Picked up an unusual system this weekend and was wondering if anyone could
provide some pointers.
The system is a "Lasor Computer" (note the spelling) is housed in a
desk-sized cabinent and weighs about 300 LBS. I don't know if it's true but,
according to the previous owner, whom purchased it new around 1982, there
were only about 300 of these systems ever built. This one is serial number
140, has been in storage since 1985, and is in outstanding condition. It not
even dusty inside!
It has two 8" floppies, 2 10-MB hard drives, and 16 serial ports. All the
major components are mounted in 19" trays so, supposedly everything could go
in to a standard rack. When I first saw it, I thought it could be a S-100
system because of the card cage, and power supply configuration. (my mouth
was really watering) :-)
After removing the cards, it's obviously not S-100 but, looks very similar.
The cards look to be the same width as S-100 but they are about 3" deeper
and there are no regulators on the cards. The CPU for this thing is an Intel
8086 and all the cards are marked "LASOR SYSTEMS". Anyone know what kinda
bus this is?
According to the DOCs, the system runs "MLX" which stands for "Multiuser
Executive". supposedly, it can read CPM formatted disks. I'm not sure if it
will boot CPM or execute CPM apps though.
When I tried to boot the system, it got a failure on the boot drive so, I
had to do some microsurgery. Seems the heads had stuck to the platters and
it took a little coaxing to get the platters spinning again. Hopefully, I
didn't hurt the platters too much.
I finally did get the system to boot OK but, now I'm getting a "Password"
prompt. DOH!!! I have contacted the original user and maybe he'll be able to
help me out. I'll keep my fingers crossed. If not, I'll see if I can get it
too boot with a CPM disk and hack my way past the password prompt.
Also in the deal I got 6 - Televideo 950 terminals, and 4 large printers,
and about a mile of wiring. All of the printers are in excellent condition
with the exception of the chain printer (Teletype model 40). When I plugged
that one in, the letters went flying everywhere. Seems the letters are
mounted on a large rubber band that had decomposed sling-shotting pieces
everywhere ;-)
Oh yeah... I spent $50 bucks for the whole truckload.
Steve Robertson <steverob_at_hotoffice.com>
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Received on Tue May 30 2000 - 10:56:58 BST