There have been a few versions of the utility imd2raw.c floating around
that will take Dave Dunfield's ImageDisk-created images (i.e. an .IMD file)
and make a linear binary image devoid of any metadata. This is similar to
the function of Dave's IMDU.COM program's /b switch.
I've corrected a problem with the assumption that all imd2raw.c descendants
to date have made: sectors that have a skew (i.e. not 1-1 interleaved)
weren't linearized correctly. The skewed sectors need to be written out in
"sorted" order, which is not necessarily captured/physical order. This is
easily verified by comparing output from "IMDU /b" to earlier imd2raw
outputs on any .IMD that has a sector skew that isn't 1, 2, 3 [...].
It's up on github here:
https://github.com/RetroFloppy/imd2raw
Hello,
I'm an employee with the National radio astronomy observatory here in Socorro New Mexico.
As part of our NGVLA upgrades, we are seeking to get rid of old data tapes from the tape reel days of Computing. These contain things such as the boot loaders, OS, specific collection programs and antenna movement programs.
I personally would hate to see these just wind up in the literal dumpster and would like to see them sent out to a museum or an archiving body that can preserve them and keep them safe as a dynamic part of history.
If anyone is interested or knows someone who would be interested in the VLAs data tape library please let me know.
V/R
Danielle Werts
Front end engineer
VLA Socorro New Mexico
Hello all,
I have transferred some simh .tap files to my PDP-11/23+ running RSX11M+.
There I have tried to use VCP to attach them to a virtual device but I keep
getting an invalid record format error. I then realized the simh .tap files
most likely aren't organized correctly. If I attach them to TS0 in simh I
can work with them. So now I am trying duplicate a tape into a new .tap
file created using VCP. I can't for the life of me get it to work though.
BRU doesn't support tape-to-tape and FLX doesn't complain but also never
completes. Is there a process for tape duplication under RSX?
The images were first transferred to my PiDP-11 using ftp in binary mode
over TCP/IP. From there I used NFT in image mode and I tried both record
and block modes.
I have also seen the simh tape tools but there doesn't seem to be a tool to
convert a simh file back to what would be on a real tape.
Anyone have any information or pointers to get this to work?
Thanks!
-Peter
Does anyone know anything about the key lock on the mains on/off
switch of the P3800?
I have one without a key. I can't identify the lock manufacturer (no
markings on it at all) so I've not been able to get a blank to cut a
replacement key. A friend who is a locksmith said she'd never seen
anything like it.
Any ideas who made the lock itself?
Were all P3800 machines normally 'keyed alike' If so, a copy of an
existing key (anyone have one?) would be a great help.
Yes, I can trvially bypass the lock/switch mechanically or
electrically. But I want to try to get this thing as original as
possible.
-tony
I saw on the BASIC Programming group on FaceBook that a new venture is going to start publishing Compute's Gazette again.
https://www.computesgazette.com/
Perhaps interesting to some of you.
Will
You just can't beat the person who never gives up.
Babe Ruth
This past Saturday at a local retro meetup, it was announced there was
still at least 1 open spot for a speaker/presentation at VCF SW (Dallas)
this June.
Just passing the word, if anyone is in the area at that time and interested
to speak on a topic vintage-computing related. There should be a signup
at the VCF SW page.
