Intellec-mds 800 - test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org

7 Sep 2004

...
 From: "Joe R." &lt;rigdonj(a)cfl.rr.com&gt;
 ---snip---
...
  > 
> Intel sold a disk-drive subsystem that consisted of two Shugart 801 8"
floppy
 > drives.  They could work as single density or
double density depending on
> whether you had the 201 or 202 controller board set.  Yes, it was a set of TWO
>> multibus board to control those two floppy drives.
>>  ---snip---
...

   Here are some pictures of a couple of my 800s
<http://www.classiccmp.org/hp/mds800_3/> and
<http://www.classiccmp.org/hp/mds800_4/>. Here
<http://www.classiccmp.org/hp/mds.htm> is a webpage that I started (but
never finished) that describes some of the 2xx models.   Here is a MOL
finished webpage about one of my other MDS-800s,
<http://www.classiccmp.org/hp/mds-800/mds-800.htm>. It includes pictures
and descriptions of most of the various MDS-800 cards.

   Here, <http://www.classiccmp.org/hp/multibus/multibus.html> is a webpage
that I swtarted about Multibus cards. It includes both Intel and non_intel
cards.  I'm WAY behind with the updates for it.

    Joe

Hi
 When I worked at Intel, I was responsible for the test of the
1036 Floppy Disk Control Card ( this was for double density
M2FM ). It seemed that I was one of the few people, even then,
that knew what a phase locked loop was and how it needed to
be tested.
 The Channel card used the 3000 series bit slice. These were
a reasonable bit slice but didn't compete well with AMD's
2900 stuff. I suspect it was mostly the sequencer that put
people off. It is almost impossible to read the code for these
and takes a grand master to write the code effectively.
 I've got to get started on my MDS800. It just seems like other
projects get in the way. Perhaps I should put it in the walkway.
that way I'll be reminded of it each time I step over it.
 As for a terminal, other than the possible current loop issue,
you may need the right emulator if you want to run CREDIT
( their screen editor ). I believe this just used VT100 codes
but I could be wrong. The original 800's used Beehive terminals
that were painted Intel blue.
Dwight