Has anybody out there had recent contact with William Donzelli?
I've got two e-mail addresses for him, and both bounce. And it
looks like he hasn't posted anything to classiccmp for nearly a
month...
Bill.
Hi,
Some time ago I posted about an old Sony 650MB 5.25" MO drive that I acquired.
I have now cleaned all the disks, and it seems to be working fine.
Anyway, most of the disks that came with the drive contain old backups. I'm not
sure which backup program was used to create the backups. I would like to find
out, because hopefully then I can snoop through them more easily than having
to use a disk editor. There seems to be various source code and other things
on there.
In the hope that someone here can point me in the right direction, here is some
brief info about the backups.
The backup program probably ran under OS/2.
Sectors 0 to 3 inclusive contain:
"MDIELS4" in ASCII
25 zero bytes
a date in ASCII, e.g. "Tue Jan 12 08:48:26 1993"
0x0a, 0x00
"mondayb" in ASCII (this may be some backup ID assigned by the operator)
the remainder of sectors 0-3 are all zero bytes
Sector 4 begins with "MDIVOLID" in ASCII.
The next significant thing is at start of sector 256:
0xEB, 0x3C, 0x90
"MDI 4.0" in ASCII.
Any ideas?
-- Mark
>> Anyway, Macs are prety neat to stack (especialy the classic ones),
>> and should form a neat wall (maybe for seperation between dining
>> room and kitchen ?) or can be used as base for a desk etc.
>>
>> (I just havn't enough to proove it)
>
> I've tested this hypothesis in the lab and have concluded that they do not
> stack well. They are angled slightly at the top. With enough Macs you
> could build a suspension bridge, but I wouldn't drive a car over it.
Suspension bridge? I take it you mean an arch bridge...
The way to build a wall is to stack them not all the same way round. The most
stable method is probably LRRLLRRLL..., but LRLRLR would probably work (L and R
meaning Macs facing Left and Right respectively)
Philip.
Well thanks to John D. I have a bunch of cores from the early 60s.
They are roughly 50mils x 11 mils x 15mils. Cross section of the doughnut
is rectangular at 15x11 mils. The reason for such rough measurements is my
vernier is only good to .001" and I'd need somthing fancier to be more
accurate. By eyeball the 8e cores are smaller! Based on several articles
I've read theses will need about 400->600ma to switch and will do so in
under 4uS. I will have to test this in a jig. Since the hole is ~20mils
several #40 wires should pass through it easily.
A simple core frame would be 8x8 (64 bits) and use a 4 wire system as
that simplifies the select, inhibit and sense hardware. I'd likely go
with late 70s level TTL and transistors to drive these and to sense the
outputs I don't know if I'll use transistors (1968 or earlier designs) or
comparator chips (aka 1540, 710, 711) will be used. They would also be
consistant with 1970s technology. The goal if I can get the time is a
64x8 or 64x12 memory. Not large but enough. Why 64? becuase 1 of 8
decoders were common even in 1970, and the larger the array the more
noise from switching. So 8x8 is manageable.
Allison
Hi Chuck and all
>Could somebody *please* scan this article in and post a URL to it? (I'll
>host it if it doesn't have web space (and I can scan it too if someone has
>the issue to loan or can make a good copy of it))
This just so happens to be one of the three BYTEs of that era that I
own. They're water damaged but readable.
http://ccii.dockside.co.za/~wrm/byte
And that goes over a 33K analog leased line shared by 20 people,
so be patient... :-)
Wouter
>> >Of course Honeywell Bull also sold some odd-ball systems to go with their
>> >Mainframes. My favorite being a "HoneyMac". I believe these all had the
>> >original manufacturers name on them still though.
[...]
> Before those they had some really funky IBM PC's, the only reason they were
> preferable to the big read boxes they called terminals was because the
> keyboards were better, and the screen was easier to read.
I remember a system called "Micro System Executive", which was based on a design
>from Future Technology Systems, a company that Honeywell bought. I have an
FTS-86 somewhere (probably mostly Honeywell with the amount of board swapping
that went on) which I must get working...
FTS sold this machine as "The non-compatible compatible". It was not IBM
compatible. You could have 896K bytes of main memory, rather than 640. It ran
Concurrent CPM, not (MS) DOS. And yet Lotus 123 would load straight of an IBM
disk and draw graphs and things with no hassle...
Philip.
Here's a bit of a report of what I found at the Hamvention. I was there on
Friday from about 09:15 to 17:30 except lunch for which we went off the
grounds and on Saturday from about 08:00 to 13:30. Therefore with my method
of checking every promising box and poking around under tables I saw about
3/4 of the whole fleamarket. I was looking for quite a variety of things
-not just old computers.
Stuff I dragged home were two DG Ones (model 2208A), two DG printers which
go with them (model 2230), one AC power supply and one printer cable all
for $15; VMEbus boards including one unopened Force Computers SYS68Y DRAM-2
memory board ($5) and four Motorola CODEX boards, $15; an IOMEGA Ditto Easy
3200 external tape drive (Travan 3) with cable and power supply, $25.
And my best find of all: a virtually mint, seemingly unused HP9000/300
computer with 7958B hard drive (150 Mb IIRC) and 9144A 16-track tape drive.
A label on the 98574 CPU module indicated it's been upgraded to a 375 which
is just about the ultimate of the 300-series. A 68030 processor running at
50MHz and 16 Mb of RAM. Nice!
I've been casually looking for one of the 300's for a couple of years. My
ex-colleague who's an engineering manager from my ex-company's German
parent company told me last week when he visited the house that an HP
9000/332 system was promised to me and will be shipped to me from their
Chicago facility late this year.
My new 9000/375 system was built into a 19" rack enclosure which was in
turn bolted into a fiberglas transit case about 3' tall, 2' wide by about
2.5' deep. It was part of a military surplus system. I did not get a chance
to find the AN system designation on the rack or case, just that it weighed
97 pounds and required two persons to carry.
Apparently it had been built and not used *ever*. Just stuck in a military
warehouse probably as a result of a military contract which didn't go
anywhere or as a result of the Cold War ceasing or something. I absolutely
cannot see *any* dust on the leading edges of the fan blades so this system
has maybe only an hour or two at most of operation :) SNs are from mid-89.
There's a Federal Stock Number or system part number rubber stamped onto
the right side of the computer box. A probably earlier FSN or contractor's
PN has been blacked out with paint (about 3/8" x 1.5" strip) and the
present number rubber stamped onto the case after the upgrade to the 375
model was done. A little ugly, but what the hey! It shows a bit about the
original purpose of the machine. That's the only indication of any special
use of it. The update was done in December '91 according to a date
handwritten on the CPU board tag inside.
I was passing by the previous owner's space when I overheard one of the
guys asking "What is it?" as they were taking the cover off the 7958B box
to try and figure out just what *it* was. I looked and saw the main box was
a 300 system (Whoa!! Let's stop and look!), became interested and checked
it out. I offered an explanation as to what it was, what it was usually
used for, typical processors used in the 300's, etc. Apparently the
then-new owner who'd just dragged it to his space from a nearby surplus
dealer didn't see a use for it for himself and offered the HP 9000 items to
me and I paid him nearly all the remaining money I had to spend: $40 for
all three boxes. He kept the transit case and 19" rack which bolted inside
as he had a use for it back at home in Houston. He didn't recognize at
first when he bought the whole transit case (for $50) that those 3 HP boxes
which were clamped onto rack slide plates were actually a computer. He was
happy somebody got it who knew what it was and could use it and he was
happy to have the transit case. I love happiness :-) Only thing I had to
promise him was to email him with what I found on the disk. He's a UNI*
system admin and had enough UNI* machines of his own. I'm surprised he
hadn't seen an HP 9000 machine before but these 300's were obsolete some
time ago and he indicated he was always an Intel-based UNI* user.
I've got a copy of HP-UX 7.0 on tape with the license, both still
shrinkwrapped, and manual set that I've had for some time. Now I've got a
machine to hang it upon! :) BTW, ver. 7.0 is near or at the end of HP-UX
support for the 300's. Have BASIC-UX ver. 5.0 w/license and docs too!
The keyboard and monitor were some sort of rugged, militarized things built
into an operator's station. The fellow who had it never got from the
surplus dealer as it obviously didn't quite interest him and maybe he
didn't realize what it was. If it's what I *think* I saw an hour or so
earlier at a surplus dealer's space not far away it definitelly wasn't the
normal HP keyboard as it was part of some other section of the system used
as the operations console and was connected via AN/MS connectors and
cables. Have absolutely no idea as to the function of the whole system. If
there's something on the hard disk when it comes up it may give me a good
clue. But I gotta get it lit up first.
So, does anybody have a very decent looking keyboard and HP-HIL k'bd cable
they're willing to sell to me? Keyboard model *I think* should be a 46020
or 46021 or a 98203C. I don't know the exact differences as I have no
pictures or specs. but they are mentioned in the "Peripheral Installation
Guide for the HP 9000 Series 200/300", which I have had for some time, as
being used with the 300-series. I'll post a separate request for a k'brd
and other info in a separate msg. later today or tomorrow. Need feet for
bottom of the boxes too but probably large stick-on rubber feet should be okay.
I've got two old non-HP fixed frequency monitors I'll drag out of the
garage and try after I get a k'bd. The video interface card is a 98547A
which is not mentioned in the Periph. Inst. Guide.
I saw a few DEC items: A rather lonely RL02 standing amongst a bunch of
fairly new amateur gear; a VT320 and VT 420 with a few of DEC's serial
cables; a couple of AUI-to-BNC translator modules for $10 each (Too much?
Just right?) and little else that I could see.
Bought a couple more Ethernet NICs for $10 new (Intel 8/16); 3.5-to-5.25"
floppy adaptors for $1 each; 25' CAT5 cables for $3 each; "The Hard Disk
Technical Guide", "The Modem Tech. Guide", and "The Network Tech. Guide"
all w/CDROMs, published by Micro House, for $5 each; misc. cables and bits.
Hard disks were even cheaper than I'd ever seen but had no extra bucks to
spend, dang it.
Also saw a pallet full (4' x 4' x 5' high) of Sun SPARC LX boxen; a Grid
computer, don't know exact model as I don't know Grids, but I'd wager it
was early. No model # on bottom or back. It weighed a ton it seemed,
painted black. Guy wanted $30 but by then I was flat broke by then :( ;
lots of C64 and C128 machines and accessories; tons of PeeCee stuff of all
ages and condx; pallets full of printers and monitors; lots of IBM
MicroChannel machines and boards; several HP Vectras; boxes of network
stuff of varying conditions and types; boxes of shrinkwrapped software;
bunches of other stuff I can't recall at the moment. Lots and lots of
amateur radio gear of course.
I wish I had more money to spend there dang it!
Importantly, I did score a few really hard to find parts for the WWII
BC-191F transmitter I'm trying to restore plus a few military connectors
for some gear in the collection; also got a couple of test equipment
manuals for units I have in the collection. Still wish I had more $$$ so I
could get more old gear and parts! Dang.
Saw a couple of antique radio collector friends from other distant parts of
the country; made contacts with a couple of folks who may have parts for
the BC-191 and the virtually identical BC-375 transmitters. Understand from
another email list (Greenkeys) that a couple of fellow teletype collectors
were there too. Not much TTY gear to be found though :( May have bumped
into one of you ClassicCmp folks but we wouldn't have known each other
visually.
All-in-all a very good time. Free shuttle buses running frequently all day
every day between the several distant parking areas (we parked free at the
Salem Mall) and that made it very convenient to haul a heavy object or
several bag loads back to the car :)
Something for everybody there. Rain held off on Fri and Sat was really
beautiful. I may go again someday as my uncle lives in nearby Xenia, OH and
I have basically free room and board :) Only 360 miles from home so I don't
have too much of an excuse not to go especially if after I find a decent
paying job and could have extra $$ to spend.
Wonder what the attendance was this year? No motel rooms available within a
75 mile or more radius. Columbus area was reported to be closest rooms.
Incidentally, you locals may have noticed there's quite a different scene
at Mendelson's Surplus in the past year or so. We went there to pickup a
Hamvention ticket for myself and I was pleasantly surprised. New minor
league baseball stadium being built across the street, an audio store just
opened inside the main building, new parking lot in back of the church, a
new Mendelson's outlet store next door across the new parking lot. But it
apparently still has the good ol' 3rd floor full of all kinds of parts,
equipment and untold amounts of obscure goodies! :-)
Yes indeed, next year :)
Regards, Chris
-- --
Christian Fandt, Electronic/Electrical Historian
Jamestown, NY USA cfandt(a)netsync.net
Member of Antique Wireless Association
URL: http://www.ggw.org/awa
At 09:37 PM 5/17/99 -0700, you wrote:
>On Tue, 18 May 1999, bluoval wrote:
>
>> I don't know, in the user manual TI says to use only "approved" thermal
>> paper and that the warranty would be void if the approved paper wasn't used.
>>
>> "The warranty and/or service contract on the thermal printhead is subject to
>> nullification if the thermal printing paper used in the terminal does not
>> meet TI Specification 972603-0001."
>
>Translated from marketing that means "Only buy TI paper so we can make
>more money."
>
>> Whatever spec that is. Could be just fax paper, but I was hesitant to use
>> any other type paper cause I don't know where to buy a spare printhead if it
>> ever broke...
>
>FAX paper.
>
>Sellam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com
For the most part, "generic" (e.g. Costco "brand") fax paper works just fine
in both of my 700s. However, the "real" paper that came with one of the
units (I have one almost unused roll left) prints a much darker tone in
both machines, suggesting it is more sensitive to heat than "garden variety"
(presuming Costco sells garden variety) fax paper. I have yet to try more
than one other brand (a roll of "panasonic" paper - lord knows who really
made it) and it also prints "light."
But it is entirely readable in any case. And the print heads are pretty
rugged on these beasts, I wouldn't worry about hurting the printer with
"unapproved" paper.
Gary
>Of course Honeywell Bull also sold some odd-ball systems to go with their
>Mainframes. My favorite being a "HoneyMac". I believe these all had the
>original manufacturers name on them still though.
What is the "HoneyMac"? Surely not a Macintosh...?
Tom Owad
I have an opportunity to acquire a Honeywell Bull mainframe, free of
charge. I don't have many details on it, but I'm told the computer is
about 4x3x2 feet and supported 30 terminals. Any opinions on whether or
not this is a computer worth saving, and if it is worth the space it will
take up?
Thanks.
Tom Owad
Hi everyone,
I have a friend that is leaving Wednesday for
Russia and eastern Europe. She said that she
could look around over there for old computers,
if I could supply her with some names of
computers to look for.
Does anyone know the make and model of some
classic soviet computers? They don't have to
be just "personal" computers. Big Iron is also
acceptable.
So far, after a web search, the only names
I have are the "TESLA" pc that someone brought
to VCF 2 and "BESM-6" a mainframe from about
1965.
If you can come up with other soviet/russian
computers, please copy me as well as the list
(so I don't have to wait for the digest) and
also give some indication of size (just to
help identify them).
Thanks in advance,
--Doug
=========================================
Doug Coward
Press Start Inc.
Sunnyvale,CA
=========================================
As I rummage through things I keep coming up with books about very
small computers. These would be put to better use by a micro
collector and they will help fund more large system rescues.
Unless otherwise noted, these books are in excellent condition and
many are hardcover.
Shipping charges are extra and depend on your address.
1.
The BugBook IV, 1979, Howard Sams & Co., softcover
Microcomputer Interfacing using the 8255 PPI chip with experiments
$2
2.
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Microcomputers, 1980, Reston, softcover
with step-by-step procedures
$2 (inside blank page removed from book)
3.
Microcomputer Hardware, Operation, and Troubleshooting with IBM PC
1988, Prentice-Hall, hardcover
$4
4.
RS-232 Made Easy, 1984, Prentice-Hall, softcover
$3
5.
Complete Guide to RS-232 and Parallel Connections, 1988, Prentice-Hall
large format, softcover, corners on cover curling, 600 pages
$8
6.
Your First Microprocessor, 1984, Prentice-Hall, softcover
organizing, construction, debugging
$3
7.
Microcomputer Hardware Design, 1988, Prentice-Hall, hardcover
complete in every aspect.
$8
8.
16-bit microcomputers - 8086 and 68000, 1988, Prentice-Hall, softcover
$2
9.
MC68000 Programmer's Reference Manual, 1984, Prentice-Hall, softcover
$2
10.
MC68000 User's Manual, 1982, Prentice-Hall, softcover
$2
11.
MC68881/MC68882 Floating-point Co-processor User's Manual (2 copies)
1987, Prentice-Hall, softcover
$2
12.
Assembly and Assemblers - the Motorola MC68000 Family
1988, Prentice-Hall, hardcover
$5
13.
Programming and Designing with the 68000 Family,
1991, Prentice-Hall, hardcover
$5
13.
The Motorola MC68000 Family, 1985, Prentice-Hall, hardcover
Assembly Language, Interface Design, and System Design
$7
14.
6502 Assembly Language Programming, 1979, Osborne, softcover
the classic
$4
15.
Z80 Assembly Language Programming, 1979, Osborne, softcover
the other classic
$4
16.
Microcomputer Systems: The 8086/8088 Family,
1984, Prentice-Hall, hardcover
a beautiful book
$8
17.
16-Bit Modern Microcomputers: The Intel I8086 Family,
1985, Prentice-Hall, hardcover
an even more beautiful book
$9
18.
File Formats and More File Formats: the Programmer's Reference,
1986 and 1987, Wiley, plastic coil
remember Multimate, etc. learn how to decode native files
$8 (together)
19.
Programming in BASIC for the IBM Personal Computer,
1984, Prentice-Hall, hardcover
$4
20.
A Comprehensive Guide to the IBM PC, 1984, Prentice-Hall, softcover
really comprehensive
$5
21.
IBM PC/XT BASIC Programming, 1984, Prentice-Hall, softcover
cute book with nice photographs
$2
22.
Assembly Language Programming for the IBM PC, 1984, Prentice-Hall, hardcover
an exceptional intro to assembly language programming for beginners
$5
23.
The Apple PC for Beginners, 1982, Prentice-Hall, hardcover
a basic book with an outstanding cover - a must for Apple collectors
$4
24.
Apple IIe BASIC programming with Technical Applications,
1985, Prentice-Hall, softcover
$2
Enjoy these wonderful books.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------
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
.
Kind Sirs,
I came across a reference to "Classic Computer Collector's Mailing List"
on the following web page: http://world.std.com/~mbg/moi_ks10.html
I have a small PC (as in IBM PC compatible) collection and would like to
maintain contact with others interested in preserving (in operating
condition) historically significant examples of these machines.
Does your activity cover these little machines?
Thank you for your attention.
I am,
Paul King at
Paul_King(a)ml.com
For anyone in So., Calif. with a truck, Barry's (Artesia blvd in Gardena)
has a Tek 40xx graphics unit. outside in the front of his salvage yard.
Cost =??, I guess cheap as he is moving.
-Dave
I am surprised and pleased. There was rather more demand than I
anticipated. What's left is mostly for application software and is
listed below in a revision of the list. I plan to post it - revised
as necessary - to comp.os.cpm on Thursday.
- don
==========================
The KAYPRO manuals listed below are available free for the asking,
first come first served, however, you must pay shipping costs.
Unless otherwise requested, they will be sent via USPS at Book
Rate.
E-mail your requests, please.
Qty Title
5 CALCSTAR USERS MANUAL
5 DATASTAR REFERENCE MANUAL
3 DATASTAR TRAINING GUIDE
5 REPORTSTAR USER REFERENCE MANUAL
3 REPORTSTAR TRAINING GUIDE
1 WORDSTAR TRAINING GUIDE
1 WORDSTAR PROFESSIONAL (Users Manual)
1 MAILMERGE REFERENCE GUIDE
GONE SUPERTERM (Communications)
GONE KAYPRO CP/M
GONE KAYPRO II USERS GUIDE
GONE KAYPRO USERS GUIDE
GONE KAYPRO 10 USERS GUIDE
2 INTRODUCTION TO SOFTWARE
4 MICROPLAN
GONE CBASIC REFERENCE MANUAL
3 MICROSOFT BASIC USERS GUIDE
2 MICROSOFT BASIC QUICK REFERENCE
3 SBASIC
3 MSDOS OPERATING SYSTEM USERS GUIDE
2 PROFITPLAN
4 THE WORD Plus (Spell Checker)
1 PERFECT CALC USERS GUIDE
1 WRITING WITH A WORD PROCESSOR by William Zinsser
1 WORD PROCESSING ON THE KAYPRO by Peter McWilliams
1 KAYPRO WORD PROCESSING PLAIN & SIMPLE by David Lenfest
& William Houze
======================
>
>>2.
>>How to Troubleshoot and Repair Microcomputers, 1980, Reston, softcover
>>with step-by-step procedures
>>$2 (inside blank page removed from book)
>>
>
>>14.
>>6502 Assembly Language Programming, 1979, Osborne, softcover
>>the classic
>>$4
>>
>>15.
>>Z80 Assembly Language Programming, 1979, Osborne, softcover
>>the other classic
>>$4
>
You got 15. Better something than nothing. Please send your address so I can
calculate the shipping fee.
Yours in good faith.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------
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
.
--- Christian Fandt <cfandt(a)netsync.net> wrote:
> Here's a bit of a report of what I found at the Hamvention...
> a couple of AUI-to-BNC translator modules for $10 each (Too much?
> Just right?)
I wouldn't pay more. They are $10-$19 new, when you can find vendors
that still carry them.
> Also saw a pallet full (4' x 4' x 5' high) of Sun SPARC LX boxen
I saw that pile, over by the white tent in the corner. I didn't get an LX
(they were stripped and dirty), but I did buy an SMC segmented hub from those
guys (the AUI seems to be non-functional, but the RJ45's all work)
> a Grid computer, don't know exact model as I don't know Grids, but I'd
> wager it was early. No model # on bottom or back. It weighed a ton it seemed,
> painted black. Guy wanted $30 but by then I was flat broke by then :( ;
I saw one of those near the corner of the building, probably the same one.
> lots of C64 and C128 machines and accessories...
One guy near the Grid had a box of C-64 and C-128 parts. I didn't make an
offer because I didn't want to haul them back to the car. The only interesting
device there was what looked like a 64C (wedge-shaped case) with no C= logos
on it and a sticker on the bottom that indicated that the case was made in
South Australia. A Dick Smith special perhaps?
> Wonder what the attendance was this year? No motel rooms available within a
> 75 mile or more radius. Columbus area was reported to be closest rooms.
I'm glad to live close enough to day-trip. Motel rooms in that part of
the state book up well in advance. Attendance in years past was many
thousands of people. I'm sure it's still thousands, but my impression is
not as many thousands as it used to be before the spring and summer Dayton
Computerfests at the same venue. *Those* are nice because all the tables
are indoors and people like us bring things to sell to other people like us.
(And this August, from what I hear, the Dayton Amiga club and Columbus Amiga
club (AmiCON) are planning on putting on something jointly).
-ethan
_____________________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Free instant messaging and more at http://messenger.yahoo.com
<> 5) There is no inherent 'format' command in the ProFile controller logic
<> To enable formatting capability you have to install a special chip
<> (according to rumour: a Z-80 with a piggyback EPROM) into a vacant socke
<
<Much more likely to be a single-chip microcontroller. Some of those had
<'development' versions which took a piggyback EPROM. The Z8 (not Z80) was
<one such, I think.
One of two parts it can be. Z8 (NOT z80 compatable) or a NEC 78PG11 (looks
like a z80 registerwise but it's not).
<It probably won't help much, because you'd need the code in the EPROM,
<though.
I have data for the 78pg11 bit it would be hard to scan half of it (brain
locked).
Allison
You guys and gals are probably getting tired of my little GRiD updates,
but here goes anyway...
I am typing this message on the GRiDCase. So the modem works. 2400bps.
I found Rob's GRiDBoard website, and from there found out that AST keeps
the configuration files for a lot of old GRiDs on its website.
I downloaded conf1520.exe from there.
Now I have my doubts about this machine even being a GRiDCase 1520. Most
of the configuration options don't work or are meaningless to this
particular machine. Like the thing to set the backlighting on the display
- my machine has a gas plasma display. And it seems to be telling me that
my machine doesn't have a modem... so what the heck am I using right now?
It did let me configure my expansion RAM from EMS to XMS... or was that
the other way around? And it let me change my processor speed. But it
wouldn't let me do anything with the hard disk and a whole bunch of other
weird things.
It's a '286 machine, magnesium alloy case, 1.44MB floppy, had a 20MB HD in
it, has a 2400bps internal modem, standard PC ports, gas plasma display,
two ROM sockets under a trapdoor above the keyboard... could this thing
be anything other than a 1520?
Note that is says "GRiDCASE 1500 Series" above the display.
Now I suppose it's time to see if I can have the machine work *without* a
hard drive installed. I just got a _very_ scary message about JVC drives
seizing and taking HD controllers with them. (Thanks for the warning,
Jason!)
Of course, as the drive that was in the machine when I got it was seized
up, the damage may already be done. And maybe that's why I'm still unable
to access the HD. :(
--
Doug Spence
ds_spenc(a)alcor.concordia.ca
http://alcor.concordia.ca/~ds_spenc/
Unaccustomed as I am to keeping my mouth shut, I will endeavor to weigh in
on "Are IBM PCs classic?" - even though I just joined this classic computer
list today.
Since I just joined this "list" today I do not know what prompted "Are IBM
PCs classic?". So forgive me in advance if my views have already been
offered by others.
"Are IBM PCs classic?" is something that I have wondered about and certainly
needs to be addressed.
If one is being precise, then when one says "IBM PCs" one is referring to
the original IBM Personal Computer, introduced in 1981, with a 62.5 watt
power supply, Type 1 or 2 motherboard, INTEL 8088 clocked at 4.77 MHz, four
ROM sockets, five 8-bit expansion adapter slots, two full height diskette
(floppy disk) drive bays and 16 or 64 KILO!-bytes of soldered main memory.
If one is alluding, more generally, to all the, more or less, compatible
machines that followed (including the IBM PC/XT), then you have thrown open
the gates to such a broad spectrum of (sometimes very interesting and
significant) machines that the discussion becomes cumbersome. In the
interest of circumscribing the discussion, my comments are limited to just
the original PC, plus any other "highly (BIOS) compatible" 8-bit bus, 4.77
MHZ PC compatible; like the original Compaq and other early examples.
Now...
When saying "classic", if you intend to be using standard, plain American
English, then the question may be addressed as follows...
The American Heritage dictionary has 6 definitions for classic adj. And
they are (with my assessment):
Definition #1. Of the highest rank or class.
My collection has, among other things, five IBM PCs (Type 1 or Type 2) and,
wonderful as they are, I would rather assign the "highest rank or class"
distinction, as far as a classic digital computer goes, to the likes of
machines like ENIAC, ILLIAC 4, System 360/95, Cray (1 and up), etc. My dad
worked on ENIAC.
Definition #2. Serving as an outstanding representative of its kind; model.
If by PC it is agreed that we mean "IBM PC hardware compatible micro
computer system" then I would say that the IBM PC is an "outstanding
representative" of a IBM PC hardware compatible micro computer system" -
having actually initially established and then continually defined this kind
of computer.
Definition #3. Having lasting significance or recognized worth.
The demand for, and eventual numbers sold are a clear indication that the
IBM PC had a "recognized worth" to a great many people. It wasn't cheap.
Had it not had recognized worth, few would have sold and it would have
suffered a fate like the PC Jr. Of course IBM PC is no longer made new so
the recognized worth is not what it used to be. But many are still very
much in use.
To glimpse just one aspect of its "lasting significance" take a look at the
IBM PC main memory allocation map. The fact that the PC compatible world is
STILL contending with the fixed 640 KB boundary and display adapter memory
map above that indicates that the significance is lasting. There are many
more aspects of this.
So the IBM PC has lasting significance, and still has recognized worth.
Definition #4. Pertaining to ancient Greek or Roman literature or art.
No, the IBM PC does not in any way pertain to these.
Definition #5. Of or in accordance with established principals or methods in
the arts and sciences.
Yes, the IBM PC indeed uses well "established principals and methods" - in
the sciences at least. Nothing very adventurous was attempted in its
design. Its design was executed by the worlds mightiest computer company.
That was where the "adventurous" aspect came in. IBM being IBM. It was a
very adventurous thing for IBM to do.
What eventually happened to the worlds mightiest computer company, as a
result of their little, adventurous creation, makes a very compelling and
ironic tale indeed. But as for the actual IBM PC hardware itself, It uses
normal TTL and CMOS logic and has an: internal power supply, motherboard
(with Intel CPU, dynamic ram memory, ROM, adapter bus), cassette I/O port!
floppy disk drive(s), detached keyboard, I/O adapters (for display, serial,
parallel ports), CP/M-86, P-System Pascal, DOS (CP/M inspired), Visicalc,
etc. This was all very well established by others before IBM ventured in.
I am not qualified to address "in accordance with established arts" part of
this definition, but the case sure looks like a classic IBM design, at least
to me.
Definition #6. Of lasting historical or literary significance.
Literary? Not. Historical? Absolutely. The IBM PC system hardware
provided a very, very good (though, unfortunately, not a really, really
great) foundation upon which an entire genera of useful, rapidly advancing,
affordable, accessible, (and eventually quite powerful) personal computing
and data processing machines have been built. And are continuing to be
built, even to this day.
Plus, the very existence of the IBM PC (as good or bad as you would rate the
hardware for the time) directly fostered the rapid, stable development of
the entire personal computer industry. This industry was not CREATED by the
IBM PC. The industry was already there (Apple, S-100, TRS-80, Sinclair,
etc, etc) trying to bootstrap itself into viability. But the "endorsement"
of the whole concept, by IBM creating a tangible, workable platform, that
would certainly not fold up due to lack of financial resources, created an
environment "comfortable" enough for the wealthy to pour in their capital
and for the young and adventurous to pour their very lives.
So...
The IBM PC is a classic?
The IBM PC is a classic general purpose stored program digital computer
system.
The IBM PC is a classic micro computer system.
The IBM PC is a classic IBM "PC compatible" computer, odd as that may sound,
and in fact defines that genre.
The IBM PC is a classic little computer that you can put your arms around.
The IBM PC is not a classic outside of it's league.
The IBM PC is not a classic big "glass house", "mainframe" computer.
The IBM PC is not one kind of classic since it doesn't even have one
blinking light on the front (and I really mean "blinking" as in flashing on
and off). Everybody knows that you have to have lots of blinking lights to
have a REAL computer. I cut my computer teeth on an IBM 360/44 (with the
200ns high speed! register option, and that little internal pancake disk
drive). It took me quite awhile to get over the fascination of watching the
light show dancing around on the front panel. Lights went out with the 370
mid-life kickers and things just weren't the same after that.
The IBM PC is not a classic big computer - the kind that put ITS arms around
YOU. And those of you who know what I mean, know what I mean.
However...
If by "classic" you are using some other definition (which you have every
right to do) then one can not address the question without knowing the
special definition that you have in mind.
For example, if by "classic" it is meant that they will eventually be sought
after by overly mature, as in aging, men and women looking for a way to
bring back some very fond memories of a more vital, adventurous time. And
willing to pay (possibly large) sums of money to get such an object of
desire - so that they can brag sagely about it to their (also older) knowing
friends.
If that is what is meant by "classic" then...
The IBM PC is not a classic - for everyone. I know of no "classic" anything
that is.
Will the IBM PC be a popular classic as time goes by? I don't know.
But I can tell you that it has become popular with me. I'm way more overly
mature than I would like to be and, ahem, I have a original IBM PC, with a
Type 1 motherboard and a serial number of _235785. Top that! I am sure
some of you can. I plan to de-expand it back to an earlier representative
configuration - with one SINGLE SIDED diskette drive! And boot DOS 1.0 or
3.3.
And if I find a Type 1 with a number __99999 or less, then I will
investigate procuring that.
And if I find a Type 1 with a number ___999 or less, then I will really
investigate procuring that - and so forth.
No I'm not a nut. But I am a collector on the look-out.
I have a small (25) "PC" collection (with a cut off at the first Pentium)
mostly because I can't stand to see fully functional digital computers, who
did nothing but serve their masters, trashed and lost forever.
I certainly don't need to find an earlier Type 1, I already have a pretty
nice example.
What I NEED to find is a fully functional IBM PC Expansion Chassis (with two
10 Meg disk drives) to connect to my Type 1. This could run everything from
DOS 1.1 to Windows 3.0.
Are IBM PCs classic? Yes, by and large they really are - though not for
everyone.
Now...
If you know where I could get my hands on a working IBM PC Expansion
Chassis, especially one headed for oblivion, please let me know.
I am,
Paul King at
PaKing(a)exchange.ml.com
Again, I don't have Honeywell knowledge, but didn't they create a division
called Honeywell Bull Information Systems, and rebadged multiple systems
under that name?
My only knowledge of this comes from my General Automation days. When their
Motorola based line was loosing market share to the Unix crowd, they
introduced a server called a Honeywell Bull (blue/green nameplate I think)?
That system I know for sure was an RS6000. Perhaps HBIS rebadged more than
just the RS6000. Sounds like it anywho...
Jay
-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Owad <owad(a)caesarville.net>
To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers
<classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu>
Date: Tuesday, May 18, 1999 5:55 PM
Subject: Re: Honeywell Bull
>>I am by no means well acquainted with the Honeywell line. But I was under
>>the impression that a Honeywell DPS was never called a BULL, it was called
a
>>DPS. The only system with the Honeywell brand that was called a BULL was
>>actually an OEM'ed RS6000 that Honeywell put the BULL label on.
>
>Hmm... I haven't seen the unit, just talked to the fellow on the phone.
>I asked him what kind of computer it was, he put the phone down to go
>look at it, came back, and said it was a "Honeywell Bull", also giving me
>the dimensions (4x3x2). The computer was used by a company that
>assembles line and bucket trucks. I believe they had a good number of
>remote terminals set up, and used the system to transfer specs and price
>sheets.
>
>Tom Owad
>
You wrote...
>> I have an opportunity to acquire a Honeywell Bull mainframe, free of
>> charge
I am by no means well acquainted with the Honeywell line. But I was under
the impression that a Honeywell DPS was never called a BULL, it was called a
DPS. The only system with the Honeywell brand that was called a BULL was
actually an OEM'ed RS6000 that Honeywell put the BULL label on.
Can someone confirm or deny?
Jay West
You won't find eBay wanting to "get in the middle" in that way. They get a
fee based on the high bid. They don't really care whether the transaction
is completed. Of course, the seller gets a credit for his fee in the case
where the sale isn't completed, but eBay still gets the money.
Why would they want to change this comfortable arrangement?
Dick
-----Original Message-----
From: Philip.Belben(a)pgen.com <Philip.Belben(a)pgen.com>
To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers
<classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu>
Date: Tuesday, May 18, 1999 7:52 AM
Subject: Re: (fwd) WARNING! New Ebay SCAM! (fwd)
>
>
>>>>It means that the "dealer" has an item X in their inventory, they see
that
>>>someone else on Ebay is selling an equivalent X. The dealer follows the
>>>auction to completion, when complete, the dealer sends email to the
second
>>>highest bidder and asks if they would like to purchase the item from them
>>>for the price they offered the seller.
>>>
>>>This is a scam? Give it a break guys. If I bid on something and am not
the
>>>high bidder I would like a chance to buy. If you don't then don't reply.
>>>Sometimes you can get in a bidding war and end up pay many times the
value
>>>of an item, I.E. Imsai or Altec on Ebay, Is it really that different
than
>>>making an offer here to someone who has something you want? So who looses
if
>>>a seller contacts you and you agree on a fair price? Ebay? Time to face
the
>>>facts Ebay, Yahoo, etc., etc. auctions are going to stay a while.
>>
>> The above was an explanation of the legitimate practice. The abuse is
where
>> a third party pretends to be the seller, contacts the second etc. bidders
>> and requests payment be sent to a blind PO Box, then skips with the funds
>> never sending any goods.
>>
>> BTW I just sent an inquiry to eBay to see if this is rumor, hoax, or
fact.
>
>
>Oh. I got the impression that it was the highest bidder doing this, i.e.
>outbidding the legitimate bidders; then selling his stuff to the failed
bidders;
>and only then backing down on the original sale. Very nasty, because the
>original vendor can't sell to the failed bidders until he has definitely
heard
>that the winner is backing down...
>
>At a genuine auction in the UK, the auctioneer has the legal power to sign
a
>contract of purchase on behalf of either party. So backing down is very,
very
>difficult. But this sort of safeguard has yet to reach Ebay, I suppose.
>
>Philip.
>
>
>
>
>
--- Tony Duell <ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk> wrote:
> >... wouldn't turn down a PDP8/e mind you.
>
> Why the 8/e in particular? The PDP8 is a very elegant machine, so I can
> understand wanting to own one (I have a couple...) but I can't see why
> you'd pick that one model. It is the most common one, I guess...
In my case the -8/e was the _last_ one I got. I'm personally fond of the
pre-OMNIBUS machines (-8/L and -8/i) for the simple matter that they are made
of wads of TTL and assembled in such a fashion that it's entirely possible to
envision how this gate connects to that flop, etc, and trace the operation of
the ALU, etc. The appeal of the OMNIBUS machines is that it's easier to hang
modern devices off of them.
Of course, it probably comes down to the question of "what did you encounter
first". In my case, it was an -8/L followed by an -8/i followed by an -8/a.
As for most common, around here, I ran across as many -8/a's as all other
kinds put together (during the 1980's when such things were to be found in
the wild at all). I wish I could have rescued the two -8/m's that were
at OSU analyzing horse urine for the state racing commission. They had a
rack of Diablo RK03's on a switch with one CPU attached to a mass spectrometer
and the other CPU attached to a 9-track and a Tektronics printing terminal.
It was four racks of CPUs, disks and such. The last time I saw them was 1987,
give or take a year. It's where I cut my teeth on RTS-8 (during the
maintenance
time on the mass spec).
-ethan
_____________________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Free instant messaging and more at http://messenger.yahoo.com
Does anyone know where I can find a few rolls of thermal paper for a TI
Silent 700? I have only about half a roll left and don't want to waste
what little I have if I can't find more. Is there any suitable
replacements for this paper?
Robert
Have you tried AltaVista's "Babelfish"?
http://babelfish.altavista.com/cgi-bin/translate?
(And yes, the "?" is part of the URL)
>
>OT: That brings up a good point. I've tried before, searching
>for "something" to translate Russian pages. What I found was
<snip>
> Are there any suggestions for a better & free translator?
>
Bill Richman
incolor.inetnebr.com/bill_r
(Home of the COSMAC Elf
microcomputer simulator!)
>I am by no means well acquainted with the Honeywell line. But I was under
>the impression that a Honeywell DPS was never called a BULL, it was called a
>DPS. The only system with the Honeywell brand that was called a BULL was
>actually an OEM'ed RS6000 that Honeywell put the BULL label on.
Hmm... I haven't seen the unit, just talked to the fellow on the phone.
I asked him what kind of computer it was, he put the phone down to go
look at it, came back, and said it was a "Honeywell Bull", also giving me
the dimensions (4x3x2). The computer was used by a company that
assembles line and bucket trucks. I believe they had a good number of
remote terminals set up, and used the system to transfer specs and price
sheets.
Tom Owad
At 12:34 PM 5/18/99 -0400, you wrote:
>Here's a bit of a report of what I found at the Hamvention. I was there on
>Friday from about 09:15 to 17:30 except lunch for which we went off the
>grounds and on Saturday from about 08:00 to 13:30. Therefore with my method
>of checking every promising box and poking around under tables I saw about
>3/4 of the whole fleamarket. I was looking for quite a variety of things
>-not just old computers.
>
>Stuff I dragged home were two DG Ones (model 2208A), two DG printers which
>go with them (model 2230), one AC power supply and one printer cable all
>for $15; VMEbus boards including one unopened Force Computers SYS68Y DRAM-2
>memory board ($5) and four Motorola CODEX boards, $15; an IOMEGA Ditto Easy
>3200 external tape drive (Travan 3) with cable and power supply, $25.
>
>And my best find of all: a virtually mint, seemingly unused HP9000/300
>computer with 7958B hard drive (150 Mb IIRC) and 9144A 16-track tape drive.
>A label on the 98574 CPU module indicated it's been upgraded to a 375 which
>is just about the ultimate of the 300-series. A 68030 processor running at
>50MHz and 16 Mb of RAM. Nice!
>
>I've been casually looking for one of the 300's for a couple of years. My
>ex-colleague who's an engineering manager from my ex-company's German
>parent company told me last week when he visited the house that an HP
>9000/332 system was promised to me and will be shipped to me from their
>Chicago facility late this year.
>
>My new 9000/375 system was built into a 19" rack enclosure which was in
>turn bolted into a fiberglas transit case about 3' tall, 2' wide by about
>2.5' deep. It was part of a military surplus system. I did not get a chance
>to find the AN system designation on the rack or case, just that it weighed
>97 pounds and required two persons to carry.
>
>Apparently it had been built and not used *ever*. Just stuck in a military
>warehouse probably as a result of a military contract which didn't go
>anywhere or as a result of the Cold War ceasing or something. I absolutely
>cannot see *any* dust on the leading edges of the fan blades so this system
>has maybe only an hour or two at most of operation :) SNs are from mid-89.
>There's a Federal Stock Number or system part number rubber stamped onto
>the right side of the computer box. A probably earlier FSN or contractor's
>PN has been blacked out with paint (about 3/8" x 1.5" strip) and the
>present number rubber stamped onto the case after the upgrade to the 375
>model was done. A little ugly, but what the hey! It shows a bit about the
>original purpose of the machine. That's the only indication of any special
>use of it. The update was done in December '91 according to a date
>handwritten on the CPU board tag inside.
>
>I was passing by the previous owner's space when I overheard one of the
>guys asking "What is it?" as they were taking the cover off the 7958B box
>to try and figure out just what *it* was. I looked and saw the main box was
>a 300 system (Whoa!! Let's stop and look!), became interested and checked
>it out. I offered an explanation as to what it was, what it was usually
>used for, typical processors used in the 300's, etc. Apparently the
>then-new owner who'd just dragged it to his space from a nearby surplus
>dealer didn't see a use for it for himself and offered the HP 9000 items to
>me and I paid him nearly all the remaining money I had to spend: $40 for
>all three boxes. He kept the transit case and 19" rack which bolted inside
>as he had a use for it back at home in Houston. He didn't recognize at
>first when he bought the whole transit case (for $50) that those 3 HP boxes
>which were clamped onto rack slide plates were actually a computer. He was
>happy somebody got it who knew what it was and could use it and he was
>happy to have the transit case. I love happiness :-) Only thing I had to
>promise him was to email him with what I found on the disk. He's a UNI*
>system admin and had enough UNI* machines of his own. I'm surprised he
>hadn't seen an HP 9000 machine before but these 300's were obsolete some
>time ago and he indicated he was always an Intel-based UNI* user.
>
>I've got a copy of HP-UX 7.0 on tape with the license, both still
>shrinkwrapped, and manual set that I've had for some time. Now I've got a
>machine to hang it upon! :) BTW, ver. 7.0 is near or at the end of HP-UX
>support for the 300's. Have BASIC-UX ver. 5.0 w/license and docs too!
>
>The keyboard and monitor were some sort of rugged, militarized things built
>into an operator's station. The fellow who had it never got from the
>surplus dealer as it obviously didn't quite interest him and maybe he
>didn't realize what it was. If it's what I *think* I saw an hour or so
>earlier at a surplus dealer's space not far away it definitelly wasn't the
>normal HP keyboard as it was part of some other section of the system used
>as the operations console and was connected via AN/MS connectors and
>cables. Have absolutely no idea as to the function of the whole system. If
>there's something on the hard disk when it comes up it may give me a good
>clue. But I gotta get it lit up first.
>
>So, does anybody have a very decent looking keyboard and HP-HIL k'bd cable
>they're willing to sell to me? Keyboard model *I think* should be a 46020
>or 46021 or a 98203C.
I have a fairly substantial pile of 46021 keyboards, HP-HIL cables, and
mice for the 9000-300 series, and you are welcome to have one of each for
free. All I ask is reimbursmment for the shipping charges.
Regards,
I don't know the exact differences as I have no
>pictures or specs. but they are mentioned in the "Peripheral Installation
>Guide for the HP 9000 Series 200/300", which I have had for some time, as
>being used with the 300-series. I'll post a separate request for a k'brd
>and other info in a separate msg. later today or tomorrow. Need feet for
>bottom of the boxes too but probably large stick-on rubber feet should be
okay.
>
>I've got two old non-HP fixed frequency monitors I'll drag out of the
>garage and try after I get a k'bd. The video interface card is a 98547A
>which is not mentioned in the Periph. Inst. Guide.
>
>I saw a few DEC items: A rather lonely RL02 standing amongst a bunch of
>fairly new amateur gear; a VT320 and VT 420 with a few of DEC's serial
>cables; a couple of AUI-to-BNC translator modules for $10 each (Too much?
>Just right?) and little else that I could see.
>
>Bought a couple more Ethernet NICs for $10 new (Intel 8/16); 3.5-to-5.25"
>floppy adaptors for $1 each; 25' CAT5 cables for $3 each; "The Hard Disk
>Technical Guide", "The Modem Tech. Guide", and "The Network Tech. Guide"
>all w/CDROMs, published by Micro House, for $5 each; misc. cables and bits.
>Hard disks were even cheaper than I'd ever seen but had no extra bucks to
>spend, dang it.
>
>Also saw a pallet full (4' x 4' x 5' high) of Sun SPARC LX boxen; a Grid
>computer, don't know exact model as I don't know Grids, but I'd wager it
>was early. No model # on bottom or back. It weighed a ton it seemed,
>painted black. Guy wanted $30 but by then I was flat broke by then :( ;
>lots of C64 and C128 machines and accessories; tons of PeeCee stuff of all
>ages and condx; pallets full of printers and monitors; lots of IBM
>MicroChannel machines and boards; several HP Vectras; boxes of network
>stuff of varying conditions and types; boxes of shrinkwrapped software;
>bunches of other stuff I can't recall at the moment. Lots and lots of
>amateur radio gear of course.
>
>I wish I had more money to spend there dang it!
>
>Importantly, I did score a few really hard to find parts for the WWII
>BC-191F transmitter I'm trying to restore plus a few military connectors
>for some gear in the collection; also got a couple of test equipment
>manuals for units I have in the collection. Still wish I had more $$$ so I
>could get more old gear and parts! Dang.
>
>Saw a couple of antique radio collector friends from other distant parts of
>the country; made contacts with a couple of folks who may have parts for
>the BC-191 and the virtually identical BC-375 transmitters. Understand from
>another email list (Greenkeys) that a couple of fellow teletype collectors
>were there too. Not much TTY gear to be found though :( May have bumped
>into one of you ClassicCmp folks but we wouldn't have known each other
>visually.
>
>All-in-all a very good time. Free shuttle buses running frequently all day
>every day between the several distant parking areas (we parked free at the
>Salem Mall) and that made it very convenient to haul a heavy object or
>several bag loads back to the car :)
>
>Something for everybody there. Rain held off on Fri and Sat was really
>beautiful. I may go again someday as my uncle lives in nearby Xenia, OH and
>I have basically free room and board :) Only 360 miles from home so I don't
>have too much of an excuse not to go especially if after I find a decent
>paying job and could have extra $$ to spend.
>
>Wonder what the attendance was this year? No motel rooms available within a
>75 mile or more radius. Columbus area was reported to be closest rooms.
>
>Incidentally, you locals may have noticed there's quite a different scene
>at Mendelson's Surplus in the past year or so. We went there to pickup a
>Hamvention ticket for myself and I was pleasantly surprised. New minor
>league baseball stadium being built across the street, an audio store just
>opened inside the main building, new parking lot in back of the church, a
>new Mendelson's outlet store next door across the new parking lot. But it
>apparently still has the good ol' 3rd floor full of all kinds of parts,
>equipment and untold amounts of obscure goodies! :-)
>
>Yes indeed, next year :)
>
>Regards, Chris
>-- --
>Christian Fandt, Electronic/Electrical Historian
>Jamestown, NY USA cfandt(a)netsync.net
>Member of Antique Wireless Association
> URL: http://www.ggw.org/awa
>
>
Kenneth L. Marshall
Research Engineer, Optical Materials
Laboratory for Laser Energetics
University of Rochester
250 East River Road
Rochester, NY 14623
Phone:(716)-275-8247
Fax: (716)-275-5960
Doug Spence wrote:
> Does anyone have the program "RACE" from Cursor #2?
About a year ago, I transfered the first 15 or so CURSOR
tapes to Commodore disk for Larry Anderson to put up on
his BBS. I did it in a hurry and didn't keep a copy of
the disks. You can ask him for a copy or I can try to
"dig" the box of CURSOR tape out of which ever pile it
wound up in. If I can find the tape, I can transfer it to
the pc on the little C64 dev station I set up at work.
Let me know.
Doug Spence wrote:
>I need some information about the Commodore cassette storage format.
>....snip.....
>In the data portions, it appears as if every 20th wave is special
About a year and a half ago, I took my shot at converting wave files.
Unfortunately I had to move on to other projects just as I was making
progress.
First, IMHO if you are sampling at less than 44.1, you are making
things too hard on yourself.
I did find the format of the header in a book and now I can't remember
which book it was, but I'm fairly certain it was a PET book.
I started with a test program consisting of:
10 REM ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
Then I wrote a C program to measure pulses from "bottom to bottom".
Analyzing the data, I choose 15 samples as the difference between
small pulse and a large one. 15 or less was small and 16 or greater
was a large.
> with maximum amplitude and a smaller frequency.
Yes, this is a sync bit at the start of ever byte. Watching for this
will tell you when the data begins.
Below I have copied the begining of the last test output I ran.
First there is a row of pulse lengths (in samples)
(20 17 17 14 14 17 14 17 17 12 14 17 13 16 13 16 16 14 13 17)
Then there is a row where zero is a "small pulse", 1 is a "large" pulse.
( 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 )
With that information, I determine the byte like this:
* the first two pulses are 1 and 1 - this is the sync bit.
* the next two pulses are the low order bit
* a 1 followed by a 0 is a 1
* a 0 followed by a 1 is a 0
* and the last two pulses is the parity bit
So in the first line of data:
1 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1
represents hex 89.
This is just a small portion of the output file. It shows the header
up to and including the filename (TEST1).
If you want, I can sent you the rest of this file off list.
;
; Cassette Tape Analysis of c6444812.wav Created 09/11/97
;
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20 17 17 14 14 17 14 17 17 12 14 17 13 16 13 16 16 14 13 17
1 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1
89
20 16 14 17 14 17 14 17 16 13 13 17 13 16 13 16 16 13 16 14
1 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0
88
20 16 17 14 17 14 16 13 13 16 13 16 13 16 13 16 16 14 17 14
1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0
87
20 16 13 17 17 13 16 13 13 15 13 16 13 16 13 16 16 13 13 17
1 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1
86
20 16 17 14 14 17 17 13 12 16 13 16 13 16 13 16 17 13 13 17
1 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1
85
20 16 14 17 13 16 17 13 13 16 14 16 13 16 13 16 16 14 17 14
1 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0
84
19 17 17 14 16 14 13 16 13 16 14 16 13 16 13 17 16 13 13 17
1 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1
83
20 16 14 17 17 13 13 17 14 16 13 16 13 16 14 17 17 14 16 13
1 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0
82
19 16 17 14 13 16 14 16 14 16 13 17 13 16 13 17 16 13 16 14
1 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0
81
19 17 17 13 13 17 14 17 13 16 13 16 13 16 13 16 13 16 13 16
1 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1
01
20 17 17 14 14 17 14 17 14 16 13 16 13 16 13 16 13 16 13 16
1 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1
01
20 17 14 17 15 17 14 17 16 13 13 16 13 16 13 16 13 16 13 16
1 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1
08
20 16 17 15 17 13 13 16 13 16 13 16 16 13 13 16 13 16 13 16
1 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1
23 #
20 16 14 17 14 16 13 16 17 13 13 16 14 16 13 16 13 16 13 16
1 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1
08
19 16 14 17 14 17 17 13 13 16 16 13 13 16 17 14 13 17 14 16
1 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1
54 T
19 16 17 15 13 17 16 13 13 16 13 16 13 16 16 14 13 17 14 17
1 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1
45 E
20 17 17 14 17 14 13 17 13 17 16 13 13 16 16 13 13 17 17 14
1 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0
53 S
20 16 14 17 14 16 17 13 13 17 16 13 13 16 16 14 13 17 13 16
1 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1
54 T
19 16 17 14 13 17 14 16 13 16 16 13 17 14 14 16 13 16 13 16
1 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1
31 1
19 16 14 17 15 17 13 16 13 16 13 16 16 13 13 16 14 17 14 17
1 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1
20
I hope this helps,
--Doug
====================================================
Doug Coward dcoward(a)pressstart.com (work)
Sr. Software Eng. mranalog(a)home.com (home)
Press Start Inc. http://www.pressstart.com
Sunnyvale,CA
Curator
Museum of Personal Computing Machinery
http://www.best.com/~dcoward/museum/
and the new
Analog Computer Museum and History Center
http://www.best.com/~dcoward/analog
====================================================
In a message dated 5/17/99 3:30:51 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
rigdonj(a)intellistar.net writes:
> I picked up a pair of Intel extender cards in my travels and I'm
> wondering if anyone knows what they might be for. They have two sets of
> contacts with 80 contacts in each (40 per side per set). The contacts in
> each set have 1/10" spacing. No, they're not Multibus :-(
I suspect they are Multibus II. They look similar to VME cards. My books are
still at the whse. I will check when I get down there tonight.
Paxton
The only XT I still have is one based on an 80186, which I've used to
develop code for the '186. The XT was, for the most part, hampered by the
presence of all the PC hardware. With the '186, you could make the internal
peripherals go away and reappear at a location not addressed by the PC
hardware, though there were sometimes ambiguities which fouled things up.
Dick
-----Original Message-----
From: allisonp(a)world.std.com <allisonp(a)world.std.com>
To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers
<classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu>
Date: Tuesday, May 18, 1999 9:27 AM
Subject: Re: Are IBM PCs classic?
>> To provide a counterpoint to that, there were so many PCs and PC clones,
>> that collecting them would be more tantamount to collecting matchbox cars
>
>While I don't specifically collect PCs I do have a few I'm holding as
>they are interesting or unique. The key being yes they are clones but
>they are in some waus more desireable than the IBMs or the lesser popular.
>
>For example a leading edge model D XT clone, smaller and has videomono
>and color), serial, printer and floppy on the MB. Yet it has many slots
>for add ins and is quite compact.
>
>Another is a Kaypro xt that has a passive mother. The whole system
>floppy, video, cpu ram are on two ISA-8 cards! Very different.
>
>The last of the oldies is the PS2/50z, MCA and a really better 286 than
>some.
>
>There are many like the DTK machines I just junk as they were common turbo
>XTs that had no redeming features.
>
>Allison
>
I certainly have the same mindset that PC's aren't worthy of being "classic"
in the sense that a PDP-8 or HP2108A is.... at first blush....
But thinking about it more, it would seem to me that like quantum mechanics,
it depends on the time and act of the observation. Specifically, we might
not be so quick to dismiss the PC architecture if we were currently in the
year 2100 (that was just a random choice of year, nothing to do with HP's
<grin>).
To provide a counterpoint to that, there were so many PCs and PC clones,
that collecting them would be more tantamount to collecting matchbox cars
than collecting real cars (which I liken to collecting mini's). They're much
easier to comeby right now, so one would collect for color and variety for
example rather than each item depicting a phase of computing history. While
I understand and agree with others idea that PC's are "not as historically
significant except as a whole", I think it is - no less - a valid item to
collect.
BTW - I'm referring to PC architecture machines, not S100, or even PET type
machines.
Just my .00002 cents worth.
Cheers!
Jay West
SMS was the maker of a number of 8X300-based FDC's. These were about 10x12"
things with loads of TTL, normally bounted in a 17x18x15" (wxlxh) cast
aluminum-framed case with a clipped-on aluminum shell, often painted
off-white or beige, in which there were two 8" drives. The boards had
numbers like FDC300 or FT400, and were interfaced via a req/ack handshake
and 8-bit data on a 50-conductor cable. The models (300 & 400) with which
I'm familiar, were single-sided, but the FDC of the 400 supported
double-density. The interface protococ was at the sector or track level,
i.e. it was simple and based on commands like "read the next sector" or
format the next track, with much less fiddling than with the WD or NEC
FDC's. Their HDC's worked more or less like the bridge controllers from
other vendors.
SMS was the original developer of the 8X300 microcontroller, produced for
them by Signetics. They later produced FDC's and HDC's under the name OMTI.
I may still have doc's for the ones I had, though I remember at least one of
the manuals got a mite wet some time back.
Dick
-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Ford <mikeford(a)netwiz.net>
To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers
<classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu>
Date: Tuesday, May 18, 1999 7:21 AM
Subject: Scientific Micro Systems
>In my scrap yard looking I came across a batch of circuit boards near some
>old 8" floppy drives (Shugart, Qume, etc. and all bad I think, or
>troublesome) and I am wondering if they mean anything to anybody. They are
>large, maybe 11x17 or more, and the name on them is Scientific Micro
>Systems. The only connector I remember is a about a 4" wide edge connector
>on one end of the board in the middle.
>
>
I can understand why people go ahead and "toss" things as opposed to going
to the trouble to pack and ship them.
Whereas I seldom object to giving someone who will use it an item in my
storage heap, I have had qualms, at times, about people who wanted
"everything" when I knew up front that it would just go from my dead storage
area to theirs. I never worried so much about what happened to the puppies
I sold. I guess I figured that people willing to pay for something would
care for it and put it to use. What a silly notion!
When I made public what I had here, I got lots of requests for essentially
"all the good stuff" if there is such a designation, and at the end of the
day, so to speak, only one fellow sent funds to cover shipping. I sent him
the two boards he requested, and, as far as I'm concerned, he still has
credit with me for another USPS priority mail shipment of <2 lbs. Of course
shipping boards or diskettes/manuals is pretty easy when compared with
shipping a 20" high by 30" deep metal box . . .
Dick
-----Original Message-----
From: Philip.Belben(a)pgen.com <Philip.Belben(a)pgen.com>
To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers
<classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu>
Date: Tuesday, May 18, 1999 7:50 AM
Subject: Re: Tossing
>
>
>>> Anyway, Macs are prety neat to stack (especialy the classic ones),
>>> and should form a neat wall (maybe for seperation between dining
>>> room and kitchen ?) or can be used as base for a desk etc.
>>>
>>> (I just havn't enough to proove it)
>>
>> I've tested this hypothesis in the lab and have concluded that they do
not
>> stack well. They are angled slightly at the top. With enough Macs you
>> could build a suspension bridge, but I wouldn't drive a car over it.
>
>
>Suspension bridge? I take it you mean an arch bridge...
>
>The way to build a wall is to stack them not all the same way round. The
most
>stable method is probably LRRLLRRLL..., but LRLRLR would probably work (L
and R
>meaning Macs facing Left and Right respectively)
>
>Philip.
>
>
>
>
>
At 12:51 AM 5/18/99 -0700, you wrote:
>On Mon, 17 May 1999, James Willing wrote:
>
>> >> work where it would fail before. The clicking sound it makes is
>> >> pretty loud and annoying and I'm sure a LLF won't help that. Does
>>
>> It's quite possible that the problem may be little more than bit-rot due to
>> the degredation of the magnetic domains on the drive platters. (or it
>> really could be busted, but let's think good thots here) Also, power
>> failures during writes could honk up the drive real easily...
>
>Naw, he says its clicking. I think its internal mechanical failure.
...or dust in the track 0 optical sensor... (externally mounted, easy to
get to)
-jim
---
jimw(a)computergarage.org
The Computer Garage - http://www.computergarage.org
Computer Garage Fax - (503) 646-0174
At 01:16 AM 5/18/99 -0700, Sellam Ismail wrote:
>He's trying.
For me, one of the most delightful parts of running a small software
business was reading the unsolicited letters. I kept a file folder
of them. One of my favorites was from another East Bloc country that
started out in clear English, slowly began to struggle, and then
finally gave up and switched to their mother tongue.
For a while, every few weeks we'd get a letter from Mosul, Iraq,
each more creative than the last. Some were written in crayon, some
pencil, some on paper with inch-tall lines, some block-printed with
a rubber-stamp kit. Eventually, I guessed it was a young kid who'd
regularly raid his dad's supply of stamps and envelopes.
- John
>>>It means that the "dealer" has an item X in their inventory, they see that
>>someone else on Ebay is selling an equivalent X. The dealer follows the
>>auction to completion, when complete, the dealer sends email to the second
>>highest bidder and asks if they would like to purchase the item from them
>>for the price they offered the seller.
>>
>>This is a scam? Give it a break guys. If I bid on something and am not the
>>high bidder I would like a chance to buy. If you don't then don't reply.
>>Sometimes you can get in a bidding war and end up pay many times the value
>>of an item, I.E. Imsai or Altec on Ebay, Is it really that different than
>>making an offer here to someone who has something you want? So who looses if
>>a seller contacts you and you agree on a fair price? Ebay? Time to face the
>>facts Ebay, Yahoo, etc., etc. auctions are going to stay a while.
>
> The above was an explanation of the legitimate practice. The abuse is where
> a third party pretends to be the seller, contacts the second etc. bidders
> and requests payment be sent to a blind PO Box, then skips with the funds
> never sending any goods.
>
> BTW I just sent an inquiry to eBay to see if this is rumor, hoax, or fact.
Oh. I got the impression that it was the highest bidder doing this, i.e.
outbidding the legitimate bidders; then selling his stuff to the failed bidders;
and only then backing down on the original sale. Very nasty, because the
original vendor can't sell to the failed bidders until he has definitely heard
that the winner is backing down...
At a genuine auction in the UK, the auctioneer has the legal power to sign a
contract of purchase on behalf of either party. So backing down is very, very
difficult. But this sort of safeguard has yet to reach Ebay, I suppose.
Philip.
>> Geez! And my wife complains about my two Altairs and the Tektronix 4051
>> sitting in the living room!!
>>
>> Joe
>
> Very well, since you're twisting my arm Joe... I'll take the two Altairs
> off your hands.. You'll have to find someone else to take the Tektronix
> (I think I have one of those, minus the monitor, that i'm using as
> a TV stand. I used to use it for a computer desk.. Nice adjustable
> keyboard tray, now i put my VCR on that tray..)
I think you may have lost your 4051! It was a self contained unit with
keyboard, monitor, processor all in one box. If you're using it as a TV stand
you may have lost the 4051 and just kept the pedestal...
(Seriously, I think you're confusing it with a more modern piece of Tek kit)
Philip.
>> Proposal for copying really OLD documents (I get a royalty if someone
>> does this and it works!)
>>
>> 1) Develop a machine that performs a CAT scan of the document
>> without opening it at very high resolution.
>>
>> 2) process the high resolution 3D images captured to determine
>> the ink patterns on each page.
>>
>> 3) OCR the individual pages to recreate the original text
>>
>> Simple, Right?
>>
>> clint
>
> Hi
> Most documents can be opened to about 90 degrees. What does
> them in is flattening them on a copier. One could build a
> lens assembly that would go on top of the copier that would
> allow one to place the original on top with only a 90 degree
> bend. The size of the optics is the main issue here.
I saw a photocopier demonstrated on TV well over 10 years ago which copied books
without opening them more than about 80 degrees. I seem to recall it was the
British Library who were sponsoring the development, but I may be confusing this
with something else.
Philip.
--- Lawrence Walker <lwalker(a)mail.interlog.com> wrote:
> On 17 May 99 at 17:10, Chuck McManis wrote:
> > I recall the folks who have collected PETs and C64s that are pretty common
> > and "worthless" these days (I saw a new Vic20 in box at the Hamvention that
> > they couldn't _give_ away.)
>
> Well had you picked it up you could have made a bit of money. Check what
> they're going for on E-Pay...
I don't know if I got _that_ VIC-20, but I did get _a_ VIC-20 in the box
for $2. I also got a C2N tape drive, new in the box for $1.
I'm doing pretty well... the last VIC-20 I bought was $4. I don't think I
can keep up the progression through too many more iterations, though. ;-)
-ethan
_____________________________________________________________
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P.O. BOX 303, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
Tel: + 359-52-221168, Fax: +359-52-600034
e-mail: apolon(a)triada.bg
Dear Sirs,
My company had organize software group.
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President
In a message dated 99-05-17 21:33:51 EDT, you write:
> I've received a ProFILE interface for my Apple II but the spare 5
> meg (at least I think it's 5 meg) ProFILE drive I had seems to have
> died. Does anyone have a spare one available? Maybe someone
> out in the hardware rich west coast? Or can anyone repair one? It
> makes a clicking noise as it spins up and keeps clicking as the
> drive is spinning. Sometime ProDOS can access the drive but
> most of the time it just returns an error. Any help?
well, if the drive can be accessed somewhat, then it's not a catastrophic
failure; maybe a LLF will do it? I've heard that only a lisa and maybe an
apple /// are the only computers that can LLF a profile. can anyone verify?
On Mon, 17 May 1999, Ethan Dicks wrote:
> --- Don Maslin <donm(a)cts.com> wrote:
> >
> Some, perhaps. I'm not rife with CP/M, so I'm interested...
>
> > 5 KAYPRO CP/M
>
> If these are copies of CP/M for the Kaypro (2.2), I'm interested in two,
> one for me and one for another Kaypro owner here in town.
They are basically Kaypro reprints of the DRI manuals for CP/M.
> > 1 KAYPRO II USERS GUIDE
>
> I'd like this, too.
Sorry, taken.
> > 3 KAYPRO USERS GUIDE
>
> What model?
Ditto. (II and 4 '83, actually)
- don
I've received a ProFILE interface for my Apple II but the spare 5
meg (at least I think it's 5 meg) ProFILE drive I had seems to have
died. Does anyone have a spare one available? Maybe someone
out in the hardware rich west coast? Or can anyone repair one? It
makes a clicking noise as it spins up and keeps clicking as the
drive is spinning. Sometime ProDOS can access the drive but
most of the time it just returns an error. Any help?
Thanks.
-----
David Williams - Computer Packrat
dlw(a)trailingedge.com
http://www.trailingedge.com
I have one used (What other kind could there be?) pdp 11/34 CPU and an RL 02
drive. It seems lonely sitting in my garage but I can't bring myself to send
it to the local metal recycler. The system was fully operational when
replaced by a "Stratus" system. It was operating as some kind of message
switch.
I also have a rack of "Data Comm General" 1200-9600 modems for dedicated
lines.
Any interest in these fine specimens?
Dave
stsyntor(a)aol.com
"Knowledge is power but information can be sold."
--- Don Maslin <donm(a)cts.com> wrote:
>
> I know that the general level of interest in things Kaypro is low amongst
> the members of this list;
Some, perhaps. I'm not rife with CP/M, so I'm interested...
> 5 KAYPRO CP/M
If these are copies of CP/M for the Kaypro (2.2), I'm interested in two,
one for me and one for another Kaypro owner here in town.
> 1 KAYPRO II USERS GUIDE
I'd like this, too.
> 3 KAYPRO USERS GUIDE
What model?
I'm in Columbus, OH (43201).
Thanks,
-ethan
_____________________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Free instant messaging and more at http://messenger.yahoo.com
I saw your thread...I am also having problems ordering a new drum...the
green thing in the front of the machine that has toner all around
it....My pages come out white....and I do not think I need toner but
rather a new drum.....and I like this printer....but when I call compaq
they do not know what the hell I am talking about...
michael
I know that the general level of interest in things Kaypro is low amongst
the members of this list; however, I am offering first crack at the items
on the following list to the members. I will be posting it to comp.os.cpm
on Wednesday or Thursday, but in the meantime it is for classiccmp alone.
- don
===============
The KAYPRO manuals listed below are available free for the asking,
first come first served, however, you must pay shipping costs.
Unless otherwise requested, they will be sent via USPS at Book
Rate.
E-mail your requests, please.
Qty Title
5 CALCSTAR USERS MANUAL
5 DATASTAR REFERENCE MANUAL
3 DATASTAR TRAINING GUIDE
5 REPORTSTAR USER REFERENCE MANUAL
3 REPORTSTAR TRAINING GUIDE
1 WORDSTAR TRAINING GUIDE
1 WORDSTAR PROFESSIONAL (Users Manual)
1 MAILMERGE REFERENCE GUIDE
1 SUPERTERM (Communications)
5 KAYPRO CP/M
1 KAYPRO II USERS GUIDE
3 KAYPRO USERS GUIDE
1 KAYPRO 10 USERS GUIDE
3 INTRODUCTION TO SOFTWARE
4 MICROPLAN
1 CBASIC REFERENCE MANUAL
4 MICROSOFT BASIC USERS GUIDE
3 MICROSOFT BASIC QUICK REFERENCE
5 SBASIC
4 MSDOS OPERATING SYSTEM USERS GUIDE
2 PROFITPLAN
4 THE WORD Plus (Spell Checker)
1 PERFECT CALC USERS GUIDE
1 WRITING WITH A WORD PROCESSOR by William Zinsser
2 WORD PROCESSING ON THE KAYPRO by Peter McWilliams
1 KAYPRO WORD PROCESSING PLAIN & SIMPLE by David Lenfest
& William Houze
===================
<I saw your thread...I am also having problems ordering a new drum...the
<green thing in the front of the machine that has toner all around
<it....My pages come out white....and I do not think I need toner but
<rather a new drum.....and I like this printer....but when I call compaq
<they do not know what the hell I am talking about...
What printer is it?
it sounds like the declaser series and it's possible the HV are down or the
drum is dead.
Allison
Hi all,
I picked up a pair of Intel extender cards in my travels and I'm
wondering if anyone knows what they might be for. They have two sets of
contacts with 80 contacts in each (40 per side per set). The contacts in
each set have 1/10" spacing. No, they're not MultiBus :-( They have long
guides built onto them to support the card being tested. Any ideas?
Joe