hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
IBM P70, is it sellable? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: madsbarnkob
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2017, 03:39:06 pm
content: I got too much stuff and wants to sell some as I dont have time to repair everything.This is my IBM P70Unfortunately I had a short loss of power when changing the bios backup battery and it lost its settings, the floppy drive is however also defective as with most of these units, so how much would you estimate it is worth? Ebay is not really that good a measure.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2017, 04:06:25 pm
content: Nice machines. There’s plenty of PS/2 collectors out there. I’d stick it on eBay with a higher than usual buy it now and make me an offer turned on. If you’re happy with what you’re offered, go for it. Might take months to sell though.In fact some of the Y2K compliant machines are still used in production in a few financial companies so there’s a market. They bought a pile of them to run in house EDI relay jobs still connected to physical Hayes modems. I don’t get to play with any these days. Boo hiss. That used to be fun.

author: stmdude
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2017, 07:21:43 pm
content: There's definitely a market for them. PS/2 and Thinkpad collectors is a thing.In fact, I'm tempted to make you an offer just for that nice PS/2 nostalgia.

author: dexters_lab
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 13, 2017, 10:38:19 am
content: looks a nice machine, i am sure you'll find a buyer for it on ebaythose luggable types can make great retro systems because they pack away much more neatly than a desktop system with monitor etc

author: madsbarnkob
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2017, 11:33:14 am
content: Quote from: wilfred on November 13, 2017, 10:49:18 pmThank you for the ebay search tips, despite I have bought a lot and sold some, I did not know this was possibleSo far I only repaired the power supply with new electrolytic capacitors, a standard and non-bodgery job
Teardown of a IBM Blade server HS22V - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: madsbarnkob
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2017, 10:10:08 pm
content: I know its only from 2010, but something 7 years old in computers today is most likely not going to get saved for as many years as the 30 year old very expensive systems were, so I think this is already vintage and here is a overview before it was discarded.
(GONE) Microprocessor Book for free using 8085A code  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: trys
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2017, 11:18:46 am
content: Hiya all,I've posted a topic on the For Sale/Wanted board, of a book I'm giving away that may be of interest to you. It extensively uses 8085A code in it, which may be relevant to you in computing of that vintage.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/(free)-(uk)-microprocessor-hardware-interfacing-and-applications-brey/Notes for moderators: I'm new here, so if this post isn't a great idea (as it's cross-posting probably), then please feel free to zap this.Trys
Lee Felsenstein Is now on Patreon  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: djos
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 11, 2017, 07:48:46 am
content: For those of you with an interest in computing history, you might find supporting Lee Felsenstein of some value. I chip in a small amount myself and his content is imo quite interesting and worthwhile.https://www.patreon.com/lfelsenstein
Zilog Z-80 ads - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2017, 06:09:20 am
content: I'm looking for old Zilog Z-80 ads. I could not find anything for Zilog ads or marketing.It seems to have been released around 1976/08.Byte Magazine 1976/08 has an ad from The Digital Group. MOSTEK second-sourced it around 1977.Magazine archives here:http://americanradiohistory.com/index.htm

author: Bruce Abbott
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2017, 01:51:35 pm
content: Thanks for the magazine archive link. I threw away my collection of Byte magazines a few years ago when I moved house, thinking I could always get them online if needed. Now I can!I couldn't find any adverts from Zilog, but this might help to establish a timeline...Jan 1976: Zilog offers Z80 processorJune 1976: MOSTEK TO SECOND SOURCE Z-80
FDD Interface for Commodore Amiga CD32 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: @rt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2017, 02:46:11 am
content: Minus a 74LS03 chip which hasn’t been sent by the seller yethttps://photos.app.goo.gl/JVvFYIbSjg9SgEMM2

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 23, 2017, 04:01:13 am
content: This is something you've built? I don't know anything about the Amiga CD32... it didn't have a drive interface already?

author: @rt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2017, 10:55:02 am
content: The CD32 only has a 2x CD drive, but his connects to the rear expansion port (when I make ribbon cables for the edge connector).

author: Bruce Abbott
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2017, 02:00:10 am
content: Looks familiar...http://aminet.net/package/docs/hard/cd32_floppy

author: @rt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2017, 03:13:50 am
content: Funny to find the author hereIt does have 74LS01 to replace 74LS03 now (just has a different pinout),and one of these pics show how I mangled the design to use LS240 in place of LS541.I lost the Schmidt trigger inputs in doing so, but also noticed not every input for the original circuit (address bus) had them.

author: Bruce Abbott
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 04:37:51 pm
content: Well done!Your video brings back some fond memories...How did you connect it to the CD32?

author: @rt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 05:08:48 pm
content: Hi BruceI had a spare SX-1 adapter that provides 3 of the card edge connectors.One is destroyed by the blower, one is used to connect this interface to the console, and the other is still waiting for my next attempt at salvaging.For the one in use here, I lost a few pins including some upper address bits I think, just none that were needed for this circuit.I might have had a go at a 68030 accelerator as well if the connector had come off in one piece.All of the signals you got from ROM socket & test points are also at the edge connector of course.

author: @rt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2017, 09:21:51 am
content: The floppy interface address filtering provides parallel port read and write address filter for free,so only a couple more chips for parallel port decode:I’m going for full Centronics parallel port next, and full serial port (which will require the whole 7 chips again.

author: BubbaMc
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2017, 01:45:45 am
content: Nice, tidy implementation.So is your CD32 effectively an A1200 now?

author: @rt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2017, 01:56:42 am
content: Well they kinda were expanded already because I have SX-1 modules for themFor this project I'm planning next to use an A1200 Gayle chip for IDE interface.
ZX Spectrum Next - hardware compatible with the original - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: sasa
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2017, 08:55:04 pm
content: As a retro nostalgic, searching something about old ZX Spectrum, I accidentally found this amazing project:"The Spectrum Next - an updated and enhanced version of the ZX Spectrum totally compatible with the original, featuring the major hardware developments of the past many years packed inside a simple (and beautiful) design by the original designer, Rick Dickinson, inspired by his seminal work at Sinclair Research."https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1835143999/zx-spectrum-nextEven I still have my original ZX Spectrum 48 from 1982 (amazingly still in working condition after 35 years), I'm quite interested to have this new reborn version when get available next year. Seems as dream come true - not a micro PC motherboard with software emulation in modified old computer case and keyboard, however something very close to original able even to use old hardware...

author: vasco
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 11, 2017, 01:42:00 pm
content: I still have my issue 3 with the original rubber keys. I don't know if it still works, I'm not trying to power it up without a recapping.While I have to agree that the design is fantastic the fact is that I never liked the plus keyboard.I don't know what to expect, the look is good, but how about the feel ?100% compatibility is good, but I'd like to have a mode with a modern BASIC, something like SpecBAS. That could make it useful outside the nostalgia market.SpecBAS home page:https://sites.google.com/site/pauldunn/disclaimer: I have no relation with the SpecBAS project.

author: sasa
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2017, 02:56:30 pm
content: "Rick also took great care to create a keyboard that’s more responsive and features higher bandwidth input than the original, using a butterfly mechanism to power a tactile response to any fingertip touching its keys. No more stuck keys while you type!"It is also possible to replace plus keyboard with original rubber one...In short, this project looks very promising.
She's a bit crusty...   Want it for mailbag? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dschnur
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 08, 2017, 03:44:22 am
content: Attached is a little preview of a 1979 Missile Command main board that I ran across a few years ago. I also have the regulator/power supply II board too.If anyone wants to see Dave take a look at it, I'll send it in.This one even has the original burned Pin 1 on the J1 edge connector. It was a common problem with the early games. If I send it in, you'll see the work-around that was most commonly done in the days when video arcades would often have a tech on staff who did component level repair.-D

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 08, 2017, 09:52:31 am
content: Quote from: wilfred on November 08, 2017, 04:44:47 amYes, why is that? Did I miss an announcement somewhere by Dave? I think Mailbag isstill"Everyone's favourite segment".

author: dexters_lab
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 13, 2017, 10:39:45 am
content: Quote from: dschnur on November 08, 2017, 03:44:22 amIMO it would be better passed on to someone who would try and fix it and get it back in use, there really wont be many of those around now

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 13, 2017, 01:23:07 pm
content: Quote from: dexters_lab on November 13, 2017, 10:39:45 amYep, agreed.Thanks for the offer, but there isn't much of general interest to an arcade board on it's own.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 23, 2017, 10:18:18 pm
content: Quote from: dexters_lab on November 13, 2017, 10:39:45 amThe 8 Bit Guy comes to mind:https://www.youtube.com/user/adric22

author: stj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2017, 06:17:24 am
content: ebay it - collectors who own the machine are always looking for spares.same goes for the AR2 board.
Dwarf Commodore 64 with simulated keyboard coming in 2018 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2017, 02:14:48 am
content: I like the idea of a small C64 with small accessories but IMHO they ruined it by making the keyboard fake.https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/10/03/commodore_64_mini_revival/https://thec64.com/The 64 ultra-cheesy games included look great!https://thec64.com/games/

author: kalel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2017, 02:29:38 am
content: That's quite a shame. Fake keyboard is something I would expect from a cheap toy trying to simulate something better. With modern technologies, I guess that if you can fit the keys, you can fit a tiny keyboard (even if it might be difficult to use).In any case, it won't be cheap for an emulator. Are those (there is NES, SNES too) hardware level emulators (I mean emulating the hardware) or just some ARM or other chip using software to do the emulation?

author: Bruce Abbott
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2017, 04:40:47 am
content: Sorry, not interested. For me it has to berealretro hardware.I want to stab at those big springy keys as I type in arcane loading commands, squint at the screen trying to make out the blue on slightly darker blue text, listen for the faint click of the disk drive head stepping every couple of minutes. And finally - if I am lucky - get to play a game!

author: Towger
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2017, 04:43:03 am
content: Is this Jeri cashing in her lifetime supply of C64 ASIC's?
Free to good home..OR...mail bag....OR.......you can  pick it up! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: The Ham Radio Guy
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 30, 2017, 08:03:15 am
content: Hi Everyone, I have an eMac thats just been given to me but have no use for it. I was going to gut it and do something stupid like put a PC inside but it turns on and it only seems to need a new HDD.It also has the original keyboard and mouse.So should i pack it up and send in into mail bag? ( cost me a fortune in postage from SE Vic :-( ).ORIf anyone would like they can come and get it FREE!!AndreVK3MAW
An analog motion graphics image processor for TV. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2017, 04:29:46 pm
content: Holy crap, I had no clue that engineers designed an analog machine to this degree just to animate logos and text. You read wright, no ram, no cpu, no GPU, yet it can animate text like a modern day CG generator. We could never dream of graphics processing in such a way today....
Building a 40 year old Intel 8085 devboard - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Cyberdragon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2017, 01:17:32 am
content: total...NERDGASMvintage kits are AWESOME, especially when they haven't been touched.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2017, 10:12:33 am
content: I've got a built one of these and a whole set of SDK-85 manuals, the original PRMs and software at my parents' somewhere. It powered up sometime in the 1990s which was when I last went near it. Should probably ebay it or something. It was my father's and he actually used it to build embedded software in the late 1970s with before they got a cross compiler that ran on DOS in the end.

author: anker_by
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2017, 10:37:29 am
content: Very very nice,, where i can find this kind computers?

author: eugenenine
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2017, 12:27:22 am
content: We had similar when I was in college and then we built our ownI dug through some old boxes and found mine a while back but its in poor shape so I think I'm going to rebuild it.
Commodore History Part 1- The PET - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2017, 11:59:00 pm
content: PET's where before my C64 days but I fondly remember a time where my mind was sharp but the tools were blunt

author: eugenenine
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2017, 12:50:39 am
content: I thought the Apple I was equiv to the PET and the II was c64 generation.

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2017, 01:31:30 am
content: The Apple I was a computer that Steve Wozniak made in his garage in 1976. It was never mass-produced: only 200 boards were assembled, and they were not sold with a case or keyboard. It was replaced by the Apple II in 1977, alongside the PET and the TRS-80 Model I (as shown in the video).The C-64 didn't come out until 1982.

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2017, 10:15:32 am
content: 3 hours left if you wanna buy onehttp://www.ebay.com/itm/Commodore-PET-CBM-8032-Tested-Working-/272837841420

author: NivagSwerdna
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2017, 10:58:36 am
content: Here's a picture of me (on the right) using one....

author: ebastler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2017, 01:22:21 am
content: Quote from: eugenenine on September 14, 2017, 12:50:39 amNope.
Sonos is planning to enter the "Internet of Things" / Voice Control market - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 12, 2017, 07:56:57 am
content: Most of us probably know Sonos products as those fantastic wireless speakers. I personally use them and love every bit of them... so far.A recent change to their "Beta Tester & Confidentiality Agreement" was a little troubling...Sonos may use, collect, or store information generated from your testing and use of the Sonos products and materials being provided to you under this Agreementincluding voice data and recordings used to improve the overall voice command/ Sonos skill service(“Usage Data"). Sonos may disclose, share, redistribute, or publish such Usage Data. If you are outside of the United States, you understand and agree that personal contact information and Usage Data will be transferred to the United States and stored on servers in the United States, subject to laws applicable in the United States.As far as I'm aware, the only Sonos device that includes a microphone is theSonos Play:5Then there was this article:http://variety.com/2017/digital/news/sonos-microphone-speaker-coming-1202532771/It seems as though Sonos are following the Amazon, Apple and Google paths and turning their products into potential listening devices. If this is the case, no thanks, I'll keep using my old products that don't listen to my every word.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 12, 2017, 07:58:41 am
content: Dammit, this was meant to go into "General Chat", could a mod move it?

author: expinkolator
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2017, 05:30:59 pm
content: Quote from: Halcyon on September 12, 2017, 07:56:57 amI only know them as fantastically expensive.Sonos Play 5 speaker from Amazon $499.Net connected Sony 5.1 Channel 1000 Watts 3D Blu-ray DVD Surround Sound Home Theater System from Amazon $349.
6502 Assembly work with the Apple II Super Serial Card - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jcrubin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2017, 02:43:00 am
content: I published a few things over the last couple of weeks, basically some assembly code that interacts with the SSC to do various tasks and placed them into associated articles on my blog and a couple of demonstration videos in youtube to include the following below as I move some of my Yaesu CAT interface ham radio code from Commodore over to AppleA super dumb terminal that employs IRQ using Prodoshttp://technocoma.blogspot.com/2017/08/super-simple-super-serial-sample-source.htmlAuto Slot detection of the Super Serial Cardhttp://technocoma.blogspot.com/2017/08/super-serial-makes-personal-discovery.htmlDecoding code to read the dip switch configuration of the SSChttp://technocoma.blogspot.com/2017/09/super-serial-switch-setting-status.htmlAssociated videos
Vintage Toshiba T1200xe fixing help - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: r
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2017, 06:17:19 pm
content: i recently brought a Toshiba T1200xe off ebay for the grad total of £14.99 non working to turn it into a raspberry pi laptop and after looking at it couldn't bring my self to rip it apart so ive decided to try and fix it i managed to find 2 common faults that stop them form workingone is the nicad battery for the clock backup did some googleing and found that the battery is no longer sold so im going to have to make my own up there's a attachment with a photo of it just need to know the voltage of the packthe other thing that can cause problem is the caps that i will be replacing them all when i get back to workthere also this battery looking thing on the main PCB photo attachedwhen i measure it i get about 1.2 volts looking at replacing this to, but have no idea where to find or even what it is (photo attached)can anyone help please

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2017, 08:14:34 pm
content: 5 times 1V2, so 6V, and the brown one is likely 3 cells, so 3V6. Top is simple to replace with 5 AAA tagged NimH cells, and the brown one with a 3 cell NimH mass cell button cell stack.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 29, 2017, 03:56:26 am
content: I have a Toshiba 440CDX and it looks like that small battery is the same.Seethis thread. It might have some information useful to you.

author: Old Don
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2017, 12:51:33 pm
content: I have some 3 cell packs to replace the 3 cell brown battery, but sending it might involve national security these days.I know Fedco Electronics in Wisconsin has a bunch of these types of batteries on their site, but again I"m not up on what's involved in shipping things across the big pond these days. The larger NiCad pack should be easy to replace with a pack made for portable phones and/or other uses.
HP Nixie tube display card - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: judge
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2017, 09:19:31 pm
content: I bought some HP display boards recently and I am wondering what they were used in. They had B5441A and B7221 Nixie tubes in them, so I suspect a calculator (decimal points and sign tubes). In fact they also had B54370A tubes, which I can find no information on at all. These tubes have a left hand decimal point and a right hand comma.Anyway, as I say, it would've nice to know what the boards were used in.There should be an attachment, but I am doing this on my phone, so who knows?

author: edpalmer42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2017, 10:29:59 pm
content: A few minutes with Google would have told you that it's from an HP 5505A Display that's part of a 5526A Laser Measurement System.

author: judge
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2017, 10:42:45 pm
content: Thanks! I spent more than a few minutes with google

author: edpalmer42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2017, 10:50:48 pm
content: All I did was put in the part number on the circuit board. That usually gives you at least a couple of hints to work on. In this case, it gave me the user/service manual.
HP-35: Happy 45th anniversary! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: sasa
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2017, 05:02:12 pm
content: This year is the 45th anniversary one of the milestone in computer history and dream of any engineer : the HP-35, i.e. "the slide rule killer", the first world's pocket scientific calculator."Every aspect of the calculator was a challenge...", said Dave Cochran in an interview from 2007...Jacques Laporte had made excellent effort of describing everything about in details:http://www.jacques-laporte.orghttp://home.citycable.ch/pierrefleur/Jacques-Laporte/For a retro nostalgic (as I'm), it was a gold mine... Sadly, some key schematics of the hardware was gone after he died in 2015...

author: Selectech
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 02, 2017, 12:35:38 am
content: I still have mine & it still works. Bought new in Sept 1973.

author: sasa
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 03, 2017, 07:51:50 am
content: Except NiCd battery pack replacement and some peel off paint, this calculator is made to last.Everything about HP-35 is pretty much revolutionary for that time. Many patents are pended regarding it.
Commodore 64 Recap - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jcrubin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2017, 12:18:33 pm
content: This was a shotgun recap of my original C64 that was acting strange, no other work was done. This did resolve the issue, as demonstrated in the video, subsequent testing of the removed components revealed some failures.

author: stmdude
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2017, 04:14:56 pm
content: Mmm. I do love seeing a C64 all exposed like that.Also, good on you not using the original PSU. That darn thing kills more VIC20s/C64s than anything.

author: jcrubin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2017, 01:35:25 am
content: ironically im an analogue guy, mostly tube electronics. With that said, I can see full well the danger in the failure of the C64 power bricks of which I have several. I do plan on doing some teardown and applied failure moves. (not on a C64 of course, to a dummy load)
Richard Thomson's vintage computer collection - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2017, 01:37:11 am
content: Lots of yellowed plastic there.

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2017, 03:55:42 am
content: Quote from: xrunner on June 27, 2017, 01:37:11 amEven more bad caps, hardened grease, and dust-clogged heatsinks. (Edit: and faded EPROMS.)But it's a great collection. I hope he succeeds in creating some kind of public display.

author: johnboxall
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 27, 2017, 04:43:40 am
content: If you are interested in vintage personal computing, another interesting site is:http://www.classic-computers.org.nz/

author: rabit
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 27, 2017, 05:56:42 pm
content: That was lovely! I now want to build a recreation of that CAD design station in my home! Also, I have a deskside SGI 4D/780GT from a company that did the 3D scans of Arnold Schwarzenegger, an SGI O2 that was used on Flubber (still with soft-body source code and in-house animation system). I used to have an Apollo DN460 but I kind eventually dismantled it. *sigh*
Modern C64 Terminal programs tested against TCPser - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jcrubin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 27, 2017, 12:22:38 pm
content: Heres a video I made, showing my observations of the two top contendors for terminal ANSI emulation on the C64 and some hayes shortcomings at the moment. Ive already pulled one of the programs from GIT to explore some changes to support the needed hayes commands to get it working as a TCPser editionhttps://youtu.be/ueAz00thGAg
Covox Speech Thing clone (for lovers of vintage computer gear) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 28, 2017, 08:21:55 am
content: Those of you who have a love for vintage computer hardware, or perhaps lusted after aCovox Speech Thing,Roland MT-32or similar sound devices for your PC without a sound card, you can now buy a clone of the Covox ST: The CVX4http://www.serdashop.com/CVX4I've been looking for years for an original Covox Speech Thing and they are very hard to come-by. Of course you could always design your own as it's essentially a primitive DAC with very few components but I've just bitten the bullet and bought a few of these. They are a little on the pricey side, but I got 3 for the price you'll probably pay on eBay + shipping for just one of the original Covox (or an equivalent) device.The 8-bit guy did an awesome video on how these parallel port DACs worked (including an example of the CVX4)And here's an example of a CVX4 at work with a 44.1kHz, 8-bit sound file:

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2017, 03:01:07 pm
content: I still have a MT32 somewhere
FS: DB-25 parallel and RS-232C switches.  Both automatic and manual. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Whales
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2016, 10:49:32 am
content: Possibly of interest to any vintage computer gear collectors and users.Click on any of the pictures for further information and higher-res photos.Manual DB-25 switchesThe two-way switch is is much better condition than the four-way. I suspect the 4-way saw a lot more usage in its previous life.Wiring looks OK in both, and if you are interested then I can spend some time buzzing them out. Either way they are sold as-is, I expect you know how to solder and fix these if a wire goes amiss.Price each: $15 (AUD)Shipping within Australia for each: $10.50 (AUD)Automatic DB-25 switchesMP201 (parallel):MS201 (RS-232C):The parallel variant needs an external power pack: I don't have one that matches, you'll need to put one together yourself. I can throw in a 3.5mm metal TRS jack for free if you ask.I have no way to properly test these, so they are sold as-is. If you take a look at the photos then they look extremely clean: I didn't do any work to them, this is how I found them.Price each: $15 (AUD)Shipping within Australia for each: $7.80 (AUD)Feel free to ask questions.
What are your SBCs being interconnected with projects with?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2017, 05:11:05 pm
content: What do you use to connect to your SBCs ? What ive been doing (mostly individual jumper wires) is flirting with disaster. (also, wires apart from one another=more RFI)I can see there are a lot of products out there purporting to help with the interconnects.. From actual users, how are they working out for you?One nice thing is that the newest iteration of Raspberry Pis have a 40 pin IDC header so any 40 wire (i.e. old style) PATA cable is okay, except on the opposite end because the two rows are right next to one another its less breadboard friendly as I would like. (at least the breadboards I have) Still, its a cable that I already have a bunch of - which are getting reused.. I do like that.Are there any breadboards where they break individual rows right next to one another?(not skipping a row as is done for the area with the groove for the dips.)Currently using veroboard for that.Just wondering what other people are using and if there are any products which make it all more enjoyable that I am not aware of.

author: alm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2017, 06:30:52 pm
content: What blueskull said. Either that, or have the SBC plug into some other board via the 100 mil pin header. See Dave's video about a Raspberry Pi cluster for some discussion about that:Sometimes, like in Dave's case, there is the issue of connectors that may not be on the header (Ethernet, HDMI, USB). In that case you may need to plug in an extra cable.

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2017, 06:39:39 pm
content: Either "Stamp" style boards plugged in to motherboards or stackable headers as shown in the photo here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/microcontrollers/for-a-vintage-computer-project-which-processor-is-easier-to-use/msg1253075/#newI often buy "Stamp" style boards such as the Teensy++ 2.0 and then design a carrier board (motherboard).https://www.pjrc.com/store/teensypp.htmlHere's an example where I wanted to bring out a header for SPI and a MagJack for ethernet from an mbed LPC1768. The motherboard is trivialhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/microcontrollers/stm32-arm-ethernet-question/msg1088563/#msg1088563

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2017, 07:06:06 pm
content: Thank you -This looks like what I should be moving towards.. doh..Should be able to find a blank "hat" on ebay ...https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/introducing-raspberry-pi-hats/Quote from: blueskull onTodayat 12:12:21.
IBM vintage computer promotional film 1970 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: raptor1956
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2016, 07:28:25 am
content: When I started at IBM in 1982 at the Fishkill Micro Electronics plant we still had semiconductor production equipment being run by SLT, the precursor to TTL. The first uP controlled production tool we had, an SVG brush cleaner, was driven by a Z-80 and that uP was still driving products from SVG well into the 90's.You don't get from punch cards to 256GB thumb drives in one step. In the early 80's when I got into the semiconductor business the feature sizes were many microns and getting much smaller required new ways of wafer handling to reduce particulate contamination.One step at a time.If tomorrow morning we wake up to discover ALL are modern technology is gone and we had to start over again it would take many decades to get back to where we are even though we have the knowledge to do it. How do you machine something with 10um precision if all you have is a file?Brian

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 11, 2016, 09:05:21 am
content: I still remember the big deal when the 3380 made its mark. 1GB in a single box. Awesome stuff.

author: techie1234
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2016, 01:03:27 pm
content: In college we did most of our CS work on IBM mainframes (well, an Amdahl) - lots of assembler, channel programming for DASD access, JCL, CICS, etc. I've still got opcodes and EBCDIC lodged somewhere in my memory...

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 11, 2016, 01:41:59 pm
content: BAL, BALR, BCT, BCTR, BR, BMVI, MVC, MVCL, MVOAP, SP, SRP...Register 11...........Now I'm going to have to find my yellow card...........................

author: techie1234
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2016, 02:08:05 pm
content: Quote from: Brumby on August 11, 2016, 01:41:59 pmLet us not forget the illusive but powerful HCF (Halt and Catch Fire).Attached is something I must have done in the early 1990s - looks like it was getting something out of a PDS.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 11, 2016, 02:22:07 pm
content: Oh good grief .... I just started reading that like it was yesterday. It's been close to 30 years.
Card cage stability question - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ChristofferB
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2016, 03:50:56 pm
content: Hey!So I'm in the process of making a card cage, with card-edge connectors for a vintage computer system, "Motorola Exorciser".I have the pcb rails, the little ejector ears, and the connectors, but I'll have to saw off one end of the card edge connectors to make one larger - 3.96mm pitch card-edge connectors that big are pricy!-Question is, they'll receive a lot of force, so how should they be mounted to the backplane?-I can't just use the holes, well I can, but they'll have no support in the center.-Cut pin slits in acryllic and screw/epoxy them on?-Just solder them to a pcb, everything will be good?I don't know exactly how much strain there'll be. I know the most professional thing would be to buy some proper connectors, but that's not really an option.Has anyone designed a card cage like this? They aren't that common anymore.Thanks in advance!--Christoffer
Question - restoring sun-discoloured ABS plastic? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2013, 02:55:32 pm
content: A beige-coloured plastic case on something I'm cleaning up has some fairly noticeable yellowing due to sunlight exposure. It's particularly annoying where there were stickers, that left patches of the original lighter colour plastic.Some people here seem to be wizards at restoring old equipment, so I wonder if anyone has any ideas for how to remove the yellowing? I can easily live with the staining if I can't find a way to fix it without risk of making the case look worse.It's this:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-toy-tek-tla614-logic-analyzer/

author: krivx
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2013, 02:58:08 pm
content: The vintage computer crowd use Retr0Brighthttp://retr0bright.wikispaces.com/

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2013, 03:05:14 pm
content: I have had some success with T-Cut which is a polish with a fine abrasive used in the car industry for buffing paintwork.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2013, 03:36:17 pm
content: That retrobright looks like it works real well especially on textured surfaces. The yellowing on the buttons of my Tek 7603 restore came off with just a light wet sanding on 6 micron diamond film. Silicon carbide paper would work just as well. Then a polish with plastic polish will give the final shine. So if you have something that would be easy to sand and polish it may be worth a try. The discoloration on the Tek buttons seemed to be on the surface only.

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2013, 09:04:04 pm
content: Some of the guys on theAussie Arcadeforum have cleaned up old gaming consoles with good results I believe.

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2013, 02:42:24 am
content: Retrobright - COOL! Thanks for the reference. Very interesting to read their work on the causes of the yellowing. I'd assumed it was due to UV-induced breakdown of the ABS plastic chains. But no....Sanding is not an option since the surface has a fine texture, that I don't want to damage. Even just rubbing hard with a solvent-wet tissue to remove old sticker residue tends to 'shine' the surface in patches. The number of things I've put aside, waiting till I get around to setting up my big compressor and grit-blasting cabinet, grows.
AMSTRAD AZIMUTH ANDROID APP. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: simon christo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2025, 09:48:35 am
content: Hi there!!My Mobile, is quite limited, in it's functions,compared to others, like Samsung's - and alot cheaper, too!! It's a LG K42 Smartphone.I've worked out how to Copy/Paste to theApp, but am unaware, how to Export myprograms, to a File, from Azimuth.Thanks, Tah,

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2025, 03:09:16 am
content: Apps in android normally have an interactive menu of 3 vertical dots near the top of the screen to the right. Generally if there is no function in the app itself configuration and access between the app and filesystem can be found there.

author: simon christo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2025, 09:08:35 pm
content: Thanks, Buddy!!!Tah,
Python: The Documentary | An origin story - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2025, 07:22:56 pm
content: Interesting video. Thanks for sharing.I found it particulary interesting how the makers of Python underestimated the impact of changing the language. Unfortunately this is all too common amongst software developers. I still maintain Python 2.x code because the system's Python can't be upgraded.Something else I found very interesting (because of being involved in hiring engineers every now and then) is the participation of women in the Python community. I was kind of surprised women still need to overcome hurdles to get involved in software engineering.

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 10, 2025, 08:32:49 pm
content: This is really well done, I recommend taking the time to watch it.

author: eugene
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2025, 04:36:40 pm
content: Quote from: voltsandjolts on October 10, 2025, 08:32:49 pmThere is absolutely nothing about python that is worth an hour and a half of my time.

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2025, 04:58:50 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on October 10, 2025, 07:22:56 pmI did not watch this video ,but in the one i watched before the creator of Python said it was adeliberatedecision not to maintain backward compatibility with older versions. Because of this I do not allow this shit in my Lab.

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2025, 05:24:39 pm
content: Quote from: eugene on October 11, 2025, 04:36:40 pmI would say, ditto.

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 11, 2025, 05:38:19 pm
content: Sure, that's fine. There is no programming language that everybody likes.For me, I find Python to be a useful addition to my toolbox.Happy programming to all!

author: eugene
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2025, 07:30:06 pm
content: Quote from: voltsandjolts on October 11, 2025, 05:38:19 pmThe python vs [everything else] "controversy" is iconic and as old as python itself. Surely you're not trying to take credit for it?

author: gmb42
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2025, 04:07:27 pm
content: Obviously I'm very grumpy today, but why do Python "haters" keep trying to denigrate the language with asinine comments?If you don't like it then fine, just stay away and let other folks get on with things.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2025, 05:01:01 pm
content: Quote from: gmb42 on October 12, 2025, 04:07:27 pmAgreed. And on top of that, the documentary is not some kind of Python crash course or a long advertorial about Python being so great. No. It is a storyabout peoplehaving a cool idea and turning that into a very succesfull open source project with a large community and ecosystem around it. The documentary shows both the good things and the bad things that happened along the way without being judgemental.
Some questions re fonts (embedded context) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: peter-h
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2025, 06:59:02 am
content: Disregard - posted inMicrocontrollersas more suitable there.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/microcontrollers/fonts-and-driving-lcd-controllers-for-drawing-text/
AZIMUTH - A AMSTRAD ANDROID EMULATOR - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: simon christo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2025, 05:55:55 am
content: Hi there!!Using Azimuth 1.20, it appears the Clipboardis highlighted, with data, from I don't knowwhere?? Because my Mobile, is quite limited,how do I Copy my program into it, so I canpaste it later on?? My mobile says, 'open with'and not 'copy'.Where, does this data come from?? (Emails,SMS's,Internet,etc), as I don'tknow where??Tah,
Redis, data structures server (OpenSource) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: DiTBho
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2025, 12:03:11 pm
content: About two years ago, I started writing a data structure serverI found the nice projectredis.which offers great ideas! (And well, it's also already usable)

author: Zipdox
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2025, 04:58:28 pm
content: What's your use case and what's your question? Redis is a memory store, not a database. It's a key-value store, it also doesn't really do structured data like a database does.

author: DiTBho
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2025, 07:24:42 pm
content: Quote from: Zipdox on June 02, 2025, 04:58:28 pmI didn't ask any questions.I just wanted to let people know that this project exists.

author: DiTBho
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2025, 07:28:01 pm
content: Quote from: Zipdox on June 02, 2025, 04:58:28 pmQuoteYup, key-value, What I meant, and need.Just, the author used "data structure server" in his description.

author: newbrain
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2025, 11:27:55 am
content: I think redis' switch to SSPL1 and then back to OSI approved AGPL did not really make them a favor, we'll see if it pays out for them.What is certain, is that users are left with the question whether they can still trust to have a legally viable product for their needs not only now, but in the future."I'm altering the deal. Pray I don't alter it any further.".AGPL is quite problematic for many people/organizations, in my professional life we had to more or less ditch some services, due to some similar licensing change.There are many alternatives - I think the most prominent now is Valkey (IIRC, a fork of the originally BSD licensed redis code).

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2025, 02:07:39 pm
content: Yes, many projects have switched to/are switching to Valkey for licensing reasons.https://betterstack.com/community/comparisons/redis-vs-valkey/

author: radiolistener
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2025, 12:00:40 am
content: Be careful:https://www.esecurityplanet.com/news/malware-redis-raider-cryptocurrency/Quote from: May 20, 2025
Latest version of DasmX? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: metertech58761
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2025, 08:21:02 pm
content: Is there a newer version of DASMx than 1.40 (from the GeoCities archive)?It has a bad bug in that it fails to properly calculate the target address when disassembling relative mode instructions in 68HC05 code.(attached ZIP contains the executable, docs, and one of the three files I want to convert back to source)The only other option besides DASMx is IDA Pro, which is unjustifiably expensive for my purposes ($40, $50, sure - but a $365/year subscription? for 3 files? Yeah, no.)

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2025, 09:16:39 am
content: Give Ghidra a try, it's free, supports 6805 and can do pseudo C which (imo) reads easier than assembly.

author: metertech58761
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2025, 11:48:01 am
content: I have tried Ghidra in the past, but it didn't like something in my Windows setup. I'll have to try again later.I did figure out the issue with DASMx... the 6805 mode was apparently built around the 6805P2, which has a 2K address space (cutoff at 07FF) while I was working with code written for the 68HC05C9A which uses 16K of address space.I also got the disassembly I needed on another forum.
Microsoft Visual studio  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: yalect
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2024, 02:46:50 pm
content: Hi,I would like to ask you if there is or which a simple version ofMicrosoft visual basiccan works withwindows 7minimum requirements no need to update or technical problems and if there is a web adresse or url link to download it?.Thank you.

author: JPortici
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2024, 04:34:40 pm
content: I've always ran VB6 IDE natively (my colleagues always preferred to spin up XP virtual machines, as they perceived it to be less effort. Actually more effort, more bloat, and having to move files from/to was a pain.) you can find various guides on the net on how to install VB6 on your target OSNot everything (e.g.: MSDN) is going to work.On Win 7 you will probably need to disable some graphical composition features in compatibility properties.On Win 10 just set compatibility mode to XP SP3, surprisingly the IDE runs much much smoother than on 7Don't set the IDE to full screen, if you need it resize the window to be as big as possible.*** If you meant VB.NET, you'll have to download the whole visual studio thing (VS Community for example)

author: Postal2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2024, 02:54:12 am
content: Quote from: yalect on November 27, 2024, 02:46:50 pmVB6 works fine. I don't know where to download it, I can put it on my ftp in extreme cases.Quote from: JPortici on November 27, 2024, 04:34:40 pmHowever, Windows 10 constantly reminds me at startup (VS6.0) that there is a new version, and I don’t know how to disable it so as not to accidentally click it.

author: JPortici
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2024, 09:19:51 am
content: Quote from: Postal2 on November 28, 2024, 02:54:12 amReally? Not here

author: Postal2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2024, 10:01:01 am
content: Quote from: JPortici on November 28, 2024, 09:19:51 amWindows 10 is very tricky. It sometimes offers to update, but always asks "allow this program...". And out of habit, you can click Yes. Now I launched it and it didn't ask.