Looking for a relic

[kb2crk]

Where can I find a 386 16mhz or slower computer?

Thanks
Paul

 

[Astrak]

386 computer | eBay

Search through those and you might find one, seems like a lot are kind of expensive for being old tech.

 

[kb2crk]

I noticed that greedbay was kind of high. especially considering most are as is and not tested.

 

[KB0VWG]

If money is no object

Check this one out . I hope this was a typo.

COMPAQ COMPUTER 2670 PORTABLE 386/20 ANTIQUE | eBay

73's
Michael

 

[n5ims]

You might check out these guys I found from a Google search (http://www.computerreset.com/desktops.html#5). Don't know anything about them besides what their web site says.

Why do you need such an old PC? If it's to run an old version of the Motorola RSS software, let us know what that is and you'll probably get responses on what others are able to run that software on. For example, I use an old Pentium Pro 200 to run my Spectra RSS without issues (it does run straight DOS 6.22 and uses a real UART for the serial port).

 

[RadioDaze]

Check this one out . I hope this was a typo.

COMPAQ COMPUTER 2670 PORTABLE 386/20 ANTIQUE | eBay

73's
Michael

Maybe not a typo... did you catch this at the bottom?
"Please note! If you buy it BUY IT NOW! (NO BEST OFFER)
You get the warehouse that sits inside."

 

[krokus]

Have you checked the second-hand shops, and thrift stores in your area? Someone might have donated one to Goodwill/Salvation Army/PTO, and they are selling it for $50, just to raise funds. (Of course, if it is in working order, could be a good question.)

 

[K9WG]

Any hamfest in your area?

 

[SCPD]

If you're looking to run an old Motorola RSS, you don't need an old relic 386 to do it.

As long as the computer has a serial port and you run RSS in a true DOS environment, you'll be good to go.

See here:
http://forums.radioreference.com/mo...ramming-ht1000-win-based-cps.html#post1530358

 

[rfradioconsult]

Not totally true, the earliest Moto RSS really did need a slow computer, the SyntorX 9000 comes to mind.

Ask some of the local computer shops or computer recycler's they may let you take a look at what they may have, neighborhood garage sales is another source. I have 2 Compaq model III's one operational and one spare, I did have to swap the 8" floppy for a 3.5" floppy to be able to load it.

 

[n5ims]

Not totally true, the earliest Moto RSS really did need a slow computer, the SyntorX 9000 comes to mind.

Ask some of the local computer shops or computer recycler's they may let you take a look at what they may have, neighborhood garage sales is another source. I have 2 Compaq model III's one operational and one spare, I did have to swap the 8" floppy for a 3.5" floppy to be able to load it.

Pretty sure that was a 5 1/4" floppy. The 8" floppy drives didn't last much past the old CP/M days. The "IBM Standard" floppy spec was for a 5 1/4" soft sector floppy, double sided, double density (gave around 600 kb) from the original IBM PC design. The IBM AT introduced the high density 5 1/4" drive that bumped this up to about 1.2 Mb.

 

[KB0VWG]

No I didnt

Maybe not a typo... did you catch this at the bottom?
"Please note! If you buy it BUY IT NOW! (NO BEST OFFER)
You get the warehouse that sits inside."

I wonder what the warehouse looks like?

73's
Michael

 

[kb2crk]

just to answer a few questions.
What i have is an ontario hydro 99 channel maxtrac and it's special RSS.
i have a pentium 233mhz clocked down to 66 mhz and all cache functions shut down.
this works great on all of my other maxtracs. the issue i am having is the integer 0 error.
the computer is to fast even running moslo to start the rss with out getting this error.
the syntor x 9000 and the ht 600's are the same way.
as of right now i have found a 386 16mhz laptop that works but needs a floppy drive (the one in it has failed)
I am still looking for a relic as i am not sure i can find a floppy drive to put in it and i would like a spare even if i do. Ebay has a few at reasonable prices but most are untested and as is for parts. I have found a local (athens GA.) ebay seller that has told me i can come over and test before buying. i may just go that route. but in the meantime i am still looking.

 

[n5ims]

If a standard 3 1/2" floppy drive will work you can get one here 3.5" Internal Floppy Drive - Black : DDH-11TBK or possibly one of these will work Floppy Disk Drives, Floppy Drive, External Floppy Drives, USB Floppy Drive at TigerDirect.com

 

[CapStar362]

I am still looking for a relic as i am not sure i can find a floppy drive to put in it and i would like a spare even if i do. Ebay has a few at reasonable prices but most are untested and as is for parts. I have found a local (athens GA.) ebay seller that has told me i can come over and test before buying. i may just go that route. but in the meantime i am still looking.

I work for a recycler in Conyers GA, and i mentioned your need for this type of machine..... he has quite a few sitting around. you are more than welcome to visit us.

 

[kb2crk]

well i have one that works. i am still looking for one more as back-up but the 386 16mhz i got for the cost of shipping just needed the floppy drive plugged back into the mother board. everything was there and i almost did not spot the issue as the modem and floppy drive use the same board that had come loose.
My old Ontario Hydro Maxtrac has a set of frequencies programmed in and working.

 

[kb0nly]

I have an old Compaq 486 laptop, i think its 25/50Mhz that i used to use for a lot of the OLD stuff. I should sell that thing to someone that can use it as i don't have any use for it anymore. I still have a couple more old 486 and Pentium 1's that i use for RSS anyway.

That Maxtrac RSS your dealing with is a bugger, its sensitive to the computer cache and speed. Back when i had a stack of X9000's i used to use a 386-20Mhz.

 

[kb2crk]

i think it is time to look for a low band syntor.....lol