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

by lfb107＠psu.edu

At 10:41 PM 2/26/99 -0800, Jason Willgruber wrote: >How much would you want for the parts? I'm trying to get this computer >running for a school project (the computer belongs to my school) > >I was just wondering --- Could I have an APC IV? Three of the teachers that >have seen it have either called it an APC IV, or "The pain in the neck". >Some of the descriptions that I've seen don't sound like the computer I >have. Although it does say "APCIII" on the front panel. >-- > -Jason Willgruber > (roblwill(a)usaor.net) > ICQ#: 1730318 ><http://members.tripod.com/general_1> Well, prices for parts isn't something I'd worry about. A box of cookies plus shipping wwould be fine with me.... as soon as I find the stuff. It would probably be better for you to tell me, specifically, what it is you think you need. As far as software and documentation goes, I don't have any -the reason I was forced to dump mine. I tried (many ages ago) to decipher the meaning/use of the dip switches at the back, but to no avail. The problem with mine was that I tried putting a later version of DOS on it, but the install pooped out, and since it ignored the floppy on bootup, I was screwed. Even tried swapping HD's etc. *NO* luck. They (I had two) were VERY picky machines. Again, let me know what you need, I'll see if I still have it laying around somewhere. Les

27 years, 4 months

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interesting, interesting.

by pete＠dunnington.u-net.com

On Feb 28, 15:59, Chuck McManis wrote: > Subject: Re: interesting, interesting. > That's it! > > At 11:45 PM 2/28/99 +0000, you wrote: > >for starters. There's quite a good line drawing halfway down > > > > http://www.exabyte.com/suppserv/techsupp/8mm/fullhigh/in0111.html > > On this page at step 5 is a drawing of my tape drive. Waaay cool! Well, I'd suggest you look at the back of the drive (or sometimes it's on the top) and see if it's an 8200 or an 8500 (8200 is more likely). -- Pete Peter Turnbull Dept. of Computer Science University of York

27 years, 4 months

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Stuff available

by Watzman＠ibm.net

The guy below has two IMSAI VDP-80's [parts from one of them are on E-Bay but probably won't sell, the better, complete one is not yet offered], a Newtronics ELF, and a SWTPC 6800. He just trashed a System 34 and a Burroughs L6000. If anyone wants the IMSAI, ELF or 6800, call him. You will have to buy the stuff, and pay shipping [the IMSAI is all but impossible to ship, it's best a "pick-up" job]. He's in New Orleans I think, but I'm not sure. Terry Freeman [SMTP:terryf@intersurf.com]

27 years, 4 months

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Novice prospectors guide

by gareth.knight2＠which.net

Mark Gregory >Of course, since _all_ Amigas have either a "Commodore Amiga" or "Amiga" >nameplate on the front, that shouldn't cause too much confusion :v) >(except of course for one that my friend owned that had a VAXstation label >... ). Personally I like to confuse people by placing a Hoover by my monitor and hiding the PC tower under the desk. It looks almost exactly like one of the Silicon Graphics M2's. -- Gareth Knight Amiga Interactive Guide | ICQ No. 24185856 http://welcome.to/aig | "Shine on your star"

27 years, 4 months

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HP 9000 Basic Docs

by jpl15＠netcom.com

In a box I forgot about.. I have managed to acquire the following Hewlett-Packard manuals for the 9000 series 200: 1. Shared Resource Management HP Series 200 Workstation Manual 2. Basic 3.0 Language Reference 3. " Programming Techniques 4. " Interfacing Techniques 5. " Graphics Techniques 6. " Utilities Library Any interest? I don't want 'em.. got enough bokks around here now that actually pertain to things I'm doing.. ;} Cheers John

27 years, 4 months

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Maxtor XT-4380E ESDI Hard Drive settings

by edick＠idcomm.com

I've got the EXT-4000-series manual. I never owned one of the 4380's, though I tested a number. Miniscribe built a model 9380 which was quite similar, except that fewer than 10% of them would pass our tests. However, I used the 9380's for quite a while in my personal systems. There was once a military (air force, I believe) site called TheRef, which had much of this data, if you haven't the patience for me to look up the information you need. I recall there were quite a number of jumper options. If you can find me the desired configuration, I can give you the relevant jumpers and their effects. Dick ---------- > From: Zane H. Healy <healyzh(a)aracnet.com> > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> > Subject: Maxtor XT-4380E ESDI Hard Drive settings > Date: Sunday, February 28, 1999 5:19 PM > > OK, I'm stumped. I'm finally getting around to adding one of the 380Mb > ESDI HD's that I got to replace the 150Mb ones I've been using in my > PDP-11/73. So I check out "The Tech Page" and while they've got the drive, > they don't give any of the jumper settings. Does anyone happen to have the > settings for this drive? > > 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.dragonfire.net/~healyzh/ |

27 years, 4 months

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DEC stuff

by jpl15＠netcom.com

One of the sub-goodies from the recent haul is a DEC CI-750 backplane in a 5-slot frame with three modules in it, though it is marked for five. 1. L0400 2. L0101 3. L0118 * (placarded for L0100) 4. L0101 * 5. L0400 * Where the * = occupied slot. The backplane has absurdly large 5V power leads (2 ea #8) and there are four coax cables coming from slot three backplane pins, all with a side-mounted fan. That's it. Also: The Nicolet scope is a 2090-III, and although there is a small trace of some kind on the screen, it is sorta autistic. :( Now to track down docs and fix it. O Goody!! Another Project!! Cheers and Thanks for all the help... John

27 years, 4 months

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interesting, interesting.

by edick＠idcomm.com

I've got both beige and black drives of this type. They were used in the Maynard line of tape drives, and are really quite widely used, though almost no PC-software supports them for "real" backups. Most of the software I've seen for '95 is limited to floppy tapes and SCSI-II or later drives. That's a shame, since the GOV went to this format after they learned that one little 8 mm tape will hold what it takes a pickup truck of the old open reel 6250 bpi tapes to hold. The button and lamp locations were quite varied, since exabyte purchased the mechanisms from SONY and they could be varied a bit. Dick ---------- > From: Chuck McManis <cmcmanis(a)mcmanis.com> > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> > Subject: Re: interesting, interesting. > Date: Sunday, February 28, 1999 4:59 PM > > That's it! > > At 11:45 PM 2/28/99 +0000, you wrote: > >for starters. There's quite a good line drawing halfway down > > > > http://www.exabyte.com/suppserv/techsupp/8mm/fullhigh/in0111.html > > On this page at step 5 is a drawing of my tape drive. Waaay cool! > --CHuck >

27 years, 4 months

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interesting, interesting.

by pete＠dunnington.u-net.com

On Feb 28, 13:34, Chuck McManis wrote: > At 01:04 PM 2/28/99 +0000, Pete Turnbull wrote: > >Both of my ExaByte 8200's have black faceplates. However, the LEDs are > >side-by-side about 1.25" from the left side of the drive, and the button is > >on the right. > > This describes my drive as well, two LEDs side by side on the left, button > on the right. > > >When the drive is powered up, what do the LEDs do? > > Stay on solid until the CPU counts down to 5 (could be 4) then they go off. Sounds similar to my ExaBytes... > > If you press the button, does the front open to allow you to insert a tape, > > like a miniature VHS machine? > > Wouldn't say a VHS machine (I've got an 8mm cam corder) but certainly the > door opens and there is space in it to drop in the tape and then presumably > close the door. Hmmm... ExaBytes 8200's take an 8mm tape cartridge like a Video8 cartridge. > > Or does it just have an open slot to slide a cartridge into? > > Nope, the 4MM DAT drive on my Sun is like that. This is not one of those. I wasn't thinking of DAT, so much as the old DC300-type cartridges, which are much bigger. No matter, it's obviously neither DAT nor QIC. It sounds like an 8mm ExaByte to me. If it looks like it's 5.25" full-height, probably an 8200, maybe an 8500; if half-height, probably 8205, possibly 8505. I'd suggest you take a look at ExaByte's web pages and see if it matches one of their pictures. Try http://www.exabyte.com/suppserv/techsupp/8mm/fullhigh/ for starters. There's quite a good line drawing halfway down http://www.exabyte.com/suppserv/techsupp/8mm/fullhigh/in0111.html I've just noticed Zane mentioned camcorder tapes; they do work, but in my experience they're don't have quite the same long-term reliability. Oh, and they're a slightly different length. But they'd be OK for testing. -- Pete Peter Turnbull Dept. of Computer Science University of York

27 years, 4 months

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interesting, interesting.

by pete＠dunnington.u-net.com

On Feb 28, 13:34, Chuck McManis wrote: > Subject: Re: interesting, interesting. > Now we're getting somewhere! I just discovered that ExaByte have a useful web page called "Identifying Exabyte Tape Drives" at http://www.exabyte.com/suppserv/techsupp/8mm/misc/in0059.html -- Pete Peter Turnbull Dept. of Computer Science University of York

27 years, 4 months

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KA630 CNF?

by mbg＠world.std.com

Does anyone have any information on the KA630 CNF board? It is used both with KA630s and KA650s to configure them for coprocessor mode. Since I have never actually seen the board (which plugs into the KA630/650 directory), I'd specifically like to know what pins I need to connect to establish the processor as the first, second and third coprocessor... Megan Gentry Former RT-11 Developer +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+ | Megan Gentry, EMT/B, PP-ASEL | Internet (work): gentry!zk3.dec.com | | Unix Support Engineering Group | (home): mbg!world.std.com | | Compaq Computer Corporation | addresses need '@' in place of '!' | | 110 Spitbrook Rd. ZK03-2/T43 | URL: http://world.std.com/~mbg/ | | Nashua, NH 03062 | "pdp-11 programmer - some assembler | | (603) 884 1055 | required." - mbg | +--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+

27 years, 4 months

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OT: 30-pin SIMMS

by max82＠surfree.com

Does anyone here have any 30-pin SIMMs as often found in i386 computers that are more than 1 megabyte? I have 1-mb SIMMs but I've never seen bigger ones --Max Eskin (max82(a)surfree.com)

27 years, 4 months

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Another NEC APCIII question.

by roblwill＠usaor.net

I got the NEC to seek the floppy. Sort of.... Does the APC III Use a special version of DOS? If so, what version? I tried 5.0, and it won't work. ThAnX, -- -Jason Willgruber (roblwill(a)usaor.net) ICQ#: 1730318 <http://members.tripod.com/general_1>

27 years, 4 months

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Novice prospectors guide

by gregorym＠cadvision.com

At 01:45 PM 2/27/99 -0800, you wrote: >>If it looks like a PC-clone (vertical metal strips for the expansion >>slots at the back), then it's either a boring PC-clone or one of the >>_very_ interesting Whitechapel machines :-)... > >It could also be one of the nice big-box Amiga's, though I think only the >A2000's match that specific description. Not sure about the layout of a >A4000. > Of course, since _all_ Amigas have either a "Commodore Amiga" or "Amiga" nameplate on the front, that shouldn't cause too much confusion :v) (except of course for one that my friend owned that had a VAXstation label ... ). Cheers. Mark

27 years, 4 months

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Teledisk Buy Update: 7 shares left!

by kyrrin＠bluefeathertech.com

There are 7 (seven) shares left in the Teledisk group buy. We now have 43 total interested. Approximate share price is now down to $7.05/person. More updates as we get closer to closing the second run. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Bruce Lane, Owner and head honcho, Blue Feather Technologies http://www.bluefeathertech.com Amateur Radio:(WD6EOS) E-mail: kyrrin(a)bluefeathertech.com SysOp: The Dragon's Cave (Fido 1:343/272, 253-639-9905) "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..."

27 years, 4 months

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Interesting typewriter

by gareth.knight2＠which.net

Max Eskin wrote: >Nooo...imagine a 3.5" floppy disk chopped in half and you'd be getting the >idea. I may have one of these somewhere. If it's the one I'm thinking of, they were used on some of the old Amstrad CPC and PCW's. Are they black in colour? -- Gareth Knight Amiga Interactive Guide | ICQ No. 24185856 http://welcome.to/aig | "Shine on your star"

27 years, 4 months

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Group buy update

by kyrrin＠bluefeathertech.com

As of 10:18, Sunday, Feb. 28th, another one's joined the group. We now have 11 shares left. Total cost per share, given the current group, is now $7.77 (oooh, a lucky number!) ;-) It only goes down from here, folks. If you want in, speak up. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Bruce Lane, Owner and head honcho, Blue Feather Technologies http://www.bluefeathertech.com Amateur Radio:(WD6EOS) E-mail: kyrrin(a)bluefeathertech.com SysOp: The Dragon's Cave (Fido 1:343/272, 253-639-9905) "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..."

27 years, 4 months

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Mass Teledisk group buy OPEN AGAIN!

by kyrrin＠bluefeathertech.com

The Teledisk Pro group buy is growing larger by the minute. Here's an update. Based on continued strong interest, I have decided to extend the buy to TWO copies of Teledisk Pro. I will continue (barring any objections) as the focal point for both copies. NEW DEADLINE: If you want in on the group buy, please send me a private E-mail note indicating as much. The deadline to send in your request is by Wednesday, March 3rd, at midnight (Pacific time). That should allow enough time for this bulletin to circulate on the list. UPDATED COSTS: As of Sunday, 28-Feb-99, 10:05 PST, we have 38 people interested. This brings the cost down to about $7.98 per person. This assumes a total cost of $300 for two packages plus $3 shipping (303 / 38). THIS FIGURE MAY GO DOWN if more people jump onto the bandwagon. I will post updates as they occur. As of 10:08 PST, Sunday, Feb. 28th, we have 12 (Twelve) license shares still available. Thanks again to all for your interest. This is certainly a cheap way to get a nice utility. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Bruce Lane, Owner and head honcho, Blue Feather Technologies http://www.bluefeathertech.com Amateur Radio:(WD6EOS) E-mail: kyrrin(a)bluefeathertech.com SysOp: The Dragon's Cave (Fido 1:343/272, 253-639-9905) "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..."

27 years, 4 months

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Pre-Rescue scouting mission - info needed (nicolet, Decitek, and DG)

by jlwest＠tseinc.com

I decided to run over to the surplus store this morning for a closer look at the nicolet. It's in the front window so even though they're closed I could get a good look at it. I also saw some other gear I never really noticed before and would like to ask the list members for info. 1) Nicolet There are two units. The first is a model NIC-80 Data Processor. It looks identical to the unit on sellam's website. There's three rows of lights labelled AC (18 lights +1 L light), IR, and PC. Below that is a set of switches for the SR (switch register?). Top left is a "sweeps complete" display. There's two yellow buttons in the upper right labelled "data processor". Top center is a row of buttons labelled 'memory allocation', with labels off to the left and right of "start" and "size" respectively. There is a rotary knob labelled "vertical display scale", and several buttons below that labelled 'ADC resolution'. Below that is two knobs labelled Constant A and Constant B. Across the bottom are buttons for step, deposit, examine, load PC, single ins, continue, and start. Finally on the bottom right there are two buttons called Execute and Stop. Bottom right is AC power keyswitch. The second unit is a Nicolet model NIC-298 "diskette storage unit". It has two 8" floppy drives. There's a row of lights vertically on the side called read, write, and ltrack. There's an unlabelled pushbutton on the upper right, and the lower right is a power switch. Questions: The cpu definitely says model NIC-80. How does this relate to the model sellam has? More to the point, can someone tell me about operation of this unit with regards to what OS it ran, what compilers or languages, etc. Did one hook up a terminal to this or was it just console input? What made this unit different from more well known computers (ie. what was it's specialty)? Most importantly, is any real documentation around on this unit (operators guide, schematics, logic diagrams, programming info)? 2) Paper tape reader There was what appeared to be a paper tape reader. Had the leftbay/rightbay arrangement like a PDP PC04/05 with the read cells in the center. The brand name appears to be Decitek. There were two switches in the center, one was a toggle for power, the other I couldn't make out. I could easily be mistaken, but the bays looked much wider than a PC04/05, making me wonder if it took wider paper tape than I'm used to seeing. Questions: Anyone have any ideas what type of system this was compatible with, what type of interface it might use, and does anyone have docs for it? 3) Data General Mag Tape Unit There is a DG 1/2" mag tape unit there too. The unit is about 13" tall by 19" wide, with a clear blue plastic cover. The takeup reel is on the left, and it looks like it supports a very slightly smaller than normal 1/2" tape reel (but larger than the little 8" jobs). The other hub is on the right for your tape. There is a row of controls down the center sticking through the blue cover. The top is a rocker switch for power, next is a group of two lights marked 'ready' and 'write protect'. Lower is another group of two lights marked 'bot' and 'eot'. Next is a rocker switch marked 'unload' on the left and 'bot' on the right. At the very bottom is an offline/online rocker switch, and a light on the online side. Questions: There's no model on this unit I could see from the front. Anyone hazard a guess as to the model number? What type of DG was this usually used on, what interface does it use (pertec, scsi, proprietary, etc.), could it be used on other systems (till I get a DG :) ), and are there any docs available? Finally - I'm still trying to decide if I want to get all of this or some of it (depends on the prices, when I looked today none of this stuff was marked so I'll have to ask the owner). If there's any of it I decide I don't want that others here are interested in - let me know! Jay West

27 years, 4 months

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DECstation 316

by mark_k＠iname.com

Hi, (This isn't really on-topic. If anyone knows of a place or mailing list which covers obsolete but not classic computers, please let me know.) Today I picked up a DECstation 316. Since I'm in the UK, this European model may or may not be the same as the DECstation 316 machine which was sold in the US. This is a 386SX-based PC, presumably running at 16MHz. Useful to me because it has 4 ISA slots. The machine came with 5MB RAM and an IBM 171MB disk drive, probably added as an upgrade after purchase. This PC seems to be a rebadged Olivetti; motherboard, PSU and BIOS code say Olivetti. A label on the rear of the unit says Model:PC 651-A3 CMOS battery is almost dead, but the machine seems to work okay. Though when I first tried it the Base unit system test (part of the power-on tests) reported an error. Now it doesn't. There is no reset button on this machine, and it came with a somewhat nonstandard DEC LK250 keyboard. Things I would like to find out: - Does anyone have setup disks for this machine? I downloaded a DECstation 316 setup disk from the Digital web site, but the SPEED316.COM program on that reports "SPEED316 ONLY WORKS ON A DECstation 316." (Which is why I suspect the American machine of the same name is different.) - There is no predefined setting in the BIOS setup menu for the 171MB IBM hard disk (which is IBM-H3171-A2 P/N: 84G3902). There doesn't seem to be a way to set user-defined drive type. What can I do about this? - Does anyone have docs for this machine? There is one jumper and a 26-way IDC connector on the motherboard. What are these for? How is the drive cage supposed to be removed? I can't see any way to do this. -- Mark

27 years, 4 months

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IBM mainframes

by Jgzabol＠aol.com

Does anyone have an idea what these IBM model numbers are like more precisely ?? 3380- AD/AE DL131 BE4 3380- AD/AE LK 3380- AD/AE LM135 AE4 3380 "E" DL 3380 "K" BP BK4 3380 "K" BP AK4 3380 "K" LM131 BK4 3380 "D" AD/AE KJ131 3380 "D" AD/AE JJ131 3390 "2" B2C 3390 "2" A28 I am particularly concerned about disks inside these machines; is there anything known ? Is any documentation available ? Thanks and regards John G. Zabolitzky

27 years, 4 months

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KA630 CNF?

by emu＠ecubics.com

Hi Megan, ---------- > From: Megan <mbg(a)world.std.com> > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> > Subject: KA630 CNF? > Date: Sunday, February 28, 1999 7:55 AM > > > Does anyone have any information on the KA630 CNF board? It is used > both with KA630s and KA650s to configure them for coprocessor mode. All I have, is the KA630-AA CPU Module User's Guide. > Since I have never actually seen the board (which plugs into the > KA630/650 directory), I'd specifically like to know what pins I > need to connect to establish the processor as the first, second and > third coprocessor... If i read that right, there are 10 switches on this board. Switch 7 & 8 are defined as: 7 8 off off Arbiter on off auxiliary 1 off on auxiliary 2 on on auxiliary 3 Switch 7 is connected to pin 4 of the J2 connector (20 pin connector) Switch 8 is connected to pin 5 of the J2 connector. Don't have any of this boards, simply out of the manual. Hope it helps, emanuel

27 years, 4 months

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New discoveries at the Secret Weapons of Commodore

by ckaiser＠oa.ptloma.edu

A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text Size: 1927 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.classiccmp.org/pipermail/cctalk/attachments/19990227/d44932c6/at…

27 years, 4 months

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Novice prospectors guide

by yakowenk＠cs.unc.edu

Okay, I'm sure this is going to cost me, but... :-) I've made a first-attempt at a list. You can find a link to it, called "Machines to watch for", from my classiccmp web page, at this URL: http://www.cs.unc.edu/~yakowenk/classiccmp/ I'm open to suggestions on additions and deletions. My current rule of thumb (which is also open to suggestions) is that it belongs on that web page if there is sure to be someone who wants it enough to pay shipping charges for it, or otherwise arrange to take posession of it. While you're there, kindly glance at the Rescue Squad volunteer list, and let me know if your entry needs an update. BTW, how does everyone feel about advertising that? I've considered posting the URL to various related newsgroups, but am torn between the possibilities of increased donations and getting the attention of the wrong people. I'd rather not feed the e-bay "collectables" frenzy. Should I be shooting for "high profile", or just letting interested parties seek us out? Cheers, Bill. On Fri, 26 Feb 1999, Mike Ford <mikeford(a)netwiz.net> wrote: ] Novice guide to old stuff. ] ] I disturbs me to think I have ever walked past something neat, and left it ] to rot or be loaded into a scrap bin. Outside of a fairly narrow scope of ] Apple products I don't know what I should be looking for. I would like to ] see some sort of guide to old stuff, maybe a half or quarter of a doubled ] sided laser printed sheet of paper, that ran down some of the items that ] are hard to find, which I could fold up and put in my wallet. Is there a ] short list, generic or specific?

27 years, 4 months

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30-pin SIMMS

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<I have a couple of motherboards sying about which use the SIPP's, though, <and though it's quite easy to imagine SIPP's being as easy as ever to <build, I've never seen a 4MB SIPP. Reason for that is when SIPPs were in use 256k and near the end of life for that config the 1meg parts started to be common. Sipps were out os use by time 4mb parts were getting cheap enough to consider. Often forgotten... at one time 4 or 8mb was a BIG system! Allison

27 years, 4 months

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Interesting typewriter

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<BTW: I also saw a Rainbow 100. Anything distinguishing it from any other <CPM/MS-DOS machine? It was a dual processor with z80 and 8088, the bus as not PC (ISA) and it allowed 768 or 825Kw of ram. It was color medium resolution when the PC was still mono. It's noteable in that it ran CP/M-80, CP/M-86 and MSdos. When Running CP/M86 or MSdos the z80 is still operational and services IO for the 8088 giveing it better performance for it's day. Allison

27 years, 4 months

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Lucky Day II

by fauradon＠pclink.com

Fine, I got a complete PCjr with pretty much all of the peripherals ever made for it, two joysticks, color monitor, a box of software and the carrying case. So there! Francois >Got a second Altair today. No serial number and missing a capcitor in the >power supply but otherwise it looks like it's in perfect condition. > > Joe >

27 years, 4 months

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Tandy 1000HX system (fwd)

by siconic＠jasmine.psyber.com

Here is someone wanting to sell a pretty complete Tandy 1000HX system. Is it this one or the 1000EX that has MS-DOS 2.11 in ROM? At any rate its a pretty nice little Tandy all-in-one computer. Please reply to the original sender. Reply-to: bluegill(a)interworldnet.net ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Sat, 20 Feb 1999 23:24:05 -0700 From: C Barnes <bluegill(a)interworldnet.net> Subject: Tandy 1000HX system I have the following working system available if you are interested: Tandy 1000HX personal computer (1988) - no hard drive, 640k RAM, two 3.5 in. disk drives, external 5.25 in. disk drive, mouse, and joystick Tandy RGB color monitor CM-5 Tandy DMP 132 dot matrix printer associated software, manuals, diskettes PCM magazine for Tandy users - November 1990 - December 1992 Compute magazine - September 1991 - October 1992 Several other magazines dating back to 1994 (PC Magazine, PC Computing, Home PC, etc) If you are interested in any of this, let me know how I should get it to you. Thanks, Cindy Barnes Sellam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)verio.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Puttin' the smack down on the man! Coming in 1999: Vintage Computer Festival 3.0! See http://www.vintage.org/vcf for details [Last web site update: 02/15/99]

27 years, 4 months

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interesting, interesting.

by cmcmanis＠mcmanis.com

More uVaxen bits... So I finally got all my wires correct in the serial connector and now get the following dialog: KA630-A.V1.3 Performing normal system tests. 7..6..5..4..3.. Tests completed. >>> Pretty cool. However on the NetBSD/VAX faq they suggest typing 'test 50' to get the ethernet address, if I type that it just says "Failure" does the port need to be connected to a network? So it turns out the _both_ systems had the Sigma Information System ESDI controller in them (not too suprising because they came from the same source) which everyone says "Ohhh, that's a nice controller." which warms my heart, but I _need_ docs. Another reader said that you can plug into the 10 pin port on the board and do some cool stuff like low level format etc etc. But I've not tried that until I get an ESDI disk. I've done lots of searches on the net for ESDI, Q-Bus, Sigma information systems, etc but no luck! I presume they've gone Tango Uniform. But that brings up another issue, I need a mounting "sled" for the disk. Preferably two sleds, (one for each disk). Anyone have any spares? Presumably I can kludge something in a pinch (or use the bottom bay which has a "floor" anyway. I did get donated a complete set of VMS documentation (5.4) but I don't have _any_ hardware documentation, again if you have said docs perhaps we can work out some sort of trade. Given the "mini-PDP-8 surge/hunt" that appears to be going on I expect this thing to be in hot demand in 10 years :-) What was the "standard" console terminal used with these in 1985? VT100? VT220? something else? On the tape drive in the BA123, it has a plain black front with a button and two LEDs, one orange and one green. TK50? Where could I get media for it? What does it look like? Thanks for all the help everyone, this is what makes this hobby fun. --Chuck

27 years, 4 months

5
5
0 0

Novice prospectors guide

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

In a message dated 99-02-27 23:18:07 EST, you write: > >I'm open to suggestions on additions and deletions. My current rule > > I think at least some Mac's are something to keep an eye out for. I > haven't seen a Mac 128 since they were new! I've only seen one Mac > Portable ever. Any Mac that is in something other than a Mac case is also > a definite grab! There were kits to do it, but I've never seen one (or if > I have, didn't realize it). standard compact macs are rather unremarkable although i guess the 128 might be worth keeping since it was simply the first model. I think modified macs are far more interesting. for instance, i have a 128 in original box with all the ship group items. the mac was modified with a third party board to basically make it into a mac plus complete with scsi. even got an external floppy and flight sim with it! also have two mac512k models with a hyperdrive; a st225 hard drive and cooling fan installed INSIDE the mac. <!> very heavy but actually works. david

27 years, 4 months

2
1
0 0

Epson CP/M Laptop

by healyzh＠aracnet.com

Quick question, what is a fair price to offer someone for a nicely decked out CP/M laptop? It's the one that has a bunch of the software on two ROMS, and IIRC has a tape recorder. It has modem, doc's and some other stuff. I'd like to offer the guy a fair price instead of getting a good deal. 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.dragonfire.net/~healyzh/ |

27 years, 4 months

2
1
0 0

Military Humor

by cmcmanis＠mcmanis.com

As you know I got these two uVaxen that had been decomissioned from a "secure facility." (GE Nuclear Technology, and no they aren't radioactive!) One has this mystery tape drive (TK70 or perhaps an 8MM) and the other (which is the innards of a BA23 slim chassis stuck into a Sigma Information Systems expansion chassis (which looks somewhat like a BA123) has nothing but a 'hole' where the tape drive should be. Since these are configured identically in every other way I asked a friend of mine who is ex-military what his thoughts on this situation were. His response was : "Its obvious that the second system had a floppy drive. Seen it before, the rule is all disk drives are removed and crushed, tape drives can stay. The system chassis is sold as scrap." Ya gotta love that literal interpretation of the 'regs! --Chuck

27 years, 4 months

1
0
0 0

PDP8 Parts/Software avail.

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<> Standard TTY test pattern. < <For _5 bit_ machines... < <> <> RY is the extreme opposite in the machanics of a ASR/KSR33. IF you can < <Surely you mean an ASR/KSR32 here.. It's not a particularly useful test <in ASCII. I'm not talking about 5/8 bit. I'm talking mechanicals. RY really bangs the bails and bars around. <You mean you don't have a telegraph distortion measuring set (TDMS)? <Basically a special-purpose character/message generator and 'scope. I <found an old one (valved) at a radio rally about 15 years ago and fell in <love. It followed me home... Nope no need, I have a DEC terminal test set. No valves, still old. Allison

27 years, 4 months

3
3
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Thoughts on Taking Inventory

by kstumpf＠unusual.on.ca

>How about a database on the web that collectors could visit and use to >record their stuff? Then everyone could query and find out who to talk to >for questions on certains items. > >The problem would be coming to consensus on a common data format. > >I'll volunteer to host the site and do the DB development if everyone can >agree on how to do it. > This is a nice idea. I just want to remain this list about the long, recently held, discussion about privacy in this list's archives and the negative comments about a web site on MITS Altairs attempts to keep an open registry about Altairs. I have a web site that exposes my collection just like many other members of this list have. I wouldn't participate in a specialized, centralized database of old computers. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- 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 .

27 years, 4 months

1
0
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Thoughts on Taking Inventory

by kstumpf＠unusual.on.ca

Cataloging your collection has many direct and indirect benefits. By all means do it. There isn't anything unique about collecting computers. It takes the same pedigree-type data as does collecting Conestoga wagons. System - sub-assemblies - related items (e.g. documentation). Please don't spend too much time on this. The Computer Museum has done it. The Smithsonian has done it. Ask them. It is covered in the Guide to Collecting Computers...field definitions, etc. are included. If in doubt, don't do this as a "community" excerise, just ask the pros and move forward. Ask you local association of sewing machine collectors, county museum, etc. The issue of compatibility between one collector's database and anothers is easily handled by remapping source to destination fields, if and when an exchange takes place. Actually cataloging your collection is a fun activity. You re-discover all sorts of items you forgot you had. Have fun. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- 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 .

27 years, 4 months

1
0
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OT: 30-pin SIMMS

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<Quite a few of my machines -- including one PC-compatible and a couple of <Sparcs -- have 30-pin 4MB SIMMs. They're fairly common. For some reason here in the Boston metrowest area 4mb 30 pin simms are scarce and don't go cheap. That and most 386/486 boards want 4x of each and even at $11 that makes a 16mb ram in a 486 using 30pin more expnsive here that a 16mb (and 32mb on sale) of the 72 pin simms. Allison

27 years, 4 months

1
0
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OT: 30-pin SIMMS

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<And folks use the 256k ones for keyring fobs. I don't! They are cheap and when soldered together cordwood style they make nice multimegabyte memories for z80s and the like. Allison

27 years, 4 months

1
0
0 0

Epson CP/M Laptop

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<Quick question, what is a fair price to offer someone for a nicely decked <out CP/M laptop? It's the one that has a bunch of the software on two <ROMS, and IIRC has a tape recorder. It has modem, doc's and some other <stuff. I'd like to offer the guy a fair price instead of getting a good <deal. I presume it's a PX-8 Geneva. Ok the options are various utilities in roms that appear to the system like CPM disk drives. Also there are wedges that screw on to the back, those are a modem/60k ram disk, a utility unit and a 120k ramdisk. DOCs can be anything but the more the better. I ahve one it's a good unit. The common problem is dead nicads of which there can be three of them (one in the wedge, two different one in the main unit). I paid 75$ for mine a bunch of years ago, they are a workhorse unit. Allison

27 years, 4 months

1
0
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uVax II questions

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<> MVII memory use PMI AND CD slots and the CD slots are not bussed for Q. < <Yes, but the CD slots *are* bussed together. True, the B side of the first goes to the A side of the next. It's not a continious bussing. So if there is a gap the memory chain is broken. <I still can't find a single signal between the KA630 CPU board and the <pair of MS630 memory boards that is not bussed straight through between al <three cards. Other than the bus grant on the A/B Qbus connectors, which <AFAIK doesn't enter into memory addressing in any way. The A/B bus is insignificant for PMI memory. also the singnaling scheme is one of terminated signals with open collecotr drives so a lot isn't apparent on inspection. DEC books I ahve don't explain it either. I do have several working uVAXIIs though. Allison

27 years, 4 months

1
0
0 0

Question sent to Sydex

by kyrrin＠bluefeathertech.com

I hate to see folks closed out of the Teledisk deal just because we already hit the ceiling on the first group buy. With that in mind, I have written to my contact there to find out how much extra it would be to boost the license quantity to 31 instead of 25. That should allow the six folk that got bumped out a chance to get back in. Stay tuned, fellow ClassicCmp'ers! There may yet be a solution. I can't speak for Sydex, but I can sure as heck ask 'em about this! -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Bruce Lane, Owner and head honcho, Blue Feather Technologies http://www.bluefeathertech.com Amateur Radio:(WD6EOS) E-mail: kyrrin(a)bluefeathertech.com SysOp: The Dragon's Cave (Fido 1:343/272, 253-639-9905) "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..."

27 years, 4 months

1
0
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Group buy done! Thanks to all...

by kyrrin＠bluefeathertech.com

OK, we're done! All shares have now been spoken for in the first Teledisk group buy. I would like to thank all those who were interested for participating. FWIW, the last share was claimed by Dan Burrows via a phone call. I did receive about six more E-mails after the quota for this one had been reached. This tells me that there may be more interest. If anyone else wants to do this as well, please, go for it! This is a great way to buy the higher-end software tools that would be useful to us, and if Sydex did it for the group I had they can certainly do it for another one. Banzai! -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Bruce Lane, Owner and head honcho, Blue Feather Technologies http://www.bluefeathertech.com Amateur Radio:(WD6EOS) E-mail: kyrrin(a)bluefeathertech.com SysOp: The Dragon's Cave (Fido 1:343/272, 253-639-9905) "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..."

27 years, 4 months

2
1
0 0

30-pin SIMMS

by fpp＠concentric.net

30 Pin 4meg $12 and 30 pin 8 meg $? were at TRW swapmeet today. There is a place in Santa Ana and Lomita CA that has "used" ones for about these same prices. Alltech Computers is the name but I do no't have the phone number. They sell a lot of mailorder. Hope this is of help. -----Original Message----- From: Max Eskin <max82(a)surfree.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Saturday, February 27, 1999 12:41 PM Subject: OT: 30-pin SIMMS >Does anyone here have any 30-pin SIMMs as often found in i386 computers >that are more than 1 megabyte? I have 1-mb SIMMs but I've never seen >bigger ones > >--Max Eskin (max82(a)surfree.com) > >

27 years, 4 months

2
1
0 0

uVax II questions

by cmcmanis＠freegate.com

Howdy, I've taken delivery on two MicroVax II's, one is a model 630QY-A2 and the other is a 630QB-A2, the QY is basically a narrow cabinet and the QB is a wide cabinet. Both have 8MB and both have ethernet controllers. Both were stripped of drives although one still has a tape unit. (TK50? How can I tell?) Here are the questions: 1) I'd like to find a disk or two for these (they each have slots for four disks of the DU type.) what do I need to look for? Are there size limitations? 2) Can these things be booted over the network in a pinch? (one has no tape drive) 2b) Do these things have boot roms that are interactive ala ODT? Until I get disks is there anyway to verify that they work? 3) Would it make sense to combine the memory cards so that I have one 16MB VAX or should I leave it at two VAXen? 4) One has a busextender unit that goes to a non-DEC disk card labelled: "Wombat" (its a disk controller of some sort) with tag WQESD 2.8M SCD-RQD11/EC a) This is ESDI controller yes? b) It has four data connectors so four drives? c) Its in a different backplane UNIBUS perhaps? (quad height) Both machines internally appear to be in very good shape. Anyone have the "MicroVAX II 630 QB Technical Manual" ? All in all it wasn't a bad deal at $18 each. --Chuck

27 years, 4 months

6
10
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Subject: Re: V35-RS232 cable?

by rcini＠msn.com

On Fri, 26 Feb 1999 06:28:21 -0800, Bruce Lane <kyrrin(a)bluefeathertech.com> wrote: >>I'm a little surprised to hear of a V.35 cable on something like a paper >>pe handler. Are you sure the thing really does have a V.35 interface, and >>at Roytron didn't just happen to use the same connector that V.35 devices >>do? Since I have no operational data for the unit, it may not be a real v.35 interface, but it may just use the v.35 connector. Since it was used in a PDP farm, I would suspect it's RS232. The cable that I remember that was attached was RS232 to v.35 with no electronics in between. [ Rich Cini/WUGNET [ ClubWin!/CW7 [ MCP Windows 95/Windows Networking [ Collector of "classic" computers [ http://highgate.comm.sfu.ca/~rcini/classiccmp/ [ http://highgate.comm.sfu.ca/~rcini/pdp11/ <================ reply separator =================>

27 years, 4 months

1
0
0 0

30-pin SIMMS

by edick＠idcomm.com

Yes . . . there are lots of 4MB simms of the 30-pin variety around. I even have a few sitting around and frequently have seen them offered for sale. I have a couple of motherboards sying about which use the SIPP's, though, and though it's quite easy to imagine SIPP's being as easy as ever to build, I've never seen a 4MB SIPP. Dick ---------- > From: Max Eskin <max82(a)surfree.com> > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> > Subject: OT: 30-pin SIMMS > Date: Saturday, February 27, 1999 1:40 PM > > Does anyone here have any 30-pin SIMMs as often found in i386 computers > that are more than 1 megabyte? I have 1-mb SIMMs but I've never seen > bigger ones > > --Max Eskin (max82(a)surfree.com)

27 years, 4 months

1
0
0 0

uVax II questions

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<OK, except that I still don't understand. It looks like ALL of the signal <are bussed straight across, except the bus grant. So I still don't see <how the first card knows that it is first, and why the second card doesn't <erroneously think that it is first. MVII memory use PMI AND CD slots and the CD slots are not bussed for Q. Allison

27 years, 4 months

2
1
0 0

TRW encounters

by jlwest＠tseinc.com

I've always wanted an IMSAI 8080. If you get two would you be willing to part with one or possibly trade? I know they seem to be fetching hefty prices from what I've heard so I don't think I can afford one.. but thought I'd ask. Jay West -----Original Message----- From: John Lawson <jpl15(a)netcom.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Saturday, February 27, 1999 4:06 PM Subject: TRW encounters > > > (Hey Paul! Sorry we missed you at TRW!) > > > Marvin got a Processor Tech dual 8" floppy subsystem and an HP 65 >desktop comp. > > I found a Kaypro 10 for $5, and a Nicolet digital storage scope >for $10. No chance right now to see if it works... I got a box of >binders of HP 3000 software docs, and a bunch of other classiccmp >related software books, like Lisp, Pascal, and some early IBM PC >type books. > > (I have to work today and tonite; I won't be able to unpack the >truck and get to this stuff until tomorrow.) > > I also was given a Sord Socius.. after the idiot who bought it >tore it apart for the 8" disk drives, and then discovered he didn't >want them after all. Any info on this machine? Date codes are from >the early 80s, and it has an 8086 and 8087... color monitor... big >machine. It's in pieces right now and the case is gone, but it >might be good for parts.... I also have the OS (I think) and >another disk which were in the drives. The OS disk is labelled >partially in Japanese. > > I got a newish DEC backplane with some hex-height boards.. >L1011??? have to unpack it and then I'll look em up. > > I saw an old friend of mine there whilst I was buying the HP 65... >he didn't know I collected Old Iron..... "Oh, then you would you be >interested in two old IMSAI 8080s I have? I was using them to >collect and collate earthquake data, but I don't use them now and >they're just in the way..." > > YAAAHAHAHHAAA!!!!!! Of course what I said to *him* was: "Hmmmm >those are really *old*... I'll call you monday and I'll come check >them out...." salivate salivate Pavlov's Classic Collector >salivate salivate... > > > Non classiccmp... I got an ancient VOX harmonizer accessory, and >the an old Teac Dolby Encode/Decode box. > > Dave Dameron stopped by.... but no party this time, Marvin and I >both had afternoon appointments. > > > Cheerz > >John > > >PS: Next TRW: 27 March 99... >

27 years, 4 months

1
0
0 0

TRW encounters (nicolet)

by jlwest＠tseinc.com

Someone just mentioned nicolet which rings a bell... At a local surplus store, I've been eyeing a nicolet machine. It sure LOOKS like a computer. ISTR panel labels about registers, instruction counter, etc. Front panel has lots of blinkenlightenz. Can't recall the model number, 330 or 880 or 800 possibly comes to mind... Also can't remember but there may be a dual floppy unit with it. Just on appearances I was considering adding it to my collection - they only wanted about $15.00 for it. Looks in good shape. Can anyone give me any information on this guy about what it really is from my schetchy outline? Jay West

27 years, 4 months

1
0
0 0

TRW encounters

by jpl15＠netcom.com

(Hey Paul! Sorry we missed you at TRW!) Marvin got a Processor Tech dual 8" floppy subsystem and an HP 65 desktop comp. I found a Kaypro 10 for $5, and a Nicolet digital storage scope for $10. No chance right now to see if it works... I got a box of binders of HP 3000 software docs, and a bunch of other classiccmp related software books, like Lisp, Pascal, and some early IBM PC type books. (I have to work today and tonite; I won't be able to unpack the truck and get to this stuff until tomorrow.) I also was given a Sord Socius.. after the idiot who bought it tore it apart for the 8" disk drives, and then discovered he didn't want them after all. Any info on this machine? Date codes are from the early 80s, and it has an 8086 and 8087... color monitor... big machine. It's in pieces right now and the case is gone, but it might be good for parts.... I also have the OS (I think) and another disk which were in the drives. The OS disk is labelled partially in Japanese. I got a newish DEC backplane with some hex-height boards.. L1011??? have to unpack it and then I'll look em up. I saw an old friend of mine there whilst I was buying the HP 65... he didn't know I collected Old Iron..... "Oh, then you would you be interested in two old IMSAI 8080s I have? I was using them to collect and collate earthquake data, but I don't use them now and they're just in the way..." YAAAHAHAHHAAA!!!!!! Of course what I said to *him* was: "Hmmmm those are really *old*... I'll call you monday and I'll come check them out...." salivate salivate Pavlov's Classic Collector salivate salivate... Non classiccmp... I got an ancient VOX harmonizer accessory, and the an old Teac Dolby Encode/Decode box. Dave Dameron stopped by.... but no party this time, Marvin and I both had afternoon appointments. Cheerz John PS: Next TRW: 27 March 99...

27 years, 4 months

1
0
0 0

need X terminal host software

by lemay＠cs.umn.edu

A bunch of X terminals were donated to the local university, but the company was unable to find most of the host software... If anyone has the host based software for these, i'd sure like to get a copy: A couple Sun SPARCclassic X units were donated. They look to my eyes as if they are a normal sun, just missing a floppy drive... Can I just install Solaris on these? A pair of terminals from "Phase X Systems". I've never heard of them. The majority of terminals are from HP. Both HP Entria Plus, and a few HP Entria II systems. I really* need the host software for these... -Lawrence LeMay lemay(a)cs.umn.edu

27 years, 4 months

2
1
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