CLASSICCMP digest 496 - test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org

4 Aug 1998

...
  From: "Hans Franke" &lt;franke(a)sbs.de&gt;
 Subject: CBM B500

 Since I rediscovered a B500 in my junk some weeks ago,
 I'm searching for information. Until now i could trace
 nothing in the web or any magazine from that time.

 The Computer in question is a Commodore B500, Basicly
 a CBM II LP. I am not talking about the P500. The mobo
 is technicaly the same than the CBM 610 (B128) but a
 different layout (only some lines) and a (lower) part#.
  Sure it's not a P-500? I currently have mine (P-500) opened for Information
Gathering, might well do some now...

The Motherboard's Assembly Number is: 4256046
The 3 8k ROMs are part numbers: 901234-02, 901235-02, and 901236-02
There is another chip marked FPLA #1 0906114-02
There is a second next to it with it's label removed (dried spooge on the top),
the chip ID is: N82S100N 8235  (I haven't searched the net to determine what
the chip is, one day I may study electronics more....)

...
  Also the Version/Part#'s of the kernal/basic
EPROMS are
 lower than any known (to me) B128/B256/6x0/7x0 type.

 The mobo and all chips are dated to 1982 - again way
 before any other CBM II I know. AFAIR the CBM II line
 was introducted in 1983. 
Could be a beta prototype or one recalled during the FCC proving.  (Commodore
had a run-in with the FCC concerning the B and P series computers...)

...

 Any Info would be usefull.