Does anyone know anything about a somewhat strange UK home computer called
an HH Tiger? I believe the specification was :
6 MHz Z80B, 64K RAM, boot ROMs (was there a ROM basic?)
2MHz 68B09, 8K RAM, I/O ROM, RS232 port, parallel port, network interface
(used the 6854), cassette interface
NEC7220 graphics chip = 3 off 32K bitplanes. RGB TTL outputs to a monitor
Built-in 1200/75 (Prestel) modem
I believe it was designed by Tangerine, and would have been the Oric. It
was sold to HH Electronics (who, AFAIK no longer exist), who never sold it
(or who only sold it in small quantities). It appears to have been a nice
machine - has anyone got any more info?
--
-tony
ard12(a)eng.cam.ac.uk
The gates in my computer are AND,OR and NOT, not Bill
In a message dated 97-03-19 20:49:20 EST, you write:
>
>This is for all of you that are familiar with the TI-99/4 and 4A and it's
>Speech Synthesizer. Does anyone know if there were any of the Plug-In
Speech
>Modules ever released? Granted, the reported 373 words (from the
Synthesizer
>booklet) is pretty good, it'd be nice if it were larger. Also, I'm looking
>for any cartridges that used the Synthesizer, as the only two I have that do
>is 'Parsec' and 'Terminal Emulator II'. I am especially in need of the
>'Speech Editor' cartridge.
There were many "Speech Synthesizer" modules released. Most of them had to
do with entertainment packages, but there also many for education as well.
Education packages included the Scott, Foresman series were the computer
would say the numbers and letters to children, and for entertainment, there
was Alpiner, Parsec, M*A*S*H, Star Trek, Microsurgeon, and many, many others.
There are more than 373 words to choose from. In fact, with the Terminal
Emulator II cartridge, you have unlimited "text-to-speech" capability.
Literally anything you type in can be spoken. Sometimes you would have to
make the the pronunciation spellings different in order for this to work, but
mostly, it was fine. Extended BASIC was the only cartridge that limited
"text-to-speech", but even then TI later released a "text-to-speech" diskette
which would allow the user to type in anything (much like the Terminal
Emulator II, and Speech Editor).
I just picked up a Speech Editor cartridge for $20 from someone who was
selling it along with other old TI stuff. Expect to pay this, or more for it
- as it is rare. I just got it, and I can't even use it because I don't have
the manual.
Anyone have the manual for the TI Speech Editor cartridge?
Bryan Nicalek
bnicalek(a)aol.com
On 25-Mar-97, classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu wrote:
>The UK PAL versions model number is: 4110 you can a picture of one here:
> http://staff.motiv.co.uk/~kevan/old_collection/manufacturer-mattel.html
>Kevan
Yes, your machine was the one I was referring to! I found the Mattel
version for $1 the other day after we were talking about the differences in
the model's.
Jeff jeffh(a)eleventh.com
--
---------------------------------------------------------------------
// Amiga: The computer for the creative mind...since 1985!
// -------------------------------------------------------
\// True 32bit pre-emptive multitasking GUI, plug&play hardware,
\/ stereo sound, and 4096 color video modes since day #1
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Collector of classic home computers:
Amiga 1000, Atari 800, Atari 800XL, Atari Mega-ST/2, Commodore
C-128 & C128D, Commodore Plus/4, Commodore VIC-20, Kaypro 2X,
Mattel Aquarius, Osbourne Executive, Sinclair ZX-81, TI-99/4A,
Timex-Sinclair 1000, TRS-80 Color Computer-3, and a TRS-80 Model 4.
Plus Atari SuperPong and Atari 2600VCS game consoles.
In a message dated 97-03-16 14:02:04 EST, you write:
<< This CPU was thought to be very powerfull for its time. Was it 16bit,
while most of the others were 8bit? >>
Yes, the TI was the FIRST 16-Bit Computer ever manufactured. TI invented the
integrated circuit, the microprocessor, and the microcomputer, altogether.
Being first was their tradition. Who knows if it still is?
The TI-99/4A beat IBM just before IBM's PC got popular. TI had a lot of
marketing troubles throughout the 4+ years they tried to market their
machine. This is why we're not running everything on a 64-bit TI machine!
Bryan Nicalek
bnicalek(a)aol.com
At an auction this past Saturday, I picked up a Zenith Z386-20 (okay, it
might, just might, be 10 years old). It looks to be a decent system, and
today is the first day I've been able to play around with it, as I had to
scrape up some 72-pin SIMMS for memory.
Upon turning the unit on, I get (if I recall - it doesn't stay very long
on the screen):
Bad CMOS configuration blah blah yada yada
Then the screen goes blank and the system just sits there, fans spinning.
I have some questions about the unit I figure I'd through out here before
going to alt.folklore.computers.
1. It doesn't seem to even look at the keyboard. Do Zeniths use
a proprietary keyboard, or is the POST routine not getting past
the bad CMOS?
2. The computer itself has a daughter board that contains the
ROMs, a SmartBattery (DALLAS - DS1260-100 / 9816 / 3V
Lithium battery), an Intel 8742 (Universal Peripheral Interface
8-bit Slave uController) and other neat features (the 8 LEDs
are a nice touch). The Smart battery can be removed, but I'm
wondering if it's a common item and is easily replaced.
3. The daughter board also contains the ROMs, and the one that's
in there looks to be an EPROM. The markings are
TMS / 27C512JL / LPD8809.
I'm mostly a software guy, so some of this hardware is puzzling
to say the least.
I'd like to get this system up and running.
-spc (Oh, so it's www.zds.com and NOT www.zenith.com 8-)
Does anyone have any schematics or info on this machine? I have one that
refuses to boot and seems to have a bad 74LS259 in what I'm pretty sure is
the disk circuitry. Any help or info is appreciated.
Thanks,
Lou
On Wed, 19 Mar 1997 10:55:54 -0700, Jim Strickland spake thusly
unto us:
> [...] sounds like an interesting collection... but an expensive one
> to power up.
All in all, the minis aren't that bad on power. The Novas only draw
a couple hundred watts and usually aren't powered on at the same time.
The pdp11/34a is a hog, though; the month I started working on that one
the power bill went to $75.
I believe the largest amount of computer power running in the
house at once was the time when my wife had both PCs up and I had my
DECstation, VAXstation, and InterAct fired up at the same time. The
LAN took a beating that day.
> I assume you've read Soul of the New Machine about the Data General
> push to a 32 bit response to the VAX?
What DG "head" hasn't?
Cheers.
--
______________________________________________________________________
| | |
| Carl Richard Friend (UNIX Sysadmin) | West Boylston |
| Minicomputer Collector / Enthusiast | Massachusetts, USA |
| mailto:carl.friend@stoneweb.com | |
| http://www.ultranet.com/~engelbrt/carl/museum/ | ICBM: N42:21 W71:46 |
|________________________________________________|_____________________|
At 10:58 AM 3/19/97 -0600, Ron Kneusel wrote:
>Now, the trouble is.. neither computer works. When powered up they both
>give a clear green screen and that is it. The carts and joysticks work
>just fine as my Atari 400 was able to tell us.
>
>I popped the top on the 800 and pushed on all the chips and still
>nothing. I'm a bit perplexed as to why both machines are acting the same
>way. They use different power supplies and the 800 power supply works
>with the 400.
>
>I'm new to Ataris, so it this a sign of something that commonly went
>wrong with these machines?
>
>All help appreciated!
>
>- Ron Kneusel
> rkneusel(a)post.its.mcw.edu
>
Ron,
The only one that I might be of help is the 800. I pulled the OS
board out of my atari and got the green screen. I can only deduce from this
that maybe with both machines, there is something wrong with the OS board,
but there might be more to it than that. I have had my 800 since 1983, and
have not had any real problems with it. Knock on wood. I know I shouldn't
say things like that, but oh well, I said it anyway. Hope this helps.
There is a guy here in Austin that would have a spare OS board for the 800,
if you want his name and email, let me know and I will pull it out for you.
Isaac Davis
idavis(a)comland.com
indavis(a)juno.com
Hello all,
I'm new to the list, and have been "lurking" for a few days. Things
look pretty good, but as most of the discussion relates to micro-
computer systems, I wonder if anyone here shares my passion for mini-
computer gear.
I maintain a collection of functional minicomputers and am rather
heavily involved in several restoration projects currently underway.
My collection's primary focus is Data General machines in the 16-bit
class, although I have several DEC systems as well. Does anyone else
here collect minis?
Of course, it goes without saying that any information on the
whereabouts of "available" DG 16-bitters would be vastly appreciated!
Cheers!
______________________________________________________________________
| | |
| Carl Richard Friend (UNIX Sysadmin) | West Boylston |
| Minicomputer Collector / Enthusiast | Massachusetts, USA |
| mailto:carl.friend@stoneweb.com | |
| http://www.ultranet.com/~engelbrt/carl/museum/ | ICBM: N42:21 W71:46 |
|________________________________________________|_____________________|
On Wed, 19 Mar 1997 18:00:03 GMT, Tony Duell mentioned:
> Do you count PERQ workstations as minis? The CPU is somewhat similar
> to minicomputers of the time, although extra hardware was added for
> the rasterop machine (bit blitter).
I confess an absolute ignorance of the PERQ machinery. I've never
even seen one.
Posted information might be interesting to the gathered assemblage.
______________________________________________________________________
| | |
| Carl Richard Friend (UNIX Sysadmin) | West Boylston |
| Minicomputer Collector / Enthusiast | Massachusetts, USA |
| mailto:carl.friend@stoneweb.com | |
| http://www.ultranet.com/~engelbrt/carl/museum/ | ICBM: N42:21 W71:46 |
|________________________________________________|_____________________|
Here's an idea my father posed this weekend while I was telling him about
this list and other such things about these computers. He's an antique clock
restorer/dealer in the midwest, and he asked if we had thought of forming a
formal association, such as those done for other types of collictibles and
antiques.
I thought it was an interesting idea, and an electronic newsletter with
tips and articles written by people here could be done on say a monthly or
bi-monthly basis. Any other thoughts on this from anyone?
Jeff jeffh(a)eleventh.com
--
---------------------------------------------------------------------
// Amiga: The computer for the creative mind...since 1985!
// -------------------------------------------------------
\// True 32bit pre-emptive multitasking GUI, plug&play hardware,
\/ stereo sound, and 4096 color video modes since day #1
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Collector of classic home computers:
Amiga 1000, Atari 800, Atari 800XL, Atari Mega-ST/2, Commodore
C-128 & C128D, Commodore Plus/4, Commodore VIC-20, Kaypro 2X,
Mattel Aquarius, Osbourne Executive, Sinclair ZX-81, TI-99/4A,
Timex-Sinclair 1000, TRS-80 Color Computer-3, and a TRS-80 Model 4.
Plus Atari SuperPong and Atari 2600VCS game consoles.
Inspired by the discussions on this list I decided today to visit the
various thrift shops in town to see if there was anything worth salvaging.
I knew of eight shops before starting out, two turned out to have closed
and one was too far away from downtown to be worth bothering with. As for
the rest, there was not much to be found. Apart from three old monitors
(one with a built-in Hercules card, according to a hand-written label) and
an Amstrad PC keyboard, I found nothing of interest.
However, I happened to walk past an electronic repair shop and since they
had some old TV sets on display, I thought I could just as well go in and
ask if they had any old computer stuff. And what do you know: in the
window beside the door were six old Atari 400/800 game cartridges, with
boxes and everything, seemingly in very good condition and probably never
opened. (They had their original price tags of SEK 625.) I remember seeing
Pac-Man, Missile Command and Qix. There was also one cartridge for some
other system of which I have never heard before. Unfortunately I don't
remember which one, but the title of the game was Chinese Logic.
Now, are these worth anything and is anyone interested in them? I asked
about them and it seems like they would be happy to sell them very cheap.
/F
At 07:46 AM 3/19/97 CST, you wrote:
> My nephew owns an Atari 800XL computer, and I was wondering if anyone
>knows of any source for basic programs he could type in and learn from.
>I think the basic programs should be short and easy for a 7th grader to
>learn from. Thanks for any help. I will be writing up a mastermind program
>for him and maybe a tic-tac-toe game for him. Anyone have ideas for other
>games that can be written in BASIC and are easy to understand and short?
>Thanks in advance.
>
>--
> Douglas Zander | many things interest me, too many to list
> dzander(a)solaria.sol.net | here. if you want a profile :-) why not
> Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA | send me a letter? tell me about yourself,
> "Over-looking Lake Michigan." | I'll tell you about myself.
>
Douglas,
There are some good programs that he can type in and learn in the
back of the basic manual. I would recommend that he get a copy of the basic
manual and there are also some good books on learning basic on the atari.
Check in the newsgroups, there are auctions going on constantly. A good
idea for a short little program would be one to create word searches, you
know the ones where you have a list of words and a block of letters, and you
have to find the words hidden in the block of letters. It was one of my
first programming projects, and it came out real nice. He could then start
modifying it to print out the answers, and also make the size of the puzzle
variable (20X20, 40X40, 20X40.....) This kind of program isn't very big to
write, and it really gives a good grasp of variables and how to manipulate
them, plus maybe a little disk io if he decides he wants to save them as
text files. Another good source of programs is old magazines. Almost all of
them had programs that you could(had to) type in, and they range from games
to utilities. Tell him good luck, and stick with it. I learned to program
on my Atari in 1983, and today I still love to program, in fact it's how I
make a living. It's really good to see these older computers still have a
purpose and a following of people that realize their worth.
Isaac Davis
idavis(a)comland.com
indavis(a)juno.com
This is for all of you that are searching for obsolete printer ribbons. I
found ribbons for my Commodore MPS-803 printer at the following web page, and
they seem to have a pretty good selection and range. It is 'Universal Ribbon
and Imaging Products: Computer Ribbons' and theURL is:
http://www.unirib.com/doc/comprib.htm
Hope this helps for those of you that were in need of a source for hard to
find ribbons.
Jeff
--
---------------------------------------------------------------------
// Amiga: The computer for the creative mind...since 1985!
// -------------------------------------------------------
\// True 32bit pre-emptive multitasking GUI, plug&play hardware,
\/ stereo sound, and 4096 color video modes since day #1
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Collector of classic home computers:
Amiga 1000, Atari 800, Atari 800XL, Atari Mega-ST/2, Commodore
C-128, Commodore Plus/4, Commodore VIC-20, Kaypro 2X, Mattel
Aquarius, Osbourne Executive, Sinclair ZX-81, TI-99/4A, Timex-
Sinclair 1000, TRS-80 Color Computer-3, and a TRS-80 Model 4.
Plus Atari SuperPong and Atari 2600VCS game consoles.
John,
Sounds like fun! I'd like to see a bit more comprehensive listing -
each category may not need to be filled in for every computer, but if you
start by defining a comprehensive list at the outset, at least all the entries
will end up consistent. I'd like to see a list comprehensive enough that I can
take it to a garage sale and know how I can use the box I find there. Also,
remember that as time moves on, more and more capable machines will become
"classic". My NeXT will be right in there in 4 more years or so.... :-)
Things I'd like to add to the list in any case:
Output device/resolution
CPU type/speed
Mass Storage (floppies, tapes, hard drives)
Operating System(s)
Things that may or may not belong on the list:
Important Available Software (word proc, telecom, spreadsheet, etc.)
Known Current Vendors/supporters
Benchmark speed (a la Byte Magazine's Seive Benchmark)
Neat things to be able to do with the list (or database):
Sort by OS
Sort by CPU
Sort by date available
Sort by Manufacturer
Sort by Model Name
A sample (not necessarily complete or correct) listing for my classic:
Name/Model Rainbow 100A/B/+
Manufacturer Digital Equipment Corporation
Date released/stopped 1983(?)-1986(?)
CPU Z-80/4 MHz + 8088/4.8 (?) MHz
RAM/ROM included 128k/32k(?) (RAM up to 832k (100A) or 896k (100B))
Output Device VR-201 (mono) or VR-241 (color) monitor;
avail. graphics to 792 x 240 x 8 bits (?)
Ports included 2*RS-232 (printer, modem); video/keyboard
Mass Storage 2 or 4 * 400k 5.25" floppy; avail. MFM Hard Disk < 80M
Peripherals offerred LA-50, LA-100 Printers
Modem (any RS-232)
...
Operating System CP/M-80; CP/M-86/80; MS-DOS 2.0, 2.11, 3.10b; VENIX(?)
Languages included none (avail. Basic, C, Pascal, ...) (need versions)
Important Software Kermit; Lotus 1-2-3; WordPerfect; WordStar
(need vsn. numbers)
Benchmark Speed ?
Known Current Support ?
>And somebody would need to tabulate the info (then publish the list monthly).
Not me. But I hope somebody can!
- Mark
"Mr. Self Destruct" <more(a)camlaw.rutgers.edu> says:
>One good way that I have found [for FTPing off the net]
>is to use a program [for commodore computers] called Little
>Red Reader. Basically, you just download onto your PC
>then copy to a PC floppy. Little Red Reader is basically a
>shareware clone of Big Blue Reader. It lets you copy from
>PC fromat to CBM format and is actually pretty quick about
>it! Ive had no problems so far. You can FTP it from the
>usual C= sites [ftp.funet.fi etc.]
Waitaminute.
Are you saying you can get a single-sided 1541 drive to read a PC-
formatted disk? I'm impressed.
Do you need to do anything special (like, say, format the disk
single-sided)?
--
Christopher D. Heer ORACLE Corporation
Network Engineer III 203 N. La Salle Avenue #2000
Work: (312) 704-1676 Chicago, IL 60601
Fax: (312) 726-4635
Email: cheer(a)us.oracle.com Visualize Whirled Peas
On 17-Mar-97, classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu wrote:
>You don't need a boot disk to run a 1541. The 1541 is a "smart" floppy
>disk drive. It has a 6502 CPU and all necessary firmware built-in for
>standalone operation. It works off the serial interface. I have even
>connected a 1541 to my PC's serial port for transferring files to my C64.
George,
That's interesting....how did you get the PC to actually handle the
transfer to the floppy drive? What did you do in modifying a cable for the
connection? It certainly would come in handy when one is FTPing programs off
of the net and wants to transfer them to the C= 8bit machines!
Jeff jeffh(a)eleventh.com
--
---------------------------------------------------------------------
// Amiga: The computer for the creative mind...since 1985!
// -------------------------------------------------------
\// True 32bit pre-emptive multitasking GUI, plug&play hardware,
\/ stereo sound, and 4096 color video modes since day #1
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Collector of classic home computers:
Amiga 1000, Atari 800, Atari 800XL, Atari Mega-ST/2, Commodore
C-128, Commodore Plus/4, Commodore VIC-20, Kaypro 2X, Mattel
Aquarius, Osbourne Executive, Sinclair ZX-81, TI-99/4A, Timex-
Sinclair 1000, TRS-80 Color Computer-3, and a TRS-80 Model 4.
Plus Atari SuperPong and Atari 2600VCS game consoles.
At 05:03 PM 3/18/97 -0500, you wrote:
>A friend of mine found a Coleco Adam "Super" system, or something like
>that, and was wondering how to operate the tape drive. I remember the tape
>was fast. It looked like a standard audio tape but would spin like it was
>in fast forward, and would be loading level 2, while you were still playing
>level 1. Anyway, he says he is stuck in a typewriter mode and doesn't know
>how to get out. I remember this mode too, but it's been so long I don't
>remember either. Anyone?
>
> mhop(a)snip.net
I don't know about an Adam super system but I founded and ran an Adam Users
Group, and edited a regular Adam Newsletter for many years so maybe I can
help. There are other Adam interested users on this List.
First let me describe the Adam tape drive, which was officially called a
Digital Datadrive and the specially formatted digital cassettes were called
Digital Datapacks. The data was transferred to/from the CPU and recorded on
the tape in digital format. The read/write tape speed was 20 inches per
second and the transiting was 80 inches per second. Compare that with the
regular cassette recorder which has a tape speed of 1 and 3/8" per second.
Hence the need for good quality tapes.
Regular commercial support for Adam still exists in the US and Canada.
If your friend has the keyboard and the printer, which included the system
power supply, he should connect all three together and connect the video
output TV terminal to a standard TV (Channel 3 or 4 depending on the
position of the selector switch on the rear of the CPU). Then switch on the
system with the on-off switch at the rear of the printer, and if he gets the
"Electronic Typewriter screen, all he needs to do is press the Escape key
once and he's into a proprietary word processor called SmartWriter.
For this there is no requirement to have a tape in the drive. It comes on an
Eprom.
If he, or anyone else needs further help with the Coleco Adam, sent me
e-mail at my e-mail address and I'll gladly help as much as I can.
I still have my original Adam sitting in its workstation, but its been
modified somewhat. As well as its two original datadrives it now boasts a
320k 5.25" floppy drive, a 1.44 meg 3.5" f;loppy, a 40 meg IDE hard drive, 1
meg of RAM and produces video on either a composite colour monitor or a Wyse
50 terminal, depending on which of the four available operating systems I'm
using. With two serial ports and one parallel port.
Cheers.
David Cobley.
Fidonet on the ADAM, CP/M Tech
and Hewlett-Packard Echoes.
Internet-dcobley(a)mail.island.net, or,
davidc(a)macn.bc.ca
In a message dated 97-03-18 16:42:06 EST, you write:
<< I find that pawn shops are often as good as thrift stores. To be honest
I've gotten most of my stuff by leaving my number at small computer shops
and asking them to call me if they pick up old junk in trade. Usually
they either charge me $10 for anything they get or they just call me and
ask me to haul it off before they junk it. >>
Bill,
If you happen to get anything for the TI, I'd be interested in purchasing it
(like your $2.99 console for example!) Maybe you could contact me first to
let me know what's in stock. That would be helpful.
Bryan Nicalek
bnicalek(a)aol.com
> My actual junk yard includes:
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
<stuff snipped>
> ATARI 400, ATARI 800, ATARI 6700XL, ATARI 800XL,
Atari 6700XL ?? You mean 600XL, right? I don't there was a 6700xl.
mhop(a)snip.net
A friend of mine found a Coleco Adam "Super" system, or something like
that, and was wondering how to operate the tape drive. I remember the tape
was fast. It looked like a standard audio tape but would spin like it was
in fast forward, and would be loading level 2, while you were still playing
level 1. Anyway, he says he is stuck in a typewriter mode and doesn't know
how to get out. I remember this mode too, but it's been so long I don't
remember either. Anyone?
mhop(a)snip.net
At 01:23 PM 3/16/97 -0500, you wrote:
>> 4: TI's first model computer - #4 - sounds cool, heh?
>If it was their first, why #4? What happened to 1-3?
Ummm... If y'all don't mind the extra added crazyness, The TI-99/4 was
*not* the first model! There was a TI-99/2!
I do know that there were prototypes made of this machine, and I _believe_
it actually made it into limited production, but on that note I'm not
really sure.
I remember seeing a picture of one on the web.... I'll go back to lurking
on this thread until I can find the exact reference again... might take me
a while!
Cya l8r,
Roger "Merch" Merchberger
Roger Merchberger | Everyone complained to me to change my .sig,
Programmer, NorthernWay | but no-one could recommend something better.
zmerch(a)northernway.net | So you'll have to put up with this *junk*
| until I find some new wisdom to share.
I just had to forward this to the list because I almost fell
out of my chair laughing when I read it. BTW, Welcome to the
list Hans!
I don't know if I'am a collector, but I'm intrested in old micro
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
My actual junk yard includes:
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Computers:
CBM 2001, CBM SK 8296D, CBM 3016, VC-20, C-64,
ITT MP-Experimerter, SC/MP II, EUROCOM I,
APPLE ][euro+, APPLE ///, Lisa 2, Basis 108,
Ohio Superboard II, TRS 80 Mod I Lv2 & Expansion,
Video-Genie, Olivetti M10,
IBM-PC, IBM-PC/XT Clone, SIRIUS 1, OSBORNE 1DQD,
ATARI 400, ATARI 800, ATARI 6700XL, ATARI 800XL,
ATARI ST 520+, ORIC 1, ORIC ATMOS, Amiga 2000,
Sinclair ZX80 & ZX81, Your Computer, MEMO TEST,
Laser 50, Laser 2000, Sinlair QL,
Yashica YC-64, Sony HiBit (both MSX I),
S100-Bus System, Eltec 80, SANYO MB 1000,
Sharp MZ80A, Sharp MZ80B, Sharp MZ80K,
SWTP, Motorola MEK6802D5, EXORterm (...),
ca. 15 additional 6800, 6802 & 6809 Boards,
ENTERPRISE 128, TA Alphatronic PC,
SIEMENS Mikroset 8080, SIEMENS 5521, SIEMENS PC 16-10,
*_SIEMENS PC-D_* (Best DOS computer ever build),
SIEMENS PC-MX (9780), SIEMENS PC-MX2,
several 486 Clone, Pentium.
Terminals:
TI Silent 700, TI Silent 709, Whisper Reader Mod 1951,
SIEMENS 97801 (green & white), SIEMENS 97801-2, SIEMENS 97808,
EECO D400, Heazeltine 1000.
Pocket Calculators:
Sharp PC 1211, PC 1241, PC 1250, PC 1251, PC 1261,
additional 14 non-Basic.
Video Games:
ATARI XL, ATARI Jaguar, ATARI Lynx, VCS 2600.
All but two in running condition.
mfg
Hans
,-----------------------------------,
! Ich denke, also bin ich, also gut !
'-----------------------------------'
In a message dated 97-03-17 14:50:15 EST, you write:
<< 1 TI99/4A with no stuff - just the basic unit. I've never had a
TI99/4A before so this should be fun. My main question is - what
is the input voltage? I'm going to need to mod a power supply to
it before I can get anywhere with it.
>>
Bill,
Your best bet is to pick up a genuine TI transformer yourself. However,
quoted from the TI transformer itself:
INPUT: 120VAC 60HZ 40W
OUTPUT: PINS 1,2: 18VAC, 18VA
PINS 2,4: 8.5VAC, 1.28VA
Hope this helps - by the way, did you get a beige or silver unit, and how
much did you pay for it?
Also, where are good thrift places to hit (other than Salvation Army), where
you can go and pick up used computer stuff?
Bryan
bnicalek(a)aol.com or reply direct to: classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu
I have always wondered what happens to the software that was used on the
computers that show up at thrift stores. I understand that someone who is
just upgrading from a 8088 to a pentium will keep his software but what about
Atari's, Applle II's and Commodore 64's? Why keep the software if you are
getting rid of the hardware? Can anybody explain this to me? This came to
mind again because I just picked up a C64 at a thrift shop with a 1541 and a
BusLogic card (??) but there was nary a disk or cartridge.
BTW, can anybody tell me where I can get a boot disk for the C64?:-)
Lou
In a message dated 97-03-17 06:07:12 EST, you write:
> (And BTW, anyone else had the misfortune of having to carry something
> like the Kaypro home via public transit at rush hour? The machine got a
> lot of interested stares, but boy did my arms hurt when I got home!)
Yes, except I used a luggage cart (I'm not as strong as I used to be) .
Strange thing was that no one seemed to notice.
Lou
On 20-Mar-97, classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu wrote:
>> Also, how many of you remember the old "pong" game that had the paddles
>> built into the unit? My family had one of those, I'd like to know where
>> it is now! :-)
>My brother still has one of those and I found one at the Goodwill for a
couple
>bucks. They're still around but pretty rare.
I have a SuperPong, which is a console with the two paddle controllers
built in, just as in Pong, but it is selectable between 4 different games. We
bought this new somewhere in the 1977-78 time frame if I remember correctly.
I entertained a 4 and 6 year old with it a couple weekends ago!
Jeff Jeffh(a)eleventh.com
--
---------------------------------------------------------------------
// Amiga: The computer for the creative mind...since 1985!
// -------------------------------------------------------
\// True 32bit pre-emptive multitasking GUI, plug&play hardware,
\/ stereo sound, and 4096 color video modes since day #1
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Collector of classic home computers:
Amiga 1000, Atari 800, Atari 800XL, Atari Mega-ST/2, Commodore
C-128, Commodore Plus/4, Commodore VIC-20, Kaypro 2X, Mattel
Aquarius, Osbourne Executive, Sinclair ZX-81, TI-99/4A, Timex-
Sinclair 1000, TRS-80 Color Computer-3, and a TRS-80 Model 4.
Plus Atari SuperPong and Atari 2600VCS game consoles.
my undertanding is that these software-based solutions work only with the
newer 1571's. the 1541 is hardware incompatible with normal PC floppys.
This issue and hardware solutions (e.g. cables for hooking the 1541 to a
PC) is all described nicely in the comp.sys.cbm news group and FAQ and more
detailed questions are best fielded there.
- glenn
At 09:08 AM 3/18/97 -0800, you wrote:
>"Mr. Self Destruct" <more(a)camlaw.rutgers.edu> says:
>
>>One good way that I have found [for FTPing off the net]
>>is to use a program [for commodore computers] called Little
>>Red Reader. Basically, you just download onto your PC
>>then copy to a PC floppy. Little Red Reader is basically a
>>shareware clone of Big Blue Reader. It lets you copy from
>>PC fromat to CBM format and is actually pretty quick about
>>it! Ive had no problems so far. You can FTP it from the
>>usual C= sites [ftp.funet.fi etc.]
>
>Waitaminute.
>
>Are you saying you can get a single-sided 1541 drive to read a PC-
>formatted disk? I'm impressed.
>
>Do you need to do anything special (like, say, format the disk
>single-sided)?
>--
> Christopher D. Heer ORACLE Corporation
> Network Engineer III 203 N. La Salle Avenue #2000
> Work: (312) 704-1676 Chicago, IL 60601
> Fax: (312) 726-4635
> Email: cheer(a)us.oracle.com Visualize Whirled Peas
>
>
>
+=========================================================+
| Glenn F. Roberts, Falls Church, VA
| Comments are my own and not the opinion of my employer
| groberts(a)mitre.org
I was just browsing around the web this morning, and I saw this on the
Auction Web.
DWP 410 daisy wheel printer, paralell interface for the TRS80.
http://www.ebay.com/aw/item.cgi?item=oqb951
Seller's email: jruffco(a)adams.net
I know that some of you collect TRS models, and this item hadn't been bid
on, and the first bid was to start at $1.00. Also, the bidding ends today,
so I thought I would put this out in case anyone is interested. You can
occasionally find some good stuff on the auction web, but of course there's
always that yahoo out there with $1 more than you. Hope this helps someone.
Isaac Davis
idavis(a)comland.com
indavis(a)juno.com
On 20-Mar-97, classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu wrote:
>I got some system disks for and O1 from him early this year. He is and
>excellent resource and a righteous dude. Without him and the system
>disk archive many otherwise working machines would have ended up in
>the landfill.
I can definately vouch for Dan here! I've bought the system disks for both
my Osbourne Executive and the Kaypro 2X from him. He's very quick to repsond
to inquiries, and he's also very knowledgable about the different systems. He
posts on Usenet in the CP/M group quite often.
Jeff jeffh(a)eleventh.com
--
---------------------------------------------------------------------
// Amiga: The computer for the creative mind...since 1985!
// -------------------------------------------------------
\// True 32bit pre-emptive multitasking GUI, plug&play hardware,
\/ stereo sound, and 4096 color video modes since day #1
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Collector of classic home computers:
Amiga 1000, Atari 800, Atari 800XL, Atari Mega-ST/2, Commodore
C-128, Commodore Plus/4, Commodore VIC-20, Kaypro 2X, Mattel
Aquarius, Osbourne Executive, Sinclair ZX-81, TI-99/4A, Timex-
Sinclair 1000, TRS-80 Color Computer-3, and a TRS-80 Model 4.
Plus Atari SuperPong and Atari 2600VCS game consoles.
On 19-Mar-97, classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu wrote:
> Upon turning the unit on, I get (if I recall - it doesn't stay very long
>on the screen):
> Bad CMOS configuration blah blah yada yada
> Then the screen goes blank and the system just sits there, fans spinning.
> I have some questions about the unit I figure I'd through out here before
>going to alt.folklore.computers.
If the 386 BIOS goes by the same keystrokes and such as the Z-248 '286
BIOS, you should hit Ctrl-Alt-INSERT as the machine powers up to access the
built-in BIOS setup.
>1. It doesn't seem to even look at the keyboard. Do Zeniths use
> a proprietary keyboard, or is the POST routine not getting past
> the bad CMOS?
No, Zenith systems do not use a non-standard keyboard. It sounds likely
that it may not be getting that far.
>2. The computer itself has a daughter board that contains the
> ROMs, a SmartBattery (DALLAS - DS1260-100 / 9816 / 3V
> Lithium battery), an Intel 8742 (Universal Peripheral Interface
> 8-bit Slave uController) and other neat features (the 8 LEDs
> are a nice touch). The Smart battery can be removed, but I'm
> wondering if it's a common item and is easily replaced.
If you remove the cover and watch the 8 LED's, you'll be able to watch them
progress from all dark, to all lit up as each POST test is completed. I know
on some Z-248's I've seen, there are even little captions silkscreened on the
board next to the LED so that you can tell which part of the test it's on. On
the Z-248 though, the LED's are on the main backplane board, on which the
processor, memory, I/O, diskcontroller, and any other board, plugs into.
Hope this helps at least a little. All of my experiece is with the 286
powered Z-248, but hopefully at least some of it will help you out.
Jeff jeffh(a)eleventh.com
--
---------------------------------------------------------------------
// Amiga: The computer for the creative mind...since 1985!
// -------------------------------------------------------
\// True 32bit pre-emptive multitasking GUI, plug&play hardware,
\/ stereo sound, and 4096 color video modes since day #1
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Collector of classic home computers:
Amiga 1000, Atari 800, Atari 800XL, Atari Mega-ST/2, Commodore
C-128, Commodore Plus/4, Commodore VIC-20, Kaypro 2X, Mattel
Aquarius, Osbourne Executive, Sinclair ZX-81, TI-99/4A, Timex-
Sinclair 1000, TRS-80 Color Computer-3, and a TRS-80 Model 4.
Plus Atari SuperPong and Atari 2600VCS game consoles.
Sorry to bug you guys again but after I post the original
message, the system I use for E-mail crashed big-time and
consequently, all my mail [40+ messages] from that day or
so was lost. I know a few of you replied to the question
and I would *really* appreciate it if you guys could kindly
repost your replies, either personally to me or back on
the mailing list.
Thanks!
Les
This is for all of you that are familiar with the TI-99/4 and 4A and it's
Speech Synthesizer. Does anyone know if there were any of the Plug-In Speech
Modules ever released? Granted, the reported 373 words (from the Synthesizer
booklet) is pretty good, it'd be nice if it were larger. Also, I'm looking
for any cartridges that used the Synthesizer, as the only two I have that do
is 'Parsec' and 'Terminal Emulator II'. I am especially in need of the
'Speech Editor' cartridge.
As an aside, I was going through the different manuals and such I have for
the TI-99/4A and found "Entertainment Games in TI Basic and Extended Basic"
>from SAMS in the Blacksburg Continuing Education Series. It still includes
the manual, TI Basic reference card, and a cassette with the programs on it.
According to the manual, there are twenty programs in all, and it looks fairly
interesting.
Jeff jeffh(a)eleventh.com
--
---------------------------------------------------------------------
// Amiga: The computer for the creative mind...since 1985!
// -------------------------------------------------------
\// True 32bit pre-emptive multitasking GUI, plug&play hardware,
\/ stereo sound, and 4096 color video modes since day #1
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Collector of classic home computers:
Amiga 1000, Atari 800, Atari 800XL, Atari Mega-ST/2, Commodore
C-128, Commodore Plus/4, Commodore VIC-20, Kaypro 2X, Mattel
Aquarius, Osbourne Executive, Sinclair ZX-81, TI-99/4A, Timex-
Sinclair 1000, TRS-80 Color Computer-3, and a TRS-80 Model 4.
Plus Atari SuperPong and Atari 2600VCS game consoles.
Well, I borrowed an eprom burner from a friend and pulled apart some of my
cartridges to see if I could copy one. I picked Atariwriter. Here's where
the confusion comes in. I am not sure what kind of eprom the cartridge
contains, so I read the left chip as a 2532, and as a 2732. I got two
different sets of data. I pulled them both into a hex editor, hoping for a
clue as to which on was the correct one, and they both had legible text that
I could recognize from the cartridge. How in the heck can I tell which kind
they are, or if I am even getting close. I copied both chips as 2732's and
2532's and made a set of 2732's with both sets of data, plugged them into
the original board, and nothing. This is really frustrating. I am hoping
that some one has done this at least once. This is my first time to use an
eprom burner, and I don't have a clue, except what I have read, and divined
>from the eprom burner program. I don't want to sound desperate, but I am
either barking up the wrong tree, or i'm in the wrong forest.
Thanks for any help, and all of the help I have received so far.
Isaac Davis
idavis(a)comland.com
indavis(a)juno.com
On 19-Mar-97, classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu wrote:
>Actually, there was only one volume of BASIC Computer Games, it's just
>that there were several editions/translations of the same set of programs.
>The original was in DEC BASIC, then there was the Microcomputer edition
>(MITS Altair BASIC), a TRS-80 edition and probably a few others. Back
Ward,
I have the TRS-80 edition here among my different books, and it is indeed
by the same David H. Ahl. I think my favorite program in it is the Star Trek
game. I remember even getting to play that same game on a Honeywell mainframe
or mini of some type back around 1985 or so. In that version, there was a bug
that allowed you to create energy instead of using it if you put the warp
factor in as a negative number. We used to put it in as a very large negative
power or 10 or so, and that gave us more energy than we could possibly use the
whole game, all on the first move! BTW, on a similar note, I saw a web page
the other day about a reference book in the works, and it covered even all of
these early micro versions of Basic, and cross referenced the commands to any
other variant. I saw a book like this years ago, but it covered the popular
micros of the time such as the Apple's, TRS-80's, and such.
Jeff jeffh(a)eleventh.com
--
---------------------------------------------------------------------
// Amiga: The computer for the creative mind...since 1985!
// -------------------------------------------------------
\// True 32bit pre-emptive multitasking GUI, plug&play hardware,
\/ stereo sound, and 4096 color video modes since day #1
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Collector of classic home computers:
Amiga 1000, Atari 800, Atari 800XL, Atari Mega-ST/2, Commodore
C-128, Commodore Plus/4, Commodore VIC-20, Kaypro 2X, Mattel
Aquarius, Osbourne Executive, Sinclair ZX-81, TI-99/4A, Timex-
Sinclair 1000, TRS-80 Color Computer-3, and a TRS-80 Model 4.
Plus Atari SuperPong and Atari 2600VCS game consoles.
I saw this in comp.sys.tandy a few months back. I do not know the
disposition of the system. I would love to have it myself, but it
will be years before I could get the resources to properly open a
facility such as it deserves. The Boston Computer Museum has no
sense of _real_ history, IMAO. I did several of the mods Dennis
described, both those for the TRS-80 Model One and for the Color
Computer.
Ward Griffiths
***** BEGIN INCLUDED TEXT *****
> Subject: Good Home For Custom TRS-80?
> From: Dennis Bathory-Kitsz <bathory(a)maltedmedia.com>
> Date: 1996/11/17
> Message-Id: <328F9226.58D1(a)maltedmedia.com>
> Newsgroups: comp.sys.tandy
>
> Hi,
>
> I am looking for a good home for the original *Custom TRS-80* ... my
> model I about which the book was written 15 years ago. The Boston
> Computer Museum isn't interested ... TRS-80s don't number among their
> favorites, I was led to believe ... but I certainly would like to see it
> in a public location with all its parts and modifications available,
> plus copies of the books, disks, etc., original manuscripts and
> programs, peripherals (speech synethesizer, expansion goodies) etc.,
> etc., and an LNW-80 clone! If the site was a really good one, I'd throw
> in the CoCos and all their original mods, circuit card schematics,
> negatives, and so on.
>
> Does anyone know where a good home might be found for this (other than
> mine)? Please feel free to forward this post to anyone who might have an
> idea ... I've kept all this stuff together, but am beginning to tire of
> the fact that no one can see it. Those of you who recall the book and my
> magazine columns can imagine what an odd collection it is!
>
> Best,
> Dennis
***** END INCLUDED TEXT *****
Hit a couple of thrift stores this weekend. Here's the stuff
I didn't pick up - if anyone wants any of it let me know and
we can arrange something.
2 Commodore 64's (9.99 US$/ea)
1 Blue Chip 5.25" Disk Drive (7.99)
^Can anyone tell me what this is?
1 Apple 2c (9.99)
2 IBM PC's (19.95)
1 Commodore Cassete Drive (7.99)
As for stuff I did pick up:
1 TI99/4A with no stuff - just the basic unit. I've never had a
TI99/4A before so this should be fun. My main question is - what
is the input voltage? I'm going to need to mod a power supply to
it before I can get anywhere with it.
Also an Aquarius Personal Computer Model 5931R from Radofin Electronics
(Far East) Ltd. Has anybody ever heard of this thing? I sure haven't.
It has small blue rubber keys and a template with basic commands
written all over it. It's about 30cm x 18cm x 4cm. On the back
there are three ports labelled Print, Cass, and TV. It has a big
cartridge slot (but came with no cartridge :(. I cracked it open
to see what's on the board but it has a big shielding cage soldered
all the way around the board edge and I just didn't have the time
to tackle that. Plugged it in and attached it to a composite
monitor but got nothing. The power light did come on. I'm guessing
it probably doesn't operate without a cartridge. Any info on the
thing would be much appreciated.
Bill Whitson
ClassicCmp "owner"
bcw(a)u.washington.edu bill(a)booster.u.washington.edu
In a message dated 97-03-17 10:57:55 EST, you write:
<< Talking of TI's I have a 99/4A that has an all silver case, not to be
confused with the beige case.) The serial number is "R 047012 40 83 RC1"
and the model number is "PHC004A". You can find a picture of it at this
URL:
http://staff.motiv.co.uk/~kevan/old_collection/manufacturer-ti.html
I have been searching for information about this machine for some time.
I would like to know if it was a production version or some sort of
custom job.
Regards
--
Kevan
Kevan,
If there is a serial number such as this, it was probably a limited-edition
production version. I wouldn't envision it as a custom job.
In fact it is probably worth lots of money, because it's the only one I've
seen in my lifetime!
Bryan
bnicalek(a)aol.com
In a message dated 97-03-17 11:52:10 EST, you write:
<< The 99/2 did make it out the door - I bought one in a MSP Target. The hex
bus peripherals also were produced, and worked with the CC40 (handheld from
TI). >>
Interesting, I thought it never did. But, they were extremely rare to find.
Bryan
bnicalek(a)aol.com
In a message dated 97-03-17 05:36:45 EST, you write:
<< Actually, if you can find the May 1983 issue of Popular Science, there's
a two-page ad for the 99/2 inside the front cover. The first of these
pages is a photograph of Bill Cosby holding the 99/2 in front of him.
The advertising text starts with "Under $100. Meet the lowest priced,
16-bit computer available."
The machine was supposed to come with 4K, had a 48-key keyboard, and had
a "Quality, flicker-free black and white display".
One of these days I'll have the guts to cut up some magazines and have
some of these cool old ads laminated. Too bad I have so little wall space.
>>
I'm going to research that Popular Science ad on a microfiche at our local
library! Funny how TI can advertise and not actually get the product out
there!
Bryan
bnicalek(a)aol.com
Hello,
I just picked up a Mac 128 on Sunday. With an Imagewriter I, external
drive, carrying case and manuals, etc. Had the manuals and the original
Macwrite/Macpaint disks & manuals.
Anybody know what the going price for one of these might be? I'd like to
keep it but being a student forces me to sell off the valuable stuff and
keep the cheapies. In other words, I need the money. I've seen 512's
listed on auctionweb go for $60 and up but 128's are few and far
between. None listed in Dejanews either.
Any comments appreciated. I will probably put it in the auction in a few
weeks, once I play with it a little.
--
______________ NOTICE ___________________
My email will be down from 3/25 to 3/29.
The system may not be receiving mail.
If you send a message I won't be able to
reply until 3/30. If you don't receive a
reply, please resend after 3/29.
Thanks, Greg
_________________________________________
In a message dated 97-03-16 14:37:42 EST, Roger Merchberger writes:
> At 01:23 PM 3/16/97 -0500, you wrote:
>>> 4: TI's first model computer - #4 - sounds cool, heh?
>> If it was their first, why #4? What happened to 1-3?
> Ummm... If y'all don't mind the extra added crazyness, The TI-99/4 was
> *not* the first model! There was a TI-99/2!
The 99/4 & 99/4A were the first computers from TI.
The 99/2 came out as a low end ($100) computer to compete with the Vic 20.
There was a 99/8 planned (less than a 100 were built - a high end home
machine) that never made it to the stores.
Commodore's price wars (and TI's arrogance) killed the 99 line.
Kind of ironic since it was TI that nearly killed Commodore years before in
the calculator market!
John Hamilton
hamijohn(a)aol.com
"Old computers never die, they just fade away bit by bit!"
You all should have heard from me already - but let me say
once again - Welcome to the list.
We've got around 50 subscribers at the moment which is far
better than I thought we'd get for weeks.
Couple things:
1. I'll be setting up the classiccmp web site this weekend. If you
have any ideas for what should be there let me know. Currently, I'm
planning on putting together a list of all computers that meet the
"classic" criteria, copies of the various old computers FAQs, and
hopefully some .PDF (acrobat reader) files of articles from old
computer rags. It probably wouldn't be a bad idea to maintain
a list of resources but I know of relatively few.
2. I'm going to a Salvation Army computer sale this weekend. If
any of you have really big wants - I'll look around. I'm always
hoping to find that elusive LISA-1 :).
-Bill
In a message dated 97-03-16 16:44:26 EST, you write:
<< Yes, there was a 99/2 but it came AFTER the 99/4! (Don't try to make
sense of anything TI did related to computers)
>>
The TI-99/2 was never actually produced. Only pre-production units were ever
made. This was after the TI-99/4A, back in 1983. A whole line of
peripherals were planned to be offered, including the new HEX-BUS interface.
The 99/2 was black and white only, 40 columns, and limited but a very
portable computer. Only rare photos have ever been seen.
And to make things even more "crazier", the TI-99/8 was trailed by the
TI-99/2. The 99/8 was also pre-production units only, about 150 only were
ever made. More information on the 99/8 is available on the TI web sites.
Bryan Nicalek
bnicalek(a)aol.com
On 18-Mar-97, classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu wrote:
>Also an Aquarius Personal Computer Model 5931R from Radofin Electronics
>(Far East) Ltd. Has anybody ever heard of this thing? I sure haven't.
>It has small blue rubber keys and a template with basic commands
>written all over it. It's about 30cm x 18cm x 4cm. On the back
>there are three ports labelled Print, Cass, and TV. It has a big
>cartridge slot (but came with no cartridge :(. I cracked it open
>to see what's on the board but it has a big shielding cage soldered
>all the way around the board edge and I just didn't have the time
>to tackle that. Plugged it in and attached it to a composite
>monitor but got nothing. The power light did come on. I'm guessing
>it probably doesn't operate without a cartridge. Any info on the
>thing would be much appreciated.
Bill,
It is a Mattel Aquarius, which was always produced by Radofin Elec. It
boots into a subset of BASIC and plugs directly to a TV, generally through one
of the game switch boxes most people used so they could switch between the
input for the game and that of the antenna.
Related to this, a company called 'The Aquarius Group', parent company
Bentley Electronics out of Los Angeles, CA, marketed quite a few things for
this little system. A thermal printer, data recorder, 16k and 32k RAM
cartridges, and a miniexpander to allow you to have multiple cartridge ports,
since both memory and software cartridges used this port. From the looks of
thier little brochure, which is the only documentation I have with mine, it
looks like most of thier software was written in LOGO, though there was an
extended Basic available as well.
Jeff jeffh(a)eleventh.com
--
---------------------------------------------------------------------
// Amiga: The computer for the creative mind...since 1985!
// -------------------------------------------------------
\// True 32bit pre-emptive multitasking GUI, plug&play hardware,
\/ stereo sound, and 4096 color video modes since day #1
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Collector of classic home computers:
Amiga 1000, Atari 800, Atari 800XL, Atari Mega-ST/2, Commodore
C-128, Commodore Plus/4, Commodore VIC-20, Kaypro 2X, Mattel
Aquarius, Osbourne Executive, Sinclair ZX-81, TI-99/4A, Timex-
Sinclair 1000, TRS-80 Color Computer-3, and a TRS-80 Model 4.
Plus Atari SuperPong and Atari 2600VCS game consoles.
Following up to my own message; I don't know where my brain is tonight :-)
You have to LOAD the program not RUN with the instructions below for
running a single file. Then type RUN. I'm so used to the FastLoad
cartridge. :-)
Tony
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sun, 16 Mar 1997 23:01:22 -0400
From: Tony Cianfaglione <ab616(a)chebucto.ns.ca>
To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp@u.>
Subject: Re: Where does the software go?
People usually keep the disks and reformat them to be used on the newer
system. In the cases of those upgrading to 3.5" from 5.25", the disks
usually get thrown out and the computer stuck in a closet. When the
computer is later sold, there is no software left to go with.
You don't need a boot disk for a C64; its OS is right in ROM. To run
the first program on a disk, press the RUN-STOP key and the C= key at the
same time. To run another program on the disk, move the cursor to that
program (PRG file) and type RUN in front of the name of the file. Delete
^^^ type LOAD not RUN here.
any numbers or characters not in the name of the file and put ,8,1 or
just ,8 (in some instances) after the filename and press Return. The
program will run.
Tony
------------------------
On Sun, 16 Mar 1997 BigLouS(a)aol.com wrote:
> I have always wondered what happens to the software that was used on the
> computers that show up at thrift stores. I understand that someone who is
> just upgrading from a 8088 to a pentium will keep his software but what about
> Atari's, Applle II's and Commodore 64's? Why keep the software if you are
> getting rid of the hardware? Can anybody explain this to me? This came to
> mind again because I just picked up a C64 at a thrift shop with a 1541 and a
> BusLogic card (??) but there was nary a disk or cartridge.
>
> BTW, can anybody tell me where I can get a boot disk for the C64?:-)
>
> Lou
>