Interesting IBM 5150... or something - test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org

13 Jun 2009

it doesn't look all that muc like a 5150 probably because it isn't one. Durn looks
just like a 5170 to me. I have the 5150 version. Don't know if it's tempest tested
or not. Figured it was simply a loosely mil-spec, ruggedized, industrialized version for
certain environments. There was a "compatible" CGA monitor (Terry Yager used to
have one). 
 Mine doesn't have a keyboard, so surely utilizing a vanilla k/b will render it
"powerless". Or what have you. AAMOF, if anyone wants the thing, w/the rust that
has accumulated due to being stored in a something less then sealed outdoor shed, it's
their's for shipping. The power switch is also missing. I think the p/s is there
though. You could strip it down and repaint it I guess :)

--- On Thu, 6/11/09, Warren Wolfe <lists at databasics.us> wrote:

...
  From: Warren Wolfe <lists at databasics.us>
 Subject: Re: Interesting IBM 5150... or something
 To: "On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk at classiccmp.org>
 Date: Thursday, June 11, 2009, 5:55 PM
 Brian Lanning wrote:
  I've never heard of this.  Looks even more
 tank-like than the 5150.
  Look at the backplane where the cables go in.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-IBM-Tempest-Computer-for-Classified-work_W0QQit…

 Oh, for Pete's sake, a Tempest terminal, right when we're
 talking about classified info.  Just so you know, this
 one is compromised by the insecure monitor (I think - it
 should be MUCH bigger, and not plastic, if Tempest approved)
 and the non-Tempest keyboard.  "Tank-like" is a very
 concise description.

 I worked for a company that made (CP/M capable) Tempest
 terminals for the Burroughs TD-830 emulation market. 
 The government would not tell you what acceptable levels of
 emissions were -- a company had to make a prototype, and
 send it in for testing.  A while (gov't time) later,
 thumbs up or thumbs down.  It often took many cycles to
 get a good one.  Once it was approved, they bought them
 for HUGE prices.  Quite a money-maker.

 Warren