Dec stuff, what's the deal?

From: Joe <rigdonj_at_intellistar.net>
Date: Thu May 11 12:25:16 2000

At 08:38 AM 5/11/00 -0500, I wrote:
>
>Hi,
>
> I was helping to sort a load of surplus test equipment yesterday and
found a couyple of DEC computers. Since I'm not a DEC head I don't know
anything about them so can someone tell me more about them and if they're
worth rescueing. The first is a DEC Por 350, there are two of them. The
other is is a Micro PDP 11/73. Both are roughly the size of a large tower
case for a PC. There's also a VAX 11/785 there but it's huge!
>


  A lot of people responded to my posting and asked "what's the deal" on
the 11/73 and 350, so I thought I'd explain the whole situation here.
These machines just came out of Martin Marietta. For the ones of you that
don't recognize the name, they are the largest defense contractor in the
US. They were taken out of the MM plant yesterday morning with a huge load
of surplus test equipment. I helped unload, sort and test the stuff
yesterday afternoon (and half the night!) I don't know anything about DEC
stuff but I thought these looked worthwhile so I grabbed the 11/73 and one
of the 350s and separated them from the usual load of PC crap.

   They still belong to the test equipment dealer but he knows nothing
about them or where or how to sell them so he's letting me see what I can
do with them. They are for sale so if you want one, make a reasonable
offer. If the owner doesn't get what he feels is a fair offer then he or I
will put them on E-bay. I took the 11/73 and one of the 350s home with me
to try and find out more about them, so if you have any specific questions
let me know and I'll try to answer them. I haven't tested them but they
look like they're in fine condition. I'll try to hook them up this weekend
and find out more about them.

   Fine print: These are located in the Orlando Florida area. If you buy
one, you can pick it up and pay for in person (hint: cash = no tax.) If you
need it shipped then there is a $20 packing fee for a custom foam in place
shipping box. All of their large test equipment gets shipped that way and
even UPS hasn't lost or damaged a piece yet. It will be shipped by your
choice of shippers and actual shipping charges will apply.

   Joe
Received on Thu May 11 2000 - 12:25:16 BST