[cctalk] Re: Drum memory on pdp11's? Wikipedia thinks so....

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

I recall around 1980, the "A" machine at Purdue University Electrical Engineering, a PDP-11/70 
running Version 7 Unix had a RS04 drum drive used for swap. It was getting long in the tooth and 
when a power failure occurred, someone would have to get a wrench to help spin it up as the head 
lubricant was no longer as good as it once was...


--tom

On 4/15/24 11:33, Mike Katz via cctalk wrote:
There was drum storage for the early PDP-8 the "Straight 8", PDP-9 and PDP-10.  Each drum stored 
32,768 words.  Up to 8 of them could be connected for a total storage of 262,144 words of storage.


IBM made a 5BM drum storage unit that was the side of a small refrigerator: The RAMAC's disk 
storage unit, the IBM 350, weighed over a ton, had to be moved around with forklifts, and was 
delivered via large cargo airplanes. It stored approximately 5MB of data: *five million 8-bit 
characters on fifty 24-inch-diameter disks*, a form of drum memory.


On 4/15/2024 11:06 AM, Douglas Taylor via cctalk wrote:
At the VFC East just a few days ago a young man came up to me, I had a PDP11/53 on display, and 
showed me pictures of his 11/45 and PDP-8 that he had just acquired and needed to learn about.  
It was impressive, he said the 11/45 was missing the memory boards.  If he shows up here on the 
list please help him.  To me, it look like he had stumbled into a Unicorn.

Doug

On 4/13/2024 5:26 PM, Christopher Zach via cctalk wrote:

Was reading the Wikipedia article on Drum memories:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drum_memory#External_links

And came across this tidbit.

 As late as 1980, PDP-11/45 machines using magnetic core main memory and drums for swapping were 
still in use at many of the original UNIX sites.


Any thoughts on what they are talking about? I could see running the RS03/RS04 on a 11/45 with 
the dual Unibus configured so the RS03's talk to memory directly instead of the Unibus, but 
that's not quite the same as true drum memory.


Closest thing I remember was the DF32 on a pdp8 which could be addressed by word as opposed to 
track/sector.


Thoughts?
C

[cctalk] Re: Odd IBM mass storage systems

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

On 4/13/24 12:20, Paul Koning via cctalk wrote:



On Apr 12, 2024, at 9:49 PM, ben via cctalk  wrote:

On 2024-04-12 7:23 p.m., Paul Koning via cctalk wrote:

On Apr 12, 2024, at 5:54 PM, CAREY SCHUG via cctalk  
wrote:

...
my favorite terminal 3190 that was neon gas, so monochrome, but could take 5 
addresses, and flip between 62 lines of 160 characters (always there), to 4 
terminals of 62x80 any two visible at a time, or 4 terminals of 31x160 
characters, any 2 visible at a time, or 4 terminals of 31x80 all visible at 
once.  when given a choice, my new boss was surprised that I chose that instead 
of the color 3279 with graphics that everybody else wanted.  Great for running 
virtual systems...

Sounds like the plasma panel displays that were invented for the PLATO system, 
by Don Bitzer and a few others, at the U of Illinois.  Inherent memory: if you 
lit a pixel it would stay lit, to turn it off you'd feed it a pulse of the 
opposite polarity.  So it was a great way to do 512x512 bitmap graphics with 
very modest complexity, no refresh memory needed.
paul

But too slow I suspect to run a game like spacewar.

PLATO was the system where a whole lot of early games first appeared, especially multi-player 
games.  Among them were any number of variations of "Star Trek" inspired ones.  While you 
couldn't refresh a screen full of space ships in motion as fast as you can on a dedicated graphics 
engine, it was certainly acceptable for the players.  And a simpler two-ship game like the original 
spacewar would work even better, because you'd only need a couple of operations per refresh -- on 
the classic terminal, 12 output words at 60 per second, so 200 ms per refresh.  Not quite 
"full motion" but close.

paul

I cannot count how many hours I spend on the Plato IV terminal at our local university playing 
Empire and Dogfight - I was in high school at the time...


--tom

[cctalk] Re: oscilloscopes

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

This one: https://scopeclock.com/

You can see the connected arcs in the pic on the main page.

I built an older model years ago and it is still running...

--tom

On 4/4/24 15:21, Adrian Godwin via cctalk wrote:

On Thu, Apr 4, 2024 at 8:36 PM Paul Koning via cctalk 
wrote:


https://scopeclock.com/ 

Technically, the scopeClock is generating neither curves nor vectors,

it's generating pixels in an XY display - it's just that they’re of fine
enough resolution and fast enough that they’re seen as a smooth-enough
curve on the CRT.


That's disappointing. There was such a clock, and I thought I'd found it
since it described using circle generators - but was surprised to find it
used a teensy.
Does anyone know which clock used analog circuits to form the characters ?

[cctalk] Re: oscilloscopes

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

I have a pair of CDC6600 console CRTs (~12" diameter electrostatic deflection vector), I've been 
working on "restoring" a console which I salvaged from Purdue surplus many years ago, but have kind 
of stalled on at present and it takes up a significant amount of space. If someone would like to 
take over the project, let's talk...


For those who are not familiar, it looks like this:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CDC_6600#/media/File:Control_Data_6600_mainframe.jpg

I have the remains of most of the drive electronics, but the design runs on 400Hz power, so I am 
planning on using a solid state power converter to run it. The ultimate plan of course is to run a 
Pi (or FPGA) CDC6600 simulation to drive the console.


--tom

On 4/3/24 10:01, Guy Fedorkow via cctalk wrote:
Vintage computer enthusiasts might want to keep track of where to find CRT-based analog 
oscilloscopes, for use as output devices.
The early MIT and Lincoln Labs computers used D/A converters to steer and activate the beam on 
analog scopes to draw vector images.
Working on Whirlwind simulation, we've been able to get this technique to work with "real" 
oscilloscopes, e.g., Tek 475, but we have not yet found a single DSO that has X/Y _and_ Z inputs 
(let alone the required phosphor fade).


  Myself, I have a couple scopes with backups, so I'm not in the market for another one.  But 
others might consider the option...


  /guy fedorkow


Date: Mon, 01 Apr 2024 22:33:38 +
From: Just Kant
Subject: [cctalk] oscilloscopes
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts"

Message-ID: 
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

I have more then I need. All the working ones are HP w/color crts, and as far as older, verifiably 
vintage tools (right down to the 680x0 processor in either) I have to admit I favor them as a 
brand. Call we an oddball, weird egg, badges I wear with pride.


But who could resist the allure of the newer ultra portable, even handheld units (some with 
bandwidth or sampling rates to 50mhz). I'm a big cheapo. But there's no real reason to agonize 
over a 65 - 200$ or thereabouts acquisition. It's a bit tiring to wade through the piles of 
availability. I favor a desktop unit, larger screen (but not always, careful). But most of those 
need wall current I think? The convenience of a handheld battery powered unit obviously has it's 
benefits.


I will always love and dote upon my color crt based HPs. But the damned things are so heavy, so 
unwieldy. Judy-Jude knocked my 54111d over, hit the paved floor, shook the house. And still works! 
Built to withstand an atomic bombardment.

[cctalk] Re: VCFMW vendor tables

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

On 8/30/23 11:25 AM, Seth Morabito via cctalk wrote:

On Wed, Aug 30, 2023, at 7:26 AM, William Donzelli via cctalk wrote:

All the VCFMW info is on the Discord server.

I swear to God, Discord will be the end of the open Internet, it's where 
information goes to die. I hate it with every fiber of my being. And yes, I use 
it, I'm on many servers. I'm still allowed to detest it.

-Seth
I have heard of Discord, but have not had a need to use it. Odd that https://vcfmw.org/ does not 
have an obvious link for Discord if it is where we are expected to find useful information. Would I 
need to have a Discord account (and be a member of some group) to see this information?


--tom

[cctalk] Digilent Coolrunner-II eval kit?

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

I am looking for a Digilent Coolrunner-II evaluation kit. If anyone has one they would be willing to 
part with, please let me know...


--tnx
--tom

Re: Sun-2 and Sun-3 mice (eBay)

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

Located. It was actually sold for Prime Computer and is black, but is new in 
box with pad.
Mouse Systems MSC 401162-019/B with the 6 pin RJ11ish connector that I believe 
was used on Sun3 systems.
Let me know you address if you are interested.

--tom

On 10/26/21 9:45 AM, Ethan Dicks via cctech wrote:

On Tue, Oct 26, 2021 at 2:43 AM r.stricklin via cctech
 wrote:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/xi_jinping/m.html?item=334195034340=item4dcf9388e4%3Ag%3Ar%7EcAAOSwFVhhd12t=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562

Hadn't realized before that there were Sun-2 mice which weren't black (were 
white/beige). I know some folks are looking.

I am in need of a Sun3 mouse but that one looks like it got pulled out
from under the porch.

-etha

Re: Sun-2 and Sun-3 mice (eBay)

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

I may have a sun3 mouse/pad you can have... I'll look.

--tom

On 10/26/21 9:45 AM, Ethan Dicks via cctech wrote:

On Tue, Oct 26, 2021 at 2:43 AM r.stricklin via cctech
 wrote:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/xi_jinping/m.html?item=334195034340=item4dcf9388e4%3Ag%3Ar%7EcAAOSwFVhhd12t=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562

Hadn't realized before that there were Sun-2 mice which weren't black (were 
white/beige). I know some folks are looking.

I am in need of a Sun3 mouse but that one looks like it got pulled out
from under the porch.

-etha

Re: Xerox 820/II 8/16 Prom/Eproms ( Masters ) on e-bay

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

On 8/11/21 10:18 AM, Mark G Thomas wrote:
> Hi Tom,
>
> On Wed, Aug 11, 2021 at 09:37:24AM -0500, Tom Uban wrote:
>> I have a Xerox 820. I don't know how to tell if it is a -II or not. It is 
>> marked as U05-013264 September 1984.
> You have an 820-II; the original 820 only has two ROMs (U63, U64).
Ok, I was going by the appearance of my case being the older style. I had not 
considered the number
of PROMs, but now that you mention it, my old Ferguson Big Board (which was an 
820 clone) only had
two PROMs.
>> It powers on and boots the monitor. Looking at the PROMs, they are labeled:
>> U33 5.0, U34 5.0, U35 5.0, U36 5.0, U37 4.01, U38 4.01
> ...
>> At least some of the ROMs appear to be available here (along with other 
>> info):
>>
>> http://bitsavers.org/pdf/xerox/820-II/firmware/
> I must have worked on mine right before someone put those files on bitsavers.
>
> I vaguely remember some alternate ROM version that supported a newer style 
> keyboard, and was incompatible with my older setup, but I do not remember 
> specifics. Labels in the e-bay photos also support that.
>
>> At some point, I need to ask someone to make me bootable 8" floppies, but I 
>> suppose I need to
>> determine if it is 820 or 820-II first...
> I can able to help you with floppies. The floppies are standard 
> IBM 3740 Single Density and easy to write with Imagedisk software 
> and a PC-connected 8" drive.
What do you use to connect an 8" drive to a PC?
> My 820-II currently boots and runs from disk images on SD cards, via 
> a Lotharek HXC floppy emulator, with appropriate cable wiring. I used 
> images found on the internet, and some I created from very old floppies 
> of mine using Imagedisk on a PC with an 8" floppy connected. I highly 
> recommend the Lotharek HXC floppy emulators. My only wish is the 
> display on the floppy-form-factor version were easier to read.
The Lotharek emulators look nice, but I am partial to the real floppy drives.
> Both the swithing supply in my 820-II and it's external 8" drive box 
> had failed. I replaced the supply in the 820-II case with a modern 
> switching supply that easily fit. The HV bleeder resister for my CRT 
> was arcing, so I replaced that. I replaced all the electrolytics on 
> the monitor board. I also replaced the sockets for my ROMs, as some 
> of their contacts "sprung" when I replaced the chips, but I do not 
> recommend doing this unless it is absolutely necessary and you have 
> good tools and practice.
I had not turned on my box for a number of years, but when you posted, I 
decided to try it and it
worked perfectly, which I suppose is just lucky. I do have the tools and skills 
to work on it if it
were to fail, but won't likely make changes unless it does.
> The 820-II restoration was a fun and rewarding project. It is well 
> documented, easy to work on. It was also my first ever CP/M computer. 
> When I was in high school, the 820 motherboards were readily available 
> for $75.
>
> Mark
It sounds like you had a good time, which in my opinion is the main goal!

--tom

Re: Xerox 820/II 8/16 Prom/Eproms ( Masters ) on e-bay

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

It appears that mine is an original 820. I need to look inside to see if it has 
the double density
upgrade.
I may take you up on your offer at some point.

--tom

On 8/11/21 9:42 AM, Jonathan Chapman wrote:
> There are guides online, the differences are documented, I believe you can 
> tell from the outside. Bezel color is not always a 100% indicator.
>
> Floppies are at least easy for them! If no one else can do it, ping me and I 
> can run off a set.
>
> Thanks,
> Jonathan
>
> ‐‐‐ Original Message ‐‐‐
>
> On Wednesday, August 11th, 2021 at 10:37, Tom Uban via cctalk 
>  wrote:
>
>> I have a Xerox 820. I don't know how to tell if it is a -II or not. It is 
>> marked as U05-013264
>>
>> September 1984. It powers on and boots the monitor. Looking at the PROMs, 
>> they are labeled:
>>
>> U33 5.0, U34 5.0, U35 5.0, U36 5.0, U37 4.01, U38 4.01
>>
>> At some point, I need to ask someone to make me bootable 8" floppies, but I 
>> suppose I need to
>>
>> determine if it is 820 or 820-II first...
>>
>> At least some of the ROMs appear to be available here (along with other 
>> info):
>>
>> http://bitsavers.org/pdf/xerox/820-II/firmware/
>>
>> --tom
>>
>> On 8/11/21 9:04 AM, Mark G Thomas via cctalk wrote:
>>
>>> Hi,
>>>
>>> I'm not prepared to lay out $200 for these Xerox ROMs, but if I do manage
>>>
>>> to get them, I'll read and share them. I did not know there were 5.0 ROMs
>>>
>>> for the 820-II, but it appears there were, and they are included.
>>>
>>> https://www.ebay.com/itm/184980603844
>>>
>>>
>>> Mark

Re: Xerox 820/II 8/16 Prom/Eproms ( Masters ) on e-bay

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

I have a Xerox 820. I don't know how to tell if it is a -II or not. It is 
marked as U05-013264
September 1984. It powers on and boots the monitor. Looking at the PROMs, they 
are labeled:
U33 5.0, U34 5.0, U35 5.0, U36 5.0, U37 4.01, U38 4.01

At some point, I need to ask someone to make me bootable 8" floppies, but I 
suppose I need to
determine if it is 820 or 820-II first...

At least some of the ROMs appear to be available here (along with other info):

http://bitsavers.org/pdf/xerox/820-II/firmware/

--tom

On 8/11/21 9:04 AM, Mark G Thomas via cctalk wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I'm not prepared to lay out $200 for these Xerox ROMs, but if I do manage
> to get them, I'll read and share them. I did not know there were 5.0 ROMs
> for the 820-II, but it appears there were, and they are included.
>
> https://www.ebay.com/itm/184980603844
>
> Mark
>

Re: Help reading a 9 track tape

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

Hi Jim,

I have a 9track drive hooked to my old Sun IPX which may be able to read your 
tape.
I am in Valapraiso IN if you are up for a drive.

Best,

--tom


On 7/30/21 1:02 PM, James Liu via cctech wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I have been lurking for a few years, but thought I'd finally speak up
> as I just received a 9 track tape purportedly containing the source
> code to Schoonschip (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schoonschip).  This
> is a 2400' reel recorded at 1600 bpi based on the labels, and a
> cursory examination suggests that it is still in pretty good shape
> (although I am not sure how it was stored over the years).  Here is a
> picture of the tape:
>
> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JgY8QdVDchxubUz39jYn86gEczSvFhcZ/view?usp=sharing
>
> We no longer have any equipment that can read the tape, so I was
> wondering if anyone may be willing to help or if anyone had
> suggestions on where to go to get it read.  Thanks!
>
> - jim
>

Re: Items Wanted

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

I have a Teletype Model 43 with paper tape reader/punch side unit. It is 
available and located in NW
Indiana if anyone is interested.

--tom

On 7/13/21 9:23 AM, Monty McGraw via cctalk wrote:
> Sounds good!
>
> On Tue, Jul 13, 2021 at 9:14 AM Eric Moore  wrote:
>
>> Oh wow! I have an ASR33 I have been working on that goes with my SEL 810A,
>> but it is in rough shape.
>>
>> I will ping you off list, thanks for getting back to me :)
>>
>> -Eric
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Jul 13, 2021, 9:10 AM Monty McGraw via cctalk <
>> cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:
>>
 Date: Sun, 11 Jul 2021 19:57:06 -0500
 From: Eric Moore 
 To: Classic Computers 
 Subject: Re: Items Wanted
 Message-ID:
 <
 cae1er56kmoyveq4eorgs8fujhrrcky_t7dawtupebfjawso...@mail.gmail.com>
 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

 Also, I am in central texas :)

 Thanks!

 On Sun, Jul 11, 2021, 9:33 AM Eric Moore 
>>> wrote:
> Hello, I am looking for any of the following items. I have terminals
>>> and
> assorted qbus and S100 cards for trade, or am happy to discuss payment
 :).
> 1) Qbus scsi card
> 2) Emulex TC01
> 3) QBUS bus probe
> 4) SD2SCSI
> 5) Teletype DRPE or ARPE (already have a BRPE) paper tape punches
> 6) AED/tektronix/SGI/etc... graphics terminal
> 7) Unfomatted pertec controller (any bus)
> 8) S100 jade bus probe, system monitor board, or similar
> 9) Anything fabri-tek, Gould, or SEL
> 10) blinkenlights and flippenpaddles computers, any interesting front
> panels, etc...
> 11) ESDI disk emulator
>
> Thank you!
>
> -Eric
>
>
>
 Eric,
>>> I'm on NW side of Houston and have a Siemens T100 teleprinter with stand
>>> in
>>> my garage that needs a new home :)
>>>
>>> It is untested, but too heavy to ship.
>>>
>>> Monty
>>>

HP DesignJet 600 free for pickup

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

I have a HP DesignJet 600, in good shape, with a roll of paper, free for pickup 
in Valparaiso, IN.

--tom

Re: PDP-11/05 (was: PDP-11/05 microcode dump?)

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

On 6/17/21 6:57 AM, Steve Malikoff via cctalk wrote:
> Tom said
>> I have a couple different drawing sets for the 11/05 and while some have the 
>> matching M7260
>> schematic, only the GT40 drawings (I found on bitsavers) has the M7261E 
>> schematic:
>>
>> http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/graphics/VT11/GT40_Graphic_Terminal_Engineering_Drawings_Feb73.pdf
>>
>> The GT40 drawings has the PROM listings and related, so I am hoping that 
>> they match what is in the
>> two boards.
> My original PDP-11/05 print set that came from the BHP steelworks is titled 
> just 'PDP-11/05 Engineering
> Drawings' and the drawings are for machine revision 1105-0. It covers the 
> early 11/05 with the cast metal
> grille with no slots (as seen in the 11/05 handbook) rather than the later 
> 11/05 with the plastic slotted
> grille.
> The dates on the drawings are 1972 and some of the microcode listing dates 
> are different to the 'PDP-11/05-S,
> 11/10-S systems engineering drawings' bitsavers scan and the GT-40 scan, and 
> some of them are the same.
>
> I'm not sure where I look to see what revision of the M7261 it shows, as the 
> Rev box in the bottom right
> seems to jump around, eg. Rev N, Rev K, Rev H or is that just the minor 
> drawing revision for that page?
>
> Steve
>
If you look at the board layout for the M7261, the E rev board has a large open 
area, devoid of ICs,
whereas
the non-E rev board has a uniform distribution of ICs across the surface.

--tom

DEC IC databook?

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

I was hoping to find DEC under components on bitsavers.org so that I could
lookup some unknown to me DEC ICs (e.g. 8266, 8838, 9602). Is there a
reference out there?

--tnx
--tom

Re: PDP-11/05 (was: PDP-11/05 microcode dump?)

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

On 6/15/21 2:02 PM, Josh Dersch wrote:
>
>
> On Mon, Jun 14, 2021 at 10:34 PM Tom Uban via cctalk  <mailto:cctalk@classiccmp.org>> wrote:
>
> On 6/14/21 3:39 PM, Noel Chiappa via cctalk wrote:
> >     > From: Tom Uban
> >
> >     > it has the early version M7261E Control Logic & Microprogram 
> board and
> >     > the later version M7260 Data Paths board
> >
> > Ah, I'm glad someone found all that stuff I wrote up there useful. As 
> always,
> > I _think_ I got it all transcribed correctly, but do be on the lookout 
> for
> > errors!
> I most certainly did - thank you for creating it!
> >     > it seems like an older/newer combination, but maybe that was 
> common. I
> >     > would not have guessed that the four possible combinations would 
> all
> >     > work together, but maybe they do?
> >
> > I honestly don't know. As far as I can tell, the DEC documentation 
> doesn't
> > even _mention_ the two different board generations; perhaps a sign that 
> they
> > are functionally interchangeable? (Although even the section on baud 
> rate, in
> > both DEC-11-HKDBB-A-D and EK-KD11B-MM-001, 4.11, doesn't even mention 
> the
> > early board. So maybe the manual just ignores the earlier version 
> completely?)
> >
> > I don't have an /05 up and running at the moment, or I'd check all 4 
> and see
> > if they all work.
> >
> >     > Presently, the machine sometimes runs relatively well and other 
> times
> >     > it does not.
> >
> > What are the failure symptoms? (It's almost certainly going to take a 
> 'scope
> > to fix it; I expect you have one?)
> I have KM11s, a scope, a logic analyzer, a unibone, shiresoft unibus 
> analyzer, etc.
> No shortage of gear, just a shortage of time.
> > I'd start by monitoring the CPU clock, and make sure it's running when 
> the
> > failure happens. (Note that the front console is handled by the 
> microcode, so
> > if the microcode isn't running, the machine will be totally dead.
> > EK-KD11B-MM-001 has a good description of how that works.)
> I think I checked the clock when I started this project a while back, but 
> I will
> check it again. Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to provoke two 
> states,
> but it mostly picks the completely dysfunctional state, so I'll look at 
> the clock.
> >     > my initial messing with KM11 boards, reveals that I can step the
> >     > microcode with a KM11 in either the #1 or #2 position, but when 
> two
> >     > KM11s are installed at the same time, they do not function 
> properly
> >     > together. Is this expected or do I have an issue there too?
> >
> > Not sure. EK-KD11B-MM-001 (available at:
> >
> >   http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/pdp11/1105/EK-KD11B-MM-001_Jan75.pdf
> <http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/pdp11/1105/EK-KD11B-MM-001_Jan75.pdf>
> >
> > and definitely something you need) says, at pg. 5-6 "KM11 switches have 
> the
> > same function in slots KM-1 and KM-2", and on 5-7 "permits the user who 
> has
> > only one KM11 to plug into either KM-1 or KM-2".
> >
> > So that _sounds_ like you should be able to plug two in together. The 
> first
> > indicates that the switches, the only input to the KD11-B from the 
> KM11, are
> > wired in parallel, and the only other thing on the KM11 are the lights,
> > outputs. And why mention "user who has only one KM11", if having two is 
> no
> > use because one can't use two at once?
> I've read that doc, but did not come away with the impression that both
> can be used at the same time or not.
>
>
> Just to provide some real-world data, I used a pair of KM11's to debug my 
> 11/05, see the picture here:
>
> http://yahozna.dyndns.org/scratch/1105-debug.jpg 
> <http://yahozna.dyndns.org/scratch/1105-debug.jpg>
>
> They worked fine.  (These are clones, from Guy Sotomayor's kit.)  I can 
> verify tonight whether I
> have the earlier or later rev CPU set, if that helps.
>
> - Josh
>
Interesting! From your pic, you have the M7260 without the circular baud rate 
selector switch, but I
cannot tell which M7261 board you have.

Does the machine come up and run normally with the boards in and the switches 
all the disabled
positions or do you have to do a special sequence to start?

I will have to look at the schematics to see how the two slots connect to the 
processor on each of
the board versions and maybe also take a look at Guy's KL11 schematic if it is 
on his site.

--tnx
--tom

Re: PDP-11/05 (was: PDP-11/05 microcode dump?)

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

On 6/15/21 1:45 PM, Tony Duell wrote:
> On Tue, Jun 15, 2021 at 4:47 PM Tom Uban  wrote:
>> On 6/15/21 8:58 AM, Tony Duell via cctalk wrote:
>>> On Tue, Jun 15, 2021 at 6:34 AM Tom Uban via cctalk
>>>  wrote:
>>>
>>>> My KM11s are based on Tony Duell's schematic and if you look, switches S3
>>>> and S4 are both driving outputs rather than simply switching them to 
>>>> ground,
>>>> so I don't think two boards at one time would work if these signals are 
>>>> simply
>>>> tied in parallel on slots A2 and B2.
>>> I took the switch circuits from the offical KM11 schematics which are
>>> either in the PDP11/45 CPU printset or the RK11-C printset that I
>>> have, I forget which. I certainly didn't add logic or replace
>>> open-collector parts with totem-pole ones.
>>>
>>> -tony
>> I did not mean to imply that you had changed the behavior in your KM11 
>> design.
>> You are surely a competent and trusted pdp11 resource :)
>>
> I didn't mean to imply anythimg like that either. I was just
> confirming that my KM11-a-like and a real one will behave the same
> way, so if my version can't be used in pairs in an11/05, then the real
> one can't either.. I've been involved with classic computers for long
> enough to know that sometimes clones are not exactly identical to the
> real thing.
>
> I do have a pair of real KM11s now. Each is a pair of boards that plug
> together. The board that goes into the machine's backplane is discrete
> transistor lamp drivers, the one that plugs into it (and thus sticks
> out of the cardcage) contains the lamps, switches and ICs for the
> switch circuitry. I know where they are if you want me to confirm the
> IC numbers or whatever.
>
> -tony
Thank you for your offer, but I have one original KM11 (set) as well,
but it is not functional. I think the transistors on the extender half have
been mashed to many times and it is low in my priority list to fix as I
have to of my own "reproduction" boards.

--tom

Re: PDP-11/05 (was: PDP-11/05 microcode dump?)

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

On 6/15/21 8:58 AM, Tony Duell via cctalk wrote:
> On Tue, Jun 15, 2021 at 6:34 AM Tom Uban via cctalk
>  wrote:
>
>> My KM11s are based on Tony Duell's schematic and if you look, switches S3
>> and S4 are both driving outputs rather than simply switching them to ground,
>> so I don't think two boards at one time would work if these signals are 
>> simply
>> tied in parallel on slots A2 and B2.
> I took the switch circuits from the offical KM11 schematics which are
> either in the PDP11/45 CPU printset or the RK11-C printset that I
> have, I forget which. I certainly didn't add logic or replace
> open-collector parts with totem-pole ones.
>
> -tony
I did not mean to imply that you had changed the behavior in your KM11 design.
You are surely a competent and trusted pdp11 resource :)

--tom

Re: PDP-11/05 (was: PDP-11/05 microcode dump?)

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

On 6/14/21 3:39 PM, Noel Chiappa via cctalk wrote:
> > From: Tom Uban
>
> > it has the early version M7261E Control Logic & Microprogram board and
> > the later version M7260 Data Paths board
>
> Ah, I'm glad someone found all that stuff I wrote up there useful. As always,
> I _think_ I got it all transcribed correctly, but do be on the lookout for
> errors!
I most certainly did - thank you for creating it!
> > it seems like an older/newer combination, but maybe that was common. I
> > would not have guessed that the four possible combinations would all
> > work together, but maybe they do?
>
> I honestly don't know. As far as I can tell, the DEC documentation doesn't
> even _mention_ the two different board generations; perhaps a sign that they
> are functionally interchangeable? (Although even the section on baud rate, in
> both DEC-11-HKDBB-A-D and EK-KD11B-MM-001, 4.11, doesn't even mention the
> early board. So maybe the manual just ignores the earlier version completely?)
>
> I don't have an /05 up and running at the moment, or I'd check all 4 and see
> if they all work.
>
> > Presently, the machine sometimes runs relatively well and other times
> > it does not.
>
> What are the failure symptoms? (It's almost certainly going to take a 'scope
> to fix it; I expect you have one?)
I have KM11s, a scope, a logic analyzer, a unibone, shiresoft unibus analyzer, 
etc.
No shortage of gear, just a shortage of time.
> I'd start by monitoring the CPU clock, and make sure it's running when the
> failure happens. (Note that the front console is handled by the microcode, so
> if the microcode isn't running, the machine will be totally dead.
> EK-KD11B-MM-001 has a good description of how that works.)
I think I checked the clock when I started this project a while back, but I will
check it again. Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to provoke two states,
but it mostly picks the completely dysfunctional state, so I'll look at the 
clock.
> > my initial messing with KM11 boards, reveals that I can step the
> > microcode with a KM11 in either the #1 or #2 position, but when two
> > KM11s are installed at the same time, they do not function properly
> > together. Is this expected or do I have an issue there too?
>
> Not sure. EK-KD11B-MM-001 (available at:
>
>   http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/pdp11/1105/EK-KD11B-MM-001_Jan75.pdf
>
> and definitely something you need) says, at pg. 5-6 "KM11 switches have the
> same function in slots KM-1 and KM-2", and on 5-7 "permits the user who has
> only one KM11 to plug into either KM-1 or KM-2".
>
> So that _sounds_ like you should be able to plug two in together. The first
> indicates that the switches, the only input to the KD11-B from the KM11, are
> wired in parallel, and the only other thing on the KM11 are the lights,
> outputs. And why mention "user who has only one KM11", if having two is no
> use because one can't use two at once?
I've read that doc, but did not come away with the impression that both
can be used at the same time or not.
My KM11s are based on Tony Duell's schematic and if you look, switches S3
and S4 are both driving outputs rather than simply switching them to ground,
so I don't think two boards at one time would work if these signals are simply
tied in parallel on slots A2 and B2.

Alas, using only one KM11 at a time is fine and I will be able to make progress
in that way.

--tom

>   Noel

Re: PDP-11/05 (was: PDP-11/05 microcode dump?)

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

I'm not to the point of connecting serial yet, but I did see this page which 
will help me turn the
current loop to rs232 when the time comes:
http://retrocmp.com/how-tos/interfacing-to-a-pdp-1105

--tom

On 6/14/21 10:37 AM, Jay Logue via cctalk wrote:
> I also have an 11/05 with the early CPU boards that exhibited stuck bits on 
> arrival.  Turned out
> to be bad transistors in the inhibit circuits on the G110.  Pretty easy fix 
> once I tracked it
> down. So far I've found the GT40 print set to be a fairly accurate, at least 
> for the boards I have.
>
> I'll be curious to learn how your serial console works.  Mine had a 
> manufacturing defect that had
> to be corrected before input would work.
>
> --Jay
>
> On 6/13/2021 1:44 PM, Tom Uban via cctalk wrote:
>> I am working on the first of my two 11/05s. Interestingly, it has the early 
>> version M7261E Control
>> Logic & Microprogram board and the later version M7260 Data Paths board 
>> (with circular baud rate
>> selector switch) as described in:
>>
>> http://gunkies.org/wiki/KD11-B_CPU
>>
>>  From the description there, it seems like an older/newer combination, but 
>> maybe that was common. I
>> would not have guessed that the four possible combinations would all work 
>> together, but maybe
>> they do?
>>
>> I have a couple different drawing sets for the 11/05 and while some have the 
>> matching M7260
>> schematic, only the GT40 drawings (I found on bitsavers) has the M7261E 
>> schematic:
>>
>> http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/graphics/VT11/GT40_Graphic_Terminal_Engineering_Drawings_Feb73.pdf
>>
>> The GT40 drawings has the PROM listings and related, so I am hoping that 
>> they match what is in the
>> two boards.
>>
>> Presently, the machine sometimes runs relatively well and other times it 
>> does not. It does have bit
>> 1 stuck ON in memory, but that should be a relatively simple task to 
>> diagnose as it is not
>> intermittent. When the machine is "working" I am able to deposit 0777 at 
>> 0100 and run. When running
>> this simple program, I've experimented with flexing the boards and such, so 
>> it doesn't seem like an
>> obvious poor connection, but that remains to be seen.
>>
>> The machine is a configuration #2 model (as described in the "gunkies" site) 
>> and my initial messing
>> with KM11 boards, reveals that I can step the microcode with a KM11 in 
>> either the #1 or #2 position,
>> but when two KM11s are installed at the same time, they do not function 
>> properly together. Is this
>> expected or do I have an issue there too?
>>
>> Thanks much to those who have provided details and documents on the web, 
>> they have already been of
>> great value and will most certainly continue to be a resource in the future.
>>
>> More updates in the future...
>>
>> --tom
>>
>> On 5/6/16 5:32 PM, Noel Chiappa wrote:
>>>  > From: Mattis Lind
>>>
>>>  > Thanks Noel for sorting this out.
>>>
>>> Eh, de nada. But thank you.
>>>
>>>
>>>  >> I wonder if the ucode in the two versions is identical? The uROM 
>>> chip
>>>  >> numbers should give it, (if they are the same on both versions, 
>>> albeit
>>>  >> in different locations on the board), but I have yet to check. Does
>>>  >> anyone happen to know?
>>>
>>> OK, so the situation here is pretty complicated. To start with / make things
>>> worse, that CPU uses lots of PROMs. Lots and lots and lots and lots of 
>>> PROMs.
>>>
>>> For the data paths board (M7260), both major versions appear to contain the
>>> same PROMs (going by the DEC part numbers), but the chip location (Exx)
>>> numbers are all different.
>>>
>>> For the control board (M7261), the C, E ('early' version) and F ('late'
>>> version) etch revisions each contain mostly the same PROMs, but apparently
>>> with slight differences between the sets of PROMs in each (as reflected in
>>> different DEC part numbers). For details see:
>>>
>>>    http://gunkies.org/wiki/PDP-11/05#Control_PROMs
>>>
>>> to which I have just added all the gory details.
>>>
>>> As to getting the contents of all of them dumped in machine-readable form -
>>> oi vey!
>>>
>>>
>>>  >> on the earlier version (prints for that version are in the GT40 
>>> prints
>>>  >> online
>>>
>>> It turns out that I have hard-copy prints for the "C" etch revision of the
>>> M7261, which do not yet appear to be online; the GT40 prints have the "E"
>>> etch revision.
>>>
>>> I will scan the pages for that revision of the board, and put them up 
>>> 'soon'.
>>> (I'm not doing the whole print set, it's about 1" thick, and most of them 
>>> are
>>> for other things anyway, like MM11-L memory, etc.)
>>>
>>> Noel
>>>
>

Re: PDP-11/05 (was: PDP-11/05 microcode dump?)

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

Thanks Bill, nice read. Did you get your RK11/RK05 up and running on the 11/05?
My 11/05s both have the low profile side mounted chassis, which I find makes 
them nice and compact,
but limits their expansion without another cabinet.

--tom

On 6/13/21 3:59 PM, Bill Degnan wrote:
> It's no gunkies but I wrote up a few notes about my 11/05 variants and 
> support issues here:
>  https://www.vintagecomputer.net/digital/ 
> <https://www.vintagecomputer.net/digital/>.
>
> Bill
>
> On Sun, Jun 13, 2021, 4:44 PM Tom Uban via cctalk  <mailto:cctalk@classiccmp.org>> wrote:
>
> I am working on the first of my two 11/05s. Interestingly, it has the 
> early version M7261E Control
> Logic & Microprogram board and the later version M7260 Data Paths board 
> (with circular baud rate
> selector switch) as described in:
>
> http://gunkies.org/wiki/KD11-B_CPU <http://gunkies.org/wiki/KD11-B_CPU>
>
> >From the description there, it seems like an older/newer combination, 
> but maybe that was
> common. I
> would not have guessed that the four possible combinations would all work 
> together, but maybe
> they do?
>
> I have a couple different drawing sets for the 11/05 and while some have 
> the matching M7260
> schematic, only the GT40 drawings (I found on bitsavers) has the M7261E 
> schematic:
>
> 
> http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/graphics/VT11/GT40_Graphic_Terminal_Engineering_Drawings_Feb73.pdf
> 
> <http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/graphics/VT11/GT40_Graphic_Terminal_Engineering_Drawings_Feb73.pdf>
>
> The GT40 drawings has the PROM listings and related, so I am hoping that 
> they match what is in the
> two boards.
>
> Presently, the machine sometimes runs relatively well and other times it 
> does not. It does
> have bit
> 1 stuck ON in memory, but that should be a relatively simple task to 
> diagnose as it is not
> intermittent. When the machine is "working" I am able to deposit 0777 at 
> 0100 and run. When
> running
> this simple program, I've experimented with flexing the boards and such, 
> so it doesn't seem
> like an
> obvious poor connection, but that remains to be seen.
>
> The machine is a configuration #2 model (as described in the "gunkies" 
> site) and my initial
> messing
> with KM11 boards, reveals that I can step the microcode with a KM11 in 
> either the #1 or #2
> position,
> but when two KM11s are installed at the same time, they do not function 
> properly together. Is this
> expected or do I have an issue there too?
>
> Thanks much to those who have provided details and documents on the web, 
> they have already been of
> great value and will most certainly continue to be a resource in the 
> future.
>
> More updates in the future...
>
> --tom
>
> On 5/6/16 5:32 PM, Noel Chiappa wrote:
> >     > From: Mattis Lind
> >
> >     > Thanks Noel for sorting this out.
> >
> > Eh, de nada. But thank you.
> >
> >
> >     >> I wonder if the ucode in the two versions is identical? The uROM 
> chip
> >     >> numbers should give it, (if they are the same on both versions, 
> albeit
> >     >> in different locations on the board), but I have yet to check. 
> Does
> >     >> anyone happen to know?
> >
> > OK, so the situation here is pretty complicated. To start with / make 
> things
> > worse, that CPU uses lots of PROMs. Lots and lots and lots and lots of 
> PROMs.
> >
> > For the data paths board (M7260), both major versions appear to contain 
> the
> > same PROMs (going by the DEC part numbers), but the chip location (Exx)
> > numbers are all different.
> >
> > For the control board (M7261), the C, E ('early' version) and F ('late'
> > version) etch revisions each contain mostly the same PROMs, but 
> apparently
> > with slight differences between the sets of PROMs in each (as reflected 
> in
> > different DEC part numbers). For details see:
> >
> >   http://gunkies.org/wiki/PDP-11/05#Control_PROMs
> <http://gunkies.org/wiki/PDP-11/05#Control_PROMs>
> >
> > to which I have just added all the gory details.
> >
> > As to getting the contents of all of them dumped in machine-readable 
> form -
> > oi vey!
> >
> >
> >     >> on the earlier version (prints for that version are in the GT40 
> prints
> >     >> online
> >
> > It turns out that I have hard-copy prints for the "C" etch revision of 
> the
> > M7261, which do not yet appear to be online; the GT40 prints have the 
> "E"
> > etch revision.
> >
> > I will scan the pages for that revision of the board, and put them up 
> 'soon'.
> > (I'm not doing the whole print set, it's about 1" thick, and most of 
> them are
> > for other things anyway, like MM11-L memory, etc.)
> >
> >       Noel
> >
>

PDP-11/05 (was: PDP-11/05 microcode dump?)

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

I am working on the first of my two 11/05s. Interestingly, it has the early 
version M7261E Control
Logic & Microprogram board and the later version M7260 Data Paths board (with 
circular baud rate
selector switch) as described in:

http://gunkies.org/wiki/KD11-B_CPU

>From the description there, it seems like an older/newer combination, but 
>maybe that was common. I
would not have guessed that the four possible combinations would all work 
together, but maybe they do?

I have a couple different drawing sets for the 11/05 and while some have the 
matching M7260
schematic, only the GT40 drawings (I found on bitsavers) has the M7261E 
schematic:

http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/graphics/VT11/GT40_Graphic_Terminal_Engineering_Drawings_Feb73.pdf

The GT40 drawings has the PROM listings and related, so I am hoping that they 
match what is in the
two boards.

Presently, the machine sometimes runs relatively well and other times it does 
not. It does have bit
1 stuck ON in memory, but that should be a relatively simple task to diagnose 
as it is not
intermittent. When the machine is "working" I am able to deposit 0777 at 0100 
and run. When running
this simple program, I've experimented with flexing the boards and such, so it 
doesn't seem like an
obvious poor connection, but that remains to be seen.

The machine is a configuration #2 model (as described in the "gunkies" site) 
and my initial messing
with KM11 boards, reveals that I can step the microcode with a KM11 in either 
the #1 or #2 position,
but when two KM11s are installed at the same time, they do not function 
properly together. Is this
expected or do I have an issue there too?

Thanks much to those who have provided details and documents on the web, they 
have already been of
great value and will most certainly continue to be a resource in the future.

More updates in the future...

--tom

On 5/6/16 5:32 PM, Noel Chiappa wrote:
> > From: Mattis Lind
>
> > Thanks Noel for sorting this out.
>
> Eh, de nada. But thank you.
>
>
> >> I wonder if the ucode in the two versions is identical? The uROM chip
> >> numbers should give it, (if they are the same on both versions, albeit
> >> in different locations on the board), but I have yet to check. Does
> >> anyone happen to know?
>
> OK, so the situation here is pretty complicated. To start with / make things
> worse, that CPU uses lots of PROMs. Lots and lots and lots and lots of PROMs.
>
> For the data paths board (M7260), both major versions appear to contain the
> same PROMs (going by the DEC part numbers), but the chip location (Exx)
> numbers are all different.
>
> For the control board (M7261), the C, E ('early' version) and F ('late'
> version) etch revisions each contain mostly the same PROMs, but apparently
> with slight differences between the sets of PROMs in each (as reflected in
> different DEC part numbers). For details see:
>
>   http://gunkies.org/wiki/PDP-11/05#Control_PROMs
>
> to which I have just added all the gory details.
>
> As to getting the contents of all of them dumped in machine-readable form -
> oi vey!
>
>
> >> on the earlier version (prints for that version are in the GT40 prints
> >> online
>
> It turns out that I have hard-copy prints for the "C" etch revision of the
> M7261, which do not yet appear to be online; the GT40 prints have the "E"
> etch revision.
>
> I will scan the pages for that revision of the board, and put them up 'soon'.
> (I'm not doing the whole print set, it's about 1" thick, and most of them are
> for other things anyway, like MM11-L memory, etc.)
>
>   Noel
>

Re: DEC PDP-11/45 backplane +5 ECO

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

On 4/24/21 10:28 PM, Noel Chiappa via cctalk wrote:
> > From: Fritz Mueller
>
> > could I ask that you take some closeups around the Mate-n-Locks along
> > the top? I'd be very interested to see the board traces and the details
> > of the red bus wiring there.
>
> I had a look at my /45 (a later KB11-D - although I think the backplanes for
> the -A and -D are identical), and it seems to have heavy red wires attached
> to the upper row of Mate-n-Lok's that look just like those on Josh's. I'd
> really want to take pictures of mine (I don't want to take the backplane out
> - too much work - but I can get decent images with it in, I think) so I
> can compare them directly, though, not depend on visual memory.
>
>   Noel
>
> PS: I wonder how many people here have -11/45's? ISTR one other, but they 
> aren't
> common.
I have an 11/45. I can also take pics if it would help.

--tom

Re: who collects modems?

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

I just discovered one more modem in my "collection".
An Anderson Jacobson Model A 242A acoustic coupler modem.

BTW, the DF03 is spoken for.

--tom

On 3/16/21 4:24 PM, Richard Cini via cctalk wrote:
> I wouldn't mind getting my hands on a second acoustic coupler modem like the 
> Novation Cat (or the Radio Shack or Apple-badged versions) with a standard 
> RS232 connector or equivalent brand. Mostly for demo purposes, but has to be 
> working.
>
> RichC
>
> On 3/16/21, 3:09 PM, "cctalk on behalf of david raingeard via cctalk" 
>  wrote:
>
> i do but they often dont seem to work over rtc input of internet boxes
> which is a shame
> 
> Le mar. 16 mars 2021 à 16:30, Tom Uban via cctech  
> a
> écrit :
> 
> > Clearing out stuff at my space, I have the following modems:
> >
> > NEC UltraLite-Series Image Modem Plus w/box
> > CTS Datacomm 2424 ADA modem w/box
> > Scout Plus External Data/Fax modem w/box
> > Digital DF03 modem
> >
> > Any offers?
> >
> > --tom
> >
> >
> 
>
>

Re: Diversified Technology CAT904 80286 single board PC

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

Ok. Thanks for verifying that info, I will try changing the BIOS setting. I do 
need to replace the
Dallas RTC as well.

On 3/16/21 12:57 PM, Jonathan Haddox via cctalk wrote:
>  I've got a Diversified Tech 286 SBC as well and was able to switch to 3.5 
> floppies by modifying the BIOS settings. Mine has the Dallas Real Time Clock 
> chip and the battery was dead so the BIOS settings weren't preserved after a 
> reboot. Fortunately I obtained a replacement chip available on ebay to fix 
> that issue. I haven't got a manual to share, but it's a neat little board.
>
> Jonathan
>  On Tuesday, March 16, 2021, 12:00:02 PM CDT, 
>  wrote:  
>  
>  Send cctalk mailing list submissions to
>     cctalk@classiccmp.org
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
>     http://www.classiccmp.org/mailman/listinfo/cctalk
> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
>     cctalk-requ...@classiccmp.org
>
> You can reach the person managing the list at
>     cctalk-ow...@classiccmp.org
>
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of cctalk digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
>   1. VAX rom patches - VAXstation 2000 SCSI boot, KA420 > 1GB boot
>       (David Brownlee)
>   2. Re: Diversified Technology CAT904 80286 single board PC
>       (david raingeard)
>   3. Re: PDP-10 I/O notes (Lars Brinkhoff)
>   4. who collects modems? (Tom Uban)
>   5. Re: Any info on a Western Peripherals DC-230 disk controller?
>       (Jay Jaeger)
>
>
> --
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2021 18:36:23 +
> From: David Brownlee 
> To: r...@jarratt.me.uk,  "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic
>     Posts" , port-vax List 
> Cc: Malte Dehling 
> Subject: VAX rom patches - VAXstation 2000 SCSI boot, KA420 > 1GB boot
> Message-ID:
>     
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
>
> I had some extra A4 pages with a VAXstation 2000 manual which covered
> a preview PK2K kit for VMS, bootloader and ROM to allow use of the
> VAXstation 2000 SCSI controller for more than just tapes.
>
> Rough scan at http://sync.absd.org/vax/VAX-PK2K-preview-kit.pdf (the
> originals will be sent to someone who can do a better job)
>
> The pages led me to http://ftp.gwdg.de/pub/vms/ which includes some goodies:
> - http://ftp.gwdg.de/pub/vms/pk2k - uVAX-2k SCSI patches with source
> for boot roms, VMB & VMS
> - http://ftp.gwdg.de/pub/vms/ka420 - ROM patches for KA420/KA430 boot
> from >1GB disks
> - http://ftp.gwdg.de/pub/vms/dk-552/ - VMS 5.2 patch to allow to
> accept more SCSI disk devices
>
> (Starting a new thread in case there is (slightly) more general
> interest for anyone interested in using the onboard uVAX-2K SCSI
> controller more more than tapes (OK, OK, for anyone not running NetBSD
> on their uVAX-2K interested in etc etc) - have cross posted to cctalk
> & port-vax - hopefully not violating any conventions there)
>
> David
>
>
> --
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2021 16:41:54 +0100
> From: david raingeard 
> To: Tom Uban ,  "General Discussion:
>     On-Topic Posts" 
> Subject: Re: Diversified Technology CAT904 80286 single board PC
> Message-ID:
>     
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
>
> i rather do  what doe with ibm dos
>
> Le lun. 15 mars 2021 ? 16:23, Tom Uban via cctech  a
> ?crit :
>
>> It dawned on me that I probably just need to change a BIOS setting. I
>> haven't dealt with PCs in so
>> long I've forgotten what to do...
>> I would still like to find a manual if someone has one.
>>
>>> I have a Diversified Technology CAT904 80286 single board PC in a system
>> with a 5.25" floppy drive
>> running DOS.
>>> I would like to switch the system to use a 3.5" drive and am wondering
>> if anyone has a manual for
>> the dip switch settings for this board or if I can simply add a 3.5" drive
>> as a 2nd device on the
>> floppy cable (guessing not without switch changes)?
>>> --tnx
>>> --tom
>>
>
> --
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2021 06:04:44 +
> From: Lars Brinkhoff 
> To: Don Stalkowski via cctalk 
> Subject: Re: PDP-10 I/O notes
> Message-ID: <7wzgz3zlab@junk.nocrew.org>
> Content-Type: text/plain
>
> Don Stalkowski wrote:
>> For what it's worth I've posted some notes on PDP-10 I/O from a course
>> taught by Mike Bennett at UWO in the early 1970s.
> Thank you!
>
> Interesting to see the D

who collects modems?

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

Clearing out stuff at my space, I have the following modems:

NEC UltraLite-Series Image Modem Plus w/box
CTS Datacomm 2424 ADA modem w/box
Scout Plus External Data/Fax modem w/box
Digital DF03 modem

Any offers?

--tom

Re: [GreenKeys] OT FTGH Xerox 820

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

On 3/11/21 1:58 PM, Bill Gunshannon via cctalk wrote:
> On 3/11/21 10:59 AM, Tom Uban via cctalk wrote:
>> I am interested if this is not already spoken for.
>>
>> --tnx
>> --tom
>>
>> On 3/11/21 9:48 AM, John Foust via cctalk wrote:
>>> Richardson, TX I assume.
>>>
>>> At 09:42 AM 3/11/2021, John, W9DDD wrote:
>>>> I have a Xerox 820 (rev 2 -II?) that will go to it's happy hunting grounds 
>>>> soon unless there is
>>>> interest.
>>>>
>>>> Pictures if interested, part it out if it gets to that point.
>>>>
>>>> (On topic to the extent it makes room for more Teletype equipment.)
>>>>
>>>> -- 
>>>> John, W9DDD
>
> in a box around here somewhere I have a still unassembled Xerox 820 
> motherboard.  Never found
> anyone even remotely interested.
>
> bill
>
Is that a Xerox 820 or a "Ferguson Big Board". They are both the same 
schematically. I previously
had the former and still have the latter, though mine is assembled.

--tom

Re: [GreenKeys] OT FTGH Xerox 820

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

I am interested if this is not already spoken for.

--tnx
--tom

On 3/11/21 9:48 AM, John Foust via cctalk wrote:
> Richardson, TX I assume.
>
> At 09:42 AM 3/11/2021, John, W9DDD wrote:
>> I have a Xerox 820 (rev 2 -II?) that will go to it's happy hunting grounds 
>> soon unless there is interest.
>>
>> Pictures if interested, part it out if it gets to that point.
>>
>> (On topic to the extent it makes room for more Teletype equipment.)
>>
>> -- 
>> John, W9DDD
>> __
>> GreenKeys mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/greenkeys
>
>

Re: Flip-Chip selloff

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

I suspect many of us are in similar situations. I have been collecting and 
storing
my treasures for about 35 years. I even recently moved it all into one nice 
climate
controlled space. (It has mostly all been in climate controlled space, but now 
it
is all in the same space with room to work on it.)

At this point in my life, reviewing how much time I have been able to find in 
the
previous years to play with my hoard, I am realizing that I have way more than I
will ever be able to enjoy. Then I consider that the others like me are also 
coming
to a similar conclusion and as a result there is likely lots of equipment 
looking
for homes other than the scrap heap.

With museums that seemed like they were funded and safe for the foreseeable
future closing with uncertain ends, I worry (just as others) that we are the 
only
ones who will be the custodians of these wondrous marvels of human genius.
As those who understand and care for such marvels pass, the number of people
who care also dwindle.

I've come to realize that perhaps it isn't just the theory that I might one day 
be
able to retire and enjoy keeping my mind engaged with tasks of restoring old
PDP-11s to their former glory, but that the 35 years of collecting and storing
might lead to a younger generation's wonder in seeing what led to the technology
they have at present. Perhaps they don't care and all is for not...


On 2/2/21 5:28 PM, Josh Dersch via cctalk wrote:
> Since we're talkin' sell-off... on the off chance that anyone has a TC11 or
> TC01/08 gathering dust (for something less than eBay prices), I, uh...
> could use one.  Along with many other people, I suppose.
>
> - Josh
>
>
> On Tue, Feb 2, 2021 at 3:12 PM Bill Degnan via cctalk 
> wrote:
>
>> I think it's good to hold onto that which is realistic to support, no point
>> in holding hardware hostage in a rodent and moisture-vulnerable old
>> garage.  We don't live forever.
>> b
>>
>> On Tue, Feb 2, 2021 at 5:57 PM Chris Zach via cctalk <
>> cctalk@classiccmp.org>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> What do I have...
>>>
>>> Decsystem/20 CPU box+supply (blt.ai.mit.edu), pdp11/05/83/24/23+/150, 2
>>> 8L's, an 8/e, 3 RL02, RM80, RX02,TK50,2 Professional 380's. And a
>>> Minc-11/MiniMINC.
>>>
>>> Several Perqs, that HP 1000e thing, and a few dozen MFM disks.
>>>
>>> A pair of Sun 386i's, Nextstation, NS Turbo, Turbo Color
>>>
>>> Probably a lot more.
>>>
>>> On 2/2/2021 4:13 PM, Bob Smith wrote:
 I am down to 2 vaxes and an 11, along with 10 Alphas, a pro380 and two
 DECMante II boxes.
 bb

 On Tue, Feb 2, 2021 at 1:48 PM Chris Zach via cctalk
  wrote:
> Might be a good time: I remember my dad saying I should encase each
>> one
> in lucite plastic and sell them as paperweights. That was 30 years ago
> but it would have preserved them well :-)
>
> C
> (Went from 3 8/I's to 2 8/L's so progress?)
>
> On 2/2/2021 1:22 PM, Zane Healy via cctalk wrote:
>> On Feb 2, 2021, at 9:19 AM, Al Kossow via cctalk <
>>> cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:
>>> I don't have any equipment that uses them any more, so I'll be
>>> ebaying off my
>>> A-W series flip chips over the next few days. The W's and PT08
>> boards
>>> are up now
>>> https://www.ebay.com/itm/184647476832
>>> https://www.ebay.com/itm/184647420812
>> That makes me wonder if I shouldn’t do the same.  That would be part
>>> of a camera lens, which may, or may not take up less space. :-)
>> Then again I’ve been saying I need to downsize my collection for the
>>> better part of 20 years.
>> Zane
>>
>>
>>

Re: DEC backplane power connectors

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

The connector shells I ordered arrived and fit my application properly.

The part numbers are:
  Digikey A106239-ND, TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 1-171196-0, CONN PLUG 6POS 
MATE-N-LOK NATRL
  Digikey A1427-ND, TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 1-480323-0, CONN PLUG 15 POS 
MATE-N-LOK

See attached picture or ASCII representation below:

 ++
 |    ++
 |  0   0   0  |
+-+  | |  +-+
| |  |  0   0   0  |  | |
+-+  | |  +-+
 |  0   0   0  |
 |    ++
 ++

 ++
 |    ++
 |  0   0   0   0   0  |
+-+  | |  +-+
| |  |  0   0   0   0   0  |  | |
+-+  | |  +-+
 |  0   0   0   0   0  |
 |    ++
 ++

Looking at the TE.com catalog, the picture for 1-480273-0 does not match my 
DD11-DF connector,
looking like this:

 ++
 |    |
 |  0   0   0 |
+-+  |    ++  +-+
| |  |  0   0   0  |  | |
+-+  |    ++  +-+
 |  0   0   0 |
 |    |
 ++

Best,

--tom

On 1/28/21 1:39 PM, Noel Chiappa wrote:
> > I have a feeling there are two shell designs for the 6 pin.
>
> Like I said, I have a vague memory of another keying design (I think it used a
> ridge running parallel to the direction of insertion), but I don't think it's
> from any DEC gear. There is definitely yet _another_ keying design, with
> triangular sawteeth, but again, I don't think any DEC gear used that.
>
> > The one on my DD11-DF that I want to mate has detents in the corners
> > while the catalog picture for the 6 pin on your part number shows a
> > square in the center of the side.
>
> Yes, the ones on the DD11-[C,D] (female shell, male pins) have 2 filled-in
> corners, and the ones on the harness into which they plug (male shell, female
> pins) have both the cutout corners (to match the filled-in corners on the
> female shells), _and_ "a square in the center of the side".
>
> As I said, I had verified that my female shells plugged into the male shells
> on an -11/40 harness; I just went and checked, those males have the exact
> identical shape to the ones I got (with the listed part number), including
> both cutout corners and the square in the center of the side. (Oddly enough,
> the 15-pin male shells used in that generation of DEC power connectors do not
> have the square in the center of the side, just the cutout corners.)
>
> Noel
>

Re: DEC backplane power connectors

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

I have a feeling there are two shell designs for the 6 pin. The one on my 
DD11-DF
that I want to mate has detents in the corners while the catalog picture for 
the 6 pin
on your part number shows a square in the center of the side. I'm pretty sure 
I've
seen that style 6 pin on some of my other DEC equipment, so I wouldn't say that
either shell is wrong just yet.

Once I have the ones I ordered in hand, I will let you know what I learn. Either
way, your site has very useful information and I am happy to be able to help add
to it one way or another.

Best,

--tom

On 1/27/21 5:03 PM, Noel Chiappa via cctalk wrote:
> > I may have gotten the wrong 6pin shell.
>
> I have this very vague memory of some similar connector shell, but I have no
> memory of what the difference is.
>
> I just checked the shells I have here, and they definitely fit onto the power
> harness on an -11/40; and the numbers on the Web page are correct.
>
> If yours arrives, and it works, please send me the number and I'll add it to
> the page. Actually, if it _doesn't_ work, send me the number, and I'll add a
> 'no not use xxx, it doesn't work' note.
>
> Noel

Re: DEC backplane power connectors

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

I wish I had seen it before I ordered. I may have gotten the wrong 6pin shell.

--tom

On 1/27/21 11:51 AM, Noel Chiappa via cctalk wrote:
> > Are the power connectors on the DEC PDP-11 backplanes (e.g. DD11-DF
> > 15pin and 6pin) Molex or other?
> > Are they still commonly available?
>
> https://gunkies.org/wiki/DEC_power_distribution_connectors#Connectors
>
> I'm not sure why I bothered to write all this stuff up; it was clearly a waste
> of time.
>
> Noel

Re: DEC backplane power connectors

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

Well, they vary for what you may need of course, but in my case, I wanted to 
connect to existing
DD11-DF female shell/male pin 15 and 6 contact connectors.

Searching the te.com site, there are some similar parts, but the ones which 
look correct are:

Commercial MATE-N-LOK-S, 1-171196-0 (digikey A106239-ND), 6-pin
CMNL PLUG HSG P/M NATL, 1-480323-0 (digikey A1427-ND), 15-pin

There are a number of pin options for these, but I picked: 170121-1 (digikey 
A122316-ND), tin, 14-20 AWG

Once the parts arrive, I will confirm if I chose wisely...

--tom

On 1/27/21 10:57 AM, Guy Sotomayor via cctalk wrote:
> Could you post the part numbers?
>
> Thanks.
>
> TTFN - Guy
>
> On 1/27/21 7:19 AM, Tom Uban via cctalk wrote:
>> Thanks much. I think I found the mating plugs I need on the te.com site and 
>> digikey has them.
>>
>> --tom
>>
>> On 1/27/21 2:05 AM, Mattis Lind wrote:
>>>
>>> Den ons 27 jan. 2021 kl 06:59 skrev Tom Uban via cctalk 
>>> >> <mailto:cctalk@classiccmp.org>>:
>>>
>>>  Are the power connectors on the DEC PDP-11 backplanes (e.g. DD11-DF 
>>> 15pin and 6pin) Molex or
>>>  other?
>>>  Are they still commonly available?
>>>
>>>
>>> They are called Commercial Mate-n-lok.  Company is called TE-Connectivity 
>>> nowadays.
>>>
>>> Later on DEC used Universal Mate-n-lok. For example in the VAX-11/750.
>>>
>>> /Mattis
>>>
>>>
>>>  --tnx
>>>  --tom
>>>

Re: DEC backplane power connectors

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

Thanks much. I think I found the mating plugs I need on the te.com site and 
digikey has them.

--tom

On 1/27/21 2:05 AM, Mattis Lind wrote:
>
>
> Den ons 27 jan. 2021 kl 06:59 skrev Tom Uban via cctalk  <mailto:cctalk@classiccmp.org>>:
>
> Are the power connectors on the DEC PDP-11 backplanes (e.g. DD11-DF 15pin 
> and 6pin) Molex or
> other?
> Are they still commonly available?
>
>
> They are called Commercial Mate-n-lok.  Company is called TE-Connectivity 
> nowadays.
>
> Later on DEC used Universal Mate-n-lok. For example in the VAX-11/750.
>
> /Mattis
>
>
> --tnx
> --tom
>

DEC backplane power connectors

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

Are the power connectors on the DEC PDP-11 backplanes (e.g. DD11-DF 15pin and 
6pin) Molex or other?
Are they still commonly available?

--tnx
--tom

xylogics annex three terminal server

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

I'm sorting through my stuff and have a Xylogics Annex Three terminal server 
(w/cables).
Complete, but status unknown.
Pics upon request.
Any interest?

--tom

sun microsystems sunfire v100

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

I'm sorting through my stuff and have two Sunfire V100s. I had one working 20 
years ago and don't
recall the state of the other.
Current status unknown.
Pics upon request.
Any interest?

--tom

Heathkit H89A (was accidentally circuit cellar...)

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

I'm sorting through my stuff and have Heathkit H89A computer. Last time I 
messed (20 years ago) it
showed signs of life, but was not fully functional. I do have a manual for it.
Pics upon request.
Any interest?

--tom

circuit cellar magazines

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

I'm sorting through my stuff and have Heathkit H89A computer. Last time I 
messed (20 years ago) it
showed signs of life, but was not fully functional. I do have a manual for it.
Pics upon request.
Any interest?

--tom

DEC VT1000 and VXT2000

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

I'm sorting through my stuff and have a DEC VT1000, VXT2000 and a few related 
boards.
Condition is unknown.
Pics available on request.
Any interest?

--tom

circuit cellar magazines

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

I'm sorting through my stuff and have Circuit Cellar magazines issue 54-244 
(missing 168 and 210).
Is anyone interested in these for $20+shipping?

--tom

Re: DEC PDP-8/E wanted

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

For those interested in a PDP-8 system but don't want the large size/weight and
maintenance issues, I built the full set of Spare Time Gizmos SBC6120 
(integrated
PDP-8), FP6120 (front panel for SBC6120) and IOB6120 (Jim Kearney's 
multi-function
companion board) a number of years ago and would be willing to part with them
for a reasonable offer. Here are related links:

http://www.sparetimegizmos.com/Hardware/SBC6120_Builders.htm
https://www.grc.com/pdp-8/yourown-sbc.htm
https://www.jkearney.com/sbc6120/iob6120.htm

--tom


On 11/20/20 10:55 AM, ED SHARPE via cctalk wrote:
> Go for a 8m or f  same omnibus and easer to lift as only onevnibuss panel!  - 
> On Friday, November 20, 2020 John H. Reinhardt via cctalk 
>  wrote:
> On 11/20/2020 8:01 AM, Tom Hunter via cctalk wrote:
>> I know it is the year 2020 but nevertheless what are my chances of finding
>> a complete and repairable DEC PDP-8/E or as a second choice a PDP-8/I ?
>>
>> Is there any hope or should I be just content with my SIMH based PiDP-8/I?
>>
>> Thanks
>> Tom Hunter
> Funny you should mention...
>
> There is a guy in Endicott, NY with a PDP-8/E possibly looking for a new 
> home.  Posted a couple days ago on the VCF DEC Forum
> 
>
>> Circumstances require selling off some or all the DECs [ will still have 
>> some DGs to play with ].
>> One can often get a general idea of value based on prior open market (like 
>> eBay) sales but not
>> enough comparables out there, so would like to get a ball-park idea.
>>
>> Prefer to see them stay within VCF but because of the amount previously 
>> invested I'm not able to "give it away"
>> at hobby prices as I would like in an ideal world. Everything is good shape 
>> and complete, but not booted up since dry long term storage. May sell some 
>> or all of it but will try here before eBay. Here's a quick overview, 
>> informed and straightforward feedback much appreciated.
>>
>>> Complete PDP-8/E, 8k core, full flip chip/board set (have list), good 
>>> condition, long dry storage.
>>> Complete PDP-11/05, 8k core, full flip chip/board set (have list) good 
>>> condition, long dry storage.
>>> DECScope VT-52, good condition nothing missing or damaged from long term 
>>> storage.
>>> RX-01 dual floppy drive, good condition nothing missing or damaged, from 
>>> long storage.
>> thanks for your help.
>> Roger in NY 
> Be aware people are telling him his system is probably worth about $1000.  I 
> have seen other 8's go for more on Ebay but I don't recall which model.
>

Re: Systems Engineering Laboratories - SEL History

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

I worked at Gould CSD in Urbana on the Powernode Unix kernel from '86-'88
and knew the machines were descendants of SEL machines, but that is about
it. The ECL based logic was named "firebreather" for a reason. They were the
fastest thing at the time. Being a computer company in Urbana Illinois, we all
joked about being where the HAL 9000 would eventually be born. It was my
first real job out of college, so I had a blast, right up until the company laid
off a large portion of our office in a single day. I think I still have a 
t-shirt
which says "Gould lost $300M and all I got was this lousy t-shirt". I wasn't
on the list, but I left shortly thereafter. The people I worked with were all
top notch and I missed them after leaving.

--tom

On 11/6/20 1:37 PM, Bob Smith via cctalk wrote:
> My memories of SEL beginnings are dusty. and rusty. I recall a bunch
> of their systems being used in science related efforts, beecause of
> the high IO capability. At the time, for NASA and others, it was the
> ideal platform for data collection.  Not a bad compute capability -
> many other systems in that space could do compute efforts more
> quickly, but the none could match data IO for years. iirc, this was in
> both the 16 and 32 bit lines.
> I alwo recall when some folks from DEC VAX et al efforts left and
> joined SEL - yep there is some back story there.
> bob
>
> On Thu, Nov 5, 2020 at 2:35 PM Eric Moore via cctalk
>  wrote:
>> Hello, I have pulled together a website with links to resources and
>> information on SEL, or Systems Engineering Laboratories.
>>
>> http://mnembler.com
>>
>> SEL was a computer manufacturer in the 60s and 70s which later was acquired
>> by Gould and then Encore. They made many major innovations and were
>> instrumental in the success of the Apollo program.
>>
>> The website is still a work in progress, but I did want to share it with
>> yall.
>>
>> -Eric

Re: 11/84 print set

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

On 10/19/20 10:27 AM, Al Kossow via cctalk wrote:
> anyone willing to chip in some money to help me pay for this?
> https://www.ebay.com/itm/303733340900
I don't have an 11/84, but the bitsavers docs have helped me tremendously over 
the years. Thank you.
Sent $100.

--tom

Re: FIRE SALE!

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

On 10/15/20 3:41 PM, Josh Dersch via cctalk wrote:
> On Sun, Oct 11, 2020 at 8:13 PM jim stephens via cctalk <
> cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:
>
>> I agree.  Most devices are expected to be heated briefly to soldering
>> temperatures, not heat soaked at that.
>>
>> Temperature in this case is much different than heat.  The designers of
>> the devices must take into account what temperature is require to do the
>> solder assembly function, and minimize the amount of heat the device is
>> exposed to.
>>
>> On wave soldering machines the heat was quite low, and these would have
>> been assembled then.  Even with current radiant oven techniques, the
>> parts would fall off if there was an extended heat exposure.  They do
>> that often enough now with heating problems with devices, with open
>> circuit failures happening.
>>
>> If you're lucky and have a quick fire department response, the setup
>> time on the equipment is at least 4 or 5 minutes.  Unless there's
>> physical danger and the building involved may have people trapped, they
>> take time to assess the fire, the propagation and there's more time
>> before they attack.
>>
>> I've seen a couple of events and a couple of full exercises, it doesn't
>> happen quickly.  Fire departments are sadly known for letting buildings
>> burn into the basement if it saves life or property of other nearby
>> structures.  You'd be lucky to get this out of a burned out building in
>> most cases.  Once the fire is knocked down the heat will be present for
>> quite some time afterwards, as they let it cool and clear flash fires,
>> and take care of nearby property.
>>
>> thanks
>> jim
>>
>
> Well, we'll see how bad these things really are.  The idiot I am, I struck
> what I consider to be a reasonable deal for the 11/70 and 11/45 and I'll be
> picking them up in November on a trip to SF I already had planned.  What
> can I say, I'm a glutton for punishment.
>
> A friend of mine went out and ot a number of decent high-res pictures of
> the units.  The backplanes/wirewrap don't appear to be physically damaged,
> and the boards inside look pretty decent, though I'm not holding my
> breath.  (I was particularly surprised that none of the pot-metal card
> stiffeners were warped or bent due to the heat, even near the front on the
> 11/45 where it's clear most of the heat was present.)  I do have a friend
> with a spare set of 11/70 boards.  What sold me though was that the 11/70
> has a PEP70 + Hypercache board set installed (which would be really cool,
> assuming anything in there can be made to work again).
>
> I figure worst case, I get a couple of DEC racks that'll work fine after
> some sanding and repainting, and maybe I can send the chassis off to Ethan
> if repair turns out to be impossible.
>
> - Josh
Awesome news that someone is going to try to salvage the machines!

Best of luck!

--tom

old data books?

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

I'm trying to reduce the amount of "stuff" I have and I've been carrying around 
a significant number
of old data books. My plan has always been to have all of the resources I need 
in my retirement
(assuming I get there) to work on and repair the various vintage computing 
hardware I've also
collected over time and have been storing.

My question is if I this information is all now available online or if I need 
to keep these data
books. My guess is that it is some of both.

Also, if I decide to part with these, should I create a list and make them 
available for the cost of
shipping or just recycle them? Maybe someone collects them?

--tom

Re: DEC VRE01 terminal documentation

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

On 8/13/20 5:04 PM, Antonio Carlini via cctalk wrote:
> On 13/08/2020 22:29, Tom Uban via cctalk wrote:
>> Thanks Aaron. The DEC display is quite a bit newer than the old Plato 
>> design. I had one of the Plato
>> terminals at one time and am quite familiar with them. I also had a digivue 
>> standalone display at
>> one time, but don't recall what I did with it over the course of the years. 
>> At that time, I did have
>> a full manual for it, including schematics, but I'm sure that went with the 
>> display to it's new
>> home.
>>
>> I need to open the DEC VRE01 to see what the design looks like. The newer 
>> design allowed it to be
>> very compact...
>>
>> --tom
>
>
> This (https://eisner.decus.org/anon/htnotes/range?f1=INDUSTRY_NEWS=491.0) 
> suggests that the
> VRE01 was made by Planar Systems, Inc., of Beaverton, OR.
>
> Perhaps that might point you towards actual documentation.
>
> There's also a fact sheet 
> (https://eisner.decus.org/anon/htnotes/range?f1=INDUSTRY_NEWS=491.1).
>
>
>
> I do remember the VRE01 appearing in the DEC catalogues of the 1990s but I 
> never saw one in real
> life. Perhaps the $11K price tag explains that :-)
>
>
> Antonio
>
>
That's some good information. Thanks Antonio. Yes, they were pricey, and 
nearing the end of DECs
rule, fortunately I didn't pay more than a couple hundred for it.

--tom

Re: DEC VRE01 terminal documentation

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

Thanks Aaron. The DEC display is quite a bit newer than the old Plato design. I 
had one of the Plato
terminals at one time and am quite familiar with them. I also had a digivue 
standalone display at
one time, but don't recall what I did with it over the course of the years. At 
that time, I did have
a full manual for it, including schematics, but I'm sure that went with the 
display to it's new home.

I need to open the DEC VRE01 to see what the design looks like. The newer 
design allowed it to be
very compact...

--tom

On 8/13/20 3:53 PM, Aaron Woolfson wrote:
> Here's a photo of one of the restored PLATO terminals (which had the plasma 
> display)
> Does the power supply for the PLASMA look like the one in this photo of one 
> of the terminals with
> the covers off?
>  
> 
> - Original Message -
> *From:* Aaron Woolfson <mailto:woolf...@telswitch.com>
> *To:* paulkon...@comcast.net <mailto:paulkon...@comcast.net> ; 
> u...@ubanproductions.com
> <mailto:u...@ubanproductions.com> ; cctalk@classiccmp.org 
> <mailto:cctalk@classiccmp.org>
> *Sent:* Thursday, August 13, 2020 1:50 PM
> *Subject:* Re: DEC VRE01 terminal documentation
> 
> Hi Tom.
>  
> Thanks for your message.  Well, the Plasma panels use a pretty unique.  
> I'm attaching the
> precise waveforms that the Plasma Panel expects to see in order to 
> achieve the illumination of
> the dot. And while this may not be exactly or precisely what you're 
> looking for, this will
> explain much about the technology involved.  The fact that you can see 
> any illumination at all
> is perhaps the most important part - beacuse the gas is probably there, 
> and the "actuation"
> voltage might just not be high enough, or the sustainer voltage might 
> have an issue.
>  
> The power supplies were manufactured by Electro Plasma and were typically 
> separate from the
> actual unit itself.  I am going to see whether I can find the schematics 
> for those power
> supplies, which discuss the characteristics .
>  
> Also, check to see whether the back of the plasma panel itself has an 
> edge connector that is
> similar to the attached TYCO specified connector. That might give you 
> some insights into where
> to go. 
>  
> When I gave all my equipment and test gear to the LCM up in Seattle, I am 
> pretty sure that they
> also got a lot of the original manuals and notes that had been hand 
> written.  But I typically
> had scans of most everything.  I will see what I can find
>  
> 
> - Original Message -
> Subject: Re: DEC VRE01 terminal documentation
> Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2020 16:38:39 -0400
> From: Paul Koning mailto:paulkon...@comcast.net>>
> 
> You may want to see if the PLATO terminal documentation is any help, look 
> on Bitsavers under
> University of Illinois.  Those plasma display power supplies are hairy 
> devices; the panel is
> actually a memory device and the power supply produces a high voltage AC 
> waveform to make that
> work.  Those panels normally light up around the rim; the fact you see 
> that briefly but not
> sustained gives some hope that adjusting may be all that is needed.
> 
> That's quite a display; the usual plasma panels were 8 inches square, 512 
> by 512 pixels.  I'm
> guessing this is a 1k by 1k pixel display, which I have seen once or 
> twice, at SAI in San Diego
> in some military displays.
> 
> I know a plasma terminal expert; I've forwarded your message to him.
> 
> paul
> 
> > On Aug 13, 2020, at 3:23 PM, Tom Uban via cctalk  <mailto:cctalk@classiccmp.org>> wrote:
> >
> > I have a DEC VRE01 terminal that I bought NIB years ago. For those who 
> don't know about this
> model,
> > it has a flat plasma (orange/black) display of about 17". It worked 
> when I bought it, but now,
> years
> > later, I tried powering it up and the light comes on for a moment and 
> goes out. I suspect a power
> > supply issue, but bitsavers does not seem to have this one.
> >
> > Does anyone have schematic (or other) documentation for it?
> >
> > --tnx
> > --tom
> 

Re: DEC VRE01 terminal documentation

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

Thanks Paul. Yes, I know the old Plato plasma display terminals well, having 
grown up with them as
my introduction to computers.

The DEC VR01 is a much newer design, though I'm sure it has some similar 
properties, including a
high voltage display. Unfortunately, the display itself never lights at this 
point, just an LED to
indicate power is on. I suspect the low voltage is at least partially working 
and the high (or
other) is detected to be out and so the whole supply shuts down. This is a 
typical design for DEC
supplies.

Thanks for putting me in touch with your expert.

--tom

On 8/13/20 3:38 PM, Paul Koning wrote:
> You may want to see if the PLATO terminal documentation is any help, look on 
> Bitsavers under University of Illinois.  Those plasma display power supplies 
> are hairy devices; the panel is actually a memory device and the power supply 
> produces a high voltage AC waveform to make that work.  Those panels normally 
> light up around the rim; the fact you see that briefly but not sustained 
> gives some hope that adjusting may be all that is needed.
> 
> That's quite a display; the usual plasma panels were 8 inches square, 512 by 
> 512 pixels.  I'm guessing this is a 1k by 1k pixel display, which I have seen 
> once or twice, at SAI in San Diego in some military displays.
> 
> I know a plasma terminal expert; I've forwarded your message to him.
> 
>   paul
> 
>> On Aug 13, 2020, at 3:23 PM, Tom Uban via cctalk  
>> wrote:
>>
>> I have a DEC VRE01 terminal that I bought NIB years ago. For those who don't 
>> know about this model,
>> it has a flat plasma (orange/black) display of about 17". It worked when I 
>> bought it, but now, years
>> later, I tried powering it up and the light comes on for a moment and goes 
>> out. I suspect a power
>> supply issue, but bitsavers does not seem to have this one.
>>
>> Does anyone have schematic (or other) documentation for it?
>>
>> --tnx
>> --tom
> 

DEC VRE01 terminal documentation

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

I have a DEC VRE01 terminal that I bought NIB years ago. For those who don't 
know about this model,
it has a flat plasma (orange/black) display of about 17". It worked when I 
bought it, but now, years
later, I tried powering it up and the light comes on for a moment and goes out. 
I suspect a power
supply issue, but bitsavers does not seem to have this one.

Does anyone have schematic (or other) documentation for it?

--tnx
--tom

Re: VHDL / IBM SMS Data gathering and HDL Synthesis Update

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

Very cool!

I know of MicroBlaze, but always thought it wasn't free?

--tom

On 6/14/20 4:25 PM, Jay Jaeger via cctalk wrote:
> Don't know if anybody much cares, but:
>
> The HDL synthesis aspect of the SMS data gathering / HDL synthesis
> application is coming along.  I can now handle:
>
> - Oscillators (using a counter divider)
>
> - Delay lines (using a shift register, so limited to a reasonable number
>  of FPGA clock clock cycles, so, say 200 ns is not unreasonable (20 bit
> shift register at 100 MHz).
>
> - Recognition and consolidation of individual signals into a "bus" when
> generating groups corresponding to a group of individual ALD sheets.
> (The individual ALD sheets use the individual signal names as they
> appear on the sheet).  A simple database table associates a given
> individual signal with a bus, and identifies the bit in the bus that
> corresponds to the individual signal.
>
> So, I have not generated the IBM 1410 main oscillator, its main logic
> clock and its I Ring - used to control instruction decode.  I have
> synthesized the logic clock into an FPGA and run it (with a slowed down
> 1410 oscillator so I could see what was going on.)
>
> Also, a word about VHDL - and the Xilinx Vivado.  While GHDL is useful,
> I have found that Vivado is not slow at editing and *simulation*.  Silly
> me - I got in the habit of synthesizing stuff before I tested it under
> simulation - partly because I didn't know any better at first.  Vivado's
> waveform viewer has some advantages (and disadvantages) compared to what
> is available for GHDL.
>
> I have also started exploring a piece of "intellectual property" I can
> use - MicroBlaze - to allow my generated system to talk to my PC, via
> TCP, for things like lights and switches.  (Kind of like how the Amdahl
> machines used to use first DG Novas, and later little UNIX systems for
> their consoles, giving them access to the internals of the machine.)
>
> I knew MicroBlaze existed, but now I have actually played with it a bit
> -- still learning.
>
> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MicroBlaze
>
>
>

Re: (V)HDL Toolsets

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

On 5/21/20 11:27 AM, Jay Jaeger via cctalk wrote:
> On 5/21/2020 11:22 AM, Jay Jaeger via cctalk wrote:
>> On 5/21/2020 10:00 AM, Tom Uban wrote:
>>> Paul, your project is super interesting. Is there a website where I can 
>>> track it?
>>>
>>> --tom
>>>
>> Mainly the github.com/cube1us/IBM1410SMS .
>>
>> I do have a website: www.computercollection.net .  I do post there, but
>> not often.
>>
>> JRJ
>>
> D'oh.  Never mind.  I'm not Paul, of cousre.  ;)
>
> JRJ
No worries. Your collection looks quite nice, matching mine with regard to 
PDP-11s in many ways.
I never did anything with IBM machines, but old hardware is still interesting.

Best,

--tom

Re: (V)HDL Toolsets

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

On 5/21/20 9:51 AM, Paul Koning via cctalk wrote:
>
>> On May 20, 2020, at 10:22 PM, Jay Jaeger via cctalk  
>> wrote:
>>
>> As I wrote in my last post, but write here for use as a separate thread:
>>
>> I'd be interesting in hearing from folks what toolsets they have used
>> for HDL (VHDL in particular).  I started with Xilinx ISE and then
>> graduated to Vivado for later chipsets - unfortunately, Vivado seems to
>> be something of a dog, in terms of time to compile HDL and synthesize logic.
>>
>> JRJ
> I have been working, very slowly, on a project analogous to yours: a gate 
> level model of the CDC 6600 supercomputer. 
>
> The source material for this is the wiring lists, which show the module 
> connections and also the module logic diagrams.  I used the diagrams to 
> create gate-level models for each module, and ran the wire lists through OCR 
> to get the connections.  Those are then run through a simple Python program 
> to generate the equivalent structural model.
>
> I wanted to start with simulation, and treat synthesis as a later step.  So 
> rather than use any particular vendor tools I used GHDL.  That works quite 
> nicely.  Among other benefits, since it generates executable code (it's a GCC 
> front end) it can call C functions.  In my case, the memory and I/O devices 
> are C models, which the VHDL code talks to.  GHDL supports output to GTKwave 
> to let you see what it is doing.  And, at least to some extent, you can use 
> GDB on it.  I haven't done much of that.
>
> The whole process of going from wiring to VHDL is quite straightforward.  
> Getting the wire lists exactly correct takes some work partly because of OCR 
> errors and partly because there may be typos in the wire lists.  Also in the 
> 6600 case, the wire lists are per chassis and they aren't all the same 
> revision of the product. :-(
>
> If the timing in your machine is reasonably sane and has enough margin, the 
> simulation should be painless and synthesis should produce few issues.  If 
> you have bits that are sensitive to wire or circuit delays, that's different. 
>  Unfortunately, the 6600 is utterly infested with such issues, to the point 
> that it's hard to see how it ever worked at all -- the timing documented in 
> the manuals and implied by the wiring can't actually work.  A 1410 is 
> probably better, especially considering that IBM had some senior designers 
> who had experienced timing pain first-hand and had learned to avoid it.  I'm 
> thinking of people like Gerrit Blaauw (not sure if he was on that project, 
> though).
>
> If you have delay-sensitive elements, that will probably require adding extra 
> stages to the logic, such as additional latches, to produce the required 
> sequencing with modern logic, which in turn may require extra clock phases.  
> Here too the 6600 is amazingly painful: I found myself with a 20-phase clock 
> to get even close to sane operation, in what is typically described as a four 
> phase clock design.
>
> Others have mentioned Verilog.  I have no experience with that.  I landed on 
> VHDL mostly by accident, because I wanted an open source simulator and GHDL 
> showed up.  There may be open source Verilog simulators at this point, I'm 
> not sure.  Avoiding Windows was also a requirement.
>
>   paul
>
Paul, your project is super interesting. Is there a website where I can track 
it?

--tom

Re: pdp11/05 key?

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

On 4/9/20 2:56 AM, Steve Malikoff via cctalk wrote:
> Right said Fred:
>> MOST of the other PDP machines use the XX2247 key, which is a tubular one.
>> But, THIS thread is about the weird one that is NOT tubular.
> Here is my locksmith-cut 11/05 key attached to my pdp11 keyfob:
> https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3110483
>
> Steve.
>
>
The key fob is pretty cool!

--tom

Re: pdp11/05 key?

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

Thanks all. The local locksmith should be able to make me a new one from
the information you've all posted.

--tom

On 4/5/20 7:39 AM, Noel Chiappa via cctalk wrote:
> From: Tom Uban
>
> > Does anyone have information on having a replacement PDP-11/05 key made?
>
> Google is your friend; here:
>
> https://gunkies.org/wiki/PDP-11/05#Keys
>
> I don't recall if there's anough info there to create new keys without an
> original to copy. At one point I made a run of copies (after posting a call
> here); I suppose I could do so again.
>
>   Noel
>
>

pdp11/05 key?

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

Does anyone have information on having a replacement PDP-11/05 key made?

--tnx
--tom

Re: Vintage computing spots in Chicago?

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

On 1/5/20 5:39 PM, John Herron via cctalk wrote:
> I'll be in Chicago for a week soon for a work event. Limited time for
> myself but I'll have some time Sunday to maybe Uber around. Any suggestions
> or cool spots for a computer collector to hit?
>
> I see a museum of broadcast communications is close to where I'll be  which
> may be neat. Not sure if there are any used stores that might have vintage
> computers but always willing to try.
What do you collect?

Re: HP DesignJet 600 plotter

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

On 12/7/19 12:45 AM, Jason T via cctalk wrote:
> On Sat, Dec 7, 2019 at 12:07 AM Tom Uban via cctalk
>  wrote:
>> I have an HP DesignJet 600 plotter available free for pickup in NW Indiana.
>> It worked the last time I needed it, sometime in the last 8 years.
> Do you know if it's the C2847A or C2848A?  One is big; the other is even 
> bigger.
>
C2848A It's pretty big. I also have a roll of paper for it.

HP DesignJet 600 plotter

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

I have an HP DesignJet 600 plotter available free for pickup in NW Indiana.
It worked the last time I needed it, sometime in the last 8 years.

--tom

Re: UniBone: Linux-to-DEC-UNIBUS-bridge, year #1

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

On 11/22/19 1:01 PM, Paul Koning via cctalk wrote:
>
>> On Nov 21, 2019, at 10:13 PM, Chris Zach via cctalk  
>> wrote:
>>
>> I *think* (and this is putting the wayback hat on) that the RH11 originally 
>> was the controller for the RS03 and RS04 fixed head disk drives. The dual 
>> Unibus was so you could put them on Unibus A for talking to the 11/45's main 
>> bus with data transfers ripping across Unibus B directly to the dual-ported 
>> memory on the 45.
>>
>> Thus one of the Unibus ports didn't need to worry about arbitration (it was 
>> the only thing on the bus) and could stream data from the (very quick) 
>> RS03/04's right into memory for the ultimate swap device.
> Nice swap device, certainly.  But the RS04 isn't actually all that fast.  The 
> book says 4 microseconds per word, compare that with the RP04 at 2.5 
> microseconds per word.  I remember we got an RP04 on our college 11/45 in 
> 1974 or early 1975, but that one still had an RF11 swapping disk.  So it's 
> not clear to me which came first.
But being a fixed head drive, the RS04 has no seek latency, so probably faster 
overall than a moving
head drive.

We had an RS04 swap device on our 11/70 at Purdue Electrical Engineering 
Network running BSD Unix.
It had been running for so long that the disk/head lubricant had worn away. If 
it was ever spun
down, it would have to be hand spun to overcome the initial friction, but then 
it was fine.

--tom
>> The 2020 takes advanatge of this with the dual unibus adapter, one talks to 
>> the chatty stuff like the DZ11's, the other has no arbitration issues as it 
>> sucks data down from the faster spinning RM03s without timeouts.
> RH11 machines could use the RM02 but not RM03; that one was supported only on 
> the 11/70 because of its speed.  But it's way faster than these other disks 
> we mentioned.  And then there was the RP07, which was never officially 
> supported on any PDP11 even though it did work fine on an 11/70; it was the 
> "super large" disk on the main RSTS/E development system.
>
>> One of my long term questions has been to see if a 2020 could talk to a 
>> RM80. It should be possible as the Massbus personality module talks to the 
>> bus at 3600 RPM just like the RM03, and they did manage to get the R80 to 
>> talk to the 11/730 with a dedicated memory channel connection (though maybe 
>> the R80 was heavily interleaved)
> If it can handle an RM03, then I'd expect an RM80 should work also since it 
> transfers at the same speed.
>
>   paul
>
>

Re: bit-slice and microcode discussion list

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

On 8/22/19 12:16 PM, Eric Smith via cctalk wrote:
> On another mailing list, someone asked if there was any list specifically
> about bit-slice design and microcoding. I don't know of one, so I've
> created a new mailing list specifically for those topics:
>
> http://lists.brouhaha.com/mailman/listinfo/bit-slicers
>
> The intent is for the list to cover technical discussion of bit-slice
> hardware design and/or microcoding. In other words, discussion of
> microcoding that doesn't use bit-slice hardware is fine.
>
On a possible related note, I am looking for information on converting
CISC instructions to VLIW RISC.

--tnx
--tom

Re: Looking for: 68000 C compilers

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

I have a copy of the source for a set of 68k tools (compiler, assembler, 
loader, etc)
which was based on work done by Chris Terman at MIT. This work was done back in
the mid 80s, so some work is likely needed to compile with modern tools. Let me
know if you would like a copy.

On 2/6/19 10:27 AM, Ethan Dicks via cctalk wrote:
> On Wed, Feb 6, 2019 at 9:08 AM Phil Pemberton via cctalk
>  wrote:
>> I'm (still) trying to reverse-engineer a ton of M68K ROM code which was
>> apparently compiled with a circa-1990 C compiler.
> I used to do a lot of m68k ROM code development c. 1985-1993...
>
>> Does anyone have copies of any of the following -- or any other C
>> compilers for the 68K which were around at that time?
>>* Lattice C
> Yes.  For AmigaDOS...
>
>>* Anything not on this list ;)
> We rolled our own m68k cross assembler that ran on VMS, twice - one
> was a very simple, unsophisticated assembler that just took blocks of
> code and banged out a monolithic OBJ, and later, a fancier one with
> relocatable blocks and multiple sections that produced more of a
> "loader format" for linking multiple entities together.I have the
> source for these but they are definitely K C and may have some file
> routines that would have to be lightly massaged out of VMS-isms.
>
> -ethan
>

Re: 11/70 - original or 570 model more desirable?

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

While I love the original purple tones and the H960 cabinets, perhaps because
they fit with most of the other DEC gear I've collected, I think that the 
commercial
blue tones and Vax style cabinets are sexy as hell too. If I had loads of space,
money and time, I would love to have all of the varieties. Unfortunately, I only
have a minimal of money and time and my space is pretty full. I don't think that
I am alone in these conditions or more people would have collected all styles of
these machines. Finding a complete machine (sans disks) like the one recently
on eBay is pretty rare any more and I would not be surprised if someone would
pay the asking price. I recall passing on opportunities to add a Vax 11/780 to
my collection and now I wish I had, but also don't know where I would have put
it or how I would have moved it. That being said, I also worry that the number
of people who even care any more are dwindling and so when it comes time
for someone to decide what to do with my collection, it might not easily find
a home.

--tom

Re: 70's computers

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

On 10/25/18 12:45 PM, Chuck Guzis via cctalk wrote:
> On this subject, is there no interest in serial ALU designs?  At one
> time, if you wanted a low-cast implementation, that was the way to do
> it.  Also gives you a leg up on variable word-length designs.
>
>
> Didn't at least one of the more popular MPU designs employ a serial ALU?
>  TMS9900?
>
> --Chuck
>
Let's not forget the PDP8S.

Re: GT-40 etc.

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

On 1/21/18 12:04 PM, Paul Koning via cctalk wrote:
>
>> On Jan 20, 2018, at 11:06 PM, Ethan Dicks via cctalk  
>> wrote:
>>
>> On Sat, Jan 20, 2018 at 8:32 PM, Paul Anderson  wrote:
>>> I think just the VR12, VR14, and the VR17.
>> OK.  I've never had any of those.  I'm more wondering what modern
>> tubes might work.
> Remember that the GT40 is a vector drawing display, not a raster scan.  So 
> you need a tube and associated deflection machinery that can handle high 
> frequency X and Y deflection waveforms accurately.  This is not easy, 
> especially with magnetic deflection.  I don't know what DEC used; CDC did it 
> both ways with the 6000 series consoles.  The original ones had "dual radar 
> tubes" with electrostatic deflection, hairy circuits with 3cx100a5 final 
> amplifier tubes.  The next generation, in the 170 series, had a single large 
> tube with magnetic deflection but still random access vector drawing.  How 
> they did that with magnetic deflection is not clear to me, it sounds hard.
>
>   paul
>
>
I'm sure it has been mentioned in past discussions on this topic, but a 
monochrome atari video game
monitor
would likely be relatively easy to use as a GT40 display.

--tom

Re: Weird thing ID (core stack?)

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

Yep, looks like a CDC stack.

--tom

On 1/17/18 2:24 PM, Toby Thain via cctalk wrote:
> Hi,
>
> An acquiantance was wondering about more details on this part:
>
>   https://imgur.com/a/p1GQ2
>
> It seems to be a core memory stack? But of what type? CDC?
>
> Any info appreciated.
> --Toby
>

Re: Fujitsu M2235S

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

It varies from drive to drive, but there is usually a sticker pointing it out,
perhaps on the bottom of the drive, sometimes a screw has to be loosened
in order to slide a bracket, etc.

On 10/23/17 10:24 AM, Phil Blundell via cctalk wrote:
> No, that was what I was thinking of with the "some sort of latch"
> comment.  Where is the head lock?
> Thanks
> Phil
> On Mon, 2017-10-23 at 10:19 -0500, Tom Uban wrote:
>> I assume you've released the head lock?
>>
>> On 10/21/17 1:31 PM, Phil Blundell via cctalk wrote:
>>> Anybody familiar with the internals of these disks?  I have one
>>> here
>>> which seems to have the positioner stuck at track zero.  I'm not
>>> sure
>>> whether it's likely to be just a bit sticky and in need of some
>>> assistance or whether there is some sort of latch involved, and I
>>> am a
>>> bit reluctant to just pull the lid off the chamber to find out.
>>>
>>> Thanks
>>>
>>> Phil
>>>
>>>
>>

Re: Fujitsu M2235S

[Tom Uban via cctalk]

I assume you've released the head lock?

On 10/21/17 1:31 PM, Phil Blundell via cctalk wrote:
> Anybody familiar with the internals of these disks?  I have one here
> which seems to have the positioner stuck at track zero.  I'm not sure
> whether it's likely to be just a bit sticky and in need of some
> assistance or whether there is some sort of latch involved, and I am a
> bit reluctant to just pull the lid off the chamber to find out.
>
> Thanks
>
> Phil
>
>

Re: Winchester-style coax connectors?

[Tom Uban]

Have you considered using a vector arcade game monitor?

On 12/1/16 1:27 PM, Josh Dersch wrote:
> Hey all --
> 
> Due to a small miracle I now have 8KW of perfectly functioning core in my
> long-ill Imlac PDS-1D.  The last hurdle is devising a replacement for the
> missing display (an X/Y vector display).  For the time being I'm going to
> attempt to use an oscilloscope, but first I need to build a cable.
> 
> The Imlac uses a Winchester connector (14 position) for the display and
> while they're not as common these days the parts can still be found so I
> thought I was in the clear, but what I failed to notice is that three of
> the "pins" (for the X, Y and Blank signals) are actually tiny coaxial
> connectors that fit within the Winchester housing (i.e. they're the same
> diameter as a Winchester pin).
> 
> I haven't been able to track these connectors down anywhere.  Anyone have
> any ideas?
> 
> Failing that, I can always just tap into the backplane to pick up these
> signals and ignore the connector on the bulkhead, but it would be nice to
> be able to use the original connector...
> 
> - Josh
> 

Re: TU56 Tape Heads

[Tom Uban]

I have a linctape drive, which is a dectape compatible unit. I do not have
the controller or any documentation, but it does have a head which might be
useable to replace the broken head. If this would be useful, I would be
willing to contribute it to the cause.

Please see attached pics.

--tom


On 7/25/16 7:03 PM, Michael Thompson wrote:
> During our PDP-12 debugging today we found that the left tape head has an
> open coil for data track 0. The left head was OK a little more than a year
> ago when we found the open coil in the right head. One TU56 head on my
> personal PDP-8/e also had an open coil when I got it.
> 
> Our guess is the chemicals from the epoxy potting, possible flux residue,
> and poor soldering are causing the failures. Getting the epoxy potting out
> to repair the solder connection has proved impossible so far.
> 
> Any source for three TU56 tape heads would be appreciated.
> 
> We are also interested in ideas on how to get the epoxy potting out without
> destroying the head.
> 

Re: MEM11A status update

[Tom Uban]

Guy,

I am ultimately interested in your UMF11. Will the MEM11A have any
potential for expandability? Is there a perf area on the board? Any
expansion connectors? Can it be re-programmed by the end user (will
source be available)?

Best,

Tom Uban

On 4/26/16 4:52 PM, 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
> 

Re: Imlac PDS-1 source code

[Tom Uban]

Yes, the mazewar source is saved. I demonstrated it running on my Imlac PDS-1
together with an emulated PDP10 (thanks to Ken Harrenstien) as well as an 
emulated
PDS-1 (thanks to Howard Palmer) back in 2006 at a VCF West.

Best,

Tom Uban

On 4/20/16 7:25 AM, Noel Chiappa wrote:
> > From: Josh Dersch
> 
> > I have an Imlac PDS-1D ...
> > There's precious little software out there for this thing
> 
> Did a copy of Mazewar for the Imlac survive?
> 
> There are partal file system dumps of some of the MIT machines, but IIRC
> Mazewar was only on MIT-DM, and I'm not sure its files are still accessible
> (although they will be on backup tape at MIT).
> 
>   Noel
> 

Re: Imlac PDS-1 source code

[Tom Uban]

I would like a copy of the scan.

Best,

Tom Uban



On 4/19/16 2:25 PM, Seth Morabito wrote:
> While arranging some shelves, I came across an Imlac PDS-1 printset
> that I rescued from somewhere (I don't remember where)
> 
> What I didn't realize was that in the back of the printset was some
> assembler source code for David Bloodgood's "Imlac terminal emulator
> program".
> 
> Photos here:
> 
>   http://imgur.com/a/QrV4T
> 
> I haven't found this online. Is it interesting to anyone? Would anyone
> like a scan of it?
> 
> -Seth
> 

Re: Vintage Mac & PC sale @ VCF recycling warehouse

[Tom Uban]

Hi Sellam,

Sorry to hear you are closing up, but understandable. I know you used to
have pieces to an Imlac, but I think you already found a home for them (Mr.
Dersch perhaps?), if not, I would be interested. Further, I am curious if
you have an amber screen Z29 terminal?

Best,

--tom



On 11/3/15 12:48 PM, Sellam ibn Abraham wrote:
> 
> After a dozen years I'm shutting down my e-waste recycling business.  In 
> that time I managed to accumulate a lot of interesting things, including a 
> lot of vintage PCs that are from a bygone era and have enough unique 
> features to make them collectible.  I have models from various brands 
> including Packard Bell, Acer, HP, Compaq, Leading Edge, etc.  There's also 
> a stack of at least half a dozen restorable IBM PCs (model 5150).
> 
> I also have a huge selection of Macs, from some 90s and even 80s models 
> (Mac SE) all the way through the return of Jobs era with the iMac and the 
> G3's, G4's (aluminum case servers), etc., plus laptops.  I have every iMac 
> color.  I was planning to ripen these to 20 years old before I sold them 
> on eBay for silly sums but I'll start letting them go still green and you 
> can ripen them in your garage.
> 
> Keyboards and mice also available to make complete systems.  I also have 
> lots of other vintage electronics, including whole items and parts, like 
> test equipment, some older radio stuff (tubes),   Plus a lot of other 
> cool/useful/practical stuff.
> 
> Of course there will be some much more vintagey computers available as 
> well but those will be selling for "real" money.  Everything above is 
> offered for cheap.
> 
> If you'd like to come roam the warehouse in Livermore and shop for 
> bargains then send me an e-mail and we'll set up an appointment.  At this 
> point I'm available through November 15th here.  After that, everyone just 
> goes away.
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> --
> 
> Sellam ibn Abraham VintageTech
> --
> International Man of Intrigue and Dangerhttp://www.vintagetech.com
> 
> Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  The truth is always simple.
> 
> 
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