Test message

[Mike Ross via cctalk]

I was banned for ages, I've been told I'm not any more; test post;
disregard.

Mike

Perq 1 troubles

[Mike Ross]

Just on the off-chance... does anyone have schematics for the Perq 1
portrait monitor? Mine is sick... and there are none on bitsavers. On
first power-up there was a faint raster pattern but that quickly
vanished and now there's no sign of life from the tube heaters...

Thanks

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: PDP-11 RL02 disk emulation

[Mike Ross]

On Sat, Nov 12, 2016 at 5:35 PM, Scott Baker  wrote:
> Hi*
>
>>> Any chance it could be put into 'production'?
>
> *I placed an order today for 3 RL02 emulator interface boards from OshPark.
> I expect it will take 2 weeks to get the boards back from OshPark.
> I am leveraging RL02 emulator work from Reinhard Heuberger, but I am
> using a newer FPGA board than his current design (the FPGA board that
> he is currently usingis not available), so there is some porting work
> required which will also take some time.

Oh I didn't know this was on the menu. I'm in a morass of pdp-11s at
the moment; I could certainly use one of these.

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: Supercomputers, fishing for information

[Mike Ross]

On Sun, Nov 6, 2016 at 3:37 AM, Al Kossow  wrote:
> let me see if I can get this scanned this morning
> http://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102719961
>
> you also REALLY want to get any docs and tapes/disks out of there
> finding software is going to be extremely difficult

Jim Austin now has my Convex C220 and he took a bunch of manuals and
tapes I retrieved with the system. I *think* I was also able to supply
him with the root password...!

http://www.computermuseum.org.uk/fixed_pages/convex_c220.html

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: WTB several IMSAI-8080 ON-OFF-ON momentary switches

[Mike Ross]

On Sun, Nov 6, 2016 at 3:45 PM, Chuck Guzis <ccl...@sydex.com> wrote:
> On 11/05/2016 07:11 PM, Mike Ross wrote:
>
>> So you reckon those 7105SY9V3BE would suit the Altair? OK I'll go
>> shopping.
>
>
> That's just an estimate from memory.  I'd have to dig my 8800 out, dust
> it off and make measurements.
>
> Note that the part I linked to is center-off-momentary SPDT.  Clearly,
> not all of the switches on the Altair are like that.
>
> There are, of course, lots of other switch vendors, NKK, e-switch...
> But the C selector is by far the easiest to use.

Ahhh ok. I know the square root of bugger all about Altairs; I'm
mostly a DEC pdp and IBM mainframe/midrange guy. I picked up the
Altair a few years ago as an 'oh by the way' thing when I saw it at a
cheap price; I'm only just getting into it now. It does basically
work; it seems to be running some kind of ROM because when I power it
up it runs and the lights chase like a register increment thing. But
can't do much else due to broken/flaky switches.

I'll pick up some Altair schematics and see what's called for in each
switch position.

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: WTB several IMSAI-8080 ON-OFF-ON momentary switches

[Mike Ross]

On Sun, Nov 6, 2016 at 2:45 PM, Chuck Guzis <ccl...@sydex.com> wrote:
> On 11/05/2016 05:10 PM, Mike Ross wrote:
>
>> I need those too - some of my Altair switches have the handles
>> physically broken... in fact pretty much ALL the large switches (the
>> bottom row for run/deposit/exam/reset etc.) are ropey in one way or
>> another and need replacing (the smaller data/address switches are
>> fine). If anyone tracks down the correct type of switch please post
>> a link here! Or if you have any for sale shoot me an email.
>
>
> The site I linked to from C is a good example of how a manufacturer's
> web site should be--parameterized search with vendor stock check.  So,
> for example, the momentary on-off-on 20V PC mount unthreaded with 10.67
> mm handle would be 7105SY9V3BE--and Arrow has about 150 in stock.

So you reckon those 7105SY9V3BE would suit the Altair? OK I'll go shopping.

I've had a wee Google for Altair pics and mine seems to be an oddball.
Most of the pics I've seen have all the switches the small type with
rounded 'baseball bat' ends. A couple had all the switches the larger
type with rectangular 'cricket bat' ends. Mine is the only one I've
ever seen with a mixture; small switches for address and data - large
for the control switches. See:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cwi1aInUsAAW5Zn.jpg

Anyone seen another like this?

Cheers

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: WTB several IMSAI-8080 ON-OFF-ON momentary switches

[Mike Ross]

On Sun, Nov 6, 2016 at 4:41 AM, Chuck Guzis  wrote:
> On 11/04/2016 11:17 PM, drlegendre . wrote:
>> Am I correct that the Altair 8800(A/B) also uses those type of
>> switch?
>>
>> If so, I need one or two as well.. my own, lone 8800 isn't quite what
>> it could be, IIRC. Had to sub switches.
>
> Not exactly--momentary, yes, but clearly not the paddle switches used on
> the IMSAI.   Fortunately, PCB-mount toggle switches are quite a bit
> easier to locate.
>
> I'd probably start here:
>
> http://www.ckswitches.com/product-selection/toggle/
>
> if I were looking for a replacement.
>
> --Chuck

I need those too - some of my Altair switches have the handles
physically broken... in fact pretty much ALL the large switches (the
bottom row for run/deposit/exam/reset etc.) are ropey in one way or
another and need replacing (the smaller data/address switches are
fine). If anyone tracks down the correct type of switch please post a
link here! Or if you have any for sale shoot me an email.

Thanks

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: For sale 128K Core RAM Industrial PDP 11/40 Massbus System

[Mike Ross]

On Tue, Nov 1, 2016 at 10:15 AM, william degnan  wrote:
>>
>> Find a copy of the PDP-11 systems handbook!  Say 1978, 80 and 82 versions
>> and
>> see the difference.  Never mind the Unibus, Qbus, PRO, and PDT flavors.
>>
>>
>> Allison
>>
>>>   thanks Ed Sharpe  _www.smecc.org_ (http://www.smecc.org)
>>>
>>>
>>>
>
> Here is a thread I posted on my site, with link to the first printing of
> the PDP 11 brochure.  The first PDP 11 models had no "/nn" on the front
> panel.. see for yourself.
>
> http://vintagecomputer.net/browse_thread.cfm?id=593

Mine is a very early example - number 636 IIRC - and it just says
'pdp-11' on the front:

http://www.corestore.org/1120-1.jpg

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: For sale 128K Core RAM Industrial PDP 11/40 Massbus System

[Mike Ross]

On Mon, Oct 31, 2016 at 11:47 AM, Christian Gauger-Cosgrove
<captainkirk...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On 30 October 2016 at 18:09, Mike Ross <tmfdm...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> Unix? Probably a complete brain fart by me - but I thought Unix
>> required a machine with separate I/D spaces and the 11/40 wasn't one
>> of them?
>>
> V5 and V6 will run on an 11/40. I *think* but I might be wrong, that
> V5 doesn't support split I/D.
>
>
>> If I'm wrong that will be of some assistance to me actually :-)
>>
> Why, plannign to run an old UNIX on a blinkenlights '11? :P

Yes.  I want a blinkenlights web server :-)

Of course these days RSX is also a possibility... it has an HTTPD in
addition to the basic TCP/IP stack I believe?

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: For sale 128K Core RAM Industrial PDP 11/40 Massbus System

[Mike Ross]

On Mon, Oct 31, 2016 at 10:09 AM, william degnan  wrote:
> *For sale 128K Core RAM Industrial PDP 11/40 Massbus System*
>
> *Ebay:* 272432268291
>
> http://www.ebay.com/itm/-/272432268291?
>
> $1.
>
> Bill

Unix? Probably a complete brain fart by me - but I thought Unix
required a machine with separate I/D spaces and the 11/40 wasn't one
of them?

If I'm wrong that will be of some assistance to me actually :-)

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: ContrAlto V1.1 Released

[Mike Ross]

On Fri, Oct 28, 2016 at 10:25 AM, SPC  wrote:
> 2016-10-27 22:50 GMT+02:00 Josh Dersch :
>
>> ContrAlto can be downloaded from:
>> http://www.livingcomputers.org/Join/Online-Systems.aspx.
>>
>>  Thanks!
>>
>> - Josh
>
> Hi. I'm trying to reach
> http://prevlcm2.corp.vnw.com/Join/Online-Systems/ContraltoSetup.aspx
> but it returns a DNS error.
>
> Regards
> Sergio.


In the meantime manually demunging the URL to:
http://www.livingcomputers.org/Join/Online-Systems/ContraltoSetup.aspx
appears to work.

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: Unibus disk controller with modern storage

[Mike Ross]

On Fri, Oct 21, 2016 at 2:45 AM, David Bridgham  wrote:
> On 10/19/2016 06:48 PM, shad wrote:
>>
>> One of my retrocomputing dream is to design an Unibus universal board,
>> probably based on FPGA because of precise timing requirements,
>> to emulate one or more disk/tape interfaces, and possibly something more.
>> The real storage could be based on SD card
>
> You mean, perhaps, something like this?
>
> http://pdp10.froghouse.org/qsic/html/overview.html

Oh that blinkenlights panel is excellent! All emulators should have
one! :-) I'm not really into Qbus much but would probably buy a
production example anyway. I'd certainly fork out for several Unibus
devices if you make them!

One tip from someone with same issue in a parallel endeavor (IBM
System/360 panel): they look much better and more authentic with 'warm
white' LEDs. These are the ones I'm using:
https://octopart.com/l5-n55n-fuv-sloanled-29855005

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: 2020 Power consumption [Was: Re: MASSBUS disk emulator (Was: Unibus controller for MFM disks)]

[Mike Ross]

On Wed, Oct 19, 2016 at 7:44 PM, Pontus Pihlgren  wrote:
> On Tue, Oct 18, 2016 at 06:26:06PM +, Rich Alderson wrote:
>>
>> There have been 2 generations of Massbus Disk Emulator (MDE) at LCM.  The
>> one of which people have seen pictures was the first generation, created
>> when there were only 2 people working on the collection which became the
>> museum years later.
>>
>
> Ah, thanks for clarifying :)
>
> Somewhat related, how much power does a 2020 draw on average?
>
> /P

Bye some enormous coincidence I was just looking through some DEC
pdp-10 brochures I have.

DEC advertised the 2020 as drawing no more power that a hairdryer; the
quoted figure was 1400w as I recall.

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: Unibus controller for MFM disks

[Mike Ross]

On Sun, Oct 16, 2016 at 3:33 AM, Al Kossow  wrote:
> I can only think of one, the AED WINC-08 RL02 system, but that used 8" drives
> Good luck finding one, and the matching interface card. I don't think Qualogy
> Emulex or Dilog ever made MFM for Unibus. MFM controllers were mainly a QBus
> market. I suppose some day I should make a list of all of the Unibus/Qbus disk
> and tape controller vendors I can think of.
>
> There is a project going on right now in support of the Y-Combinator
> Alto restoration to create a Diablo model 30 drive emulator.
> Given how many RK11's there are in the world, that might be an option
> once it's working. There is also the German RL02 drive emulator, which
> seems to have stalled again.
>
> I hope someone gets a Q/Unibus non-mscp small disk emulator PCB built
> some day. I wonder if Guy has had any time to work on his.

A plug-compatible Massbus disk/tape emulator would be a Good Thing;
there are things like pdp-10s that rely exclusively on Massbus and
rare finicky power-hungry beasts like RP06. I kinda heard that LCM
were working on something like that but don't know how far they got.
Setasi had a disk emulator system based on a PC with a Massbus-on-FPGA
card but they're rare and pretty unmaintainable too; I have one but
not got it working yet.

IBM channel-attached DASD would be another good one. It exists - the
FlexCub. I know LCM use those too - but the price is commercial and
way way up there. A hobbyist license for that would be helpful! I have
a System/3 pretty much ready to boot - but it never will unless I can
find or emulate the 3340 disks which are the only things it can use.

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: DEC items for sale, swap or giveaway

[Mike Ross]

On Thu, Oct 13, 2016 at 8:25 PM,  wrote:
> I have a collection of DEC items available for sale, swap or giveaway.
>
> They are mostly VAX or MicroVAX items, as well as a few PDP-11 items.
>
> These are in Melbourne, Australia. I appreciate this may not be of much
> interest to the rest of the world.
>
> If interested, please take a look here -> http://avitech.com.au/?p=1285

I'm in NZ. I'd certainly be interested in the VAX 750 & 730s

I'd certainly consider an -8 swap - most likely an 8/e and maybe some
peripherals - teletype?

Cheers

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: booting 6085 XDE 5.0 settime.boot

[Mike Ross]

On Fri, Oct 14, 2016 at 4:51 AM, Al Kossow  wrote:
>
> the perennial '937' problem
>
> just installed 6085 XDE 5.0 from floppies but there is no option in the
> installer to load and setup to boot settimedove.boot from the copilot volume
>
> someone must have figured this out
>
> on the other hand, since none of the compilers or actual useful stuff is 
> installed,
> since you're SUPPOSED to fetch this off the XNS network, maybe not.
>
> I should post this on comp.sys.xerox :-)

Assuming you've installed this to an emulated disk... if you can chuck
the disk image over to me there's a few things I could try... I have a
6085 running VP & Lisp images from Dave's MFM emulator.

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: SCSI Tape Emulator

[Mike Ross]

On Oct 10, 2016 10:06 PM, "Dave Wade"  wrote:
>
> Folks,
>
> I am "playing" with a small VAX and want to install software onto it, some
> of which are in SIMH ".tap" format files. I was thinking it would be nice
to
> have a SCSI Tape emulator that worked a bit like the USB floppy emulators
> that are about.
>
> So it would plug into the SCSI bus and allow ".TAP" (and other tape
formats)
> stored on some kind of flash memory, say USB or SD card perhaps, to be
read
> by real hardware.
>
>
>
> Does this sound usefull to any one? Any other thoughts on how this could
be
> achieved?
>
>
>
> Dave Wade
>
> G4UGM & EA7KAE

Would it not be a SMOP to get a SCSI2SD device to emulate a tape drive?

Mike

Re: DEC Indicator Panels page

[Mike Ross]

On Thu, Aug 18, 2016 at 8:56 AM, Noel Chiappa  wrote:
> So, I've been working for a while on a page about DEC indicator panels (the
> standardized 36x4 light arrays which go into a 19" rack, with an inlay to
> customize it to a particular device). It's online now, here:
>
>   http://ana-3.lcs.mit.edu/~jnc/tech/DECIndicatorPanels.html
>
> Does anyone happen to have a good image of an RK08 panel, or an RF11, which I
> can use here?
>
> Even better, does anyone know of, or have images of, panels which are not
> listed here? (I am not including the unknown 'RK' panel in the RSTS document,
> which will be the subject of a separate message.)
>
> Thanks!
>
> Noel

Noel

I have taken better pics of the pdp-15 panels.

FP15: http://www.corestore.org/FP15ind.jpg
RP15: http://www.corestore.org/RP15ind.jpg
TC59: http://www.corestore.org/TC59ind.jpg

I'll take some more when I'm at the point where I can light them up :-)

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: complete displaywriter set in Canada

[Mike Ross]

On Mon, Aug 29, 2016 at 9:58 PM, Dave Wade  wrote:
> Jim,
>  If you check out my previous posts some one in California had 3277's on the
> VCFEED forums...

Wait... what? Where? I'm always looking for 3277s - and desperate for
3277 keyboards! (If anyone can help...)

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: IBM 4361 + StorageTek 4674's

[Mike Ross]

Oooh! Mine! If I'm fast enough. That's exactly the kind of stuff I
specialize in.

You give everything but his email address...?

Mike

On Wed, Aug 24, 2016 at 4:05 PM, Bob Rosenbloom  wrote:
> Want a smallish mainframe? Dan de Long (info at bottom, contact him
> directly) has an IBM 4361 system available.
> Also a bunch of peripherals and more modems than I've ever seen in one
> place. I bought an IBM 2540 card read punch
> from him and picked it up in person. I have some photos of the trip dumped
> from my camera here:
>
> http://dvq.com/2540/
>
> Stuff's in Sacramento, CA. It's all buried under piles of modems, and I do
> mean buried. It will take some work to get to
> the interesting stuff, but he's willing to help extricate items of interest.
> He actually climbed up and over a 6' high wall
> of modems to get some 3178 terminal displays. Also, you have to crawl
> through holes in shelving units to get to some stuff.
> I did to see some unit record stuff (552, 557 I think).
>
> The 4361 and EMC disk arrays, tape systems attached to it are not too hard
> to get to. It's not free, or even cheap, he's asking
> $6000 but I'm sure he's willing to negotiate. It's supposed to be up and
> running and demonstrable.
>
> The guy has many more IBM peripherals.
> 129's 029's 3178's 3278's 3203's 3370, 3741, 3742, more EMC disk systems,
> 3880 controller...
>
> Contact him directly, he loves to talk about the system.
>
> Bob
>
> __
> Bob,
>
> I have 12 StorageTek 4674 tape drives available at $75 each. They are
> 1600/6250 9 track.
> Also 2 StorageTek 4670 control units, $125 each.
> Four IBM 3480 tape drive, $300 each.
> Also available IBM 3370 FBA drives and controller.
>
> Thanks
>
> Dan de Long
> R Data Corp
> 2425 24th Street
> Sacramento Ca 95818
> Phone 916 452 8233
>
>
> --
> Vintage computers and electronics
> www.dvq.com
> www.tekmuseum.com
> www.decmuseum.org
>



-- 

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: DEC Indicator Panels page

[Mike Ross]

On Sat, Aug 20, 2016 at 2:28 PM, Noel Chiappa  wrote:
> > Oooh, thanks ever so much for turning that up!!!
>
> OK, I have added them to the page - I lost a little resolution rotating them
> to be level, but there's still more than enough to recogize them, and mostly
> read them.
>
> > So that mystery panel seems to be a general panel, more associated with
> > the CPU than anything else; one line does seem to be the reader, but
> > one quadrant is the KT15 memory management, one is the KA15 priority
> > interrupt system, and there's general CPU/system stuff throughout
>
> With that, I think we have most of the PDP-15 panels (although the VT15 image
> is still pretty crummy). That leaves only these two:
>
>   http://www.simulogics.com/nostalgia/DEC/15_05.jpg
>
> although that looks like early marketing material, so perhaps those panels 
> neve
> made it into production machines?
>
> I wonder if one of them is a BD15 (whatever that might be) - or if that's
> the name for the CPU panel (above)?

A further contribution; a much better shot of the panel from my RP11:

http://www.corestore.org/RP11ind.jpg

If you want pics of the entire controllers with the panels installed
please let me know.

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: DEC Indicator Panels page

[Mike Ross]

On Sat, Aug 20, 2016 at 1:05 AM, Vincent Slyngstad
<v.slyngs...@frontier.com> wrote:
> From: Mike Ross: Friday, August 19, 2016 1:42 AM
>>
>> OK I still can't get at the box; it's apparently buried deep. So can't
>> confirm what the label calls it. But here it is and the panel on the
>> front:
>>
>> http://corestore.org/Decbox.jpg
>
>
> I have one of those:
> http://www.so-much-stuff.com/pdp8/typeset/typeset.php
>
> My notes say it's a PA36.  It's not buried too deeply; I could try to find
> the nameplate if need be.

Almost right. It's a PA63. Official description "6-Channel
Reader/Punch Multiplexer"


Indicator panel:

http://www.corestore.org/PA63-1.jpg

ID:

http://www.corestore.org/PA63-2.jpg

Noel feel free to snag that for the pdp-8 section!

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: DEC Indicator Panels page

[Mike Ross]

On Sat, Aug 20, 2016 at 4:36 AM, Noel Chiappa  wrote:
> > From: Al Kossow
>
> > we have one
> > ...
> > i'll request access to it to shoot the panel
>
> Excellent! That's currently the worst image of all of the ones on the page,
> so a good one will really count. Thanks!
>
> (Although I am a bit curious at to why the Museum's Web site doesn't offer
> the option of larger images? If so, that would have been all I needed - the
> existing image is square on from the front, so if larger, that would have
> been perfect.)
>
> I anyone has a TC15, the existing picture of that one is also pretty bad,
> (hint, hint :-).
>
> > there's a cool picture of a PDP-15 here:
> > http://www.chilton-computing.org.uk/gallery/ral/orig/r12588.jpg
>
> Yeah, I think that image (definitely that machine) was discussed in a prior
> message in this thread. That image shows the RF15 on the left, the VT15 on
> the right, and that one in the middle is the unidentified mystery one we have
> a bunch of images of.

Bingo!

BA15 & TC15 (and many other pics)

https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/102693653878217706883/albums/6273551519661666817?cfem=1

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: DEC Indicator Panels page

[Mike Ross]

On Thu, Aug 18, 2016 at 10:09 AM, Al Kossow <a...@bitsavers.org> wrote:
>
>
> On 8/17/16 2:45 PM, Mike Ross wrote:
>
>> I also have an odd box... it's pdp-8/L in style but housed several
>> sets of boards for controlling multiple paper tape readers/punches
>> IIRC... can't recall the DEC designator.
>
> PR68, used in typesetting.

OK I still can't get at the box; it's apparently buried deep. So can't
confirm what the label calls it. But here it is and the panel on the
front:

http://corestore.org/Decbox.jpg

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: punchcard reader wanted to rent, BC Canada area

[Mike Ross]

What interface are you looking for Bill? IBM bus/tag channel? I have a
tabletop card reader with a separate IBM channel interface box...

Mike

On Fri, Aug 19, 2016 at 2:44 PM, william degnan  wrote:
> $$ if you have an IBM 2501 or similar looking punchcard reader and would
> like to rent it from sept 1-9th.  I would expect you'd deliver it and set
> up so it reads cards, and as a bonus can print cards that "say something on
> them", understanding that was not how they were originally used.  This is
> for a SCI FI channel show.
>
> Contact me vintagecomputer.net/contact.cfm if you can do this.  $$ worth
> the trouble.  If it does not work, that's possibly ok, but they want a
> working reader that at least reads in a stack of cards through the
> mechanism.
>
> Bill



-- 

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: punchcard reader wanted to rent, BC Canada area

[Mike Ross]

Ahhh so more show than go. Gotcha. Sorry can't help.

On Fri, Aug 19, 2016 at 3:20 PM, william degnan <billdeg...@gmail.com> wrote:
> a full sized unit like the IBM 2501.  They just want to feed cards in and
> have them flip through the reader, no actually processing.
>
> On Thu, Aug 18, 2016 at 10:55 PM, Mike Ross <tmfdm...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> What interface are you looking for Bill? IBM bus/tag channel? I have a
>> tabletop card reader with a separate IBM channel interface box...
>>
>> Mike
>>
>> On Fri, Aug 19, 2016 at 2:44 PM, william degnan <billdeg...@gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>> > $$ if you have an IBM 2501 or similar looking punchcard reader and would
>> > like to rent it from sept 1-9th.  I would expect you'd deliver it and set
>> > up so it reads cards, and as a bonus can print cards that "say something
>> on
>> > them", understanding that was not how they were originally used.  This is
>> > for a SCI FI channel show.
>> >
>> > Contact me vintagecomputer.net/contact.cfm if you can do this.  $$ worth
>> > the trouble.  If it does not work, that's possibly ok, but they want a
>> > working reader that at least reads in a stack of cards through the
>> > mechanism.

Re: DEC Indicator Panels page

[Mike Ross]

On Fri, Aug 19, 2016 at 5:02 AM, Noel Chiappa  wrote:
> > From: Mattis Lind

>
> The other one seems to be the same as this one:
>
> > http://www.hal1.se/Rolfs_web/Rolfs_images/1975_1/pages/7503%2003.htm
> >
> > The panel to the left is RF15 and the right is TC15. But what is the
> > middle one?
>
> which is in quite a few PDP-15 images, but still un-identified.
>
> It seems to be always near the CPU, so perhaps it's a panel for the memory
> management, or something like that? I've looked through some of the manuals
> on BitSavers, and I've yet to turn it up, although the block diagram on page
> 2-3 of the PDP-15 Installation Manual shows an 'indicator [panel]' (no
> further info on it, alas) in that location, which is probably it.
>
> There aren't that many devices in that system, so there are only a few
> possibilities: BA15 (paper tape controller), DW15A (bus converter), KE15
> (extended arithmetic), MM15-A and MK15-A (memory). It might also be a BD15,
> whatever that might be (seems to include a D/A, from what little I can find
> on it online), since that was listed as having an insert for it.
>
> Noel

I'm reasonably sure that's connected with the original PC15 high-speed
paper tape controller. On the XVM systems I have the paper tape
function is integrated in the BA15 Peripheral Expander (a small
collection of boards which lives at the bottom of the CPU rack) and
which doesn't have any indicator panel. I'm not aware of any memory
indicator panels associated with any pdp-15 configuration but I could
be wrong!

Oh and there's a better pic of the RF15/RF09 indicator panel in this
manual: 
http://bitsavers.trailing-edge.com/pdf/dec/pdp9/DEC-09-H9ZA-D_RF09_Jul70.pdf

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: DEC Indicator Panels page

[Mike Ross]

On Fri, Aug 19, 2016 at 8:57 AM, Al Kossow  wrote:
>
>
> On 8/18/16 10:02 AM, Noel Chiappa wrote:
>
>> OK, I have identified the one on the far right as a VT15. (Crappy image from
>> DEC documentation added to the page - can someone provide a better one?
>
> we have one
> http://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102691234

It's an 'internal' metal panel rather than a classic cabinet top panel
but the lower indicator panel in that image is the TC59 magtape
controller. I have one too:

http://www.corestore.org/15-1.htm

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: PDP11GUI 1.48

[Mike Ross]

On Wed, Aug 17, 2016 at 5:56 AM, Jörg Hoppe  wrote:
> Hi,
>
> a new release of PDP11GUI is online, with lots of enhancements:
>
> - new disk driver RK611 for RK06/RK07
> - Support for Robotron A6402 PDP-11/23 clone
> - Support for PDP-11/44 with console firmware v3.40C
> - after loading of new machine description file,
>   show "Restart?" message. Default is now a PDP-11 with all peripherals
> build in,
>   not the "minimal" machine.
> - added 2K chip size and "single word" in memory tester.
> - If windows font magification > 100 %, memory table form disturbed.
> - Long running console access now with progress bar and "Abort" button
> - serial format (8N1, 7E1 etc) selectable.
>
> - Migration to GitHub, sources available.
>
> Download from  https://github.com/j-hoppe/PDP11GUI/releases

Excellent stuff!

Two questions:

Is anyone working on a Linux port? I expelled the last of Windows from
the house years ago.

The links to the bits about interfacing a real 11/70 panel via USB are
broken? I would dearly love the schematics and code to build my own!

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: DEC Indicator Panels page

[Mike Ross]

On Thu, Aug 18, 2016 at 10:09 AM, Al Kossow <a...@bitsavers.org> wrote:
>
>
> On 8/17/16 2:45 PM, Mike Ross wrote:
>
>> I also have an odd box... it's pdp-8/L in style but housed several
>> sets of boards for controlling multiple paper tape readers/punches
>> IIRC... can't recall the DEC designator.
>
> PR68, used in typesetting.

Negative - I think. The PR68 was a small orange paper tape reader
AFAIK; Robert Krten has one:

http://krten.com/~rk/projects/pr68.html

I have one of those too!

The thing of which I speak is a 19" rack mount box of logic. I'll head
out to the garage and look at the blooming label! And take a pic for
Noel.

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: DEC Indicator Panels page

[Mike Ross]

On Thu, Aug 18, 2016 at 8:56 AM, Noel Chiappa  wrote:
> So, I've been working for a while on a page about DEC indicator panels (the
> standardized 36x4 light arrays which go into a 19" rack, with an inlay to
> customize it to a particular device). It's online now, here:
>
>   http://ana-3.lcs.mit.edu/~jnc/tech/DECIndicatorPanels.html
>
> Does anyone happen to have a good image of an RK08 panel, or an RF11, which I
> can use here?
>
> Even better, does anyone know of, or have images of, panels which are not
> listed here? (I am not including the unknown 'RK' panel in the RSTS document,
> which will be the subject of a separate message.)

Here's the FP15 you were looking for... ancient and small image; I'll
get a better shot in my copious free time.

http://www.corestore.org/15b-7.jpg

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: DEC Indicator Panels page

[Mike Ross]

On Thu, Aug 18, 2016 at 8:56 AM, Noel Chiappa  wrote:
> So, I've been working for a while on a page about DEC indicator panels (the
> standardized 36x4 light arrays which go into a 19" rack, with an inlay to
> customize it to a particular device). It's online now, here:
>
>   http://ana-3.lcs.mit.edu/~jnc/tech/DECIndicatorPanels.html
>
> Does anyone happen to have a good image of an RK08 panel, or an RF11, which I
> can use here?
>
> Even better, does anyone know of, or have images of, panels which are not
> listed here? (I am not including the unknown 'RK' panel in the RSTS document,
> which will be the subject of a separate message.)

Have a look at http://www.corestore.org/pdp.htm

It's very badly in need of a refresh and update but you might find
some stuff there... especially the unique style of panel applied to
the later (XVM) pdp-15s.

I also have an odd box... it's pdp-8/L in style but housed several
sets of boards for controlling multiple paper tape readers/punches
IIRC... can't recall the DEC designator. It has an indicator panel
built in to the front of the box rather than mounted at the top of the
rack.

I know someone who can probably help with images of TC15 and RF15/RS09

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: DEC PDP bits and Programma 101 available

[Mike Ross]

Erik

The Corestore would be interested in all of the DEC items below pretty
much! But will probably have to pick and choose.

Do you have a list of wanted items you might take in trade? Cash
possible as well or instead.

Cheers

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

On Tue, Aug 16, 2016 at 7:17 AM, Erik W.  wrote:
> Dear reader,
>
> For a serious enthusiast or museum I have available:
>
>   * Olivetti Programma 101 calculator
>
>   * DEC GT40 grapic display terminal
>   * DEC VT05, first DEC terminal
>   * DEC PC04 paper tape reader/punch for PDP-8
>   * DEC TU60 DECassette dual tape drive with two tapes mounted
>   * DEC VR14 vector monitor; can be used directly with the VT11 below
>   * VT11 display processor backplane + boards + LK40 keyboard
> + original 375 light pen.  Everything to turn any UNIBUS machine
> into a "GT40" Moonlander capable system.
>   * 21" BA11 box used to mount an 11/40 or 11/45 for example
>   * Lots of smaller DEC parts like filler panels; please ask
>
> Located in the Netherlands; local pickup much preferred.  Would
> consider a trade for pre-1975 DEC bits or a simple cash deal.
>
> Thanks, Erik
>
>

Re: Pictures per previous post

[Mike Ross]

Just to clarify did you 'rescue' these hoping to find good homes for
them later - or to keep for yourself?

If the former I would definitely be interested in the TI Explorer - and the RT.

Mike

On Tue, Aug 2, 2016 at 10:23 AM, Doug Fields  wrote:
> I took these things home with me:
>
> TI Explorer II
> AT 3b2-1000-70 & BLIT monitor
> Commodore 64 + disk drive
> HP 85 (non-B, I think)
> Bunch of NeXT manuals and PowerPC 601/603/604 manuals
>
> Cheers,
>
> Doug
>
>> On Aug 1, 2016, at 6:05 PM, Glen Slick  wrote:
>>
>> On Aug 1, 2016 2:57 PM, "Doug Fields"  wrote:
>>>
>>> Apparently the list strips HTML out, which I didn't know.
>>>
>>> https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0ZGWZuqDGXYWQL <
>> https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0ZGWZuqDGXYWQL>
>>>
>>> Try that?
>>>
>>> Cheers,
>>>
>>> Doug
>>
>> TI Explorer II - someone is probably interested in that one.
>>
>



-- 

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: IBM 360/30 in verilog

[Mike Ross]

On Tue, Jul 12, 2016 at 10:36 AM,   wrote:
> Al said:
>> On 7/11/16 9:14 AM, Jon Elson wrote:
>>> The microcode was in the ALD drawings, and might even be in bitsavers 
>>> archive, if they have the right manual.
>>
>> 360 CPU ALDs are extremely difficult to find.
>> If the 65 set could be scanned, I'd be happy to upload them to bitsavers.
>
> Indeed they must be. I've been looking for /40 ALDs for some time but haven't 
> struck any. I wonder if they're
> scarce becase the 40 was a AFAIK a british-developed 360. My dad was posted 
> to Hursley to learn the /40 in 64-65.
>
> The only Model 40 docs I have left are less than a dozen pages of 'IBM 
> SYSTEM/360 MODEL 40 DEVELOPMENT MANUAL'
> from March 1965 from 'IBM BRITISH LABORATORIES'.
> Why do I have these? Dad used to bring home Model 40 binders in the late 60s 
> so my brother and I had a good
> supply of paper to scribble and paint on as kids. All the pages I have left 
> have drawings on the blank side
> and that was why my parents kept them :)
>
> Steve.

I have some 360 ALDs - and I think they may include 40. About to go on
holiday with kids; ping me from time to time and I'll check!

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: Front Panels - PDP-8/i Help!

[Mike Ross]

On Thu, Jul 7, 2016 at 5:37 PM, Rod Smallwood
 wrote:
> Hi Guys,
>
>  I have a nice big batch of PDP-8/i panels in production. I
> really need a real original panel to check against.
>
>  Can anybody lend me one?
>
> Rod (Panelman) Smallwood

Lending would be tricky since I'm in NZ but I can certainly photograph
one in any detail you require.

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: More things that we are considering offloading.

[Mike Ross]

Oh I have a huge weakness for printing terminals. Absent an IBM 1052
I'd definitely be interested in TermiNET and SilentWriters. Oh and the
Informer 213! Contact me off-list please.

Mike

On Tue, Jun 28, 2016 at 7:20 AM, Mattis Lind  wrote:
> DECprinter I, GE TermiNET30, C Itoh CIT-101e, PDP-11 manuals, PDP-8
> diagnostic duplicates, TI SilentWriters etc etc.
>
> http://www.datormuseum.se/available
>
> /Mattis



-- 

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: Pictures from the GA warehouse, take 2...

[Mike Ross]

On Sun, Jun 26, 2016 at 9:32 AM, Todd Killingsworth
 wrote:
> Ok gang - here's the 100+ pics from the warehouse:
>
> https://www.flickr.com/gp/16985@N04/b76872
>
> I included pics with model numbers where I could find them
>
> From what I could see:
>
> ** NO PDP or SGI anything (not even a coffee mug) **
>
> Commodore 64 with peripherals, pretty much new in box
> Sun E3000
> DEC VAX and Alpha desktop boxes
> DEC VAXServer 3800
> Three IBM mainframe peripherals of some sort

Those 'mainframe peripherals' are 3174 & 3274 terminal controllers.

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: PDP-11/40 modified to be a PDP-11/23

[Mike Ross]

On Wed, Jun 22, 2016 at 1:05 PM, Michael Thompson
 wrote:
> The RICM just picked up a PDP-11/40 chassis that was modified to accept a
> PDP-11/23 board set. It also contains a custom board to interface the
> PDP-11/23 to the original PDP-11/40 front panel. It is quite an
> accomplishment to get the Q-Bus board set working in the Unibus chassis.
>
> --
> Michael Thompson

Oh now that's fun. And useful. A blinkenlights Qbus machine! If it's
not impractical the mods should be documented so that others may go
reproduce this setup. How fancy is the custom board?!

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: Attend and Participate Information Security and Cyber Forensics (INFOSEC2017)

[Mike Ross]

On Sat, Jun 11, 2016 at 12:33 AM, Joan Sali  wrote:
> Hey there Curios Marc,
> For sure we are on the same boat, promoting events, conferences and you
> mentioned IEEE. Care to check the list of organizers with the privilege of
> using this badge and I assure you 100%, SDIWC.NET is in the list. WE are
> not SPAMMERS okay?
>
> If you have a format that would instantly tell the readers that a promotion
> is a fraud or worthy to attend, then please share it. Otherwise, you are
> just using your personal judgment which is unfair.
>
> Do you have proof that I am pocketing the required fees? If none, please
> refrain from assuming. This is scary. No wonder this world is in chaos
> because of people like you. Why not ask first then gather evidences before
> judging?
>
> Again, I am not forcing you to believe me or the event I am promoting. Just
> check the site, call the speakers, any one in the program committee or one,
> two or all the reviewers. I'll tell you, you'll eat your words in a
> heartbeat.
>
> Too high level sarcasm.  Thank you anyway for reading.
>
> Warm regards,
> Joan Sali
> Conference Manager
> INFOSEC2017
> http://sdiwc.net/conferences/3rd-international-conference-information-security-cyber-forensics/

'Joan'

Get a horse.

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: VAX-11/780 Board Set on eBait

[Mike Ross]

On Fri, Jun 10, 2016 at 6:01 AM, Josh Dersch  wrote:
> On Thu, Jun 9, 2016 at 3:48 AM, Noel Chiappa 
> wrote:
>
>> > From: Devin Davison
>>
>> > well there goes my plan of trying to keep it under the radar.
>>
>> Sorry, I didn't mean to upset your plan (and you); I just didn't know if
>> anyone was watching for VAX-11/780 parts, they come by so rarely.
>>
>
> If anyone is desperate for VAX-11/780 parts, let me know -- a friend of
> mine recently came into a load of them.  If it can help someone bring a
> /780 back to life, he'd be up for working something out...

I'm going to start that with my 780 soon. I'll probably snag the eBay
parts if the price stays reasonable and I'll let you know how things
go.

BTW you mentioned you had had problems with your 730 main breaker too?
How exactly was it misbehaving? Did it sometimes refuse to power
machine even when it was in the ON position?

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: UNIBUS M9312 ROMS

[Mike Ross]

On Thu, Jun 9, 2016 at 12:27 PM, John Robertson  wrote:
> On 06/08/2016 3:46 PM, Jay West wrote:
>>
>> I wrote...
>> On Thu, Jun 9, 2016 at 6:34 AM, Jay West  wrote:
>>>
>>> 23-E39A9 is still lost to time, afaik. TMSCP - TU81
>>
>> To which mike replied...
>> 
>> Could that not be reverse-engineered from the boot code in e.g. Emulex
>> UC17 ROMs? They could do TMSCP...
>>
>> BTW what PROM blower would folks recommend for creating/imaging M9312
>> ROMs?
>> 
>> Possibly, but some (me) are sticklers for original code. Plus, I am not
>> sure, but I think someone said this rom did something really bizarre to fit
>> in the available rom space - self modifying code or something...
>>
>
> No way the M9312 can self modify, it is a burn once PROM -

I kinda assumed it was a case of copying itself to RAM and
self-modifying as it runs there - if it ever happened.

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: UNIBUS M9312 ROMS

[Mike Ross]

On Thu, Jun 9, 2016 at 6:34 AM, Jay West  wrote:
> 23-E39A9 is still lost to time, afaik. TMSCP - TU81

Could that not be reverse-engineered from the boot code in e.g. Emulex
UC17 ROMs? They could do TMSCP...

BTW what PROM blower would folks recommend for creating/imaging M9312 ROMs?

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: Set of mystery DEC boards: who can help me identifying these?

[Mike Ross]

Are the X-numbers stamped on the metal handles? Damn... that rings a
bell... I'm sure I've seen boards from a big DEC system with
four-digit X numbers on the handles but I can't remember which! A big
VAX or something... or was it an 11/70 memory system or something?

Or a KL or KS 10... are they standard hex Unibus size?

Mike

On Sun, May 29, 2016 at 8:29 AM, Paul Anderson  wrote:
> the 50x number with the letter behind it could be a dec board number.
>
> The 50 class could be the artwork, and the letter the board rev.  If that
> is the case, there is probably a 54- class on the other side of the board
> one number higher. The 54  number is the board with components, and can be
> tracked down, but not easily.
>
> They could have been renamed by another company.
>
> Any other print in the etch?
>
> Any pictures?
>
>
> On Sat, May 28, 2016 at 5:51 AM, P Gebhardt  wrote:
>
>> Hello list,
>>
>> I recently got a bunch of boards from somebody who was either not able to
>> tell me where they were from.
>> The boards seem to be unibus-based with numbers starting with X. I neither
>> came across these before, nor could find any information in the web about
>> it:
>>
>> Type, P/N , Description
>> X029, 5013132B, AUC interconnect
>> X022, 5012197C, unibuswindow
>> X021, 5012181C, CD ROM control (did that ever exist for unibus?)
>>
>> X020, 5012180B, data path
>>
>>
>>
>> Two 16K mos memory modules M7847 came with the set.
>>
>>
>> No backplane, unfortunately.
>> Any hints about the type of system and application these boards were for?
>> Many thanks for any pointers.
>>
>> Wish a nice weekend to all of you,
>> Pierre
>>
>>
>>
>> ---
>>
>> Pierre's collection of classic computers moved to:
>> http://www.digitalheritage.de
>>



-- 

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: 11/94

[Mike Ross]

The list doesn't permit attachments; they won't go through. Stick them
up on Flickr or some other website where we can see them.

Mike

On Fri, Jun 3, 2016 at 1:41 PM, Rod Smallwood
 wrote:
> Hi
>
> I now have screen shots showing the screwed up monitor program.
>
> Good pics but 11Mb can anybody take attachments that big.
>
>
> Rod
>
>



-- 

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: AT 3b2 vs SCSI2SD drive replacement

[Mike Ross]

On Thu, Jun 2, 2016 at 8:53 AM, Josh Dersch  wrote:

> The advantages of the SCSI2SD over the ACard are as follows:
>
> 1) It's open-source (hardware and firmware and software)
> 2) The developer is extremely responsive to bug reports / feature requests
> 3) It's very flexible -- you can make it look like any drive you want to
> (important for machines that expect to see only certain drives), it
> supports oddball sector sizes (for your lisp machines and AS/400s)

Wait - what? I'd never even thought of that. Has anyone got SCSI2SD
running successfully on AS/400?

If not maybe I need to be the tester...

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: Monster 6502

[Mike Ross]

On May 29, 2016 2:44 PM, "Noel Chiappa"  wrote:
>
> > From: drlegendre
>
> > Gawd, what a lovely piece of work that man hath wrought!
>
> I love the term he invented for it: "dis-integrated circuit"! :-)
>
>
> Good FAQ page here:
>
>   http://www.monster6502.com/
>
> My favourite entry:
>
> "Q: Are you nuts?
> A: Probably."
>
> Clearly a person after our own hearts! :-)
>
> Noel

I'm sure I read of someone who was implementing an entire CPU as discrete
components on an even larger size... there were racks of the thing; it took
up most of a room.

But I can't find the link

Mike

Re: Mystery IBM processor

[Mike Ross]

On Sat, May 28, 2016 at 11:40 PM, Dave Wade <dave.g4...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> -Original Message-
>> From: cctech [mailto:cctech-boun...@classiccmp.org] On Behalf Of Mike Ross
>> Sent: 28 May 2016 11:29
>> To: General Discussion: On-Topic Posts <cct...@classiccmp.org>
>> Subject: Re: Mystery IBM processor
>>
>> On May 28, 2016 9:51 PM, <malc...@avitech.com.au> wrote:
>> >
>> > Just wondering if anyone can help us to identify a rather large IBM
>> > processor assembly. It weighs around 60 pounds.
>> >
>> > The frame has a P/N of 34F5089. The frame houses 9 modules, 6 of which
>> > are installed. The module we removed for inspection has a P/N of 34F0615.
>>
>> Definitely IBM mainframe. The individual square alloy lumps are what are
>> called MCMs - Multi Chip Modules. Insides are dozens of individual ECL ICs.
>> Water cooling heatsinks would have been bolted to the front side in life.
>> Can't remember what IBM called the entire assembly. 1980s, probably a 3080
>> or 3090 but don't quote me on that.
>
> I believe the modules are called TCM's or Thermal Conduction Modules. It 
> looks like a 3090 chip but I thought those were withdrawn before the date 
> code of "90xx".
>
> I thought the ES/9000 follow on had a re-designed chip with multiple rows of 
> pins like this...
>
> http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-IBM-9121-TCM-Thermal-Conduction-Module-ES-9000-Mainframe-Microprocessor-/182138577581
>
> but when I look at the IBM web pages:-
>
> http://www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history/exhibits/mainframe/mainframe_PP9000.html
>
> it says only the high end machines have the new TCM so I think it may be a 
> TCM from an entry level ES/9000 machine...

TCM! That's what I was looking for. If you think your collection is
getting out of hand Jim Austin has *half* of a 3084 shows how the
CPU assembly fits into the machine:

http://www.computermuseum.org.uk/fixed_pages/IBM3084.html

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: Mystery IBM processor

[Mike Ross]

On Sat, May 28, 2016 at 5:51 AM,   wrote:
> Just wondering if anyone can help us to identify a rather large IBM
> processor assembly. It weighs around 60 pounds.
>
> The frame has a P/N of 34F5089. The frame houses 9 modules, 6 of which are
> installed. The module we removed for inspection has a P/N of 34F0615.

If you opened up one of the modules it would look like this... bunch
of ECL chips with copper heatsinks conducting heat to the outer alloy
casing where the water cooling manifolds would be bolted on. And all
that internal cavity with chips and heatsinks was filled with a...
sticky goopy fluid to aid in heat conduction. Power consumption...
enormous!!

http://wp.xin.at/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/mcm.jpg

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: Mystery IBM processor

[Mike Ross]

On May 28, 2016 9:51 PM,  wrote:
>
> Just wondering if anyone can help us to identify a rather large IBM
> processor assembly. It weighs around 60 pounds.
>
> The frame has a P/N of 34F5089. The frame houses 9 modules, 6 of which are
> installed. The module we removed for inspection has a P/N of 34F0615.

Definitely IBM mainframe. The individual square alloy lumps are what are
called MCMs - Multi Chip Modules. Insides are dozens of individual ECL ICs.
Water cooling heatsinks would have been bolted to the front side in life.
Can't remember what IBM called the entire assembly. 1980s, probably a 3080
or 3090 but don't quote me on that.

Mike

Re: vintage computers in active use

[Mike Ross]

On Fri, May 27, 2016 at 4:27 AM, Brent Hilpert  wrote:
> A friend notice this in the news, I heard it mentioned on the radio this 
> morning too:
> http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-36385839
>
> extract:
> The report said that the Department of Defence systems that 
> co-ordinated
> intercontinental ballistic missiles, nuclear bombers and tanker 
> support aircraft
> "runs on an IBM Series-1 Computer - a 1970s computing system - and 
> uses
> eight-inch floppy disks".

It was a few years ago now and it's third hand - but I was told that
the US Navy still maintained a shop dedicated exclusively to repairing
IBM SLT modules... can't vouch for the veracity of that; perhaps
someone else can.

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: Early 360 machines (Was: Front panel switches - what did they do?)

[Mike Ross]

On Thu, May 26, 2016 at 5:48 AM, William Donzelli  wrote:
>> I'm guessing, maybe, that would be a 1403 printer?  There were 1403 and 1443
>> printers.
>
> There was also a 1404 printer, but I do not think many places had them.
>
> Does anyone know what became of the two S/360 model 20 systems that
> came out of Sweden a year or two ago? They were fairly complete with
> MFCMs and tape units. My bid for one did not get accepted, and I do
> not know who the winner(s) were.

Well I know LCM has at least one working... and if there was any
bidding involved they would have won by definition! But I don't know
if that's where they got it or not.

I hadn't heard about these machines; I would have been interested of course.

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: VAX-11/730 and Emulex UC17 woes

[Mike Ross]

On Wed, May 25, 2016 at 11:03 AM, Josh Dersch
 wrote:

*another snip*

> Thanks.  Glen sent me his dump and I compared with mine.  I have the same 
> three differences:
>
> D 02A0 01200880   // 0100F308
> D 02BC 0014688F   // FFF4688F
> D 02C0 65B45520   // 65B45500
>
> (commented values are the ones that differ on my machine).
>
> This changes the code as below:
>
> -> 298:MOVL #8002,@#F30808   (was: 298:MOVL #8002,@#20088008)
> 2A3:NOP
> 2A4:MTPR #1F,#12
> 2A7:MOVAL 400,R1
> 2AE:MOVL #200,R2
> 2B5:MOVL #0,(R1)+
> 2B8:SOBGTR R2,2B5
> -> 2BB:MOVL #FFF468,R5   (was 2BB:MOVL #20001468,R5)
>
> I suspect these values are changed "on the fly" based on the machine type 
> punched into the SA register as the last step before the "S 80" command; in 
> particular, the source address for the MOVL instruction at 2BB now makes more 
> sense, corresponding to a value in the UBA register set for the UC17.
>
> However, F30808 doesn't make sense as the destination argument address for 
> the MOVL at 298.  This looks like a map register for an 11/750 (as documented 
> in the UC17 manual as being at F30800/F30804) and I wondered if it should be 
> similar to the value for the 11/730 (F26800/F26804).
>
> So I changed the instruction at 298 to:
>
> MOVL #8002,@#F26808
>
> (which corresponds to a change in the value at 2A0 to 0100F268)
>
> On the VAX-11/730 and did an "S 80" and lo and behold, it works!


Ooooh! I'll have to try that! Thanks. Great sleuthing!


Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: VAX-11/730 and Emulex UC17 woes

[Mike Ross]

On Wed, May 25, 2016 at 8:58 AM, Josh Dersch
 wrote:

> Interesting, the UC17 has the same firmware version (G143R) on the label of 
> the EPROM.  I wonder if the contents are identical.  Could you send me a dump 
> of your ROM so I can compare?
>
>>
>> I dumped the memory for this code from the VAX and entered it into SIMH
>> to use SIMH as an VAX unassembler and this is what it looks like.
>> If the UC17 host resident VAX code is the same, any clues here as to what
>> might be causing a halt on the 11/730?

Here's what I found comparing my code with someone else's dump:

I've been working this with Glen Slick. Here's a snippet of a recent
email with him. He provided a dump of the DMAed loader from his UC07:

The raw binary dumped on the VAX looked like this:

>>>E/P/L 80
P 0080 FD310311
>>>E
P 0084 01F83101

>>>E
P 0280 01881611
>>>E
P 0284 8FD0F9AF
>>>E
P 0288 8003
>>>E
P 028C 08800C9F
>>>E
P 0290 008FDA20
>>>E
P 0294 0408
>>>E
P 0298 00028FD0
>>>E
P 029C 089F8000
>>>E
P 02A0 01200880

First mismatch is here; P 02A0 0100F308

>>>E
P 02A4 DE121FDA
>>>E
P 02A8 000153EF
>>>E
P 02AC 8FD05100
>>>E
P 02B0 0200
>>>E
P 02B4 8100D052
>>>E
P 02B8 D0FA52F5
>>>E
P 02BC 0014688F

But mine has P 02BC FFF4688F

>>>E
P 02C0 65B45520

Mine had P 02C0 65B45500

>>>E

Ran out of time at this point - but enough to establish at least
*some* values are different.

Tried S 80 - different error! ?05 PC=0344

I did 'I' then started from scratch - D/L/P F26800... etc.

Same result.

Here's a quote from an email exchange from a couple of months ago on
same issue: dumb question: have you tried just booting it without
running FRD?

"I think that UC17 is identical to UC07 firmware-wise. At least my
UC17 EPROM is marked UC07. There is some posts on vcfed.org forum on
UC07 firmware quite recently.
Why do you need to enter the FRD? I never needed to do that. Just
inserted the SCSI2SD with the SD-card in it and booted. Worked
straight away."

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: VAX-11/730 and Emulex UC17 woes

[Mike Ross]

On Wed, May 25, 2016 at 7:27 AM, Josh Dersch
 wrote:
> Hi all --
>
> I'm working on restoring a VAX-11/730 at the museum and things have been 
> going pretty well thus far.  I've been bootstrapping the console and 
> diagnostics from simulated TU58 (images from: 
> https://github.com/NF6X/VAX-11-730-Console-v57).  All of the TU58-based 
> diagnostics are passing.
>
> I'm attempting to bring up an Emulex UC17 SCSI controller for mass storage 
> and I'm having trouble with it.  I thought I'd check with you guys to see if 
> any of you have seen this issue or have any idea where I might be obviously 
> going wrong before I start digging deeper into this.
>
> The current issue is that I can't get the UC17's built in diagnostic/utility 
> (referred to as the 'FRD' in the manual) to run.  I am following all of the 
> steps to the letter (see the manual here 
> http://www.mirrorservice.org/sites/www.bitsavers.org/pdf/emulex/UC1751001-C_UC17_Dec90.pdf,
>  pages 71-79 (section 4.5.7)) and I'm getting the right values back when 
> examining the SA register during the process, but executing "S 80" halts 
> after a second or so with:
>
> ?08  PC=0298
>
> Which is an odd way for it to halt, 08 means "No user WCS" according to the 
> 11/730 user's guide.
>
> Here's the full conversation, just in case:
>
 I
 D/L/P F26800 8000
 D/L/P F26804 8001
 D/W/P FFF46A 3003
 E/W/P FFF46A
> P 00FFF46A  0100
 D/W/P FFF46A 4401
 E/W/P FFF46A
> P 00FFF46A  0400
 S 80
>
> ?08  PC=0298
>
> I've confirmed that the issue isn't with the card, I can run the FRD without 
> issue on it, in an 11/44 we have here.
>
> I've done my best to ensure that everything is sane on the UNIBUS; my 
> understanding from the 11/730 manuals is that by default none of the SPC 
> slots have the NPG wire-wrap fitted and that any empty SPC slots need to have 
> an NPG grant card installed.  (This makes sense given how difficult the 
> backplane is to access, it requires pulling the power supply out first.)  
> Just to make sure, I have double-checked that the NPG wirewrap jumper is not 
> present on Slot 10, where the UC17 is installed.  At the moment the grant 
> chain should be unbroken as far as I can tell, here is the current 
> configuration:
>
> TOP
> Slot 1 -Empty (normally RB730 option)
> Slot 2- Empty (normally FPA option)
> Slot 3- M8390 (DAP)
> Slot 4- M8391 (MCT)
> Slot 5- M8394 (WCS)
> Slot 6- M8750 (1mb memory)
> Slot 7- M8750 (1mb memory)
> Slot 8- M8750 (1mb memory)
> Slot 9- M8750 (1mb memory)
> Slot 10- Emulex UC17
> Slot 11- DMF32-AA
> Slot 12- M9302 terminator | G7273 grant
> BOTTOM
>
> Thanks as always for the help.
> - Josh

That sounds a HELL of a lot like the issues I was having - and which I
haven't resolved yet. Someone provided me with a hex dump of memory
starting at location 80 as you say and what I found was that the code
I was seeing that the UC17 had loaded into memory had several
locations with quite different values to those that had been dumped
from a working system. I did the obvious and manually deposited at
least the first few 'wrong' locations to the 'correct' values; the
behaviour changed. Instead of halting with an error the run light
stayed on but no utility menu was displayed; the machine was hung. I
recently obtained and very briefly tried a second UC17 with similar
results - except on this card (same firmware version) the values in
memory prior to 'S 80' were even more 'wrong'.

Haven't got further yet but will have a hack in a few days. Do you
know beyond peradventure that the NPG wire-wrap IS removed? I don't
and will have to check.

My 11/730 also  passed all diags - well until it got to the RL02 bit
where it failed due to no RL02!

Mike


http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: Need IBM 3290

[Mike Ross]

On Mon, May 16, 2016 at 12:07 PM, William Donzelli  wrote:
>> I have a pair of them, but one is the oddball rectangular type. Being
>> the completist jerk that I am, I need both.
>
> Oops, I should say "oddball off-center rectangular type".

I didn't know there was more than one type! Pics?

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: Need IBM 3290

[Mike Ross]

Wow good luck with that. In 20 years I've only ever seen *one* - mine.
It was working a few years ago but it's currently dead and I'm not
optimistic; power supply issues - but there also seems some kind of
'blotchiness' inside the plasma display sandwich itself - like
something has delaminated or leaked or something.

If you find a small herd of them I'd certainly be interested in
getting hold of another one.

Mike

On Mon, May 16, 2016 at 9:07 AM, Kevin Bowling  wrote:
> My budget for this is around $1000
>
> Regards,
>
> On Sun, Apr 17, 2016 at 3:46 PM, Kevin Bowling 
> wrote:
>
>> Hi,
>>
>> I'm willing to spend a bit on an IBM 3290 at this point.  If you have one,
>> and want to discuss "a bit", please contact me.
>>
>> Regards,
>> Kevin
>>



-- 

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: DEC Correspondent LA12R-06 Ribbons

[Mike Ross]

I bought a few cases of those not all that long ago... Let me see if I can
dig up the source.

Mike
On May 15, 2016 2:38 PM, "Mark J. Blair"  wrote:

I think I already know the answer to this ("no"), but is there any
remaining source of usable, or at least restorable, ribbons for the DEC
Correspondent printing terminal? The re-inking roller in the single ribbon
that came with my printer is hard as a rock. Maybe I'll be able to restore
the roller or fabricate a new one, but I wouldn't mind having more ribbons
on hand in any case.


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

Re: beige rant (was Re: IBM 5150 with red case on ebay)

[Mike Ross]

On Sat, May 14, 2016 at 12:29 PM, Tor Arntsen  wrote:
> On 14 May 2016 at 00:20, William Donzelli  wrote:
>
>> Do not blame the computer companies, blame the customers. Beige and
>> gray were the colors they wanted.
>
> When companies buy, someone will have to approve (that is, provide the
> money). That's often the company's own beancounters.. Engineer:
> "We'll need this particular computer. This here model will do."
> Beancounter (looking in sales brochure): "Purple? We don't do that
> kind of thing here. This other model will do, surely" (points to beige
> version).

Companies other than SGI did 'interesting' colors. Here's something
really obscure; bonus points to anyone who can identify it just from
the photo. No cheating! And treble points for anyone who HAS one. A
Prince's ransom if you have one for sale :-)   -

http://www.d1.dion.ne.jp/~r_high/memorial/panda/boxes.gif

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: MEM11A status update

[Mike Ross]

Back from holidays... I'm certainly firm for at least a couple - possibly more.

Mike

On Wed, Apr 27, 2016 at 9:52 AM, Guy Sotomayor  wrote:
> Just to let folks know that I just received the prototype boards for the 
> MEM11A (FedEx just left).
> The boards look great!  The parts from Digikey arrived late last week, so 
> once I get my soldering
> station set up (new microscope and new Metcal soldering iron) I’ll start to 
> build a couple of boards
> to test out.  Once I have a couple working *and* I get firm orders for at 
> least 25 boards (hint, hint)
> I’ll do a production run.
>
> TTFN  - Guy



-- 

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: PAL on CDU-700 / 710 Unibus disk controllers

[Mike Ross]

I'm on holiday with my kids just - ping me next week when I'm home!
On Apr 27, 2016 9:59 AM, "Ian Finder" <ian.fin...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Hey Mike,
>
> The docs claim the 700 / 710 TM use PAL P70013A at U102, and the 720
> TM uses PAL P720008A at U102, but I don't think it'd catch anything on fire
> to try it.
>
> Could you send the two EPROM images too? Sounds like a great opportunity to
> break in your BP (Baller Programmer) 1200...
>
> Remember to save the buffer from the Data Pattern window :)
>
> - Ian
>
> On Tue, Apr 26, 2016 at 2:53 PM, Mike Ross <tmfdm...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > Is a 720TM any use? I just acquired one... And a BP-1200.…
> >
> > Mike
> > On Apr 27, 2016 9:35 AM, "Ian Finder" <ian.fin...@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > > Does anyone out there have one of these controllers?
> > >
> > > There is an unprotected PAL- the address decoder- and I really need a
> > dump
> > > of it. Many programmers, particularly the BP technologies ones, can
> read
> > it
> >
>
>
>
> --
>Ian Finder
>(206) 395-MIPS
>ian.fin...@gmail.com
>

Re: PAL on CDU-700 / 710 Unibus disk controllers

[Mike Ross]

Is a 720TM any use? I just acquired one... And a BP-1200.…

Mike
On Apr 27, 2016 9:35 AM, "Ian Finder"  wrote:

> Does anyone out there have one of these controllers?
>
> There is an unprotected PAL- the address decoder- and I really need a dump
> of it. Many programmers, particularly the BP technologies ones, can read it

Re: 4.2BSD TU58 distribution tape for VAX-11/750?

[Mike Ross]

Oh... I guess that will be equally good for my 11/730 :-)

On Mon, Apr 25, 2016 at 11:52 AM, Josh Dersch  wrote:
> On 4/23/16 11:47 PM, Jonathan Katz wrote:
>>
>> On Sun, Apr 24, 2016 at 7:44 AM, Josh Dersch  wrote:
>>
>>> Hey all --
>>>
>>> I can't seem to track down a copy of this TU58 on the 'net -- anyone have
>>> one squirreled away somewhere, or know where I should be looking?
>>>
>> 
>>
>> http://www.tuhs.org/Archive/4BSD/Distributions/4.2BSD/Per_Andersson/
>>
> There doesn't seem to be a TU58 image hidden in there, unless you know
> something I don't.
>
> However, the 4.3-Quasijarus0a distribution does contain what I'm looking
> for.  (And 4.3 will probably support more of the hardware I have anyway).
>
> http://www.tuhs.org/Archive/4BSD/Distributions/4.3BSD-Quasijarus0a/cassette.Z
>
> - Josh



-- 

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: Xerox Alto on eBay

[Mike Ross]

There are pics - scroll right from the first pic - the one borrowed from
the internet.
On Apr 14, 2016 3:50 PM, "Ian Finder" <ian.fin...@gmail.com> wrote:

> $40K and the guy can't even be arsed to take pictures. What a dick...
>
> On Thu, Apr 14, 2016 at 12:31 PM, Josh Dersch <
> jo...@livingcomputermuseum.org> wrote:
>
> > > -Original Message-
> > > From: cctalk [mailto:cctalk-boun...@classiccmp.org] On Behalf Of Mike
> > Ross
> > > Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2016 11:54 AM
> > > To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts
> > > Subject: RE: Xerox Alto on eBay
> > >
> > > On Apr 14, 2016 1:34 PM, "Josh Dersch"
> > > <jo...@livingcomputermuseum.org>
> > > wrote:
> > >
> > > > So we copy disk images to/from the PDP-11/44 over 3Mbit Ethernet to
> > > > the
> > > Alto :).
> > > >
> > > > - Josh
> > > >
> > >
> > > Quite a hack! So you copy in real time as it were? Direct from packs
> on a
> > > running Alto to packs on a running 11? Would it be practical to hack it
> > further
> > > to capture the data to an image file so anyone with an 11 / RK combo
> > could
> > > write packs?
> >
> > No, I copy from an image file on the 2.11BSD filesystem on the 11 to a
> > disk pack on the Alto -- the Alto's disk controller and Diablo drive do
> all
> > the actual formatting/writing.  The RK11 controllers have a completely
> > different format from the Alto.
> >
> > >
> > > I have 6085s and Stars;  I'd love an Alto to round out the collection -
> > but not at
> > > $40k! Crazy prices these days; I've never paid more than a couple of
> > grand for
> > > anything - and usually a lot less.
> >
> > Me too, but I think I'll  just have to dream about it.  I've been working
> > on a project though...
> >
> > - Josh
> >
> >
> > >
> > > Mike
> >
>
>
>
> --
>Ian Finder
>(206) 395-MIPS
>ian.fin...@gmail.com
>

RE: Xerox Alto on eBay

[Mike Ross]

On Apr 14, 2016 1:34 PM, "Josh Dersch" 
wrote:

> So we copy disk images to/from the PDP-11/44 over 3Mbit Ethernet to the
Alto :).
>
> - Josh
>

Quite a hack! So you copy in real time as it were? Direct from packs on a
running Alto to packs on a running 11? Would it be practical to hack it
further to capture the data to an image file so anyone with an 11 / RK
combo could write packs?

I have 6085s and Stars;  I'd love an Alto to round out the collection - but
not at $40k! Crazy prices these days; I've never paid more than a couple of
grand for anything - and usually a lot less.

Mike

RE: Getting an ibm as/400

[Mike Ross]

I agree little point in imaging.

First step: password guess; try logging in to account QSECOFR password
QSECOFR; you may luck out and find it is the default.

If that fails do a DST IPL (Google it) and use the DST QSECOFR account (NOT
the same as the system QSECOFR account!) to reset the system QSECOFR
password. You may luck out and find that even if they've changed the system
QSECOFR password from the default, the DST QSECOFR still works.

If that fails you're down to a partial reinstall - 'slipping the LIC' as
Benjamin described.

There IS a way of breaking into a System/36 by patching specific sectors
and offsets on the disk; I have it written down somewhere. But I know of no
analogous procedure for AS/400.

Mike
On Apr 14, 2016 10:06 AM, "Benjamin Huntsman" <
bhunts...@mail2.cu-portland.edu> wrote:

Get the SLIC cd (or tape), and do a D-mode manual IPL.
Reinstall (DO NOT select the option to install and initialize).  This is
generally referred to as "slipping the LIC".  You can re-install it without
trashing the OS.  That'll get you into DST, where you can reset the
password.

What version of the OS does is currently installed?

-Ben

Re: Getting an ibm as/400

[Mike Ross]

On Apr 12, 2016 9:59 PM, "Kevin Monceaux"  wrote:

> Depending on its vintage it would run OS/400, i5/OS, or IBM I
>

Post-1998 or so machines will also run Linux

Mike

Re: R: Getting an ibm as/400

[Mike Ross]

Key thing is what color it is. If it's light grey it's definitely an old
CISC machine - classic 48-bit AS/400. They're good and desirable but they
do need the MULIC (Model Unique Licensed Internal Code) tape to get going.
If it's black... Well some of the very last CISC AS/400s (e.g. 9406-500)
were black - but it's much more likely to be a RISC machine. With those you
get 70 days unlicensed use - then it reverts to only allowing login at the
console IIRC; I don't recall what else stops working. Licensing on the RISC
machines is just a long code you type in to the system; no MULIC tape! :)

Another possible gotcha is keys; hopefully it comes with them. If it
doesn't, hope the lock is in the manual position which allows full front
panel function.

Then there are password issues; QSECOFR is the key account - equivalent to
root - and if you don't have that password you may be able to reset it
using an alternate boot sequence involving something called DST... Unless
they've changed the DST password too, in which case you can only wipe the
system and reinstall the OS. If you need install media I can help...

Mike
On Apr 12, 2016 3:18 PM, "Mazzini Alessandro"  wrote:

The main issue with As/400 is related with licenses, os included.
There are some models (relatively old) that can run unlicensed (and going
back in time, some required a special tape unique to that serial number, to
be reinstalled. Fat chances of getting a copy of that from ibm now, so in
those cases is very important that such tape is present in the goodies),
otherwise I would say that if they pick up the "toy" from the current
workplace, they have to collect all the sw/ibm media/license papers related
to it.

There's more than one way to get an (heavy) paperweight.

What to expect... is a bit more flat than zos, this is something used for
erp/billing/bank terminals to say something.
There's just os/400 that can be installed on an as/400, forget linux or etc
( if an iseries, more recent, aix is also an option, and  linux too )



-Messaggio originale-
Da: cctalk [mailto:cctalk-boun...@classiccmp.org] Per conto di Matt Patoray
Inviato: martedì 12 aprile 2016 20:52
A: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts
Oggetto: Re: Getting an ibm as/400

Hello,

I do believe Connor is on here. I will say this the IBM Mainframes and the
Large AS/400's are quite different. If you can get a picture of the front
plate where it says AS/400 there will be the model nuimber under that and
we can figure out what you have from that.

Once you have that info, we can have a better idea what you are in for :)
As such can help you accordingly.

On Tue, Apr 12, 2016 at 2:09 PM, devin davison  wrote:

> A local recycling center called me and said they are to pick up an ibm
> as/400 mainframe from a working environment. I left a deposit and am
> scheduled to go pick it up in the next day or so.
>
> I am not even sure of what all it comes with or what can be run on the
> machine. Any advice in advance on what to expect?
>
> I realize there are a ton of different as/400 models, they were not
> very descript on the phone, so i have no way of knowing till i go pick
> it up what exactly it is or what it comes with.
>
> I rushed on dropping a deposit on the thing. The other guy at the
> place is notorious for ripping boards with shiny chips out and trying
> to pass off the dismantled machine to me. I asked for a picture of the
> thing on site before it is moved. If it is not all there I am not
purchasing it.
>
> From the description it sounds like it comes with some terminals and
> printers too. could be interesting.
>
> Is the guy that put the ibm mainframe in his basement on the list? ive
> been wanting to talk to him.
>
>
> --Devin
>



--
Matt Patoray
Owner, MSP Productions
KD8AMG Amateur Radio Call Sign

RE: In search of VAX 8550 or similar...

[Mike Ross]

I'm in NZ and I'm down for at least a couple of the large systems - 750 &
785. Possibly 8600 730 & a pedestal machine. Traveling just now, can I get
back to you in a week or so?
On Apr 10, 2016 2:49 PM,  wrote:

> Hi Ian,
>
> I have a fairly large collection of large VAX machines that are available
> for sale.  Here is a rough list:
>
> Large Vax Machines
> 1.  VAX 11/785
> 2.  VAX 8550
> 3.  VAX 6000-430
> 4.  VAX Vector 6000-520
> 5.  VAX 6000-630
> 6.  VAX Vector 6000-440
> 7.  VAX 11/750 system comprising 4 cabinets.  Includes an RA81,
> UNIBUS expansion chassis, TU80 and cabling cabinet.
> 8.  Plessey VAX 11/750 system in 4 cabinets approximately 5.5
> feet tall. Includes hard drive, 11/751 processor unit and tape drive.
> 9.  9 x HSC cluster controllers
>
> Large Alpha machines
> 10. 2 x DEC 7000
> 11. DEC 4000.  Has multiple SCSI and DSSI drives in the front,
> and processor rack in the back.
>
> MicroVAX, pedestal VAX, etc
> 12. VAX 4000-300
> 13. 3 x MicroVAX II pedestal units
> 14. 6 x VaxServer 3400/3500 pedestal units
> 15. SF100 with TF687 loader (tape jukebox unit?).  Large
> pedestal form factor.
> 16. 2 x DECserver 550 (naked rack-mount units)
> 17. 1 x unknown box in same form factor as DECserver 550
> 18. 1 x MicroVAX 3500
> 19. 1 x Firefox (looks similar to MicroVAX 3500)
> 20. 1 x R400x
> 21. 1 x rack SA650 (drives)
> 22. 1 x rack SA800 (drives)
> 23. 2 x Microvax 3400
>
> There is also a large amount of smaller systems (11/730s, DECstations,
> Alphas, etc) and large and small tape drives, SMD drives etc.
>
> If you are interested, let me know. The equipment is in Melbourne,
> Australia.  I recently had a quote of around $5,000 to send a 20 foot
> container from Australia to the U.S.
>
> Regards,
> Malcolm
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Ian Finder [mailto:ian.fin...@gmail.com]
> Sent: Sunday, 10 April 2016 4:14 AM
> To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts
> Subject: In search of VAX 8550 or similar...
>
> Would like to purchase and restore a big mid-80s VAX. Stupidly passed one
> up
> recently.
> Let me know if you have one you'd be willing to part with- also open to
> trades.
> In the Seattle area, but a little too comfortable with arranging freight
> shipping...
>
> Sent from Outlook for iPhone
>
>
>

Re: Shipping big things across the atlantic.

[Mike Ross]

If you're in no hurry best bet is an international mover on
'consolidation' - basically it's delivered to the mover and it's
loaded in a shared container and it only moves once the container is
full. And if you can pick it up at the arrival end that saves big-time
too.

Mike

On Fri, Apr 1, 2016 at 5:48 AM, Pontus Pihlgren  wrote:
> Hi.
>
> I'm considering to ship an empty full height rack from the USA to Sweden. It 
> is
> definitely something I wont find here so it might be worth the cost and 
> effort.
>
> What are my options to get it here safely? If you have any experience I would
> greatly appreciate if you could share them.
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Pontus.



-- 

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: Sun keyboards, yellowed

[Mike Ross]

Oh perfect timing! What's the interface on the Type 4 cable? 15-pin D
or DIN? I'll probably have one in any case; there are adapters :-)

Mike

On Fri, Apr 1, 2016 at 12:54 PM, Cindy Croxton  wrote:
> I collected some Sun keyboards for a customer, but some are too yellowed for
> him to use. They are all complete, including the cable, if it is supposed to
> be attached.
>
> I am asking $10 each plus shipping. They are not tested or cleaned. I don't
> have any Sun terminals left to test them on.
>
> Type 4, qty 2 (deeply yellowed)
>
> Type 6 USB, Unix, qty 10 (moderate yellowing) 320-1273
>
> Type 6 USB Unix, qty 12 (no or very slight yellowing) 320-1273 asking $20
> each plus shipping
>
>
>
> Cindy Croxton
>
>
>
> ---
> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
> https://www.avast.com/antivirus



-- 

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Sun 4 disk images?

[Mike Ross]

I'm presently working on a couple of Sun 4/110 systems. To save time,
does anyone have a bootable Solaris disk image for such - to use with
SCSI2SD? Note sun4 architecture - not sun4c or sun4m.

Also may be on the lookout for a colour frame buffer; mine may be
terminally flaky. Anything that works with a 4/110 - VME or P4 bus.

Thanks

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: Here's what happens when an 18 year old buys a mainframe...

[Mike Ross]

On Wed, Mar 30, 2016 at 8:26 PM, Mark Linimon <lini...@lonesome.com> wrote:
> On Wed, Mar 30, 2016 at 03:54:40PM +1300, Mike Ross wrote:
>> they were strictly 31-bit only.
>
> Dang, I suspected they were hobbled, but that's painful.
>
> mcl

Not in the least; when they were designed and built Z-Architecture
wasn't even a twinkle in a hardware engineers eye. Nothing hobbled
about them.

And by the time Z-Architecture did come alone it was no longer
necessary to use custom hardware to implement a usable mainframe CPU;
it could be emulated entirely in software - Hercules; Flex/ES; z/PDT
etc. - hence no 64-bit *hardware* successor to the P/390 was ever
built or seriously contemplated.

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Baydel Unibus disk systems

[Mike Ross]

Folks,

I've found something I forgot I had; a Baydel Unibus disk controller.
At one time I had 3 or 4 of these in complete systems but carelessly
managed to trade them all away(!) - except this one board.

They were all identical; a pdp-11/04 with a quad Unibus Baydel disk
controller hooked up to an 8" hard drive in a separate rack mount. In
use the Baydel subsystem emulated multiple RK05s.

The part number on the board is B01061. Unusually Google seems to be
utterly silent on the subject; it seems Baydel and these products have
slipped beneath the digital waves without trace. Does anyone have any
information?

I just have the controller board; I don't have any of the hard drives
left. All I remember is the disk was an 8" and the interface is a
single 40-pin cable; so not SMD and not SCSI. Far too early for IDE or
ATA. Any suggestions for what the interface might have been and what
disks might have been used? What hard disks were around in late 70s /
early 80s that used a single 40-pin connector??

Thanks

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: Sun 4/260

[Mike Ross]

On Sun, Mar 13, 2016 at 1:45 AM, Roland Schregle
 wrote:
> Hi James,
>
> FWIW, I have slightly more recent Sun 4/330 (SparcServer 330) in my basement 
> in Germany looking for a new home. Not familiar with the 260 and how they 
> differ tho.

Oh... that's one of the last VME machines?

I'm hopefully going to need one of those at some point as a front-end
for my Connection Machine... Germany to NZ is quite a haul though!

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Xerox: MFM emulator: disk images available

[Mike Ross]

I've been hacking Xerox recently and using Dave's excellent MFM
emulator. I'm making two working bootable images available. One is
Lisp - the 'Lyric' distribution. It boots and works and appears
complete and useful but I haven't explored Lisp enough to grok it.

The other is a clean install of Viewpoint 3.1  with document editor
and a few assorted utilities and games - and terminal emulators.

Both come with readme files and configuration info. They can be picked up at:

http://corestore.org/vpemu.zip

and

http://corestore.org/lispemu.zip

With a following wind I may get other Xerox disk images up in the not
too distant future - Star; 8010 and 8090 servers for starters. Maybe a
Medley Lisp system.

I'd be interested in hosting any other useful images for disk
emulation - not just Dave's and not just Xerox - SCSI2SD etc. too -
that anyone feels like contributing. Enjoy!

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: MEM11A questions

[Mike Ross]

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 8:15 AM, Guy Sotomayor  wrote:
>
>> On Mar 8, 2016, at 11:12 AM, Henk Gooijen  wrote:
>>
>> -Oorspronkelijk bericht- From: Guy Sotomayor
>> Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2016 7:17 PM
>> To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts
>> Subject: Re: MEM11A questions
>>
>>
>>> On Mar 8, 2016, at 10:11 AM, Henk Gooijen  wrote:
>>> Guy,
>>> I have one 11/20. CPU state unknown ... but the card cage only has the CPU.
>>> So I would be glad to get some memory.   Plenty of space left for other
>>> interfaces, so the MEM11 would be sufficient for me. 128 KW is probably
>>> overkill. The 11/20 can only address up to 64 KW, correct?
>>> Depending cost, I am seriously interested in one MEM11.
>>
>> The 11/20 can address only 32KW (64KB).  You need an MMU to access
>> more.
>>
>> TTFN - Guy
>> -
>> Ah yes, of course Guy!  The 32 kW vs. 64 kB error. I'll never learn ;-)
>> The 11/20 did never have an MMU (AFAIK).
>> Will the MEM11 come in "flavors" regarding the installed amount of FRAM?
>> (32/64/128KW)
>>
>
> No, it will only have 128KW.  Since it’s a single FRAM part, I’m not going to
> try and “stock” different flavors (especially since I’ll be having the boards
> assembled at the board house).

But you will do something to allow memory to be switched in and out? I
presume this thing wouldn't work in an 11/20 unless it was strapped
back to 32KW? Or will the 11/20 be happy and simply ignore the
unaddressable memory beyond 32KW?

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: MEM11A questions

[Mike Ross]

On Tue, Mar 8, 2016 at 10:46 AM, Guy Sotomayor <g...@shiresoft.com> wrote:
>
>> On Mar 7, 2016, at 1:27 PM, Mike Ross <tmfdm...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> On Tue, Mar 8, 2016 at 8:16 AM, Guy Sotomayor <g...@shiresoft.com> wrote:
>>> Hi,
>>>
>>> Over the weekend I was looking through some old CAD files and came across my
>>> original design for the MEM11A.  It was an SPC board that contained only 
>>> 128KW
>>> of FRAM.
>>>
>>> I’m wondering if there’s any interest in that board.  I do have to iterate 
>>> on the design
>>> a bit but I should be able to get something ready sooner than with my 
>>> current board
>>> design (plus I know it will fit in an SPC form factor because I’ve already 
>>> done it).
>>>
>>> What I’d like to know from folks is if there’s interest in that design?  
>>> Would there still
>>> be interest in what I’m now calling UMF11 (Unibus Multi-Function)?
>>
>> Ummm enlighten us a little more about what exactly it could do and
>> what machines it could be used in?
>
> MEM11A?  It can be used in any PDP11 that has SPC slots and will provide 128KW
> of non-volatile RAM.  I had originally gone down this road to provide memory 
> for
> memory challenged machines (most notably the 11/20) but could be used in any
> Unibus PDP11.

Ah ok so it's a universal RAM board that will add modern reliable
Unibus memory to any -11 from the 11/20 on up?

I'll have six please! Preferably tomorrow! (It was the 'multifunction'
bit that confused me; I wondered if it was doing something else beyond
memory)

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: MEM11A questions

[Mike Ross]

On Tue, Mar 8, 2016 at 8:16 AM, Guy Sotomayor  wrote:
> Hi,
>
> Over the weekend I was looking through some old CAD files and came across my
> original design for the MEM11A.  It was an SPC board that contained only 128KW
> of FRAM.
>
> I’m wondering if there’s any interest in that board.  I do have to iterate on 
> the design
> a bit but I should be able to get something ready sooner than with my current 
> board
> design (plus I know it will fit in an SPC form factor because I’ve already 
> done it).
>
> What I’d like to know from folks is if there’s interest in that design?  
> Would there still
> be interest in what I’m now calling UMF11 (Unibus Multi-Function)?

Ummm enlighten us a little more about what exactly it could do and
what machines it could be used in?

Thanks

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

VAX-11/730 success!

[Mike Ross]

Thanks to those who helped and advised; I discovered a problematic pin
on the TU58 10-pin DIP connector. With this fixed, TU58EM worked
correctly and the console code loaded. The CPU passes diags as far as
the RL02 test; not surprising as there's no RL controller or drive -
or the special diag pack! - installed.

On a point of order... is there any reason an Emulex UCxx Unibus SCSI
controller wouldn't work in this machine? Anyone with any experience
there? If it emulates an MSCP disk closely it should Just Work? I'm
thinking a SCSI2SD solution to give me a reliable one-box system...

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: VAX 11/730 quickie

[Mike Ross]

On Thu, Feb 25, 2016 at 9:56 AM, Don North <no...@alum.mit.edu> wrote:
> On 2/24/2016 3:43 AM, Mike Ross wrote:
>>
>> On Tue, Feb 23, 2016 at 4:26 AM, Mike Ross <tmfdm...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> On Mon, Feb 22, 2016 at 10:14 AM, Mark J. Blair <n...@nf6x.net> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> On Feb 21, 2016, at 23:09, Mike Ross <tmfdm...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>> Actually I do have a Mac within easy range of the 730. Could you do me
>>>>> a favour and throw a prebuilt OSX binary somewhere I can grab it? I
>>>>> have flaky internet in the workshop and this Mac isn't set up with
>>>>> Xcode or any other dev environment...
>>>>
>>>> https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/29876211/tu58em.zip
>>>
>>> Thanks Mark... I played with this. I built a 3-wire cable; I'm sure I
>>> have it wired right because traffic happens - and if I disconnect, or
>>> switch Rx/Tx, it just sits there but this is as far as it gets:
>>>
>>> MikeUpstairs:~ Imac$ ./tu58 -s 38400 -p /dev/tty.usbserial -d -v -m -x
>>> -r vax73058
>>> info: unit 0 rfile 'vax73058'
>>> info: tu58 tape emulator v1.4j (NF6X fork)
>>> info: (C) 2005-2014 Don North <ak...@mindspring.com>, (C) 1984 Dan
>>> Ts'o 
>>> info: serial port /dev/tty.usbserial at 38400 baud
>>> info: MRSP mode enabled (NOT fully tested - use with caution)
>>> info: TU58 emulation start
>>> info: R restart, S toggle send init, V toggle verbose, D toggle debug, Q
>>> quit
>>> info: emulator started
>>>
>>> (I ctrl-c the VAX)
>>>
>>> info: flag=0x00 last=0x00
>>> info:  seen
>>> info: flag=0x00 last=0x00
>>> info:  seen
>>> info: flag=0x04 last=0x00
>>> info:  seen
>>> info: flag=0x04 last=0x04
>>> info:  seen
>>> info:  seen, sending 
>>>
>>> (?27 DEVICE ERROR on VAX)
>>>
>>> (I ctrl-c the VAX again)
>>>
>>> info: flag=0x00 last=0xFF
>>> info:  seen
>>> info: flag=0x00 last=0x00
>>> info:  seen
>>> info: flag=0x04 last=0x00
>>> info:  seen
>>> info: flag=0x04 last=0x04
>>> info:  seen
>>> info:  seen, sending 
>>>
>>> (?27 DEVICE ERROR on VAX)
>>>
>>> (repeat)
>>>
>>> Can you spot me being stupid? Does my command line look sane re.
>>> various options?
>>>
>>> (I've trivially renamed the tape image file for faster typing
>>> otherwise it's straight out of the box)
>>
>> Just for giggles I decided to try Bela Torok's Arduino-based emulator:
>>
>> http://www.torok.info/computing/pdp11/tu58/
>>
>> I whipped that up from bits tonight and got it working surprisingly
>> quickly. But the VAX still doesn't want to play; from the behaviour
>> and messages it's falling over at exactly the same place. The Arduino
>> serial console displays:
>>
>> Continue after 2 INIT flags. online!
>>
>> And VAX shows the now-familiar ?27 DEVICE ERROR...
>>
>> Which looks a HELL of a lot like how tu58em is ending. So I don't
>> think the problem is with tu58em...
>>
>> Is there anything I should be looking at on the VAX end here? Any
>> configuration or cabling details that could be screwing things up
>> before I drag the RS232 analyser out? I've tried changing the 'delay'
>> parameter on the Arduino to various values between 0 and 255 to no
>> avail - and I've tried a couple of different tape images in case I got
>> a bad one...
>>
>> Mike
>>
>> http://www.corestore.org
>> 'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
>> Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
>> For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'
>>
>
> Why are you using MRSP mode (-m switch)? Do you know that is absolutely
> required?

For VAX-11/730 console yes it is absolutely required as far as I know;
everything I've read about people using emulation there says that it
is.

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: VAX 11/730 quickie

[Mike Ross]

On Tue, Feb 23, 2016 at 4:26 AM, Mike Ross <tmfdm...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Mon, Feb 22, 2016 at 10:14 AM, Mark J. Blair <n...@nf6x.net> wrote:
>>
>>> On Feb 21, 2016, at 23:09, Mike Ross <tmfdm...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>> Actually I do have a Mac within easy range of the 730. Could you do me
>>> a favour and throw a prebuilt OSX binary somewhere I can grab it? I
>>> have flaky internet in the workshop and this Mac isn't set up with
>>> Xcode or any other dev environment...
>>
>> https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/29876211/tu58em.zip
>
> Thanks Mark... I played with this. I built a 3-wire cable; I'm sure I
> have it wired right because traffic happens - and if I disconnect, or
> switch Rx/Tx, it just sits there but this is as far as it gets:
>
> MikeUpstairs:~ Imac$ ./tu58 -s 38400 -p /dev/tty.usbserial -d -v -m -x
> -r vax73058
> info: unit 0 rfile 'vax73058'
> info: tu58 tape emulator v1.4j (NF6X fork)
> info: (C) 2005-2014 Don North <ak...@mindspring.com>, (C) 1984 Dan
> Ts'o 
> info: serial port /dev/tty.usbserial at 38400 baud
> info: MRSP mode enabled (NOT fully tested - use with caution)
> info: TU58 emulation start
> info: R restart, S toggle send init, V toggle verbose, D toggle debug, Q quit
> info: emulator started
>
> (I ctrl-c the VAX)
>
> info: flag=0x00 last=0x00
> info:  seen
> info: flag=0x00 last=0x00
> info:  seen
> info: flag=0x04 last=0x00
> info:  seen
> info: flag=0x04 last=0x04
> info:  seen
> info:  seen, sending 
>
> (?27 DEVICE ERROR on VAX)
>
> (I ctrl-c the VAX again)
>
> info: flag=0x00 last=0xFF
> info:  seen
> info: flag=0x00 last=0x00
> info:  seen
> info: flag=0x04 last=0x00
> info:  seen
> info: flag=0x04 last=0x04
> info:  seen
> info:  seen, sending 
>
> (?27 DEVICE ERROR on VAX)
>
> (repeat)
>
> Can you spot me being stupid? Does my command line look sane re.
> various options?
>
> (I've trivially renamed the tape image file for faster typing
> otherwise it's straight out of the box)

Just for giggles I decided to try Bela Torok's Arduino-based emulator:

http://www.torok.info/computing/pdp11/tu58/

I whipped that up from bits tonight and got it working surprisingly
quickly. But the VAX still doesn't want to play; from the behaviour
and messages it's falling over at exactly the same place. The Arduino
serial console displays:

Continue after 2 INIT flags. online!

And VAX shows the now-familiar ?27 DEVICE ERROR...

Which looks a HELL of a lot like how tu58em is ending. So I don't
think the problem is with tu58em...

Is there anything I should be looking at on the VAX end here? Any
configuration or cabling details that could be screwing things up
before I drag the RS232 analyser out? I've tried changing the 'delay'
parameter on the Arduino to various values between 0 and 255 to no
avail - and I've tried a couple of different tape images in case I got
a bad one...

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: VAX 11/730 quickie

[Mike Ross]

On Mon, Feb 22, 2016 at 10:14 AM, Mark J. Blair <n...@nf6x.net> wrote:
>
>> On Feb 21, 2016, at 23:09, Mike Ross <tmfdm...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> Actually I do have a Mac within easy range of the 730. Could you do me
>> a favour and throw a prebuilt OSX binary somewhere I can grab it? I
>> have flaky internet in the workshop and this Mac isn't set up with
>> Xcode or any other dev environment...
>
> https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/29876211/tu58em.zip

Thanks Mark... I played with this. I built a 3-wire cable; I'm sure I
have it wired right because traffic happens - and if I disconnect, or
switch Rx/Tx, it just sits there but this is as far as it gets:

MikeUpstairs:~ Imac$ ./tu58 -s 38400 -p /dev/tty.usbserial -d -v -m -x
-r vax73058
info: unit 0 rfile 'vax73058'
info: tu58 tape emulator v1.4j (NF6X fork)
info: (C) 2005-2014 Don North <ak...@mindspring.com>, (C) 1984 Dan
Ts'o 
info: serial port /dev/tty.usbserial at 38400 baud
info: MRSP mode enabled (NOT fully tested - use with caution)
info: TU58 emulation start
info: R restart, S toggle send init, V toggle verbose, D toggle debug, Q quit
info: emulator started

(I ctrl-c the VAX)

info: flag=0x00 last=0x00
info:  seen
info: flag=0x00 last=0x00
info:  seen
info: flag=0x04 last=0x00
info:  seen
info: flag=0x04 last=0x04
info:  seen
info:  seen, sending 

(?27 DEVICE ERROR on VAX)

(I ctrl-c the VAX again)

info: flag=0x00 last=0xFF
info:  seen
info: flag=0x00 last=0x00
info:  seen
info: flag=0x04 last=0x00
info:  seen
info: flag=0x04 last=0x04
info:  seen
info:  seen, sending 

(?27 DEVICE ERROR on VAX)

(repeat)

Can you spot me being stupid? Does my command line look sane re.
various options?

(I've trivially renamed the tape image file for faster typing
otherwise it's straight out of the box)

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: VAX 11/730 quickie

[Mike Ross]

On Tue, Feb 23, 2016 at 3:35 PM, Mark J. Blair <n...@nf6x.net> wrote:
>
>> On Feb 22, 2016, at 16:12 , Mike Ross <tmfdm...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> Mark am I missing something or is there no make option for Linux in your
>> tweaked tu58em?
>
> I think you simply type "make" to build it on a unix-like system (e.g., 
> Linux).

...which blows up immediately with large numbers of errors and
warnings when it gets to serial.c - looks like it's hardcoded for
Windows header files. No worries I'll puzzle it out; the main branch
tu58em builds cleanly with no issues on Linux.

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: VAX 11/730 quickie

[Mike Ross]

Mark am I missing something or is there no make option for Linux in your
tweaked tu58em?

Mike
On Feb 23, 2016 4:28 AM, "Mark J. Blair"  wrote:

>
> > On Feb 22, 2016, at 02:50, tony duell  wrote:
> >
> > The pinouts are the same, the printset of course gives details of the
> latter. It's
> > RS232 levels, TxD, RxD, Ground, and it is 38400 baud.
>
> I didn't get around to examining the wiring in my VAX last night, but I
> determined the wiring from the TU58 manual, anyway.
>
> When I was debugging the connection between my VAX and tu58em on my Mac, I
> ended up buying an old serial protocol analyzer. Notably, I specifically
> avoided one with the same type of tape drive; I got one with a nice,
> reliable 3.5" floppy drive! ;)
>
> --
> Mark J. Blair, NF6X 
> http://www.nf6x.net/
>
>

Re: VAX 11/730 quickie

[Mike Ross]

(replies inline)

On Sun, Feb 21, 2016 at 9:27 AM, tony duell  wrote:
>
>> Well I haven't figured out exactly what the problem was but I'm
>> embarrassed to report it was indeed serial comms finger trouble. I
>
> I have found that those little in-line RS232 testers with 7 or so bicolour
> LEDs monitoring the important signals are very useful when working on
> a machine with a serial terminal. If you get flickering on the TxD or RxD
> LEDs then it is sending something.

Yes and I usually use such; I have an assortment of things from inline
testers to breakout boxes to Tektronic analysers. But this hookup was
so simple and obvious nothing could go wrong (!)

>> could have sworn that VT220 was fine and the cable wired correctly...
>> but to cover all bases I tried it with a USB serial port on the Mac
>> that sits in the lab.
>>
>> It worked.
>>
>> First time.
>>
>> CONV011
>
> There should be a pause between the 'CONV0' and the '11' IIRC

Indeed that's how it comes up. Very short pause since I have most of
the memory out as part of potential gotcha elimination - and the last
two tests are memory tests IIRC; they take a little longer.

> You should then get 2 lines of read errors for DD1 and DD0 in that
> order. If you get a 'Device Error' then the TU58 controller is not
> responding at all, either it is not plugged in or it has serious problems.

Yep that was shown in the link I gave. In text it's:

CONV011
?27  READ ERROR DD1
?27  READ ERROR DD0
ROM>^C

?27  READ ERROR DD1
?27  READ ERROR DD0
ROM>

> I have 2 genuine 11/730 console tapes. Not that it does me any good, they
> both have dropouts and are shedding oxide. The output of the read amplifier
> in the TU58 is 'interesting' shall we say.
>
> I am currently rebulding a standalone TU58. My aim is to somehow find a good
> tape (the hard part) and then to dump an 11/730 console tape image to it. That
> means writing some kind of program to talk to the TU58 (another hard part).

I did wonder how one might go about writing a tape image to a physical
tape... I'm happy to get the thing loaded via the emulator for now -
but I'd like to get real working tapes eventually.

If it helps your 'hard part' I have at least a couple of brand new
TU58 tapes - still sealed in plastic wrap...

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: VAX 11/730 quickie

[Mike Ross]

On Sun, Feb 21, 2016 at 5:33 PM, Mark J. Blair <n...@nf6x.net> wrote:
>
>> On Feb 21, 2016, at 02:57 , Mike Ross <tmfdm...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> Looking back at a long
>> thread on vintage-computers last year it appears that tu58em had
>> timing issues and was unusable on 11/730 but is now patched and
>> working correctly... watch this space!
>
> As a recap, I made a fork of tu58em which adds -x/--vax flags to work around 
> a timing issue that I encountered when using it with my VAX-11/730:
>
> https://github.com/NF6X/tu58em/tree/nf6x
>
> I was running tu58em on a Mac. I don't know if the same timing issue is 
> present when running tu58em on other platforms. If you want to try my 
> modified fork, make sure you pull code from the nf6x branch instead of the 
> master branch; the master branch contains the unmodified tu58em code that I 
> patched.

Mark,

Actually I do have a Mac within easy range of the 730. Could you do me
a favour and throw a prebuilt OSX binary somewhere I can grab it? I
have flaky internet in the workshop and this Mac isn't set up with
Xcode or any other dev environment...

Thanks

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: VAX 11/730 quickie

[Mike Ross]

On Sun, Feb 21, 2016 at 8:23 AM, tony duell  wrote:
>
> [...]
>
>> red lights. The baud rate switches are set for 4800 - the default.
>
> Eh? There is no way to set it for 4800 baud (the installation manual,
> printset, and my tests all agree on what baud rates are available).
>
> How do you have the switches set?

I just double checked. 3 was open; 4 was closed. That's default 2400.

Switch 8 was also closed; I have no idea of its function. All other
switches were open.

I set ALL switches to open - including 3 & 8. 3 & 4 open gives 9600
baud. I have no idea what setting 8 open does - but it didn't change
behaviour. Still nothing on console. G.

I might just try all switches *closed* on the basis that maybe it was
wired wrong but... no doesn't make sense; the system would have been
operational when decommissioned; the switch settings as I received it
must be valid...

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: VAX 11/730 quickie

[Mike Ross]

On Sun, Feb 21, 2016 at 1:56 AM, tony duell  wrote:
>>
>> See row of red LEDs on M8391? On power-up the leftmost LED lights and
>> goes out. Then the rightmost two LEDs light and stay on...
>
> I can't remember exactly what mine does, but I do remember 2 LEDs at one
> end being on when it settles down. So I think yours is probably OK.
>
> Of course I don't know mine works, I need to get a working TU58 tape...

That's good to know on the LEDs. Yes I checked the PSU first; three
red lights. The baud rate switches are set for 4800 - the default.
think I have the console cable correct - and just in case I buggered
the Rx/Tx I tried it with them swapped. Nothing. Never so much as a
garbage character on the terminal - and I know the terminal works ok!
Nothing funky in the settings there as far as I can see.

Anything you can tell me about  the POST on your machine - the timing
- what appears on the console and when etc. - would be helpful.

I plan to use an Arduino-based TU58 emulator when the time comes =
although I would like real working TU58s too!

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: VAX 11/730 quickie

[Mike Ross]

On Sat, Feb 20, 2016 at 12:22 PM, Mike Ross <tmfdm...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Just started working on mine - been a back-burnered project for a long
> time. Unfortunately all the cables were cut when it was dismantled; I
> was lucky to grab just the CPU.
>
> Got it powered up ok - no drama there. I faked cables to the port on
> the WCS which drives the console and hooked up my trust VT220 at 2400
> baud. Nada. No self-test prompt; no ROM> prompt.
>
> Maybe I've messed up the faked console cable; I'll check - already
> tried obvious things like making sure Rx & Tx were crossed (it's a
> three wire cable according to the schematics - Rx Tx Gnd; no flow
> control). But I'd like to know more about the assorted LEDs on the CPU
> boards; maybe there's a clue there if it's not getting far enough into
> the self-test to display console output. There's a fair few LEDs on
> the M8391. But the doc I've looked through on Bitsavers doesn't seem
> to document their meanings and interpretations. Can anyone help on
> that point?
>
> Hopefully this link works:
> https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10208521465663997=867897c786

OK apparently link didn't work... here's the pic:

http://www.corestore.org/730boardsLEDs.jpg

See row of red LEDs on M8391? On power-up the leftmost LED lights and
goes out. Then the rightmost two LEDs light and stay on...

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Couple of Xerox 6085 questions

[Mike Ross]

1. Anyone who has played with Xerox systems will have encountered the
dreaded 0937 code at boot time; it means "I have been configured for
network operations. I abjure the world and will wait until hell
freezes over before continuing the boot - unless I get the time from a
network time server!"

This is inconvenient and frustrating at times. Netware IPX/SPX is
basically Xerox XNS implemented pretty much unchanged; does anyone
happen to know if a Netware server can provide network time server
functions - and in a way that a Xerox workstation would grok?

2. I haven't powered up my 6085s in a long time - at least 5 years;
maybe 10 for some of them. The results have been most disappointing.
They won't even *start* POST - and/or they give a rolling screen with
no sync - and/or a blank screen - and/or they pass POST but won't boot
with an 0151 error. I've tracked these down in most cases to flaky IOB
boards. These boards hold the system PROMs. Anyone else seen similar
issues? Could it be bit rot in the PROMs? Is that a known thing with
6085s?

Thanks

Mike

Re: IBM System z9 available near Ann Arbor, MI

[Mike Ross]

On Thu, Feb 11, 2016 at 9:01 AM, William Donzelli  wrote:
>> Operating system: I would be surprised if it runs anything besides
>> z/OS and Linux.
>
> VSE will run on a z9.

As will TPF. And z/VM of course.

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: IBM 3290 terminal

[Mike Ross]

Imaging the thing will be extremely tricky; the 3174 uses 2.4MB
floppies which I don't think are used *anywhere* else; you can't just
pull the drive out of the 3174 and throw it on a PC because the BIOS
won't have a clue about 2.4MB 5 1/4" disks; people have tried that
approach before. And the code doesn't allow you to format a blank
floppy; you have to use IBM pre-formatted disks. You can copy the code
from one disk to another.

But the easiest way would be to do what Guy has done; take a 3174 with
a hard disk and replace the disk with an MFM emulator. You *can* copy
the 3290 DSL code from a floppy to a hard disk and run it from
there... does your Memorex device have a hard disk? If not I would
suggest obtaining a 3174 with a hard disk as a first step; they're
relatively plentiful and cheap and you WILL want it to avoid dealing
with the hassles of flaky floppy hardware. In fact I would suggest
obtaining one anyway; no reason to mess around with a non-standard
Memorex when 'everyone else' is using real 3174s...

Mike

On Wed, Feb 10, 2016 at 9:08 AM, Kevin Bowling <kevin.bowl...@kev009.com> wrote:
> It's 100% compatible to 3174, it just sends a bitstream down to the
> terminal.  If somebody can send me the image that may help eventually.
>
> On Tue, Feb 9, 2016 at 10:09 AM, Dave Wade <dave.g4...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> The controller Kevin has is a Memorex/Telex (well the firm that they
>> became) so the 3174 DSL Microcode may not be appropriate. If I remember
>> properly the Memorex/Telex units also wanted 3.5" diskettes...
>>
>> Dave
>> G4UGM
>>
>> > -Original Message-
>> > From: cctalk [mailto:cctalk-boun...@classiccmp.org] On Behalf Of Mike
>> Ross
>> > Sent: 09 February 2016 10:13
>> > To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts
>> > <cctalk@classiccmp.org>
>> > Subject: Re: IBM 3290 terminal
>> >
>> > The 3290 plasma panel? It's not for sale but I do have one - and more
>> > importantly the critical DSL diskette the 3174 needs in order for it to
>> work. It's
>> > the only one I've ever seen' good luck; you'll need it!
>> > If you do get one and need the DSL code let me know and we'll work
>> > something out.
>> >
>> > Funny you should mention that; I just tried to fire it up for the first
>> time in...
>> > at least 5 years I think - just last week. SMPSU issues; the PSU starts
>> and
>> > immediately shuts down - whether or not there's a load on it. Dunno if
>> it's
>> > crowbarring or what. Thing is in bits on the bench right now. I have no
>> > schematics so don't anticipate a quick fix. Also it's a 3rd party PSU
>> IBM bought
>> > in - made in China IIRC.
>> >
>> > Mike
>> >
>> > On Tue, Feb 9, 2016 at 10:23 PM, Kevin Bowling
>> > <kevin.bowl...@kev009.com> wrote:
>> > > I'm looking for an IBM 3290 to complement my z800 mainframe and third
>> > > party 3174-22L establishment controller.  I can't imagine these were
>> > > particularly rare, but am sure many of them have been destroyed in the
>> > > waning years since it takes special equipment/know how/desire to even
>> > > use.  Any leads on on for a reasonable price?
>> > >
>> > > Regards,
>> > > Kevin
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > --
>> >
>> > http://www.corestore.org
>> > 'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
>> > Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
>> > For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'
>>
>>



-- 

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: IBM 3290 terminal

[Mike Ross]

The 3290 plasma panel? It's not for sale but I do have one - and more
importantly the critical DSL diskette the 3174 needs in order for it
to work. It's the only one I've ever seen' good luck; you'll need it!
If you do get one and need the DSL code let me know and we'll work
something out.

Funny you should mention that; I just tried to fire it up for the
first time in... at least 5 years I think - just last week. SMPSU
issues; the PSU starts and immediately shuts down - whether or not
there's a load on it. Dunno if it's crowbarring or what. Thing is in
bits on the bench right now. I have no schematics so don't anticipate
a quick fix. Also it's a 3rd party PSU IBM bought in - made in China
IIRC.

Mike

On Tue, Feb 9, 2016 at 10:23 PM, Kevin Bowling  wrote:
> I'm looking for an IBM 3290 to complement my z800 mainframe and third party
> 3174-22L establishment controller.  I can't imagine these were particularly
> rare, but am sure many of them have been destroyed in the waning years
> since it takes special equipment/know how/desire to even use.  Any leads on
> on for a reasonable price?
>
> Regards,
> Kevin



-- 

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: Master index of ICL / 3R PERQ software?

[Mike Ross]

On Mon, Feb 8, 2016 at 10:01 PM, Nigel Williams
 wrote:
> Has anyone made a list of all the known software for the PERQ?
>
> I'm on the hunt for a rumoured port of VAX ML (written in Pascal) to
> the PERQ at Edinburgh.

I have a couple of PERQs - 1 & 2 - originally from ?UCL? as I recall.
Got several boxes of floppies plus whatever's on the hard disks.

No idea on your specific interest but I intend to get into restoring
these machines in the nearish future - they've been gathering dust for
about 20 years! - and I'll keep an eye out.

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: PDP-8 chase the lights

[Mike Ross]

Nicely done! I don't think I've seen that one before; can you supply a
quick toggle in?

Mike

On Wed, Feb 3, 2016 at 9:26 AM, Evan Koblentz  wrote:
> Our group here in NJ + surroundings now has monthly-ish repair workshops
> (vs. a few times per year before). At the workshop this past weekend, David
> Gesswein continued restoring our PDP-8.
>
> David summarized: "I fixed the known fault of accumulator bit
> going to zero when it was rotated left. This was a bad diode on one
> of the accumulator boards. I also replaced two bad bulbs and a third
> that died during the repair. Since one that died was one I previously
> replaced I'm going to use the not quite matching bulbs with heavier
> wires for future repairs. The wires are just too thinn on the 1762 bulbs
> and now that they have aged they break too easy. I then found that the
> teletype interface wasn't working and replaced a diode on a R220 to fix
> output. Input is not working properly. I have traced it to a particular flip
> flop on a R220 where when the data changes it feeds through to the output
> without the clock active. I ran out of time to identify the component that
> needs replacing."
>
> Here's a little video of the computer chasing its lights. :)
>
> http://www.vcfed.org/evan/pdp8lights.mp4



-- 

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: PDP-11/84 (KDJ11-B) and Error 61

[Mike Ross]

On Wed, Feb 3, 2016 at 2:28 PM, Jerome H. Fine  wrote:
>>Ulrich Tagge wrote:Hi Glen,
>
>> [Snip]
>>
>> List/change parameters in the Setup table
>>
>> A - ANSI Video terminal (1)  0=No,   1=Yes  = 1
>> B - Power up  0=Dialog, (1)=Automatic, 2=ODT, 3=24  = 1
>> C - Restart   0=Dialog, (1)=Automatic, 2=ODT, 3=24  = 1
>> D - Ignore battery   0=No,   1=Yes  = 0
>> E - PMG 0-(7) 1=.4us, 2=.8, 3=1.6, 4=3.2,...7=25.6  = 7
>> F - Disable clock CSR0=No,   1=Yes  = 0
>> G - Force clock interrupts   0=No,   1=Yes  = 0
>> H - Clock  0=Power supply, 1=50Hz, 2=60Hz, 3=800Hz  = 1
>
>
> Does anyone have an idea as to how the choice of the 800Hz
> option was made?

I wondered about that too and blinked twice when I saw it. I could
only think of some aerospace or military application derived from
doubling a 400Hz power supply frequency... or maybe some lab
application that needs that clock...

Mike

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: Unidentified DEC gear available, NSW-AU

[Mike Ross]

I'm in NZ and would definitely take an interest; one pic showed cables that
somewhat resemble RP02 type...?

Mike
On Jan 29, 2016 9:11 AM, "Jay West"  wrote:

> DEC Gear available. Unlike most dec gear, I must admit that I can't
> identify
> exactly what this is. Several racks, I was guessing AFT or Instrumentation
> Testing. Looks like one or more cpu or expansion cabinets in some of the
> racks, and some DEC AD/DA interface stuff. I was left with the impression
> that there may be one or more racks that are not shown in the pictures
> provided. I was told that racks are in "several different buildings on the
> estate" (residential). The first rack looks to be in very bad shape
> (perhaps
> a power supply), but the other racks don't look so bad.
>
> I am not sure that I can get more pictures from the owner, but will try. I
> think that in order to get pictures of the fronts (what we all probably
> want
> to see), the owner would have to move stuff (and them) and would rather
> not.
> The equipment is located in NSW, Australia. It sound like they just want it
> to go to a good home.
>
> If someone is local to NSW Australia and wants to spearhead going onsite to
> take a closer look for others and/or pick up the gear themselves, let me
> know offlist and I'll give you the contact info.
>
> To those on the list that aren't down under - any ideas what this is?
>
> Pics are temporarily at http://www.ezwind.net/nsw-au
>
> Best,
>
> J
>
>
>
>
>

Re: What to Do with a PS/2?

[Mike Ross]

The 'best' 'prepackaged' version of OS/2 to have is probably the one
called 'DemoPkg'. Back in the day it was for IBM and Business Partners
internal use only and - as the name suggests - included an OS/2 system
preconfigured and installed with a whole bunch of interesting
software. Came as a set of several CDs. Not that easy to lay your
hands on these days.

Mike

On Tue, Jan 26, 2016 at 8:11 AM, John Willis
 wrote:
> I would second the idea of running OS/2 Warp on it. Though FWIW, I would
> recommend Warp Connect (blue spine).
> It will give you TCP/IP networking (over Ethernet, and not just dial-up
> like the "Internet Connection for OS/2" that shipped
> with "vanilla" Warp's Bonus Pak) out of the box. If you get Warp Connect
> (or any version of Warp, for that matter)
> going, I would strongly recommend applying all of the available FixPaks for
> it, which should let you run at least some
> version of WarpZilla, and save you a great deal of headaches.



-- 

http://www.corestore.org
'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.
Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame.
For one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see.'

Re: Panda Display USB support in klh10 working

[Mike Ross]

Well if you decide to produce it - as a kit of parts or a finished
product! - put me on the list; I'll take two or three of them. Email
me direct if you like.

Mike

On Mon, Jan 4, 2016 at 10:06 AM, David Griffith <d...@661.org> wrote:
> On Mon, 4 Jan 2016, Mike Ross wrote:
>
>> On Sun, Jan 3, 2016 at 8:43 PM, David Griffith <d...@661.org> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> I've managed to edit klh10 to talk to my new USB Panda Display
>>
>>
>> *blinks*
>>
>> There's a USB Panda display?
>>
>> I bought two of the original parallel port Panda displays years ago.
>> Recently wasted a lot of time trying to get them to work. The Windows
>> diagnostic tool program works perfectly - sending patterns to lights
>> and running them. But try to use them with klh and they initialize
>> with a few random lights on when you start it and then never change at
>> any point until *hardware* power is cycled. Evidently there's
>> something screwy and the support for them was never actually
>> incorporated into klh and/or the final Panda TOPS-20 release.
>
>
> One of the big limitations of the original Panda Display is that the
> parallel port is accessed through IO ports, not the operating system.
> Because of that, a USB-to-parallel converter will not work.  I also got one
> of the original displays.  By the time I built it up, I didn't have easy
> access to a real parallel port.  That's when I started to design a USB-based
> display.  The hardware and firmware is fairly simple.  The klh10 side of it
> is more complicated.
>
>
> --
> David Griffith
> d...@661.org
>
> A: Because it fouls the order in which people normally read text.
> Q: Why is top-posting such a bad thing?
> A: Top-posting.
> Q: What is the most annoying thing in e-mail?



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