Siemens 6-611: Wierd yet cool

From: Tothwolf <tothwolf_at_concentric.net>
Date: Thu Jun 12 19:06:01 2003

On Thu, 12 Jun 2003, Tore Sinding Bekkedal wrote:

> I recently found a computer to which I have never seen likes: The
> Siemens 6-611. Although I'm just getting started within serious
> collecting, this is an interesting machine.
>
> It features more than one 80851 (I counted 4), A Z84, and a bunch of
> AY-something chips. It has a v. large mainboard.
>
> It has a console I think is serial, with a wierd textile covering the
> CRT. The console is also labelled 6-611. The keyboard features
> indicators like ACK and a sexiful key. The monitor powers up, beeps, and
> the OK light on the KB lights up.
>
> Mass storage is an 8" drive, and a large HDD, 8" style. It has two
> separate power connectors, one for the hard drive logic, one for the
> motor and mechanics.
>
> Upon powerup, smoke erupted from the powersupply, which I think were
> filter caps. (ARGH, the SMELL!) The system worked fine after that. The
> monitor has a power switch and AC out for the system, which doesn't. The
> monitor also regulates the power to 230v (In comparison to 235v in
> Norway.)
>
> I lacked the cable from the console to the machine at that time, a
> standard serial cable, DB-9.

This may be one of their early building automation system computers.
I've never had the chance to see one of the Siemens systems, but the JC80
I'm still gathering parts for could also be configured to use similar
storage means.

The DB-9 port you describe may not be for a console. Many of the
automation systems were designed to communicate with other devices and/or
computers, one of which might have provided the means to program the
system. Usually such automation system computers would be programmed and
run for very long periods without anyone needing to change their program.

Pictures?

-Toth
Received on Thu Jun 12 2003 - 19:06:01 BST