stevenm (05/10/82)
SUN workstation boards (computer and display) are available off the shelf from at least Forward Technology. I received them immediately upon paying $3500 and $1999, respectively. CAVEAT EMPTOR: Unlike every other multibus and s-100 board I have ever bought, they don't come with schematics or any other data to support them yourself. A minimal user manual is provided (still preliminary with no address follow-up, so they don't know where to send it.) They will send you the schematics free if you will provide them with a signed non-disclosure agreement. They sent me a copy, and it is the most restrictive such agreement I have ever seen ("Customer will not...use for its own benefit, any information...concerning FORWARD..."). Moreover, it must be signed by a "director," which they assured me didn't mean the normal member of the board of directors. As a small cog in a large company, I can turn the problem over to contract administrators and lawyers. Those of you who just want to buy a 68000 board should ask the right questions first. I certainly will next time. John Light Tektronix, Inc.