First personal computer nostalgia

From: ajp166 <ajp166_at_bellatlantic.net>
Date: Mon Nov 27 18:03:44 2000

From: John Tinker <jtinker_at_coin.org>


>Oops. Well it's a basket case as far as computing goes. I've had it
>since about '78 and along the way decided I would sell the boards one
>at a time as souvenirs of the arms race. I pulled the boards, but
>didn't actually sell any. The gigantic power connecter has been
>clipped out, because it was so neat all by itself. I still have it,
>but what a mess.


It all can be put back so it's possible though a real task.

Even back when a "fresh" one was a tough to get going.

>something like 10k of 12 bit words on the fixed head harddrive, (the
>case of which has a warning label about being made of beryllium and
>therefore not to file or scrape it and breath its dust.)


Be is nasty stuff, still intact it's collecters peice. The one I got to
play with was not Be cased.

>As you know the card cage is cylindrical, and the frame is made of
>magnesium. I was told that the "stabile platform" -- I guess a
>gyroscope and a telescope, that once was inside of it cost a quarter


I've seen one complete, really neat. Also I've seen one run simple
programs.

>surface of the earth. In spite of its defunct condition, it still
>looks kind of neat. I always thought it would make a great coffee
>table -- with a glass top. Lots of gold plated parts, and every
>transistor and diode in the whole thing has its own serial number.


Excellent way to keep it as it's large.

Allison
Received on Mon Nov 27 2000 - 18:03:44 GMT