Vintage Computers

Continuing on from my post in the PC hardware section - I recently purchased a Sun 3/160 Server, from what i can see it is an old Telkom unit. My dad gave me some assistance in identifying the unit as he used to be a Unix/Sys Admin for HP who was subcontracted to them.

Upon when the server is powered up, it screams. I literally makes a loud whining noise which has led me to believe that the drive in this unit is shot. If I have read up correctly, this drive will have a SCSI type connector/drive, no biggie that I will replace with an emulator and a more modern drive. I have tried numerous attempts to get something to boot from BIOS, however it appears that whatever data is on the drive cannot be accessed - I will assume that this drive is dead. All in all, not a bad start for something I paid R500 for.
 
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CT_Biker said:
Continuing on from my post in the PC hardware section - I recently purchased a Sun 3/160 Server, from what i can see it is an old Telkom unit. My dad gave me some assistance in identifying the unit as he used to be a Unix/Sys Admin for HP who was subcontracted to them.

Upon when the server is powered up, it screams. I literally makes a loud whining noise which has led me to believe that the drive in this unit is shot. If I have read up correctly, this drive will have a SCSI type connector/drive, no biggie that I will replace with an emulator and a more modern drive. I have tried numerous attempts to get something to boot from BIOS, however it appears that whatever data is on the drive cannot be accessed - I will assume that this drive is dead. All in all, not a bad start for something I paid R500 for.
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Those drives were loud, they sound a bit like a jet turbine.
 
The_Librarian said:
Any recommendations on a computer kit that you can purchase and build yourself?

Sort of like the DIY kit back in the Z80 era.
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There are a fair number of pretty cool retro computers you can build today.

I just took delivery of 100% accurate ZX-Spectrum PCBs today, for example. Or you can buy a ZX80 kit that will fit in a ZX81 case (which you can buy new ones today).

Then you can build 100% accurate C64 or similar systems today(not emulations).

There are also a number of really cool Z80-based systems you can build from scratch with BASIC and CP/M support. Grant Searle made a number of boards, 6502, Z80, 68000, etc.
 
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The_Librarian said:
Regarding video output options, can you output to VGA or HDMI instead of PAL?
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I'm sure there will be VGA / HDMI options. The simpler ones, like Grant Searle's designs will output ASCII, so you can run a terminal (emulator) on it.

But PAL is not really an issue. Get a cheap small flatscreen TV.

I recently ordered this Basic Engine little board, might be an option for you;

BASIC Engine RX

basicengine.org
 
jannievanzyl said:
That modern XT is quite interesting but the price is rough.

I've got a number of XT motherboards if anyone is interested.
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Yes it is. The supplier is based in NZ if I recall correctly. I wonder how much of it is built/ assembled there? BTW here is a video I first saw this board on:
 
lowriderza said:
Me too! Especially his Thrift store videos. Also a big fan of 8-bit guy. Did you see that Texas Distro store with the mountains of stuff?!?
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I love LGR and 8-bit guy. chyrosran22 has a great channel too, dedicated to keyboards.
 
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