> -----Original Message----- > From: cctalk [mailto:cctalk-boun...@classiccmp.org] On Behalf Of tony duell > Sent: 16 June 2015 14:55 > To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts > Subject: RE: using new technology on old machines > > > > > Sure, the pre-manufactured boards can allow you to prototype > > quickly... but I think Tony is kind of bemoaning the loss of the "old > > way" and I respect that ... I kind of miss it myself, even though I > > wasn't there to experience it first-hand ... > > It's also that this is the 'classic computers' list. To me, classic computing means > rather more than just the hardware. It also covers the design and > construction methods, technology and so on. And there seems to be > precious little of that in a modern microcontroller acting as a clock oscillator. >
There isn't., but some-times we have to compromise, and sometimes we choose to compromise. I looked at the circuit of the M484 and I might not have the parts in the parts box... .. its also a nasty hybrid design with DC biased NPN and PNP transistors. I find it ugly and can see it being a pig to debug, though it simulates fine in LTspice... > I find it odd that people want to have a lights-and-switches panel, but are > prepared to totally adulterate the hardware of the machine that drives it. There sometimes isn't enough hardware to go round. I would like a front panel for my SBC6120 but I don't think DEC built a machine with a 61xx chip and a front panel... > > As an aside, when I restore m 11/730 I am in 2 minds as to what to do about > the microcode load device. a TU58 emulator is certainly convenient, but I > actually would rather get the real tape drives working if at all possible. After > all that is what the machine was designed to use. > Nice if you can get it to work. > > > > How are everyone's parts bins so empty? My dad is a practicing EE of > > over > > Mine isn't, but then you knew that, right :-). When I moved house recently I > think I had over 30 packing boxes of modern-ish components and more of > valves and CRTs. Not counting the dozen or so boxes of PCBs (some to use, > some to raid for parts). I have a good selection of TTL but I am not longer sure if it works. I think a lot of NOS TTL has rotted internal connecting wire. > > -tony Dave G4UGM