[ARC5] Disposing of early 8 bit uP system

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi Les,

I am hoping that anybody who is interested in acquiring your old 
computer gear is actually looking at these messages. I posted some stuff 
on all the lists where I live, on craigslist, took it to swap meets. I 
could not even give the stuff away. That included Apple ][e and early PC 
laptops. Sometimes I see posts on the mail lists where people talk about 
having and using their old computer gear. I took mine off the shelf once 
every other year or two and "exercised" it. But there is no way I would 
ever use it for *real* computer work. I still use some of the old DOS 
software and it works better than ever in a DOSbox on top of Linux - on 
more modern hardware. I saw no need to use up space on my shelves with 
that old junk. More than likely yours will meet the same end.

I do still use radios that are even older <grin>. But they run at the 
same speed as the newest rigs - 7MHz <wink>.

73,

Bill  KU8H

Proud owner of the Forty Meter Band


On 10/28/2014 09:41 PM, Leslie Smith wrote:
>    Dear list-readers,
>
>    I write this note to this group as it is one of the few places where I
>    might get reasonable opinion on what to do with "old stuff" before it
>    becomes valuable.  (i.e. very old)
>    The "stuff" in question is 8 bit uP documentation and hardware, circa
>    1976 to 79.
>    The company of interest is Processor Technology.
>    The specific equipment is the uP "box" (S-100 buss), non-working
>    floppy disc drive.
>    I may (or may not) be able to find the original 8 inch hard-sectored
>    floppy discs.
>
>    The documents are already in the trash, and the hardware isn't too far
>    behind.
>    I have about one week to retrieve it before the garbage truck passes
>    on it's weekly visit.
>    
>    My ears are listening to advice about the value of this stuff.
>    My view is that the equipment supplied by Processor Technology was the
>    best available between 1976 and the early 80's.
>    Does, for example, anyone know another 8 bit system running Fortran IV
>    in that era?
>
>    However, technology has marched on.  I think only museums have the
>    interest (and energy) to keep this sort of gear running.
>
>    As I said, I'm listening for a reason to save this gear.
>
>    73 de Les Smith
>    vk2bcu at operamail.com
>