A call for OSI docs/New toy

From: Bill Sudbrink <bill_at_chipware.com>
Date: Thu Oct 7 09:49:46 1999

> Like... scoreage! I picked up my OSI Challenger 3 this morning
> and as usual,
> sans docs. Its got several boards in it: (3x) OSI 520 memory boards, OSI
> 527 (?), OSI 510 (multiprocessor board: a 6800, a z-80, and a 6502, wow),

OSI 527 -- 24K of 2114 static RAM

> (2x) OSI 470 (maybe parallel/disk interfaces??? one of them has what looks
> like a centronics cable attached), and a "motherboard", ps, and case.

OSI 470 -- Believe it or not, can be configured to do either parallel
           or floppy and a few other "network-like" things as well.
           Note that in any case, most of the board is unpopulated.
           If it is being used as a floppy controller, there should be
           a small "daughter" card hanging off of it and the cable to
           the floppy drive will come from that card (can't remember
           the OSI number for that card). The floppy may have been
           disconnected by removing this card, in which case there will
           just be a row of pins sticking out. I don't have those
           schematics here at work right now. I'll try to remember
           to bring them in tomorrow to give you more details.

> (2) note if anything/cards are obviously missing,

Assuming the serial port on the 510 is populated and enabled, then
you should have a complete system with the addition of a terminal,
floppy drive and system (OS-65D). If not, then you would need to
add an early rev (pre-B) 540 board to give you video, keyboard and
cassette. You would also need an OSI 542 keyboard. The ROMs on the
510 will be programmed to expect a certain configuration, so if the
serial port is not there, filling it in will not help.

Final note: What you got was a Challenger III, not to be confused
with a C3 which can be a very different animal.
Received on Thu Oct 07 1999 - 09:49:46 BST