Re: Livermore Data Systems / was Re: what is this NCR modem? what did it go to?

2017-11-28 Thread Paul Berger via cctalk



On 2017-11-28 7:11 PM, Brent Hilpert via cctalk wrote:

On 2017-Nov-28, at 2:54 PM, Fred Cisin via cctalk wrote:

On Tue, 28 Nov 2017, Brent Hilpert via cctalk wrote:

I couldn't find the ebay listing for the NCR modem for some reason, either 
using the number or by searching by keywords.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/132411929563


That works . . . forgot about composing the URL directly from the item number.

Still won't show up with regular searches on ebay.com , although these do with "ncr 
acoustic":

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-ACOUSTIC-REVIVE-RTP-4-absolute-Power-supply-box-outlet-From-JP-with-tracking/252956939311?hash=item3ae568942f:g:YAgAAOSwJH1ZJosl
Latest audiophool scam.

Wow and only $2512.99 what a deal!



Re: Livermore Data Systems / was Re: what is this NCR modem? what did it go to?

2017-11-28 Thread Brent Hilpert via cctalk
On 2017-Nov-28, at 2:54 PM, Fred Cisin via cctalk wrote:
> On Tue, 28 Nov 2017, Brent Hilpert via cctalk wrote:
>> I couldn't find the ebay listing for the NCR modem for some reason, either 
>> using the number or by searching by keywords.
> 
> https://www.ebay.com/itm/132411929563


That works . . . forgot about composing the URL directly from the item number.

Still won't show up with regular searches on ebay.com , although these do with 
"ncr acoustic":

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-ACOUSTIC-REVIVE-RTP-4-absolute-Power-supply-box-outlet-From-JP-with-tracking/252956939311?hash=item3ae568942f:g:YAgAAOSwJH1ZJosl
Latest audiophool scam.



Re: Livermore Data Systems / was Re: what is this NCR modem? what did it go to?

2017-11-28 Thread Santo Nucifora via cctalk
On Tue, Nov 28, 2017 at 3:58 PM, Brent Hilpert via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

>
> Thanks for the additional datapoint.
> It does suggest Model A production may likely have started in 1968.
> Actual date codes in mine were 6908 to 7008.
> The larger caps are also a good place to look for date codes.
>
> I did the schematic, if you have an interest.
> Eventually I'll get a little web article up for the model.
>
>
For the record, I'm not sure what model I have as the deteriorated foam
from the top cover fell and stuck to the Livermore label between the two
cups and clean up wiped off most of the info.  Mine has a Motorola MC836P
IC on the middle board that has a date code of 7206.


Re: Livermore Data Systems / was Re: what is this NCR modem? what did it go to?

2017-11-28 Thread Brent Hilpert via cctalk
On 2017-Nov-27, at 5:25 PM, steve shumaker via cctalk wrote:
> On 11/27/2017 2:26 PM, Fred Cisin via cctalk wrote:
 The Livermore Data Systems modems that I sold off were from about 1964?
>> 
>> On Mon, 27 Nov 2017, Brent Hilpert via cctalk wrote:
>>> Were those the Livermore Data Systems modems in a wood box you were selling?
>>> Did you have anything to ascertain the 1964 date for LDS, or were you 
>>> getting that date from the stuff on the web?
>> . . .
>>> Someone in some comments suggests LDS wasn't building these until 1968, 
>>> which strikes me as more plausible.
>> 
>> Thank you!
>> 
>> That is why I put a question mark after 1964.
>> I was basing it on nothing more than verbal comment by the guy that I got 
>> them from.   And, while I had them, I hadn't had any reason to particularly 
>> care.
>> 
>> 1968 does, indeed, seem more plausible.
>> 
>> It still serves to illustrate that 1971 is NOT too early for that NCR.
>> 
>> -- 
>> Grumpy Ol' Fred ci...@xenosoft.com
>> 
> I can add another data point to the discussion:
> 
> My LDS Model A with SN 0491 has two TI transistors both with data code "6914"
> 
> And for what it's worth, if you have one and have never opened it up, go do 
> so right now!The three small circuit boards have a 3"x4" piece of the 
> infamous black foam to pad the cards when inserted in the case.  Of course 
> the foam is mostly gone now except for where it wraps around the cards and 
> corrodes the components that it touches!


Thanks for the additional datapoint.
It does suggest Model A production may likely have started in 1968.
Actual date codes in mine were 6908 to 7008.
The larger caps are also a good place to look for date codes.

I did the schematic, if you have an interest.
Eventually I'll get a little web article up for the model.


I couldn't find the ebay listing for the NCR modem for some reason, either 
using the number or by searching by keywords.

Re: Livermore Data Systems / was Re: what is this NCR modem? what did it go to?

2017-11-27 Thread steve shumaker via cctalk

On 11/27/2017 2:26 PM, Fred Cisin via cctalk wrote:

The Livermore Data Systems modems that I sold off were from about 1964?


On Mon, 27 Nov 2017, Brent Hilpert via cctalk wrote:
Were those the Livermore Data Systems modems in a wood box you were 
selling?
Did you have anything to ascertain the 1964 date for LDS, or were you 
getting that date from the stuff on the web?

. . .
Someone in some comments suggests LDS wasn't building these until 
1968, which strikes me as more plausible.


Thank you!

That is why I put a question mark after 1964.
I was basing it on nothing more than verbal comment by the guy that I 
got them from.   And, while I had them, I hadn't had any reason to 
particularly care.


1968 does, indeed, seem more plausible.


It still serves to illustrate that 1971 is NOT too early for that NCR.

--
Grumpy Ol' Fred ci...@xenosoft.com


I can add another data point to the discussion:

My LDS Model A with SN 0491 has two TI transistors both with data code 
"6914"


And for what it's worth, if you have one and have never opened it up, go 
do so right now!    The three small circuit boards have a 3"x4" piece of 
the infamous black foam to pad the cards when inserted in the case.  Of 
course the foam is mostly gone now except for where it wraps around the 
cards and corrodes the components that it touches!



Steve






Re: Livermore Data Systems / was Re: what is this NCR modem? what did it go to?

2017-11-27 Thread steve shumaker via cctalk

On 11/27/2017 2:26 PM, Fred Cisin via cctalk wrote:

The Livermore Data Systems modems that I sold off were from about 1964?


On Mon, 27 Nov 2017, Brent Hilpert via cctalk wrote:
Were those the Livermore Data Systems modems in a wood box you were 
selling?
Did you have anything to ascertain the 1964 date for LDS, or were you 
getting that date from the stuff on the web?

. . .
Someone in some comments suggests LDS wasn't building these until 
1968, which strikes me as more plausible.


Thank you!

That is why I put a question mark after 1964.
I was basing it on nothing more than verbal comment by the guy that I 
got them from.   And, while I had them, I hadn't had any reason to 
particularly care.


1968 does, indeed, seem more plausible.


It still serves to illustrate that 1971 is NOT too early for that NCR.

--
Grumpy Ol' Fred ci...@xenosoft.com





Re: Livermore Data Systems / was Re: what is this NCR modem? what did it go to?

2017-11-27 Thread Fred Cisin via cctalk

The Livermore Data Systems modems that I sold off were from about 1964?


On Mon, 27 Nov 2017, Brent Hilpert via cctalk wrote:

Were those the Livermore Data Systems modems in a wood box you were selling?
Did you have anything to ascertain the 1964 date for LDS, or were you 
getting that date from the stuff on the web?
. . . 
Someone in some comments suggests LDS wasn't building these until 1968, 
which strikes me as more plausible.


Thank you!

That is why I put a question mark after 1964.
I was basing it on nothing more than verbal comment by the guy that I got 
them from.   And, while I had them, I hadn't had any reason to 
particularly care.


1968 does, indeed, seem more plausible.


It still serves to illustrate that 1971 is NOT too early for that NCR.

--
Grumpy Ol' Fred ci...@xenosoft.com


Livermore Data Systems / was Re: what is this NCR modem? what did it go to?

2017-11-27 Thread Brent Hilpert via cctalk
On 2017-Nov-26, at 2:38 PM, Fred Cisin via cctalk wrote:
> On Sun, 26 Nov 2017, couryho...@aol.com wrote:
>> does the 71 sate seem early?
> 
> No, a 1971 date does not seem too early.
> 
> The price seems steep, even for a "relatively" early modem.
> 
> Bell 103 (300bps) dates from 1962.
> The Bell 101 (110 baud) was 1958.
> 
> SCROTUS "Carterfone" was 1968  (ruling permitting direct connect)
> 
> Bell 212A (1200bps) came out in 1976.
> 
> The Livermore Data Systems modems that I sold off were from about 1964?
> ...


Were those the Livermore Data Systems modems in a wood box you were selling?
Did you have anything to ascertain the 1964 date for LDS, or were you getting 
that date from the stuff on the web?

There's stuff reffed all over the web and youtube of some guy stating the LDS 
Model A (in the dovetailed wood box) as 1964 and maybe 1963, his unit is serial 
# 279.

http://www.phreakmonkey.com/2009/05/1964-livermore-data-systems-model-modem_31.html
etc.

He seems to be basing the claim on an LDS Model B unit (once at UCDavis, now at 
CHM)
http://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102630200
which claims circa 1965, and 'thus the model A should be at least a year 
earlier'.

I have an LDS Model A, serial # 858, the dates codes on the components are 1969 
to 1970.
I'm a little skeptical the model was being made as early as 1964.

I wish the guy would, or knew to, simply open the unit and look at the date 
codes rather than guessing.

Someone in some comments suggests LDS wasn't building these until 1968, which 
strikes me as more plausible.



Re: what is this NCR modem? what did it go to?

2017-11-27 Thread Warner Losh via cctalk
On Mon, Nov 27, 2017 at 12:54 PM, Chuck Guzis via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> On 11/27/2017 11:15 AM, Alan Frisbie via cctalk wrote:
>
> > Back in those days you could not connect anything directly to the
> telephone
> > lines -- you had to use the telco-supplied DAA (kaching!) or an acoustic
> > coupler.   I don't know if this modem can be connected directly to a
> phone
> > line without a DAA.
> >
> > I think the asking price is totally unrealistic unless you are a rabid
> > collector of NCR gear.
>
> This particular unit seems to have a Mickey-mouse type of
> coupler--receiver and transmitter connected by a cord.  I never did
> figure out how one was supposed to use this with, say, a Trimline phone.
>  I guess the answer was "you don't").
>

You don't. Acoustic Coupled modems were always the standard handset or
nothing.

Warner


Re: what is this NCR modem? what did it go to?

2017-11-27 Thread Chuck Guzis via cctalk
On 11/27/2017 11:15 AM, Alan Frisbie via cctalk wrote:

> Back in those days you could not connect anything directly to the telephone
> lines -- you had to use the telco-supplied DAA (kaching!) or an acoustic
> coupler.   I don't know if this modem can be connected directly to a phone
> line without a DAA.
> 
> I think the asking price is totally unrealistic unless you are a rabid
> collector of NCR gear.

This particular unit seems to have a Mickey-mouse type of
coupler--receiver and transmitter connected by a cord.  I never did
figure out how one was supposed to use this with, say, a Trimline phone.
 I guess the answer was "you don't").

We've come a long way since the Carterfone decision.  I do recall
agonizing about the rental (you couldn't buy one from Ma Bell) charge
for a DAA.  The local PacBell office also wanted to charge for a
"business" line if such an item was installed--much higher monthly
charge than a residential line.

I suppose that DAA's are still around for connection of non-licensed
gear to landlines.  Those should rapidly be disappearing, with the
decline of the copper telco connection.

--Chuck



Re: what is this NCR modem? what did it go to?

2017-11-27 Thread Ed via cctalk
OK!  Shades of the crown answering machine we have in the  museum with the 
handset lifter! 
 
Yea  the  price is defiantly a barrier on this  except   for Paul Allen  I 
suppose.
 
Ed# _www.smecc.org_ (http://www.smecc.org)  
 
 
In a message dated 11/27/2017 12:16:16 P.M. US Mountain Standard Tim,  
cctalk@classiccmp.org writes:

couryho...@aol.com wrote:

> what is this   NCR   modem? what  did it   go   to?
>
> NEW Vintage 1971 NCR Acoustic Coupler Modem, NOS, Factory  Boxed, C260-400
> / F01   132411929563  on the  bay

It is a Bell 103A compatible modem (110 or 300 baud) used with the  NCR 260
series of thermal printing terminals.   The 260 came in  several variants:
-1 (receive only), -2 (keyboard send/receive), -6  (Automatic (cassette 
tape)
send/receive).   I worked with them at  NCR in 1973 and 74.   I still have
the manuals, and just a few  days ago scanned them for Bitsavers.   If you
need a copy I can  send you the raw TIFF files (one per page).

Both the -400 and -500 were  EIA I/O to the terminal.  The C260-400 
connected
to a Bell System DAA  (Data Access Arrangement), while the C260-500 was an
acoustic  coupler.   The acoustic coupler had a solenoid that would  would
automatically raise and lower the handset on the  telephone!

Back in those days you could not connect anything directly  to the telephone
lines -- you had to use the telco-supplied DAA (kaching!)  or an acoustic
coupler.   I don't know if this modem can be  connected directly to a phone
line without a DAA.

I think the asking  price is totally unrealistic unless you are a rabid
collector of NCR  gear.

Alan Frisbie



Re: what is this NCR modem? what did it go to?

2017-11-27 Thread Alan Frisbie via cctalk

couryho...@aol.com wrote:


what is this  NCR   modem? what  did it   go  to?

NEW Vintage 1971 NCR Acoustic Coupler Modem, NOS, Factory Boxed, C260-400
/ F01   132411929563  on the bay


It is a Bell 103A compatible modem (110 or 300 baud) used with the NCR 260
series of thermal printing terminals.   The 260 came in several variants:
-1 (receive only), -2 (keyboard send/receive), -6 (Automatic (cassette tape)
send/receive).   I worked with them at NCR in 1973 and 74.   I still have
the manuals, and just a few days ago scanned them for Bitsavers.   If you
need a copy I can send you the raw TIFF files (one per page).

Both the -400 and -500 were EIA I/O to the terminal.  The C260-400 connected
to a Bell System DAA (Data Access Arrangement), while the C260-500 was an
acoustic coupler.   The acoustic coupler had a solenoid that would would
automatically raise and lower the handset on the telephone!

Back in those days you could not connect anything directly to the telephone
lines -- you had to use the telco-supplied DAA (kaching!) or an acoustic
coupler.   I don't know if this modem can be connected directly to a phone
line without a DAA.

I think the asking price is totally unrealistic unless you are a rabid
collector of NCR gear.

Alan Frisbie


Re: what is this NCR modem? what did it go to?

2017-11-27 Thread Ed via cctalk
thanks  for  dates. yes that all makes sense. some how my  mind  slipped a  
decade.
 
 
I a looking  for a  GE  Diginet tdm-114 acoustic   coupler.
2  reasons,  GE  computer  related
but also my  first  acoustic  coupler I had   with  an ASR-35 teletype
I am also looking  for the  top mental plate that covers an  ASR-35  punch  
also.
( drop me a  line off list  if you have either  you want to  sell/trade/?)
thanks  ed#  _www.smecc.org_ (http://www.smecc.org)  
 
 
 
 
 
In a message dated 11/26/2017 3:38:36 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,  
cctalk@classiccmp.org writes:

On Sun,  26 Nov 2017, couryho...@aol.com wrote:
> does the 71 sate seem  early?

No, a 1971 date does not seem too early.

The price seems  steep, even for a "relatively" early modem.


Bell 103 (300bps) dates  from 1962.
The Bell 101 (110 baud) was 1958.

SCROTUS "Carterfone"  was 1968  (ruling permitting direct connect)

Bell 212A (1200bps)  came out in 1976.

The Livermore Data Systems modems that I sold off  were from about 1964?

1970-1972, when I was working at Goddard Space  Flight Center (Bldg 26, 
"National Space Sciences Data Center"), we used a  time-sharing system for 
APL.   APL type ball on Selectric  terminal.


Yes, 1971 is prior to most mass-marketed "personal  computers" 
(1978?: Apple, PET, TRS80).
But there were  teminals.





Re: what is this NCR modem? what did it go to?

2017-11-26 Thread Fred Cisin via cctalk

does the 71 sate seem early?


On Sun, 26 Nov 2017, Chuck Guzis via cctalk wrote:

Looking at the modem, perhaps a little too early, judging from its size.
Patent date perhaps?


1971 is the copyright date on the "Basic Concepts Manual" with it.




Re: what is this NCR modem? what did it go to?

2017-11-26 Thread Fred Cisin via cctalk

On Sun, 26 Nov 2017, couryho...@aol.com wrote:

does the 71 sate seem early?


No, a 1971 date does not seem too early.

The price seems steep, even for a "relatively" early modem.


Bell 103 (300bps) dates from 1962.
The Bell 101 (110 baud) was 1958.

SCROTUS "Carterfone" was 1968  (ruling permitting direct connect)

Bell 212A (1200bps) came out in 1976.

The Livermore Data Systems modems that I sold off were from about 1964?

1970-1972, when I was working at Goddard Space Flight Center (Bldg 26, 
"National Space Sciences Data Center"), we used a time-sharing system for 
APL.   APL type ball on Selectric terminal.



Yes, 1971 is prior to most mass-marketed "personal computers" 
(1978?: Apple, PET, TRS80).

But there were teminals.




Re: what is this NCR modem? what did it go to?

2017-11-26 Thread Chuck Guzis via cctalk
On 11/26/2017 02:09 PM, Ed via cctalk wrote:
> does the 71 sate seem early?

Looking at the modem, perhaps a little too early, judging from its size.
 Patent date perhaps?

But 300 baud acoustic coupler modems date into the 1960s.

--Chuck



Re: what is this NCR modem? what did it go to?

2017-11-26 Thread Ed via cctalk
does the 71 sate seem early?
 
 
In a message dated 11/26/2017 2:38:17 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,  
cctalk@classiccmp.org writes:

The NCR  260  (first part of the part number) was a KSR portable 
thermal  printing terminal.
Somewhat similar to the Silent 700.

But, the NCR  260 had an integrated modem with acoustic  coupler



Re: what is this NCR modem? what did it go to?

2017-11-26 Thread Fred Cisin via cctalk
The NCR 260  (first part of the part number) was a KSR portable 
thermal printing terminal.

Somewhat similar to the Silent 700.

But, the NCR 260 had an integrated modem with acoustic coupler


Re: what is this NCR modem? what did it go to?

2017-11-26 Thread Fred Cisin via cctalk

On Sun, 26 Nov 2017, Ed via cctalk wrote:

what is this  NCR   modem? what  did it   go  to?
NEW Vintage 1971 NCR Acoustic Coupler Modem, NOS, Factory Boxed, C260-400
/ F01   132411929563  on the bay
not  mine  etc etc etc


"What did it go to?"
It connected a terminal, or computer in DTE mode, to the phone line.

It looks like a fairly ordinary modem for its time.  The acoustic coupler 
connected to the box, and the terminal/Computer-DTE connected to the DB25.


It might be Bell 103 compatible, but in those days, not necessarily.

The other cable looks like direct connect to phone line, without acoustic 
coupling.  (cf. Carterfone V Western Electric 1968?)


No idea what the extra plug (loopback?) was for.


A few years later, copanies such as Anderson-Jacobson and Livermore Data 
Systems stared making more compact modems with acoustic coupler on the 
same box.





what is this NCR modem? what did it go to?

2017-11-26 Thread Ed via cctalk
what is this  NCR   modem? what  did it   go  to? 
 
 
NEW Vintage 1971 NCR Acoustic Coupler Modem, NOS, Factory Boxed, C260-400  
/ F01   132411929563  on the bay
 
not  mine  etc etc etc 
 
 
ed#