Re: Transformer part ID please

[Tony Duell]

On Sat, Jan 21, 2017 at 11:33 PM, Adrian Graham
 wrote:
> On 21/01/2017 21:59, "Tony Duell"  wrote:
>
>> On Sat, Jan 21, 2017 at 8:43 PM, Adrian Graham
>>  wrote:
>>> Hi folks,
>>>
>>> Does anyone know what this is? It's obviously a transformer coil(s) but
>>> image search and googling those markings produces nothing:
>>>
>>> http://www.binarydinosaurs.co.uk/la4543.jpg
>>
>> I think the LA number is the number for the ferrite 'pot core' not the
>> complete transformer.
>>
>> It looks to be part of a switching regulator circuit. Possibly to generate
>> other voltages from the 5V line. Can you post a picture of more of the PCB
>> around it.
>
> Its second output goes via an IN4148 to the -24V regulator:

What do you mean by 'second output'? How many pins are used on this
'transformer'? If only 2 it is just a simple inductor, again possibly part of
a swtiching regulator.

>
> http://www.binarydinosaurs.co.uk/STCExecutelPowerRegulation.jpg
>
> The top black wire is from the PSU and goes left-right (in pairs) GND, +5,
> +12, -12. I'd do an underside pic too but the board's covered in analyser
> wires at the mo.
>
> The -24V regulator can be seen just above the 4 blue caps, The regulator
> that can be seen under the black wire is a 7812. The LF351N has -12V present
> at its bias outputs, the opamp to its right has no markings helpfully.

What about that IRF523? That is a power MOSFET transistor and might well
be the chopper in the switching regulator circuit.

Why do you assume the other 8 pin IC is an op-amp?

-tony

Re: A new life for my LA180.

[Paul Anderson]

Congrats!!

The LA180 is probably my favorite DEC printer.

On Sat, Jan 21, 2017 at 1:00 PM, E. Groenenberg  wrote:

> Not so much newsworthy, but 2 weeks ago I stumbled by accident on the
> serial option for the LA180 (Decprinter I). My offer was accepted and I
> got the card 2 days ago. I installed it this afternoon and after
> configuring
> it and checking the jumpers on the main board, it now works as a serial
> printer.
>
> Tomorrow I'm going to connect it with simh and see if printing jobs
> will get processed as well.
>
> Ed
> --
> Ik email, dus ik besta.
> BTC : 1Lk6141nvDKPxtCa5erfFyovsoJN2LKqNJ
>
>
>
>

Re: 8085 IO ports

[Adrian Graham]

On 21/01/2017 21:39, "Tony Duell"  wrote:

>> I don't think I'll touch them, they're obviously part of the phone subsystem
>> and I doubt I'll ever plug it into a phone line - I have several One Per
>> Desks for that sort of thing if needs be.
> 
> A telephone line similator is a useful toy to have for something like
> this. I have
> an old but good one (it use a TMS320 series DSP for signal degredation) that
> I bought non working on Ebay. Reseating the socketed chips helped, replacing
> a couple of comparators and a voltage regulator fixed it -- the
> problem of course
> being to find the faulty parts (there are well over 300 ICs in the unit).

Eep, slightly more involved than my little effort then :) There's maybe 70
in this one including the 16 RAM chips and maybe 7 opamps.

>> I can trigger it on the RD signal yes. There's 2 LS373s which both had dead
> 
> Not trigger, but clock. In other words to take a sample on every Rd pulse.

This is interesting if the data is to be believed. The Saleae Logic software
contains several decoders like SPI, I2C, Analog Serial and 'simple
parallel'. The official docs say external clocking isn't supported but the
'simple parallel' decoder can work in a similar way if you nominate one of
the 16 available channels as a clock channel. It's supposed to cover a 16
bit data bus but if I take a 10 second sample of A0-A14 and RD then map
those address channels to the analyser's data channels and tell it to clock
using RD I see a definite repetitive pattern. More reading of that tomorrow
since I've just noticed what time it is!

Cheers,

-- 
Adrian/Witchy
Binary Dinosaurs creator/curator
Www.binarydinosaurs.co.uk - the UK's biggest private home computer
collection?

Re: 8085 IO ports

[Adrian Graham]

On 21/01/2017 21:39, "Tony Duell"  wrote:

>>> sequence of locations that the CPU is reading. Most (but not all) will be
>>> instructions. Find one, compare with the listing, see if the sequence makes
>>> sense.
>> 
>> I can trigger it on the RD signal yes. There's 2 LS373s which both had dead
> 
> Not trigger, but clock. In other words to take a sample on every Rd pulse.

Hm, no, none of the Saleae ones do external clocking, but I can set up a
parallel oversample and use either the rising or falling edge of RD as a
base, I wonder if that'll work...

-- 
Adrian/Witchy
Binary Dinosaurs creator/curator
Www.binarydinosaurs.co.uk - the UK's biggest private home computer
collection?

Re: Transformer part ID please

[Adrian Graham]

On 21/01/2017 21:59, "Tony Duell"  wrote:

> On Sat, Jan 21, 2017 at 8:43 PM, Adrian Graham
>  wrote:
>> Hi folks,
>> 
>> Does anyone know what this is? It's obviously a transformer coil(s) but
>> image search and googling those markings produces nothing:
>> 
>> http://www.binarydinosaurs.co.uk/la4543.jpg
> 
> I think the LA number is the number for the ferrite 'pot core' not the
> complete transformer.
> 
> It looks to be part of a switching regulator circuit. Possibly to generate
> other voltages from the 5V line. Can you post a picture of more of the PCB
> around it.

Its second output goes via an IN4148 to the -24V regulator:

http://www.binarydinosaurs.co.uk/STCExecutelPowerRegulation.jpg

The top black wire is from the PSU and goes left-right (in pairs) GND, +5,
+12, -12. I'd do an underside pic too but the board's covered in analyser
wires at the mo.

The -24V regulator can be seen just above the 4 blue caps, The regulator
that can be seen under the black wire is a 7812. The LF351N has -12V present
at its bias outputs, the opamp to its right has no markings helpfully.

Cheers,

-- 
Adrian/Witchy
Binary Dinosaurs creator/curator
Www.binarydinosaurs.co.uk - the UK's biggest private home computer
collection?

Imlac PDS-1D

[Sellam Ismail]

Hi Josh.

I hope you've been well. I noticed you posted recently about have an Imlac
PDS-1D. I'm curious how you came across it as there aren't many out there
as you observe.

I notice you're still trying to get the DPS-6 online. I'm surprised Al
Kossow hasn't been able to help with the operating system software at least.

Sellam

A new life for my LA180.

[E. Groenenberg]

Not so much newsworthy, but 2 weeks ago I stumbled by accident on the
serial option for the LA180 (Decprinter I). My offer was accepted and I
got the card 2 days ago. I installed it this afternoon and after
configuring
it and checking the jumpers on the main board, it now works as a serial
printer.

Tomorrow I'm going to connect it with simh and see if printing jobs
will get processed as well.

Ed
--
Ik email, dus ik besta.
BTC : 1Lk6141nvDKPxtCa5erfFyovsoJN2LKqNJ

Altair

[Sellam Ismail]

Hi Brad.

I saw your message on the ClassicCmp mailing list about desiring an Altair.
Are you still interested in one?

Sellam

Re: Transformer part ID please

[Tony Duell]

On Sat, Jan 21, 2017 at 8:43 PM, Adrian Graham
 wrote:
> Hi folks,
>
> Does anyone know what this is? It's obviously a transformer coil(s) but
> image search and googling those markings produces nothing:
>
> http://www.binarydinosaurs.co.uk/la4543.jpg

I think the LA number is the number for the ferrite 'pot core' not the
complete transformer.

It looks to be part of a switching regulator circuit. Possibly to generate
other voltages from the 5V line. Can you post a picture of more of the PCB
around it.

-tony

Re: Transformer part ID please

[Adrian Graham]

On 21/01/2017 21:08, "Chuck Guzis"  wrote:

> On 01/21/2017 12:43 PM, Adrian Graham wrote:
>> Hi folks,
>> 
>> Does anyone know what this is? It's obviously a transformer coil(s)
>> but image search and googling those markings produces nothing:
>> 
>> http://www.binarydinosaurs.co.uk/la4543.jpg
>> 
>> It's taking and giving +5V but I'm sure it should also be producing
>> another voltage...
> 
> The marking identifies it as a Mullard ferrite core (LA4543) but says
> nothing about how it's wound.

I kinda hoped it was a stock part given that everything else in this machine
is right off the shelf or at least appears to be...

Cheers!

-- 
Adrian/Witchy
Binary Dinosaurs creator/curator
Www.binarydinosaurs.co.uk - the UK's biggest private home computer
collection?

Re: 8085 IO ports

[Tony Duell]

On Sat, Jan 21, 2017 at 4:27 PM, Adrian Graham
 wrote:
> Back to the Executel after a few days relaxing :)
>
> On 17/01/2017 20:59, "Tony Duell"  wrote:
>
>>> Yep, on the left two. I haven't dared to pull them from the board though
>>> even though they're socketed.
>>
>> Do be careful, the substrate is a brittle ceramic material...
>
> I don't think I'll touch them, they're obviously part of the phone subsystem
> and I doubt I'll ever plug it into a phone line - I have several One Per
> Desks for that sort of thing if needs be.

A telephone line similator is a useful toy to have for something like
this. I have
an old but good one (it use a TMS320 series DSP for signal degredation) that
I bought non working on Ebay. Reseating the socketed chips helped, replacing
a couple of comparators and a voltage regulator fixed it -- the
problem of course
being to find the faulty parts (there are well over 300 ICs in the unit).

[...]

>>> I have, a small 16 channel one that's Saleae Logic compatible so I'm slowly
>>> learning how to drive that too. I should be able to decode addresses and
>>> suchlike using it shouldn't I.
>>
>> Can you clock the analyser from an external input rather than sampling
>> every 10us or whatever? If so, clock it from the Rd/ signal and grab the
>> 16 address lines (8 on the processor pins, 8 on an address latch, most
>> likely a 74LS373, which you will have to find!). Now you can see the
>> sequence of locations that the CPU is reading. Most (but not all) will be
>> instructions. Find one, compare with the listing, see if the sequence makes
>> sense.
>
> I can trigger it on the RD signal yes. There's 2 LS373s which both had dead

Not trigger, but clock. In other words to take a sample on every Rd pulse.

-tony

Re: Transformer part ID please

[Jon Elson]

On 01/21/2017 02:43 PM, Adrian Graham wrote:

Hi folks,

Does anyone know what this is? It's obviously a transformer coil(s) but
image search and googling those markings produces nothing:

http://www.binarydinosaurs.co.uk/la4543.jpg

It's taking and giving +5V but I'm sure it should also be producing another
voltage...

Cheers!

That is a ferrite pot core.  They are very often custom 
devices made for one specific purpose.  Pulse Engineering 
and a few other outfits have stock parts like that, but if 
you can't match the part number, it is likely to either be a 
house-numbered part or a custom.


Jon

Re: Transformer part ID please

[Chuck Guzis]

On 01/21/2017 12:43 PM, Adrian Graham wrote:
> Hi folks,
> 
> Does anyone know what this is? It's obviously a transformer coil(s)
> but image search and googling those markings produces nothing:
> 
> http://www.binarydinosaurs.co.uk/la4543.jpg
> 
> It's taking and giving +5V but I'm sure it should also be producing
> another voltage...

The marking identifies it as a Mullard ferrite core (LA4543) but says
nothing about how it's wound.

--Chuck

Transformer part ID please

[Adrian Graham]

Hi folks,

Does anyone know what this is? It's obviously a transformer coil(s) but
image search and googling those markings produces nothing:

http://www.binarydinosaurs.co.uk/la4543.jpg

It's taking and giving +5V but I'm sure it should also be producing another
voltage...

Cheers!

-- 
Adrian/Witchy
Binary Dinosaurs creator/curator
Www.binarydinosaurs.co.uk - the UK's biggest private home computer
collection?

Re: 8085 IO ports

[Adrian Graham]

On 21/01/2017 17:30, "dwight"  wrote:

> It is possible that it is the phone side of the system that is
> hanging it up ( no pun intended ).
> A while back, I purchased about 12 broken phone modems for
> about $2. I found out that all the boards had suffered lightning
> damage. Various parts on each board were blown. There was
> no consistency. I believe I recovered about 5 boards by combining
> the good parts.
> The reason I mention this is that it seems your board has had
> more than one part fail. It is possible that it was lightning
> damaged.
>

I agree, it's also been wet and I don't know if that was pre-failure or just
an effect of long term storage. There are also some (I assume) voice
components like a -24V regulator (MC79L24A) that aren't getting power, I've
just looked at the transformer that feeds it and that doesn't appear to be
working.

I'll post a separate pic of that.
 
> If so, it could be that one of the chips has sent an interrupt to
> the processor but not hand shaking when the processor is
> asking for data from the modem.
> Just a though.

The modem in this case is an SAA5070 "LUCY" chip which I guess I can't
easily test or even source a known working spare if it turns out to be
faulty :/

Cheers


> 
> From: cctalk  on behalf of Adrian Graham
> 
> Sent: Saturday, January 21, 2017 8:27:06 AM
> To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts
> Subject: Re: 8085 IO ports
> 
> Back to the Executel after a few days relaxing :)
> 
> On 17/01/2017 20:59, "Tony Duell"  wrote:
> 
>>> Yep, on the left two. I haven't dared to pull them from the board though
>>> even though they're socketed.
>> 
>> Do be careful, the substrate is a brittle ceramic material...
> 
> I don't think I'll touch them, they're obviously part of the phone subsystem
> and I doubt I'll ever plug it into a phone line - I have several One Per
> Desks for that sort of thing if needs be.
> 
>>> be seen on both the built-in TV and my external CUB despite lack of sync is
>>> for all intents and purposes random crap which again makes me think
>>> something isn't initialising properly.
>> 
>> Yes. It sounds like the processor is not initialising the video system,
>> clearing video RAM, etc.
>> 
>> Now either the processor is waiting for an interrupt (but from what)? or
>> ir's not running the right code. CPU trouble, ROM troublem, RAM
>> trouble, address decoder trouble?
> 
> I remember becoming aware recently that it USED to look like it was reading
> all four ROMs but now just pulses ROM1. I'm still chasing down one
> particular clock source because there's a flip-flop LS74 that isn't getting
> anything at all, it's fed from an LS21 and an LS139 decoder which in turn is
> fed by A4 and A5 on the address bus. Having the whole board drawn out with
> all its connections is one thing but I need to put it into a logical
> schematic order.
> 
>>> I have, a small 16 channel one that's Saleae Logic compatible so I'm slowly
>>> learning how to drive that too. I should be able to decode addresses and
>>> suchlike using it shouldn't I.
>> 
>> Can you clock the analyser from an external input rather than sampling
>> every 10us or whatever? If so, clock it from the Rd/ signal and grab the
>> 16 address lines (8 on the processor pins, 8 on an address latch, most
>> likely a 74LS373, which you will have to find!). Now you can see the
>> sequence of locations that the CPU is reading. Most (but not all) will be
>> instructions. Find one, compare with the listing, see if the sequence makes
>> sense.
> 
> I can trigger it on the RD signal yes. There's 2 LS373s which both had dead
> inputs so I replaced those and made sure the signals were correct at all
> outputs. I'll have to lose A15 to latch onto RD (only 16 channels) but I'll
> give it a go.
> 
> Cheers!
> 
> --
> Adrian/Witchy
> Binary Dinosaurs creator/curator
> Www.binarydinosaurs.co.uk - the UK's biggest private home computer
> collection?
> 
> 

-- 
Adrian/Witchy
Binary Dinosaurs creator/curator
Www.binarydinosaurs.co.uk - the UK's biggest private home computer
collection?

Re: DS12887 pcb substitute with battery

[Chuck Guzis]

On 01/21/2017 12:12 PM, Al Kossow wrote:
> someone just pointed this out on vcfed
> 
> https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/qyNfzAMf

The DS12887 still comes in PDIP; no need to go to a PCB and an SOIC, is
there?

--Chuck

DS12887 pcb substitute with battery

[Al Kossow]

someone just pointed this out on vcfed

https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/qyNfzAMf

Re: 8085 IO ports

[dwight]

It is possible that it is the phone side of the system that is

hanging it up ( no pun intended ).

A while back, I purchased about 12 broken phone modems for

about $2. I found out that all the boards had suffered lightning

damage. Various parts on each board were blown. There was

no consistency. I believe I recovered about 5 boards by combining

the good parts.

The reason I mention this is that it seems your board has had

more than one part fail. It is possible that it was lightning

damaged.

If so, it could be that one of the chips has sent an interrupt to

the processor but not hand shaking when the processor is

asking for data from the modem.

Just a though.

Dwight



From: cctalk  on behalf of Adrian Graham 

Sent: Saturday, January 21, 2017 8:27:06 AM
To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts
Subject: Re: 8085 IO ports

Back to the Executel after a few days relaxing :)

On 17/01/2017 20:59, "Tony Duell"  wrote:

>> Yep, on the left two. I haven't dared to pull them from the board though
>> even though they're socketed.
>
> Do be careful, the substrate is a brittle ceramic material...

I don't think I'll touch them, they're obviously part of the phone subsystem
and I doubt I'll ever plug it into a phone line - I have several One Per
Desks for that sort of thing if needs be.

>> be seen on both the built-in TV and my external CUB despite lack of sync is
>> for all intents and purposes random crap which again makes me think
>> something isn't initialising properly.
>
> Yes. It sounds like the processor is not initialising the video system,
> clearing video RAM, etc.
>
> Now either the processor is waiting for an interrupt (but from what)? or
> ir's not running the right code. CPU trouble, ROM troublem, RAM
> trouble, address decoder trouble?

I remember becoming aware recently that it USED to look like it was reading
all four ROMs but now just pulses ROM1. I'm still chasing down one
particular clock source because there's a flip-flop LS74 that isn't getting
anything at all, it's fed from an LS21 and an LS139 decoder which in turn is
fed by A4 and A5 on the address bus. Having the whole board drawn out with
all its connections is one thing but I need to put it into a logical
schematic order.

>> I have, a small 16 channel one that's Saleae Logic compatible so I'm slowly
>> learning how to drive that too. I should be able to decode addresses and
>> suchlike using it shouldn't I.
>
> Can you clock the analyser from an external input rather than sampling
> every 10us or whatever? If so, clock it from the Rd/ signal and grab the
> 16 address lines (8 on the processor pins, 8 on an address latch, most
> likely a 74LS373, which you will have to find!). Now you can see the
> sequence of locations that the CPU is reading. Most (but not all) will be
> instructions. Find one, compare with the listing, see if the sequence makes
> sense.

I can trigger it on the RD signal yes. There's 2 LS373s which both had dead
inputs so I replaced those and made sure the signals were correct at all
outputs. I'll have to lose A15 to latch onto RD (only 16 channels) but I'll
give it a go.

Cheers!

--
Adrian/Witchy
Binary Dinosaurs creator/curator
Www.binarydinosaurs.co.uk - the UK's biggest private home computer
collection?

Re: 8085 IO ports

[Adrian Graham]

Back to the Executel after a few days relaxing :)

On 17/01/2017 20:59, "Tony Duell"  wrote:

>> Yep, on the left two. I haven't dared to pull them from the board though
>> even though they're socketed.
> 
> Do be careful, the substrate is a brittle ceramic material...

I don't think I'll touch them, they're obviously part of the phone subsystem
and I doubt I'll ever plug it into a phone line - I have several One Per
Desks for that sort of thing if needs be.

>> be seen on both the built-in TV and my external CUB despite lack of sync is
>> for all intents and purposes random crap which again makes me think
>> something isn't initialising properly.
> 
> Yes. It sounds like the processor is not initialising the video system,
> clearing video RAM, etc.
> 
> Now either the processor is waiting for an interrupt (but from what)? or
> ir's not running the right code. CPU trouble, ROM troublem, RAM
> trouble, address decoder trouble?

I remember becoming aware recently that it USED to look like it was reading
all four ROMs but now just pulses ROM1. I'm still chasing down one
particular clock source because there's a flip-flop LS74 that isn't getting
anything at all, it's fed from an LS21 and an LS139 decoder which in turn is
fed by A4 and A5 on the address bus. Having the whole board drawn out with
all its connections is one thing but I need to put it into a logical
schematic order.

>> I have, a small 16 channel one that's Saleae Logic compatible so I'm slowly
>> learning how to drive that too. I should be able to decode addresses and
>> suchlike using it shouldn't I.
> 
> Can you clock the analyser from an external input rather than sampling
> every 10us or whatever? If so, clock it from the Rd/ signal and grab the
> 16 address lines (8 on the processor pins, 8 on an address latch, most
> likely a 74LS373, which you will have to find!). Now you can see the
> sequence of locations that the CPU is reading. Most (but not all) will be
> instructions. Find one, compare with the listing, see if the sequence makes
> sense.

I can trigger it on the RD signal yes. There's 2 LS373s which both had dead
inputs so I replaced those and made sure the signals were correct at all
outputs. I'll have to lose A15 to latch onto RD (only 16 channels) but I'll
give it a go.

Cheers!

-- 
Adrian/Witchy
Binary Dinosaurs creator/curator
Www.binarydinosaurs.co.uk - the UK's biggest private home computer
collection?

Re: 8085 IO ports

[Adrian Graham]

On 19/01/2017 15:47, "Tony Duell"  wrote:

> On Wed, Jan 18, 2017 at 11:42 PM, Adrian Graham
>  wrote:
>> On 18 January 2017 at 20:13, Tony Duell  wrote:
>> 
>>> 
>>> Just to keep you updated, I have located one of my units that contains said
>>> drive. I am rather busy at the moment with more mundane things, but I will
>>> try to pull it apart and identify said capacitors.
>> 
>> 
>> Thanks Tony :)
> 
> I did have a little time today so I've taken it apart and taken some photos. I
> will try to upload those next time I am in the library...
> 
> If the capacitors are the ones I think they are, the larger one nearer the
> edge of the board is 47uF at 25V, the other is 10uF at 25V. They seem
> to be power supply decoupling (the former is between the +12V rail and
> ground, the latter is fed from a low value resistor from the +12V rail and
> also goes to the +ve power pin of an LM324 op-amp). That means they
> are not critical. But if they have been electrically damaged, it suggest
> severe overvoltage on the 12V line which could have damaged other
> parts.

Brilliant, thanks! Nice to see what a clean unit looks like too, mine looks
like it's been in the wars.

I'm back from a little break to see my Missus so I'll clean up the board and
see how bad the damage/rot is.

Cheers,

-- 
Adrian/Witchy
Binary Dinosaurs creator/curator
Www.binarydinosaurs.co.uk - the UK's biggest private home computer
collection?

Re: ISO: Honeywell DPS-6 things

[Michael Thompson]

>
> From: jim stephens 
> Subject: Re: ISO: Honeywell DPS-6 things (Josh Dersch)
>
> On 1/19/2017 5:26 PM, Michael Thompson wrote:
> > The RICM has a DPS-6, and another with an Ultimate label on it that may
> > have a Pick processor.
> I can help with this.  Where is there information about this system?
> thanks
> Jim
>

There is some information here:
http://www.ricomputermuseum.org/Home/equipment/honeywellultimate-level-6

-- 
Michael Thompson

IBM Maintenance Manuals (3203, 3704, 3803, 4341)

[Alexis Kotlowy]

Hi List,

I've had eleven IBM binders with maintenance information in them here
for years. They're not doing anything useful so I'm inquiring here if
anyone wants them.

These are the labels on the spines:

3203-5 MLM , 4 TO 17 , VOLUME 02
3203-5 MLM , 18 TO 28 , VOLUME 03
3704 MLM , VOL 888 [note 1]
3704 ALD , AS CA SB , VOL 4
3704 ALD , YZ , VOL 1
3704 ALD , CC , VOL 2
3704 ALD , MX , VOL 6
3704 ALD , LB , VOL 8
3803 MLM IPC INST GUIDE [note 2]
3803 MLM TAPE SPECS [note 2]
4341 MI P.S. WIRING DIAGRAMS (YE) VOL 41

1: ALD scribbled out and MLM written under it in marker. VOL 888 in pen.
2: Written in pen

Obviously not a complete set and I can't guarantee the labels match the
contents, but I hope it'll help someone.

I'm located in Adelaide, Australia. Feel free to contact me off-list. I
can provide photos.

Cheers,

Alexis.

Re: Sparc software on Optical media. (ebay alert)

[Stefan Skoglund (lokal]

lör 2017-01-21 klockan 03:25 -0800 skrev jim stephens: 
> I post this not so much as an ebay to buy, though if anyplace could be 
> found with the means to use this it is on this list.
> 
> someone had an optical MO drive at some point and wrote their backup and 
> a Solaris (probably 2.5 or later) software onto two disks.
> 
> now it's a big oops if you don't have the drives.  I figure someone here 
> to pop up and point one out on ebay, or have one.
> 
> Optical-Disk-128-MB-Fujifilm-230-MB-Maxell-Sparc-Software
> 
> http://www.ebay.com/itm/172492434487
> 
> Just late night chuckle.
> 
> Oh, he has a cheapo SS20 (compared to others),  $49 bucks, but 42 
> shipping (if it goes that cheap).
> 
> Sun-SparcStation-20-/
> http://www.ebay.com/itm/172490706990
> 
> I'll be digging out an Blade 100 and 150 soon.
> thanks
> jim
> 

That is i think a SS10 but it is a dual processor SuperSparc machine.
The casing is wrong for a 20.
I dont see any HD.

Sparc software on Optical media. (ebay alert)

[jim stephens]

I post this not so much as an ebay to buy, though if anyplace could be 
found with the means to use this it is on this list.


someone had an optical MO drive at some point and wrote their backup and 
a Solaris (probably 2.5 or later) software onto two disks.


now it's a big oops if you don't have the drives.  I figure someone here 
to pop up and point one out on ebay, or have one.


Optical-Disk-128-MB-Fujifilm-230-MB-Maxell-Sparc-Software

http://www.ebay.com/itm/172492434487

Just late night chuckle.

Oh, he has a cheapo SS20 (compared to others),  $49 bucks, but 42 
shipping (if it goes that cheap).


Sun-SparcStation-20-/
http://www.ebay.com/itm/172490706990

I'll be digging out an Blade 100 and 150 soon.
thanks
jim

Re: tu58fs - PDP-11 file sharing with TU58 tape emulator

[Mark J. Blair]

> On Jan 20, 2017, at 11:51, Jörg Hoppe  wrote:
> 
> Guys,
> 
> I'm working on a special TU58 emulator called "tu58fs".
> It saves the "tape content" not only in a binary image file, but also as a 
> file set in a shared directory on the host.
> 
> The content of the "tape" (as seen by the PDP) changes automatically as files 
> are moved in and out of the shared dir.
> This works in both direction: creating/changing/deleting a file on the "tape" 
> modifies the files in the directory.

Neat!

> tu58fs is intended to be a general tool for easy file sharing between a PDP 
> and the modern world. For this as much DEC filesystems as possible should be 
> implemented.
> We need more than XXDP, but I wasn't able to find documents about the 
> structure of DOS-11, RT-11 or FILES-11/ODS-1.
> 
> Any links?

I've written (bad?) Python code to manipulate RT-11 filesystems, including on 
TU58 tape images:

https://github.com/NF6X/pyRT11

I don't remember which specific documentation I referred to when I wrote this 
code, but it may well have been something like this manual:

http://bitsavers.trailing-edge.com/pdf/dec/pdp11/rt11/v5.6_Aug91/AA-PD6PA-TC_RT-11_Volume_and_File_Formats_Manual_Aug91.pdf

-- 
Mark J. Blair, NF6X 
http://www.nf6x.net/

Re: tu58fs - PDP-11 file sharing with TU58 tape emulator

[Jörg Hoppe]

Mark,
thanks for your answer.
Your Phyton RT-11 code looks good to me, I'll rely on it at least as 
reference.


Joerg

I've written (bad?) Python code to manipulate RT-11 filesystems, including on 
TU58 tape images:

https://github.com/NF6X/pyRT11

I don't remember which specific documentation I referred to when I wrote this 
code, but it may well have been something like this manual:

http://bitsavers.trailing-edge.com/pdf/dec/pdp11/rt11/v5.6_Aug91/AA-PD6PA-TC_RT-11_Volume_and_File_Formats_Manual_Aug91.pdf

Re: How do you clean your vintage computers?

[allison]

On 01/19/2017 01:12 PM, Alan Hightower wrote:
>  
>
> One caution about isopropanol. I keep a lot of 99% around for
> post-cleaning electronics assemblies, soldering, etc. I used to use it
> as a general cleaning and de-greasing agent for most vintage computer
> things until several plastic and a couple painted surfaces showed
> changes not in color but specular reflection. It's like a change in flat
> vs gloss where you could see my swirl marks, etc I made while cleaning.
> I was able to mostly smooth it out later with more diluted solution, but
> it surprised me. 
>
> If using isopropanol to clean, I recommend starting with a 70% or less
> (dilute with water) drug-store type solution first until you know your
> surface is safe. 
>
> Also when cleaning anything electronic, especially in dry winter, make
> sure you are well grounded. If your house is built on a slab and you
> have an exposed concrete floor in the lower level, consider moving your
> work-shop or work-area there! 
>
> -Alan 
>
> On 2017-01-19 12:18, Andy Cloud wrote: 
>
>> Hey all,
>>
>> So one of my recent acquisitions is looking quite grubby, outside it just
>> looks like surface dirt on the plastic, inside seems dusty/basement dirty.
>>
>> My question comes in two parts:
>>
>> 1. What do you use to clean the exterior plastic and/or metal if
>> applicable? I'm always worried about staining the plastic using strong
>> solvent... could you also include what type of cloth/sponge/anything you
>> use :)
>>
>> 2. You guessed it! What about internally? I've heard isopropyl is really
>> good, but how do you apply it? What do you use to apply it in order to make
>> the board shine as if it was just bought!? :D or if you use anything other
>> than isopropyl...
>>
>> I also have a bonus question, how do you ground yourself to ensure you
>> don't blow a component? Is an ESD wrist strap good enough?
>>
>> I absolutely love this group, really enjoyed your previous answers
>> regarding rarest/unusual machines!!
>>
>> -Andy
>  
>
First and foremost I set out what goal I'm trying to achieve. Things
like simple grime removal
or preparation for major repairs or simply a surface cleaning to remove
things like hand
prints. 

An example of surface cleaning would be a functional KayproII that needs
a dirty
crt and some external smudges removed.  For that glass and counter
cleaner may
be adequate.

Another was be a stack of PDP-11 Qbus boards from a shed.  Dirty maybe
some guano
or bugs and require testing and maybe repair.  Those will have all
labels accounted for
(markings and tags), then socketed chips removed and stored then into
the dishwasher
with a mild detergent.  After that a beak in a 160 degree oven
(dryout).   Then the boards
will be remarked if needed and socketed chips reinstalled pending
testing and repair.  A
though cleaning helps with flaky cheap sockets and getting them dried. 
It also removes
the grime layer that tends to contaminate soldering resulting in poor
joints.

In rare cases ( more likely radios) I use a pressure washer.  I had one
computer come to me
that was  intact but just plain filthy with dust, dirt and maybe
wildlife leavings.  Boards that
could be removed were and dish-washered.  The case and power supply was
pressure
washed with a mild detergents then rinsed.  Fortunately the late July
sun was intense enough
to dry it quickly.  Some parts were then removed for a bake (power
transformer).  Switches
were de-watered using isopropanol (91%) and air dried.  Any moving parts
were given a
suitable lubricant.  That machine after some minor repairs (bad side
wipe sockets) and
missing parts restored(SA400 drives) runs without issues and looks near
pristine.

Outer cases, I rarely resort to harsh materials.  Isopropanol is with
exception not used on
painted or plastic unless it can remove the specific gunk milder things
have not touched.
I've found  glass/counter cleaners and a soft rage to be adequate.  I do
not have an
anti-yellowed plastic fetish and generally leave it at clean unless I'm
trying to match parts.
Anything that brings plastic back usually does two things, weakens or
destroys the surface
finish and may lead to cracking or it just yellows faster.The latter
is significant as I tend
to keep things for a long time (decades).

Metal cases with damage or scratches are on a "it depends" basis.  I may
remove bends or
dents if it makes it easier to use or repair.  Paint I may or may not
touch up or completely redo.
I have a few that got a full paint job not to look like original but to
what I would have done if
purchased new (it was fugly, new paint!).  For those preservationists
don't have apoplexy
those are likely to be common.  If anything the highest is that I try to
do as little as possible
and just keep and use it.  

A lot of this reflects my underlying reasons for collecting.  First
being I always wanted one to
play with where time and dollars were not forthcoming to do so.  The
other is the occasional
true rare find 

Re: ISO: Honeywell DPS-6 things

[shadoooo]

Hello,
I'm remembering of an old post on vcfed, somebody found in the dump a lot
of tapes and floppies related to DPS6.
IIRC Al Kossow contacted the man to have the dump of the disks...
Maybe he has something?

Andrea

Re: Compatibility of 1101A and 1101A1

[allison]

On 01/20/2017 04:49 PM, dwight wrote:
> Most often, a number past the letter meant the speed.
>
> Usually a 1 indicated 100 ns but I don't know if that makes
1101s never hit 100ns.  The  slow parts were slower than 1uS
and the were some fast parts at 800ns.

Ever occur to look up the data sheet?

> sense for 1101As. I suspect it still means something related
>
> to the speed but I'm not sure what speed that might be.
Speed select but it varies with vendor and rough year.  For intel in the
mid 70s
I think that was 1uS from memory but the 8008 is so slow that should be
fast
enough.  The slowest had no trailing suffux and that was 1.6us


Allison
> My guess is that it would work at some speed.
>
> Dwight
>
>
> 
> From: cctalk  on behalf of Brad H 
> 
> Sent: Friday, January 20, 2017 12:19:24 PM
> To: 'General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts'
> Subject: Compatibility of 1101A and 1101A1
>
> I have some C1101A RAMs I was planning to use in my Mark-8 project.  I'm
> having trouble finding more, as previously mentioned because the price has
> shot up so much.  I'm wondering, I'm finding lots of P1101A1 RAMs with the
> correct date codes.. are those compatible with C1101A/P1101A?  I don't
> understand what the 1 at the end signifies.
>
>
>
>
>
>

Re: ISO: Honeywell DPS-6 things

[Fred Cisin]

On Fri, 20 Jan 2017, shad wrote:

Hello,
I'm remembering of an old post on vcfed, somebody found in the dump a lot
of tapes and floppies related to DPS6.
IIRC Al Kossow contacted the man to have the dump of the disks...
Maybe he has something?



In computers, "dump" isn't s'posed to mean landfill.

tu58fs - PDP-11 file sharing with TU58 tape emulator

[Jörg Hoppe]

Guys,

I'm working on a special TU58 emulator called "tu58fs".
It saves the "tape content" not only in a binary image file, but also as 
a file set in a shared directory on the host.


The content of the "tape" (as seen by the PDP) changes automatically as 
files are moved in and out of the shared dir.
This works in both direction: creating/changing/deleting a file on the 
"tape" modifies the files in the directory.


Today tu58fs passed the tests for standard XXDP tapes, good time to tell 
the world about it.


If you like to have a look (and play beta tester):

Docs on http://retrocmp.com/tools/tu58fs
C sources and makefile on https://github.com/j-hoppe/tu58fs

tu58fs is intended to be a general tool for easy file sharing between a 
PDP and the modern world. For this as much DEC filesystems as possible 
should be implemented.
We need more than XXDP, but I wasn't able to find documents about the 
structure of DOS-11, RT-11 or FILES-11/ODS-1.


Any links?

Joerg