FPGA VAX update, now DIY TTL computers

On 11/12/2005 at 4:38 AM der Mouse wrote: So, let's look at what I have--old models (not production, but scrapped prototypes). They didn't work very well and were never the finished product (I've got one of those). They work only with 4.77MHz PCs and only with VT-220 type terminals--and only in text mode. With no BIOS and no schematics, how on earth is it useful doing anything with them other than scrapping them? I suspect that the original producer would have scrapped them for parts if it could have done so economically. Worth of electronic (or any other) stuff is not intrinsic--things are worth something only if they can meet some need--either utilitarian or emotional. If it has no value, maybe it's best to find something that it will be good for. I can use the chips; the solder will go into the scavenging box that I use for brass instrument repair. Basically, the only thing left is the old depopulated PCB and I've even cut those up to use as dividers in storage bins. If no one wants the Durango that I've got, I know that it's got a very expensive 48v DC motor with precision encoder that I can use for something else. The boards have lots of nice LSTTL and someone will doubtless be willing to pay bucks for the 100 tpi Tandon floppy drives. The heavy gague aluminum chassis can go to the smelter to make beer cans. The thing is loaded with useful Torx-head screws. I've got some spare PCB's for it and they may meet the torch very soon if I can't find a taker. The case being HD structural foam will have to be landfill, but there are no heavy metals there at least. I've got two of these and don't need a second one. Why should I assume the burden of keeping a second around? That's what's called a white elephant. I used to get upset when I'd find an old tuba used as a garden planter or fountain or had holes drilled in it to hang it in a restaurant. But not any more--the instruments were being put their best use by their owners as they saw it. It's all just man-made stuff, after all--if the best use of a clarinet is as a tomato stake, so much the better that it stays out of the waste stream. Since I'm not a collector, I view anything that I do that keeps things, either in entirety or in pieces, out of the landfill as a worthy purpose. It isn't as if there's nothing around that can better perform the same function as the original. Modern PCs run faster, have better displays and printing and lots more storage. Cheers, Chuck