PLISHKA@SCRANTON.BITNET (09/09/88)
Some time back a message came through the network from an individual looking for a Modula2 machine. A DISER machine has surfaced at our University and we may be willing to part with it. If the same individual is still interested, contact me directly. Rich..
markd@proxftl.UUCP (Mark Davidson) (09/13/88)
This may be a stupid question, but... What's a DISER machine? (No flames, please. I really want to know!) -- In real life: Mark E. Davidson uflorida!novavax!proxftl!markd Proximity Technology Inc., 3511 NE 22nd Ave, Ft. Lauderdale FL, 33308 #define STANDARD_DISCLAIMER <Quote construction site>
markus@etn-rad.UUCP (Markus N. Richardson) (09/23/88)
In article <749@proxftl.UUCP> markd@proxftl.UUCP (Mark Davidson) writes: > > What's a DISER machine? Simply put: The DISER machine was the first (and only?) attempt of commercializing the LILITH Modula machine. A little background may help so here's a bit of history FTWC :-). The LILITH was the M-coded AM2901 bit-sliced 16 bit machine designed in Zurich and produced in small quantities by the (non-profit) Modula Research Institute of Provo, Utah. It's entire OS was written in Modula-2 (with M-code extensions of course!). Some of the founders/owners of the Modula Research Institute pooled investors/capital together and formed DISER Incorporated of Orem, Utah (10 minutes up the hill from Provo). They had political as well as hardware reliability problems that forced them to close a year or so after opening. Who am I? I was a programmer for MRI for a short time, during the rise and fall of DISER. I must admit I loved working with the LILITH at the time but I must admit it's day has come and long gone. If I got any of the above incorrect, please feel free to correct me. -- Markus N. Richardson Research and Development Eaton Corporation IMSD 31717 La Tienda Drive Westlake Village, CA 91359 { voder,ihnp4,trwrb,scgvaxd,jplgodo }!wlbr!etn-rad!markus wlbr!etn-rad!markus@etn-wlv.eaton.com
dragon@trwspf.TRW.COM (Roger Vossler) (09/28/88)
In article <568@etn-rad.UUCP> markus@etn-rad.UUCP (Markus N. Richardson) writes: *In article <749@proxftl.UUCP> markd@proxftl.UUCP (Mark Davidson) writes: *> *> What's a DISER machine? * *Simply put: *The DISER machine was the first (and only?) attempt of commercializing the *LILITH Modula machine. To continue the story: After the demise of Diser Corporation, Richard Ohran (the guy that built the original Lilith at ETHZ) formed Modula Corporation which proceeded to build and market the Lilith. A number of machines were sold in wood cabinets (the Lilith woodie), but soon a metal cabinet version was released. This was followed by the Lilith PC (aka LiPC) which was a Lilith box w/o the I/O. I/O was handled via an ordinary PC or Clone. After repeated attempts to obtain further financing, Modula Corporation is currently on hold (i.e. it's a shell corporation with assets/liabilities, but no employees). Richard has built a version of the four-pass Modula-2 compiler (C-21) which generates T-codes for the Transputer. He has also written a version of MEDOS-2 (V5.2 or so) that runs on a PC or Clone and supports a Viking I monitor (Moniterm). The Transputer runs about five times faster (T-414) than the Lilith. Now, it is possible to have a Lilith inside of a PC or Clone on two AT-style boards (one for the Transputer and one for the Monitern interface). I don't know if either the Modula-2 compiler for the Transputer or the packaged setup will ever be products, but if people are interested, they can contact Ohran in Provo, UT at 801.226.0395. At TRW we purchased approximately 23 Liliths of which most are still in operation (10 woodies, 1 commercial, and 11 LiPCs) supporting sensor data processing. I agree that the Lilith has seen better days, but we still find Modula-2 very useful and continue to do so. I've been a Lilith fan for about six years. I still have hopes of putting together an Amiga 2000 with the Moniterm setup in the Amiga side and a Transputer running all of that lovely Lilith code in the PC side along with all of the Amiga goodies. In fact, I would argue that in a number of ways, the Amiga is a cheap color Lilith. See you on the BitStream. -- -- Roger Vossler TRW, Bldg O2-1395, One Space Park, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 BIX: rvossler UseNet: dragon@trwspf.trw.com ATT: 213.535.2804 ....!trwrb!trwspf!dragon
HPA111@DE0HRZ1A.BITNET (Michael Drechsler) (09/30/88)
What I allways want to know but was afraid to ask: Why "Lilith"? What's the reason for the name? Thanks, Michael
dragon@trwspf.TRW.COM (Roger Vossler) (10/01/88)
In article <INFO-M2%88093008590893@DB0TUI11> Info-Modula2 Distribution List <INFO-M2%UCF1VM.bitnet@jade.berkeley.edu> writes:
*What I allways want to know but was afraid to ask:
*Why "Lilith"? What's the reason for the name?
*
*Thanks, Michael
According to ancient Semitic folklore, Lilith was a female demon
or vampire who lived in desolate places. According to Jewish
mythology, Lilith was the first wife of Adam, before the
creation of Eve. There's a very interesting story connected with
this as well.
According to other legends, Lilith was the first creation of
Luficer, known as the God of Light or The Shining One. Lucifer
is also reputed to be the father of Lilith's twin daughters who
became the consorts of the Angels who were cast out of heaven
with Lucifer. This all occurred before Lucifer invented evil
as the antithesis of life and became Satan.
Lilith and all of her offspring were all decreed to be of
the female sex by their father, Luficer. Lilith and all of
the Daughters of Lilith were stunningly beautiful creatures
who totally captured the souls, attention, etc of all mortal
men who were fortunate (or unfortunate, depending upon your
point of view) to gaze upon them. Thus, Lilith stole men
away from their wives, girlfriends, and/or lovers. Anyone
who has worked upon a Lilith can appreciate how well a
Lilith can totally capture your imagination! Thus, the name
for this computer.
--
Roger Vossler BIX: rvossler
dragon@trwspf.trw.com
...!trwrb!trwspf!dragonsmryan@garth.UUCP (Steven Ryan) (10/06/88)
>Lilith and all of her offspring were all decreed to be of >the female sex by their father, Luficer. Lilith and all of >the Daughters of Lilith were stunningly beautiful creatures >who totally captured the souls, attention, etc of all mortal Additionally, all monsters were regarded as the offspring of Lilith, including Grendel and his mum.
TSI@cup.portal.com (10/07/88)
If I understand correctly, it is not possible to purchase a Lilith or similar unless you can find one around used. Is this correct? If so, where is a good place to start? David