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

by jhfinedp3k＠compsys.to

I am not expecting a whole crowd to respond, but even one individual would be helpful. I also realize that very few individuals even know about the RT-11 Symbolic Debugger, SD:, which is a pseudo device driver what is usually activated by a BPT instruction within a user's program - as opposed to having to LINK in the ODT code. If any reading this uses either V01.00 or especially Y01.16 of the Symbolic Debugger from V05.06 of RT-11, and in particular the SDHX.SYS variant, I would appreciate some feedback on some bug fixes and enhancements that have been made. Some include: (a) Saving Program Counter Addresses (b) Support to activate other selected jobs such as KED (ONLY jobs that do NOT enter SD:) while the user's job is stopped at a breakpoint (c) Single Step Mode to include checking on the Number of Stack Additions and Subtractions - in progress (d) Reduced Low Memory (e) Interactive SET commands for the "Symbol;V" commands (f) SET commands for Saving Program Counter Addresses (g) Help text for the enhancements (h) Any other enhancements that you can think of that can be implemented from a technical point of view - feedback will be very MUCH appreciated All of the changes required more than three times the original 8192 bytes of extended memory required by Y01.16 of the SDHX.SYS variant. Jerome Fine

10 years, 5 months

1
0
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Honeywell Series 60 (Level 66)/6000 aka DATANET 355/6600 machine language (Charles Anthony)

by michael.99.thompson＠gmail.com

> > Date: Fri, 8 Jan 2016 13:40:52 -0800 > From: Charles Anthony <charles.unix.pro at gmail.com> > Subject: Honeywell Series 60 (Level 66)/6000 aka DATANET 355/6600 > machine language > > I am trying to fire up a DN6600 emulator and am encountering some > discrepancies between the DD01 documentation and existing software. > > Anyone remember how to program this beast? > > -- Charles > I wish that I kept all of the Honeywell docs that I had. I gave most of what I had to the Boston Computer Museum, so it might be a the CHM. I maintained GECOS and the front end software on a Level 66, with DN355, and 716 front ends. The software modifications to the DN355 were done under contract by Honeywell in Bedford, MA. The 355 and 716s were replaced by a pair Level 6 front ends. I still have the platter from one of the fixed head disks from the 716. If I remember correctly, the 16-bit Level 6 front ends ran modified microcode to make it 18-bits by using the parity bits. -- Michael Thompson

10 years, 5 months

3
2
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PDP-12 restauration in center Germany

by j_hoppe＠t-online.de

Hi, in case somebody needs companions for cross-tests or likes to exchange thoughts: A few month ago we bought a PDP-12 and are restoring she since then. There is no online-diary about progress (the maching is eating up all time), but see here: http://c-c-g.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=311:pdp12-geka… The 12 is complete with no visible damages and has some undocumented add-ons (they always have). Especially a MOS memory extension was plugged off very soon. Luckily we could organize an 95% complete 2nd module set. After console exchange (we had indeed a 2nd one!) and much trouble with cpu logic, we can now execute opcodes with DO and FILL/EXAM the core memory. Contact me if you like to visit us, we're sitting near G?ttingen (between Kassel and Hannover). Joerg

10 years, 5 months

1
0
0 0

USO (Unidentified System Unit)

by henk.gooijen＠hotmail.com

Hi list, I was checking one of my rack and saw a rack-mount system unit without any labeling. It consists of a 2-row wire-wrap backplane and a power supply. Looking at the rear side I can read which modules are installed in the backplane. In the upper row are the following modules: M1131 M1131 M306 M112 M111 M205 M205 M3020 8 x upper part of the dual-width M5950 In the lower row are the following modules: M611 M611 M3020 M3020 M113 M205 M205 M205 8 x lower part of the M5950 There are a few slots empty, but those are neither wrapped. I could not find the M5950 nor M3020 in any module list. I did not pull the modules, so I don't know what those modules are. 8 X M5950 suggests something to do with "data path" ... Anybody recognizes this system unit? Thanks, - Henk

10 years, 5 months

1
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Front Panel Update - Video on YouTube

by rodsmallwood52＠btinternet.com

Hi Guys I think I now have the very short clip of front panel production at the silk screeners on YouTube Try https://youtu.be/8qi4cveAc3A (go to YouTube first) Rod

10 years, 5 months

1
0
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C=64 stuff FTGH in Ottawa

by mouse＠Rodents-Montreal.ORG

I thought I'd got rid of all my 8-bitters, but apparently not - I just found a C=64 (the 8-bitter, not the recently-mentioned Linux machine in a C=64 case) in storage. The box proves to hold a C=64 proper, a 1541 floppy drive, a C=64-branded power brick (117V 60Hz), and a cable apparently intended for CPU-to-floppy connection (at least, the connectors on the ends fit the 1541 and one of the connectors on the machine). It also held another floppy drive, but I suspect that may actually be completely unrelated to the C=64; it's the same form-factor of floppy, but the connector on the end of the cable is a Berg-style two-rows-of-pins connector, not any of the connectors in obvious evidence on the C=64 itself. This is all FTGH. Currently in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; it might be possible to convince me to ship, but local pickup would really be much preferred - I have very little experience packing such stuff for shipping, selecting carriers, and the like. /~\ The ASCII Mouse \ / Ribbon Campaign X Against HTML mouse at rodents-montreal.org / \ Email! 7D C8 61 52 5D E7 2D 39 4E F1 31 3E E8 B3 27 4B

10 years, 5 months

1
0
0 0

Honeywell Series 60 (Level 66)/6000 aka DATANET 355/6600 machine language

by charles.unix.pro＠gmail.com

I am trying to fire up a DN6600 emulator and am encountering some discrepancies between the DD01 documentation and existing software. Anyone remember how to program this beast? -- Charles

10 years, 5 months

2
1
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HP 9826/36 keyboard

by pdaguytom＠gmail.com

Just acquired an HP 9826/36, that needs a couple of keyboard switches and keycaps, specifically the EXECUTE switch and the ")" switch. Does anyone have these or a spare keyboard they'd care to sell? I can live with the ) key missing as the switch is sheared at the + only and otherwise operates fine. The EXECUTE switch took a hard hit and sticks at the bottom of its travel. Thanks, Tom .

10 years, 5 months

1
0
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For Sale: MITS Modem board set

by sellam＠vintagetech.com

I have for sale one MITS S-100 modem board set (88 SIOB + MODEM BD). It's in excellent condition physically, unknown functional condition but probably works fine (it's been stored in an anti-static bag). Photos here: http://vintagetech.com/sales/S-100/MITS%20Modem/ Asking $250 or best offer. Thanks! -- Sellam Abraham VintageTech ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ International Man of Intrigue and Danger http://www.vintagetech.com Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. The truth is always simple. * * * NOTICE * * * Due to the insecure nature of the medium over which this message has been transmitted, no statement made in this writing may be considered reliable for any purpose either express or implied. The contents of this message are appropriate for entertainment and/or informational purposes only. The right of the people to be secure in their papers against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated.

10 years, 5 months

1
0
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s100

by nierveze＠radio-astronomie.com

hello everyone , first am 1 on the correct channel?? I have several S100 boards , found 25 years ago, kept in my cellar and forgotten....fortunately they are still in good conditions , all circuits are standard ttl (only a few proms) ,and all circuits are on sockets so all is easy to repair. I cleaned and repaired the power supply (only one capacitor exploded ) , I have the correct voltages +- 19v ,+9V on the backplane , now the power supply works . I have very few documentations only a few booklets with configuration data on some of the boards , no schematic. The maker was a french company named ADD-X ,located near Toulouse south west of France . Machines ran cpm/mpm . I have boards of several configurations : *cpu boards with Z80,64k of dynamic rams and 2708 . There are configuration switches around the eprom socket to use 2708 or 2716 . I wonder how it is possible to address more than 64K (rams+eprom)with a Z80 . I need documentation about it . On Ebay I found a Z64 board that is identical , I cannot contact the seller , I tried to get informations ... he does not accept emails. Does anyone know that Z64 ? *boards with 4 rs232+1 ppi *boards with 2 rs232+1ppi+1 fdc configurable for 8 inches or 5 inches floppys. *hdc controllers with one hard disk I also have disquettes,and backplanes . I need informations on the S100/cpm systems , how are boards addressed , it is something like qbus/unibus : fixed address for each category of board,is the console at a fixed address???etc . Since that epoch I have all the classic books from R.Zaks about microprocessors and cpm , there are very few informations on the S100 bus. I built a system with a cpu and a board with RS232 and fdc,I connected the terminal to the port labeled 'con0'(console 0??) ,nothing happened on the terminal. It may be lots of thing from a dead cpu or eprom to rs232 driver . I did not test more for today. I want to build a small system with a monitor in rom to examine/modify ram , registers just to learn Z80 . What monitor can be used ? I have what is necessary to compile and burn eproms . Thanks for your help . I have lots of questions.I can send photos to identify boards . Best regards Alain Nierveze

10 years, 5 months

3
3
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Floppy recovery

by jws＠jwsss.com

I wonder how it could take them three months to figure something out. Maybe Chuck can comment. But over a year after they spent the 3 months. Hmmm. It will be interesting to hear what was recovered, though from what has been written and passed down about Roddenberry, I'm not expecting much. On a tangent, from a lecture 35 years ago by Harlan Ellison, I hope all of his papers are preserved and transcribed. He had about 15 4 drawer cabinets of work notes at that time, probably double or triple that now. I think at the time he worked manually as well. https://www.yahoo.com/tech/floppy-disks-star-trek-creator-182855583.html Thanks Jim

10 years, 5 months

26
48
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A long note about the panel pictures.

by rodsmallwood52＠btinternet.com

Hi Guys! The big picture shows a fame with three masters on it. Oh yes you might say they put the panel in and print in three passes. Er no. having three different colour inks sloshing around in a frame at the same time might cause a few problems. From bottom up we have Terracotta, then amber and finally white. First they line up the blank panel with the Terracotta master and screen all the blanks with that colour. They go into a special rack to dry. Now they have to get rid if every trace of Terracotta ink without messing the master up. They like to leave 12 - 24 hours between passes. (Overnight if they can) . They repeat the process for Amber . Finally we come to the White layer. Try putting a 1mm white line between two different colours , always keeping the two colours on the correct sides of the line with no gaps. OK thats what they did with the first batch. Generally they were very well received and looked good. I asked for feed back and one list member said the real ones appear to be matt black on the front. I got an old panel shipped over because I thought it was just age and dirt. Well it wasn't matt black nor was it dirty. They had put a translucent layer on the front that helped to deffuse the light from the lamps and had this strange optical effect of making the front look matt black. Going back to my DEC days I think the the general view was they were matt black on both front and back to stop unwanted reflections due to the point light sources from filament lamps. So I asked if we could get some suitable ink. and try it out. Well the answer came back that whilst it was fine for deffusing the light over the holes on the back , they were not happy with the results on the front. A thin layer of real matt black on the front was much nearer the sample they said. So I added a thin matt black layer on the front for the current batch. You can't tell the difference. I think I know what may have happend. If you put a layer of matt black on the front you need an extra screen with holes that line up with those on the back. A translucent layer just goes right across. I believe it was intended to be black on both back and front but somebody did a bit of cost engineering. Well two can play that game and I have come up with an answer. From my normal supplier I have been able to source our standard 3mm perspex but with one side having a silk finish. It minics the effect of the old plastic with the diffusing ink perfectly! The front looks matt black. It also makes the ink adhere better Saves putting a front matt black layer on future batches and you cant tell. Rod

10 years, 5 months

1
0
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Front panels Video clip

by rodsmallwood52＠btinternet.com

Hi Guys I have a short video of part run boards awaiting their turn for the next layer. (probably a bit boring). One of the girls is in the picture (not boring) If you want I can attach it to an email. Its a .mov file. Email me off list for a copy. Rod

10 years, 5 months

2
2
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Correction - Front Panel Update

by rodsmallwood52＠btinternet.com

Ooops! For boards read panels Rod

10 years, 5 months

1
0
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Open VMS System Mgt Guide Scripts Avail.

by billdegnan＠gmail.com

I've uploaded the contents of the disk that accompanis the book "OpenVMS System Management Guide" by Lawrence Baldwin here: http://www.vintagecomputer.net/digital/OpenVMS/ Maybe your copy is missing the disk. The disk contains scripts for version 5-->6 transition. Does anyone know of any MULTINET script libraries? -- Bill

10 years, 5 months

2
1
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Free HP 3000 Equipment for removal (Denver Craigslist)

by ball.of.john＠gmail.com

Marc, this is a good reason for anyone to convert their old rec room into a machine room. Just make sure to paint the walls brown and fit wall-to-wall orange carpeting. ;) I was seriously tempted on this myself but even picking up ONE 7925 from Idaho was an astounding task. A whole setup in Denver? That's nuts. -John >Cool, glad someone's snagging it. I wish, but I don't know where I'd put >it. > >On Tue, Jan 5, 2016 at 2:34 PM, CuriousMarc <curiousmarc3 at gmail.com> wrote: > >> I'm on it... >> Marc >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: cctalk [mailto:cctalk-bounces at classiccmp.org] On Behalf Of Glen >> Slick >> Sent: Monday, January 04, 2016 8:38 PM >> To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts >> Subject: Free HP 3000 Equipment for removal (Denver Craigslist) >> >> Someone go get this. >> >> posted: 2016-01-04 12:20pm >> >> http://denver.craigslist.org/sys/5387506164.html >> >> I have the following HP 3000 computer equipment in my basement yours FREE >> for removal >> >>--TRIMMED--

10 years, 5 months

5
6
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Conservation issue - shrink-wrapped manual

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

So I have a question for people who are involved in museums, and similar roles - how intense should I be about keeping things just as they were? I have a DEC manual (actually a Products Guide) still in its original shrink-wrap, and I'm interested in hearing opinions/rationales on whether or not I should keep it like that, as opposed to (carefully) opening it to be gain access to the content. Is there any value at all, historically, to keeping the original packaging intact, or should I just go ahead and open it? Thanks! Noel

10 years, 5 months

6
5
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PDP-8 core memory for sale (_not_ from me)

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

So there's this item: http://www.ebay.com/itm/262217954449 I'm not an -8 person, so maybe there's some reason nobody's biting, but if not, I thought I'd point it out. Noel

10 years, 5 months

5
4
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Front panel update

by rodsmallwood52＠btinternet.com

Hi Guys Just got back from the silk screeners. Panels everywhere!! Final layers (Amber and white ) going on. Customising insets for type A and B ready Front is now matt black as per requests. They are sourcing some ready made packaging and plastic cloth. Its that soft stuff you get round hifi's and TV's etc. I have some pictures I took on the wifes iPad. If I can get them off on to my PC I can send then out. I'm working on a Web server as focal point for everything panel. In addition to DEC Straight 8, 8/e (A or B), 8/f and 8/m, I also have artwork for IBM 360 and Burroughs 3500 PDP 11/40 (PDP10) thru 11/70 are under way. Regards Rod

10 years, 5 months

1
0
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Conservation issue - shrink-wrapped manual

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: Ian S. King > Implicit in the "involved in museums" domain: artifacts come in, they > don't go back out except on loan. :-) What, you've never heard of 'de-acquisitioning'? (Boy, that one sure wins the George Orwell Memorial NewSpeak award...) Noel

10 years, 5 months

4
3
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Conservation issue - shrink-wrapped manual

by jnc＠mercury.lcs.mit.edu

> From: Evan Koblentz > 1. How rare/valuable is the item? Moderately rare, not very valuable. > 2. What else might be inside the package? Nothing - it's clear shrink-wrap around a loose-leaf manual. > 3. Will opening it cause any damage? No. > 4. Can you store it in a suitable way after opening? If I open it, I plan to store it in an original DEC three-ring binder.. :-) > From: Fred Cisin > OTOH, if you want to SELL it When it comes to me and PDP-11 stuff, 'cold dead hands'! :-) Noel

10 years, 5 months

2
1
0 0

10 forgotten wonders of 1980s homes

by trash80＠internode.on.net

May be of interest to some list members - appeared, of all places, in the property section of a local newspaper - the Commodore 64 gets a good mention but I suspect list members might remember (or reminisce) over the other 9 too or as well. http://www.domain.com.au/news/10-forgotten-wonders-of-1980s-homes-20151217-g lpoof/ ++++++++++ Kevin Parker ++++++++++

10 years, 5 months

28
68
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VCF East -- Brian Kernighan video

by cctalk＠snarc.net

You know you wanna watch. :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUWt_StXKsY

10 years, 5 months

2
1
0 0

Wanted: Specific Mallory cap...

by sales＠elecplus.com

http://5970.iso-group.com/Public/Search_Results.aspx?ss=10X2000 There are in stock here, according to their site. -----Original Message----- From: cctalk [mailto:cctalk-bounces at classiccmp.org] On Behalf Of Bill Sudbrink Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2016 11:52 AM To: 'General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts' Subject: Wanted: Specific Mallory cap... Hi all, I am in the process of restoring/recreating a linear PS as part of a project and I would like to use the original parts if possible. I'm looking for six Mallory axial electrolytic capacitors. The physical dimensions are 11mm in diameter by 44mm in length. They have a clear plastic wrap, so the aluminum silver color shows through. The printing on them goes around the circumference (not end to end) and reads: +-M-+ 2000 MF 10 V 20-48923 Electrically, they are (were) 2000uf, 10 volt. My bet is that these are mil-spec versions of Mallory's TT10X2000 capacitor. They physically match some Mallory TT15X1000 caps that I have in my parts box. I've been "beating the bushes" for a while now with no luck on the "20-48923" part number. I've also contacted all of the web site owners that claim to have TT10X2000s. They have all come back with "well, we don't actually seem to have that part after all". If anyone has either of the above, I'll pay a good price for them. They don't have to be in operational condition electronically, I'll "restuff" them if necessary. Thanks, Bill Sudbrink --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

10 years, 5 months

2
1
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Wanted: Specific Mallory cap...

by wulfman＠wulfman.com

supply a picture if you can On 1/6/2016 10:52 AM, Bill Sudbrink wrote: > Hi all, > > I am in the process of restoring/recreating a linear > PS as part of a project and I would like to use the > original parts if possible. I'm looking for six > Mallory axial electrolytic capacitors. The physical > dimensions are 11mm in diameter by 44mm in length. > They have a clear plastic wrap, so the aluminum > silver color shows through. The printing on them > goes around the circumference (not end to end) and > reads: > > +-M-+ > 2000 MF 10 V > 20-48923 > > Electrically, they are (were) 2000uf, 10 volt. My > bet is that these are mil-spec versions of Mallory's > TT10X2000 capacitor. They physically match some > Mallory TT15X1000 caps that I have in my parts box. > I've been "beating the bushes" for a while now with > no luck on the "20-48923" part number. I've also > contacted all of the web site owners that claim to > have TT10X2000s. They have all come back with "well, > we don't actually seem to have that part after all". > > If anyone has either of the above, I'll pay a good > price for them. They don't have to be in operational > condition electronically, I'll "restuff" them if > necessary. > > Thanks, > Bill Sudbrink > > > -- The contents of this e-mail and any attachments are intended solely for the use of the named addressee(s) and may contain confidential and/or privileged information. Any unauthorized use, copying, disclosure, or distribution of the contents of this e-mail is strictly prohibited by the sender and may be unlawful. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately and delete this e-mail.

10 years, 5 months

1
0
0 0

Free HP 3000 Equipment for removal (Denver Craigslist)

by glen.slick＠gmail.com

Someone go get this. posted: 2016-01-04 12:20pm http://denver.craigslist.org/sys/5387506164.html I have the following HP 3000 computer equipment in my basement yours FREE for removal QTY Description ----- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 HP 3000 series 30 Computers 4 HP 7925 disk drives 1 HP 2608A line printer 1 HP 7970E tape drive 2 HP 3000 Console Terminals 3 HP 2645A terminals 2 HP 2631A terminal printers The picture shown is of 3 disk drives and the Tape drive when new (1980). This equipment has been mostly idle for 20+ years. The first 4 line items of equipment above are relatively large and would require at least 2 men to remove each item from my basement.

10 years, 5 months

6
5
0 0

Wanted: Specific Mallory cap...

by wh.sudbrink＠verizon.net

Hi all, I am in the process of restoring/recreating a linear PS as part of a project and I would like to use the original parts if possible. I'm looking for six Mallory axial electrolytic capacitors. The physical dimensions are 11mm in diameter by 44mm in length. They have a clear plastic wrap, so the aluminum silver color shows through. The printing on them goes around the circumference (not end to end) and reads: +-M-+ 2000 MF 10 V 20-48923 Electrically, they are (were) 2000uf, 10 volt. My bet is that these are mil-spec versions of Mallory's TT10X2000 capacitor. They physically match some Mallory TT15X1000 caps that I have in my parts box. I've been "beating the bushes" for a while now with no luck on the "20-48923" part number. I've also contacted all of the web site owners that claim to have TT10X2000s. They have all come back with "well, we don't actually seem to have that part after all". If anyone has either of the above, I'll pay a good price for them. They don't have to be in operational condition electronically, I'll "restuff" them if necessary. Thanks, Bill Sudbrink

10 years, 5 months

1
0
0 0

Floppy recovery

by cctalk＠fahimi.net

Anyone know anything about the custom computer and the custom OS? Nor implying anything but Chuck do u have any insights? ;) -------- Original message -------- From: jwsmobile <jws at jwsss.com> Date: 1/5/2016 12:27 PM (GMT-08:00) To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk at classiccmp.org> Subject: Floppy recovery I wonder how it could take them three months to figure something out.? Maybe Chuck can comment. But over a year after they spent the 3 months.? Hmmm.? It will be interesting to hear what was recovered, though from what has been written and passed down about Roddenberry, I'm not expecting much. On a tangent, from a lecture 35 years ago by Harlan Ellison, I hope all of his papers are preserved and transcribed.? He had about 15 4 drawer cabinets of work notes at that time, probably double or triple that now.? I think at the time he worked manually as well. https://www.yahoo.com/tech/floppy-disks-star-trek-creator-182855583.html Thanks Jim

10 years, 5 months

3
2
0 0

Gene Roddenberry's floppy disks from the 1980s read

by dzubint＠vcn.bc.ca

http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/01/files-on-nearly-200-f…

10 years, 5 months

1
0
0 0

IBM 3420 x2 + 3803 for sale

by sellam＠vintagetech.com

I have two IBM 3420 tape drives and a 3803 controller for sale. Asking price is $3,000 for the entire set but is negotiable. Inquire directly if interested. http://vintagetech.com/sales/Big%20Iron/IBM%203420.JPG http://vintagetech.com/sales/Big%20Iron/IBM%203803.JPG Happy new year! -- Sellam Abraham VintageTech ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ International Man of Intrigue and Danger http://www.vintagetech.com Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. The truth is always simple. * * * NOTICE * * * Due to the insecure nature of the medium over which this message has been transmitted, no statement made in this writing may be considered reliable for any purpose either express or implied. The contents of this message are appropriate for entertainment and/or informational purposes only. The right of the people to be secure in their papers against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated.

10 years, 5 months

1
0
0 0

Unibus/Q-bus board layout (in CAD format(s))

by mark.kahrs＠gmail.com

I was wondering: Are there public CAD files (no, not the medieval detective) for the Unibus/Q-bus fingers / board layout?

10 years, 5 months

4
3
0 0

The Old and New

by c.murray.mccullough＠gmail.com

There seems to be in this world a hungering for what?s new: witness the gazillion smart phones sold; untold number of iPads(tablets) and their ilk; and plug-n-play computers. What seems to be forgotten is what came before; what interests us ? vintage/classic computers. Whether in the grand scheme of things it really matters whether we call it classic computing, this website?s name protected by copyright(internet ?laws?), retro-computing; vintage computing; golden-age computing or just plain old-computing era, nevertheless helps us to immeasurably enjoy our hobby. And yet there is a hunger, maybe less so for old computers as historical oddities don?t seem to attract a large following, for what came before. The new year hopefully expands our community: wishing all classic computer enthusiasts a wonderful New Year?s and all your wishes come true in 2016. Happy computing, Murray :)

10 years, 5 months

3
2
0 0

Front Panel Update

by rodsmallwood52＠btinternet.com

Hi Guys! I have just sent off an email to the silk screeners and will talk to them later. Like most of the UK they have been shut down from 18th December until to-day. When they shutdown they had put the black layer on the back of all of the panels and they were in the drier Moving to the front of the panel. In the first batch I shipped. The front had the normal shiny perspex finish. Somebody noticed the real old panels had a sort of matt black finish on the front. Actually it was a translucent sort of gray layer to diffuse the lamps and had the side effect of making the front surface look as if it was matt black. It isn't but it sure looks like it. Its some kind of transmissive optical effect. OK so they go and get an ink to do the above. While they had the panels in the drier they did a test piece. Black on the back and translucent clear diffuser on the front. For some reason they were not happy with the result. At that point Christmas intervenes. To-day, what I have requested is not to mess around with the special ink if they dont like the results. They should just put a real but thin layer of matt black on the front. The result should be the same. More news as it comes in Rod

10 years, 5 months

1
0
0 0

Experiences with a composite video mod for a Sinclair ZX81

by terry＠webweavers.co.nz

Going through and testing the collection over this Xmas period also prods me into doing mods I've procrastinated about. A very simple mod but here is a write up for anyone who is interested... http://www.classic-computers.org.nz/blog/2016-01-03-composite-video-for-zx8… Terry (Tez)

10 years, 5 months

7
10
0 0

Panda Display USB support in klh10 working

by dave＠661.org

I've managed to edit klh10 to talk to my new USB Panda Display, but I'm quite sure it's not displaying things correctly. What can I run to get it to display a recognizable pattern? I'm thinking of whatever is causing the parallel display at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_LcQ5apODg to do what it's doing. To make a quick and dirty USB Panda Display, wire up an atmega328 according to the schematics at To start playing with this, first clone https://github.com/DavidGriffith/panda-display. You don't need Kicad at this point. Just open up panda-sch.pdf and wire up an atmega328 (maybe at atmega8 will do) with a 20MHz crystal. Other crystals can be used if you alter the Makefile accordingly. Use a max7219 matrix LED module. It's a board with an 8x8 matrix of LEDs and a max7219. You'll also need a AVR ISP breakout board and a USB-B breakout board. A Unix environment is assumed here. Set your AVR programmer (edit makefile to match yours) such that it _DOES_NOT_ supply power to the circuit. Connect the programmer to the board and to your computer. Then connect a USB cable from your computer to the circuit. Go into the firmware directory, type "make hex" to build the firmware. Then "make program" to program the AVR. The circuit should reset itself and then display an X. Now type "make ptest" to build a test program with which you can send bytes to the Panda Display and see them immediately. Use it like this "./ptest 0x23, 0xff, 0x9a" and so on. Once you're happy with that, move on to klh10. Get my patched version at https://github.com/DavidGriffith/klh10 and build it like usual. I used the base-kl target and the klt20.ini config file from Mark Crispin's Panda distribution. Start the emulator and before you type "GO", type "lights on". You should be told that the Panda Display was initialized. Type "GO" and get things going. The LED matrix will then start blinking. I don't know how it's supposed to look at this point. The RUN light appears to be at the bottom left of the matrix given that it blinks at 1 Hz. Here's a udev rule that will work for the Panda Display: SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTRS{idProduct}=="05df", ATTRS{idVendor}=="16c0", MODE="0770", ATTRS{product}=="Panda Display", GROUP="plugdev" Please play around with this and let me know what you think. Again, please tell me how I can get a predictable pattern going so I can get the LEDs lit correctly. -- David Griffith dave at 661.org A: Because it fouls the order in which people normally read text. Q: Why is top-posting such a bad thing? A: Top-posting. Q: What is the most annoying thing in e-mail?

10 years, 5 months

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HP 16700A/16702A logic analyzer help request - /etc/rc.config.d/netconf file wanted

by spacewar＠gmail.com

I previously mentioned that the ethernet interface on my HP 16702A is not working. After a lot of messing around, I discovered that the 10baseT interface actually works fine if I log in as root (after jailbreaking it), and manually configure the interface. The problem seems to be with the /etc/rc.config.d/netconf file, which was trying to configure the lan1 interface, which doesn't exist. It should configure lan0. I edited the file to use lan0, and now when I boot the analyzer, it still reports errors, and still won't let me do the GUI lan configuration, but the interface actually works. Could someone with a 16700A or 16702A please make available a copy of their /etc/rc.config.d/netconf file for comparison? Thanks! Eric

10 years, 5 months

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PDP-12 Restoration at the RICM

by michael.99.thompson＠gmail.com

As a final diagnostic on the PDP-12 we tried to run FOCAL-69, but it started executing instructions in non existent memory. FOCAL initializes lots of peripherals and then tries different instructions to determine what processor it is running on. It executed what it thought was a TC01 DECtape IOT, but DEC had recycled the 6762 instruction for the KF12 Automatic Priority Interrupt controller. This caused the KF12 to execute a hardware PUSH instruction to save the processor state and then jump into memory field 2. Since we only have 8k of core it executed 7777 instructions and hung. Replacing the 6762 instruction at 4376 with a 7000 NOP let FOCAL initialize and run OK. -- Michael Thompson

10 years, 5 months

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Remember the old "Choose your own adventure books" By D & D! ! !

by tulsamike3434＠gmail.com

Has any of you took one of them old choose your own adventurer books and coded it into a text RPG in basic? if so how well did it work as soon as I get all my Commodore 64 setup on CHRISTmas day that is the first thing that I am going to start working on. The one I am doing is *" THE DRAGON OF DOOM "* I have been brushing up on my coding skills with old books like BASIC COMPUTER GAMES AND SUCH... So wirh me luck and if any of you have done this brfotr please let me know how it ernt? The only Major things I have forgotten are... 1. Clear the screen for the next page! 2, doing the page jumps like in the book it will say if your want top enter turn to page 356 ot if you want to keep walking turn to page 17 that is the code I have forgoten But I am sure you all will be able to help me make this game the best it can be. I wish I fould add hiypointd and damage points find gold but I guess when I get to that Ill ask only after I dearch th net for awncers. thanks yall GOD BLESS AND MERRY CHRISTmas! '

10 years, 5 months

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New Commodore 64 is Finally Here--For Real! PC MAG Snip

by tulsamike3434＠gmail.com

Would you buy the new Commodore 64 ? ? ? >From PC-World " The new Commodore 64 <http://www.commodoreusa.net/CUSA_C64.aspx> is, like the old 64, an entire system inside a (rather thick) keyboard. The old Commodore 64 <http://www.pcworld.com/article/195094/ccs64_turns_your_pc_into_a_commodore_…> originally cost $595 and featured an MOS Technology 6510 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MOS_Technology_6510> microprocessor, an impressive 64KB of RAM, and VIC-II <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MOS_Technology_VIC-II> graphics that supported a screen resolution of 320 by 200 pixels. The new system, which also starts at $595, is a little more modern: it's got a Dual Core 525 Atom processor, an Nvidia Ion2 graphics chipset, 2GB of RAM (upgradeable to 4GB), a 160GB hard drive, and built-in Wi-Fi. On the left side of the keyboard there's a slot or tray-load DVD (upgradeable to Blu-ray), and on the right side there's a multi-format card reader, along with a USB 2.0 port. The rear features four additional USB 2.0 ports; mouse and keyboard PS/2 ports; DVI, VGA, and HDMI ports; Ethernet; and support for 6-channel HD audio. It runs Linux, but you can install Windows if you like. Pretty cool for a computer that looks like it's from the 80's. Of course, if you just want the look--and you want to throw your own stuff inside--you can also order the "Barebones" package on the new Commodore 64 Website. The Barebones package costs $250 and gets you the case, chassis, keyboard, and multi-format card reader with USB 2.0 port. On the other hand, if you'd like to go all out, there's also an $895 "Ultimate" package that includes a Blu-ray drive and a 1TB hard drive. The new Commodore 64 begins shipping at the end of this month, but you can order yours now <http://www.commodoreusa.net/CUSA_C64Select.aspx>--go get your BASIC <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodore_BASIC> on! " I myself am going to buy one just for a collector sake. The new Commodore phone seemes to be selling like hotcakes from the research I have done on it. There is also a switch in the back to boot the original C-64 I think It will be a fun computer to 0wn. What are your thoughts I will be wait a year or so because 545.00 is a bit much for me to spend on it but anyway Like I said what are your thoughts on it Ill post a youtube link below with the newC-64 review... Video Link here -------> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7Lo9Q0RiX0

10 years, 5 months

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Happy New Year

by pete＠dunnington.plus.com

A very Happy New Year to all the denizens of Classiccmp, and especially to Jay: thank you for another year of stewardship! -- Pete

10 years, 5 months

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Targeting Computers in X wing fighters.

by rodsmallwood52＠btinternet.com

Hi Went to Starwars last night. Oh boy did they get it right this time!! Look and feel of the original 1977 version. Really good new actors. In a way it was like a retelling of history but in a completly new way. The bombing runs up the trench used the same sighting system as thirty odd years ago. Added to that several scenes were filmed at the former US Airbase at Greenham Common. Its a mile from where I live and I passed within 50yards of where the filming took place on my way to the cinema. The bunkers are in a natural hollow in the ground and surrounded by triple fences with watch towers. In the film you can see the typical camoflarge netting in the back ground. - Nothing to do with the film. They were trying to hide the set from passing aircraft. They managed to keep it a secret until one day a guy was passing in his microlight and spotted the MF (or at least most of it) parked by the old cruise missile bunkers.. He was not a fan but his son was. He calls his son up on his mobile and says: You know that spaceship you got for Christmas years ago. Well there's a big one at Greenham Common. The answer is not repeatable here but he ended by saying I'm on my way to your landing strip - pick me up. It was true and it made the local paper before Lucasfilm could do anything about it. This Abrams guy really understood what people wanted. Considering how unwell Carrie Fisher is she gave a really good performance. She gets my special "The show must go on" award. Disney must be so pleased and if I know them they will keep the faith. Rod

10 years, 5 months

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Yet another batch of VCF videos

by cctalk＠snarc.net

Today we posted the videos from East 5.0. Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_e5fSxflvrxnBFCeLI_uLqQHJBmghA2g. In the past week or two, we also posted the videos from East 6.0 and 9(.1). Videos from 7.0 and 10.0 will be ready soon. East 8.0 is in the hopper, and we're trying to see if we have the footage from 3.0 and 4.0. After that, we hope to process the VCF West videos (and East 1.0/2.0, which were run by Sellam out west).

10 years, 5 months

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Castlevaina for the Commodore 64

by tulsamike3434＠gmail.com

I have a mint copy with all the passwords if you need a copy of the passwords let me know I am going to have to type them in because they are printed on DARK brown paper with black text you cant scan it I tried so let me know if any of ya need them... Also it surprisingly has pretty good graphics for the first version of Castlevaina or I think it is...

10 years, 5 months

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[SPOILERS] Re: Targeting Computers in X wing fighters.

by blstuart＠bellsouth.net

On Thu, 12/31/15, Fred Cisin <cisin at xenosoft.com> wrote: > One quick [non-spoiler?] question:? Is it a remake?? Or is it > another in the "series"?? (if so, earlier? later?) It's in the series, specifically Episode 7, taking place sometime after Revenge of the Jedi. BLS

10 years, 5 months

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Happy New Year

by c.murray.mccullough＠gmail.com

There seems to be in this world a hungering for what?s new: witness the gazillion smart phones sold; untold number of iPads(tablets) and their ilk; and plug-n-play computers. What seems to be forgotten is what came before; what interests us ? vintage/classic computers. Whether in the grand scheme of things it really matters whether we call it classic computing, this website?s name protected by copyright(internet ?laws?), retro-computing; vintage computing; golden-age computing or just plain old-computing era, nevertheless helps us to immeasurably enjoy our hobby. And yet there is a hunger, maybe less so for old computers as historical oddities don?t seem to attract a large following, for what came before. The new year hopefully expands our community: wishing all classic computer enthusiasts a wonderful New Year?s and all your wishes come true in 2016. Happy computing. Murray :)

10 years, 5 months

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Happy New Year

by hp-fix＠xs4all.nl

To my most favorite 'off-topic list', all of you guys have a Happy and good new year. >From the Netherlands as we say "Gelukkig Nieuwjaar". -Rik

10 years, 5 months

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The KGB, the Computer, and Me

by seefriek＠gmail.com

From: Mouse <mouse at Rodents-Montreal.ORG> >> [...] industrial espionage [...] >> One wonders how much goes undetected. >> Most of those getting caught are in upper management. Us lowly >> grunts don't seem to get involved as often or maybe there are those >> among us that are just that much better at covering our tracks. > >Or, when a low-level peon is caught, it doesn't make the news, so the >world at large doesn't notice. > This is a big part of my world these days. My wildly subjective, overly general observations: 1) When a big fish is caught, it's usually an "I took a bunch of doco I shouldn't have to my next job" situation. I've discussed more nefarious high-level mole scenarios with the FBI numerous times. It happens, but it's not apparently that common. 2) When a little fish is caught, it's usually some variation on "I'll teach them". And as Mouse notes, effort is usually made not to publicize the event unless there's a regulatory driver that requires it. That said, there's a *huge* amount of little fish "espionage" that flies under the radar. Things like client lists, marketing plans and confidential designs quietly walk out the door all the time and are rarely noticed. With these sorts of things, it's fiendishly difficult to assess the impact on the victims business. 3) No one is particularly good at covering their tracks (including people who in theory know how to do it). Unfortunately, the tools to proactively spot data exfiltration are rarely implemented and even more rarely implemented well. BTW...that's more an function of how difficult the problem is rather than an indictment of the practitioners. KJ

10 years, 5 months

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paging Jack Rubin or Jason Timmons, Mike Lee, Chicago Folks

by billdegnan＠gmail.com

Jack/Jason/Mike Lee, etc. If you get a chance please contact me privately about a Chicago rescue. Thanks 1mb -- Bill

10 years, 5 months

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Ferroresonant transformers and 3278

by tmfdmike＠gmail.com

I recently blew up a 3278... it worked ok for a few hours then started blowing fuses. I haven't done any troubleshooting yet but checking the manuals on Bitsavers tells me my US 3278s have ferroresonant transformers specified as 120V 60Hz only. This can be expected to cause problems with 120V 50Hz here in NZ from my knowledge of how ferroresonant transformers work; I'll get excessive magnetic currents - overheating - all kinds of nasties. I can wind the voltage down a bit and run them at 90-100V but that doesn't help much. 1. Does anyone in a 50Hz country have any dead/spare 3278s and/or transformers for them? The IBM part number for the 50Hz 220V are 8715343 or 4119686. 2. I have other equipment where this will be an issue and not so easily solved. Does anyone have any experience in or recommendations for frequency conversion equipment? My System/3s for instance all use 60Hz ferroresonants operating off 208V 3-phase - now voltage can probably be retapped or easily converted but I still need to make a lot of 60Hz to run them... Thanks Mike http://www.corestore.org 'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother. Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame. For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

10 years, 5 months

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Old versions of 2.11BSD

by dugo＠xs4all.nl

Over at TUHS an attempt to put the history of 2.11BSD under version control (git) stranded somewhat. After some digging the patchlevels that can be found in the archives are now 195, 277, 303 and 431. The base 2.11BSD is sorely missing. The numbered updates by Steven M. Schultz are not pure context diffs. eg. an attempt to reverse them breaks where ld.c is removed in update #160 and can't be pieced back together accurately using 2.10xBSD and assorted patches. Maybe someone here who missed the thread on the TUHS mailing list has a really old copy of 2.11BSD lying around? /Jacob

10 years, 5 months

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