Thanks to everyone who replied!
So far, the verdict is the following:
1) the modular systems are NGEN from Convergent Technologies; they have 80186
cpus, which make them B25 modules (thanks, Paxton) or CM001/8; they do
operate from 36V externally supplied by one or more brick-style
power supplies with RJ-style connectors; no hard disks were found with
these, although, considering the manufacturing time frame, it is
conceivable that they were entirely floppy-based; these units
had dual floppy disk drives attached. I hauled a box
with lots of docs and diskettes, but I have not had the time to
go through it; the stuff might not be related to the Convergent systems.
So, I need to (a) find a way to provide these systems with 36VDC,
and (b) look for any related floppies; it may be that these machines
can't be used without a password.
2) The Datapoing 1550 seems to be a diskless computer; there is a connector
in the back that might have been used to connect a floppy disk drive
or something else. I have spotted a couple of burned caps in the
power supply (the computer smelled, so it was clear from the
beginning that I could not take the chance of turning it on unchecked).
There is a card cage in it, but I haven't taken anything but the
cover off.
carlos.
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Carlos E. Murillo-Sanchez email: carlos_murillo(a)ieee.org
Universidad Autonoma de Manizales, Manizales, Colombia