PAM computer, Convergent?

From: Ray Stricklin <kjaeros_at_u.washington.edu>
Date: Sat Jul 12 08:38:01 1997

On Sat, 12 Jul 1997, Sam Ismail wrote:

> Also saw and picked up this Convergent computer thingy. Pretty cool. It
> has modules that plug together. One is the PROCESSOR module, then
> there's the EXPANSION DISK module. The boxes which make up this
> "computer" fit together via this bus and then there's this lever you use
> to lock the boxes together. Seems I forgot to pickup the Processor
> module (paid for it but forgot to get it). I also saw some dumb
> terminals for this system at a thrift shop (they are gone now). Anyone
> have any info on this?

Yep. I just picked up one of these systems myself, last weekend. I'm still
a bit baffled as to what can be done with it, but I have boxes of software
and manuals yet to work through. Bill Giurnius <thedm_at_somewhere.I.forget>
has been helping me out; between the three of us we can probably end up
somewhere useful.

When you go back for the processor module, see if they've got an extra
power supply lying about; I'm still one short. (:

Anyway; this machine is Intel based (Mine's one of the first and is an 8
MHz 80186; Bill says that Convergent carried the technology through the
80486) and that bus on the side is called 'Xbus'. It runs a multiuser OS
called CTOS which is now owned by Unisys.

Apparently, CTOS still has an active (but obscure) development effort
behind it, although I'd put it at about the same level as System/36
development. Business oriented, expensive software. Basically, a
salvaging the last scraps of your hardware investment sort of deal. Not
useful for a hobbyist, anyway.

It could run a network of up to 48 machines, by chaining 24 machines to
either of two RS422 ports. My box is apparently licensed for standalone
use.

There is also a 'Miniframe' that Convergent produced, and I've had more
luck finding info on. I get the impression, though, that it's more of a
standard PC-type box than the modular ones that you and I have stumbled on
to. I have the Miniframe FAQ version 0.7 on my box here, in postscript
form. I haven't read it yet. The ASCII version I found was only at version
0.3 and not particularly helpful.

ok
-r
Received on Sat Jul 12 1997 - 08:38:01 BST

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