RE: DEC Hard drives
Hi Stan Some one on the vintage computing forums was looking for a <1GB drive for an old DEC box. Certainly the VaxStation 3100 base model needs small disks like this. Yes the wonderful SCSI2SD will work but real drives are often wanted. Dave > -Original Message- > From: cctalk On Behalf Of stan via cctalk > Sent: 06 November 2018 03:43 > To: cctalk@classiccmp.org > Subject: DEC Hard drives > > I have a Digital RZ56 drive and a couple of Micropolis 1588 drives. > Is there any demand for these brick sized drives of cd-rom capacity, or should > I just recycle them? > > Stan
RE: DEC Hard drives
I am always interested in drives like this. I suspect others are too. Sent from my Windows 10 device From: stan via cctalk Sent: 06 November 2018 03:43 To: cctalk@classiccmp.org Subject: DEC Hard drives I have a Digital RZ56 drive and a couple of Micropolis 1588 drives. Is there any demand for these brick sized drives of cd-rom capacity, or should I just recycle them? Stan
Re: i860: Re: modern stuff
The i860 seemed to be everywhere in high end graphics for a brief period of time; it seems like everyone whose graphics had been several ganged Weitek units and their own execution engine to feed them switched to one or more i860 chips at once. (Wasn’t RealityEngine also i860?) Did Intel offer some sort of incentive to do so? Was the chip really all that for its day, as the contemporary deep dive in BYTE seemed to make it out to be? Or was it just an attempt to hedge and use something developers hoped would become a commodity with successive backwards-compatible generations like Intel’s CPUs? — Chris Sent from my iPad > On Nov 2, 2018, at 1:53 PM, Marc Howard via cctalk > wrote: > > I designed the video section of that board set (VX/MVX). The VX had an > i860 + a very large 32 bit frame buffer. It also had and 2nd 8 bit frame > buffer based two custom Sun chips that was used for the window system. The > video could switch between the two frame buffers on a per-pixel basis. The > output format of the larger frame buffer was micro-programmable; some VXs > were used by Sarnoff Labs in early development of the HDTV standard. > > The MVX had four i860s and a very wide (256 bits?) high speed connection to > the VX. > > Oh, and the guys that developed the chip set for 2D graphics? They left > and founded a little company called Nvidia. Sigh. > > Marc
Re: HP-Apollo 9000/425t RAM
To follow up on this with what I’ve learned: As expected, lots of places online will say they have a thing on their web site, and then when you ask for a quote they won’t actually have it. However, ServerWorlds not only had HP 98229-66524 16MB memory modules listed, they also had a price and in-stock quantity listed! So I ordered a couple to try. https://www.serverworlds.com/hp-98229-66524-16mb-simm/ They have a whole lot fewer now, because it turns out that despite what it says in the HP-Apollo 9000/400 Series Owner’s Guide, the 425t *does* support 16MB modules! My system comes right up, all self tests pass and it says it has 32MB of memory with two modules. So I’ve ordered six more to get to 128MB. In the worst case, I figure it’ll only allow me to put half that in, and I can pass the memory along to someone else who buys a 9000/375, 380, or 400 series with no RAM. All that said I’m quite surprised MAME doesn’t include HP-Apollo 9000/400 series emulation. The hardware is very similar to the 9000/380, which is supported, and several Apollo DN series systems are also supported… Hopefully I can install Domain/OS on a virtual disk using MAME (using the same node ID) and just blast the raw bits to a SCSI disk to make something bootable. Anyone know whether that wouldn’t work? — Chris
Re: Modcomp aquired
On Mon, Nov 05, 2018 at 05:48:22PM -0500, devin davison via cctalk wrote: > Soon to be picked up and brought home. Lots of documentation with it as > well. Christmas came early, eager to get it home and set up. Nice! mcl
DEC Hard drives
I have a Digital RZ56 drive and a couple of Micropolis 1588 drives. Is there any demand for these brick sized drives of cd-rom capacity, or should I just recycle them? Stan
Re: Datasheet for a NEC Chip in DEC Professional 350
On 11/04/2018 08:10 AM, Rob Jarratt via cctech wrote: >> -Original Message- >> From: Tony Duell [mailto:ard.p850...@gmail.com] >> Sent: 04 November 2018 12:42 >> To: r...@jarratt.me.uk; Jarratt RMA ; General >> Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts >> Subject: Re: Datasheet for a NEC Chip in DEC Professional 350 >> >> On Sun, Nov 4, 2018 at 12:37 PM Rob Jarratt via cctalk >> wrote: >>> I have posted previously about a DEC Pro 350 I am trying to get >>> working again. At the moment it seems to be constantly resetting the CPU. >>> >>> >>> >>> I have traced one possible path for the cause of this back to a NEC >>> chip for which I cannot find a datasheet. It is a 40-pin DIP it is >>> marked "NEC Japan >>> 8239K6 D7201C". All I have been able to find is more modern USB host >>> controllers. >> Almost certainly a uPD7201 multi-protocol (asynchronous and synchronous) >> serial chip. I have an NEC data book with it in if all else fails but a >> google >> search for 'uPD7201 datasheet' (no quotes) found sites with the data sheet >> to download as a .pdf file. >> >> Quite why that should reset the machine is beyond me > I have been trying to find what is driving this path in the logic and this > chip was the only one I for which I couldn't identify the pins, but it seems > that from this datasheet > (https://datasheet4u.com/datasheet-pdf-file/1098405/NEC/UPD7201/1) they are > all inputs and not outputs. So I need to look again for an output pin that is > driving this signal. > > Thanks > > Rob > Rob, you need to have the drawing for the PRO-350, and read it. Reset on the F11 chipset is generally part of Pwr-OK and if reset is bouncing likely power is NOT ok. FYI the 7201 is MPSC a dual multiprotocol serial chip not unlike the Z80-SIO. Likely the system wide reset is coming from the power OK generation as you seeing hardware reset into the MPSC. Hint: the pro350 is basically an 11/23 in a different form factor. Allison
Re: PDP8/a Initial Power Up
Welcome – and watch out where you stick those probes: EEVBlog - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaELqAo4kkQ Sent from Mail for Windows 10
Re: i860: Re: modern stuff
I designed the video section of that board set (VX/MVX). The VX had an i860 + a very large 32 bit frame buffer. It also had and 2nd 8 bit frame buffer based two custom Sun chips that was used for the window system. The video could switch between the two frame buffers on a per-pixel basis. The output format of the larger frame buffer was micro-programmable; some VXs were used by Sarnoff Labs in early development of the HDTV standard. The MVX had four i860s and a very wide (256 bits?) high speed connection to the VX. Oh, and the guys that developed the chip set for 2D graphics? They left and founded a little company called Nvidia. Sigh. Marc On Fri, Nov 2, 2018 at 5:34 AM Michael Thompson via cctalk < cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote: > > > > Date: Wed, 31 Oct 2018 14:29:18 -0700 > > From: Eric Korpela > > Subject: Re: i860: Re: modern stuff > > > > A Google search on Skybolt i860 produces interesting results. > > >Additional realtime signal processing > > > capability is provided by four Skybolt i860-based VMEbus single-board > > > computers with 240 MFLOPS peak combined capacity. > > > -- > > > Remember when 240 MFLOPS was a lot? > > > > That's the board that I have. > > Quad i860 on a 9Ux400 VME board. > > Its in a Sun 4/280 development system. > > > -- > Michael Thompson >
Re: PDP8/a Initial Power Up (Columbia Valley Maker Space)
Hi, Most of the documentation is found here: http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/pdp8/pdp8a/ For some basic testing look here: http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/pdp8/pdp8a/EK-8A001-OP-002_PDP-8A_Operators_Handbook_Sep76.pdf in chapter 5.1 (pdf page number 48). To do basic memory read and write: Press MD and DISP (memory data register will be displayed on the four digits) Then press 0200 and LA (load address) Press 5050 and D-THIS (deposit to memory on this adress, no increment). Press E-THIS (examine on this memory address, no increment) and you should get the same result back. Another good place to be is to post in the DEC category on the VCFED forum: http://www.vcfed.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?23-DEC Good luck! /Anders > Date: Fri, 02 Nov 2018 08:56:08 -0700 > From: Columbia Valley Maker Space > To: cctalk@classiccmp.org > Subject: PDP8/a Initial Power Up > Message-ID: <27c485c4ae4ef3a32a0756739e85c...@cvmakerspace.ca> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII > > Hello everyone - my first post, so be easy on me! > > I have just acquired a PDP8/a and a Remex punch tape reader. The unit > starts up and displays some data on the displays, and that is about all > I can tell you. > > I am going to do some googling about this, but I am looking for basic > initial tests something I can enter via the keypad. > > I learnt some basic programming in 1978 on a PDP8, but that was the last > time I touched one, so if you are going to suggest some tests, I need > complete instructions. I don't know how to modify a memory location, let > alone enter and check a program. I will pick all this back up very > quickly and I do use computers in my work a lot - I am also an > electronic hobby guy and have been for years. My point is I am OK with > component level measurements, I have a scope and probes, etc. > > So there you go - hope to hear back form you guys. > > Cheers, > > Brian > > -- > Brian McIntosh > Columbia Valley Maker Space Communications Guy > i...@cvmakerspace.ca > 250 270 0689
Re: PDP8/a Initial Power Up
> > Date: Fri, 02 Nov 2018 08:56:08 -0700 > From: Columbia Valley Maker Space > Subject: PDP8/a Initial Power Up > > Hello everyone - my first post, so be easy on me! > > I have just acquired a PDP8/a and a Remex punch tape reader. The unit > starts up and displays some data on the displays, and that is about all > I can tell you. > > I am going to do some googling about this, but I am looking for basic > initial tests something I can enter via the keypad. > > I learnt some basic programming in 1978 on a PDP8, but that was the last > time I touched one, so if you are going to suggest some tests, I need > complete instructions. I don't know how to modify a memory location, let > alone enter and check a program. I will pick all this back up very > quickly and I do use computers in my work a lot - I am also an > electronic hobby guy and have been for years. My point is I am OK with > component level measurements, I have a scope and probes, etc. > > So there you go - hope to hear back form you guys. > > Cheers, > > Brian > > -- > Brian McIntosh > Columbia Valley Maker Space Communications Guy > i...@cvmakerspace.ca > 250 270 0689 > Try the toggle-in tests that are here: https://www.pdp8online.com/pdp8cgi/query_docs/tifftopdf.pl/pdp8docs/toggle_in_programs.pdf -- Michael Thompson
Re: PDP8/a Initial Power Up
On Fri, 2 Nov 2018, Columbia Valley Maker Space via cctalk wrote: Hello everyone - my first post, so be easy on me! I have just acquired a PDP8/a and a Remex punch tape reader. The unit starts up and displays some data on the displays, and that is about all I can tell you. I am going to do some googling about this, but I am looking for basic initial tests something I can enter via the keypad. I learnt some basic programming in 1978 on a PDP8, but that was the last time I touched one, so if you are going to suggest some tests, I need complete instructions. I don't know how to modify a memory location, let alone enter and check a program. I will pick all this back up very quickly and I do use computers in my work a lot - I am also an electronic hobby guy and have been for years. My point is I am OK with component level measurements, I have a scope and probes, etc. So there you go - hope to hear back form you guys. So: power on. Power key up, boot & panel-lock down. Display memory: MD DISP You should see the MD LED light up. Enter an address: 0200 then LA then E-THIS That will give you the value of location 0200. Enter a number - e.g. 1234 then D-Next will enter that number into the displayed address and advance the program counter by one. Simple program: 20100 *100 3 00100 COUNTER,0 4 50200 *0200 6 00200 7300 CLA CLL 7 00201 3100 dca COUNTER 8 9 DELAY, 10 00202 2100 ISZ COUNTER 11 00203 5202 JMP DELAY 12 13 00204 7001 iac 14 00205 5202 JMP DELAY Numbers in the 3rd column are the ones you enter in. So MD DISP, then: LXA 0200 LA 7300 D-Next 3100 D-Next 2100 D-Next 5202 D-Next 7001 D-Next 5202 D-Next Check with 0200 LA D-This (Should see 7300), then D-Next, etc. Start: LXA 0200 LA INIT RUN then display the accumulator (AC DISP) and you should see it counting in octal It was probably controlling a CNC machine until recently - that combination was very popular and what mine was used for until it was decomissioned only a few years back. There are still some in-use today! Mine: https://lion.drogon.net/IMG_20180128_095121.jpg I don't have the tape drive, and I did a one-wire mod to the IO board to allow for TTL level serial out so I could connect it to a TTL serial USB adapter on a Pi. Always check the display mode - make sure in MD mode when changing or looking at memory. Have fun, and good luck! Gordon
RE: Modcomp aquired
>Soon to be picked up and brought home. Lots of documentation with it as >well. Christmas came early, eager to get it home and set up. What a beauty! In amazing condition. Modcomp have a place in my heart, as an earlier Modcomp was the front-end communications processor for Tektronix' Control Data Cyber 73. I was a systems manager (as it was called then) on the Cyber. The Modcomp was rock solid reliable. I don't ever recall having any kind of problem with the Modcomp. It just ran and ran. When the Cyber was to be shut down, all you had to do was halt the Modcomp, then when the Cyber was to be brought back up, two switch presses on the Modcomp (can't remember the first key, perhaps something like INIT), then START, and it was ready to go for when the Cyber came up. -Rick -- Rick Bensene The Old Calculator Museum http://oldcalculatormuseum.com
Re: Modcomp aquired
Devin said > Soon to be picked up and brought home. Lots of documentation with it as > well. Christmas came early, eager to get it home and set up. > > https://postimg.cc/gallery/wb1z90m2/ > > > --Devin D. > There's something rather quaint about a classic computer actually having 'CLASSIC' on its front panel, nice find. In the Tidbinbilla NASA Deep Space tracking station near Canberra Oz there is an older Modcomp on display in the museum there complete with two Diablo 31's. It was the 'Telemetry Processor Assembly' installed in 1978, replaced 1993. I have some photos of it somewhere. Steve.
Re: Modcomp aquired
congrats look great! I remember way back I met one of their reps and he was telling me some of these were using in airplane simulators too. In a message dated 11/5/2018 3:48:41 PM US Mountain Standard Time, cctalk@classiccmp.org writes: Soon to be picked up and brought home. Lots of documentation with it as well. Christmas came early, eager to get it home and set up. https://postimg.cc/gallery/wb1z90m2/ --Devin D.
Re: Modcomp aquired
Congrats! With that colour scheme, that's one gorgeous front panel. Zane > On Nov 5, 2018, at 2:48 PM, devin davison via cctalk > wrote: > > Soon to be picked up and brought home. Lots of documentation with it as > well. Christmas came early, eager to get it home and set up. > > https://postimg.cc/gallery/wb1z90m2/ > > > --Devin D.
Modcomp aquired
Soon to be picked up and brought home. Lots of documentation with it as well. Christmas came early, eager to get it home and set up. https://postimg.cc/gallery/wb1z90m2/ --Devin D.
Rugged Nova
I got into the Data General scene in the late 1990's, when I received an Eclipse as a gift from a client who no longer needed it. In my search for docs, software, and other information I met some interesting people. One was in the Navy in the 1980's in data processing. He recounted to me: I was visiting a hangar where machines were being warehoused and tested prior to acceptance. I saw a lot of odd tests conducted, shocks, water, fire, smoke, the works, or so I thought. Once when there I saw a Hawk (That was a Data General milspec 'Eagle' - Eclipse 32 bit machine) suspended by chains from the overhead of the hangar. I was mesmerized as two weights were released from two chains on opposite sides of the machine as it was running. The two weights slammed into the sides of the machine at approximately the same time and the results were pretty spectacular. It sounded like someone blew up the Liberty bell, or crashed a VW into a lightpole. The machine continued to function! Most of the things that went on around there were classified to some degree or other and one got used to not asking questions, but as I looked over in bewilderment to my buddy in the group of tester, he said to me darkly "Depth Charges". Jeff
Re: ROLM 1601 (RuggedNova) 1970 Brochure
Hi Bill, thanks again for your considerations! --- Bill Degnan wrote: > BTW - there is no evidence that the 1601 was not produced > at all, is there? No, there is no evidence. But they founded ROLM in 1969 and they had no experience on designing a MIL-SPEC computer (until than only highly specialized MIL-SPEC computers had been designed taking years each) and only limited experience on computers at all. So I can hardly imagine, that they founded ROLM, agreed with DG on the architecture, developed the design, implemented the shock and heat management, tested against the MIL-SPECs set up production within only 2 years. Here is a nice video of a discussion with the founders recorded by the CHM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyTuxVQgw6c > The brochure came from a local office near where I used to live in > New Jersey USA. It could be that very few were made Yes, maybe some where made for trade shows and to try out how to build a MIL-SPEC computer. But regarding commercial sales I am still sceptic (no proof as you say)... Thanks, Erik.
Re: ROLM 1601 (RuggedNova) 1970 Brochure
BTW - there is no evidence that the 1601 was not produced at all, is there? The brochure came from a local office near where I used to live in New Jersey USA. It could be that very few were made, what I need to do is cross reference with other sources I may have. b On Mon, Nov 5, 2018 at 12:16 PM erik--- via cctalk wrote: > > Hi Bill! > > --- Bill Degnan wrote: > > I may have more 1601 stuff, if I find I will scan and post > > Many thanks for your efforts - these documents look very interesting. > Given the fact, that Rolm was founded in 1969, I really guess that by > the time the brochure was printed, no running hardware existed at all. > Maybe they had first PCBs and an idea how to implement the Nova > architecture using the MIL SPEC chips available. So the 1601 probably > only exists on paper! > > > . I know there is the upcoming Nova event so I > > As Will mentioned, this was 10 days ago. It was really a cool > event with lot of interesting people and their reminiscences and > memories from the good old days where very exciting! I had some > slides on the impact of the Nova architecture on military com- > puting, but the 1601 of course was missing in my time-line... > > Have a good time and best wishes, > >Erik. > > >
Re: ROLM 1601 (RuggedNova) 1970 Brochure
Hi Bill! --- Bill Degnan wrote: > I may have more 1601 stuff, if I find I will scan and post Many thanks for your efforts - these documents look very interesting. Given the fact, that Rolm was founded in 1969, I really guess that by the time the brochure was printed, no running hardware existed at all. Maybe they had first PCBs and an idea how to implement the Nova architecture using the MIL SPEC chips available. So the 1601 probably only exists on paper! > . I know there is the upcoming Nova event so I As Will mentioned, this was 10 days ago. It was really a cool event with lot of interesting people and their reminiscences and memories from the good old days where very exciting! I had some slides on the impact of the Nova architecture on military com- puting, but the 1601 of course was missing in my time-line... Have a good time and best wishes, Erik.
