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

by jimw＠agora.rdrop.com

At 06:08 PM 7/1/97 -0700, you wrote: >Hi all, > >I just acquired a Lisa 2/10 and I'm trying to figure things out. > >The system starts to boot from the hard drive and comes up with a >MacWorks/Sun Remarketing logo, then asks for a diskette. Looks like >it's running MacWorks XL, is that correct? The system still has regular >Lisa H/88 ROMs so it's not messed with hardware-wise. > >How come it wants a diskette and won't boot from the HD? Sounds like the software is not seralized properly and it wants to see the diskette to validate the software. (the Lisa serialized the software to the machine on initial load) >I tried putting in a System 1 diskette from my Mac 128 and it gave me the >"Welcome to Macintosh" splash and then died with a Sad Mac FE0002. > >Do I need a special Mac System version diskette to boot this sucker? Yep... -jim --- jimw(a)agora.rdrop.com The Computer Garage - http://www.rdrop.com/~jimw Computer Garage Fax - (503) 646-0174

28 years, 9 months

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FAQ Bonanza

by bill＠booster.bothell.washington.edu

============================================================================= ClassicCmp - The Classic Computers Discussion List Part 3 in the ClassicCmp FAQ Trilogy Technical FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) v1.6.1 Last Update: 7/01/97 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- This FAQ is written with the primary purpose of making readily available answers to the more common questions appearing on ClassicCmp. It is Maintained by Bill Whitson <bill(a)booster.u.washington.edu>. The infor- mation in this document has been gathered from a variety of sources but, in general, the members of ClassicCmp should be credited for all contain- ed herein. I have, of course, endeavored to be as accurate as is possible and often failed ;). This FAQ is Part 3 of the ClassicCmp FAQ Trilogy. The information presented deals with regularly asked questions which are technical in nature. If you have questions, comments, or corrections (always welcome) please contact me at the address above. A current copy of this FAQ is available on the web at http://weber.u. washington.edu/~bcw/ccl.html or via anonymous FTP at 140.142.225.27 in the directory /pub/classiccmp/faqs as classiccmp.faq. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Updates: New Sections: 5.1 Updated Sections: 1.2, 2.4, 4.1, 5.1 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. General ------------------ 1.1 I just picked up a new machine. What should I do? 1.2 What's the best way to clean these dingy tan boxes? 2. Media -------- 2.1 What's a hard sector disk? What's a soft sector disk? 2.2 What's SS/SD, DS/DD, DS/QD, DS/HD, etc. 2.3 Can these formats be interchanged? 2.4 What disk sizes are there? 2.5 How do I take care of old media? 3. Component Failure Issues --------------------------- 3.1 Do EPROM's go bad? 3.2 How about ROM's, other chips? 3.3 How about capacitors? 3.4 Anything else? 3.5 So how do I backup all this stuff like you suggest? 4. Software ----------- 4.1 Where can I get a system disk for platform X? 4.2 What's the best way to back up my software? 5. Specific Problems/Solutions ------------------------------ 5.1 Is it possible to bypass an RF modulator to achieve composite output? ============================================================================= 1.1 I just picked up a new machine. What should I do? Don't power it up yet! All of the following should probably be done before that power switch gets flipped. Open the case - clean and visually inspect components. You're looking for traces of smoke, water, corrosion, loose screws, blown caps and resistors, cold (broken) solder joints, bent pins, etc. It may be a good idea to remove and re-seat all socketed components and connectors. If anything burned or overheated it will probably pay to replace it before powering up the unit. You can avoid a number of problems just by taking a peek inside. If you have the tools (and the machine is sufficiently rare) pull and dump backups of all EPROMs, ROMs, and PALs. If you have really cool tools (like a logic analyzer) it has been suggested that you use them to record critical information from those oh-so-hard-to-find custom chips. Specific information on how to do this is beyond the scope of a FAQ, but you probably know what you need to if you own the appropriate tools. Disconnect the power supply from the rest of the computer and start it up on a "dummy load". A six volt headlight bulb has been recommended as a convenient load. These should be available from any decent Volkswagen shop. Running the power supply without a load could result in damage to it. You may want to check the voltage output before you do this as it could be no where near the 5V average in micros. Even if you don't want to connect a load it's still probably a good idea to power it up separately from the computer for the first time. If you have a really rare beast it may be worth powering up some of the key capacitors out of circuit just to get them warmed up. Now you can power it up. Assuming it works, take a blank disk, format it, write some data to it, and read it back before using your precious software with it, as a bad disk drive could really ruin your day. 1.2 What's the best way to clean these dingy tan boxes? Cases: It seems best to start gently with such old equipment. Try soaking in a little water and dish soap and then scrubbing. This takes care of most jobs. For removing stickers try mineral oil or Goo-Gone (available at most hardware stores - in the US at least). If those don't work, acetone can be good but, if overused, can do more harm. For removing marker, almost any solvent is good (alcohol, naptha, etc) but will definitely discolor or dissolve plastic if not carefully applied. Lava soap is also good for removing marker but can smooth off textured plastic. For removing sun or tobacco discoloring a product called Purple Stuff available from auto parts stores (again, in the US at least) seems to do the job almost effortlessly. Recommended commercial products: Purple Stuff from Kragen [for discoloration] Brasso [ink/marker] (can discolor plastic) Antistatic Foam Cleaner from Electrolube [for discoloration/markings] Citra-Solv [for discoloration] (can dissolve plastic if undiluted) Cameo Copper Cleaner [ink/marker] Naptha [for stickers/goop/spooge] (very flammable) 3M GP Adhesive Remover [for stickers/goop/spooge] CRC 226 / CRC 556 [for stickers/goop/spooge] Fulcron [for discoloration] Blue Shower / BS II [for stickers/goop/spooge] Connectors: For edge connectors a plain pink eraser seems good for removing corrosion. Apparently other colors of eraser indicate a different texture - which may be damaging. Make sure to wipe the connectors with a clean cloth after erasing on them. There are a large number chemicals on the market that "magically" remove corrosion from components but as I don't know how safe they are, I'm not anxious to promote any of them. For pin style connectors a toothbrush and some softscrub or other mildly abrasive cleaner do wonders. Recommended commercial products: Electrolube contact cleaning sprays. Keyboards: I find a cycle through the dishwasher does a really nice job on keyboards. Just be sure they're completely dry before you put any power to them. If there is reason not to use a dishwasher (some key labels can come off) it is usually possible to remove each keycap and clean conventionally. [][][][][][][][][][] 2.1 What's a hard sectored disk? What's a soft sectored disk? We'll start with soft-sector since they're simpler to explain. On a soft-sector floppy disk the information that marks where a sector begins and ends is written to the disk by the computer (part of the formatting process). This means that various computers can use the same floppy disk types because the format of the disk is control- led by the operating system. Hard sector disks use a system of perforations in the media to mark the beginnings and ends of sectors. This means that computers which used hard sectored disks required the exact disk type they specified rather than a generic soft-sector floppy. A number of differently sectored disks were available - at least 10, 13, and 16 sector formats. 8 inch and 5.25 inch disks commonly used hard sectoring. 3.5 inch disks never came hard-sectored and, in fact, it would not be possible. 2.2 What's SS/SD, DS/DD, DS/QD, DS/HD, etc. These all refer to the number of useable sides on a disk and it's density (how "efficiently" the magnetic bits are pushed together). SS/SD is a Single Sided - Single Density disk, the earliest available type I believe. The storage afforded by a single density disk was very small compared to today's standards. Single Sided disks were popular because they were cheaper than DS and could be easily modified with a hole punch into double sided disks. SD was followed by Double Density which, amazingly, doubled the amount of storage space. Double Density was followed by the extremely short-lived Quad Density which doubled a DD disk. QD was short lived because High Density was right on it's heels and nearly doubled disk capacity again. DS/HD was as sophisticated as 5.25" disks became. 3.5" disks have progressed as far as DS/EHD double-sided / extra-high density. 2.3 Can these formats be interchanged? Well, that may depend on what computer you are using, but in general the following substitutions may be made: Desired Format Substitute --------------------------------------------------- Single Density Double Density Double Density none reliably Quad Density DD, HD (sometimes work, not advisable!) High Density none Other substitutions may be made, but due to physical differences in how the disks are made they are generally unreliable. It can almost be guaranteed that data written to a proper density disk of poor quality will last longer than data written to a good quality disk of the wrong density. In the case of quad density no substitution should be considered reliable. DD and HD disks both can be forced to work. One may work better than the other given the peculiarities of various drives. 2.4 What disk sizes are there? Disk Types? Physically? Standard Disks Unique/Proprietary Disks --------------------------------------------------------- 8" (Floppy) 5" (MiniFloppy) 5.25" (MiniFloppy) 3.25" (MicroFloppy) 3.5" (MicroFloppy) 3" (MicroFloppy) 2.5" 2" In addition to odd sizes - there is at least one type of disk which was physically different. "Twiggy" disks for the Apple Lisa 1 were regular 5.25" disks with the exception that they had two read/write windows. One was oriented "north" of the center hole, the other "south". 2.5 How do I take care of old media? Step one is Back It Up! After that, make sure it's kept in a clean, dry, temperature-controlled environment (I keep mine in a broken freezer). With disks it seems important to keep them standing on end rather than lying flat - the same goes for cassette tapes. I like to exercise disks and tapes at least once every six months although I have no real evidence that this has any positive effect. I have modified an old C64 floppy drive to simply spin when a disk is inserted and send large stacks of disks through it on a regular basis just to make sure they're not starting to stick up internally. An exciting and somewhat recent development is that availability of classic computer emulators that can make disk images of old media on PC's and Macs. This seems to be a very good way to backup disks since they will eventually go bad no matter how well we take care of them. The official line seems to be that floppy disks have a shelf-life of approximately 10 years. With proper care many are lasting a lot longer. [][][][][][][][][][] 3.1 Do EPROM's go bad? Definitely. They apparently are considered to reliably contain data for (on the outside edge) 15 years. This amount can be considerably reduced if, for example, the sticker over the window has dried out and fallen off. Luckily EPROMs were not used too extensively but they're out there. An EPROM writer/reader is a relatively cheap investment and an easy fix. Even if an EPROM has "forgotten" it's data it is still fine for being "re-educated". 3.2 How about ROMs and other chips? Things wear out. It's likely that even components which have not been fried by catastrophic failure will simply start to die someday. ROMs can be dumped to a file and re-written if they die. Other custom chips which are all too common in micros will be far more difficult to replace. The best advice is to stockpile these chips when you can - but someday even unused chips will probably start to turn up bad. In this case the best defense is to stockpile information in the hope of being able to modify an existing component to meet your needs. 3.3 How about capacitors? This seems to be another large concern, but rather than being an unreplaceable component a capacitor will take your unreplaceable components with it when it goes. It's a good idea to check out all the caps in a system if you haven't fired it up in a while. Caps go bad with time (even tantalum caps, apparently - although they are more reliable) and should be replaced if they are suspect. It's unlikely that it will be impossible to find a replacement capacitor as they are much more standard electronic components. 3.4 Anything else? Documentation: If there's anything which is entirely unreplaceable its the docs for uncommon equipment. Once they're gone, they're gone. I regularly pick up docs I find for equipment I don't have just because I may someday. Paper will, of course. go bad over time but it will be obvious and they will be easily duplicated. Hard Disks: ST-251s, ST-502s, MFM, RLL... old hard disks are going to go bad. Then they'll be gone. Theoretically, I suppose it's possible to crack a hard drive and replace a dead bearing, realign, relaminate, etc... but I've never heard of anyone doing these things in their base- ment. Perhaps in another 5 or 10 years many of us will be experts at this. 3.5 So, how do I back up all this stuff like you suggest? This answer will undoubtedly get longer as I learn more. The best ways seem to be to dump the particular ROM (or whatever) using the approp- riate equipment to a floppy disk (which most of this equipment allows).

28 years, 9 months

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FAQ Bonanza

by bill＠booster.bothell.washington.edu

============================================================================= ClassicCmp - The Classic Computers Discussion List Part 2 in the ClassicCmp FAQ Trilogy List Specific FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) v1.6.2 Last Update: 7/01/97 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- This FAQ is written with the primary purpose of making readily available answers to the more common questions appearing on ClassicCmp. It is Maintained by Bill Whitson <bill(a)booster.u.washington.edu>. The infor- mation in this document has been gathered from a variety of sources but, in general, the members of ClassicCmp should be credited for all contain- ed herein. I have, of course, endeavored to be as accurate as is possible and often failed ;). This FAQ is Part 2 of the ClassicCmp FAQ Trilogy. The information presented deals with regular day-to-day issues on the list. If you have questions, comments, or corrections (always welcome) please contact me at the address above. A current copy of this FAQ is available on the web at http://weber.u. washington.edu/~bcw/ccl.html or via anonymous FTP at 140.142.225.27 in the directory /pub/classiccmp/faqs as classiccmp.faq. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Updates: New Sections: 1.5, 1.7, 2.9, 2.10 Updated Sections: 1.1, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1 Removed: 5.4, 6.1-on ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. About the List ----------------- 1.1 What is ClassicCmp? 1.2 Why is ClassicCmp? 1.3 What's a Classic Computer? 1.4 Who runs this thing? 1.5 How come I can never reach this so-called list operator? 1.6 Don't you know you're duplicating what others have done? 1.7 How much mail should I expect to get on this list? 2. Protocol and Etiquette ------------------------- 2.1 What can I talk about? 2.2 Can I talk about PCs? 2.3 Can I talk about Mini/MainFrames? 2.4 Can I post advertisements? 2.5 Can I ask people to give me their computers? 2.6 Can I ask for help fixing item x? 2.7 Where should I look before posting a dumb question? 2.8 Can I type obscenities about Microsoft in ALL CAPS?!? 2.9 Can I post trophy lists? 2.10 Can I use obscene languagein my posts? 3. Misc List Information ------------------------ 3.1 How many subscribers are there? 3.2 How many subscribers use machine x? 3.3 Is this list archived? 4. ClassicCmp Resources on the Net ---------------------------------- 4.1 Does ClassicCmp have a Web Site? 4.2 How come the Web Site is so ugly? 4.3 Does ClassicCmp have an FTP Site? Collecting ---------- 5.1 Where can I find Classic Computers? 5.2 How much is machine x worth? 5.3 Will thousands of innocent machines be scrapped if I don't save them? 5.4 I don't understand anything. Help! ============================================================================= 1.1 What is ClassicCmp? It's a mailing list for the discussion of classic computers. Topics center on collection, restoration, and operation. It is also an appropriate place for stories and reminiscences of classic computers. Lofty discussions dealing with the philosophical and/or metaphysical aspects of computers are often better handled in private e-mail. 1.2 Why is ClassicCmp? Uh, why not? There are lots of people who love these old machines and it seems like a fun idea to get together and talk about them. 1.3 What is a Classic Computer? _Any computer_ that has not been manufactured for 10 years is a classic. This definition is one I made up and it's entirely arbitrary. It seems to work OK, so I've kept it. 1.4 Who runs this thing? That would be me, Bill Whitson - email bcw(a)u.washington.edu. 1.5 How come I can never reach this so-called list operator? Sorry. It does often take me several days (sometimes weeks!) to respond to e-mail. I am often away for days at a time and when I'm not I'm still probably busy doing real work. I receive more than double the amount of mail that goes to the list in the form of spam, bounced messages, odd user requests, general bitching, etc. and I still have to filter out the messages I actually have to respond to, to remain employed ;). I will get back to you eventually. 1.6 Do you know you're just duplicating work other people have done. I get a "reinventing the wheel" e-mail at least once a week. If you show me another group of computer collectors that claims a membership as large as this one I'll show you a group that must be very hard to find. Obviously there are other groups of collectors and I'm cheering them on - I don't see a problem with duplicating and reduplicating lore that's quickly disappearing anyway. 1.7 How much mail should I expect to get on this list? The daily load varies widely from about 10 messages to over 100. Average seems to be about 44 messages a day. There are times where the message load peaks for as much as a week. [][][][][][][][][] 2.1 What can I talk about? Anything related to classic computers as defined above. There are many people on this list that really know what they're talking about, so you might want to check facts before you start shooting off messages. It's also a good idea to actually read the FAQs and check the archives a little before posting. 2.2 Can I talk about PCs? Yes. PCs which haven't been manufactured for 10 years. Even then, be aware that in many cases you would get a better response posting to PC newsgroups. 2.3 Can I talk about Minis/MainFrames/WorkStations/Gigantic Talking Boxes with Flashing Lights & Coundown Timers/Robots from Alien Civilizations? There has apparently been some misconception that this is a list for micros/home computers only. You'll note I said "misconception". 2.4 Can I post advertisements? Sure. As long as they're related to _classic_ computers. And, of course, use your brain - don't spam. Also, please state up-front whether or not you are willing to ship the items you sell outside your country as there are members of this list in a number of different countries. 2.5 Can I ask people to sell/give me their computers? Sure. But you're not likely to get a very nice response. Mine, for example, would be: Get your own f***ing computer! There are several people on usenet who will vouch for this. When someone posts about one of their machines without offering to sell it - it's really a pretty good bet that they're not secretly trolling for offers. See section 5 for info on how to find yourself a computer. 2.6 Can I ask for help fixing item x. Yes. Be aware that it may be difficult to help you fix things if you don't have much knowledge of how computers work or of how to use basic electronics tools (VOM/DMM, soldering iron, EPROM burner, etc). I'm no whiz with this stuff and the little knowledge I have has come from asking questions and then buying books to find out what "Simple... Just check the voltage on the caps in the PS to make sure one of them isn't flaking out!" exactly means. 2.7 Where can I look before posting a dumb question? It might be a good idea to take a look at what's available in the Archive section of the ClassicCmp web site (see below). 2.8 Can I type obscenities about Microsoft in ALL CAPS!?! (Or, in general, be unreasonable with reagard to advocacy posts?) Check your anti-MS baggage at the door, please. For that matter, drop any posts that serve only to perpetuate the holy wars. 2.9 Can I post trophy lists? Ahem. Er... I'm not going to go to the extent of banning this practise but it is considered bad manners. Don't whine to me because I used to be guilty of this and curbed myself ;). Post lists of newly acquired goods if you actually need info on them, not just to show off. 2.10 Can I use obscene language in my posts? Yes. Although I'm sure many people would prefer you did not. A number of people have complained about this. I'm not going to outlaw swearing - now that I've informed you that it bothers people you can make your choice. [][][][][][][][][][] 3.1 How many subscribers are there? Around 180 and changing daily. 3.2 How many subscribers use machine x? Check the web site (see below). The Classic Computer Encyclopedia shows the number of machines registered by subscribers. 3.3 Is this list archived? Yes. The archives are available on the FTP site (see below) in the directory /pub/classiccmp/archive. The file name format indicates the month/year of the archive. Keep in mind that they are quite large. [][][][][][][][][][] 4.1 Does ClassicCmp have a web site? Yep. http://weber.u.washington.edu/bcw/ccl.html 4.2 How come the web site is so ugly? How come a PET is so ugly? Who cares as long as it works? 4.3 Does ClassicCmp have an FTP site? Yes. Anonymous FTP at 140.142.225.27. Look in /pub/classiccmp. There's not much there that's not available on the web site. I'm starting to load old drivers and system disks on occasion. There is an incoming directory which subscribers may use for ClassicCmp-related file transfers if needed. [][][][][][][][][][] 5.1 Where can I find classic computers? The best places seem to be thrift stores and swap meets. These are closely followed by pawn shops and mom and pop computer stores. The holy grails are electronics scrap yards - but they tend to be wary of individual pick-and-choosers. Oh yeah - garage sales! 5.2 How much is machine x worth? Precisely as much as you'll pay for it. Oh, you're selling it? Then, precisely as much as I'll pay for it. Seriously, no one prices these any more. I have an old Computer Blue Book that lists many classic computers but the prices are just ridiculous. Some machines (Apple Lisa's, old old Mini's, and unreleased prototypes) are starting down the road toward their original selling prices but it's unlikely that most will ever be worth more than the cost of their components. 5.3 Will 1000's of innocent machines be scrapped if I don't save them? Yes. This is the impetus behind every collector's tireless and selfless effort. Each machine we fail to save has it's gold parts mercilessly hacked off and sold (just like rhino horns - and look at the rhinos). The remainder is then sent to China to be made into bicycle spokes (you probably think I'm joking). Save a computer! Act now! Remind your SO of the rhino and cuter, fuzzier animals. It might work. In all seriousness - there are a large (and growing) number of so called "computer and electronics 'recyclers'" who take usable computers and recycle them into "reusable scrap". Small amounts of gold, silver, and platinum are extracted and the remainder of the material is generally just marketed to less wasteful countries. 5.4 I don't understand anything. Help! Don't worry - you're not the only one. Reading this list, old magazines, books and whatever else you can get your hands on is the first step. Once you reach a critical mass of knowledge thigs get a lot easier. I'm working on putting together a list of books and tools that a beginner should get his hands on. If you have suggestions, let me know. =============================================================================

28 years, 9 months

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who's on first?

by manney＠nwohio.com

> I would be most interested in hearing peoples' views on where the > Bletchley Park computer (i can't remember its name) I seem to remember it was codenamed "the Bomb", as that was the British mangling of the Polish word.

28 years, 9 months

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Strange Tandy 1000HX

by manney＠nwohio.com

I had a 1000HX (still have, I think -- it's out on loan) with internal 5 1/4, external 3 1/2

28 years, 9 months

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'Home' computer: Definition

by manney＠nwohio.com

DIGIAL network. > My favorites were MILRAT, and the other two cluster members MILROT and > MILDEW. They were apt names for vaxen located where straight down through > the floor meant you were in the pond. Reminds me of the spinoffs of SNOBOL -- FASBOL, SPITBOL... Speaking of names, the best (most descriptive) program name I ever ran across was the CP/M debugger, DDT.

28 years, 9 months

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'Home' computer: Definition

by ard＠p850ug1.demon.co.uk

In message <33B8B786.6F47(a)ndirect.co.uk> classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu writes: > Tony Duell wrote: > > > Yes, I can do any of those with a PC or many, many other machines. But the MK14 > > is small and portable. It doesn't need a monitor. It will start the program > > instantly at switch-on. It is still useful today. > > O, come on......of course you can go to work everyday with a penny > farthing (early bicycles with the very different sized wheels) but would > you? If I rode a bicycle, and had a penny-farthing, I might well use it, yes. Please give me one _good_ reason not to. While I can think of other things that would be a good as the MK-14 for (say) I2C chip testing (a microcontroller board springs to mind), I can't think of anything that would be _better_. The origianl statement stands. I can't think of a single computer system (owned by me or not) that can't be used for useful work in 1997. The fact that it's old has nothing to do with it. I can think of many applications that need fast machines with plenty of memory. I'd not use (most) classic computers for those. But as I rarely need to do such work, I see no reason _not_ to use a classic. > > enrico -tony

28 years, 9 months

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Help identify these Atari S-100 Boards (fwd)

by dastar＠crl.com

Here is a reply I got from alt.atari.2600 on my Atari S-100 boards. Sam ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Computer Historian, Programmer, Musician, Philosopher, Athlete, Writer, Jackass ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: jjessop1(a)home.com (Jerry Jessop) Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.8bit,alt.atari.2600 Subject: Re: Help identify these Atari S-100 Boards Date: Mon, 30 Jun 1997 20:08:30 GMT Sam, Looks like you found some boards used in the old 2600 in-house development systems. These units were Cromemco S-100 based computers with the appropriate Atari S-100 cards installed. This system in turn was connected to a PDP-11. Of course they could also be coin-op development tools, hard to tell without looking at them. jj On 30 Jun 1997 00:37:22 GMT, dastar(a)crl.com (Sam Ismail) wrote: > >I just discovered some *VERY* interesting S100 boards that I didn't >realize I had in my box 'o S-100 boards. They seem to be some kind of >Atari development/prototyping system. The boards are: > >65xx Emulator, part no. 100-015-2, Rev. 2, (c) 1983 Atari > [this is the PCB only] > >Trace Memory Interface, part no. 100-002-2 (two of these) > has (3) Intersil 6402 chips and (3) 26-pin connectors (for interface to a > terminal), DIP switches to select the baud rate for the 6402 chips (up to > 38400 bps). Also has a 40-pin (2-rows of 20) ribbon cable connector > labelled J100. One has a test sticker on it with "OK 10/25/82" written > on it. > >6502 Processor, part no. 100-003-2, Rev. 4 > has a 6502 and some other stuff, such as a clock speed DIP switch > (1, 2, 4 MHZ settings), some RAM, a 40-pin ribbon cable connector > which presumably connects to the Trace Memory Interface card (labelled > COMP BUS J100). > I have 2 of these boards but one is incomplete (does not have all the > chips the other one does, for instance the 6502). > >All have the Atari name and logo in yellow lettering. > >Any idea what this stuff is and what it was used for? > >If you can shed any light, please reply to dastar(a)crl.com. Thanks! -- Sam ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Computer Historian, Programmer, Musician, Philosopher, Athlete, Writer, Jackass

28 years, 9 months

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who's on first?

by allisonp＠world.std.com

. > seems to be the fact that they were electronic and the idea > of electronic counters (which is most of what ENIAC was) had This is fairly complete history of electronic computings origins however there were several electric (relay logic) designs not mentioned here. While slow they capitialized on the then fairly mature telephone realys of varying design. They were generally of two types the contactor or n-pole double throw or the stepping(counting) with typically 11 positions. The later could be used to make counters or registers. In the early years (pre about '44) these were used to make calculator type machines of the programmed or fixed type. Allison

28 years, 9 months

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Strange Tandy 1000HX

by marcw＠lightside.com

> On 01-Jul-97, jpero(a)mail.cgo.wave.ca wrote: > > >Ok, put in generic 1.44 mb floppy drive and Pow! Why? that oddball > > I don't see much point in this though since the HX's controller won't > handle the 1.44 meg drive anyway. Plus, it'd be easy enough to add a floppy > drive to it, but supposedly neither knock-out plate has been punched out > behind either of the drive bays! This is what prompted my original post. > I've been using my HX for some ten years now. Since it won't die it's been upgraded quite a bit. Anyhind, I didn't even know the HX's shipped without a 3.5" floppy. That was standard. Maybe a Shack guy removed it to sell it to someone way back when. > > Actually, it's an 8088 running at like 7.16mhz I believe. One needs the > PLUS Memory board to add the memory above 256k, the DMA functions, and the two > additional PLUS connectors for the additional cards. That's a neat idea about > the SCSI though...heck, it'd be a cinch fitting one of the newer drives into > one of the 1" x 3-1/2" drive bays. The only problem would be power to the > drive, since as you've already mentioned, Tandy likes to send the power > through the ribbon cable. > SCSI is what I have on this one also. A 2.5" drive works fine but the other stuff doesn't. When I had the RLL and later an IDE (for a few days), they all got power from the controller card. Some RLL's have power leads on the controller. DCS (Tandy 3rd party stuff) had the IDE stuff. Didn't pay attention where the connectors were on the 8-bit card. > Yes, true, but XT class machines were still pretty much the norm for the > low-end in '87 when the HX appeared. I'm glad to be getting another one > though and remember 'PCM' making a big deal about the machine, asking if it > might not be the best 1000-series machine up to that time. Too bad Tandy > didn't at least make it a 286 like the TX which came out about the same time. > > Jeff Hmm, a 286 design in this shell would've been nice. I didn't realize how compact this case was 'til a neighbor came by with a Toshiba 286 laptop recently. The thing was huge. Ten years and my Tandy 1000 HX keeps running. Marc -- >> ANIME SENSHI << Marc D. Williams marcw(a)lightside.com Lightside, Inc. marc.williams(a)mb.fidonet.org The MailBox BBS marc.williams(a)652.sasbbs.com Paradigm Shift BBS IRC Nick: Senshi Channel: #dos #IrcHelp http://www.agate.net/~tvdog/internet.html -- DOS Internet Tools

28 years, 9 months

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PCjr Cartridges?

by sinasohn＠crl.com

At 11:17 PM 6/28/97 -0500, you wrote: >I have, >BASIC All I saw were BASIC cartridges... I'll let you know if anything else turns up. --------------------------------------------------------------------- O- Uncle Roger "There is pleasure pure in being mad sinasohn(a)crl.com that none but madmen know." Roger Louis Sinasohn & Associates San Francisco, California http://www.crl.com/~sinasohn/

28 years, 9 months

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Strange Tandy 1000HX

by jeffh＠unix.aardvarkol.com

I've just arranged for a Tandy 1000HX and it appears to be kind of odd. It was bought at one of Tandy's infamous 'tent sales' where they dispose of stuff they've had sitting around the local 'Shack, and the guy who bought it originally said that it didn't come with any 3-1/2" floppy installed and that both covers are still over the bays. It boots off of an external 5-1/4" drive, which if I remember correctly, is selectable easily enough by way of the SETUPHX program included with it's DOS diskettes. Do any of you TRS-80/Tandy knowledgable people remember ever seeing a HX set up like this? Every one of them I've ever seen new has come with a 3-1/2" floppy in the left-most bay, right next to the expansion connectors. I bought one of these nifty machines when they first appeared as well, and had an external 5-1/4" floppy and CM-11 monitor with it, as well as the PLUS memory, RS232 and 1200 bps modem cards. Jeff jeffh(a)unix.aardvarkol.com -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amiga enthusiast and collector of early, classic microcomputers http://www.geocities.com/siliconvalley/lakes/6757

28 years, 9 months

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ibm 3178c

by Pete＠madhippy.demon.co.uk

i've got an ibm 3178 c, anyone know what it is? (it's look like some kind of terminal) seems to be in 3 main parts i) monitor ii) base of monitor iii) bit that seems to go under base of monitor cheers for any info -- Pete Robinson pete(a)madhippy.demon.co.uk http://www.madhippy.demon.co.uk - 8-bit, faqs, emulators, web utilities.

28 years, 9 months

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CLASSICCMP digest 99

by kyrrin＠wizards.net

Date: Sun, 29 Jun 1997 18:16:33 +0000 From: "e.tedeschi" <e.tedeschi(a)ndirect.co.uk> To: classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu Subject: Re: 'Home' computer: Definition Message-ID: <33B6A681.66DE(a)ndirect.co.uk> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Daniel A. Seagraves wrote: >> On Sun, 29 Jun 1997, Bruce Lane wrote: >> >> I've seen a couple of posts in here that declare, in very firm terms >> indeed, that machines like the MicroVAX and PDP's are not "home" computers. > > My PDP is a home computer. All it takes up is a table (I don't have a > rack yet. It's coming...) Besides, my XT is bigger than the PDP at the > moment (condidering keyboard, monitor, printer, and disks) > > Anything I can fit inside is a home computer! If it's in a home, and > it's a computer, it's a home computer, right? Absolutely right, Daniel! Thanks... Then Enrico responded with... >Of course you could go to work on a Ferrari BUT would you? (and is a >Ferrari a "goto work car"?) I've seen at least a pair of them used for exactly that about 20 miles east of me in Bellevue (the local Yuppie haven). If someone's got enough bucks to own one of those things, you better believe they're going to get good use out of it. ;-) The whole definition argument seems pretty pointless, Enrico. That's what I was trying to say in the first place. If you want to set your own definitions of what constitutes a 'home computer,' that's fine. The rest of us will happily(?) continue to use whatever strikes our fancy for computing hardware in the home (a much better definition, I think). As has been pointed out, this group is for discussion of 'classic' computers. Bill Whitson's definition of 'classic,' in this case, refers to ANY machine that is ten years or more old. Period. Since MicroVAXen and other DEC machines fall neatly into that category, I will continue to discuss them with others on this group. Period. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do on this beautiful 12-year old HP drafting plotter I just bought (replace a couple of switches, clean it up, and it'll be good to go, especially once I hook it to the MicroVAX!) -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Bruce Lane, Sysop, The Dragon's Cave BBS (Fidonet 1:343/272) (Hamateur: WD6EOS) (E-mail: kyrrin(a)wizards.net) http://www.wizards.net/technoid "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..."

28 years, 9 months

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One for you mainframe and mini types

by jeffh＠unix.aardvarkol.com

for those of you interested in mainframes and minis, there's an unknown piece of test equipment going for sale on AuctionWeb, item# yzx34561. it sounds pretty interesting,if one has a use for such a piece of equipment. Jeff jeffh(a)unix.aardvarkol.com -- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Collector of Classic Computers: Amiga 1000, Apple II+, Atari 800, 800XL, MegaST-2, Commodore 128D, 16, Plus/4, VIC-20, Kaypro 2X, Mattel Aquarius, Osbourne Executive, Radofin Aquarius, Timex-Sinclair 1000, TRS-80 Color Computer 3, and Model IV. Also Odyssey2, Atari SuperPong and Atari 2600VCS game consoles

28 years, 9 months

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'Home' computer: Definition

by ard＠p850ug1.demon.co.uk

In message <33B75A67.2AE4(a)ndirect.co.uk> classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu writes: > Brett wrote: > > > > On Sun, 29 Jun 1997, e.tedeschi wrote: > > > There are computers that you could not possibly USE but they are > > > important for what they meant (and mean today) in short for their > > > "heritage". Without them you could not have used (and use) the ones you > > > are using today. > I assume the following is one of the computers you claim can't possibly be used today... > How about the Science of Cambridge (Sinclair) MK XIV ? It had 256 bytes You mean an MK-14. I've never seen it printed in roman numerals (I have the machine, user manual, a couple of 3rd party books, the adverts, etc, etc,etc It was my first computer). > (NOT Kb, BYTES) of RAM memory, LED display, not modulator and no way of > storing programs (you could add these at a later stage as accessories). Perhaps you could explain _why_ I can't use one today. I've written many, many embedded control programs (monitor some inputs, update state variables, toggle outputs, etc) that would _trivially_ fit into 256 bytes of SC/MP code. If I add the optional INS8154 RAM/IO chip I have another 128 bytes of RAM and 16 bidirectional I/O lines. I can also add another 256 bytes by raiding my junk box for some 2111's. I can think of a few dozen applications that I could use that for. A trivial one is an I2C chip tester - replace the monitor ROMs with ones burnt to contain the correct code (avoids using the cassette interface option...), and have said code read I2C addresses/data from the hex keypad and bit-bang the I2C protocol on a couple of the 8154 lines. Or, how about a Centronics printer tester (emulate the centronics port on the 8154, make it print the classic scrolling ASCII text). Or a programmable pulse generator for digital IC testing. Or a hundred-and-one other applications. Yes, I can do any of those with a PC or many, many other machines. But the MK14 is small and portable. It doesn't need a monitor. It will start the program instantly at switch-on. It is still useful today. > > enrico > > -tony >

28 years, 9 months

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Plural for Abacus

by foxnhare＠goldrush.com

>From: Ward Griffiths and/or Lisa Rogers <gram(a)cnct.com> >Subject: Re: 'Home' computer: Definition >On Sun, 29 Jun 1997, Brett wrote: >> Which reminds me, my oldest handheld is from Korea. It feels great on my >> feet! My uncle picked it up for me in the mid-60's tho the design has been >> around in Asia for centuries. >Yeah, got three assorted items of that nature myself (abacuses? >abaci? Never met anybody with more than one to tell me the proper >plural!) >-- >Ward Griffiths Consulting "The Japanese Abacus; Its Use and Theory" by Takashi Kojima (12th printing, 1960) He uses "abacuses" as the plural form. (very interesting history that dates way back to Roman days and farther). Unfortunately I have a somewhat incompatible model from my book, on my wall is a chinese abacus with 5 and 2 beads per digit, where the japanese models use 4 and 1 (which sounds more logical to me, easier to execute a carry to the next digit.) An interesting chapter in the book covers a contest hosted by Stars & Stripes between a U.S. Pvt. in Macarthur's Finance Disbursing Section, (an awarded expert operator of calculators of the tim)e and a Japanese champion abacus operator from the Postal Ministry. As of 1946 the Japanese Abacuses were still able to beat the latest in American calculators. Larry Anderson -- -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+- Visit our web page at: http://www.goldrush.com/~foxnhare/ Call our BBS (Silicon Realms BBS 300-2400 baud) at: (209) 754-1363 -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

28 years, 9 months

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ROM Archive

by rcini＠msn.com

Bill: {...} > 2. Submission & storage: UUEncoded image file e-mailed to "repository"; > ROM/EPROM chips sent by snail mail and returned. All submissions should have > as much info about the source computer as possible (board revisions, date of > mnaufacture, etc.) >>I think that anything doing with the chips (purchasing, programming, >>shipping) should be left to the person that needs them. Sure, not very >>many people on the list have programmers, but there are enough kind souls >>that would do the programming. Anyway, having a policy concerning >>shipping and supply may turn into a big headache. I don't think that this would be a problem. I don't anticipate that many people would want it this way (we are all hardware hackers {in the nice sense}, after all). Even so, as long as a person doesn't want Fedex delivery, how bad can it be?? > 4. Cost: nominal (cost of postage and EPROM). >>Doing any more may actually be legally shakey. I don't think so. See one of my earlier messages on this topic. If you're posting a ROMimage, you have already "paid" your licensing fee because you own the machine. I'm just replacing a defective copy with a working copy (sort of like exchanging a defective diskette dor a working one). We're not "creating" or "copying" for distribution. Also, we can limit it to pre-PC machines. Chances are that these manufacturers are either out of business or no longer support the machine. >>Additional thought... >>How will additional required information be tied to the ROM images (as in >>manufacturers part numbers, revision levels, serial numbers, >>corresponding hardware information, etc.)? ROMS (and PALs) often change >>as the circuits get minor "improvements" (ECOs). I don't know yet. I'm grappling with this now. There are all sorts of issues with this: parts are house numbered, or not numbered at all. Maybe we can go by unit serial number, date-of-manufacture stickers, and pc-board identifications (such as "Revision A" or the like). ------------------------------------------------- Rich Cini/WUGNET - ClubWin Charter Member (6) - MCPS Windows 95/Netowrking

28 years, 9 months

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Encryptor Board...

by foxnhare＠goldrush.com

> Also have these: > > the Encryptor, Jones Futura Corporation, Model ENC 100-1 > California Computer Systems, Model 2832 [has this big, black 3"x3" square > and 3/8" thick block of resin on it, have no idea what it's hiding] > > Any idea what this stuff is? > > > Sam I was reading in the Atari Game Systems FAQ that the 7800 carts are encrypted with a special encryption and only those encrypted games get access to the 7800's advanced video resources (otherwise it just gets 2600 resources)... This was a measure by Atari to make sure to get a share of the profits from 3rd party game developers. There could be a slight possibility this is an encryption unit for the 7800 game system... Currently no one knows (or is saying they know) how to encrypt 7800 carts. Larry Anderson -- -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+- Visit our web page at: http://www.goldrush.com/~foxnhare/ Call our BBS (Silicon Realms BBS 300-2400 baud) at: (209) 754-1363 -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

28 years, 9 months

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'Home' computer: Definition

by jpero＠mail.cgo.wave.ca

Hey, that mailing list fudged part of my first line as their command which reported in error and refused to post it here. :( Q. Hold on, I would like to express my opinions... "Home Computer" term is invented by corporations to supposely help define their markets and totally miss it all the time because users needs is usually higher than their corporates' computers by factor of 1.5 to 2. At same time tries to pull off a coup on "home" users by selling stripped down with loads of cut corners and oft-nonstandard parts machine at horrible prices. Case in point: PCjr. PCjr and orignal 2 piece PS/1 (sold at 1000 bux cdn but you get no HD in it, introduced 1990's but users right away dumped them by pallets barely 2 years after. Yuk!) Side note: I traded few things to get this PS/1 2011 and used it for a while but sold it cheaply to a user who have modest needs than I. (for me, I can't manage well without hard drive attached even all the down to XT but not for apple II's their floppy drive is very fast enough to forgo hd, very impressed but at that time too expensive for my taste but now they are so cheap now.) So there was a bad taste to this name "home computers" in general. Similar types of computers did well in many areas but happened to lack important areas that killed it. Ironically, better to build DIY similar capablies 386, 80mb, 1mb, desktop/mono vga and still easily interchangable than that darned PS/1 2011 models. When I read about many machines and few "home computers" as called toys but I was mistaken when I saw and heard that "toy", boy, they're mistaken and I was taken too for a while! Indeed they were used for anything within their capablies so I accept anything that has CPU in it at same time useful and expandable should be decent computers, no more or less. :) C64, PET's, apples and such has just right stuff to keep users happy. In closing, corporations always underestimate "home" users. But now they are not pushing this word and crippled machines anymore, now selling them in general to any users execpt for corporations who needs turnkey system just to do very specific jobs like weak machine strictly for WP use, alphas for servers and heavy graphics, fast processor for programming but that is getting blurred that most users can afford them and can put them in their homes. Ok, now I could respond to yours... :) > I've seen a couple of posts in here that declare, in very firm terms > indeed, that machines like the MicroVAX and PDP's are not "home" computers. Suppose, Digital did not cared a whit and cut prices on that and we would be sure many would have one in home if they're small enough and easy on power requirements. Linux is there now and NT can be run on alphas but bit late and cost is fast appoaching to affordable levels where getting a pentium pro machine is not only option. > > For the sake of discussion in this list, and computer hobbyists in > general, I would like the world to know that I define 'home computer' as > any machine that you can: > > * Comfortably fit through your door... > > * Doesn't test the load limits of your target floor... > > * Power and run without tripping your main breaker... > > * (most importantly) Have fun restoring and working with... in your home! > > Which just goes to show that such terminology is so relative, there's > little point in debating it. Why waste the bandwidth over something as > trivial as a difference in wording? > > (No, I'm not trying to start a flamewar; I posted this because I'm > concerned that the current thread regarding 'home' computers may erupt into > one!) > > Caveat Emperor!

28 years, 9 months

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Digital PDT-11/150 disk drive?

by dbetz＠xlisper.mv.com

Anyone know where I could get a replacement disk drive for a Digital PDT-11/150? This is a machine with an LSI-11 processor and two 8 inch floppy drives that runs RT-11. I've got two machines but one has a floppy that doesn't work. I'd like to find a replacement drive if possible. Thanks in advance, David Betz -- David Betz dbetz(a)xlisper.mv.com DavidBetz(a)aol.com (603) 472-2389

28 years, 9 months

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'Home' computer: Definition

by kyrrin＠wizards.net

I've seen a couple of posts in here that declare, in very firm terms indeed, that machines like the MicroVAX and PDP's are not "home" computers. For the sake of discussion in this list, and computer hobbyists in general, I would like the world to know that I define 'home computer' as any machine that you can: * Comfortably fit through your door... * Doesn't test the load limits of your target floor... * Power and run without tripping your main breaker... * (most importantly) Have fun restoring and working with... in your home! Which just goes to show that such terminology is so relative, there's little point in debating it. Why waste the bandwidth over something as trivial as a difference in wording? (No, I'm not trying to start a flamewar; I posted this because I'm concerned that the current thread regarding 'home' computers may erupt into one!) Caveat Emperor! -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Bruce Lane, Sysop, The Dragon's Cave BBS (Fidonet 1:343/272) (Hamateur: WD6EOS) (E-mail: kyrrin(a)wizards.net) http://www.wizards.net/technoid "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..."

28 years, 9 months

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bibliography

by e.tedeschi＠ndirect.co.uk

- "Fumbling the Future" by Douglas Smith and Robert Alexander - "Halcion Days" By??? I would like to add these two titles to my HOME COMPUTER BIBLIOGRAPHY. Does anybody have the name of the publishers and the year of publishing? Thank you enrico -- ================================================================ Enrico Tedeschi, 54, Easthill Drive, BRIGHTON BN41 2FD, U.K. tel/fax +(0)1273 701650 (24 hours) or 0850 104725 mobile website <http://www.ndirect.co.uk/~e.tedeschi> ================================================================ visit Brighton: <http://www.brighton.co.uk/tourist/welcome.htm>

28 years, 9 months

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Interesting S100 boards

by fmc＠reanimators.org

Sam Ismail <dastar(a)crl.com> writes: > California Computer Systems, Model 2832 [has this big, black 3"x3" square > and 3/8" thick block of resin on it, have no idea what it's hiding] > > Any idea what this stuff is? Well, no. I pulled a CCS catalog (dated Feb 1981) and took a look, and the only 28xx card was the 2810 Z80 CPU. As I read the catalog, though, I might expect 28xx to mean some sort of processor or coprocessor. Or maybe not; CCS weren't entirely consistent with their numbering scheme and the sample sizes weren't that large. -Frank McConnell

28 years, 9 months

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USING classic machines

by IVIE＠cc.usu.edu

> Even the kaypro, while fairly > fast has the slowest screen on the planet. I I beg to differ. The slowest screen on the planet is the Pro350. Roger Ivie ivie(a)cc.usu.edu

28 years, 9 months

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'Home' computer: Definition

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

actually, ive heard the plural for unix to be unices, rather than unixen, or also expressed as *nix, for the different flavours of unix out there. the hacker's dictionary is great though, just to read the words and their origins. i've now got everyone at work to use the term "virtual friday" which i picked out of the dictionary! =D << > Is VAXen the plural of VAX ? Why? Play on words. Like the plural of 'Ox' is 'Oxen', plurals of many things involving computers that end in 'x' end in 'xen'. As VAXen, Unixen (for the many variations on the Unix OS such as Venix, Linux, BSD, Solaris, AIX, Xenix, and several others. You'll also see more than one box (as in CPU) referred to as 'boxen'. Check out _The New Hacker's Dictionary_, 2nd Edition, from MIT Press, also available in many forms on the Net as the "Jargon File". Currently (and for a long time now) maintained by Eric S. Raymond. Try <http://www2.dictionary.com/dictionary.jargon/>. (Actually, recommended to everybody who ever wonders what one of us old farts is talking about). -- Ward Griffiths >> david

28 years, 9 months

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A little guidance - TI Xenix

by danjo＠xnet.com

WAHOO! I am in as Root! And I ain't gonna tell you what it was! Now, anyone know what the Streaming Tape Drive device is called? I can boot with this (an old Adaptec SCSI board) installed. I also have 2 CB811 cards but only one seems to come up with a light, the other one just flashes? *** CB811 -- (C) Copyright 1986 Computone Systems, Inc. (C) Copyright 1987, 1988 Texas Instruments Inc. I can not boot with either or both of these installed. I haven't tried real hard, maybe the console port changes with these in. But I also don't hear all the beeps if these are in. Here's my last bootup record ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sat Jun 28 23:11:07 *** CB811 -- (C) Copyright 1986 Computone Systems, Inc. (C) Copyright 1987, 1988 Texas Instruments Inc. Can't find any CB811 boards Texas Instruments print screen v1.01 SPA initialization complete Streaming cartridge tape v2.00[A] (int=3,dma=3,base=00000220) Irootdev 1/40, pipedev 1/40, swapdev 1/41 JKL0L1L2L3disk[W] drive 0: cyls = 918, heads = 15, secs = 17 nswap = 5610, swplo = 0, Hz = 50 L4maximum user process size = 8655k L5MNOPmem: total = 8064k, reserved = 4k, kernel = 1088k, user = 6 Sat Jun 28 23:11:08 972k kernel: drivers = 4k, 0 screens = 0k, 600 i/o bufs = 600k, msg bufs = 8k QRSTUVWXYZdisk[W] drive 1: cyls = 918, heads = 15, secs = 17 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- I have looked and can not find any docs on the CB811's or the Tape Drive 8-( 8-( 8-( Anybody know anything about either of these????? BC

28 years, 9 months

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'Home' computer: Definition

by allisonp＠world.std.com

> Is VAXen the plural of VAX ? Why? hobson's choice, it just is. For some reason VAXes never caught in some circles especally when you dealing with SMP and clusters of vaxen. There are many stories why, most I've forgotten though as a millrat I should be up on it. Actually there are some good stories about node names on the DIGIAL network. My favorites were MILRAT, and the other two cluster members MILROT and MILDEW. They were apt names for vaxen located where straight down through the floor meant you were in the pond. Allison

28 years, 9 months

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Historical Research

by broswell＠syssrc.com

Kevin, did you ever get that draft I emailed you? What is going on with you book? Bob Roswell System Source 338 Clubhouse Road Hunt Valley, MD 21031 (410) 771-5544 ext 336 broswell(a)syssrc.com www.syssrc.com

28 years, 9 months

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Weekend Additions

by rcini＠msn.com

David: You can still get Tandy/RS software directly from their National Parts service. Last year when I acquired a Model 100 system, I needed the DVI (disk-video interface) diskette, I called them. The price: $5 each. I can't seem to find the telephone number (it is an 800#, though), but it's called "Tandy Consumer Mail Center". You should be able to get the number from your local R/S. Give them the catalog# and what you're looking for. They will probably refer you to the Tandy Software Service Center, where you can order the diskette. ------------------------ Rich Cini/WUGNET - ClubWin Charter Member (6) - MCPS Windows 95/Networking ======================= Date: Sat, 28 Jun 1997 10:13:11 -0400 (EDT) From: SUPRDAVE(a)aol.com To: classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu Subject: weekend additions Message-ID: <970628101309_408583751(a)emout07.mail.aol.com> i need some help on what i found this weekend. a trs80 model III 48k. came with trsdos disk, but i havent tested it yet. can anyone point to a source of software. now i need a model ][ to fill in the blanks!

28 years, 9 months

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'Home' computer: Definition

by manney＠nwohio.com

Is VAXen the plural of VAX ? Why?

28 years, 9 months

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ROM Archive

by rcini＠msn.com

Sam and William: Here's what I think so far (which isn't much <g>): 1. Record format: open (depending on software for EPROM programmer); S-records, Intel Hex, binary. 2. Submission & storage: UUEncoded image file e-mailed to "repository"; ROM/EPROM chips sent by snail mail and returned. All submissions should have as much info about the source computer as possible (board revisions, date of mnaufacture, etc.) 3. Requests & withdrawls: by e-mail to those with programmers; by mail for those supplying their own chips; e-mail request with no chip sent. 4. Cost: nominal (cost of postage and EPROM). How does this sound so far?? ------------------------ Rich Cini/WUGNET - ClubWin Charter Member (6) - MCPS Windows 95/Networking ------------------------------ What format would these images be? S-records? William Donzelli william(a)ans.net ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 10:40:52 -0700 (PDT) From: Sam Ismail <dastar(a)crl.com> To: classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu Subject: Re: Computer Documentation Message-ID: <Pine.SUN.3.91.970625103943.740O-100000(a)crl2.crl.com> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII On Wed, 25 Jun 1997, Richard A. Cini, Jr. wrote: > As far as ROMs are concerned, maybe we can start a "ROM Archive" > database/repository. Members with EPROM programmers could make copies of > known-good ROMS from various machines at the request of other members. Good idea. I think someone's thrown this out before. Anyone want to volunteer to coordinate? > As far as Copyright concerns, I don't think that there are any. First, many > of our target companies are out of business. Second, we are not selling these > chips (and the software contained therein) in a commercial sense. Third, > they're being used as a one-for-one replacement for defective firmware. I view > it like a diskette: I own Norton Utilities with a bad disk 1. My friend also > owns Norton Utilities, and he makes me a copy of his disk 1. Both of us have > valid software licenses because we both bought the program. It's like > preservation of matter. Let's put it this way: if you don't tell anyone, I won't. Sam ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ - Computer Historian, Programmer, Musician, Philosopher, Athlete, Writer, Jackass

28 years, 9 months

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'Home' computer: Definition

by allisonp＠world.std.com

> Of course you could go to work on a Ferrari BUT would you? (and is a > Ferrari a "goto work car"?) If work is a race car driver, it might be. ;-) Assuming it's not outclassed. Allison

28 years, 9 months

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DOS 2.11 software (fwd)

by manney＠nwohio.com

I can help...I have lotsa "old" games (MDA/MGA/CGA) -- mostly shareware. Please tell him to contact me. ---------- > From: classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu > To: Manney > Subject: DOS 2.11 software (fwd) > Date: Saturday, June 28, 1997 1:59 PM > > > > OK guys, here is a request I got, maybe someone can help this poor guy! > Thanks, > > Les > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > Date: Sat, 28 Jun 1997 08:26:19 -0400 (EDT) > From: KenpoKidJB(a)aol.com > To: more(a)camlaw.Rutgers.EDU > Subject: software > > hey, i went to your web site, but didn't find what i wanted. i'm looking for > dos 2.11 programs that will run off of a 3.5" floppy. most specifically, i'm > especially looking for games. any kind will do, but even more specifically, > i'm looking for text driven adventure games, as my kaypro 2000 LCD screen > doesn't do very well with graphics!! so, let me know what you can do for > me.. i really appreciate it. > Jeremiah >

28 years, 9 months

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Plus/4 Cartridges

by foxnhare＠goldrush.com

RE From: Jeff Hellige <jeffh(a)unix.aardvarkol.com> Subject: C= 16 & Plus/4 cartridges > For the first time since I actively started collecting old systems and > the software and peripherals, I finally came across some program > cartridges for the C-16 & Plus/4 today. They came from a guy who does a >flea market each weekend and who keeps an eye out for 8bit stuff, and he >picked them up with me in mind. They are 'Strange Odyssey' and 'Jack >Attack'. Anyway, my question is, since these are the only ones I've >ever run across, other than the cartridge that shipped with the C-16, >were there many made for these machines? > Jeff jeffh(a)unix.aardvarkol.com Sounds like two from a set an electronics secods outlet was selling... The set had 8 carts, Jack Attack, Strange Oddesy, Plus Calc, Plus Script (plus/4 verions of easycalc and easyscript), and some others I can't remember or locate, total of 8 carts. I think that might have been the bulk of the U.S. release for the Plus/4. Of course in europe the Plus/4 went many years of popularity with many companies supplying games (just check the net you will find lots if information, though many of the games are PAL mode, *sigh*) Larry Anderson -- -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+- Visit our web page at: http://www.goldrush.com/~foxnhare Call our BBS (Silicon Realms BBS 300-2400 baud) at: (209) 754-1363 -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

28 years, 9 months

1
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'Home' computer: Definition

by allisonp＠world.std.com

> For the sake of discussion in this list, and computer hobbyists in > general, I would like the world to know that I define 'home computer' as > any machine that you can: > > * Comfortably fit through your door... > * Doesn't test the load limits of your target floor... > * Power and run without tripping your main breaker... > * (most importantly) Have fun restoring and working with... in your > home Great loved it! What I'd pointed out before is many of the PDP-11s were in the same space and competing for the same percieved market as the PC. While some -11s were large like the 11/70 with RP06/7 disks and wanting a cooled computer room. most were at must one rack and a disk systems that were more modest in size. The systems I refered to as desktop were: LSI-11/03 (floppy based in short rack 28" tall) PDP-11/23+ (in 40" tall rack with RL02 removeable disk and floppy) PDT-11/130 (slow tape but it was only vt100 sized!) PDT-11/150 (Late 70s early 80s) not large at all. (also called breadbox) PRO350 and later 380 Microvax I/II (ba23 pedestal) VS2000 (box slightly larger than DECMATEIII) VS3100 (aka pizza box) These happen to be DEC systems but IBM, HP, DG were all out there too with desktop sized or desk side minies in disgusise. All very collectable and also useable! Allison

28 years, 9 months

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PROMS

by kyrrin＠wizards.net

Tim Shoppa wrote... Date: Sat, 28 Jun 1997 06:26:54 -0800 (PDT) From: Tim Shoppa <shoppa(a)alph02.triumf.ca> To: classiccmp(a)u.WASHINGTON.EDU Subject: Re: Archiving & other news Message-ID: <9706281326.AA21254(a)alph02.triumf.ca> Content-Type: text >Does this include 1702A's and 2704's? Checking my wall chart, it doesn't look like it right away. However, I will check with Data I/O's web site (they have an online device support lookup). -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Bruce Lane, Sysop, The Dragon's Cave BBS (Fidonet 1:343/272) (Hamateur: WD6EOS) (E-mail: kyrrin(a)wizards.net) http://www.wizards.net/technoid "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..."

28 years, 9 months

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USING classic machines

by cerebral＠michianatoday.com

At 08:59 AM 6/27/97 BST, you wrote: >> I do use my old machines now and then, but if anyone here has never ran a >> modern MAC or PC, they have NO idea what is bieng missed. web pages in full >> photo quality color, realistic games, PPP connections, Realaudio etc. I am > >I have used 'modern' PC's (well, at least pentiums with 16 MBytes RAM, >SVGA card, etc), and I know I'm not missing _anything_ by sticking to >classic computers. Let's go through your points. > What I mean is that we must realize that there is only so much you can do with classic computers. after all, if they were the best than why we have faster and better? >'Web pages in full photo quality colour'. Well, I access the web to get >information, not look at pretty pictures. Most of the information I want >is _text_, or at least monochrome graphics (things like IC data sheets). >So I don't need 'photo quality colour'. And if I did, I could easily find well at the moment you dont need it, but its nice to know that you can see it when you need it. >a classic system that could display them. Evans and Sutherland, Grinnell, >Ramtek, I2S, PPL, etc all made high-res colour displays that make most >PC's look like toys. And you can pick one up second-hand for less than an >SVGA card + monitor. SVGA a toy? I used many an apple ][ + and C=64 with 80 col RGB monitors, and I can take only so much eyestrain. sharp graphics make your eyes feel good... also I would like to clarify somthing. I am not a billy gates follower. I despise his efforts and his software. and winsucks 95 is a laugh!!<G> but the issue is machines, and if you run Linux, as I do, that pentium will spring to life! so the PC is not the greatest machine, but if you run software that was properly written, (i.e. not from microsuck) you get fantastic results, that is why I like my commodore 64, it can do alot on 1 MHZ. >'Realistic games'. I don't play many games, but I'll agree that modern >games running on modern hardware do _look_ a lot more realistic than the >text+block graphics we had on home computers 15 years ago. The problem is >that IMHO (and YMMV) the old games are just more fun to play. That's a >personal judgement, though. I have an Atari 2600, and the best racing game is from Acivision called Enduro. >'PPP connections' Oh come on. I've run a PPP client on an _XT_. No problem >at all. I'll happily believe they're available for other old machines as >well. well we all believe, but sadly, this does not always work that way. I have an XT too, and yes you can load a packet driver, but then 640K is not big enough except to run telnet or ftp from. I use my XT as a file server... >'Realaudio' I assume that's some audio standard for modern machines. But Realaudio is a standard, but it is an INTERNET standard for sending LIVE SOUND from any web server. it has many uses, and the fun part of it is that I live in Indiana, and when I lived in St Petersburg FL, there was a good radio station there that I loved, and through Realaudio I can now listen to it here. and this is not just for PC's, it runs on MACs, UNIX Linux, and most Sun machines. >we had good quality audio on PDP11's (thanks to a little board from 3RCC) >in 1976. It's not exactly hard to add a DAC and a DMA engine or even a DSP >to a lot of classic computers (and classic computer != cheap home micro so >there's easily enough RAM space for a reasonable length sample). to me, a PDP11 is WORLDS apart from classic HOME computers, If I had the fortune of actually owing a PDP11, I would use it extensively..... :) also about enough ram space...NOT! I have some software for the C=64 that plays back digital sound files. with the stock 64K of ram, I can hold a 6 second clip. with the 1764 ram expansion with 512K of ram, I can hold a 60 second clip, but no longer than that. >What I'd be missing by going to a modern machine would be : >Documentation. Since I don't just run prepackaged software and plug in >prebuilt hardware, I need good technical manuals. They just don't exist I programmed in BASIC, and that is fun, and I tried 6502 assembler, and almost had a working interrupt handler going, but my brain fried, the opcodes are easy, but remembering memory addresses when deprived of caffeine is hard! the interrupt handler was for a terminal program that I was writing that utilized a 6551 UART in a commodore 64. I love hacking old hardware! and it also had interupt driven multitasking, as in this terminal, you can use the modem and play .sid music files at the same time! that was fun!! now I program in C, and if you do it right, you can make any machine dance to your beat. >for most modern machines >Repairability. I can fix classic computers with no problem at all. Just I have never had any hardware failures in ANY of my machines so far (knock on silicon), with the exception that I accidentally cooked a 6526. >try getting a custom chip for a PC motherboard. And don't tell me to >replace the motherboard - if the PC is a few years old I'd probably have >to replace the CPU and memory as well. that is just the ticket. A brand new 486 motherboard cost $90. with it you get real functionality. I know some who will pay twice that for a doorstop... actually, you can get a decent modern PC together just by scrounging computer shows and bargaining for parts. assembling a system from scratch with old parts is very fun and rewarding. and the reliablity rate for modern chips is very high. in fact the monitor or hard disk probably will die before the motherboard will. also I am speaking of those who NEVER touched anything new, and passing judgment. if you tried the new stuff, and hate it, that is fine, but I can't stand those who never tried it then saying it sux.

28 years, 9 months

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A little guidance - TI Xenix

by chemif＠mbox.queen.it

At 23:55 28/06/97 -0500, you wrote: > >WAHOO! I am in as Root! And I ain't gonna tell you what it was! > >Now, anyone know what the Streaming Tape Drive device is called? >I can boot with this (an old Adaptec SCSI board) installed. I have the TI 1300, and the device was called /dev/rct0 you should have the "help" command available, try also with ? and the topic. >I also have 2 CB811 cards but only one seems to come up with a light, >the other one just flashes? > *** CB811 -- (C) Copyright 1986 Computone Systems, Inc. > (C) Copyright 1987, 1988 Texas Instruments Inc. > >I can not boot with either or both of these installed. I haven't tried >real hard, maybe the console port changes with these in. But I also don't >hear all the beeps if these are in. I guess you are using built-in vga card and keyboard connected directly in the machine, instead of using "tty0a" port of the CB811 with a vt 100 as console. This, usually, make the difference. >Here's my last bootup record >------------------------------------------------------------------------- >Sat Jun 28 23:11:07 > *** CB811 -- (C) Copyright 1986 Computone Systems, Inc. > (C) Copyright 1987, 1988 Texas Instruments Inc. > >Can't find any CB811 boards >Texas Instruments print screen v1.01 >SPA initialization complete >Streaming cartridge tape v2.00[A] (int=3,dma=3,base=00000220) >Irootdev 1/40, pipedev 1/40, swapdev 1/41 >JKL0L1L2L3disk[W] drive 0: cyls = 918, heads = 15, secs = 17 >nswap = 5610, swplo = 0, Hz = 50 >L4maximum user process size = 8655k >L5MNOPmem: total = 8064k, reserved = 4k, kernel = 1088k, user = 6 >Sat Jun 28 23:11:08 >972k >kernel: drivers = 4k, 0 screens = 0k, 600 i/o bufs = 600k, msg bufs = 8k >QRSTUVWXYZdisk[W] drive 1: cyls = 918, heads = 15, secs = 17 >------------------------------------------------------------------------- >I have looked and can not find any docs on the CB811's or the Tape Drive >8-( 8-( 8-( > >Anybody know anything about either of these????? I will try to ask my old TEXAS suppliers and let you know Riccardo ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Riccardo Romagnoli,collector of:CLASSIC COMPUTERS,TELETYPE UNITS,PHONE AND PHONECARDS I-47100 Forli'/Emilia-Romagna/Food Valley/ITALY Pager:DTMF PHONES=+39/16888(hear msg.and BEEP then 5130274*YOUR TEL.No.* where*=asterisk key | help visit http://www.tim.it/tldrin_eg/tlde03.html

28 years, 9 months

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Error Condition Re: Re: 'Home' computer: Definition

by jpero＠mail.cgo.wave.ca

Subject: Home computer: Definition My opinions and to disgress; "Home Computer" term is invented by corporations to supposely help define their markets and totally miss it all the time because users needs is usually higher than their corporates' computers by factor of 1.5 to 2. At same time tries to pull off a coup on "home" users by selling stripped down with loads of cut corners and oft-nonstandard parts machine at horrible prices. Case in point: PCjr. PCjr and orignal 2 piece PS/1 (sold at 1000 bux cdn but you get no HD in it, introduced 1990's but users right away dumped them by pallets barely 2 years after. Yuk!) Side note: I traded few things to get this PS/1 2011 and used it for a while but sold it cheaply to a user who have modest needs than I. (for me, I can't manage well without hard drive attached even all the down to XT but not for apple II's their floppy drive is very fast enough to forgo hd, very impressed but at that time too expensive for my taste but now they are so cheap now.) So there was a bad taste to this name "home computers" in general. Similar types of computers did well in many areas but happened to lack important areas that killed it. Ironically, better to build DIY similar capablies 386, 80mb, 1mb, desktop/mono vga and still easily interchangable than that darned PS/1 2011 models. When I read about many machines and few "home computers" as called toys but I was mistaken when I saw and heard that "toy", boy, they're mistaken and I was taken too for a while! Indeed they were used for anything within their capablies so I accept anything that has CPU in it at same time useful and expandable should be decent computers, no more or less. :) C64, PET's, apples and such has just right stuff to keep users happy. In closing, corporations always underestimate "home" users. But now they are not pushing this word and crippled machines anymore, now selling them in general to any users execpt for corporations who needs turnkey system just to do very specific jobs like weak machine strictly for WP use, alphas for servers and heavy graphics, fast processor for programming but that is getting blurred that most users can afford them and can put them in their homes. Ok, now I could respond to yours... :) > I've seen a couple of posts in here that declare, in very firm terms > indeed, that machines like the MicroVAX and PDP's are not "home" computers. Suppose, Digital did not cared a whit and cut prices on that and we would be sure many would have one in home if they're small enough and easy on power requirements. Linux is there now and NT can be run on alphas but bit late and cost is fast appoaching to affordable levels where getting a pentium pro machine is not only option. > > For the sake of discussion in this list, and computer hobbyists in > general, I would like the world to know that I define 'home computer' as > any machine that you can: > > * Comfortably fit through your door... > > * Doesn't test the load limits of your target floor... > > * Power and run without tripping your main breaker... > > * (most importantly) Have fun restoring and working with... in your home! > > Which just goes to show that such terminology is so relative, there's > little point in debating it. Why waste the bandwidth over something as > trivial as a difference in wording? > > (No, I'm not trying to start a flamewar; I posted this because I'm > concerned that the current thread regarding 'home' computers may erupt into > one!) > > Caveat Emperor!

28 years, 9 months

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Interesting S100 boards

by dastar＠crl.com

I just discovered some *VERY* interesting S100 boards that I didn't realize I had in my box 'o S-100 boards. They seem to be some kind of Atari development/prototyping system. The boards are: 65xx Emulator, part no. 100-015-2, (c) 1983 Atari [this is the PCB only] Trace Memory Interface, part no, 100-003-2, (c) 1983 Atari 6502 Processor, part no. 100-003-2, has a 6502 and some other stuff, such as a clock speed DIP switch (1, 2, 4 MHZ settings), some RAM, a couple ribbon cable connectors. I have 2 of these boards but one is incomplete (does not have all the chips the other one does). All have the Atari name and logo and a copyright date of 1983. Also have these: the Encryptor, Jones Futura Corporation, Model ENC 100-1 California Computer Systems, Model 2832 [has this big, black 3"x3" square and 3/8" thick block of resin on it, have no idea what it's hiding] Any idea what this stuff is? Sam ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Computer Historian, Programmer, Musician, Philosopher, Athlete, Writer, Jackass

28 years, 9 months

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PCjr Cartridges?

by thedm＠sunflower.com

I have, BASIC Lotus 1-2-3, {but can't get to work} Mouser MineShaft I'd like to have anything you can find. ---------- > From: thedm <thedm(a)sunflower.com> > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> > Subject: Re: PCjr Cartridges? > Date: Thursday, June 26, 1997 9:08 PM > > Im interested in the PCjr carts. I have the basic one, but I can post a > list of what I have. > > ---------- > > From: Uncle Roger <sinasohn(a)crl.com> > > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> > > Subject: PCjr Cartridges? > > Date: Thursday, June 26, 1997 8:27 PM > > > > Saw today a few cartridges which I'm guessing are PCjr carts. They said > > (among other things) "Cartridge BASIC". Anyone interested in them? They > > were (I think) a buck. > > > > They also had some misc Apple II cards (about $5 each, I think), some > Atari > > 800 ROM's (or RAM? I didn't look that closely). Lemme know if there's > any > > interest. > > > > > > --------------------------------------------------------------------- O- > > > > Uncle Roger "There is pleasure pure in being mad > > sinasohn(a)crl.com that none but madmen know." > > Roger Louis Sinasohn & Associates > > San Francisco, California http://www.crl.com/~sinasohn/

28 years, 9 months

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HELP

by ynagasaw＠ic.sunysb.edu

---------- > ???o?l : Ward Griffiths and/or Lisa Rogers <gram(a)cnct.com> > ???? : Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> > ???? : RE: which month? > ???M???? : 1997?N6??28?? 23:57 > > On Sat, 28 Jun 1997, Cord Coslor wrote: > > > What was the name of that book? Wasn't it something about a mouse? Like, > > To Catch a Mouse, Make a Noise Like A Cheese? > > > > On Sat, 28 Jun 1997, Matt Pritchard wrote: > > > > > I have a book about marketing, written by a Tandy VP which has a large > > > chapter on the birh of the TRS-80. He mentioned the day of the first > > > produced unit, (sept 15th I think) and game totals for the first months > > > or two (It seemed they only managed 3 computer a day for the first week > > > or two). > > _To Catch a Mouse, Make a Noise Like a Cheese_ was indeed the title, by > Lou Kornfeld, president of Radio Shack and originator of the "Flyer-Side > Chat" column that was a regular feature in Radio Shack retail flyers for > so many years. He was managing one of the (8 or 9) original Radio Shack > stores in Boston when Charles Tandy bought the company in about 1964 (and > proceeded to expand the chain by three orders of magnitude). I forget if > the book was released before or after he retired. > -- > Ward Griffiths > "America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to work within > the system, but too early to shoot the bastards." --Claire Wolfe

28 years, 9 months

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which month?

by MPritchard＠ensemble.net

I have a book about marketing, written by a Tandy VP which has a large chapter on the birh of the TRS-80. He mentioned the day of the first produced unit, (sept 15th I think) and game totals for the first months or two (It seemed they only managed 3 computer a day for the first week or two). -Mp > -----Original Message----- > From: bwit(a)pobox.com [SMTP:bwit@pobox.com] > Sent: Friday, June 27, 1997 11:51 AM > To: 'classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu' > Subject: RE: which month? > > > IIRC the TRS-80 was introduced in September 1977. > > ---------- > From: e.tedeschi > Sent: Friday, June 27, 1997 7:39 AM > To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers > Subject: which month? > > I wonder if anybody here has the *exact* months of introduction > of the > three first *real* home computers introduced in 1977: > > a) the Apple II > b) the Tandy TRS-80 > c) the Commodore Pet > > I need them for a book on collecting home computers I am > researching > for. > > Thank you > > enrico > -- > ================================================================ > Enrico Tedeschi, 54, Easthill Drive, BRIGHTON BN41 2FD, U.K. > tel/fax +(0)1273 701650 (24 hours) or 0850 104725 mobile > website <http://www.ndirect.co.uk/~e.tedeschi> > ================================================================ > visit Brighton: <http://www.brighton.co.uk/tourist/welcome.htm> > >

28 years, 9 months

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Interesting S100 boards

by ard＠p850ug1.demon.co.uk

In message <Pine.SUN.3.91.970628111459.3115L-100000(a)crl4.crl.com> classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu writes: > Also have these: > > the Encryptor, Jones Futura Corporation, Model ENC 100-1 > California Computer Systems, Model 2832 [has this big, black 3"x3" square > and 3/8" thick block of resin on it, have no idea what it's hiding] I think this is what it says it is - a data encyption/decryption system. I have a thing called a 'modem maximiser' (a serial port data buffer box with a real time clock, parallel printer port, etc) that has an optional encryption unit. It too was a potted module. As I had a few spare modules I cut one apart and found it contained an 8032 (I think) microcontroller, RAM, a ROM (I must desolder that and examine it) and a TTL latch. Pretty much what you'd expect - a little microcontroller that reads in data, encrypts it, and sends it out again. > > Any idea what this stuff is? > > > Sam -tony

28 years, 9 months

2
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ROM Archive

by rcini＠msn.com

Sam: > 1. Record format: open (depending on software for EPROM programmer); S-records, Intel Hex, binary. >> I'm no expert at this so I'll defer. The various hex records are ASCII representations, so I figured that they can be transferred with no problem by e-mail. If we're doing ftp, it doesn't matter > 2. Submission & storage: UUEncoded image file e-mailed to "repository"; ROM/EPROM chips sent by snail mail and returned. All submissions should have as much info about the source computer as possible (board revisions, date of manufacture, etc.) >>Sounds good. The repository then is a "soft" repository of ROM images? Yes. This way, we can transfer it, or burn it. > 3. Requests & withdrawls: by e-mail to those with programmers; by mail for those supplying their own chips; e-mail request with no chip sent. >> I assumed since the images are merely files they could be downloaded by anyone requesting them. Is the repository also going to have physical EPROMS that someone can request? If so, why? THe only reason to have EPROMs available is for those who are incapable of burning EPROMs them selves. > 4. Cost: nominal (cost of postage and EPROM). >> Is the repository also going to be in the business of supplying people with pre-burnt EPROMS? If so then 3 makes more sense now. Sure, why not. I don't think that there will be a huge demand, so the repository will not keep pre-burned ROMs on hand. ------------------------ Rich Cini/WUGNET - ClubWin Charter Member (6) - MCPS Windows 95/Networking

28 years, 9 months

1
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Computer Trivia Game

by sinasohn＠crl.com

At 01:07 PM 6/27/97 -0400, you wrote: >> Anyone remember a trivial-pursuit-like Computer Trivia game? It was >I have computer-based trivia game (shareware, I think) on a CD-ROM. I could >dig it up, if anyone want it...it had pretty hard questions, which went >'way back to the dawn of time (you know, like the 1950's :> )) Actually, that does sound neat -- if you com across it, I'd love a copy. However, the game I was thinking of was one that had cards and (I think) a board, like trivpursuit. (I know my brother actually won a copy at the West Coast Computer Faire, but he's an a$$h@le and we aren't in contact.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- O- Uncle Roger "There is pleasure pure in being mad sinasohn(a)crl.com that none but madmen know." Roger Louis Sinasohn & Associates San Francisco, California http://www.crl.com/~sinasohn/

28 years, 9 months

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Lisa's scores

by sinasohn＠crl.com

At 09:38 PM 6/25/97 -0400, you wrote: >Unfortunately, it was a classic design at the time - a lot of people >thought it looked like a dumb terminal (VT100). An awful lot of people have painted pictures of pretty women... Still, there's only one Mona Lisa. Sometimes it just takes a slight modification to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. I still say the Lisa gets an out-of-the-park home run on aesthetics. --------------------------------------------------------------------- O- Uncle Roger "There is pleasure pure in being mad sinasohn(a)crl.com that none but madmen know." Roger Louis Sinasohn & Associates San Francisco, California http://www.crl.com/~sinasohn/

28 years, 9 months

1
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Modern Apps on Old Machines

by ard＠p850ug1.demon.co.uk

[...] > I love the internet, and I learned ALOT from it. sure a shell account with > lynx is nice, as I use it for fast FTP, but when I read about a PDP11, it is > nice to see a picture of one, rather just text. Alternatively I could just pick up one of about 30 PDP11 manuals I have lying about and not only see a picture of the outsides, but also see board layouts, schematics, timing charts, microcode flowcharts, and other useful info I've never found pictures of the outside of computers to be particularly interesting. The useful diagrams (see above) are just as useful on a 1-bit- per-pixel display. > >3. What other apps are there that are REALLY useful for home use that > >modern machines have and "home computers" don't? And is is really > > its not about apps, its about efficincy, and operator comfort. VGA or SVGA OK, I'm using my (much hacked) PC/AT (true-blue IBM, and just about on-topic here) at this moment. The display is a clone Hercules card driving that Zenith monitor with the 'interesting' PSU. After I fixed the PSU and tweaked the internal controls, I have an image _for text_ that's as sharp as any cheap SVGA monitor I've ever seen. No eyestrain at all. If you want colour, look at an old Barco (or Fimi, Philips, etc) monitor. Some of those are very well focused and converged. > is worth it becuse it prevents eyestrain, and you can use your system for > longer amounts of time. I used color TV's before when I got started, and > serious word processing was painful to the eyes. RGB's are better, but not RGB simply means that the video signal is sent along 3 separate cables for the 3 primary colours. Technically a VGA or SVGA monitor is an RGB monitor. > all in all, if the machine you use now does all what you want, thats great! > but the day WILL come where you just need to have a feature that you have In which case I'll do what I've always done in the past when this happens. I'll either find a classic machine that already has this feature or I'll build a bit of hardware to add it to whatever machine I feel like. > not got now. that is just the way the computing cookie crumbles. > -tony >

28 years, 9 months

1
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Video game machine/Computer With 6800 Processor

by bluesky6＠ix.netcom.com

Does anyone remember this machine : it's a video game console (like the atari VCS) but which could sit on a box which then converts it to a home computer. The machine ran on a 6800 and had built-in basic. It came out approx at the same time as the Atari 400/800 series (78-79?) I remember seeing an ad on it and the heading of the ad was "imagination machine". Ben

28 years, 9 months

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