hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
[solved] PCI, PCI64, PCI-X, looking for an expert - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: legacy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2019, 07:40:50 pm
content: looking for experts with skills on the old (1992-2004) PCI bus, specifically, I have problems at mastering the differences between PCI64 and PCI-X.I have a bunch of PCI-X cards installed into PCI64@33-66Mhz that are showing weird behavior on cerctain RISC workstations, so I have the feeling that it's not an isolated case.Anyway, the first question is: has anyone ever tried to ground the PCIXCAP pin, in order to force the chip on the PCI-X card to believe that it's a *PCI canonical being* rather than a *PCI-X being* ?edit:solved, checked the motherboard: 100% compliant, the PCIXCAP pin is OKso I checked the software: bingo, a wrong barrier has been found, and fixed!

author: dexters_lab
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 22, 2019, 10:18:44 am
content: iirc pci-x was faster clock, maybe your cards don't like being operated at the lower speed and it's affecting some of the internal timing on the card?

author: legacy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2019, 03:26:29 pm
content: I think this is a difficult task without a PCI bus analyzer, anyway.Perhaps, I will buy one
PCI SATA controller on Linux/non-x86 vintage computers - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: stj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2019, 11:13:32 pm
content: lol - back to the topic,what chips/chipsets have you tried?and what are you trying them in? is it a 33MHz or a 66MHz PCI bus?i'm sure the SGI people at Nekochan have tried lots of cards - the MIPS based Octane machines have an optional PCI cage.
TRS80 model 1 LDOS Basic - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: L_Euler
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2019, 12:39:05 am
content: I've searched everywhere for this and turned up nothing. What is the command withinbasicthat displays the disc directory? I get nothing but syntax error for any form of DIR I've tried.

author: kizmit99
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2019, 01:23:22 am
content: Try: CMD "DIR"--Just realized that may be misleading. The command is actually all 9 characters of that...CMD "DIR"

author: L_Euler
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2019, 11:19:58 am
content: Yea that works, but it is a jump to DOS. I thought there was a direct command within BASIC to read the disc directory.

author: rrinker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2019, 04:14:25 pm
content: The original version used the command Q  to list the directory of a drive.I think that was removed b the time of LDOS 5 so the CMD "DIR :0" is your only option.
Burroughs F6100 F6700 accounting machines - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: woodchips
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2019, 12:20:47 pm
content: Long ago I bought three Burroughs F6100 and F6700 accounting machines, I have just started to have a go at repairing them.These are large, complex machines, with a programmable plate to determine what and how it works.The snag is I have no instructions for use, and whilst it isn't that hard to work it out knowing exactly how and what it does would be very useful.Does anyone have, or know of, instructions and servicing information for these, and other Burroughs adding and accounting machines. I have piles of servicing and operating information for NCR (National Cash Registers) machines but they are rare in the UK, Burroughs are far more common.

author: notsob
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2019, 11:18:08 pm
content: Burroughs internal servicing and repair documentation for their technicians was very thorough. As Unisys is the current owner of all things burroughs, it may be worth contacting Unisys to see if they are prepared to help

author: woodchips
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2019, 11:07:47 am
content: ThanksHave sent a query to Unisys, but another reply says that all the Burroughs bumf went to the University of Columbia, the inference was getting anything out is not easy. I suppose the staff can't run around to every request, and I am not likely to go in person. Hoping for some old service personnel with a pile of paper in the garage.

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2019, 01:57:30 pm
content: I would ask Jim Austen if he has any informationhttp://www.computermuseum.org.uk/

author: dexters_lab
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 30, 2019, 09:53:06 pm
content: i've not been able to get in touch with Jim for quite some time, i hope he's doing ok

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2019, 07:02:57 am
content: Oh no, I hope so too.I think there've been updates on the website but haven't looked recently
Unknown Atmel - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ycrcb
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 22, 2019, 06:16:09 am
content: I am currently playing with some old Aston video character generators, and while cleaning the various PCB's,i try to identify the different IC's.But this one have until now evaded any identification attempt. (see attached image)ATMELAVM 2F6A1842andATMELAVM 282000854B6A2676Any info will be highly appreciated.

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2019, 09:31:31 pm
content: Broadcast character generator?Welcome to undocumented ASIC city.

author: ycrcb
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 24, 2019, 12:30:59 pm
content: Uh, sounds complicated.Are these "dumpable" like an eeprom, or are they more like a gate type thing...?

author: Rerouter
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2019, 01:30:52 pm
content: Bottom line is the date cose and fab location, so thats out,The other 2 don't leave me with any results either.http://itersnews.com/?p=103763This was about the best lead I could find on the type of processing those chips may be doing.

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2019, 03:35:54 pm
content: Quote from: ycrcb on June 24, 2019, 12:30:59 pmNo, what I mean is if this is even mildly specialized professional gear from pretty much any time before 2000 or so, when this all got computerized, it's going to be /full/ of application specific, undocumented chips that, unless you call up the manufacturer perhaps, you'd never get even so much as a description of what it does, unless you can tell from context.If you can't find it on the internet, it's very likely you'll never be able to find it, the pure insane number of custom spun chips in these sorts of machines is mind boggling.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2019, 03:40:28 pm
content: audio video mux. the 4x4 arrangement leads me to believe this is a crosspoint switch.

author: dexters_lab
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 15, 2019, 01:52:01 pm
content: like others have said it looks like a custom asic made by Atmel for Aston, maybe a custom gate array type thing rather than a full asic, they are pretty much unknown 'black boxes' without some details from those that designed it.i have seen similar Atmel parts on some of Quantel's boards

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2019, 11:09:13 pm
content: QCS : quad crosspoint switch

author: dexters_lab
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 20, 2019, 10:23:30 am
content: Not in this case i don't think, my quantel guru thinks they are custom combiners for YUV+key video as they sit between some FPGAs and some Ratheon filters but back to the case in point... it shows how hard it is to work out without schematics or block diagramsif the OP posts up some pics of all the cards in the system we might be able to infer what some of it does
Apple Lisa Keyboard assistance - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: georgeretro
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 12, 2018, 08:35:59 am
content: Hi all,I ask for your assistance in relation to the caps lock mechanism on the Apple Lisa Keyboard. It contains a tiny gold pin and a compression spring. (I have a photo of mechanismhttps://postimg.cc/image/lwpyl31uj/)Would anyone know the size of this spring? In particular the 'out diameter', so I can find an appropriate size.Thank you all in advance,

author: Cerebus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2018, 02:10:44 pm
content: Sorry I can't help with the question in hand.However, you've posted the same question in two different topics, that's generally considered to be poor etiquette around here. You'll probably find that one of the moderators will come along and lock one of the threads...

author: nidlaX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2018, 10:21:31 pm
content: Hi George, it looks like you probably have the ALPS SKCC version, correct? If so, then the locking switch should be:https://deskthority.net/wiki/Alps_SKCC_LockYou can ask for more info and/or ask to buy replacements from someone on Deskthority.net.

author: georgeretro
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 13, 2018, 05:49:18 am
content: No unfortunately that does not appear to be the one. That one is for an other Apple computer but not the Lisa. Thank you though for your input

author: nidlaX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2018, 09:37:37 am
content: Quote from: georgeretro on August 13, 2018, 05:49:18 amThere were prototypes for the Lisa keyboard that used the ALPS SKCC series.If you post a picture of the keyboard with switches, it will help with the identification.

author: georgeretro
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 13, 2018, 10:12:53 am
content: Hi NidlaX,This post contains the appropriate photos:https://deskthority.net/photos-f62/apple-lisa-keyboard-t12064.htmlKind regards,

author: ebastler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2018, 10:27:57 am
content: Quote from: georgeretro on August 13, 2018, 10:12:53 amIn those pictures, the caps lock key does not look any different from the others. Is it different inside, or could you just measure the tiny spring inside one of the other keys?

author: georgeretro
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 14, 2018, 01:10:57 am
content: If you have a look at this image, the arrow points to the caps lock and a mechanism that sits on top that is a white plastic component. This is the mechanism as I have demonstrated earlier:Ta,

author: georgeretro
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 10, 2019, 12:18:37 am
content: Hi all,just wanted to jolt this post back. I am still looking for a solution to this issue. Thank you all.
TMS34010 graphics processor - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: woodchips
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2019, 04:30:42 pm
content: Found an interesting board in an ancient computer, graphics using the TI 34010.Back in the 80's I used the 34061 in many designs, but not the 34010, too expensive!This is an 8 bit ISA board with the 34010, a DIMM using 4C4001 chips, few PALs and not much else.I see that the User Manual and C manual are available, any interest?Computer is a passive backplane ISA with a 486.

author: RobBarter
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2019, 10:17:58 am
content: My Final Year project at University back in 1989 was to design and build a Graphics processor board using the TMS34010. Programmed it in machine code to display a Mandelbrot set. All wire wrapped!
Origin of 0.156" (3.96mm) pitch edge card connectors? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 18, 2019, 03:34:10 am
content: Does anybody know where the once-common 0.156" pitch (3.96 mm) edge card connectors originally came from?I remember in the late 1970s the 44 pin (22 per side) edge card connector was very common in microprocessor systems, etc.Why that pitch? It seems like an odd number. Does anybody know how it originated?

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2019, 04:38:07 am
content: 5/32
Commodore Plus 4/C16 PLA EPROM Replacement - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TheEPROM9
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2019, 12:24:00 am
content: http://youtu.be/sG1e_b0julMAs there is no info on doing this for the Commodore Plus 4/C16. I thought I would lob my hat in the ring.The pinout is the same as the C64 adapter & the PLA file can be burned to a standard 27C512 EPROMAs the PLA EPROM replacements can be a bit flaky according to sources online, so I would recommend using a ST M27C512-15FI EPROM. The problem is to do with the timings so I would look for a 150ns chip. Works with basic testing, more advanced testing would require I actually have software. Maybe I can burn some EPROM carts to change that.This should also work with the C16 as it is esentaly a Plus 4 in a C64 case with a diffrent mobo layout & less memory.Links To PLA Firmware & Other Related Info:http://www.commodorefree.com/magazine/vol4/issue38.htmlhttp://www.zimmers.net/anonftp/pub/cbm/firmware/ALLFILES.htmlhttp://www.zimmers.net/anonftp/pub/cbm/firmware/computers/plus4/index.htmlPlus 4 C64 PLA Pinout:http://www.devili.iki.fi/Computers/Commodore/Plus4/Service_Manual/page_08.htmlhttps://www.c64-wiki.com/wiki/PLA_(C64_chip)I will also attach the PLA firmware here that you can burn with any standard EPROM burner.Also added the ROM's incase any of you have ROM errors as they are known to go bad.
This weekend's project... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2019, 08:58:15 am
content: An unexpectedly free weekend leaves me with a little time to play.So, aside from playing radio later (QO-100, Es'Hail-2 is tempting me), I've got a pile of these boards harvested from retired LED sign boards, never managed to get them to display anything other than ROM revision and an 'address' or ID number and I figure it'd make a nice little 6502 BASIC computer, there's a 6502 (obviously), RTC, Dual ACIA, 6522 VIA, 8K Ram and 8K EPROM.Address decoding is done in a PAL16L8 which I decoded many years ago and think I still have the code for but if the EPROM burner still works then it's pretty trivial to work out again.I'm hoping I can get MS Basic running on it via a serial console in fairly short order
1982 Navigation Computer | S-100 Bus? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: pamperchu
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2018, 05:03:16 am
content: I found an old navigation computer from the early 80s. I think it's a variation of the S-100 bus. came with 2 CPU cards, an 8088 and an 8085, plus a few other boards, I/O and keyboard controller.History lesson;Loran-C was a hyperbolic radio navigation system which allowed a receiver to determine its position by listening to low frequency radio signals transmitted by fixed land-based radio beacons.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loran-CIt should be able to connect with TTY via the serial COM interface. Very interested in moding some of the system hardwareMore Pictureshttps://imgur.com/a/Ox0FsH9

author: rrinker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2018, 01:33:33 pm
content: Don't think it's S-100, unless I miscounted, the pulled card in the imgur library has 43 pins per side, 86 pin edge card connector.Neat piece of gear to play around with though.

author: pamperchu
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2018, 06:37:39 pm
content: http://www.retrotechnology.com/herbs_stuff/s100bus.htmlUnder " S-100 books and documents""Bill Godbout, founder of Compupro and George Morrow of Morrow worked on the IEEE-696 bus design, we have many manuals of those products. A discussion of pins 20 and 70 on the original Altair bus, which supported front-panel memory write protect, is in this document. My S-100 home page links to other documents of interest. "If it is something else, or if anyone knows exactly what system bus it is, please let me know.Edit; some information on Marrow computershttp://www.retrotechnology.com/herbs_stuff/d_morrow.html

author: ebastler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2018, 07:01:05 pm
content: Quote from: pamperchu on July 24, 2018, 06:37:39 pmI don't think this was the same Morrow. It seems that George Morrow staid in the microcomputer business for quite a bit longer, using various company names and computer brands (https://www.pc-history.org/cpm.htm). During the same time period, the Loran systems were developed by "II Morrow Inc" in Oregon, which later ended up with Garmin (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garmin).Hence, I don't see any necessary link between the S-100 bus and your LLC-4000.

author: pamperchu
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2018, 10:06:35 pm
content: LOL, ok so I don't have any clue now what system it is, besides being an 8088/85. Ill take a dump of the ROMs soon and see what I can find in them.

author: duak
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 25, 2018, 12:02:57 am
content: I think it could be an Intel Multibus based system - who else would have an 8088/85? (Actually, a friend had an S100 card in the early 80's, but it wasn't Multibus)I believe Multibus was codified as IEEE-796. I think later versions went to pin/socket connectors like Eurocard/VME.BTW, I've always thought that Blunderbus was a good name and used it for a project in college.

author: nad007007
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2019, 09:50:39 am
content: This is interesting 8088
1980s vintage ICs - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2018, 03:06:50 am
content: Got my 1980s Toshiba 4584 hex inverters. I really like the vintage tape carrier. For something 30 years old it holds up. The tape backing still sticks and is still pliable. Awesome. I really like the shape of these SOP chips, not quite SOIC, more rectangular. It's the type of packahe I remember from the first time I saw SMT chips as opposed to all the DIPs in my Commodores. That's why I have this nostalgic feeling for SOPs. Totally trivial I know but fun.

author: SilverSolder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 05:52:18 pm
content: Ah, but does the magic smoke have the proper 1980's electronics aroma??

author: nad007007
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2019, 09:34:41 am
content: Nice
Block I Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: nad007007
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2019, 09:26:27 am
content: Found this build you own Block I Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC)http://klabs.org/history/build_agc/build_agc_1.pdfhttp://klabs.org/history/build_agc/
Help identifying vintage computer board - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: emece67
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2019, 10:57:48 am
content: .

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2019, 11:11:38 am
content: Augat makes prototyping wirewrap boards.So on first guess it looks like it is a unique or small series production where this was created for.I have seen these kinds of boards (not this one specific) made for R&D companies designing their own specific Test and Measurement equipment.Also the yeardate code of the components (1986) do not suggest it is from the old computer factories IMO.

author: dexters_lab
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 10:17:15 am
content: i don't recognise the form factor, though i am sure someone will!

author: GregDunn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 04:18:23 pm
content: That surely isn't a VAX or PDP compatible board; both have multiple "sections" of pins; Q-bus has 2 of (18?) pairs of pins each, VAX has 4 and FASTbus has 6.

author: gardner
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2019, 06:07:03 pm
content: Not a DEC UNIBUS either.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UnibusS-100 doesn't have the keying slot.

author: fourtytwo42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2019, 04:33:31 pm
content: I thought the UL1 would be a clue but I have now seen pictures of Augat UL1 boards without an edge connector!I must admit at the time it was quite common to have prototype boards that although having an edge connector did not meet any particular bus standard as the mating connectors (for the backplane) were widely available in different numbers of ways and pitches. This one seems to have 60 ways, one or two sided ? and pitch ?I myself built loads of stuff on these with all sorts of proprietary interconnects, remember in those days most backplanes including computers were wirewrapped so anything goes! and not necessarily bused to all slots but function dependent connections, sometimes a processor or graphics, memory function would be chopped up across many slots even using large 15" square pcb's (that were quite common).

author: Stray Electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2019, 12:29:57 am
content: How many contacts on the edge connectors? It looks like it might be an S-100 bus card edge connector but the computer boards weren't that tall. But a lot of manufacturers used blank S-100 format cards for custom boards because the cards were made in high volumes and were probably the cheapest available prototyping board around in the early 1980s.I don't any physical ports on that card, or any kind of CPU or RAM or LSI I/O chips or a oscillator crystal so I don't think that it's part of a computer.

author: nad007007
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2019, 09:08:30 am
content: Nice wire wrap.
An emulator for the IBM 7094 mainframe computer. (Big Iron circa 1960) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: intabits
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2019, 12:11:34 am
content: In the late 1950's and early 1960's, the IBM 7090 series mainframes were the most widely installed large scale mainframe computers n the world.These were the quintessential "Big Iron", or "Electronic Brains" as the media of time liked to call them.Back in 2001-2004 I wrote an emulator for the 7094, and was the first to get it's operating system "IBSYS" to run, after it had been dormant for decades.It has all the "blinkenlights", and can compile and run Fortan and Cobol programs.Recently, with much help from one of my earlier collaborators, the emulator has been improved, and more demonstration jobs added.I've made a video about it:https://youtu.be/4xaBS6pWrG0And published the emulator, including source and demonstration scripts, along with a pile of IBM manuals at:-https://www.fosshub.com/B7094-IBM7094-Emulator.htmlIt is dead easy to use, as no knowledge of the old systems, or of the emulator is required. A scripted demonstration system makes that possible.So to see it for yourself, you need only to download, extract and run it.Then just click stuff, and watch the blinken lights...Hope you do so, and enjoy...

author: alpher
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2019, 01:14:50 am
content: Awesome workHope you'll post it at vcfed forums.

author: intabits
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2019, 10:36:22 am
content: Thanks.Yes, just after the post above, I joined VCFED and posted the same there.I also posted to newsgroup alt.folklore.computers (where I proudly announced the first run of IBSYS, back in 2004), but I'm not sure if it got through (I haven't posted to usenet for 15 years)

author: Tomorokoshi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2019, 03:38:47 am
content: I looked up the 7094 in "Computer Architecture" by Brooks and Blaauw, and while it doesn't have much detail on the 7094, it does go into detail on its predecessors, starting with the 701.An excerpt from Chapter 12, page 645:Quote

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2019, 11:13:33 pm
content: Quote from: intabits on January 22, 2019, 12:11:34 amYup, serious big iron, alright. The machines were in a set of 11 or 12 big cabinets about the size of a commercial (not walk-in) refrigerator, and had 55,000 transistors on 11,000 circuit cards. The magnitude of making and keeping all that working 100% boggles my mind!Jon

author: intabits
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2019, 05:20:43 pm
content: I've just uploaded the part 2 video, describing how to compile the project with the Lazarus/Free Pascal Compiler development platform (and installing that also).https://youtu.be/W5Blz5-chSUThe video also describes a few minor updates to the emulator project.Enjoy!

author: nad007007
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2019, 09:05:25 am
content: Very nice IBM 7094 emulator
Autoswitching 110-220 fontes ATX - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Tulio Moreira
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 06, 2019, 03:50:17 pm
content: Hello friendsVcs has some automatic switcher scheme for network input from ATX sources,I need a simple and reliable circuit, have you tried some that are worth adapting? ...
Dragon 32 power supply help transformer required  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: longboard1210
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2018, 09:15:47 pm
content: I am in the proccess of restoring a coiuple of the dragon 32 machines from go old walesthe original power blocks were a three tap transformer and i am clearly not looking for the right thing because i cant seem to come up with anythingI would like to keep the internals the same and make new power bricks for them so if i find a proper one i havent got to undo anything i have doneaccording to the dragon 32 wiki page this is the transformer specs55 VA, 8,5 VAC + 2 x 14,4 VACCould anyone point me in the right direction of trying to souce a transformerThanksMike

author: barbeque
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2019, 03:42:18 pm
content: Not sure your numbers are 100% right, I found this page:http://dragon32.info/info/psu.htmlThey say 8.5VAC and 28VAC. I think the computer is only using AC so they can get negative voltages out (the power accessory board serves up -5V, +5V, +12V to the motherboard which I'm assuming is all DC).28VAC feels oddly high if you are just trying to get +12VDC out of it (although it looks like the Dragon64 feeds -12VDC to the motherboard as well). Maybe they serve it to a user port for peripherals like on the C64?

author: GadgetUK164
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2019, 06:06:31 pm
content: Quote from: longboard1210 on October 14, 2018, 09:15:47 pmI did some repairs to a Dragon 32 last year - are you sure the transformer is dead? If memory serves these have a thermal fuse that often blows on these. You can remove the rivets from the PSU, find and replace the thermal fuse (check the temperature rating in the old one) and bring them back to life most of the time. There are a few regulators onboard the Dragon : 5v, -5v, and -12v (think). You could add another power socket for a different PSU type, OR remove / modify the interal PSU board to use a pico PSU or something similar.The windings are shown here:-http://archive.worldofdragon.org/images/4/44/Dragon_power_supply_schematics.pngSchematics for the onboard regulator section:-http://www.dragondata.co.uk/tech/circuit-diag/D32/SA/D32-SA21204-PSU-MOD.gifYou could in theory use an AC PSU that provides slightly different voltages there - just check which regulators are getting fed by the AC inputs. Some modifications might need to be made if you do use another transformer. If in doubt, disconnect the motherboard whilst you work on it.
8052AH Basic 1.31 on a DS89C430/450 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: iMo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 07:52:54 pm
content: Anybody there who tried? I've found a couple of those Dallas variants (single clock, 16/64kB flash @33MHz max) in my junkbox (did some experiments long time back). Thinking to run the BASIC on it (MCS-BASIC-52 V1.31), it compiles (ASEM-51), but it most probably will require some changes due to 1 clock at least, imho..
Sinclair QL - Free to a good home - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: batou
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2019, 06:39:31 am
content: I was looking through a friend's garage and found a Sinclair QL with PSU, Manuals and a bunch of tapes.I don't really have time to play around with it so if you're in .au and want to pay the postage (i'm guessing $20-$30) or pickup from northern NSW its yours.~Neil

author: thesgoat
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2019, 07:05:12 am
content: I would be very happy to take this off your hands. Would have to be posted.ThanksPaul.

author: batou
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2019, 11:59:28 pm
content: No worries!I should be getting some deliveries in the next few days so once I get a suitable box ill get a quote for the postage and be in touch

author: thesgoat
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2019, 06:15:17 am
content: Great, much appreciated.

author: batou
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2019, 12:52:10 am
content: Hi i've boxed it up - 7.2kg all up. Postage price will depend on where I am sending it to. What is your postcode?

author: thesgoat
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2019, 04:47:23 am
content: Postcode is 6062.Thanks!

author: batou
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2019, 01:52:03 am
content: Hey i sent you a message but its not appearing in my sent messages. So let me know if you didnt receive it

author: wilfred
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2019, 02:30:56 am
content: There is an option "Save a copy of each personal message in my sent items by default." in your forum profile that you might need to check.

author: thesgoat
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2019, 02:47:02 am
content: Hi Neil,Got it, just sent you a PM.Thanks,Paul.
Interview with Al Lowe (former Sierra developer) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 16, 2018, 04:46:59 am
content: Absolutely fascinating.I suspect the ebay auction will go for a pretty penny!https://www.ebay.com/itm/Leisure-Suit-Larry-Greatest-Hits-Misses-collection-sealed-mint-Al-Lowe/183575246322

author: rrinker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2018, 04:49:34 am
content: Ah, a familiar name - I played all of the Leisure Suit Larry games back in the day. What a hoot.
Emulex ESDI-SCSI cards for Sun 3 shoe boxes - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rhb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2018, 01:08:39 am
content: I have several of these that came out of 1991 vintage Sun 3 system shoe boxes. On the 4.1.1a kernel you can run 2 ESDI disks per board. Available for cost of shipping. I can also furnish several types of SCSI cables.
Microcontroller by Corning Glass? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: justanothername
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2019, 08:03:55 pm
content: I have a lot of (very) vintage electronics magazines. Some of them are particularly interesting, such as Electronic Engineering, which is mostly a magazine full of ads of products.This one is from 1975, presenting a microcontroller developed by corning glass. I never knew that they did so. Can't find any information on the internet either.

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2019, 09:59:47 pm
content: Corning owned a small Silicon Valley company called Scientific Micro Systems, which had designed a microcontroller called the SMS300. The most unusual thing about it was that it was a bipolar design (rather than MOS). Later, Signetics sold a slightly different version, called the 8X300.You can read a bit more about it here:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Signetics_8X300

author: justanothername
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2019, 06:13:59 am
content: Quote from: edavid on April 29, 2019, 09:59:47 pmThank you very much. I even found an old price list with SMS and corning together in the logo:http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/sms/brochures/SMS_Price_List_Jul1976.pdf
Personal computer pioneer Bill Godbout has died - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: bsudbrink
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2018, 09:14:44 pm
content: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Godbouthttp://vcfed.org/wp/2018/11/13/r-i-p-bill-godbout-79/

author: Housedad
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2018, 12:24:11 pm
content: Wow.He was a powerhouse in the S100 world. i talked to him after a lecture he did on the s100 systems at the Philly computer show in I believe 1978. He was not only a really good engineer, but also a excellent salesman. I ended up buying a s100 backplane and whole lot of boards from him. The S100 system from him allowed me to experiment with all kinds of interface circuits. I had a great time.The products he sold were built with a quality that I feel was second to none. They were great products by a person that really loved his work and designs.RIP Bill, thanks for the memories.

author: GeoffreyF
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2018, 02:25:35 pm
content: I just heard about this here as well. How sad. My career started with that S-100 world.https://forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/bill-godbout-killed-in-california-wildfires.635031/
Anybody coming to Zurich for VCFe.CH this weekend? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ebastler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2018, 08:28:44 am
content: Just curious -- is anybody else around here planning to come to Zurich for the Vintage Computer Festival this weekend, November 24th and 25th? I have missed last year's event, but did attend two years ago. Great atmosphere at the Rote Fabrik, an old factory turned event location, right on the shore of Lake Zurich.https://www.vcfe.chI will be there this Saturday (24th), and talk about the RPC-4000 -- one of the last computers built around a magnetic drum, and the machine starring in the Story of Mel. :-) I will briefly introduce my replica project too, although the replica is still suffering from a distinct lack of software...If you happen to be there too, I'd love to shake hands!

author: jCandlish
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 21, 2018, 04:12:21 pm
content: Interesting.I just joined this forum to find a home for a Data General Nova 2, that is a pull from a CNC control.As it was in an industrial control it is missing the normal front panel, but was booting from toriod-core when pulled.Maybe someone there wants it?

author: ebastler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2018, 05:44:05 am
content: Quote from: jCandlish on November 21, 2018, 04:12:21 pmIndeed, that might be of interest to some of the collectors there. There aren't too many working core-memory machines around these days! -- Also, maybe you could ping the organizers and ask whether they have room for a last-minute exhibit?

author: dexters_lab
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 24, 2018, 09:43:01 am
content: sounds an interesting event, would have been fun to visit but it's too far away!
ORIC 1 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TheBay
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 16, 2018, 10:54:49 am
content: Picked up a 14" Sony CRT the other day from a charity shop for £5, thought I'd try out an old computer out on it.Pulled an ORIC 1 out here I've got in storage, don't think this has ever been used, it was a curiosity I picked up from a car boot sale many years ago.Needless to say 20 years on since I bought it, it still works.Anyone on here used one of these? I started off with a ZX Spectrum 48k then a Commodore C64, I can't recall seeing these on sale.Sadly no tape drive here, I will try make up a Din to 3.5mm cable and see if there are any tape images I can load in to it.My phone didn't play nicely trying to take a picture of a CRT, the image is actually a lot sharper.Pics attached:

author: NivagSwerdna
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2018, 11:30:58 am
content: The first commercial computer I bought was a Tangerine Microtan 65 which is very closely related to the Oric 1.Very nice.https://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/01/28/the_oric_1_is_30_years_old/?page=1
Z80-MBC2: An easy to build Z80 SBC (128KB RAM, CP/M 3, SD Disk, RTC, 16 GPIO) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Just4Fun
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2018, 09:58:50 am
content: Hi all,this is the Z80-MBC2, an easy to build 4ICs Z80 multi-boot system with 128KB banked RAM, CP/M 2.2 and 3, QP/M 2.71, Disk on SD, RTC, 16 GPIO, I2C, cross Assembler toolchain, cross C compiler toolchain (with SDCC):Here Z80-MBC2 playing Startrek with CP/M 2.2:...and some more photos:More infohere.

author: TheEPROM9
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2018, 07:19:55 pm
content: This looks intresting, fancy posting all the technical data =-)
The first use of the term "microprocessor" - Viatron System 21 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: snuci
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 14, 2018, 12:10:06 am
content: I just read the Datapoint 2200 post and thought some of you might like to see this. According toWikipedia, the first time the term "microprocessor" was used was with the Viatron System 21 Intelligent terminal designed in 1968. The "microprocessor" was actually a two board set and the internals of the example I have in my collection is a cavalcade of white ceramic and gold along with numerous other era components.More pictures here:http://vintagecomputer.ca/viatron-system-21-model-2111-restoration/. Sadly, it is still not operational but I'll get back around to it soon.

author: KE5FX
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2018, 12:32:16 am
content: Awesome find, straight outta 2001.You can hear it singing "Daisy" as you pull the cards out, I'll bet...

author: glarsson
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2018, 01:41:35 am
content: The board in slot 5 is not a microprocessor, it's a MICROPROSSOR (whatever that is).

author: TheEPROM9
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2018, 09:29:04 pm
content: Would love to see it working. So blongs in a spaceship.
Looking for a manual for a Sharp CS-2182 Calculator - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Stray Electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2018, 05:07:10 pm
content: Also any repair information. I just picked one up in great condition but it doesn't turn on. The fuse is good and the caps LOOK ok but haven't tested anything yet.General info:http://www.calcuseum.com/SCRAPBOOK/BONUS/14417/1.htm
Vintage Artwork Audio record and erase drivers - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: MrMobodies
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2018, 02:26:15 am
content: I got these two modules in a box amongst other things down the bootsale in 2000.Couldn't find the record driver but found the erase one to take closer pictures.I still can't find much on the part numbers.They look like they were from a mixing desk.Audio record driver:ARTWORK JAVB11610580Part no 1372119-02ASSY NO:13643350-05Erase driver:ARTWORK KAVB13270181Part no 1372122-01ASSY NO 1364451-06Anyone seen these before?

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2018, 04:39:20 am
content: Those look like they are from Ampex MM1200. I've repaired them at a recording studio. MM1000, MM1100 also in the same family. 2" mag tape needs serious record/erase amps.It's a huge machine but straight forward electronics, aside from the servo portion. Mag tape sounds excellent, it has some great qualities that sound engineers still go after to polish off a mix.edit: But part numbers don't match. They're Ampex 7-digit but MM1200 bias amp is 4050433.I'll look for 1364350-05 and 1364451-06. I would say it's Ampex

author: MrMobodies
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2018, 12:13:23 am
content: Thank you. After you mention Ampex I have just been looking at the modules and I saw that round symbol one them but not "Artwork" label.The ATR 100 Reel Servo seems to have an identical style bracket.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2018, 06:49:18 pm
content: My money is still on Ampex.Looking at the root part number:4950xxx-xx for the MM12004050xxx-xx for the 4401364xxx or maybe 1372xxx here I can't find any machine or models with those numbers.The transistor and IC datecodes (numbers) would narrow it down, the era.I would post the question ongearslutz
Mitsubishi Electric ML-F120, Z80 computer for sale [AU] - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 29, 2018, 01:35:56 am
content: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mitsubishi-Electric-MSX-32KB-Z80-Japanese-Home-Computer-ML-F120-1984-WORKING/223128841613I am really tempted, but can't justify buying new toys at the moment.
Z-Two, CP/M machine with Z80 emulated on ATMega - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mastmees
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 01, 2018, 11:19:39 pm
content: As a follow-up to my DIY CP/M machine I made another one. Without the real Z80. Seehttp://www.nomad.ee/micros/z-two/And before anyone asks, here is a picture of it, running Zork III

author: boB
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2018, 11:33:15 pm
content: Have you ever run a speed benchmark of the emulated Z80 on the Atmel vs. say a 4 MHz Z80 processor ?Is it twice as fast ? 10X faster ? Slower ?boB

author: mastmees
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 01, 2018, 11:42:43 pm
content: according to wikipedia, z80 does 0.580 MIPS at 4.000 MHzmy emulator on AVR clocked at 18.432 MHz does about 0.11-0.12 MIPS, so about 5X slower than Z80 at 4MHz.

author: maginnovision
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2018, 10:17:04 pm
content: yea, those megas lose alot of steam managing 16bit address bus alone.
Xerox 8845 Folder Card - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: cascode
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 05:41:28 am
content: Found this interesting card at a swapfest today. Looks to be some sort of battery backed SRAM card. Anyone have any background on what this thing was used for? There doesn't seem to be much online about it.Perhaps a good teardown candidate?

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 07:11:32 am
content: The Xerox 8845 was a wide-format plotter for engineering drawings. It had a baler unit that could fold up the output and punch holes or reinforce the edges."Using a Folder with the 8845The 8845 Folder must have the appropriate fold card inserted in order to work properly. Up to two fold cards can be inserted at one time. Refer to the Operator Manual for the Xerox 8845 Folder for more information."The shape of the card looks like some Japanese memory card from the pre-PCMCIA era. I know I've seen them before.

author: cascode
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 08:12:49 am
content: Interesting! I might try popping open the lid and talk to the thing.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2018, 12:09:41 am
content: It may have once held calibration constants or even the firmware for the machine. I know some old machines had a protection method that involved storing the firmware in battery-backed SRAM that would be erased if the unit was opened, in an attempt to deter reverse-engineering.
Help identifying vintage "test?" gear - Pocket Sampler, Dick Smith, K-7345 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Webserfer
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 06, 2018, 06:57:59 am
content: Found this when going through boxes of old stuff. Cost me basically nothing so got it as a curiosity as the parallel port and round connector intrigued me.I first thought given the round connector it was something for old tv signal testing or something. Some googling turns up nothing on this specific unit but did find some maybe similar kits that might make it some kind of voltage monitor or very basic oscilloscope?Honestly my in depth tech knowledge is very limited so looking for any help on this.If it is a oscilloscope/voltage monitor where would I even start in finding software that would be compatible with it?Any help or advice on what it really is/how to use it or if its even worth using would be appreciated.3 images of it should be attached.

author: beanflying
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2018, 07:12:35 am
content: Google is your friendhttp://www.alanyates.com/eapsampler/
Z-One, DIY CP/M machine  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mastmees
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 03, 2018, 08:17:09 am
content: I just published my latest hobby project, the Z-One machine, athttp://www.nomad.ee/micros/z-one/. It uses SD card as storage (16x8MB drives), Z80 runs at 4.6MHz, has onboard usb/serial converter. Output is 80x30 character text on VGA monitor, uses PS/2 keyboard. Check it out, let me know if you like it

author: kizmit99
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2018, 04:11:16 pm
content: Looks like fun to me!Do you have any pics of the completed board?

author: mastmees
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 03, 2018, 11:30:00 pm
content: Here is a quick pic of the board running... For the keen-eyed who spotted that the ChibiTerm's voltage regulator is not where its supposed to be - its not the latest revision (the one that I published), this one still has some bodge wires underneath.

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2018, 08:43:22 pm
content: Neat project! I need to wire up my Commodore 128 up some day, and give CP/M a good and proper try.Any plans on selling these as kits?

author: wilfred
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2018, 02:06:00 am
content: Nice work! Thanks so much for posting.
Australian Computer Museum in trouble - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 27, 2018, 06:21:46 pm
content: Received this in my inbox yesterday. Is nothing sacred?QuoteI don't know how the sender wishes his PII to be indexed, so some of it has been removed. You can send me a private message if you want contact details.

author: Lawsen
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2018, 09:01:55 pm
content: I saw this in the news:https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/08/01/oz_retro_computer_collection_in_dire_straits_bulldozers_on_horizon/

author: kizmit99
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2018, 11:17:32 pm
content: It is hard (for me, at least) to imagine how this would come about...I would think geeks would be coming out of the woodwork to save this stuff...If only it wasn't on the other side of the planet... sigh...

author: sean0118
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2018, 11:25:00 pm
content: Dave's made some videos about it now, main thread is here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-1112-vintage-computer-warehouse-diving/

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 04, 2018, 06:30:06 am
content: I'm meeting up with John next week to discuss what I can do for him. At the very least we can prioritise what he has left and I can offer him some room at my place. A lot of what he has are documents and manuals, I suggested that at the very least, they can be preserved digitally as opposed to taking up space in a container.It wouldn't take long to unbind and scan a manual using a copier with a document feeder.
Australian Vintage Computer Museum needs help and space before demolition. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Lawsen
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2018, 08:59:45 pm
content: Some one in Australia, Oceania could help out this vintage computer museum. Surf here:https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/08/01/oz_retro_computer_collection_in_dire_straits_bulldozers_on_horizon/

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 05, 2018, 01:03:09 am
content: There are already two threads on this topic.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-1112-vintage-computer-warehouse-diving/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/vintage-computing/australian-computer-museum-in-trouble/