5 Apr
2013
5 Apr
'13
8:46 p.m.
On 4/5/2013 10:05 AM, Jon Elson wrote:
One huge advantage to the 780 is there are almost no
custom parts in
it, other than
the LSI-11 which is still pretty much available, if needed. The whole
780 CPU
was built out of 74Sxx chips, and could probably be maintained for
another
50 years if one wanted to.
Right now that may be true, but I have a huge pile of
74xxx, etc., chips
and other similar age logic which a friend who did printer repair cast
off in a downsizing. It is all NOS and unused, but I can't give it away.
I suspect you should lay in a supply of 7400 stuff if you really wanted
to maintain it, because the outcome of the market not wanting anything
is that you pay thru the nose in a couple or a few years for what was
easily obtained at one time. It happens slowly and only after you turn
around and discover you really need something.
it is better than what was mentioned on the other thread with the
omnibus chips though.
thanks
JIm