RE: Kodak Diconix 150plus - looking for info

[Robert Feldman via cctalk]

>Date: Sat, 25 Nov 2017 23:27:29 +
>From: Philip Pemberton 
>
>Hi folks,
>
>I just picked up a Kodak Diconix 150 Plus portable inkjet printer. No
>power supply or documentation, but it works fine.


>Which brings me onto my question... Does anyone have any information on
>this printer?

I have a Diconix 180si, with User Manual and Technical Reference manual.

>I'm mainly looking for a DIP switch table (annoyingly, it won't produce
>a config print - just a test page). I'd also love to find some details
>on the control codes, emulations and character sets it supports.

The 180si does not use DIP switches, so I can't help with that. The Tech Ref 
manual does have Command Code and Character Set info, however. The whole manual 
is a bit over 100 pages. I can scan it if you are interested.

>Also - does anyone know what the material on the printhead capping
>station is, or if they're still available?
>It looks like a cardboard or blotting paper pad with a plastic backing
>card. This one is soaked in ink and looks like it could do with being
>replaced. I assume it's to stop the cartridge from drying out?

The 180si uses one also. It "catches a spray of ink which the printer uses to 
clear the printhead cartridge before printing." A new pad is included in each 
printhead cartridge container.

>I've put a HP 51604A (expired 2012!) cartridge in there, and it seems
>happy enough.

>Thanks,
>--
>Phil.
>classic...@philpem.me.uk
>http://www.philpem.me.uk/

Bob

VCF Pacific Northwest (Feb 2018): Last call for Exhibitors and Speakers

[Michael Brutman via cctalk]

Where: Living Computers: Museums+Labs (Seattle, WA, USA)
When: February 10th and 11th, 2018
Registration deadline: December 10th, 2017 (About 2 weeks left)


We have about 15 registered exhibitors now.  We are looking for a few more
to fill things out and to ensure that if somebody drops out that the show
doesn't look too thin.  The exhibits span a wide range so it won't be a
pure 8 bit gaming or a DEC heavy iron show.

If you are procrastinating about being an exhibitor then it is time to
register ...  If I can answer questions to help you decide then email me.
This is our first time in Seattle; the bar is low so don't be too worried
about having the perfect exhibit.

We are still looking for speakers too; the floor is pretty open.  If you
did something cool during your career or just want to share aspects of the
hobby with others, this is a great place to do it.  (I especially enjoyed
Lyle's talk on repair and restoration at VCF West.)

Interested or know somebody who is?  Check out at
http://vcfed.org/wp/festivals/vintage-computer-festival-pacific-northwest/
.  Please email me directly if you have questions or need encouragement.



Regards,

Mike Brutman
mich...@vcfed.org

Re: what is this NCR modem? what did it go to?

[Fred Cisin via cctalk]

does the 71 sate seem early?


On Sun, 26 Nov 2017, Chuck Guzis via cctalk wrote:

Looking at the modem, perhaps a little too early, judging from its size.
Patent date perhaps?


1971 is the copyright date on the "Basic Concepts Manual" with it.

Re: what is this NCR modem? what did it go to?

[Fred Cisin via cctalk]

On Sun, 26 Nov 2017, couryho...@aol.com wrote:

does the 71 sate seem early?


No, a 1971 date does not seem too early.

The price seems steep, even for a "relatively" early modem.


Bell 103 (300bps) dates from 1962.
The Bell 101 (110 baud) was 1958.

SCROTUS "Carterfone" was 1968  (ruling permitting direct connect)

Bell 212A (1200bps) came out in 1976.

The Livermore Data Systems modems that I sold off were from about 1964?

1970-1972, when I was working at Goddard Space Flight Center (Bldg 26, 
"National Space Sciences Data Center"), we used a time-sharing system for 
APL.   APL type ball on Selectric terminal.



Yes, 1971 is prior to most mass-marketed "personal computers" 
(1978?: Apple, PET, TRS80).

But there were teminals.

Re: what is this NCR modem? what did it go to?

[Chuck Guzis via cctalk]

On 11/26/2017 02:09 PM, Ed via cctalk wrote:
> does the 71 sate seem early?

Looking at the modem, perhaps a little too early, judging from its size.
 Patent date perhaps?

But 300 baud acoustic coupler modems date into the 1960s.

--Chuck

Re: what is this NCR modem? what did it go to?

[Ed via cctalk]

does the 71 sate seem early?
 
 
In a message dated 11/26/2017 2:38:17 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,  
cctalk@classiccmp.org writes:

The NCR  260  (first part of the part number) was a KSR portable 
thermal  printing terminal.
Somewhat similar to the Silent 700.

But, the NCR  260 had an integrated modem with acoustic  coupler

Re: what is this NCR modem? what did it go to?

[Fred Cisin via cctalk]

The NCR 260  (first part of the part number) was a KSR portable 
thermal printing terminal.

Somewhat similar to the Silent 700.

But, the NCR 260 had an integrated modem with acoustic coupler

Re: what is this NCR modem? what did it go to?

[Fred Cisin via cctalk]

On Sun, 26 Nov 2017, Ed via cctalk wrote:

what is this  NCR   modem? what  did it   go  to?
NEW Vintage 1971 NCR Acoustic Coupler Modem, NOS, Factory Boxed, C260-400
/ F01   132411929563  on the bay
not  mine  etc etc etc


"What did it go to?"
It connected a terminal, or computer in DTE mode, to the phone line.

It looks like a fairly ordinary modem for its time.  The acoustic coupler 
connected to the box, and the terminal/Computer-DTE connected to the DB25.


It might be Bell 103 compatible, but in those days, not necessarily.

The other cable looks like direct connect to phone line, without acoustic 
coupling.  (cf. Carterfone V Western Electric 1968?)


No idea what the extra plug (loopback?) was for.


A few years later, copanies such as Anderson-Jacobson and Livermore Data 
Systems stared making more compact modems with acoustic coupler on the 
same box.

Re: TRS80 Model 4P CRT contrast fail

[Adrian Graham via cctalk]

> On 26 Nov 2017, at 19:31, Brent Hilpert via cctalk  
> wrote:
> 
> 
> With a scope the objective would be to look at the levels when pixels are 
> 'on' in the video signal.
> For white/on pixels, you need conductivity through TR102.E-C and TR103.E-C,
> to allow electrons to flow from GND, through those transistors, into the 
> cathode of the CRT,
> and be emitted from the cathode towards the screen.
> 
> For a white pixel then:
>   - the video signal (and to a lesser level, the base of TR102) must be 
> going positive, to turn TR102 on.
>   - TR103 collector should be going 'lower' during the pixel period, the 
> black level is approx. 60 V,
> the white level should drop well below that.
> 
> You probably won't see much voltage variation at CRT PCB point H / TR102.C / 
> TR103.E
> as it's just current-switching there with no collector pull-up.
> 
> You could try connecting CRT PCB point H briefly to GND through a 150-300 ohm 
> R, or short TR102.C-E (not 103).
> That should bring up a white screen.
> If it doesn't it would suggest the problem is around TR103.
> If it does the problem is likely around TR102.

I replied to this thread a while back but managed to only reply to Tony and not 
the list, oops! Rather than using my multi-transistor tester for TR103 I tested 
it with a DMM in diode mode and it’s almost a dead short from B-E, I get the 
same reading in both directions so I’m going to order a new one in a bit.

> If your multimeter has an hfe mode, you could try pulling TR102 & 103 and see 
> if they show gain.

It does but the legs on TR103 weren’t long enough to reach the contacts in the 
BCE holes which is why I went for diode mode instead :)

Thanks for the explanation, if the new transistor doesn’t make a difference 
then I know where else I can look.

Cheers!

—
Adrian/Witchy
Binary Dinosaurs - Celebrating Computing History from 1972 onwards

what is this NCR modem? what did it go to?

[Ed via cctalk]

what is this  NCR   modem? what  did it   go  to? 
 
 
NEW Vintage 1971 NCR Acoustic Coupler Modem, NOS, Factory Boxed, C260-400  
/ F01   132411929563  on the bay
 
not  mine  etc etc etc 
 
 
ed#

Re: TRS80 Model 4P CRT contrast fail

[Brent Hilpert via cctalk]

On 2017-Nov-26, at 7:42 AM, Tony Duell via cctalk wrote:
> On Sun, Nov 26, 2017 at 3:02 PM, Adrian Graham via cctalk
>  wrote:
> 
>>> What happens if C101 is removed? Also try running it with TR101
>>> removed (or at least the emitter lead of that transistor disconnected).
>> 
>> Nothing happens, in that the picture is the same as it is with both those 
>> components fitted.
> 
> That suggests the problem is not in the contrast control or the clamp
> transistor TR101.
> I would suspect TR102, TR103 and associated components.
> 
> I don't have the schematic with me at the moment, but as I remember it
> you can look
> at the connection between TR102 (common emitter stage) and TR103 (common  base
> stage on top of it) on one of the connections to the CRT base PCB. And of 
> course
> the output of the video amplifier on the CRT cathode pin. It would be
> worth looking
> at the signals on those points with a 'scope, see what amplitude of
> video signal (not
> the 'standing' DC level).



With a scope the objective would be to look at the levels when pixels are 'on' 
in the video signal.
For white/on pixels, you need conductivity through TR102.E-C and TR103.E-C,
to allow electrons to flow from GND, through those transistors, into the 
cathode of the CRT,
and be emitted from the cathode towards the screen.

For a white pixel then:
- the video signal (and to a lesser level, the base of TR102) must be 
going positive, to turn TR102 on.
- TR103 collector should be going 'lower' during the pixel period, the 
black level is approx. 60 V,
  the white level should drop well below that.

You probably won't see much voltage variation at CRT PCB point H / TR102.C / 
TR103.E
as it's just current-switching there with no collector pull-up.

You could try connecting CRT PCB point H briefly to GND through a 150-300 ohm 
R, or short TR102.C-E (not 103).
That should bring up a white screen.
If it doesn't it would suggest the problem is around TR103.
If it does the problem is likely around TR102.

If your multimeter has an hfe mode, you could try pulling TR102 & 103 and see 
if they show gain.

The monitor board schematic on page pdf.173 of

https://amaus.net/static/S100/tandy/systems/model%204/Tandy%20Model%204P%20Service%20Manual.pdf
presents DC voltage levels to be expected at the transistors and other points.
That's for the green screen monitor, looks to be the same as the white-screen 
(pdf.172) except for some minor component value diffs.

Re: TRS80 Model 4P CRT contrast fail

[Tony Duell via cctalk]

On Sun, Nov 26, 2017 at 3:02 PM, Adrian Graham via cctalk
 wrote:

>> What happens if C101 is removed? Also try running it with TR101
>> removed (or at least the emitter lead of that transistor disconnected).
>
> Nothing happens, in that the picture is the same as it is with both those 
> components fitted.

That suggests the problem is not in the contrast control or the clamp
transistor TR101.
I would suspect TR102, TR103 and associated components.

I don't have the schematic with me at the moment, but as I remember it
you can look
at the connection between TR102 (common emitter stage) and TR103 (common  base
stage on top of it) on one of the connections to the CRT base PCB. And of course
the output of the video amplifier on the CRT cathode pin. It would be
worth looking
at the signals on those points with a 'scope, see what amplitude of
video signal (not
the 'standing' DC level).

-tony

Re: Kodak Diconix 150plus - looking for info

[william degnan via cctalk]

On Sat, Nov 25, 2017 at 6:27 PM, Philip Pemberton via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> Hi folks,
>
> I just picked up a Kodak Diconix 150 Plus portable inkjet printer. No
> power supply or documentation, but it works fine. It appears to be a
> variant of HP's Thinkjet (it certainly uses the same cartridges) tweaked
> for portable use. Looking inside, it's full of Chinon ICs, and was
> apparently made in Japan (from the baseplate).
>
> This one needed some parts on the DC interface board resoldering, but
> after that it worked fine.
>
> Which brings me onto my question... Does anyone have any information on
> this printer?
>
> I'm mainly looking for a DIP switch table (annoyingly, it won't produce
> a config print - just a test page). I'd also love to find some details
> on the control codes, emulations and character sets it supports.
>
>
I checked and I have a Diconix 150 (not plus).  I took photos of it should
that be of use to you.   I took a picture of the switches as they are on my
unit, assuming this is the "normal operations" setting for a USA IBM
emulating printer, if that's what you're looking for.  There are 9 posts, 6
is up the rest are down.  Mine is a parallel printer (you can tell by the
port on the side not the dip switches)

http://vintagecomputer.net/kodak/diconix-150/

Also IF and this is a conditional IF, the 150 plus is only "plus" in some
other way other than switches here is the non-plus 150 switches' meanings:

ftp://csiph.com/incoming/jim/TSSPRT/acroread/tssfact/tfsprt/kodak/di150.pdf
(I posted a copy to my site as well)

The last three switches pertain to the country.  USA is all down.  6 up
means IBM emulation.

Thanks for the tip about the HP 51604A as a replacement cartridge.  Not
sure if it will work on the 150 non-plus but it's a clue.

Bill

Re: TRS80 Model 4P CRT contrast fail

[Adrian Graham via cctalk]

> On 26 Nov 2017, at 06:15, Tony Duell  wrote:
> 
> On Sat, Nov 25, 2017 at 11:02 PM, Adrian Graham via cctalk
>  wrote:
>> Evening!
>> 
>>> OK... Firstly, measure the voltage on pin 8 of the monitor PCB. Can you get
>>> it to swing from 0 to around 12V?
>> 
>> Yes, it tops out at 11.82V.
> 
> Can you get it down to 0V?

Yep, it runs from 0-11.82V.

>> 
>>> Scope the video output from the CPU board (on pin 2 of the monitor PCB). Is
>>> it a good TTL level
>>> signal?
>> 
>> Yes. Given that it’s TTL and a 3-wire connection (composite plus H sync) I
> 
> You mean 'video', not 'composite'. Composite is an analogue signal with the
> video information and the syncs all combined

Indeed. My brain was saying ‘video’ but my fingers typed ‘composite’ :)

>> should be able to feed that into a PET monitor shouldn’t I? Wish I hadn’t 
>> given
>> away my ‘big’ TRS80 Model 4 :/
> 
> I have no idea if the sync polarities are right, but you can try it with a Pet
> monitor. A TRS80 Model 3 has the same monitor as the Model 4 of course.

I’ll make up an extension cable I think, got more PETs than I know what to do 
with. I used to have multiple Model 3s AND a Model 2 but they had to go when I 
moved to a smaller house back in 2010.

> (And I wish I could find a 4P over here….)

Perhaps embarrassingly I can’t remember where mine came from but given I’ve had 
it since the early noughties that’s not surprising. It may even have been from 
a car boot sale.

> 
> What happens if C101 is removed? Also try running it with TR101
> removed (or at least the emitter lead of that transistor disconnected).

Nothing happens, in that the picture is the same as it is with both those 
components fitted.

Cheers

A

Re: Kodak Diconix 150plus - looking for info

[Tony Duell via cctalk]

On Sun, Nov 26, 2017 at 12:32 PM, Philip Pemberton
 wrote:
> On 26/11/17 06:17, Tony Duell wrote:
>>> Also - does anyone know what the material on the printhead capping
>>> station is, or if they're still available?
>>> It looks like a cardboard or blotting paper pad with a plastic backing
>>> card. This one is soaked in ink and looks like it could do with being
>>> replaced. I assume it's to stop the cartridge from drying out?
>>
>> In the Thinkjet (I have several and the service manual) it doesn't
>> cap the printhead. It's just something for the printhead to spray
>> onto when it is priming it.
>>
>> You got a new strip in the pack with the new print head cartridge.
>
> No I didn't - the print head package only contained the cartridge (in a
> foil bag).
>
> There was a little piece of card attached to the cartridge sealing tape,
> but that's it. Hence why I asked about the blotters :)
>
> I wonder if the 51604A cartridges still need them.

I can't remember the number of the cartridge I used, but it came in
a little foil tub (a bit like the ones you get jam in at hotel
breakfasts.). In the tub was the cartridge and the absorbing strip.

I don't remember any sealing tape on the cartridge either.

But since the 'squirt to prime the cartridge' is a printer function, and
since these cartrdges are totally dumb (just the heating elements, no
other electronics at all, no form of cartridge ID read out electrically) I
would assme all cartridges would need the absorbing strip.

-tony

Re: Kodak Diconix 150plus - looking for info

[william degnan via cctalk]

We used to provide every pharmaceutical field sales rep with a GRID Lite
laptop and Diconix printer.  Very reliable printer.  If I still have any
docs I will post them.

Bill Degnan
twitter: billdeg
vintagecomputer.net

Re: Kodak Diconix 150plus - looking for info

[Philip Pemberton via cctalk]

On 26/11/17 06:17, Tony Duell wrote:
>> Also - does anyone know what the material on the printhead capping
>> station is, or if they're still available?
>> It looks like a cardboard or blotting paper pad with a plastic backing
>> card. This one is soaked in ink and looks like it could do with being
>> replaced. I assume it's to stop the cartridge from drying out?
> 
> In the Thinkjet (I have several and the service manual) it doesn't
> cap the printhead. It's just something for the printhead to spray
> onto when it is priming it.
> 
> You got a new strip in the pack with the new print head cartridge.

No I didn't - the print head package only contained the cartridge (in a
foil bag).

There was a little piece of card attached to the cartridge sealing tape,
but that's it. Hence why I asked about the blotters :)

I wonder if the 51604A cartridges still need them.

Thanks,
-- 
Phil.
classic...@philpem.me.uk
http://www.philpem.me.uk/