R: Getting an ibm as/400

[devin davison]

Good to know. IM trying to clear a place to put the thing. They have not
been returning my calls, i have been trying to determine the model number
and exactly what tapes and accessories/ terminals, etc it comes with.

On Tue, Apr 12, 2016 at 3:53 PM, Mike Ross <tmfdmike at gmail.com> wrote:

> Key thing is what color it is. If it's light grey it's definitely an old
> CISC machine - classic 48-bit AS/400. They're good and desirable but they
> do need the MULIC (Model Unique Licensed Internal Code) tape to get going.
> If it's black... Well some of the very last CISC AS/400s (e.g. 9406-500)
> were black - but it's much more likely to be a RISC machine. With those you
> get 70 days unlicensed use - then it reverts to only allowing login at the
> console IIRC; I don't recall what else stops working. Licensing on the RISC
> machines is just a long code you type in to the system; no MULIC tape! :)
>
> Another possible gotcha is keys; hopefully it comes with them. If it
> doesn't, hope the lock is in the manual position which allows full front
> panel function.
>
> Then there are password issues; QSECOFR is the key account - equivalent to
> root - and if you don't have that password you may be able to reset it
> using an alternate boot sequence involving something called DST... Unless
> they've changed the DST password too, in which case you can only wipe the
> system and reinstall the OS. If you need install media I can help...
>
> Mike
> On Apr 12, 2016 3:18 PM, "Mazzini Alessandro" <mazzinia at tin.it> wrote:
>
> The main issue with As/400 is related with licenses, os included.
> There are some models (relatively old) that can run unlicensed (and going
> back in time, some required a special tape unique to that serial number, to
> be reinstalled. Fat chances of getting a copy of that from ibm now, so in
> those cases is very important that such tape is present in the goodies),
> otherwise I would say that if they pick up the "toy" from the current
> workplace, they have to collect all the sw/ibm media/license papers related
> to it.
>
> There's more than one way to get an (heavy) paperweight.
>
> What to expect... is a bit more flat than zos, this is something used for
> erp/billing/bank terminals to say something.
> There's just os/400 that can be installed on an as/400, forget linux or etc
> ( if an iseries, more recent, aix is also an option, and  linux too )
>
>
>
> -----Messaggio originale-----
> Da: cctalk [mailto:cctalk-bounces at classiccmp.org] Per conto di Matt
> Patoray
> Inviato: martedì 12 aprile 2016 20:52
> A: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts
> Oggetto: Re: Getting an ibm as/400
>
> Hello,
>
> I do believe Connor is on here. I will say this the IBM Mainframes and the
> Large AS/400's are quite different. If you can get a picture of the front
> plate where it says AS/400 there will be the model nuimber under that and
> we can figure out what you have from that.
>
> Once you have that info, we can have a better idea what you are in for :)
> As such can help you accordingly.
>
> On Tue, Apr 12, 2016 at 2:09 PM, devin davison <lyokoboy0 at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> > A local recycling center called me and said they are to pick up an ibm
> > as/400 mainframe from a working environment. I left a deposit and am
> > scheduled to go pick it up in the next day or so.
> >
> > I am not even sure of what all it comes with or what can be run on the
> > machine. Any advice in advance on what to expect?
> >
> > I realize there are a ton of different as/400 models, they were not
> > very descript on the phone, so i have no way of knowing till i go pick
> > it up what exactly it is or what it comes with.
> >
> > I rushed on dropping a deposit on the thing. The other guy at the
> > place is notorious for ripping boards with shiny chips out and trying
> > to pass off the dismantled machine to me. I asked for a picture of the
> > thing on site before it is moved. If it is not all there I am not
> purchasing it.
> >
> > From the description it sounds like it comes with some terminals and
> > printers too. could be interesting.
> >
> > Is the guy that put the ibm mainframe in his basement on the list? ive
> > been wanting to talk to him.
> >
> >
> > --Devin
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Matt Patoray
> Owner, MSP Productions
> KD8AMG Amateur Radio Call Sign
>