On another list I'm on (one of the NetBSD lists), I got the message
quoted below, indicating that a bunch of stuff is looking for help
escaping the crusher in San Francisco. After exchanging email with its
author, I got approval to forward it over here. Please respond
directly to Jason (address in the Cc: here, or the quoted headers
below); I cannot do anything useful with responses except forward them
thataway myself.
Note there's a deadline less than two weeks off. (The "if you write a
driver" stuff probably actually means "...a NetBSD driver"; given the
original context - NetBSD lists - this could reasonably be assumed
there, but classiccmp is a bit more wide-ranging in such regards.)
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> Cc: port-m68k_at_NetBSD.org
> From: Jason Thorpe <thorpej_at_wasabisystems.com>
> Subject: Free MVME-147SA for pick-up in San Francisco
> Date: Mon, 5 Jul 2004 20:40:06 -0700
> To: port-mvme68k_at_NetBSD.org
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> Folks...
>
> I have an MVME-147SA system available for free for pick-up in San
> Francisco. This system was working and running NetBSD/mvme68k in a
> diskless configuration the last time I turned it on (about 6 years
> ago). The system board is installed in a Motorola VME card cage with a
> transition module on the back (providing serial and Ethernet) and 2
> removable SCSI disk carriers.
>
> There are some extra goodies included with this system, so pay close
> attention:
>
> - Ciprico RF3400 disk controller. I believe this is an ESDI
> controller. I do NOT have programming info for this controller. I do,
> however, have a programming manual for a Ciprico RF3510 SCSI
> controller, which I will include (possibly useless, but what the heck).
>
> - Ciprico TM3000 9-track tape controller. I have the programming
> manual for this. It works with any Pertec-compatible 9-track tape
> drive.
>
> ...here's the gem:
>
> - Pertec "portable" 9-track tape drive. I don't know the specific
> model number -- it's hidden somewhere under the plastic housing, no
> doubt. I *believe* this drive is capable of reading the 3 common
> 9-track tape densities (though to be honest, I can't even remember what
> those are anymore). Here are some photos:
>
> http://www.shagadelic.org/photos/pertec1.jpg
> http://www.shagadelic.org/photos/pertec2.jpg
>
> ...and here's the reason I have the Pertec in the first place:
>
> - UNIX 32V Time-Sharing System, Version 1.0 on 800bpi 9-track tape. I
> don't know if this tape is still readable, but I have kept it hidden
> away in a box, protected from heat, cold, and light for about 10 years
> now. Here are some photos of the tape:
>
> http://www.shagadelic.org/photos/32v-tape1.jpg
> http://www.shagadelic.org/photos/32v-tape2.jpg
>
> Now, for the terms and conditions:
>
> - I will NOT ship this stuff. The tape drive is especially heavy (if I
> had to guess, I'd say it's 200lbs).
>
> - If you take all the pieces, AND you write a complete driver for the
> TM3000, I will buy you a suitable quantity (e.g. 12-pack of a micro,
> half-dozen if you want some Belgian corked bottles) of quality beer.
> If you also manage to read the contents of the 32V tape, I will also
> buy you a nice bottle (or two) of wine.
>
> - There is a dead line. This stuff is going to the crusher to have the
> metals reclaimed on July 17.
>
> - If you don't have a car large enough to haul this stuff away, I might
> be able to deliver it to a destination in the San Francisco Bay Area,
> if I can arrange help loading the tape drive into my VW Bus (yes, it
> really is that heavy).
>
> I would really prefer NOT to have to crush the MVME-147 - it still
> works, and is a fine little NetBSD system. But I need it out of my
> garage so I can make progress on a home improvement project. So,
> someone please come and rescue it.
>
> I'll probably not throw away the 32V tape whatever happens to the
> stuff. But without the tape drive, the tape is pretty useless, and
> there aren't too many 9-track tape drives around anymore. So here's
> your chance to grab a little bit of computing history... don't miss
> out!
>
> -- Jason R. Thorpe <thorpej_at_wasabisystems.com>
>
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Received on Mon Jul 05 2004 - 23:45:46 BST
