Re: WTB: Amiga 8375 Agnus IC (NTSC or PAL) or Amiga 600 motherboard

[Robert via cctalk]

Ethan

I probably have one. More likely to be NTSC than PAL - I'll look. What
do they go for, these days?

Cheers
Robert

On Thu, Nov 12, 2020 at 10:43 AM Ethan O'Toole via cctalk
 wrote:
>
>
> Looking for an Amiga 8375 Agnus IC (Amiga 600, Amiga 500 Plus.) NTSC is
> what I have now but the PAL version might work.
>
> Also interested in an Amiga 600 motherboard, can deal with it if bad caps
> and cap damage.
>
> Thanks
>
>
> --
> : Ethan O'Toole
>
>

Re: Kennedy 9800 - Power-up tips?

[Robert via cctalk]

I'm under caffeinated and not really with it yet, having recently gone semi
nocturnal, so you'll want to double check this with someone who's actually
awake.

That said, variacs aren't a universal panacea and can sometimes be harmful
rather than helpful.  My disorganized memory is offering TVs as an example,
but take that with a pinch of salt. I've only ever used them with tube
radios and amps, so have nothing further to offer,  save this caution.

-- 
Robert


On Thu, Apr 23, 2020, 10:59 AM Anders Nelson via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> Cool, thanks for your take. I found some articles:
>
>-
>
> http://www.angelfire.com/electronic/funwithtubes/steps_to_first_power_on.html
>- http://www.angelfire.com/electronic/funwithtubes/Restore_cap.html
>
> Given this unit doesn't have any tubes, I imagine the motor drivers/amps in
> this thing would simply go to zero output with shorted caps. The PSU might
> blow the fuse and/or rectifier with a shorted bulk output cap. This unit is
> very difficult to remove from the rack it's in so I'm trying to avoid
> preemptive repairs.
>
> I'm going to pick up a variac on Amazon when I finish up some other things:
>
> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076Y2XHRS/ref=twister_B07G5BHXYV
>
> Happy to hear any constructive criticism.
>
> --
> Anders Nelson
>
> +1 (517) 775-6129
>
> www.erogear.com
>
>
> On Thu, Apr 23, 2020 at 12:37 AM "Grif" w. keith griffith via cctalk <
> cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:
>
> >
> > At least in radio repair of old equipment old electrolytic caps
> > cause all sorts of issues. Most of the guys doing restoration do a total
> > remove/replace on them.  In my opinion,,, I think that's a little
> > extreme,,, but then having one fail after all the other work is done is
> > also a PITA.
> >
> >
> > On 4/20/20 11:15 AM, Anders Nelson via cctalk wrote:
> > > Hi friends,
> > >
> > > Now that I have enough hobby time having quit my job two weeks before
> the
> > > apocalypse, I'm interested in poking at my Kennedy 9800 tape controller
> > > project.
> > >
> > > I bought the tape unit in Q3 2017 and the seller said they had powered
> it
> > > up and nothing seemed awry. I have not powered it up and reading about
> > old
> > > electrolytic cap issues I'm curious if I should do anything beyond
> > replace
> > > any obviously leaking/ruptured capacitors.
> > >
> > > IIRC people have used a variac to gradually bring the power supply up
> to
> > > operating voltage and somewhat refresh the capacitors - is this a
> thing?
> > Is
> > > this advisable?
> > >
> > > Any help is appreciated!
> > > --
> > > Anders Nelson
> > >
> > > www.erogear.com
> >
> >
> >
>

Re: pull-out console tables Re: General Automation SPC 16 on eBay

[Robert via cctalk]

On Sat, Oct 12, 2019 at 5:31 PM Steve Malikoff via cctalk
 wrote:
>
>One other interesting thing I recall with the SPC-16 was that it had a < 
>1RU-high pull-out
> table for putting a manual on when toggling. IIRC this is the grey panel/bar 
> immediately
> below the console as shown in the eBay photos.
>
> It seemed a really great idea but I've not seen any similar programmer 
> console benches in
> other 70s minicomputers, although a 1978 DEC catalog I have shows they had 
> one available
> as part no. A-H950-G for the H960. The line drawing seems to show it folds 
> down rather than
> slides in like the GA one.
>

I have two 1U tables that came with my pdp11/34. They are the pull out
type and do not fold down. I don't know whether they are DEC OEM or
third party, though and either is possible as the rack that it came in
was not DEC OEM either.

I'm not able to look at them right now, as they're in my workshop,
while I'm at home but I'll try to remember to examine them when I'm
out there next week to see if I can find any part numbers or other
markings.

-- 
Robert

Re: IBM MST extender cards

[Robert via cctalk]

On Thu, Oct 10, 2019 at 11:29 PM Mark Linimon via cctalk
 wrote:
>
> On Fri, Oct 11, 2019 at 10:16:34AM +1000, Steve Malikoff via cctalk wrote:
> > That wire wrap tool is identical to one my dad had in his CE toolkit
>
> I ... should take it from this that people don't just *own* these anymore?

One of mine has a gold coloured handle, but is otherwise very similar.
I can't remember when I last used it.

Somewhere, I have a box full of wire wrap tools. I keep meaning to dig
it out and go through it, or at least drop it off at the local
consignment place, but I never seem to get round to it. There always
seems to be more to do than there is time to do it in.

Heck, I'm only replying to this because I'm off sick, today!

-- 
Robert

Re: 9-Track Magtape Drive ID

[Robert via cctalk]

Looks like a Kennedy 9000 series, with the sliding panel and all.

On Sat, Jun 1, 2019 at 12:53 PM Mark J. Blair via cctalk
 wrote:
>
> Does anybody here recognize the make and model of this tape drive?
>
> https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D7_mfdfUIAMcTly.jpg
>
> --
> Mark J. Blair, NF6X 
> http://www.nf6x.net/
>

Re: ATEX PDP-11 For Sale in Houston

[Robert via cctalk]

On Tue, Apr 16, 2019 at 7:48 PM Jon Elson via cctalk
 wrote:
>
>
> Wasn't the /34 all TTL?

I'm pretty sure that my 11/34 is. That was a large part of its appeal to me.

I should get back to it, when I have a minute...

-- Robert

Re: Free: 2x DEC Alpha workstations - 164LX and XP1000

[Robert via cctalk]

Hi Arun

If the DEC Alpha workstations are still available I may be able to
take them, thanks. I live in Amarillo but have a brother in law who
lives in San Marcos and works in Austin - I'm sure that he's be
willing to pick them up for me and hold them until I'm next down that
way.

Let me know, please.

Thanks
Robert

On Mon, Feb 18, 2019 at 11:27 AM K. Arun via cctalk
 wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> I have a couple of Alpha workstations that were last used 5-6 years ago
> with some version of Tru64 on them. They haven't been turned on since, and
> may need some work to get running again. They're free to anyone who thinks
> they can use them, and can pick them up from the 78722 zip code (near UT
> Austin).  Please contact me off-list to co-ordinate pickup.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Arun

Re: OT Parts houses & scrappers

[Robert via cctalk]

I spoke with Mike, last year, around the time they were closing their
doors. I'm fuzzy on the details, now, but dimly recall something about
them possibly trying to hold on to much of the stock, despite losing
the warehouse, with the possibility of reopening in some shape or
form.

With that said, he didn't reply to emails sent after that and I'm not
aware of any further action on that front, so don't hold out much
hope.

-- 
Robert

On Sat, Jan 26, 2019 at 6:31 PM Glen Slick via cctalk
 wrote:
>
> On Fri, Jan 25, 2019 at 9:48 AM Jay West via cctech
>  wrote:
> >
> > Kudos to Jesse for working with me offlist, I feel I've gotten a good deal. 
> > I appreciate the offers to help purchase, very much, but I got this taken 
> > care of directly with Jesse and I'm happy.
> >
> > We have to understand, as others pointed out, that if no one speaks up for 
> > stuff at a price that can keep the parts houses in business then the parts 
> > won't be around. By the same token, the parts houses have to know we can't 
> > pay typical full price that corporations/military can. We must be willing 
> > to pay something above scrap value, of course.
> >
> > I ask folks to keep an open mind and give Jesse a fair shake moving forward.
>
> Also, the dealers in this gear disappear over time if they can't stay
> in business. I bought some HP cables from 360 Technologies
> (360tech.com) last year and now they are gone. Anyone know what
> happened to whatever was left of their stock? Is Monterey Bay
> Communications (www.montbay.com) still in business or have they been
> gone for a while? I think I sent them an email inquiry a few months
> back and never got a response. Any other dealers with HP 1000 gear
> that are still in business?

Re: Old HP stuff

[Robert via cctalk]

If we're making a list, I need an HP 8120-4098 interconnect cable for
9836C to  monitor.

I'm also looking for a keyboard for a 9816, but that's a much longer shot...

Thanks
-- 
Robert
On Wed, Dec 19, 2018 at 8:54 AM Electronics Plus via cctalk
 wrote:
>
> Thanks for all the replies! Based on the responses I got, this is the
> specific request list that I just emailed him:
>
>
>
> anything HP 1000 related is interesting. HP 2100, HP 21MX 2113 2117,
> A-Series A400 A600 A700 A900 A990, etc.
>
>
>
> are all 21MX/2100-series:
>
> HP 12908A Writable Control Store Interface Kit (PCA 12908-60002) HP 12908B
> Writable Control Store Interface Kit (PCA 12908-60006) HP 12908-60003 Jumper
> Board Assembly HP 12908-60005 Backplane Jumper Assembly HP 12908-60008
> Jumper Board Assembly
>
> HP 12978A Writable Control Store (PCA 12978-60006) HP 12978-60006 Jumper
> Cable Assembly
>
> HP 02100-60018 Cable Assembly (need two!) HP 02100-60052 Connector Assembly
>
>
>
> an HP HIL mouse (so not PS/2), preferably 3-button
>
>
>
> HP apollo 735/125 power supply part # 0950-2081 (Astec). It comes from a
> workstation, A2608A or  A2841A
>
>
>
> HP 9000, whether it's the /200, /300, /400, /700, or /800 series
>
>
>
> The prices I see for this equipment online are stiff! May I assume (and yes,
> I know what that spells) that you guys are looking for machines in the sub
> $200 class, not $2000 like some sites have posted? Equipment from the
> recycler is so much cheaper, but strictly as-is.
>
>
>
> Cindy Croxton
>
> Electronics Plus
>
> 1613 Water Street
>
> Kerrville, TX 78028
>
> 830-370-3239 cell
>
> sa...@elecplus.com
>
>
>
>
>
> ---
> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
> https://www.avast.com/antivirus

Re: Looking for HP 1000 A990 backplane jumper board and memory frontplane

[Robert via cctalk]

I remember you mentioning wanting one of those when I got my 1000 A900
kit, Glen.

I don't have a spare but I'd be willing to take some photos and
measurements of mine, if that might help somebody to make one.

-- 
Robert
On Wed, Oct 3, 2018 at 2:31 PM Glen Slick via cctalk
 wrote:
>
> I have an HP 1000 A900 20-slot box with a working 4 card CPU set
> (sequencer, data path, cache control, memory controller). I also have
> a 12990-60102 A990 CPU card that would replace the 4 A900 CPU cards
> and install in place of the A900 memory controller card.
>
> What I don't have is the 12990-60020 jumper board that would install
> in the A900 backplane instead of the A900 sequencer, data path, and
> cache control cards, nor a 12230-60001, 12230-60002, 12230-60003, or
> 12230-60004 memory frontplane to connect the A990 CPU to one or more
> memory array cards.
>
> I'm not very hopeful, but is there any chance anyone on the list
> happens to have a spare HP 1000 A990 12990-60020 jumper board, and/or
> a 12230-60001, 12230-60002, 12230-60003, or 12230-60004 memory
> frontplane that they would be willing to part with? Not expecting
> these for free.
>
> These might be parts that 360 Technologies had before they recently
> closed up shop, although if they did they probably expected business
> critical prices for them.
>
> (For reference, the HP Museum site has a copy of the HP 1000 A990
> Upgrade (HP 12990C) Installation and Service Manual, 12990-90011).

Re: Advice requested on proper disposal of Seagate ST3000DM001 disk drives

[Robert via cctalk]

If my memory of O Level chemistry classes is anything to go by, the
idea was that you used a piece of Magnesium ribbon to ignite it. I
don't recall Manganese Dioxide being part of the recipe.
On Thu, Sep 20, 2018 at 10:20 PM Eric Smith via cctalk
 wrote:
>
> Anyone have advice on making thermite? Ingredients, sources, proportions?
>
> The internet seems to think that just using aluminum powder with ferric
> oxide is relatively hard to ignite, and that some manganese dioxide would
> help with that.
>
> Without spending too much time shopping, it looks like I can get:
> * aluminum powder, 5 micron, 2 lb for $34
> * ferric oxide, 10 lb for $27
> * manganese dioxide, 1 lb for $39

Re: Got a kidney!

[Robert via cctalk]

Not being very active on this list, I hadn't realized that you needed
one. I'm delighted to hear that you got one and wish you a full and
speedy recovery.
-- 
Robert

On Sat, Jul 14, 2018 at 2:14 PM, Daniel Seagraves via cctalk
 wrote:
> Got the call yesterday. Transplant operation was a success. Still at the 
> hospital recovering. Will update when able.
>

Re: 360 Technologies selloff

[Robert via cctalk]

I just called, looking for a cable. Mike said they were selling the
building and the plotter side of the business, but it sounded like the
HP side might be coming back in some shape or form.

--
Robert

Re: Lots of old DEC stuff

[Robert via cctalk]

When I click on the link I don't get taken to any particular ebay
seller. Rather, I get a general ebay search for "DEC", from all
sellers. The results include both items that are relevant to vintage
computing and items that are completely unrelated to it.

Robert

On Thu, Jun 14, 2018 at 1:18 PM, Electronics Plus via cctalk
 wrote:
> This guy is an eBay seller. I think he is a recycler. He has over 185,000
> DEC items listed! Not affiliated with seller, etc.
>
>
>
> https://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?
>  &_nkw=DEC&_sacat=0
>
>
>
>
>
> Cindy Croxton
>
>
>
>
>
> ---
> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
> https://www.avast.com/antivirus

Re: HP 9000-236 (9836CU) video cable.

[Robert via cctalk]

Thanks, chaps.

Tony: That pinout is great, many thanks! It will help me if I have to
build a cable.

I don't suppose that there's a part number on yours? If there are any
for sale the p/n might help me find one.

Rico: If I have any HP-UX it will be on one of several SC80 hard
drives - I have no removable media. I don't know about the 200 series
- my 9816 has no keyboard and I haven't even begun to think about
solving that problem.

Robert

On Tue, May 22, 2018 at 12:07 PM, Tony Duell <ard.p850...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Tue, May 22, 2018 at 5:56 PM, Robert via cctalk
> <cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:
>> My latest score is an HP 9836CU (so, color with a 68010 CPU and HP-UX
>> support) with a 98625A disk interface. I got the matching monitor, but
>> I didn't get the video cable.
>>
>> Googling turns up that it's a very proprietary interface, but I could
>> find nothing about the cable. It's a 15 pin D-sub at each end and I'm
>> hoping that it's just straight through, but have been unable to verify
>> that.
>>
>> Does anybody know? Or Is there anybody that has a 9836C or CU and
>> would be willing to examine the video cable, please?
>
> The original cable has moulded connectors so I can't examine the
> internal wiring.
>
> It _is_ straight-through electrically, but there is a catch. There are 3
> coaxial cables (and some plain wires) in there. The coaxial cables,
> I guess 75 ohm characteristic impedance, carry the video signals.
> They seem to be wired :
>
> Red : centre to 12, shield to 13
> Green : centre to 10, shield to 2
> Blue : centre to 9, shield to 1.
>
> The other pins are, as far as I know, plain wires. There is probably
> an overall shield, grounded to pin 8
>
> The pinout, AFAIK, is :
> 1 : Blue shield
> 2 : Green shield
> 3 : ground
> 4 : ground
> 5: N/C
> 6 : ground
> 7 : +12V (computer to monitor, to cause the latter to turn on)
> 8 : ground (overall shield?)
>
> 9 : Blue
> 10 : Green
> 11 : HSync
> 12 : Red
> 13 : Red shield
> 14 : VBlank
> 15 : VSync
>
> Syncs and blanking are TTL levels, the video signal are current
> (not voltage) levels, sourced by the monitor and sunk by the
> computer.
>
> -tony

HP 9000-236 (9836CU) video cable.

[Robert via cctalk]

My latest score is an HP 9836CU (so, color with a 68010 CPU and HP-UX
support) with a 98625A disk interface. I got the matching monitor, but
I didn't get the video cable.

Googling turns up that it's a very proprietary interface, but I could
find nothing about the cable. It's a 15 pin D-sub at each end and I'm
hoping that it's just straight through, but have been unable to verify
that.

Does anybody know? Or Is there anybody that has a 9836C or CU and
would be willing to examine the video cable, please?

Thanks
Robert

Re: Personal Communications

[Robert via cctalk]

> Mazzini Alessandro wrote:
> Ehm
>
> Where are the messages ?

Must be a mail client issue. I saw them, along with two attachments to boot.

Robert

Re: Next 'stack' of computers to go, IBM p7's - not classics this time

[Robert via cctalk]

> Noel Chiappa wrote:
>
> https://www.pakmail.com/

I'll second Noel's point about Pakmail. I used them to send a big
AS/400 to Canada once. They charged $200 for the 250 mile round trip
to collect it, plus crating & freight.

In fact, if Mark doesn't go for it I may be tempted...

Robert

Re: Pertec P4010 pictures, Maybe was 2 long lost Systems needs OS

[Robert via cctalk]

Damn, but that's pretty! Looks like the FDD is 5.25"?

I see that you, like I, are a frequent purchaser of Harbor Freight
furniture dollies. Everything big and heavy, that doesn't have its own
wheels, goes on one. That lets me move them around the workshop. It's
a bit like Tetris, except you're inside the game.

-- 
Robert

On Fri, Mar 9, 2018 at 4:22 PM, Jerry Wright via cctalk
 wrote:
> Date: Fri, 9 Mar 2018 04:53:27 + (UTC)
> From: Jerry Wright 
> To: "cctalk@classiccmp.org" 
> Subject: 2 long lost systems Needs OS
> Message-ID: <1082292210.13919302.1520571207...@mail.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
> Hi All,? I still looking for the OS media or any manuals for 2 systems 1 is a 
> OSM Zues 4 Early Z80 System,the other is? a Pertec p4010 mini. which uses 
> coax to the terminals.? I can find a little bit on the Pertec 3200 but 
> nothing on the 4010.
> Thanks, Jerry
> Here are a few pictures of the P4010
>  Try this again. Let me know it ti fails
>
> - Jerry
>
> https://www.dropbox.com/sh/xsa6xu6fn9ct6db/AAC93v0xdy0nSuOJQ-1ApGbta?dl=0
>
>
>
>
>

Re: FTGH: Unknown extender card

[Robert via cctalk]

On Sun, Mar 4, 2018 at 6:40 AM, Noel Chiappa via cctalk
 wrote:

> A couple of people have replied privately telling me it's for a Motorola
> EXORbus/EXORciser.

Wasn't EXORbus keyed? I don't see a keyway in the photo.

Robert

Re: HP 1000 system in Europe

[Robert via cctalk]

Some more info would be nice.

Also, a word of caution. I have two  HP 1000/A900 systems and I gave
myself a hernia last weekend, moving them.

Robert

On Thu, Mar 1, 2018 at 7:49 AM, GerardCJAT via cctech
 wrote:
> NICE system  !!
>
> I would have love it but hadn't room for it  too sad  :-((
>
> Where did in goes ??? ( Which country, in Europ, I think ?  )
>
> Gerard

Re: Shipping a Flexowriter

[Robert via cctalk]

+2 for Pak Mail. I used their Plainview TX franchise, last year, to
send an AS/400e, with expansion chassis, all the way from Texas to
Canada.

They came and collected it (a 250 mile round trip), built a crate for
it and sent it LTL freight. The recipient was happy.

On Thu, Mar 1, 2018 at 2:38 PM, Curious Marc via cctalk
 wrote:
> +1 on Pak Mail too.
> Marc
>
>> On Feb 27, 2018, at 12:12 PM, Chuck Guzis via cctalk  
>> wrote:
>>
>>> On 02/27/2018 11:37 AM, Ed Sharpe wrote:
>>> *In my  case  lady  worked at a  warehouse and had  her  people  palate
>>> and strap the  3 ttys!  saved $$   Pack mail is  great though  to  pack
>>> stuff if no other free reliable  option is there.   We have  to  ship a
>>>  large  group of  computer front panels  across  country  and  they
>>> handled it   really  well.
>>> *
>>>
>>> *Pack Mail  ships alot of  stuff  form many auction places too.*
>>
>> I've used *Pak Mail* several times for very large delicate items and
>> never have been disappointed.  Choose your store location, though--some
>> do not handle large things.
>>
>> One consideration is that they have contracts with the freight companies
>> and can often price shipping + packing for less than you'd get charged
>> for a single LTL shipment from a freight company.
>>
>> Have them ship it to another Pak Mail location, so you can pick it up,
>> sans pallet.
>>
>> Craters and Freighters is another good operation, though they tend to
>> operate on the East Coast.
>>
>> --Chuck
>>

Looking for info on some Olympia CP/M machines - ETX I, ETX II & EX 100

[Robert via cctalk]

This week, I scored four Olympia boxes - an ETX I, an ETX II and two EX 100s.

Googling has not been very fruitful. I have established that the ETX
II and the EX 100 are CP/M machines, SSDD 48 tpi 5.25" and DSDD 48 tpi
5.25" respectively and have seen one assertion that the ETX II is
S-100 based - I won't be able to confirm that until I open it up. I
found nothing on the ETX I. It doesn't seem to have a floppy drive, so
may not be a CP/M box. I guess I'll have to power it on and see if it
gives me a clue as to what's in the firmware.

As best I can figure out, these were sold as add ons for electric
typewriters. You hooked them up, with they typewriter acting as
keyboard and printer and you had a word processor or computer.

I think I have one interface board, that came in a box with the EX I.

Does anybody know anything about these machines? It seems like a boot
disk from an Osborne One would work.

Most immediately, though, does anybody know which typewriters they
worked with? I have an opportunity to go back to where I got them,
today and it would be great if I didn't have to haul off every damn
typewriter with "Olympia" on it!

Thanks
-- Robert

Re: Good Electronic/computer stores SF area

[Robert via cctalk]

Weird Stuff Warehouse? On Jamaica or Caribbean, iirc.

On Sat, Feb 10, 2018 at 10:02 AM, Douglas Taylor via cctalk
 wrote:
> On 2/6/2018 9:13 PM, Mark Linimon via cctalk wrote:
>>
>> On Tue, Feb 06, 2018 at 04:50:02PM -0800, Al Kossow via cctalk wrote:
>>>
>>> but I've been told ACE has gone out of business
>>
>> Their website is now owned by a squatter.
>>
>> mcl
>
>
> Thanks to all who responded, I'm going to try and visit some of them when I
> get out there.
>
> When I was in, I think it might have been Sunnyvale, about 30 years ago,
> there was a converted Safeway Supermarket that was full of surplus computer
> equipment.  It was the old style Safeway with a big arching ceiling held up
> by huge wooden beams.  Does this ring any bells with anyone?
>
>

Re: OpenVMS software repositories?

[Robert via cctalk]

If it's of any interest, I recently found a copy of WordPerfect 7 for
OpenVMS. I'd be happy to upload an ISO, if one isn't already available
everywhere.

On Wed, Feb 7, 2018 at 9:30 PM, Zane Healy via cctalk
 wrote:
>
>> On Feb 7, 2018, at 7:22 PM, Grant Taylor via cctalk  
>> wrote:
>>
>> On 02/07/2018 06:35 PM, Zane Healy via cctalk wrote:
>>> What sites still exist that have VMS software?  I know the about the 
>>> OpenVMS Freeware CD’s from HP VMS Engineering.
>>
>> I'd suggest that you redirect your question to the comp.os.vms newsgroup.  I 
>> frequently see discussions there about software archives. In fact, you can 
>> probably search an archive of the group and find some answers to your 
>> question.
>
> I need to see about getting back on comp.os.vms, I’ve not been active there 
> in a decade.
>
> Zane
>
>
>
>

Re: Is it really that quiet out there?

[Robert via cctalk]

 The last one that I received was October 20th.

Robert

On Fri, Oct 20, 2017 at 2:27 PM, jim stephens via cctalk
 wrote:
> Last one of those was a couple weeks ago.  Then there were a bunch of backed
> up ones.
>
> List has been steady and in real time (from what I've seen).
> thanks
> Jim
>
>
> On 10/20/2017 11:30 AM, Chuck Guzis via cctalk wrote:
>>
>>Lately, I've received
>> message "belches"
>
>

Re: C64 to a good home

[Robert via cctalk]

I recently bought a ZoomFloppy from here: http://store.go4retro.com/zoomfloppy/

I got the version with an IEEE488 conector, for use with a PET, but it
also supports the serial interface used on the C64.

On Sun, Oct 15, 2017 at 9:11 PM, Cameron Kaiser via cctalk
 wrote:
>> There are some online repositories of C64 software. Having only a little
>> knowledge when it comes to C64_s how do I get a C64 disk
>> image onto a 5 1/4_ floppy?
>
> I use a ZoomFloppy and a real 1541 (actually a 1571). These devices are
> available from many places; Jim Brain built mine, or you can look for any
> xu1541 or xum1541-type device and use OpenCBM to copy that floppy.
>
> --
>  personal: http://www.cameronkaiser.com/ 
> --
>   Cameron Kaiser * Floodgap Systems * www.floodgap.com * ckai...@floodgap.com
> -- BOND THEME NOW PLAYING: "Moonraker" 
> 

Re: HP 7970E - interest to split?

[Robert via cctalk]

That sounds very plausible, Mike.

It's too far for me, but I bet somebody local could get both lots for
$1000, by picking them up and saving them the hassle of crating etc.
-- 
Robert

On Mon, Sep 25, 2017 at 12:07 PM, Mike Loewen via cctalk
 wrote:
> On Mon, 25 Sep 2017, Anders Nelson via cctalk wrote:
>
>> Hi there, here's an eBay auction for two HP 7970E tape drives that appear
>> to function:
>>
>>
>> http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-HP-7970e-DUAL-Tape-Drive-Cabinet-Reel-to-Reel-Player-/192204691239
>>
>> I'm curious if anyone is looking for one of these drives. I'm not sure if
>> I
>> want to pull the trigger on something expensive I won't use until I have
>> free time, but I imagine stuff like this is only getting more rare. I have
>> a Remex paper tape reader in seemingly perfect condition I intend to use
>> with an emulated PDP-8/e (using Rod Smallwood's repro front panel), but
>> it'd be awesome to be able to save stuff too.
>
>
>I believe these drives were originally attached to the 2117F in this
> auction:
>
> Ebay 401311487499
>
>I zoomed in on the first photo and it appears that the upper drive is a
> 7970E and the lower is a 7970B.  The tape controller board sets in their
> 2117F are 13183 (7970E) and 13181 (7970B), which is why I think these two
> items belong together.  The 7970B was nominally 800bpi NRZI, while the 7970E
> was 1600bpi PE.  However, each drive had options, so it's impossible to say
> what capabilities are there without seeing the option numbers.
>
>If someone wanted to pick up both items, you'd have a nice setup.
>
>
> Mike Loewen mloe...@cpumagic.scol.pa.us
> Old Technology  http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/

Re:

[Robert via cctalk]

Nope, but it doesn't hold a candle to "covfefe".

When the POTUS butt-posts, you know you've been butt-posted!

-- 
Robert

On Sun, Sep 24, 2017 at 7:24 PM, Kirk Davis via cctalk
 wrote:
> Well certainly not the first butt-post..
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Sep 24, 2017, at 3:50 PM, Jessica Meyerson via cctalk 
>>  wrote:
>>
>> Apologies everyone. This was an accidental email sent from my phone as it
>> was jostled around in my pocket - I was reading through the threads of the
>> past few days, and it must have triggered a reply or sent message to the
>> list before the screen locked.
>>
>> All the best,
>> Jessica
>>
>> On Sun, Sep 24, 2017 at 12:54 PM, Adrian Stoness 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Huh?
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPad
>>>
 On Sep 24, 2017, at 11:40 AM, Jessica Meyerson via cctalk <
>>> cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

 Gj
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> *Jessica Meyerson*
>> Research Program Officer
>> Educopia Institute
>> http://educopia.org
>>
>> Working from Austin, TX
>> jess...@educopia.org  | 512-864-4575

Re: RIP Jerry Pournelle - Firsts

[Robert via cctalk]

 It's arguable that his daybook, Chaos Manor, was the first Blog.

Very sad news. I still find myself instinctively clicking on the
bookmark to his site, in the mornings.

-- 
Robert

On Tue, Sep 12, 2017 at 12:33 AM, Lars Brinkhoff via cctalk
 wrote:
> Charles Dickman via cctalk  writes:
>>> He seems to have been the first to mention ARPANET in a popular
>>> hobbyist-type context like BYTE. (Leading him to get kicked off
>>> ARPANET!)
>> Yes I remember reading something like that too. I would like to know
>> the story of that.
>
> You should probably ask Leigh Klotz.
>
> http://klotz.me/

Re: Odd Ebay auction showed up today...

[Robert via cctalk]

On Mon, Sep 4, 2017 at 12:07 PM, william degnan via cctalk
 wrote:
> I noticed that he had not been selling as much lately, I guess he ran out
> of the good stuff and needs to close out the business, or raise new funds.
> His normal list of Altairs and such appear to have all been sold.

As best we can tell, he's moved all the good stuff to a new account,
vintagecomputerstore, operating out of a location that's nearby but
not the same. This must be the stuff that wasn't worth hauling to the
new warehouse.

-- 
Robert

IBM 5110 with 5114 & 5103 on Pittsburgh Craigslist

[Robert via cctalk]

Not mine and way too far for me to go, otherwise I'd be all over it.
Looks like the BASIC only version of the Model 2.

https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/sys/d/vintage-ibm-5110-with/6234205659.html

In other news, I have some disks coming for mine (thanks Chuck!), so
should be resuming my efforts soon.

-- 
Robert

Re: Whole IBM System/34 available in unknown condition

[Robert via cctalk]

As Guy says, location will be the key to who, if anybody, can get it.
I'd certainly be interested if it was withing a reasonable distance of
me, though I'm not sure exactly where I'd put it...
-- 
Robert

On Tue, Jul 25, 2017 at 3:39 PM, Guy Sotomayor Jr via cctalk
 wrote:
> Usual question.  Where is it?
>
> TTFN - Guy
>
>> On Jul 25, 2017, at 1:36 PM, Benjamin Huntsman via cctalk 
>>  wrote:
>>
>> Anyone on here want a whole System/34?
>>
>>
>> Not mine, but I have contact details.  The scrapper wants $800 for it local 
>> pick up.
>>
>>
>> Let me know today, please.
>>
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>>
>> -Ben
>

Re: Run/Stop switch from a Soviet S/370 clone

[Robert via cctalk]

On Sun, Jul 23, 2017 at 1:52 PM, Mattis Lind via cctalk
 wrote:
> I have no Flickr account and I can still see the pictures.

As can I. I am running Noscript, though, so perhaps that is
intercepting the login prompt.
-- 
Robert

Re: IBM 5110 - Where does the character set live? And other questions.

[Robert via cctalk]

OK, it's definitely the display board. The replacement board came
Friday, I installed it today and all the characters are displaying
correctly.

The old board is now in the antistatic bag that the replacement came
in. I say "old", but looking at the numbers following the part number
(9522YG49 on the original, 8425YG37 on the replacement) and the use of
Carbon comp vs film resistors (a mix on the original, all Carbon comp
on the replacement) I think that the replacement board might actually
be older than the faulty one.

As and when I have some time, I'll read the numbers on the DIP ICs and
see if I can figure out which might be the shift register. Visual
inspection under a strong light didn't reveal any obvious dry joints,
but I'll look a bit closer with a lens.

After that, my options range from tapping the pins with an iron, in
case a minor reflow fixes it, to just replacing it - TTL is cheap,
after all, unless I get all obsessive and start looking for an IC with
the right date code, which could happen. ;-) It never hurts to have a
spare.

Speaking of spares, the same seller has several other 5110 cards. No
CPU, but he does have some Read/Write Storage. Does anybody know
whether upgrading the memory is as simple as plugging in another
board, or does it involve wiring changes to the backplane, or other
complex manoevres?

-- 
Robert

Re: IBM 5110 - Where does the character set live? And other questions.

[Robert via cctalk]

On Thu, Jul 13, 2017 at 2:12 AM, Camiel Vanderhoeven via cctalk
 wrote:

> Only the last bit to shift out of the register will have passed through
> all flip-flops; numbering the flip-flops in such a way that the flip-flop
> furthest away from the output is the first flip-flop, a single missing bit
> at the end of output could indicate a problem with either the output of
> the first flip-flop, or the input of the second flip-flop. If two bits are
> missing at the end, output of second flip-flop or input of third flip-flop.

You're right, of course. I assumed a parallel input and then modeled a
serial one. In my defence, it was late and there had been beer. ;)

If I don't see any obvious dry joints, it might be best to just
replace the register. I have another display card coming in the mail,
too, which is another option.

-- 
Robert

Re: Through-hole desoldering (was Re: IBM 5110 - Where does the character set live? And other questions.)

[Robert via cctalk]

On Thu, Jul 13, 2017 at 2:31 AM, Eric Smith  wrote:
> 2) vacuum desoldering gun: lots of people liked the Hakko 808, but it's
> discontiued. The Hakko FR-300 looks like a reasonable replacement, and sells
> for around $310. The drawback compared to the vacuum desoldering station
> with pencil tool is that the handpiece is much heavier and bulkier since it
> contains the vacuum pump; this is probably not an issue if you don't use it
> to do a lot of desoldering in a single session.

I have an Ungar one of those, that I got cheap because the glass
chamber was cracked. I've been meaning to have a crack at fixing it.

> 6) soldering iron with built-in squeeze-bulb - same bulb issue as #5, but
> even more awkward to handle

This is what I use at the moment. Perhaps this will be the spur that I
need to fix my Ungar?

It appears that an admin re-subscribed me and messages are coming
through again. Thanks admin!

-- 
Robert

Re: IBM 5110 - Where does the character set live? And other questions.

[Robert via cctalk]

On Wed, Jul 12, 2017 at 03:13 AM, Christian Corti
 wrote:
> I hope this is also true in your case. According to your picture, the last
> column of each character is missing. It could be an issue around the shift
> register (e.g. the Display Data register, a latch, cold solder joint,
> ...). I just see that I have the following info on my site (didn't
> remember that detail ;-) ):

Apologies for the delayed reply and for any messy formatting. I seem
to have stopped getting messages from the list, so am building this by
replying to an earlier message and copying and pasting from the cctalk
archive.

It does look like that last column (or possibly two) is missing,
doesn't it? Going back to the info on your excellent site, the shift
register does seem a good candidate. If we assume that it is parallel
in, serial out, then the problem would have to be on the input side,
as all the bits pass through every flip flop (ruling them out) and the
output is flawed absolutely consistently (ruling out an intermittent
fault there). The same reasons militate against a serial input, I
think.

When I next see the board (hopefully this weekend) I'll try to
identify the shift register (which the cross ref on your site will
make a lot easier) and look for dry joints under high power
magnification. I don't have a complete and working logic analyzer and
in any case, the board is not really accessible with a logic probe but
TTL is cheap so, even if I don't see anything, a blind faith
replacement might be worth considering. I note that it's a 10 bit job
and there's nothing in your parts list greater than 8 bits, so I may
be looking at more than one IC.

Side note: It's probably not a good time to try out my shiny new heat
gun that I've never yet used. Maybe save my first go on it for
something more replaceable.

Of course, a parallel input implies a parallel source, so we still
can't rule out an issue with the character ROS. But I do feel like
we're making progress and I now have something to do that's more
focused than just pulling and reinserting boards until the Gold wears
off the pins, so I'm going to call that a step in the right direction.

Also, thanks for the additional scans, which I have already downloaded.

-- 
Robert

Re: IBM 5110 - Where does the character set live? And other questions.

[Robert via cctalk]

On Tue, Jul 11, 2017 at 8:08 AM, Christian Corti
 wrote:
> The characters are stored on the display interface card. I had a similar
> fault in one of my 5110s, in my case it was a faulty TTL chip (IIRC a 74159
> demux).

So, faulty support logic, rather than a faulty ROS. That's encouraging.

> You have to a) clean the print head and b) replace the rubber rollers that
> transport the ink ribbon. The rollers will be goo and make a "big mess"(tm).

Oh joy! That's something to look forward to.

> Your search engine's broken, right? ;-)
> They're either on my site or at bitsavers.

I found your site, but somehow missed the page with the manuals. I
don't know how, it's right there in plain sight.

> I can't see any pictures, and _no_, I won't register just to see the
> pictures.

I'll email you a pic showing the malformed characters, off list and
would be grateful if you'd let me know whether there's any similarity
to your previously faulty 5110.

> Ok, I will scan that manual the next days. But in general the contents of the 
> 5114 MIM is contained withing the 5120 MIM.

Thanks! I'll take a look at the 5120 MIM in the interim.

Re: IBM 5110 - Where does the character set live? And other questions.

[Robert via cctalk]

On Mon, Jul 10, 2017 at 4:28 PM, Eric Smith  wrote:
> The Maintenance Information Manual (SY31-0550) has that information. The
> most relevant pages are 3-3, 3.6, and 3-35 through 3-39.
>
> The character generator is the "Display ROS" on the display adapter card,
> which is installed in the main backplane (A1) socket G.

Thanks Eric! I had found some of the MAPS, but with the info that
you've provided I've been able to locate pdf copies of both the 5110
maintenance manual and that for the 5103. No luck on the 5114, yet,
but I'll keep looking.

Does anybody here disagree with my assumption that it is most likely
to be the Display ROS that is faulty? It appears to be the only ROS
that isn't checked by the Bring-Up Diagnostic, which may explain how I
got as far as I did.

IBM 5110 - Where does the character set live? And other questions.

[Robert via cctalk]

Hi folks.

I'm new here, but some of you will know me from the VCF forums, where
I go by roberttx.

I've recently picked up a 5110 (BASIC only), along with a 5114 floppy
drive and a 5103 printer. It has all the mandatory cards, but no
optional ones.

It powers on, completes its self test and gets to LOAD0, but several
of the characters are only partially drawn on the screen. The lower
case ones are in better shape than the upper case, but even some of
them are incomplete.

It's always the same characters that are mangled and it's independent
of their position on the screen, so I suspect possible corruption in
the character set, wherever in ROS or the display card it is held.

I've tried changing the country setting on the display card, to no
avail. I've also tried typing out the alphabet and copying the display
to the printer, but I think the print head is gummed up.

So, my first two questions are:

1. Can anybody tell me which card the character set is held on? None
of the manuals that I've looked at provide that info.

2. Can anybody direct me to a pdf copy of the user manual and/or the
service manual for the 5103?

Here's a link to my thread on the VCF, with pictures:
http://www.vcfed.org/forum/showthread.php?58583-IBM-5110-with-5114-drive-amp-5103-printer=467901#post467901

Thanks!