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

Differentiating chips (Was: Newbie member saying

by Philip.Belben＠pgen.com

> Sean 'Captain Napalm' Conner wrote: > >> I don't think so. The reset vector is hardcoded (it's part of the BIOS) >> and the code in the BIOS checks a certain memory location (40:something, >> don't recall of the top of my head) and if the contents are $1234, then it's >> a software reset and not a powerup reset. I don't recall all the details of >> what happens when a soft reset happens but the PC was the first computer >> where a user program couldn't grab the reset vector. I didn't catch this one the first time round. What exactly did you mean by "the first computer where a user program couldn't grab the reset vector"? If you mean that the vector is not in alterable memory, the PET springs to mind - 6502 has the vector in locations $FFFC and $FFFD. On the PET this is ROM, and the routine it sends you to does not look in RAM... If you mean the reset vector was not in the computer's address space, and so incapable of alteration even if you put RAM there, does the Z80 not count? The reset vector is always zero, and the machine (afaik) always starts executing code at that address. Most Z80 machines allow this to be made RAM, but plenty don't - Sinclair springs to mind. In my day it was (among 8-bit home computer people) considered quite a luxury if you could redirect the reset vector... Or did you mean the first Intel 88/86 machine? I am puzzled. Philip. This E-mail message is private and confidential and should only be read by those to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, copying, reproduction, modification or publication of this communication is strictly prohibited. Please delete the message from your computer and destroy any copies. This message is not intended to be relied upon by any person without subsequent written confirmation of its contents. This company therefore disclaims all responsibility and accepts no liability of any kind which may arise from any person acting, or refraining from acting, upon the contents of the message without having had subsequent written confirmation. If you have received this communication in error, or if any problems occur in transmission please notify us immediately by telephone on +44 (0)2476 425474

26 years, 10 months

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GOOD hamfest!

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<>I'll go along with that. It was/is a very well-desinged interface. At a <>high level it looks remarkably like HPIB/IEEE488 (to the extent that <>there's an HP interface -- the 82169 IIRC -- that transparently links <>HPIB devices to an HPIL controller or HPIL devices to an HPIB <>controller). The low level (I have the specs somewhere) is pretty simple <>as well... < < <Why does a multimeter need a data bus? Remote measurement, data logging. Where I work we use K2001 DMM, GPIB, and a PC to test and log the values of resistive elements in production. Allison

26 years, 10 months

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GOOD hamfest!

by max82＠surfree.com

>I'll go along with that. It was/is a very well-desinged interface. At a >high level it looks remarkably like HPIB/IEEE488 (to the extent that >there's an HP interface -- the 82169 IIRC -- that transparently links >HPIB devices to an HPIL controller or HPIL devices to an HPIB >controller). The low level (I have the specs somewhere) is pretty simple >as well... Why does a multimeter need a data bus?

26 years, 10 months

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LK501 Question (Was Re: Vaxstation video)

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<Someone, who is not a subscriber, sent me a message asking if a LK501 <would work on a DECstation. Not having seen a LK501, I don't know. <Does the LK501 also use the same connector and therefore will work <on a DECstation? Yep, LK501 too, same connector same hole. DEC was very big on having one keyboard deign that any group could use in the company. The only oddball in the post LS200 era is the LK250 (for PC use) which has a different connector(s). Allison

26 years, 10 months

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LK501 Question (Was Re: Vaxstation video)

by danburrows＠mindspring.com

The LK501 will not work. It has a different connector - I checked some I have last night just to make sure my memory served correctly. It has a modular plug with the locking tabs on both sides. Totally different from the RJ11 style on the LK201 and LK401. It also has a plug on the keyboard for a hockey puck mouse that has the same king of plug. Not the normal PS2 style VSxxx-AA connector again. The plugs remind me of the HP keyboard connectors from the Apollo days. Dan ><Someone, who is not a subscriber, sent me a message asking if a LK501 ><would work on a DECstation. Not having seen a LK501, I don't know. ><Does the LK501 also use the same connector and therefore will work ><on a DECstation? > >Yep, LK501 too, same connector same hole. DEC was very big on having one >keyboard deign that any group could use in the company. The only oddball >in the post LS200 era is the LK250 (for PC use) which has a different >connector(s). > >Allison

26 years, 10 months

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1970 computer auction

by hansp＠digiweb.com

I am doing some research for an exhibition we are putting oon in October and came across this nugget which I thought you all might enjoy: In 1970, the first Parke-Bernet auction of computers is a flop. The prestigious New York auctioneer is unable to sell used mainfrmaes: an IBM 7070 (a million dollar machine) sells for 2$2,250; a UNIVAC Solid State 80 computer (a $300,000 machine) sells for $485. No one will pay %15,000 for an IBM 7094 computer which in its heyday was a $3 million machine. Things are a little different now.... _---_--__-_-_----__-_----_-__-__-_-___--_-__--___-__----__--_--__-___- Hans B Pufal Comprehensive Computer Catalogue <mailto:hansp@digiweb.com> <http://digiweb.com/~hansp/ccc>

26 years, 10 months

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Apple II gs problem

by rigdonj＠intellistar.net

Hi all, I just picked up a nice Apple II gs system but I can't make it work. It keeps saying "check starttup device". I've tried several disk drives and five different disks that should be bootable. Can anyone tell me more about what it's looking for or what I might be doing wrong? I've never used one of these so I'm not familar with it. Joe

26 years, 10 months

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Need Dave Dameron's e-mail address

by dastar＠ncal.verio.com

Dave Dameron, Please e-mail me. I need your e-mail address. Thanks. Sellam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Don't rub the lamp if you don't want the genie to come out. Coming this October 2-3: Vintage Computer Festival 3.0! See http://www.vintage.org/vcf for details! [Last web site update: 08/17/99]

26 years, 10 months

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HP2114 on ebay

by jlwest＠tseinc.com

In case no one who would be interested noticed it, there's a pretty nice looking HP2114 system for sale on ebay. The 2114 is the first computer HP ever sold. It was an "acquired" design >from a company they purchased, and HP thought they could do a better design so they came out with the 2100 series (followed by 21MX and 21MXE series). But, not before adding the 2115 and 2116 to the mix which are "kissing cousins" of the 2114. The one on ebay looks to be in great condition, and includes software, manuals, a bunch of I/O cards, an ASR33, a 2748A paper tape reader, Junk ASR33 for parts, and junk 2748B for parts. They want $450.00 for it (pretty high I think, but maybe not that much considering it's advertised as working and includes spares). No bidders last time I checked. I'm spending every ounce of spare cash I have getting my current HP systems running, so I can't buy the thing at the moment. But - I wanted to point it out for anyone interested in starting an early HP collection. It'd be a great start. Jay West

26 years, 10 months

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was Spectravideo 318 now Exidy Hunt

by dogas＠leading.net

The string attaching it to my big toe would surely wake me up when you grab it and then *there would be trouble* :) Mike: dogas(a)leading.net -----Original Message----- From: David Williams <dlw(a)trailingedge.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Friday, September 10, 1999 6:32 PM Subject: Re: was Spectravideo 318 now Exidy Hunt But if you'll give me your address I'll make sure you aren't bothered by that expansion box one night. :-)

26 years, 10 months

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LK501 Question (Was Re: Vaxstation video)

by Mzthompson＠aol.com

allisonp(a)world.std.com wrote: >All the DEC systems that use MMJ connector take any of the DEC keyboards >(LK201,LK301,LK401), those are used on ALL VTxxx terminals, Pro3xx, >Rainbow to name just a few. it should be easy to find. Someone, who is not a subscriber, sent me a message asking if a LK501 would work on a DECstation. Not having seen a LK501, I don't know. Does the LK501 also use the same connector and therefore will work on a DECstation? TIA Mike

26 years, 10 months

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evolution of misinformation (was: Computer Museum opens in San Diego

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<table top. (They must've come from KL10s or KA10s or KI10s, though. <I've never seen anything that large on minis...) Never saw anything that large on DEC hardware. Did see a 4 footer on a Teradyne board test system at hazeltine back in '75. <Don't know how the iron oxide does though. Perhaps they were painted <when used. Can't rust. ;) Allison

26 years, 10 months

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PDP - 8

by allisonp＠world.std.com

< <well, ok but how can i get software from my mac (or pc) to the pdp8??? Did you see the software on highgate to push files? You could use a terminal program to "push" files as if it were a TTY reading a tape. Allison

26 years, 10 months

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evolution of misinformation (was: Computer Museum opens in San Diego

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

>Actually, the disks I used to see that size (5 or 6 foot diameter) were >used by a couple of my fellow DEC Field Engineers as picnic table tops >when the drives were decommissioned. Aluminum makes a nice weatherproof >table top. (They must've come from KL10s or KA10s or KI10s, though. >I've never seen anything that large on minis...) > >Don't know how the iron oxide does though. Perhaps they were painted >when used. Iron oxide is *already* rust :-). The binder used to stick the oxide particles to the surface, though, might not deal well with exposure to sunlight or high temperatures. Tim.

26 years, 10 months

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Computer Museum opens in San Diego

by kyrrin＠bluefeathertech.com

The Seattle Times ran this in the Aug. 30th edition. http://www.seattletimes.com/news/technology/html98/muse_19990830.html I noted, with some amusement, that the author of the article doesn't seem to understand the difference between drum and disk storage. His use of the term "drum memory disk" was a bit of an eyeball-roller. Other than that, it's a decent article. Enjoy. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Bruce Lane, Owner and head honcho, Blue Feather Technologies http://www.bluefeathertech.com // E-mail: kyrrin(a)bluefeathertech.com Amateur Radio: WD6EOS since Dec. '77 "Our science can only describe an object, event, or living thing in our own human terms. It cannot, in any way, define any of them..."

26 years, 10 months

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new computers... Finally!

by ethan_dicks＠yahoo.com

--- Lance Lyon <black(a)gco.apana.org.au> wrote: > > any ideas as to what might be wrong? any > > common failures in A500 PS's?). > > Happened often, there were third party p/s's available that replaced the > 500's brick.... I know, I had to buy one of 'em after my original died & an > attempted repair didn't work :-( The "Bigfoot" PSU for the A500 is just a 200-240W PC supply with an A500 cable coming out of it instead of the "standard" P8/P9 cables. If you aren't afraid to solder, it's easy to make - get a cheap AT PSU, open it up, remove the PCB, unsolder the old P8/P9 connectors, noting which colors of wires go to which holes in the PCB, match the voltages for the A500 cable and solder them in the correct holes. Some PSU PCBs have the output voltage pads labeled. You can also cut the old wires and splice on the A500 power cable on the inside or the outside of the PSU enclosure, but I prefer a sturdier construction. -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

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new computers... Finally!

by CharlesII＠nwonline.net

Could you tell me what voltages come from what pins on that A500. The one I have doesn't have a power supply. John Rollins wrote: >Been a little while since I got a "new" computer. One of the neighbors was >getting rid of some stuff from their basement, which included two >computers. Luckily they now I'm a computer freak and told me I could have >whatever I wanted. So, now I have an Amiga 500 with p/s, A520 video adaptor >and what looks like a printer cable. No disks :-(, but it did have the >original box(wow! a 7MHz 68000 and 512K RAM!!!). Also got a C64 with 1541 >drive, two joysticks and probably 50-70 disks(haven't gotten around to >counting. But hey, Pac-Man is in there!). The C64 seems to be working just >fine(not sure about the drive yet), but the Amiga isn't. When I finally >figured out how the A520 worked, all I could get on my Apple composite >monitor was a green screen with a blank area at the top(looked kinfa like >the video is off a bit inside the monitor, which is partially true but it's >not THAT bad... just some hidden text on the edge usually) which blinks >maybe every 10-15 seconds or so. No sounds, no text, not really any video >at all. The power light is kinda flashing, maybe once every second or >two(haven't timed it yet). Any ideas on what's wrong? I'll hold off on the >how do I use it questions until after I finish raiding the local library of >the computer books, but feel free to send me any tips and tricks for these >systems... > >-------------------------------------------------------------- >| http://members.tripod.com/~jrollins/index.html | >| orham(a)qth.net list admin KD7BCY | >| ham-mac(a)qth.net Portland, OR | >-------------------------------------------------------------- > >

26 years, 10 months

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Never Mind: MicroVAX 3

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

>ALSO, I am about to try out (if I can get a degausser) some TK50 tapes >in a TK70. But I want to be able to have both the TK50 and a TK70 >tape drive on line. You certainly can! > I have done a SYSGEN and the MUX.SYS device driver >allows two devices, (MU0: and MU1:), but I don't have the dip switch >settings for alternate CSR values. Can anyone help? PLEASE? On both the TQK50 and TQK70, the CSR is set by jumpers, not by DIPswitches. (the DIPswitches on a TK50 actually set the rev level reported by TMSCP inquiry commands, which changed more often than the CSR's at one point!) The default CSR is 774500. The CSR must be a multiple of 4, so the low two bits are always zero, and the CSR must be in the I/O page, so the high 5 bits are always on. The in-between bits are set with the jumpers near the edge connectors. Seen with the edge connectors to the bottom, the default looks like: XXXXXX (jumper in for CSR's starting with 77, jumper out for 76) XXXXXX \ | . . |- a "4" | . . / XXXXXX \ | . . |- a "5" | XXXXXX / . . \ | . . |- a "0" | . . / . . jumper in if last digit is "4", out if a "0". The "autoconfigure" CSR selection for a second TK50 in a system is 760404, though of course this moves around if you've got other second controllers in the systems, or a serial multiplexer, and of course RT-11 doesn't care a damn bit about autoconfigure rules as you've got to manually configure it anyway :-) -- 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

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Differentiating chips (Was: Newbie member saying something!!!

by cmcmanis＠mcmanis.com

On Fri, 10 Sep 1999, Hans Franke wrote: >> Well, check at startup the DX register - if DH is 3 it is a DX, >> if 23 it's a SX (DL is the stepping). At 12:54 PM 9/10/99 -0700, Fred wrote: >And then the POST (Power On Self Test) IMMEDIATELY wipes it. It's easy to >bypass some parts of the POST, but how do you suggest checking the value >in that register before the computer has booted enough to even have video? Could you jump into protected mode and out again (which forces a reset) and pull the value out of DH then? --Chuck

26 years, 10 months

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Stuff in Richardson, Texas

by dastar＠ncal.verio.com

I'm no longer subscribed to ClassicCmp so if anyone has been trying to contact me please do so directly at sellam(a)siconic.com. If anyone was still interested in the misc. computer stuff in Richardson, Texas, please contact me directly and I'll give you the contact information. Sellam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Don't rub the lamp if you don't want the genie to come out. Coming this October 2-3: Vintage Computer Festival 3.0! See http://www.vintage.org/vcf for details! [Last web site update: 08/17/99]

26 years, 10 months

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PDP - 8

by macierno＠hotmail.com

well, ok but how can i get software from my mac (or pc) to the pdp8??? thanx mark >From: Kevin McQuiggin <mcquiggi(a)sfu.ca> >Reply-To: classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu >To: "Discussion re-collecting of classic computers" ><classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> >Subject: Re: PDP - 8 >Date: Thu, 9 Sep 1999 20:07:12 -0700 (PDT) > >Hi: > >Software and systems documentation are at >http://highgate.comm.sfu.ca/pdp8. > >There's more, check out metalab.unc.edu under >computer-science/history/pdp8 or >thereabouts, I may not have this URL exactly correct. > >Good luck, > >Kevin > > > > > Just got myself a pdp-8e and i was wondering if anyone out there had or >knew > > where to get software for it ??? It came with 8" drives and no dec tapes >or > > a papertape reader....... so i'm limited to floppy media. The system >seems > > to work fine and cannot wait to get it set up! > > > > > > > > mark > > > > ______________________________________________________ > > Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com > > > > >-- >Kevin McQuiggin VE7ZD >mcquiggi(a)sfu.ca ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

26 years, 10 months

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s-100

by wgriff＠micrord.com

I still have my Seattle Computer Products Gazelle. 128 kb mem 2 8 inch floppies 1 5 1/4 floppy. 8086 (full 16 bit) at 8 mz Also have all the manuals for the boards. Runs as good as the day I bought it. One problem. Had to replace the disk control the first month I had it in 1983. Walt Griffith

26 years, 10 months

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HP2114 on ebay

by jlwest＠tseinc.com

Yes, it's core based, and the cpu is entirely hardwired. I don't have my old HP catalog around at the moment, but off the top of my head an approximate year of introduction would be 1967. Somewhere I saw a list saying the 2116 was the first, followed by the 2115, then the 2114. I don't have any firm evidence to contradict that, but from what I know about the machine architectures and features and such I would be inclined to suspect that the order was 2114, 2115, 2116 instead. Don't know for sure. Jay West -----Original Message----- From: Dave McGuire <mcguire(a)neurotica.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Friday, September 10, 1999 9:13 PM Subject: Re: HP2114 on ebay > > Wow...that is a *lot* of hardware. A lot of very fun-looking hardware. > > I assume the machine is core-based? When were these systems sold? > > -Dave McGuire

26 years, 10 months

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was Spectravideo 318 now Exidy Hunt

by dogas＠leading.net

Damn... I've been sitting on a real s-100 exidy expansion box for the sorcerer for a long time now (no, its not for sale) and I can't find an sorcerer to go with it eiither... alas Hmm... I'd be willing to trade a Heathkit H8 or maybe a TRS6000HD, or.... if that would pry one from somebody's hands... ;) - Mike: dogas(a)leading.net -----Original Message----- From: Tony Duell <ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Friday, September 10, 1999 5:51 PM Subject: Re: Spectravideo 318 >> Well, I have an Apple ][ here, but I'm also looking for an >> Exidy Sorceror. Anybody know of one in the UK that's >> looking for a good home (or a swap)? >> >> Is it true that the Exidy's ROM cartridge is housed in an >> 8-track tape case? > >My sorceror is not looking for a good home because it already has one :-).... > >But yes, the ROM cartridges _are_ 8-track tape cases with the tape and >mechancial bits removed and the end cut open (not very well IMHO) to >allow the edge of the PCB to fit into the edge connector in the machine. >The ROM PCB contains 4 ROM chips and a couple of TTL ones (address >decoder I think). > >Hence the question on a University of Bristol computer society quiz >'Where did 8 tracks become 8 bits' ;-) > >-tony > >

26 years, 10 months

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apple II+ request?

by jlwest＠tseinc.com

I've been toying with the idea of adding an Apple ][ Plus to my collection. Twas the first computer I ever owned. Anyone have one they're looking/willing to trade or sell? Thanks! Jay West

26 years, 10 months

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Apple II gs problem

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

In a message dated 9/10/99 6:16:16 PM Eastern Daylight Time, owad(a)applefritter.com writes: > > I just picked up a nice Apple II gs system but I can't make it work. It > >keeps saying "check starttup device". I've tried several disk drives and > >five different disks that should be bootable. Can anyone tell me more about > >what it's looking for or what I might be doing wrong? I've never used one > >of these so I'm not familar with it. > > Is the system attempting to read the disk? If not, you probably need to > make some changes in the control panel. Access it by pressing > Option-Control-Reset immediately after turning on the system. IIRC, the > changes you want to make will be in the "Slots" menu, and involve which > slots are used for boot-up. > > Tom Owad > you can access the control panel at any time. if you are using a disk ][ controller card, you have to set slot 6 for 'your card' i believe. otherwise, you will have to change it for the onboard controller in case you are using that to run your disk drives. d

26 years, 10 months

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Apple II gs problem

by owad＠applefritter.com

> I just picked up a nice Apple II gs system but I can't make it work. It >keeps saying "check starttup device". I've tried several disk drives and >five different disks that should be bootable. Can anyone tell me more about >what it's looking for or what I might be doing wrong? I've never used one >of these so I'm not familar with it. Is the system attempting to read the disk? If not, you probably need to make some changes in the control panel. Access it by pressing Option-Control-Reset immediately after turning on the system. IIRC, the changes you want to make will be in the "Slots" menu, and involve which slots are used for boot-up. Tom Owad ---------------------------Applefritter--------------------------- Apple prototypes, Apple II & early Mac clones, and the Compubrick. ------------------<http://www.applefritter.com/>------------------

26 years, 10 months

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Spectravideo 318

by pete＠dunnington.u-net.com

On Sep 10, 16:44, John Honniball wrote: > Is it true that the Exidy's ROM cartridge is housed in an > 8-track tape case? Yes, it is. With some crude hackery to remove internal pillars to make room for a small board holding 4 ROMs or EPROMS (2716 or equivalent) and a 74LS chip (74LS138, from memory). -- Pete Peter Turnbull Dept. of Computer Science University of York

26 years, 10 months

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interesting new addition

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

whilst browsing thousands of LPs at a thrift store I came across an interesting computer related item. Its made by radio shack and it's called a microcomputer trainer. basically ,its a rudimentary computer with one cpu chip, a hex keypad, some LEDs and one hex LED display and speaker. the included book shows how to load and run simple programs as well as how to do math functions in binary and hex. It's complete and works and is probably >from around 1982 time period. Also found an apple monitor /// so my profile-equipped apple /// is now complete and correct. d

26 years, 10 months

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Spectravideo 318

by black＠gco.apana.org.au

Well, I finally managed to pick up one of the machines I'm after - a Spectravideo SV318, came with tape & RF converter, but I really want to connect this to a monitor - is it possible to wire it up to a CGA monitor ? If anyone has the pinouts, I'd be happy, also, where can I find a disk drive for this beastie ? (BTW: I'm still looking in Oz for anyone who may have a spare Exidy Sorceror laying around.... and an Apple II) // Lance Lyon black(a)gco.apana.org.au llyon(a)primus.com.au lance999(a)hotmail.com Ph: +61-3-6254-7376 //

26 years, 10 months

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CRT replacements for NS Advantage???

by dogas＠leading.net

Help! I just had a Northstar Advantage shipped to me and because of the shoddy packaging job, the CRT is history. The back of the tube is broken. I'm sad and I'm pissed. I hate seeing equipment so mishandled. Are there any compatible organ doners out there or suggestions for a possible revival? Thanks - Mike: dogas(a)leading.net

26 years, 10 months

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Gem Desktop

by jolminkh＠nsw.bigpond.net.au

>desktop. Despite the claims of Apple and the Palo Alto connection >and the suit that wound up GEM on PCs and resulted in Windblows, >I am unclear as to what the DI relationship was, why Atari was >allowed to continue with it's GEM desktop, altho they stopped at I'm confused. I had assumed that GEM was simply renamed to Viewmax which was bundled with DR Dos. If there's differences I didn't spot them. Hans Olminkhof

26 years, 10 months

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vaxstation graphics

by allisonp＠world.std.com

< < I've got a factory-badged M38 SPX here... Figures... they are about the same age with the m38 being a bit older (comming out sooner) than the M76. there are a lot of differences between the two. either way both nice boxes. I have 3 VAXserver M10Es and the one lonely M76/spx. I don't have a tube on the m76 as I use a terminal or the vt1200 on the network. My MVII has a GPX board set (all three planes) but I dont use it. The room would never tolerate a VRmumble 19" color tube, they are huge. Never found out why SPX or GPX terms were used. Allison

26 years, 10 months

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vaxstation graphics

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<I didn't know that some grpahics options were unique to specific models. I <had realised, though, that a fair number of other things were. (: < <It's an m76. Well when you consider the line of the 3100 is some 10+ years long... I'd have guessed it was a M76, it was the only SPX I knew of. FYI: that machine only runs VMS and a crippled NetBSD. Crippled in the sense that there is minimal graphics support for vaxen and the SCSI driver is PIO(SLOW!) as the DMA code is inop. Ultrix was never ported to it as it was a mid life kicker and just sort of popped out. VMS runs nicely on it as its a 7.8VUP machine and decwindows supports the SPX option. Versions 5.4 through 7.2 run on it and 7.2 is avaiable under the hobbiest license (DECUS) for free. Montagar.com has the CDrom with VMS and a small raft of supporting software that is a must have for the $30 they charge. I've found older sony 1x SCSI cdroms with trays work well in the 3100s(at least in my M76 and m10E and using the CMD SCSI board in the MVII). Allison Allison

26 years, 10 months

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therac-25

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

> I found myself in the mood for revisiting the macabre side of >classic computing and decided to search for Therac stuff. See: > >http://www.dcs.ed.ac.uk/~adamd/essays/rts3.html > > Now it seems to me that the fellow who wrote this article was >pretty full of it. If you can get past his overuse of passive voice and >continual nominalization, you may note that many of his points are far too >theoretical and not supported by direct observation, knowledge, etc. It's clear (to me, at least) that he's never directly worked with any of the Therac machines, nor did he even bother talking to the folks at AECL before writing his article. It's entirely a bunch of opinions of his after he read Nancy Leveson's article on Therac. > For >example, he claims that this [perhaps] regenned rt11 monitor supports >multi-threaded execution to the degree of its enabling things like race >conditions, etc. Heck, he also believes that PDP-11 assembly is *difficult*! >just throwing it out there as discussion bait... Again, don't take what he writes too seriously (after all, the author didn't - look at all the "I believes" and "I feels" in there). I've worked with several of the Therac machines, and any of the AECL engineers involved knows a lot more about the methodology involved than the third-hand opinions on someone's web site. -- 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
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Sun3 Archive

by healyzh＠aracnet.com

I found this earlier today, and figure there are people around here that might be interested in it. http://sun3arc.krupp.net/ If you've got a Sun3 system you're trying to get up and running this looks like the place for you! It seems to have a very slow network connection, but looks to have a lot of good info, including Y2K patches and software. After finding this resource I won't run away so fast when I see a Sun3 :^) Zane | Zane H. Healy | UNIX Systems Adminstrator | | healyzh(a)aracnet.com (primary) | Linux Enthusiast | | healyzh(a)holonet.net (alternate) | Classic Computer Collector | +----------------------------------+----------------------------+ | Empire of the Petal Throne and Traveller Role Playing, | | and Zane's Computer Museum. | | http://www.aracnet.com/~healyzh/ |

26 years, 10 months

1
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PDP - 8

by macierno＠hotmail.com

Just got myself a pdp-8e and i was wondering if anyone out there had or knew where to get software for it ??? It came with 8" drives and no dec tapes or a papertape reader....... so i'm limited to floppy media. The system seems to work fine and cannot wait to get it set up! mark ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

26 years, 10 months

2
1
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Intel 4004 processor

by morrison＠t-iii.com

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

26 years, 10 months

2
2
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PDP - 8

by allisonp＠world.std.com

Try looking on the net under PDP-8 sites of note: DBIT.com update.uu.se Hightegate.com oak.oakland.edu There is plenty of software out there including at least three versions of os/8 (both source and binaries). There are also copies of SRT/RTS-8 and images of many papertapes as well. Allison

26 years, 10 months

1
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Fwd: UNIVAC 1610 Print Element

by wvh＠gethip.com

I recently received this mail and thought someone on the list might be able to help this guy. The topic of his request predates most of my collection (and knowledge, for that matter). Thanks to anyone who can help him - please reply to him directly. Bill >From: Curt Repka <curtr(a)dbsgmachines.com> >To: "'wvh(a)gethip.com'" <wvh(a)gethip.com> >Subject: UNIVAC 1610 Print Element >Date: Tue, 7 Sep 1999 14:48:16 -0500 >X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.1960.3) > >I have a couple of old UNIVAC keypunch work stations - Model 1610. They >work fine, but they will not print the data on the card. Do you have any >leads on a possible source for technical support, parts, etc.? I have >tried the Tech Support Dept of UNISYS @ 1-800-328-0440, but they >couldn't help. I need the print element and the ink roller. Any help >would be appreciated!!!! >

26 years, 10 months

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vaxstation graphics

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<Just the other day I happened to notice that 'show version' or some <similar 'show' command in UCX indicated I had a 3100 with GPX graphics. <Now I'm no longer sure what's what. < <Could somebody set me straight? First off you have to identify the 3100 variation they started with the 3100m10 through the current 3100m90 or it is 95... in all about 15-25 different systems with different graphic capabilites. Some graphic systems were unique to specific models. So saying you have a 3100 is sorta like saying "I have a car"... ;) We do need to know more. Allison

26 years, 10 months

2
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therac-25

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

>> For >>example, he claims that this [perhaps] regenned rt11 monitor supports >>multi-threaded execution to the degree of its enabling things like race >>conditions, etc. >Heck, he also believes that PDP-11 assembly is *difficult*! A few folks asked me in private E-mail how *I* feel about the issues involved. I've worked with AECL folks in the past, and I continue to support some RT-11 based medical systems using some AECL hardware and firmware in components. Leveson's article is, I think, much more on target - it doesn't blame the failure and resultant casualties on any technical decisions made wrong, but on much higher-level decisions - the organizational components that failed. It's like answering "What was the cause of the Challenger Disaster?" Yes, the easy answer is to point at the technical decisions made which caused the explosion. But the real causes - and what we have to pay attention to in order to prevent disasters in the future - are the organizational and institutional systems that prevented, on multiple occasions, the problem from from receiving its due attention (and solution). -- 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
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vaxstation graphics

by red＠bears.org

Hullo. Could somebody give me a quick rundown of the differences in capabilities between GPX and SPX graphics on a VAXstation 3100, and how I might tell which I've actually got? According to the emblem on the front of the machine, I have an SPX-equipped unit. As I understand it this is what passes for 'top-of-the-line' graphics on the 3100. After the initial mix-up when I received the machine without any add-on graphics card, I was sent what was supposed to be the proper SPX card for the unit. Just the other day I happened to notice that 'show version' or some similar 'show' command in UCX indicated I had a 3100 with GPX graphics. Now I'm no longer sure what's what. Could somebody set me straight? ok r.

26 years, 10 months

1
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CRT replacements for NS Advantage???

by dogas＠leading.net

Anyone have any technical detail (schematics) for the Northstar Advantage that you're wiilling to copy for me? i.e. everything or at least tube driver circutry... Thanks - Mike: dogas(a)leading.net

26 years, 10 months

1
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CRT replacements for NS Advantage???

by dogas＠leading.net

Thanks Tondy. I was hoping to hear from you on this matter. I'll see if I can find a suitable replacement - Mike: dogas(a)leading.net -----Original Message----- From: Tony Duell <ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Friday, September 10, 1999 5:50 PM Subject: Re: CRT replacements for NS Advantage??? >> >> Help! >> >> I just had a Northstar Advantage shipped to me and because of the shoddy >> packaging job, the CRT is history. The back of the tube is broken. I'm sad >> and I'm pissed. I hate seeing equipment so mishandled. > >Ouch!!! > > >> >> Are there any compatible organ doners out there or suggestions for a >> possible revival? > >There is no way you'll repair the original CRT if the glass is broken (or >even cracked). > >Fortunately, there appear to be only 2 common flavours of monochrome CRT >used in terminals/monitors. One type has a 8 pin B8H base (like an >International Octal with thin pins and a large spigot), a thick neck, and >a 6.3V heater. The other has a 'modified B7G base' (like a 7 pin >miniature tube/valve, but with a hole in the middle of the socket to take >the seal-off tube of the CRT), a thin neck and a 11-12V heater. Most such >CRTs (of both flavours) have a 90 degree deflection angle. > >If you can get a suitable tube of the same class (perhaps raid it from an >old terminal, like a VT3xx that's blown its flyback, or raid it from a >cheap portable B/W TV), it's likely to work. You may have to fiddle the >electrode voltages slightly, but in my experience, putting the CRT in, >fitting the original yoke (these are _not_ generic), and pluging in the >base and EHT cap will produce a useable image. > >-tony >

26 years, 10 months

1
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0 0

7900A drive: 1 , Me - 1/2

by jlwest＠tseinc.com

The score narrows, but I can't claim a complete victory.... Tony wrote... >Well, if the servo can lock the heads in both directions, then the power >rails are probably OK (although it can't hurt to check them). Your next >job (and I can't help here as I don't have the schematics) is to figure >out how it unloads the heads (where does it apply the unload signal, what >causes it, etc) and then to check through the electronics. It's not that >complex. I went through the schematics, concentrating on the PMR board (Power regulator) and Drive control board. Not in great detail, but just enough to get a general gist of the sequence of events and "who does what". I then went down and checked the disc power supply (it's a separate rackmount unit). Then before starting to follow traces and wires I decided to pull all the connections from the rest of the system to the PMR board. I was specifically looking for wires that had come loose, or pins that weren't pushed all the way in the connector, etc. Double checked that my hand written labels on the connectors (done before removing them) showed that all the connectors were back in the right place. Powered the drive up - heads seeked and drive ready came on. Hit the unload switch, and the heads immediately retracted and the brake engaged. Did this about 10 times in a row, every time the heads retracted nicely just like they're supposed to. Hummm... this leads me to one of two possible conclusions: A) there was just a loose connector, or B) this is a total co-incidence that it started working and the problem might very easily happen again. Now that it's working, further troubleshooting to be sure of the exact cause is not easy. I Know I had all the connectors pushed down firm and in the correct place before, but, it does work now (at least 10 times anyway, my luck the 11th time would have been the failure). Followup questions: 1) The drive innards are dusty again, must be the environment (or running with the covers removed didn't help I guess). What is the best way to get all the dust out? Canned air doesn't begin to get the dust off the plastic surfaces, neither does a DP-style vacuum. Any tips/tricks anyone would care to pass on? 2) From the previous spin-down with the heads on the platter, the bottom heads are mint but the top heads now have oxide streaks on them. Cleaning with foam qtips and IPA doesn't budge any of it. I am loath to take out the top heads (removable platter) and send them out for recontouring and test-fly because then the drive will need to be re-aligned and I don't have an alignment cartridge (and probably the know-how) to realign them. This is only important because I have a diagnostic cartridge that I need to be able to read for additional cpu/disk/tape diagnostics on down the road. Is it the general consensus that heads in this condition are ok to use or am I setting myself up for a major problem. What I'm hoping is on down the road to get the diagnostics copied from cartridge to 1/2 tape. Then I can send the heads off and not bother with re-alignment (other than having to reformat my cartridges and lay data from tape back down. Bad idea? Thanks! Jay West

26 years, 10 months

3
2
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therac-25

by morrison＠t-iii.com

Or look at http://www.calpoly.edu/~darkjedi/300/00.htm for a twisted view of the incident. Or, to quote my Mother, the people responsible for this disaster "should be flogged with a maggoty cat"! My 2 cents: relying on S/W for safety is like relying on timing for birth control. I've known of beatifully made Swiss molding machines with all sorts of hydraulic and electrical interlocks still closing at 100 tons force an inch >from someone's fingers. Give me a 2 inch steel bar anyday. Neil Morrison Implementation GTE Enterprise Solutions ph: (604) 293-5710 email:morrison@t-iii.com > -----Original Message----- > From: CLASSICCMP(a)trailing-edge.com [SMTP:CLASSICCMP@trailing-edge.com] > Sent: Thursday, September 09, 1999 1:59 PM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: RE: therac-25 > > > I found myself in the mood for revisiting the macabre side of > >classic computing and decided to search for Therac stuff. See: > > > >http://www.dcs.ed.ac.uk/~adamd/essays/rts3.html > > > > Now it seems to me that the fellow who wrote this article was > >pretty full of it. If you can get past his overuse of passive voice and > >continual nominalization, you may note that many of his points are far > too > >theoretical and not supported by direct observation, knowledge, etc. > > It's clear (to me, at least) that he's never directly worked with > any of the Therac machines, nor did he even bother talking to the > folks at AECL before writing his article. It's entirely a bunch of > opinions of his after he read Nancy Leveson's article on Therac. > .... clipped

26 years, 10 months

1
0
0 0

7900A drive: 1 , Me - 0

by jlwest＠tseinc.com

Thanks Tony and Joe! Just before dinner I powered up the drive again. After the 30second spinup, the heads move out to cylinder 0 and the drive ready light comes on. I tried very gently moving the head assembly both forward and back. The thing wouldn't even think about moving. I applied more pressure (a pretty fair amount IMHO), and the head assembly still won't budge at all. I hit the unload switch and the drive starts to brake, but the heads don't retract. I immediately move the heads back manually and all is well (at least no further HDI). After dinner I'll start double checking the power supply voltages. Thanks for any and all input! Jay West

26 years, 10 months

3
2
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VCF Exhibitor List (current as of 9/8/99)

by max82＠surfree.com

Wasn't somebody going to network a bunch of C-64s? What happened to this? Didn't it work out?

26 years, 10 months

1
0
0 0

therac-25

by jritorto＠nut.net

I found myself in the mood for revisiting the macabre side of classic computing and decided to search for Therac stuff. See: http://www.dcs.ed.ac.uk/~adamd/essays/rts3.html Now it seems to me that the fellow who wrote this article was pretty full of it. If you can get past his overuse of passive voice and continual nominalization, you may note that many of his points are far too theoretical and not supported by direct observation, knowledge, etc. For example, he claims that this [perhaps] regenned rt11 monitor supports multi-threaded execution to the degree of its enabling things like race conditions, etc. Hindsight is 20/20, I guess... just throwing it out there as discussion bait... jake

26 years, 10 months

1
0
0 0

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