IBM System 34 and 36 questions

From: Richard W. Schauer <rws_at_ais.net>
Date: Thu Sep 10 22:04:05 1998

Hi everybody,

I have just acquired several large pieces of equipment and I have some
questions about them. I haven't moved them yet- some of these
questions concern moving them.

What I have are an IBM System 34 (model 5340), an IBM System 36 (model
5360), two tape drives (model 8809-1C), and two printers (model 3262-B1),
plus some manuals and tapes. Everything is supposed to be in working
order- they upgraded and pulled the plug.

1. How much do these things weigh? The computer person there estimated
2000 lb. for the 34, 1000 lb. for the 36, 700 lb. on the printers and 500
lb. on the tape drives. Does that sound about right?

2. How possible is partial dismantling for transport? I didn't get to
tear into them to look. Loading access is fairly good in the building
they are in, but unloading the 34 could be tricky. It would help if I
could lighten them up.

3. What needs to be done before moving? Head locking, moving or removing
anything, stuff like that.

Other less important stuff that I'm curious about:

4. What kind of interface does it have to the terminals?

5. What kind of power does it need? I'd assume 3 phase 220v.

6. How much computing power is this? Compared to a VAX 11/750, say.

7. How will these things tolerate living in an unheated building over
winter? I live in IL.

Any other hints and tips would be greatly appreciated. I'd really like to
be able to move these machines without damage (to the machines or me).

I went there today mainly as a recon mission, but they convinced me to
take home a Wang word processing system. The server is a model OIS-60X,
and it has 4 terminals hooked up by RS336 (?) over coax (BNC connectors),
plus a laser printer. I think the printer weighs more than the server.
I got a bunch of cartridges for it, and some Canon copier cartridges too,
"because they're almost the same". I think not.

Thanks,

Richard Schauer
rws_at_ais.net
Received on Thu Sep 10 1998 - 22:04:05 BST