in the > UK but have never been. Let me e-mail and ask. > Dave > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: cctalk [mailto:cctalk-bounces at classiccmp.org] On Behalf Of > > CuriousMarc via cctalk > > Sent: 03 November 2017 07:10 > > To: 'General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts' > > <cctalk at classiccmp.org> > > Subject: HP 2640 character set generation manual in the UK > > > > The link below is from the computer museum in Cambridge, UK, which > > seems to have a copy of an HP 2640 terminal manual I am looking for. Is > > anyone from that museum on the list? Does any of the UK members know > > them? > > http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/14373/HP-2640-Series-Character- > > Set-Ge > > neration/ > > > > Does anyone on the list have a copy of this manual? > > > > Marc > > > > > > >

8 years, 7 months

2
1
0 0

Vintage Computer Calendar 2018

by sbolton＠bfree.on.ca

Hey folks; The Personal Computer Museum (http://www.pcmuseum.ca) is offering a beautiful 2018 vintage computer calendar as a fundraiser. The calendars are in hand and the cost is $20 Canadian (no tax). The shipping rates (in CAD) are $3.50 within Canada, $5.00 to the U.S. and $10.50 to the rest of the world. We accept Paypal via our website at http://www.pcmuseum.ca/shop.asp If you don't like Paypal, e-mail me directly for other options! The order page includes a sample of what it looks like. The computers included this year are: IBM PC (1981), Kaypro II (1982), Pencil II (1984), Exidy Sorcerer (1978), Commodore PET 4032 (1980), Apple ][+ (1979), Apple PowerBook 150 (1994), Commodore 64 (1982), NeXTcube (1980), Superbrain QD (1979), Atari 800 (1979), Unisys ICON (1986) If you are interested please reply here or to info at pcmuseum.ca .... The quantities are limited. Thanks for your support!

8 years, 7 months

2
1
0 0

Otrona / Hospital

by cisin＠xenosoft.com

I was not able to get access to any of my notes to more completely answer Eric's question. Short answer: NO. Otrona did not have two different obscure numbers of tracks for their disk sides. On the limited number of Otronas that I encountered. What I encountered was very straight-forward WD-like ordinarty disk formats. IIRC, they were 10 sectors per track, with 512 bytes per sector. There were 40 cylinder and 80 cylinder. There was a CP/M, and an MS-DOS. I don't remember what the distribution of those formats was, although I specifically remember a 96tpi (800k) MS-DOS. Ironically, the first one that I saw was a doctor at a hospital. To flog the point about portability, Otrona did an early ad with a Chaplin imitator trying to carry a card table with a PC on it down steps in front of a building (capitol?) IBM claimed to own Chaplin (and did apparently pay royalties to Chaplin estate), although Chaplin himself was not a big fan of biug corporation. I wasn't able to answer more fully, nor even now. I just spent a week in the hospital. giant kidney stone and massive infection. First few days were intolerable levels of pain. I am now on 2 weeks of 24/7 IV antibiotic infusions. Bizarre little pump that I carry around, but, at least I'm carrying it around at home, instead of the hospital. THEN, in 2 weeks? they will operate to try to remove the stone. They are hoping to do it with trans-urethral laser, with lithotripsy as a fall back. I had not prepared for being in the hospital, so only had a phone (Samsung Galaxy S4), and it wasn't until the third day that I was able to wrangel access to my pants (and pocket contents) I think that I will recover. THANK YOU to the folk who wrote to me with good wishes! -- Grumpy Ol' Fred cisin at xenosoft.com

8 years, 7 months

4
3
0 0

Otrona Attache disk format?

by spacewar＠gmail.com

>From the Otrona Attache Technical Manual, July 1983: "The diskettes Attache uses have fourty-six tracks on the top side and fifty tracks on the bottom side, [...]" Really???

8 years, 7 months

2
1
0 0

H7861 PSU issues

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: Rob Jarratt > when I replaced it and powered on there was a big bang What went 'bang'? (I assume if there was a loud noise, it mus have left visible damage somewhere.) Noel

8 years, 7 months

2
1
0 0

H7861 PSU issues

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: Aaron Jackson > Picked up a few 555s and sockets and now it works! Congratulations! It's odd that a 555 failed, but sometimes there's no rhyme or reason to what fails. E.g. I was fixing some broken M7859's (KY11-LB Programmer's Console), and on one of them a 7493 (4-bit counter) had died. That's not one of the 'problem' 74xx chips, like ISTR the 7474 being? Noel

8 years, 7 months

4
3
0 0

RK06 Data Cartridges / Alignment Cart Available (and other stuff)

by billdegnan＠gmail.com

My last email was unclear...I have a few RK06 Data Cartridges and an Alignment Cart Available. Contact me privately if you have an RK06 drive and you're looking for carts. They look like RL02's maybe a hair thinner. I paid a small amt, and I am looking to be reimbursed for the cost. I have no RK06 drive. RK06 cartridges are NOT compatible with RK07's according to the manual. If you're in the Landenberg, PA area stop by, At some point I will publish a list of other DEC items I have in clean organized storage. Bill

8 years, 7 months

1
0
0 0

Which Dec Emulation is the MOST useful and Versatile?

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: Jon Elson > I'm not sure the original DEC PDP-10 (KA-10) used microcode No, it didn't; in part because it pre-dated fast, cheap ROMs (the development of which was a considerable task in the /360 project - the wonderful "IBM's 360 and Early 370 Systems" covers this is some detail). The KA10 is built out of FLIP CHIPs which carried individual transistors. Another fun KA10 fact: it used 'hardware subroutines' - i.e. a clock pulse would get to a certain point, and get conditionally diverted through some other circuitry, later to come back and continue where it left off. Whee! Noel

8 years, 7 months

2
1
0 0

DEC BA350s, BA356s, drives, tapes, etc

by useddec＠gmail.com

I have numerous BA350 and BA356 enclosures available along with the power supplies, etc. I will sell separately, or try to configure to your request. Please contact me off list. Shipping from 61820, Champaign, IL area Thanks, Paul

8 years, 7 months

1
0
0 0

H7861 PSU issues

by aaron＠aaronsplace.co.uk

Hi everyone, I've been trying to figure out what is wrong with the 12V rail on my H7861 (BA11-S) power supply. It's showing about 4.2V. The 5V rail is spot on. Page 39 of the following schematics is the main part board of the PSU. http://bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/qbus/MP01233_BA11-S_schem_Mar81.pdf Going into the collector of Q3 is about 80V coming straight from T2 (I think I measured it at about 100Hz), but the emitter is putting out the 4.2V, which is the same as the base voltage and output voltage. I tried replacing this transistor because the hFE was about 80 and a good one was about 120. Unfortunately it didn't do anything. None of the capacitors look swollen and I don't see any leakage. There is a smaller board which I think goes into J4. The 12V side seems to have a 555 timer and adjusting the pot doesn't change the voltage at all. My understanding of switchmode power supplies is very poor. Does anyone have some pointers on what to check or what might be the possible cause? Hopefully I can get my PDP up and running again... Only got about 20 minutes use out of it. Thanks! Aaron.

8 years, 7 months

2
5
0 0

An interesting read

by dkelvey＠hotmail.com

Look at Dr Dobb's August 1979. There is an article on computer crime. It is interesting how times have changed. Dwight

8 years, 7 months

1
0
0 0

DEC RX03 RT11A file extractor

by cclist＠sydex.com

List: This is the first time I've run across a bunch of double-sided 8" double-density floppies in RX02 encoding. I'm assuming that this is what's known as the RX03. The system is identified on disk as RT11A. Does anyone know of a program to extract the files from images of this sort (1,025,024 bytes: 26x256 sectors/track, 2 sides, 77 tracks)? I've tried John Wilson's PUTR, but it hangs when it sees the image--I can mount the image, but then anything after that just hangs the program. I'd prefer a Linux program, but DOS/Windows would be fine. Otherwise, I'll sharpen my pencil and get coding... Thanks, --Chuck

8 years, 7 months

2
2
0 0

Which Dec Emulation is the MOST useful and Versatile?

by computerdoc＠sc.rr.com

Hi DEC Enthusiast's, If I were to have to decide on just one model DEC PDP system to run in a DEC Emulator, which one would be the most useful, versatile and has the most software available for it? I have only ever used a real PDP-8/e system way back in high school so I'm not up to par on any other model of DEC PDP system and I only know BASIC on the PDP-8/e so not much there either. I hear a lot about the PDP-11. I found out that there were 16 major PDP models at one time so I'm not too sure which one to pick. I built Oscar Vermeulen's PiDP-8/I which I'm waiting on 1 part for. Other than that project which is in a holding pattern at the moment, I have no other PDP anything running in any form. Back in the day when Bill Gates and company 1st started out, I had always wondered how they developed their very 1st software program - Altair Basic. I was pleasantly surprised one day when I saw a B/W photo of a young Bill Gates bending over the operator at what looked like a very small computer. Maybe it was just a terminal. I don't remember. I understand they did software development on a DEC PDP of some sort. Finding this out regenerated my interest in the DEC PDP line of computers. I have many projects in the works already so I decided to setup a software emulation of just one of the DEC PDP models. I have heard a lot about the PDP-11 which if the information I read is correct was 16-bits. My PiDP-8/I is 12 bits. I understand the PDP 10 was 36-bits and the PDP-15 was 18-bit. The PDP-11 is the model I hear the most about. I also have some experience on some version of a VAX when I was in the Air Force so I'm thinking of getting a VAX emulation going at some point too. So if I'm going to do this, what suggestions, pointers, experiences, etcetera do you guys have for me. I am very interested in the DEC PDP equipment though next to no experience so I have no basis to make a decision. This is a serious request so I would definitely like to hear what you all have to say. If you have read this far, thank you. Take care my friends. Kip Koon computerdoc at sc.rr.com http://www.cocopedia.com/wiki/index.php/User:Computerdoc

8 years, 7 months

16
38
0 0

DECwriter II available for pickup in Gosport, Hants, UK

by binarydinosaurs＠gmail.com

Hi folks, As the subject says. It's been stored in a garage for many years but is in pretty good condition. Free for pickup. Cheers, -- adrian/witchy Owner of Binary Dinosaurs, the UK's biggest home computer collection? www.binarydinosaurs.co.uk

8 years, 7 months

3
2
0 0

Which Dec Emulation is the MOST useful and Versatile?

by cclist＠sydex.com

On 10/30/2017 03:44 PM, Paul Koning wrote: > The timing is carefully orchestrated, including of course provision > for cable delays. I'm reminded of a unit manager at CDC that I worked with for a time. His first job at CDC as a fresh EE out of UofMinn was to measure all the loops of cable on the backplane of the then-new 6600 to which Seymour had attached tags that read "TUNE". One marvels at the fiddling that must have been involved getting the thing to run. Fun with taper pins... Cray was certainly a character. Another associate regaled us with his experience outside Seymour's lab in Chippewa Falls, sitting with a couple of others in a car on a cold dark winter night exchanging code and listings with Cray's daughter at the door. He was not about to let them inside... --Chuck

8 years, 7 months

1
0
0 0

Does anyone need any before I list them on eBay?

by useddec＠gmail.com

I have several Q-bus boxes available: BA11-M 4x4 MA11-N 4x9 BA11-S BA23- no cases right now, a few have rack mount kits, some I'll hang on to till I find the micro vax boards. Looking for offers. MOST CAN BE SHIPPED! Probably under $100 in US. All boxes can be configured within reason, but I am getting short of memory, in more ways than o one... I might be leaving Illinois and going to Baltimore, maybe Virginia, then north to the Boston area, back through NY, through Canada, Detroit, and back to Illinois. I could be leaving as soon as next week. There is another list member coming through here from the east coast and going to Denver and back. Hopefully he'll junk in here... Thanks, Paul On Tue, Sep 12, 2017 at 2:02 AM, Paul Anderson <useddec at gmail.com> wrote: > I'm still trying to sell some extra Q-bus boards before I list them on > ebay, and I would rather they found a happy home here. > > Shipping is a flat $10 within the US for as many as you want. Please ask > for overseas shipping. If you need any others, or have a "wishlist" please > contact me off list. > > Thanks, Paul > > M3106 DZQ11 $40 > M3107 DHQ11 40 > M8043 DLV11-J 60 > M8186 11/23 CPU 60 > M8189 11/23+ CPU 60 >

8 years, 7 months

3
2
0 0

Tubbs fire consumed the collected archives of William Hewlett and David P...

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

I think there are some people that will state anything at this point at Corp. to cover their ass's over this debacle... Ed# In a message dated 10/31/2017 12:19:44 A.M. US Mountain Standard Tim, cctalk at classiccmp.org writes: This article has more details about the archive situation and, more important, it has a comment from HP at the end. https://spectrum.ieee.org/view-from-the-valley/tech-history/silicon-revoluti on/loss-of-hewlettpackard-archive-a-wakeup-call-for-computer-historians

8 years, 7 months

1
0
0 0

Yet More New Items For Sale from Ye Olde VintageTech archives

by sellam.ismail＠gmail.com

Here is yet another batch of items for sale. Full running list with updates is here: http://www.vcfed.org/forum/showthread.php?58709-New-Items-For-Sale-Check-th… New items for October 31, 2017: Boards Problem Solver Systems, Inc. Model RAM16 16K Static RAM - for S100 systems, with original instruction manual; uses TMS4045 1024 word x 4-bit static RAM - $40 Vector 2201-1 S100 prototyping board - unused, has gold plated edge connector with one pad per each pin, and a grid of holes - $15 Wameco EPM-2 - completely bare/unpopulated EPROM board for S100 bus - $10 Artec Electronics WW-100 [REV. 1] - completely bare/unpopulated S100 board - $5 MediaVision Pro Audio (1993) - ISA 16-bit board, brand new, in originally sealed anti-static bag - $5 Peripherals Atari SX212 - modem only, no power supply - $10 Commodore VICMODEM - clean condition, minor scratches on face label - $13 shipped anywhere in USA Tandy Enhanced Keyboard - 5-pin DIN connector; includes form-fitting dust/spill-cover so keyboard is extremely clean - $25 TRS-80 Acoustic Coupler for TRS-80 Portable Computer Model 100 - excellent condition, in original (very good condition) box - $20 Floppy Disk Services, Inc. 5SVA&T-2 dual 5.25" disk drive - has two Matsushita JA-551-2 half-height drives and dual 34-pin female header socket ribbon cable, for TRS-80(?); powers up, both drives spin briefly, unable to test further - $40 Parts Heathkit H19 keybaord - decent shape; missing 4 keycaps on numeric keypad (6, 9, and the two next to 0) and two on the main keyboard (next to BACK SPACE and REPEAT); marked 85-2223-1 and 111078, "COPR HEATH 1978"; unknown functional condition - $10 Computers JUKO Tiny Pro SF - small footprint (10" x 11.5", 3" high) PC - motherboard has Harris CS80C286-16 CPU, Oak Technology OTIVGA, AMI 286 BIOS, floppy & IDE controllers; integrated NEC FD1138H 3.5" floppy drive; requires 5-pin DIN 5VDC/7A power supply (not included); unable to test - $40 Apple //e - standard 64K model, bare bones, no adaptors; works great all around, very nice condition with some yellowing - $40 Software Infocom Suspended on 8" floppy disk in original Infocom sleeve for CP/M (single density disk), near new looking - $20 Altera MAX+plus II Programmable Logic Development System - complete package, includes Getting Started, User Guide, and AHDL manuals, version 4.02 software (Quartet?) diskettes still in shrinkwrap sealed envelope, Max+plus II Software Guard dongle - $40 The Clone Machine with Unguard - a Commodore 64 program for copying/inspecting/editing disks (cracking tool); includes original disk, user made working disk, original manual - $20 including shipping to anywhere in USA MacProject - project management software for original Macintosh and Lisa computers (as indicated on original box); box is in decent condition with several creases and kind of punched in on the back; includes two MacProject program disks and one A Guided Tour disk, labels are foxing - $15 Accessories Apple Macintosh 512K enhanced accessory kit - includes Macintosh 512K enhanced user guide, Mac software catalog & sampler, product registration card, packing list, A Guided Tour (audio cassette, shrinkwrapped); missing system software diskettes ; box is pushed in from the top and creased in the corners but otherwise in fine shape; I'll throw in The Easy Guide to Your Macintosh (Sybex, 1984) - $25 Original manual (shrinkwrapped) and Warranty, registration card inserts for Apple 3.5" Drive, plus drive number stickers - $6 More information and photographs for any item upon request, but please have serious intent to purchase and not just being a looky-loo as I field a lot of requests and it takes a lot of time I'm happy to negotiate a bulk price for multiple items, combined shipping is cheaper, and items are always packed efficiently with superior care and materials. Shipping is from California. Local pick-up is highly encouraged (you get to shop my inventory). International purchasers are always welcome. As always, please send inquiries to me directly via e-mail ( sellam.ismail at gmail.com) for best results. Thanks! Sellam

8 years, 7 months

1
0
0 0

Look to get a copy of a Multi-Tech FM300 Modem manual

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

they claim FIRST ACOUSTIC COUPLER IN 1970.... nah... GE 1968 My customer has an Olivetti terminal that he wants to use on GE Time-Sharing Service. How much does our acoustic coupler cost and what is the rental fee? The TDM 114 acoustic coupler rents for $25 a month (including maintenance by service shops) and sells for $395. The TDM 115 acoustic coupler costs $495. Aug. 1968 GE service Note - time share etc Multi-Tech says... 1970: Dr. Sharma founds and incorporates Multi-Tech Systems, renting new office space in the basement of the Schneider's Drug building in Minneapolis. He sells the world's first acoustic coupler to Professor Schmitt, inventor of the Schmitt trigger, for $300. worlds first? hmmm... Not. Remember too the Deaf had acoustic couplers prior to 1970 also! Ed# _www.smecc.org_ (http://www.smecc.org) In a message dated 10/31/2017 12:02:56 A.M. US Mountain Standard Tim, cctalk at classiccmp.org writes: https://www.multitech.com/about-us/history How accurate is this Multi-Tech history? Ed# In a message dated 10/30/2017 11:07:17 P.M. US Mountain Standard Tim, cctalk at classiccmp.org writes: That would be great. Next year as one of my teleprinter demonstrations I want to have a Teletype 33 or 35 and the FM300 and a Bell System 500 rotary dial desk phone. -pete On Sun, Oct 29, 2017 at 8:20 PM, Chris Elmquist <chrise at pobox.com> wrote: > Give me a day or two and I think I can help you out. I used to work at > Multi-Tech when the FM300 was still a product. I have several along with > original schematics, which are "blue prints"... > > I have almost as many stories about Multi-Tech as I do ETA ;-) > > Chris > > On October 29, 2017 1:40:03 PM CDT, Pete Lancashire via cctalk < > cctalk at classiccmp.org> wrote: > >I've acquired a Multi-Tech FM300 acoustic modem and even though I could > >figure out the pin-outs > >and switch settings, it would be great if I could get a copy of the > >original manual. > > > >Goal is to add it to a Teletype 33 or 35 and a Bell System 500 desk > >set. > > > >-pete > > -- > Chris Elmquist > >

8 years, 7 months

1
0
0 0

Look to get a copy of a Multi-Tech FM300 Modem manual

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

https://www.multitech.com/about-us/history How accurate is this Multi-Tech history? Ed# In a message dated 10/30/2017 11:07:17 P.M. US Mountain Standard Tim, cctalk at classiccmp.org writes: That would be great. Next year as one of my teleprinter demonstrations I want to have a Teletype 33 or 35 and the FM300 and a Bell System 500 rotary dial desk phone. -pete On Sun, Oct 29, 2017 at 8:20 PM, Chris Elmquist <chrise at pobox.com> wrote: > Give me a day or two and I think I can help you out. I used to work at > Multi-Tech when the FM300 was still a product. I have several along with > original schematics, which are "blue prints"... > > I have almost as many stories about Multi-Tech as I do ETA ;-) > > Chris > > On October 29, 2017 1:40:03 PM CDT, Pete Lancashire via cctalk < > cctalk at classiccmp.org> wrote: > >I've acquired a Multi-Tech FM300 acoustic modem and even though I could > >figure out the pin-outs > >and switch settings, it would be great if I could get a copy of the > >original manual. > > > >Goal is to add it to a Teletype 33 or 35 and a Bell System 500 desk > >set. > > > >-pete > > -- > Chris Elmquist > >

8 years, 7 months

1
0
0 0

Tubbs fire consumed the collected archives of William Hewlett and David Packard

by COURYHOUSE＠aol.com

The Tubbs fire consumed the collected archives of William Hewlett and David Packard, the tech pioneers who in 1938 formed an electronics company in a Palo Alto garage with $538 in cash. More than 100 boxes of the two men?s writings, correspondence, speeches and other items were contained in one of two modular buildings that burned to the ground at the Fountaingrove headquarters of Keysight Technologies. Keysight, the world?s largest electronics measurement company, traces its roots to HP and acquired the archives in 2014 when its business was split from Agilent Technologies ? itself an HP spinoff. http://bit.ly/2yd6Z2G (My added note) And.... this is why I continue to stress multiple caches of copies/scans of historical material... and sad... as in this case here is someone that could have footed the bill and not missed the money to do it. Ed# Archivist for SMECC

8 years, 7 months

9
12
0 0

2026

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

test-drb