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

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

In a message dated 98-01-14 22:46:14 EST, you write: << Where did the following terms come from? -Dongle -Byte (named after nybble, or vice-versa?) -Mainframe (Why not just...like..you know...call it a computer?) -DB (as in DB-15, 25) I've also heard them called D-sub xx) -Mouse >> well, i'm sure we've all heard of how the story of how the dongle got it's name. at least the version i heard is that the "thing" was created by a character called Don Gall, and the name came forth from that. Sometimes i'll tell the story at work, and have almost gotten several people to believe it. lol. david

28 years, 3 months

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What I did this weekend

by francois.auradon＠worldnet.att.net

If the price is too low then the item is not bought, if it is too high then there is some magin to negociate with the seller. I've almost never paid the asking price for anything (unless bought in a store) but usually hamfests garage sales and flea markets are pretty flexible. Let's say that I am looking for machine X and my max for it is $22, if you find one for $25 it is possible to negotiate. Or we could set a price range. Then there is the shipping, if I go to a hamfest with a list of 25 machines that others are looking for and find let's say 7, they won't fit in my car for one thing (I'll probably by stuff for me too;), and I have to package them all and ship them etc... Like I said I was only thinking about it. It may be feasible for a small group of people but I don't think it could be open to all. (no discriminations intended just practical stuff) Anyways I believe that it is possible but you have to trust the people you work with and limit the wishlist. >The problem with this is determining how much one wants to pay for a >particular system. You have to make sure in advance you know everyone's >limit. Some people may not know what a reasonable price is, and may >over-pay or put an unreasonable low limit on something they might want. > >Sam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Francois Auradon. Visit the SANCTUARY at http://home.att.net/~francois.auradon

28 years, 3 months

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Question

by ZGE＠aol.com

Thanks for the response Sam . Frank

28 years, 3 months

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Amstrads in the US

by francois.auradon＠worldnet.att.net

>>How much did it go for? Just curious. > >$100 > >if I were a rich man... Funny I paid 100FF for mine (that's about $18) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Francois Auradon. Visit the SANCTUARY at http://home.att.net/~francois.auradon

28 years, 3 months

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IBM 5100 was Re: Firsts

by rigdonj＠intellistar.net

> > >>>I would not be suprised if IBM had a travel case. >> >>I thought someone here said they didn't? > > I said they didn't but I don't know that for certain. I can find out >though. > > Joe >> I did find out. IBM did offer a travel case for the IBM 5100. It was feature code # 1501. Joe > >

28 years, 3 months

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What I did this weekend

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

if this happens, count me in. there's plenty of radio rallies coming up in nc in the spring. In a message dated 98-01-14 21:49:23 EST, you write: << That's no problem I can wait to complete my collection. Actually I was thinking of starting a collector buying ring: Everybody going to a hamfest or thing like that let the other ones know and take orders. That way we can get machines that were not too popular in an area. Thanks for the help. >I'm in Orlando, Florida. I've added your list to my wish list. There >are several hamfests coming up soon. I'll see what I can find, but it may >take some time. > > Joe >>

28 years, 3 months

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Recording data to a strand of wire? AND Upcomi

by manney＠nwohio.nwohio.com

> The reels are amazing - the film was about > 3 inches (70 mm?) wide, Yes. Standard film width (altho' a lot is done on 35mm nowadays, due to improved film. 70mm is for when a lot of special effects are needed.) That's where Leica came up with 35mm, btw -- they cut 70mm cine film in half.

28 years, 3 months

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Need doc: Sony/Tek Model 308 Data Analyzer

by francois.auradon＠worldnet.att.net

I can make a copy for you for the cost of shipping. >So, I'm looking for information on, or a set of manuals for a >Sony/Tektronix Model 308 data analyzer. > >Thanks >-jim ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Francois Auradon. Visit the SANCTUARY at http://home.att.net/~francois.auradon

28 years, 3 months

1
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Firsts

by sinasohn＠ricochet.net

At 09:36 PM 1/13/98 -0600, you wrote: >MAC toaster style Handle (yes on top of the unit)(Oops does that make it a >portable?) Actually, an excellent point -- if the IBM 5100 is a portable, then, so too is the compact mac? Even more so I would think (what with the considerably lesser weight and addition of a handle?) In case y'all haven't guessed, I'm strongly against the idea of the IBM 5100 being considered the first portable computer. 8^) --------------------------------------------------------------------- O- Uncle Roger "There is pleasure pure in being mad roger(a)sinasohn.com that none but madmen know." Roger Louis Sinasohn & Associates San Francisco, California http://www.crl.com/~sinasohn/

28 years, 3 months

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The IBM PS/2 model 70 again! -E61

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

this PS/2E is a desktop machine, but in a very small form factor, a bit bigger and thicker than a modern laptop. it's a isa bus machine with one slot that is used for the pcmcia adaptor. it was supposed to be marketed with an lcd, but i've never seen one. the owner's manual shows it. with the two that i got, they came with original boxes, documentation and disks and even a never opened copy of pcdos 5.0! the good thing about ps2 machines is that not many know about them. the seller thought they were no good and sold at a cheap price. the first needed its passwoid jumper reset and the second machine's floppy drive cable wasnt connected good causing a 165 post and wouldnt boot from the start disk for a reconfig. it was still under warranty, so i just called in where i worked, and had a floppy drive sent out under warranty. the machines also have the keyboard with the mouse pointing stick built in which i like. i gave one to my brother and the other i'm keeping. win95 not supported though, but os2 2.1 and dos/win work fine. once i figure out pcmcia stuff, i plan to ethernet it to the two modern wintel machines i have going now. it has power management built in, and even locks in pcmcia cards for security. like most ps2 machines, also has xga built in. In a message dated 98-01-14 18:11:47 EST, you write: << A quick questions: Is that one of the "first Green Energy pc version" in a notebook sized tiny black box with a flat display panel? Well, we got excited over it but it was so weird and that weak 486SLC 33 cpu, I do have similar chip on a tiny motherboard by cyrix and it's dreadful slow even in DOOM, I had to keep it under half the size compared to my Luddite it did well one or two step above half way size o/c'ed to 25mhz and 4-way 4k cache enabled. But I did not remember this PS/2E cpu speed do you have the mhz speed? To have it that costs you 30 bux each for only about 5 years old thing, that is pretty lucky. What did you got with this pc in this deal? Funny, this Luddite is LTE 386s/20 sold as discontiuned in that '93 because you brought this year up reminded me. This notebook was first announced around early '92 or late '91. This notebook is still in use and sells around 100 to 200 with some s/w and stuff thrown in. Jason D. >>

28 years, 3 months

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Amstrads in the US

by francois.auradon＠worldnet.att.net

>>I have the complete set on mine: software neat case, manual (in French > >And where do you live? 8^) > Minnesnowta

28 years, 3 months

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Need doc: Sony/Tek Model 308 Data Analyzer

by jimw＠agora.rdrop.com

A new tool acquisition, but as is often the case, no docs... So, I'm looking for information on, or a set of manuals for a Sony/Tektronix Model 308 data analyzer. Thanks -jim --- jimw(a)agora.rdrop.com The Computer Garage - http://www.rdrop.com/~jimw Computer Garage Fax - (503) 646-0174

28 years, 3 months

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Amstrads in the US

by francois.auradon＠worldnet.att.net

>>:) )and Power supply (220v :( )I would be interested in finding a US power >>supply as I don't think the machine can run for very long on the 10 alkaline >>bateries. > >Me too. I would think a generic ps from Radio Shack would work, but since I >haven't tried that I dunno... The PS says output 13V 1.9A (Ouch...) I don't think it is that standard. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Francois Auradon. Visit the SANCTUARY at http://home.att.net/~francois.auradon

28 years, 3 months

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Hey, I can read these tapes!

by DSEAGRAV＠toad.xkl.com

I plugged my reader into my PC, set it for 2400 baud, and pushed READ. *WHIRR!* Big mess on the floor! We try this again at 300 baud, (Where I can catch the tape as it comes out) and it works fine. For the source tapes. When I assign PTR: to my new tape under E11 2.0, and boot, it says ?INVALID FORMAT or something along those lines... But I can read them! Takes about 15 minutes to read in a 1.5" thick tape. But, I should have images of all the tapes shortly... -------

28 years, 3 months

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Anybody want an Osborne?

by rigdonj＠intellistar.net

I found a non-working Osborne computer at a scrap dealers. I tried to test it but no lights came on or drives moved so I suspect a power supply problem. It's probably fixable without too much trouble. There is a similar one for sale on Auction Web. You can see pictures of it there "http://iguana.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4212123". The dealer wants $20 plus shipping. Anyone interested in it? Joe

28 years, 3 months

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HP 9816 keyboard

by rigdonj＠intellistar.net

Who was asking for a HP 9816 keyboard a while back? I have one now. Joe

28 years, 3 months

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Firsts

by sinasohn＠ricochet.net

At 11:29 PM 1/13/98 -0500, you wrote: >I used mine NASA-style sometimes: Velcro'd to any flat surface. Slight >change of subject: Does anyone know exactly what the first laptop to >accompany shuttle astronauts into space was? I hear it's the GRiD Compass >1100. I had that very model up until last week when I traded for a GRiD I've been told that the m100 is one of two commercially produced computers certified for use on the shuttle. Never heard what the other was, but perhaps it's the grid? >GRiDSPeC Page: http://limbo.netpath.net/hw/GRiD See <http://www.mint.net/grid/> (I know you probably know about it, but others mightn't.) (P.S. heard back from Ryan; he left my stuff with a friend to ship it when he moved, and the friend didn't. Meanwhile, he's stuck in the ice storms without power/heat/'net. At least its not lost!) --------------------------------------------------------------------- O- Uncle Roger "There is pleasure pure in being mad roger(a)sinasohn.com that none but madmen know." Roger Louis Sinasohn & Associates San Francisco, California http://www.crl.com/~sinasohn/

28 years, 3 months

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Firsts

by sinasohn＠ricochet.net

At 09:48 PM 1/13/98 -0500, you wrote: >> I think it's only portable in comparison to the mainframes of the time -- [...] >> that's really enough. You wouldn't have really taken it home to finish up >> or to a client's office to do an audit. > >Why not? In fact, my unit traveled around Chicago for the movie theaters. >It would be very reasonable to get a nice fibreglass or aluminum transit >case made that would protect the screen. Well, I suppose it's possible (I mean, there are still a lot of wierdos out there who haven't upgraded to Win95! 8^) but I can't go for it. I think we'll have to agree to disagree. Of course, this means I need one for my collection, so I can show folks what some people think is a portable computer... Wanna send me yours? 8^) >I would not be suprised if IBM had a travel case. I thought someone here said they didn't? --------------------------------------------------------------------- O- Uncle Roger "There is pleasure pure in being mad roger(a)sinasohn.com that none but madmen know." Roger Louis Sinasohn & Associates San Francisco, California http://www.crl.com/~sinasohn/

28 years, 3 months

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Firsts

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

I own a grid laptop; a compass II 1129 to be exact. I got if from my brother who claimed it came from some nasa engineer and the computer played some major part in shape shuttle flight/development or whatever. mine works fine, and even has some apps in some extra roms. it's not much of a portable machine though because it still has to run on ac power. gotta love the bouncing balls screen saver though! In a message dated 98-01-13 23:31:20 EST, you write: << I used mine NASA-style sometimes: Velcro'd to any flat surface. Slight change of subject: Does anyone know exactly what the first laptop to accompany shuttle astronauts into space was? I hear it's the GRiD Compass 1100. I had that very model up until last week when I traded for a GRiD 1535exp w/docking tray. Speaking of GRiDs, any people out there collect them or am I alone? I've made GRiDs my collection specialty since they're small, tough and stackable. GRiDSPeC Page: http://limbo.netpath.net/hw/GRiD >>

28 years, 3 months

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Firsts

by sinasohn＠ricochet.net

Dunno if my message got out before netscrap died... FOr the web page: Gridpad 1910 power supply: Part No. 106286-00 Input: AC 100v - 240v ~ 50/60 Hz 1.0a Output: 17.25v .-. 2.0a + -o)- - --------------------------------------------------------------------- O- Uncle Roger "There is pleasure pure in being mad roger(a)sinasohn.com that none but madmen know." Roger Louis Sinasohn & Associates San Francisco, California http://www.crl.com/~sinasohn/

28 years, 3 months

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Getting off this list.........

by Bill_Opalka＠notes.intdata.com

Alright.. I've tried every incantation I could to get off this list including: 1) unsubscribe classiccmp opalka(a)intdata.com 2) unsubscribe classiccmp opalka(a)notes.intdata.com 3) unsubscribe classiccmp bill.opalka(a)intdata.com 4) unsubscirbe classiccmp bill.opalka(a)notes.intdata.com 5) unsubscribe classiccmp Bill.Opalka(a)notest.intdata.com 6) Sending mail to the list manager (@notest.intdata.com bcw(a)u.washington.edu ) Can someone help me get off this list.......... Thanks, /Bill

28 years, 3 months

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Bubble Memory

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<Yeah, I remember bubble memory. It seems like Fujitsu actually got <to work halfway decent. Despite the cost and speed limitations, Intel manufactured 1mb and 4mb parts with control chips. The BPK72 was the 1mb part on a card with all the control to make a 128k storage system. I have two, bought in '85. they still owrk and have proven quite rugged too. <instrument controllers. SLow, expensive, but for awhile it was about <all you could use for mass storage in certain hostile environments. I used them in cpm based systems and they are faster than floppy on average. The byte transfer rate is slower but the seek time is real fast. They work well. AS to cost they compared well with floppy systems of the time considering they were able to take shock and vibration. Allison

28 years, 3 months

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Firsts/lasts

by sinasohn＠ricochet.net

At 11:01 PM 1/13/98 -0500, you wrote: >You shouldn't have oughta done that. ;-) Calling me microspooge is >frighten words. Oh heavens the lost data. I'm sorry! It won't happen again! For penance, I will not use my Portfolio (Dip-DOS, not MS-DOS) for 24 hours, and no Freecell for 3 days. 8^) Hail Gary, full of genius, the code is with thee. Blessed art though among programmers, and blessed is the fruit of thy labor, CP/M. Holy Gary, father of CP/M, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our disk crash. --------------------------------------------------------------------- O- Uncle Roger "There is pleasure pure in being mad roger(a)sinasohn.com that none but madmen know." Roger Louis Sinasohn & Associates San Francisco, California http://www.crl.com/~sinasohn/

28 years, 3 months

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Amstrads in the US

by sinasohn＠ricochet.net

At 09:53 PM 1/13/98 -0600, you wrote: >>btw, there was another PPC640 that sold on eBay this weekend, but it was >>complete, with power supplies, software, and a really neat case. I didn't >>get it, though. 8^( > >How much did it go for? Just curious. $100 if I were a rich man... --------------------------------------------------------------------- O- Uncle Roger "There is pleasure pure in being mad roger(a)sinasohn.com that none but madmen know." Roger Louis Sinasohn & Associates San Francisco, California http://www.crl.com/~sinasohn/

28 years, 3 months

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Amstrads in the US

by sinasohn＠ricochet.net

At 09:42 PM 1/13/98 -0600, you wrote: >I have the complete set on mine: software neat case, manual (in French And where do you live? 8^) >:) )and Power supply (220v :( )I would be interested in finding a US power >supply as I don't think the machine can run for very long on the 10 alkaline >bateries. Me too. I would think a generic ps from Radio Shack would work, but since I haven't tried that I dunno... --------------------------------------------------------------------- O- Uncle Roger "There is pleasure pure in being mad roger(a)sinasohn.com that none but madmen know." Roger Louis Sinasohn & Associates San Francisco, California http://www.crl.com/~sinasohn/

28 years, 3 months

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The IBM PS/2 model 70 again! -E61

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

the best compact computer for this would be a PS/2E (9533) it doesnt apply to this list because the announce date was ~1993 but its small, quiet (no fan), and has 4 pcmcia card slots. even though its only a 486slc, its quite snappy. i bought two for $30 and fixed them both. david In a message dated 98-01-14 13:44:22 EST, you write: << My main problem with PS/2's is cost and scarcity of MCA cards and memory and such. What I'd really like to find is an *affordable* compact notebook/laptop/lunchbox with 1.5 (i.e., for a thick card) ISA expansion slots to use as my voicemail machine. I thought I had that in my Altima 2, but the *%$#@^% voicemail card has some components that stick out too far to fit. My current machine ('286 desktop + composite monitor) is too noisy and sucks up too much juice. (Oh, and battery power would be nice for when the fuse blows.) >>

28 years, 3 months

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Original IMSAI Board and More for sale

by atomicandrew＠earthling.net

First of all, let me apologize to anyone receiving this email who considers it garbage. Have several items related to the IMSAI computer for sale: Vector Graphic, Inc. [Rev 3] PROM/RAM BOARD w/cable and connector/pins. MAY 1976 IMSAI Complete Product Catalog - "The Complete Microcomputer System". Original price $1 IMSAI Domestic Price List for November '77 Invoice dated '78 (from IMSAI). Comes in what I assume is the original box, but this cannot be verified. Card has never been used and accessory items are still in original packaging. If you are interested, please make an offer an all items. Best offer by 2/1/98. JPEG's can be sent upon request, and I will try to answer any questions. Thanks Andrew By the way, although I don't collect computers, I might trade for an interesting old Apple or Atari.

28 years, 3 months

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Firsts

by manney＠nwohio.nwohio.com

>some of the 98xx > calculator/workstations, but I think those were either programmed like > calculators or in HPL, not BASIC. I just shipped off an HP 9831, which ran BASIC. manney ps Hey, Joe -- I still haven't received the $10,000 check for it yet. Remember, I'm selling at original HP prices! <g>

28 years, 3 months

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Bubble Memory

by zmerch＠northernway.net

At 11:21 AM 1/14/98 -0500, you wrote: >A type of non-volatile memory composed of a thin layer of material that can >be easily magnetized in only one direction. When a magnetic field is >applied to circular area of this substance that is not magnetized in the >same direction, the area is reduced to a smaller circle, or bubble. One of the differences with bubble memory is that it has to be accessed in a serial / sequential manner -- on a 1 megabit bubble device you cycle thru all the bits, then grab a certain set of bytes from the device according to an index or FAT. Tho the devices are rather quick, they do not have the speed of hard drives. I believe you could put 8 devices in parallel, and that would increase your access 8x, tho. > It was once widely believed that bubble memory would become one of the >leading memory technologies, but these promises have not been fulfilled. >Other non-volatile memory types, such as EEPROM, are both faster and less >expensive than bubble memory. The cost of manufacturing bubble memories did not drop in price much unlike other technologies of the day. You are correct, tho. Bubble memories are completely non-volotile and require no power to preserve their memory -- I have no clue as to the bit-rot spec's, tho. (A decent magnet will squanch your data.) I have an article in Rainbow magazine on how to build a 128K byte device as a near-line non-volotile storage unit for the CoCo -- designed by that great master Dennis Bathory Kitsz. (apologies to Dennis if I misspelled.) HTH, Roger "Merch" Merchberger -- Roger Merchberger | Why does Hershey's put nutritional Programmer, NorthernWay | information on their candy bar wrappers zmerch(a)northernway.net | when there's no nutritional value within?

28 years, 3 months

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ISIS-II - what to do with it?

by rigdonj＠intellistar.net

R, I'm also sending this to the classic computer mail list since several people there have asked abou this stuff. At 06:54 PM 1/13/98 -0500, you wrote: >Joe: > > I found another guy that has an ISIS-II system, but it's centered on the >MCS-48/51 series. I was really more curious as to what the thing was used >for. I'm not sure, it's not in any of my Intel catalogs but I think it's specificly for developing software and hardware for the 8048 CPU. > > The stuff that the guy has is extensive. Yes, Intel made lots of this stuff. At least two different Intellec CPU units, several different ICE (In Circuit Emulators), several different disk drive units, one or two different EPROM burners, additional memeory units, a bread board unit and more. My OLD catalog shows 42 different hardware pieces. AND they were a number of different assemblers and high level programming languages available. They called it "Intellec". Most of the units can be used with any Intellec system and for any target CPU. If you have any specific questions I will try to answer them. Joe

28 years, 3 months

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Amstrads in the US

by Philip.Belben＠powertech.co.uk

Francois Auradon wrote: > I have the complete set on mine: software neat case, manual (in French > :) )and Power supply (220v :( )I would be interested in finding a US power > supply as I don't think the machine can run for very long on the 10 alkaline > bateries. When I went to the US recently, I built my own 110/220V converter. I found a small (10VA) transformer that had dual 120V primaries and wired these as an autotransformer. Boxed it up in small wooden box and Bob's your uncle. PS If you can't work out how to do it from the above, don't try it yourself, get someone with some more electrical knowledge :-) Philip.

28 years, 3 months

2
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Firsts

by manney＠nwohio.nwohio.com

> >Good Composer: Handel ...so are we bach to making jokes here?

28 years, 3 months

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The IBM PS/2 model 70 again! -E61

by sinasohn＠ricochet.net

At 11:05 PM 1/13/98 +0000, you wrote: >If you give me the model number, it's on your label somewhere with 4 >number, a dash then 3 number code, I will tell you what it's usually >stock configuration and it's speed? I have the hefty book on this >and too much info to take. I'll check it out and let you know -- It's actually in Concord (about 35 miles from here) being used to run an engine dyno something-or-other program that my mechanic has. (His main computer's a mac.) >One comment: I wished....IBM did: >None have produced in early generation of PS/2 series faster than >25mhz anything. And design PS/2 ISA or PCI with 486 and has cache >but it did not pan out as I wished! :) But 90 models and XP series >uses processor card with different designs for each CPU type, XGA >that no one likes. Weirdo PS/2 and $$$. :( Those PS/1 and My main problem with PS/2's is cost and scarcity of MCA cards and memory and such. What I'd really like to find is an *affordable* compact notebook/laptop/lunchbox with 1.5 (i.e., for a thick card) ISA expansion slots to use as my voicemail machine. I thought I had that in my Altima 2, but the *%$#@^% voicemail card has some components that stick out too far to fit. My current machine ('286 desktop + composite monitor) is too noisy and sucks up too much juice. (Oh, and battery power would be nice for when the fuse blows.) >> Y'know, I once saw an honest-to-god IBM stand-alone plasma monitor in a >> surplus shop. 17" I think (or thereabouts). Pretty neat, but priced a >> little high. >Price? If you could recall? :) I think it was about $150. I might pick it up now, at that price, but I saw it before I started collecting computers. --------------------------------------------------------------------- O- Uncle Roger "There is pleasure pure in being mad roger(a)sinasohn.com that none but madmen know." Roger Louis Sinasohn & Associates San Francisco, California http://www.crl.com/~sinasohn/

28 years, 3 months

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Amstrads in the US

by Philip.Belben＠powertech.co.uk

>>When I went to the US recently, I built my own 110/220V converter. I >>found a small (10VA) transformer that had dual 120V primaries and wired >>these as an autotransformer. Boxed it up in small wooden box and Bob's >>your uncle. >> > > And Bob's your uncle.? What does that mean? I thought Roger was our >uncle? Aw well, never mind. Oops! Sorry. I forgot most of you don't speak English ;-) "Bob's your uncle" is an expression indicating the completion of a simple task. Or something. Philip.

28 years, 3 months

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What I did this weekend

by francois.auradon＠worldnet.att.net

>That sounds like the machines that I've seen. They're fairly common around >hamfests and other sales. If you're interested in them let me know which >ones you want and an idea of what they'e worth and I'll see about picking >them up. > > Joe > Well basically I would like one of each model that came out ;) Depending on the location where you are shiping cost will probably add a bit to the total.

28 years, 3 months

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ISIS-II - what to do with it?

by zmerch＠northernway.net

At 03:49 PM 1/13/98 -0500, you wrote: >I got a line on an Intel ISIS-II development system with lots of >accessories. What do I do with it if I get it? Send it to me for the cost of shipping!!!! ;-) (Just kidding...) Actually, I've always wanted to get my hands on one of those heathkit gibbyframmers (with the Moto6800 CPU, six digit 7-segment LED display and hex keyboard, etc. etc.) as I used one in college and had a barrel o' monkeys interfacing things to it 'cause it was so easy. Anyone here got a few extras of those??? (Heathkit used to still sell those just a few (up to 5) years back... but they still wanted top dollars for them, too. :-( ) Later, "Merch" -- Roger Merchberger | Why does Hershey's put nutritional Programmer, NorthernWay | information on their candy bar wrappers zmerch(a)northernway.net | when there's no nutritional value within?

28 years, 3 months

3
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IBM Displaywriter

by jolminkh＠c2.telstra-mm.net.au

I acquired a pair of IBM Displaywriters today, complete with a printer, disks and documentation. One surprise was that the copyright dates on the various (first edition) manuals was 1982 and 1983. I had been under the impression that these machines predated the PC.

28 years, 3 months

1
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Recording data to a strand of wire?

by dastar＠wco.com

I was talking to this guy I met at a flea market and he said he has a storage device that writes data to a spool of wire. Can someone elaborate on this? Sam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Computer Historian, Programmer, Musician, Philosopher, Athlete, Writer, Jackass Coming Soon...Vintage Computer Festival 2.0 See http://www.siconic.com/vcf for details!

28 years, 3 months

5
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Firsts

by higginbo＠netpath.net

At 12:57 AM 1/14/98, you wrote: >If you're talking commercial laptop, I believe it was the Radio Shack Model >100. It was one of only two commercial laptops ever certified for Space >Shuttle travel. Heck, lots of the newer Puntium laptops can't even be used >on airplanes anymore, for criminies sake! How can you play cribbage across >the Atlantic if you can't even spark 'er up??? ;-) That's where it gets a little sticky. GRiD Systems started out only making their laptops for the government, so it wasn't exactly commercial back then. I;ve seen plenty of photos of GRiDs being used in the shuttle, as well as lots of NASA projects and experiments on the internet that use one GRiD or the other as it's brains. I do know that the Compass 1100 does predate the m100 by a few years though. -John Higginbotham- -limbo.netpath.net-

28 years, 3 months

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Amstrads in the US

by francois.auradon＠worldnet.att.net

-----Original Message----- From: Uncle Roger <sinasohn(a)ricochet.net> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Tuesday, January 13, 1998 8:31 PM Subject: Amstrads in the US >Well, Amstrad wasn't really big over here, but they did sell a few machines. >Other Amstrad's I've got (second hand) are the PDA600 "PenPad" and the PC-20 >(sort of a CoCo-ish/Atari ST-ish one-piece PC). > >btw, there was another PPC640 that sold on eBay this weekend, but it was >complete, with power supplies, software, and a really neat case. I didn't >get it, though. 8^( I have the complete set on mine: software neat case, manual (in French :) )and Power supply (220v :( )I would be interested in finding a US power supply as I don't think the machine can run for very long on the 10 alkaline bateries. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Francois Auradon. Visit the SANCTUARY at http://home.att.net/~francois.auradon

28 years, 3 months

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Firsts

by higginbo＠netpath.net

At 10:01 PM 1/13/98 -0600, you wrote: >By the way they are not laptops either; I always have to find a table to put >them on so I can use them. If I put them on my lap I'm always afraid to drop >them ;-) I used mine NASA-style sometimes: Velcro'd to any flat surface. Slight change of subject: Does anyone know exactly what the first laptop to accompany shuttle astronauts into space was? I hear it's the GRiD Compass 1100. I had that very model up until last week when I traded for a GRiD 1535exp w/docking tray. Speaking of GRiDs, any people out there collect them or am I alone? I've made GRiDs my collection specialty since they're small, tough and stackable. GRiDSPeC Page: http://limbo.netpath.net/hw/GRiD -John Higginbotham- -limbo.netpath.net-

28 years, 3 months

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Firsts/lasts

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<Oh no! It's the new MicroSoft Allison! No more intelligent posts about <non-MS computers/software Arrrgghh! 8^) < <(Sorry, couldn't resist!) Oh Roger, You shouldn't have oughta done that. ;-) Calling me microspooge is frighten words. Oh heavens the lost data. Allison

28 years, 3 months

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Amstrads in the US

by francois.auradon＠worldnet.att.net

-----Original Message----- From: Uncle Roger <sinasohn(a)ricochet.net> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Tuesday, January 13, 1998 8:31 PM Subject: Amstrads in the US >btw, there was another PPC640 that sold on eBay this weekend, but it was >complete, with power supplies, software, and a really neat case. I didn't >get it, though. 8^( How much did it go for? Just curious. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Francois Auradon. Visit the SANCTUARY at http://home.att.net/~francois.auradon

28 years, 3 months

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Recording data to a strand of wire?

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<On the show, they spliced the wire to reformat a message on the wire... d <you know what type of wire was used on these types of voice/data recorder <and how would you splice them? < <(oh, and could you re-record over a previously used piece of wire?) Lessee, yes you can re-record on used wire. In fact if you didn't erase it you would get a overdub! Oh, the wire is soft iron, though any wire of a magnetic alloy can be used. The technology date t before WWII to some time in the late 40s-early 50s. It's problems were poor frequency response, knots/kinks in the wire and head wear. Allison

28 years, 3 months

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Firsts

by francois.auradon＠worldnet.att.net

-----Original Message----- From: Uncle Roger <sinasohn(a)ricochet.net> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Tuesday, January 13, 1998 8:32 PM Subject: Re: Firsts >At 09:45 PM 1/12/98 -0800, you wrote: >>> No handles??? 'Tain't a Portable then! > >Whups, forgot the 8^) > >>Hmmm, maybe having handles isn't the best criteria for determining if a >>machine is portable. > >Hmmm... > >Panasonic Sr. Partner: Handle >Apple Mac Portable: Handle >HP LS/12: Handle >Altima 2: Handle >Good Composer: Handel >Amstrad PPC640: Handle >Bondwell B310+: Handle >Osborne 01: Handle > >(Sorry, couldn't resist.) > Commodore Sx-64 Handle Kaypro I Handle Kaypro II Handle Kaypro16 Handle IBM portable PC Handle Compac Portable Handle MAC toaster style Handle (yes on top of the unit)(Oops does that make it a portable?) (I couldn't resist either) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Francois Auradon. Visit the SANCTUARY at http://home.att.net/~francois.auradon >>It seems that portable machines are those which the manufacturer built >>to be easily picked up (in some cases without grunting too loudly) and moved >>to another location to be used. This holds for suitable values of "easily". > >Yep. > >>Yes, Roger. I know you were kidding. > >Aw, shucks. I thought I had ya fooled. 8^) > > >--------------------------------------------------------------------- O- > >Uncle Roger "There is pleasure pure in being mad >roger(a)sinasohn.com that none but madmen know." >Roger Louis Sinasohn & Associates >San Francisco, California http://www.crl.com/~sinasohn/ >

28 years, 3 months

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Recording data to a strand of wire?

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

In a message dated 98-01-13 22:25:52 EST, you write: << Kevin McQuiggin wrote: > > Wire recorders predated tape recorders. They were in use from the early > 1930s, as I recall. >> interesting topic. anyone care to describe exactly how it works? david

28 years, 3 months

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HELP!!!!!! MS Dos

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

uh, right! theres no way IBM is gonna put copyrighted software out on the net for free. only way to get it is to acquire a copy from someone. In a message dated 98-01-13 19:44:45 EST, you write: << >Hello, > My name is Mario Soto and I am looking for a version of MS Dos >5.0 or earlier. The catch is I need it on 720k disk can you help? I think IBM has disk images available either on the WWW or via ftp. I've only heard about such things and haven't found/downloaded them >>

28 years, 3 months

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Firsts

by higginbo＠netpath.net

At 09:32 PM 1/13/98 -0600, you wrote: >>The TRS-80 Model 100 and it's amigos the Nec 8201 and Olivetti ??? had >Visit the SANCTUARY at http://home.att.net/~francois.auradonhat's probably >why they are called laptops and not portables. Shoot, it's not even a laptop. I've seen Pentium notebooks bulkier than a M100. :) -John Higginbotham- -limbo.netpath.net-

28 years, 3 months

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Firsts

by sinasohn＠ricochet.net

At 10:05 PM 1/12/98 -0500, you wrote: >> I think if you consider the 5100 a portable, then so should you consider the >> PDP-8. The 5100, while more *convenient* to move, perhaps, than, say, an >> Altair, is hardly all that portable. It's listed as 50lbs (a stretch even >> for me) and has no handle. You tell me how that's a portable? (It's much >> like a TRS-80 Model III, only flatter. I think the III is lighter though.) > >Even if the implementation may be poor (ie. no handles), I think IBM >really did try to make the thing truely portable. After all, all you >needed to do was lug around _one_ 50 pound box to do useful things, rather >than a processor plus a tube or printer, and perhaps an external power I dunno... The 5100 was heavy, did not include a case, offered no protection for the screen, didn't run on batteries... I think it's only portable in comparison to the mainframes of the time -- that is, you could move it from room to room because it didn't need air conditioning or special power or anything. But that's true of most of the computers of the time. Yes, it was a one-piece unit, but I don't think that's really enough. You wouldn't have really taken it home to finish up or to a client's office to do an audit. --------------------------------------------------------------------- O- Uncle Roger "There is pleasure pure in being mad roger(a)sinasohn.com that none but madmen know." Roger Louis Sinasohn & Associates San Francisco, California http://www.crl.com/~sinasohn/

28 years, 3 months

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Firsts

by pvhp＠forte.com

classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu Subj: Re: Firsts Allison J Parent wrote: !<> >First programable calc !<> !<> Then there is the "first solid state electronic calc" which I think goe !<> the Busicom from Japan that employed the first production run of the in !<> 4000 chip set: the 4001 (2048 bit ROM), 4002 (320 bit RAM), 4003 (10 bi ! !No, this was not the first by a long means. I vaguely remember a desktop !HP job that was years earlier. ! !There were designs that were RTL and utililogic and even earlier designs !that were about the size of a desk drawer that were both totally !electronic and to some extent programable. A complete braino on my part: I had wanted to say some like either "first LSI electronic calc" or perhaps "first microprocessor application". Sorry I goofed. As you pointed out in this and a subsequent post there were many "solid state electronic" calculators available by 1971. Hey, for that matter IBM's S/360 shipped transistorized general purpose transistorized computers (running DOS and TOS among others) by 1964, and by 1971 they were even beginning to incorporate integrated circuitry into what would become S/370 computers. Interestingly the architecture (or its modern desecndant) was not put on a single microprocessor until just a few years ago (1995 saw the 3490 CMOS mainframe on a chip). I would not for a moment call these devices mere calculators though (despite the early reluctance of IBM's marketing department to call things like the 701 a "computer" for fear of upsetting the folks employed in that occupation in the 1950's). Peter Prymmer

28 years, 3 months

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