I have an Armdroid Robotic (Circa early 80's) Arm by D & M Computing Inc.. This is a really elaborate Arm with computer interface and small computer controller included, with a hugh manual about 6 inches thick on its programing and operation.. The thing is heavy (about 40lbs) and built like a rock. Wondering if anyone knows anything about this unit. It was previously used in colleges for Robotics training. It needs some minor repairs, some of the cables on the stepper motors have come loose, and a couple of pulleys need replacement.. Phil... Jim wrote:

On Sun, 6 Sep 1998, Jim wrote: Heathkit made at least three HERO's (the HERO 1, the HERO Jr., and the HERO 2000). There's at least one company that is still making HERO-like bots, but I think the price was something like $5000 last I checked. But don't despair. Take a look at what my girlfriend just ordered for my birthday present: http://www.legomindstorms.com/ -- Doug

It was that History Channel program, wasn't it? That was a really nice look at some old footage I'd never seen before. I'm hoping it will come by again so I can tape it, or maybe I can order the tape was a small child. I've got two Hero 1's in my collection, along with about 40 lbs of books, manuals, schematics, mechanical diagrams, etc. I'd love to have a Hero 2000 (or other similar vintage) to go with them, but the last couple on eBay have gone the way of the Altair, and there were even _fewer_ of these ever sold! I've got a page up about "orphaned" robots on my web site that you might find interesting. Some good pictures if nothing else. On Sun, 6 Sep 1998 00:38:28 -0600 (MDT), you wrote: -Bill Richman bill_r(a)inetnebr.com http://incolor.inetnebr.com/bill_r (Home of the COSMAC Elf microcomputer simulator!)

Jim wrote: I was at a thrift store about a year ago, and saw a Max Steele Robot for sale. With a price of $10 including manuals but no main battery but in pretty good shape, I purchased it. After mounting a 12V gel cell on the back (it wouldn't fit inside the robot), we found out it worked quite nicely. A web search turned up a web site (don't have it handy) where the statistics and more info was available. Apparently there were only about 5000 of these units made. It uses, IIRC, a 6502 microprocessor and has a slot for program cartridges.