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

Reading TRS-80 discs (was RE: Archiving old discs...)

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

>So, bottom line, if I find a floppy card that appears to conform to one of >the favorable ones on that list from comp.os.cpm, stick it in a PC and use >something like 22DISK, I should be able to make a physical backup of a TRS-80 >disk? Is there some other piece of software I should use? Unless Teledisk >will produce an uncompressed image, it won't help me. I can process the disk >images once I get them onto the hard drive, that's the easy part. The compression used inside Teledisk is very simplistic run-length-encoding. I once had a few hundred teledisk images to turn back into "regular" images, and banged out a quick little program to do the conversion in half an hour or so. If anyone's really interested, I'll forward a copy of the source. -- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology WWW: http://www.trailing-edge.com/ 7328 Bradley Blvd Voice: 301-767-5917 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817 Fax: 301-767-5927

26 years, 10 months

2
1
0 0

Reading TRS-80 discs (was RE: Archiving old discs...)

by morrison＠t-iii.com

I did figure out the format, but I've long since forgotten it. But most any SU type program could read it. Neil Morrison email:morrison@t-iii.com > -----Original Message----- > From: ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk [SMTP:ard@p850ug1.demon.co.uk] > Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 1999 12:45 PM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: Re: Reading TRS-80 discs (was RE: Archiving old discs...) > > > Hmm... I've got an ancient ORIGINAL of Zork I (published by Personal > Software) > > I've wanted to back this thing up for years so I can see which data file > is on > > it, but I've never owned anything that can read it. Is it likely to be > SD? > > What kind of non-period hardware can read this? If need be, I could > even > > hook up a 5.25" disk to my Amiga and get funky with that. > > > There was a TRS-80 model 1 Zork that meets this description -- I bought > it years ago. It was a single-density disk (The model 1 used a 1771 > controller that could only do single desnity), and it was formatted > strangely 'copy protect' it. It was also a self-booting disk with no > filesystem as such -- the Zork program just read the text (encrypted > IIRC) from raw sectors on the disk. > > Superutility on a TRS-80 could probably read/back up that disk, but I > don't know what else can. > > -tony

26 years, 10 months

1
0
0 0

Reading TRS-80 discs (was RE: Archiving old discs...)

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

--- morrison(a)t-iii.com wrote: > If the TRS-80 disks are DD you can usually read them OK, but SD needs some > other computer (Model I, III, 4, Coco etc.) There has been extensive discussion on this topic on the comp.os.cpm newsgroup in the past several years. Here's some articles that detail which PC floppy disk controllers are capable of reading/writing single- density disks: Ken Ganshirt <ken.ganshirt(a)sk.sympatico.ca> wrote in article <36899CB0.19AD9093(a)sk.sympatico.ca>... > > I must have a pretty decent floppy controller, because I can even read > my original SS/SD Os-1 floppies, even though 22Disk warns that it might > not work for that format. (For the technically curious, this is on a > Dell 486/50 running Win 95 and the floppy drive is one of those deals > that has both a 3.5 and 5.25 in a single half-height drive. It's the > only system I have left with a 5.25" floppy drive.) > Ken, I recently did a study to find out what will and what won't do single density. Here are my findings so far: Will support single density / FM: NS PC87306 Super I/O SMC FDC37C65 SMC FDC37C78 Most SMC Super I/O chips Will NOT support single density / FM: NS 8473 NS PC87332* Super I/O NS PC97307* Super I/O WD FDC37C65 Most (if not all) Intel parts Any Winbond part Any UMC part Reportedly will do single density / FM but NOT verified: NS 8477 Intel 82077AA Goldstar Super I/O The NS PC87306 is found in a lot of Dell and Compaq machines from the 486-50Mhz models to the Pentium-90 models. Most Super Micro Pentium motherboards using the PCI HX chipset also used that super I/O. *NOTE: It is important to verify the part number on the chip itself. Many of these newer NS parts will identify themselves to software as PC87306, but do NOT support single density. Best regards, Amardeep Amardeep S. Chana (asc1000(a)ibm.net) wrote: : Ken Ganshirt <ken.ganshirt(a)sk.sympatico.ca> wrote in article : <36899CB0.19AD9093(a)sk.sympatico.ca>... : > : > I must have a pretty decent floppy controller, because I can even read : > my original SS/SD Os-1 floppies, even though 22Disk warns that it might : > not work for that format. (For the technically curious, this is on a : > Dell 486/50 running Win 95 and the floppy drive is one of those deals : > that has both a 3.5 and 5.25 in a single half-height drive. It's the : > only system I have left with a 5.25" floppy drive.) : > : Ken, : I recently did a study to find out what will and what won't do single : density. Here are my findings so far: Amardeep, I fear that I must question your study. I believe that you are ascribing to some of the chips the shortcomings of the FDC manufacturer. For example, both the NS 8473 and the WD 37C65 will most assuredly support FM. I have DTK FDC cards with the 8473 and read Osborne 1 disks with them just prior to writing this. Likewise, I have the WD 37C65 in the WD FOX card and it will also read/write FM. On that basis, I must have reservations about some of your other determinations. - don : Will support single density / FM: : NS PC87306 Super I/O : SMC FDC37C65 : SMC FDC37C78 : Most SMC Super I/O chips : Will NOT support single density / FM: : NS 8473 : NS PC87332* Super I/O : NS PC97307* Super I/O : WD FDC37C65 : Most (if not all) Intel parts : Any Winbond part : Any UMC part : Reportedly will do single density / FM but NOT verified: : NS 8477 : Intel 82077AA : Goldstar Super I/O : The NS PC87306 is found in a lot of Dell and Compaq machines from the : 486-50Mhz models to the Pentium-90 models. Most Super Micro Pentium : motherboards using the PCI HX chipset also used that super I/O. : *NOTE: It is important to verify the part number on the chip itself. Many : of these newer NS parts will identify themselves to software as PC87306, : but do NOT support single density. : Best regards, : Amardeep Don Maslin <donm(a)cts.com> wrote in article <915064276.933215(a)optional.cts.com>... [snip] > > Amardeep, I fear that I must question your study. I believe that you > are ascribing to some of the chips the shortcomings of the FDC > manufacturer. For example, both the NS 8473 and the WD 37C65 will > most assuredly support FM. I have DTK FDC cards with the 8473 and > read Osborne 1 disks with them just prior to writing this. Likewise, > I have the WD 37C65 in the WD FOX card and it will also read/write > FM. On that basis, I must have reservations about some of your other > determinations. > - don > Hi Don, I understand your reservations and can address every issue. I did not go into enough detail in the first posting to fully support my assertions. > : Will support single density / FM: > > : NS PC87306 Super I/O > : SMC FDC37C65 > : SMC FDC37C78 > : Most SMC Super I/O chips > The above parts are completely stand alone with on board filters, write precomp generators, and data separators. They should work with FM in any board implementation, unless something specific is done to prevent it (not likely). This is per the National and SMSC (new name for SMC semiconductor) data sheets. I have tested the NS PC87306 and SMC FDC37C65 using Jeff Vavasour's Model 4 emulator and Tim Mann's xtrs 2.8 under Linux. They both read and write FM with no problems. > : Will NOT support single density / FM: > > : NS 8473 > : NS PC87332* Super I/O > : NS PC97307* Super I/O > : WD FDC37C65 > : Most (if not all) Intel parts > : Any Winbond part > : Any UMC part > The 1988 data sheet for the NS 8473 states on page 8-32, "While the controller and data separator support both FM and MFM encoding, the filter switch circuitry only supports the IBM standard MFM data rates. To provide both FM and MFM filters external logic may be necessary." Every 8473 board I have tried failed to write FM. However, it may be possible to read FM on some boards if the external filters have a wide enough Q. The NS PC87332 & NS PC97307 are standalone and by design do not support FM (verified on the National data sheets). The only information I have on the WD FDC37C65 is the Always IN2000 card I have with that chip cannot read or write FM. I suspect it is also dependent on implementation. I have new information on Intel... Intel 8272 is a NEC 765 clone and therefore dependent on implementation . Intel 82077AA and 82077SL - data sheet clearly states these parts suppo rt FM. Thanks to Pete Cervasio for testing and reporting that the 82077 does indeed read and write FM. Intel 82078 - data sheet clearly states these parts will NOT support FM . I haven't yet investigated the new Intel Super I/O chip which is replacing the 82078. The Winbond and UMC chips have never worked on any adapter or motherboard I've ever encountered them on. No idea if its the chip or the implementation. > : Reportedly will do single density / FM but NOT verified: > > : NS 8477 > : Intel 82077AA > : Goldstar Super I/O > The NS 8477 data sheet indicates that it does support FM (it is functionally and pin for pin compatible with the Intel 82077). The Goldstar Super I/O was reported to work with FM in a newsgroup posting I read once but have never been able to confirm it. Hope that clarifies things :) Amardeep

26 years, 10 months

4
6
0 0

Reading TRS-80 discs (was RE: Archiving old discs...)

by morrison＠t-iii.com

The real problem was that the DD controller could only write two types of data marks, whereas the SD one could write four. Randy Cook chose the two the DD controller couldn't write for the Mod I SD O/S. Neil Morrison email:morrison@t-iii.com > -----Original Message----- > From: allisonp(a)world.std.com [SMTP:allisonp@world.std.com] > Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 1999 12:58 PM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: RE: Reading TRS-80 discs (was RE: Archiving old discs...) > > > FYI: trs80s used WD 1771 (mod-1) and later ones used the 1793. The 1771 > is SD only and the 1793 does both. There were 1793 adaptors for the > MOD-1. > > > Allison

26 years, 10 months

2
1
0 0

Reading TRS-80 discs (was RE: Archiving old discs...)

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

>> Will support single density / FM: >> >> NS PC87306 Super I/O >> SMC FDC37C65 >> SMC FDC37C78 >> Most SMC Super I/O chips >> >> Will NOT support single density / FM: >> >> NS 8473 >> NS PC87332* Super I/O >> NS PC97307* Super I/O >> WD FDC37C65 >> Most (if not all) Intel parts >> Any Winbond part >> Any UMC part >Totally incorrect, all support SD *IF* software and external data >seperators/clocks are correct. He's specifically talking about "everything on one" FDC's, where there is no external data separator/clock - it's all on the one chip. -- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology WWW: http://www.trailing-edge.com/ 7328 Bradley Blvd Voice: 301-767-5917 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817 Fax: 301-767-5927

26 years, 10 months

2
1
0 0

Why is the Coleco Adam so popular?

by DD950＠prodigy.net

-----Original Message----- From: Aaron Christopher Finney <af-list(a)lafleur.wfi-inc.com> >This is interesting: call the 800 number from the sticker on the bottom of >a Colecovision/Adam. It's now a company called "Adam's House" who are more >than happy to mail you out a catalog You don't have to call!!! they are now on the Web at http://www.flash.net/~coleco/start.htm . Scary, as you could not even access the graphic web with one. You can be glad you waited as a Coleco Adam can now be had it appears for about $59.95!! These appear to be for still new equipment. Reading the FAQ it appears Adam House bought out the inventory in 1985 from the Coleco bankruptcy? Aaron, How old are you or that VW van anyway? I have a 1977. Up for a road trip? Regards, Jim Rossbach, Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club Web Ring, www.TonkinYachts.cjb.net What If The Hokey Pokey Is Really What It's All About?

26 years, 10 months

2
1
0 0

HP IC numbers was:Re: Britain is Great (Back from the Island)

by jeff.kaneko＠juno.com

On Tue, 14 Sep 1999 19:03:30 +0100 (BST) ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk (Tony Duell) writes: > Other manufacturers had similar number schemes. IBM have used > standard chips (TTL, etc) with just IBM part numbers on them. ICL had a 2 or > 3 character code on some of their standard TTL (etc) chips -- I > started compiling a list of those as well as they turn up in UK PERQs. > > The one I would love to get an equivalents list for is Xerox. Xerox > D-machines have what are obviously TTL chips with only house numbers > on them. I have never seen any equivalents list or dual-marked ICs, > though, which makes fixing these machines a little harder. Stuff made by Motorola's COMM group was the same way. WHen I left that organization in 1986, I took with me a table cross-referencing commonly used chips with their Motorola Part Numbers. Very useful, if you deal with alot with their old (read: mid-80's) radios, consoles, and computer-ish things. Jeff ___________________________________________________________________ Get the Internet just the way you want it. Free software, free e-mail, and free Internet access for a month! Try Juno Web: http://dl.www.juno.com/dynoget/tagj.

26 years, 10 months

1
0
0 0

Expiration dates for computers? (was Re: Unopened classic... )

by morrison＠t-iii.com

Best Used By : After almost everyone had discarded them, Rad Shack dumped all software, and the repair techs shook their heads when they saw one come into the repair depot. Neil Morrison email:morrison@t-iii.com > -----Original Message----- > From: Eric Smith [SMTP:eric@brouhaha.com] > Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 1999 11:59 AM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: Expiration dates for computers? (was Re: Unopened > classic...) > > morrison(a)t-iii.com wrote: > > IMHO, the best possible use for a Mod II/12 and esp. for the external > floppy > > drive box, would be to make computer thieves have to carry it repeatedly > up > > and down the stairs of a multi story building! Then maybe they'd keep > their > > hands off other peoples property. (Some idiot actually STOLE one of > these, > > way past it's useful date!!!) > > Hmmm... I just bought a couple of Model IIs from someone a few months > ago. > I hadn't realized that they were past the "best used by" date, since I > didn't see one stamped on it anywhere. :-)

26 years, 10 months

1
0
0 0

Why is the Coleco Adam so damn popular?

by DD950＠prodigy.net

-----Original Message----- From: Charles E. Fox <foxvideo(a)wincom.net> > I think it is human sympathy for an underdog. I'm told the reason people >AT FIRST bought the VW Beetle was because it was so homely. (Don't shoot, I >had one in 1956.) > > Regards > Charlie Fox > If that is it, then it would be an interesting ploy for a marketing department. Although, I took such a course at the local community college once and we discussed the COORS beer underdog marketing campaign of the early and mid 70's. Seems they successfully exploited the underdog thing some felt. Yes, everybody laughed at the Beetle, and bought one. Whatever, it is amazing at all the Web sites and new equipment for sell on the Web for the Coleco Adam. I paid $800 for mine in May 1984 and that was/is not really that cheap. There is not that much excitement left for Coleco's Cabbage Patch Dolls of that time. Those dolls were making headlines back then. Thanks for the input, Jim Rossbach, Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club, www.TonkinYachts.cjb.net

26 years, 10 months

3
2
0 0

IBM magcard typewriter cards

by mmcfadden＠cmh.edu

IBM magcard typewriter IBM MagCard II typewriter introduced by IBM in 1973. The cards that look like a magnetic version of an 026/029 punch card were >from a IBM Selectric typewriter with a adjacent floor stand unit that could read/write the cards and print out what was stored on them. I think they were called IBM magcards. I saw them in use in 1974-1976. The floor unit was about 1 foot wide and 4 feet tall with a slot in the front of the unit. At one of my first jobs all of the standard canned pathology reports were stored on magcards. The pathologist would dictate reports by indicating a series of standard report text to use with any additional comments manually added at the end. The typist would feed in the correct cards as indicated. Great productivity and spelling accuracy tool. Later I saw one in the EE department at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Some of the typists could type faster that the machine under magcard control. Occasionally the engineering secretary could be seen sitting in front of the typewriter as it ran without any of her fingers touching the keys. It was great for stored forms and for editing and retyping grant applications. They had little sleeves for them where they indicated the topic or subject stored on the card. mike mcfadden Computer=computing device that can run for a year without crashing.

26 years, 10 months

1
0
0 0

Unopened classic...

by morrison＠t-iii.com

IMHO, the best possible use for a Mod II/12 and esp. for the external floppy drive box, would be to make computer thieves have to carry it repeatedly up and down the stairs of a multi story building! Then maybe they'd keep their hands off other peoples property. (Some idiot actually STOLE one of these, way past it's useful date!!!) Neil Morrison email:morrison@t-iii.com > -----Original Message----- > From: Jim [SMTP:DD950@prodigy.net] > Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 1999 9:38 AM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: Re: Unopened classic... > > It would be interesting to find out what something like that would bring > on > eBay. You could list it with a very high reserve that would most likely > never be met, just to see what something like that is now worth. > > We might be pleasantly surprised, or then again, we might find out that > most > people do not share our passion for old computers and you have only an > interesting box of old stuff. You pay shipping, :-( > > Anyway, keep us informed. > > Jim Rossbach, Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club Web Ring, www.TonkinYachts.cjb.net > > God Made Us Sisters and Brothers, Prozac Made Us Friends > > -----Original Message----- > From: Arfon Gryffydd <arfonrg(a)texas.net> > > > >Well, I have decided to let it be for now. I am worried that there might > be > >critters (bugs) in there (through the hand-holes). I don't want to put > it > >on eBay because I am not out to make $$$. > > > >All I need to find is a 3x3x3 glass box and a tank of nitrogen. (And a > >borescope so I can look at it). > > >

26 years, 10 months

2
1
0 0

Reading TRS-80 discs (was RE: Archiving old discs...)

by morrison＠t-iii.com

These were made for the Model I in SD. They are flippy disks, with the active part of the game (recorded with track order backwards as I recall) on one side. I know the Coco supports SD, but most IBM PC's don't AFAIK. Neil Morrison email:morrison@t-iii.com > -----Original Message----- > From: Ethan Dicks [SMTP:ethan_dicks@yahoo.com] > Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 1999 10:55 AM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: Reading TRS-80 discs (was RE: Archiving old discs...) > > > > --- morrison(a)t-iii.com wrote: > > If the TRS-80 disks are DD you can usually read them OK, but SD needs > some > > other computer (Model I, III, 4, Coco etc.) > > Hmm... I've got an ancient ORIGINAL of Zork I (published by Personal > Software) > I've wanted to back this thing up for years so I can see which data file > is on > it, but I've never owned anything that can read it. Is it likely to be > SD? > What kind of non-period hardware can read this? If need be, I could even > hook up a 5.25" disk to my Amiga and get funky with that. > > Thanks, > > -ethan > > === > Infinet has been sold. The domain is going away in February. > Please send all replies to > > erd(a)iname.com > __________________________________________________ > Do You Yahoo!? > Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com

26 years, 10 months

1
0
0 0

Everyone, ignore my last post.

by arfonrg＠texas.net

Everyone, Sorry about not checking the return address before sending on that last message. ---------------------------------------- Tired of Micro$oft??? Move up to a REAL OS... ######__ __ ____ __ __ _ __ # #####/ / / / / __ | / / / / | |/ /## ####/ / / / / / / / / / / / | /### ###/ /__ / / / / / / / /_/ / / |#### ##/____/ /_/ /_/ /_/ /_____/ /_/|_|#### # ###### ("LINUX" for those of you without fixed-width fonts) ---------------------------------------- Be a Slacker! http://www.slackware.com Slackware Mailing List: http://www.digitalslackers.net/linux/list.html

26 years, 10 months

1
0
0 0

Need ID for IBM Cards

by wsmith＠gj.com

I was just going through a box of old files (circa 1970) that my office is throwing out and I found four cards that I need an ID on. They are the same size and shape as a standard puch card, but appear to be made of some sort of magnetic media. They are approximately the color of standard magnetic cassette tape on one side, and nearly black on the other. Each card has "IBM" printed on it in white with a direction arrow next to it in one corner of the card directly opposite the notch. In the corner with the notch there are two groups of 3 digits, also in white. The cards have what appear to be track marks on them in three parallel rows on the horizontal, as if fed through a reader. Thanks. If it would be useful I post a scan of one of these.

26 years, 10 months

5
4
0 0

5 1/4 floppies on laptop

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

In a message dated 9/13/99 11:17:31 PM Eastern Daylight Time, mikeford(a)socal.rr.com writes: > > > > I would like to run 5 1/4 floppies on an older laptop. Can anyone > >recommend a laptop that had this size drive? Or which older laptops had > >ports for 5 1/4 external floppie drives? sring(a)uslink.net > > > > > > > > IBM 5140? Unfortunately, the 5140 (convertible) doesnt support 5.25 drives unless someone's hacked one on. Now, if you had a 5155 you could have one 3.5 and one 5.25 as long as you run dos 3.3 or higher. -->this message printed on recycled disk space. visit the computers of yesteryear at: http://members.aol.com/suprdave/classiccmp/museum.htm

26 years, 10 months

2
1
0 0

Why is the Coleco Adam so popular?

by DD950＠prodigy.net

Sorry for the previous post, it got away from me before I was finished :-( This might be a bit off of at least the current topics, but probably the best place to ask this question. I have to admit I bought one of the Coleco Adam computers in the summer of 1984 (The Adam bomb). I soon found that it really didn't work and like most I returned it to Toys-R-Us for a refund. I bought a KayPro 2X then and was very happy with it. I used the KayPro up until 1993. Recently I searched for information on the Kaypro on the Web and other than some pictures of the old machines I really found very little about the KayPro computers or company. But then tonight I noticed a link to a Web site on the darn Coleco Adam and I found that there are still many devotees of the little system, many Web pages, and even complete systems for sell!! These people are still having conventions!! I would think it would be the other way around. It seems as the Kaypro should still have it's UG's and Web sites and the almost worthless Adam would be long forgotten. Can somebody tell me why the Adam has enjoyed so much loyalty from people 14 years after the two year poduction run ended in bankruptcy? I really am mystified by this. Jim

26 years, 10 months

3
2
0 0

Archiving old discs...

by morrison＠t-iii.com

If the TRS-80 disks are DD you can usually read them OK, but SD needs some other computer (Model I, III, 4, Coco etc.) Neil Morrison email:morrison@t-iii.com > -----Original Message----- > From: Arfon Gryffydd [SMTP:arfonrg@texas.net] > Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 1999 8:21 AM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: Archiving old discs... > > I picked up an AppleII CP/M card and software yesterday and causes me to > raise a question... > > I have a ton of old 5.25" discs from TRS-80's, Apples and etc. Can I use a > IBM Compatible and a disc image program (like scopy) to archive these > discs? If not, how can I archive these programs? > > Thanks > > A > ---------------------------------------- > Tired of Micro$oft??? > > Move up to a REAL OS... > ######__ __ ____ __ __ _ __ # > #####/ / / / / __ | / / / / | |/ /## > ####/ / / / / / / / / / / / | /### > ###/ /__ / / / / / / / /_/ / / |#### > ##/____/ /_/ /_/ /_/ /_____/ /_/|_|#### > # ###### > ("LINUX" for those of you > without fixed-width fonts) > ---------------------------------------- > Be a Slacker! http://www.slackware.com > > Slackware Mailing List: > http://www.digitalslackers.net/linux/list.html

26 years, 10 months

1
0
0 0

Why is the Coleco Adam so damn popular?

by morrison＠t-iii.com

Well of course the Model 100 from Rad Shack is eternally popular and useful, and there are many (such as me) who keep their Color Computers also. Neil Morrison email:morrison@t-iii.com > -----Original Message----- > From: Jim [SMTP:DD950@prodigy.net] > Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 1999 9:52 AM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: Re: Why is the Coleco Adam so damn popular? > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Charles E. Fox <foxvideo(a)wincom.net> > > I think it is human sympathy for an underdog. I'm told the reason people > >AT FIRST bought the VW Beetle was because it was so homely. (Don't shoot, > I > >had one in 1956.) > > > > Regards > > Charlie Fox > > > > > > If that is it, then it would be an interesting ploy for a marketing > department. Although, I took such a course at the local community college > once and we discussed the COORS beer underdog marketing campaign of the > early and mid 70's. Seems they successfully exploited the underdog thing > some felt. > > Yes, everybody laughed at the Beetle, and bought one. > > Whatever, it is amazing at all the Web sites and new equipment for sell on > the Web for the Coleco Adam. I paid $800 for mine in May 1984 and that > was/is not really that cheap. There is not that much excitement left for > Coleco's Cabbage Patch Dolls of that time. Those dolls were making > headlines > back then. > > Thanks for the input, > > Jim Rossbach, Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club, www.TonkinYachts.cjb.net > > > >

26 years, 10 months

1
0
0 0

Intel 4004 processor

by wsmith＠gj.com

>>> Lawrence LeMay <lemay(a)cs.umn.edu> 09/09 7:14 PM >>> >> > I came across a letter from someone who needs one of these to fix a valuable >> > piece of equipment. >> > Are there any still in existence? >> > >> > Neil Morrison >> > email:morrison@t-iii.com >> > >> >> They sell for over $300 each on ebay. yes, they still exist. >> > >http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160258235 > >With almost 9 days left, its already at $132.50 ... Hey, if you find a >source thats giving em away, i'm sure i can find things that need them >as well.. > >-Lawrence LeMay If you can find a Busicom Model 141-PF desktop calculator, you can pull the 4004 chip right off the board. Perhaps others know of other models that used the 4004. ! ! !

26 years, 10 months

7
18
0 0

TSR 80

by morrison＠t-iii.com

Which Model ??? Z-80 or 6809? If you have any docs, I have a couple of web pages where I am posting whatever docs I can find:- http://homepages.msn.com/Arcade/colorcomputer/index.html http://homepages.msn.com/WindowsWay/t80/index.html If all else fails, I'd like any docs, or copies of same. Neil Morrison ph: (604) 293-5710 email:morrison@t-iii.com > -----Original Message----- > From: John C. Mitchell [SMTP:jcmitch@fcc.net] > Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 1999 7:55 AM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: TSR 80 > > I have a TSR 80 that is tape driven not disk driven. I also have a > number of games for it. Is this worth anything. > > John C. Mitchell >

26 years, 10 months

1
0
0 0

Unopened classic what should I do???

by arfonrg＠texas.net

Bragging part: I just got a TRS-80 Model 12!! I just got a TRS-80 Model 12!! nyah nyah!! It's un-opened!!! It's un-opened!!! WHOO HOO!!!! Dilemma: Should I open it and smellthe sweet scent of the ancient '80's air trapped in it's plastic bags or let it be, and keep it's un-opened pristine state??? A virgin. Un-touched by end-user hands. I really don't have any software for it... what should I do??? A ---------------------------------------- Tired of Micro$oft??? Move up to a REAL OS... ######__ __ ____ __ __ _ __ # #####/ / / / / __ | / / / / | |/ /## ####/ / / / / / / / / / / / | /### ###/ /__ / / / / / / / /_/ / / |#### ##/____/ /_/ /_/ /_/ /_____/ /_/|_|#### # ###### ("LINUX" for those of you without fixed-width fonts) ---------------------------------------- Be a Slacker! http://www.slackware.com Slackware Mailing List: http://www.digitalslackers.net/linux/list.html

26 years, 10 months

4
3
0 0

Unopened classic...

by DD950＠prodigy.net

It would be interesting to find out what something like that would bring on eBay. You could list it with a very high reserve that would most likely never be met, just to see what something like that is now worth. We might be pleasantly surprised, or then again, we might find out that most people do not share our passion for old computers and you have only an interesting box of old stuff. You pay shipping, :-( Anyway, keep us informed. Jim Rossbach, Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club Web Ring, www.TonkinYachts.cjb.net God Made Us Sisters and Brothers, Prozac Made Us Friends -----Original Message----- From: Arfon Gryffydd <arfonrg(a)texas.net> >Well, I have decided to let it be for now. I am worried that there might be >critters (bugs) in there (through the hand-holes). I don't want to put it >on eBay because I am not out to make $$$. > >All I need to find is a 3x3x3 glass box and a tank of nitrogen. (And a >borescope so I can look at it). >

26 years, 10 months

1
0
0 0

Why is the Coleco Adam so damn popular?

by DD950＠prodigy.net

This might be a bit off of at least the current topics, but probably the best place to ask this question. I have to admit i bought one of the Coleco Adam computers in the summer of 1984 (The Adam bomb). I soon found that it really didn't work and like most I returned it to Toy-R-Us for a refund. I bought a KayPro 2X then and was very happy with it. Used it up until 1993.

26 years, 10 months

2
1
0 0

Archiving old discs...

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

>I picked up an AppleII CP/M card and software yesterday and causes me to >raise a question... > >I have a ton of old 5.25" discs from TRS-80's, Apples and etc. Can I use a >IBM Compatible and a disc image program (like scopy) to archive these >discs? In some cases, yes, you can use something like Teledisk to make foreign disk images on the PC. In other cases (most notably Apple floppies) only the original hardware on the Apple, or very specialized hardware on the PC, can read/write the disks. > If not, how can I archive these programs? You can read, for example, Apple disks on the Apple and move the image data over a serial cable to a PC (or your favorite workstation/mini/mainframe). -- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology WWW: http://www.trailing-edge.com/ 7328 Bradley Blvd Voice: 301-767-5917 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817 Fax: 301-767-5927

26 years, 10 months

3
2
0 0

Archiving old discs...

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

>>You can read, for example, Apple disks on the Apple and move the image >>data over a serial cable to a PC (or your favorite workstation/mini/ >>mainframe). >Forgive me for being dense but, how do you get an Apple to create the image >file and send it out the serial cable? My favorite tool is Warren Toomey's "apl2serial", available by anonymous FTP from ftp://minnie.cs.adfa.oz.au/pub/apple2/ There are also numerous other tools available on any of the gigabytes-of- Apple II-copyright-violations disk image sites. -- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology WWW: http://www.trailing-edge.com/ 7328 Bradley Blvd Voice: 301-767-5917 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817 Fax: 301-767-5927

26 years, 10 months

1
0
0 0

Archiving old discs...

by arfonrg＠texas.net

I picked up an AppleII CP/M card and software yesterday and causes me to raise a question... I have a ton of old 5.25" discs from TRS-80's, Apples and etc. Can I use a IBM Compatible and a disc image program (like scopy) to archive these discs? If not, how can I archive these programs? Thanks A ---------------------------------------- Tired of Micro$oft??? Move up to a REAL OS... ######__ __ ____ __ __ _ __ # #####/ / / / / __ | / / / / | |/ /## ####/ / / / / / / / / / / / | /### ###/ /__ / / / / / / / /_/ / / |#### ##/____/ /_/ /_/ /_/ /_____/ /_/|_|#### # ###### ("LINUX" for those of you without fixed-width fonts) ---------------------------------------- Be a Slacker! http://www.slackware.com Slackware Mailing List: http://www.digitalslackers.net/linux/list.html

26 years, 10 months

1
0
0 0

Unopened classic what should I do???

by fmc＠reanimators.org

Arfon Gryffydd <arfonrg(a)texas.net> wrote: > Dilemma: > Should I open it and smellthe sweet scent of the ancient '80's air trapped > in it's plastic bags or let it be, and keep it's un-opened pristine > state??? A virgin. Un-touched by end-user hands. Consider: will the packaging degrade over time in a way that affects the artifact? Shipping cartons aren't really intended for long-term storage, they're intended to protect the contents during shipment which hopefully won't take 20 years. Styrofoam and plastics can melt if they get too hot (i.e. styrofoam peanuts and plastic bubble wrap tend to have lower melting points than do computer cases and cords, and those temperatures can easily be reached in shelters that are exposed to sunlight like outdoor sheds), and rubbers and glues can dry out and/or turn gooey over time. -Frank McConnell

26 years, 10 months

3
2
0 0

Why is the Coleco Adam so popular?

by edick＠idcomm.com

The Coleco "Adam" was one of the first mass-marketed "home" computers which was sold as a complete unit, i.e. it had a printer and storage device (originally a tape drive of some odd sort), and coming from a relatively popular game maker didn't hurt either. The basic unit IIRC cost very little and, I'm not sure of this, but I do recall a price of <$500 for the entire mess. The price was quite low, so it was quite frequently purchased. People unwilling to admit they couldn't get it to do anything useful simply threw them out and bought a Kaypro or something similar. I saw many of these make the trip from the store to the dumpster in less than a month, though, since they only "sorta" worked. The challenge here was to make them do something useful, which was quite a feat, I guess. Dick -----Original Message----- From: Jim <DD950(a)prodigy.net> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Tuesday, September 14, 1999 4:37 AM Subject: Why is the Coleco Adam so popular? Sorry for the previous post, it got away from me before I was finished :-( This might be a bit off of at least the current topics, but probably the best place to ask this question. I have to admit I bought one of the Coleco Adam computers in the summer of 1984 (The Adam bomb). I soon found that it really didn't work and like most I returned it to Toys-R-Us for a refund. I bought a KayPro 2X then and was very happy with it. I used the KayPro up until 1993. Recently I searched for information on the Kaypro on the Web and other than some pictures of the old machines I really found very little about the KayPro computers or company. But then tonight I noticed a link to a Web site on the darn Coleco Adam and I found that there are still many devotees of the little system, many Web pages, and even complete systems for sell!! These people are still having conventions!! I would think it would be the other way around. It seems as the Kaypro should still have it's UG's and Web sites and the almost worthless Adam would be long forgotten. Can somebody tell me why the Adam has enjoyed so much loyalty from people 14 years after the two year poduction run ended in bankruptcy? I really am mystified by this. Jim

26 years, 10 months

1
0
0 0

Unopened classic what should I do???

by edick＠idcomm.com

The model 12 was no great thing . . . Unopened and in unused condition, however, it might bring a fair price on eBay. That's what I'd do if I had to deal with this. Dick -----Original Message----- From: Tony Duell <ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Monday, September 13, 1999 7:36 PM Subject: Re: Unopened classic what should I do??? >> >> > I just got a TRS-80 Model 12!! I just got a TRS-80 Model 12!! nyah nyah!! >> > It's un-opened!!! It's un-opened!!! WHOO HOO!!!! >> > >> > >> >Dilemma: >> > Should I open it and smellthe sweet scent of the ancient '80's air trapped >> >in it's plastic bags or let it be, and keep it's un-opened pristine >> >state??? >> > >> Just having the original packaging is remarkable. >> >> As for me and my collection, we say keep it intact and untouched for as long >> as you can. > >This is certainly a YMMV thing.... > >I'd say the opposite -- open it (as carefully as possible) and keep the >packaging (assuming you have the space ;-)). > >I collect old computers because I enjoy using them, I enjoy fixing them, >I enjoy figuring out how they work, I learn from them, etc. Not because I >want to own 'valuable' objects. > >So a computer (in unknown working condition, remember!) in a sealed box >has no interest to me at all. The same machine upacked, tested, and >operational would be fun. > >For the same reason (and I know I'll draw flames here), if I ever >obtained an unbuilt kit for something, my first aim would be to build it. >A box of components is not interesting to me, the final object is. > >-tony >

26 years, 10 months

1
0
0 0

HELP! Kaypro 2X Drive (Was: HELP! Osbourne drives)

by edick＠idcomm.com

I've seen lots of floppies with this problem. I find that it occurs on systems which (a) leave the motor on and the head loaded (not an option on low-cost 5-1/4" drives, the head was always loaded) and (2) drives with some form of contamination, i.e. particulates, on either the head or the head-load pad. Dust and smoke are often the offending contaminant, i.e. they damage the extremely hard surface of the head, normally polished to a very fine finish, and leave a burr which subsequently scratches the emulsion off the media. In any case, the problem is much scarcer in "clean" environments than in my basement or anyplace like it. Solution: (a) take the media out of the drive when it's not in use and (b) make the fan in whatever enclosure houses the drive blow into rather than suck out of the enclosure, preferably through a filter of some sort. Dick -----Original Message----- From: CLASSICCMP(a)trailing-edge.com <CLASSICCMP(a)trailing-edge.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Monday, September 13, 1999 6:41 PM Subject: RE: HELP! Kaypro 2X Drive (Was: HELP! Osbourne drives) >>This made me remember that I have a perhaps similar problem with one of my >>Kaypro drives. It works at first, but eventually wears away portions of the >>disk making the disk unusable. (After a few uses, if you hold the disk >>up to the light there are arcs >>that are clear.) I assume this is a head alignment issue. > >Why assume this? And why is everyone so quick to assume that the >first thing you want to do to a floppy drive is realign the heads? >Reminds me of those folks who insist on tweaking the IF cores in all >their AM/FM radios without the proper test equipment, and then they >wonder why it doesn't perform so well anymore... > >In my experience, the only floppy drives I've ever had to realign >the heads on were drives that someone else decided to align the heads on :-). > >Two questions: > >1. Single sided drive? If so, check the head load pad. An extremely >worn head load pad will gouge up the media for sure. > >2. Double sided drive? If so, is there anything wedged in the spring >supports that'll make the heads press against the media with too much >force? > >-- > Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com > Trailing Edge Technology WWW: http://www.trailing-edge.com/ > 7328 Bradley Blvd Voice: 301-767-5917 > Bethesda, MD, USA 20817 Fax: 301-767-5927

26 years, 10 months

1
0
0 0

5 1/4 floppies on laptop

by DD950＠prodigy.net

Well, I am not real knowledgeable about computers but I have still an old Toshiba 1000 that I bought for $150 in 1993 at a hamfest. I used it for packet radio for awhile. It had a 3 1/2 " internal drive and I bought a 5 1/4" external that came with a big brick power supply for $50 dollars for it. I think the Toshiba 1100 was really about the same thing. When I was looking for a 5 1/4" drive in 1993, I remember people telling me that MicroSolutions made one for various notebook computers. I think I have the name of the company correct. MicroSolutions also made external hard drives and tape drives they called/call the back-pack I think. My Toshiba works,err, maybe worked, with its own connections. I think the MicroSolution stuff was all parallel port. I have always wondered if somebody has written a driver for my parallel port 100 Mb Zip drive to work with the old XT type Toshiba 1000? That might be an interesting solution for you also. Regards, Jim Rossbach, Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club Web Ring, www.TonkinYachts.cjb.net Stop repeat offenders. Don't re-elect them!

26 years, 10 months

7
8
0 0

Really OT: Any tar experts here?

by pete＠dunnington.u-net.com

On Sep 13, 20:12, Roger Merchberger wrote: > Essential info: Problem is, I have directories that I want backed up, but > with subdirectories that I *don't* want backed up; yet when I feed the list > of dir's to tar, it recursively backs up the dir's anyway. > > Is there a way (program switch, special version of tar, anything...) to > tell tar to not recurse subdirectories, or do I need to write a sub-program > that extracts each individual filename? There are probably several ways. Here's a few I've used: 1) use the 'w' option to tar; it will prompt you for each file/dir to be included. Could be tedious, though. 2) use GNU tar, which has an option to read a list of files/dirs to be excluded, from a file. There's a similar option to read the list as part of the command line. I can't remember the options (and this system doesn't have GNU tar so I can't look them up) but I do remember you have to make the pathnames in the file to be *exactly* as tar will see them. 3) use find (or your perl program) to create a list of files to be archived, excluding all directory/subdirectory names; then it won't recurse into subdirectories. Eg: find . -type p <rest of expression> -print | tar cf tarfile.tar - The '-type p' makes find only print names of plain files, not directories or special files, etc. Problem is that you will end up with a flat file in which you can't distinguish which directory files came from from. -- Pete Peter Turnbull Dept. of Computer Science University of York

26 years, 10 months

1
0
0 0

HELP! Kaypro 2X Drive (Was: HELP! Osbourne drives)

by wsmith＠gj.com

This made me remember that I have a perhaps similar problem with one of my Kaypro drives. It works at first, but eventually wears away portions of the disk making the disk unusable. (After a few uses, if you hold the disk up to the light there are arcs that are clear.) I assume this is a head alignment issue. If so, is there an easy way to realign the heads (perhaps dropping the unit a la Apple III), or should I just look for another floppy drive?

26 years, 10 months

3
2
0 0

Really OT: Any tar experts here?

by lance＠costanzo.net

Forget tar. Use pax. Put the names of the files you want to backup in a file, feed it in. # collect the files &cmd("pax -w -f $backupname.pax < $backupname.paxin"); # make a listing $ENV{"LC_TIME"} = "%b %e %T %Y"; &cmd("pax -v -f $backupname.pax > $backupname.paxlist"); # compress &cmd("gzip $backupname.pax"); At 08:12 PM 09/13/1999 -0400, you wrote: >Sorry for the off-topic post, but I'm tired of beating what's left of my >brains on what's left of my desk... A bloody mess indeed, oozing onto the already shattered keyboard lying on the floor. Lance Costanzo http://www.webhighrise.com System Administrator Website and Virtual Domain Hosting lance(a)costanzo.net starting at $5/month, no setup fees

26 years, 10 months

1
0
0 0

Unopened classic what should I do???

by kstumpf＠unusual.on.ca

> I just got a TRS-80 Model 12!! I just got a TRS-80 Model 12!! nyah nyah!! > It's un-opened!!! It's un-opened!!! WHOO HOO!!!! > > >Dilemma: > Should I open it and smellthe sweet scent of the ancient '80's air trapped >in it's plastic bags or let it be, and keep it's un-opened pristine >state??? > Just having the original packaging is remarkable. As for me and my collection, we say keep it intact and untouched for as long as you can. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Kevin Stumpf * Unusual systems * www.unusual.on.ca +1.519.744.2900 * EST/EDT GMT - 5 Collector - Commercial Mainframes & Minicomputers from the 50s, 60s, & 70s and control panels and consoles. Author & Publisher - A Guide to Collecting Computers & Computer Collectibles * ISBN 0-9684244-0-6 .

26 years, 10 months

3
2
0 0

5 1/4 floppies on laptop

by sring＠uslink.net

I would like to run 5 1/4 floppies on an older laptop. Can anyone recommend a laptop that had this size drive? Or which older laptops had ports for 5 1/4 external floppie drives? sring(a)uslink.net

26 years, 10 months

3
2
0 0

HELP! Kaypro 2X Drive (Was: HELP! Osbourne drives)

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<>>>> Joe <rigdonj(a)intellistar.net> 09/13 9:19 PM >>> <>>How long can you use the disks before they fail? <> <>Only 3-4 times. < < Yow! Definitely something wrong there! Everytime I see that it's a glob of hardend media glued to the head. Allison

26 years, 10 months

1
0
0 0

HELP! Kaypro 2X Drive (Was: HELP! Osbourne drives)

by wsmith＠gj.com

>>> Joe <rigdonj(a)intellistar.net> 09/13 9:19 PM >>> >How long can you use the disks before they fail? Only 3-4 times.

26 years, 10 months

2
1
0 0

GOOD hamfest!

by cem14＠cornell.edu

On Mon, 13 Sep 1999, Tony wrote: > I picked up an HP3421 (I think that's the number -- the data > logger/multimeter thingy) with HPIL and HPIB on it for a couple of pounds > at a factory sale aa few years back. Nobody else knew what it was. I > didn't really know what it was, but it said HP, and looked interesting > :-)... Still not figured out how to make it do something useful, but it > returns a sane ID when probed on the HPIL so I guess it's doing something. That was a great find, especially at that price. I have a couple of these with the optional HPIB interface. The most useful card for these beasts is the 10 channel multiplexer/actuator assembly (HP44462A), usually configured with the first two channels as actuators . The multiplexer works like this: when the relay on a given channel is closed, it connects its corresponding LO and HI lines to the LO/HI lines in the main chassis (which, by the way, are the same ones available in the front panel). Relays (channels) configured as actuators connect nothing to the instrument's LO and HI lines; they just close a switch for external use. Warning: because of this design, it is possible to tie two channels and the main LO/HI terminals together by closing two relays at once. The software allows this (it can be useful in some situations) but it is possible to inadvertently connect two high-current circuits together, possibly creating a short. It is also important to remember that when a relay closes, the corresponding measured voltage is available at the front panel terminals of the instrument. I like to connect my HP3468A there, since the 3421A has no display. The 3421 is really simple to use. Since it has no front panel, it is always in "remote" mode, and it doesn't respond to the hpil commands "remote", "local", or "local lockout". It has a set of high level commands and a set of lower level (or "advanced") commands. The high level commands allow pretty simple operation, and are mnemonic; here are some to get you started (note: <argument> is mandatory and [argument] is optional): DCV [channel list] Take a sequence of voltage measurements on the optionally specified channels (up to 30) ACV [channel list] TWO [channel list] Two-wire ohm measurements FWo [channel list] Four-wire ohms; needs special connections and two multiplexer assemblies. TEM [channel list] Take a temperature measurement ("T" thermocouple assumed in the corresponding channel). Each multiplexer assembly has its own cold junction compensation. FRQ [channel list] Frequency reading CLS <channel> Close an actuator relay or multiplexer channel (protected; first opens any other closed multiplexer channels) OPN <channel> Open " " ... UC <channel> Unconditionally (no protection) close a channel When the optional channel list is not specified, the commands DCV,ACV,TEM,TWO and FWO leave the current state of the relays undisturbed, so readings are taken from the last channel that was closed. When the channel list is specified, the last channel that was closed remains closed. At startup, no channels are closed, so if no channel list is provided, readings are taken from whatever is connected to the front panel terminals. The 3421A can operate for about 8 hours on its internal sealed lead-acid battery, a Panasonic LCR-306P, 6V, 3.2AH . Unfortunately, these are no longer produced. I put smaller, 2.4AH batteries in mine, similar to those used in the HP9114A/B drives. These you can get from Digikey. One thing _not_ to do with an HP3421: if you remove a multiplexer assembly and turn the thing on, it will notice that it is missing, and the next time you plug it in, it will label the assembly as "uncalibrated", requiring you to complete the calibration procedure (all calibration is done in software). I have not had a lot of time to play with my 3421's recently, but back in January I built a subwoofer with a three-chamber acoustic labyrinth. I needed an automated way of evaluating the frequency response of the thing, since tuning the relative volumes of the chambers is an iterative process. I hooked a WaveteK 111 voltage controlled function generator, the voltage control provided by a DAC08 driven by an HP82165 HPIL-GPIO converter, plus a good mike, an HP3421A, my trusty HP71B and an HP82164 HPIL-RS232 converter. So, to take a response reading at a given frequency, first the HP71B would take 10 frequency readings from the 3421A (connected to the Wavetek 111), average them, and adjust the voltage control using a Regula-Falsi algorithm (just a couple iterations required since the Wavetek 111 is pretty linear) until the desired test frequency was being output by the function generator. Of course, the subwoofer was fed by an amplifier connected to the funtion generator. When the right frequency was being output, amplitude readings were taken from the mike, and after repeating this for several frequencies, the response data was downloaded via RS232 to my pc for further analysis in matlab. After quite a few iterations, I was able to get the response to where I wanted it. Could not have done it without the automated rig. Carlos.

26 years, 10 months

2
3
0 0

HELP! Kaypro 2X Drive (Was: HELP! Osbourne drives)

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

>It's double sided. I'll have a look at the springs as you suggest. >I think you've answered your own question as to why I assumed bad head >alignment --- it's what everyone always tells you. (Particularly if the unit >was shipped without disk protectors installed.) Something of an urban myth >I suppose. The shipping cardboard doesn't really protect alignment - it's there to keep the heads from banging into each other. Indeed, if there is some physical damage to the heads this could cause it to gouge up the media too. -- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology WWW: http://www.trailing-edge.com/ 7328 Bradley Blvd Voice: 301-767-5917 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817 Fax: 301-767-5927

26 years, 10 months

1
0
0 0

HELP! Kaypro 2X Drive (Was: HELP! Osbourne drives)

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

>This made me remember that I have a perhaps similar problem with one of my >Kaypro drives. It works at first, but eventually wears away portions of the >disk making the disk unusable. (After a few uses, if you hold the disk >up to the light there are arcs >that are clear.) I assume this is a head alignment issue. Why assume this? And why is everyone so quick to assume that the first thing you want to do to a floppy drive is realign the heads? Reminds me of those folks who insist on tweaking the IF cores in all their AM/FM radios without the proper test equipment, and then they wonder why it doesn't perform so well anymore... In my experience, the only floppy drives I've ever had to realign the heads on were drives that someone else decided to align the heads on :-). Two questions: 1. Single sided drive? If so, check the head load pad. An extremely worn head load pad will gouge up the media for sure. 2. Double sided drive? If so, is there anything wedged in the spring supports that'll make the heads press against the media with too much force? -- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology WWW: http://www.trailing-edge.com/ 7328 Bradley Blvd Voice: 301-767-5917 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817 Fax: 301-767-5927

26 years, 10 months

2
1
0 0

HELP! Kaypro 2X Drive (Was: HELP! Osbourne drives)

by wsmith＠gj.com

>>>> <CLASSICCMP(a)trailing-edge.com> 09/13 5:39 PM >>> >>This made me remember that I have a perhaps similar problem with one of my >>Kaypro drives. It works at first, but eventually wears away portions of the >>disk making the disk unusable. (After a few uses, if you hold the disk >>up to the light there are arcs >>that are clear.) I assume this is a head alignment issue. > >Why assume this? And why is everyone so quick to assume that the >first thing you want to do to a floppy drive is realign the heads? >Reminds me of those folks who insist on tweaking the IF cores in all >their AM/FM radios without the proper test equipment, and then they >wonder why it doesn't perform so well anymore... > >In my experience, the only floppy drives I've ever had to realign >the heads on were drives that someone else decided to align the heads on :-). > >Two questions: > >1. Single sided drive? If so, check the head load pad. An extremely >worn head load pad will gouge up the media for sure. > >2. Double sided drive? If so, is there anything wedged in the spring >supports that'll make the heads press against the media with too much >force? It's double sided. I'll have a look at the springs as you suggest. I think you've answered your own question as to why I assumed bad head alignment --- it's what everyone always tells you. (Particularly if the unit was shipped without disk protectors installed.) Something of an urban myth I suppose. -- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology WWW: http://www.trailing-edge.com/ 7328 Bradley Blvd Voice: 301-767-5917 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817 Fax: 301-767-5927 ! ! !

26 years, 10 months

1
0
0 0

HELP! Osbourne drives

by rigdonj＠intellistar.net

I played with the Osbourne Executive yesterday. I can't get it to boot. All it says is "boot error". It says the same thing with no disks in it, MS DOS disks in it and with the door open so the message doesn't tell me anything. I tried swapping drives, reseating ICs and cables and everything that I could think of. It booted once and I did DIR on both drives with no problems, it almost booted several times but filled the screeen with garbage and locked up. I tried disks from three different sets including a set of new copies from Don Maslin so I'm sure the the disks aren't the problem. Any ideas? Does anyone know if DS drives can be used in these? The drives in it are ALPS SS DD. I took the drives out and checked them, the heads and drives are clean and the speed is right. I don't think there is anything wrong with them. Several people have posted messages here in the past about problems with Osbournes that wouldn't boot. Did you ever get them working? What have you found wrong with them? Joe

26 years, 10 months

7
13
0 0

Really OT: Any tar experts here?

by morrison＠t-iii.com

My bet would be ls. With Kornshell: tar cvf /dev/rmt0 $(ls -1F dir1 dir2 dir3 dir4 ... | grep -v "/") Try:- tar cvf junkfile $(ls -1F dir1 dir2 dir3 dir4 ... | grep -v "/") as a test. Otherwise you need to run a shell script with test to sort out dirs from files. Neil Morrison > -----Original Message----- > From: Roger Merchberger [SMTP:zmerch@30below.com] > Sent: Monday, September 13, 1999 5:12 PM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: Really OT: Any tar experts here? > > Sorry for the off-topic post, but I'm tired of beating what's left of my > brains on what's left of my desk... Please, Please, Please, private email > replies only. > > Non-essential info: I'm writing a selective backup program in Perl to read > a config file, use the info to create a list of directories to be backed > up, then give that listing to tar to back up the information. > > Essential info: Problem is, I have directories that I want backed up, but > with subdirectories that I *don't* want backed up; yet when I feed the > list > of dir's to tar, it recursively backs up the dir's anyway. > > Is there a way (program switch, special version of tar, anything...) to > tell tar to not recurse subdirectories, or do I need to write a > sub-program > that extracts each individual filename? > > Thanks in advance for any help that can be provided. > > Roger "Merch" Merchberger > -- > Roger "Merch" Merchberger --- sysadmin, Iceberg Computers > Recycling is good, right??? Ok, so I'll recycle an old .sig. > > If at first you don't succeed, nuclear warhead > disarmament should *not* be your first career choice.

26 years, 10 months

1
0
0 0

HP 7475 Plotter

by gtaylor＠ccops.com

Hi ? Found you guys on www re an old HP 7475 Plotter? I recently picked up an ?A? model (RS232 version, it seems) with a pile of pens to fit (mostly very old). The plotter works great (test page), but I?m looking for a driver to use under the Windows 9x environment? What did you guys end up using? And by the way, do you need a few pens? I could maybe cut loose of a couple packages? Gene

26 years, 10 months

3
2
0 0

Unopened classic what should I do???

by morrison＠t-iii.com

It should come with TRS-DOS and manuals. You can now program it in an old version of Gates Basic. I may even have some S/W for it! Neil Morrison email:morrison@t-iii.com > -----Original Message----- > From: Arfon Gryffydd [SMTP:arfonrg@texas.net] > Sent: Monday, September 13, 1999 2:31 PM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: Unopened classic what should I do??? > > Bragging part: > I just got a TRS-80 Model 12!! I just got a TRS-80 Model 12!! nyah > nyah!! > It's un-opened!!! It's un-opened!!! WHOO HOO!!!! > > > Dilemma: > Should I open it and smellthe sweet scent of the ancient '80's air > trapped > in it's plastic bags or let it be, and keep it's un-opened pristine > state??? A virgin. Un-touched by end-user hands. > > I really don't have any software for it... what should I do??? > > A > ---------------------------------------- > Tired of Micro$oft??? > > Move up to a REAL OS... > ######__ __ ____ __ __ _ __ # > #####/ / / / / __ | / / / / | |/ /## > ####/ / / / / / / / / / / / | /### > ###/ /__ / / / / / / / /_/ / / |#### > ##/____/ /_/ /_/ /_/ /_____/ /_/|_|#### > # ###### > ("LINUX" for those of you > without fixed-width fonts) > ---------------------------------------- > Be a Slacker! http://www.slackware.com > > Slackware Mailing List: > http://www.digitalslackers.net/linux/list.html

26 years, 10 months

1
0
0 0

Canadian help needed

by cmcmanis＠freegate.com

I need some help from somebody living within an easy drive of Laurent, Quebec. If you could contact me off list I would appreciate it. --Chuck

26 years, 10 months

1
0
0 0

How'd Apple get away with it?????

by zmerch＠30below.com

Whilst browsing the Apple store site, I found they are planning on introducing Mac OS9 very soon. Last I heard, they couldn't use that nomenclature due to MicroWare's trademark on OS-9. Was there some deal that I didn't hear about, or are the folks at Apple just being turds??? See ya, "Merch" -- Roger "Merch" Merchberger --- sysadmin, Iceberg Computers Recycling is good, right??? Ok, so I'll recycle an old .sig. If at first you don't succeed, nuclear warhead disarmament should *not* be your first career choice.

26 years, 10 months

4
6
0 0

FS: Drum kit (new) & manual for C.Itoh CI-4, CI-4plus and CI-8

by rhblake＠bigfoot.com

ok, here goes nothing....I have an excess NEW LB-DR320 Drum Kit with instructions and included tools ~AND~ a like new copy of the User's manual for a C.Itoh model CI-8 laser printer. They go together as a set. the drum kit is still in the box,, unused and still factory wrapped. I have $50 tied up in the 2 of them and that's what I need, plus whatever shipping costs. The two together are probably 4-5 lbs and I prefer to use USPS parcel post to hold the cost down. It would ship from zip 42726 (Clarkson, KY) in case someone wanted to 'scope out' the shipping to them. USA and APO/FPO addresses only, too much expense and paperwork outside of the US and it's territitories. it goes on eBay this weekend unless I get a firm response from someone. you people with these C.Itoh printers know how expensive a new factory made drum is, so you decide.

26 years, 10 months

1
0
0 0

FW: RESCUE NEEDED -- Going once, going twice...

by kyrrin＠bluefeathertech.com

If any of our Florida folk (Joe? You out there?) want to rescue some PS/2's, now's the time. Looks like they're going to be dumpstered otherwise. Attachment follows. -=-=- <snip> -=-=- On Sun, 12 Sep 1999 13:25:08 -0400, in comp.sys.ibm.ps2.hardware you wrote: >>From: "Fred Mau" <fredmau(a)ibm.net> >>Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.ps2.hardware >>Subject: Going once, going twice... >>Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 13:25:08 -0400 >>Lines: 17 >>X-Newsreader: Microsoft Outlook Express 4.72.2106.4 >>X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.2106.4 >>NNTP-Posting-Host: 32.101.174.177 >>Message-ID: <37dbe1fd(a)news1.prserv.net> >>X-Trace: 12 Sep 1999 17:25:17 GMT, 32.101.174.177 >>Organization: Global Network Services - Remote Access Mail & News Services >>X-Complaints-To: abuse(a)prserv.net >>Path: news1.jps.net!news-west.eli.net!calwebnntp!pants.skycache.com!news.maxwell.syr.edu!news-peer.gip.net!news.gsl.net!gip.net!newsfeed2.us.ibm.net!ibm.net!news1.prserv.net!32.101.174.177 >>Xref: news1.jps.net comp.sys.ibm.ps2.hardware:1368 >> >>I'm throwing the following systems in the dumpster unless someone wants to >>pay shipping on either systems or pieces/parts. Everything works, I just >>don't have the room. Systems include case/motherboard/power supply/floppy. >>No memory or hard drive, I'm keeping that for myself except as listed below. >>E-mail me if you're interested. >> >>8540-3T2 >>8555-T61 w/ 60 meg HDD >>8557-259 >>8570-161 w/ 60 meg HDD >> >> Fred Mau >> Orlando, Florida >> fredmau(a)ibm.net >> >> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Bruce Lane, Owner and head honcho, Blue Feather Technologies -- kyrrin (at) bluefeathertech [dot] com Web: http://www.bluefeathertech.com "...No matter how we may wish otherwise, our science can only describe an object, event, or living thing in our own human terms. It cannot possibly define any of them..."

26 years, 10 months

2
1
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