Difference between Heath H88 and H89? - test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org

8 Sep 1997

This one has a built in Percom floppy (the kind with the big door), so
it must be an H89.  It says H88 on the back, but if an H89 is just an
H88 with the floppy controller + drive, then this one has been upgraded
to an H89.  Cool, I'll order the H89 CP/M from Don.

The front badge just says "Heathkit Computer".

thanks

Kai

...
  ----------
 From: 	David C. Jenner[SMTP:djenner@halcyon.com]
 Reply To: 	classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu
 Sent: 	Monday, September 08, 1997 10:32 AM
 To: 	Discussion re-collecting of classic computers
 Subject: 	Re: Difference between Heath H88 and H89?

 Kai Kaltenbach wrote:
  Does anyone know what the difference is between
 an H88 and H89?  Externally, they look identical except for the  badging.
  Are they software compatible?  
 The H88 was a cassette-based Z-80 system.  I got one by upgrading an
 H-19 terminal. (I believe you could also buy it as a system.)  When
 you
 upgraded, you replaced the H-19 "badge" with an H-88 "badge".

 You could also upgrade the H-88 to an H-89 by adding a hard disk
 controller and floppy disk.  When you upgraded, you replaced the H-88
 "badge" with an H-89 "badge".

 So, it's quite possible that not only do they look identical
 externally,
 they look identical internally.  If what you saw DOESN'T have a floppy
 disk, then maybe it is the cassette-based system.  Look inside.  I
 have
 the cassette software, if you are masochistic enough to want a copy of
 it.

 You might be able to find a hard disk controller and make it into an
 H-89, if you like.  It shouldn't be too hard to find a floppy drive
 that
 works, just plug in a DEC RX50 dual floppy!  My H-89 has in fact the
 original prototype (DAM Drive) of the dual floppy, made by T and E
 Engineering.  DEC later bought them out for the Rainbow/uPDP/uVAX,
 etc. 
 If you need an RX50 drive, I can get you one.

 Dave