Please god take me now I am a happy camper :)
I'm posting this only because a few of the highly sought-after (by me)
HP2100 systems have become available. Geoff has posted that he has one, and
there is the nice one on ebay. I want to let folks know that I have made a
deal to get the 2100 cpu I have been looking for along with some choice
peripherals from Bill McDermith, so count me out of the running for Geoff's
system and the one on ebay (and thanks for that sentiment Sellam!).
My undying thanks to Bill! With what he is bringing, I would expect to
finally have HP2000/Access TSB up and running again in fairly short order!
So, since Bill will be bringing the system from his place, I would like to
solicit volunteers from the list to ride motorcycles alongside his vehicle
and carry a weapon, something of at least 7.62x54 caliber. Your job will be
to shoot on sight anyone who approaches the vehicle with that crazed "I like
old HP hardware" look in their eyes. When volunteering for escort duty, you
must state the caliber of weapon you will be carrying, the range of states
you're willing to escort through, and sign an affidavit that you have no
interest in old HP hardware. I will personally escort him the last 100
miles, mosin-nagant in hand *GRIN*.
On a more serious note - I personally think the system on Ebay would be a
perfect catch for any HP enthusiasts. With the right mux card, it would be a
great setup to run HP2000/E, nothing else required. Next to 2000/Access
which requires the most elaborate hardware, 2000E is the best of the TSB
systems I believe, and only requires one CPU, no IOP firmware, and no 1/2
tape drive. Of course, I think he's asking way too much for it, unless it
can be verified to be in perfect working order - then, maybe $600 isn't SO
bad. Just keep in mind that the drive on it is a 7900A, which has no
automatic head locking mechanism. The heads extend quite easily, so just a
few bumps and you'll be looking for new heads and a new fixed lower platter.
More if it was actually powered up in that condition.
Think I'm going to go tip a brew in honor of Bill McDermith!
Thanks all!
Jay West