Classic Computer Rescue - A Story

From: Jeff Kaneko <jeff.kaneko_at_ifrsys.com>
Date: Tue Aug 5 13:25:01 1997

> Date: Tue, 5 Aug 1997 11:02:01 -0500
> Reply-to: classiccmp_at_u.washington.edu
> From: Matthew Sayler <mpsayler_at_cs.utexas.edu>
> To: "Discussion re-collecting of classic computers" <classiccmp_at_u.washington.edu>
> Subject: Re: Classic Computer Rescue - A Story

> I remember back in '97 when Jeff Hellige wrote:
> > On 05-Aug-97, Allison J Parent wrote:
> > >If the OS is ultrix yes, VMS no. If the case is BA23 drve ready switches
> > >should be off before turning on and off before turning off. I'd say don't
> > >power it till you have a terminal anyhow as VAXen look for a console
> > >terminal or they don't finish power diags or boot! It also queries the
> > >terminal for what It is, the altos unless a vt100 clone will nto give the
> > >right response (no biggie but there is some console editing that will not
> > >happen then).
> >
> > I'll keep an eye out for a VT-100 or such then....it doesnt look likely
> > I'll find a keyboard for the Altos anyhow. I think I've seen VT-100's for
> > about $50 on the newsgroups.
>

If you're talking about the Altos III terminals (minus their
keyboards), I wouldn't give up just yet. IIRC, they used WYSE
terminals with (slightly) customized roms. If the keyboard plug is
round (kinda like a DIN plug, but with lots more pins) then a WY-50
keyboard should work.

If it is a modular phone plug, then it would be a WY-30 keyboard.

All bets are off if the terminal has a heavy, metal cabinet-- it's
probly a Wy-100, and keyboards for those are rather scarce.


jeff
Received on Tue Aug 05 1997 - 13:25:01 BST