Minicomputer Storage Myths

From: Carl R. Friend <carl.friend(a)stoneweb.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers

Subject: Minicomputer Storage Myths Date: Tuesday, July 22, 1997 11:42 AM In a few assorted threads I've seen under various names like "RSTS/E Manuals" and "Minis not 'Trendy'", several folks have put forward the argument that minicomputers are too large to collect easily. I have one word: "hogwash". For the most part, your typical minicomputer fits securely in a 19" wide rack. They're typically either around 5.5" or 11" high, or there- abouts, and they're usually 22-30" deep with some going a little deeper. They stack nicely for the most part as all the surfaces are at right angles to one another. They do weigh a certain amount, but usually do not top 100 pounds or so. Yes, collecting them does take creative space management. I noticed that one chap has installed his pdp11 under his bed; good call! I hadn't thought of that one... Another guy gripes about putting a mini in his Honda Civic for transport. My wife did just that when she came home with a DG Nova 1200 for me a few years back; it fit very comfortably in the trunk. I just got back from a trip to the US Midwest with two minis in two 6' bays in the back of my minivan (story coming on my website). Kevan has room in his loft for a half-dozen minis or so (looked at the pictures) once he gets things organised (sorry, Kevan) with space left over. I keep three minicomputers (half-height Novas) on a kitchen counter underneath our coffee-pot (I really should get a picture of that). I also have a small rack with three of my pdp11s in it living in the dining-room of our house - it makes a wonderful stand-up terminal stand. Smaller racks can be utilised as end-tables. The ultimate space-management tool in dealing with minis is the six-foot rack. In one of them you can mount an easy half-dozen machines; if you share peripherals, they can all be used too. Un- fortunately, my wife drew the line at that one, so I use the "scatter method" of space management. The bottom line is that _it's not as big a deal as it's made out to be_! It can be done, it should be done, and not enough people are doing it. The machines are disappearing - and that's a shame. ______________________________________________________________________ | | | | Carl Richard Friend (UNIX Sysadmin) | West Boylston | | Minicomputer Collector / Enthusiast | Massachusetts, USA | | mailto:carl.friend@stoneweb.com | | | http://www.ultranet.com/~engelbrt/carl/museum/ | ICBM: N42:21 W71:46 | |________________________________________________|_____________________|