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: Overclocked TI Silent 703 at 1200 bauds?
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: Overclocked TI Silent 703 at 1200 bauds?
On Fri, 29 Oct 2021 20:35:50 -0700 CuriousMarc via cctalk wrote: > 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 > I'm drawing a blank on that PN. I'm scanning in the 1985 TI Express Catalog right now and it only lists the 2310503-0001. I think there is an int'l version -0003. Even if the serial port would work at 1200, though, the printhead only does 45 cps. Pic of a supposed -0010 on Worthpoint, but I don't subscribe for details or confirmation. However, it would have to have something like the 2 char thermal printhead in the 780 series to print without buffering at 1200 baud, I would think. Dig some more in daylight. jbdigriz
RE: Overclocked TI Silent 703 at 1200 bauds?
It may very well have the double head. It's not dropping any characters at 1200. I am surprised. That's 4x the expected speed! Here is another sighting of a Silent 703 working at 1200 bauds: https://ronsapartment.blogspot.com/2018/06/altair-duino-and-ti-silent-700.ht ml Says the author in the comments: "My Silent 700 came with a manual. So I went by that. I was pleasantly surprised that my Silent 700 had the "high speed option"." So there was a high-speed option for the Silent 703 apparently? Marc > -Original Message- > From: James B DiGriz [mailto:jbdig...@dragonsweb.org] > Sent: Friday, October 29, 2021 10:01 PM > To: cctalk@classiccmp.org > Cc: CuriousMarc > Subject: Re: Overclocked TI Silent 703 at 1200 bauds? > > On Fri, 29 Oct 2021 20:35:50 -0700 > CuriousMarc via cctalk wrote: > > > 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 > > > > I'm drawing a blank on that PN. I'm scanning in the 1985 TI Express > Catalog right now and it only lists the 2310503-0001. I think there is > an int'l version -0003. Even if the serial port would work at 1200, > though, the printhead only does 45 cps. Pic of a supposed -0010 on > Worthpoint, but I don't subscribe for details or confirmation. > However, it would have to have something like the 2 char thermal > printhead in the 780 series to print without buffering at 1200 baud, I > would think. Dig some more in daylight. > > jbdigriz
Re: Overclocked TI Silent 703 at 1200 bauds?
Wow. I used to use one of those for BBSing back in the day, and it required nulls … Sent from my iPhone > On 30 Oct 2021, at 07:36, CuriousMarc via cctalk > wrote: > > It may very well have the double head. It's not dropping any characters at > 1200. I am surprised. That's 4x the expected speed! > Here is another sighting of a Silent 703 working at 1200 bauds: > https://ronsapartment.blogspot.com/2018/06/altair-duino-and-ti-silent-700.ht > ml > Says the author in the comments: "My Silent 700 came with a manual. So I > went by that. I was pleasantly surprised that my Silent 700 had the "high > speed option"." > So there was a high-speed option for the Silent 703 apparently? > Marc > >> -Original Message- >> From: James B DiGriz [mailto:jbdig...@dragonsweb.org] >> Sent: Friday, October 29, 2021 10:01 PM >> To: cctalk@classiccmp.org >> Cc: CuriousMarc >> Subject: Re: Overclocked TI Silent 703 at 1200 bauds? >> >>> On Fri, 29 Oct 2021 20:35:50 -0700 >>> CuriousMarc via cctalk wrote: >>> >>> 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 >>> >> >> I'm drawing a blank on that PN. I'm scanning in the 1985 TI Express >> Catalog right now and it only lists the 2310503-0001. I think there is >> an int'l version -0003. Even if the serial port would work at 1200, >> though, the printhead only does 45 cps. Pic of a supposed -0010 on >> Worthpoint, but I don't subscribe for details or confirmation. >> However, it would have to have something like the 2 char thermal >> printhead in the 780 series to print without buffering at 1200 baud, I >> would think. Dig some more in daylight. >> >> jbdigriz >
Re: Overclocked TI Silent 703 at 1200 bauds?
On Fri, 29 Oct 2021 23:36:27 -0700 "CuriousMarc" wrote: > It may very well have the double head. It's not dropping any > characters at 1200. I am surprised. That's 4x the expected speed! > Here is another sighting of a Silent 703 working at 1200 bauds: > https://ronsapartment.blogspot.com/2018/06/altair-duino-and-ti-silent-700.ht > ml > Says the author in the comments: "My Silent 700 came with a manual. > So I went by that. I was pleasantly surprised that my Silent 700 had > the "high speed > option"." > So there was a high-speed option for the Silent 703 apparently? > M > Looks like it. I haven't found anything yet on the 703 high-speed version, but it's probably similar to the 707/1200 version. The one shown here has a copyright date of 1986, so getting late in the game there. That is PN 2545996-0001 and also has an external serial port not found on earlier 707s, I think. https://www.reddit.com/r/retrobattlestations/comments/p4atq2/ti_silent_7001200bps_gonna_clean_it_up/ I will try to ask somebody who worked at the Temple plant about it, though.
RE: Overclocked TI Silent 703 at 1200 bauds?
I hadn't known about 1200 bps Silent 700s. I just found a TI Silent 700/1200 on eBay and it is now on its way to me. If I can figure out if/how it can toggle between 300 and 1200 bps, I'll let you know. Meanwhile, I can tell you that a manual I have for a model 703 says that configuration switch 4 is "not yet used". 1 & 2 are for parity, 3 is for print width (80/132 columns). Maybe switch 4 toggles between 300 and 1200. If you lift the smoky gray cover, you'll not only gain access to the roll of paper but also, just above the keyboard, an expansion slot on the left-hand side and the four DIP switches just to the right of the expansion slot. The DIP switches are found below a small rectangular cutout in the terminal's plastic case. On a model 703 I have there is a label under the paper roll that tells what the 3 working DIP switches do and tells some of the CMD key sequences that can be use on models 703, 707, and 709. Apparently the same label was used for all three basic models. But maybe a unit with a 1200 bps option has a label that lists a function for DIP switch 4 or a CMD key sequence for setting communications speed. Another possibility is the auto-access cartridge that can go in the expansion slot. The 700/1200 I have on the way to me includes an auto-access cartridge. Maybe it allows choosing between 300 and 1200 bps? If you have an auto-access cartridge in your terminal, try some of the commands for it that are listed on the quick reference card http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/ti/terminal/silent_700/2310610-0001_Silent_700_ Auto-Access_Cartridge_Quick_Reference_Card.pdf . If you figure out how to toggle between 300 and 1200 bps, please share the trick.
RE: Overclocked TI Silent 703 at 1200 bauds?
I should have looked closer at the photos of the Silent 700/1200 I just bought. There's a very clear auction photo that shows DIP switch 4 does switch between "300 baud" and "1200 baud". Maybe it's the same for Marc's 1200 bps model 703. Silent 700/1200 auction (ended): https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/lQ8AAOSwnLtglDa7/s-l1600.jpg Auction photo of 700/1200 DIP switch legend and CMD key options: https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/lQ8AAOSwnLtglDa7/s-l1600.jpg
Re: Overclocked TI Silent 703 at 1200 bauds?
Yes, I tried switch #4 and that did not do it. I opened it up, no other obvious jumpers. The processor doesn’t even say TMS 7041, it’s a custom numbered part. Not that I am complaining, I am fine with my blazing fast gamer’s TI 703 with overdrive. I’m just surprised they did not label it anywhere on the machine or even change the product naming. Like TI 703 Turbo or something! Marc > On Oct 30, 2021, at 9:44 AM, Ron Pool via cctalk > wrote: > > I hadn't known about 1200 bps Silent 700s. I just found a TI Silent > 700/1200 on eBay and it is now on its way to me. If I can figure out if/how > it can toggle between 300 and 1200 bps, I'll let you know. > > Meanwhile, I can tell you that a manual I have for a model 703 says that > configuration switch 4 is "not yet used". 1 & 2 are for parity, 3 is for > print width (80/132 columns). Maybe switch 4 toggles between 300 and 1200. > If you lift the smoky gray cover, you'll not only gain access to the roll of > paper but also, just above the keyboard, an expansion slot on the left-hand > side and the four DIP switches just to the right of the expansion slot. The > DIP switches are found below a small rectangular cutout in the terminal's > plastic case. > > On a model 703 I have there is a label under the paper roll that tells what > the 3 working DIP switches do and tells some of the CMD key sequences that > can be use on models 703, 707, and 709. Apparently the same label was used > for all three basic models. But maybe a unit with a 1200 bps option has a > label that lists a function for DIP switch 4 or a CMD key sequence for > setting communications speed. > > Another possibility is the auto-access cartridge that can go in the > expansion slot. The 700/1200 I have on the way to me includes an > auto-access cartridge. Maybe it allows choosing between 300 and 1200 bps? > If you have an auto-access cartridge in your terminal, try some of the > commands for it that are listed on the quick reference card > http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/ti/terminal/silent_700/2310610-0001_Silent_700_ > Auto-Access_Cartridge_Quick_Reference_Card.pdf . > > If you figure out how to toggle between 300 and 1200 bps, please share the > trick. >
RE: Overclocked TI Silent 703 at 1200 bauds?
I just checked my 3 703's... all are switch 4 unused and functioning at 300 baud. If you would like to trade one in order to have the classic 300 baud experience... -Original Message- From: cctalk [mailto:cctalk-boun...@classiccmp.org] On Behalf Of Curious Marc via cctalk Sent: Saturday, October 30, 2021 3:51 PM To: amp1...@gmail.com; General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts Subject: Re: Overclocked TI Silent 703 at 1200 bauds? Yes, I tried switch #4 and that did not do it. I opened it up, no other obvious jumpers. The processor doesn’t even say TMS 7041, it’s a custom numbered part. Not that I am complaining, I am fine with my blazing fast gamer’s TI 703 with overdrive. I’m just surprised they did not label it anywhere on the machine or even change the product naming. Like TI 703 Turbo or something! Marc > On Oct 30, 2021, at 9:44 AM, Ron Pool via cctalk > wrote: > > I hadn't known about 1200 bps Silent 700s. I just found a TI Silent > 700/1200 on eBay and it is now on its way to me. If I can figure out > if/how it can toggle between 300 and 1200 bps, I'll let you know. > > Meanwhile, I can tell you that a manual I have for a model 703 says > that configuration switch 4 is "not yet used". 1 & 2 are for parity, > 3 is for print width (80/132 columns). Maybe switch 4 toggles between 300 > and 1200. > If you lift the smoky gray cover, you'll not only gain access to the > roll of paper but also, just above the keyboard, an expansion slot on > the left-hand side and the four DIP switches just to the right of the > expansion slot. The DIP switches are found below a small rectangular > cutout in the terminal's plastic case. > > On a model 703 I have there is a label under the paper roll that tells > what the 3 working DIP switches do and tells some of the CMD key > sequences that can be use on models 703, 707, and 709. Apparently the > same label was used for all three basic models. But maybe a unit with > a 1200 bps option has a label that lists a function for DIP switch 4 > or a CMD key sequence for setting communications speed. > > Another possibility is the auto-access cartridge that can go in the > expansion slot. The 700/1200 I have on the way to me includes an > auto-access cartridge. Maybe it allows choosing between 300 and 1200 bps? > If you have an auto-access cartridge in your terminal, try some of the > commands for it that are listed on the quick reference card > http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/ti/terminal/silent_700/2310610-0001_Silen > t_700_ Auto-Access_Cartridge_Quick_Reference_Card.pdf . > > If you figure out how to toggle between 300 and 1200 bps, please share > the trick. > -- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus
Re: Overclocked TI Silent 703 at 1200 bauds?
Please excuse the hijack: I have two Silent 700's, I think the 745 models with acoustic coupler and 110/300 baud rocker switch. One I have fixed and it works great (well, at least as far as that silvery thermal printout goes). Unfortunately one has three bad keys and at least one missing column on the printhead (yes, the head itself is bad). Does anyone have a junker from which I can buy three keyswitches and a printhead? :) thanks Charles
Re: Overclocked TI Silent 703 at 1200 bauds?
On Sun, 31 Oct 2021, Charles via cctalk wrote: Please excuse the hijack: I have two Silent 700's, I think the 745 models with acoustic coupler and 110/300 baud rocker switch. One I have fixed and it works great (well, at least as far as that silvery thermal printout goes). I've seen ELECTROSTATIC printers with silvery aluminized electrostatic paper. Didn't hold up well to crumpling. Such as http://www.trs-80.org/trs-80-quick-printer/ or the HP 9120 The THERMAL paper that I used for the Silent 700s was "white" and very slowly changing to yellow or brown. Didn't hold up very well to heat and/or sunlight. The Gavilan had a printer that was thermal OR could take an ink ribbon cartridge. When used with thermal paper AND the ink, the quality was significantly better than either thermal or ink. -- Grumpy Ol' Fred ci...@xenosoft.com
Re: Overclocked TI Silent 703 at 1200 bauds?
On Sun, Oct 31, 2021 at 11:40 PM Fred Cisin via cctalk wrote: > The THERMAL paper that I used for the Silent 700s was "white" and very > slowly changing to yellow or brown. Didn't hold up very well to heat > and/or sunlight. Another thing that ruins thermal printouts is propan-2-ol (isopropyl alcohol). It turn the paper black as if it has been heated. Since I normally have a can of said solvent on my bench for cleaning disk drive heads, connectors, etc, I have to be careful if there's a thermal printer about. -tony
Re: Overclocked TI Silent 703 at 1200 bauds?
Yes, I have ruined a few printouts using the isopropanol method ;-) . On that subject, can anyone recommend a source for the thermal paper used in the Silent? Marc > On Oct 31, 2021, at 9:36 PM, Tony Duell via cctalk > wrote: > > On Sun, Oct 31, 2021 at 11:40 PM Fred Cisin via cctalk > wrote: > >> The THERMAL paper that I used for the Silent 700s was "white" and very >> slowly changing to yellow or brown. Didn't hold up very well to heat >> and/or sunlight. > > Another thing that ruins thermal printouts is propan-2-ol (isopropyl > alcohol). It turn the paper black as if it has been heated. > > Since I normally have a can of said solvent on my bench for cleaning > disk drive heads, connectors, etc, I have to be careful if there's a > thermal printer about. > > -tony
RE: Overclocked TI Silent 703 at 1200 bauds?
Commodore Z (creator of the Cactus 6502 computer) seems to have a supply. He has provided me with several rolls. Bill Sudbrink -Original Message- From: cctalk [mailto:cctalk-boun...@classiccmp.org] On Behalf Of Curious Marc via cctalk Sent: Monday, November 01, 2021 4:06 AM To: Tony Duell ; General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts Subject: Re: Overclocked TI Silent 703 at 1200 bauds? Yes, I have ruined a few printouts using the isopropanol method ;-) . On that subject, can anyone recommend a source for the thermal paper used in the Silent? Marc > On Oct 31, 2021, at 9:36 PM, Tony Duell via cctalk > wrote: > > On Sun, Oct 31, 2021 at 11:40 PM Fred Cisin via cctalk > wrote: > >> The THERMAL paper that I used for the Silent 700s was "white" and >> very slowly changing to yellow or brown. Didn't hold up very well to >> heat and/or sunlight. > > Another thing that ruins thermal printouts is propan-2-ol (isopropyl > alcohol). It turn the paper black as if it has been heated. > > Since I normally have a can of said solvent on my bench for cleaning > disk drive heads, connectors, etc, I have to be careful if there's a > thermal printer about. > > -tony -- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus
Re: Overclocked TI Silent 703 at 1200 bauds?
On Mon, 1 Nov 2021 01:05:45 -0700 Curious Marc via cctalk wrote: > Yes, I have ruined a few printouts using the isopropanol method ;-) . > On that subject, can anyone recommend a source for the thermal paper > used in the Silent? Marc > I found this link: https://www.adorablesupply.com/items/marine~navtex-recording-rolls/texas-instrument-thermal-printer-rolls-fax-ti-sln700-1-copy-1-detail.htm Old school TI vendors and repair services like https://www.omnidatasys.net/ or https://www.fastprinters.com/ might be able to refer you to a supplier if they don't still have the paper. If you measure the guide pins or the inner ID if you have a roll, if it's 1/2 inch, fax printer or Brother PocketJet rolls might work in a pinch. TI part numbers for the 100' roll is 0972603-0001, non-perforated, 0999415-0001 perforated.
RE: Overclocked TI Silent 703 at 1200 bauds?
> On that subject, can anyone recommend a source for the thermal paper used in > the Silent? I just use thermal fax paper that comes in rolls that are 8.5" wide and (usually) 98' long. 100' or shorter rolls fit fine inside the Silent 700 terminals. That paper is still being made and is widely available from lots of places like Amazon and Staples. I usually buy opened boxes off of eBay where the box is cheap and only 5 out of 6 roll are left in the original box. But definitely first check Amazon and local office supply stores to make sure you don't pay more for a shipped partial box from eBay than you would for a full box at retail prices. -- Ron
Re: Overclocked TI Silent 703 at 1200 bauds?
Yes. Doh. 8-1/2 inch rolls of thermal Fax paper on ½” core. Sold at Staples. $3 a roll. Works like a charm. Marc > On Nov 4, 2021, at 3:06 PM, Ron Pool via cctalk wrote: > > >> >> On that subject, can anyone recommend a source for the thermal paper used in >> the Silent? > > I just use thermal fax paper that comes in rolls that are 8.5" wide and > (usually) 98' long. 100' or shorter rolls fit fine inside the Silent 700 > terminals. That paper is still being made and is widely available from lots > of places like Amazon and Staples. I usually buy opened boxes off of eBay > where the box is cheap and only 5 out of 6 roll are left in the original box. > But definitely first check Amazon and local office supply stores to make > sure you don't pay more for a shipped partial box from eBay than you would > for a full box at retail prices. > > -- Ron >
RE: Overclocked TI Silent 703 at 1200 bauds?
On my 703 the label says switch 4 unused, and it does nothing when I try it. Marc > -Original Message- > From: cctalk [mailto:cctalk-boun...@classiccmp.org] On Behalf Of Ron Pool > via cctalk > Sent: Saturday, October 30, 2021 10:06 AM > To: 'General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts' > Subject: RE: Overclocked TI Silent 703 at 1200 bauds? > > I should have looked closer at the photos of the Silent 700/1200 I just > bought. There's a very clear auction photo that shows DIP switch 4 does > switch between "300 baud" and "1200 baud". Maybe it's the same for Marc's > 1200 bps model 703. > > Silent 700/1200 auction (ended): > https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/lQ8AAOSwnLtglDa7/s-l1600.jpg > > Auction photo of 700/1200 DIP switch legend and CMD key options: > https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/lQ8AAOSwnLtglDa7/s-l1600.jpg >
Re: Overclocked TI Silent 703 at 1200 bauds?
On Mon, Nov 1, 2021 at 8:21 AM Curious Marc via cctalk < cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote: > Yes, I have ruined a few printouts using the isopropanol method ;-) . On > that subject, can anyone recommend a source for the thermal paper used in > the Silent? > I was able to get suitable thermal paper at Office Max or Office Depot, I forgot which. I had to ask an employee for "thermal fax paper".
