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1961 Beckman DEXTIR Computer |
iCOM 3712-58 dual 8 in driveby billdeg Total messages in this thread: 4 Updated: [ DERAMP PC2FLOP ] 02/11/2021  Pictured is the test system set up to explore the functional status of this iCOM 3712-58 dual 8" drive. Click image for larger view.
Referring to a 2006 post I made on a vc forum, Mike Douglas ("DERAMP") contacted me to see where things stood with the project. He had a similar drive. I had not done anything with the drive since 2006. But had I known that I had the correct s-100 interface card for the drive, i would have tried sooner. Mike sent images of the interface cards that work with the iCom. I checked my inventory to finally match an unidentified controller to its peripheral. It was also fortunate that drive had an Altair-compatible CP/M . AND! I picked up along the way the schematics for the drive. I finally had everything to take a">... [ read more ]
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Intel 4040 IM 1010 PROM Programmerby billdeg Total messages in this thread: 2 Updated: [ NOTES / Repairs ] 02/05/2021  The International Microsystems (IMI) IM 1010 PROM Programmer has an Intel 4040 microprocessor. Pictured is the programmer with the 2708 / 2716 pod option inserted. These pods can be removed and replaced as needed. The system has both Burroughs Panaplex display and serial output, one can switch between them. Click image for larger view.
I have a lot of notes and the schematics. The programmer was donated in a non-working state but I am hoping we can get it rolling again. This programmer has pods that can handle 2708, 2716, 2716-1V, 2732, 2758, 2532.
I am unfamiliar with TIGEN 1 and IM ROSI, but these labels appear as options (ROSI RAM/EMULATE/PROM).">... [ read more ]
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Digital DECmate VT278by billdeg Total messages in this thread: 5 Updated: [ Drive Cable Found, but... ] 02/01/2021  Digital DECmate VT278 Click image for larger view.
EK-VT278 Technical Description
 The DECmate VT278 is a PDP 8 on a CPU / RAM board installed in a VT-100 chassis. Pictured here is the SETUP screen one sees upon successful boot. Click image for larger view.
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1976 P.C.C. Features the MAI JOLT 6502by billdeg Total messages in this thread: 1  The People's Computer Company May 1976 club newspaper featured the MAI JOLT in a classroom setting. Click image to download article.
More JOLT Photos and info on this web site.
More:
http://w...desystems.com/jolt.html">... [ read more ]
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Front Panel Testing DCC-116by billdeg Total messages in this thread: 1  AJ holding the front panel from a DCC-116 mini computer. The DCC-116 is a clone of the Data General 800/1200. Click image for larger view.
 AJ's front panel tester. Click image for larger view.
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On the front panel, apply ground to pins 1 and 17 (J4), 5 volts to pin 27, and 12 volts to pin 33. Once you do that the circuit is powered and no lamps should be on. If any lamps are "on" (lit) when you've set power to the board this way, you know that these lamps need an IC (or two) replaced.
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Atari ST 520 at Kennett Classicby billdeg Total messages in this thread: 1  It's always a good idea to crack open a system every so often to test and make sure it's still in operational order. This 520 ST is currently on display at Kennett Classic in the "16-bit" room for visitors to try it out. Click image for larger view.
It has been 11 years since last I ran this computer. More photos">... [ read more ]
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Scientific Data Systems 420by billdeg Total messages in this thread: 1  The SDS 420 computer is a 6502 CPU computer with Persci model 277 dual 8" disk drives and proprietary operating system. Click image for larger view.
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I received the computer in pieces. The CPU board and RAM expansion board have a 1977 date on them but the actual machine was produced or last upgraded in 1979 (?). I worked with one of the engineers who built the computer, Bill Scheding, to re-assemble it. The Persci drives require repairs but overall everything looks good and should be fully restorable. I have a lot of notes and will post asap.
Next - Rehab the drives and boot up the system. Document the memory map and archive the software.">... [ read more ]
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1966 SDS Sigma 7 Teletype ASR 33by billdeg Total messages in this thread: 2 Updated: [ Cleaned Up ] 10/22/2020  1966 SDS SIGMA 7 nameplate and manual. This was among the earliest 32-bit computers sold. Click image for larger view.
 Cover removed from a Teletype Model ASR 33. This machine is configured to communicate with an Scientific Data Systems "SDS" Sigma 7, which dates it at about 1966 or so. In 1970 SDS put out their confusingly-named SDS SIGMA 6 which included a lot of the optional items found in the 7, standard. Xerox later bought SDS and renamed everything with an "SDS" to XDS. Click image for larger view.
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1971 DCC-116 model /17 (Nova 1200 clone)by billdeg Total messages in this thread: 1  The Digital Computer Controls model DCC-116 /17. The /17 represents the full-height model. The half-height model was /10. Click image for larger view.
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Next - clean everything and then condition the power supplies.">... [ read more ]
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Archiving Papertapes Using DSI NC 2400by billdeg Total messages in this thread: 1  DSI NC 2400 papertape reader and punch. Click image for larger view.
 DSI NC 2400 papertape reader and punch. Front panel settings/lights:High, REM/CTL, FULL, LINE - On.(Note PU NCH also on) Click image for larger view.
RealTerm with Windows 10.
Find a Trip Lite USB to serial cable if straight through serial connection not possible to your PC. Originally, I could send CTRL+Q to initiate a tape read but inbound the data was not coming through (why is prob discernible but not my concern at the moment).
Use a null modem adapter.
RealTe">... [ read more ]
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Catweasel, 8in and 5 1/4by billdeg Total messages in this thread: 5 Updated: [ Tandon TM-848 Repair ] 07/16/2020 I have tried flipping things around and I have found that I can't get the following combination running together. Tandon TM 848-02 8" Qumetrak 142 5 1/4" Catweasel MK4 Plus Cable from PC -->Catweasel-->cable to drives. I have a DBIT adapter for the 8". The twist end of the cable is installed on the intended A drive. BIOS matches drive types (A=5 1/4 360k and B= 5 1/4 1.2m). The terminator is in the B drive. The Qume passes tests and reads disks. Although the Tandon is recognized as the B drive, it always returns a "drive not ready" error in DOS or a "no interrupt from FDC" from the catweasel. Only when I detatch the drive cable from the back of the Qume and run it alone will the Tandon 848-02 pass tests and read disks. Why can't these play together? So I was wondering before I go away to Easter dinner ...Is the READY signal from the Tandon not "strong enough" when anothe">... [ read more ] |
1970 Compusad Compulogical Tutorby billdeg Total messages in this thread: 1  Users guide for the Compulogical Tutor, image courtesy Smithsonian Institute Archives. Click image for larger view.
 The 1970 Compusad Compulogical Tutor. Click image for larger view.
 Advertisement from Radio Electronics June 1970. Click image for larger view.
NEXT: I have been in contact with the Smithsonian to get a copy of the manual, but until then I plan to do my best to set up some sort of demo program for Kennett Classic exhibit.">... [ read more ]
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1979 (/80) CTI MR 2000 Z80 PDAby billdeg Total messages in this thread: 1  The California Technology International MR 2000 was powered by a Z80 CPU and in theory could have been "upgraded" to run BASIC if the manufacturer wanted to do this, but alas true laptops were still a few years away. The MR 2000 came out in 1979 or 1980. Click image for larger view.
The first PDAs came out in the late 1970's, most of which were calculators with memory and simple notes, calendar, address book type functions. CTI took this concept in a different direction with its PDA's. Their concept was born in the MR 2000, which looks like the early laptop computers of the same footprint that came out a year or two later. On the continuum of portable devices the MR 2000 fits perfectly into the flow of developments of the times.
VIDEO:
https://www.facebook.com/">... [ read more ]
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ComputerMania 1977by billdeg Total messages in this thread: 1  The program cover from Kilobaud Magazine's August 1977 computer convention, "COMPUTERMANIA"
According to the author of the program, the first public demonstration of the Tandy Radio Shack TRS 80 Model 1 was at this convention. 7-8PM on Thursday August 25th.
Commodore, IMSAI, North Star, DEC, IBM, Motorola, OSI, and many others had booths at this convention. Apple and MITS were not there notably.
View PDF (requires guest registration. Sort by Name or Date to locate).">... [ read more ]
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