23 Sep
2006
23 Sep
'06
6:29 p.m.
Subject: New find, Heathkit H89 computer.
From: "Bob Shannon" <bshannon at tiac.net
Date: Sat, 23 Sep 2006 20:44:31 -0400
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk at
classiccmp.org
I've just come across a new vintage system.
I've been given a Heathkit H-89 computer with some documentation and one
bootable diskette.
Its booting HDOS, but I don't have any HDOS specific documentation, just the
'Operation' and
assembly manuals (the 'Operation' manual is really theory of operation
material).
Does anyone have the ability to make a set of 'distribution' HDOS disks
(100K floppy)?
Is CP/M also available, or the Heathkit diagnostics disk?
I've not been able to find much HDOS documentation on-line, does anyone have
pointers?
CP/M was available. One thing, which disk controller does it have? If
memory serves there were several different ones between heath and aftermarket.
Allison
24 Sep
24 Sep
12:51 p.m.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Allison" <ajp166 at bellatlantic.net>
To: <cctech at classiccmp.org>
Sent: Saturday, September 23, 2006 9:29 PM
Subject: Re: New find, Heathkit H89 computer.
<snip>
CP/M was available. One thing, which disk controller
does it have? If
memory serves there were several different ones between heath and
aftermarket.
Allison
I'll have to check the machine tomorrow. I did look at the media, its a
standard 5.25
inch floppy with a single index hole. I'd expected a hard-sectored
diskette, but that's
not what its booting from.
I have only a single bootable disk, and its visibly worn on several tracks.
I've yet to bring the machine home and clean it, etc. I was hoping someone
might be able to supply the diagnostics, etc on live media.
Being (apparently) a soft-sectored machine, I gather I cannot use the SVD
option?
3:19 p.m.
I'll have to check the machine tomorrow. I did
look at the media, its a
standard 5.25
inch floppy with a single index hole. I'd expected a hard-sectored
diskette, but that's
not what its booting from.
There certainly are soft-sectored controllers for this machine.
One hint when dismantling it. After removing the top cover (spring
latches on the sides, frob them with a screwdriver), take out the floppy
drive. It's easy to do, and it gets in the way of just about everything else.
-tony
3:20 p.m.
on 9/24/2006 at 3:51 PM Bob Shannon wrote:
I'll have to check the machine tomorrow. I did
look at the media, its a
standard 5.25 inch floppy with a single index hole. I'd expected a
hard-sectored
diskette, but that's not what its booting from.
I show several formats for the H89/Z89. SS, DS 512x9x1x40 512x9x2x40 and 2
512x9x80--but the first 96 tpi one is odd--it uses only the first 40
cylinders! Probably 48 tpi software running with 96 tpi drives. If no one
can come up with a clean CP/M system disk, I've got some H89 sample system
disks in my files of uncertain vintage.
Cheers,
Chuck
6663
days inactive
6663
days old
3 comments
4 participants
participants (4)
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ajp166＠bellatlantic.net -
ard＠p850ug1.demon.co.uk -
bshannon＠tiac.net -
cclist＠sydex.com