[cctalk] Re: How to print old files.

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

ben  wrote:

> What I would like to get is a serial printer (rs232), with a definable
> character set. Does any one know of a cheap one?

Probably not cheap unless you get lucky, but an excellent choice would
be the Toshiba P1351 (not to be confused with their later 1351 laser
printer) or the narrower P1340.  They are 24-pin dot-matrix printers
that feature downloadable fonts and both serial and parallel interfaces.

I got my P1351 in 1984 and it has served me well.  I created (OK, stole
from Xerox) a double-high double-wide font that I used for printing box
labels when I moved.

You could also do really nice graphics with it, at a resolution of
180 x 180.  CCSI (Cerritos Computer Systems Inc.) wrote a driver for
the P1351 for their CCSI-Plot (Plot-10 compatible) plotting package.
I can provide a copy of the software (in Fortran for PDP-11) and scans
of the manuals for both the software and printer, should you get one.

You can still buy ribbons for it, so it would be a really good choice.

Alan Frisbie

[cctalk] Re: Flipping an 8" diskette

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

jim stephens  wrote:

> Sad day when AOL changed to CDs and you then had to make
> coasters or trash them.

My wife and our neighbor use them as reflectors to scare birds away from
her garden.  We finally ran out of the AOL CDs and are now working on my
backlog of MSDN CDs.  I keep them stacked on a 1/2" wooden dowel, and
still have a roughly 4' high stack.  That should last us for a few years.

Alan Frisbie

[cctalk] Re: Dec rl02 disk pack shelf design

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

I would also buy at least two, probably three.

Alan Frisbie

Re: PDP-11/44 gas struts

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

Earlier, I wrote:

> 30-pound struts are not strong enough.  They improved things a bit,
> but it still takes a lot of effort to raise the box.  I have ordered a
> pair of 50-pound struts and will post an update when they arrive (next
> week).

The pair of 50-pound struts arrived today, and in my opinion they are
just barely adequate.  If I was trying for perfection, I would use the
60-pound ones, but they currently have a 6 to 7 week lead time.  I can
easily live with these.

In summary, what I have learned about replacement gas struts for the
DEC PDP-11/44 in a 40" high cabinet:

1. The specifications are: 15.24" extended, 9.77" compressed, stroke
length 5.47", threaded ball studs, extension force 50 or 60 (preferred)
pounds.

2. A good replacement is the McMaster-Carr 4138T55 gas strut in either
the 50 or 60 pound force version.  The price as of January 2022 is
$20.29 each.  

3. The threaded ball ends on the 4138T55 are 5/16"-18 threads, while the
original DEC ones are 5/16"-24.  They are easy to swap without
unscrewing them from the cabinet, and this is the method that DEC
recommends and describes on pages 5-5 to 5-7 of the PDP-11/44 System
User's Guide, EK-11044-UG.  You simply unsnap a retaining clip (no tool
needed), pop the strut off the ball end (a screwdriver might help),
and reverse the process with the new strut.  A piece of 4"x4" lumber
does a good job of holding the box up while doing this (stick it
under the rear of the cabinet when it is in the raised position).

EK-11044-UG is available at:
.
(In my earlier posting I gave the wrong DEC P/N for the manual.)

4. The 4138T55 struts that McMaster-Carr sells are manufactured by Suspa
Parts .  The 30-pounds struts are their 
part number C16-24186, and the 50-pound struts are C16-24188.   I

suspect that the P/N for the 60-pound struts would be C16-24189, but
cannot confirm that.  Their price is $32.00 each, so it is less
expensive to buy them from McMaster.

5. Suspa's design guide recommends mounting the struts with the rod end
down, the opposite of how DEC mounted them.  I have verified that they
can easily be mounted with the rod down as long as you connect the
upper (body) end first.  That is the way I have them now in my system.

I hope that this helps someone who might need to replace the gas struts
on their PDP-11/44 system or something similar.  It has been an
interesting learning experience.

Alan Frisbie

Re: PDP-11/44 gas struts

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

Chris Zach  wrote:


Jesus. How much does the 11/44 chassis weigh?

On 12/30/2021 3:39 PM, Alan Frisbie via cctalk wrote:


2. 30-pound struts are not strong enough.? They improved things a bit,
but it still takes a lot of effort to raise the box.? I have ordered a
pair of 50-pound struts and will post an update when they arrive (next
week).


The box itself weighs about 75 pounds, plus the weight of the cards.

Remember, however, that the struts are not doing a simple lift of
the box.  The box is acting as a lever.  The box is 24" long, and the
struts are only about 5" from the pivot.  Also, the struts are not
doing a straight lift from directly below their attachment to the box,
but at a point about 11" forward from where they are attached to the
box.  All of this greatly magnifies the force required to tilt the box
up.  Anyone care to do the math on this?

Alan Frisbie

Re: PDP-11/44 gas struts

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

On 12/25/21 3:37 PM, I wrote:


I made a wild random guess and ordered two of the 30 pound struts,
which should be delivered Wednesday (12/29/2021).  The 40 pound
ones have a seven week lead time, and a pair of 50 pound ones seem
way too high.  When they arrive, I'll let you know how well they work.


The 4138T55 30-pound struts arrived, and I have learned a few things:

1. The ball connector ends on the DEC struts have 5/16"-24 threads, but
the 4138T55 struts have 5/16"-18 threads.  Therefore, you need to swap
the ball ends.  This is actually the method that DEC recommends for
replacing the struts and is described on pages 5-5 to 5-7 of the
PDP-11/44 System User's Guide (EK-11024-UG, available on Bitsavers).

2. 30-pound struts are not strong enough.  They improved things a bit,
but it still takes a lot of effort to raise the box.  I have ordered a
pair of 50-pound struts and will post an update when they arrive (next
week).

3. The 4138T55 struts from McMaster-Carr are made by Suspa, Inc. in
Grand Rapids, MI.  According to their design guide, the rod part of the
strut should be installed lower than the body.  This is the reverse of
how DEC installed them, which may be why they don't last.  When the new
struts arrive, I will see if they can physically be mounted that way
(I think they will), and will let you know.

I'm learning a lot about gas struts these days, as the ones on the cover
of my sand blast cabinet also failed after only a few months and the
seller (Eastwood.com) can't supply replacements.  Yet another learning
experience!  :-)

Alan Frisbie

Re: PDP-11/44 gas struts

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

Mark J. Blair  wrote:

> When I need gas struts and cannot identify a source for exact original
> replacements, I usually look at McMaster-Carr first:
> https://www.mcmaster.com/gas-struts/

Thanks for the McMaster-Carr suggestion, I should have thought of that.

I removed the gas struts from my PDP-11/44 and found the following
markings:

Gas Spring Corp.
Colmar, PA
1216166-0-0
22/81/3  (the "1" might be an "I")

I measured them, and found a compressed length of about 9.8" and an
extended length of 15.25".   The threaded studs are 5/16"-24.

I can't find the company, and Google turns up nothing with either
of the number strings.  Nor do the numbers seem to indicate what
the specifications might be.  Perhaps someone with better Google
skills than I have might find something.

It is, however, an almost perfect match for McMaster-Carr P/N 4138T55.
The big unknown is the extension force.  After cleaning and oiling them,
one of the bad ones measures about 12 pounds, and the other is about 23
pounds.   The 4138T55 is available in 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 90, and
120 pounds.

I made a wild random guess and ordered two of the 30 pound struts,
which should be delivered Wednesday (12/29/2021).  The 40 pound
ones have a seven week lead time, and a pair of 50 pound ones seem
way too high.  When they arrive, I'll let you know how well they work.

Worst case, I will have wasted $20.29 each, plus shipping, and have
to wait seven weeks for the 40 pound units, or go whole hog and try
the 50 pound ones.

Thanks for the help and suggestions.

Alan Frisbie

PDP-11/44 gas struts

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

I have a PDP-11/44 system in the DEC 41" high cabinet.
It is designed to be tilted up for service, aided and
supported by two gas struts, one on each side.

Unfortunately, after all these years, the struts have
failed and do not provide any assistance. That box is
heavy!

Does anyone know where I can get replacement gas struts?

Thanks,
Alan Frisbie

Re: DEC RF30 Integrated Storage Element Service Guide

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

Rob Jarratt  wrote:


I am looking for the service guide for the RF30 DSSI disk. It is not on Manx
and not on BitSavers. Does anyone know of a copy? The part number is
apparently EK-RF30D-SV.

If anyone finds one, I would greatly appreciate a copy also.

Thanks,
Alan Frisbie

TU56 DECtape takeup reel needed

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

I just unpacked the rack with my TU56 DECtape drive and discovered that
the movers managed to break the takeup reels.  This, despite many layers
of foam padding, stretch film, and warning signs.  On the other hand,
this was the only item that suffered any damage at all.  Not too bad for
three moving van loads!

Can anyone help me with an empty DECtape reel or two?

Thanks,
Alan Frisbie

Disk cartridge storage racks

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

I am in need of some disk cartridge storage racks.  The kinds I am
looking for are the ones used for front-loading cartridges (IBM 2315,
DEC RK05, etc.) as well as the ones for top-loading cartridges (IBM
5440, DEC RL02, etc.).

They were typically made of welded wire, and stored the cartridges
on edge.  I could use either the free-standing ones that sit on a shelf,
or the ones that were designed to go in a Wrightline cabinet.

I am in northwest Oregon and am willing to drive anywhere in the
neighboring states to pick them up, or pay for packing and shipping.

Thanks,
Alan Frisbie

Re: Wilson Laboratories SX-530 disk exerciser

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

Al Kossow  wrote:

> On 8/25/21 4:51 PM, Alan Frisbie via cctalk wrote:
> > I recently acquired a Wilson Laboratories SX-530 disk exerciser
> > for SMD interface disk drives.? Unfortunately, it did not come
> > with a manual.? Does anyone out there have a copy they could
> > make available?? Yes, Bitsavers was the first place I checked.?

> it's up now under test equipment

Thank you very much!  I've already downloaded it.  I really appreciate
all the work you do to keep this information available.

> do you happen to have any service manuals for century data
> winchesters?  i have a bunch of manuals for the removable drives

No, I do not.  The only Century Data manuals I have are for the T-302,
which I believe you already have.

Alan Frisbie

Wilson Laboratories SX-530 disk exerciser

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

I recently acquired a Wilson Laboratories SX-530 disk exerciser
for SMD interface disk drives.  Unfortunately, it did not come
with a manual.  Does anyone out there have a copy they could
make available?  Yes, Bitsavers was the first place I checked.  :-)

Yes, I still have some SMD drives in working condition -- at
least they were before I moved.  One is a Century Data Systems
T-302, and another is a Fujitsu Eagle.  The T-302 is wonderful
for impressing younger people who aren't familiar with older
technology like 12-platter removable disk packs.  :-)
220 volt, 30 amps starting, 6 amps running, all for a whole
256 megabytes (formatted).

Thanks,
Alan

Punched card file wanted

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

Now that I am finally getting my vintage computer accumulation
in order, I need a punched card file cabinet.  Does anyone know
of one that might be available for purchase or trade?  I am willing
to pick up anywhere in the western US.

In an ideal world, I would love to find one of the ones with a slanted
front on each drawer that holds a single card for a label.

I have an old wooden library catalog file cabinet (60 drawers) that
I would be willing to trade, as well as some DEC Q-bus chassis.

Any leads would be appreciated.

Alan Frisbie

Re: Multiprocessor Qbus PDP-11

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

Charles Dickman  wrote:

> There are indications in the KDJ11-B processor spec on bitsavers that
> the M8190 could be used in a multiprocessor configuration. For
> example, bit 10 of the Maintenance Register (17 777 750) is labeled
> "Multiprocessor Slave" and indicates that the bus arbitrator is
> disabled. There is also section 6.6, "Cache Multi-Processor Hooks",
> that describes cache features that allow multiprocessor operation.
>
>Would it be as simple as connecting to 11/83 qbus together? And adding
> the proper software.
>
> Anybody ever heard of such a thing?

Such a system was put together and tested at DEC with the RSX group
(who did the PDP-11/74 multiprocessor work).  I'm told that while it
worked, it wasn't terrible successful, and the project was abandoned.

I was given a gift of one of the CPU modules that was used in the test
and I might still have it around here.  I can't recall for certain,
but I think the module required some ECOs to make it work in a
multi-processor configuration.

The person to ask about this, Brian McCarthy, is unfortunately no
longer with us.  :-(

Alan Frisbie

Re: 11/84 print set

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

Al Kossow  wrote:

> anyone willing to chip in some money to help me pay for this?
> https://www.ebay.com/itm/303733340900

I don't have a PDP-11/84 and likely never will but I just
sent you $150.  Bitsavers has saved my bacon multiple times
and it's only right that I support you.

In about a month I hope to be able to deliver the 7-track
tape drive to you.  Details later.

Alan Frisbie

Re: Computer stores

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

Fred Cisin  wrote:

> On Tue, 25 Aug 2020, Alan Frisbie via cctalk wrote:

> > A few months later, two guys named Steve showed up at a meeting
> > with a kit they called the "Apple I", for the grand price of
> > $666.66.  I wish I had had the foresight to buy one!

> Q: although WE call it "Apple I", did the Steves call it "Apple I" or
> "Apple Computer"? The answer tells us whether they were explicitly
> planning on  making other models later!

I honestly do not recall if they used the "I" or not.  This was,
after all, 45 years ago!

At that time there were many tiny startup companies trying to get
our attention, most of which sank without a trace.  If I had been
asked back then which ones I thought would survive, I probably
would not have picked Apple.  Not my first mistake, and certainly
not my last.  :-)

Those *were* exciting days, with new products and developments
happening every month.  I looked forward to every SCCS meeting,
with people showing off their latest homebrew project, swapping
tips, and buying parts & boards.  For a while, there was even
a large wheel of cheese which we eagerly devoured.  :-)

Alan Frisbie

Re: Computer stores

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

On 8/22/20 8:52 AM, Murray McCullough via cctalk wrote:
> 45 yrs. ago last month, mid-July, Dick Heiser started a new industry, 
> the retail computer store. It opened in West L.A. under the name

> Arrow Head Computer Company. aka, The Computer Store. This began the
> direct marketing of microcomputers to hobbyists, later to the masses
> of the middle class.

Slight correction:  The name was Arrowhead (one word, not two) Computer
Company.

I remember this very well.  I was living in Santa Monica at the time,
and drove down Pico Boulevard almost every day.  Needless to say, I
immediately noticed the "Computer Store" sign and stopped in, soon
becoming one of the regular "hangers on".

Dick Heiser and his wife Lois were taking a big chance, but it
proved to be a good bet.  Initially, their business consisted of
buying Altair 8800 kits and assembling them in the back of the
store.  A lot of people were happy to pay extra to not have to
solder all those hundreds of connections.

Dick was a regular fixture at meetings of the Southern California
Computer Society (SCCS), often making deliveries and taking orders
there.  In those days, SCCS monthly meetings were *the* place for
computer geeks to get together and exchange news and get help.

A few months later, two guys named Steve showed up at a meeting
with a kit they called the "Apple I", for the grand price of
$666.66.  I wish I had had the foresight to buy one!  Instead,
I wound up joining the SCCS group purchase of DEC LSI-11 systems.
I still have that system, with a case and power supply from a
TRW surplus sale.  It isn't worth nearly as much as an original
Apple I, though!  :-)

Alan "Hindsight is 20-20" Frisbie

Re: Burroughs L-series paper tapes

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

Al Kossow  wrote:


On 8/3/20 7:25 PM, Mike Stein via cctalk wrote:


And what about your L9000 (or was it an 8000?) ? Did it also go to the LCM?

Not many left, alas...


we have an L-9000
https://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/X1742.2001

Here is another one:

In 2006, Nelson Nameplate Company (now Nelson-Miller) gave their
L9000 to Sellam Ismail at Vintagetech.com.  He already had an
L7000 and was anxious to add the L9000 to his collection.  Nelson
had wanted to donate it to a 501(c)(3) institution, but nobody
was interested.

They bought it in 1975, and it was in daily use in their billing
department until November 2005.  They certainly got their money's
worth out of it!

Amusing side note: The repair guy who kept it running for many
years had the unfortunate name of Slobodan Milosevic.  He preferred
to go by simply "Dan".  :-)

Alan Frisbie

Re: Previous message: Wire list for the RKV11-D Qbus RK05, controller backplane anywhere?

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

Jerry Weiss  wrote:

> On 2/12/20 11:28 AM, Noel Chiappa via cctalk wrote:
>
> >  > That fourth card (M7268) is apparently a connector card for the Q-Bus
> >  > and drive bus.
> >
> > Yes, but actually there are 6 cards: the M7269 is a dual card which goes
> > into the QBUS backplane, and the M993-YA which goes into the first RK05,
> > to convert from the two flat cables which come from the M7268.
> >
> >  > From: Al Kossow
> >
> >  > Also, it is only 18 bits.
> >
> > Actually, only 16-bit DMA addresses, I'm pretty sure.
> >
> >   Noel
>
> That's what is documented in Micronote #5. There is a comment in the
> 15-Dec-1994 DECUServe Journal that says it can be modified for 18 bits
> from Alan Frisbie.

Yes, it can, and it works well.  I ran RSX-11M from RK05s on my 11/73 system.

I even managed to find the article I wrote, on a 1986 backup of an RSX-11
disk, now loaded on SIMH on my Alpha/VMS system.  I have already sent a
copy of the RUNOFF file (and resulting text file) to Dave McGuire, who
tracked me down, and will do so for anyone else who would like it.

I also have the RKV11-D manual and print set, but they are buried in one of
the many boxes in my shop, so it might take a while to find them.  If you
need them, let me know and I'll dig them out and scan them.

Alan "Packrat" Frisbie

RE: Scanning question (Is destruction of old tech docs a moral crime?)

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

Guy Dunphy  wrote:

> Ditto for a service/schematics manual for the Documation
> TM200 punch card reader. No copy can be found.

I don't know about the TM200, but I have the technical manual
for the Documation M-200 card reader.  If that will help you,
I would be happy to scan it for you.  It is already on my list
of manuals to scan for Bitsavers.  This is the August 1974
update containing the recommended spares list for DEC.

Amazingly, I knew exactly which moving box it was in, and it
took less than five minutes to find that box!

Alan "Pack Rat" Frisbie

Re: PDP-11/45 RSTS/E boot problem

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

Ethan Dicks  wrote:

> I have had an RK11-C for a long time that I've never tried to
> power up (I got an RKV11-D and used that on Qbus machines
> instead).

Wow, someone else with an RKV11-D!  I thought I was the only
person who had one.   I modified mine (using the dead bug
technique) to add 18-bit addressing instead of just 16, and
ran it successfully with RT-11 and RSX-11M on my 11/73 system.

I have had DEC people visit my place, look at the RKV11-D, and
say "DEC never made anything like that!".  :-)

Alan "and I don't exist either" Frisbie

Re: PDP-11/45 RSTS/E boot problem

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

> > > Likely some disk controllers did NOT SUPPORT crossing 64K boundaries!
> >
> > No; the RK11 spec says "[the two extended memory bits] make up a two-bit
> > counter that increments each time the RKBA overflows".
> >
> > The actual error turns out to be slightly different to my guess; there's
> > a spurious overflow from the low 16-bit register to these bits at 017.
> 
> Maybe a problem with E29 or E34 on the M795 module?

I am finding this entire discussion extremely fascinating!
Every day I look forward to reading the latest twists in the
plot.   The ideas, hunches, tests, dead ends, and results are an
excellent example of the debugging process.

I am awaiting the exciting Perry Mason style conclusion, where
the guilty chip stands up and confesses on the stand.  :-)

Alan "Where were you on the night of the crime?" Frisbie

Re: Mounting HP7970e 9-Trk 1/2" Tape Drive

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

j...@mercury.lcs.mit.edu (Noel Chiappa) wrote:
> > From: Alan Frisbie
> 
> > Harbor Freight sells a nice hydraulic lift table for under $200 that I
> > have found very useful for that sort of thing. It doesn't go up very 
> high
> > (like for the top of a rack), but I used it with some wood blocks 
> 
> Thanks for the tip! I got one on sale for about US$140; it's _very_ sturdy.
> And the top is just large enough to hold two milk crates (available at
> Home Depot, BTW), so it's guite easy to build up a stack as high as one
> needs to reach the top of a 6' rack.

Thank you very much for the feedback -- it makes me happy when I
know that someone finds my suggestions useful.

I've used the milk crate technique myself, with a piece of sheet
metal on top to make it easier to slide the load off.  I hope you
secure such a stack tightly.  :-)  I used some of the inexpensive
1" wide Harbor Freight cargo straps.

Alan "You can't have too many clamps or straps" Frisbie

Re: Mounting HP7970e 9-Trk 1/2" Tape Drive

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

Jack Harper  wrote:


I got both drives into the rack this past weekend and I am an old guy
(67) - I carefully stared at the thing before I started and finally
figured out that I could, in fact, lift the drive from a waist high
cart for a few seconds, but definitely could not lift it or lower it
vertically with my arms - no way - and I would have one shot at
getting the drives into the rack on the rails.


Harbor Freight sells a nice hydraulic lift table for under $200 that
I have found very useful for that sort of thing.   It doesn't go up
very high (like for the top of a rack), but I used it with some wood
blocks to lift a DEC ES45 Alpha system into a rack by myself.

500 pound capacity, 28.5" lift height, $170
https://www.harborfreight.com/500-lbs-capacity-hydraulic-table-cart-61405.html

1000 pound capacity, 34.5" lift height, $260
https://www.harborfreight.com/1000-lbs-capacity-hydraulic-table-cart-69148.html

Alan Frisbie

Re: Novapalooza in 2 months...

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

> > Alan Frisbie via cctalk wrote:
> > I always found it amusing that Data General's computers were
> > named after transitory phenomena: Nova, Supernova, Eclipse.

> Bruce Ray  wrote:
>
> I see what you mean... sorta like the DEC "Rainbow"?

Good one!   I didn't see that coming.  :-)

Alan

Re: Novapalooza in 2 months...

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

Bruce Ray  wrote:

> Really, the Nova is 50? Yup - so join us in celebrating the personal and
> technical impact of this youngster..

I always found it amusing that Data General's computers were
named after transitory phenomena: Nova, Supernova, Eclipse.

Of course, in the grand scale of things, we all are.  :-(

Alan

Re: ISO: Tape Seal Belts

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

Chuck Guzis  wrote:

> I'm looking for a small quantity of 10.5" half-inch reel tape seal
> belts.  These are the things that almost everybody with a large
> collection of tapes used to hang their half-inch tapes in racks made for
> the purpose.

> I can't seem to find anyone who is sitting on a pile of these.

You just found someone.

What color(s) would you like?

The only catch is that I am moving from Los Angeles to Oregon, and
they are on a moving van.   Seriously.   They just finished loading,
and the truck is still sitting in front of my house while the crew
cleans up.   They also loaded three tape racks and about 500 tapes.

I won't be following them to Oregon until September, and it may be
a few weeks before I can find and unpack one of the boxes (over 800).
E-Mail me after Labor Day and I'll see what I can dig out for you.
Be warned that I may not have my email server up and running right
away.

Long-distance moves can be "interesting" (and expensive) for someone
who is: A vintage computer enthusiast, an home shop machinist, and
a book fanatic, with a wife who shares my book "problem".  :-)
Examples include: A Century Data T302-RM disk drive, multiple DEC
H960 racks with TU56 DECtape drive, 9-track tape drives, etc.,
a Bridgeport CNC milling machine, two lathes, and lots more shop
equipment.   They ran out of axle weight capacity before they ran
out of space in the semi-trailer.

Alan "Packrat" Frisbie

Re: RK05 spindle pulleys - trade 50Hz vs 60Hz?

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

Chuck Guzis  wrote:

> In WWII radio equipment, MGs in a unitzed form called
> "dynamotors" were used to supply the high-voltage anode voltage
> for the tubes.

And long after WWII!   In the 1960s, I had a Motorola 140D (140
for the power, "D" standing for Dynamoter) mobile radio (6 meter
ham band) in my car.   Everytime I keyed the mike, the dynamoter
would instantly spin up with a loud whine.   Such radios were
normally housed in the trunk of the car and required heavy wire
to carry the 12 volt battery current for the dynamoter.

My Monarch 10EE lathe originally came with a big motor-generator
to power the variable-speed DC motor.   Later versions use
thyratrons, while even later ones were solid state, but they all
continued to use DC motors.   The variable-speed DC drive was
very similar (identical?) to elevator drives, known as the
Ward-Leonard system.

To bring this back to the RK05, someone asked if anyone had a
copy of the RK05 IPB.   If you still need it, let me know and
I'll dig it out.   I haven't packed it for my move yet, but
the drives are.

Alan

WRQ Reflection 4+ DOS

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

While cleaning out my office, I found a brand new, unopened copy
of WRQ Reflection 4+ version 5.0 for DOS.   It provides (per the
box):

  Accurate emulation of Digital VT340, VT320, VT220, VT241, VT102,
  and VT52 terminals, with VT420 features.

  Windows-like interface with pull-down menus and dialog boxes.

  132-column display with EGA, VGA, or special video adapters.

  Full keyboard mapping and mouse support.

  Etc., etc., etc.

If anyone wants it, just let me know and I'll send it to you in
exchange for the cost of postage (weighs 8 pounds).   Otherwise
I will toss it in the recycle bin next week.

Alan "Pack Rat" Frisbie

Re: Modifying microcode

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

Tony Duell  wrote:

> > until the 8085 CFE loaded the microcode.
>
> Loaded from a TU58 cartridge, which is the main reason my 11/730 is not
> running at the moment. The hardware is fine, I've rebuilt the drive rollers,
> but as yet don't have a readable tape (not even blank, to write the
> microcode onto).

I'm pretty sure that I have a complete set of 11/730 TU58 tapes in
my storage unit.   I might even have some brand new tapes.   If I
can find them, I would be happy to send them to you.   They have
been sitting in storage for probably 20 years, so there are no
guarantee that they are readable.

I'm cleaning out the storage unit right now, in preparation for
moving, so I'll keep an eye out for them.

Alan "Pack rat" Frisbie

Re: Andromeda SCDC Qbus controller question

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

Douglas Taylor  wrote:

> I just got one of these and wanted to configure it via the 10
> pin RS232  port on the board.
> Is the port a standard DLV11-J type?

Yes, it is identical.   I was the original beta tester on the
SCDC and used it extensively.   In fact, the designers called
it "the Frisbie port".   :-)

> I have one of those D-bit DLV11-J to DB25 adapters but not
> getting any response.

You may need a null modem.  Try swapping pins 2 and 3.

I can send you an genuine Andromeda DB25 adapter if you give
me a mailing address and promise to send me $10.  :-)

> Any info on the few jumpers on the board?

They changed between the original Rev. A and final Rev. F
boards.  Which one do you have?

I can send you a copy of the manual, complete with all my
editorial comments written on it.

Alan "Packrat" Frisbie

Re: RL01/RL02 emulator needed -- (was Many thanks to Glen's Vintage Computer Info)

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

j...@mercury.lcs.mit.edu (Noel Chiappa) wrote:


Err, which RLV11/RLV12 emulators are you seeing? I know of several RL02
emulators - Reinhard Heuberger's, and another I can't immediately find my
saved info on - (and one crazy project that turned a real RL02 into a USB
device :-), but you still need an RLV11/12 controller.


The only ones I can find now are the ones you mention.   Yes, I too can't find
my notes on the second one, whatever it is/was.   I was *sure* that someone
had made a Qbus emulator that used SD cards, but I simply can't find any mention
of it now.

Right now, it looks like Reinhard Heuberger's board is the best bet.   I haven't
checked with him yet to see if boards or kits are still available.   If I could
find a working TDL-12 I would jump on it in an instant.   All the older ones
(Dilog, etc.) appear to use ST-506 type drives, which introduces its own set of
problems.

Alan Frisbie

Re: RL01/RL02 emulator needed -- (was Many thanks to Glen's Vintage Computer Info)

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

"pe...@rittwage.com"  wrote:

> You don't want to try to repair the controller? There are some custom
> IC's on there (it appears) but is largely off-the-shelf TTL... I'm
> sure someone on the list has a lot of experience with these and could
> repair it or help.

Indeed, I DO want to repair it, but that is a project for another day.
Right now I need to solve the need for an RL02 emulator, which will let
me quickly solve the current problem.

Again, does anyone have any experience (good or bad) with any of the
RL02 emulators our there?

Thanks,
Alan Frisbie

RL01/RL02 emulator needed -- (was Many thanks to Glen's Vintage Computer Info)

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

Several days ago I wrote about my joy of finding a TDL-12 disk
controller, emulating four DEC RL02 drives and using a SCSI drive.
Sadly, I discovered that the controller is a dead as a doornail.
It doesn't respond to any bus address at all.

So, I'm back to my original quest: I need a controller that
emulates the DEC RLV11/RLV12 and RL01/RL02 drives.   From my
Google searching, I see a couple that use SD or similar solid
state devices.   Does anyone here have any direct experience
(good or bad) with any of these emulators?   I don't mind
spending money for a good solution.

Thanks,
Alan Frisbie

Many thanks to Glen's Vintage Computer Info

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

I don't know if Glen Slick is on this list, but I owe him one!

I am working on an elderly PDP-11/23 system running RSX-11M v3.2 -- too
old to know about MSCP disk controllers like the RQDX1/2/3 and compatibles.
It is only sysgened for RK05, RL01/2, and an incompatible 3rd-party disk,
but neither the RK05 or RL01/2 controllers are present.

To do my work, I thus need an RL02 and controller... OR something that
emulates an RL02.   I had planned to post a note here today, asking for
recommendations for RL01/2 (RLV11) emulators, but got distracted.

Instead, I set about making an inventory of several boxes of Q-Bus cards
I had accumulated over the years.   Most were DEC, but a bunch were weird
3rd-party controllers, one of which was a TD Systems TDL-12.   What the hell
is a TDL-12?

My Google searching led me eventually to Glen's Vintage Computer Info
https://sites.google.com/site/glensvintagecomputerinfo/home
and his page on the TD Systems TDL-12: 
https://sites.google.com/site/glensvintagecomputerinfo/td-systems/tdl-12

The TDL-12 turns out to be a Q-Bus SCSI controller, emulating up to
four RL01/2 drives -- exactly what I needed!   Glen's web page even
includes a PDF of the original TD Systems manual for the board.

So, Glen, whoever and wherever you are, I thank you from the bottom of
my heart for creating and maintaining a web page about this orphan
controller.   You have saved me a lot of time, effort, and probably
a bit of money as well.

As an added bonus, Glen also has a page for an obscure HP Q-Bus logic
analyzer card, which I also have.   But that's a project for another
day.

Thanks,
Alan Frisbie

Compaq Storageworks V5.4 kit for SUN Solaris

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

I'm cleaning out my accumulation of "stuff" and there are several
things that aren't worth the effort of putting on ebay.   If
anyone on this list wants them, they are yours for the cost of
shipping.   The first item is:

QB-5JCAG-SA
Compaq Storageworks
RAID Array 450 V5.4A Platform Software Kit for SUN Solaris

Contains:

AG-R20SE-BE Software CD "RAID Array 450 V5.4A for SUN Solaris"
AE-RBDYB-TE Software Product Description SPD 64.64.05
AA-R20TD-TE Release Notes
AA-R20RD-TE RAID Array 450 V5.4 for Solaris 2.x Installation Guide
AA-R24LA-TE StorageWorks Command Console (v1.1) User's Guide
EK-HSZ50-CG HSZ50 HSOD v5.1 Array Controller Configuration Manual
EK-HSZ50-SV HSZ50 HSOD v5.1 Array Controller Service Manual
EK-HSCLI-RM HSZ50 HSOD v5.1 Array Controller CLI Reference Manual

It weighs just under 5 pounds, so I estimate the shipping cost
would be $10 to $20.

Send me an email if you want it.  If I don't hear from anyone
in a few days, it goes into the dumpster.

Alan Frisbie

Re: ounting screw threads for VR201?

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

Ethan Dicks  wrote:


I don't happen to have a VR201 here right now to measure directly (or
I would just do that), but IIRC, there's a threaded mounting insert on
the bottom (for the "E.T. Stand", if nothing else),  I want to
fabricate a shelf clip for a VR201 and am seeking the diameter/thread
pitch for the insert.  Does anyone have that info handy?  It's likely
larger than 1/4-20 from what I remember.


There are four brass inserts in a trapezoidal pattern, each threaded
1/4-20 (National Coarse).   The trapezoid is 7.0" center-to-center
for the two nearest the screen, and the rear ones are 5.0" center-to-center.
It is 5.0" between the front (screen) pair and the rear pair.

This is for a VR201-B -- other dash-variants may be different.
If there is a base with a single large threaded insert, it may be
an adapter that goes between the VR201 and the stand.

Now, could someone please tell me the pinouts for the 15-pin connector?
I would like to use it to view RS-170 video, if possible.

Alan Frisbie

Re: PDP11 media looking for a good home

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

Paul Koning  wrote:

> I have two items that I'd like to send to a good home.  That
> means, someone who can read the item in question and make it
> available so it's preserved.

> 1. A DECtape labeled "VT30 distribution for RSX11D V06-B".
> VT30 is a DEC CSS product, a color alphanumeric terminal.

I have a DECtape TU56 drive and a PDP-11/34, along with
RSX for same, so I could copy it for posterity.   However,
the drive and the PDP-11 are in different rooms right now,
and it would be several months before I could unite them
and copy the tape.   If you cannot find someone who can do
it quicker, I will be happy to do the job.

(I will be out of town until Tuesday 1/16 and unable to
access email.)

Alan Frisbie

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

[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: Line printer art: (was Re: tape baking)

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

Al Kossow  wrote:

> Need to update my reader anyway soon, so I'm going
> to append something similar to what you did the new
> images I create, probably just a ascii text record
> and a label picture.

For the many hundreds of 9-track tapes I'm turning into
image files, I am also including an ASCII text file of
whatever information I can read from the paper label and
any related notes, plus several photographs of the reel
of tape and any labels.

Some of the labels are so faded that the only way I can
read them is to put them on the flatbed scanner, then
manipulate the color & contrast to bring out the writing.

Of course, the photos are many times larger than the
data file!

I'm trying to figure out how to best organize all this
data.   The best I've come up with so far is to put all
the files for one tape in a single directory, all with
similar names.   Suggestions would be welcome.

Before I got side-tracked with other projects, I had
imaged some 600 1600 bpi tapes.   Now I have about 400
800 bpi tapes to do.   The delay is that the room with
the 800 bpi drive (Cipher 910) is so full of "stuff"
that I can barely see the drive at the far side of the
room.   I'm sure than none of you people have this
problem!  :-)

Alan Frisbie

Re: DEC TRAX documentation set for sale

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

On 07/06/2017 02:01 PM, Paul Koning wrote:



On Jul 6, 2017, at 4:20 PM, Alan Frisbie wrote:

...
TRAX was designed around a modified version of RSX-11M-Plus,
v1.0, yet no mention of it survives today. Indeed, a year after
its announcement, it appeared to have sunk without a trace.


I don't remember the exact timing, but my recollection is that

> TRAX was cancelled within a few weeks of when it first shipped.

That's pretty fast to kill a product!   Do you have any idea what
the reason was?   (Both the real reason and what was announced?)

It seems to me that a product would have been a good match for
the VAX, which was announced about the same time.   I wonder why
that never happened?

Alan

DEC TRAX documentation set for sale

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

Since it is doubtful that I will ever have a need for them,
and I badly need the space, I am selling my TRAX documentation
set on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/142437733294
or search for "TRAX" or Seller Frisbie99

This includes the five TRAX manuals that are NOT on Bitsavers.

Description:
In 1978, DEC announced a new PDP-11 operating system, TRAX,
specifically designed for high-volume transaction processing.
It was designed to work with the DEC VT62 block mode terminals
for fill-in-the-blanks applications.

TRAX was designed around a modified version of RSX-11M-Plus,
v1.0, yet no mention of it survives today. Indeed, a year after
its announcement, it appeared to have sunk without a trace.

This is a complete set of manuals for the DEC TRAX transaction
processing Operating System. In 45 years of working with DEC
systems, I have never seen another copy of these manuals or the
binders. The product was canceled almost(?) before it was shipped,
so this is a rare glimpse of an almost-forgotten part of computer
history.

This set contains all the manuals that were part of the original
documentation set. They include:

AA-D327A-TC Introduction to TRAX
AA-D328A-TC Application Designers Guide
AA-D329A-TC Application Programmers Guide
AA-D330A-TC Application Terminal Language Reference Manual
AA-D331A-TC Support Environment Users Guide
AA-D332A-TC System Managers Guide
AA-D335A-TC System Generation Manual
AA-D336A-TC TRAX BASIC-Plus-2 Language Reference Manual
AA-D337A-TC TRAX BASIC-Plus-2 User's Guide
AA-D338A-TC COBOL Language Reference Manual
AA-D339A-TC COBOL Users Guide
AA-D340A-TC MACRO Reference Manual
AA-D341A-TC TRAX RMS MACRO Programmers Guide
AA-D342A-TC Linker Reference Manual
AA-D343A-TC ODT Reference Manual
AA-D344A-TC TRAX User Mode Diagnostics
AA-D345A-TC DEC Editor Reference Manual
AA-D346A-TC SORT Reference Manual
AA-D347A-TC DATATRIEVE Users Guide

In addition, a copy of the Software Product Description (SPD)
13.9.0 and a color-laser printed copy of the original TRAX brochure
are included. If the buyer wishes, I can email them the PDF files
for these two documents.

Alan Frisbie

Re: tape baking

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

Al Kossow  wrote:


https://strandgames.com/blog/magnetic-scrolls-games-source-code-recovered

and now we know why all the questions were asked recently


So, what are the currently-recommended tape baking temperatures and times?

I have been using 58C/136F for 24 to 48 hours with some luck, but I feel
that results could be better.   What are other people using?

I have several hundred more 800 bpi tapes to read, and my only 800 bpi
drive is pretty rough on tapes, so I want to get it right.   The drive
is a Cipher 910 vacuum column drive.

I also have about 100 TK50 tapes, if the temperature/time values are
different for those.

Thanks,
Alan Frisabie

Re: McLeyvier music synthesizer

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

Al Kossow <a...@bitsavers.org> wrote:
> Alan Frisbie via cctalk wrote:

> > Our current project is to replace the ST-506 disks with
> > the David Gesswein MFM disk emulators.   To do this, we
> > need to determine the CRC algorithm used by DTC, which we
> > cannot find any documentation for.

> did you ask david to try decoding the data for you? he's been
> very good at doing so.

Yes, I've discussed it with David, but we're waiting until
we have the test rig set up before attacking it in depth.
That should be in another week or two.

> DTC documentation should be on bitsavers

Yes, for which I am extremely grateful!   The DTC-11-1 host
adapter manual is particularly valuable.   While there is a
manual for the DTC-520A and the 500DB Series, there isn't one
for the 520-1.   It's possible that the 520A is the same as
the 520-1, but we're not sure yet.

In any event, the CRC information is not in the manuals.   We'll
probably start by just experimenting with common polynomials.
Why would DTC engineers NOT use proven algorithms?   :-)

Thanks,
Alan Frisbie

McLeyvier music synthesizer

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

In the early 1980's, a company in Toronto, Hazelcom Industries,
produced a music synthesizer based on an LSI-11/23 running
RSX-11M v3.2.   The music part of it was written by David McLey,
so the product was called the McLeyvier (pun intended).

Several people in the industry have told me that this was the
best analog music synthesizer ever made.   Sadly, it was
introduced just as digital synthesizers were hitting their stride.

Now, a small group of enthusiasts have banded together to restore
the few remaining McLeyviers (only about eight were sold) to
operating condition.

If you have any knowledge about the McLeyvier, and are not
already on our mailing list, PLEASE contact me.   We are
particularly interested in the following subjects:

1. McLeyvier hardware or software documentation.
2. DTC 520-1 disk controller and its DTC-11 Q-Bus host adapter.
3. Peritek VRG-Q Q-Bus graphics controller.  Especially the
   RSX or RT-11 device drivers, or other software.
4. The location or owners of McLeyviers.

Our current project is to replace the ST-506 disks with
the David Gesswein MFM disk emulators.   To do this, we
need to determine the CRC algorithm used by DTC, which we
cannot find any documentation for.

Thank you,
Alan Frisbie

Re: RK11-D print set

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

Marc Howard  wrote:

> Although I can find the RK11D users manual on the web there doesn't appear
> to be print set (schematics) out there.  Does this exist somewhere under a
> non-obvious name?

The RK11-D controller maintenance manual is on Bitsavers at:
/pdf/dec/unibus/EK-RK11D-MM-002.pdf

I scanned the print set for Bitsavers back in 2005, but I cannot seem
to find it online.   It was on the CD I named Scans002 and the file
name I gave it was MP005426_RK11-AK_Field_Maint_Printset

The backlog list also shows another file with more pages,
/_schems/_PDP11/rk11d_schem but I have no knowledge about it.

Perhaps Al could have one of his (virtual) minions dig these out
and post them.

Worst case, I could send you the .TIF images I scanned.   I also
have, but have not yet scanned, the manual and print set for the
RKV11-D (Q-Bus) controller.

Alan Frisbie

Re: Bitsavers size

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

"Shoppa, Tim" wrote:


The bitsavers archive is 267 Gbytes.


And growing.   I just sent Al a CD with 450 MB of scans of
old obscure IBM manuals from the late 1960s and early 1970s.
One example:
225-3360-1 2030 Processing Unit Field Engineering Theory of Operation
(It describes all the internal operations of the S/360 Model 30.)

So far I have sent him 15 CDs of manual and print set scans,
many of which have not yet appeared online.   This is probably
because he lacks time and resources to do the necessary post
processing of them.

If there is any interest, I can post (or send) a list of the
manuals.

The next batch will be from SEL, GE, Tymshare, and a few other
miscellaneous companies.   After that, it will be all DEC.
If anyone else is scanning DEC manuals, please contact me so
we can coordinate our efforts and avoid duplication.

Alan Frisbie

Re: Copy of UNIBUS Interface Manual available for trade

[Alan Frisbie via cctalk]

j...@mercury.lcs.mit.edu (Noel Chiappa) wrote:

> One DEC book I really crave, but _cannot_ find, is the "PDP-11 Systems
> Handbook" ("Featuring: MicroPDP-11/83 MicroPDP-11/73 MicroPDP-11/53
> PDP-11/84"). If anyone has an extra copy of this they're willing to part
> with, please let me know,

I have an extra copy I would be happy to send to you.
Just send me your mailing address.

Alan Frisbie