[cctalk] Re: The magic smoke....

[D. Resor via cctalk]

I remember in the Xerox DSBU lab the phrase was often used, "That's not a bug, 
it's a feature!"

Don Resor

-Original Message-
From: Adrian Godwin via cctalk  
Sent: Sunday, June 16, 2024 4:11 AM
To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts 
Cc: Adrian Godwin 
Subject: [cctalk] Re: The magic smoke

It's a design feature.
They burn out self-destructively, clearing the fault and signalling the loss of 
cable-borne RFI suppression.



On Sun, Jun 16, 2024 at 11:55 AM D. Resor via cctalk 
wrote:

> I reached out to the seller and explained that it may have been AC 
> line capacitors which went up in smoke etc, and why it's always a bad 
> idea to "just plug it in" and power it on without some knowledge to 
> remove the cover and make a visual inspect first.
>
> Yes, I found the same info searching online. It's a Z80 box which can 
> run the proprietary O/S which Litton-Monroe furnished or C/PM.
>
> A nice looking piece of equipment but nothing special.
>
> The cursor key layout could have been laid out in a more user friendly way.
>
> Don Resor
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Chuck Guzis via cctalk 
> Sent: Saturday, June 15, 2024 9:58 PM
> To: D. Resor via cctalk 
> Cc: Chuck Guzis 
> Subject: [cctalk] Re: The magic smoke
>
> On 6/15/24 21:51, D. Resor via cctalk wrote:
> > Seems this eBay seller let the magic smoke get out, then proceeded 
> > to power it on again one hour later.
> >
> > Litton Monroe OC 8820
> >
> > https://www.ebay.com/itm/355793400092
> >
> > See the description..
>
> Probably due to the failed film-in-oil (sometimes known as Rifa) line 
> filter capacitors--a very common failure and nonfatal.
>
> My recollection of these machines is that they are a basic Z80 CP/M 
> box--I do have samples of these floppies in my archives.
>
> So nothing special, AFAIK.
>
> --Chuck
>
>
>

[cctalk] Re: The magic smoke....

[D. Resor via cctalk]

I reached out to the seller and explained that it may have been AC line 
capacitors which went up in smoke etc, and why it's always a bad idea to "just 
plug it in" and power it on without some knowledge to remove the cover and make 
a visual inspect first.

Yes, I found the same info searching online. It's a Z80 box which can run the 
proprietary O/S which Litton-Monroe furnished or C/PM.

A nice looking piece of equipment but nothing special.  

The cursor key layout could have been laid out in a more user friendly way.

Don Resor 

-Original Message-
From: Chuck Guzis via cctalk  
Sent: Saturday, June 15, 2024 9:58 PM
To: D. Resor via cctalk 
Cc: Chuck Guzis 
Subject: [cctalk] Re: The magic smoke

On 6/15/24 21:51, D. Resor via cctalk wrote:
> Seems this eBay seller let the magic smoke get out, then proceeded to 
> power it on again one hour later.
> 
> Litton Monroe OC 8820
> 
> https://www.ebay.com/itm/355793400092
> 
> See the description..

Probably due to the failed film-in-oil (sometimes known as Rifa) line filter 
capacitors--a very common failure and nonfatal.

My recollection of these machines is that they are a basic Z80 CP/M box--I do 
have samples of these floppies in my archives.

So nothing special, AFAIK.

--Chuck

[cctalk] The magic smoke....

[D. Resor via cctalk]

Seems this eBay seller let the magic smoke get out, then proceeded to power
it on again one hour later.

Litton Monroe OC 8820

https://www.ebay.com/itm/355793400092 

See the description..

Don Resor

[cctalk] Re: FWIW CD & DVD demagnetization [was: Double Density 3.5" Floppy Disks]

[D. Resor via cctalk]

Antonio, Thanks for the chuckle!

What will happen when the audio-phools when a visit to the Ear Nose and Throat 
specialist requires their ear canals be cleaned. 

What if the sound they so preciously loved is no longer like fine wine but 
instead Ripple, Muscatel, Pre-Foosay, Old Crow or Poosay-Foosay?  (Benny Hill).

On a personal note I rented a two banger generator when Edison was replacing a 
transformer in the area.  I could hear a percussive sound in a small electric 
fan I had in the bedroom.  Fly Wheel was too small I suppose.  I don't remember 
a 1970s Onan generators had that problem.

One doesn't realize what is missing until it is...

Don Resor



-Original Message-
From: Antonio Carlini via cctalk  
Sent: Thursday, May 09, 2024 2:58 AM
To: cctalk@classiccmp.org
Cc: Antonio Carlini 
Subject: [cctalk] Re: FWIW CD & DVD demagnetization [was: Double Density 3.5" 
Floppy Disks]

On 09/05/2024 03:41, D. Resor via cctalk wrote:
> Next they'll want silver oxygen free plated plumbing and sewage pipes in 
> their homes.  Silver plated toilet seats?
>
> Walls insulated with Palladium coated corn silk threads?
>
> Seems the subject has really gone astray? Lions, Tigers and Bears 
> oh my! )
>
> Don Resor
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Sellam Abraham via cctalk 
> Sent: Wednesday, May 08, 2024 7:01 PM
> To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts 
> 
> Cc: Sellam Abraham 
> Subject: [cctalk] Re: FWIW CD & DVD demagnitizitation [was: Double 
> Density 3.5" Floppy Disks]
>
> Why stop there?  A truly dedicated audiophile would run new pure silver 
> electrical wire through the walls directly to the breaker box.
>
> Then you gotta upgrade to the breaker box that was disinfected from transient 
> spirits through an exorcism, and then special 24K solid gold-contact breakers 
> in inert nylon housings.

Surely you have to get the cables upgraded all the way back to the original 
generator? Then you have secondary effects, for example, with hydro power, the 
purity of the water makes a *huge* difference.


I also think it's just as important to have your ears, and the gap between them 
syringed too.


Antonio



-- 
Antonio Carlini
anto...@acarlini.com

[cctalk] Re: FWIW CD & DVD demagnetization [was: Double Density 3.5" Floppy Disks]

[D. Resor via cctalk]

Next they'll want silver oxygen free plated plumbing and sewage pipes in their 
homes.  Silver plated toilet seats? 

Walls insulated with Palladium coated corn silk threads? 

Seems the subject has really gone astray? Lions, Tigers and Bears oh my! )

Don Resor

-Original Message-
From: Sellam Abraham via cctalk  
Sent: Wednesday, May 08, 2024 7:01 PM
To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts 
Cc: Sellam Abraham 
Subject: [cctalk] Re: FWIW CD & DVD demagnitizitation [was: Double Density 3.5" 
Floppy Disks]

Why stop there?  A truly dedicated audiophile would run new pure silver 
electrical wire through the walls directly to the breaker box.

Then you gotta upgrade to the breaker box that was disinfected from transient 
spirits through an exorcism, and then special 24K solid gold-contact breakers 
in inert nylon housings.

Sellam

[cctalk] Re: Diablo Model 40 Series - Disturbed head positioning

[D. Resor via cctalk]

What is the purpose of the two microswitches seen in the upper right of the 
video view?  

Could one or both of those be intermittent?  Have they been tested for 
continuity/intermittence with an analog VOM?

Don Resor

-Original Message-
From: Dominique Carlier via cctalk  
Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 8:47 AM
To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts 
Cc: Dominique Carlier 
Subject: [cctalk] Diablo Model 40 Series - Disturbed head positioning

Hello everyone

I need your help to identify an issue on my Diablo Model 40 Series. I don't 
know where to look, it's so vast !

Here's the problem:
When RUN is activated, the drive begins its spin up and simultaneously deploys 
the heads (normal) but instead of stabilizing them, the Head Positioner 
receives a burst of reverse/forward micro signals. The heads "vibrate", this 
creates an audible frequency "BRR", and it is infinite, the 
heads are never loaded and the drive never reaches READY.

At first I thought that perhaps the track zero sensor was defective or 
something of the same order but when I disengage RUN mode, the drive unloads 
the heads and they should be in a fixed position, here they continue to 
reverse/forward but more slowly than in RUN mode.
Because the heads continues to mess around even in unload mode, this a priori 
excludes alignment problems.

Here is a video of that issue:

https://youtu.be/HzzxLnSdEOg

Other information, if I cut the power while the drive is in RUN mode, it does 
not do an emergency retraction of the heads, related problem?
I was hoping for a power supply problem but all the voltages and even on the 
main board cage seem ok (with a multimeter).

If one of you had already encountered this problem of lack of head 
stabilization and continuous reverse/forward on this type of drive?

Thanks !

Dominique

[cctalk] Re: Last Buy notification for Z80 (Z84C00 Product line)

[D. Resor via cctalk]

Here is the article I found, but I suppose others have already seen this?

The legendary Ziglog Z80 CPU is being discontinued after nearly 50 years

https://www.techspot.com/news/102684-zilog-discontinuing-z80-microprocessor-after-almost-50-years.html

Seems while the Ziglog EZ80 is compatible and four times faster, it is in a 
more modern package, how dare they! 

https://www.zilog.com/docs/um0077.pdf

Warning: Do not use Life Support. 

Who would-ah thunk.

Don Resor


-Original Message-
From: Fred Cisin via cctalk  
Sent: Friday, April 19, 2024 7:08 PM
To: cctalk@classiccmp.org
Cc: Fred Cisin 
Subject: [cctalk] Re: Last Buy notification for Z80 (Z84C00 Product line)

Gee!  Have sales gone down?

One more reason to use the 8080 subset when writing CP/M programs.

Aren't there already some licensed second sources?

[cctalk] Re: Obsolete Parts.... Unicorn Electronics

[D. Resor via cctalk]

In the circuit I am making repairs two, a BC239 and BC308 are being used to 
control a 3.6v memory battery charge circuit as part of a 1990 Ahlborn-Galanti 
digital sampled instrument.

I do have the a slightly newer substitute for the BC239.

Thanks

Don Resor

-Original Message-
From: WEB via cctalk  
Sent: Friday, October 06, 2023 3:03 AM
To: cctalk@classiccmp.org
Cc: WEB 
Subject: [cctalk] Re: Obsolete Parts Unicorn Electronics

On 06.10.2023 03:10, D. Resor via cctalk wrote:
> I recently had a need for BC308 transistors.  Of course those have 
> been unobtanium for quite some time.
>
> My search beyond a distributor then went to eBay where I found Unicorn 
> Electronics.
>
> More to the point I see from their website Apple 1, Apple ][ and Apple 
> 1a Kits along with Apple 1 and Apple II parts are available.
>
> I thought some here might find this useful.
>
> https://unicornelectronics.com/
Don, unicorn is known for long for interesting old semiconductors. I have also 
ordered several parts from there, even from Europe which result in rather high 
shipping and tax costs. Whether the Apple kits are a good deal though, I have 
my doubts.

The BC308 is the PNP complementary part to the former NPN work horse BC238. 
Both are nowadays difficult to find. However, as they were rather universal 
types, you can usually replace them with BC548 (NPN) and BC558
(PNP) today without problems.

Holger

[cctalk] Obsolete Parts.... Unicorn Electronics

[D. Resor via cctalk]

I recently had a need for BC308 transistors.  Of course those have been
unobtanium for quite some time.

My search beyond a distributor then went to eBay where I found Unicorn
Electronics.

More to the point I see from their website Apple 1, Apple ][ and Apple 1a
Kits along with Apple 1 and Apple II parts are available.

I thought some here might find this useful.

https://unicornelectronics.com/ 

Don Resor

[cctalk] 3.5' 1.44 & 720K compatible Read/Write FDDs

[D. Resor via cctalk]

Is there a list of floppy disk drives which could read and write both 3.5"
1.44mb and 720k diskettes?
 
A product line of musical instruments (General Music/Ahlborn-Galanti) I
service use 3.5" 720K DD floppy disk drives.
 
I've never had any problems formatting or backing up data files prior on
other instruments.  Tuesday, I attempted to format a floppy disk using the
instrument's internal FDD prior to backing up the data files.  After the
format an error appears "corrupted data".  Which could mean so several
different things from a bad floppy drive, etc.
 
I currently have one box of Sony MFD-2DD 3.5" 720K Double Density Floppy
diskettes which were bought new a few years ago, kept in their box, and
stored in a dust free place. I've used them prior for the same purpose with
no problems.
 
I'd like to be able to verify at home that the diskettes haven't all
suddenly gone bad.
 
Thanks
 
Don Resor 
 
 

[cctalk] Re: Computer Museum uses GreaseWeazle to help exonerate Maryland Man

[D. Resor via cctalk]

Sophomore year of high school for me in 1978.  

My mother thought it would be a good idea.  She was right!

Standard size Olympia manual typewriters.


Donald R. Resor Jr. T. W. & T. C. Svc. Co.
http://hammondorganservice.com
Hammond USA warranty service
"Most people don’t have a sense of humor. They think they do, but they don’t." 
--Jonathan Winters



 

-Original Message-
From: geneb via cctalk  
Sent: Friday, January 27, 2023 6:41 AM
To: Chuck Guzis via cctalk 
Cc: geneb 
Subject: [cctalk] Re: Computer Museum uses GreaseWeazle to help exonerate 
Maryland Man

THIS!  I took a typing class my freshman year of HS.  I was the only guy in a 
room full of girls and IBM Selectrics. :D

g.

[cctalk] Re: Xerox 820II U07 Power Supply magic smoke....

[D. Resor via cctalk]

Best I can tell the diodes are Passivated Silicon, Bead diodes, of which there 
are three flavors.
 
https://pdf1.alldatasheet.com/datasheet-pdf/view/1073401/NJSEMI/A15A.html

On EEVBlog it was suggested that these were Sintered Glass Bead diodes.
 
I do believe they are still in okay working condition.  My thought process is 
that they are probably quite noisy.  Installing a modern type of diode would 
also I believe dramatically reduce generation of heat.
 
It is nice that a Power Supply board is laid out in a way that you can access 
all of the components.  Nothing like some of the small 5v switching supplies in 
which most of the components are shoved close together.
 
I downloaded the 1977 GE Semiconductor manual, but it’s not easy to find it 
without a part number.
 
Back when I was in my early 20’s a neighbor whom was an Engineer at Xerox in 
the power supply division at 701 South Aviation Blvd. El Segundo, gave me a 
bundle of those soft bound Motorola reference manuals, some RCA TTL manuals, 
Zener Diode reference etc.  The books sat on my shelf for many years until I 
ran out of room.  I moved them to my shed which at the time was safe from the 
weather.  After years of storage many of them were damaged from dampness etc.  
 
In the last 10 years I realized I should have taken better care of them.  I 
realize they are almost worth their weight in gold.  
 
I was able to find a few of those books used and purchased them at (luckily) 
reasonable prices.
 
I regret that and a home brew vacuum tube combo preamplifier/amplifier stereo 
unit. I was forced to part with.  My father referred to it as “junk taking up 
space”.
 
It contained 4 6V6GTs, 2 12AU7As, and a 5U4 Rectifier.  The front end was early 
GE (germanium I suppose) transistors.  They were of the metal oval shaped black 
painted metal can type with the pinched evacuation nipples.  
 
Don Resor
 
 
 
From: Joshua Rice  
Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2022 9:44 AM
To: D. Resor 
Subject: Re: [cctalk] Re: Xerox 820II U07 Power Supply magic smoke
 
 



On Oct 13, 2022, at 2:32 PM, D. Resor mailto:organlis...@sonic.net> > wrote:

A couple reasons I'd like to have a circuit diagram is to know what the RIFA 
capacitors purpose are.   The other is, a couple of the electrolytic capacitor 
are double covered with what appears to be rubbery heat shrink tubing, 
therefore I cannot read what their value are.  
 
Generally, though not always, these are simply “coupling” capacitors, that are 
used to limit RF interference from appearing on the mains supply. Most, though 
not all, PSUs will work fine without them. Some others won’t function right as 
they’re used for generating clock signals from the mains supply. I believe that 
some PDP-11 supplies use them for this purpose.
 
One of these two electrolytic capacitor appears to have a dried substance 
around the top.  The over-pressure venting cuts in the top of these two 
capacitors are not split.  At this point I cannot tell if it is dried 
electrolyte, cement to hold the sleeve on, or possibly paper.
 
Sometimes it’s just glue , but better safe than sorry, Cut off the sleeving 
(it’s used for electrically isolating the cap from other components), get the 
rating off of it, and replace with like. Probably worth heatshrinking them 
again as well.



Seems someone was in hurry on the day this PS was tested.  I cannot make out 
date, is it 1983?

  
https://www.dropbox.com/s/zlt2ocpqulil13j/pssticker.jpg?dl=0 
 
Looks like ‘85



What type are the diodes, their rating etc.?  I seem to remember this type with 
a black band were rated at 3 amps, but that's all I remember.

The TO-3 transistor/regulator has no P/N silkscreened on it.

Having a circuit diagram helps to cover many bases.  Apparently it's an Astec 
AA12070.
 
It’s unlikely that these would have failed. If they have, i would (as another 
person suggested,) just replace the unit with a modern Meanwell supply. At that 
point, it’s probably not worth the time and effort to replace all the parts. 



Placed the PS board back in the garage to continue airing out! 
 
Don’t fear the RIFA, but keep the windows open, just in case.
 
Josh.
 

[cctalk] Re: Xerox 820II U07 Power Supply magic smoke....

[D. Resor via cctalk]

I do understand that these are common film capacitor types.  There is one more 
smaller .10ufa RIFA branded capacitor hiding near the center of the PWB.  

A couple reasons I'd like to have a circuit diagram is to know what the RIFA 
capacitors purpose are.   The other is, a couple of the electrolytic capacitor 
are double covered with what appears to be rubbery heat shrink tubing, 
therefore I cannot read what their value are.  

One of these two electrolytic capacitor appears to have a dried substance 
around the top.  The over-pressure venting cuts in the top of these two 
capacitors are not split.  At this point I cannot tell if it is dried 
electrolyte, cement to hold the sleeve on, or possibly paper.

Looking at these two again, it definitely could be dried electrolyte.  I have 
seen it creep out and up into strange places.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/18hzfdqe96vmgsr/electrolytics.jpg?dl=0

Seems someone was in hurry on the day this PS was tested.  I cannot make out 
date, is it 1983?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/zlt2ocpqulil13j/pssticker.jpg?dl=0 

What type are the diodes, their rating etc.?  I seem to remember this type with 
a black band were rated at 3 amps, but that's all I remember.

The TO-3 transistor/regulator has no P/N silkscreened on it.

Having a circuit diagram helps to cover many bases.  Apparently it's an Astec 
AA12070.

Placed the PS board back in the garage to continue airing out! 

Don Resor





-Original Message-
From: Joshua Rice via cctalk  
Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2022 4:43 AM
To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts 
Cc: Joshua Rice 
Subject: [cctalk] Re: Xerox 820II U07 Power Supply magic smoke


You shouldn't need a schematic. These thin film caps are a common failure mode 
on a multitude of PSUs. Just replace like for like. Thin film X and X2 rated 
caps are easily found from your favorite electronics part retailer.

If it's gold and got RIFA on it, replace it, though. Just because it hasn't 
popped, doesn't mean it wont pop in the near future.

I've learned now, to always check every PSU or other mains-powered vintage 
equipment for these little stinkbombs. If they're present, i'll always replace.

Cheers, Josh

-- Original Message --
From: "D. Resor via cctalk" 
To: "Classic Computer Mailing List" 
Cc: "D. Resor" 
Sent: Thursday, 13 Oct, 2022 At 12:24
Subject: [cctalk] Xerox 820II U07 Power Supply magic smoke
Where might I find a schematic diagram for the Xerox U07 8" FDD,HDD expansion 
cabinet for the 820II, and/or the 105P80450 power supply?
The Xerox Professional Computer Technical Reference Manual I downloaded from 
bitsavers.org doesn't seem to have those particular schematic diagrams.
For your enjoyment the part which smoked.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/al9kx3yw9ypwp89/Xerox105p80450.jpg?dl=0
<https://www.dropbox.com/s/al9kx3yw9ypwp89/Xerox105p80450.jpg?dl=0>
I certainly am glad I have the lid off while testing.  Unfortunately these 
capacitors which appear to be film type were hidden from view.
The fuse didn't blow, but that .22uf 250v capacitor certainly stunk up the 
house.  It smelled like burnt popcorn, plastic and the bottom of a coffee pot 
which has boiled dry, yech!
I know that if I had pulled the power supply board first I might have seen the 
physical cracks in these boxed capacitors.
Wasn't it Marc V. that said in one of his videos, you don't need to shotgun 
them all! Oi, lol It's when things like this happen that I most always worry 
about not going over vintage equipment fine tooth comb.
Don Resor

[cctalk] Xerox 820II U07 Power Supply magic smoke....

[D. Resor via cctalk]

Where might I find a schematic diagram for the Xerox U07 8" FDD,HDD
expansion cabinet for the 820II, and/or the 105P80450 power supply?

The Xerox Professional Computer Technical Reference Manual I downloaded from
bitsavers.org doesn't seem to have those particular schematic diagrams.

For your enjoyment the part which smoked.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/al9kx3yw9ypwp89/Xerox105p80450.jpg?dl=0

I certainly am glad I have the lid off while testing.  Unfortunately these
capacitors which appear to be film type were hidden from view.  

The fuse didn't blow, but that .22uf 250v capacitor certainly stunk up the
house.  It smelled like burnt popcorn, plastic and the bottom of a coffee
pot which has boiled dry, yech!

I know that if I had pulled the power supply board first I might have seen
the physical cracks in these boxed capacitors.

Wasn't it Marc V. that said in one of his videos, you don't need to shotgun
them all! Oi, lol

It's when things like this happen that I most always worry about not going
over vintage equipment fine tooth comb.

Don Resor

[cctalk] Re: 8" floppy diskette storage cases

[D. Resor via cctalk]

I have contacted the seller, and kindly asked as a gentlemanly as I possibly 
could.

I'll see what happens

Don Resor

-Original Message-
From: Sellam Abraham via cctalk  
Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2022 7:16 AM
To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts 
Cc: Sellam Abraham 
Subject: [cctalk] Re: 8" floppy diskette storage cases

Yes, eBay charges the seller the same commission on shipping as it does for the 
item price, and the taxes charged to the buyer as well.

Sometimes if you contact the buyer and ask them nicely if they can add a 
cheaper shipping option they will oblige you, but some can't use UPS or FedEx 
for practical reasons (no drop-off point near them, for example).

Bottom line though, you aren't going to be able to get something like this for 
less than $10 shipping.

Sellam

[cctalk] Re: 8" floppy diskette storage cases

[D. Resor via cctalk]

I have a long shelf filled with boxes of 8" floppy diskettes.  Data on many and 
a bunch of NOS sealed product I have held onto.  From the crazy asking prices I 
am seeing on eBay (As if they are collector's items/antiques), I could sell 
them by the box for the same price Xerox charged during the 1980s and look 
reasonably priced compared to other sellers.

I look at this stuff now and think how did I manage to amass so much stuff.

I've also misplaced my Xerox 820-II.  I found the Xerox u07 8" DD FDD with the 
8" HDD Combo box, but where did I put the rest of it, ugh.

Don Resor

-Original Message-
From: Bill Gunshannon via cctalk  
Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2022 7:01 AM
To: cctalk@classiccmp.org
Cc: Bill Gunshannon 
Subject: [cctalk] Re: 8" floppy diskette storage cases

On 10/11/22 09:17, Bill Degnan via cctalk wrote:
> Of you're near kennettsquare, PAI have a few
> 

I have piles of them.  Unfortunately, they are all full of disks loaded with 
data.  :-)

bill

[cctalk] Re: 8" floppy diskette storage cases

[D. Resor via cctalk]

Unfortunately I am in Los Angeles

Thanks anyway

Don Resor

-Original Message-
From: Bill Degnan via cctalk  
Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2022 6:18 AM
To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts 
Cc: Bill Degnan 
Subject: [cctalk] Re: 8" floppy diskette storage cases

Of you're near kennettsquare, PAI have a few

On Tue, Oct 11, 2022, 9:01 AM geneb via cctalk 
wrote:

> On Mon, 10 Oct 2022, D. Resor via cctalk wrote:
>
> > Does anyone have, or know of a reasonably priced supplier of good 
> > clean used, or new 8" floppy diskette boxes?  The kind made of 
> > plastic like
> these?
> >
> > https://www.ebay.com/itm/134258177087
> >
> > I have one 8" box with Xerox software in which the plastic literally 
> > crumbling.
> >
> > The price this seller wants for the case itself is reasonable but I 
> > find
> the
> > price of shipping outrageous.
> >
> > Total shipping price for three boxes is shown to be $21.35.
> >
> > I may be crazy, but this seems nuts for something so light.
> >
>
> Don, it's not the weight, it's the size.  They use a thing called 
> "dimensional weight" for large, light packages.  (and I agree, it's 
> stupidly expensive)
>
> g.
>
> --
> Proud owner of F-15C 80-0007 http://www.f15sim.com - The only one of 
> its kind. http://www.diy-cockpits.org/coll - Go Collimated or Go Home.
> Some people collect things for a hobby.  Geeks collect hobbies.
>
> ScarletDME - The red hot Data Management Environment A Multi-Value 
> database for the masses, not the classes.
> http://scarlet.deltasoft.com - Get it _today_!
>

[cctalk] Re: 8" floppy diskette storage cases

[D. Resor via cctalk]

There is the ability to ship via Media Mail for documentation.  I try to buy 
documents this way, as well as good ole vinyl records.

Several years ago eBay decided they wanted to "profit" from shipping costs.  
This was supposedly to alleviate shipping cost gouging.  I doubt this has 
helped much.

Don Resor

-Original Message-
From: Bill Gunshannon via cctalk  
Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2022 6:59 AM
To: cctalk@classiccmp.org
Cc: Bill Gunshannon 
Subject: [cctalk] Re: 8" floppy diskette storage cases


eBay has always been rather stupid when it comes to shipping.
I have seen many people who are actually making their profit from the shipping 
rather than the actual item for sale.

On the other side of the coin...  I once tried to sell a couple Chilton's car 
manuals.  The shipping price I quoted was the cost of a "If it fits, it ships" 
USPS envelope.  eBay refused to let me do it claiming the shipping charges were 
too high.  I haven't tried selling anything on eBay since.  (and I have a lot 
of stuff that just screams to be sold there!!)

bill

[cctalk] 8" floppy diskette storage cases

[D. Resor via cctalk]

Does anyone have, or know of a reasonably priced supplier of good clean
used, or new 8" floppy diskette boxes?  The kind made of plastic like these?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/134258177087

I have one 8" box with Xerox software in which the plastic literally
crumbling.   

The price this seller wants for the case itself is reasonable but I find the
price of shipping outrageous.

Total shipping price for three boxes is shown to be $21.35.  

I may be crazy, but this seems nuts for something so light.

Thank You

Don Resor

[cctalk] Re: Identity of this PII PC Main board?

[D. Resor via cctalk]

It is indeed the PCChips M720 Elpina main board.  

I found a clear example in another auction of the exact same board here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/373903331243

It's always interesting how sellers do not know what they have.   

This may also be the reason it has not sold.  

Maybe the seller is using the listing fees as a tax write off.

There are certainly some real "Eagle Eyes" within this user group. 

Thanks again.

Don Resor 

-Original Message-
From: John Herron via cctalk  
Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2022 1:35 AM
To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts 
Cc: John Herron 
Subject: [cctalk] Re: Identity of this PII PC Main board?

Maybe this pc chips m720 motherboard?
http://hw-museum.cz/mb/69/pc-chips-m720


On Tue, Sep 13, 2022, 1:11 AM D. Resor via cctalk 
wrote:

>
> The seller has this listed as a Gigabyte GA-6BXU Rev 1.5 mainboard.
>
> https://www.ebay.com/itm/195259246091
>
> According to Gigabyte's website the GA-6BXU has only one CPU slot.  
> This one as you can see has two.
>
> The only dual Pentium II slot main board I could find manufactured by 
> Gigabyte is the GA-6BXDS shown here:
>
> https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/GA-6BXDS#ov
>
> Notice the number of electrolytic capacitors beside one of the CPU 
> slots is different from that shown in the main board for sale.
>
> The seller has not responded to my inquiries which may be a tip off in 
> itself.
>
> Thanks
>
> Don Resor
>
>
>
>

[cctalk] Re: Identity of this PII PC Main board?

[D. Resor via cctalk]

I emailed the seller on Sep 10.

I asked the seller if he/she would send me an image showing the model number on 
the MB.  Curious the anti-static bag seems to be missing.

I suppose it's possible Gigabyte did not keep record of every MB revision.   
Too bad the archived images on Gigabyte's website are so blurry too.


Don Resor

-Original Message-
From: Sellam Abraham via cctalk  
Sent: Monday, September 12, 2022 11:17 PM
To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts 
Cc: Sellam Abraham 
Subject: [cctalk] Re: Identity of this PII PC Main board?

Looks to me like it has two CPU slots.  Just can't see any manufacturer 
markings on the motherboard.

It also has a different number of PCI slots and I/O ports than the Gigabyte 
board on their website.  Maybe it's made by a different manufacturer that ended 
up in the wrong box?

Seller has 100% positive feedback and offers free returns, both as a policy and 
in the description.

Maybe give the seller more time to respond?

Sellam

On Mon, Sep 12, 2022 at 11:06 PM D. Resor via cctalk 
wrote:

>
> The seller has this listed as a Gigabyte GA-6BXU Rev 1.5 mainboard.
>
> https://www.ebay.com/itm/195259246091
>
> According to Gigabyte's website the GA-6BXU has only one CPU slot.  
> This one as you can see has two.
>
> The only dual Pentium II slot main board I could find manufactured by 
> Gigabyte is the GA-6BXDS shown here:
>
> https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/GA-6BXDS#ov
>
> Notice the number of electrolytic capacitors beside one of the CPU 
> slots is different from that shown in the main board for sale.
>
> The seller has not responded to my inquiries which may be a tip off in 
> itself.
>
> Thanks
>
> Don Resor
>
>
>
>
>

[cctalk] Identity of this PII PC Main board?

[D. Resor via cctalk]

 
The seller has this listed as a Gigabyte GA-6BXU Rev 1.5 mainboard.  
 
https://www.ebay.com/itm/195259246091
 
According to Gigabyte's website the GA-6BXU has only one CPU slot.  This one
as you can see has two.
 
The only dual Pentium II slot main board I could find manufactured by
Gigabyte is the GA-6BXDS shown here:
 
https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/GA-6BXDS#ov
 
Notice the number of electrolytic capacitors beside one of the CPU slots is
different from that shown in the main board for sale.
 
The seller has not responded to my inquiries which may be a tip off in
itself.
 
Thanks
 
Don Resor
 
 
 

[cctalk] Identity of this PII PC Main board?

[D. Resor via cctalk]

The seller has this listed as a Gigabyte GA-6BXU Rev 1.5 mainboard.  

https://www.ebay.com/itm/195259246091

According to Gigabyte's website the GA-6BXU has only one CPU slot.  This one
as you can see has two.

The only dual Pentium II slot main board I could find manufactured by
Gigabyte is the GA-6BXDS shown here:

https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/GA-6BXDS#ov

Notice the number of electrolytic capacitors beside one of the CPU slots is
different from that shown in the main board for sale.

The seller has not responded to my inquiries which may be a tip off in
itself.

Thanks

Don Resor

[cctalk] Elan/Syncrotech Memory Card Explorer Demo v3.21 and paging Glen Slick

[D. Resor via cctalk]

Syncrotech sent me the demo version of Elan Memory Card Explorer version
3.21 which is matched for use with the Elan P423 PCMCIA Card Reader/Writer
and in the Windows XP environment.

The demo version has 30 days use to try it in set-up mode, but only 5
"lives" in full function mode.  To make it work again I may have to use a
backed up version of my Registry, or re-install WinXP, mb drivers, etc.

Previously with Ricoh's XP v1.01 incarnate memory block setting of (E8)
E800-EBFF, the program would start-up and see the Linear Flash Card.

Now with Elan's version 3.21 not only does that memory block not work but
none of the other choices listed in Ricoh's manual which states:

By default, MCE requires the exclusive use of a block of real mode memory at
linear address dH to d3fffH. If MCERICOH - XP does not detect the flash
memory card with the default memory block settings, this indicates that the
default memory block is already in use. Try one of the following settings: 

(D0) D000-D3FF (default)(E0) E000-E3FF 
(D4) D400-D7FF  (E4) E400-E7FF 
(D8) D800-DBFF  (E8) E800-EBFF
(DC) DC00-DFFF  (EC) EC00-EFFF

In the Elan MCE op guide which is from 1999 and doesn't completely cover up
to v3.21 from 2005 it states:

"wXX"

XX=base memory address for card operations e.g. "wD8" will use D8000h as a
base address. XX can be C0 to EF for most PCs. Default is D0. The 4K region
from address chosen must be "free".

Lastly in the txt file with the MCE v3.21 installation files it is stated:

VERSION 3-13


* This function now works in the same way for all versions of Windows

* This function should be called before any other (Except
MCE_Customisations). It not only checks memory for use it registers the
memory for exclusive use by our program. It also allows the library function
to initialize ready for card memory accesses. 
 
* Failure to initialize successfully using this function will result in NT4
access violation messages during library function calls. 
 
* The MCE_CheckWindow function does 2 tasks

 -It registers the memory window with Windows. A handle to this memory
window is saved in MCELIB for MCELIB use.
 -It tests the memory window allocated to check that it is unused.
 
* Function MCE_ReleaseWindow() can be used to de-allocate the handle.
  (when multiple MCE_CheckWindow()s calls are made use MCE_ReleaseWindow()
before the next MCE_CheckWindow())
 
* Function MCE_Restore() also deallocates this handle as part of the MCELIB
closedown operations.

Inputs: DWORD
-
Used to pass in the memory window address for the PCIC card controller to
use. The value passed in will be used as the memory address in subsequent
card operations.  Pass in H for an automatically allocated memory
window.  The window it attempts to use is directly above the PC's system
SDRAM.
 
To maintain compatibility with earlier MCELIB versions the application
software should pass in DH instead of 0H to this function call. 
 
Note that only 4000H increments should be used. 
 
Possible range from CH to EC000H or any free address above 10H.  
A memory block of size 4000H is reserved  with Windows and tested by the
MCELIBfunction for suitability.

Showing my absolute ignorance here, without a chart showing the blocks of
memory I can try I'm lost.  

I have scoured Synchrotech's website, no answers there.  I found the old
Elan FAQ pages saved at the Wayback Machine but no answers there.  

Searching the "web" for memory address block settings in XP didn't seem to
turn up what I was looking for either.

Thanks for indulging me once again.

Don Resor

[cctalk] Ethernet Transceivers....

[D. Resor via cctalk]

I was looking at this page on DigiBarn, 
https://www.digibarn.com/collections/parts/ethernet-taps/index.html
 
and the old Ethernet transceivers.  For the life of me I cannot remember
what the transceivers used with the Xerox 6085 (Daybreak) looked like in
1989.
 
There was wall to wall Xerox 8000 servers mixed in with 6085-Is at the
software testing lab, in El Segundo, California, DSBU (Documenter Systems
Business Unit) but that is now mostly a faded memory.
 
Don Resor
 
 

RE: Xerox 800 Word Processor 1974 promo film

[D. Resor via cctalk]

In a search I found a digital brochure for the Xerox 800.  
 
The text is in Dutch.  The text can be highlighted therefore I think it can be 
then sent to a translator.
 
https://classic.technology/xerox-800/
 
Don Resor
 
From: Eric Smith  
Sent: Monday, July 11, 2022 11:56 AM
To: D. Resor ; General Discussion: On-Topic and 
Off-Topic Posts 
Subject: Re: Xerox 800 Word Processor 1974 promo film
 
Anyone know what's inside the Xerox 800? There seems to be little information 
online about any of the 800 series other than the 820. Based on the year of 
introduction of the 800, and allowing for time prior to that spent in 
development, I'm guessing that it's not microprocessor-based. (Whereas the 820 
is.)
 
Eric
 
 
On Sat, Jul 2, 2022, 03:50 D. Resor via cctalk mailto:cctalk@classiccmp.org> > wrote:
This video just popped up in my YT view.  It was posted a couple days ago.

At the end of the video, a recap of several Xerox computer products are
shown.

XEROX Word Processing Machines & Computers 1975 (Xerox 800 vintage promo
film)

https://youtu.be/Zkl80BAiaIw 

Computer History Archive

Don Resor

RE: Memory Card Explorer for the Elan P423

[D. Resor via cctalk]

A little more information I found while digging.  It should have dawned on me 
when the card info is displayed in MCE.

The cards are AMD Type D P/N FAD004
http://www.psism.com/flashfad.htm

More info here too:
https://www.synchrotech.com/products/linear-flash-pcmcia-card_01.html

The prices for these are crazy.  Though the 4MB is EOL, the 16MB is listed at 
$445.00!  Even if I could get a new 16mb at a much reduced price, it wouldn't 
work.

There is an old discussion (among several) here:

https://www.copytechnet.com/forums/ricoh-savin-gestetner-lanier/23407-ricoh-field-service-card.html

Don Resor

-Original Message-
From: cctalk  On Behalf Of Glen Slick via cctalk
Sent: Thursday, July 07, 2022 3:18 PM
To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts 
Subject: Re: Memory Card Explorer for the Elan P423

On Wed, Jul 6, 2022 at 7:51 PM Glen Slick  wrote:
>
> I'll have to boot up again the Linux system I had set up for this and 
> refresh my memory on some of the details. If I remember correctly, one 
> of the things I had to do was to rebuild the pcmcia driver with the 
> CONFIG_MTD_PCMCIA_ANONYMOUS option enabled. Some of the linear flash 
> cards I have might not have a separate attribute memory plane and no 
> valid CIS, so the card wouldn't get recognized without that option 
> enabled. Pretty sure there was something else I had to change to get 
> things to work with some of the cards I have. Just don't remember now.
>

Maybe no one else is interested in this detail, but just for future reference 
reference, it looks like one of the changes I had to make to get the MTD driver 
to work with some of my linear flash cards was to this read_pri_intelext() 
routine in this source file:

drivers / mtd / chips / cfi_cmdset_0001.c

from:

if (extp->MinorVersion >= '0') {
extra_size = 0;

/* Protection Register info */
extra_size += (extp->NumProtectionFields - 1) *
  sizeof(struct cfi_intelext_otpinfo);
}

if (extp->MinorVersion >= '1') {
/* Burst Read info */
extra_size += 2;
if (extp_size < sizeof(*extp) + extra_size)
goto need_more;
extra_size += extp->extra[extra_size - 1];
}

to:

extra_size = 0;

if ((extp->MinorVersion >= '0') && (extp->FeatureSupport & 64)) {
/* Protection Register info */
extra_size += (extp->NumProtectionFields - 1) *
  sizeof(struct cfi_intelext_otpinfo);
}

if ((extp->MinorVersion >= '1') && (extp->FeatureSupport & 128)) {
/* Burst Read info */
extra_size += 2;
if (extp_size < sizeof(*extp) + extra_size)
goto need_more;
extra_size += extp->extra[extra_size - 1];
}

The problem with the original code is that without checking the Optional 
Feature and Command Support bits, it assumes that if the Intel CFI Primary 
Vendor-Specific Extended Query Table exists then the flash device has OTP 
support, and if the Minor Version is >=1 then the flash device has Page Mode 
Read support. According to the 290606-015 datasheet for Intel 28F320J5 and 
28F640J5 StrataFlash devices the Minor Version number in the Intel CFI Primary 
Vendor-Specific Extended Query Table is 1, but those device do not have OTP 
support nor do they have Page Mode Read support, which causes the 
read_pri_intelext() fail or hang while trying to parse the Intel CFI Primary 
Vendor-Specific Extended Query Table.

I must have some linear flash cards that are based on Intel 28F320J5 or 
28F640J5 StrataFlash devices that encountered this issue. Without going through 
my stack of cards I don't remember which cards those might be.

RE: Memory Card Explorer for the Elan P423

[D. Resor via cctalk]

To make sure there are no loose connections, I opened up the box and checked 
the ribbon cables of which there are four.  I could see that one seemed to be 
not quite seated completely.  Checked to make sure there are no bent pins and 
reseated.  Looked inside at the PCMCIA sockets to also check for anything 
obvious, no bent pins.

When I insert a card the LED for the slot in use does momentarily flash and the 
card is seen to be in the socket.Now I get a pop up Window which notes 
"CARD OPERATION Un-Identified Error".

Sigh

Don Resor

-Original Message-
From: cctalk  On Behalf Of D. Resor via cctalk
Sent: Thursday, July 07, 2022 12:26 AM
To: 'General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts' ; 
'Glen Slick' 
Subject: RE: Memory Card Explorer for the Elan P423

Upon trying to read, write or compare I am getting chksum error "Failed to 
Chksum after Erase!  Error type = Un-identified Error"

Digging further reveals in the Device Manager the card shows an error of 
MTD-0002.  Upon searching online I found the answer to be:

If the problem persists or you receive an MTD-0002 error or other unknown PC 
Card issue: The BIOS is unable to allocate the required memory resources for 
the card. A mis-mapping has occurred causing the PC Card to be mis-detected. A 
BIOS upgrade that addresses this issue will be required from the OEM/Computer 
manufacturer."

So I am probably hosed.


Don Resor

-Original Message-
From: D. Resor 
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2022 9:32 PM
To: 'D. Resor' ; 'General Discussion: On-Topic and 
Off-Topic Posts' ; 'Glen Slick' 
Subject: RE: Memory Card Explorer for the Elan P423

Seems I forgot the PCMCIA card must be inserted before you start MCE.  Now it 
sees the card in Slot #1 as AMD C/D Flash 4MB.

Geez do I feel stooopid.

Don Resor

-Original Message-
From: cctalk  On Behalf Of D. Resor via cctalk
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2022 8:44 PM
To: 'Glen Slick' ; 'General Discussion: On-Topic and 
Off-Topic Posts' 
Subject: RE: Memory Card Explorer for the Elan P423

Here is the link to Ricoh Memory Card Explorer's support page.  There is a 
links to download the different versions.

http://support.ricoh.com/mcericoh/home.html

Here you will find towards the bottom of the page the user manual for Elan's 
Memory Card Explorer (MCE User Guide).

https://www.synchrotech.com/products/software-pcmcia-pc_cards_01.html 

What happens is, MCE shows "Slot X, No PCMCIA card in slot"  No matter which 
slot I choose to include/exclude.  The software will not allow all 8 slots to 
be excluded.

Don Resor



-Original Message-
From: cctalk  On Behalf Of Glen Slick via cctalk
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2022 7:33 PM
To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts 
Subject: Re: Memory Card Explorer for the Elan P423

On Wed, Jul 6, 2022 at 5:48 PM D. Resor  wrote:
>
> Memory Card Explorer can Exclude/Include up to 1 through 8 PCI card slots.  
> This is to prevent the software from "killing" the operation of other plugged 
> in cards such as modem, network card, etc.
>

That doesn't make much sense that it would care about PCI slot numbers. I found 
a Memory Card Explorer for RICOH XP DEMO screenshot online which shows a dialog 
box for including or excluding PC Card Slot 1 through Slot 8. I assume that is 
referring to the physical PC Card slots into which you insert PC Cards, which 
is a completely separate numbering space than the PCI slot into which the 
adapter card is installed. Most likely you would only ever have one or two PC 
Card slots, controlled by a single adapter card. I suppose you could get as 
many as 8 PC Card slots if you had multiple adapters installed.

> The mother board I tried it on and was able to actually get the program to 
> start under Windows XP with no memory hurdles is a Gigabyte GA-Z77-DS3H.  
> Unfortunately for some reason the PCI slot closest to the CPU socket is 
> marked PCI Slot #12.  There weren't no way I could configure MCE to find the 
> Elan P423 Card Reader/Writer.

Again, that doesn't make much sense to me that the adapter driver or the 
software would care about which PCI slot that the adapter is installed in.

> I don't have to buy the Ricoh Memory Card Explorer software as there is a 
> full working 30 day trial version (which I have).  Not a problem.

Is the Demo version of Ricoh Memory Card Explorer software available to 
download somewhere on the net? I might be curious to try installing it some 
time to take a look, instead of just making guesses about how some of it works.

RE: Memory Card Explorer for the Elan P423

[D. Resor via cctalk]

Upon trying to read, write or compare I am getting chksum error "Failed to 
Chksum after Erase!  Error type = Un-identified Error"

Digging further reveals in the Device Manager the card shows an error of 
MTD-0002.  Upon searching online I found the answer to be:

If the problem persists or you receive an MTD-0002 error or other unknown PC 
Card issue: The BIOS is unable to allocate the required memory resources for 
the card. A mis-mapping has occurred causing
the PC Card to be mis-detected. A BIOS upgrade that addresses this issue will 
be required from the OEM/Computer manufacturer."

So I am probably hosed.


Don Resor

-Original Message-
From: D. Resor  
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2022 9:32 PM
To: 'D. Resor' ; 'General Discussion: On-Topic and 
Off-Topic Posts' ; 'Glen Slick' 
Subject: RE: Memory Card Explorer for the Elan P423

Seems I forgot the PCMCIA card must be inserted before you start MCE.  Now it 
sees the card in Slot #1 as AMD C/D Flash 4MB.

Geez do I feel stooopid.

Don Resor

-Original Message-
From: cctalk  On Behalf Of D. Resor via cctalk
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2022 8:44 PM
To: 'Glen Slick' ; 'General Discussion: On-Topic and 
Off-Topic Posts' 
Subject: RE: Memory Card Explorer for the Elan P423

Here is the link to Ricoh Memory Card Explorer's support page.  There is a 
links to download the different versions.

http://support.ricoh.com/mcericoh/home.html

Here you will find towards the bottom of the page the user manual for Elan's 
Memory Card Explorer (MCE User Guide).

https://www.synchrotech.com/products/software-pcmcia-pc_cards_01.html 

What happens is, MCE shows "Slot X, No PCMCIA card in slot"  No matter which 
slot I choose to include/exclude.  The software will not allow all 8 slots to 
be excluded.

Don Resor



-Original Message-
From: cctalk  On Behalf Of Glen Slick via cctalk
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2022 7:33 PM
To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts 
Subject: Re: Memory Card Explorer for the Elan P423

On Wed, Jul 6, 2022 at 5:48 PM D. Resor  wrote:
>
> Memory Card Explorer can Exclude/Include up to 1 through 8 PCI card slots.  
> This is to prevent the software from "killing" the operation of other plugged 
> in cards such as modem, network card, etc.
>

That doesn't make much sense that it would care about PCI slot numbers. I found 
a Memory Card Explorer for RICOH XP DEMO screenshot online which shows a dialog 
box for including or excluding PC Card Slot 1 through Slot 8. I assume that is 
referring to the physical PC Card slots into which you insert PC Cards, which 
is a completely separate numbering space than the PCI slot into which the 
adapter card is installed. Most likely you would only ever have one or two PC 
Card slots, controlled by a single adapter card. I suppose you could get as 
many as 8 PC Card slots if you had multiple adapters installed.

> The mother board I tried it on and was able to actually get the program to 
> start under Windows XP with no memory hurdles is a Gigabyte GA-Z77-DS3H.  
> Unfortunately for some reason the PCI slot closest to the CPU socket is 
> marked PCI Slot #12.  There weren't no way I could configure MCE to find the 
> Elan P423 Card Reader/Writer.

Again, that doesn't make much sense to me that the adapter driver or the 
software would care about which PCI slot that the adapter is installed in.

> I don't have to buy the Ricoh Memory Card Explorer software as there is a 
> full working 30 day trial version (which I have).  Not a problem.

Is the Demo version of Ricoh Memory Card Explorer software available to 
download somewhere on the net? I might be curious to try installing it some 
time to take a look, instead of just making guesses about how some of it works.

RE: Memory Card Explorer for the Elan P423

[D. Resor via cctalk]

Seems I forgot the PCMCIA card must be inserted before you start MCE.  Now it 
sees the card in Slot #1 as AMD C/D Flash 4MB.

Geez do I feel stooopid.

Don Resor

-Original Message-
From: cctalk  On Behalf Of D. Resor via cctalk
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2022 8:44 PM
To: 'Glen Slick' ; 'General Discussion: On-Topic and 
Off-Topic Posts' 
Subject: RE: Memory Card Explorer for the Elan P423

Here is the link to Ricoh Memory Card Explorer's support page.  There is a 
links to download the different versions.

http://support.ricoh.com/mcericoh/home.html

Here you will find towards the bottom of the page the user manual for Elan's 
Memory Card Explorer (MCE User Guide).

https://www.synchrotech.com/products/software-pcmcia-pc_cards_01.html 

What happens is, MCE shows "Slot X, No PCMCIA card in slot"  No matter which 
slot I choose to include/exclude.  The software will not allow all 8 slots to 
be excluded.

Don Resor



-Original Message-
From: cctalk  On Behalf Of Glen Slick via cctalk
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2022 7:33 PM
To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts 
Subject: Re: Memory Card Explorer for the Elan P423

On Wed, Jul 6, 2022 at 5:48 PM D. Resor  wrote:
>
> Memory Card Explorer can Exclude/Include up to 1 through 8 PCI card slots.  
> This is to prevent the software from "killing" the operation of other plugged 
> in cards such as modem, network card, etc.
>

That doesn't make much sense that it would care about PCI slot numbers. I found 
a Memory Card Explorer for RICOH XP DEMO screenshot online which shows a dialog 
box for including or excluding PC Card Slot 1 through Slot 8. I assume that is 
referring to the physical PC Card slots into which you insert PC Cards, which 
is a completely separate numbering space than the PCI slot into which the 
adapter card is installed. Most likely you would only ever have one or two PC 
Card slots, controlled by a single adapter card. I suppose you could get as 
many as 8 PC Card slots if you had multiple adapters installed.

> The mother board I tried it on and was able to actually get the program to 
> start under Windows XP with no memory hurdles is a Gigabyte GA-Z77-DS3H.  
> Unfortunately for some reason the PCI slot closest to the CPU socket is 
> marked PCI Slot #12.  There weren't no way I could configure MCE to find the 
> Elan P423 Card Reader/Writer.

Again, that doesn't make much sense to me that the adapter driver or the 
software would care about which PCI slot that the adapter is installed in.

> I don't have to buy the Ricoh Memory Card Explorer software as there is a 
> full working 30 day trial version (which I have).  Not a problem.

Is the Demo version of Ricoh Memory Card Explorer software available to 
download somewhere on the net? I might be curious to try installing it some 
time to take a look, instead of just making guesses about how some of it works.

RE: Memory Card Explorer for the Elan P423

[D. Resor via cctalk]

Here is the link to Ricoh Memory Card Explorer's support page.  There is a 
links to download the different versions.

http://support.ricoh.com/mcericoh/home.html

Here you will find towards the bottom of the page the user manual for Elan's 
Memory Card Explorer (MCE User Guide).

https://www.synchrotech.com/products/software-pcmcia-pc_cards_01.html 

What happens is, MCE shows "Slot X, No PCMCIA card in slot"  No matter which 
slot I choose to include/exclude.  The software will not allow all 8 slots to 
be excluded.

Don Resor



-Original Message-
From: cctalk  On Behalf Of Glen Slick via cctalk
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2022 7:33 PM
To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts 
Subject: Re: Memory Card Explorer for the Elan P423

On Wed, Jul 6, 2022 at 5:48 PM D. Resor  wrote:
>
> Memory Card Explorer can Exclude/Include up to 1 through 8 PCI card slots.  
> This is to prevent the software from "killing" the operation of other plugged 
> in cards such as modem, network card, etc.
>

That doesn't make much sense that it would care about PCI slot numbers. I found 
a Memory Card Explorer for RICOH XP DEMO screenshot online which shows a dialog 
box for including or excluding PC Card Slot 1 through Slot 8. I assume that is 
referring to the physical PC Card slots into which you insert PC Cards, which 
is a completely separate numbering space than the PCI slot into which the 
adapter card is installed. Most likely you would only ever have one or two PC 
Card slots, controlled by a single adapter card. I suppose you could get as 
many as 8 PC Card slots if you had multiple adapters installed.

> The mother board I tried it on and was able to actually get the program to 
> start under Windows XP with no memory hurdles is a Gigabyte GA-Z77-DS3H.  
> Unfortunately for some reason the PCI slot closest to the CPU socket is 
> marked PCI Slot #12.  There weren't no way I could configure MCE to find the 
> Elan P423 Card Reader/Writer.

Again, that doesn't make much sense to me that the adapter driver or the 
software would care about which PCI slot that the adapter is installed in.

> I don't have to buy the Ricoh Memory Card Explorer software as there is a 
> full working 30 day trial version (which I have).  Not a problem.

Is the Demo version of Ricoh Memory Card Explorer software available to 
download somewhere on the net? I might be curious to try installing it some 
time to take a look, instead of just making guesses about how some of it works.

RE: Memory Card Explorer for the Elan P423

[D. Resor via cctalk]

The Ricoh version of Memory Card Explorer uses a proprietary file format.  This 
also requires their approved PCMCIA card which is also in their own proprietary 
file format. The PCMCIA card which Ricoh uses P/N 803-6701 is a 4Mb Linear 
Flash Card.  It has no write protect switch like other PCMCIA cards.  When you 
insert it in the Elan P423 slot it is identified as "PCMCIA MTD-0002".  Whereas 
other PCMCIA cards might be shown as SMART Modular Technologies.

Memory Card Explorer can Exclude/Include up to 1 through 8 PCI card slots.  
This is to prevent the software from "killing" the operation of other plugged 
in cards such as modem, network card, etc.

The mother board I tried it on and was able to actually get the program to 
start under Windows XP with no memory hurdles is a Gigabyte GA-Z77-DS3H.  
Unfortunately for some reason the PCI slot closest to the CPU socket is marked 
PCI Slot #12.  There weren't no way I could configure MCE to find the Elan P423 
Card Reader/Writer.

I don't have to buy the Ricoh Memory Card Explorer software as there is a full 
working 30 day trial version (which I have).  Not a problem.

I am upgrading the Firmware of a Ricoh 5510L MFP, for which I also have those 
files.   At that time Ricoh equipment didn’t have serial or USB ports, only a 
universal PCMCIA slot which is used for memory storage expansion, and updates, 
etc.

Keeping this piece of equipment viable will postpone spending $3K plus shipping 
and sales tax to upgrade to a much newer (slightly used) MFP.

I will say that Windows XP x32 boots practically in the "blink of an eye" on 
this Intel i5 in Legacy mode with all of the many XP updates too, wow.

Don Resor





-Original Message-
From: cctalk  On Behalf Of Jonathan Chapman via 
cctalk
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2022 4:59 PM
To: Glen Slick ; General Discussion: On-Topic and 
Off-Topic Posts 
Subject: Re: Memory Card Explorer for the Elan P423

> I ended up getting a PCI bus PC Card adapter based on the TI PCI1131 
> PCI-TO-CARDBUS CONTROLLER UNIT chip. I set that up in a Linux system 
> and eventually managed to get some MTD (Memory Technology Devices) 
> software installed so that I could read and write to a variety of 
> linear flash cards.

Careful doing this, always flip the write protect switch! Default behavior, 
when the kernel/pcmcia-utils is trying to figure out what's in the slot is to 
run down a list of identification steps. The final one is to scribble on the 
card's memory space to see if it's writable SRAM! Blasted a card just by 
inserting it a few years ago, fortunately one I already had backups of.

If you don't wish to futz with expensive commercial software or rolling your 
own, you can almost certainly use the Data I/O card utils with a generic ISA to 
PCMCIA adapter. I have their actual branded hardware, and it's a Vadem PCMCIA 
chip that follows whatever the early Intel standard was. Software is available 
on the Data I/O groups.io file archive. The Data I/O software includes 
basically "dd for Flash cards."

Thanks,
Jonathan

Memory Card Explorer for the Elan P423

[D. Resor via cctalk]

Does anyone have past experience with Memory Card Explorer and the Elan P423
BUS to PC Car Reader-Writer 2 Slot Internal unit?

https://www.synchrotech.com/products/card-rw_33_p423_elan_pcmcia_pc-card_rea
der_slot.html

Memory Card Explorer has certain compatibility rules for the Motherboard it
is installed in.  The software seems to be a bit picky.

Which mainboard/motherboard is best suited for the task and using Windows XP
x32 SP3?

For instance, from Ricoh's version of MCE:

Computer Hardware

Desktop or laptop computer with Intel 82365 compatible PCMCIA or CardBus
controller
At least 1 PC Card slot
At least 1 CD-ROM drive
Must meet the operating systems' system requirements.

Card Services

Operating system's built-in card services are supported.
3rd party card services are not supported.

Applications

A standard web browser for on-line Help.
Adobe Acrobat Reader for User Guide.

Memory Window

A 16 kbyte memory window (d000 - d3ff at default) required
Flash Memory Card
A Ricoh supplied flash memory card is required.

Before you start MCERICOH - XP, you may have to adjust your BIOS and OS
configurations.
BIOS Setup Check
Make sure that:

* Shadowing between d-d3fff is off.

For ISA connected PCMCIA hardware:

* Any ISA Plug-n-Play options allow a shared block from d-d3fff (or
greater).
* The ISA bus is set to run at 8MHz max (i.e. not enhanced mode).

By default, MCE requires the exclusive use of a block of real mode memory at
linear address dH to d3fffH. If MCERICOH - XP does not detect the flash
memory card with the default memory block settings, this indicates that the
default memory block is already in use. Try one of the following settings:
. (D0) D000-D3FF (default)  . (E0) E000-E3FF
. (D4) D400-D7FF. (E4) E400-E7FF
. (D8) D800-DBFF. (E8) E800-EBFF
. (DC) DC00-DFFF. (EC) EC00-EFFF

System config.sys (found in c:\ & applies only to Windows 98SE
installations)

-If the himem.sys & emm386 drivers appear in config.sys, add the exclusion
block x=d000-d3ff as shown in the example below. If they do not appear, you
do not need to do anything.

device=c:\windows\himem.sys
device=c:\windows\emm386.exe noems x=d000-d3ff

Windows system.ini (found in c:\windows & applies only to Windows 98SE
installations)
-The installer should have added the EMMExclude line to the [386Enh] section
of system.ini.
[386Enh]
EMMExclude=d000-d3ff

Once you have changed the setting, reboot the computer and start MCERICOH -
XP using the /w command line option. Refer to section "7. Troubleshooting"
for more details.

Etc. etc. etc.

It also requires that you exclude cards in other I/O slots but can only
exclude up to 8 slots.

I was looking at a intel d945gnt motherboard as it doesn't have ISA slots
which I do not need, but as an added plus it will except a SATA HDD.  If
that not viable, I will probably need to find a working PIII motherboard
instead.

I've uploaded the full manual here:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/cqzuviwl9mnv9t9/MCERICOH_UserGuide_XP_V1.01.pdf?dl
=0

Either I am not very good at this or, I lack the extreme patience needed to
make it work!

Thanks

Don Resor

Xerox 800 Word Processor 1974 promo film

[D. Resor via cctalk]

This video just popped up in my YT view.  It was posted a couple days ago.

At the end of the video, a recap of several Xerox computer products are
shown.

XEROX Word Processing Machines & Computers 1975 (Xerox 800 vintage promo
film)

https://youtu.be/Zkl80BAiaIw 

Computer History Archive

Don Resor

RE: ID UV erasable PROMS used on an IBM PC board?

[D. Resor via cctalk]

There are a few other problems.
 
The power supply does not power up.  Three of it's four voltages are missing
(+5vdc, +8.5vdc, +13vdc).  With no connections to the power supply board,
the +5vdc measures 4.92vdc while the other two voltages are still zero
volts.
 
The second issue I found upon removing the driver and processor board is
moisture had entered the typewriter's electronics and the connector between
the two boards has corrosion on many of the pins and on the PWB near the
connector.
 
I do not have access to a microscope.
 
I know it has been explained to me elsewhere that UV exposure from
florescent lamps can erase the proms.  The way I understand is the glass of
the florescent lamp filters out any UV radiation (as does the piece of glass
mounted in front of quartz halogen lighting).  In order that a UV lamp can
operate correctly the tube must be made of quartz, not glass.
 
Am I wrong here?  
 
Don Resor
 
From: dwight  
Sent: Monday, March 21, 2022 4:50 PM
To: 'General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts'
; D. Resor 
Subject: Re: ID UV erasable PROMS used on an IBM PC board?
 
The dies look to have consistent wire bonding. That would mean they are one
of the standard EPROMs made by Intel, just preprogrammed by Intel before
shipping. The numbers wouldn't be intel numbers they would be IBMs inventory
numbers. My guess is that they are 2732s. You might use a microscope and
look at the edges of the dies. They often have the die type in the metal
layers around the edge some place. Avoid using florescent ring lights as a
large amount of UVC leaks from these. White LED are or incandescent lights.
Also power it up and note which pins look to have signals. if any of the
lines have what looks like a constant voltage measure it to the nearest .01
volts if you can. That will help determine if it is driven by a signal or a
hard tied wire. Lower left and upper right should be ground and power pins.
Dwight
 
 
  _  

From: cctalk  on behalf of D. Resor via
cctalk 
Sent: Sunday, March 20, 2022 6:53 PM
To: 'General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts'

Subject: ID UV erasable PROMS used on an IBM PC board? 
 
I cannot find a datasheet by any of the numbers silkscreened on these ICs.
 
Could these be proprietary IBM P/N numbers?
 
https://www.dropbox.com/s/f6rvemx9ldbbv5x/EPROMS1.jpg?dl=0
 
No need for a Dropbox account, close the login pop up and you can view the
image.
 
Thanks
 
Don Resor
 
 

RE: ID UV erasable PROMS used on an IBM PC board?

[D. Resor via cctalk]

I've taken and uploaded some larger easy to view images of the processor board 
component and solder sides.

One plus is the eproms are socketed.  

I've uploaded an image showing the silk screening stamp on the underside of the 
eproms.

Now that I look closer at the Power Supply PWB I see it too is filled with 
proprietarily marked parts (sigh).

Big Blue's curse continues.

Interestingly Xerox didn’t do this with the Star 6085 Workstation.  The full 
service manuals are available for download.  I believe the 8010 is the same way.

I suppose I can email my contact at IBM archives and inquire about circuit 
diagrams...  It never hurts to ask.

I have the MiniPro TL866II Plus programmer.  It does have the ability to read 
the ID of ICs. Setup requires you first select IC p/n number from the list, and 
then it verifies the data prior to a read or write.

It would be nice if it could ID the IC automatically.   I realize there are 
probably too many variables to do this safely without risk of destroying the 
EPROM and/or the data written on it.


https://www.dropbox.com/s/juvn0ahnwp51k80/ProcessorPWBCompSide1.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/s4mqpxd9ksnciil/ProcessorPWBSolderSide1.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/rl26dkv3jjuip0u/PromUnderside1.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/mqok0avoqqumyuq/PowerSpplyPWB1.jpg?dl=0

Don Resor

-Original Message-
From: cctalk  On Behalf Of Glen Slick via cctalk
Sent: Monday, March 21, 2022 9:17 PM
To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts 
Subject: Re: ID UV erasable PROMS used on an IBM PC board?

On Mon, Mar 21, 2022 at 8:25 PM Chuck Guzis via cctalk  
wrote:
>
> The PROMs are most likely house-labeled Intel commodity parts with 
> JEDEC-standard pinouts, so it should be fairly easy, using an EPROM 
> reader, to figure out if these are 8KB, 16KB, 32KB or 64KB devices.

Some device programmers can read the manufacturer and device ID codes from a 
device, if they are implemented. That would be another way to check for a Intel 
standard part.

Intel 2764 - 89h / 02h
Intel 2764A - 89h / 08h
Intel 27C64 - 89h / 07h

Intel 27128 - 89h / 83h
Intel 27128A - 89h / 89h
Intel 27C128 - 89h / FCh

Intel 27256 - 89h / 04h
Intel 27C256 - 89h / 8Ch

Intel 27512 - 89h / 0Dh
Intel 27C512 - 89h / FDh

ID UV erasable PROMS used on an IBM PC board?

[D. Resor via cctalk]

I cannot find a datasheet by any of the numbers silkscreened on these ICs.
 
Could these be proprietary IBM P/N numbers?
 
https://www.dropbox.com/s/f6rvemx9ldbbv5x/EPROMS1.jpg?dl=0
 
No need for a Dropbox account, close the login pop up and you can view the
image.
 
Thanks
 
Don Resor
 
 

RE: ID UV erasable PROMS used on an IBM PC board?

[D. Resor via cctalk]

This is the CPU board out of a first generation 1982-83 IBM Electronic 85 
Typewriter (Electronics Driven Selectric). 

I was looking to archive the software/firmware from these.  The machine was 
exposed to some dampness.  Corrosion has ensued on the interface connector 
between the CPU and driver boards.  

The next year, more energy efficient memory ICs were used.  Memory power 
failure back up only consisted of 3 AA batteries and could last up to one year. 
 The predecessor (this board) required 6 AA size Nicads and would only retain 
memory for a few hours.

IBM using their apparently very large stock of OLD aluminum covered ICs in as 
many products possible I guess.

Don Resor

-Original Message-
From: wrco...@wrcooke.net  
Sent: Sunday, March 20, 2022 7:13 PM
To: D. Resor 
Subject: Re: ID UV erasable PROMS used on an IBM PC board?



> On 03/20/2022 8:59 PM D. Resor via cctalk  wrote:
> 
> 
> I cannot find a datasheet by any of the numbers silkscreened on these ICs.
> 
> Could these be proprietary IBM P/N numbers?
> 
> https://www.dropbox.com/s/f6rvemx9ldbbv5x/EPROMS1.jpg?dl=0
> 
> No need for a Dropbox account, close the login pop up and you can view 
> the image.
> 
> Thanks
> 
> Don Resor

More details would help.  What is the board?  Do you know at what address in 
the PC memory map they fit?
Based on the info you gave and the picture  I would bet $1 they are standard 
2764 chips.  The 2764 was the first standard chip to have 28 pins.  The size of 
the die visible through the quartz window is consistent with 2764 (as opposed 
to 27128 or 27256) and the fact there is room for 3 which would give 24K total. 
 The PC didn't have a lot of places in the memory map that would allow more 
than 24K.  Three 27128s would be 48K (a LOT in those days) and the 27256 would 
be 96K.

I can't help with the part numbers.  But I doubt they are IBM proprietary.  The 
vast majority of chips used in the early PC line were standard from other 
companies.
Will

ID UV erasable PROMS used on an IBM PC board?

[D. Resor via cctalk]

I cannot find a datasheet by any of the numbers silkscreened on these ICs.

Could these be proprietary IBM P/N numbers?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/f6rvemx9ldbbv5x/EPROMS1.jpg?dl=0 

No need for a Dropbox account, close the login pop up and you can view the
image.

Thanks

Don Resor

RE: IBM 5110 (5100)

[D. Resor via cctalk]

It looks as if it needs at least a replacement CRT.  From one image it
appears to be phosphor is blown away in the middle screen. The only way I
know of this happening, is the neck of the CRT, or the evacuation nipple has
been cracked/broken.

Don Resor

-Original Message-
From: cctalk  On Behalf Of Brent Hilpert via
cctalk
Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2022 5:57 PM
To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts 
Subject: Re: IBM 5110 (5100)

On 2022-Mar-17, at 5:02 PM, D. Resor via cctalk wrote:
> Was the computer auction in question a 5100 or a 5110?
> 
> Presently I see there is a 5110-C for sale
> https://www.ebay.com/itm/294865912729 

Yes, that was/is the one. So it has been relisted. It had been listed as a
5100 or 5100-C earlier, then delisted, and I couldn't find a new listing for
anything like a 5100 or 5110 this morning.

It might be easy to fix. Or it might have the computing potential of a
doorstop.


> There were also a 5110 with 8" external drives and a printer which sold:
> https://www.ebay.com/itm/304377532685

IBM 5110 (5100)

[D. Resor via cctalk]

Was the computer auction in question a 5100 or a 5110?

Presently I see there is a 5110-C for sale
https://www.ebay.com/itm/294865912729 

There were also a 5110 with 8" external drives and a printer which sold:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/304377532685

Don Resor

RE: Muldivo Digiputer 1968

[D. Resor via cctalk]

That ain't no IBM model B 

Looks more like a Remington Electric with the double carriage return paddles.

But by the plate and a quick search it is indeed an Imperial Electric.

https://coimages.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/images/321/117/medium_SMG00177358.jpg


Donald R. Resor Jr. T. W. & T. C. Svc. Co.
http://hammondorganservice.com
Hammond USA warranty service
"Most people don’t have a sense of humor. They think they do, but they don’t." 
--Jonathan Winters



-Original Message-
From: cctalk  On Behalf Of silcreval via cctalk
Sent: Sunday, March 06, 2022 4:00 AM
To: cctalk@classiccmp.org
Subject: Muldivo Digiputer 1968

Spotted on ebay - 

No involvement in the sale - just tagging in case any one on the list has 
interest.

"Muldivo Digiputer 1968 - Imperial Dialog: IBM Model B"


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/203849003806

IBM 6731 Diskette Module

[D. Resor via cctalk]

Is anyone familiar with the IBM 6731 Diskette Module from around 1984 which
gave the IBM Electronic 85 and 95 Selectric Typewriters the ability to store
created documents to a 5.25" floppy diskette?
 
There was also a 5.25" diskette which was nicknamed "IPL" for "initial
program load", and an interface board which was installed into the
typewriter and was referred to as the "IBM Typewriter Modularity Option".

I do not have any images of the IBM 6731, but I do have an image capture
from the installation and operations manual, posted here:
 
https://www.dropbox.com/s/us8aely530s8p3a/6731diskettemodule.jpg?dl=0
 
You do not need a Dropbox account to view the image.  Simply click on the X
of the login pop up and it will disappear.
 
Unfortunately, the only copy of this product manual I ever found was on
eBay. I purchased it last month, paid USPS priority mail shipping with
tracking and the post office lost it. :/
 
 
Thanks
 
Don Resor
 

IBM 6731 Diskette Module

[D. Resor via cctalk]

Is anyone familiar with the IBM 6731 Diskette Module from around 1984 which
gave the IBM Electronic 85 and 95 Selectric Typewriters the ability to store
created documents to a 5.25" floppy diskette?

There was also a 5.25" diskette which was nicknamed "IPL" for "initial
program load", and an interface board which was installed into the
typewriter and was referred to as the "IBM Typewriter Modularity Option".

I do not have any images of the IBM 6731, but I do have an image capture
from the installation and operations manual, posted here:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/us8aely530s8p3a/6731diskettemodule.jpg?dl=0 

You do not need a Dropbox account to view the image.  Simply click on the X
of the login pop up and it will disappear.

Unfortunately, the only copy of this product manual I ever found was on
eBay. I purchased it last month, paid USPS priority mail shipping with
tracking and the post office lost it. :/


Thanks

Don Resor

RE: IBM Model C typewriter

[D. Resor via cctalk]

The golfballtypewritershop list groups.io, though there is only around 30+ 
members.

The foolish created a Facebook group where there are several hundred gambling 
fools.

I'll take no part in Facebook ever again, and therefore have regained a little 
privacy back.

Meanwhile Mozilla Firefox is doing weird things, as if it can't find the DNS. I 
have tried to re-install/refresh with the same result.

I guess I'll have to reboot.


Donald R. Resor Jr. T. W. & T. C. Svc. Co.
http://hammondorganservice.com
Hammond USA warranty service
"Most people don’t have a sense of humor. They think they do, but they don’t." 
--Jonathan Winters





-Original Message-
From: cctalk  On Behalf Of Chuck Guzis via cctalk
Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2022 9:13 PM
To: Grant Taylor via cctalk 
Subject: Re: IBM Model C typewriter

On 1/12/22 20:16, Grant Taylor via cctalk wrote:

> That's a mailing list, not a newsgroup.
> 
> But it is likely to be more active than the free.typewriters newsgroup.

Picky, picky picky...

The old Golf Ball Typewriter Shop list is long gone, and this was suggested as 
an alternative.

--Chuck

RE: What happened to control-data.info and controlfreaks.org?

[D. Resor via cctalk]

Here's what's been archived for one of the two websites:

https://web.archive.org/web/*/control-data.info


Donald R. Resor Jr. T. W. & T. C. Svc. Co.
http://hammondorganservice.com
Hammond USA warranty service
"Most people don’t have a sense of humor. They think they do, but they don’t." 
--Jonathan Winters



-Original Message-
From: cctalk  On Behalf Of Jim Carpenter via 
cctalk
Sent: Wednesday, November 17, 2021 10:53 PM
To: cctalk@classiccmp.org
Subject: What happened to control-data.info and controlfreaks.org?

Is anybody able to access these sites? I just get redirected to Google.

Jim

RE: Overclocked TI Silent 703 at 1200 bauds?

[D. Resor via cctalk]

Mark,

In a search I found some downloadable reference cards for the Silent 700
Model 703 here:

https://user.xmission.com/~legalize/vintage/docs.html

I thought you were more of a clunky Model 37 or 43 kind of guy...

Don Resor

-Original Message-
From: cctalk  On Behalf Of CuriousMarc via
cctalk
Sent: Friday, October 29, 2021 8:36 PM
To: 'General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts'

Subject: Overclocked TI Silent 703 at 1200 bauds?

I recently acquired a TI Silent 703 on ePay and just fired up. It worked
right away. But I expected it to work at 300 bauds as advertised, and to my
surprise, it clocked at a the head turning speed of 1200 bauds! Did they
hot-rod it later in its product life? It says MODEL 703 at the back, part
no. 2310503-0010. I did not open it up yet.  Is this a hardware mod? Is
there an internal switch that can toggle it between 300 and 1200? 

Marc

RE: eBay Carterfone I/O Selectric (not mine)

[D. Resor via cctalk]

Actually it did sell..  $200.00

https://www.ebay.com/itm/294429449623

Unfortunately anything Selectric must be packed carefully as it can be easily 
damaged in shipping.  I have read many horror stories on the Typewriters user 
group of this happening.

Don Resor

-Original Message-
From: cctalk  On Behalf Of Steve Malikoff via 
cctalk
Sent: Saturday, October 02, 2021 3:54 AM
To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts 
Subject: eBay Carterfone I/O Selectric (not mine)

Just a heads up on a Carterfone rebadged I/O Selectric terminal on eBay (not 
mine). #294429449623. It passed in earlier, now relisted lower BIN. I'm 
surprised no-one grabbed it the first time as it seems very reasonable for 
someone stateside. Its postage to Oz jumped from 400 USD to 500 USD when 
relisted which may be due to US Post not sending to Oz and other countries at 
the moment, so if it wasn't coming here the first time, it's now even less 
likely :) Seems it would go nicely with those 987 APL typeballs someone picked 
up earlier.

RE: LCM Accounts?

[D. Resor via cctalk]

Seems it's back up and running.?

https://mc.livingcomputers.org/


Don Resor

-Original Message-
From: cctalk  On Behalf Of Bill Gunshannon via 
cctalk
Sent: Friday, July 23, 2021 5:17 PM
To: Zane Healy ; General Discussion: On-Topic and 
Off-Topic Posts 
Subject: Re: LCM Accounts?

On 7/23/21 5:58 PM, Zane Healy wrote:
> On Jul 23, 2021, at 1:13 PM, Bill Gunshannon via cctalk 
>  wrote:
>>
>> On 7/23/21 2:57 PM, Zane Healy via cctalk wrote:
>>> Is it still possible to get accounts on the LCM systems?  I wanted to get a 
>>> login on the VAX 7000, but can’t figure out where to request an account.
>>> Zane
>>
>> What would you use it for if everything is shut down?
>>
>> bill
> 
> The systems aren’t shutdown, I was able to connect to it, I just can’t log 
> on.  I never bothered to get accounts on any of the systems.
> 
> Zane
> 
> 
> 
> 

Interesting.  The last time I tried to get to the LCM MineCraft Server it 
wasn't there and when I asked (here or somewhere similar, don't
remember) I was told they had shut everything down when they laid off all their 
people.

bill

Vintage Computer Museum eBay Sales

[D. Resor via cctalk]

It seems at least on the first page of their listings, $899.99 is a favorite
asking price?

https://www.ebay.com/str/vintagecomputermuseumservices?_trksid=p2047675.l256
3 

Don Resor

RE: MOPPY.....

[D. Resor via cctalk]

The secret life of machines….continues…..
 
 
Donald R. Resor Jr. T. W. & T. C. Svc. Co.
http://hammondorganservice.com
Hammond USA warranty service
"Most people don’t have a sense of humor. They think they do, but they don’t." 
--Jonathan Winters
 
 
 
From: Tom Hunter  
Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 2021 11:27 PM
To: D. Resor ; General Discussion: On-Topic and 
Off-Topic Posts 
Subject: Re: MOPPY.
 
Here is a somewhat advanced version:
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oym7B7YidKs
 
Enjoy
Tom Hunter
 
On Thu, May 13, 2021 at 2:00 PM D. Resor via cctalk mailto:cctalk@classiccmp.org> > wrote:
Which is closer to being vintage, the sounds made, or the floppy disk drives
themselves?

Moppy + Star Wars Theme = Floppy Vader's Theme
https://youtu.be/LdgzsF_O7oI 



Donald R. Resor Jr. T. W. & T. C. Svc. Co.
http://hammondorganservice.com
Hammond USA warranty service
"Most people don't have a sense of humor. They think they do, but they
don't." --Jonathan Winters

MOPPY.....

[D. Resor via cctalk]

Which is closer to being vintage, the sounds made, or the floppy disk drives
themselves?

Moppy + Star Wars Theme = Floppy Vader's Theme
https://youtu.be/LdgzsF_O7oI 



Donald R. Resor Jr. T. W. & T. C. Svc. Co.
http://hammondorganservice.com
Hammond USA warranty service
"Most people don't have a sense of humor. They think they do, but they
don't." --Jonathan Winters

RE: Looking for video (or photos) depicting how to remove ASR 33 printer from keyboard

[D. Resor via cctalk]

Correction, 10 Parts

Don Resor
N6KAW

-Original Message-
From: cctech  On Behalf Of D. Resor via cctech
Sent: Monday, April 12, 2021 10:08 PM
To: 'Bill Degnan' ; 'General Discussion: On-Topic Posts' 

Subject: RE: Looking for video (or photos) depicting how to remove ASR 33 
printer from keyboard

This might be a start

https://www.soemtron.org/teletypemanuals.html

Here also is a restoration set of videos  It seems there are eight parts 
and this was uploaded recently.

ASR33 Restoration

https://youtu.be/pEzpYHb4p5w

Don Resor
N6KAW

-Original Message-
From: cctech  On Behalf Of Bill Degnan via cctech
Sent: Monday, April 12, 2021 5:24 PM
To: cctech 
Subject: Looking for video (or photos) depicting how to remove ASR 33 printer 
from keyboard

I am looking for a video or photos that show how one removes the printer from 
the keyboard safely on an ASR 33.  I need to get to the underside of the 
printer levers so I can re-align them.  I am getting incorrect characters when 
I type over half of the keys.  I can see that a few levers are out of whack or 
not seated correctly but I believe to get to them properly I need to put the 
printer on its side or under a lift to get to the underside.  I am nervous 
about detaching the "H" shaped gizmo that connects the keyboard to the printer.
Thanks
Bill

RE: Looking for video (or photos) depicting how to remove ASR 33 printer from keyboard

[D. Resor via cctalk]

This might be a start

https://www.soemtron.org/teletypemanuals.html

Here also is a restoration set of videos  It seems there are eight parts 
and this was uploaded recently.

ASR33 Restoration

https://youtu.be/pEzpYHb4p5w

Don Resor
N6KAW

-Original Message-
From: cctech  On Behalf Of Bill Degnan via cctech
Sent: Monday, April 12, 2021 5:24 PM
To: cctech 
Subject: Looking for video (or photos) depicting how to remove ASR 33 printer 
from keyboard

I am looking for a video or photos that show how one removes the printer from 
the keyboard safely on an ASR 33.  I need to get to the underside of the 
printer levers so I can re-align them.  I am getting incorrect characters when 
I type over half of the keys.  I can see that a few levers are out of whack or 
not seated correctly but I believe to get to them properly I need to put the 
printer on its side or under a lift to get to the underside.  I am nervous 
about detaching the "H" shaped gizmo that connects the keyboard to the printer.
Thanks
Bill

RE: Mitsubishi Melcard (edge connect type)

[D. Resor via cctalk]

After digging a bit further and disassembling a card I have here which was 
defective and peeling apart.  I now know that this is a Seiko-Epson not a 
Mitsubishi Melcard.  Seiko-Epson are 40 Contact Traces.  Mitsubishi are 50 
Contact Traces.  I also found a data sheet from the p/n silk screened on the 
PWB of the card here:

https://www.datasheetarchive.com/pdf/download.php?id=11082c69f543ba2dc23ee78386ce2ce49debd2=O=EPC032IEC0

Thanks for giving me a shove in the right direction.

Don Resor

-Original Message-
From: cctalk  On Behalf Of D. Resor via cctalk
Sent: Sunday, April 11, 2021 5:09 PM
To: 'Alexandre Souza' ; 'General Discussion: 
On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts' 
Subject: RE: Mitsubishi Melcard (edge connect type)

I don't know.  I do know that Roland also used something similar though the 
length of some of the contact points are different from the Mitsubishi Melcard.

Don Resor

-Original Message-
From: cctalk  On Behalf Of Alexandre Souza via 
cctalk
Sent: Sunday, April 11, 2021 10:38 AM
To: Chuck Guzis ; General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic 
Posts 
Subject: Re: Mitsubishi Melcard (edge connect type)

Isnt that the epson card standard?

Enviado do meu Tele-Movel

Em dom, 11 de abr de 2021 14:37, Chuck Guzis via cctalk < 
cctalk@classiccmp.org> escreveu:

> On 4/11/21 7:08 AM, D. Resor via cctalk wrote:
> > Does anyone recall what kind of hardware/software was used to 
> > read/write
> the
> > early Mitsubishi Melcard EPROM cards with the PCB edge connector
> contacts?
> >
> >  It was explained to me by someone that a EPROM programmer could be 
> > used, however I've never seen a socket which fits the edge card 
> > connector of
> these
> > cards.
>
> I don't know if it's exactly what you're looking for, but there's a 
> potload of information on Bitsavers, starting with PDF page 115:
>
>
> http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/mitsubishi/Mitsubishi_VLSI_MOS_Memory_RAM
> _ROM_and_Memory_Cards_Jan91.pdf
>
> --Chuck
>
>

RE: Mitsubishi Melcard (edge connect type)

[D. Resor via cctalk]

I don't know.  I do know that Roland also used something similar though the 
length of some of the contact points are different from the Mitsubishi Melcard.

Don Resor

-Original Message-
From: cctalk  On Behalf Of Alexandre Souza via 
cctalk
Sent: Sunday, April 11, 2021 10:38 AM
To: Chuck Guzis ; General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic 
Posts 
Subject: Re: Mitsubishi Melcard (edge connect type)

Isnt that the epson card standard?

Enviado do meu Tele-Movel

Em dom, 11 de abr de 2021 14:37, Chuck Guzis via cctalk < 
cctalk@classiccmp.org> escreveu:

> On 4/11/21 7:08 AM, D. Resor via cctalk wrote:
> > Does anyone recall what kind of hardware/software was used to 
> > read/write
> the
> > early Mitsubishi Melcard EPROM cards with the PCB edge connector
> contacts?
> >
> >  It was explained to me by someone that a EPROM programmer could be 
> > used, however I've never seen a socket which fits the edge card 
> > connector of
> these
> > cards.
>
> I don't know if it's exactly what you're looking for, but there's a 
> potload of information on Bitsavers, starting with PDF page 115:
>
>
> http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/mitsubishi/Mitsubishi_VLSI_MOS_Memory_RAM
> _ROM_and_Memory_Cards_Jan91.pdf
>
> --Chuck
>
>

Mitsubishi Melcard (edge connect type)

[D. Resor via cctalk]

Does anyone recall what kind of hardware/software was used to read/write the
early Mitsubishi Melcard EPROM cards with the PCB edge connector contacts?

 It was explained to me by someone that a EPROM programmer could be used,
however I've never seen a socket which fits the edge card connector of these
cards.

I've uploaded an image of the edge contact end of this type of card here:

http://www.hammondorganservice.com/downloads/images/melcard.jpg 

Seems these were also available in the SRAM variety as well.

Thanks
Don Resor

RE: Any Interpress fans out there?

[D. Resor via cctalk]

I did not say it was  The Dover was a SLOT (Scanned Laser Output Terminal) 
using the EARS protocol (Ethernet, Alto, Research character generator, Scanned 
laser output terminal).

The Dover Laser Printer however was used with the Xerox Alto.

Was the 9700 the first Xerox Interpress Laser printer, I don't know.

Don Resor








-Original Message-
From: cctalk  On Behalf Of Al Kossow via cctalk
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2021 10:53 PM
To: cctalk@classiccmp.org
Subject: Re: Any Interpress fans out there?

On 3/31/21 10:37 PM, John Q Clueless via cctalk wrote:
> Here is the Dover

Dover was not an Interpress printer

RE: Any Interpress fans out there?

[D. Resor via cctalk]

Here is the Dover

https://techonomy.com/2013/04/next-trick-for-laser-printers-building-electronic-devices/

A few more images here:

https://www.computerhistory.org/revolution/input-output/14/351/1657

Where Marc might find room for one of these monstrosities I don't know.  I 
believe it's the same physical dimensions as a Xerox 2400?

https://xeroxnostalgia.com/category/2400/

Don Resor
N6KAW

-Original Message-
From: cctalk  On Behalf Of D. Resor via cctalk
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2021 10:28 PM
To: 'Tony Aiuto' ; 'General Discussion: On-Topic and 
Off-Topic Posts' 
Subject: RE: Any Interpress fans out there?

In a quick search I found this...  

PostScript and Interpress: a comparison 

http://www.mostlycolor.ch/2010/07/postscript-and-interpress-comparison.html

Seems the first printer was referred to "Dover"?

Don Resor
N6KAW

-Original Message-
From: cctalk  On Behalf Of Tony Aiuto via cctalk
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2021 10:18 PM
To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts 
Subject: Any Interpress fans out there?

I'm in the middle of imaging a set of  5 1/4" diskettes from 1988 containing 
the Interpress conformance test suite.
My plan is to
- convert the MS-DOS backup format images to files (trivial)
- find interpress to postscript converter to print the files.
- compare them to the reference pictures to verify I got them all.

The third part is the hard one. I believe there was a document to go along with 
the images, so you could verify they printed as expected. I don't think I have 
that any more.  I'm looking for pointers to an online copy. My search has come 
up empty.

Of course, the alternative is if someone has an interpress printer. We could 
just print them.  Perhaps Curious Marc has one alongside the Alto?

RE: Any Interpress fans out there?

[D. Resor via cctalk]

In a quick search I found this...  

PostScript and Interpress: a comparison 

http://www.mostlycolor.ch/2010/07/postscript-and-interpress-comparison.html

Seems the first printer was referred to "Dover"?

Don Resor
N6KAW

-Original Message-
From: cctalk  On Behalf Of Tony Aiuto via cctalk
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2021 10:18 PM
To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts 
Subject: Any Interpress fans out there?

I'm in the middle of imaging a set of  5 1/4" diskettes from 1988 containing 
the Interpress conformance test suite.
My plan is to
- convert the MS-DOS backup format images to files (trivial)
- find interpress to postscript converter to print the files.
- compare them to the reference pictures to verify I got them all.

The third part is the hard one. I believe there was a document to go along with 
the images, so you could verify they printed as expected. I don't think I have 
that any more.  I'm looking for pointers to an online copy. My search has come 
up empty.

Of course, the alternative is if someone has an interpress printer. We could 
just print them.  Perhaps Curious Marc has one alongside the Alto?

RE: IBM cpu tear down

[D. Resor via cctalk]

I thought I had seen this before...  

EEVblog teardown of a ES9000 processor.

https://youtu.be/xQ3oJlt4GrI

Don Resor
N6KAW

-Original Message-
From: cctalk  On Behalf Of Kevin Lee via
cctalk
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2021 9:15 PM
To: cctalk@classiccmp.org
Subject: IBM cpu tear down 

https://www.righto.com/2021/03/logic-chip-teardown-from-vintage-ibm.html

Enjoy.