PS/2 Model 50 help wanted

From: Russ Blakeman <rhblake_at_bigfoot.com>
Date: Sun Oct 17 18:04:00 1999

Allison J Parent wrote:

> I have one of these PS2/M50Z. Nice boxen!
>
> There wer two versions the M50 and the M50Z. The latter was the faster 286
> of the two.
>
> <1) The machine contains what I assume to be the hard disc controller, what
> <capacity/type of drives will the machine accept - and where can I get one?
>
> The two standard controllers were 20mb or 60mb but there were later ones to
> I think 120mb.

The 20mb/30mb controller is MFM and the drive will have a type number on it if
the controller is MFM. The ESDI controllers can take up to 160mb ESDI PS/2
drives and need no reconfig when changing drives.

> <2) Can the machine accept 2.88Mb drives (this one is purely out of interest
>
> Not that I know of.

I haven't tried it either but it's probable if not possible. Now he has me
wanting to experiment.

> <3) There is an expansion card with no markings on installed in the slot
> <farthest away from the PSU. It is connected to what appears to be the
> <processor socket ('286 right?) by a section of flexible PCB.
>
> Likely a memory expansion.

May be some obscure processor upgrade as well. Run DOS's MSD or Norton SI (or
similar info program) to see, or even run the program available on Peter Wendt's
German (in English though) PS/2 site at
http://members.aol.com/mcapage0/mcaindex.htm called QBMCA which will give you
the ID number of thr microchannel card and the title/description of it., by slot
number.

> <4) The "paddle" on the power switch has been broken off. Can I get a
> <replacement switch or do I need to get a new PSU?

Generally yes unless someone has a DOA power supply they want to donate or sell
to you. I think I have a model 50/50Z working power supply excess here.

> best source is a PS/2 wreck (most any of the older models.). there is
> a web site that has PS/2 info. Can't seem to find it right now.

 http://members.tripod.com/~ps2page/
Received on Sun Oct 17 1999 - 18:04:00 BST

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