DEC Scrounging & SWTPC 6800 Update

From: Anthony Clifton <wirehead_at_retrocomputing.com>
Date: Thu Sep 4 17:23:01 1997

> Not a problem - give your credit card number to CMD and you can have
> a Unibus SCSI controller tomorrow.
>
I should probably ask them for a price first. ;-D Perhaps I'll try my
hand at locating a used controller first although I know THAT isn't exactly
a walk in the park.
 
> Upgrading to RA80's two years ago was a mistake, if that is indeed the case!
> Of course, it's also possible there is a much modern drive buried in the
> cabinet somewhere - you wouldn't notice it. Heck, the power plug on
> the RA80/TU80 power controller is larger and heavier than many
> modern SCSI drives.
>
> Before moving it, make sure you lock the heads on the RA80.
>
Oops. I've only owned RL02s and RK07s before. How does one lock the heads
on the RA80? Guess that'd be useful to know. :-/ I've used machines in
the past that HAD RA80s but I never had a reason to know how to lock the
heads.
 
> My preferred way for dealing with this part is to install Hubbel Twist-n-
> Lock jacks in the computer room! Bring in some 3-phase, while you're at
> it, and you'll be set for RP06's, too.

Buddy of mine is an electrician. Twistnlock jacks aren't a problem.
Bringing in three-phase is a bit beyond my budget right now but I am
considering upgrading the service to my house on general principle
when I can better afford to do so. =-)

Anthony
Received on Thu Sep 04 1997 - 17:23:01 BST