value of RK05

From: johnb <dylanb_at_sympatico.ca>
Date: Fri May 5 19:21:54 2000

----- Original Message -----
From: Tony Duell <ard_at_p850ug1.demon.co.uk>
To: <classiccmp_at_classiccmp.org>
Sent: Friday, May 05, 2000 6:08 PM
Subject: Re: value of RK05


> > > > RK05s go for around $500 each *restored*. A restored PDP-11/45 is
about
> > > > $7000 to $9000 depending on config. A system is generally worth a
lot
> > more
> > > > with RK05s or RX02s installed
> > >
> > > _How Much_???? This is unpleasantly rediculous.
> > >
> > > You mean the 11/45 in the next room (with 2 RK05s, 2 RL01s, 2 RL02s, 2
> > > RK07s, A->D, D->A, serial ports, magtape, etc) is worth real money?
Darn
> > > it :-(.
> >
> > Very much so. I notice you didn't list FP. If it has that option then
add
>
> Yes, I've got the FP11-B floating point. And the KT11-C MMU. And all the
> printsets and technical manuals.
>
> > another $1000. PDP-11/45 minicomputers *running* are rather rare. I have
>
> This one needs a _very_ minor repair that I will get round to doing soon
> (just a minor problem with a frontpanel switch). The logic is fine.
>
> > visited quite a few web sites and have found most collectors that *do*
have
> > them don't have them running.
> >
> > Drives like RK07s and RL01/RL02 are worth nothing. It would be worth
more
>
> Speak for yourself. This is the sort of attitude that I really hate. Of
> course they're worth something. For one thing the RLxx is one of the first
> embedded servo drives ever. And for another, they are darn fine storage
> devices...
>

I am speaking from an "actual" collector value point of view. I use the
drives too.. No one wants them, DEC made too many of them so they are not
rare, hence , they are worth no $$$$$. They are not even worth the shipping.
The PDP-11/45 in 1972 was shipped with RF,RS, PC05 type devices. People want
the *original* configurations.. not a bunch of *new* peripherals. Ie: SCSI
boards, etc.

> But of course I don't care about value at all. The only reason I have this
> lot is to hack about with.
>

Exactly, they are worth "use" value.. they just have no $$$ value - which is
what I am after.


> > money if you had a PC05 and running DOS-11. Magtape - only DECTape is
worth
>
> I've only got 3rd party paper tape on the PDP11s.
>

Yikes. Again, collectors like the original stuff *when* it was available.
There are a lot of 3rd party devices that are worth $$$ (8 peripherals).

> On my desk there's a (working) PDP8/e with RX01, TU56 (single drive
> version) DECtape and a sort-of PC04 (converted, reversably, from a PC05).
>
> > $$$. A/D,D/A always adds value.
>
>
> > > > It's RK8E, and yes, they are next to impossible to find - especially
the
> > > > cable.
> > >
> > > Are they? Both my PDP8s (an 8/e and an 8/a) came with them fitted. I
> > > think I've even got another one _somewhere_... Ditto for the cables.
> > >
> >
> > Very much so. I'll tell you what. Go out today and try and find another
> > one... e-mail me in a month, then a year after looking. Only hope is to
find
>
> Well, I'm unlikely to find one. In my current position, I don't get to
> rescue much minicomputer stuff....
>

Exactly, so if you wanted one then it would cost you considerable $$$. Same
thing as collecting/restoring old cars, boats, radios, ???

> > one in a PDP-8A.
>
> Probably :-(. Which is, of course, where it would stay if I found one
> like that.
>
Unfortunatly, PDP-8As aren't worth much $$$ (maybe $100 - so not worth
restoring) so they would be stripped and the cards would be placed in an 8E.
BTW: I have an 8A I stripped for the interfaces if anyone wants it for the
cost of shipping. [that's box PDP-8/A-500, CPU and memory]

http://www.pdp8.com
john


> -tony
>
>
Received on Fri May 05 2000 - 19:21:54 BST

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