C70:info-cpm (07/29/82)
>From pal@Uwisc Wed Jul 28 21:45:33 1982
Sorry if people get this twice, Im not sure it went out correctly the
first time.
I need help! I inherited an S-100 computer system with the following parts:
1. Vector Graphics Motherboard
2. Cromemco ZPU Z-80 CPU Card
3. 64K Dynamic RAM
4. assorted 8K and 16K Static RAM cards
5. Tarbell single density 8" disk controller
6. Memorex 550 8" floppy disk drives
The parts have been separated and transported far and wide, so I cannot
vouch for any of them. I am currently trying to get the system up.
Not having had any experience in this sort of thing, I have given it to
a shop , but they do not seem to be having any luck either. They think
that the CPU is OK, (replacing the Z80 chip didnt help), and that the disks
are being read. The current suspect is the software. I have only a couple
of disks that were given to me along with the system, but they too have been
much abused. The disk operating system is CPM 1.4.
Now for my appeal. Can anybody give me hints as to what might be
I know this is tough without seeing the system, but maybe at least how to
go about eliminating possible causes). Also, can anybody suggest how I can
get a CPM disk that will boot on the system without paying the n*100 dollars
that Digital Research charges? I am not trying to pirate software, the
systems original owner paid for CPM with the system, and I have that
disk, but it doesnt boot. Would anyone with a similar system be willing to
mail me a disk? I will gladly pay all costs. If not, who should I contact?
I contacted Vector Graphics for the CPU schematics, and they promised to send
same (for $25, no less), but no sign of them (about a month).
Thanks in advance
Anil Pal
University of Wisconsin
pal@uwisc (ARPAnet, CSNet)
harpo!uwvax!pal