test-drb

test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org

101090 discussions

by foxnhare＠goldrush.com

From: "Jeff Kaneko" <Jeff.Kaneko(a)ifrsys.com> Subject: RE: IEEE-488 and Commodore (was: GP-IB) >Pardon me if I ask a stupid question, but If they were going to >implement a high-speed serial bus for the C64/VIC/1541's, why would >they use a device that was primarily designed for PARALLEL >operation? For one thing Commodore OWNED MOS Technologies (one of Tramiels more shrewder decisions after getting burned in the pocket calculator wars by their then calculator chip supplier, Texas Instruments). So all of MOSs chips were dirt cheap to Commodore. The 6520/6522 played multiple roles in the PET/VIC/64 handling the keyboard, parallel port, etc. also the PET's parallel user port was very popular among the experimenters and having it on the VIC and 64 added to it's appeal (besides being cheap and in COLOR with SOUND!) >It seems that a 6850/6851 ACIA would have been much more appropriate, >and would have not been such a software mess. If that were the case it would be as easy to interface as an ATARI... yuk. I am glad, with those two CIAs you can hook just about anything to the computer (easily given the parallel port). If it didn't it may have fared worse than thier competition. 00100010100100100101110010010010010010010010010010010010010 From: Sam Ismail <dastar(a)wco.com> Subject: RE: IEEE-488 and Commodore (was: GP-IB) >If computer holy war zealots knew the story behind this Commodore debacle >back in the 80's when the flames were at their highest temperatures, the >anti-C64 contingent would have had a field day. They did, ever hear the term "the lumbering hippo", that was a nickname many gave the 1541 disk drive... >Oh well, you gotta love it. >PS. So the Commodore did suck after all ;) You forget that the VIC and 64 had an advantage over the competition, performance for a very low price. (albiet slower than necessary). Also the 64 had other merits such as its graphics ability and incredible sound... Every one rips the Commodores, but you have to remwmber who was posting profits and who was going bankrupt in the 80s... the nineties are a different matter I'm afraid.. :( 00100010100100100101110010010010010010010010010010010010010 From: Cord Coslor <archive(a)navix.net> Subject: Weekend finds! (CPU's, Printers, Disk Drives, Software, etc.!!) >*Commodore 128D computer. Mint condition CPU. No monitor, disk drives, >cables, etc. What does it take... also what type of keyboard does it >use? Disk drive is built-in, uses either a composite or split-composite (Svideo) for the 40 column mode and a TTL RGBI for the 80 column mode. Can run in three modes, Commodore 64 Emulation (99.94% bug free...), expanded '128' mode some 64 likeness but offers better BASIC and speed as well as access to 80 column output, and last but not least, CP/M mode runs latter CP/M versions and the built-in drive can read a variety of forigen CP/M format disks... The keyboard is a non-ascii encoded keyboard that is used on the Commodore 128. The D version is the same but in a separate unit and a coiled cable. >*Imagewriter // printer for Apple Very fast, even for today, can do multi-part and does COLOR! Good utility printer, downside is that it uses a serial (RS-422) interface. Still supported on Macs. >*Commodore MPS 802 Decent text output (8-pin) but only 'one-character programmable graphics'. (there were programs that would do hi-res dumps by constantly redefining that character and reprinting it on the same line till it was complete, a hi-res page would take HOURS!!!) >*Vic 1525 Graphic Printer (note, 1525 uses THIN paper not 9 1/2" form feed, a misunderstanding in the design specs, they thought 8 1/2" wide WITH the carrier.) yawn... either for printing speed or 7-pin graphics printing matrix - or both... The 7-pin 1525 printhead design set back the printer industry for a couple years with cheap parallel versions like the Shiekosha and Gorilla Banana. >*KoalaPad. I think for the Commodore computer. Does anyone have some >more info on this? Maybe some software? Should work on the Commodore VIC-20/64/128 and Atari Computers. My favorite Koalapad program is Dancing Bear for the VIC-20 (64 version sucks) It's claim to fame though is Koala Paint which defined the multi-color graphics file format standard for the 64. >*Commodore Model 1200 Model #1670 Very nice 1200 baud direct connect modem can be used on the VIC, 64, 128, and Plus/4 (though on the +4 you have to flip one switch or cut a trace depending on the modem version) Uses Hayes type modem commands. >*MasterType cart for the C-64 I bought that recently, a pretty cool typing aid! >*Below the Root (???) game copy on disk for the Commodore 64. IMHO one of THE BEST 64 games made, a graphics adventure with a solid story that is non-violent, a wonderful game for the kids!!!! Based on the Below the Root book triligy by Zylpha Keatly Snyder. >*Aztec game original box, manual, and game disk for the Apple/Commodore. Another quality Graphics Adventure, keep it for your library. Follow in the footsteps of the missing Professor Forrester looking for Aztec treasures. >*Choplifter by Broderbund orginal game disk for the Apple (?) A computer-to-videogame classic on it's original platform. >* Vic-20 cartridges: Pin Ball, Omega Race, Jupiter Lander, Gorf, Radar >Rat Race, Raid on Fort Knox, Avenger, Poker, Cosmic Cruncher, and Mole >Attack In 8 cartridge storace holder. There are some great ones: Omega Race (THE BEST translation I've seen is the VIC-20 one), Radar Rat Race (like arcade Rally-X, the 64 version is just a lame port of this fine VIC version), Cosmic Cruncher (what can I say it's a Pac-Man variant with the Commodore logo as the main character! COOL!), Mole Attack (a fun one for the 'little kids' bonk the moles on the head, uses keyboard) The rest are pretty good too... >Was it all worth my $150. :-) VERY MUCH SO, take the stuff you don't want to VCF 2.0 and you will make your money back I'm sure... (even at reasonable prices) 00100010100100100101110010010010010010010010010010010010010 From: "kroma" <kroma(a)worldnet.att.net> Subject: Re: C64 Modem issue >I have a C-64c and a Commodore brand 1200 modem. Since I still haven't had >a chance to resolve the problem with my 1541 disk drive, I'd like to >explore using the modem a bit. Can it be done in BASIC? Meaning, can I >issue certain BASIC commands to init the modem and dial out? It's been a >while since I've messed with any Commie machine, and when I did, I couldn't >afford the "luxury" of a 1200 baud modem. This may be something simple, and >I'd appreciate any help, even a pointer to info on the internet. The Modem 1200 uses a standard Hayes command set fortunately. 10 open 2,2,3,chr$(8)+chr$(0) 20 get a$:ifa$="" goto40 30 print#2,a$; 40 get#2,a$:print a$;:goto 20 I THINK that will give you enough to use the modem at 1200baud-8/n/1... There was a program in an issue of BBS magazine that also supported X-Modem downloading (in BASIC!), I'll try to find it. 00100010100100100101110010010010010010010010010010010010010 Subject: Re: GP-IB (was Re: Atari 8-bit Find) At 12:09 AM 2/18/98 -0500, you wrote: >At 08:52 PM 2/17/98 -0600, you wrote: > >>It's used by: >> >>Commodore Pets << *** capitalize PET, it is an acronym! *** >>GRiD Compass >>HP 3000 >>HP 1000 (I think) > >On a side note, the GRiD 15xx series also had an add-in pod that supported >GPIB.... And for only a few hundred bucks you can buy a NEW IEEE-488 interface card for your IBM or compatible PC... It is used ALOT in scientific/electronic measuring devices, as well as plotters (HP mostly, no wonder...) -- -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+- Visit our web page at: http://www.goldrush.com/~foxnhare/ Call our Commodore 64 BBS (Silicon Realms 300-2400 baud) at: (209) 754-1363 -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

28 years, 4 months

OOPs AT&Ts

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

In a message dated 98-02-20 01:35:57 EST, you write: << PS/2e doesn't have a standard floppy drive connector nor does it have any free non-PCMCIA slots (it has one slot that looks like MCA, and has what looks like a 16-bit ISA riser card plugged into it, which then has the 4-slot PCMCIA box plugged into it!). I don't think there's another machine quite like it. >> the 9533 has a standard 16bit isa slot, but the pcmcia adaptor fits there. you can remove the adaptor though.

28 years, 4 months

OOPs AT&Ts

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

In a message dated 98-02-20 01:24:27 EST, Jason D put forth: << But the latest MCA based machine is currently in production are 700 series these days. Real reliable machine days in and out without >> IBM discontinued MCA ~2 years ago. it's all pci/isa now to comply with that pathetic pc97 specification. risc boxes still use MCA. someone at work gave me a bunch of old software and 5.25 disks including a book on MCA explaining why it was superior to the isa bus machines. david

28 years, 4 months

New Hampshire Computer Flea Market

by nhdirect＠tiac.net

New Hampshire Computer Flea Market ?Bring your unwanted computer items to sell, and/or buy at bargain prices? Someone may be looking for the computer hardware and software that you no longer use. Sell those items at the Computer Flea Market on Sunday March 8 from 9 Am to 2 PM, at Daniels Hall, Rt 4, Nottingham, NH. This is an excellent opportunity to turn your unwanted computer hardware & software, MAC or PC, games, etc., into cash, or purchase at bargain prices. Also just come to swap ideas with other local computer users. Non-dealers - bring whatever you want to sell - no charge for display space. Dealers are also welcome ($20.00 table charge, electricity included). Admission for adults is $5.00. Free admission for children under 12. Members of local computer groups receive $1.00 off of admission. Join us at the flea market on the 2nd Sunday of each month starting March 8. Food & drink are available. Dealers should reserve display space by e-mailing nhdirect(a)tiac.net or calling 603 942-8525. Visit the Computer Flea Market web page at: http://www.tiac.net/users/nhdirect/flea.html Sponsored by S&D Associates

28 years, 4 months

Future Computing Trends

by maxeskin＠hotmail.com

What is QDSS? Wait, let me guess...Quick Display SchlutzeStaffen? Quantum Display Sub System? OK, I give up! What is it? > >[We don't need no steenking displays!] > >Ehehe... I expected a remark about QDSS or something here... >------- > ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

28 years, 4 months

Modern Minimalism (Was: Future Computing Trends)

by maxeskin＠hotmail.com

Well, I can't download anything right now, but another small thing like that is the NeoDesktop at www.newdealinc.com. It seems to descend from GEOS. It won't fit on a floppy, but is cool anyway. >To: "Discussion re-collecting of classic computers" <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> >Subject: Modern Minimalism (Was: Future Computing Trends) > >At 02:46 PM 2/20/98 PST, you wrote: > >>and ran it fine when it had 8MB. Visual Basic and IE4 (I don't use >>it regulary, Opera at www.operasoftware.com is much better: 1MB >>download!) > >If you think that's cool, you need to check out what they are doing with QNX: > >http://www.qnx.com/iat/createdemo.html > >QNX is a very small micro-kernel OS that has the look of Windows 95, has >builtin TCP/IP networking, a notepad, a few other little doodads, and to >top it off, a fully functional HTML 3.2 compliant web browser. Also >supports graphics modes up to 1024x768 in millions of colors. > >Okay, not amazing enough for you already? How about if I told you it all >ran off a 1.44mb floppy disk? Hmmmm? :) > >Everyone owes to themselves to go grab this FREE (yes, FREE) OS and try it >for themselves. > > >-John Higginbotham- >-limbo.netpath.net- > ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

28 years, 4 months

Future Computing Trends

by dastar＠wco.com

Here's an interesting article from Byte magazine: http://www.byte.com/art/9802/sec5/art1.htm It talks about how computers are becoming obsolete the day you buy them due to all the crazy new technologies being released into the market. My observation is that anyone who chases technology and is always upgrading to the latest and greatest is always going to have an "obsolete" computer. The situation is not as bad as the article makes it out to be, not that the article is actually saying the speed of new technology introductions is a problem. But if people could be satisfied with what they have on their desk, this issue of obsolescense would not be an issue at all. In 1995 I bought a Pentium-90 system which I clocked up to 100Mhz. It came with Windows 3.1 but I quickly upgraded to Win95. It originally had 16MB RAM (which I've since upgraded to 32M) and a 1GB HD. It has a 5.25" and 3.5" floppy and a CD-ROM drive. I'll soon be adding another 540MB HD I have lying around spare, and then a 1.7GB SCSI HD as soon as I find a SCSI cable. It's slow by today's standard, but the damn thing works. I use an old version of Microsoft Works (3.0) for my word processing and spread sheeting; some people haven't even heard of Works! They only know Word. But Works loads instantly, whereas Word takes it seems forever to load which is why I don't use it. Plus its bloated and drags my system down. Which brings me to my point. The computers we collect are still so damn useful! And this is not a new argument, but even though these old machines don't have SVGA and EDO RAM and Ultra-SCSI and other new-fangled fanciness, they still work! They can still process words, and crunch numbers and hold information. And best of all, they play games MUCH more fun than the current cache of cathartic creations; DOOM was novel when I first played it, but every other incantation after it (DOOM II, QUAKE, DUKE NUKEM, ETC) is the same game with a different "scenario" and graphics, and that damn bobbing up and down makes me sick anyway! Give me Choplifter, Rescue Raiders or Dino Eggs any day! If you read the article carefully it gives a glimpse of the types of machines that may be collectible in ten years or so. The article proposes the dawn of the age of the "disposable" computer. This is totally ridiculous. I cannot even relate to that mode of thinking. But on the positive side, it means disgustingly cheap (and probably FREE) computers 10, 5, even 1(!) year(s) from now. More cheap PCs for us to run Linux on! (Imagine having your own DLA [Distributed Linux Array] consisting of 16 or more 300Mhz Pentium II PC, alls for just a song! You could break government encryption with something like that :) People these days with their 333Mhz Pentiums with 128MB RAM and 4GB harddrives should shut the hell up and be happy. Long live "obsolete" computers. Sam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Computer Historian, Programmer, Musician, Philosopher, Athlete, Writer, Jackass Coming Soon...Vintage Computer Festival 2.0 See http://www.siconic.com/vcf for details!

28 years, 4 months

Chesapeake Bay Area vintage computer hackers wanted

by Marty＠itgonline.com

Sam has inspired me to once again ask for anyone interested in the preservation and maintenance of old computer equipment and history of the same to contact me at email: marty(a)itgonline.com I appreciate the response I've received so far. Most responses have been from North Carolina and Pennsylvania, only two from the DC metro area. Hopefully we can get some activities going. Thanks- Marty Mintzell

28 years, 4 months

Found a decent use for a PC...

by jfoust＠threedee.com

"Daniel A. Seagraves" <DSEAGRAV(a)toad.xkl.com> wrote: >Remeber when I said today was class pictures? I'll be the one in the >decsystem-10 shirt... :) Daniel, you're just so darn cute. I know what you're up to: you're trying to get these old greybeard DEC collectors to put you in their will - sheesh, toad.xkl.com - Paul Allen included! :-) - John Jefferson Computer Museum <http://www.threedee.com/jcm>

28 years, 4 months

Info on Datanumerics

by Marty＠itgonline.com

I've never heard of a Datanumerics DL8A but judging from the description would jump on it. Sounds intriquing to me. Ask the seller what price would make them happy. You might be pleasantly surprised. On several occasions when I have asked this question I've been given the equipment free or at a nominal cost. Anyway, it sounds too worthy to be passed up. If you don't want it I certainly do. Marty Mintzell ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________ Subject: Info on Datanumerics Author: classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu at internet Date: 2/20/98 9:17 AM I've been offered the following Datanumerics DL8A. It is 8080 based, comes in a 19" rack mount case, has 4k 600ns ram, 1 current loop (I think) port, and obviously a full front panel. I'm curious if anyone can provide any more information about this machine. Obviously its an early one, but I couldn't find any mention of it on the 'web. Any suggestions as to scarcity and fair price would be welcome, too. Cheers Andrew ------ Message Header Follows ------ Received: from lists3.u.washington.edu by smtp.itgonline.com (PostalUnion/SMTP(tm) v2.1.9g for Windows NT(tm)) id AA-1998Feb20.091753.1767.27868; Fri, 20 Feb 1998 09:17:54 -0500 Received: from host (lists.u.washington.edu [140.142.56.13]) by lists3.u.washington.edu (8.8.4+UW97.07/8.8.4+UW97.05) with SMTP id GAA25265; Fri, 20 Feb 1998 06:08:14 -0800 Received: from mxu3.u.washington.edu (mxu3.u.washington.edu [140.142.33.7]) by lists.u.washington.edu (8.8.4+UW97.07/8.8.4+UW97.05) with ESMTP id GAA21898 for <classiccmp(a)lists.u.washington.edu>; Fri, 20 Feb 1998 06:08:06 -0800 Received: from ren.globecomm.net (ren.globecomm.net [207.51.48.3]) by mxu3.u.washington.edu (8.8.4+UW97.07/8.8.4+UW97.09) with ESMTP id GAA09073 for <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu>; Fri, 20 Feb 1998 06:08:03 -0800 Received: from nostromo (modem028.ts52.comcen.com.au [203.56.244.28]) by ren.globecomm.net (8.8.8/8.8.0) with SMTP id JAA02321 for <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu>; Fri, 20 Feb 1998 09:08:01 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <001201bd3e08$d1aa47a0$1cf438cb@nostromo> Date: Sat, 21 Feb 1998 01:06:50 +1100 Reply-To: classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu Sender: CLASSICCMP-owner(a)u.washington.edu Precedence: bulk From: "Andrew Davie" <adavie(a)mad.scientist.com> To: "Discussion re-collecting of classic computers" <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Subject: Info on Datanumerics MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-To: <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> X-Priority: 3 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.2106.4 X-Listprocessor-Version: 8.1 beta -- ListProcessor(tm) by CREN

28 years, 4 months

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