Zendex Computer

I found a really neat computer the other day. Its made by a company called Zendex circa 1980. It's an 8085 multi-bus machine. Inside it has the processor board, a disk controller, an I/O board, and a parallel interface daughter-board bolted to the back, but which is connected to the system bus by way of a ribbon cable. The front panel consists of 8 interrupt and one reset switch. A very unique system, in that I've never seen one or even heard of the company before, but nothing special. However, the neat thing about this computer is that the company that makes it is still around and in fact is right around the corner from where I work! When I first examined the computer, it had a label with the company's address: 6680 Sierra Ct in Dublin, California. I went there a couple days ago and they are in almost the exact same spot (one address over now). The slogan embossed on their front window reads "International Manufacturer of Microcomputers Since 1979". I went inside, explained who I was and why I was there, and asked if there was anyone I could speak to about the system to get information (and hopefully documentation) on it. I was told to call back as everyone was in a meeting so I'll be bringing the system by today to bug them. I finally had a chance to open it up last night. One of the neater things is that the front panel circuit board has imprinted on it "Made in Dublin". Now, the reason this is quaint is because, although Dublin is part of the "Bay Area", its not by any means considered a part of the "Silicon Valley". So "Made in Dublin" I think is a cute little acknowledgement of the fact that the company was removed from the main hi-tech bustle of that era. This particular area where I'm at is not foreign to significant computer companies as Processor Technology (makers of the Sol-20) made their headquarters just a mile away in Pleasanton, California. It's nice discovering that makers of classic computers used to be right in your backyard. It's even nicer when they're still around so you can go bug them for information. Sam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Computer Historian, Programmer, Musician, Philosopher, Athlete, Writer, Jackass Coming Soon...Vintage Computer Festival 2.0 See http://www.siconic.com/vcf for details!