IBM System 34 and 36 questions

From: WHoagIII_at_aol.com <(WHoagIII_at_aol.com)>
Date: Fri Sep 11 03:00:19 1998

In a message dated 98-09-10 23:23:46 EDT, you write:

<<
 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?

The weights are about right. A good loading dock or a good forklift is
necessary.
 
 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.

Genarally they are on wheels and are not taken apart to be moved. I don't know
the configuation of the 34. It is possible it could be composed of several
parts, but looking at the model number I think it is one piece.. I have moved
several of these systems and usually I rent a truck with a railgate type of
liftgate on it. These have a larger deck and ride flatter. Hopefully the truck
matches the dock. Use a flat dock plate. If there is a mismatch put a piece of
sheet steel over the dock plate to reate a smooth surface to roll on. IBM made
a little wire U shaped clip (bent at the bottom of the U) that is used to keep
the wheels from rolling. This can hold the unit still untill you can tie it
down. Remember there is lots of mass involved. It is best to tie off each
machine.
 
 3. What needs to be done before moving? Head locking, moving or removing
 anything, stuff like that.

At each corner near the wheels are leveling screws. these need to be raised
with a crescent wrench, all the way up.
 
 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.

It could be single phase.
 
 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.

They should survive if you don't try to power them up. They want to be warm to
run.
 
 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.
>>
If the Laser printer is an LDP-8 then the Canon Carts should work. The engine
is a Canon SX I think.
Received on Fri Sep 11 1998 - 03:00:19 BST