GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (10/14/89)
Rainbow Echomail Digest OCT 14, 1989 In this issue: RE: FIDONET ON COMPUSERV RE: RE: 1-2-3 RELEASE 2.2 V4.1 RE: FIDONET ON COMPUSERV DEC RAINBOW 100 DISK FORS DEC RAINBOW 100 DISK FORS RE: ALTERNATE CHARACTERS RE: ALTERNATE CHARACTERS DEC RAINBOW 100 DISK FORS RAINBOW USERS UNITED!!! RE: FIDONET ON COMPUSERV RE: BURNING ICS MS-DOS 3.1 RE: COMPUSERVE DISCUSSION RE: RE: DEC RAINBOW DISK MY FRUGALITY DEC RAINBOW 100 DISK FORS PIBTERM RE: MS-DOS 3.1 Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do need not to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 10-11-89 (17:27) Subject: RE: FIDONET ON COMPUSERV From: BILL MAYHEW > Can you tell me about QC for the Rainbow? Sure... what would you like to know? ;-} It's free, it supports Kermit (some features still being tested), XMODEM, CompuServe "B" (actually Quick-B I believe), and one other protocol that I'm not familiar with (Telix, I think?). It is actively supported, written expressly for the Rainbow, and does not require Code Blue. I think it just does VT102 emulation, and even that may not be complete, though the author is willing to consider enhancements given some public demand. It does not support scripting and that looks like a while down the road. Author is Carl Neiburger. --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1) ------------------------------ Date: 10-10-89 (16:46) Subject: RE: RE: 1-2-3 RELEASE 2.2 From: AMER NELSON Don't believe it is copy protected. They just depend on GUILT and the fact that me and thee are incredibly ethical people. ++ Amer ++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 10-11-89 Subject: V4.1 From: FRANK MALLORY Got it today, and can't get it to run without Code Blue. It has printer drive now; none for DEC printers, but at least there is an "other" driver for generi text printers. The screen drivers, tho, are limited to IBM, Hercules, AT&T, and a few others - no generic MS-DOS driver. I'm going to call them to see what, if anything, I can get for the Rainbow. Running MP under CB is unsat as far as I am concerned. --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 10-10-89 Subject: RE: FIDONET ON COMPUSERV From: MAYNARD MARQUIS In a message of < 9 Oct 89 15:17:20>, Bill Mayhew (1:101/1) writes: > One of the interesting things is >to observe the difference in subject matter between DECPC and here; here, >there are a lot of messages related to Binkley, FOSSIL, and >getting/keeping OPUS/Fido running, while on DECPC there are virtually >none of those, and a lot more "how do I make printer X work with software >Y on my Rainbow", "how do I make DEC printer X work with my IBM PC", >Code Blue, DOS, and applications discussions. > On CIS, there are more, "How do I do this on CompuServe?" messages. I've seen more info on connecting printers and and software stuff here then on CIS. (This is where I got info on hooking up a LA50 to my PC clone and given a number where I could pick up the needed software at 9600 HST.) I have not been impressed that CIS has more useful messages than FidoNet. It appears that a different crowd hangs out there, though. More commercial users and less pure hobbiests, perhaps. CIS should be better because of the money paid to them, but so far it hasn't proven true. Indeed, I find more messages from one of the CIS DECPC forum SYSOPs here than on his own messages base. <grin> I suppose one difference is that a CIS forum sysop is motivated to be helpful to a new forum user, where in fidonet, nobody is paid to be nice to the new members. To a beginner this may be quite valuable. Too bad the terrible CIS user interface works against that, however. BTW, CIS claims foreign links as a virtue, but I can send EMAIL to Europe for < $0.17 for messages of up to 14K or so when I use the FidoNet Zone gate system. (I have and it's reliable.) CIS is making me appreciate FidoNet more and more... I am intrigued as to why any nonbusiness users would want to pay for it. (Somebody pays $100/mon for the special rates for the CBer's club or whatever!) --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: TeleTalk BBS (203-674-1802) (1:142/328) ------------------------------ Date: 10-10-89 Subject: DEC RAINBOW 100 DISK FORS From: GEORGE DAHLCO, SYSOP 102/ In a message of <Oct 08 19:22>, GEORGE THEALL (1:150/731) writes: GT>From: mcsun!hp4nl!star.cs.vu.nl!huisjes%cs.vu.nl@uunet.uu.net (Michiel GT>Huisjes) Organization: VU Informatica, Amsterdam GT> GT>A friend of mine just got hold of a DEC Rainbow 100 running MS-DOS 2.11 GT>and he's having troubles with disk formats. It seems that a DEC Rainbow GT>formats disks at 400K (how odd) and cannot read normal 360K type DOS disks. George, Correct. The RB formats diskettes as 80 tracks, single sided, with 10 512 byte sectors per track (80x10x512 = 409,600 bytes) GT>A 360K formatted disk gives the error message "non-DOS disk in GT>drive A:" and if I read a 400K formatted disk in my 386 high-density GT>drive it claims that the disk type is a single-sided double density 8 spt GT>disk with 14K used somewhere in the middle (Norton utilities). Yes, that because the PC is 40 tracks, dual sided, 9 512 byte sectors per track (40x2x9x512 = 368,640 bytes). The 360K disk has info on both sides, and the RB only has one head to read the data, giving erroneous results... GT>What am I doing wrong? Is a DEC Rainbow really that incompatible and GT>more important, how do I transfer my software onto the DEC? GT> GT>Answers will be greatly appreciated. GT>-- GT> Michiel Huisjes. (huisjes@cs.vu.nl) If he formats his diskettes on the PC to single sided (160K), he can read them on the Rainbow with no problem but not reliably write them. If your friend has an AT, he can use the program RX50.ARC to install a driver in config.sys which allows read/write of RX50 floppys reliably in his AT HD diskette drive. He cannot format them to DEC's format on the AT, however. If he needs more heavy duty data transfer between machines, he should buy a program called Media Master, which allows many many formats to be read/written to by the Rainbow (more read than written of course). Good luck... -George, 102/138- --- msged 1.998v * Origin: Western Region VAX EC, RAINBOW/PDP-11 Echo Hub (1:102/138.1) ------------------------------ Date: 10-11-89 Subject: DEC RAINBOW 100 DISK FORS From: MAYNARD MARQUIS In a message of <08 Oct 89 19:22:00>, GEORGE THEALL (1:150/731) writes: >From: mcsun!hp4nl!star.cs.vu.nl!huisjes%cs.vu.nl@uunet.uu.net (Michiel >Huisjes) >Organization: VU Informatica, Amsterdam > In an XT class PC, 360K diskette drive for a:, type FORMAT A:/1/8 This will create a single sided, 160 K diskette with 8 sectors/ track that the DEC Rainbow will read in MS-DOS but NOT write. MS-DOS 2.11 on the 'bow and the RX50 will read ONLY single sided diskettes and NOT the 9 sectors/ currently defaulted to on most PC's. Another useful program is DOSFLX. This is a program that runs in CPM86/80 on the Rainbow that will READ and WRITE to MS-DOS diskettes. It will also reliably read the above type of PC diskette, the writing can also be done but frequently produces dubious results. A better method is to use the program that others have mentioned, which will create a device driver for use on AT class or better machines that will READ and WRITE the DEC RX50 diskettes on a 1.2 meg 5 1/4" floppy drive. This appears to be quite reliable. I have the files here, if you cannot find them anywhere else. Most DEC related BBS's have them. --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: TeleTalk BBS (203-674-1802) (1:142/328) ------------------------------ Date: 10-11-89 Subject: RE: ALTERNATE CHARACTERS From: ED RIDPATH >> > "~ EZ-Reader 1.21~" >I would like to know what kind of Rainbow they show up on as solid >blocks. Both the A that I am reading this message with now, and the >+ that the BBS runs on (I sometimes read messages from the console) >show is as <QUOTE><TILDE><SPACE>EZ-Reader etc. What you quoted came over as tildes, so you probably have someone filtering out hi-bit characters. "~" is a small centered box, character 254 on an IBM. If you strip the hi-bit, you get a "~", a tilde. The Rainbow will display a reverse question mark normally, but the vfossil maps that character to blob (box). Ed --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Keep It Simple: Ed's Point (1:360/8.101) ------------------------------ Date: 10-11-89 Subject: RE: ALTERNATE CHARACTERS From: ED RIDPATH >Opus is not running very well at all under 3.10b - quite a few random >stoppages, some with "interrupts off". Oooo, UNgood! >I think I will be going back to >3.10.016. Works for me! >Anybody else have any experience running Opus under SS 3.10 or 3.10b? I would like to know if this is a common problem. Ed --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Keep It Simple: Ed's Point (1:360/8.101) ------------------------------ Date: 10-11-89 Subject: DEC RAINBOW 100 DISK FORS From: GEORGE DAHLCO, SYSOP 102/ In a message of <Oct 09 19:07>, Frank Mallory (1:109/123) writes: FM>2) Install the PD program RX50 on your 386 or other PC with FM>high-density drive, then read/write to D:. Frank, Only if you have no partitions designated higher than C:, and only if RX50DRVR.SYS is installed after other disk drivers (including VDISK.SYS or RAMDISK.SYS) in CONFIG.SYS. If RX50DRVR.SYS is installed as the first device in CONFIG.SYS, the RX50 emulation will be D:. But if this happens with Speedstor or Disk Manager, or any other third party hard disk driver software, your next hard disk partitions will begin at E: and that may be a big problem! Likewise, if you install RX50DRVR.SYS after your hard disk drivers, (if there are any) but before your ramdisk, the RX50 psuedo disk will be the logical drive designated after all hard disk partitions, but before your ramdisk. I usually make RX50DRVR.SYS the last line in CONFIG.SYS, except when I have network software running on a PC, in which case I install it as the last logical drive on the local PC. Just food for thought... -George, 102/138- PS - As an afterthought, one may need to use LASTDRIVE=x in CONFIG.SYS as well, I have had some clones that required that before RX50DRVR.SYS would be seen properly. If it's necessary to use it, I always make that the last line in CONFIG.SYS, even with networks. --- msged 1.998v * Origin: Western Region VAX EC, RAINBOW/PDP-11 Echo Hub (1:102/138.1) ------------------------------ Date: 10-13-89 (10:04) Subject: RAINBOW USERS UNITED!!! From: GEORGE THEALL DS>In a message of <04 Oct 89 21:30:00>, GEORGE THEALL (1:150/731) writes: DS> DS>> WOW! Due to the overwhelmingly positive response, I'll begin relaying DS>>mail today between IDM/csdm on one hand and the Rainbow echo on Fidonet. ... DS>Geez, that was easy <grin>.... I think we're all curious to see what this DS>brings! Easy for you, that is! :-) So far I've been simply porting individual messages from here to IDM/csdm, though I'm now thinking about creating a digest both to cut down on the number of messages posted daily, to minimize my work, and to make it clearer to the people on IDM/csdm that the messages are not from me directly. (Several people have emailed me directly asking that I send them the graphics programs from Dover Graphics, for example.) Any suggestions for minimizing the problem wrt messages gatewayed to this echo? George --- ~ EZ-Reader 1.21 ~ TXIRRINGAK? Bai, eskerrik asko! ------------------------------ Date: 10-12-89 (12:27) Subject: RE: FIDONET ON COMPUSERV From: BILL MAYHEW I don't have the time right now to get into all this (again) and I'm not sure it's productive anyway... But in a nutshell, the reasons people pay to access CompuServe are: (in no particular order) 1. Reliability 2. Timeliness (it is common to get answers to questions within hours, as opposed to the days it takes here) 3. Content (there may indeed be as many echoes in Fidonet as CIS has Forums -- I have no way to know... but on the local Fido systems I've used here, the top-end is less than 50 echoes) 4. Capabilities (the CB club users you mention are attracted to multi-person interactive communications. I have _very_ limited use for this personally but there are people who want it (witness the success of the various 900 "chat lines" -- CIS is cheaper @ $12.80/hour ($6.80 @ 300 baud, which is most appropriate for this purpose) than the $1.00/min those telephone services charge, though there *is* a "bandwidth difference")) 5. Access to experts (Suitable Solutions is one at-hand example) 6. Availability worldwide I'm really not interested in arguing the point, though. As I've said before, EACH has its strengths and weaknesses and they complement each other. -Bill P.S. the ONLY reason you see more messages from me here is because of this thread <smile> --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1) ------------------------------ Date: 10-10-89 (22:43) Subject: RE: BURNING ICS From: VAN VANHORN I have no problems with my modems, they all work fine. So do the cables. It's just the line drivers on the busiest part of the whole system. Besides, we are not talking about any one modem here. Both Packard Bell and Novation 1200s, SUPRA 2400, HST 9600, and nul-modem have all been involved and all the cables and modems continue to work fine on the remaining B board and other systems. I wouldn't even much mind putting a new line driver in that position every year or so (life seems to be running more like five years, actually) if I could ever find the things. To All: Urgent need for small quantity of Rainbow RS-232 line driver ICs, 26LS32-3 or equivalent. +vanhorn+ --- * Origin: Horsefeathers + Burn a flag for freedom! + (Opus 1:343/30) ------------------------------ Date: 10-10-89 (22:48) Subject: MS-DOS 3.1 From: VAN VANHORN OPUS runs fine here, Suitable's 3.10 (not the b version so far) with the Video Fossil installed, not to mention a 512KB SCACHE running to speed up mail tossing. I think I heard a rumble that VFOS doesn't get along well with 3.10b, are you running it? I am, but certainly don't use it for anything very often, as I normally don't do much of anything from the console. +vanhorn+ --- * Origin: Horsefeathers + Burn a flag for freedom! + (Opus 1:343/30) ------------------------------ Date: 10-10-89 (22:55) Subject: RE: COMPUSERVE DISCUSSION From: VAN VANHORN Bill, I have no objection to your participating here, and require no apologies for sounding like you are "selling" CIS. I don't much like CIS as a user (or former user) but understand that you have a certain amount to be proud of as a FORUM sysop. On the FIDOnet side, we are proud of what we have built as well. We offer a service at a good price, lots of information and generally very reliable. From time to time, one echo or another gets messed up, but normally not for long. Nodes come and nodes go, but that is the nature of a volunteer organization. I don't feel that a message trade with the DECPC forum is likely to be feasibl given the differences between the two systems. And I strongly don't want to see a one way system that stems from a stipulation that CIS has different rights and interests than FIDOnet. But I see no reason that you should not participate here as you have been. I am indeed sorry if I gave you that impression. Van --- * Origin: Horsefeathers + Burn a flag for freedom! + (Opus 1:343/30) ------------------------------ Date: 10-10-89 (23:01) Subject: RE: RE: DEC RAINBOW DISK From: VAN VANHORN George, There are two, and only two, ways to exchange disks between IBM's family and ours. For the PC, the single sided single density option on the PC is readable on the Rainbow. For the AT, install RX50.SYS from CONFIG.SYS, and you can read the RX-50 MS-DOS format of the Rainbow. This turns your A: 1.2meg floppy into half of an RX-50 drive, which will be the first drive above your last hard drive. On my AT, C: and D: are on the hard drive, E: is the RX-50 clone, and F: is an Altos 580 CP/M drive (700K double sided.) You cannot format RX-50 disks on the AT, but you can read and write to them. +vanhorn+ --- * Origin: Horsefeathers + Burn a flag for freedom! + (Opus 1:343/30) ------------------------------ Date: 10-11-89 (15:58) Subject: MY FRUGALITY From: AMER NELSON Hope I'm not being too much of a pain in the (er) butt. I appreciate the good work you're doing as SYSOP and all the time you take answering questions from cheapos like me here on the ECHO. I will be getting on CIS again soon. Keep up the good work -- FOREVER. ++ Amer ++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 10-12-89 (08:04) Subject: DEC RAINBOW 100 DISK FORS From: DON MARQUART > A friend of mine just got hold of a DEC Rainbow 100 running MS-DOS 2.11 and > he's having troubles with disk formats. It seems that a DEC Rainbow formats > disks at 400K (how odd) and cannot read normal 360K type DOS disks. > Trying to read a 360K formatted disk gives the error message "non-DOS disk > in drive A:" and if I read a 400K formatted disk in my 386 high-density > drive it claims that the disk type is a single-sided double density 8 spt > disk with 14K used somewhere in the middle (Norton utilities). > What am I doing wrong? Is a DEC Rainbow really that incompatible and more > important, how do I transfer my software onto the DEC? Your problem lies in the fact that the RB is indeed a *single sided* 400K format and has no comprehension of double sided disks. If you write your IBM software to single sided IBM disks the RB should be able to read them just fine. Suggest that you buld erase your disks and format them for the IBM single sided format with the DEC prior to transfering the data to them using the IBM compatible. Be sure that the multiformat utility is enabled. Also, don't forget that the RB will not run a lot of the IBM software due to the difference in the video routines. There is a program called Code Blue which offers some video compatibility as does the new version 3.10b of MS-DOS for the Rainbow which is offered by Suitable Solutions. Hope this helps some... --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888) ------------------------------ Date: 10-12-89 Subject: PIBTERM From: DOUG MURRAY Hi all, Would anyone have a more recent version of PIBTERM? The one I have dates from 1985. Thanks, Doug! --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Now-Now... Its not polite to POINT (1:163/226.1) ------------------------------ Date: 10-13-89 (12:37) Subject: RE: MS-DOS 3.1 From: FRANK MALLORY > I think I heard a rumble that VFOS doesn't get along well > with 3.10b, are you running it? I am, but certainly don't > use it for anything very often, as I normally don't do > much of anything from the console. Yes, I use VFOS with MSGED, and that works fine. Just having problems running OOPS with it. Also use OUTER or OUTSID (forget which) that uses VFOS; no problem with that. Do you think there could be some kind of bad interaction between VFOS, Opus 1.03, and DOS 3.10b? --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (10/18/89)
Rainbow Echomail Digest OCT 17, 1989 In this issue: RE: RE: RE: RE: RAINBOW U WANTED RE: RE: RAINBOW? RE: PATCHES FOR TURBO C, LOTUS-123 RE: FIDONET ON COMPUSERV (2 messages) RE: RAINBOW? LAZY DATES RE: OPUS UNDER V3.10B RE: PATCH KIT FOR TURBO-C FOUND TRACTOR FOR DECW4 RE: ALTERNATE CHARACTERS Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do need not to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 10-13-89 Subject: RE: RE: RE: RE: RAINBOW U From: FRANK MALLORY GT> Well, the folks here don't seem too enthusiastic about a link with GT> Compuserve. Two fellows seem vehemently opposed "on principle", and I GT> seem GT> to be the only one excited about the possibilities. What about those GT> others GT> lurking in the backgroud - any opinions? I'd hate for Bill to begin GT> coding GT> this stuff and then find out a linkup with Compuserve won't be GT> permitted. It's OK by me. --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 10-12-89 (18:55) Subject: WANTED From: ERIC SPEARS I'm a new Rainbow user. Recently bought a Model B machine at Boeing Surplus and would like to expand it a little. Here's what I'm looking for: 256 K RAM Chips (18 of them) to max out at 896 k Graphics Board for Rainbow Color Monitor for Rainbow Tractor feed assembly for DEC LA34 printer Rainbow compatible hard drive larger than 20 mBytes Here are some things that I'd like to sell or trade for the above items: Qume Sprint 11/40+ Daisywheel Printer with serial interface Victor 9000, 2 disk drives, 128 k RAM, dBase II, WS, SC PCturbo 286e Memory expansion card for I*M PC,XT,AT, 3 mBytes RAM & 80287 Hayes 1200 External Modem A/B Switch Box A/B/C Switch Box If a tractor feed for the DECWriter can't be located, I'd also be interested in getting ahold of a DEC compatible printer with a tractor feed. Leave me a message here or call (206) 847-4640 if you're interested in doing business. Eric Spears --- TMail v1.12a * Origin: Total Access Board 138/103 Tacoma, Wa (206)472-9884 (1:138/103) ------------------------------ Date: 10-13-89 (07:55) Subject: RE: RE: RAINBOW? From: GARY STEBBINS GT>It can read/write to **single**-sided GT>double-density PC floppies, and Rainbow floppies can be used GT>on 1.2MB AT GT>drives with a special device driver, but you'll probably find GT>this a headache. I have an AT on one end of my computer table and my Rainbow on the other end. I use the RX50 driver in the AT, and move data back and forth regularly. I have never found it to be a problem in any way. It gives me a lot of flexibility in running the right program on the right machine at the right time. I use the Rainbow mostly for communications in one form or another (Kermit on the Rainbow makes a beautiful intelligent terminal emulator for connecting to a VAX/VMS host) and the faster AT for work requiring speed or I*M compatibility. I also archive all of the Rainbow software on 1.2MB diskettes on the AT - this cuts down the number of disktettes I have lying around in various corners of the room. -gary- --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 10-13-89 (08:04) Subject: RE: PATCHES FOR TURBO C, From: GARY STEBBINS GT> I just finished speaking with Mike Feeley, who's offerred to GT> upload my patches to several Rainbow boards around the country. GT> (Geez, Mike, trying to give Ma Bell some extra business? :-) GT> Look for file TC2PATRB.ZIP in about 1 week on Island Logistics, GT> Pot O' Gold, Glacier Peak, and Long Island Rainbow. It's here.... --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 10-13-89 (19:32) Subject: LOTUS-123 From: SARAH JONES Hi People In the first edition of Lotus (ver 1a) if one was deep in the menus he/she could press the cancel Key and get out in one single key-stroke. With version 2.1 I have to press the escape key umpteen times any time I want to get back from a wrong menu. Is there a short way of doing this ? Any help will be appreciated. Regards Sarah Jones --- * Origin: Midnight DEC - The place for DEC sales & information (Opus 1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 10-14-89 Subject: RE: FIDONET ON COMPUSERV From: MAYNARD MARQUIS Thank you for your participation. I don't feel that it was unproductive. I learned much from your messages. Again, thanks. --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: TeleTalk BBS (203-674-1802) (1:142/328) ------------------------------ Date: 10-14-89 Subject: RE: RAINBOW? From: MAYNARD MARQUIS In a message of <30 Sep 89 08:50:00>, GEORGE THEALL (1:273/203) writes: > > I hate to sound negative about the Rainbow, but it's not a machine for >the faint-of-heart. Unless you/your friend are already familiar with >Rainbows, you're better off **not** buying one. > Sad, but true. Unless you have a good reason to specially want the Rainbow, then you're probably better off with a clone. I bought my first clone back when I realized that it cost the same to put a hard disk in my Rainbow or to buy a complete XT clone with hard disk. (The new found PC compatibility was a bonus.) Prices have changed a lot since back then, but some of the diffi with the maximizing the 'bow have not. Too bad, except for the bZZZZZT of the RX50, it is a very nice machine. (It's hard to realize that just how advanced the keyboard was when it first came out. It's still my favorite! ) --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: TeleTalk BBS (203-674-1802) (1:142/328) ------------------------------ Date: 10-14-89 Subject: RE: FIDONET ON COMPUSERV From: MAYNARD MARQUIS In a message of <02 Oct 89 18:25:00>, GEORGE THEALL (1:273/203) writes: > Then why *** DID *** you put up your BBS? Your attitude seems rather >selfish, petty, and narrow-minded. Suppose people like Larry Campbell, >Dan As NC of net 142 (and IFNA member) with a long history of importation of echomail long distance and feeding it free to many nodes around my state, I don't think that I can be accused of not contributing my share to my HOBBY of computer BBS's. I do not take the hundreds of dollars and many hours of time I spend on the net as a business expense. This is a hobby. It is BECAUSE of people like Vince and Bob of BinkleyTerm that I do it. My 500+ users apprec it, too. Sir, what have you done for Fidonet lately? > Don't presume Compuserve users are ignorant of alternative services. Why not? I've personaly talked to several CIS users who know next to nothing about Fidonet or echomail. > How many answers, Maynard, did you get to that query about > the Rainbow's video memory? Care to guess how many you would This is interesting, I'll post it on CIS and we'll see how much better it does there. I still have difficulty with CIS making money with messages from a distributio system that I voluntarily support with my private funds. This is how I feel about a one way link. Any two way links that you set up, however, I am willing to hear about. The issue is fairness. I'll thank you not to do any name calling in your next message. --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: TeleTalk BBS (203-674-1802) (1:142/328) ------------------------------ Date: 10-14-89 (21:20) Subject: LAZY DATES From: TONY BUSTOS Those without clock boards may also wish to look into a file called SETNOW. It stores the date/time in the autoexec.bat timestamp, and is quite a pleasure to use. I myself use DAT.COM, which sets the system date to its own timestamp, which can be set/updated with FDATE.COM... this can be done automatically by FIDO or OPUS, and used with the internal clock on the USR modem, totally eliminates any need to adjust the date, unless the modem loses power. Looks to me like the modem could be run from batteries, which would make the whole thing bulletproof! Happy dating! --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: The_BRUNDLE_FLY_Den, Dan Cannon, Redondo_Bch_CA, 213-376-9567, -HST- (1:102/139) ------------------------------ Date: 10-14-89 (14:12) Subject: RE: OPUS UNDER V3.10B From: GARY STEBBINS FM>Opus is not running very well at all under 3.10b - quite a few FM>random stoppages, some with "interrupts off". I think I will FM>be going back to 3.10.016. That doesn't sound good. I was planning on sending my $125 to get the 3.10b, but if OPUS won't run, I'll save my money. FM>Anybody else have any experience running Opus under SS 3.10 or FM>3.10b? I echo that request. Is anyone from Suitable Solutions listening? -gary- --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 10-14-89 (14:14) Subject: RE: PATCH KIT FOR TURBO-C From: GARY STEBBINS MF> I have uploaded it to the following boards MF> Glacier Peak SyncPoint Hitch Hiker MF> Silver Bullet Med TechNet Beach City MF> Pot O Gold And a thank you from Glacier Peak! It's available for download and File Request. -gary- --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 10-14-89 (19:13) Subject: FOUND TRACTOR FOR DECW4 From: ERIC SPEARS I LOCATED A TRACTOR FEED ASSEMBLY FOR THE DECWRITER 4/LA-34. --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 10-14-89 (23:09) Subject: RE: ALTERNATE CHARACTERS From: VAN VANHORN > >> > "~ EZ-Reader 1.21~" > >I would like to know what kind of Rainbow they show up > on as solid > >blocks. Both the A that I am reading this message with > now, and the > >+ that the BBS runs on (I sometimes read messages from > the console) > >show is as <QUOTE><TILDE><SPACE>EZ-Reader etc. > > What you quoted came over as tildes, so you probably have > someone filtering out hi-bit characters. "" is a small > centered box, character 254 on an IBM. If you strip the > hi-bit, you get a "~", a tilde. The Rainbow will display > a reverse question mark normally, but the vfossil maps that > character to blob (box). > I really don't recall if I quoted that original origin line, or if I re-entere it from my keyboard. I do know that I have only see tildes, no reverse questi marks, and no blobs, in the EX-Reader origin line, and am still curious about why you are seeing something else. The vfossil most definitely does NOT map the character to a blob, it shows a tilde. As I said before, I am normall reading this echo on Rainbows, or a VT-220 clone, and all I see are tildes. When I am using a Rainbow, I am using both DECCOMM and VFOS-DEC. I don't recall the version numbers, but they would be the latest that have shown up here. On the other hand, the "hi-bit" characters are illegal in echo mail origin lines, so I am sure we can assume we will never see them again, rendering the entire discussion moot. +vanhorn+ --- * Origin: Horsefeathers + Burn a flag for freedom! + (Opus 1:343/30) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@penndrls.upenn.edu (George A. Theall) (10/19/89)
Rainbow Echomail Digest OCT 18, 1989 In this issue: WANTED RE: FIDONET ON COMPUSERV RE: OPUS UNDER V3.10B (2 Messages) CSERVE-FIDO LINKUP MS-DOS 3.1 DEC RAINBOW 100 DISK FORS FOSSIL SUITABLE SOLUTIONS RE: LOTUS-123 RAINBOW VIDEO-FOSSIL RE: MS-DOS 3.1 Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do need not to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 10-17-89 (11:10) Subject: WANTED From: GEORGE THEALL ES>I'm a new Rainbow user. Recently bought a Model B machine at Boeing Surplu ES>and would like to expand it a little. Here's what I'm looking for: ES>256 K RAM Chips (18 of them) to max out at 896 k ES>Graphics Board for Rainbow ES>Color Monitor for Rainbow ES>Tractor feed assembly for DEC LA34 printer ES>Rainbow compatible hard drive larger than 20 mBytes Welcome to the Rainbow community, Eric. If you don't receive any offers directly from people reading your messages, you might call either Caroline Mack (1-618-632-1143) or Suitable Solutions (1-408-727-9090). Caroline publishes a newsletter (_Rainbow News_) which is without doubt the premier source of information about Rainbow computers; if there's a good source for any of those parts, Caroline knows of it. Suitable Solutions, on the other hand, is a business still supporting Rainbow owners. Give them a call, if for no other reason than to get on their mailing list. Ok, now on to specifics. First, you can buy RAM from *any* source to add to your 'bow - you already have the expansion board. 150ns chips will work fine. As for a graphics board, hmmm, you'll probably have to find something used. (You're message is being gatewayed to other networks already; perhaps someone will take the trouble to port it to DECPC forum as well.) For a monitor, you can look for a DEC version or hook up a NEC Multisync II monitor (Jim O'Brien explained how to do this in April '88 to the INFO-DEC-MICRO list). Printers are not my forte' so I'll let someone else handle that question. Finally, a hard drive. Do you have a controller card already? Although any ST205 or ST225 hard disk will work in a Rainbow, you *will* need a DEC or DEC-compatible hard disk controller (~$300). Check out the June 1988 issue of _Rainbow News_ as it had an article from Jerry Miller of Suitable Solutions which listed exactly which hard disks have been known to work in the Rainbow. Hope this is of some help, George --- ~ EZ-Reader 1.21 ~ I'm NOT the NRA ------------------------------ Date: 10-17-89 (11:10) Subject: RE: FIDONET ON COMPUSERV From: GEORGE THEALL Look, I do *not* want to start a flame-fest with you over this. I am simply trying to unite Rainbow users in three chiefly separate forums. I have sought opinions from people both here and on IDM/csdm. Only two people have objected because a one-way link with CIS is "not fair". Granted, but does that mean we should not pursue it? It's also not fair for these two objections to prevent others who do want the link-up from taking place. As a compromise, I've even offered to not pass along messages which explicitly state they are not to be gatewayed. No response yet to that compromise. Perhaps your refusal will be enough to prevent the link-up, perhaps not. About a bidirectional link between DECPC forum and this echo, I don't understand why you continue to propose this as acceptable to you. We've already learned why it's impossible. Hardly a constructive suggestion, in my opinion. As for my contributions to Fidonet, well ... I've already begun gatewaying messages between here and IDM/csdm *and* contributed patches so that TURBO C, v2.0, can be run on Rainbows. Not bad for only ~2 months of participation, eh? George --- ~ EZ-Reader 1.21 ~ Carpe diem ------------------------------ Date: 10-17-89 (11:10) Subject: RE: OPUS UNDER V3.10B From: GEORGE THEALL GS>FM>Anybody else have any experience running Opus under SS 3.10 or GS>FM>3.10b? GS> GS>I echo that request. Is anyone from Suitable Solutions listening? Well, chances of their participation would be a lot higher if we were linked to the DECPC forum. For now, though, I'll pass along your request, Gary, to their account on Compuserve and relay back any response. If you do call them, please mention this and mention whether you'd like them to participate here via their Compuserve account. George --- ~ EZ-Reader 1.21 ~ This space for rent - call (215) 662-0558 ------------------------------ Date: 10-16-89 ( 12:2) Subject: CSERVE-FIDO LINKUP From: PAUL OLSON George, I'm all for it. I have been an advocate of interconnections for a long time, between most systems. As a 'bow user for the last six years, and knowing that it has ALL become a grass-roots effort, I feel that anything which will help keep the user base informed is preferable to user ignorance, princip or not. Paul PS - I am also a subscriber to CS. I wouldn't mind any of my messages being forwarded to a volunteer net, but I would also like to know how to access the volunteer net ;-) --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 10-15-89 (03:14) Subject: MS-DOS 3.1 From: GEOFF REED VV> OPUS runs fine here, Suitable's 3.10 (not the b version so far) with the Video Fossil installed, not to mention a 512KB VV> SCACHE running to speed up mail tossing. VV> VV> I think I heard a rumble that VFOS doesn't get along well with 3.10b, are you running it? I am, but certainly don't use it VV> for anything very often, as I normally don't do much of anything from the console. VV> VV> +vanhorn+ Van, I dunno if it's the new vfos (vfos_dec, vers 0.25, or what, but on msged I cannot see what the heck I am typing, until the line wraps and it prints it on the screen once again... I suspect that the problem lies within msged as binkleyterm uses the video-fossil and is having no problems whatsoev with it...) --- msged 1.96L MSC * Origin: StarShip_Inconnu, Cruisin' the Stars (1:343/3.1) ------------------------------ Date: 10-15-89 (03:21) Subject: DEC RAINBOW 100 DISK FORS From: GEOFF REED MM> FORMAT A:/1/8 MM> MM> This will create a single sided, 160 K diskette with 8 sectors/ track that the DEC Rainbow will read in MS-DOS but NOT MM> write. MS-DOS 2.11 on the 'bow and the RX50 will read ONLY single sided diskettes and NOT the 9 sectors/track currently MM> defaulted to on most PC's. MM> Maynard, it is unnessacary to use the /8 parameter when formatting a single-si disk on an IBM for data transfer to a rainbow... I regularly transfer data from my IBM-clone to the rainbow, and vice versa, using 9-sector disks, withou a problem.... --- msged 1.96L MSC * Origin: StarShip_Inconnu, Cruisin' the Stars (1:343/3.1) ------------------------------ Date: 10-15-89 (03:27) Subject: FOSSIL From: GEOFF REED RM> What's a fossil? RM> RM> (And watch the wisecracks, please. I *DID* study paleontology in college.) Rick, FOSSIL stands for Fido, Opus, Seadog, Standard Interface Layer [FOSSIL] it is a communications package that replaced the INT-14 comm interupt used by ms-dos with a far more versitile, usable communications routine... now there is even the video-fossil that allows near universal video video-display without having to use generic ms-dos writes to the screen. The FOSSIL lets any computer that has a fossil written for it (dec-rainbow, ti-pc tandy 2000, IBM clones, HZ-125, etc...) use communications packages that are writte to utilize such... (binkleyterm, Opus, MSGED... --- msged 1.96L MSC * Origin: StarShip_Inconnu, Cruisin' the Stars (1:343/3.1) ------------------------------ Date: 10-16-89 (00:32) Subject: SUITABLE SOLUTIONS From: VAN VANHORN From recent conversation, it sounds like they only monitor CompuServe. Why don't you call Julie and ask her to join us here as well? Or I could. There must be somebody local on the DEC-BBS list for them to call. +vanhorn+ --- * Origin: Horsefeathers + Burn a flag for freedom! + (Opus 1:343/30) ------------------------------ Date: 10-16-89 (08:36) Subject: RE: LOTUS-123 From: ANDREW TAYLOR Assuming you mean 1-2-3 v 2.01 for the Rainbow: The BREAK command is implemented as CONTROL-PRINT SCREEN (ie Control-F2) I've heard a report that, on some "underground" versions of MS-dOS 3.10 for the Rainbow, presssing CONTROL-SHIFT-PRINT SCREEN while using 1-2-3 will hang the machine. Couln't duplicate the problem myself. In brief: CONTROL-PRINTSCREEN = BREAK --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 10-16-89 (15:31) Subject: RAINBOW VIDEO-FOSSIL From: GEOFF REED I can use a bit of help... I recently switched to the latest version of the rainbow video-fossil, and I seem to have developed a problem... it works fine with Binkleyterm, but using msged on my point, I cannot see the area names, or the text I am typing. I am also going to see if I can get any help on this from Jim Nutt (msged author) but I need to know if there is a newer Vfos_dec than 0.25 --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 10-17-89 (11:25) Subject: RE: MS-DOS 3.1 From: FRANK MALLORY > > > --- msged 1.96L MSC > * Origin: StarShip_Inconnu, Cruisin' the Stars (1:343/3.1) If you are having trouble with your MSGED, suggest you try the latest version (1.99L). --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------ Date: 10-16-89 Subject: RE: OPUS UNDER V3.10B From: MARK BUDA In a message of <14 Oct 89 14:12:43>, Gary Stebbins (1:343/3) writes: > FM>Anybody else have any experience running Opus under SS 3.10 or > FM>3.10b? I have been running V3.1 for, well at least a good 9 months and more like a year without ANY problems. I recomend it highly. - mark --- QM v1.00 * Origin: VAXCat; Merrimack, NH;Home of the Black VAXCat;(603)424-0923 (1:132/ ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (10/19/89)
Rainbow Echomail Digest OCT 19, 1989 In this issue: RAINBOW VIDEO-FOSSIL (2 messages) PIBTERM 3.2.5 (RAINBOW VE (2 messages) COMPUSERVE DISCUSSIONS HE RE: RAINBOW USERS UNITE!! BURNING ICS RE: COMPUSERVE DISCUSSION RAINBOW USERS UNITED!!! RE: BURNING ICS RE: WANTED Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do need not to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 10-17-89 Subject: RAINBOW VIDEO-FOSSIL From: MARK BUDA In a message of <16 Oct 89 15:31:33>, Geoff Reed (1:343/3) writes: > I can use a bit of help... I recently switched to the latest version > of the rainbow video-fossil, and I seem to have developed a problem... > it works fine with Binkleyterm, but using msged on my point, I cannot > see the area names, or the text I am typing. I am also going to see if > I can get any help on this from Jim Nutt (msged author) but I need to > know if there is a newer Vfos_dec than 0.25 I use MSGED with the version of Vfos_dec befreo 0.25 without any problems at all. I know of other people who do the same. I cannot wonder if something is not set up correctly. - mark --- QM v1.00 * Origin: VAXCat; Merrimack, NH;Home of the Black VAXCat;(603)424-0923 (1:132/ ------------------------------ Date: 10-18-89 Subject: PIBTERM 3.2.5 (RAINBOW VE From: FRANK MALLORY I have the file PIBRB.ZIP here, but I am not a PIBTERM user and have no idea exactly what it consists of. It contains about a dozen files including PIBTER and eight files PIBTERM.000,...,PIBTERM.008. Looked at PIBTERM.000 with SEDT and found it was a binary file; whether encoded BASIC source code or an execut overlay, I know not. All these files are dated in May, 1986. --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 10-16-89 (23:10) Subject: COMPUSERVE DISCUSSIONS HE From: DAVID STRICKLER In a message of < 9 Oct 89 15:24:38>, Bill Mayhew (1:101/1) writes: BM>I wanted to go on record as saying I feel a _little_ uncomfortable with BM>the CompuServe "traffic" I've been "generating" here. BM> I have no problem answering people's questions about CompuServe but I BM>have a feeling there may be people out there in Fidoland that don't BM>agree. If that's the case, and a consensus exists, I will gladly shut BM>up. I am not in the business of marketing CompuServe. BM> Of course if that happens, that means the only availability of the BM>answers to those questions will be on CIS itself, which is not always BM>adequate. For the record... I'm glad there's been some discussion about CIS. Although I don't like paying for online services, CIS has many things to offer Since many users of this conference don't know about CIS, the discussions have surely been enlightening to be sure.... DWS --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 10-16-89 (23:13) Subject: RE: RAINBOW USERS UNITE!! From: DAVID STRICKLER In a message of <08 Oct 89 00:00:47>, Van Vanhorn (1:343/30) writes: VV>Of course, the real question is not up to you and I. I don't recall VV>whether or not Stricks is the moderator of this echo, or if I am VV>confusing the three DEC echoes in my mind, but the moderator has sole VV>discretion on this one. It doesn't sound like Bill Mayhew has the VV>authority to negotiate for CIS, and neither you nor I do on the FIDO VV>side. The moderator has absolute authority over echo routing, and that VV>would include any gates to other systems or networks. Maybe we'll hear VV>from him in the next few days. VV> OK, OK... I am the moderator, and I *DO* approve of *ALL* links so long as users and sysops of this echo encur no extra costs because of the link. This is to say that if a sysop wants to spend his money to link into another source, that's fine, but the cost should be their's - not other users or sysops. Hope that help clarify things... --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 10-16-89 (23:18) Subject: BURNING ICS From: DAVID STRICKLER In a message of <07 Oct 89 18:16:21>, Tony Bustos (1:102/138) writes: TB>As for DEC, I'm sure it could be fixed - for (clearing throat) a TB>reasonable fee. I picked up a DF03 for $50 (the case looks nice) that TB>operates fine at 300 baud, but no go at 1200. I called DEC repair & TB>asked the young lady there if it would be worth repairing. She assured TB>me that it was and put me on hold while she looked up the rates. When TB>she returned she said it could be one of two things wrong. One of the TB>two boards would have to be replaced, but she didn't know which. TB>Whichever the problem, she said it would cost either $550 or $650. I TB>forget if that was with or without labor. When I stopped laughing, I TB>told her about my Courier 2400 I had just bought new for $350. Try pushing in the HS button on the DF03. If you really need it repaired, but another for $50 (common price these days). TB> TB>She said perhaps I should go buy another... TB> I often wonder if those DEC ppl really know what the open market holds. Ignorance is one thing, but I would be embarassed to quote prices like that... But then again, DEC has never been shy about their prices! --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 10-16-89 (23:31) Subject: RE: COMPUSERVE DISCUSSION From: DAVID STRICKLER In a message of <10 Oct 89 22:55:27>, Van Vanhorn (1:343/30) writes: VV>On the FIDOnet side, we are proud of what we have built as well. We VV>offer a service at a good price, lots of information and generally very VV>reliable. From time to time, one echo or another gets messed up, but VV>normally not for long. Nodes come and nodes go, but that is the nature VV>of a volunteer organization. That's the most honest assesment of FidoNet I have heard in years. I know you were comparing it to CIS, but I just had to comment on your 'well-b opinion. Thanks for understanding that this is a 'volenteer organization'! DWS --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 10-16-89 (23:35) Subject: RAINBOW USERS UNITED!!! From: DAVID STRICKLER In a message of <13 Oct 89 10:04:00>, GEORGE THEALL (1:273/203) writes: GT>messages from here to IDM/csdm, though I'm now thinking about creating GT>a GT>digest both to cut down on the number of messages posted daily, to GT>minimize my work, and to make it clearer to the people on IDM/csdm that GT>the messages are not from me directly. (Several people have emailed me GT>directly asking that I send them the graphics programs from Dover GT>Graphics, for example.) Any suggestions for minimizing the problem wrt GT>messages gatewayed to this echo? GT> A program would be the smartest idea, but I'm not sure exact;y who would write it, or how it would work. I log onto CIS about twice a year... --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 10-17-89 (15:11) Subject: RE: BURNING ICS From: BILL MAYHEW > I often wonder if those DEC ppl know what the open market holds. Almost certainly, in the case at hand and most others, they don't. The people you *speak* with when you call DEC typically have no interest in outside prices; they simply come in at 8:30, put in their hours, and leave at 5pm, doing their job (hopefully) well... but most of them (at _this_ level of employee) have no interest in the DEC-related "open market". The real problem of course occurs at the level where prices are set, but they too are largely insulated. They view their competition as IBM, not as Moe's Modem Repair or ModemCity. All that said, there is also some truth in the fact that the DF03, being old technology, is inherently relatively expensive to repair compared to today's products. Heck, take your average 5-year-old midsize car (and DF03s are actually more like 10 years old!), break it in a serious way (e.g. an accident) and I guarantee you'll find that it costs more to repair it than it does to buy a new Hyundai! The same is also true for some types of mechanical failure... but the analogy breaks down because cars are still (mostly) repaired at the component part level, whereas electronics are repaired at the board level. That's because the cost of the technicians to the repair companies for an average repair is higher than the cost of the product being repaired. To the small user that has more time than money, this is unpleasant... but a fact of life. [Now how did that soapbox get under my feet?] -Bill --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1) ------------------------------ Date: 10-16-89 Subject: RAINBOW VIDEO-FOSSIL From: GEOFF REED GR> I can use a bit of help... I recently switched to the latest version GR> of the rainbow video-fossil, and I seem to have developed a problem... GR> it works fine with Binkleyterm, but using msged on my point, I cannot GR> see the area names, or the text I am typing. I am also going to see if GR> I can get any help on this from Jim Nutt (msged author) but I need to GR> know if there is a newer Vfos_dec than 0.25 Well, apparently there are a few mites in msged, but the video problem was with the vfos_dec. Unfortunatly..... --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: StarShip_Inconnu, Cruisin' the Stars (1:343/3.1) ------------------------------ Date: 10-17-89 (10:10) Subject: RE: WANTED From: AMER NELSON About your Rainbow requirements: Puget Sound Computer -- 4033 Stone Way, North -- 632-6211 had an ad in last Sunday's (Oct. 15) Seattle Times. I had dealings with the firm 4 years or so ago and they seemed knowledgeable and had fair prices. They advertised 256K 120ns drams for $4.95 (call for other chip prices). They may or may not have 150ns chips which are as fast as you need for the Rainbow. They also advertised a Seagate 40MB drive kit for $339. I assume it is the ST-251 which DEC sells as an RD32. You should be able to knock a bit off the $339 price since you won't need their cable or controller. You will need a DEC contoller, HD cable and skid plate. One caveat -- most people who buy from DEC get HDs without ANY bad sectors. I don't think the same can be said for generic Seagate drives sold by discounters and computer shops. (I know my 20 MEG drive purchased through DECUS had no bad sectors and has, as yet, not developed any -- or so Norton Utilities says.) You could call International Materials Exchange -- 617-497-2290 -- to see if they still have any Data General color monitors which they advertised as VR241 clones made by Hitachi. I bought one over 2 years ago and it works fine. You only get 640 by 240 pixels on your display, but at $199 that's still pretty good. The trouble is that they had them soooo long ago -- I don't even know if the place is still in business. Several d:BUG members have made their own custom cable which is required to attach the monitor to a Rainbow. Newman Computer Exchange -- 313-994-3200 -- has Rainbow Graphics Options for $75 per their latest catalog. I've purchased two used graphics boards from Newman and both have worked flawlessly. ++ Amer ++ (P.S. -- HOW MUCH FOR THE A/B BOX) --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 10-17-89 (21:00) Subject: PIBTERM 3.2.5 (RAINBOW VE From: DOUG MURRAY Going through my pile of disks, I came across Pibterm 3.2.5. I really like the package, I found it just in time for a project that I had to do with the Rainbow and some electronic mail service. Well to get on with it, the point of this message is that the documentation indicated that the source for Pibterm should be distributed with the executabl So here is the question... Does anyone have the sources to Pibterm(most recent version for the 'bow) available for File Request? Essentially what I want to attempt, is to change the character translation module to allow 3 to 1 char translates. I would appreciate either the sources Thanks, Doug! --- * Origin: R&D BBS 'The VAX Heaven' {819/778-3856} 9600 =HST= (Opus 1:163/226) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (10/20/89)
Rainbow Echomail Digest OCT 20, 1989 In this issue: RE: RAINBOW USERS UNITE!! RAINBOW USERS UNITED!!! PIBTERM 3.2.5 (RAINBOW VE Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do need not to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 10-19-89 (09:48) Subject: RE: RAINBOW USERS UNITE!! From: GEORGE THEALL DS>OK, OK... I am the moderator, and I *DO* approve of *ALL* links so DS>long as users and sysops of this echo encur no extra costs because of the DS>link. This is to say that if a sysop wants to spend his money to link into DS>another source, that's fine, but the cost should be their's - not other use DS>or sysops. DS> DS>Hope that help clarify things... Thanks for the clarification. Bill and I are planning to make some tests of the CIS and INFO-DEC-MICRO/comp.sys.dec.micro linkup in the coming week. There's still a lot of details for us to work out, but I'm glad to hear we can proceed with the Rainbow Echomail gateway as well! A minor quibble - by "no extra costs" do you mean to exclude any bi-directional links with Fido? I expect sysops are indeed incurring some extra costs because of additional message volume caused by my posting of messages from INFO-DEC-MICRO/comp.sys.dec.micro. Not that the increase has been that much, but it is passed along to all others that receive this echo. George --- ~ EZ-Reader 1.21 ~ Share the road with a bicyclist ------------------------------ Date: 10-19-89 (09:48) Subject: RAINBOW USERS UNITED!!! From: GEORGE THEALL DS>GT>(Several people have emailed me DS>GT>directly asking that I send them the graphics programs from Dover DS>GT>Graphics, for example.) Any suggestions for minimizing the problem wrt DS>GT>messages gatewayed to this echo? DS>GT> DS> DS>A program would be the smartest idea, but I'm not sure exact;y who DS>would write it, or how it would work. I log onto CIS about twice a year... I've already developed a quick & dirty AWK program to digest (burb! :-) the messages from this echo. It does certainly simplify things. Either Bill or I will do a similar thing for IDM/csdm messages sent to CIS. As for messages posted here, is there a size limit? Do people generally distinguish between my messages (like now) and messages I'm simply gatewaying from IDM/csdm? I've been using a separate tagline for the latter (Mail from INFO-DEC-MICRO/comp.sys.dec.micro) plus embedding some of the original message headers yet have some people when replying to these gatewayed messages say "Well, George, in response to your query, ..." George --- ~ EZ-Reader 1.21 ~ TXIRRINGAK? Bai, eskerrik asko! ------------------------------ Date: 10-19-89 (09:48) Subject: PIBTERM 3.2.5 (RAINBOW VE From: GEORGE THEALL DM>Going through my pile of disks, I came across Pibterm 3.2.5. I really like DM>the package, I found it just in time for a project that I had to do with DM>the Rainbow and some electronic mail service. DM> DM>Well to get on with it, the point of this message is that the documentation DM>indicated that the source for Pibterm should be distributed with the execut DM>So here is the question... Does anyone have the sources to Pibterm(most DM>recent version for the 'bow) available for File Request? I've never used PIBTerm, but I see it's available from a file archive on SIMTEL20. The latest version appears to be v4.1 (release date of March '88). If you don't get a response from others, I'll retrieve the source for this (probably IBM specific) version for you. Here's what I see: PIBT41S1.ARC 210K BIN 03/25/88 Pibterm 4.1 source (T Pascal) 1 of 4 PIBT41S2.ARC 228K BIN 03/25/88 Pibterm 4.1 source (T Pascal) 2 of 4 PIBT41S3.ARC 200K BIN 03/25/88 Pibterm 4.1 source (T Pascal) 3 of 4 PIBT41S4.ARC 227K BIN 03/25/88 Pibterm 4.1 source (T Pascal) 4 of 4 Perhaps you can hack this for the Rainbow. I'll also get the docs to see whether this stuff includes support for the Rainbow. George --- ~ EZ-Reader 1.21 ~ Fahrrad fahren, Energie sparen ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (10/24/89)
Rainbow Echomail Digest OCT 24, 1989
In this issue:
OPUS and MS-DOS v3.10
PIBTERM 3.2.5 (RAINBOW VE
RE: PIBTERM 3.2.5 (RAINBO (2 messages)
DBASE-III
CHEAP RX50 FLOPPIES (2 messages)
RE: OPUS UNDER V3.10B
RE: MS-DOS 3.1/MSGED (2 messages)
RAINBOW VIDEO-FOSSIL
RE: A/B OR A/B/C? I GUES
GRAPHICS BOARD FOR RAINBO
RE: WANTED
THANKS FOR INFO
BUG EXPOSED!
RE:DBASE III
RAINBOW SOFTWARE AVAILABL
DEC RAINBOW 100 DISK FORS
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus,
you do need not to take any special action to respond to articles in
these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this
digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 10-20-89 (10:09)
Subject: OPUS and MS-DOS v3.10
From: GEORGE THEALL
Jerry Miller of Suitable Solutions writes the following about Gary's
problem with OPUS and MS-DOS v3.10:
JM> we
JM>haven't heard of this problem before so I would be interested to see if
JM>anyone else is having it. With all the copies of 3.10 in the field it seem
JM>like we should have heard SOMETHING in the last year if there were indeed a
JM>problem with OPUS and MS-DOS!
He also reports that he does have access to Fido - what he lacks is the
time to follow the important discussions. The best way to contact him or
Suitable Solutions is still by phone. I would imagine, though, that if
enough customers requested it, email support would be provided.
George
---
~ EZ-Reader 1.21 ~ Tagline - what's a tagline???
------------------------------
Date: 10-20-89 (10:09)
Subject: PIBTERM 3.2.5 (RAINBOW VE
From: GEORGE THEALL
The docs for PibTerm v4.1.3 make no mention of either Rainbows or
generic MS-DOS machines. There is a lot of stuff about EGA/VGA graphics,
TEK 4010 terminal emulation, and the like which would undoubtedly *not*
work "as-is" on a Rainbow. Source is in TURBO Pascal v4.0 and consists
of:
File Bytes
------------ ------
PIBT41S1.ARC 215741
PIBT41S2.ARC 233677
PIBT41S3.ARC 205056
PIBT41S4.ARC 233089
If by chance you're interested, let me know and we'll work out a way to
get you the files.
George
---
~ EZ-Reader 1.21 ~ This space for rent - call (215) 662-0558
------------------------------
Date: 10-20-89 (15:55)
Subject: RE: PIBTERM 3.2.5 (RAINBO
From: FRANK MALLORY
I'm afraid the version I have won't be any help. It's version 3.0; it shows
Burns as being at Northwestern Univ.
---
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1
------------------------------
Date: 10-21-89 (00:00)
Subject: DBASE-III
From: DAVID STRICKLER
In a message of <19 Oct 89 20:39:08>, Sarah Jones (1:101/1) writes:
SJ>Does anyone know how to avoid Dbase from going crazy when pressing the
SJ>escape-key in order to exit a command file?
SJ>Not all the time but often enough to be annoying this produce a
SJ>tremendous amount of beeping,congesting the keyboard buffer with all
SJ>the strangest characters one can think.
SJ>I am using version 1:00. Maybe there is an improved version out there.
SJ>Or maybe someone out there has found a solution already.
SJ>As usual any help will be appreciated here.
SJ>Regards.
SJ>Sarah Jones
1.00 had a few mites, although that one's a new one to me. Upgrade to 1.1
(or was that 1.01?)
David Strickler
Sysop of 101/45
Midnight DEC (Boston)
--- msged 1.99S ZTC
* Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45)
------------------------------
Date: 10-21-89 (00:02)
Subject: CHEAP RX50 FLOPPIES
From: DAVID STRICKLER
In a message of <18 Oct 89 10:00:00>, GEORGE THEALL (1:273/203) writes:
GT>From: van-bc!ubc-cs!alberta!ccu!rflukes@uunet.uu.net (Richard F.
GT>Lukes)
GT>Organization: University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
GT>Subject: Cheap source of RX50 floppy disks wanted.
GT>
GT>I am looking to purchase about 100 RX50-format floppy disks.
GT>Does anyone have a favourite supplier who has low prices,
GT>or does anyone out there want to sell some new or used floppies?
GT>The prices locally are about $30 (Canabucks) a box of 10.
GT>Any info would be greatly appreciated.
I sell floppies pre-formatted to work on Rainbow MSDOS (and garenteed to
work) for $2.00/each including sleeves.
David Strickler
617-739-0708
--- msged 1.99S ZTC
* Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45)
------------------------------
Date: 10-19-89 (21:37)
Subject: RE: OPUS UNDER V3.10B
From: GARY STEBBINS
MB>I have been running V3.1 for, well at least a good 9 months and
MB>more like a year without ANY problems. I recomend it highly.
I also have been running under V3.1 for over a year. But the rumors of
problems are centered around the latest release - V3.10b - from Suitable
Solutions. I believe that release is only a couple months old.
-gary-
---
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3)
------------------------------
Date: 10-19-89
Subject: RE: MS-DOS 3.1/MSGED
From: GEOFF REED
FM> > --- msged 1.96L MSC
FM> > * Origin: StarShip_Inconnu, Cruisin' the Stars (1:343/3.1)
FM>
FM> If you are having trouble with your MSGED, suggest you try the latest
FM> version (1.99L).
I am usilg 1.99l, and it has bugs of it's own, it's just that Vfos_dec
V. 0.25 apparently doesn't want to work right with ANY version of msged...
I went back to 0.24 and it seems to be working ok.... with V. 1.99 I could
see the first 18 characters I typed, and then I couldn't see them after that..
--- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: StarShip_Inconnu, Cruisin' the Stars (1:343/3.1)
------------------------------
Date: 10-19-89
Subject: RAINBOW VIDEO-FOSSIL
From: GEOFF REED
MB> I use MSGED with the version of Vfos_dec befreo 0.25 without any
MB> problems at all. I know of other people who do the same. I cannot
MB> wonder if something is not set up correctly.
MB>
MB> - mark
I switched back to V 0.24, 0.25 was causing msged to crash, altho I really
would like the 132 column support, but oh, well... it's all set up right,
it works fine with 0.24... there are some SERIOUS bugs with 0.25...
--- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: StarShip_Inconnu, Cruisin' the Stars (1:343/3.1)
------------------------------
Date: 10-20-89 (10:36)
Subject: RE: A/B OR A/B/C? I GUES
From: AMER NELSON
Don't know -- I have to pass the word. A friend of mine mentioned
his need for an A/B box.
About your inability to backspace, again I don't know. I can by using
the rubout key -- right above the return, but I believe there are
two levels (if that's the right word) regarding message entry with
Opus. I use the one for novices.
++ Amer ++
---
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3)
------------------------------
Date: 10-20-89 (10:49)
Subject: GRAPHICS BOARD FOR RAINBO
From: AMER NELSON
Just received the latest RAINBOW NEWS.
There was an ad from Eustace Enterprises -- 10170 Calumet Lane --
Lake Worth, Floria 33467 -- 407-433-0846.
They are offering the board (used, I assume) for $59.
Have not dealt with them myself, but have not heard any negative
reports from those who have.
++ Amer ++
---
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3)
------------------------------
Date: 10-20-89 (22:40)
Subject: RE: WANTED
From: ERIC SPEARS
THANKS FOR THE REPLY. SORRY I MISSED YOU AT THE MEETING YESTERDAY EVENING.
HOW ABOUT $20 FOR A/B $25 FOR A/B/C?
--- TMail v1.12a
* Origin: Total Access Board 138/103 Tacoma, Wa (206)472-9884 (1:138/103)
------------------------------
Date: 10-20-89 (23:01)
Subject: THANKS FOR INFO
From: ERIC SPEARS
THANKS FOR THE INFO. I BELIEVE THAT I OBTAINED A COPY OF AN OLDER RAINBOW
ORIENTED PUBLICATION FROM ANNETTE MISKIMENS, HERE IN TACOMA. SHE WAS THE
FIRST RAINBOW USER THAT I MET AFTER MY PURCHASE. I'VE ALREADY CALLED SUITABLE
SOLUTIONS AND THEY'VE MAILED ME A CATALOG.
QUESTION: IS THE PRINTER PORT PIN OUT ASSIGNMENT ON THE RAINBOW THE SAME
AS AN IBM SERIAL PORT. I TOOK APART THE RS-232 INTERFACE MODULE FOR MY QUME
SPRINT II AND FOUND THAT IT HAD BEEN MODIFIED TO HANDLE THE OUTPUT FROM MY
OLD (BUT STILL TRUSTY VICTOR 9000). LOOKS LIKE THE VICTOR SWAPPED PIN 5 FOR
6.
--- TMail v1.12a
* Origin: Total Access Board 138/103 Tacoma, Wa (206)472-9884 (1:138/103)
------------------------------
Date: 10-21-89 (13:15)
Subject: RE: CHEAP RX50 FLOPPIES
From: GARY STEBBINS
GT>From: van-bc!ubc-cs!alberta!ccu!rflukes@uunet.uu.net (Richard
GT>F. Lukes)
GT>Organization: University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
GT>Subject: Cheap source of RX50 floppy disks wanted.
I buy cheap bulk diskettes from non-DEC suppliers. The current price in
the catalog in front of me says $0.25 in lots of 100. I have ignored the
hub-ring wars of past history, and have never had a problem formatting or
using any of the cheap diskettes.
The company I've purchased from is MEI/Micro Center. I've seen ads from
other companies with comparable prices, and am likely to try a different
source next time I purchase diskettes. I have a complaint about MEI/Micro.
They include paper sleeves with the diskettes. They will sell you paper
sleeves for $3.00/100 or tyvek sleeves for $5.00/100. But they won't substitu
tyvek sleeves for the $2.00/100 difference in price. They will only sell
you the paper sleeves with the diskettes, and then you can buy the tyvek
sleeves in addition and throw away the paper sleeves when you receive the
order. There is no reason for them to do this other than greed. The disks
and sleeves are bulk-packed, so there is no logistical reason for their policy
I'd like to get about 10,000 people to place 50 calls each asking them to
change the way they handle this to see if they could be persuaded... Any
volunteers? :-)
BTW, they used to allow substitution - I know as the first order I placed
with them several years ago came with tyvek sleeves instead of paper sleeves
at my request, and I only paid the difference. The current sales people
swear this has never been allowed and say I'm a liar... (Like I said, I'm
looking for a company that wants to do business, not screw the customer.)
-gary- (how did I get up on this soapbox?)
---
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3)
------------------------------
Date: 10-21-89 (17:43)
Subject: RE: PIBTERM 3.2.5 (RAINBO
From: DOUG MURRAY
Thanks George,
I will way a few days and if no response come'round, I will probably act
on your offer for the sources. As for the version that you have, it is most
probabaly PC based. The one that I am currently running has a banner line
that has 1986 on it.
Thanks again,
Doug!
---
* Origin: R&D BBS 'The VAX Heaven' {819/778-3856} 9600 =HST= (Opus 1:163/226)
------------------------------
Date: 10-22-89
Subject: RE: MS-DOS 3.1/MSGED
From: FRANK MALLORY
GR> FM> > --- msged 1.96L MSC
GR> FM> > * Origin: StarShip_Inconnu, Cruisin' the Stars (1:343/3.1)
GR> FM>
GR> FM> If you are having trouble with your MSGED, suggest you try the
GR> latest
GR> FM> version (1.99L).
GR>
GR> I am usilg 1.99l, and it has bugs of it's own, it's just that
GR> Vfos_dec V. 0.25 apparently doesn't want to work right with ANY
GR> version of msged... I went back to 0.24 and it seems to be working
GR> ok.... with V. 1.99 I could see the first 18 characters I typed, and
GR> then I couldn't see them after that..
I didn't update to Vfos 0.25, because I have no use for the 132-col. capabilit
which I understood was the main new feature.
MSGED works fine for me. Just have to be careful not to hit cursor keys
too fast (or any at all while it is scanning).
--- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123)
------------------------------
Date: 10-20-89
Subject: BUG EXPOSED!
From: ED RIDPATH
The msged/vfossil bug of invisible characters occurs when there is more than
the expected amount of memory available for ms-dos. The fix right now is
to either run msged as a shell, use an EATMEM type of program, or rip out
your 896K to an *BM limit of 640K.
I'll continue to see if it can be fixed from within the vfossil. I should
have a new version shortly, mostly bug fixes of this kind.
If you notice any other problems with the DEC vfossil, feel free to give
a shout.
Ed
--- msged 1.99S ZTC
* Origin: Keep It Simple: Ed's Point (1:360/8.101)
------------------------------
Date: 10-22-89
Subject: RE:DBASE III
From: ART MCCLINTON
You have found a know bug in DBASE III version 1.00.
Anythime you filled the typeahead buffer (about 10 characters) it would lock
up. It has been fixed in DBASE III version 1.10 dated 2/10/86.
I do not know how you can get the update at this time? I paid a $50. update
fee. I was not very happy about paying $50. to only fix a few bugs. But
it is certainly easier on the nerves. No longer do I have to recover damaged
files. The update also included update pages to the documentation.
I would suggest you try DEC and Ashton-Tate.
--- ConfMail V3.31
* Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103)
------------------------------
Date: 10-22-89
Subject: RAINBOW SOFTWARE AVAILABL
From: ART MCCLINTON
I have the following software available for sale:
LOTUS 123 Release 1A - Unopened - list 495. paid 145 sell 50
ORACLE Ver 4.2 used 1000. 500 150
DR LOGO used 295 195 100
Turtle Geometry Book MIT 35 27 20
ChangLabs Graph Plan (cpm) 180 25
Home Accountant Plus (ms-dos) 99 25
PFS-File copy-protected 185 25
All of the above have original disks and full documentation
Call me at (703)883-6356(o) or (703)280-4657(h)
Art McClinton
--- ConfMail V3.31
* Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103)
------------------------------
Date: 10-22-89 (20:01)
Subject: DEC RAINBOW 100 DISK FORS
From: DON MARQUART
>> Maynard, it is unnessacary to use the /8 parameter when formatting a
>>single-sided disk on an IBM for data transfer to a rainbow... I
>>regularly transfer data from my IBM-clone to the rainbow, and vice versa,
>>using 9-sector disks, without a problem....
>>
>
> Hmmm. Do you mean that it defaults to 8 sectors/track when you tell
it
> to format a single sided diskette? That would make sense. Thank you.
> I'll have to try it!
The IBM defaults to 9 sector for DOS 2 and above. Don't have my RB manuals
handy but think that the RB can read the 9 sector format.
--- ConfMail V4.00
* Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888)
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (10/25/89)
Rainbow Echomail Digest OCT 25, 1989 In this issue: FOUND TRACTOR FOR DECW4 RE: QUME SPRINT/11 PRINTE (3 messages) RE: RE: DEC RAINBOW DISK (2 messages) DEC RAINBOW 100 DISK FORS RAINBOW VIDEO-FOSSIL (2 messages) COPYING (READING) IBM SIN BUG EXPOSED! FLOPPY DRIVE ROW Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do need not to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 10-22-89 (16:54) Subject: FOUND TRACTOR FOR DECW4 From: ERIC SPEARS ARE YOU OFFERING A DW IV 4 SALE? HOW MUCH? LEAVE $ AND I'LL CHECK AROUND FOR A POSSIBLE BUYER. --- TMail v1.12a * Origin: Total Access Board 138/103 Tacoma, Wa (206)472-9884 (1:138/103) ------------------------------ Date: 10-22-89 (16:56) Subject: RE: QUME SPRINT/11 PRINTE From: ERIC SPEARS THANKS FOR THE REPLY FRANK, I FOUND THAT THE QUME INERFACE HAD BEEN MODIFIED TO HANDLE THE VICTOR 9000'S SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT OUTPUT. IS RAINBOW PRINTER PORT PINTOUT THE SAME AS AN IBM? --- TMail v1.12a * Origin: Total Access Board 138/103 Tacoma, Wa (206)472-9884 (1:138/103) ------------------------------ Date: 10-22-89 (09:22) Subject: RE: RE: DEC RAINBOW DISK From: ERIC SPEARS WHAT ABOUT COMMERCIAL PROGRAM "UNIFORM" FROM MICROSOLUTIONS (I THINK) AND PERHAPS XENOCOPY? --- * Origin: Horsefeathers + Burn a flag for freedom! + (Opus 1:343/30) ------------------------------ Date: 10-22-89 Subject: DEC RAINBOW 100 DISK FORS From: GEOFF REED MM> Hmmm. Do you mean that it defaults to 8 sectors/track when you tell MM> it to format a single sided diskette? That would make sense. Thank you. MM> I'll have to try it! MM> No, it defaults to 9 sectors /track Hence the 179,000 or so bytes of free disk space on the disk that's been formatted, it's just that whoever told you that your rainbow can only read 8-sector single-sided disks is WRONG, it can read 9-sector single-sided disks fine (at least all of the rainbows I know of in the greater seattle area have no problem doing this, so you shoul either...) --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: StarShip_Inconnu, Cruisin' the Stars (1:343/3.1) ------------------------------ Date: 10-22-89 Subject: RAINBOW VIDEO-FOSSIL From: GEOFF REED ER> > Well, apparently there are a few mites in msged, but the video ER> problem ER> >was with the vfos_dec. Unfortunatly..... ER> ER> It's working fine here. As a matter of fact, I test the vfossil with ER> msged and my own routines. If you have the disappearing text problem, ER> change your color definitions in msged.cfg. ER> ER> Ed What color definitions?? I've tried switching them all to white/black and white + intense / black to no avail, my text still disappears after the 24th column or so..... what version of dos are you using?? --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: StarShip_Inconnu, Cruisin' the Stars (1:343/3.1) ------------------------------ Date: 10-23-89 Subject: RAINBOW VIDEO-FOSSIL From: GEOFF REED ER> It's working fine here. As a matter of fact, I test the vfossil with ER> msged and my own routines. If you have the disappearing text problem, ER> change your color definitions in msged.cfg. Ed, here are my color definitions..., I can't figure out what's going wrong, Bink seems to be working fine, Msged on the other hand is displaying 24 to 30 columns and then the characters are invisible, (that's with 0.25, 0.24 works great) video fossil color normal whi / bla color warn bla+ / whi color quote bla / whi color block bla / whi+ color info whi+ / bla color hilite whi+ / bla --- msged 1.998x * Origin: StarShip_Inconnu, Cruisin' the Stars (1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 10-23-89 (08:49) Subject: COPYING (READING) IBM SIN From: AMER NELSON Geoff is correct. I quote from the User's Guide which is a part of the MS-DOS documentation (Appendix C, page C-1) -- "The Rainbow MS-DOS operating system can copy an 8-sector or 9-sector, single-sided IBM diskette." Straight from the horses mouth. ++ Amer ++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 10-23-89 (11:09) Subject: RE: RE: DEC RAINBOW DISK From: VAN VANHORN I had been told that Uniform wouldn't read RX-50, so why pay money for it for that purpose? I use Uniform to read Altos disks on the AT, and that works nicely. I wouldn't want to use Uniform, because then I would have to re-run Uniform every time I switched formats; now E: is the RX-50, F: is Altos. I don't know about Xenocopy. I should probably not have been so emphatic in the first message. And you should hit your shift lock key, your message was entered in all upper case. If it hadn't been entered here on this system, I wouldn't have even read it. Van --- * Origin: Horsefeathers + Burn a flag for freedom! + (Opus 1:343/30) ------------------------------ Date: 10-23-89 Subject: BUG EXPOSED! From: GEOFF REED ER>I'll continue to see if it can be fixed from within the vfossil. I ER>should have a new version shortly, mostly bug fixes of this kind. ER> ER>If you notice any other problems with the DEC vfossil, feel free to ER>give a shout. Thanks Ed, at least I know what to do to get the vfossil to work now! --- msged 1.998x * Origin: StarShip_Inconnu, Cruisin' the Stars (1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 10-22-89 (17:10) Subject: FLOPPY DRIVE From: GEORGE TURNER I am trying to understand the process that goes into formatting a floppy disc. Is it the drive controller or FORMAT that formats the disc. If you connected a non-RX50 disc drive to the 'Bow's floppy controller would it work? What would happen if you tried to format a disk in such a set up? --- * Origin: Midnight DEC - The place for DEC sales & information (Opus 1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 10-23-89 (20:20) Subject: RE: QUME SPRINT/11 PRINTE From: BILL MAYHEW Define "can't get it working..." Does it do NOTHING at all, or...?? I remember from years ago when I had a Sprint/9 that it used the opposite pins for transmit and receive than what I expected. I had to build a cable that swapped pins 2 and 3. Beyond that, if you tell it to ignore incoming RS232 control signals, it should work; as I recall, the Qume will support XON/XOFF, which is just what the Rainbow prefers for flow control. --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1) ------------------------------ Date: 10-24-89 (11:55) Subject: RE: QUME SPRINT/11 PRINTE From: FRANK MALLORY > THANKS FOR THE REPLY FRANK, I FOUND THAT THE QUME INERFACE > HAD BEEN MODIFIED TO HANDLE THE VICTOR 9000'S SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT > OUTPUT. IS RAINBOW PRINTER PORT PINTOUT THE SAME AS AN > IBM? I'm going to let someone else more familiar than I with the nuts and bolts answer your question. My impression, tho, is that a short answer would be "no". The "standard" printer interface on the IBM is a parallel one; the connector, however, is a female 25-pin RS-232 serial type. Assuming you are talking about the serial interface for the PC, you are closer but not quite there. I would suggest you look on pg. 58 of the Rainbow Owner's Manual, where there is a table showing the printer connector signals, and decide for yourself what kind of cable or interface you need. BTW, is there some way to turn off Caps Lock on the terminal you are using? --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------ Date: 10-24-89 (14:12) Subject: ROW From: FRANK MALLORY OK, now I have what I need to take on Sun, Silicon Graphics, and the rest of those overpriced workstations: RAINBOW OFFICE WORKSTATION! Somebody just came into the office and dropped an unopened copy of this gem on my desk. You can bet I wasted no time in installing this powerful, new (1985) tool on my 'bow. Had a little trouble registering, tho, because when I say "ROW" it says "System requires CONFIG.SYS" (which of course, I have) and dumps me back to MS-DOS. Undaunted, I went onto my VAX to register there, giving the specified command "@RBC$TOOLS:INITUSR.COM". Unfortunately, my 750 seems to be a few years behind the times, because it couldn't find that particular file. So here I am: my ship has come in, but I'm dead in the water until I can get the 'bow and VAX to accept my registration. What should I do next? --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (10/28/89)
Rainbow Echomail Digest OCT 28, 1989 In this issue: PIBTERM 3.2.5 (RAINBOW VE (2 messages) DREADED VIRUSES -- OR PER RE: RAINBOW USERS UNITE!! RAINBOW USERS UNITED!!! RE: OPUS AND MS-DOS V3.10 RE: DEC RAINBOW DISK FORS RAINBOW BACKUPS Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do need not to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 10-26-89 Subject: PIBTERM 3.2.5 (RAINBOW VE From: JOHN LELLIS In a message of <17 Oct 89 21:00:10>, Doug Murray (1:163/226) writes: >Going through my pile of disks, I came across Pibterm 3.2.5. > ... >Does anyone have the sources to Pibterm(most recent version for the 'bow) >available for File Request? Doug, I was the one who ported PibTerm 3.2.5 from the IBM PC to the 'Bow a couple of years ago. The source has always been (and still is) available to one and all here at 106/503 - (713)820-5105 - hours are 23:00 to 07:00 CDT daily. Feel free to F.Req PIBT32S*.ZIP, which will return you four files for a total of about 250K. Hope the sources will be of use to you. Enjoy! --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: "Over the Rainbow..." (1:106/503) ------------------------------ Date: 10-26-89 Subject: PIBTERM 3.2.5 (RAINBOW VE From: JOHN LELLIS In a message of <18 Oct 89 19:43:27>, Frank Mallory (1:109/123) writes: >I have the file PIBRB.ZIP here, but I am not a PIBTERM user and have no >idea exactly what it consists of. It contains about a dozen files >including PIBTERM.COM and eight files PIBTERM.000,...,PIBTERM.008. >Looked at PIBTERM.000 with SEDT and found it was a binary file; whether >encoded BASIC source code or an executable overlay, I know not. All >these files are dated in May, 1986. PibTerm 3.2.5 was compiled using Borland's Turbo PASCAL Version 3.01a. Source are available here at 106/503 - (713)820-5105 from 23:00 to 0700 CDT daily - as PIBT32S*.ZIP. --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: "Over the Rainbow..." (1:106/503) ------------------------------ Date: 10-25-89 (07:46) Subject: DREADED VIRUSES -- OR PER From: DAVID STRICKLER In a message of <18 Oct 89 14:54:18>, Amer Nelson (1:343/3) writes: AN>Has anyone had any bad experiences? AN>It would be useful if those who have come through last Thursday AN>and Friday unscathed would also respond. AN>The only item I've downloaded in the past few months is the AN>Rainbow specific GIF decoder RBGIF.ARC. AN>If no one responds at all, what do we assume -- that all is well AN>or that lots of Rainbow users are trying to get up and running AN>again? Everyone complains about the Rainbow being a 'forgotten' machine when it comes to software vendors. The good news is that virus vendors forgot about it too! No viri in the Rainbow world as of yet! --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 10-25-89 (07:49) Subject: RE: RAINBOW USERS UNITE!! From: DAVID STRICKLER In a message of <19 Oct 89 09:48:00>, GEORGE THEALL (1:273/203) writes: GT> Thanks for the clarification. Bill and I are planning to make some GT>tests of the CIS and INFO-DEC-MICRO/comp.sys.dec.micro linkup in the GT>coming week. There's still a lot of details for us to work out, but I'm GT>glad to hear we can proceed with the Rainbow Echomail gateway as well! GT> GT> A minor quibble - by "no extra costs" do you mean to exclude any GT>bi-directional links with Fido? I expect sysops are indeed incurring GT>some GT>extra costs because of additional message volume caused by my posting GT>of GT>messages from INFO-DEC-MICRO/comp.sys.dec.micro. Not that the increase GT>has been that much, but it is passed along to all others that receive GT>this echo. GT> GT>George Good question. My statement is ambigious about that... What I mean is that other sysops shouldn't get a bill in the mail from you for DLing costs from Compuserve or USENET (I know tha latter is free). The extra traffic on the net will be welcomed. If anyone complains about the influx of more informa and helpful hints about the Rainbow.... I may just excommunicate them ! :> David Strickler Sysop of 101/45 Midnight DEC (Boston) --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 10-25-89 (07:55) Subject: RAINBOW USERS UNITED!!! From: DAVID STRICKLER In a message of <19 Oct 89 09:48:00>, GEORGE THEALL (1:273/203) writes: GT> I've already developed a quick & dirty AWK program to digest (burb! GT>:-) GT>the messages from this echo. It does certainly simplify things. Either GT>Bill or I will do a similar thing for IDM/csdm messages sent to CIS. As GT>for messages posted here, is there a size limit? Do people generally GT>distinguish between my messages (like now) and messages I'm simply GT>gatewaying from IDM/csdm? I've been using a separate tagline for the GT>latter (Mail from INFO-DEC-MICRO/comp.sys.dec.micro) plus embedding GT>some GT>of the original message headers yet have some people when replying to GT>these gatewayed messages say "Well, George, in response to your query, GT>..." GT> GT>George It looks a little comfusing at first, but I think ppl get the idea. Any chance you could make the message FROM: line have the 'real' person's name? That would be less confusing. --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 10-25-89 (16:28) Subject: RE: OPUS AND MS-DOS V3.10 From: VAN VANHORN George, I spoke with Jerry this afternoon, and he reported bemusement that someone who had not bought a copy of the product (MS-DOS 3.10b) would be asking for details about problems with the product on FIDOnet, instead of calling Suitabl Solutions. He says, "We never demand a serial number or anything before we answer questions." Despite the bemusement, as a software developer, he must have been given less than a positive image of Gary Stebbins as a result of your inquiry. If you are intent on relaying messages between here and Compu$erve, and Strick consents (as he has,) please get it straight. Gary had no bug report, Frank Mallory did. And Jerry wishes that Frank would call or write with whatever problem there is. Whether or not Frank has a registered copy, Jerry would like to know about any problems in the product +vanhorn+ --- * Origin: Horsefeathers + Burn a flag for freedom! + (Opus 1:343/30) ------------------------------ Date: 10-25-89 (23:26) Subject: RE: DEC RAINBOW DISK FORS From: ERIC SPEARS I use Uniform almost daily at work. It'll format, read, & write to almost any 5.25" disk (except Apple & Northstar). Mine's a fairly recent version, might have been some recent changes? Sorry about the all upper case. Since some systems are case sensitive, I get in the habit of having the caps locked. I'll try to remember to unshift after logging on. --- TMail v1.12c * Origin: Total Access Board 138/103 Tacoma, Wa (206)472-9884 (1:138/103) ------------------------------ Date: 10-25-89 Subject: RAINBOW BACKUPS From: GEOFF REED GT>From: att!cbnewsc!stuart@ucbvax.berkeley.edu (S. D. Ericson) GT>Organization: The Sage Hovel, Wheaton, IL GT> George, could you pass on to Him that there is a version of DS-Backup availabl for the dec on rx-50 disks --- msged 1.998y * Origin: StarShip_Inconnu, Cruisin' the Stars (1:343/3) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (10/29/89)
Rainbow Echomail Digest OCT 29, 1989
In this issue:
RE: RAINBOW USERS UNITE!!
RAINBOW USERS UNITED!!!
RAINBOW BACKUPS
DREADED VIRUSES -- OR PER
RE: OPUS AND MS-DOS V3.10 (4 messages)
RE: ROW
RE: HARD DRIVES AND DOS 3
RE: RAINBOW BASIC
RE: DREADED VIRUSES -- OR
RE: LA50 SWITCH SETTINGS
RE: RE: DEC RAINBOW DISK
DISKS
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus,
you do need not to take any special action to respond to articles in
these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this
digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 10-28-89 (12:24)
Subject: RE: RAINBOW USERS UNITE!!
From: GEORGE THEALL
DS>What I mean
DS>is that other sysops shouldn't get a bill in the mail from you for DLing co
DS>from Compuserve or USENET (I know tha latter is free).
I would never do that!
DS>The extra traffic on
DS>the net will be welcomed. If anyone complains about the influx of more info
DS>and helpful hints about the Rainbow.... I may just excommunicate them ! :>
Ah, just have them say a few "Hail, Mary"s. The Rainbow user community
has been depleted enough already.
George
---
------------------------------
Date: 10-28-89 (12:24)
Subject: RAINBOW USERS UNITED!!!
From: GEORGE THEALL
DS>It looks a little comfusing at first, but I think ppl get the idea. Any cha
DS>you could make the message FROM: line have the 'real' person's name? That
DS>would be less confusing.
Not at the moment. The software I'm using doesn't let people change the
"From:" line as that could lead to net forgeries.
George
---
------------------------------
Date: 10-28-89 (12:24)
Subject: RAINBOW BACKUPS
From: GEORGE THEALL
GR>GT>From: att!cbnewsc!stuart@ucbvax.berkeley.edu (S. D. Ericson)
GR>GT>Organization: The Sage Hovel, Wheaton, IL
GR>GT>
GR>
GR>George, could you pass on to Him that there is a version of DS-Backup avail
GR>for the dec on rx-50 disks
Sure will. As long as he reads the digests posted to INFO-DEC-MICRO/
comp.sys.dec.micro he'll see your reply. BTW: Where can one find this
version? From the producers of DS-Backup itself?
George
---
------------------------------
Date: 10-28-89 (12:24)
Subject: DREADED VIRUSES -- OR PER
From: GEORGE THEALL
DS>Everyone complains about the Rainbow being a 'forgotten' machine when it
DS>comes to software vendors. The good news is that virus vendors forgot about
DS>it too! No viri in the Rainbow world as of yet!
I seem to recall, back before Phil Katz came out with his file
compression utilities, some diseased programs were passing themselves off
as the lastest version of ARC. I can't remember what sort of damage was
done, but they did affect Rainbows.
As for viruses which targeted Rainbow-specific software, thanks goodness
I can't think of any!
George
---
------------------------------
Date: 10-28-89 (18:41)
Subject: RE: OPUS AND MS-DOS V3.10
From: GEORGE THEALL
While I appreciate your concern for accuracy, Van, I suggest you heed
your own advice and "get it straight" before posting. From a portion of
Gary's message (entered on 10-14-89) we read:
"That doesn't sound good. I was planning on sending my
$125 to ***GET*** the 3.10b, but if OPUS won't run,
I'll save my money"
(emphasis mine). Note, please, that Gary does not say he has a copy of
3.10b, pirated or otherwise. Nor does he mention that there's a bug in
the software. I forwarded Gary's entire message to Jerry Miller in part
because he might be losing a potential customer.
That Jerry misunderstood Gary's intent is lamentable. But I suggest that
it is only a misunderstanding on Jerry's part and that, if he were to read
the message more thoroughly, the matter would be cleared up. I'm certainly
glad, Van, that you've taken the time and trouble to set the matter
straight. (Or did you have other intentions in posting your message?)
VV>If you are intent on relaying messages between here and Compu$erve, and Str
VV>consents (as he has,) please get it straight. Gary had no bug report, Fran
VV>Mallory did.
Perhaps you would be so kind as to POINT OUT EXACTLY WHAT IS WRONG here.
Indeed, I CHALLENGE YOU to specify which of my previous messages even
mention the words "bug" or "bug report" in the context of MS-DOS v3.10b
and/or Gary Stebbins. Is it in one of my messages posted here? Or in my
correspondence with Jerry Miller?
I think you owe us an explanation, Van. Either that, or an apology.
George
---
------------------------------
Date: 10-27-89 (09:33)
Subject: RE: ROW
From: FRANK MALLORY
> I don't have ANY experience with ROW. What you're looking
> for on the VAX (directory logical RBC$TOOLS) has never
> existed in standard-VMS; probably you need the VAX H-kit
> that goes (not comes) with the PC ROW distribution.
If anybody has the order number for the prerequisite VAX software, please
let me know.
>
> I remember seeing a demo of ROW once; it was advanced
> for its time (it could run a backup-to-the-VAX at a scheduled
> time). Other than that it's just another ho-hum menu
There's at least one other benefit, as I understand it: you will be notified
that you have VAXmail or other messages, even when you are working on the
Rainbow.
I see it as mostly of benefit to unsophisticated users, of which we have
a few here.
---
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1
------------------------------
Date: 10-27-89 (09:50)
Subject: RE: HARD DRIVES AND DOS 3
From: FRANK MALLORY
You should first buy a copy of Rainbow MS-DOS 3.10 from Suitable Solutions,
Inc. Then use the WUTIL program to format and set up partition(s) on your
ST-225.
Other versions of DOS 3.10 will not run on the Rainbow.
---
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1
------------------------------
Date: 10-27-89 (10:05)
Subject: RE: RAINBOW BASIC
From: FRANK MALLORY
> From: OS360171@wvnvms
>
> Does anyone have a version of basic that runs under msdos
> for the rainbow.
The beta test version of the GWBASIC compiler for the Rainbow is availble
on this board (downloads only). The compiler is GWB.ZIP, and it's documentati
is GWBDOC.ZIP.
---
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1
------------------------------
Date: 10-27-89 (10:10)
Subject: RE: DREADED VIRUSES -- OR
From: FRANK MALLORY
> Everyone complains about the Rainbow being a 'forgotten'
> machine when it comes to software vendors. The good news
> is that virus vendors forgot about it too! No viri in the
> Rainbow world as of yet!
Not true, folks; don't let your guard down! I had one here about a year
ago, and it gave me fits.
I recommend the use of FLU_SHOT as a minimum; also, running VIRUSCAN
(latest version: SCANV45.ZIP) after each new software installation.
---
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1
------------------------------
Date: 10-27-89 (10:16)
Subject: RE: OPUS AND MS-DOS V3.10
From: FRANK MALLORY
>
> And Jerry wishes that Frank would call or write with whatever
> problem there is. Whether or not Frank has a registered
> copy, Jerry would like to know about any problems in the
> product
>
There were a number of stoppages after I first installed 3.10b, but it has
been working pretty smoothly for the past week or 10 days. The only problem
occurs at the end of RENUM, when the system stops with a "can't find COMMAND.C
message. Since I keep COMMAND.COM in memory using COMSPEC and SETRAM, this
probably indicates the RAM occupied by COMMAND.COM is being overwritten by
something in RENUM.
So I have started renumbering as an off-line operation and restarting
manually; no big deal.
And yes, I am a registered owner of 3.10b (also SpeedCache, Code Blue, and
an I-Drive from SS).
---
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1
------------------------------
Date: 10-20-89 (08:11)
Subject: RE: LA50 SWITCH SETTINGS
From: RON KRITZMAN
I use my LA-50 on my other machine (AKA "Bozo the Clone") quite nicely.
You will need to close sw1 position 6 to enable "ready/busy" handshaking,
and you may need to close sw1 position (as I did) to invert the ready/busy
signal if it doesn't play.
---
* Origin: Chicago's BIT WIZ Opus HST (AlterNet 445/689) (Opus 1:115/689)
------------------------------
Date: 10-26-89 (19:59)
Subject: RE: RE: DEC RAINBOW DISK
From: VAN VANHORN
I stand corrected (twice, yet!) re: Uniform and RX-50 disks.
Regarding upper case, yes, there are some systems that are case sensitive,
but as far as I am aware that is pretty much limited to unix, where upper
case is normally not recognized. I haven't run into a case where I needed
upper case in several years. You certainly don't need it to log onto an
OPUS system (where I think you are entering your messages.)
+vanhorn+
---
* Origin: Horsefeathers + Burn a flag for freedom! + (Opus 1:343/30)
------------------------------
Date: 10-26-89 (21:39)
Subject: RE: OPUS AND MS-DOS V3.10
From: GARY STEBBINS
George,
Thanks for taking the time to forward my message to Suitable Solutions and
to get the response back to me. It's much appreciated!
-gary-
---
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3)
------------------------------
Date: 10-27-89 (13:51)
Subject: RE: OPUS AND MS-DOS V3.10
From: AMER NELSON
I dunno. Am I dense? Why is Jerry bemused?
Isn't it reasonable for a potential customer to ask a question
regarding possible bugs in a product BEFORE purchase?
If you ask before you buy you are obviously not yet a registered
owner. Just curious.
++ Amer ++
---
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3)
------------------------------
Date: 10-27-89 (13:55)
Subject: DISKS
From: FRANK WOOLF
Hi all, what is the average price per disk for Quad densities??
Thanks
Frank Woolf
---
* Origin: SYS$OUTPUT BBS * Library, PA * 412-854-0511 * (Opus 1:129/38)
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (10/30/89)
Rainbow Echomail Digest OCT 30, 1989 In this issue: RAINBOW BACKUPS (2 messages) FOUND TRACTOR FOR DECW4 RE: RE: DEC RAINBOW DISK Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do need not to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 10-26-89 Subject: RAINBOW BACKUPS From: GEORGE DAHLCO, SYSOP 102/ In a message of <Oct 23 12:42>, GEORGE THEALL (1:273/203) writes: GT>regular backups. Does anyone have reccommendations for GT>Rainbow-compatible programs? GT> GT>I know there is always DEC's BACKUP.EXE, but I was hoping GT>for something more polished like FASTBACK for the clones. George, You can use Design Software's DSGEN, a generic backup tool for MS-DOS based machines. It's cheap (around $50) and works on any generic DOS machine. DSGEN packs a floppy full (i.e. uses it's own format) and allows single file restore. It's also quite fast compared to DOS backup. The program DSGEN.COM is included in a package called DSBACKUP and is available at Egghead software stores. I would call Design Software in Chicago to make sure DSGEN is still included with the latest package; the one I bought is about 4 years old. -George, 102/138- --- msged 1.998v * Origin: Western Region VAX EC, RAINBOW/PDP-11 Echo Hub (1:102/138.1) ------------------------------ Date: 10-27-89 (05:05) Subject: FOUND TRACTOR FOR DECW4 From: DON MARQUART > ARE YOU OFFERING A DW IV 4 SALE? HOW MUCH? LEAVE $ AND I'LL CHECK AROUND > FOR A POSSIBLE BUYER. How's $75 sound, I really don't know what it is worth currently. If you know anyone in the market I'm open to offers. Thanks for the reply... PS: Please turn off your CAPS if possible as it's kinda hard on the eyes. --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888) ------------------------------ Date: 10-27-89 (05:23) Subject: RE: RE: DEC RAINBOW DISK From: DON MARQUART > I had been told that Uniform wouldn't read RX-50, so why pay money for it > for that purpose? I use Uniform to read Altos disks on the AT, and that > works nicely. I wouldn't want to use Uniform, because then I would have to > re-run Uniform every time I switched formats; now E: is the RX-50, F: is > Altos. Van, believe if you check it out you will find that Uniform supports both the CP/M and MS-DOS formats for the Rainbow. Been using it here for years and it's great. You must have the required drives installed in the system before the various menu selections will appear on the selection menu. Just got the recent upgrade to v2.16 and believe that there are 13 menus available if you have all drive types installed. > I don't know about Xenocopy. Got it here somewhere, will try to take a look at it and see if it covers the Rainbow. Later... --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888) ------------------------------ Date: 10-27-89 (05:28) Subject: RAINBOW BACKUPS From: DON MARQUART > Question two: Are there any substitutes for those RX50 > diskettes that will work reliably? Now that we have MS-DOS, > formatting is easy, but I don't know if AT disks will work > Any Suggestions? I'm getting sick of paying RX50 prices, > even through discount places like Richard Young. > ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (11/11/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 10, 1989 In this issue: COMMUNICATIONS PIBTERM 3.2.5 (RAINBOW VE MSVRB1C - RAINBOW KERMIT RE: KERMIT (3 messages) RE: V20 CHIP (2 messages) RE: HD DISKS IN RAINBOW RE: COLOR MONITOR FOR RAI Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 11-07-89 To: RICK MELLON Subject: COMMUNICATIONS From: JOHN LELLIS In a message of <30 Oct 89 14:09:55>, Rick Mellon (1:142/723) writes: > I'd like to know what Rainbow communications software people like most. >So far, the best I've found is PibTerm. I only wish it supported the >Zmodem protocol. Is there a program out there that does offer Zmodem? BinkleyTerm offers Zmodem as well as most of the other popular protocols. Using either the DECCOMM or PC100.SYS fossil drivers, it runs on the Rainbow. Using OPUS!COM, BNU or X00.SYS fossil drivers, it will run on I*B PCs and clones. It's a very good package - well worth a look. --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: "Over the Rainbow..." (1:106/503) ------------------------------ Date: 11-07-89 To: DOUG MURRAY Subject: PIBTERM 3.2.5 (RAINBOW VE From: JOHN LELLIS In a message of <30 Oct 89 09:45:55>, Doug Murray (1:163/226.1) writes: >I do have a question, was the compile done on a 'Bow or on a PC and the >file moved over to the 'Bow? And the other question/comment is, do you >think I could get it to work with Turbo Pascal 2.x? I remember having to >patch a few things in Turbo in order for it to works decently on the >'Bow. If I get my hands on TP 3.x, do I still have to do some patching? The compile was done on a DEC Rainbow PC100+ using the "generic" version of Turbo PASCAL 3.01a. I did the conversion back in '86 as a project to famil myself with Turbo PASCAL (I am a VAX PASCAL user at work). This "generic" version of Turbo PASCAL runs on the Rainbow without any patching. I don't know about Turbo PASCAL 2.x - never tried it on the 'bow. I'm up to Turbo PASCAL 5.0 now. The command line version runs fine on the Rainbow. The integrated environment requires CODE BLUE, since it uses I*M BIOS calls. Rainbow-specific CRT and GRAPH units are available here for download. --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: "Over the Rainbow..." (1:106/503) ------------------------------ Date: 11-08-89 (13:35) To: GARY STEBBINS Subject: MSVRB1C - RAINBOW KERMIT From: RUDIE SLAUGHTER I been trying out your version MSVRB1C of Kermit 2.32A for the Rainbow. Althou the printer support works, I think you have installed the transparent printing and echo printing backwards. What little documentation I can find indicates that <ESC>[5i is supposed to turn on transparent printing - in which all characters are sent to the printer port, bypassing all screen filters and escape sequence interpreters, and that the characters are not to be repeated to the screen; and that <ESC>[?5i is supposed to turn on non-transparent, auto or echo printing - in which after a character is thrown up on the screen, it is echoed to the printer port. From what I encountered in running MSVRB1C, these sequences have appare been flipped. I would appreciate confirmation (or refutation) of this finding and if confirm would appreciate patch instructions to MSVRB1C to unflip the sequences. Thanks again for your work in patching up MSVRB so that it incorporates modem and printer support for the Rainbow. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------ Date: 11-08-89 (13:46) To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: RE: KERMIT From: RUDIE SLAUGHTER Yes, there is a test version of MS-Kermit 2.32/A which incorporates modem and printer support for the RAINBOW. It can be found as MSVRB1C.ARC on the Glacier Peak and Silver Bullet boards. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------ Date: 11-07-89 (23:28) To: RUDIE SLAUGHTER Subject: RE: KERMIT From: GARY STEBBINS RS>Are there any KERMIT users out there? I'm <trying> to use version RS>2.32A on my Rainbow 100B. I can connect to our VAX and everything RS>is cool until I try to print to the Rainbow's attached printer. RS> I can't seem to get KERMIT to recognize the ^[[5i VT1xx route Well, you found the MS-Kermit/Rainbow bug/feature/shortcoming. The real MS-Kermit V2.32/A doesn't suppport modem control of printer control. The ^F2 does toggle printer on/off, if that will work for you. But, have I got a deal for you... I have modified MS-Kermit/RB to fix the modem control problems (have you noticed HANGUP doesn't hang up?) and, just a couple weeks ago, a partial fix of the printer control functions. This new version identifies itself thusly: Rainbow (18-Oct-1989gbs) Kermit-MS: 2.32/A 21 Jan 1989 Copyright (C) Trustees of Columbia University 1982, 1989. and can be down-loaded or FReq'd as MSVRB1C.ARC from Glacier Peak Rainbow. I've sent the changes to Joe Doupnik, and he said the changes should be incorporated into the next version of MS-Kermit, V3.0, due out "soon". Hope this helps. The .ARC file doesn't currently have a description of the changes I've made - I guess I should include that. Also, be forewarned, I haven't had many people testing it. I believe I haven't introduced any bugs, but feedback and bug reports are welcome. -gary- --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 11-07-89 (23:36) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: V20 CHIP From: GARY STEBBINS FM>BTW, did you ever try using an 8MHz V-20 chip in the Rainbow? FM> We just replaced all the motherboards in our PCs, and I have FM>a couple of the 8MHz chips available for use elsewhere. They FM>are interchangeable with the 5MHz chip in the PC, and they seem FM>to give slightly better performance. The Rainbow clock runs the CPU at 4.77MHz. Changing the chip doesn't make the clock run any faster. Any V20 chip that is rated at or above the 4.77MHz should work fine in the Rainbow, and a faster chip won't gain you anything (just drain your pocket a little more, but I expect the $$ difference between the 5- and 8-MHz V20 chips is negligible). Generally, the way a chip is rated for speed is (slight liberties taken in this explanation) when the chips fall off the end of the assemply line, they test them at different clock speeds. When they find the speed at which it fails, they pull out the next lower speed stamp and stamp that number on the puppy. In other words, an 8MHz and a 5MHz chip are manufactured exactl the same way - no differences in the mask or anything. The 8MHz chip just tested a little better than the 5MHz chip. -gary- --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 11-07-89 (23:45) To: DAVID STRICKLER Subject: RE: HD DISKS IN RAINBOW From: GARY STEBBINS DS>I use AT disks on a regualr basis. Most of the box works. Some DS>don't. Those that don't become AT disks in my VAXmate! The Rainbow is designed to use disks with the same coercivity as the standard IBM diskettes. The HD disks (1.2MB) have a higher magnetic coercivity, and the Rainbow RX50 drives aren't designed to write to these disks. The write current probably isn't strong enough to reliably "flip" the magnetic fields in the HD disks. This might make your data fade with time. I wouldn't trust using HD disks in my Rainbow - it won't hurt the Rainbow, but you might find your data missing at a later time. -gary- --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 11-07-89 (23:50) To: GARY STEBBINS Subject: RE: V20 CHIP From: GARY STEBBINS I see your question has already been answered... But, since I spent so long writing MY answer, I won't delete it. ;-) --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 11-08-89 (05:46) To: GARY STEBBINS Subject: RE: KERMIT From: RUDIE SLAUGHTER Thanks for the tip. I'm going to get MSVRB1C and try it out. Will let you know if I have any complaints. --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 11-07-89 (05:42) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: COLOR MONITOR FOR RAI From: DAN OREILLY I bought a used VR241 for my Rainbow for $250 thru Newman Computer Exchange (sorry, I don't have the number handy). Good folks to deal with, and they guarantee all their stuff. DanO --- QuickBBS v2.04 * Origin: The CS-DEPOT BBS System (719)550-9305 (1:128/58) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (11/11/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 11, 1989 In this issue: RE: KERMIT RE: DISKS (2 messages) RE: DREADED VIRUSES -- OR CURE PIBTERM V3.2.5 PIBTERM 3.2.5 (RAINBOW VE DOS 2.11 PROBLEMS Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 11-08-89 (19:58) To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: RE: KERMIT From: GEORGE THEALL CH>You're right, Rainbow Kermit 2.32/A ignores the printer controller sequence CH>ESC [ 5 i and ESC [ 4 i. I heard a rumor that the version now in beta test CH>does honor them. Is this peculiar to Rainbow Kermit or does it happen with PC Kermit v2.32a as well? On the VM/CMS mainframe I work with, I use something called TPRINT to print out files via PC-Kermit. Whatever sequences it's sending are doing the trick because this works fine with v2.32a on a PC. George --- ~ EZ-Reader 1.21 ~ Dyslexics of the world - UNTIE! ------------------------------ Date: 11-08-89 (16:10) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: DISKS From: FRANK WOOLF > Just got a catalog from Computer Direct that lists Fuji > diskettes for the Rainbow @ .79 ea quantity 10, .75 ea quantity > 100. I haven't tried Fuji diskettes; if you decide to try > them out, give us a report. Actually, I'm hoping/planning to get ahold of a bunch of used rainbow disks. I'm trying to gauge their value. I'll post a message when I know what I have. Frank --- * Origin: SYS$OUTPUT BBS * Library, PA * 412-854-0511 * (Opus 1:129/38) ------------------------------ Date: 11-08-89 (08:44) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: DREADED VIRUSES -- OR From: DAVID STRICKLER In a message of <06 Nov 89 11:44:56>, Frank Mallory (1:109/123) writes: FM>The virus that attacked my Rainbow resulted in an infected COMMAND.COM, FM>which did nasty things to my hard drive. I submitted a copy of it to a FM>couple of the virus analysis people, so far without any definite FM>results. FM>One thing is for sure: if you do get a virus in your Rainbow, you will FM>find that the people working to combat such things have a hard time FM>handling it, because they nearly all use IBM PCs and Macs. FM>Fortunately, the VIRUSCAN programs (up to SCANV47.ZIP at present) and FM>earlier versions of FLU_SHOT are generic MS-DOS and work OK on the FM>Rainbow. Well, I suppose that's the definitive answer. Pardon me, however, if I stillre skeptical ;> David Strickler Sysop of 101/45 Midnight DEC (Boston) --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 11-08-89 (18:23) To: BILL MAYHEW Subject: CURE From: SARAH JONES Hi Bill I found a temporary cure for the problem. I took all the SET PRINTER ON out and substitute with "Enter a control-P for a print-out at the same point in the programs. Not as clean as I would like my programming to be but it works for now, until some nice guy like you comes up with a better answer. Thanks for taking the time. Sarah --- * Origin: Midnight DEC - The place for DEC sales & information (Opus 1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 11-09-89 (17:54) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: DISKS From: BILL MAYHEW Note that some catalogues are carrying things they call Rainbow Diskettes which is not what *we* mean by Rainbow Diskettes. :-} What *they* mean is the diskette jackets (not the sleeves... the jackets) are made in various colors of plastic, and you get an assortment of colors (hence, a "rainbow") of colors in the package. If these Fujis are actually real RX50-formatted diskettes, then that is an awfully good price and I know lots of people besides Rainbow users who'd be interested in 'em... -Bill --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1) ------------------------------ Date: 11-09-89 To: JOHN LELLIS Subject: PIBTERM V3.2.5 From: DOUG MURRAY Hi John, As you can see, I didnt really know which files where which... I will give that a try this week. Thanks again, Doug! --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Now-Now... Its not polite to POINT (1:163/226.1) ------------------------------ Date: 11-09-89 To: JOHN LELLIS Subject: PIBTERM 3.2.5 (RAINBOW VE From: DOUG MURRAY Thanks John, I will probably use something like Turbo version 4.x via command line. Thanks again, Doug! --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Now-Now... Its not polite to POINT (1:163/226.1) ------------------------------ Date: 11-10-89 To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: DOS 2.11 PROBLEMS From: FRANK MALLORY GT> From: genrad!rxf@husc6.harvard.edu ( Ruben D. Fagundo ) GT> Organization: GenRad GT> GT> I have heard that there is a problem with DOS 2.11 and hard drives. It only concerned disks that have bad sectors. Suitable Solutions discovered that MS-DOS 2.05, 2.11, and (early) 3.10 marked the wrong cluster as bad in the FAT, so the bad sector would continue to be allocated. There was also a problem with error reporting. The solution was a workaround that was transmitted in diskette form with the Oct/Dec 1987 edition of Rainbow News. I assume this problem has been fixed with the commercial versions of MS-DOS 3.10. Anybody know? --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (11/13/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 12, 1989
In this issue:
DOS 2.11 PROBLEMS
RE: DEC RAINBOW DISK FORS (2 messages)
RE: COMPATIBILITY PROBLEM
RE: HARD DRIVES AND DOS 3 (2 messages)
RE: OPUS AND MS-DOS V3.10
RE: RAINBOW DISKETTES
RE: WINDOWS/286
DBASE3
RAINBOW BASIC
RE: RAINBOW BACKUPS
RE: DISKS
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus,
you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in
these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this
digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 11-11-89 (10:15)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: DOS 2.11 PROBLEMS
From: GEORGE THEALL
FM>It only concerned disks that have bad sectors. Suitable Solutions discover
FM>that MS-DOS 2.05, 2.11, and (early) 3.10 marked the wrong cluster as bad in
^^^^^^^^^^^
This was the version semi-released by DEC, right? [DEC did release it
for Ford Motors, but most copies floating around were bootleg versions.]
FM>I assume this problem has been fixed with the commercial versions of MS-DOS
FM>3.10. Anybody know?
Since the patches were developed by Suitable Solutions and SS is now
marketing v3.10, it would seem logical the problem has been fixed. [But
I don't know for sure.]
George
---
~ EZ-Reader 1.21 ~ OS/2 - Just say NO!
------------------------------
Date: 11-10-89 (14:40)
To: ERIC SPEARS
Subject: RE: DEC RAINBOW DISK FORS
From: JIM BORCHARD
>I use Uniform almost daily at work. It'll format, read, & write to
>almost any 5.25" disk (except Apple & Northstar).
Is this a utility for the Rainbow? Does it use the IDRIVE? CODEBLUE shell?
Cost? Vendor? Thanx, jim
--- via Silver Xpress V2.20
* Origin: FOG-LINE, Ankeny,IA, 515-964-7937, (1:290/627)
------------------------------
Date: 11-10-89 (14:59)
To: DON MARQUART
Subject: RE: DEC RAINBOW DISK FORS
From: JIM BORCHARD
>Uniform supports both the CP/M and MS-DOS formats for the Rainbow. You must
>have the required drives installed in the system before the various menu
>selections will appear on the selection menu. Just got the recent upgrade
to
>v2.16 and believe that there are 13 menus available if you have all drive
types
>installed.
Hardware = IDRIVES, DEC ? Vendor ? Cost ? Thanx, jim
--- via Silver Xpress V2.20
* Origin: FOG-LINE, Ankeny,IA, 515-964-7937, (1:290/627)
------------------------------
Date: 11-10-89 (15:24)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: COMPATIBILITY PROBLEM
From: JIM BORCHARD
> Has anybody sprung for Windows yet and care to comment?
Is this a version of Windows for the DEC Rainbow being discussed?
Thanx, jim
--- via Silver Xpress V2.20
* Origin: FOG-LINE, Ankeny,IA, 515-964-7937, (1:290/627)
------------------------------
Date: 11-10-89 (15:59)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: HARD DRIVES AND DOS 3
From: JIM BORCHARD
>From: genrad!rxf@husc6.harvard.edu ( Ruben D. Fagundo )
>Organization: GenRad
>I put an ST225 20 Meg hard drive in it, but the software that I have for
the
>hard drive installation only formats the drive as a ten Meg drive.
>Is there a particular way that people ported DOS 3.1 to the rainbow that
I do
>not know about? Any suggestions?
>
I believe i got formatting software from Suitable Solutions for my ST225;
also
bought my DOS 3.1 from them (recently recieved free 3.1b upgrade). The format
for both, i think, used a 'loader' FORMAT d: /L, then a SYS d:. I'll see
if
i can ARC/ZIP up the Hdisk stuff tho i encourage SS support. They have an
IBM
CHARACTER GENERATOR CHIP to further enhance the CODEBLUE Emulation Shell.
--- via Silver Xpress V2.20
* Origin: FOG-LINE, Ankeny,IA, 515-964-7937, (1:290/627)
------------------------------
Date: 11-10-89 (16:05)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: HARD DRIVES AND DOS 3
From: JIM BORCHARD
>Winchester UTILity........
>
Came with my original Rainbow+ w/HD.
--- via Silver Xpress V2.20
* Origin: FOG-LINE, Ankeny,IA, 515-964-7937, (1:290/627)
------------------------------
Date: 11-10-89 (16:32)
To: JERRY MILLER
Subject: RE: OPUS AND MS-DOS V3.10
From: JIM BORCHARD
I have a registered copy of MS-DOS 3.10b and i'm evaluating OPUS XPRESS on
an AT CLONE. Will OPUS run under CODEBLUE ?
Thanx, jim
--- via Silver Xpress V2.20
* Origin: FOG-LINE, Ankeny,IA, 515-964-7937, (1:290/627)
------------------------------
Date: 11-10-89 (16:57)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: RE: RAINBOW DISKETTES
From: JIM BORCHARD
GT>> ....................but I don't know if AT disks will work...
>
>The high density diskettes for the IBM PC/AT will not work on the
>Rainbow. Standard 5 1/4" DSDD diskettes work fine.
I've used several high/quad density AT disk brands successfully with an
occasional 'double-try' on the RX50 Formatting (probably due to media thicknes
- DS) as the only drawback. jim
--- via Silver Xpress V2.20
* Origin: FOG-LINE, Ankeny,IA, 515-964-7937, (1:290/627)
------------------------------
Date: 11-10-89 (17:59)
To: MARC MCCUNE
Subject: RE: WINDOWS/286
From: JIM BORCHARD
>........, the Rainbow Graphics Option, .......................
Have Rainbow+, do you know where i could get the above board?
--- via Silver Xpress V2.20
* Origin: FOG-LINE, Ankeny,IA, 515-964-7937, (1:290/627)
------------------------------
Date: 11-09-89 (14:40)
To: SARAH JONES
Subject: DBASE3
From: DAVID STRICKLER
In a message of < 6 Nov 89 19:22:19>, Sarah Jones (1:101/45) writes:
SJ>Hi Bill
SJ>I am basically a Rainbow person.
SJ>I am happy the way DBASE works on the Rainbow. I was trying to get a
SJ>fix for the IBMClone . Actually the machine is an ITT EXTRA.
SJ>My programs run well on the Bow,it is when ported to the ITT the the
SJ>bug shows. It does not like the printer off when the program-line
SJ>calls:
SJ>SET PRINTER ON.
SJ>Hope you have a cure.
SJ>Thanx.
SJ>Sarah
SJ>
The problem stems from the way the IBM looks at its printer. If its off,
and the signals are not returned, then a TIMEOUT must be set. This has been
corrected in Clipper with the ISPRINTER() function. There is a dBASE echo
area on this BBS (101/45) and it is linked throught the world. Its a better
place to ask questions about dBASE.
Good luck!
David Strickler
Sysop of 101/45
Midnight DEC (Boston)
--- msged 1.99S ZTC
* Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45)
------------------------------
Date: 11-10-89 (09:15)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RAINBOW BASIC
From: MARK BORNSTEIN
In a message of <08 Nov 89 19:58:00>, GEORGE THEALL (1:273/203) writes:
>Could someone help me find a copy of the GWBASIC interpreter that runs
>under MSDOS for the rainbow?
If you want the compiler it is on my BBS as GWCOMPRB.ZIP available
for dload or file request. If you want the interpreter, I sold a copy for
20 bucks to Geoff Reed in Washington. (not DC). He stiffed me for the 20 bucks
so if he agrees to sell it to you make sure you get the product first before
paying him.
...mark
--- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Island Logistics (617) 631-3304 (1:101/111)
------------------------------
Date: 11-09-89 (17:42)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: RAINBOW BACKUPS
From: AMER NELSON
Could you pass this along???
I may have already replied to this once before but am too rummy to
remember.
I've been using three kinds of disks regularly -- NONE OF THEM
RX-50 PREFORMATTED and have never had a failure to format.
BASF SS-DD certified for 96 TPI
BASF DS-DD not so certified
Maxell DS-DD also not certified
You do have to format the disks yourself but I'm sure they are
FAR CHEAPER than pre-formatted RX-50 disks. The BASF 96 TPI disks
were $5 for a box of 10, the Maxells were $8.25 for 15. The prices
aren't rock-bottom but not bad.
++ Amer ++
---
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3)
------------------------------
Date: 11-11-89
To: BILL MAYHEW
Subject: RE: DISKS
From: FRANK MALLORY
BM> Note that some catalogues are carrying things they call Rainbow
BM> Diskettes which is not what *we* mean by Rainbow Diskettes. :-} What
BM> *they* mean is the diskette jackets (not the sleeves... the jackets)
BM> are made in various colors of plastic, and you get an assortment of
BM> colors (hence, a "rainbow") of colors in the package.
Looking more closely at the ad, I am afraid you are right, Bill. They were
described as DSDD, which I figured was a mistake; but now I see that there
is also a 3.5-in. diskette listed as "Rainbow".
--- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123)
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (11/13/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 13, 1989
In this issue:
RE: COMPATIBILITY PROBLEM
RAINBOW BASIC
RE: RAINBOW BACKUPS
RE: WINDOWS/286
RE: HARD DRIVES AND DOS 3 (2 messages)
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus,
you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in
these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this
digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 11-12-89 (17:39)
To: JIM BORCHARD
Subject: RE: COMPATIBILITY PROBLEM
From: GEORGE THEALL
JB>> Has anybody sprung for Windows yet and care to comment?
JB>Is this a version of Windows for the DEC Rainbow being discussed?
Yes, it certainly is. Look thru old messages from this Echo, get a
copy of the most recent _Rainbow News_, or call Suitable Solutions
directly (they're marketing Windows/286 for the Rainbow).
George
---
~ EZ-Reader 1.21 ~ Denok batera - PRESOAK KALERA!!!
------------------------------
Date: 11-12-89 (17:39)
To: MARK BORNSTEIN
Subject: RAINBOW BASIC
From: GEORGE THEALL
MB>In a message of <08 Nov 89 19:58:00>, GEORGE THEALL (1:273/203) writes:
Actually, it wasn't me who wrote that message. I only relayed it from
INFO-DEC-MICRO/comp.sys.dec.micro.
MB>>Could someone help me find a copy of the GWBASIC interpreter that runs
MB>>under MSDOS for the rainbow?
MB>
MB>If you want the compiler it is on my BBS as GWCOMPRB.ZIP available
MB>for dload or file request. If you want the interpreter, I sold a copy for
MB>20 bucks to Geoff Reed in Washington. (not DC). He stiffed me for the 20 bu
MB>so if he agrees to sell it to you make sure you get the product first befor
MB>paying him.
Ouch! I had the same thing happen a while back - some fellow down in
Georgia wanted the technical docs. I saw "Sure, just send me a cheque to
cover shipping once they arrive". That was back in August and I'm still
waiting for the cheque. Hey, maybe it's the US mail???
George
---
~ EZ-Reader 1.21 ~ TXIRRINGAK? Bai, eskerrik asko!
------------------------------
Date: 11-12-89 (17:39)
To: AMER NELSON
Subject: RE: RAINBOW BACKUPS
From: GEORGE THEALL
AN>Could you pass this along???
It's automatic. No need to ask.
AN>I've been using three kinds of disks regularly -- NONE OF THEM
AN>RX-50 PREFORMATTED and have never had a failure to format.
AN>BASF SS-DD certified for 96 TPI
AN>BASF DS-DD not so certified
AN>Maxell DS-DD also not certified
I too have used the BASF SS disks. No problems with use. I haven't
seen them around recently, though. (But after I got my hard disk I
stopped worrying about floppies. :-)
George
---
~ EZ-Reader 1.21 ~ Fahrrad fahren, Energie sparen
------------------------------
Date: 11-12-89 (17:39)
To: JIM BORCHARD
Subject: RE: WINDOWS/286
From: GEORGE THEALL
JB>>........, the Rainbow Graphics Option, .......................
JB>
JB>Have Rainbow+, do you know where i could get the above board?
In the latest issue of _Rainbow News_, Suitable Solutions was
advertising refurbished ones for $175 I believe. I'm not sure how this
price compares with other second-hand sources.
George
---
~ EZ-Reader 1.21 ~ Share the road with a bicyclist
------------------------------
Date: 11-12-89 (17:39)
To: JIM BORCHARD
Subject: RE: HARD DRIVES AND DOS 3
From: GEORGE THEALL
JB>>Winchester UTILity........
JB>>
JB>Came with my original Rainbow+ w/HD.
Be careful, Jim, with this advice. The early copies of the Winchester
Utility disk distributed by DEC do not work with drives larger than
10MB. Besides, I'd guess the person was referring to Tony Camas' WUTIL
program which definitely did not come with your 100+.
George
---
~ EZ-Reader 1.21 ~ "Remember Pearl Harbor", G. Bush, 9/7/88
------------------------------
Date: 11-12-89 (17:39)
To: JIM BORCHARD
Subject: RE: HARD DRIVES AND DOS 3
From: GEORGE THEALL
JB>I believe i got formatting software from Suitable Solutions for my ST225;
JB>also
JB>bought my DOS 3.1 from them (recently recieved free 3.1b upgrade). The for
JB>for both, i think, used a 'loader' FORMAT d: /L, then a SYS d:. I'll see
JB>if
JB>i can ARC/ZIP up the Hdisk stuff tho i encourage SS support. They have an
JB>IBM
JB>CHARACTER GENERATOR CHIP to further enhance the CODEBLUE Emulation Shell.
Careful there, Jim. I suspect you'd be violating your license
agreement if you "ARC/ZIP up the Hdisk stuff" and pass it along. [Hey,
maybe I'm reading incorrectly between the lines here, but other than
passing the stuff along, why would you want to ARC/ZIP it up?] Certainly
DOS v3.10 is copyright; the formatting software is probably as well.
I believe that there are other ways of encouraging support of
Suitable Solutions. Simply mentioning their products is a good way to
start. Phone numbers and pricing would also be useful.
George
---
~ EZ-Reader 1.21 ~ "All We Are Is Dust In The Wind" - Kansas
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (11/14/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 14, 1989 In this issue: RE: KERMIT ADVICE ON SELLING A RAINB CHIP HELP RE: RE: KERMIT RE: MSVRB1C - RAINBOW KER (2 messages) COMMUNICATIONS BCS MEETING (2 messages) RE: HD DISKS IN RAINBOW OF RAINBOWS AND 386S... RE: OF RAINBOWS AND 386S. SEDT4-256 RE: DEC RAINBOW DISK FORS RE: ADVICE ON SELLING A R RE: OPUS AND MS-DOS V3.10 Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 11-11-89 (13:05) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: KERMIT From: CARL HOUSEMAN PC-Kermit has handled the printer controller sequences for some time - maybe since 2.30. However, there were problems in 2.32 (no suffix) and we've still seen an occasional problem using VAX WordPerfect and a laser printer in 2.32/A. Does anybody have PC Kermit 2.32/B online/downloadable? --- * Origin: SYS$OUTPUT BBS * Library, PA * 412-854-0511 * (Opus 1:129/38) ------------------------------ Date: 11-10-89 (21:29) To: AMER NELSON Subject: ADVICE ON SELLING A RAINB From: AL HEALY Hello, Amer... I am a co-worker of Gary Stebbins', and when I asked for his advice on selling my Rainbow he suggested I contact you. I understand the local Rainbow UG meets the 3rd Thursday; I can't attend that because of a regular meeting I have. I have a B with 20MB hard disk, 704K, mono graphics. Is there a way to get the word out at the users' group without being there? Thanks... --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 11-11-89 (00:41) To: ALL Subject: CHIP HELP From: VAN VANHORN I am still desparate for information on getting some RS-232 driver chips for the Rainbow, DEC 26LS32-3, made by National. I really don't want to crank into a major phone campaign to find these if any of you know where to find them. If you previously entered a message on this subject, please do so again, as it never made it here. Any leads or help will be appreciated. +vanhorn+ --- * Origin: Horsefeathers + Burn a flag for freedom! + (Opus 1:343/30) ------------------------------ Date: 11-11-89 (10:57) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: RE: KERMIT From: GARY STEBBINS GT> Is this peculiar to Rainbow Kermit or does it happen with PC GT>Kermit v2.32a as well? MS-Kermit for IBM-PCs and compatibles handles the printer control sequences properly. The code that does this is completely separate from the code that handles incoming characters for the Rainbow. -gary- --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 11-11-89 (12:02) To: RUDIE SLAUGHTER Subject: RE: MSVRB1C - RAINBOW KER From: GARY STEBBINS RS>I been trying out your version MSVRB1C of Kermit 2.32A for the RS>Rainbow. Although the printer support works, I think you have RS>installed the transparent printing and echo printing backwards. RS> RS>I would appreciate confirmation (or refutation) of this finding RS>and if confirmed, would appreciate patch instructions to MSVRB1C RS>to unflip the sequences. Confirmed. (Oops) The following patch should fix it. A new version, which identifies itself with the date 11-Nov is now available on Glacier Peak Rainbow. Sorry for the inconvenience. - - - - - - ren msvrb1c.exe *.dbg debug msvrb1c.dbg e cs:8db6 2 w q ren msvrb1c.dbg *.exe - - - - - - Note that the above patch changes the byte at location cs:8db6 from a 1 to a 2. You may want to make a copy of the executable before patching it just in case anything goes wrong. Also, you may wish to change the identifica date... but that's a little more difficult. If you wish to try, here are the instructions: While in debug, do an "r" command. This will display the values of the registers. Look at the CS register - now add 1000 to this value and use it in place of "val" in the following: d val:1fa4 This should be the location where the date string is stored. If not, don't change the data. If this is the date location, then proceed: e val:1fa4 '11-Nov' This will change the date so it identifies itself correctly as containing the "11-Nov" modification. --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 11-12-89 (00:02) To: JOHN LELLIS Subject: COMMUNICATIONS From: DON MARQUART > BinkleyTerm offers Zmodem as well as most of the other popular protocols. > Using either the DECCOMM or PC100.SYS fossil drivers, it runs on the > Rainbow. Using OPUS!COM, BNU or X00.SYS fossil drivers, it will run on I*B > PCs and clones. It's a very good package - well worth a look. Hi John, have not heard of the "PC100.SYS" previously. Is this a new FOSSIL for the RB? Later... --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888) ------------------------------ Date: 11-12-89 (03:39) To: DAVE STRICKLER Subject: BCS MEETING From: PAUL COHEN Dave, I hope to meet you at the meeting on Monday night. Got my BCS application in the mail. I wil see you then. Paul --- * Origin: Midnight DEC - The place for DEC sales & information (Opus 1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 11-12-89 To: GARY STEBBINS Subject: RE: HD DISKS IN RAINBOW From: DAVID STRICKLER In a message of <07 Nov 89 23:45:31>, Gary Stebbins (1:343/3) writes: GS> DS>I use AT disks on a regualr basis. Most of the box works. Some GS> DS>don't. Those that don't become AT disks in my VAXmate! GS> GS>The Rainbow is designed to use disks with the same coercivity as the GS>standard IBM diskettes. The HD disks (1.2MB) have a higher magnetic GS>coercivity, and the Rainbow RX50 drives aren't designed to write to GS>these disks. The write current probably isn't strong enough to GS>reliably "flip" the magnetic fields in the HD disks. This might make GS>your data fade with time. I wouldn't trust using HD disks in my GS>Rainbow - it won't hurt the Rainbow, but you might find your data GS>missing at a later time. GS> GS>-gary- Although I agree with your explanation, I have been using those disks (and other HD disks) for years without a single problem. Perhaps I'm just lucky.... David Strickler Sysop of 101/45 Midnight DEC (Boston) (617)739-0708 [Voice] --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 11-12-89 To: PAUL COHEN Subject: BCS MEETING From: DAVID STRICKLER In a message of <12 Nov 89 03:39:16>, Paul Cohen (1:101/45) writes: PC>Dave, PC> PC>I hope to meet you at the meeting on Monday night. Got my BCS PC>application in the mail. I wil see you then. PC> PC> PC>Paul Glad you got it. All are welcome to come to the meetings, but if you come on a regular basis (as most users do), we request that you join the BCS. David Strickler Sysop of 101/45 Midnight DEC (Boston) (617)739-0708 [Voice] --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 11-12-89 To: ALL Subject: OF RAINBOWS AND 386S... From: DAVID STRICKLER This may not be the place for this message, and if it isn't, as confeence co-ordinator, I'll make sure to reprimand myself... I have a friend who is looking to hook his rainbows (as VT220s) into a 386 machine and run them as dumb tubes. This would require some fancy 386 software As of yet, I have not found any satisfactory software (PCMOS is NOT satisfacto that will allow multi-user on a 386 with a VTxxx device. There are quite a few on the market that require other types of terminals on the other end, but none that allow VTxxx. I find this very strange, and feel I am looking under the wrong rock. Has anyone seen such a beast? Thanks.. David Strickler Sysop of 101/45 Midnight DEC (Boston) (617)739-0708 [Voice] --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 11-12-89 (17:53) To: RUDIE SLAUGHTER Subject: RE: MSVRB1C - RAINBOW KER From: BILL MAYHEW Pretty close. <smile> <ESC>[?5i turns on "auto print" mode. All text subsequently received is printed *when you move the cursor off the line* using a LF, FF, VT, or autowrap. Thus, for example, a "prompt" will not be printed until somebody types a command on the keyboard and hits return, at which point the prompt and the command will both be sent to the printer. <ESC>5i, as you suggest, turns on "printer controller" mode, in which characters are sent to the printer as-received, without also going to the screen. -Bill --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------ Date: 11-12-89 (18:01) To: DAVID STRICKLER Subject: RE: OF RAINBOWS AND 386S. From: BILL MAYHEW Some UNIX derivative should be fine, as they mostly come with "termcap" which lets you 'teach' the system about most ANY kind of terminal. Oh, you don't want UNIX, eh? ;-} --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------ Date: 11-12-89 (20:12) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: SEDT4-256 From: JACK JONES Hi Frank a long time ago I inquired if someone was able to install the new Keys on the Rainbow for Sedt ver4 (256). I rename the key-files and help files as the manual says but the F key and all the numberkey-pad does not work at all. I saw in a message that you were able to install it properly and I am wonderin what am I doing wrong. Maybe the key file that I picked up is corrupted. Any Clue as to where you got yours? I have been a SEDT user for a long time and truthfully there is nothing wrong with the edition I am using now..but I don't want to miss anything new either. Thanks for any help. Jack Jones --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------ Date: 11-12-89 (18:14) To: JIM BORCHARD Subject: RE: DEC RAINBOW DISK FORS From: DON MARQUART >> Uniform supports both the CP/M and MS-DOS formats for the Rainbow. You >> must have the required drives installed in the system before the various >> menu selections will appear on the selection menu. Just got the recent >> upgrade to v2.16 and believe that there are 13 menus available if you >> have all drive types installed. > Hardware = IDRIVES, DEC ? Vendor ? Cost ? Thanx, jim Please be a little more verbose, seems I have lost the thread here. Thought we were talking about supporting the RB via an IBM compatible with Uniform. Later... --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888) ------------------------------ Date: 11-11-89 (18:07) To: AL HEALY Subject: RE: ADVICE ON SELLING A R From: BOB FULLER Al, I'm interested in your Rainbow. You can reach me at 743-3617 Bob --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 11-12-89 (14:05) To: JIM BORCHARD Subject: RE: OPUS AND MS-DOS V3.10 From: VAN VANHORN Jim, OPUS will NOT run under CODE BLUE, nor will any other communications software. I have no experience with OPUS EXPRESS, which is a PC product, but I would assume it will not. OPUS has no need of CODE BLUE, runs just fine here under SS-MS-DOS 3.10. The only thing on the BBS that I use Code Blue for is QMAIL, which handles the mail packets coming in and out. +vanhorn+ --- * Origin: Horsefeathers + Burn a flag for freedom! + (Opus 1:343/30) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (11/16/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 15, 1989 In this issue: RE: RAINBOW BASIC (2 messages) RE: SEDT4-256 RE: OPUS AND MS-DOS V3.10 (2 messages) RE: RE: KERMIT PC KERMIT 2.32/B RE: PC KERMIT 2.32/B (2 messages) RE: KERMIT Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 11-12-89 (20:17) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: RAINBOW BASIC From: DAN OREILLY > Could someone help me find a copy of the GWBASIC > interpreter that runs > under MSDOS for the rainbow? I've got one here. You can FREQ GWBASIC.ZIP or you can dial the CS-DEPOT at (719)550-9305 & download it from the Rainbow file area. BTW - for anyone interested, I run a board with a reasonable selection of Rainbow stuff (used to have a 100-A myself that I just sold!) here! DanO --- QuickBBS v2.04 * Origin: The CS-DEPOT BBS System (719)550-9305 (1:128/58) ------------------------------ Date: 11-13-89 (14:28) To: JACK JONES Subject: RE: SEDT4-256 From: FRANK MALLORY The version I have here came from Glacier Peak Rainbow. The key definitions are in a separate file (SEDT4KEY.ZIP); you need the files FUNDEF.EDT and RBDOSM.EDT from there. As I have noted, SEDT v4(230) is deficient in cut/paste operations; there is a new sub-version out (231), and I am trying to find out whether it fixes some of the bugs. Also, while v4 handles larger files than v3.3, it is really slow in bringing them up. I need to do a comparison to see whether 3.3 is faster at editing some medium-size files. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------ Date: 11-13-89 (14:42) To: VAN VANHORN Subject: RE: OPUS AND MS-DOS V3.10 From: FRANK MALLORY Not that it's a big deal, but have you gotten OOPS to run under DOS 3.10b without CB? --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------ Date: 11-13-89 (14:44) To: GARY STEBBINS Subject: RE: RE: KERMIT From: FRANK MALLORY Having trouble with MSVRB1C. Three times today, when I exited from the MS-KER prompt, my system stopped with "invalid COMMAND.COM" message. Possibly this is because I use COMSPEC to load my COMMAND.COM into an MDRIVE and Kermit is doing something with the environment that causes it to be unlink If I give a DIR F: from Kermit before exiting, COMMAND.COM appears to be OK. The old 2.32/A works fine for me, but I thought I would try out your modified version. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------ Date: 11-13-89 (14:51) To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: PC KERMIT 2.32/B From: FRANK MALLORY I haven't seen it; but if you have a mind to roll your own, I see that the source for PC-Kermit 2.32/A is on the Computer Connection board. BTW, what does /B do that /A doesn't? --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------ Date: 11-12-89 To: JIM BORCHARD Subject: RE: OPUS AND MS-DOS V3.10 From: JOHN LELLIS In a message of <10 Nov 89 16:32:45>, Jim Borchard (1:290/627) writes: >I have a registered copy of MS-DOS 3.10b and i'm evaluating OPUS XPRESS >on an AT CLONE. Will OPUS run under CODEBLUE ? OPUS is a FOSSIL-based program and therefore runs fine without CODE BLUE... --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: "Over the Rainbow..." (1:106/503) ------------------------------ Date: 11-13-89 (23:51) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: PC KERMIT 2.32/B From: CARL HOUSEMAN re: what does /B do that /A doesn't? Beats me; I just hope it fixes the continuing problem in printer controller mode that 2.31 didn't have. I do know that /B EXISTS, but distribution around the BBS net seems to have been sparse (or non-existent). --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------ Date: 11-14-89 (07:44) To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: RE: PC KERMIT 2.32/B From: FRANK MALLORY It must be that I am operating at a lower level than others here; I use my LA50 all the time from 2.32/A, and I just haven't had any printer control problems. Still haven't been able to assign the escape sequence to the ` key; that's my only complaint. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------ Date: 11-14-89 (11:34) To: GARY STEBBINS Subject: RE: KERMIT From: FRANK MALLORY Don't spend any time trying to run down that "invalid COMMAND.COM" problem; I deleted your new version, but now I am consistently having the same problem with the old version of 2.32/A. When I come back to the Kermit prompt and give RUN SHOWMEM (Carl Houseman's utility), it shows TWO instances of F:\COMMAND.COM in memory, with slightly different byte counts. I think that may be an indication of the problem, but I haven't figured it out yet. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------ Date: 11-15-89 (18:06) To: DAN OREILLY Subject: RE: RAINBOW BASIC From: GEORGE THEALL DO>> Could someone help me find a copy of the GWBASIC DO>> interpreter that runs DO>> under MSDOS for the rainbow? DO> DO>I've got one here. You can FREQ GWBASIC.ZIP or you can dial the CS-DEPOT DO>at (719)550-9305 & download it from the Rainbow file area. Is this an interpreter or a compiler? Notice the request was for an interpreter. As far as I know, the interpreter is *** Commercial *** software while the compiler was distributed as "public domain" software. (Whether it was truly public domain or merely non-commercial, I don't know.) George --- ~ EZ-Reader 1.21 ~ Every man has his price ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (11/16/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 16, 1989 In this issue: RE: PC KERMIT 2.32/B Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 11-14-89 (22:25) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: PC KERMIT 2.32/B From: CARL HOUSEMAN I got the ` key to send \27 (esc) with Rainbow MS-Kermit 2.32/A by entering: Kermit-MS> SET KEY \96 \27 --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (11/16/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 16, 1989 In this issue: RE> PC KERMIT 2.32/B Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dete:$ 11-14-89 (26:25) To: FRANK MALLORY Sufject: RE: PC KERMIT 2.32/B From: CARL HOUSEMAN I got the d key to send \27 (esc) with Rainbow MS-Kermit 2.32/A by entering: Kermit-MS> SET KEY \96 \27 --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Mar}land - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (11/18/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 17, 1989 In this issue: RE: MSVRB1C - RAINBOW KER (2 messages) RE: PC KERMIT 2.32/B (3 messages) CAD SCSI OF RAINBOWS AND 386S... STIFFS RE: RAINBOW GRAPHICS BOAR Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 11-15-89 (09:04) To: GARY STEBBINS Subject: RE: MSVRB1C - RAINBOW KER From: RUDIE SLAUGHTER Thanks for the patch to MSVRB1C regarding host printer controller escape seque <ESC>[5i and <ESC>[?51, being swapped. Your instructions were very clear and the patch, including the revision date, worked fine - first time. Noticed some confusion in other messages regarding printer support in Kermit 232/A. There is no problem with controlling an attached printer using the <Print Screen> key and local commands. There is a problem with the remote computer (what you use your Rainbow to connect to, in my case, a VAX cluster) controlling your printer from the other end of the communications link. That problem is what Gary Stebbins is/has corrected with his Nov. 11 version of MSVRB1C. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------ Date: 11-15-89 (11:26) To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: RE: PC KERMIT 2.32/B From: FRANK MALLORY > I got the ` key to send \27 (esc) with Rainbow MS-Kermit > 2.32/A by entering: > Kermit-MS> SET KEY \96 \27 > Tried it, but it doesn't seem to work by itself. Don't you have to give a SET ESCAPE command to go with it? --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------ Date: 11-15-89 To: RUDIE SLAUGHTER Subject: RE: MSVRB1C - RAINBOW KER From: FRANK MALLORY RS> Noticed some confusion in other messages regarding printer support in RS> Kermit 232/A. There is no problem with controlling an attached printer RS> using the <Print Screen> key and local commands. There is a problem RS> with the remote computer (what you use your Rainbow to connect to, in RS> my case, a VAX cluster) controlling your printer from the other end of RS> the communications link. That problem is what Gary Stebbins is/has RS> corrected with his Nov. 11 version of MSVRB1C. I'm still confused, but please don't try to clarify it any further! I assume the people who needed that solution know what the problem is. Let me ask you another question, somewhat related. How does one print out on the Rainbow's LA50, a ReGIS image that is generated on an attached VAX? I brought up Rainbow ReGIS, then used Kermit 2.32/A to connect to my VAX, invoked a Datatrieve procedure that displayed a ReGIS image (which appeared fine on my Rainbow's screen), then tried to print it out on my LA50 by punchin F2. Nothing happened, even tho as you pointed out, I have no problem printing ordinary text screens using the same procedure when not in graphics mode. --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 11-14-89 (12:02) To: DAVID STRICKLER Subject: CAD From: AMER NELSON I think the message I got may have read -- Insufficient memory to run ZALLOC Not that the exact wording matters that much -- you get the drift. Thanks for all your efforts re the Rainbow Echo -- how else could I get my nit-picky questions answered? ++ Amer ++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 11-14-89 (12:15) To: ** ALL ** Subject: SCSI From: GEOFF REED I remember reading in a DEC publication listing 3rd party hardware options for the rainbow, about a Scsi Host adaptor for the rainbow, I am very interested in locating the name of the company selling these as I have access to test cd-rom equipment set up to run on a Scsi bus, and also Scsi harddrives... --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 11-14-89 (21:46) To: DAVID STRICKLER Subject: OF RAINBOWS AND 386S... From: DON MARQUART > I have a friend who is looking to hook his rainbows (as VT220s) into a 386 > machine and run them as dumb tubes. This would require some fancy 386 > software. As of yet, I have not found any satisfactory software (PCMOS is > NOT satisfactory) that will allow multi-user on a 386 with a VTxxx device. > There are quite a few on the market that require other types of terminals > on the other end, but none that allow VTxxx. I find this very strange, and > feel I am looking under the wrong rock. > > Has anyone seen such a beast? Dave, take a look at both SCO Zenix 386 and DRI Concurrent DOS. Of the two the SCO would probably better support what you want to do. Just got a copy of it from SCO to play with but have not had a chance to do so yet. Drop me a line if I can be of any help... --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888) ------------------------------ Date: 11-14-89 (09:40) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: STIFFS From: MARK BORNSTEIN In a message of <12 Nov 89 17:39:00>, GEORGE THEALL (1:273/203) writes: >MB>I sold a copy for >MB>20 bucks to Geoff Reed in Washington. (not DC). He stiffed me for the >20 bucks MB>so if he agrees to sell it to you make sure you get the product >first before paying him. > Ouch! I had the same thing happen a while back - some fellow down in >Georgia wanted the technical docs. I saw "Sure, just send me a cheque to >cover shipping once they arrive". That was back in August and I'm still >waiting for the cheque. Hey, maybe it's the US mail??? Actually, it is really a shame. I found that the DEC people were the most fanstastic group of customers which any business could have asked for. I had about 5,000 customers in my career as a Dec consultant, reseller of Rainbow/Vax hardware, software. I never asked for COD and always trusted the DEC people to send checks. Of those 5000 customers, 4998 NEVER failed to be honorable. An incredible group of very fine people, many of whom still call for advice and to say hello. Geoff Reed and one Arvid Ek were they only ones who ever cheated me. Those 2 were the only ones who failed to pay me. Both, without honor. ...mark --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Island Logistics (617) 631-3304 (1:101/111) ------------------------------ Date: 11-14-89 (10:16) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: RAINBOW GRAPHICS BOAR From: MARK BORNSTEIN In a message of <12 Nov 89 17:39:00>, GEORGE THEALL (1:273/203) writes: >JB>>........, the Rainbow Graphics Option, ....................... >JB>Have Rainbow+, do you know where i could get the above board? > In the latest issue of _Rainbow News_, Suitable Solutions was >advertising refurbished ones for $175 I believe. I'm not sure how this >price compares with other second-hand sources. Jim Greely has a few for 95 bucks I believe. Creative Consulting 617-769-9811. He also has systems with 10 meg hard disks for about $425. ...mark --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Island Logistics (617) 631-3304 (1:101/111) ------------------------------ Date: 11-16-89 (00:38) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: PC KERMIT 2.32/B From: CARL HOUSEMAN I'm confused: what do you want RB Kermit to do? (pick one) A. Send the character whose ASCII value is 27 decimal to the host computer when the "`" key is pressed? B. Act as though you pressed Ctrl-] when the "`" key is pressed? (A) is what I described in the previous message. If you follow the directions I gave, log on to the VAX, and at the $ prompt press "`" TWICE, you should receive the message "Invalid escape sequence". However, I don't know why you'd want to send escape characters to the VAX; the only application that still needs them is TECO. (B) is what SET ESCAPE is for. If you enter: Kermit-MS> SET ESCAPE ? you'll see that the help message requests a control key for Kermit's escape FUNCTION. So Kermit rejects any attempt to put the escape function on a printable key. There doesn't appear to be any way around it. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------ Date: 11-16-89 (00:59) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: PC KERMIT 2.32/B From: CARL HOUSEMAN Addendum to previous message - you can put the Kermit escape function on the ` key. However, the escape function must be assigned to some control-key. If you take the default of ctrl-], then Kermit-MS> SET KEY \96 \29 will cause ` to act the same as if you pressed ctrl-], and ctrl-] will continue to work, too. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (11/19/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 18, 1989 In this issue: COMMUNICATIONS OF RAINBOWS AND 386S... RE:HOW TO PRINT REGIS SCR RE: OF RAINBOWS AND 386S. RE: PC KERMIT 2.32/B (2 messages) RE: REGIS PRINTOUTS ON AN (3 messages) Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 11-15-89 To: DON MARQUART Subject: COMMUNICATIONS From: JOHN LELLIS In a message of <12 Nov 89 00:02:01>, Don Marquart (1:104/888) writes: >Hi John, have not heard of the "PC100.SYS" previously. Is this a new >FOSSIL for the RB? Later... Yes, PC100.SYS is a FOSSIL driver I wrote which supports both the AUX and PRN ports on the Rainbow. It is still in beta-test, but currently in a state of suspended animation due to my other committments. If you would like to join the beta-test team, send me netmail and you will receive the next iterati --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: "Over the Rainbow..." (1:106/503) ------------------------------ Date: 11-15-89 To: DAVID STRICKLER Subject: OF RAINBOWS AND 386S... From: JOHN LELLIS In a message of <12 Nov 89 12:12:12>, David Strickler (1:101/45) writes: >I have a friend who is looking to hook his rainbows (as VT220s) into a >386 machine and run them as dumb tubes. This would require some fancy 386 >software. As of yet, I have not found any satisfactory software (PCMOS is >NOT satisfactory) that will allow multi-user on a 386 with a VTxxx >device. There are quite a few on the market that require other types of >terminals on the other end, but none that allow VTxxx. I find this very >strange, and feel I am looking under the wrong rock. > >Has anyone seen such a beast? You might try VMIX. It supports VT100s and purports to run on the 386 (though I have personally only seen it run on 286 machines). Not exactly a transparen DOS window, but it did seem functional last time I looked at it. --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: "Over the Rainbow..." (1:106/503) ------------------------------ Date: 11-16-89 To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE:HOW TO PRINT REGIS SCR From: ART MCCLINTON The only way that I have been able to print REGIS screens on the attached LA50 is to have the program issue the REGIS print screen command. I normally code the program so that a P issues a print screen. I however do not know datatrieve. --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 11-16-89 (22:02) To: DAVID STRICKLER Subject: RE: OF RAINBOWS AND 386S. From: DAVID HUGHES Unix (SCO XENIX) will handle this. --- QuickBBS v2.04 * Origin: The CS-DEPOT BBS System (719)550-9305 (1:128/58) ------------------------------ Date: 11-16-89 (07:47) To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: RE: PC KERMIT 2.32/B From: FRANK MALLORY > B. Act as though you pressed Ctrl-] when the "`" key > is pressed? B. above. We were able to do that with Kermit 2.29 and earlier, and I was hoping the 2.32/A would restore that capability. From what you say, I take it that the answer is "no". --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------ Date: 11-16-89 (07:54) To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: RE: PC KERMIT 2.32/B From: FRANK MALLORY > control-key. If you take the default of ctrl-], then > Kermit-MS> SET KEY \96 \29 > will cause ` to act the same as if you pressed ctrl-], > and ctrl-] will continue to work, too. Thanks, Carl. That's exactly what I wanted. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------ Date: 11-17-89 (10:20) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: REGIS PRINTOUTS ON AN From: RUDIE SLAUGHTER You asked about printing REGIS screen displays out on an attached LA50 printer (REGIS screen generated by VAX Datatrieve). I've never tried this. Maybe someone else can help. However, I have some general observations concerning graphics support. In general, terminal emulators do not specifically support graphics. In partic I don't think MS-Kermit supports REGIS graphics. When you separately invoke the Rainbow REGIS program, you enable the Rainbow to switch to the graphics display mode upon receipt of an appropriate escape sequence. And from my understanding of the Rainbow REGIS program, it will also (if properly installe support graphics output to the printer upon receipt of the appropriate escage sequence - however, I don't know what that sequence is. Have you been able to send REGIS output to the printer using any other terminal program (such as Poly-TRM)? If so, it sounds like Kermit is interfering with the escape sequences and traps or filters them before they get to the REGIS package. I think that pressing F2 while in Kermit merely reads the text screen memory and sends that to the attached printer. Thus pressing F2 won't do any good if what you want to copy to the printer is the graphics screen memory. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------ Date: 11-17-89 (12:52) To: RUDIE SLAUGHTER Subject: RE: REGIS PRINTOUTS ON AN From: FRANK MALLORY > Have you been able to send REGIS output to the printer > using any other terminal program (such as Poly-TRM)? If > so, it sounds like Kermit is interfering with the escape > sequences and traps or filters them before they get to > the REGIS package. I have poly-TRM but haven't used it because I prefer Kermit. I would guess that poly-TRM would do it, tho. MS-Kermit has various modes, like IBM and Tektronics. Seems like there should be a ReGIS mode in there somewhere. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------ Date: 11-17-89 (13:35) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: REGIS PRINTOUTS ON AN From: RUDIE SLAUGHTER I've know tried REGIS and Kermit together - no problem with printouts. Here's what I did. Start REGIS from MS-DOS. Start KERMIT (the Nov.11 version of MSVRB1C) Connect and sign onto the VAX Enter SET TERM/REGIS to tell the VAX I've got REGIS Enter an application that supports REGIS (in my case, an Allin1 version) Tell the application to route the REGIS output to the terminal printer And it did - no problems I captured the terminal session and am uploading the graphics file to your board - filename: YENGRAPH.RGS. Turn on REGIS, enter TYPE YENGRAPH.RGS at the DOS prompt. You should first get a graph on the screen and then the screen will be printed (by REGIS) on your attached printer. I don't use DATATRIEVE. Have you tried the PLOT HARDCOPY command to tell it to route the graphics output to your printer? The key is that I don't think you can tell Kermit (or REGIS) to dump the graphics screen to the printe you have to make the remote application dump the graphics output to your terminal printer. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (11/20/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 19, 1989 In this issue: RE: MSVRB1C - RAINBOW KER RE: OF RAINBOWS AND 386S. RE: DEC RAINBOW DISK FORS SCRAM/GRAPHICS VR-241-A COLOR MONITOR RE: POWER-UP FAILURE IN R (2 messages) ENOUGH !! OF BAD APPLES AND THINGS Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 11-18-89 (00:35) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: MSVRB1C - RAINBOW KER From: CARL HOUSEMAN re: local printer printout of graphics screen How about JOBSDUMP? --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------ Date: 11-17-89 To: BILL MAYHEW Subject: RE: OF RAINBOWS AND 386S. From: DAVID STRICKLER In a message of <12 Nov 89 18:01:49>, Bill Mayhew (1:101/1) writes: BM>Some UNIX derivative should be fine, as they mostly come with "termcap" BM>which lets you 'teach' the system about most ANY kind of terminal. BM> Oh, you don't want UNIX, eh? ;-} But I need to run DOS compiled software (Clipper application) so UNIX would be a problem... A nice solution to the COMM stuff though... David Strickler Sysop of 101/45 Midnight DEC (Boston) (617)739-0708 [Voice] --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 11-16-89 (22:51) To: JIM BORCHARD Subject: RE: DEC RAINBOW DISK FORS From: ERIC SPEARS Nope, this isn't a Rainbow Utility. At least I've never tried it on my Rainbow I use it on an I*M AT Clone. Might run on the Rainbow using Code Blue, but I haven't got Code Blue yet so I can't say. Works really well on the clone. Apple, Northstar, & Victor 9000 are the only formats that I've come across that it won't format, read, & write. I'll try to leave you a message with the name of the distributor and if I can find it the price. If my memory is good I think it was a firm called MicroSolutions, but I'm not sure. --- TMail v1.12c * Origin: Total Access Board 138/103 Tacoma, Wa (206)472-9884 (1:138/103) ------------------------------ Date: 11-16-89 (22:53) To: ANNETTE MISKIMENS Subject: SCRAM/GRAPHICS From: ERIC SPEARS Scram worked fine. I guess that I've got a graphics card already. Give me a call and I'll either drop off your notebook or you can stop by the office Just let me know. Thanks for all you help. Sorry I missed the meeting this evening. I hope to make it to the next one. --- TMail v1.12c * Origin: Total Access Board 138/103 Tacoma, Wa (206)472-9884 (1:138/103) ------------------------------ Date: 11-16-89 (23:04) To: BOB PERIGO Subject: VR-241-A COLOR MONITOR From: ERIC SPEARS I'm interested. I'll try and call you during daytime hours at the number you left. If you want I can be reached at (206) 756-6152 9:00 - 5:00. --- TMail v1.12c * Origin: Total Access Board 138/103 Tacoma, Wa (206)472-9884 (1:138/103) ------------------------------ Date: 11-17-89 (16:52) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: POWER-UP FAILURE IN R From: AMER NELSON Has your friend checked the power source -- like maybe a power strip problem? Just for fun try plugging into a different outlet. ++ Amer ++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 11-17-89 (17:21) To: MARK BORNSTEIN Subject: ENOUGH !! From: AMER NELSON I know Geoff Reed. Everything he's bought from me he's paid for and everything he's borrowed has been returned in A-OK shape. Wish you'd drop the subject. No business I know of carries accounts receivable at 100% on their balance sheets. DIGITAL has an allowance of $74,345,000 as of July 1, 1989. If you've been paid by 4998 out of 5000 you should thank your lucky stars and stop re-hashing this -- your collection rate is nothing short of phenomenal. Also, if you're going to recommend a source for a graphics board, try a LOW COST one -- Newman Group -- $75 (November catalog, p. 8). ++ Amer ++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 11-18-89 (00:59) To: GEOFF REED Subject: OF BAD APPLES AND THINGS From: MARK BORNSTEIN In a message of <14 Nov 89 12:15:44>, Geoff Reed (1:343/3) writes: > I remember reading in a DEC publication listing 3rd party hardware >options for the rainbow, about a Scsi Host adaptor for the rainbow, I am >very interested in locating the name of the company selling these as I >have access to test cd-rom equipment set up to run on a Scsi bus, and >also Scsi harddrives... Make sure I find out also so I can tell them how you go about ordering things and not paying for them. ...mark --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Island Logistics (617) 631-3304 (1:101/111) ------------------------------ Date: 11-19-89 (13:27) To: AMER NELSON Subject: RE: POWER-UP FAILURE IN R From: GEORGE THEALL AN>Has your friend checked the power source -- like maybe a power AN>strip problem? Just for fun try plugging into a different outlet. You mean he might have overlooked the obvious? Yeah, I suppose it's possible. I remember a thread last year on INFO-DEC-MICRO about power supplies and the cable connecting them to motherboards would short out. A friend's machine died that way. I just assumed that was the problem this time. George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ EZ-Reader v1.23 - Now This is Living!!! ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (11/20/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 20, 1989 In this issue: RE: REGIS PRINTOUTS ON AN RE:HOW TO PRINT REGIS SCR RE: MSVRB1C - RAINBOW KER RE: VR-241-A COLOR MONITO SEDT4(260) Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 11-18-89 To: RUDIE SLAUGHTER Subject: RE: REGIS PRINTOUTS ON AN From: FRANK MALLORY Thanks, Rudie; I'll try your procedure. --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 11-18-89 To: ART MCCLINTON Subject: RE:HOW TO PRINT REGIS SCR From: FRANK MALLORY Thank, Art. BTW, I got Freestyle 1.50 running OK, but I don't see any real advantages over 1.00 (other than new printer drivers, which I don't need at present). --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 11-18-89 To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: RE: MSVRB1C - RAINBOW KER From: FRANK MALLORY CH> re: local printer printout of graphics screen CH> CH> How about JOBSDUMP? Thanks, Carl. I have that here but forgot all about it. --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 11-18-89 (09:41) To: ERIC SPEARS Subject: RE: VR-241-A COLOR MONITO From: BOB PERIGO Eric, Amer Nelson has a prior claim but it's yours if he changes his mind. btw, remember babel at 206-363-8969 is a bbs so you don't have to call daytime only. --- * Origin: Horsefeathers + Burn a flag for freedom! + (Opus 1:343/30) ------------------------------ Date: 11-18-89 (21:32) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: SEDT4(260) From: MARIO LAZZARIN Hi Frank Thanks for telling us about Glacier Peak. I Picked up SEDT4 there and worked very well. No trouble at all with installing it. Obviously something was wrong with FUNDEF.EDT that I picked up locally. Gary Stebbins run a clean well organized BBS. No OODLES & OODLES of Bulettin-s makes it really nice when one calls long distance like me. I wish local SYSOPS are listening. Thanks again for your precious info. Regards. Mario Lazzarin --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (11/22/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 22, 1989 In this issue: RE: RE: RAINBOW BASIC LA 100 AUTO SHEET FEEDER ..... NOT ENOUGH !! Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 11-18-89 (10:46) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: RE: RAINBOW BASIC From: DAN OREILLY If I remember correctly, it's the interpreter. However, it really doesn't matter if it's the compiler or not, as it's the beta version DEC was messing around with a few years ago (I was a DEC employee at the time). Rest assured it's very legal. DanO --- QuickBBS v2.04 * Origin: The CS-DEPOT BBS System (719)550-9305 (1:128/58) ------------------------------ Date: 11-20-89 (06:42) To: ALL Subject: LA 100 AUTO SHEET FEEDER From: BOB FULLER I'm having difficulty getting the sheet feeder on my LA 100 to consistently load the first sheet of paper. When I follow the users guide (turn on pwr supply, then sheet feeder, then printer, then form feed) most of the time the first page will not feed because the feeder rollers do not feed the page into the printer, I get a solid red error light on the feeder, yet the printer has paper, is not jamed and the feeder seems to be installed properly and does pull paper out of the printer. Looking for help in how to get it working properly or a way to override and manually load that first sheet. Thanks in advance for your help. Bob --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 11-20-89 (20:06) To: MARK BORNSTEIN Subject: ..... From: GEOFF REED Mr. Bournstein, I fealt that your latest rash of attacks upon me deserved at least 1 reply from me. I purchased the disk from you a few years ago, shortly after receipt of the disk I sent a money order made out to mark bornstein to the address you gave on your invoice, which you CLAIM you never recieved. According to my banks records the money order was cashed. You have yet to be reasonable about this, you have yet to send a second invoice to me if in fact you never recieved payment. You refuse to follow Proper buisness procedures about this, and have instead resorted to slandering me nationwide in this public forum. You are not making a good impression on potential customers out here, what if they sent you a payment, and it disappeared? would you attempt to smear their name nationwide? There is a possibility that you never received the money-order, I am willing to admit that (for the moment) but there is also the possibility that you did recieve the M-O and are trying to bilk me out of a lousy $20. I had thought of just sending you another $20 but your latest attack in which this is a response to proves to me that you are acting juvinil enough that you would just slander me more if I gave in to your juvinile games. --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 11-20-89 (10:37) To: AMER NELSON Subject: NOT ENOUGH !! From: MARK BORNSTEIN In a message of <17 Nov 89 17:21:42>, Amer Nelson (1:343/3) writes: >No business I know of carries accounts receivable at 100% on their >balance sheets. DIGITAL has an allowance of $74,345,000 as of >July 1, 1989. If you've been paid by 4998 out of 5000 you should >thank your lucky stars and stop re-hashing this -- your collection >rate is nothing short of phenomenal. It is really not my collection rate which is phenomenal. It is rather, the thousands of wonderful Rainbow customers who it was never necessary to ship C.O.D. to. This applies to all those individuals as well as companies, both large and small who it was my pleasure to deal with. Should my phenomenal rate of people who are honorable enough to pay their bills excuse one CROOK from paying his bill? With the Rainbow world ever shrinking, it is important to the few remaining suppliers and users to know who can and cannot be trusted. I am not the only person he has stiffed. The other party does not wish to raise the "spectre" of a deadbeat. To me it is a matter of principle. I did him a favor and sent him something at my cost because I thought I was helping out a young Rainbow user. He just plain did not pay $23.00 owing. The money is incidental. I would have contribu it to our Rainbow group treasury. He probably paid you because you are physically close and he could not get away with it. He did not pay his bill to me! He is a deadbeat! >Also, if you're going to recommend a source for a graphics board, >try a LOW COST one -- Newman Group -- $75 (November catalog, p. 8). Ah, you are correct. Jim's graphics boards are not 95 as I said. Sorry bout that. He is selling them for $65.00. My mistake. But, moving along now with the tenor of your last sentence above, you forgot to compare Jim's $425 price for a Rainbow with said Newman's. (After all I recommended that purchase also did I not????) That is of course if I am going to recommend a source for things you see: Jim's price INCLUDED a 10 meg disk AND CONTROLLER I think he has 2 Bows left. You forgot to mention that Newman's price for a 10 meg and controller is $420. So using simple math which I learned in kinde I think if one were to follow your recommendation and buy from Newman one would be spending $420 more now wouldn't one? Jim says that while the stuff lasts he will sell Rainbow goods at the LOWEST prices of any dealer in th US. I think that makes Jim a "LOW COST one." ...mark --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Island Logistics (617) 631-3304 (1:101/111) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (11/24/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 24, 1989 In this issue: RE: CHIPS - AGAIN CHIPS - AGAIN (2 messages) RE: CAD RE: NOT ENOUGH !! Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 11-22-89 (12:24) To: VAN VANHORN Subject: RE: CHIPS - AGAIN From: FRANK MALLORY > OK, if nobody has any idea where to get the 26LS32-3 DEC > chips I need, can anyone point me to the right DEC phone > number? Or, the DEC phone number that is most likely to > get me pointed in the right direction the most quickly? Sure, Van: DEC Unlisted Parts, (603)884-5001. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------ Date: 11-22-89 To: VAN VANHORN Subject: CHIPS - AGAIN From: GORDON GREEN > OK, if nobody has any idea where to get the 26LS32-3 DEC chips I need, can > anyone point me to the right DEC phone number? Or, the DEC phone number > that is most likely to get me pointed in the right direction the most > quickly? A friend of mine managed to scrounge a couple of "samples" from a manufacturer or supplier's rep when I needed one. I don't recall which manufacturer(s) make this chip. --- QM v1.00 * Origin: GG's_point of Cuckoo's Nest : Hudson, NH : HST (1:132/119.1) ------------------------------ Date: 11-19-89 (22:57) To: ALL Subject: CHIPS - AGAIN From: VAN VANHORN OK, if nobody has any idea where to get the 26LS32-3 DEC chips I need, can anyone point me to the right DEC phone number? Or, the DEC phone number that is most likely to get me pointed in the right direction the most quickly? +vanhorn+ --- * Origin: Horsefeathers + Burn a flag for freedom! + (Opus 1:343/30) ------------------------------ Date: 11-20-89 (15:49) To: AMER NELSON Subject: RE: CAD From: JACK STEVENS I had the same problem. The cause is that the code that tests for sufficient memory drops a bit if you have "too much" available memory. My workaround is to run Kermit and push to a new command shell (three times!) until I have gotten available memory down to about 550K. Any other sufficiently large combination of memory-resident programs should also work. --- * Origin: Midnight DEC - The place for DEC sales & information (Opus 1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 11-22-89 (07:29) To: MARK BORNSTEIN Subject: RE: NOT ENOUGH !! From: FRANK MALLORY > I think he has 2 Bows left. You forgot to mention that Newman's > price for a 10 meg and controller is $420. So using simple > math which I learned in kindergarten, I think if one were > to follow your recommendation and buy from Newman one would > be spending $420 more now wouldn't one? Jim says that while > the stuff lasts he will sell Rainbow goods at the LOWEST > prices of any dealer in th US. I think that makes Jim a > "LOW COST one." How much memory is in Jim Greely's 'bows? I've been buying them with 10 meg HD and 512KB or 640KB for $450, from a dealer in Texas. One even came through with a RBW clock. We have an immediate need for another one. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (11/25/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 25, 1989 In this issue: COMMUNICATIONS PRO 350 (2 messages) OF CROOKS AND THINGS ..... YES -- ENOUGH ALREADY Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 11-21-89 (09:12) To: JOHN LELLIS Subject: COMMUNICATIONS From: DON MARQUART > Yes, PC100.SYS is a FOSSIL driver I wrote which supports both the AUX and > PRN ports on the Rainbow. It is still in beta-test, but currently in a > state of suspended animation due to my other committments. If you would > like to join the beta-test team, send me netmail and you will receive the > next iteration. Sounds great John but at the current time I don't have a RB to test with. I follow the echo very close and am very interested in any new software for the 'bow. Still do whatever I can to support it on the BBS. Knowing me I'll get another machine in the future:-). Thanks for the reply... --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888) ------------------------------ Date: 11-22-89 (17:52) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: PRO 350 From: AMER NELSON Having read some of my prior messages, you've probably figured out that I'm strictly a novice when it comes to communications, E-Mail and the like. I just call my local OPUS board and fumble around. I am very interested in the message you posted from John Meneghini at Clearpoint who has a PRO350 for sale -- in fact I think there are a couple of others in the area who are interested -- they, however, have been involved in the Boeing strike and may be short of cash right now. Anyway, I AM interested and would like to know: 1.) Which version of P/OS? 2.) What are the programming tools and applications? Could you pass this along to John? My address is 12030 - 36th Avenue, N.E. Seattle, WA 98125-5637 phone is (206)365-5795 Thanks! (Of course someone may have already contacted John directly.) --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 11-22-89 (10:36) To: GEOFF REED Subject: OF CROOKS AND THINGS From: MARK BORNSTEIN In a message of <20 Nov 89 20:06:48>, Geoff Reed (1:343/3) writes: > Mr. Bournstein, I fealt that your latest rash of attacks upon me >deserved at least 1 reply from me. I purchased the disk from you a few >years ago, shortly after receipt of the disk I sent a money order made >out to mark bornstein to the address you gave on your invoice, which you >CLAIM you never recieved. According to my banks records the money order >was cashed. You are a liar. Plain and simple. All you had to do was send me a photostat of the check which you say was cashed. IT WAS NOT EVER RECEIVED NOR CASHED. JUST SEND ME A PHOTO OF THE CHECK WITH MY SIGNATURE AND I WILL APOLOGIZE TO YOU IN THE NEXT 100 MESSAGES. But you can't do that because you never sent it. You have yet to be reasonable about this, you have yet to >send a second invoice to me if in fact you never recieved payment. > You refuse to follow Proper buisness procedures about this, and have >instead resorted to slandering me nationwide in this public forum. > You are not making a good impression on potential customers out here, >what if they sent you a payment, and it disappeared? would you attempt to >smear their name nationwide? You received about 3 invoices and about 4 fone calls, all of which your mother answered and told me she gave you the message. > There is a possibility that you never received the money-order, I >am willing to admit that (for the moment) but there is also the >possibility that you did recieve the M-O and are trying to bilk me out of >a lousy >$20. I had thought of just sending you another $20 but your latest >attack in which this is a response to proves to me that you are acting >juvinile enough that you would just slander me more if I gave in to your >juvinile games. Ya...sure you were gonna send the 23 buks. Only a few years after you got the product. ...mark --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Island Logistics (617) 631-3304 (1:101/111) ------------------------------ Date: 11-22-89 To: GEOFF REED Subject: ..... From: MARK BUDA In a message of <20 Nov 89 20:06:48>, Geoff Reed (1:343/3) writes: > Mr. Bournstein, I fealt that your latest rash of attacks upon me > deserved at least 1 reply from me. I purchased the disk from you a few > years ago, shortly after receipt of the disk I sent a money order made > out to mark bornstein to the address you gave on your invoice, which > you CLAIM you never recieved. According to my banks records the money ... > There is a possibility that you never received the money-order, I > am willing to admit that (for the moment) but there is also the > possibility that you did recieve the M-O and are trying to bilk me out > of a lousy > $20. I had thought of just sending you another $20 but your latest > attack in which this is a response to proves to me that you are acting > juvinile enough that you would just slander me more if I gave in to > your juvinile games. Knowing Mark, I doubt he bilked you. I suggest that you produce a COPY of the 'cashed' MO from the bank and ship it to Mark. The bank will give you a copy at no charge. Send the copy to Mark. It seems VERY strange that you would not respond to him until now. What are YOU hiding? Why do you not want to pay the bill? It seems mighty strange that you come out of the woodwork, a LONG time after the problem. I know Mark has mentioned it many times in this echo and I have heard him say it other times also. Knowing how much Mark needs the $20, I am sure he is GOING OUT OF HIS WAY to bilk someone who he does not know. Its the principle of the thing... At this point in time, it is up to YOU to prove that the money order was cashed by Mark (or cashed by anyone). - mark --- QM v1.00 * Origin: VAXCat; Merrimack, NH;Home of the Black VAXCat;(603)424-0923 (1:132/ ------------------------------ Date: 11-24-89 (22:31) To: MARK BORNSTEIN Subject: YES -- ENOUGH ALREADY From: GEORGE THEALL MB>In a message of <20 Nov 89 20:06:48>, Geoff Reed (1:343/3) writes: MB> MB>> Mr. Bournstein, I fealt that your latest rash of attacks upon me MB>>deserved at least 1 reply from me. ... MB>You are a liar. Plain and simple. Is all this really necessary? Can't the two of you resolve it privately or, barring that, drop the matter? I don't really care whether Geoff is honest or a deadbeat in his financial dealings. But I do care, Mark, that your flames at him are likely to drive away a member of the Rainbow community who, in the 2 months that I've had access to this Echo, has contributed significantly IMHO to the Rainbow community with his posts on PC disk formats and MSGED. Must your bitterness so rule your participation here that your efforts are dedicated to attacking Geoff and those who support him in some fashion? Please, think about what you hope to gain by this strategy. And consider as well how this flamefest reflects on you, both as a person and as a (former, perhaps) business owner. As for you, Geoff, I encourage you to send Mark *** privately *** whatever proof you have that you paid him. For a small fee I imagine you can request a xerox of the cancelled money order you spoke of. This would include the signature of whoever cashed/deposited it and be a good first step in resolving the matter. George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ "All We Are Is Dust In The Wind" - Kansas ============================================================================== Date: 11-24-89 (23:51) Number: 74 The Satalink BBS To: AMER NELSON Refer#: 563 From: GEORGE THEALL Read: YES Subj: PRO 350 Conf: (74) fRAINBOW ------------------------------------------------------------------------ AN>Having read some of my prior messages, you've probably figured out AN>that I'm strictly a novice when it comes to communications, E-Mail AN>and the like. I just call my local OPUS board and fumble around. Is this Amer Nelson talking here??? :-) :-) :-) AN>I am very interested in the message you posted from John Meneghini AN>at Clearpoint who has a PRO350 for sale ... AN>Anyway, I AM interested and would like to know: AN>1.) Which version of P/OS? AN>2.) What are the programming tools and applications? AN>Could you pass this along to John? Yep, it'll be gatewayed tomorrow morning. (It's already way past beddie-bye time for me.) All he has to do is look thru comp.sys.dec.micro. AN>(Of course someone may have already contacted John directly.) True, but somehow I don't think Pros are still the hot items they once were. George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ "Facts are stupid things" - R. Reagan ------------------------------
rodger@violon.chorus.fr (Rodger Lea) (11/27/89)
Hi, With regards the recent spate of articles in the digest between the two protagonists listed below >Date: 11-22-89 (10:36) >To: GEOFF REED >Subject: OF CROOKS AND THINGS >From: MARK BORNSTEIN > >In a message of <20 Nov 89 20:06:48>, Geoff Reed (1:343/3) writes: > >------------------------------ Is there any chance you guys could move this to a private forum ? I'm not sure if you realise, and I don't know too much about Fidonet, but since you have been gatewayed to the usenet, your comments are reaching a forum that spans the entire round lump of rock we live on. This is a fairly low profile newgroup out in the big wide world, but still received by thousands of machines worldwide. cheers, Rodge (in Paris) - and that's not the texas version :-)
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (11/28/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 27, 1989 In this issue: LATEST DECBBS.LST WPS-KEYS TOUCHE!! RE: CAD USEFUL EXERCISE??? GIF Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 11-23-89 To: ALL Subject: LATEST DECBBS.LST From: GEORGE DAHLCO, SYSOP 102/ DECBBS.LST Revision 4.3 - 66 nodes total November 23, 1989 National list of DEC-related BBS Systems. All nodes below are in the National Nodelist as of the above posted date. Some nodes may not be operational. This list has been sorted by Area Code. DEC-related means the board carries at least an interest in DEC products, be it VAX, Rainbow, PDP-11, Echomail or file areas, etc. Legend: * =9600 baud, + =2400 baud, % =1200 baud, - =300 baud ! =Carries either VAX, RAINBOW, or PDP-11 EchoMail Areas. & =Distributes VAX, RAINBOW or PDP-11 EchoMail to other nodes # =Moderates/Coordinates a DEC EchoMail area @ =Node is Mail Only Send corrections, additions, deletions *direct* to 102/138, Long_Island_RB. Please do NOT enter your corrections in EchoMail as they may get missed. -Net/Node- -Board Name- -Phone number- -City,State- -Sysop- 142 723 MoonStar 203-246-2485*! Hartford______CT Lon Stockton 141 491 Naugy Net 203-729-7569*!& Naugatuck_____CT Vince Perriello 343 3 Glacier Peak RB 206-644-8431+! Bellevue______WA Gary Stebbins 343 30 Horsefeathers 206-743-0583*! N.Puget Sound_WA Van VanHorn 132 225 SeaCoast OPUS 207-439-9367+ Kittery_______ME Bill Thomas 010 613 Rainbo Works 209-832-1002% Manteca_______CA Andre Coltrin 102 521 On The Waterfront 213-306-2581+! Marina Del ReyCA Bill Bird 102 138 Long_Island_RB 213-370-4113*!&#Los Angeles___CA George Dahlco 102 139 Beach City RB 213-376-9567*!& Redondo Beach_CA Dan Cannon 102 522 MicroSource 213-391-1351+! Mar Vista_____CA Don Barcus 102 463 Arisia 213-634-4885*! Bellflower____CA Mark Milhollan 124 10 Big D Fido 214-392-1121+ Dallas________TX Dennis Forcier 261 662 Avi-Technic 301-252-0717*! Lutherville___MD Tom Hendricks 109 657 The Country Store 301-261-4563+ Davidsonville_MD Pat McDonald 261 659 Loyola College 301-532-5117+! Baltimore_____MD John Sottile 261 204 Berkshire Board 301-574-1984*! Essex_________MD Bill Kraski 109 123 Silver Bullett 301-622-2247+! Silver Spring_MD Frank Mallory 261 1008 SyncPoint 301-682-2731+! Baltimore_____MD Bob Gawryck 261 670 Yoda's Realm 301-766-0501+! Glen Burnie___MD Jim Wolfe 100 22 PCLUG 314-576-2743+! St Louis______MO Ken Kaplan 100 16 Mike's Board 314-726-3448+ St Louis______MO Mike Mellinger 100 4 St.LouisUsersGroup314-928-9993+! St Louis______MO Mark Owens 260 223 Hitch Hikers Guide315-589-7361+! Williamson____NY Fritz Howard 291 4 MGBBS 316-684-3010*! Wichita_______KS Don Pangburn 201 5 Access Violation 317-495-4305*! West LafayetteIN Scott Goehring 396 201 CajuNet Connection318-235-3207*! Lafayette_____LA John Cuccia 014 610 Omaha Fido 402-348-7603% Omaha_________NE Jim Singer 143 24 NUG Board 408-978-5667+! San Jose______CA Bill MacAllister 129 15 DEC-User 412-469-2468+!&#Pleasnt Hills_PA John Vukovic 129 38 SYS$OUTPUT BBS 412-854-0511+! Library_______PA Kevin Barkes 154 600 Far->Pointer->DEC 414-962-9425+! Milwaukee_____WI John Spiegel 125 20 SeaHunt BBS 415-343-5904*! Burlingame____CA Michael Nelson 322 14 WayStar 508-481-7147*! Marlboro______MA Kevin Porter 016 390 Zorro The Malamute508-653-9628+! Wayland_______MA Ken Levitt 382 35 LoneStar CBCS 512-258-3643*! Austin________TX Steve Shapiro 160 203 City Lights BBS 512-855-0451*! Corpus_ChristiTX Jack Kerouac 290 627 Fog Line 515-964-7937*! Ankeny________IA Dan Buda 361 1 Cntrl Mississippi 601-638-2737%! Vicksburg_____MS Don Bach 015 1002 UofA CAG 602-621-2097% Tucson________AZ Robert MacArthur 114 18 Iasd_End BBS 602-863-5088+! Phoenix_______AZ John Valentyn 114 13 Corwin's Keep 602-894-1470+! Tempe_________AZ Paul Coppinger 114 19 PUHSD_OPUS_BBS 602-921-2438%! Tempe_________AZ Rick Southard 114 3 Genoa City 602-945-0869*! Tempe_________AZ Duke Clarke 132 777 VAXCat 603-424-0923+!&#Merrimack_____NH Mark Buda 132 119 Cuckoo's Nest 603-880-1658*! Hudson________NH Gordon Green 132 615 Wizard's Castle 603-883-1596+ Windham_______NH Paul Gilberti 132 107 M'Cycle Bytes 603-889-3366+! Amherst_______NH Robert Nilson 101 45 Midnite DEC 617-227-5428+!&#Brookline_____MA David Strickler 101 115 The Rainbows Edge 617-551-0495*!& Westwood______MA Jim Greely 101 111 Island Logistics 617-631-3304+! Marblehead____MA Mark Bornstein 101 27 Dave's Fido 617-632-1861+! Gardner_______MA David Rene 202 698 StarBase 23 619-560-2996*! San Digeo_____CA Mike Nielsen 109 483 The Pot of Gold 703-359-6549+! Fairfax_______VA Kurt Reisler 109 74 The Bear's Den 703-671-0598+! Falls Church__VA Kurt Reisler 106 114 The Fireside Opus 713-496-6319+! Houston_______TX Bob Davis 106 503 Over The Rainbow 713-820-5105+! Houston_______TX John Lellis 260 10 Med TechNet 716-897-0504+! Buffalo_______NY Bill Hliwa 128 58 CS-DEPOT 719-550-9305+! Colorado_SpngsCO Dan O'Reilly 360 8 Keep It Simple 803-648-4281+!& Aiken_________SC Ed Ridpath 102 3131 Lancaster TBBS 805-948-8047+! Lancaster_____CA Tracy Huston 371 13 archonRAINBOW 813-939-3394*! Ft. Meyers____FL Dave Corthell 102 931 Joe's BBS 818-768-2145*!@ Sun Valley____CA Joe Streiff 163 226 R&D BBS 819-778-3856*! Hull,Quebec__CAN Douglas Murray 203 34 Now and Zen OPUS 916-962-1952*! Fair Oaks_____CA John Lamb 151 124 CAROLINA TRACON 919-469-1864*! Cary__________NC Richard Best NOTES: . 9600 baud typically implies operation also at 2400, 1200 and 300 baud. . 2400 baud typically implies operation also at 1200 and 300 baud. . 1200 baud typically implies operation also at 300 baud. . All above boards not recently verified; if they exist in the Fido National Nodelist they are assumed to be in operation. . EchoMail carriers have message bases in which a message entered on that particular board in certain message areas is moved between several or many other boards carrying the same EchoMail Conference. Messages are typically not private, and therefore are seen by many other users. The user is cautioned about this feature of EchoMail. . No responsibility is assummed for any of the above information; all information is in the Public Domain as of this writing and therefore available free to anyone who wishes it. No copyright, trademark, rights or authority is imposed or infringed upon by, on, or in this document and no responsibility is assummed for it's distribution or accuracy. Distribution, updates, and corrections are encouraged, however. . If you don't feel like sorting this list to taste, it is available from 102/138 in various sorted forms: DECBBS.NOD - sorted by Net/Node number DECBBS.NAM - sorted by name of bulletin board DECBBS.PHO - sorted by area code, phone number DECBBS.STA - sorted by State DECBBS.SYO - sorted by Sysop's name File requesting DECBBS.* gets them all. . Current DEC related EchoMail Conference Coordinators/Moderators are: PDP-11: Mark Buda, 132/777 RAINBOW: Dave Strickler, 101/45 VAX WEST: George Dahlco, 102/138 VAX EAST: John Vukovic, 129/15 . DEC is a trademark of Digital Equipment Corporation. --- msged 1.998z * Origin: Western Region VAX EC, RAINBOW/PDP-11 Echo Hub (1:102/138.1) ------------------------------ Date: 11-23-89 (13:25) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: WPS-KEYS From: JACK JONES Hi Frank I picked up SEDT ver 4 from glacier and it works fine. I went back and picked up the WPSKEYS and I cannot get the Function-keys and Number-key-pad to work at all. Do you know what I am doing wrong. I did not have to do anything to the EDT KEYS except renaming them. I change the SEDT.CNF file mapping it WPS. but no luck. Any suggestion will be appreciated. Jack Jones --- * Origin: Midnight DEC - The place for DEC sales & information (Opus 1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 11-24-89 (17:58) To: MARK BORNSTEIN Subject: TOUCHE!! From: AMER NELSON Your point regarding Newman is well taken. Of course I only buy from them (or recommend them to others) when I'm reasonably sure that their's is a particularly good price. Buying a total Rainbow system at a REAL DEAL price does not always work out if one needs only one item -- like a graphics board. I could have a garage full of extra keyboards, monitors, LA-50s, etc. if I'd done that. I think we could both lighten up a bit. OK? ++ Amer ++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 11-24-89 (18:05) To: JACK STEVENS Subject: RE: CAD From: AMER NELSON Thanks, Jack. I'll try it. Sounds like a simple answer to my problem. ++ Amer ++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 11-24-89 (18:09) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: USEFUL EXERCISE??? From: AMER NELSON Looks like my jumping on Mark's case may have a useful side effect. Hope you get that system you need. ++ Amer ++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 11-24-89 (13:37) To: ALL Subject: GIF From: MIKE JANSON Is there such thing as a GIF file viewer for the Rainbow? I would really appreciate the reply please.. --- * Origin: Genoa City (602) 945-0869 [Tempe, AZ] (Opus 1:114/3) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (11/29/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 29, 1989
In this issue:
YES -- ENOUGH
(2 messages)
RAINBOW USE OF LOTUS
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus,
you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in
these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this
digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 11-26-89 (12:15)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: YES -- ENOUGH
From: MARK BORNSTEIN
In a message of <24 Nov 89 23:55:00>, GEORGE THEALL (1:273/203) writes:
> I don't really care whether Geoff is honest or a deadbeat in his
>financial dealings. But I do care, Mark, that your flames at him are
>likely to drive away a member of the Rainbow community who, in the 2
>months that I've had access to this Echo, has contributed significantly
>IMHO to the Rainbow community with his posts on PC disk formats and
In the first place the Rainbow community has hundreds of people who
are emminently more qualified and honest than him. In the second, the Rainbow
community does not need those of his ilk sullying our community. In the third
place, if my flames do drive him away, no great loss.
Finally, I am sure that he has not been the only one to enter information
about disk formats. That information just happens to be basic to most of those
here in Flame..er...ah..I mean Rainbow echo. :-) So settle down, enjoy the
information and the welcome respite from technical message. :-)
...mark
p.s. He can't take your advice and send me proof of payment. Try giving him
another suggestion, such as send money! As ex-chairman of the Boston Rainbow
Users Group I promised to take the current chairman out for Chinese food
with the money. :-)
--- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Island Logistics (617) 631-3304 (1:101/111)
------------------------------
Date: 11-26-89
To: MIKE JANSON
Subject:
From: FRANK MALLORY
MJ> Is there such thing as a GIF file viewer for the Rainbow? I would
MJ> really appreciate the reply please..
Yes, Mike, there is a GIF viewer for the 'bow (RBGIF.ZIP, 44KB). Available
for download from this board, if you can't find it closer,
--- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123)
------------------------------
Date: 11-26-89
To: JACK JONES
Subject:
From: FRANK MALLORY
JJ> I picked up SEDT ver 4 from glacier and it works fine. I went back and
JJ> picked up the WPSKEYS and I cannot get the Function-keys and
JJ> Number-key-pad to work at all. Do you know what I am doing wrong.
I don't have the .WPS files here, so I can't try it.
JJ> I did not have to do anything to the EDT KEYS except renaming them.
You shouldn't have to rename the keys. All you should need to do is furnish
the .WPS files in your SEDT directory and place the command MAPPING=WPS in
your SEDT.CNF file.
As an alternative, you might try deleting your original .EDT files and renaming
the .WPS files to .EDT.
BTW, if you are troubled with extraneous lines or characters appearing when
you are cutting and pasting with v4.0(260), you might try ctrl-w to clear
it up.
--- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123)
------------------------------
Date: 11-25-89 (19:56)
To: ALL
Subject: RAINBOW USE OF LOTUS
From: DAVID HEID
HELP
I just installed the addins (Learn and Speedup) and they seem to be working
well. However I tried to install Allways and my system crashes when I try
to invoke it. Can anyone confirm my suspicions that Allways is written in
such a way that the Bow graphics board cant understand?? I also want to
thank the person who is resonsible for the 'addin' file as the Learn addin
is a great help in writing Macros for Lotus.
---
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3)
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (11/30/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 30, 1989 In this issue: ..... RE: REGIS AND FREESTYLE Q YES -- ENOUGH ALREADY Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 11-26-89 To: MARK BUDA Subject: ..... From: GEOFF REED MB> MB>It seems mighty strange that you come out of the woodwork, a LONG time after the problem. I know Mark has mentioned it MB>many times in this echo and I have heard him say it other times also. MB> I had argued with mr bournstein about this before, I have never received 3 invoices, and i have never received any messages as he claims --- msged 1.998y * Origin: StarShip_Inconnu, Cruisin' the Stars (1:6000/0) ------------------------------ Date: 11-28-89 (12:09) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: REGIS AND FREESTYLE Q From: FRANK MALLORY > From: genrad!rxf@husc6.harvard.edu ( Ruben D. Fagundo ) > Organization: GenRad > > What is regis? Is it public domain, shareware or commercial? > And where could I get the Regis program. I've already > downloaded > the picture files from a BBS. > > Also, is freestyle commercial or shareware? I've heard > some good things Both are commercial. Rainbow ReGIS is, or should be, available from DEC (BL-BG79A-BV is the designation on the diskette). Freestyle is available from Summa Technologies. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------ Date: 11-29-89 (18:07) To: MARK BORNSTEIN Subject: YES -- ENOUGH ALREADY From: GEORGE THEALL MB>As ex-chairman of the Boston Rainbow MB>Users Group I promised to take the current chairman out for Chinese food MB>with the money. :-) If this is all it's about, then I'll gladly send you the $23 so you can have your %$)(@#$ Chinese food. Just leave your address in a reply and promise to consider the matter dropped. Otherwise chill out, fella! You'll sleep better at night. <<< And now, back to our regularly scheduled Rainbow discussions >>> George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ BARCELONA, MS QUE MAI ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/02/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 1, 1989
In this issue:
UPGRADING
NOT ENOUGH
RE: (3 messages)
DBUG
(4 messages)
A ROSE BY ANY OTHER
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus,
you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in
these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this
digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 11-28-89 (15:53)
To: ALL
Subject: UPGRADING
From: RICK MELLON
For those who haven't heard, DEC's "Outlet" has advertised the Rainbow
128K Memory Expansion (PC1XX-AC) for just $75. I bought one, removed
the 64K chips, and added three sets of 256K chips for another $75 --
meaning I upgraded from 128K to 896K for a very reasonable $150 (the
chips were from Microprocessors Unltd in Oklahoma; 918-267-4961). Sorry
about the plug for DEC -- just trying to help the huddled masses.
By the way, the installation is simple -- takes just a couple of
minutes.
---
* Origin: The Rising MoonStar (Opus 1:142/723)
------------------------------
Date: 11-28-89
To: MARK BORNSTEIN
Subject: NOT ENOUGH
From: JIM GREELY
In a message of <20 Nov 89 10:37:26>, Mark Bornstein (1:101/111) writes:
MB> Ah, you are correct. Jim's graphics boards are not 95 as I
MB>said. Sorry bout that. He is selling them for $65.00. My mistake. But,
MB>moving along now with the tenor of your last sentence above, you
MB>forgot to compare Jim's $425 price for a Rainbow with said Newman's.
Yea, I have several graphics boards for $65. I also have all kinds of
memory boards, hard-drive controllers, keyboards, monitors and lots
of other rainbow hardware. I now have 3 systems for sale at $425.
This includes 640k memory, 10mb hard-drive & controller, keyboard,
and monitor (Amber or White). 20mb drives are available for $175 more.
If anyone is interested I will beat any price from Newman, Midwest or
any of the other 'DEC dealers'. My voice number is 800-446-3074 or
617-769-9811 (inside eastern mass & Canada).
---JimG
--- msged 1.99S ZTC
* Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1)
------------------------------
Date: 11-27-89 (16:35)
To: MIKE JANSON
Subject: RE:
From: AMER NELSON
YES YES YES
I've uploaded the Gif viewer to both the Glacier Peak and
Horsefeathers boards here in the Seattle area. I wish I
could remember where I originally got it.
It should be available on either of the above BBSs as RBGIF.ARC
or RBGIF.ZIP -- one of those two compression methods.
++ Amer ++
---
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3)
------------------------------
Date: 11-27-89 (21:47)
To: AMER NELSON
Subject: DBUG
From: DAVID HEID
Amer, I seemed to have crossed up in getting to your house last thursday
to pick up the stuff for the meeting. Maybe you could call me at the office.
I've tried you at home but to no avail.
---
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3)
------------------------------
Date: 11-27-89 (22:27)
To: JACK JONES
Subject: RE:
From: GARY STEBBINS
JJ>I picked up SEDT ver 4 from glacier and it works fine. I went
JJ>back and picked up the WPSKEYS and I cannot get the Function
JJ>keys and Number-key-pad to work at all.
The version I had here at the time may have been early test. I'll check
and see if there's a newer version that may work better. It'll be a few
days, at least.
-gary-
---
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3)
------------------------------
Date: 11-27-89 (23:09)
To: ANYBODY
Subject:
From: KELSY CROSSMAN
HELP!! I have a rainbow 100a and a concord modem. I can't access anything
with it. All I get is a can't access service message. I am very frustrated
and soon I will not have any hair left. Can anybody help me (please). Do
I have the wrong modem or what kind of software do I need to get it running.
I am desprate. Now I am calling in on a Coleco ADAM.
Please leave me some E-mail and tell me what I am doing wrong. I would like
to get a good comm. program so I can call and be a REAL part of this BBS.
---
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3)
------------------------------
Date: 11-27-89 (09:25)
To: MIKE JANSON
Subject: RE:
From: VAN VANHORN
RBGIF.ARC is available for file request here, ask your sysop to request it
for you anytime except ZMH, HST speed would take less than one minute.
+vanhorn+
(It's on File area 10 if you want to call to download it. (206) 743-0583)
---
* Origin: Horsefeathers + Burn a flag for freedom! + (Opus 1:343/30)
------------------------------
Date: 11-28-89 (18:35)
To: ALL
Subject:
From: GEORGE TURNER
Does anyone know if there are any postscript printer drivers for the
Rainbow? I'm interested in using my 'Bow with a scriptprinter if possible.
---
* Origin: Midnight DEC - The place for DEC sales & information (Opus 1:101/45)
------------------------------
Date: 11-29-89 (11:48)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: A ROSE BY ANY OTHER
From: MARK BORNSTEIN
In a message of <27 Nov 89 21:59:00>, GEORGE THEALL (1:273/203) writes:
>...With regards the recent spate of articles in the digest
Mark replies:
Gee...I thought we were all done with this thread, but if you insist :-)
>I'm not sure if you realise, and I don't know too much about Fidonet,...
Then at least understand that, excepting user groups, (which are
disbanding at a fast spate, [the Boston Group has plummeted from an average
of 50 to 100 people per meeting to an average of about 15,) there is very
little else by way of "live" information for Rainbow users.
>but since you have been gatewayed to the usenet, your comments are
>reaching a forum that spans the entire round lump of rock we live on.
>This is a fairly low profile newgroup out in the big wide world, but
>still received by thousands of machines worldwide.
That is wonderful. The more who know to be "wary" the merrier.
And finally, a good controversy CAN and sometimes does, provide a
welcome respite to dry technical messages, don't you think? Especially when
one side is so clearly in the right! :-) :-)
...mark
--- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Island Logistics (617) 631-3304 (1:101/111)
------------------------------
Date: 11-28-89 (11:54)
To: ALL
Subject:
From: AMER NELSON
Thanks to those who've helped with my problem running CAD.
I found that by setting up a 360K RAM disk using the RDISK utility
that the program would run. I assume that MDRIVE would have worked
as well.
I am still a bit underwhelmed by the demos -- WAYOUT and HOUSE.
Everything I get is in shades of red. Some are so faint they
practically blend into the black background.
Any suggestions???
++ Amer ++
---
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3)
------------------------------
Date: 11-29-89 (04:50)
To: ALL
Subject:
From: KEVIN BARKES
This echo is not the place for either personal attacks or a discussion of
a company's accounts receivable situation.
Can we _please_ halt discussion on this topic?
This is becoming excessively annoying. And, according to my attorney,
potentially actionable. I've been deleting these messages as they come
in, and I suggest other sysops do the same.
Regards,
KGB
---
* Origin: SYS$OUTPUT BBS * Library, PA * 412-854-0511 * (Opus 1:129/38)
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/02/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 2, 1989 In this issue: Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 12-01-89 (21:09) To: RODGER LEA Subject: From: GEORGE THEALL >- I've got a 100b with memory upgrade (and that's about all > I know !) - no hard disk. If I was interested in putting > a hard disk in it - what are my options ? > >(please note that I'm based in France, so names of good >disk suppliers on the west coast etc, won't work :-) *If* you can get a hard disk controller for your machine, Rodger, you can install in your system almost any hard disk that uses MFM or RLL encoding. The Seagate ST225 20MB drive, for example, that's sold for PC compatible systems will work fine. So too will the ST241 38MB drive. The June 1988 issue of _Rainbow News_ had an excellent article about this. I would highly recommend you read it if you're thinking of "doing it yourself". For the controller, you might give Eustace Enterprises a call (1-407-433-0846 in the U.S.). As of September '89 they advertised a 20MB hard disk and controller card for $395. Suitable Solutions (1-408-727-9090 voice, 1-408-727-0823 FAX) are advertising a dual winchester controller card for $365, a 20MB disk + controller for $699, and a 40MB disk with controller for $899. I have no idea how Eustace Enterprises handles foreign orders; Suitable Solutions requires they be prepaid with a check in US $. Another possibility is to buy a used hard-disk equipped Rainbow. Prices here in the US are around $400+ for a 100B with hard disk. You'd not only get the controller card but also have spare parts around in case something in your current machine fails. Contacts across the puddle are difficult to come by. It might be worthwhile, though, for you to get in touch with Brian Pegg (26, avenue de la Resolution, Cite Marine de Port La Galere, 06590 Theoule-sur-Mer, FRANCE), Frans van der Voorde (VDVOORDE@HROEUR51 on BITNET; he's in Holland), or Dave Reid (628 82 30 18 at home in England). Perhaps one of them could point you to a supplier in Europe. Oh, about a year ago there appeared a list of Rainbow-oriented bbs's. There were two in Europe you might call - Mitternachs Rainbow in Munich (89 123 34 45) in the evenings (presumable, MZT) and Day Rainbow in Karlstad Sweden (46 54 266988) at 300 baud, CCITT. >Lastly, as a fairly long shot, anybody out there using SmallTalk (PC >versions) ... >Actor (under Windows) is also of interest. The June 1988 issue of _Rainbow News_ also contained a comprehensive list of programs known to run on Rainbows but not advertised as such. I didn't see anything about SmallTalk mentioned. I imagine Actor would run under Windows, but it might require the 286-board from Suitable Solutions. >Also I've heard vague rumours about object oriented extensions to >Pascal in the latest Turbo relase (v5.5?). Anybody got any experience >and care to comment on how 'object oriented' they are. Contact Jim O'Brien (OBRIEN@VENUS.YCC.YALE.EDU) as I know he's using TURBO Pascal v5.5 on his Rainbow. Also, the September '89 issue of _Computer Language_ reviewed the object-oriented extensions to both TURBO Pascal and Microsoft Quick Pascal - you might get yourself a copy of the article. George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ TXIRRINGAK? Bai, eskerrik asko! ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/03/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 3, 1989 In this issue: RE: MODEM DEC PRINTERS FORSALE SPEEDUP Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 11-30-89 (07:31) To: KELSY CROSSMAN Subject: RE: MODEM From: FRANK MALLORY > HELP!! I have a rainbow 100a and a concord modem. I can't > access anything with it. All I get is a can't access service > message. I am very frustrated and soon I will not have > any hair left. Can anybody help me (please). Do I have You haven't given us enough information so that we can help you. Where is the "can't access service" message coming from? Are you using autodial or manual dialing? Which comm program(s), if any, have you tried? What is your Modem setup (from the Set-up screen)? If it appears that your computer can't access the modem, you should try running the Rainbow diagnostic to check out your comm port. They have been known to go bad. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123 ------------------------------ Date: 11-29-89 (10:27) To: ALL Subject: DEC PRINTERS FORSALE From: DON MARQUART I have the following printers available: (1) LQP-02 daisy wheel with sheet feeder (1) LA 100-ZA with tractor feed (1) DecWriter IV, no tractor feed Not really sure of their current market value so please make offers if intereste You can call voice at 303-973-8535 if desired. Thanks for your time. --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888) ------------------------------ Date: 12-01-89 (07:33) To: ANYONE Subject: SPEEDUP From: FRANK MALLORY There's been a discussion on one of the local BBSes of a speedup device for the PC, called PC-Sprint. This is an $80 hardware unit that goes under the clock oscillator and speeds up the rate to 12MHz. Users report that it works. Has anybody considered or tried using such a device in the Rainbow? --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123 ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/05/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 4, 1989 In this issue: RE: MODEM SEDT 4 CAD OF RAINBOWS AND 386S... (2 messages) NOT ENOUGH !! (3 messages) ..... PARKING THE HD YES -- ENOUGH ALREADY RE:ADVANTAGES OF FREESTYL (2 messages) RE: REGIS AND FREESTYLE (2 messages) AVAILABILITY OF CHESS PRO (3 messages) RE: GIF RE: PARKING THE HD RE: SPEEDUP EXTRANEOUS NOISE ON THIS QUESTIONS (2 messages) Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 12-01-89 (10:58) To: KELSY CROSSMAN Subject: RE: MODEM From: BILL MAYHEW Kelsy, (This seems odd, but...) Please check back on the CompuServe DECPC Forum where you originally posted this request. I've found two people who know about the Concord modems who have volunteered some help, but who are awaiting more information from you. -Bill --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------ Date: 12-01-89 To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: SEDT 4 From: GEORGE DAHLCO, SYSOP 102/ In a message of <Nov 28 13:50>, GEORGE THEALL (1:273/203) writes: GT>From: agate!stew.ssl.berkeley.edu!link@apple.com (Richard Link) GT>Organization: University of California, Berkeley GT> GT>Can I get SEDT 4.xx (not sure of the newest version; I have 3.3) GT>by FTP? Otherwise, are there any California BBS's which have it? GT> GT>Please e-mail your response. GT> GT>Thanks, GT>Richard Link, Ph.D. GT>Space Sciences Laboratory Richard, Yes, I have the latest version as of a month or so ago; just file request SEDT4*.* from 102/138. -George, 102/138- --- msged 1.998z * Origin: Western Region VAX EC, RAINBOW/PDP-11 Echo Hub (1:102/138.1) ------------------------------ Date: 12-01-89 To: AMER NELSON Subject: CAD From: DAVID STRICKLER In a message of <14 Nov 89 12:02:41>, Amer Nelson (1:343/3) writes: AN>I think the message I got may have read -- AN> Insufficient memory to run ZALLOC AN>Not that the exact wording matters that much -- you get the AN>drift. Sounds like a memory problem that they had with UTE. Try using up some memory with SwitchIt or something like that and trying it again. The solution is to USE MORE memory, lathough the error says otherwise. Aren't computers so logical? :> AN>Thanks for all your efforts re the Rainbow Echo -- how else could AN>I get my nit-picky questions answered? AN>++ Amer ++ Glad to help out! David Strickler Sysop of 101/45 Midnight DEC (Boston) (617)739-0708 [Voice] --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 12-01-89 To: DON MARQUART Subject: OF RAINBOWS AND 386S... From: DAVID STRICKLER DRI is Digital Research, but what is SCO? David Strickler Sysop of 101/45 Midnight DEC (Boston) (617)739-0708 [Voice] --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 12-01-89 To: JOHN LELLIS Subject: OF RAINBOWS AND 386S... From: DAVID STRICKLER In a message of <15 Nov 89 19:22:05>, John Lellis (1:106/503) writes: JL>You might try VMIX. It supports VT100s and purports to run on the 386 JL>(though I have personally only seen it run on 286 machines). Not JL>exactly a transparent DOS window, but it did seem functional last time JL>I looked at it. JL> Is that a MSDOS shell? In otherwords, will it run the DOS applications I write? David Strickler Sysop of 101/45 Midnight DEC (Boston) (617)739-0708 [Voice] --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 12-01-89 To: MARK BORNSTEIN Subject: NOT ENOUGH !! From: DAVID STRICKLER In a message of <20 Nov 89 10:37:26>, Mark Bornstein (1:101/111) writes: MB> It is really not my collection rate which is phenomenal. It is MB>rather, the thousands of wonderful Rainbow customers who it was never MB>necessary to ship C.O.D. to. This applies to all those individuals as MB>well as companies, both large and small who it was my pleasure to deal MB>with. OK, people... Lets let this one drop. I remember an antique lamp at you desk, Mark, with many COD chits. A safe place that you stored them until the checks arrived fomr UPS. A clever system, I have yet to find. If they guy stiffed you, then he is a bum. However, this petty bickering is not welcome here. You've got Geoff's address, and I would guess his number. Take it up on your own time. --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 12-01-89 To: GEOFF REED Subject: ..... From: DAVID STRICKLER In a message of <26 Nov 89 10:50:40>, Geoff Reed (1:6000/0) writes: GR> MB>It seems mighty strange that you come out of the woodwork, a LONG GR>time after the problem. I know Mark has mentioned it GR> MB>many times in this echo and I have heard him say it other times also. GR> MB> GR> I had argued with mr bournstein about this before, I have never GR>received 3 invoices, and i have never received any messages as he GR>claims Tell you what. I am so anxious to hear Mark shut up, that if you FAX me the recipet from the banks showing it was cashed (from and back please), I will publicly state that I have recieved it, and announce the message closed. Never in my life have I seen so much useless dripple over $23! My FAX number is 617-277-3041 David Strickler Sysop of 101/45 Midnight DEC (Boston) (617)739-0708 [Voice] --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 12-02-89 (13:06) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: PARKING THE HD From: MARK BORNSTEIN In a message of <29 Nov 89 18:07:00>, GEORGE THEALL (1:273/203) writes: >Does anyone know of a public-domain program to park the hard disk >on a Rainbow? If so, I would appreciate receiving information on >availability. Public domain program called "BYE.COM" Available for dl or f/req here and most other bbses. Remember, it is a .COM file of about 500 bytes. ...mark --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Island Logistics (617) 631-3304 (1:101/111) ------------------------------ Date: 12-02-89 (12:19) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: YES -- ENOUGH ALREADY From: MARK BORNSTEIN In a message of <29 Nov 89 18:07:00>, GEORGE THEALL (1:273/203) writes: > If this is all it's about, then I'll gladly send you the $23 so you >can have your %$)(@#$ Chinese food. Just leave your address in a reply >and promise to consider the matter dropped. > > Otherwise chill out, fella! You'll sleep better at night. I always sleep better knowing that 'boobs' have been put in their proper place. If you think that "food" is what this thing is all about then you do not understand things like "principles, matters of honor, gentleman, and men who are true to their word." ...mark --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Island Logistics (617) 631-3304 (1:101/111) ------------------------------ Date: 12-02-89 (12:26) To: DAVID STRICKLER Subject: NOT ENOUGH !! From: MARK BORNSTEIN In a message of <01 Dec 89 23:44:36>, David Strickler (1:101/45) writes: > MB> It is really not my collection rate which is phenomenal. It is > MB>rather, the thousands of wonderful Rainbow customers who it was never > MB>necessary to ship C.O.D. to. This applies to all those individuals as > MB>well as companies, both large and small who it was my pleasure to deal with >If they guy stiffed you, then he is a bum. However, this petty >bickering is not welcome here. You've got Geoff's address, and I would >guess his number. Take it up on your own time. Let us get priorities straight here. I warned people that they might get cheated if they deal with geoff reed (as he has stiffed 2 dealers that I know of.) Next he entered some ridiculous buffoonery in reply to which Mark Buda graciously replied. Enter newcomer Theall objecting to my wanting to make sure other Rainbow people do not get cheated by him. (A fit place to do so I might add.) This is not about my getting cheated, and this is not an attempt on my part to get paid. (You of all people should know I don't need the money and that I would spend it taking you and Art to dinner.) My "own time" was already taken up almost 2 years ago trying to get paid. This is not something for my "own time." I just want to make sure that he does not take advantage of anyone else. This whole thread would have ceased had not Theall blustered in here. That is all. (Besides you know how contentious I am, and this echo needed some spice.) ...mark --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Island Logistics (617) 631-3304 (1:101/111) ------------------------------ Date: 12-02-89 To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE:ADVANTAGES OF FREESTYL From: ART MCCLINTON It is a bug fix release. I often found that 1.0 would incorrectly handle smooth right edge. 1.5 fixes it. Also if you every fill up a disk drive 1.0 will lose the output file. 1.5 will warn and often allow the file to be saved on another disk. --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 12-02-89 To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: REGIS AND FREESTYLE From: ART MCCLINTON Regis is a graphics command language developed by DEC for the graphics on the VT125/VT240/VT340 terminals, GIGI terminal, and several other plotters. The Rainbow REGIS product allows a Rainbow to emulate most of teh features of these other terminals. It requires a graphics card, supports both color and monichrome monitors, and the LA50 and LA100 printers. The software was developed for Digital by Polygon and runs under CPM or MS-DOS. It was sold both by Digital and directly by Polygon Associates, inc. St Louis MO 314/576-7709 Freestyle is a word processing program. Writes to the program have bee sold several times. At the present, I am unable to figure out who owns the rights. It is not in the public domain, but I can not figure out where to obtain copies. --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 12-02-89 To: ALL Subject: AVAILABILITY OF CHESS PRO From: ART MCCLINTON My 16 year old son just dug out the 14 year old Interact computer and hooked it up to the TV. When I asked him why, he said he wanted to play chess and since we sold the Atari that the only Chess Games was the one on the Interact. Since we have Rainbows in each room, I am looking for a Chess game that runs on the rainbow. thanks --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 12-02-89 (18:27) To: AMER NELSON Subject: RE: GIF From: MIKE JANSON THere's really a GIFviewer for the Rainbow? *cheer* , where can I get one..I need(and I mean need it!) , I'm currently located in Phoenix ,AZ, is there a way I can get it? I really want it! Badly..I would thank a million times if I can get it from you...THANKS A LOT! See yA! --- * Origin: Genoa City (602) 945-0869 [Tempe, AZ] (Opus 1:114/3) ------------------------------ Date: 12-02-89 (07:29) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: PARKING THE HD From: DAN OREILLY There are a couple out there, but I think your best bet is to get MS-DOS V3.1 - the FDISK utility will park the heads. Somewhere in the Rainbow section on this BBS I think I've got a utility to do that for MS-DOS V2.11 as well. You might want to dial up and take a quick look. DanO --- QuickBBS v2.04 * Origin: The CS-DEPOT BBS System (719)550-9305 (1:128/58) ------------------------------ Date: 12-01-89 (22:26) To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: RE: SPEEDUP From: FRANK MALLORY CH> I would doubt very much that a kit designed for a PC would work in the CH> Rainbow. However, if you want to drop me the technical details in the CH> mail I'll be happy to give you a more informed opinion. I'm trying to get more details; I will send them when available. CH> The biggest problem, besides the more mundane matters of not having CH> fast enough RAM, ROM or peripheral chips, is that of synchronizing with CH> the Z80, whose speed hasn't changed. That, and I'd expect that Jerry CH> Miller of Suitable Solutions has probably looked in to this and reached CH> the same conclusions. The 150ns DRAMs are capable of running at 8MHz with zero wait states; don't know about the soldered-in memory chips on the main board. I believe there IS a faster Z80 available; I've seen them listed in the Computer Shopper. It would be worthwhile to bring the speed up to 8MHz if it could be done for $80 or so; this would let the V20-8 run at its rated speed. --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 12-03-89 To: DAVID STRICKLER Subject: EXTRANEOUS NOISE ON THIS From: ART MCCLINTON Dave I doubt if you will be able to get Mark to to stop. I have been a faithful reader and sometimes contributor to this list since the begining. If my memory serves me right this is not the first time that Mark has gotten into a shouting match with someone that "stiffed" him. The last one eventually quieted down when Bob Catt moved to England. However after about a year some machine unfortunately leaked a group of old messages onto the wire and Mark started off again. I suggest that since Mark will respond to anything placed on the wire. But will eventually tire if no one respnds to him, that we all not respond to any messages concerning the issue. --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 12-03-89 To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: QUESTIONS From: FRANK MALLORY GT> *If* you can get a hard disk controller for your machine, Rodger, you GT> can install in your system almost any hard disk that uses MFM or RLL But if you choose a RLL-capable drive, you can expect to get only about tow thirds of its rated capacity when used on a Rainbow (which only handles the MFM format). GT> encoding. The Seagate ST225 20MB drive, for example, that's sold for PC GT> compatible systems will work fine. So too will the ST241 38MB drive. I think you mean ST251 40MB drive. GT> Another possibility is to buy a used hard-disk equipped Rainbow. GT> Prices here in the US are around $400+ for a 100B with hard disk. You'd GT> not only get the controller card but also have spare parts around in GT> case something in your current machine fails. A good suggestion for domestic users; but I think there would be a lot of red tape and other difficulties in exporting a complete system to Europe; also, the cost of shipping would drive the price up substantially. GT> The June 1988 issue of _Rainbow News_ also contained a comprehensive GT> list of programs known to run on Rainbows but not advertised as such. I GT> didn't see anything about SmallTalk mentioned. I imagine Actor would run GT> under Windows, but it might require the 286-board from Suitable GT> Solutions. SmallTalk is the programming environment originating at Xerox PARC which evolved into Windows; I don't believe there is a Rainbow implementation. Actor, on the other hand, is Windows compatible so should run fine under MS-WIND on the Rainbow, as you stated. GT> ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ TXIRRINGAK? Bai, eskerrik asko! George, when are you going to tell us the meaning of these phrases in your origin line (or at least, what language they are in)? I'd like to *know* when/if I am being insulted! --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 12-03-89 To: ART MCCLINTON Subject: RE:ADVANTAGES OF FREESTYL From: FRANK MALLORY AM> It is a bug fix release. I often found that 1.0 would incorrectly AM> handle smooth right edge. 1.5 fixes it. Also if you every fill up AM> a disk drive 1.0 will lose the output file. 1.5 will warn and often AM> allow the file to be saved on another disk. I can see those fixes might be useful to some users, but they are of no use to me. Too bad they didn't fix it to allow entry of paths for file names. I have a real screwy problem with it, tho. I installed it on my 'bow at the office, and it works fine there; functions just like 1.0, except perhaps one of the print defaults is different. But on my 'bow at home, it insists on starting up in Insert mode and slipping back there after you do practically anything. I thought maybe I had installed them differently, so I arced up the complete FS subdirectory from the one at work and then unarced it on the one at home; no soap, they still operate differently. Wierd! The machines are the same except the one at home has a 40MB drive and 8087 board vs a 20MB drive and no 8087 on the one at work. --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 12-03-89 To: ART MCCLINTON Subject: RE: REGIS AND FREESTYLE From: FRANK MALLORY AM> Freestyle is a word processing program. Writes to the program have bee AM> sold several times. At the present, I am unable to figure out who owns AM> the rights. It is not in the public domain, but I can not figure out AM> where to obtain copies. Freestyle currently belongs to Summa Technologies (914)679-5951. --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 12-03-89 To: ART MCCLINTON Subject: AVAILABILITY OF CHESS PRO From: FRANK MALLORY You can download two of them from this board, Art. CHESDEMO.ZIP is a demonstati of the CICA chess program for the Rainbow, and DOSCHESS.ZIP is a shareware or PD chess program. I haven't tried either of them. PS - I have a bunch of programs for the Rainbow here. Either use the Opus L)ocate command to find the subject you are interested in; or download SBFILES.L from area 20 and use SEDT to find your keywords. --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 12-04-89 (18:54) To: MARK BORNSTEIN Subject: NOT ENOUGH !! From: GEORGE THEALL MB>Let us get priorities straight here. Hear, hear! Is this Echo about the DEC Rainbow or collection of bad debts? MB>I warned people that they might MB>get cheated if they deal with geoff reed (as he has stiffed 2 dealers that MB>I know of.) Wrong, Bornstein. Your messages are viewed as nothing but vindictive libel, and my advice to Geoff is that he consult a lawyer if you continue in this fashion and that together they take the matter up with the IFNA. And let's get another thing straight. *NO ONE* in recent memory soliticed your advice about dealing with Geoff. Nor did Geoff offer to sell anything over the net. The same rationale that you've employed could be used by anyone to, say, continually post that "The owner of Mark Industries is liable to slander anyone who buys something from there so stay clear!". I wonder what your reaction would have been to such a claim were Mark Industries still in business. Probably much like mine was to your posts - to attribute them to some disgruntled individual and give them little credibility. MB>Next he entered some ridiculous buffoonery in reply to which Mark MB>Buda graciously replied. Incorrect again, Bornstein. You've overlooked your second message to me, a message from Amer Nelson in which Amer said he wished you'd drop the subject. Then there was your reply to one of Geoff's own messages asking for info about CD Rom equipment. All throughout you altered the subject lines indicating that your mindless tirade would continue - "NOT ENOUGH", "OF BAD APPLES AND THINGS", "STIFFS", etc... No, the next several steps were certainly not taken by Geoff. All throught this mess, I've noticed only two messages from Geoff himself. Admirably, he has resisted lowering himself to your level and responding to your attacks in kind. MB>Enter newcomer Theall objecting to my wanting to MB>make sure other Rainbow people do not get cheated by him. (A fit place to MB>do so I might add.) Perhaps being a "newcomer" somehow belittles my opinions in your mind??? To steal from another user's eloquent inquiry: Just what have you done for the Rainbow community recently, Bornstein? And since you're putting words in my mouth, let me correct you once again. I do not object to your warning people about bad business deals. I *do* object, however, that your warnings have been *unsolicited* and *continual*. MB>This is not about my getting cheated, and this is not MB>an attempt on my part to get paid. Sure seems that way to me. And if it's not, then when will your tirade end? MB>This whole thread would have ceased had not Theall blustered in here. A new venue of attack, eh Bornstein? You can't extort money from Geoff so it's on to someone else, is it? This whole thread started because YOU, Mr. Bornstein, saw fit to air your petty concerns in this forum. Had you instead heeded the advice of Amer Nelson, myself, Rodger Lea, or Kevin Barkes, you would have stopped after having acheived your stated purpose - raising doubts about Geoff's honesty in our minds. But no, you haven't. Well, then, congratulations, Bornstein. You're being honoured with the first spot in my kill file. Now I won't have to read your ravings ever again. Fire away. See just how much you can annoy the other users here. It will be a bit one-sided, though, which might take all the fun out of it for you. George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ Denok batera - PRESOAK KALERA!!! ============================================================================== Date: 12-04-89 (20:39) Number: 74 SATALINK (tm) Your Ult To: ART MCCLINTON Refer#: 616 From: GEORGE THEALL Read: YES Subj: AVAILABILITY OF CHESS PRO Conf: (74) fRAINBOW ------------------------------------------------------------------------ AM>Since we have Rainbows in each room, I am looking for a Chess AM>game that runs on the rainbow. There are two in PENNRUG's pd software library. One is a demo of Chess Ingenuity, the other supposedly contains six levels of difficulty. I don't play chess much, myself, so I have no idea what they're like. I can, though, upload one to a local (to Philadelphia) bbs if you'd care to spend a few dimes. George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ TXIRRINGAK? Bai, eskerrik asko! ============================================================================== Date: 12-04-89 (20:44) Number: 74 SATALINK (tm) Your Ult To: FRANK MALLORY Refer#: 621 From: GEORGE THEALL Read: YES Subj: QUESTIONS Conf: (74) fRAINBOW ------------------------------------------------------------------------ FM>GT> *If* you can get a hard disk controller for your machine, Rodger, you FM>GT> can install in your system almost any hard disk that uses MFM or RLL FM> FM>But if you choose a RLL-capable drive, you can expect to get only about tow FM>thirds of its rated capacity when used on a Rainbow (which only handles the FM>MFM format). Oh, right. I forgot about this. And then there's the problem of large disks under DOS v2.xx. You can't use more than 32MB of the disk for DOS (anybody using CP/M these days?) unless you move up to v3.10. FM>GT> Another possibility is to buy a used hard-disk equipped Rainbow. FM>GT> Prices here in the US are around $400+ for a 100B with hard disk. You'd FM>GT> not only get the controller card but also have spare parts around in FM>GT> case something in your current machine fails. FM> FM>A good suggestion for domestic users; but I think there would be a lot of FM>red tape and other difficulties in exporting a complete system to Europe; FM>also, the cost of shipping would drive the price up substantially. I hadn't thought about customs. Hmmm, how difficult would it be since he's in France? (But then, that's run by a bunch of leftist Socialists, isn't it? :-) Some friends of mine have shipped PC's to Spain by sea. I think shipping cost about $50 and took 1 month. Of course, the Spanish customs did hassle them a lot. FM>GT> ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ TXIRRINGAK? Bai, eskerrik asko! FM> FM>George, when are you going to tell us the meaning of these phrases in your FM>origin line (or at least, what language they are in)? I'd like to *know* FM>when/if I am being insulted! I had forgotten about this, Frank. I use a few different taglines, several in foreign languages and reflecting my interests in Spain and bicycling. (Odd combination, no?) None would be generally considered insulting. The one you've quoted above is in Basque (from the northeastern corner of Spain) and translates as "BICYCLING, Yes, thanks!" The other that you had wondered about back in October was "Denok Batera, Presoak Kalera". It's a combination of two Basque protest slogans which translate basically as "All Together Now, Free the Prisoners", presumably referring to the suspected ETA terrorists held in Spanish prisons. George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ Does the name Pavlov ring a bell? ------------------------------
jms@tardis.Tymnet.COM (Joe Smith) (12/05/89)
In article <8911291302.AA28618@remote.dccs.upenn.edu> (gatewayed from FidoNet) >Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 29, 1989 > Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro >Date: 11-26-89 (12:15) >From: MARK BORNSTEIN >In the first place the Rainbow community has hundreds of people who >are emminently more qualified and honest than him. In the second, the Rainbow >community does not need those of his ilk sullying our community. In the third >place, if my flames do drive him away, no great loss. >Finally, I am sure that he has not been the only one to enter information >about disk formats. That information just happens to be basic to most of those >here in Flame..er...ah..I mean Rainbow echo. :-) So settle down, enjoy the >information and the welcome respite from technical message. :-) To: MARK BORNSTEIN From: A person reading comp.sys.dec.micro on Usenet Based on the articles that Geoff has posted, the entire world sees that he appears to be a reasonable fellow. When I say "entire world", I mean that quite literally. I'm not sure you are aware that your recent rantings have escaped from FidoNet and have been sent to all the United States, Great Britain, Japan, Israel, West Germany, etc. Based on the articles that you have posted, we get the picture a rude, vindictive, and childish person. I have no idea what kind of person you are; I can only judge you by your words. The entire message quoted above is an insult that does not help the Rainbow community in any way. Your use of smiley faces does not excuse this. Mark, you should apologize. If not to Geoff, then to all of us for making all those accusations. It's not Geoff who will be driven away by your flames - it will be other readers. -- Joe Smith (408)922-6220 | SMTP: JMS@F74.TYMNET.COM or jms@gemini.tymnet.com BT Tymnet Net Tech Serv | UUCP: ...!{ames,pyramid}!oliveb!tymix!tardis!jms PO Box 49019, MS-D21 | PDP-10 support: My car's license plate is "POPJ P," San Jose, CA 95161-9019 | humorous dislaimer: "My Amiga speaks for me."
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/07/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 6, 1989 In this issue: RE: CHIPS - AGAIN (2 messages) FORMATTING RAINBOW DISKS OF RAINBOWS AND 386S... (2 messages) RAINBOW HARD DRIVE CONTRO RE: FORMATTING RAINBOW DI Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 12-03-89 (00:43) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: CHIPS - AGAIN From: VAN VANHORN Thanks, Frank. Unlisted parts was able to find the part number on Monday (27. Nov) and transferred me to DEC Direct to place the order. I ordered 6 of these little hummers, since I have already fried two of them. DEC wants 6 bucks each. Apparently, they can't ship them for ten working days, but I can afford the wait, right? Of course, they actually shipped them the day following my order, via FedEx regular, and I had them on the 30th. I was impressed. No wonder I like this DEC stuff! +vanhorn+ Thanks for your help. --- * Origin: Horsefeathers + Burn a flag for freedom! + (Opus 1:343/30) ------------------------------ Date: 12-03-89 (10:53) To: ALL Subject: FORMATTING RAINBOW DISKS From: DAVID HEID Can anyone tell me whether I can use disks that were formatted using the public 3.10 MSDOS to copy files on now that I have 3.10b from SS? I must have a hundred discs that have backup data on that I thought I would delete the files on and I wondered if I could use them with 3.10b directly. I started to bulk erase them but I dont want to go thru the trouble of reformatting and intializing. I know this may be a very basic question but I'm still not sure about formatting and initializing and I dont know whether deleting files on a 3.10 disc doesnt touch the track that the system files are stored on. I only have a few discs that have had the system files copied to and I plan to reformat those with the format/I command before I reuse them with 3.10b. To anyone that answers, thanks --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 12-04-89 (22:59) To: DAVID STRICKLER Subject: OF RAINBOWS AND 386S... From: DON MARQUART > DRI is Digital Research, but what is SCO? Thats "Santa Cruz Operation", home of Zenix. Looks pretty good from the little I know about it. Later... --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888) ------------------------------ Date: 12-03-89 To: DAVE SPAULDING Subject: RAINBOW HARD DRIVE CONTRO From: JIM GREELY In a message of < 1 Dec 89 21:48:16>, Dave Spaulding (1:290/627) writes: DS>A friend of mine is looking for a HD controller for his Rainbow. I DS>believe he has an old 10-meg HD from a PRO machine that he had given to DS>him. Could you send me a list of your prices on whatever you might DS>have for him? He might also be interested in a larger HD if the price DS>is right. Give me a call voice at 800-446-3074 or 617-769-9811 and we can talk.. You can also visit my bbs at 617-551-0495 (101/115). ---JimG --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1) ------------------------------ Date: 12-05-89 (07:32) To: VAN VANHORN Subject: RE: CHIPS - AGAIN From: FRANK MALLORY What is the nomenclature and part # for those chips? Maybe I'd better make a note for future reference. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123 ------------------------------ Date: 12-05-89 (07:39) To: DAVID HEID Subject: RE: FORMATTING RAINBOW DI From: FRANK MALLORY No need to reformat 3.10.0nn diskettes for use under 3.10b. BTW, FORMAT/I won't work and is unnecessary on diskettes that have already been formatted for Rainbow DOS (any version). Use just FORMAT to get rid of old system files. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123 ------------------------------ Date: 12-06-89 (16:54) To: DAVID STRICKLER Subject: OF RAINBOWS AND 386S... From: GEORGE THEALL DM> DM>> DRI is Digital Research, but what is SCO? DM> DM>Thats "Santa Cruz Operation", home of Zenix. Looks pretty good from the DM>little I know about it. I think Don means Xenix. SCO sells both Xenix and Unix for 386-based machines, though these days they're putting most of their efforts behind the latter. SCO Xenix is a bit pricey in relation to other 386 unixes, but does run fine with only 2MB of RAM while its competitors require a minimum of 4! It's also well supported by third party vendors. I haven't heard much about SCO's implementation of unix - it's fairly new. If you're going the unix route, he might want to check out Everex's offering. About $800 for the unlimited user, full development system which is about half of what SCO Xenix would cost. The general concensus seems to be that their product's a bit rough around the edges but definitely a bargain if you're not looking for networking and/or X-Windows. Alas, their tech support seems to be sorely deficient and their manuals are reportedly not for unix novices. Apart from unix, you should also look at PC-MOS from the Software Link. This is a multiuser, multitasking OS "compatible with many DOS programs". George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ "Facts are stupid things" - R. Reagan ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/08/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 7, 1989 In this issue: PARKING THE HARD DISK (2 messages) OF DEADBEATS, MONEY AND P BULLSHIT RE: NOT ENOUGH !! RE: PRINTING FROM WITHIN LA100 FONTS (2 messages) Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 12-04-89 (16:20) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: PARKING THE HARD DISK From: AMER NELSON The program I use is BYE which should be readily available from most BBSs. If I'm not mistaken AUTOPARK is a TSR program and I don't trust ANY TSR program -- I have a clock on the wall and an el cheapo four function calculator at hand. If I'm running WINDOWS of course I have access to all sorts of goodies. I just don't like to have to worry about a TSR program interfering with something else I'm trying to run. ++ Amer ++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 12-04-89 (16:36) To: ALL Subject: OF DEADBEATS, MONEY AND P From: AMER NELSON The controversy has been stimulating. At the risk of rattling anyone's cage, I submit the following: "When a fellow says, 'It ain't the money but the principle of the thing,' it's the money." -- Frank McKinney Hubbard (Kin Hubbard) ++ Amer ++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 12-04-89 (18:15) To: MARK BORNSTEIN Subject: BULLSHIT From: GEOFF REED > Let us get priorities straight here. I warned people > that they might get cheated if they deal with geoff reed > (as he has stiffed 2 dealers that I know of.) Next he entered > some ridiculous buffoonery in reply to which Mark Buda graciously > replied. Enter newcomer Theall objecting to my wanting to Mr Bournstein, I would appreciate to know who these two mysterious dealers I supposedly stiffed were? The only other thing for the rainbow that I have EVER purchased mailorder was an adaptor board from a private party in colorado, Which I payed for COD. Your message WILL be forwarded to my legal Counsel, and since I have never dealt with anyone but you and the person I got the adaptor board from You'll probably be hearing from him about libel and or slander (whichever is applicable) --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 12-04-89 (21:31) To: MARK BORNSTEIN Subject: RE: NOT ENOUGH !! From: KEN KAPLAN > That is all. (Besides you know how contentious I am, > and this echo needed some spice.) > ...mark I thought you were moving to Hawaii to find some "spice: ;-) --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: PCLUG, Rest Home for Retired IC's * St Louis, Mo. * 314-576-2743 (1:100/22) ------------------------------ Date: 12-06-89 (12:16) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: PRINTING FROM WITHIN From: FRANK MALLORY > From: perry@mcl.unisys.com (Dennis Perry) > > > I seem to have a problem printing out a spread sheet from Sounds like the typical buffer overflow problem. Either 20/20 isn't set up to use XON/XOFF flow control, or your LA50 is broke. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123 ------------------------------ Date: 12-06-89 (12:24) To: ANYONE Subject: LA100 FONTS From: FRANK MALLORY I would like to buy some font cartridges and a manual for the LA100 printer. If you have some you would like to sell, please leave a note here with your address, and I will follow-up in a private communication. BTW, this board now has netmail access to Usenet, via Fido 1:109/401. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123 ------------------------------ Date: 12-07-89 (15:01) To: AMER NELSON Subject: PARKING THE HARD DISK From: GEORGE THEALL AN>I just don't like to have to worry about a TSR program interfering with AN>something else I'm trying to run. Hmm, they can definitely come in quite handy. With SwitchIt/Desk, for example, there's a cut and paste utility that resides along with the other stuff in memory. Lots of times, when responding to email it's much simpler to cut the person's email address out of the original message and paste it into the response. Since the mailer on the VM/CMS mainframe I use does not have a reply function, this TSR comes it *very* useful. It virtually eliminates typos, too. George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ OS/2 - Just say NO! ============================================================================== Date: 12-07-89 (15:10) Number: 74 SATALINK (tm) Your Ult To: FRANK MALLORY Refer#: 642 From: GEORGE THEALL Read: YES Subj: LA100 FONTS Conf: (74) fRAINBOW ------------------------------------------------------------------------ FM>BTW, this board now has netmail access to Usenet, via Fido 1:109/401. Does this mean, Frank, that articles from USENET newsgroups can be *automatically* forwarded to an Echo? And vice versa? As you know, I've been doing this manually. I don't think I've missed any messages so far, but an automatic system would be much better. Do you also have access to UUCP or some other net? If so, perhaps we could discuss this further via private mail. I can be reached as GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU if the mailer at that site understands domain-style addressing. George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ Denok batera - PRESOAK KALERA!!! ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/08/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 8, 1989 In this issue: RE: CAD NOT ENOUGH !! CHEAP CHIPS Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 12-05-89 (17:06) To: AMER NELSON Subject: RE: CAD From: JACK STEVENS CAD only uses shades of red for the object (try telling it you don't have a color monitor, so you can get shades of green). The different brightnesses represent the shading that you would get if a single-point light were shining on it. I get more pleasing results if I turn up the brightness on my monitor. It is more fun to experiment with it to do your own house. --- * Origin: Midnight DEC - The place for DEC sales & information (Opus 1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 12-06-89 (11:35) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: NOT ENOUGH !! From: MARK BORNSTEIN For chissakes george will you stop sputtering and drop these viscous attacks. I can't put words in your mouth. It's full now. Please cease. :-) ...mark --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Island Logistics (617) 631-3304 (1:101/111) ------------------------------ Date: 12-06-89 (18:29) To: MARK BORNSTEIN Subject: CHEAP CHIPS From: JACK JONES How about not being cheap until after the Holidays ? After that everybody is going to chip in a few pennys to make up for your losses. You must promise to stop littering our Mail with your garbage! Jack --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/10/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 9, 1989 In this issue: WPS-KEYS OF SPICE AND STUFF BUFFOONERY CELLULAR CONNECTION Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 12-07-89 (21:48) To: GARY STEBBINS Subject: WPS-KEYS From: JACK JONES Hi Gary Thank you for taking the time to check what is wrong with the WPS key files. It might be the fundef.wps file as well. I wish I could pinpont why the Number-key pad and all the Function-keys go astray. By the way the LKDOSH.WPS was missing entirely from the archive sedt4wps.zip. I had a similar problem with the EDT-Keys before I picked up what you had. Again thank you. Jack Jones --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------ Date: 12-07-89 (13:43) To: KEN KAPLAN Subject: OF SPICE AND STUFF From: MARK BORNSTEIN In a message of <04 Dec 89 21:31:00>, Ken Kaplan (1:100/22) writes: >I thought you were moving to Hawaii to find some "spice: ;-) Hi Ken: Long time no see. Got roped into doing "just one more" project. Hope to be outa here (Massachusetts not Rainbow Echo) by Spring. ...mark --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Island Logistics (617) 631-3304 (1:101/111) ------------------------------ Date: 12-07-89 (14:05) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: BUFFOONERY From: MARK BORNSTEIN In a message of <05 Dec 89 14:19:00>, GEORGE THEALL (1:273/203) writes: > I'm not sure you are aware that your recent rantings >have escaped from FidoNet and have been sent to all the United States, > Great Britain, Japan, Israel, West Germany, etc... Well, that must be the reason that Geoff called me 2 days ago to tell me he will be sending me the check. If it arrives I will shout that as loud as the other messages. Hows that? We shall see. But from your continuing posts I see you are taking a personal interest in this matter. This is good. We need more involvement here. >...I have no idea what kind of person you are; Yes George I can see that. ...mark P.S. Are you going to let it drop here finally?) --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Island Logistics (617) 631-3304 (1:101/111) ------------------------------ Date: 12-08-89 (07:29) To: JIM GREELY Subject: CELLULAR CONNECTION From: FRANK MALLORY Have you found a portable cellular phone that will let you hook up a direct-conn modem? --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123 ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/11/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 10, 1989 In this issue: RE: BULLSHIT RE: LA100 FONTS RE: CAD Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 12-08-89 (05:17) To: GEOFF REED Subject: RE: BULLSHIT From: DAN OREILLY Hey, I've got an idea, folks: how about you take this crap offline and deal with it privately. It doesn't belong in an echo (my opinion only, of course). DanO --- QuickBBS v2.61 [EVALUATION] * Origin: The CS-DEPOT BBS System (719)550-9305 (1:128/58.0) ------------------------------ Date: 12-08-89 (11:50) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: LA100 FONTS From: AMER NELSON Check with Digital. A few months ago they were selling the fonts at reasonable (for DEC) prices. They MAY still have some. ++ Amer ++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 12-08-89 (11:52) To: JACK STEVENS Subject: RE: CAD From: AMER NELSON Thanks very much for the tip. I'll try running it in mono on my color monitor and also on my spouse's amber monitor. Thanks again! ++ Amer ++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------
jms@tardis.Tymnet.COM (Joe Smith) (12/11/89)
Poor George. He is unfairly being blamed for the opinions of the readers of the comp.sys.dec.micro newsgroup in Unix-land. He should try changing his gateway software so that it does not appear that our messages are coming from GEORGE THEALL. In particular, "message of <05 Dec 89 14:19:00>, GEORGE THEALL (1:273/203)" came from me, Joe Smith, not from George. Now I will include part of the article so that uninformed people (such as Mark Bornstein) can see where the message came feom. >Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 9, 1989 >In this issue: > BUFFOONERY > Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are >currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet. >--- Date: 12-07-89 (14:05) >To: GEORGE THEALL >Subject: BUFFOONERY >From: MARK BORNSTEIN > >In a message of <05 Dec 89 14:19:00>, GEORGE THEALL (1:273/203) writes: > >> I'm not sure you are aware that your recent rantings >>have escaped from FidoNet and have been sent to all the United States, >> Great Britain, Japan, Israel, West Germany, etc... > >Well, that must be the reason that Geoff called me 2 days ago to >tell me he will be sending me the check. If it arrives I will shout that as >loud as the other messages. Hows that? We shall see. >But from your continuing posts I see you are taking a personal interest >in this matter. This is good. We need more involvement here. > >>...I have no idea what kind of person you are; > >Yes George I can see that. >...mark >P.S. Are you going to let it drop here finally?) > >--- msged 1.99L MSC >* Origin: Island Logistics (617) 631-3304 (1:101/111) George did not say that, I did. In looking over the past few weeks worth of posting to comp.sys.dec.micro (and the Rainbow Echomail), I have found that most people are polite, informed, and helpful. With one exception. That one person keeps using insulting and abusive language. I hope I speak for many when I say that I am waiting for Mark Bornstein to apologize for badmouthing Geoff Reed. Even if Geoff did do wrong, it is Mark's responsibility as a gentleman to issue a public apology for submitting us readers to this sort of abuse. I, in turn, apologize to the estimated 6000 readers in the Usenet world. If there was a reliable way to send a private message from Unix to Fidonet, this public message would not be necessary. Joe Smith | SMTP: JMS@F74.TYMNET.COM or jms@gemini.tymnet.com BT Tymnet Tech Services | UUCP: ...!{ames,pyramid}!oliveb!tymix!tardis!jms San Jose, CA 95161-9019 Voice: (408)922-6220 P.S. Please send followups to me, not to Mr. Theall. -- Joe Smith (408)922-6220 | SMTP: JMS@F74.TYMNET.COM or jms@gemini.tymnet.com BT Tymnet Tech Services | UUCP: ...!{ames,pyramid}!oliveb!tymix!tardis!jms PO Box 49019, MS-D21 | PDP-10 support: My car's license plate is "POPJ P," San Jose, CA 95161-9019 | humorous dislaimer: "My Amiga speaks for me."
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/11/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 11, 1989 In this issue: RE: PRINTING FROM WITHIN HARD DISK CONTROLLERS (3 messages) CELLULAR CONNECTION (2 messages) OF RAINBOWS AND 386S... 132 COL PRINTING FROM WIT PRIVATE ARGUMENTS (2 messages) LA100 FONTS Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 12-08-89 (11:46) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: PRINTING FROM WITHIN From: AMER NELSON Sounds like a buffer overflow problem which MAY be cured by using SETPORT to disable XON/XOFF and enable DTR. Setport has solved my problem it some instances, but not all. It did not help with WORDSTAR because each time I tried to print WORDSTAR's printer initialization string undid what I had done using SETPORT. ++ Amer ++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 12-08-89 (11:38) To: ALL Subject: HARD DISK CONTROLLERS From: GEORGE TURNER I have a Rainbow with a 10-MB hard drive. If I want to upgrade to a higher capacity drive do I need a new controller as well? I hop not. --- * Origin: Midnight DEC - The place for DEC sales & information (Opus 1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 12-09-89 To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: CELLULAR CONNECTION From: JIM GREELY In a message of < 8 Dec 89 07:29:56>, Frank Mallory (1:109/123) writes: FM>Have you found a portable cellular phone that will let you hook up a FM>direct-connect modem? Not exactly but there is a device that allows it though. It hooks into the external port on most cellular phone units and provides a standard phone jack. I don't have one but a friend has one, he plugs his laptop into it.... I have enough problems driving while talking on the phone, never mind while reading/writing echomail!!! ---JimG --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1) ------------------------------ Date: 12-09-89 To: GEORGE TURNER Subject: HARD DISK CONTROLLERS From: JIM GREELY In a message of < 8 Dec 89 11:38:59>, George Turner (1:101/45) writes: GT>I have a Rainbow with a 10-MB hard drive. If I want to upgrade to a GT>higher capacity drive do I need a new controller as well? I hop not. Nope. You can put upto a 67mb drive in the Rainbow with the regular controller. The only problem is that DEC's diags don't format it, even if they did I wouldn't use it. There is a public domain program called WUTIL which formats drives on the rainbow. If you want give me a call voice at 617-769-9811 and we can talk. ---JimG --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1) ------------------------------ Date: 12-09-89 (05:32) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: OF RAINBOWS AND 386S... From: DON MARQUART > I think Don means Xenix. SCO sells both Xenix and Unix for 386-based > machines, though these days they're putting most of their efforts behind > the latter. You are quite right on the Unix point although that is a rather new product for SCO. While talking to their rep at a dealers show here in Denver he stated that most (if not all) new development would be in the Unix product and that Xenix was being phased out. > SCO Xenix is a bit pricey in relation to other 386 unixes, but does > run fine with only 2MB of RAM while its competitors require a minimum of 4! > It's also well supported by third party vendors. I haven't heard much about > SCO's implementation of unix - it's fairly new. > > If you're going the unix route, he might want to check out Everex's > offering. About $800 for the unlimited user, full development system which > is about half of what SCO Xenix would cost. The general concensus seems to > be that their product's a bit rough around the edges but definitely a > bargain if you're not looking for networking and/or X-Windows. Alas, their > tech support seems to be sorely deficient and their manuals are reportedly > not for unix novices. Would suggust that you be very carefull about any dealings with Everex as their support is normally marginal at best. Had to quit selling their products due to the poor support and excessive product defects. > Apart from unix, you should also look at PC-MOS from the Software > Link. This is a multiuser, multitasking OS "compatible with many DOS > programs". Used MOS for a while back in the early stages as a beta tester for them. It was a very interesting program at that time but had several bugs. Word has it that they have worked out most of the bugs so it should be a viable contender now. Don't know if the above ramblings will help anyone. Just thought I'd pass them on to you and Dave. Later... --- ZMailQ 1.10 - Gamma K @1:104/312.0 * Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888) ------------------------------ Date: 12-09-89 To: ALL Subject: 132 COL PRINTING FROM WIT From: DENNIS PERRY I am not sure what is going on, but I found a solution to my problem of 132 col printing not working after printing about 1 page. I was using a program called LA50 to set up the printer. This program apparently does something, or perhaps does not do something, to cause the printer to not send xoff/xon properly (I believe that the problem is a buffer problem, since it always fails in the same place with the same file). I used another program, SETPORT, to set up the la50 and then everything prints out ok. --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 12-10-89 To: MARK BORNSTEIN Subject: PRIVATE ARGUMENTS From: PAUL OLSON Mark, I'm getting tired of the argument between you and Geoff Reed. I don't appreciat having to wade through screen-loads of these bullshit messages when I dial into Fido (Geoff, you had better be listening to this too!!). If it is that much of a problem, take it to Judge Wapner. BUT GET IT OUTTA' MY FACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Merry Christmas, Paul --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 12-10-89 To: GEOFF REED Subject: PRIVATE ARGUMENTS From: PAUL OLSON Geoff, Read my message to Mark Bornstein, dated 12/10/89 re Private Arguments. Paul --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 12-10-89 To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: LA100 FONTS From: FRANK MALLORY GT> FM>BTW, this board now has netmail access to Usenet, via Fido GT> 1:109/401. GT> GT> Does this mean, Frank, that articles from USENET newsgroups can be GT> *automatically* forwarded to an Echo? And vice versa? As you know, I've I haven't actually tried it, but I understand it can be done. GT> Do you also have access to UUCP or some other net? If so, perhaps we GT> could discuss this further via private mail. I can be reached as GT> GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU if the mailer at that site understands GT> domain-style addressing. I'll try sending a msg from my board to you on uucp. --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 12-10-89 To: JIM GREELY Subject: CELLULAR CONNECTION From: FRANK MALLORY JG> Not exactly but there is a device that allows it though. It hooks into JG> the external port on most cellular phone units and provides a standard JG> phone jack. I don't have one but a friend has one, he plugs his laptop Sounds pretty good; I'll look into it. I've been holding off getting a cellular phone 'till I could connect the modem to it. JG> into it.... I have enough problems driving while talking on the phone, JG> never mind while reading/writing echomail!!! I wouldn't even try talking on the phone while driving. I have in mind a portable rather than mobile installation. Sometimes I go places where I would like to communicate with my BBS for retrieval purposes (an Outside application), but there is no phone or none allowing RJ11 connection. --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 12-11-89 (07:44) To: GEORGE TURNER Subject: HARD DISK CONTROLLERS From: GEORGE THEALL GT>I have a Rainbow with a 10-MB hard drive. If I want to upgrade to a higher GT>capacity drive do I need a new controller as well? I hop not. No, as long as the new drive uses MFM or RLL encoding. In fact, you can buy almost any 20 or 40MB drive that's marketed for PC's and install it in your Rainbow. Just be careful that the cables from the controller card will fit the new drive. (You may need to jury-rig a new set with different pin connectors and/or a longer length.) If you're worried about specific manufacturers and drive model numbers, get a hold of the June 1988 issue of _Rainbow News_. It listed dozens of drives known to work in the Rainbow. Either that or post in this Echo a list you're considering and I'll look them up. Two words of caution. First, you will probably need a formatting program. The Winchester Utilities disk included with your 10MB will not handle the newer, higher capacity drives. I would definitely recommend you download a copy of Tony Camas' WUTIL program for this. Second, unless you're using MS-DOS v3.x you won't be able to use more than 32MB of the drive for MS-DOS. If you are, however, you'll need WUTIL v3.12 as modified by Vincenze Esser since earlier versions do *not* work with the version of MS-DOS v3.10 from Suitable Solutions. George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ Dyslexics of the world - UNTIE! ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/12/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 12, 1989 In this issue: PARKING THE HD NOT ENOUGH !! (2 messages) AVAILABILITY OF CHESS PRO EXTRANEOUS NOISE ON THIS RE: FORMATTING RAINBOW DI BTW RE: BTW (2 messages) KILL FILES and DOGS Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 12-09-89 To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: PARKING THE HD From: DAVID STRICKLER Try BYE.COM, a very tiny but usefull program on my BBS. David Strickler Sysop of 101/45 Midnight DEC (Boston) (617)739-0708 [Voice] --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 12-09-89 To: MARK BORNSTEIN Subject: NOT ENOUGH !! From: DAVID STRICKLER In a message of < 2 Dec 89 12:26:02>, Mark Bornstein (1:101/111) writes: MB> I just want to make sure that he does not take advantage of MB>anyone else. This whole thread would have ceased had not Theall MB>blustered in here. MB>That is all. (Besides you know how contentious I am, and this echo MB>needed some spice.) MB>...mark MB> The problem being Mark, that we are not interested in you 'spice'. If you fell the need to season an echomail, please do it elsewhere. David Strickler Sysop of 101/45 Midnight DEC (Boston) (617)739-0708 [Voice] --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 12-09-89 To: ART MCCLINTON Subject: AVAILABILITY OF CHESS PRO From: DAVID STRICKLER In a message of <02 Dec 89 18:51:43>, Art Mcclinton (1:109/103) writes: AM>My 16 year old son just dug out the 14 year old Interact computer and AM>hooked it up to the TV. When I asked him why, he said he wanted to AM>play chess and since we sold the Atari that the only Chess Games was AM>the one on the Interact. Since we have Rainbows in each room, I am AM>looking for a Chess game that runs on the rainbow. AM>thanks There are some non-graphic ones that run under CP/M, and a beautiful non-pd one for DOS that has brilliant graphics. I am an average player, and it beats the pants off me every time! I just wish I could remember the name... Anyone know that name out there? David Strickler Sysop of 101/45 Midnight DEC (Boston) (617)739-0708 [Voice] --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 12-09-89 To: ART MCCLINTON Subject: EXTRANEOUS NOISE ON THIS From: DAVID STRICKLER In a message of <03 Dec 89 09:21:44>, Art Mcclinton (1:109/103) writes: AM>Dave AM> AM>I doubt if you will be able to get Mark to to stop. I have been a AM>faithful reader and sometimes contributor to this list since the AM>begining. If my memory serves me right this is not the first time that AM>Mark has gotten into a shouting match with someone that "stiffed" him. AM>The last one eventually quieted down when Bob Catt moved to England. AM>However after about a year some machine unfortunately leaked a group of AM>old messages onto the wire and Mark started off again. I suggest that AM>since Mark will respond to anything placed on the wire. But will AM>eventually tire if no one respnds to him, that we all not respond to AM>any messages concerning the issue. AM> Well put! From now on,I ask that no one respond to his messages. They maybe he will leave this playground to those of us we are just here to have fun and learn. David Strickler Sysop of 101/45 Midnight DEC (Boston) (617)739-0708 [Voice] --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 12-09-89 To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: NOT ENOUGH !! From: DAVID STRICKLER You refered to a 'kill file'. Does such a thing actualy exist in a exectutable form? If so, please let me know. At this point, I would like to kill all of Mark's msgs on this BBS. He has pissed off enough people (including myself) to warrent such actions. David Strickler Sysop of 101/45 Midnight DEC (Boston) (617)739-0708 [Voice] --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 12-09-89 (12:19) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: FORMATTING RAINBOW DI From: DAVID HEID Thanks Frank for answering. But to further show my ignorance, what does BTW mean at the beginning of one of your sentences? As I read your message it tells me that all my disks are good to use with 310b and that if I want to get rid of all data on the disks (including) any sys files then I should use the format command in my 310b. Do you mean that the format/I wont work to get rid of the sys files but I should(could) use the command on new disks only? --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 12-09-89 (15:49) To: DAVID HEID Subject: BTW From: AMER NELSON Stands for "by the way" I had to ask the first time I saw it, too. ++ Amer ++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 12-11-89 (17:24) To: AMER NELSON Subject: RE: BTW From: CARL HOUSEMAN Do most people know the other abbrevs? OTOH - on the other hand IMHO - In my humble opinion (took me a long time to figure that one out) And my favorite which appears on Usenet but not here much: RTFM - Read the fine manual (feel free to substitute another adjective for "manual" if you desire!) --- * Origin: SYS$OUTPUT BBS * Library, PA * 412-854-0511 * (Opus 1:129/38) ------------------------------ Date: 12-12-89 (07:46) To: DAVID STRICKLER Subject: KILL FILES and DOGS From: GEORGE THEALL DS>You refered to a 'kill file'. Does such a thing actualy exist in a exectuta DS>form? A kill file is specific to USENET news. It enables you to deselect messages by subject or author - you simply just don't see those messages. (And yes, there are cases where ignorance is bliss!) I've heard of a similar capability for reading EchoMail called Kill Dog (or something like that), but I don't know whether it's in general use. Perhaps someone else can fill you in on this. On my end I'm developing some software which exchanges mail among several mail packet formats. I filter mail from this echo thru it to prepare it for the Rainbow EchoMail digest. I simply modified this program to kill selected messages and filter the mail a second time before I personally read the messages. So far this hasn't stopped Bornstein's messages from being gatewayed, but his recent tirade might just change that, esp. if I receive a few more complaints about him from readers of INFO-DEC-MICRO/comp.sys.dec.micro. I don't want to lose my objectivity, but to date I've seen little support for his actions and lots of complaints. BTW: I've noticed Bornstein has yet to figure out the difference between my personal messages and messages forwarded from INFO-DEC-MICRO/ comp.sys.dec.micro. Are others having this problem? (I've also noticed Bornstein usually engages his fingers before his brain when replying so they may not be). George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet) ============================================================================== Date: 12-12-89 (08:05) Number: 74 SATALINK (tm) Your Ult To: CARL HOUSEMAN Refer#: 681 From: GEORGE THEALL Read: YES Subj: RE: BTW Conf: (74) fRAINBOW ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CH>Do most people know the other abbrevs? CH> CH>OTOH - on the other hand CH>IMHO - In my humble opinion (took me a long time to figure that one out) CH> CH>And my favorite which appears on Usenet but not here much: CH> CH>RTFM - Read the fine manual (feel free to substitute another adjective CH>for "manual" if you desire!) Given the complexity of manuals these days, perhaps we need a new one: WITFMII - Where In The Friendly Manual Is It!!! Oh, and don't forget the smiley face. :-) Turn your head sideways and you'll understand what it means. George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ BARCELONA, MS QUE MAI ------------------------------
kushall.Henr@XEROX.COM (12/13/89)
Re: HARD DISK CONTROLLERS To: GEORGE TURNER >I have a Rainbow with a 10-MB hard drive. If I want to upgrade to a higher >capacity drive do I need a new controller as well? I hop not. George: The DEC HD controller will handle drives of much larger capacity, I have an ST-251 40 MB drive on mine and know of others with even larger drives. The problem to over come is the DEC Winchester Utility, I think only handles upto 20mb drive. There is a PD utility avail on many RB BBS called WUTIL that will format and partition large drives. You will also have to modify the boot loaders if the drive you select has a different number of surfaces than DEC bootloder supports(I forget the details) A PD program POLYPRAT does this. Ed Kushall
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/13/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 13, 1989 In this issue: MS-DOS FOR DECMATE II FIDO-FAM PRIVATE ARGUMENTS DECREPIT FINGERTIPS RE: FORMATTING RAINBOW DI RE: BTW SUITABLE SOLUTIONS Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 12-12-89 (15:37) To: ALL Subject: MS-DOS FOR DECMATE II From: TED STEVENS I realize this is not _quite_ a Rainbow question, but you're my only hope. Here goes: Where (besides DEC) and for how much can I find an MS-DOS board (XPU) for my DECmate II. I understand they came populated with two options for amount of memory (don't know how many k). Anybody know if they are expandable? Will I need to get DEC's version of MS-DOS for the DECmate, or does the XPU make the DECmate think it's a Rainbow (in which case I could get 3.1 from Suitable Solutions)? In either case, would I be able to run Rainbow-specific or only "generic" (non-IBM, of course) MS-DOS applications? If not, is it possible there is a "Code-Blue"-like program for the DECmate? The reason I'm interested is that I have a DECmate, and we use both DECmates and PC compatibles at work (no Rainbows). I'd like to be able to transfer documents back and forth, but my federal government agency is too cheap to buy WPSPLUS-DOS (DEC) or Suitable Solutions version. There are restrictions against putting "unauthorized s/w on the PC's (yes, they check) so I can't get those myself. (Also, _I'm_ too cheap!) Any suggestions??? Thanks, Ted --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123 ------------------------------ Date: 12-11-89 (15:07) To: ALL Subject: FIDO-FAM From: BILL HLIWA V3.00 works great (locally/remotely) but version 5.03 just hangs. --- Sirius 1.0v * Origin: * Med TechNet * , Buffalo, NY 716/897-0504 (1:260/10.0) ------------------------------ Date: 12-11-89 (08:21) To: PAUL OLSON Subject: PRIVATE ARGUMENTS From: MARK BORNSTEIN You know I also am getting pretty tired of people like you who think you are the be-all theall of the Rainbow world. I pointed out in ONE message that there is someone who does not pay his bills and advised you all to be careful. That is all and it would have ended there. Now for chrissakes you too. Shut up already. I had forgotten this until a few of you started off on a Mcwitch hunt with your Flintocks loaded. And speaking of personal feelings, I am sure YOUR tirade above has no personal argumentativeness at all now does it? ...You are just aggravated because I shat upon your beloved CPM operating system, Strickler is just upset because he was not elected Chairman of the Boston Computer Society's Digital Group in my place, and Theall is just frustrated, walking around suffering from a case of mistaken identity thinking he is a warrior. Now does it end here? ...mark --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Island Logistics (617) 631-3304 (1:101/111) ------------------------------ Date: 12-11-89 (08:41) To: PAUL OLSON Subject: DECREPIT FINGERTIPS From: MARK BORNSTEIN In a message of <10 Dec 89 10:47:40>, Paul Olson (1:109/103) writes: >I'm getting tired of the argument between you and Geoff Reed. I don't >appreciate having to wade through screen-loads of these bullshit messages >when I dial into Fido (Geoff, you had better be listening to this too!!). > If it is that much of a problem, take it to Judge Wapner. BUT GET IT >OUTTA' MY FACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! >Merry Christmas, You know I also am getting pretty tired of people like you who think you are the be-all theall of the Rainbow world. I pointed out in ONE message that there is someone who does not pay his bills and advised you all to be careful. That is all and it would have ended there. Now for chrissakes you too.Shut up already. I had forgotten this until a few of you started off on a Mcwitch hunt with your Flintocks loaded. And speaking of personal feelings, I am sure YOUR tirade above has no personal argumentativeness at all now does it? ...You are just aggravated because I shat upon your beloved CPM operating system, Strickler is just upset because he was not elected Chairman of the Boston Computer Society's Digital Group in my place, and Theall is just frustrated, walking around suffering froma case of mistaken identity. He thinks he is a warrior. Now does it end here? ...mark --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Island Logistics (617) 631-3304 (1:101/111) ------------------------------ Date: 12-11-89 To: DAVID HEID Subject: RE: FORMATTING RAINBOW DI From: FRANK MALLORY DH> Thanks Frank for answering. But to further show my ignorance, what does DH> DH> BTW mean at the beginning of one of your sentences? As I read your DH> message it tells me that all my disks are good to use with 310b and DH> that if I want to get rid of all data on the disks (including) any sys DH> files then I should use the format command in my 310b. Do you mean DH> that the format/I wont work to get rid of the sys files but I DH> should(could) use the command on new disks only? That's correct - only on new non-DEC diskettes. New DEC RX50 diskettes don't need the /I switch. There is a program called DISK (and probably others) that, among other things, shows all files on a disk or diskette and lets you unhide and unprotect the system files and delete them; faster than reformatting. BTW, "BTW" means "By the way"... --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 12-12-89 (07:40) To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: RE: BTW From: FRANK MALLORY > > RTFM - Read the fine manual (feel free to substitute > another adjective > for "manual" if you desire!) I'm sure you meant "fine" rather than "manual" for the substitution. I see this one quite frequently, in NEWOPUS and elsewhere; but it isn't considered polite to tell someone to RTFM in response to a plea for help. However, we see a lot of impolite things in these echoes, don'e we? :-) BTW, I have a file here (area 20) that explains a number of the symbols and abbreviations used in Fidonet; called ICONS.LST. frank.mallory@blkcat.fidonet.org (I'll be disappointed if at least ONE user doesn't ask me what the above means) --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123 ------------------------------ Date: 12-12-89 (07:51) To: ALL Subject: SUITABLE SOLUTIONS From: FRANK MALLORY SS has announced price reductions on many of their Rainbow products (e.g., TURBOW 286 board now $495). Those of you on their list will be receiving a notice in the mail; others should write to them to request it. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123 ------------------------------
GTHEALL@penndrls.upenn.edu (George A. Theall) (12/15/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 14, 1989
In this issue:
CHESS
RE: CHIPS - AGAIN
FIDO-FAM
RE: RAINBOW FTP SITES (2 messages)
PRIVATE MAIL TO FIDONET (2 messages)
JOBSDUMP (2 messages)
RE: JOBSDUMP
RE: BTW
RE: DECREPIT FINGERTIPS
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus,
you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in
these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this
digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 12-12-89 (13:42)
To: DAVID STRICKLER
Subject: CHESS
From: RICK MELLON
David, one MS-DOS chess game does spring to mind -- Chess Ingenuity.
I see it's being sold through IRUG (618-632-1153) for $27 (members) and
$35 (non-members). I haven't played it; just thought it might be the game
you were trying to recall.
---
* Origin: The Rising MoonStar (Opus 1:142/723)
------------------------------
Date: 12-09-89 (20:52)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: RE: CHIPS - AGAIN
From: VAN VANHORN
Frank,
Quoting from the invoice itself, being unable to envision a higher authority
than a DEC invoice, here 'tis:
19-15123-03 Receiver, Line 26LS323 Sales code 277SY
Unit price $6.00, total with FEDEX and tax for my location for 6 chips was
$44.81.
Now I just have to get them out to the guy that does my repair work so he
can socket the motherboard for me at that location.
+vanhorn+
---
* Origin: Horsefeathers + Burn a flag for freedom! + (Opus 1:343/30)
------------------------------
Date: 12-12-89
To: BILL HLIWA
Subject: FIDO-FAM
From: FRANK MALLORY
BH> Has anyone here used Fido-Fam successfully on the Rainbow, past version
BH> 3.00? V3.00 works great (locally/remotely) but version 5.03 just
BH> hangs.
You might want to consider switching to Opus-FAM. The latest version works
fine on the Rainbow, using the video FOSSIL.
--- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123)
------------------------------
Date: 12-12-89
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: RAINBOW FTP SITES
From: FRANK MALLORY
GT> From: perry@mcl.unisys.com (Dennis Perry)
GT>
GT> There are files available for FTPing from CMU
GT> (info-dec-micro@andrew.cmu.edu).
Hi, Dennis,
Now that we have some useful gateways set up between Usenet and Fidonet,
do you know if anyone has figured out how to use it to transmit files as well
as messages?
frank.mallory@blkcat.fidonet.org
--- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123)
------------------------------
Date: 12-12-89
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: PRIVATE MAIL TO FIDONET
From: FRANK MALLORY
GT> What you'll need is the address of the person on FidoNet, which
GT> can be found by examining the origin line of one of that person's
GT> messages as it appears in a Rainbow EchoMail Digest. For instance,
GT> David Strickler moderates the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. His origin
GT> line lists an address of (1:101/45). To send him a private message
GT> from BITNET/Internet/UUCP you would use the address:
GT>
GT> David.Strickler@f45.n101.z1.fidonet.org
Are you sure that works universally, George? That implies that there is
a gateway node in Fidonet who has volunteered to forward messages to any BBS,
no matter where it is situated.
GT> NB: I have learned about this only yesterday. I sent off one
GT> message as a test and have received neither a bounce nor a reply.
We have exchanged several messages during the time it took for your echomail
message to reach this board.
GT> I wonder whether that's a good sign??? Lastly, I have *no* idea
GT> how users on FidoNet can reply privately - that'll be up to
GT> them to figure out. (You could always pass along your phone number
GT> and tell the person on FidoNet to give you a call.)
Fido users have to send their messages to the hub or gateway that is furnishing
the interface to UUCP, using standard netmail procedures. The addressee is
shown as "uucp", and the first line of the message must have the form:
To: <name>@<uucp address>
The second line of the message must be blank, and the rest of the message
follows.
More details will be given here, as we figure them out.
--- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123)
------------------------------
Date: 12-12-89
To: CARL HOUSEMAN
Subject: JOBSDUMP
From: FRANK MALLORY
I tried JOBSDUMP v4.1 but found it leaves horizontal stripes in the image
(Wombat) on my LA50.
Also, I found that JOBSDUMP wouldn't run in graphics mode; there is also
some interference with either or both RB-BUFFR and HISTORY TSRs. Any ideas?
--- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123)
------------------------------
Date: 12-12-89 (23:45)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: RE: JOBSDUMP
From: CARL HOUSEMAN
re: "stripes", interference with HISTORY or RB-BUFFR
By "stripes" do you mean small white lines between horizontal dot rows
due to imperfect paper motion, or actually skipped whole-dot-rows?
I don't have an LA50 anymore, but it prints out fine on my LA210-emulating
printer. If you're missing whole dot rows, does your normal printing look
OK?
As for interference with TSRs, I find it hard to believe that JOBSDUMP
would care about either one of them. However, I don't run HISTORY and don't
have any problems, either. Obviously you have to get out of what you're
in to run JOBSDUMP, but it can give you a preview, and you can kill it if
you don't like it.
Actually I thought some of the other suggestions you received for printing
out of Rainbow Regis made more sense for your needs.
Speaking which of, Rainbow REGIS won't run with RB-BUFFR installed, so
how do you think that RB-BUFFR is interfering with JOBSDUMP?
---
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123
------------------------------
Date: 12-12-89 (23:58)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: RE: BTW
From: CARL HOUSEMAN
I agree that telling someone to RTFM and nothing else may be rude, but
the reality exists that some post questions to Usenet (I was referring to
comp.os.vms) and Fidonet without attempting any research into their own
(no-cost) sources. For those who don't have the FMs, it's understandable.
Also, I get a chuckle every time I read something like "I tried .....
and it didn't work, so I RTFM and I still can't figure it out".
---
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123
------------------------------
Date: 12-13-89 (00:19)
To: MARK BORNSTEIN
Subject: RE: DECREPIT FINGERTIPS
From: CARL HOUSEMAN
Mark, as a former customer of yours, you know that I have no personal grievance
with you - in fact I was very pleased with the service I got while you were
in charge of the business. I stayed out of this fray until now, when I
just couldn't stand it any more.
You seem to think that some replies are personal vendettas or merely undeserved.
Even if that's so, the rest of us are just tired of the personal flames,
period. We don't care who started it, nor who has the last word, we just
want it to STOP! Please help that process along by letting this and other
rebuttals-to-come go without a response.
Many thanks in advance...
---
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123
------------------------------
Date: 12-14-89 (20:59)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: JOBSDUMP
From: GEORGE THEALL
FM>I tried JOBSDUMP v4.1 but found it leaves horizontal stripes in the image
FM>(Wombat) on my LA50.
FM>
FM>Also, I found that JOBSDUMP wouldn't run in graphics mode; there is also
FM>some interference with either or both RB-BUFFR and HISTORY TSRs. Any ideas
The author of JOBSDUMP reads the posts to INFO-DEC-MICRO. I'm sure
we'll hear from him in a couple of days.
George
---
~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ Share the road with a bicyclist
------------------------------
Date: 12-14-89 (20:59)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: RE: RAINBOW FTP SITES
From: GEORGE THEALL
FM>GT> From: perry@mcl.unisys.com (Dennis Perry)
FM>GT> There are files available for FTPing from CMU
FM>GT> (info-dec-micro@andrew.cmu.edu).
...
FM>Now that we have some useful gateways set up between Usenet and Fidonet,
FM>do you know if anyone has figured out how to use it to transmit files as we
FM>as messages?
FTP is the TCP/IP File Transfer Protocol. It's basically self-service
file transfer between computers over high-speed data lines and is closely
associated with a network known as the Internet. If you don't have access
to a machine on the Internet, you can't use FTP.
However, Rob Locke does provide a similar service for those poor souls
without FTP access. Quoting from the file AAREADME.1ST from the
INFO-DEC-MICRO file archives:
----- snip, snip, snip -----
AAREADME.1ST 05/22/89
Welcome to the Info-DEC-Micro File Archives. The files contained
here may be retreived through anonymous ftp or through requests to have
them mailed (for those of you without Internet/Arpanet access). A list
of the available files is in AAAFILES.TXT.
[ section about anonymous FTP deleted, GAT ]
File Request via Mail Messages
------------------------------
For those people who do not have Arpanet/Internet access, and,
consequently, cannot use ftp, there is an alternate, albeit slower,
method for obtaining the files. It is via mail. To send a request for
a particular file or for a list of the available files, send a message
to the appropriate following address:
from Arpanet: Info-DEC-Micro-Files@andrew.cmu.edu
from Bitnet : Info-DEC-Micro-Files@ANDREW or
Info-DEC-Micro-Files%andrew.cmu.edu@CMCCVB
from UUCP : {favorite gateway}!andrew.cmu.edu!info-dec-micro-files
In the message, if you ask to see a list of the files available, you
receive a mail message with the file AAAFILES.TXT included in the text
of the message. If you ask for a specific binary file, you will
receive multiple messages which are pieces of the file uuencoded. To
work with these files that you receive, you will need the following
tools:
1) An editor to remove the mail's headers and footers.
2) A file transfer package to get the file(s) to your PC.
3) UUDECODE to change the files back into an archive.
4) PKZIP v0.92 to extract the files from the archives.
All of these are available from the Info-DEC-Micro File Archives.
Since some of these are needed from the beginning, please send some
mail requesting some help and telling me which of the above you have
so I can see what I can arrange for you to get you set up using the
archives.
[ stuff about user submissions cut, GAT ]
----- snip, snip, snip -----
I believe the only change made since this was written is that PKZIP
v1.01 is now the file zipper of choice.
Soooo, your first step is to request the files AAREADME.1ST and
AAAFILES.TXT. I don't believe Rob has automated this so please realize
there's a human on the other end. Since now's a common time for exams,
I would *not* expect a rapid turn-around.
Happy hunting,
George
---
~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ BARCELONA - Site of the 1992 Olympic Games
------------------------------
Date: 12-14-89 (21:07)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: PRIVATE MAIL TO FIDONET
From: GEORGE THEALL
FM>GT> What you'll need is the address of the person on FidoNet,
...
FM>Are you sure that works universally, George? That implies that there is
FM>a gateway node in Fidonet who has volunteered to forward messages to any BB
FM>no matter where it is situated.
My info comes from John Quartermain's _The Matrix_ (an excellent source
of info about networking, IMHO). IFNA apparently has registered the
domain name "fidonet.org" with the folks in charge of Internet; this
probably works off of MX records. It means those of us with smart mailers
don't have to worry about specific gateway machines - the mailer takes
care of finding the appropriate gateway, not the sender! For the
curious, the book lists two principal gateways - fidogate.fidonet.org
(1:125/406) and castle.fidonet.org (1:152/201). The former appears to
handle the UUCP stuff while the latter deals with mail to/from the
Internet.
FM>Fido users have to send their messages to the hub or gateway that is furnis
FM>the interface to UUCP, using standard netmail procedures. The addressee is
FM>shown as "uucp", and the first line of the message must have the form:
FM>
FM>To: <name>@<uucp address>
FM>
FM>The second line of the message must be blank, and the rest of the message
FM>follows.
Now that I have the book, this seems to agree with what Quartermain says.
The only difference is that Internet mail should be addressed to user "arpa"
via 1:152/201 and contain as it's first line a valid domain-style address
following the keyword "ARPA:". Frank, would you mind sending me a
message using this method? I'll let people here know whether it was
successful.
Assuming it is, we'll have things pretty much figured out! Messages from
INFO-DEC-MICRO/comp.sys.dec.micro that are posted here have the email address
of the sender at the top (and some give more complete address formats at the
bottom).
Isn't networking fun?
George
---
~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ "Get back to work, you!" - Matt Groening
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/16/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 15, 1989 In this issue: SYS$OUTPUT ECHO POLICY GLOBE.EXE RE: HARD DISK CONTROLLERS RE: JOBSDUMP RAINBOW REGIS, RB-BUFFR A NOT ENOUGH !! RE: RAINBOW REGIS, RB-BUF RE: KILL FILES AND DOGS RE: CHIPS - AGAIN RE: RAINBOW FTP SITES LA50 PRINT PROBLEMS WRONG ASSUMPTIONS FUNS WITH NETS Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 12-14-89 (05:59) To: ALL Subject: SYS$OUTPUT ECHO POLICY From: KEVIN BARKES SYS$OUTPUT (129/38) will drop the Rainbow echo on 12/17/89. The recent content of the echo violates my system's rules of participation. I don't permit my users to pollute netland with such drek, and I deeply resent the need to scan through the message base to manually delete offensive entries. My legal counsel has advised me that several messages contained in the Rainbow echo during the past month are potentially actionable, and the last thing I need or desire is to get hauled into court for being an unwitting agent for the spread of libelous statements. I apologize for the inconvenience, and hope that I can resume carrying the echo when the current childishness subsides. Kevin G. Barkes SYSOP SYS$OUTPUT BBS 1:129/38 --- * Origin: SYS$OUTPUT BBS * Library, PA * 412-854-0511 * (Opus 1:129/38) ------------------------------ Date: 12-12-89 (13:15) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: GLOBE.EXE From: AMER NELSON George -- could you please pass along what follows to Rodger Lea at Chorus Systems in St Quentin en Yvelines, France??? One of my favorite utilities that operates under WINDOWS is called GLOBE.EXE. Everything is in French and I don't have any idea who authored the program. When I use the <<Choix>> pull-down menu and select <<Recherche>> I get an error message which reads <<Fonction non encore implementee>>. Even I can come up with a translation -- function not yet implemented. Could you check into it? The date and time of GLOBE.EXE is 4-10-86, 9:45am. I hope the program has been completed after 3 1/2 years. Of course, I'm not even sure you've seen or used WINDOWS on the Rainbow. ++ Amer++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 12-12-89 (13:22) To: JIM GREELY Subject: RE: HARD DISK CONTROLLERS From: AMER NELSON Some time back Alan Vymetalic posted a message that indicated that someone had succeeded in hooking up the 159MEG RD-54 to a Rainbow. Said one could get 4 - 32MEG partitions. Any comments or knowledge regarding that possibility??? +Amer+ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 12-13-89 To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: RE: JOBSDUMP From: FRANK MALLORY CH> By "stripes" do you mean small white lines between horizontal dot rows CH> due to imperfect paper motion, or actually skipped whole-dot-rows? I don't know which it is, but there are strips of white space about 1/8" wide within the black image. CH> As for interference with TSRs, I find it hard to believe that JOBSDUMP CH> would care about either one of them. However, I don't run HISTORY and CH> don't have any problems, either. Obviously you have to get out of what CH> you're in to run JOBSDUMP, but it can give you a preview, and you can CH> kill it if you don't like it. The interference is definitely there. It doesn't particularly bother me, tho. CH> Actually I thought some of the other suggestions you received for CH> printing out of Rainbow Regis made more sense for your needs. Guess I'd better go back and review them. CH> Speaking which of, Rainbow REGIS won't run with RB-BUFFR installed, so CH> how do you think that RB-BUFFR is interfering with JOBSDUMP? Rainbow ReGIS works with RB-BUFFR as long as you install it first. Evidently you can't install RB-BUFFR and then try to invoke ReGIS; if you do, you get the message "Rainbow ReGIS already installed", even tho it isn't. --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 12-13-89 (23:43) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RAINBOW REGIS, RB-BUFFR A From: CARL HOUSEMAN Let me get this straight; is this what you've done?: 1. you invoke RB-REGIS which gets you the $ prompt in graphcs mode 2. you install RB-BUFFR 3. after getting an image on the screen, you exit REGIS & invoke JOBSDUMP? Know what little I do about REGIS this sounds like a recipe for disaster. REGIS is definitly NOT friendly to other software that wants the keyboard interrupt. I'd leave out RB-BUFFR and perhaps HISTORY too. At the very least when you exit REGIS you're probably creating a big hole in memory unless it leaves itself resident. As far as the 1/8" stripes go, I haven't a clue. If there isn't something funny about your printer programming or setup, it could be a side effect of the TSR problems. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123 ------------------------------ Date: 12-12-89 To: DAVID STRICKLER Subject: NOT ENOUGH !! From: GEOFF REED DS>You refered to a 'kill file'. Does such a thing actualy exist in a DS>exectutable form? If so, please let me know. At this point, I would DS>like to kill all of Mark's msgs on this BBS. He has pissed off DS>enough people (including myself) to warrent such actions. DS> DS>David Strickler DS>Sysop of 101/45 DS>Midnight DEC (Boston) DS>(617)739-0708 [Voice] Mark, there Are at least 2 different ones. I use Pixie on my bbs (send a note to carl reek @ 343/6 to get a copy) and then there is killrdog. I no-longer recieve any messages from mark here in the rainbow echo, they're all sent to the bit-bucket. --- msged 1.998y * Origin: StarShip_Inconnu, Cruisin' the Stars (1:6000/0) ------------------------------ Date: 12-14-89 (07:42) To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: RE: RAINBOW REGIS, RB-BUF From: FRANK MALLORY > Let me get this straight; is this what you've done?: > 1. you invoke RB-REGIS which gets you the $ prompt in > graphcs mode > 2. you install RB-BUFFR > 3. after getting an image on the screen, you exit REGIS > & invoke > JOBSDUMP? > That's it, pretty much in a nutshell. I'm using REGIS240, which gives me VT240 terminal ID. I normally invoke ReGIS and RB-BUFFR from within my AUTOEXEC There doesn't seem to be any iterference between them as long as I invoke RB-BUFFR second. HISTORY likes to be invoked last of all, just before exiting AUTOEXEC. I have a RAM drive (a la SETRAM) that is occupying memory as well, and I use COMSPEC to store COMMAND.COM in RAM. FLU-SHOT is also in there. That's all at present; sometimes I bring up SpeedCache, but I have not used it lately because I need the memory for CB/V. After logging onto the VAX via Kermit, I painted a graphics screen using Datatrieve. Then switched back, exited Kermit, and ran JOBSDUMP. I'll try printing again, with all the TSRs disabled. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123 ------------------------------ Date: 12-14-89 (08:01) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: KILL FILES AND DOGS From: FRANK MALLORY > (And yes, there are cases where ignorance is bliss!) I've > heard of a > similar capability for reading EchoMail called Kill Dog > (or something Yes, George, there's a program called KILLRDOG that will run on the PC or Rainbow and delete all incoming messages in a specific area that contain designated keywords. I have had occasion to use it in the past and found that it is really a slow process. I believe that the situation will settle down here pretty soon. The problem is exascerbated by the fact that this net is so widespread now (thanks to your efforts, which I applaud) that it takes lightweeks for messages originating here to reach its outmost limits. So we can expect reactions to continue to come in from distant nodes for some time. I'm sure that Mark will recognize that and forebear from responding to messages that concern ancient history, so to speak. So while of course, sysops are free to do whatever they want on their boards, I recommend AGAINST setting up any mechanisms to screen out Mark Bornstein's messages. Mark has made many beneficial contributions here in the past, and I am confident he will continue to do so once the current flap is over. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123 ------------------------------ Date: 12-14-89 (08:17) To: VAN VANHORN Subject: RE: CHIPS - AGAIN From: FRANK MALLORY > > 19-15123-03 Receiver, Line 26LS323 Sales code 277SY > Unit price $6.00, total with FEDEX and tax for my location > for 6 chips was $44.81. Sounds good, Van. I'm glad you could get them through DEC Direct, because the minimum order through Unlisted Parts is $50. Were you able to use the RB diagnostic or some other program to tell you that this part had failed? --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123 ------------------------------ Date: 12-13-89 To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: RAINBOW FTP SITES From: DAVID DEITCH In a message of <Dec 11 19:17>, GEORGE THEALL (1:273/203) writes: %I think that is the right address to reach them. There are also msdos files %available from wuarchive.wustl.edu which mirror the msdos archives at %simtel20 on the milnet. wuarchives also have amiga, apple II, atari, and %mac archives from users groups. For you gif fans, they also have a %collection %of gif graphics. You mean my alma matter actually got it working? When I was there only last year they could not even get usenet to the engineering school undergraduates. I am impressed. Yours in FidoNet, David Deitch (GIS) 1:133/411 --- msged 1.999 * Origin: Galaxy Information Services (GIS) (1:133/411) ------------------------------ Date: 12-14-89 To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: LA50 PRINT PROBLEMS From: PAUL OLSON Hi George, My printer had that problem two years ago. I had to have the printer's circuit board replaced. Seems something overheated or simply wore out. The DEC field engineer didn't say which. As Always, Paul --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 12-14-89 To: MARK BORNSTEIN Subject: WRONG ASSUMPTIONS From: PAUL OLSON Mark, You must keep a file with all your old Email, 'cause I don't even remember your commenting on CP/M (Yes, beloved, but old stuff too. AmigaDOS is where it's at!). I could care less what your opinion is of CP/M. The fact is that I DON'T appreciate having to wade through all your personal attack messages when all I want to do is to catch up on Rbw Echomail. Art McClinton is correct in remembering your attacks on Catt. I remember them too. Gee, Mark, it seems you've used this forum for your personal attack forum before. And more often than anyone else.Enough said. Paul --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 12-15-89 (19:02) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: FUNS WITH NETS From: GEORGE THEALL FM>The problem is exascerbated by the fact that this FM>net is so widespread now (thanks to your efforts, which I applaud) that it FM>takes lightweeks for messages originating here to reach its outmost limits. Messages move across the other nets rather quickly, within hours of being posted. Intercontenental links in BITNET, the Internet, and USENET are implemented via high-speed lines with speeds approaching 1.5Mbps. Over BITNET I have often held interactive "conversations" with people in Europe, and response times have generally been quite good. And using the Internet I can log onto machines across the world as well as across town. Of course, all this means little if people check mail/news only once per week. :-) George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/16/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 16, 1989 In this issue: KILL FILES AND DOGS RE: RAINBOW FTP SITES PRIVATE MAIL TO FIDONET (2 messages) CONCURRENT DOS AND RB'S THANKS ENLIGHTENMENT RE: HARD DISK CONTROLLERS USNET--->FIDONET BTW GENERAL Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 12-14-89 To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: KILL FILES AND DOGS From: DAVID DEITCH In a message of <Dec 12 18:08>, GEORGE THEALL (1:273/203) writes: % A kill file is specific to USENET news. It enables you to deselect %messages by subject or author - you simply just don't see those messages. %(And yes, there are cases where ignorance is bliss!) I've heard of a %similar capability for reading EchoMail called Kill Dog (or something %like that), but I don't know whether it's in general use. Perhaps someone %else can fill you in on this. Killrdog is one of a couple of programs. If anyone is interested in it then I can send it to you. Yours in FidoNet, David Deitch (GIS) 1:133/411 --- msged 1.999 * Origin: Galaxy Information Services (GIS) (1:133/411) ------------------------------ Date: 12-14-89 To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: RAINBOW FTP SITES From: DAVID DEITCH In a message of <Dec 12 20:04>, Frank Mallory (1:109/123) writes: %Now that we have some useful gateways set up between Usenet and Fidonet, %do you know if anyone has figured out how to use it to transmit files as %well as messages? Just UUencode them. Set up a program that will take a file received via fidonet and uuencode it before sending it to Usenet. Then when receiving a uuencoded file from UFgate, simply UUdecode it and send it into FidoNet. Yours in FidoNet, David Deitch (GIS) 1:133/411 --- msged 1.999 * Origin: Galaxy Information Services (GIS) (1:133/411) ------------------------------ Date: 12-14-89 To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: PRIVATE MAIL TO FIDONET From: DAVID DEITCH In a message of <Dec 12 20:16>, Frank Mallory (1:109/123) writes: %Are you sure that works universally, George? That implies that there is %a gateway node in Fidonet who has volunteered to forward messages to any %BBS, no matter where it is situated. The domain lists certain gateways assigned to certain nets. For example, anything coming to net 133 would come through me. David Dodell runs a gateway for all nets that are not already served by a gateway. Yours in FidoNet, David Deitch (GIS) 1:133/411 --- msged 1.999 * Origin: Galaxy Information Services (GIS) (1:133/411) ------------------------------ Date: 12-15-89 To: DAVID STRICKLER Subject: CONCURRENT DOS AND RB'S From: VERNON BAILEY David - I have run CDOS XM on my AT clone and have linked in my RB via the serial port as a separate user. You are limited to using text based programs that support a VT100 terminal but that is quite a few programs. CDOS XM on an AT will handle 3 or up to 6 users depending on the version. Thats 1 on the main console and the rest via serial ports. CDOS supports several third - party cards that expand the number of serial ports. CDOS 386 can handle 6 - 10 users with 4 windows on the main console. I now have a 386 machine at work but have not come up with a copy CDOS 386 yet to try. The documentation is the same for both the 286 and the 386 version so I could probably answer any questions you may have. The current versions of CDOS are fully MS-DOS 3.3 compatible and will also execute CP/M86 programs at the same time so it is very useful. I have also run SCO Xenix on a 286 machine but not with multiple users but I am not using it now so cannot tell you much about the current versions. At the time I was using it you could have separate MSDOS and Xenix partitions on your machine but it was necessary to use FDISK to set the auto-boot partition to switch. Good Luck! --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 12-13-89 (16:27) To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: THANKS From: AMER NELSON Now I know a lot more about the crytic acronyms. On substituting adjectives, the F word does seem to creep up -- as in FOOBAR. ++ Amer ++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 12-13-89 (16:31) To: PAUL OLSON Subject: ENLIGHTENMENT From: AMER NELSON Please ease up on Mark. There are so many people that I've had nothing but respect for -- yourself, George and David that turn out to mean, cruel, petty and jealous. How would I have known if it weren't for Mark. POOP -- I should abort this message, but I won't. I WANT to join you all on Mark's list of blue meanies. ++ Amer ++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 12-14-89 To: AMER NELSON Subject: RE: HARD DISK CONTROLLERS From: JIM GREELY In a message of <12 Dec 89 13:22:12>, Amer Nelson (1:343/3) writes: AN>Some time back Alan Vymetalic posted a message that indicated that AN>someone had succeeded in hooking up the 159MEG RD-54 to a Rainbow. AN>Said one could get 4 - 32MEG partitions. AN>Any comments or knowledge regarding that possibility??? Impossible. The controller can only handle upto 67mb/drive. The only way to get over 67mb is to use a CHS dual-controller (which is also limited to 67mb/drive but will hold 2 drives). I have a couple of used ones here that are working. If you want to talk about it give me a call voice at 800-446-3074 or 617-769-9811. ---JimG --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1) ------------------------------ Date: 12-14-89 To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: USNET--->FIDONET From: GEORGE DAHLCO, SYSOP 102/ In a message of <Dec 08 08:07>, GEORGE THEALL (1:273/203) writes: GT>Does this mean, Frank, that articles from USENET newsgroups can be GT>*automatically* forwarded to an Echo? And vice versa? As you know, I've GT>been doing this manually. I don't think I've missed any messages so far, GT>but an automatic system would be much better. George, Contact Rick Ellis of 1:102/161 for info on how to do this; he recently sent me some instructions with my USENET address convention. I'm sure he is porting messages to and from USENET automatically. Tell him I sent you. -George, 102/138- --- msged 1.998z * Origin: Western Region VAX EC, RAINBOW/PDP-11 Echo Hub (1:102/138.1) ------------------------------ Date: 12-13-89 (19:17) To: AMER NELSON Subject: BTW From: DAN OREILLY > Stands for "by the way" > I had to ask the first time I saw it, too. The first time I used it in a PROFS note on my VM/CMS system around here (FEDEX), it was in the context of "BTW - I'll need a ride from the airport". This lead to both the addressee and a person who got a CC of the message calling me and asking "Who is this BTW guy, anyway?"! Managment! Geez! DanO --- QuickBBS v2.61 [EVALUATION] * Origin: The CS-DEPOT BBS System (719)550-9305 (1:128/58.0) ------------------------------ Date: 12-15-89 (01:09) To: ALL Subject: GENERAL From: KEN PATIENCE Hi There! This board is new to this echo! And I would like to know what computer does this echo support? Would be appreciated. See Ya! --- * Origin: Whitelightning BBS Toronto,Ontario (Opus 1:250/610) ------------------------------ Date: 12-16-89 (08:42) To: DAVID DEITCH Subject: PRIVATE MAIL TO FIDONET From: GEORGE THEALL DD>The domain lists certain gateways assigned to certain nets. For example, DD>anything coming to net 133 would come through me. David Dodell runs a gate DD>for all nets that are not already served by a gateway. David, are there any limitations on use of these gateways? Like who can use them, what nets can they reach, or the maximum size of a single message? And what's David Dodell's net address? Is he castle.fidonet.org when viewed from the other size of things? George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ Dyslexics of the world - UNTIE! ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/18/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest December 17, 1989 In this issue: USNET--->FIDONET (2 messages) RE: CELLULAR CONNECTION (2 messages) RE: RAINBOW FTP SITES PRIVATE MAIL TO FIDONET RE: AVAILABILITY OF CHESS A FEED RAINBOW FOR SALE-PLEASE P RAINBOW FOR SALE, CONTINU TRANSFER OF FILES BETWEEN GENERAL Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 12-14-89 To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: USNET--->FIDONET From: GEORGE DAHLCO, SYSOP 102/ cc:George Theall, 273/203 Rick - From the RAINBOW echo conference: In a message of <Dec 08 08:07>, GEORGE THEALL (1:273/203) writes: GT>Does this mean, Frank, that articles from USENET newsgroups can be GT>*automatically* forwarded to an Echo? And vice versa? As you know, I've GT>been doing this manually. I don't think I've missed any messages so far, GT>but an automatic system would be much better. George, Contact Rick Ellis of 1:102/161 for info on how to do this; he recently sent me some instructions with my USENET address convention. I'm sure he is porting messages to and from USENET automatically. Tell him I sent you. -George, 102/138- --- msged 1.998z * Origin: Western Region VAX EC, RAINBOW/PDP-11 Echo Hub (1:102/138.1) ------------------------------ Date: 12-12-89 (09:11) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: CELLULAR CONNECTION From: RON KRITZMAN Part of the problem with cellular modem connection is that most telephone modems aren't particularly noise resistant. The modems ($$$$$$$) made for cellular incluse their own error correction, but most are proprietary. There is a company in Skokie, IL called "Tellular" which makes a standard RJ-11 interface for cellular phones. Basicly it plugs in in place of the handset and gives you a standard modular jack. Plug a phone in there and pick it up... you hear dial tone. Dial, and it decodes the touch tones and makes them into what the cellular unit wants to see. Instant fake "real" phone. Great for stuff like portable pay phones, etc. (No, I don't work for them.) As to the portable (hand held) with an "RJ" its proably a ways off. Most cellular portables are already "ten lbs. of s*** it a 5 lb. bag" as it is. --- * Origin: Chicago's BIT WIZ Opus HST (AlterNet 445/689) (Opus 1:115/689) ------------------------------ Date: 12-15-89 To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: RAINBOW FTP SITES From: FRANK MALLORY GT> FTP is the TCP/IP File Transfer Protocol. It's basically self-service GT> file transfer between computers over high-speed data lines and is closely GT> associated with a network known as the Internet. If you don't have access GT> to a machine on the Internet, you can't use FTP. Sure, I know what FTP is; we have TCP/IP running on our VAX and I have a copy of the MIL-STD on FTP sitting on my desk at the moment. I know I can't use FTP from Fidonet, but I was wondering if any of the regular Fido mechanisms would work. My uucp gateway sysop answered the question by saying that only messages can be transmitted, not files. GT> of the message. If you ask for a specific binary file, you will GT> receive multiple messages which are pieces of the file uuencoded. To GT> work with these files that you receive, you will need the following GT> tools: GT> 1) An editor to remove the mail's headers and footers. GT> 2) A file transfer package to get the file(s) to your PC. GT> 3) UUDECODE to change the files back into an archive. GT> 4) PKZIP v0.92 to extract the files from the archives. I think I have all the above; I got a uuencode/decode program today that seems to work fine on the Rainbow. Do you have uudecode, George? If so, I'll zip up a couple text files, uuencode the ZIP, import it into a message, and send it off to you. You can try the same thing from your end. BTW, my gateway says the messages should be limited to 10KB; not a real lot, but evident you can break up the uuencoded files pretty easy and transmit the pieces as separate files. --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 12-15-89 To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: PRIVATE MAIL TO FIDONET From: FRANK MALLORY GT> My info comes from John Quartermain's _The Matrix_ (an excellent source GT> of info about networking, IMHO). IFNA apparently has registered the GT> domain name "fidonet.org" with the folks in charge of Internet; this GT> probably works off of MX records. It means those of us with smart mailers GT> don't have to worry about specific gateway machines - the mailer takes GT> care of finding the appropriate gateway, not the sender! For the GT> curious, the book lists two principal gateways - fidogate.fidonet.org GT> (1:125/406) and castle.fidonet.org (1:152/201). The former appears to GT> handle the UUCP stuff while the latter deals with mail to/from the GT> Internet. It appears that a uucp infrastructure is being set up within Fidonet to try to accomplish least-cost routing for private messages; the users themselves won't bear any of the cost. It may take a while for this to become a universal feature within Fidonet. GT> following the keyword "ARPA:". Frank, would you mind sending me a GT> message using this method? I'll let people here know whether it was GT> successful. I'll give it a try sometime over the weekend. Received you latest netmail msg today, and I owe you a reply anyway. GT> Isn't networking fun? Yep; and cheap so far, too! (Zero cost, in fact). --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 12-15-89 To: GEORGE DAHLCO, SYSOP 102/ Subject: USNET--->FIDONET From: FRANK MALLORY GD> Contact Rick Ellis of 1:102/161 for info on how to do this; he GD> recently sent me some instructions with my USENET address convention. GD> I'm sure he is porting messages to and from USENET automatically. Hi, George. My gateway (Joe Keenan) gave me directions on how to do it, also. Problem is, it requires a sysop to set it up, and George Theall doesn't yet have his own board. Kurt Reisler has compiled a list of all the (numerous) Usenet newsgroups, and I hope to get a copy of it soon. Assuming I can maintain my link to my gateway, I plan to make at least the DEC-oriented newsgroups available on this BBS. But that's not the same as integrating the conferences; that's another issue. --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 12-15-89 (15:17) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: AVAILABILITY OF CHESS From: MIKE JANSON Could you give me a list of programs available for the Rainbow? Down here, we don't have any RBboards or User group. --- * Origin: Genoa City (602) 945-0869 [Tempe, AZ] (Opus 1:114/3) ------------------------------ Date: 12-15-89 (21:13) To: ALL ( KEN PATIENCE ) Subject: A FEED From: DONALD VAILLANCOURT We finally got a feed. Well hey guys out their. What the heck is this feed for. It's new on this BBS. Donald Vaillancourt...THE REAL ME --- * Origin: Whitelightning BBS Toronto,Ontario (Opus 1:250/610) ------------------------------ Date: 12-16-89 To: RON KRITZMAN Subject: RE: CELLULAR CONNECTION From: FRANK MALLORY RK> (hand held) with an "RJ" its proably a ways off. Most cellular Thanks for the info, Ron. I'll see if I can get in touch with Tellular and get on their mailing list for new product announcements. --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 12-14-89 (21:44) To: AMER NELSON Subject: RAINBOW FOR SALE-PLEASE P From: AL HEALY I would appreciate it if you would post this in the next Rainbow User's Group meeting: Rainbow 100B for sale, whole or parts - all in good condition Rainbow 100B $350 --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 12-14-89 (21:56) To: AMER NELSON Subject: RAINBOW FOR SALE, CONTINU From: AL HEALY This is a continuation of the last message about the Rainbow. Sorry about that; I tried to upload a pre-typed file and got messed up. It should have read: Rainbow for sale, whole or parts - Rainbow 100B $350 Memory expanded to 704KB, RX50, Green Monitor MS-DOS 2.11-1, CP/M-86/80 2.0, Public Domain Software Graphics Board $75 Hard Disk Controller $150 20MB Hard Disk $175 Seagate ST225, about 1 year old Software $100 Lotus 1-2-3, Wordstar 3.3, Pascal Compiler for MS-DOS Multiplan for CP/M For all the above in a single package......$700 I can be reached evenings & weekends at 522-4276. Thanks for your help... Al --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 12-16-89 To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: TRANSFER OF FILES BETWEEN From: DENNIS PERRY Frank, someone has already answered you, I think George did. But it seems to me that you should be able to mail files, just like you mail messages. You would then need to cut of the headers, and trailors if there are any, leaving the file intact. I would guess that the file would have to be in an encoded form if it is a binary file. I would also guess that only people with private fidonet addresses could receive those files. For example, I do not think that I could receive a file on fidonet. Messages to people like me are public and I do not know how do anything with it but read and reply (perhaps I am more ignorant about this than I should be). --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 12-15-89 To: KEN PATIENCE Subject: GENERAL From: GORDON GREEN > Hi There! > This board is new to this echo! And I would like to know what computer does > this echo support? Would be appreciated. Bet you won't believe it, but its the Rainbow. --- QM v1.00 * Origin: GG's_point of Cuckoo's Nest : Hudson, NH : HST (1:132/119.1) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/19/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 18, 1989 In this issue: RE: RAINBOW FTP SITES RE: AVAILABILITY OF CHESS FILES UUENCODED RE: MS-DOS FOR DECMATE II CHESS (2 messages) TRANSFER OF FILES BETWEEN KILL FILES AND DOGS NOT ENOUGH !! CONCURRENT DOS AND RB'S UUDECODE/UUDECODE Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 12-17-89 (18:22) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: RAINBOW FTP SITES From: GEORGE THEALL FM>My uucp gateway sysop answered the question by saying that only FM>messages can be transmitted, not files. Files can be sent as mail. The only caveat is that gateways generally do not handle well non-displayable characters. If the file can be viewed by typing at the screen, it will pass thru the gateways ok; otherwise, you'll need to encode it in some fashion and decode it once it's been received. uuencode/uudecode, xxencode/xxdecode, abe/dabe, and btoa/atob are examples of programs for this. FM>I think I have all the above; I got a uuencode/decode program today that FM>seems to work fine on the Rainbow. Do you have uudecode, George? If so, FM>I'll zip up a couple text files, uuencode the ZIP, import it into a message FM>and send it off to you. You can try the same thing from your end. BTW, my FM>gateway says the messages should be limited to 10KB; not a real lot, but ev FM>you can break up the uuencoded files pretty easy and transmit the pieces as FM>separate files. Yes, I have uudecode. You might get a hold of one of Richard Mark's versions of uuencode/uudecode - when encoding files you can specify the maximum size (in lines) of any single portion. Quite handy. George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ "Get back to work, you!" - Matt Groening ------------------------------ Date: 12-17-89 (18:37) To: MIKE JANSON Subject: RE: AVAILABILITY OF CHESS From: GEORGE THEALL MJ>Could you give me a list of programs available for the Rainbow? Are you looking for Chess programs for the Rainbow or anything? MJ>Down here, we don't have any RBboards or User group. From George Dalco's most recent list of DEC-related BBS's I find the following entries for AZ, where I see you entered your message: -Board Name- -Phone number- -City,State- -Sysop- UofA CAG 602-621-2097% Tucson________AZ Robert MacArthur Iasd_End BBS 602-863-5088+! Phoenix_______AZ John Valentyn Corwin's Keep 602-894-1470+! Tempe_________AZ Paul Coppinger PUHSD_OPUS_BBS 602-921-2438%! Tempe_________AZ Rick Southard Genoa City 602-945-0869*! Tempe_________AZ Duke Clarke Now DEC-related may mean it deals with VAX or PDP-11 rather than Rainbow topics, but it's worth a shot. George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ "Remember Pearl Harbor", G. Bush, 9/7/88 ------------------------------ Date: 12-17-89 To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: FILES UUENCODED From: DENNIS PERRY Frank, you are right, I could capture the file and uudecode it on the rainbow, as could any one else that was interested. I have not really gotten into the use of BBS messages to the extend that I know how to capture a message intact, especially with multiple screens. I normally read over 50 messages a day from the Internet and do quite a bit of FTP file transfer, both across the Internet and on our own internal TCP/IP network. I tend to use Pot-O-Gold BBS or the Silver Bullet at night to keep up, although with George now routing messages onto the Internet, I sometimes read things more than once, what with the delay in the relay. --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 12-15-89 (14:59) To: TED STEVENS Subject: RE: MS-DOS FOR DECMATE II From: AMER NELSON Ted, this may not be helpful, but I THINK that could be an item that DEC was offering some time back from the OUTLET. You might call their ELECTRONIC STORE at 1-800-DIGITAL to check on it. You'll need the part number to check on the current price. ++ Amer ++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 12-15-89 (15:02) To: DAVID STRICKLER Subject: CHESS From: AMER NELSON Our LUG recently received the entire DECUS library on MAG TAPE. Haven't yet got it transferred onto RX-50 media but I think the listing showed chess games in both DOS and CP/M. I'll check further with the folks handling the data transfer. ++ Amer ++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 12-16-89 To: DENNIS PERRY Subject: TRANSFER OF FILES BETWEEN From: FRANK MALLORY DP> guess that the file would have to be in an encoded form if it DP> is a binary file. I would also guess that only people with DP> private fidonet addresses could receive those files. For example, DP> I do not think that I could receive a file on fidonet. Messages DP> to people like me are public and I do not know how do anything DP> with it but read and reply (perhaps I am more ignorant about this DP> than I should be). I'm going to try sending a uuencoded file to George Theall. Messages coming via uucp are private (meaning only the addressee and sysop can read them). If somebody send a message addressed to you and it contains an encoded file, it seems to me that you should be able to capture using your comm program, just like any other message. I haven't looked at the uucode, but I assume it consists of only 7 bits per byte, because that is all most of the primitive IBM mainframes can handle. --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 12-16-89 To: RICK MELLON Subject: CHESS From: DAVID STRICKLER In a message of <12 Dec 89 13:42:58>, Rick Mellon (1:142/723) writes: RM> David, one MS-DOS chess game does spring to mind -- Chess Ingenuity. RM>I see it's being sold through IRUG (618-632-1153) for $27 (members) and RM>$35 (non-members). I haven't played it; just thought it might be the RM>game you were trying to recall. That's the one! Its fantastic.... Makes me a very humble player! David Strickler Sysop of 101/45 Midnight DEC (Boston) (617)739-0708 [Voice] --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 12-16-89 To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: KILL FILES AND DOGS From: DAVID STRICKLER I'll just write one. Shouldn't be all that hard. I have most of the modules... David Strickler Sysop of 101/45 Midnight DEC (Boston) (617)739-0708 [Voice] --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 12-16-89 To: GEOFF REED Subject: NOT ENOUGH !! From: DAVID STRICKLER In a message of <12 Dec 89 09:29:20>, Geoff Reed (1:6000/0) writes: GR>Mark, there Are at least 2 different ones. I use Pixie on my bbs (send GR>a note to carl reek @ 343/6 to get a copy) GR>and then there is killrdog. I no-longer recieve any messages from mark GR>here in the rainbow echo, they're all sent to the bit-bucket. GR> I'm Dave <grin>, and I will send a msg to 343/6.... I would like info on KillDog before I write my own. I think I have a copy of Pixie, but I bet is is VERY old. Thanks for the help. David Strickler Sysop of 101/45 Midnight DEC (Boston) (617)739-0708 [Voice] --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 12-17-89 To: VERNON BAILEY Subject: CONCURRENT DOS AND RB'S From: DAVID STRICKLER As I read you msg, the program must support VT100 codes? Inotherwords, LOTUS and dBASE are out? David Strickler Sysop of 101/45 Midnight DEC (Boston) (617)739-0708 [Voice] --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 12-18-89 (19:20) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: UUDECODE/UUDECODE From: GEORGE THEALL FM>I'm going to try sending a uuencoded file to George Theall. I received your file on PENNDRLS ok. Comments will follow by email later. I'll send a similar file to you tonight. You might also try requesting some files from the INFO-DEC-MICRO file archives. FM>I haven't looked at the uucode, but I assume FM>it consists of only 7 bits per byte, because that is all most of the primit FM>IBM mainframes can handle. The basic encoding algorithm used by uuencode changes three 8-bit bytes into four 6-bit characters, and then adds a space (32 ASCII) to each to make them printable. Each line starts with a character count, also encoded. Only 45 characters are usually encoded per line; thus, most lines begin with 'M' (45 == 'M' - ' ') and are 61 characters in length. Several variations on the basic algorithm exist, mainly to avoid problems introduced by differences in "the" EBCDIC character set and by brain-damaged mailers which strip off trailing blanks. George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ "El amor es un camino que de repente aparece" ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/19/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 19, 1989
In this issue:
GENERAL
RE: JOBSDUMP
RE: AVAILABILITY OF CHESS
RE: MS-DOS FOR DECMATE II (2 messages)
RE: CHIPS - AGAIN
EXCHANGE
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus,
you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in
these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this
digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 12-16-89
To: KEN PATIENCE
Subject: GENERAL
From: DAVID DEITCH
In a message of <Dec 15 01:09>, Ken Patience (1:250/610) writes:
%Hi There!
%This board is new to this echo! And I would like to know what computer
%does this echo support? Would be appreciated.
%See Ya!
The Rainbow, of course. Actually, it is the Dec Rainbow family of computers
and peripherals from Digital Equipment Corporation. Right guys?
David Deitch
(GIS) 1:133/411
--- msged 1.999
* Origin: Galaxy Information Services (GIS) (1:133/411)
------------------------------
Date: 12-17-89
To: UUCP
Subject: RE: JOBSDUMP
From: FRANK MALLORY
To: OBRIEN%OBRIEN@venus.ycc.yale.edu
GT> JOBSDUMP will not run under graphics mode, as
GT> it directly accesses the INT 18H ROM video functions-it requires text
GT> mode. If
Thanks for the reply, Jim. It confirmed my experiences with JOBSDUMP 4.1.
Still puzzled as to why the good 'ole WOMBAT won't print out correctly on
my LA50. I have some other VAX ReGIS screens I can try; but it might be interes
to see if I can capture the WOMBAT image to file using JOBSDUMP, then uuencode
it and send it to you via uucp so you can try it for yourself.
--- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123)
------------------------------
Date: 12-17-89
To: MIKE JANSON
Subject: RE: AVAILABILITY OF CHESS
From: FRANK MALLORY
The only chess programs I have here are CHESDEMO.ZIP and DOSCHESS.ZIP. Somebody
else mentioned Chess Ingenuity, but that's a commercial product.
--- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123)
------------------------------
Date: 12-17-89
To: AMER NELSON
Subject: RE: MS-DOS FOR DECMATE II
From: FRANK MALLORY
AN> You might call their ELECTRONIC STORE at 1-800-DIGITAL to check
AN> on it. You'll need the part number to check on the current price.
The DES has a new number: 1-800-234-1998.
--- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123)
------------------------------
Date: 12-16-89 (01:50)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: RE: CHIPS - AGAIN
From: VAN VANHORN
My diagnosis of the 26LS32-3s came from my belief that this was the only
chip capable of demonstrating the symptoms; a single port (the COMM port
in both cases so far) failed to communicate bi-directionally after a history
of normal behaviour.
In other words, the modem was instructed to dial, and succesfully performed
that function, characters entered from the keyboard were recieved at the
remote system, and no characters from the modem or the remote arrived at
the screen.
Now that I have the things, I sure hope I'm right!
+vanhorn+
---
* Origin: Horsefeathers + Burn a flag for freedom! + (Opus 1:343/30)
------------------------------
Date: 12-18-89 (14:32)
To: AMER NELSON
Subject: RE: MS-DOS FOR DECMATE II
From: TED STEVENS
Thanks, Amer. DES has the xpu board (pc27x-ah) with 256k for _only_
$1285.00!! Needless to say, this is too rich for my blood. They don't
seem to have discounted this price, even though the DECmate has been
discontinued.
Please let me know if you (or anyone else!) has a source for this item
(8086 co-processor boeard for DECmate II, item # pc27x-ah or pc27x-aj)
Thanks again,
Ted
---
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123
------------------------------
Date: 12-18-89 (15:38)
To: ALL
Subject: EXCHANGE
From: RICH HUEBNER
Hi All.
I have a lot of Rainbow software and games that run
on this computer. If anyone out there is interested in
exchanging computer software for the Rainbow, please leave
me a message here, or on Denis' Opus (508)772-6373.
regards,
Rich
---
* Origin: WayStar BBS (Opus 1:322/14)
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/21/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 20, 1989
In this issue:
OPUS-FAM
RAINBOW
PRIVATE MAIL TO FIDONET (2 messages)
RE: MS-DOS FOR DECMATE II
RE: CHIPS - AGAIN
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus,
you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in
these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this
digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 12-18-89 (13:52)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: OPUS-FAM
From: BILL HLIWA
a copy of v0.58. It DOES run on the RB (as FIDO-FAM v.5 refused to). But
it seems to do flakey things. Have you used most features successfully (sort,
move, etc.)?
--- Sirius 1.0v+
* Origin: * Med TechNet * , Buffalo, NY 716/897-0504 (1:260/10.0)
------------------------------
Date: 12-17-89 (22:28)
To: ALL
Subject: RAINBOW
From: DONALD VAILLANCOURT
What's a Rainbow. Is it an Operating System or what. We just got a new
echo on this board which is this one and don't know what Rainbow is.
Donald Vaillancourt...THE REAL ME
---
* Origin: Whitelightning BBS Toronto,Ontario (Opus 1:250/610)
------------------------------
Date: 12-18-89
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: PRIVATE MAIL TO FIDONET
From: DAVID DEITCH
In a message of <Dec 16 15:47> GEORGE THEALL (1:273/203@fidonet) writes:
% David, are there any limitations on use of these gateways? Like who
%can use them, what nets can they reach, or the maximum size of a single
%message? And what's David Dodell's net address? Is he castle.fidonet.org
%when viewed from the other size of things?
There is a policy agreement for the operation of these nodes, but I do
not have a copy yet. David Dodell's address is in the nodelist I am sure.
I do not know it off of the top of my head. Unless I am told otherwise,
you can send netmail (host-routed please - I am not CM) to me and I will
automatically put it into UUCP. Mail coming from UUCP will automatically
be routed through the correct gateway into FidoNet. Tell me where you are
and I can recommend a closer gateway too.
L8TR
Yours in FidoNet,
David Deitch (GIS)
--- msged 1.999
* Origin: Galaxy Information Services (GIS) (1:133/411)
------------------------------
Date: 12-19-89 (07:34)
To: TED STEVENS
Subject: RE: MS-DOS FOR DECMATE II
From: FRANK MALLORY
The PC27XAH board was advertised in Newman's October catalog for $195. You
might give them a try @(313)994-3200 from 8:00am to 7:00pm EST; or maybe
George Dahlco can get it for you cheaper.
---
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1
------------------------------
Date: 12-19-89 (07:40)
To: VAN VANHORN
Subject: RE: CHIPS - AGAIN
From: FRANK MALLORY
Thanks, Van; let us know how the chip replacement works out.
---
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1
------------------------------
Date: 12-20-89 (18:24)
To: DAVID DEITCH
Subject: PRIVATE MAIL TO FIDONET
From: GEORGE THEALL
DD>There is a policy agreement for the operation of these nodes, but I do
DD>not have a copy yet. David Dodell's address is in the nodelist I am sure.
...
DD> Mail coming from UUCP will automatically
DD>be routed through the correct gateway into FidoNet. Tell me where you are
DD>and I can recommend a closer gateway too.
No thanks. I have use of several mainframes with connections to BITNET
and the Internet. But I suspect others in this Echo would appreciate
seeing a list of gateways thru which they could route mail to BITNET,
the Internet, and UUCP. Can you dig this nodelist up and post it here?
George
---
~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ Denok batera - PRESOAK KALERA!!!
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/21/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 21, 1989
In this issue:
DEC STUFF (2 messages)
RE: OPUS-FAM
RE: UUDECODE/UUDECODE (2 messages)
CONCURRENT DOS 386
WUTIL 3.2 AND SS MS-DOS 3
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus,
you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in
these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this
digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 12-19-89 (23:28)
To: ALL
Subject: DEC STUFF
From: DAVID HUGHES
Where can I get a Rainbow HD controller card? Anyone parted out
there DEC out there?
Also acquired an ST-225, Seagate. What can that be formatted to?
And where can I find out more info about Windows for the RB? Have
heard things, but don't know what, where, etc.
Tx in advance, david hughes
--- QuickBBS v2.61 [EVALUATION]
* Origin: The CS-DEPOT BBS System (719)550-9305 (1:128/58.0)
------------------------------
Date: 12-20-89 (08:11)
To: BILL HLIWA
Subject: RE: OPUS-FAM
From: FRANK MALLORY
I'm using the latest version, whatever that is; if I can remember, I'll
check it after I get home.
Yes, I've used all features successfully, with only a few problems. For
one, you have to avoid using the cursor keys to move through the file list
(you have to use the - and = keys); for another, the sort defaults don't
seem to work (i.e., you have to key in the letter n to get a name sort,
not just hit Return). In editing, you are restricted to overlay mode and
must use F12 (BS) as your rubout key.
No other problems that I can think of, and I use it to maintain my overall
file list and new file list as well as the individual FILES.BBS. My overall/new
file listings are generated automatically consequent to an Opus event.
Doug Boone is a regular on the NEWOPUS echo, and he is very responsive
to any questions concerning his products.
---
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123
------------------------------
Date: 12-20-89 (08:28)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: UUDECODE/UUDECODE
From: FRANK MALLORY
Your message with uuencoded file failed to reach me. It was deleted at
my Fido hub because it exceeded the length limitation of the gateway software.
The sysop of my hub mentioned a limitation of 20KB, but I thought we were
limited to only 10KB. There is a uuencode program that will automatically
break up long files into a series of shorter ones to meet any given size
constraints, but I don't have it yet.
I took the size contraint into account when sending those ZIPped messages
to you, and I'm glad you received them OK and were able to uudecode them.
I'll reply to your netmail msg over the weekend.
I sent/received mail to/from the author of JOBSDUMP on Usenet concerning
my problem with ReGIS image printouts. Fortunately, that problem went away
(maybe because I reset my LA50?). I was going to JOBSDUMP the ReGIS image
to a file, ZIP and uuencode it, and send it to him for analysis. I'll probably
still do it, because it's kinda neat to be able to send an image to worldwide
Usenet users.
---
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123
------------------------------
Date: 12-20-89
To: DAVID STRICKLER
Subject: CONCURRENT DOS 386
From: VERNON BAILEY
David - I checked my CDOS documentation and there is a possibility of using
PC emulating terminals with CDOS386. The TERM.DAT file provided is for the
Zenith Z29 which is basically VT100. There is also a CDOS 386/MGE (Multiuser
Graphics Environment) which supports 4 graphics terminals via optic fiber
interfaces. The documentation provided to the user is sketchy on these implement
so I cannot give you more details. DRI has a board on Compuserve, perhaps
you could put some of your questions there. If you do, please let me Know
what you find. I could copy some of the pages in my documentation and send
them to you if you want. Vernon
--- ConfMail V3.31
* Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103)
------------------------------
Date: 12-20-89
To: ALL
Subject: WUTIL 3.2 AND SS MS-DOS 3
From: VERNON BAILEY
WUTIL 3.2 is now available from IRUG and it works with Suitable Solutions
MS-DOS 3.10b. I have just installed a Q540 hard disk in my RB and the operation
was relatively easy. I am trying to write all this up for submittal to
RB News.
--- ConfMail V3.31
* Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103)
------------------------------
Date: 12-21-89 (08:00)
To: DAVID HUGHES
Subject: DEC STUFF
From: GEORGE THEALL
DH>Where can I get a Rainbow HD controller card? Anyone parted out
DH>there DEC out there?
Try calling Eustace Enterprises (1-407-433-0846 in the U.S.). As of
September '89 they advertised a 20MB hard disk and controller card for
$395. They might sell just the controller card, or you could use the
drive as a backup.
Suitable Solutions (1-408-727-9090 voice, 1-408-727-0823 FAX,
76666.3003@Compuserve.Com via email) are advertising a dual winchester
controller card for $365 so this is another possibility.
I'm not aware of any individuals (ie, not businesses) piecing out a
system, but you might call Caroline Mack (1-618-632-1143) so see if
anyone's placed an ad for a controller card in the next issue of
_Rainbow News_.
DH>Also acquired an ST-225, Seagate. What can that be formatted to?
20MB. I'd recommend using Tony Camas' program WUTIL to format the
disk. You'll need v3.12 or better if you're running MS-DOS v3.x from
Suitable Solutions.
DH>And where can I find out more info about Windows for the RB?
Suitable Solutions (see above for numbers) is selling a kit to adapt
Windows for the Rainbow. Look at the most recent issue of _Rainbow News_
or back issues of messages in this Echo (Michael E. Macmillan posted
SS's press release on 25-Oct-89). You'll need to run MS-DOS v3.10 but a
286 is not required.
There are a few different ways to go about it. The easy way is to buy
the complete Rainbow Windows/286 kit costs between $275 and $350 and
includes a mouse and the Windows/286 v2.11 program from Microsoft. The
cheap way is to buy Windows on the street (about $70 mail order), a serial
mouse (about the same price), and the Rainbow Adaption Kit from Suitable
Solutions ($89).
George
---
~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ "Get back to work, you!" - Matt Groening
------------------------------
Date: 12-21-89 (07:51)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: RE: UUDECODE/UUDECODE
From: GEORGE THEALL
FM>Your message with uuencoded file failed to reach me. It was deleted at
FM>my Fido hub because it exceeded the length limitation of the gateway softwa
Dumb, dumb, dumb!!!! I forgot to check the file size before sending it
out. It was about 350 lines long, which puts it at about 20K in size. I
guess a good rule of thumb is to break uuencoded files into pieces of 100
lines each. I feel *so* stupid.
FM>because it's kinda neat to be able to send an image to worldwide
FM>Usenet users.
I'm still thrilled at being able to send email to users on Fido!
Hmmm, maybe this will be a way for Caroline Mack to get involved in this
Echo!?!? Although she's yet to get EchoMail up and running, she could
simply subscribe to INFO-DEC-MICRO directly.
George
---
~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ BARCELONA - Site of the 1992 Olympic Games
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/22/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 22, 1989
In this issue:
PIXIE
BON VOYAGE
CHESS
RE: JOBSDUMP
RE: AVAILABILITY OF CHESS
RE: DEC STUFF
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus,
you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in
these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this
digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 12-18-89 (22:45)
To: DAVID STRICKLER
Subject: PIXIE
From: GEOFF REED
Sorry dave, Didn't mean to offend (if I did) Anyways, I killed the
1.bbs files that opus created and now pixie won't work on my system without
crashing (locks the machine up)
---
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3)
------------------------------
Date: 12-19-89 (23:19)
To: KEVIN BARKES
Subject: BON VOYAGE
From: MARK BORNSTEIN
Dear Kevin:
Have a nice trip. Regards,
...mark
--- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Island Logistics (617) 631-3304 (1:101/111)
------------------------------
Date: 12-19-89
To: AMER NELSON
Subject: CHESS
From: DAVID STRICKLER
In a message of <15 Dec 89 15:02:47>, Amer Nelson (1:343/3) writes:
AN>Our LUG recently received the entire DECUS library on MAG TAPE.
AN>Haven't yet got it transferred onto RX-50 media but I think the
AN>listing showed chess games in both DOS and CP/M.
AN>I'll check further with the folks handling the data transfer.
AN>++ Amer ++
AN>
There should be some nice ones on the tape, but nothing like Chess Ingenuity.
David Strickler
Sysop of 101/45
Midnight DEC (Boston)
(617)739-0708 [Voice]
--- msged 1.99S ZTC
* Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45)
------------------------------
Date: 12-20-89 (15:34)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: JOBSDUMP
From: MIKE JANSON
Could you tell me the features of Jobsdump since V1.0?
---
* Origin: Genoa City (602) 945-0869 [Tempe, AZ] (Opus 1:114/3)
------------------------------
Date: 12-20-89 (15:40)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: RE: AVAILABILITY OF CHESS
From: MIKE JANSON
Does the demo version support color graphics?
---
* Origin: Genoa City (602) 945-0869 [Tempe, AZ] (Opus 1:114/3)
------------------------------
Date: 12-20-89 (06:10)
To: DAVID HUGHES
Subject: RE: DEC STUFF
From: DAN OREILLY
The ST225 will format to 20.1mb. There are lots of places to get controllers
for a RB, just avoid DEC. Suitible Solutions (sorry, I don't have the number)
sells controllers, and they are also (I beleive) the folks you talk to about
Windows.
DanO
--- QuickBBS v2.61 [EVALUATION]
* Origin: The CS-DEPOT BBS System (719)550-9305 (1:128/58.0)
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/23/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 23, 1989 In this issue: SEDT V4 DEC STUFF THANKS FOR CHESS PROGRAMS RE: DEC STUFF RE: RAINBOW DEC PHONE NUMBERS RE: TRANSFER OF FILES BET RE: AVAILABILITY OF CHESS Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 12-22-89 (14:47) To: KEVIN PORTER Subject: SEDT V4 From: FRANK MALLORY Do you have a copy of SEDT4DOS that includes MAPKEY for the Rainbow? Also, we have the VAX/VMS version of MAPKEY but are having trouble getting it to run from a user account - access violations. Is that the way it is supposed to operate? --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------ Date: 12-21-89 To: DAVID HUGHES Subject: DEC STUFF From: JIM GREELY In a message of <19 Dec 89 23:28:00>, David Hughes (1:128/58) writes: DH>Where can I get a Rainbow HD controller card? Anyone parted out DH>there DEC out there? We have one or two left here, the price is $150. Our voice number is 617-769-9811 or 800-446-3074. DH>Also acquired an ST-225, Seagate. What can that be formatted to? That will format to 20mb. ---JimG --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1) ------------------------------ Date: 12-21-89 To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: THANKS FOR CHESS PROGRAMS From: ART MCCLINTON Frank I pulled DOSCHESS and CHESSDEMO from your board. CHESSDEMO is a DEMO version of Chess Ingenuity. I do not know where the difference is, but I am packaging DOSCHESS for delivery under the Christmas Tree. I probably will contact Carloyn and order the Chess Ingenuity. Thanks again Art --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 12-22-89 (01:13) To: DAN OREILLY Subject: RE: DEC STUFF From: DAVID HUGHES Tx Dan for the reply. I have inherited 3 hard discs, 2 10's and the 20 that you indicated. But my controller is acting flaky except for the current hard disc that is in there. Will check out Suitable SOlutions. david hughes --- QuickBBS v2.61 [EVALUATION] * Origin: The CS-DEPOT BBS System (719)550-9305 (1:128/58.0) ------------------------------ Date: 12-21-89 (08:08) To: DONALD VAILLANCOURT Subject: RE: RAINBOW From: DAN OREILLY In a message to All <12-17-89 22:28> Donald Vaillancourt wrote: > What's a Rainbow. Is it an Operating System or what. We > just got a new echo on this board which is this one and > don't know what Rainbow is. > The Rainbow is (was?) a family of personal computers put out by Digital Equipm Corp from 1981-1989. They were originally intended to run CPM applications, but the embracement of the MS-DOS/PC-DOS system by the IBM compatibles led DEC to release MS-DOS for it as well. The Rainbow wasn't an IBM-compatible system (totally), and this is what lead to its downfall, although several hundred thousand were sold. It was far ahead of the IBM PC in many respects, though: it had excellent graphics, would support up to 896kb of memory, and was a *VERY* well-engineered piece of hardware, winning several design awards, and was very reliable and robust as well. That answer your questions? DanO --- QuickBBS v2.61 [EVALUATION] * Origin: The CS-DEPOT BBS System (719)550-9305 (1:128/58.0) ------------------------------ Date: 12-20-89 (10:59) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: DEC PHONE NUMBERS From: AMER NELSON Thanks for correcting my misinformation. ++ Amer ++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 12-20-89 (22:52) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: TRANSFER OF FILES BET From: GARY STEBBINS FM>I haven't looked at the uucode, but I assume FM>it consists of only 7 bits per byte, because that is all most FM>of the primitive IBM mainframes can handle. You're right - in fact, it's limited to printable characters, and I believe a subset of those. I had a version around here that works on the Rainbow. I'll have to dig it up and make it available, although some better ones have been published in the comp.binary.ibm.pc newsgroup on usenet. Some haven't required that you strip the headers when a file is broken into several pieces for transmission. I know I got a copy of that -I'll post when I find it. -gary- --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 12-22-89 (07:45) To: MIKE JANSON Subject: RE: AVAILABILITY OF CHESS From: FRANK MALLORY As I said, I haven't tried either of the chess programs here; also, I no longer have a VR241, so probably couldn't tell whether the output is in color anyway. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/27/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 26, 1989 In this issue: RE: EXCHANGE RE: RAINBOW DEC STUFF (2 messages) SUITABLE SOLUTIONS (2 messages) DEC ECHO STATS Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 12-22-89 (15:36) To: RICH HUEBNER Subject: RE: EXCHANGE From: MIKE JANSON I'm interested, since there's no Rainbow user group here, I'm not up to date in Rainbow softwares...could you give me a list? --- * Origin: Genoa City (602) 945-0869 [Tempe, AZ] (Opus 1:114/3) ------------------------------ Date: 12-22-89 (15:37) To: DONALD VAILLANCOURT Subject: RE: RAINBOW From: MIKE JANSON It's an MS-Dos computer, non IBM compatible though.. --- * Origin: Genoa City (602) 945-0869 [Tempe, AZ] (Opus 1:114/3) ------------------------------ Date: 12-23-89 To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: DEC STUFF From: FRANK MALLORY GT> DH>Where can I get a Rainbow HD controller card? Anyone parted out GT> DH>there DEC out there? GT> GT> Try calling Eustace Enterprises (1-407-433-0846 in the U.S.). As of GT> September '89 they advertised a 20MB hard disk and controller card for GT> $395. They might sell just the controller card, or you could use the GT> drive as a backup. GT> GT> Suitable Solutions (1-408-727-9090 voice, 1-408-727-0823 FAX, GT> 76666.3003@Compuserve.Com via email) are advertising a dual winchester GT> controller card for $365 so this is another possibility. IMHO, $300+ is entirely too much to pay for a HD controller, considering that 100+ systems (which include the HD controller, of course) are being advertised as low as $350 at present. My personal guideline has been to pay no more for Rainbow equipment than I would have to pay for the equivalent IBM PC item; this equates to $100 - $150 for a HD controller card. SS has dropped the price of the CHS dual controller card to $299, which might be justified if you have an application that absolutely requires two drives. Don't forget tho, the 64MB RD53 (available used for about $350) runs fine on the standard controller. --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 12-22-89 (17:03) To: DAVID HUGHES Subject: SUITABLE SOLUTIONS From: GEORGE TURNER The address is 1700 Wyatt Drive #12 Santa Clara, CA 95054 (408) 727-9090 --- * Origin: Midnight DEC - The place for DEC sales & information (Opus 1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 12-25-89 (17:52) To: GEORGE TURNER Subject: SUITABLE SOLUTIONS From: GEORGE THEALL GT>The address is 1700 Wyatt Drive #12 GT>Santa Clara, CA 95054 GT>(408) 727-9090 Let me remind everyone that Suitable Solutions is now accessible via electronic mail. Their address is 76666.3003@Compuserve.Com. You'll need to find a system in your net which is gatewaying mail to the Internet and send the message to userid uucp on that system. The first line in the message should read "To: 76666.3003@Compuserve.Com" (but leave out the quotes), and the second line should be empty. George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ Every man has his price ------------------------------ Date: 12-24-89 (06:27) To: DAVID HUGHES Subject: DEC STUFF From: DON MARQUART > Where can I get a Rainbow HD controller card? Anyone parted out > there DEC out there? Got a RB 100B with the HD controller here for $325 if your interested. You will probably have to pay that much for a controller/drive anyways:-). > Also acquired an ST-225, Seagate. What can that be formatted to? You can format it to 20 meg with either the DEC utilities or WUTIL. Would suggest using WUTIL as it's much more versatile. Try Suitable Solutions for Windows and a mouse. You can reach me voice at 303-979-2406 (9A-9P) most any evening and some days. Good Luck... --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888) ------------------------------ Date: 12-24-89 To: ALL Subject: DEC ECHO STATS From: GEORGE DAHLCO, SYSOP 102/ Here's a recent report from Southern California: QMStat EchoMail traffic report for 1:102/138, 12/24/1989 21:30:45 DEC ECHO CONFERENCES for Period: 12/01/1989 to 12/24/1989 AREA NAME TOTAL AVERAGE DUPES MAX/DAY MIN/DAY ------------------ ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- VAX 161 7 0 22 1 RAINBOW 190 8 0 29 5 PDP-11 22 0 0 6 1 Happy New Year, George, 102/138- --- msged 1.999 * Origin: Western Region VAX EC, RAINBOW/PDP-11 Echo Hub (1:102/138.1) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/28/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 28, 1989
In this issue:
IBM FORMATTING (2 messages)
GRAPHICS ON A NON-LA50 PB (2 messages)
Z80
TALKING TO BABY BLUE...
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus,
you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in
these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this
digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 12-26-89
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: IBM FORMATTING
From: PAUL OLSON
George,
In reply to the message you forwarded:
There are a few neat ways to transfer data to and from IBM systems and Rainbow
systems. The first, and most expensive, is to purchase an IDRIVE from Suitable
Solutions. I have a 5.25" IDRIVE and it works like a champ. It isn't that
expensive, and if you have a lot of transfer work to do, the cost would
be justified.
.
The second method is to use the RX50 driver for the IBM PC/AT, if you are
running an AT. I've used the driver successfully on a number of occations.
.
The third method is to obtain the program FORIBM.COM. This is a CP/M program
only. It will format a degaussed floppy to the 160Kb IBM format. The Rainbow
can then write to the disk, but not the IBM. To transfer from the IBM to
the Rainbow, use a floppy which has been formatted on the IBM to be read
only on the Rainbow. I have also used this method with success.
.
Both FORIBM and RX50DRVR are available on various BBS's and from the Internation
Rainbow User's Group (618/632-1143). Keep in mind that the IDRIVE has a
format program which is run under CP/M. Also the disk from IRUG is CP/M
format, although the utilities to get the RX50DRVR to the IBM system are
on the disk. In other words, make sure you have CP/M available on a floppy
for booting and formatting.
.
As Always,
Paul
--- ConfMail V3.31
* Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103)
------------------------------
Date: 12-26-89
To: PAUL OLSON
Subject: IBM FORMATTING
From: FRANK MALLORY
PO> To transfer from the IBM to the Rainbow, use a floppy which has been
PO> formatted on the IBM to be read only on the Rainbow. I have also used
PO> this method with success.
I have a bunch of diskettes that I have formatted on the IBM PC with FORMAT
/1, and I have hardly any trouble using them to transfer files in BOTH direction
This method is not 100% reliable, however; some individual drives on the
IBM may refuse to read data that has been written by the 'bow.
PO> the IDRIVE has a format program which is run under CP/M. Also the disk
PO> from IRUG is CP/M format, although the utilities to get the RX50DRVR to
PO> the IBM system are on the disk. In other words, make sure you have
PO> CP/M available on a floppy for booting and formatting.
If I didn't know better, Paul, I would think that you are making a sales
pitch for good 'ol CP/M. :-)
The fact is that the current IDRIVE has a format program (IFORMAT) that runs
under MS-DOS. And both FORIBM (WARUG #73) and RX50 (WARUG #114) are listed
as being on MS-DOS format diskettes (even tho FORIBM is a CP/M program).
--- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123)
------------------------------
Date: 12-26-89
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: GRAPHICS ON A NON-LA50 PB
From: FRANK MALLORY
GT> From: genrad!rxf@husc6.harvard.edu ( Ruben D. Fagundo )
GT> Organization: GenRad
GT>
GT> Has anyone seen or used any programs that will print a Rainbow graphics
GT> screen on an Epson style of printer. I don't want to have to buy an
GT> LA50 just to do graphics when other epson style printers are cheaper
GT> to get.
If that's a major concern, I would recommend that you buy and use software
for the Rainbow that will work with an Epson printer. But the best solution
is to buy a used LA50; they can be had for about $200, not much more than
an Epson-compatible printer of the same speed.
GT> Also, does any one know the number for INFO-DEC-MICRO? I'd like to
GT> get RBIODIF that was recently mentioned on echomail.
Since you are a registered user on this board, Ruben, it would be easy for
you to simply log on here and download it from area 24. On the other hand,
if I weren't so lazy I would uuencode it and send it to you via my Internet
gateway.
PS - George: I was not able to uudecode the file you sent. Probably because
the uuencode/decode program I am using can't handle multi-part files.
--- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123)
------------------------------
Date: 12-27-89 (12:29)
To: CARL HOUSEMAN
Subject: Z80
From: FRANK MALLORY
I bought a 6MHz Z80 and plugged it into the 'bow. Works fine, but it doesn't
obviate the need for the boot ROM mod for use with the V20.
I've got to run some benchmarks before I can tell whether a faster Z80 has
any benefits at all in the 'bow.
---
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123
------------------------------
Date: 12-25-89
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: TALKING TO BABY BLUE...
From: GEORGE DAHLCO, SYSOP 102/
In a message of <Dec 23 12:23>, GEORGE THEALL (1:273/203) writes:
GT>From: unmvax!ariel!carina.unm.edu!mreisch@ucbvax.berkeley.edu (Mique
GT>Reisch)
GT>
GT>1) Is there any way to write a disk on the Rainbow and read it on an
GT>IBM pc/xt (not at, I know about RX50 from the info-dec-micro archive
GT>and it doesn't help me). I've tried formatting the disks on the XT
GT>using format a:/1. This produces a disk that both machines can write
GT>to but they can't read the others files (ie the rainbow says a disk
GT>written by the XT is perfectly blank and twice the size the XT said it
was).
Use Media Master (non-PD). Reads/writes 180K single sided IBM PC disks. Works
like a champ. The RB is 80 tracks, PC is 40 per side that's why you are
having a problem. Reads of IBM PC single sided disks should be OK though.
Use the DOS commane 'MEDIACHK ON' when reading.
GT>2) Communications. I could really use a termprog that supports zmodem
GT>transfers. If not that then perhaps a patch for DSZ to make it run on
GT>the Rainbow.
Use BinkleyTerm v2.30 in terminal mode. Simple to set up, supports ZMODEM
nicely. Hope this helps.
-George, 102/138-
--- msged 1.999
* Origin: Western Region VAX EC, RAINBOW/PDP-11 Echo Hub (1:102/138.1)
------------------------------
Date: 12-28-89 (09:29)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: GRAPHICS ON A NON-LA50 PB
From: GEORGE THEALL
FM>PS - George: I was not able to uudecode the file you sent. Probably becau
FM>the uuencode/decode program I am using can't handle multi-part files.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you'll have to manually piece
the parts together then. There should have been 3 parts, and the subject
lines say which is which. Once you strip out all the extraneous message
headers/trailers, simply concatenate the files (using copy, cat, or an
editor) and run the combined file thru uudecode.
You might also look into Richard Marks' UUENCODE/UUDECODE v3.07. This
pair does all of this for you - it ignores extraneous lines and handles
multi-part files automatically. It's what was used to create the files
sent to you. My only complaint was that I couldn't specify a message
size of 100 lines (~6K) - it said that was too small. :-(
George
---
~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ Unrecognized faults lead to wasted efforts
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/30/89)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 30, 1989 In this issue: DIGITIZER ON RAINBOW RE: SUITABLE SOLUTIONS RE: DEC STUFF FORAY RE: SEDT V4 (2 messages) RE: Z80 (2 messages) CHECK Z80 RE: GRAPHICS ON A NON-LA5 (2 messages) Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 12-26-89 (09:41) To: ALL Subject: DIGITIZER ON RAINBOW From: JOHN DENNER DOES ANYONE KNOW IF A SUMMAGRAPHICS 9X6 MM SERIES DIGITIZER CAN BE USED WITH A RAINBOW? --- * Origin: Midnight DEC - The place for DEC sales & information (Opus 1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 12-27-89 (13:34) To: GEORGE TURNER Subject: RE: SUITABLE SOLUTIONS From: DAVID HUGHES Ok, tx for the address. david --- QuickBBS v2.61 [EVALUATION] * Origin: The CS-DEPOT BBS System (719)550-9305 (1:128/58.0) ------------------------------ Date: 12-27-89 (13:37) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: DEC STUFF From: DAVID HUGHES Tx for the extensive information. I like my bow and want to hang on to it, if even just to type on. Your info however gave me some options that are interesting. New question (which I am sur is overused, abused, and hopefully excused): Is there a software printer spooler out there that works on the Rainbow? Where can I grab if such a one exists. had seen them before, but the ones I downloaded (3 years ago?) never worked. david --- QuickBBS v2.61 [EVALUATION] * Origin: The CS-DEPOT BBS System (719)550-9305 (1:128/58.0) ------------------------------ Date: 12-25-89 (04:35) To: MARK BORNSTEIN Subject: FORAY From: BRUCE JACKSON Wow. I haven't visited the Rainbow echo for a while and I just read the string of messages from Geoff Reed, George Theall, David Strickler, and Mark Bornstein. I know people often go crazy at funerals but this is the first time I've seen people going berserk over a petty financial transaction for a moribund computer line. I don't know Reed and Theall, but I know the other messages writers and I keep getting the feeling there is something going on here that exists outside the texts. Mark Bornstein is the only dealer in computerland who has always dealt with people on the basis of a telephone handshake: you call, you talk, and he sends stuff out. Give him a good story and he'll even wait a long time for the check. Say something is bad, say you don't like it, say your dog doesn't like it, and he'll take it back with no argument. He says what he thinks, a virtue some people don't much like, and he's straight in his business dealings, a characteristic some people don't recognize. So what's all the fuss? And why all the heat? From what I read here, it seems some guy stiffed Mark and Mark said so, and as a result other people are jumping on Mark. I'd think other people would thank him so they'd know to be wary. Merry Christmas, gang. ------------------------------ Date: 12-28-89 (20:02) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: SEDT V4 From: KEVIN PORTER FM> Do you have a copy of SEDT4DOS that includes MAPKEY for the Rainbow? Anker tells me he is sending another baselevel (27x ?) to SDN for distribution which has many bugs squashed... keep your eyes peeled for that to come sailing "down the pipe" any day now... - Kevin R. Porter WayStar BBS --- OPMED 2.00 * Origin: WayStar BBS (1:322/14) ------------------------------ Date: 12-28-89 (20:06) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: Z80 From: KEVIN PORTER * Reply on a message originally to Carl Houseman FM> I bought a 6MHz Z80 and plugged it into the 'bow. Works fine, but it FM> doesn't obviate the need for the boot ROM mod for use with the V20. FM> I've got to run some benchmarks before I can tell whether a faster Z80 has FM> any benefits at all in the 'bow. I doubt that simply plugging in a faster rated Z80 uProcessor chip would have any noticable effect unless you ALSO increased the system clock rate, which would be likely to bring out a whole hornets nest of timing issues. --- OPMED 2.00 * Origin: WayStar BBS (1:322/14) ------------------------------ Date: 12-29-89 (00:02) To: MARK BORNSTEIN Subject: CHECK From: RICHARD KENADEK Hey Mark Did you ever get that check that Jeoff Reed promised to send you from 2 years ago???? Just wondering if that dead beat ever paid up or not. --- D'Bridge 1.30/001353 * Origin: Davy Jones Locker-W. Millbury Ma. 592 Megs On Line (1:322/560) ------------------------------ Date: 12-27-89 To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: Z80 From: GORDON GREEN > I bought a 6MHz Z80 and plugged it into the 'bow. Works fine, but it > doesn't obviate the need for the boot ROM mod for use with the V20. > > I've got to run some benchmarks before I can tell whether a faster Z80 has > any benefits at all in the 'bow. > The 6 mHz Z80 just means that the chip can handle a clock rate up to 6 mHz. Plugging it into a Raimbow does not change the Rainbow clock rate, and the new Z80 still needs the same number of clock ticks for its instructions as did the old one, hence, no change in speed. The V20 on the other hand uses fewer clock ticks than does an 8080 for many of its instructions, hence it does result in faster operation, and hence the need for the ROM mod. Hope this helps. --- QM v1.00 * Origin: GG's_point of Cuckoo's Nest : Hudson, NH : HST (1:132/119.1) ------------------------------ Date: 12-29-89 (07:30) To: KEVIN PORTER Subject: RE: SEDT V4 From: FRANK MALLORY > Anker tells me he is sending another baselevel (27x ?) > to SDN for > distribution which has many bugs squashed... keep your > eyes peeled for Thanks, Kevin; I'll be on the watch for it. Got a note yesterday from Anker acknowledging my contribution and saying that I could get it direct from him; but I'd rather not bother him. It turns out that the spurious screen stuff put up by (260) is more than a minor annoyance, because you can end up editing the wrong line in some cases if you fail to give ctrl-w to reset the screen. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------ Date: 12-29-89 (07:40) To: KEVIN PORTER Subject: RE: Z80 From: FRANK MALLORY > I doubt that simply plugging in a faster rated Z80 uProcessor chip would > have any noticable effect unless you ALSO increased the system clock rate, > which would be likely to bring out a whole hornets nest It appears you are correct, Kevin. I ran the complete v2.0 diagnostic before and after and found no significant time difference. But for only $2.75, I figured it was worth a try. Nothing to do with the Z80, but the BENCH53 test rates my machine at 515 Dhrystones and 4481 Whetstones/sec. If anyone has the figures for the Turbow, I would like to know them. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------ Date: 12-29-89 (07:56) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: GRAPHICS ON A NON-LA5 From: FRANK MALLORY > > Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you'll have > to manually piece > the parts together then. There should have been 3 parts, I did that. UUDECODE appeared to run OK, but the resultant ZIP was no good. If you can do it all in one piece, how about uuencoding Marks' program and sending it to me? BTW, the last uuencoded file I sent you was 14k in length; so we know the system can handle messages up to that length, at least. > --- > EZ 1.234 #263 Unrecognized faults lead to wasted > efforts Do you have a Fortune Cookie program piping input to your tear line now, George? :-) --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------ Date: 12-30-89 (10:20) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: GRAPHICS ON A NON-LA5 From: GEORGE THEALL FM>UUDECODE appeared to run OK, but the resultant ZIP was no good. FM>If you can do it all in one piece, how about uuencoding Marks' program and FM>sending it to me? I think that would be a bad idea. If the ZIP came out corrupted, at least you found out before attempting to run a program. What would happen if I sent the executables for Marks' UUENCODE/UUDECODE? Which version of PKZIP did you use? The ZIP file was created on my end with PKZIP v1.02. The imploding method, new to v1.x, was used. How was the file corrupted? What error messages did PKUNZIP provide? Did you check to see whether trailing blanks were striped out of the encoded file by a mailer somewhere? How many lines were there in the encoded file? There should have been 314 lines, counting all those between "begin" and "end". George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ TXIRRINGAK? Bai, eskerrik asko! ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (01/01/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 31, 1989
In this issue:
FIDONET GATEWAYS
CONCURRENT DOS 386
PIXIE
Z80
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus,
you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in
these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this
digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 12-30-89 (11:13)
To: ALL
Subject: FIDONET GATEWAYS
From: GEORGE THEALL
A friend of my recently passed along the following list from David
Dodell (1:114/15) who runs one of the gateways between FidoNet and the
Internet. I hope this is not already common knowledge.
Apparently, this list of gateways is updated almost daily but should
be largely correct. Is anyone interested in keeping this up to date and
posting it, say, once a month here? BTW: this is a list only of valid,
working nodes. Those classified as illegal, deleted, or on probation
have been deleted by me.
Has anyone been successful in retrieving files from the
INFO-DEC-MICRO file archives using one of these gateways?
George
----- snip, snip, snip -----
The number(s) in the [] is/are the net/region/zone numbers that node is
authorized or applying (for non-cool nodes) to gate for. The node is
authorized to gate for only that/those nets. * means they are
authorized to have the GInternet flag in the nodelist. This file is
built from the maps I have. If something is incorrect, Send Map(tm). a
"." in front of the system name means that they have passed Lisa's
FUGATE test. a "'" means they have passed my ufgate test, and a "!"
means that both tests have been passed.
Cool nodes:
.bibs 372/42 * [ 360, 372 ]
.bigtime 152/201 * [ 152 ]
.blkcat 109/401 * [ 109 ]
.bmug 161/445 [ none ]
.branch 369/11 * [ 135, 369, 3609 ]
.busker 105/14 * [ 17, 40, 105, 345 ]
canyon 104/116 [ none ]
.casino 2:515/800 * [ 2:504, 2:515 ]
.cast 143/3 * [ 143 ]
circle 121/1 * [ 121 ]
camphq 143/42 * [ 143 ]
.cmhgate 226/20 * [ 226 ]
conch 135/43 [ none ]
.dawggon 105/6 [ none ]
.eastern 223/228 [ none ]
.ehsnet 233/13 * [ 233 ]
fidogate 125/406 * [ 125, 161 ]
gisatl 133/411 * [ 133 ]
hndymn 114/30 [ none ]
hogbbs 129/87 * [ 13, 129 ]
.insight 129/65 [ none ]
isishq 163/162 * [ 163, 167, 225 ]
kicki.stacken.kth.se [ zone 2 default gateway, not a fidonode ]
.klbbs 141/370 * [ 141 ]
.legion 105/50 [ none ]
mailcom 204/444 * [ 204 ]
.mamab 363/9 * [ 363 ]
.masnet 250/410 [ 250 ]
.mcastl 107/528 [ none ]
metnet 147/10 * [ (19), 147 ]
newport 107/820 * [ 107 ]
.ofa123 102/161 * [ 102, 103 ]
ohiont 157/512 * [ 157 ]
orioneb 141/705 [ none ]
.pacifier 105/101 [ none ]
palind 124/3107 [ none ]
.paranet 104/422 * [ 104 ]
.puddle 105/42 * [ 2,3,4,5, 17, 134, 138, 153, 340, 344, 345, 346, 347 ]
.quadrant 105/209 [ none ]
real 342/1 * [ 342 ]
.rubbs - >> newport
.rwp 342/9 [ none ]
.sscreen 141/9 [ none ]
.stjhmc 114/15 * [ 1, 114, default gateway for all un-gated nets ]
.terrabit 282/341 * [ 282 ]
.tlsi 124/2202 * [ 124, 130 ] (formerly muadib)
'tqc 382/31 * [ 382 ]
.urchin 106/889 * [ 106 ] ************ SEND MAP ****************
usaos 109/998 [ none ]
.weyr 140/22 * [ 140 ]
.zorro9 16/390 * [ 16, 101, 322 ]
.zswamp 221/171 * [ 12, 163, 167, 221, 222, 225, 229, 240, ]
nodes in strange state (new - waiting for tests to be passed, etc)
hnews (new node) 141/420 [ none ]
(mail comes back with: <hcap!hnews!postmaster@talcott>... Host unknown)
.linkit (new node) 106/7873 [ 106 ]
livewire (new node) 362/130 [ 362, 18 ]
srbbs (new node) 120/969 [ 120 ]
treasure (new node) 140/51 [ none ]
----------------------------
---
~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ Every man has his price
------------------------------
Date: 12-28-89
To: VERNON BAILEY
Subject: CONCURRENT DOS 386
From: DAVID STRICKLER
Interesting stuff. I'll try and find out as much as I can...
David Strickler
Sysop of 101/45
Midnight DEC (Boston)
(617)739-0708 [Voice]
--- msged 1.99S ZTC
* Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45)
------------------------------
Date: 12-28-89
To: GEOFF REED
Subject: PIXIE
From: DAVID STRICKLER
In a message of <18 Dec 89 22:45:48>, Geoff Reed (1:343/3) writes:
GR> Sorry dave, Didn't mean to offend (if I did) Anyways, I killed the
GR>1.bbs files that opus created and now pixie won't work on my system
GR>without crashing (locks the machine up)
Offend? Not you, just Mark. The Pixie I have on this end seems VERY old.
I'll look for another version.
David Strickler
Sysop of 101/45
Midnight DEC (Boston)
(617)739-0708 [Voice]
--- msged 1.99S ZTC
* Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45)
------------------------------
Date: 12-29-89
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: Z80
From: GEORGE DAHLCO, SYSOP 102/
In a message of <Dec 27 12:29>, Frank Mallory (1:109/123) writes:
FM>I bought a 6MHz Z80 and plugged it into the 'bow. Works fine, but it
FM>doesn't obviate the need for the boot ROM mod for use with the V20.
FM>I've got to run some benchmarks before I can tell whether a faster Z80
FM>has any benefits at all in the 'bow.
Frank,
Don't expect too much - your master clock speed is still 4.77MHz. The new
geartrain might be able to take it but if you can't increase the rev's you'll
never see the horsepower increase :-)
It *could*, however, run cooler, and may have some microcode refinements
which might speed up some instruction execution. Let us know the results
of your tests.
Happy New Year...
-George, 102/138-
--- msged 1.999
* Origin: Western Region VAX EC, RAINBOW/PDP-11 Echo Hub (1:102/138.1)
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (01/02/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jan 2, 1990
In this issue:
CP/M SALES-PITCH
RE: Z80
NULL MODEM
RAINDOS V1.0 (2 messages)
Z80
RE: GRAPHICS ON A NON-LA5 (2 messages)
FORMAT
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus,
you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in
these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this
digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 12-30-89
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: CP/M SALES-PITCH
From: PAUL OLSON
Frank,
Thanks for the reply. No sales pitch was intended. When I received my IDRIVE,
the IFORMAT program was CP/M only. I do seem to have heard that Suitable
is now providing IFORMAT in DOS format. The 'bow to IBM disk which I was
referring to is a special disk which Caroline Mack asked me to put together.
Unfortunately (for DOS users), the most convenient way to distribute all
the files was on the CP/M side of the world as DOSFLX is PD, while I don't
know if RDCPM (as supplied with DOS) is PD. At least I hadn't seen that
it was. Since there are a lot of folks running 2.01 DOS, I couldn't be
sure that everyone had RDCPM. I know that the individual files are available
on other WARUG disks, but Caroline was putting together a special 'bow-IBM
product. I'm not sure if she ever advertised it in the RAINBOW NEWS. I
know she is still selling it. Interestingly enough, in the last four months
I have received a number of calls from folks doing that transfer. I was
chairman of WARUG recently, and DEC is still giving out my name as a Rainbow
resource! <:-O
As Always,
Paul
--- ConfMail V3.31
* Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103)
------------------------------
Date: 12-30-89 (12:13)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: RE: Z80
From: CARL HOUSEMAN
As others have said and you've found, faster parts do not a faster 'bow
make. It's like putting 91 octane into a car designed to run fine on 87
(presuming it doesn't have a knock sensor).
The V20 vs. 8088 makes a difference because the chips' INTERNAL timing
for specific operations is different. The V20 can do more work than the
8088 in the same number of 4.77 Mhz clock cycles.
---
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123
------------------------------
Date: 12-30-89 (13:27)
To: ALL
Subject: NULL MODEM
From: PATRICK FINK
Could someone tell me what pins to swith to make a null modem adapter?
-pat
---
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123
------------------------------
Date: 12-30-89
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RAINDOS V1.0
From: FRANK MALLORY
GT> Does anyone know whether RX50 will work on an XT-class machine?
GT> Or how common it is to find XT's with 1.2MB drives in them?
XTs with 1.2MB drives are not very common. You need the proper controller
card and DOS version in addition to the hi-density drive itself.
I don't see any advantage in RainDOS over RX50.
If somebody REALLY wanted to do the Rainbow community a favor, they would
figure out a way to let us replace our RX50 drives with RX33s.
--- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123)
------------------------------
Date: 12-30-89
To: GEORGE DAHLCO, SYSOP 102/
Subject: Z80
From: FRANK MALLORY
GD> Don't expect too much - your master clock speed is still 4.77MHz. The
GD> new geartrain might be able to take it but if you can't increase the
GD> rev's you'll never see the horsepower increase :-)
GD>
GD> It *could*, however, run cooler, and may have some microcode
GD> refinements which might speed up some instruction execution. Let us
GD> know the results of your tests.
GD>
GD> Happy New Year...
GD>
GD> -George, 102/138-
GD>
GD> --- msged 1.999
The jury's not in altogether, yet.
Hey, George: Do you have MSGED 1.999 working on a Rainbow?
Happy New Year to you and all other Rainbow diehards here.
--- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123)
------------------------------
Date: 12-31-89
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: GRAPHICS ON A NON-LA5
From: FRANK MALLORY
GT> FM>If you can do it all in one piece, how about uuencoding Marks'
GT> FM>program and
GT> FM>sending it to me?
GT>
GT> I think that would be a bad idea. If the ZIP came out corrupted, at
GT> least you found out before attempting to run a program. What would
GT> happen if I sent the executables for Marks' UUENCODE/UUDECODE?
GT>
Problem was that UUDECODE appeared to run OK - - no error messages - - but
it produced a ZIP file of zero length. I assume it has something to do with
the fact that it was a multi-part file, because it works alright with a single-p
file. Of course, I edited the files first to join the separate parts together,
without the overhead text.
When you use Marks' program, do you still have to edit the files to reconstitute
the whole thing?
--- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123)
------------------------------
Date: 12-30-89 (07:12)
To: ALL
Subject: FORMAT
From: CHRIS SWEET
I have a friend who has a rainbow and we can't access the hard drive..
We think that it might not be formated...we always get read erro
how does one go about formmating a hard drive on the rainbow thur
msdos..
------------------------------
Date: 01-02-90 (08:25)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: RE: GRAPHICS ON A NON-LA5
From: GEORGE THEALL
FM>Problem was that UUDECODE appeared to run OK - - no error messages - - but
FM>it produced a ZIP file of zero length. I assume it has something to do wit
FM>the fact that it was a multi-part file, because it works alright with a sin
FM>file. Of course, I edited the files first to join the separate parts toget
FM>without the overhead text.
But what about the answers to my questions, Frank? To get a zero
length file something must have been seriously munged by a mailer
somewhere. I suggest, though, that we take this up privately. Can you
mail me the uuencoded file back again? I'll compare it against what I
originally sent you for any differences.
FM>When you use Marks' program, do you still have to edit the files to reconst
FM>the whole thing?
No. The eof is marked with the keyword "end". Additionally, if the
file was generated by Marks' UUENCODE there's checksum information
following this. When his UUDECODE finishes processing a physical file it
prompts for the next file in the sequence and processes that. It
continues until is sees the keyword "end".
George
---
~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ Every man has his price
------------------------------
Date: 01-02-90 (08:33)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: RAINDOS V1.0
From: GEORGE THEALL
FM>GT> Does anyone know whether RX50 will work on an XT-class machine?
FM>GT> Or how common it is to find XT's with 1.2MB drives in them?
FM>
FM>XTs with 1.2MB drives are not very common. You need the proper controller
FM>card and DOS version in addition to the hi-density drive itself.
Surprisingly, a prof at Penn operates in this setup. I knew he was
interested in doing so, but until he contacted me saying he WANTED
RainDOS I had no idea he had succeeded.
FM>I don't see any advantage in RainDOS over RX50.
I don't either, except for those like this professor.
FM>If somebody REALLY wanted to do the Rainbow community a favor, they would
FM>figure out a way to let us replace our RX50 drives with RX33s.
Actually, I thought Richard Thomsen's BIOS changes held lots of
promise. The limitation is you have to get the current BIOS in source
form. Anybody know whether a disassembler would do this adequately?
George
---
~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ Dyslexics of the world - UNTIE!
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (01/04/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jan 3, 1990 In this issue: RE: MODEM FORMAT RE:NULL MODEM RE: FILE TRANSFER FROM RA CHECK FROM DEAD BEAT REPLY FORAY ... Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 12-28-89 (20:08) To: KELSY CROSSMAN Subject: RE: MODEM From: ERIC SPEARS Is your modem manufactured by Concord Data Systems, somewhere is Mass? If so, I may be able to help. --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 01-01-90 To: CHRIS SWEET Subject: FORMAT From: FRANK MALLORY CS> I have a friend who has a rainbow and we can't access the hard drive.. CS> We think that it might not be formated...we always get read erro Does it have the standard 10MB hard disk? And what version of MS-DOS are you using? Do you have a copy of DEC's Winchester Utility program? --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 01-01-90 To: PATRICK FINK Subject: RE:NULL MODEM From: ART MCCLINTON >Could someone tell me what pins to swith to make a null modem adapter? >-pat It all depends on the application. pins 2 and 3 are receive and transmit. At a minimum they need switching. If you do not want to tinker with breakout boxes or the insides of connectors, you can go to your local computer store and explain your problem. But do not buy unless you can return it if it does not work. Here is a bag of tricks that will allow you with trial and error to determine the right connections for a null modem. I have assumed that you are requestin an Asynchronous null modem for 25 pin connections. Synchronous null modems have to exchange clock and are well defined. If you have a breakout box it will help in setting up the actual null modem. The following steps should allow you to quickly determine the proper configuration: 1) Pin 1 [Frame Ground] and pin 7 [signal ground] should be passed straight through. Pin 2 [Transmit Data] and Pin 3 [Rec Data] should be crossed. 2) Cross Pin 4 [Clear to Send] and Pin 5 [Request to send]. If the two comput computers raise RTS when they wish to send and do not send until CTS is high than this will enable full-duplex transmission. If only one of the computers uses this technique, then you may need to jumper 4-5 on each connect but not pass them to the other end (this allows the machine to send as soon as it is ready, without waiting for a CTS from the other side. 3)Connect the jumpered local pin 6 [Data set Ready] and pin 8 [Carrier Detect] to the remote pin 20 [Data Terminal Ready]. Likewise connect local DTR to the remote jumpered DSR and CD. The breakout box allows an easy way to see what signals are present. It is also possible to use a volt meter to see what signals are present. The minimum null modem connects 1-1, 2-3, 3-2, jumpers 4-5 on each side with no remote connection, 7-7, and jumpers 6-8-20 on each side with no remote connections. The normal offical null modem connects 1-1, 2-3, 3-2, 4-5, 5-4, 6&8-20, 7-7, 20-6&8. ps - in some modem applications pin 22 (Ring Indicate) is used. pps - Several good books are: RS232 Simplified (Sorry I can not remember the author and it is in the office) and KERMIT, A File Transfer Protocol by Frank da Cruz Digital Press. --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 01-01-90 To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: FILE TRANSFER FROM RA From: ART MCCLINTON Frank Just remember that the rainbows 96 tpi head is not wide enough to erase a 48 tpi track written by the IBM drive. The resultant disk will appear readabl on the Rainbow but will not be readable on the IBM. I have always kept a separate set of disks for transferring each direction. This seems to minimize the problems with reading on the IBM side. I think that you already do this but only point it out so that the original questioner will realize the "problem" Art McClinton --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 12-31-89 (12:18) To: RICHARD KENADEK Subject: CHECK FROM DEAD BEAT From: MARK BORNSTEIN In a message of <29 Dec 89 00:02:34>, Richard Kenadek (1:322/560) writes: >Hey Mark >Did you ever get that check that Jeoff Reed promised to send you from 2 >years ago???? >Just wondering if that dead beat ever paid up or not. Nope, he called me voice almost a month ago to get my address so he could send it. Can't figure out why he called though. I did not expect him to pay, and he has not. I guess if I am "abusive" enough Theall is gonna send me the money. (Mayhaps he can even get his minions to contribute.) He has taken over as "guardian of public morals" around here. After all, it's a tough job, but somebody has got to do it. What a shame that those poor people (all 6000 of them) around the world have to read this reply on Usnet. ...mark --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Island Logistics (617) 631-3304 (1:101/111) ------------------------------ Date: 12-31-89 (12:47) To: BRUCE JACKSON Subject: REPLY From: MARK BORNSTEIN Nice to see you here after your long abscence. Even nicer to see a breath of rationalism about the current furor. Especially nice to see a customer who has retained his memory. Thanx for the kudos. ...mark --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Island Logistics (617) 631-3304 (1:101/111) ------------------------------ Date: 12-31-89 To: BRUCE JACKSON Subject: FORAY From: GEOFF REED Bruce, the thread is dead, leave it that way. If you had taked the time to read ALL the messages, you would have noticed that mr B. claimed that everyone who posted, telling him to knock his BS off had ulterior motives for doing it. this is not the sign of a well individual. he is just looking for a fight, I know of already 3 or 4 sysops that use KillrDog or varients to kill all his messages, because in all the time I've read the rainbow echo, he has never posted useful information, just commercials. " well, you have this problem, and I can sell you this nifty manual that'll help you fix it" or caca like that. He has drived away users/ programmers like Robert Catt with his unwanted attitude. --- msged 1.998y * Origin: StarShip_Inconnu, Cruisin' the Stars (1:6000/0) ------------------------------ Date: 12-31-89 To: RICHARD KENADEK Subject: ... From: GEOFF REED Richard, knock it off or you mau find yourself a co-defendant in a libel suit --- msged 1.998y * Origin: StarShip_Inconnu, Cruisin' the Stars (1:6000/0) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (01/06/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jan 6, 1990 In this issue: ASCII CHARACTERS (2 messages) USENET/INTERNET RE: SPOOLER (2 messages) RE: ASCII CHARACTERS RE: KEDT RE: PROBLEM WITH HARD DIS Rainbow News Fido UUCP/INTERNET Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 01-04-90 (14:44) To: ALL Subject: ASCII CHARACTERS From: RICK MELLON How does one enter ASCII codes on the Rainbow (the 'bow version of IBM's "Alt+<numeric keypad)?" Also, is there a list out there of Rainbow ASCII characters, particularly those from 128-255 (all that neat graphics stuff)? I assume (careful, Rick) that someone has created such a list. I'd like to avoid buying technical docs just for this. Thanks for any help. --Rick --- * Origin: The Rising MoonStar (Opus 1:142/723) ------------------------------ Date: 01-02-90 (19:38) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: USENET/INTERNET From: GEOFF REED George, when I talked with you on the phone, you said that there were versions of UUCP out there that'd work on the rainbow, But I forgot who you said to ask, I'm looking for one 'cause I want to read comp.os.minix and a few other conferences, plus be able to get info.dec.micro files via UUCP --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 01-05-90 (07:29) To: DAVID HUGHES Subject: RE: SPOOLER From: FRANK MALLORY The regular PRINT command works pretty well as a spooler, provided that you first disable HISTORY and any other TSR programs that interfere with it. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123 ------------------------------ Date: 01-05-90 (07:37) To: RICK MELLON Subject: RE: ASCII CHARACTERS From: FRANK MALLORY The "Compose Character" key is used to enter the special ASCII characters on the Rainbow. For example, to enter the Greek character omicron you punch Compose followed by / and u. The Compose Sequences are shown in Appendix E of the Rainbow Owner's Manual. Appendix F shows all the character codes. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123 ------------------------------ Date: 01-05-90 (12:16) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: KEDT From: FRANK MALLORY > From: OS360171@wvnvaxa.wvnet.edu > Far as I know, SmEDT is the only Rainbow editor that can be operated remotely (which is what you are trying to do). --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123 ------------------------------ Date: 01-05-90 (12:24) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: PROBLEM WITH HARD DIS From: FRANK MALLORY > From: martin@cu-arpa.cs.cornell.edu (Bill Martin) > Organization: Cornell Univ. CS Dept, Ithaca NY > It could possibly be a power supply problem. Check your power supply connector (the flat cable going from your power supply to your system board). If you can see any dark spots, replace it. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123 ------------------------------ Date: 01-05-90 (12:31) To: RICK MELLON Subject: ASCII CHARACTERS From: FRANK MALLORY Correction: that's the Greek letter Mu, not Omicron, that's produced by the Compose sequence /u. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123 ------------------------------ Date: 01-06-90 (09:07) To: ALL Subject: Rainbow News Fido From: GEORGE THEALL Does anyone know what's the FidoNet address for the Rainbow News Fido? Last time I was one I thought it reported 1:7/7. However, I've heard from David Dodell that Fido doesn't have a net 7 and hence this is certainly invalid. I've heard Caroline and Tom are moving pack east SOON!!! I bet it won't be long before they get hooked into this Echo!!! George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ "El amor es un camino que de repente aparece" ------------------------------ Date: 01-06-90 (09:05) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: SPOOLER From: GEORGE THEALL FM>The regular PRINT command works pretty well as a spooler, provided that you FM>first disable HISTORY and any other TSR programs that interfere with it. Isn't there an option for HISTORY that allows it to work properly with PRINT? Something like /d? George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ Unrecognized faults lead to wasted efforts ------------------------------ Date: 01-06-90 (08:47) To: GEOFF REED Subject: UUCP/INTERNET From: GEORGE THEALL GR>George, when I talked with you on the phone, you said that there GR>were versions of UUCP out there that'd work on the rainbow, But I forgot wh GR>you said to ask, I'm looking for one 'cause I want to read comp.os.minix an GR>a few other conferences, plus be able to get info.dec.micro files via UUCP Michael Branton (mgb@stetson.BITNET) reportedly is using UUSLAVE to read news from his Rainbow. I don't think he was able to use the regular UUPC stuff because of it does some pretty low-level stuff and assumes PC-compatibility. Maybe he'll see this message and respond. I've heard nice things about Minix, but don't think anyone has ported it to the Rainbow yet. About a year ago, Gerry Wheeler (wheels@mks.com) expressed some interested in doing this. Gerry had previously ported QNX to the Rainbow, so I would guess he knew what was involved. As for the stuff on info-dec-micro, have you tried requesting them by sending email from FidoNet to Internet? I don't see a gateway for net 343 (which you're using) so stuff would have to go thru David Dodell's system. Until someone sets up a gateway for your net, then, it would be best to choose carefully what programs you request. George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (01/08/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jan 7, 1990 In this issue: 10 MEG PROBLEM WITH HARD DISK NEED TO SELL RAINBOW 100 Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 01-04-90 (08:19) To: ALL Subject: 10 MEG From: CHRIS SWEET Yes it is a 10 meg hard drive st-506... and we are running dos 2.0 "1" not sure which... I can't find any type of format program ... what is the name I should look for... Would we be better off to format it using cp/m or ms-dos... ------------------------------ Date: 01-05-90 To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: PROBLEM WITH HARD DISK From: GORDON GREEN > Lately, it has has developed a perplexing problem. Perhaps > one of you might know what's going on. Four months ago, the > machine would not boot up from the hard disk, after many months of > reliable service. > > The Winchester diagostics said that either the controller card > or the drive itself was bad (failing in subtest 2 on the head seek > test). I then ran full system diagnostics (main memory, screen, > floppies, etc.) with no errors reported. Strangely, the system > would then boot off of the hard disk with no problems after I ran > the diagnostics. I encountered a similiar problem with erratic behavior. Replaced mother board and after a few months the problem returned. Finally found that the ribbon cable between the power supply and the mother board had several pins the looked like they had cooked at the power supply end. I got a new cable, cleaned the connector pins on the power supply and all has been ok since. The cable didn't show much until you removed it and olooked at the underside, the problem was not apparent from the topside. Suggest you check this out to see if it is something this simple. --- QM v1.00 * Origin: GG's_point of Cuckoo's Nest : Hudson, NH : HST (1:132/119.1) ------------------------------ Date: 01-04-90 To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: NEED TO SELL RAINBOW 100 From: DAVID STRICKLER Your best bet is to donate it and take the tax write-off. That's a pretty stripped machine, and not worth much, but I bet a local school or church would love it as a small word processor. David Strickler Sysop of 101/45 Midnight DEC (Boston) (617)739-0708 [Voice] --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (01/09/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jan 8, 1990 In this issue: RE: ASCII CHARACTERS ASCII CHARACTERS Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 01-06-90 To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: ASCII CHARACTERS From: DAVID DEITCH In a message of <Jan 05 07:37> Frank Mallory (1:109/123@fidonet) writes: %The "Compose Character" key is used to enter the special ASCII %characters on the Rainbow. For example, to enter the Greek character %omicron you punch Compose followed by / and u. The Compose Sequences %are shown in Appendix E of the Rainbow Owner's Manual. Appendix F %shows all the character codes. Not on a 100A L8TR Yours in FidoNet, David Deitch (GIS) deitch@gisatl.fidonet.org --- msged 1.999 * Origin: Galaxy Information Services (GIS) (1:133/411) ------------------------------ Date: 01-06-90 To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: ASCII CHARACTERS From: ED RIDPATH >Correction: that's the Greek letter Mu, not Omicron, that's produced by >the Compose sequence /u. But how can I get that wonderful smily face? <grin> Ed --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Keep It Simple - Aiken, SC 1-803-648-4281 (1:360/8) ------------------------------ --- BITNET: GTHEALL@PennDRLS Dept. of Economics Internet: GTHEALL@PennDRLS.UPenn.Edu University of Pennsylvania AT+TNet: +1 215 898 3419 Philadelphia, PA 19104-3987
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (01/10/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jan 9, 1990 In this issue: 10 MEG ASCII CHARACTERS (2 messages) Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 01-07-90 To: CHRIS SWEET Subject: 10 MEG From: FRANK MALLORY CS> Yes it is a 10 meg hard drive st-506... and we are running dos 2.0 "1" CS> not sure which... I can't find any type of format program ... what is CS> the name I should look for... Would we be better off to format it using CS> cp/m or ms-dos... To start off with, the ST-506 is a 5 meg drive, not 10. Second, my memory is a little hazy, but I don't believe Rainbow MS-DOS 2.01 included a FORMAT program. In any case, you should try to get a copy of DOS 2.11 or above. Whether you format with CP/M or DOS depends on the OS under which you want to run your programs. Some users format part of the disk with DOS and the rest with CP/M. --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 01-07-90 To: ED RIDPATH Subject: ASCII CHARACTERS From: FRANK MALLORY ER> But how can I get that wonderful smily face? <grin> That's easy: send $25 to Suitable Solutions for the IBM character ROM chip. Plug it in and try all combinations of 2 and 3-character Compose sequences. You'll find it there somewhere, together with a lot of other real keen stuff. --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 01-07-90 (21:27) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: ASCII CHARACTERS From: RICK MELLON FM> The Compose Sequences are shown in Appendix E of the Rainbow FM> Owner's Manual. Appendix F shows all the character codes. Looks like I have a little problem. Although I've upgraded from a 100A to a 100B, I still only have the 100A manuals. As you'd expect, these Appendices are not in the 100A Owner's Manual. I have seen a Compose Sequence file, but it seems that there were only 40 or 50 characters listed, and smily faces and vertical lines were not among them (to name a few). Does Appendix E show 128 Compose Sequences? BTW, what's the difference between Appendix E (Compose Sequences) and Appendix F (character codes)? Questions, questions, questions, <sigh>. Thanks for replying. --Rick --- * Origin: (142/0)TelTalk BBS, CT*HST*(203)674-1802 (Opus 1:142/328) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (01/10/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jan 10, 1990
In this issue:
ASCII CHARACTERS (2 messages)
GATEWAY (2 messages)
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus,
you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in
these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this
digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 01-06-90
To: RICK MELLON
Subject: ASCII CHARACTERS
From: DAVID STRICKLER
In a message of < 4 Jan 90 14:44:59>, Rick Mellon (1:142/723) writes:
RM> How does one enter ASCII codes on the Rainbow (the 'bow version of
RM>IBM's "Alt+<numeric keypad)?" Also, is there a list out there of
RM>Rainbow ASCII characters, particularly those from 128-255 (all that
RM>neat
RM>graphics stuff)? I assume (careful, Rick) that someone has created
RM>such
RM>a list. I'd like to avoid buying technical docs just for this. Thanks
RM>for any help.
RM>
RM>--Rick
The graphics stuff called by turning on the graphics mode (something like
ESC+(B or (0 if I remember), and then printing the entire 0-128 ASCII set.
Note all small letters (a,b,c,d...) will make nice pictures.
David Strickler
Sysop of 101/45
Midnight DEC (Boston)
(617)739-0708 [Voice]
--- msged 1.99S ZTC
* Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45)
------------------------------
Date: 01-08-90
To: RICK MELLON
Subject: ASCII CHARACTERS
From: FRANK MALLORY
RM> Looks like I have a little problem. Although I've upgraded from a
RM> 100A to a 100B, I still only have the 100A manuals. As you'd expect,
RM> these Appendices are not in the 100A Owner's Manual.
I wasn't aware that the A differed from the B in that regard. I'm sure the
keyboards are the same - i.e., both have the Compose key and light.
RM> I have seen a Compose Sequence file, but it seems that there were only
RM> 40 or 50 characters listed, and smily faces and vertical lines were
RM> not among them (to name a few). Does Appendix E show 128 Compose
RM> Sequences?
Appendix E shows about 80 Compose sequences, all three-key. The two-key
sequences are for diacritical marks (umlaut, circumflex, tilde, etc.).
Many of the sequences are formed logically (e.g., "one quarter" is formed
by Compose-1-4); so you can experiment and get most of them.
RM> BTW, what's the difference between Appendix E (Compose Sequences) and
RM> Appendix F (character codes)?
Appendix E only shows what you get when you activate the Compose key followed
by various character combinations. Appendix F shows the full 8-bit character
set (but not 256 characters, because not all are assigned), plus 7-bit tables
for each of the national keyboards.
Suggest you contact your local DEC marketing office and see if you can get
a copy of the Terminals and Printers Handbook. Most of this information is
in there.
--- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123)
------------------------------
Date: 01-09-90 (07:50)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: GATEWAY
From: FRANK MALLORY
I just started getting direct feeds of comp.sys.dec and comp.sys.dec.micro.
I note one message from Neil at WVNET that is a follow-on to one I entered
here; I assume it will show up here shortly.
Judging from the 10 messages sent so far, I have the feeling that comp.sys.dec
will have heavy Unix orientation, as contrasted with the VMS orientation
of the Fido VAX conference.
I'll set these Internet conferences up as regular echo message areas here
this evening, and see how it goes.
---
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1
------------------------------
Date: 01-10-90 (09:32)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: GATEWAY
From: GEORGE THEALL
FM>I just started getting direct feeds of comp.sys.dec and comp.sys.dec.micro.
FM>I note one message from Neil at WVNET that is a follow-on to one I entered
FM>here; I assume it will show up here shortly.
Yep, it went out in yesterday's mail. For messages appearing
originally on IDM/csdm you'll probably see a lag of 2-3 days. That's
just the way Fido works, I suppose.
BTW: Since you now can see both sides of the picture, what do you
think about the format of the digest?
FM>I'll set these Internet conferences up as regular echo message areas here
FM>this evening, and see how it goes.
Just a quibble - comp.sys.dec and comp.sys.dec.micro are USENET
newsgroups, not Internet conferences.
George
---
~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ The Answer? That would be telling, Number Six
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (01/12/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jan 12, 1990 In this issue: COMMUNICATION PORT ADDRES RE: GATEWAY (2 messages) PROBLEM WITH HARD DRIVE UUCP/INTERNET RE: C COMPILERS FOR 100A Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 01-08-90 (20:50) To: ALL Subject: COMMUNICATION PORT ADDRES From: DAVE SPAULDING I have a friend that is trying to run TELIX on his rainbow. Everything runs fine, except it can't find his com port. It seems that the rainbows com port is not the same as the IBM default. Is there anyone that knows what the address is, or a method to determine where it is? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, DAVE SPAULDING --- * Origin: FOG-LINE, Reg 14 REC, 515-964-7937 (Opus 1:290/627) ------------------------------ Date: 01-09-90 (23:51) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: GATEWAY From: CARL HOUSEMAN re: I have a feeling that comp.sys.dec will have heavy Unix orientation I think comp.os.vms is what you're looking for. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123 ------------------------------ Date: 01-10-90 (07:35) To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: RE: GATEWAY From: FRANK MALLORY > re: I have a feeling that comp.sys.dec will have heavy > Unix orientation > > I think comp.os.vms is what you're looking for. Thanks, Carl; I'll get that one instead of or in addition to comp.sys.dec. Unlike the Fido echoes, bringing the newsgroups here will cost me real money. Don't yet know just how much, but it can be expected to put a limit on the number I can bring in. Last night I got a file containing the complete list of those available. I haven't looked at it yet, but the file size is over 800KB and I understand it lists about 1200 newsgroups. It should be interesting --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123 ------------------------------ Date: 01-08-90 To: BRUCE WRIGHT Subject: PROBLEM WITH HARD DRIVE From: GEOFF REED GT>From: rti!bcw@mcnc.org (Bruce Wright) GT>Organization: Research Triangle Institute, RTP, NC GT> GT>In article <35667@cornell.UUCP>, martin@gvax.cs.cornell.edu (Bill Martin) wri GT>> The hard drive made a long series of "head seek" sounds before GT>> the terminal displayed a could-not-load-operating-system sort of message. GT>> The Winchester diagostics said that either the controller card GT>> or the drive itself was bad (failing in subtest 2 on the head seek There is a file available here on Glacier Peak Rainbow (343/3) @ (206) 644-8431 and on Naugy Net (141/491) @ (203) 729-7569 that details the connections necessacary to make a cable out of ribbon-cable, it's about $12 in parts at the most, and I think you could have it made for you for under $20 the instructions are good enough that anyone that can count can make a replacement cable. --- msged 1.999 * Origin: StarShip_Inconnu, Cruisin' the Stars (1:343/3.1) ------------------------------ Date: 01-08-90 To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: UUCP/INTERNET From: GEOFF REED GT>GR>George, when I talked with you on the phone, you said that there GT>GR>were versions of UUCP out there that'd work on the rainbow, But I GT>forgot who GT>GR>you said to ask, I'm looking for one 'cause I want to read GT>comp.os.minix and GT>GR>a few other conferences, plus be able to get info.dec.micro files GT>via UUCP GT> GT> Michael Branton (mgb@stetson.BITNET) reportedly is using UUSLAVE to GT>read news from his Rainbow. I don't think he was able to use the regular GT>UUPC stuff because of it does some pretty low-level stuff and assumes GT>PC-compatibility. Maybe he'll see this message and respond. GT>by GT>sending email from FidoNet to Internet? I don't see a gateway for net GT>343 (which you're using) so stuff would have to go thru David Dodell's GT>system. Until someone sets up a gateway for your net, then, it would be GT>best to choose carefully what programs you request. Well, I was hopint that if i can get a uupc site going, eventually I could gateway between Internet and Fidonet for net 343, seeing as how my 'bow sits idle most of the time anyway. I'll see if I can get Internet or bitnet write access at the local system that allows reading of the message areas. --- msged 1.999 * Origin: StarShip_Inconnu, Cruisin' the Stars (1:343/3.1) ------------------------------ Date: 01-10-90 (00:07) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: C COMPILERS FOR 100A From: GEORGE TURNER I know that Quick C 1.0 works on the 'bow in command line mode. I think there's a patch that allows Turbo C 1.5 to run but I don't know the name. --- * Origin: Midnight DEC - The place for DEC sales & information (Opus 1:101/45) ------------------------------
campbell@redsox.bsw.com (Larry Campbell) (01/13/90)
A poster from Fido-land asked about running something called TELIX on a Rainbow, given that the comm port seemed to be at a different address than that on an IBM PC. Forget it. The Rainbow comm port is completely incompatible with that on an IBM PC -- it's not just the same thing at a different address. It's based on an NEC 1701, which is actually a fairly nifty chip that does, not only asynchronous I/O, but also synchronous I/O, and supports bisync, SDLC, and HDLC protocols on chip. It has four comm ports -- two for each channel -- starting at port address 40H. -- Larry Campbell The Boston Software Works, Inc. campbell@redsox.bsw.com 120 Fulton Street wjh12!redsox!campbell Boston, MA 02109
campbell@redsox.bsw.com (Larry Campbell) (01/13/90)
In article <1521@redsox.bsw.com> campbell@redsox.UUCP (Larry Campbell) writes:
-bisync, SDLC, and HDLC protocols on chip. It has four comm ports -- two
^^^^
-for each channel -- starting at port address 40H.
oops, of course I meant four I/O ports, not four comm ports...
--
Larry Campbell The Boston Software Works, Inc.
campbell@redsox.bsw.com 120 Fulton Street
wjh12!redsox!campbell Boston, MA 02109GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (01/14/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jan 14, 1990 In this issue: RE: C COMPILERS FOR 100A Accessing and clearing MP (2 messages) IBM TO RAINBOW GATEWAY (2 messages) LA100 PS OR TECH MANUALS RE: REPLY COMMUNICATION PORT ADDRES Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 01-12-90 (08:54) To: GEORGE TURNER Subject: RE: C COMPILERS FOR 100A From: GEORGE THEALL GT>I know that Quick C 1.0 works on the 'bow in command line mode. GT>I think there's a patch that allows Turbo C 1.5 to run but I don't know the GT>name. Do you know whether the integrated environment for Quick C v1.0 will run? With or without Code Blue and MS-DOS v3.10b? There was an article by Dennis Forcier in the June '89 issue of _Rainbow News_ about patching the standalone compiler from TURBO C v1.5. It mentions a patch kit available on Compuserve, but not the name. You might also look for it on Dennis' bbs, the Big D Fido (1-214-392-1121). I've developed a similar patch kit for the standalone components of TURBO C v2.0. It's called TC2PATRB.ZIP. When I first put this kit together, I meant to include Jim O'Brien's SCANINT program but forgot about it until just recently. An updated version has been uploaded to the INFO-DEC-MICRO file archives (with the same name). [None of the patches themselves have been changed; only the doc file and executable for SCANINT have been added.] In UUENCODED form it takes up about 13K. Perhaps people could request this file from INFO-DEC-MICRO and add it to their bbs file area once Rob Locke announces it next week. George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ C code. C code run. Run, code, run... PLEASE! ------------------------------ Date: 01-13-90 (15:51) To: ALL Subject: Accessing and clearing MP From: HARRY GRAY I have been able to get the MPSC in the Rainbow to deliver to me the information that I want at this time. However, after I am done, I haven't been able to leave it in a state in which it can be used by the GWBASIC communications protocols (they hang) or can be used by the communications program, MINITEL. Kermit works OK, however, afterI am done with it. Josh Now all I have to do is get out of this editor. ~q --- . Via ProDoor 3.2.R Satalink Node 2 ============================================================================== Date: 01-11-90 (14:07) Number: 903 SATALINK (tm) Your Ult To: RAPHAEL JUAREZ Refer#: NONE From: RICK MELLON Read: YES Subj: IBM TO RAINBOW Conf: (74) fRAINBOW ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Raphael, I've had fair success with "format a:/1" on the IBM (DOS 3.2 or higher, I believe), but MUCH prefer using RX50DRVR.SYS on the AT. Once loaded into your CONFIG.SYS file, the program "converts" your A: drive to an RX50-compatible format, usually assigning it as D: so the computer knows when you want IBM vs. Rainbow. It not only seems to work better (allowing file transfer in BOTH directions), but also lets you work with the Rainbow's 390K disks instead of 180K. RX50.ARC (or .ZIP) should be available on most boards that carry Rainbow software. Good luck. --Rick --- * Origin: The Rising MoonStar (Opus 1:142/723) ------------------------------ Date: 01-11-90 To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: GATEWAY From: FRANK MALLORY GT> BTW: Since you now can see both sides of the picture, what do you GT> think about the format of the digest? I think it's great; very professional in appearance. GT>FM>I'll set these Internet conferences up as regular echo message areas here GT>FM>this evening, and see how it goes. GT> GT> Just a quibble - comp.sys.dec and comp.sys.dec.micro are USENET GT> newsgroups, not Internet conferences. Well, maybe you entered it on USENET, George, but it comes here on Internet; or at least, that's what the header says: >------------------------------------------------ >From: GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) >Date: 10 Jan 90 15:36:00 GMT >Organization: The Internet >Message-ID: <9001101536.AA02898@remote.dccs.upenn.edu> >Newsgroups: comp.sys.dec.micro > >Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jan 10, 1990 --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 01-12-90 To: ALL Subject: LA100 PS OR TECH MANUALS From: VERNON BAILEY Does anyone know where I can get a LA100 power supply and service/tech manuals I am having problems with my LA100 and I am suspicious of the power supply. The error code indicates the microcode ROMs and I can clean all pins and have it run for a short while. Sometimes switching it off will reset it and allow it to run for a short period. HELP! Thanks --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 01-10-90 (17:28) To: MARK BORNSTEIN Subject: RE: REPLY From: AMER NELSON Would you please knock it off. You've insulted Dave Strickler, George Theall and Paul Olson all of whom are more helpful to the Rainbow community than you've EVER been. I've been using the ECHO for about 2 years now. Until your recent whining, the only thing I can recall you doing was play fast and loose with the non-commercialism policy to drum up business for yourself. I find it curious that you have Bruce Jackson's support. His book on Rainbow Freeware was useful, but not worth the price. He never did keep it up-to-date and departed the Rainbow world shortly after publication only to return to send you your *kudos*. If you really care about the 6000 people around the world who have to read your blathering, just depart gracefully -- difficult as that may be. --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 01-11-90 To: DAVE SPAULDING Subject: COMMUNICATION PORT ADDRES From: DAVID STRICKLER In a message of < 8 Jan 90 20:50:45>, Dave Spaulding (1:290/627) writes: DS>I have a friend that is trying to run TELIX on his rainbow. Everything DS>runs fine, except it can't find his com port. It seems that the DS>rainbows com port is not the same as the IBM default. DS> DS>Is there anyone that knows what the address is, or a method to DS>determine where it is? Any help would be greatly appreciated. DS> DS>Thanks, DS> DS>DAVE SPAULDING Its a different bird. The comm port on the PC is address directly, rather than going through the operating system. I hate to tell you this, but switch packages! There are some really good PD comm packages for the Rainbow. Try LCTERM or TURBOCOMM II. Mots are available on DEC BBS sstems (like this one). David Strickler Sysop of 101/45 Midnight DEC (Boston) (617)739-0708 [Voice] --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 01-14-90 (07:54) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: GATEWAY From: GEORGE THEALL FM>Well, maybe you entered it on USENET, George, but it comes here on Internet FM>or at least, that's what the header says: FM> FM>------------------------------------------------ FM>From: GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) FM>Date: 10 Jan 90 15:36:00 GMT FM>Organization: The Internet FM>Message-ID: <9001101536.AA02898@remote.dccs.upenn.edu> FM>Newsgroups: comp.sys.dec.micro FM> FM>Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jan 10, 1990 "Organization" refers to my point of origin. I post to INFO-DEC-MICRO which is a discussion group on the BITNET/Internet side of things. Messages are then automagically forwarded to comp.sys.dec.micro, the corresponding newsgroup on USENET. The "Organization" header is merely reporting the message as having originated on the Internet. The distinction between these groups is admittedly blurry in this case, esp. from the reader's point of view. The way you get initial access, though, differs considerably, as does the way messages are transported. You will also find in that list of yours many USENET newsgroups for which there is no equivalent on Internet or BITNET. George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ Does the name Pavlov ring a bell? ------------------------------ Date: 01-14-90 (08:07) To: HARRY GRAY Subject: Accessing and clearing MP From: GEORGE THEALL HG>I have been able to get the MPSC in the Rainbow to deliver to me the HG>information that I want at this time. However, after I am done, I HG>haven't been able to leave it in a state in which it can be used by HG>the GWBASIC communications protocols (they hang) or can be used by HG>the communications program, MINITEL. Kermit works OK, however, afterI HG>am done with it. Josh HG> HG>Now all I have to do is get out of this editor. Hiya, Josh! Glad to see you on SATALINK. If you were using the visual editor via ProDoor, you can get out of it by hitting <ESC>; if you used the line editor, just hitting <ENTER> on a blank line would do the trick. What's the MPSC? A serial card? Or did you mean a mouse? I know you've been interested in one for your 'bow. I wonder how the folks at Suitable Solutions managed it. BTW: Would you mind telling us about your experiences using Quick C on the Rainbow? You're using v1.0, right? Can you run in the integrated environment? With or without Code Blue and DOS v3.10b? And how's the Rainbow graphics library coming? George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ C code. C code run. Run, code, run... PLEASE! ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (01/16/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jan 16, 1990 In this issue: MEMORY EXP. BOARD RE: COMMUNICATION PORT AD N Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 01-13-90 (09:08) To: JIM SHERWIN Subject: MEMORY EXP. BOARD From: RICK MELLON Jim, If you take the 18 64K chips from Board 2 and place them in Banks 2 and 3 of Board 1 (with the 9 256K chips already in Bank 1), your DIP switch settings should be: Switch 1 2 3 4 On x x Off x x If you do the opposite -- place the 9 256K chips in Bank 3 of Board 1 -- your settings should be: Switch 1 2 3 4 On x x Off x x Either way, you have 384K on the expansion board + 128K on the motherboard = 512K total. BTW, if you're interested, now's not a bad time to replace those 64K chips with 256K chips. As of a couple of months ago, you could buy 120ns 256K chips at about $2.60 per chip. --Rick --- * Origin: (142/0)TelTalk BBS, CT*HST*(203)674-1802 (Opus 1:142/328) ------------------------------ Date: 01-14-90 (18:28) To: DAVE SPAULDING Subject: RE: COMMUNICATION PORT AD From: BILL MAYHEW Tell your friend to save his time... it won't work. The Rainbow communication hardware is completely different from that on an IBM PC, and software written for IBM PC comm ports just flat-out won't work (unless the author took care to support the Rainbow as well, and those are few and far between). --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------ Date: 01-13-90 (23:35) To: DAVID STRICKLER Subject: N From: DAVE SPAULDING Thanks for the advice. I know my friend would love to use Telix, but I guess what he really wants is to be able to use a transfer protocol other than Kermit which is what he is using now. I will pass your suggestions on to him. Thanks again, Dave Spaulding. --- * Origin: FOG-LINE, Reg 14 REC, 515-964-7937 (Opus 1:290/627) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (01/17/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jan 17, 1990
In this issue:
Rainbow Comm Programs
Accessing and clearing MP
RE: C COMPILER ON RAINBOW
ALTERNATIVE COMM PKGS FOR
RE: C COMPILER FOR 'BOW
PATCHING TURBO C (BAD???)
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus,
you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in
these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this
digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 01-16-90 (10:20)
To: DAVE SPAULDING
Subject: Rainbow Comm Programs
From: GEORGE THEALL
DS>what he really wants is to be able to use a transfer protocol other
DS>than Kermit which is what he is using now.
There are many Rainbow programs which support Xmodem (look at LCTerm,
Decmini, PibTerm, TurboComm II, etc...). BinkleyTerm does this and
Zmodem as well.
These programs are all available from the INFO-DEC-MICRO file
archives. Look for them too on your local Rainbow-oriented bbs.
George
---
~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ BARCELONA - Site of the 1992 Olympic Games
------------------------------
Date: 01-16-90 (14:21)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: Accessing and clearing MP
From: HARRY GRAY
I replied to you somewhere else. For the benefit of others:
1. The MPSC controls the COM port on the Rainbow. It is more complex
than the UART on the IBM (and more difficult to use)
2. MSC 5.1 (except for the graphics library - at least) runs on the
Rainbow under MSDOS 2.05 up. The install program runs on 3.10b
with Code Blue as does Quick C in integrated mode, Code View in
window mode, and the Microsoft editor, M. Code View runs in
sequential mode without Code Blue. The IO ports seem to be
changed by Code Blue.
Josh
---
. Via ProDoor 3.2.R Satalink Node 2
==============================================================================
Date: 01-14-90 (13:39) Number: 920 SATALINK (tm) Your Ult
To: GEORGE THEALL Refer#: NONE
From: CHRIS RYAN Read: YES
Subj: RE: C COMPILER ON RAINBOW Conf: (74) fRAINBOW
------------------------------------------------------------------------
re: "C" compiler for Rainbow, the patches published in Rainbow News for Turbo
C 1.5 work fine on Ver. 2.0 also. One caveat though, I've been using the
patched version on a 100B with DOS 3.10A & have had no problems except with
shelling to dos. The display is the same as I see on the PC-compatible at
work, & functionality is the same. The Code Blue switches necessary are /a/v/c
(all of 'em). The caveat is that when I upgraded DOS to 3.10B, I completely
lost the menu lines and menu boxes. And the display does look different.
The menu lines
& boxes still function, but you better know what they are asking you,
since you are working blind. (This happened on the patched & unpatched version
of Turbo C, and on Turbo Pascal Ver 5.0.)
Suitable Solutions were understating the case when they said that there were
some video anomolies with the Borland language products. Still, they do functi
and if you aren't interested in using Borland's "I.D.E." for display, it
works fine from the command line.
Also in passing, I heard Booth Hartley comment at one of our LUG meetings
that Microsoft C works without a patch. Don't know the version number, and
I am not sure, but I don't think he was referring to Quick C. (He is on CompuS
as Rainbow Graphics developer - he's done the GIF decoder for the RB.) Maybe
he can help further.
---
* Origin: Long_Island RB (Opus 1:102/138)
------------------------------
Date: 01-14-90 (13:55)
To: DAVID STRICKLER
Subject: ALTERNATIVE COMM PKGS FOR
From: CHRIS RYAN
Also good is PIBTERM. I've been using it for about 2 years, and only just
recently switched over to BINKLEYTERM, and that was mainly to get Z-MODEM
capabilities. If your friend is familiar with the PROCOMM style of interface
(I'm not familiar with the one he has) then PIBTERM won't come as any great
shock. NB: I also started out with LCTERM, but switched almost as soon as
I found an alternative, since I could use it only under DOS2.11, which ment
that I couldn't access my harddisk
(set up under 3.10A). Pibterm (3.25) comes in IBM & Rainbow flavors,
they don't mix. If not avail locally, they are here on Long Island Rainbow
(102/138), with all of the necessary RB mods.
good luck.
---
* Origin: Long_Island RB (Opus 1:102/138)
------------------------------
Date: 01-15-90 (18:30)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: C COMPILER FOR 'BOW
From: CHRIS RYAN
PER ARTICLE IN *RAINBOW NEWS* OF JUNE '88 (VOL5,#4-6), PG. 57, BY CHRIS WALTHE
ntc.$$$
1
e3e6b 90
e3e6c 90
e3e7c 90
e3e7d 90
e3fe3 90
e3fe4 90
e3feb 90
e3fec 90
w
q
^z
THIS IS CONTENTS OF DEBUG FILE USED TO PATCH TURBO C. ALTHOUGH CHRIS DIDN'T
SAY THEY WERE FOR VER. 2.0, THEY DO WORK. I'VE BEEN USING THEM FOR ABOUT
A YEAR. HOWEVER, THAT WAS WITH CODEBLUE (/A/V/S/C/L) AND
***DOS 3.10A***. SO FAR, I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO WORK AROUND THE "VIDEO
ANOMOLIES" THAT SUITABLE SPEAKS OF WITH ***DOS 3.10B***. THESE APPEAR WITH
BOTH THE PATCHED & UNPATCHED VERSIONS OF TURBO C 2.0.
AN INTERESTING OBSERVATION: IN THE INTERESTS OF "WHAT THE HELL, WHY NOT",
I TRIED THE PATCH ON TURBO PASCAL 5.0, NO GOOD. WOULDN'T RUN. UNDER DOS 3.10B,
TURBO PASCAL 5.0 RUNS, & THE "VIDEO ANOMOLIES" THAT OCCUR ARE THE SAME THAT
OCCURED WITH BOTH PATCHED & UNPATCHED VERSIONS OF TURBO C 2.0. (HAVEN'T TRIED
PATCHED 5.0 WITH 3.10B YET.)
HOPE THIS HELPS.
---
* Origin: Long_Island RB (Opus 1:102/138)
------------------------------
Date: 01-17-90 (08:37)
To: CHRIS RYAN
Subject: PATCHING TURBO C (BAD???)
From: GEORGE THEALL
CR>PER ARTICLE IN *RAINBOW NEWS* OF JUNE '88 (VOL5,#4-6), PG. 57, BY CHRIS
WALTHE
...
CR>THIS IS CONTENTS OF DEBUG FILE USED TO PATCH TURBO C. ALTHOUGH CHRIS DIDN'T
CR>SAY THEY WERE FOR VER. 2.0, THEY DO WORK. I'VE BEEN USING THEM FOR ABOUT
CR>A YEAR. HOWEVER, THAT WAS WITH CODEBLUE (/A/V/S/C/L) AND
CR>***DOS 3.10A***.
These are for v1.5. I have ***SERIOUS*** doubts that these work
properly on v2.0. Have you traced TC's program execution before patching
to determine where incompatibilities existed or have you simply applied
the patches blindly and observed that they work (more or less)? I mean,
what reason do you have for patching those portions in TC.EXE?
Several people have told me the IDE from TURBO C v2.0 does ***NOT***
need to be patched to run under Code Blue and DOS v3.10b. (How different
is v3.10a?) The standalone compiler (TCC.EXE) and macro preprocessor
(CPP.EXE) do, however, require patching since both by default take
control of int 18h.
George
---
~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ This space for rent - call (215) 662-0558
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (01/18/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jan 18, 1990 In this issue: SAY WHAT? PATCHING TURBO C (BAD???) Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 01-16-90 (20:12) To: CHRIS RYAN Subject: SAY WHAT? From: RON KRITZMAN You could only use LCTERM under DOS 2.11? Running it under 3.whatever right now, and it worksjust dandy. --- * Origin: Chicago's BIT WIZ Opus HST (AlterNet 445/689) (Opus 1:115/689) ------------------------------ Date: 01-18-90 (08:00) To: CHRIS RYAN Subject: PATCHING TURBO C (BAD???) From: GEORGE THEALL GT>CR>PER ARTICLE IN *RAINBOW NEWS* OF JUNE '88 (VOL5,#4-6), PG. 57, BY CHRIS GT>WALTHE GT>... GT>CR>THIS IS CONTENTS OF DEBUG FILE USED TO PATCH TURBO C. ALTHOUGH CHRIS DID GT>CR>SAY THEY WERE FOR VER. 2.0, THEY DO WORK. I'VE BEEN USING THEM FOR ABOUT GT>CR>A YEAR. HOWEVER, THAT WAS WITH CODEBLUE (/A/V/S/C/L) AND GT>CR>***DOS 3.10A***. GT> GT> These are for v1.5. I have ***SERIOUS*** doubts that these work GT>properly on v2.0. Have you traced TC's program execution before patching GT>to determine where incompatibilities existed or have you simply applied GT>the patches blindly and observed that they work (more or less)? I mean, GT>what reason do you have for patching those portions in TC.EXE? Well, I have this article in front of me now. The patches are for TC.EXE v1.0, not v1.5 as I thought above. I also looked at TC.EXE v2.0 with DEBUG; you should do the same, Chris. You'll see that by applying these patches which were not designed for v2.0 you're changing a stack pointer, a counter, and a few other things that would appear to have NOTHING to do with Rainbow compatibility. Doing so is a ***BAD*** idea. George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ The Answer? That would be telling, Number Six ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (02/02/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Feb 1, 1990 In this issue: RE: PATCHING TURBO C (BAD SEDT V4.0/273 Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 01-29-90 (10:04) To: CHRIS RYAN Subject: RE: PATCHING TURBO C (BAD From: GEORGE THEALL CR>AGAIN, REFER TO THE ARTICLE, AND YOU WILL SEE THAT CHRIS WALTHER WAS REFERR CR>TO THE INTERACTION BETWEEN CODE BLUE AND TURBO C, NOT TURBO C IN A STAND-AL CR>CONFIGURATION. CR>THE ARTICLE SPECIFICALLY REFERS TO THE "INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT" CR>THAT BORLAND USES AS ITS INTERFACE. First, would you please turn off your CAPS LOCK when entering messages? Thanks. Second, let's not confuse things here. I did not say that Chris Walther's patches should be used with the standalone compiler. I have, though, said that the standalone compiler and macro preprocessor do *NEED* to be patched. In fact, I have developed a patch kit for just this. It works with v2.0 of TCC.EXE and CPP.EXE. George --- ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ "El amor es un camino que de repente aparece" ------------------------------ Date: 01-29-90 (21:51) To: ALL Subject: SEDT V4.0/273 From: GARY STEBBINS SEDT V4.0 edit 273 is now available on Glacier Peak Rainbow. Available for FReq. Screen EDiTor Version 4.0(273). Excellent editor - similar to DEC's EDT editor on PDP-11s and VAXes. Fully Tailorable. Has some word processing features, plus programming features. Executables here are for Rainbows & IBM compatibles, VAX/VMS, and ULTRIX (VAX version and DECstation 3xxx version). Please note: SEDT V4.0 is Shareware. Anker is asking for contributions so he can afford to continue development. If you use SEDT, consider paying a little for it. SEDT4DOC.ZIP Documentation Files SEDT4DOS.ZIP MS-DOS executable SEDT4KEY.ZIP MS-DOS Key and Help Files SEDT4VMS.ZIP VAX/VMS Version SEDT4VAX.ZIP Ultrix version for VAX SEDT4MAX.ZIP Ultrix version for DECstation 3xxx SEDT4WPS.ZIP WPS key mapping files (possible problems) SEDT3DOC.ZIP SEDT V3.3 Documentation SEDT3DOS.ZIP SEDT V3.3 for MS-DOS (Rainbow and IBM) SEDT3KEY.ZIP SEDT V3.3 Key files for MS-DOS --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (02/06/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Feb 5, 1990 In this issue: RE: DISK FILES MEMORY UPGRADE Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 02-01-90 (18:07) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: DISK FILES From: AMER NELSON Frank -- you mentioned using Kermit on a PDP-11 to sent files to a Rainbow. I have a friend who is trying to communicate between a PRO350 and a Rainbow using Kermit without success. Something about the " giving him trouble. Sorry I'm vague, but I'm just a humble 'bow user with minimal knowledge of the PDP-11 or the PRO. Help, please. ++ Amer ++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 02-02-90 (19:49) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: MEMORY UPGRADE From: GEORGE COOPER George, The only requirment is that you use like chips in each memory "bank". the Rainbow has three of these banks on the memory extention. you and mix them as you like ie Bank 1 all 256x1, bank 2 64x1 and bank 3 256x1. I have the memory expansion menual on my desk at work. I love the rainbow (im also too lazy and don't see the need to replace it even if I CAN get any system I want). You mentioned that you are a DECie. If so contact me @ SALEM::COOPER_G and I can read this info right out of the book as you need it. Hope to hear from you. George Cooper --- * Origin: Midnight DEC - The place for DEC sales & information (Opus 1:101/45) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (02/08/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Feb 7, 1990 In this issue: ERRATIC RAINBOWS Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 02-06-90 To: ALL Subject: ERRATIC RAINBOWS From: VERNON BAILEY I have noticed several messages during January concerning erratic RB behavior. This may be due to oxidation on the pins of the 8088. The MOSTEK version of the 8088 had silver plated pins. Over a long period, oxidation will build up and cause high resistance contact and will cause just such erractic behavior. I have had to do this 2-3 times to my RB over it's 7 year life. Just carefully remove the 8088 and use a green eraser to clean the pins on the chip and reinsert. If you are using a V20 you wont have this problem. I live on the Gulf Coast so I do not worry about static electricity but, if you live where there is low humidity just keep yourself grounded to the RB while you are cleaning the chip. If there are any other MOSTEK devices plugged in your motherboard, clean them as well. Hope this helps, I know it really buggs you trying to find the cause. I found out because my son was selling semi-conductor devices for TI at the time. GOOD LUCK. --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (02/09/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Feb 8, 1990 In this issue: RE: MEMORY UPGRADE RAINBOW 100A FOR SALE Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 02-05-90 (23:29) To: GEORGE COOPER Subject: RE: MEMORY UPGRADE From: DAN HUSK Hi, George. Just saw your note and wanted to say hello. My name is Dan and I live in Warrenville, SC, near Aiken, SC. I just finished putting together a Dec100 and I too Love it. I also have have a genuine LA-50 printer. Would be interested in acquiring some swap if you have some to swap or trade. Also maybe you can help me with a problem I have with the LA-50. When I am printing a large file apparently it overruns the buffer and starts pring garbage. I was printing out mailing list labels and at about 100 it goes haywire. I do not have a manual, any suggestions would be appreciated.... Thanks, dan --- * Origin: Keep It Simple (Opus 1:360/8) ------------------------------ Date: 02-05-90 (23:53) To: ALL Subject: RAINBOW 100A FOR SALE From: DAVID HARDY Greetings, Not sure what interest there may be, but this seems like the most logical place to try... I have a Rainbow 100A for sale, 256K RAM, extra memory chips, graphics board installed, VR-241 color monitor, extra mono monitor, GOLD keyboard, DF-112 modem, LA-50 printer, (never got around to buying a hard drive; I'm an ex-DECcie and used the system mostly as a dumb terminal for work [and EASYnet NOTES of course], but am now back in grad school and need to raise some funds), assorted software, including WordPerfect 4.1, SAMNA II/III, DBASE III, Lotus 1-2-3, TK!Solver, M-BASIC- 86, Pascal MT+, PolyCOM, and RM/COBOL. I have all manuals, cables, and diskettes. Willing to deliver within southern New England... I'd like to get $1,000.00 for this system, as it has always been in good working order, no major problems, and could be put to good use, I'm sure, by other faithful Rainbow folks, such as I have been for six years...but the price is negotiable. Thanks for your attention. Dave Hardy --- * Origin: Midnight DEC - The place for DEC sales & information (Opus 1:101/45) ------------------------------
BRIAN@UOFT02.BITNET (Brian Nelson) (02/10/90)
I have a Rainbow for sale, it has the regis board, 384K, rd31 (20 meg)
disk. Only software is msdos, as I only use it for Kermit as a terminal.
Any offers?
Brian Nelson
brian@uoft02.utoledo.edu
(419) 537 2841 (work)
(419) 531 7592 (home)
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (02/11/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Feb 10, 1990 In this issue: RE: ERRATIC RAINBOWS Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 02-09-90 (00:44) To: VERNON BAILEY Subject: RE: ERRATIC RAINBOWS From: GARY STEBBINS VB> Just carefully VB>remove the 8088 and use a green eraser to clean the pins on the VB>chip and reinsert. I just wanted to emphasize the eraser type. It's important to use the right eraser. The standard pink erasers usually contain sulfur, and this will CAUSE corrosion problems, not cure them (the same is true for cleaning battery contacts with an eraser). I don't know if there's a specific green eraser you're referring to, but another good eraser to use for cleaning electronic components is the white drafting eraser (like Staedtler makes). -gary- --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (02/13/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Feb 11, 1990 In this issue: XATACH ETC. GUTS, ANYONE??? DECPRINTER III Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 02-10-90 (10:44) To: ALL Subject: XATACH ETC. From: PATRICK FINK What are the programs called X-attach xdetach used for on my Rainbow's Ms-DOS disk? I says something about mini-exchange. What is a Mini-exchange. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 02-09-90 (13:54) To: ALL Subject: GUTS, ANYONE??? From: AMER NELSON I'm not much of a believer in TSR programs and treat them as being extremely dangerous. The other day I used RDISK to create a ram drive of 400K which proved to be too small. I couldn't expand to 500K without first typing RDISK ; and then RDISK 500. I've never liked the fact that SHOWMEM shows that a portion of memory is occupied by "?" after disabling RDISK. I usually do a <SETUP> >CTRL-SETUP> after disabling RDISK just for my own piece of mind. The other night I wasn't thinking and did not. When I was through with my session I parked my heads using BYE. It took a LOOOOOONG time. The next morning I couldn't boot up and CHKDSK showed my HD to be trashed. I'm only guessing that the RDISK/BYE use caused the problem. Anyone out there with a HD with very little on it who wants to try repeating what I did and report your results??? ++ Amer ++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 02-09-90 (20:44) To: ALL Subject: DECPRINTER III From: BOB FULLER Would like to know if a DEC Printer III can be used by a Rainbow. If so, what set up is required on both the printer and the Bow? Also, am looking for a moderately priced LA 50. Please leave message or voice phone # here. Or call my voice at 206-743-3617. Thanks Bob --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (02/16/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Feb 15, 1990
In this issue:
RDISK
XATACH ETC.
9600 DS-HST ON MIDNIGHT D
RE: DECPRINTER III
MS-DOS 3.X FOR RAINBOW? (2 messages)
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus,
you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in
these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this
digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 02-12-90 (14:06)
To: AMER NELSON
Subject: RDISK
From: GEORGE THEALL
AN>I'm only guessing that the RDISK/BYE use caused the problem.
I've never heard of RDISK before but notice it is available on some
PC-oriented bbs's which I frequent. Is it generic MS-DOS? Is there a
separate Rainbow version?
If you're considering switching to another program, let me recommend
ADJRAM. You can adjust the size of virtual disk in 1K increments without
rebooting, although there is a minimum size (either 32K or 64K, I can't
remember). It's great for those times when your programs *NEED* extra
memory.
If you don't have a copy of ADJRAM, I can grab it from our local
user's group library, uuencode it, and send it to you via e-mail. Just
give the word, Amer.
AN>Anyone out there with a HD with very little on it who wants to
AN>try repeating what I did and report your results???
After hearing what RDISK did to you, are you kidding? :-)
George
---
~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet)
------------------------------
Date: 02-11-90
To: PATRICK FINK
Subject: XATACH ETC.
From: DAVID STRICKLER
In a message of <10 Feb 90 10:44:25>, Patrick Fink (1:109/123) writes:
PF>What are the programs called X-attach xdetach used for on my Rainbow's
PF>Ms-DOS disk? I says something about mini-exchange. What is a
PF>Mini-exchange.
They ARE for using a Mini-Exchange, one of the cleverest devices DEC has
ever manufactured for its serial devices. In essence, its a switcher. Up to
seven serial devices and one modem can be plugged into one mini-exchange (ME),
and, throught a series of escape sequences, redirected to one another. Even
if they are at different baud rates etc. The ME is smart enough to refuse
the connect b/c another users has use of that port, and ask if you would like
to wait in queue until the other users disconnects.
If you are interested, I wrote a version of x-attach/detach for any DOS machine
that uses a FOSSIL driver. At the time I needed to have my AT share my many
DEC printers, and also connect the AT and the RB via a serial connection so
as to xfer software via KERMIT. In the end, I also connected it to my VAX.
That put 3 computers and 4 printers on my ME. Nice product!
David Strickler
Sysop of 101/45
Midnight DEC (Boston)
(617)739-0708 [Voice]
--- msged 1.99S ZTC
* Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45)
------------------------------
Date: 02-11-90
To: ALL
Subject: 9600 DS-HST ON MIDNIGHT D
From: DAVID STRICKLER
After quite a bit of struggling, and lots of help from Kevin Porter of Waystar
Midnight DEC now supports 9600 baud via an HST-Dual Standard (HST-DS) modem.
This should allow both Trailblazers and HST modems to connect at 9600 baud.
All files are File REQuestable...
David Strickler
Sysop of 101/45
Midnight DEC (Boston)
(617)739-0708 [Voice]
--- msged 1.99S ZTC
* Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45)
------------------------------
Date: 02-12-90 (21:57)
To: BOB FULLER
Subject: RE: DECPRINTER III
From: BILL MAYHEW
If you mean a DECwriter III, a/k/a LA120, the answer is "yes". You just
have to match up the baud rate and the bits/parity settings; what you set
them to is not so important (though you'll want at least 2400 baud in order
to drive the printer full-tilt), but it is critical that both sides match.
--- QM v1.00
* Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0)
------------------------------
Date: 02-13-90 (11:29)
To: *
Subject: MS-DOS 3.X FOR RAINBOW?
From: BOB ZIRIN
{How can one get MS-DOS 3.x for a Rainbow? I just was given an {old
machine with DOS 2.11 and I would like to upgrade it.
--- QM v1.00
* Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0)
------------------------------
Date: 02-15-90 (11:32)
To: BOB ZIRIN
Subject: MS-DOS 3.X FOR RAINBOW?
From: GEORGE THEALL
BZ>{How can one get MS-DOS 3.x for a Rainbow? I just was given an {old
BZ>machine with DOS 2.11 and I would like to upgrade it.
The only game in town for MS-DOS v3.xx for the Rainbow is Suitable
Solutions. Call them at 408-727-9090 or send email to them at
76666.3003@Compuserve.Com [ask your sysop about mail from FidoNet to the
Internet]. I don't have a price but expect to pay around $125.
George
---
~ EZ 1.26 #263 ~ "All We Are Is Dust In The Wind" - Kansas
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (02/18/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Feb 17, 1990 In this issue: RE: GUTS, ANYONE??? RE: MS-DOS 3.X FOR RAINBO GRAPH PROGRAM NO GUTS -- JUST BRAINS WELL STATED XATACH ETC. LA50 PROBLEMS SALE ITEMS Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 02-11-90 (13:30) To: AMER NELSON Subject: RE: GUTS, ANYONE??? From: CARL HOUSEMAN No guts here! Curiosity, though. Since you always reboot afterwards and hate TSRs, why not use the MDRIVE.SYS device driver? As for SHOWMEM displaying "?" for (I presume) a small area of memory after disabling RDISK, that sounds like RDISK isn't fully removing itself from memory. Do a SHOWMEM/V before and after disabling and you'll probably see that the "?" partition is the same size and in the same location as RDISK's environment. Now, what effect could this have on BYE & your hard disk? Anything's possible since you just reformatted, have you tried repeating the sequence of events youself?!! --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 02-14-90 (10:32) To: BOB ZIRIN Subject: RE: MS-DOS 3.X FOR RAINBO From: BILL MAYHEW Contact Suitable Solutions at 408-727-9090. --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------ Date: 02-15-90 (08:06) To: ANYONE Subject: GRAPH PROGRAM From: FRANK MALLORY I have GRAPH10 (version 1.0) of David Clark's graphing program for the Rainbow Does anyone have a later version? It puts up a graph OK, but then I can't seem to get out of it without rebooting. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 02-14-90 (17:24) To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: NO GUTS -- JUST BRAINS From: AMER NELSON I've adopted a new policy. At the end of a session, before parking the HD heads, I ALWAYS run SHOWMEM and CHKDSK. It must take all of half a minute -- a lot less time than reformatting and reloading. One interesting sidelight -- I was selective in reloading and now have 8.5 MEGS free, not 2.5. Anyone else reading this, remember that those who do not learn from HISTORY or the mistakes of others are doomed to repeat old errors. Something like that -- quotations and TSR's are not my forte. ++ Amer ++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 02-14-90 (17:31) To: BILL MAYHEW Subject: WELL STATED From: AMER NELSON Good reply. Guess you could say that the Mini-Exchange is an ABCDEFG switch box -- with the cable from the Rainbow using port #1. What was the original price for that contraption? I picked one up recently (just for fun) for $40. BTW -- XMODE and XDETACH are also mini-exchange related utilities. ++ Amer ++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 02-14-90 (21:13) To: DAVID STRICKLER Subject: XATACH ETC. From: DON MARQUART > If you are interested, I wrote a version of x-attach/detach for any DOS > machine that uses a FOSSIL driver. At the time I needed to have my AT share > my many DEC printers, and also connect the AT and the RB via a serial > connection so as to xfer software via KERMIT. In the end, I also connected > it to my VAX. That put 3 computers and 4 printers on my ME. Nice product! Sounds very interesting, any chance of getting a copy? Just might solve some problems here interfacing RB's and other machines. Later... --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888) ------------------------------ Date: 02-16-90 To: DAN HUSK Subject: LA50 PROBLEMS From: PAUL OLSON Dan, It could be that your LA50 is overheating. Make sure it isn't sitting on anything. Preferably it should be sitting on a tabletop. Alternatively, you might have lost the controller board within the printer. I've had to have mine replaced. As Always, Paul --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 02-16-90 To: DAVID HARDY Subject: SALE ITEMS From: PAUL OLSON Dave, Would you be willing to sell Lotus separately? I have a need for Lotus,but only have MultiPlan. Let me know. I'll check for a message next weekend. Thanks, Paul --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (02/20/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Feb 19, 1990 In this issue: RE: DECPRINTER III (2 messages) Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 02-15-90 (18:15) To: BILL MAYHEW Subject: RE: DECPRINTER III From: BOB FULLER Thanks for the information. I'm looking for information on a DECPrinter III which I believe is different than a DECWriter III. The ribbon, for example is on spools behind the patten. --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 02-15-90 (19:02) To: BOB FULLER Subject: RE: DECPRINTER III From: GARY STEBBINS BF>Thanks for the information. I'm looking for information on a BF>DECPrinter III which I believe is different than a DECWriter III. I can't remember which model is the DECPrinter III. Can you give the model number? (E.g., LA34, etc.) --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (02/20/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Feb 20, 1990 In this issue: LA-50 OVERRUN PROBLEM RAINBOW 100A FOR SALE RE: DECPRINTER III RE: RDISK RAINBOW IN PACKET (HAM-RA 9600 DS-HST ON MIDNIGHT D XATACH ETC. RE: LOTUS FOR RAINBOW Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 02-17-90 (21:24) To: DAN HUSK Subject: LA-50 OVERRUN PROBLEM From: DAN LEAVITT I just saw your note about an overrun problem on an LA-50 printer. I too have experienced a similar problem, mine began with a blown fuse on the internal circuit board. I had to install a slightly larger fuse to make the printer work at all, and have since had this overrun problem. I have been using the printer successfully with the Baud rate lowered from 4800 to 1200. The intent being to make the serial output slow enough that the printer can keep up. As to the proper fix, I believe that the Printer Ready/Busy signal is not functioning (its output being shorted might explain the need for the larger fuse.) The fix in this case would be to replace the bad interface chip. --- * Origin: VAXCat, Merrimack, NH; Home of the Black VAXCat; (603)424-0923 (Opus 1:132/777) ------------------------------ Date: 02-17-90 (13:15) To: DAVID HARDY Subject: RAINBOW 100A FOR SALE From: DON MARQUART > 4.1, SAMNA II/III, DBASE III, Lotus 1-2-3, TK!Solver, M-BASIC- > 86, Pascal MT+, PolyCOM, and RM/COBOL. I have all manuals, > cables, and diskettes. Willing to deliver within southern > New England... If you don't sell the system as a whole I'd be interested in the Pascal, PolyCOM and RM/Cobol software. Please leave a message if you are interested in seperating any of the above. Thanks... --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888) ------------------------------ Date: 02-16-90 (06:08) To: GARY STEBBINS Subject: RE: DECPRINTER III From: BOB FULLER The only name on the printer was DECPrinter III. I didn't check the back for numbers, though. The stand it was on looked very much like it was part of the printer. The ribbon was on two spools near the back of the machine rather than in a cartridge. Inside on the right was a large motor for positioning the print head. The seller is moving tomorrow and says he doesn't have any use for it and will sell for $50. I appreciate any information you may have. --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 02-17-90 (16:24) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: RDISK From: AMER NELSON I'm NOT REALLY sure that RDISK was the culprit. Yes, it is a generic DOS program. Did I say before that: 1.) I now run CHKDSK and SHOWMEM whenever I power down and 2.) I now have 7.5 MEGS free vs 2.0 and don't miss anything ++ Amer ++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 02-17-90 (23:02) To: ALL Subject: RAINBOW IN PACKET (HAM-RA From: EDMUND DAMON DOES ANYONE KNOW ANYONE RUNNING A RAIBOW AS A PBBS? IF SO COULD U LEAVE ME A NOTE HERE OR AT MARK'S BBS? PLEASE INCLUDE A NAME AND PHONE....FOR ME TO CALL... I'M INTERESTED IN SETTING UP A PBBS ON MY BOW UNDER MS/DOS.. THX FOR UR ATTENTION...DE ED DAMON /KA1QGE PHONE 5086320704 --- * Origin: Midnight DEC - The BBS for DEC sales & information (Opus 1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 02-18-90 To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: 9600 DS-HST ON MIDNIGHT D From: DAVID STRICKLER In a message of <14 Feb 90 20:51:06>, Frank Mallory (1:109/123) writes: FM> DS> connect at 9600 baud. FM>Good luck with Trailblazer connects at 9600! FM>I'm expecting to get a plain 'ol HST from USR any day now. I've had limited sucsess with TBs at 9600. It does work, but you have to know you are calling one and sets things (S=xx) just for that. David Strickler Sysop of 101/45 Midnight DEC (Boston) (617)739-0708 [Voice] --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 02-18-90 To: DON MARQUART Subject: XATACH ETC. From: DAVID STRICKLER In a message of <14 Feb 90 21:13:06>, Don Marquart (1:104/888) writes: DM>Sounds very interesting, any chance of getting a copy? Just might DM>solve some problems here interfacing RB's and other machines. FREQ with MINIEXEC.COM and you'll get the file. It has instructions in it if you supply no command line. I wrote it a few years ago, so treat it with lots of respect for an aging piece of code, and report all bugs here... David Strickler Sysop of 101/45 Midnight DEC (Boston) (617)739-0708 [Voice] --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 02-18-90 To: PAUL OLSON Subject: RE: LOTUS FOR RAINBOW From: ART MCCLINTON I have a copy of Lotus for sale. I can be reached at (703)280-4657(h) or (703)883-6356(o) --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------
thaler@BRIGHTON.EXPRES.NSF.GOV (Al Thaler) (02/20/90)
A question re: hardware. I have a rainbow 100 with a color
VR241 terminal. The terminal-CPU cable has three small single-
strand coax wires connecting to the VR241 with BNC connectors.
Owing to circumstances too complex to describe, and irrelevant as well,
the coax wires were cut. So the questions are, in order:
any idea where I can get a reasonable replacement cable?
any idea where I can find connectors for the coax wires and do
a do-it-myself crimp/solder/splice of the three (RGB) wires?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Al ThalerGTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (02/21/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Feb 21, 1990 In this issue: Hardware Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 02-20-90 (22:39) To: AL THALER Subject: Hardware From: GEORGE THEALL AT>A question re: hardware. I have a rainbow 100 with a color AT>VR241 terminal. The terminal-CPU cable has three small single- AT>strand coax wires connecting to the VR241 with BNC connectors. ... AT>any idea where I can find connectors for the coax wires and do AT>a do-it-myself crimp/solder/splice of the three (RGB) wires? Al, about 2 years ago Jim O'Brien (OBRIEN@VENUS.YCC.YALE.EDU) described to the INFO-DEC-MICRO/comp.sys.dec.micro community how he had connected a NEC Multisync II to a Rainbow. His experiences were summarized in the Sept '88 issue of _Rainbow News_. According to his article, you can order a colour monitor cable from DEC (part # BCC17-06, cost ~60, call 1-800-DIGITAL). Jim also describes how to make your own cable using BNC connectors purchased from a local Radio Shack for a few $$ each. If you need any info about "doing it yourself" but don't have Jim's article, let me know and I'll see if I can be of more assistance. George --- ~ EZ 1.26 #263 ~ El amor es un camino que de repente aparece ------------------------------
kushall.Henr@XEROX.COM (02/22/90)
> re: hardware. I have a rainbow 100 with a color >VR241 terminal. The terminal-CPU cable has three small single- >strand coax wires connecting to the VR241 with BNC connectors. The coax connectors are standard BNC connectors, you can get them at Radio Shack or any other place that sell electronic components. They area solder type connection
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (02/23/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Feb 22, 1990 In this issue: RE: WELL STATED RE: DECPRINTER III (2 messages) RE: HELP Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 02-19-90 (18:07) To: AMER NELSON Subject: RE: WELL STATED From: BILL MAYHEW I believe the MiniExchange used to run $795 (or maybe $695). It's really more than an ABCDEFG switch because any two devices on it can connect themselves together (if they "know how")... so I guess that makes it more like an ABCD-ABCD crossover switch! :-) But the device is something of a PITA. Not fully reliable, and "knowing how to talk to it" requires that the device that wants to, be able to assert/d Data Terminal Ready whenever it wants to change its "connection". And it has some undocumented programming gotchas (e.g. if two devices both request "switching attention" at close to the same time, one of them is flat-out ignored). Still, if I knew where to pick another one up for $40, I'd probably do it! -Bill --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------ Date: 02-19-90 (18:13) To: BOB FULLER Subject: RE: DECPRINTER III From: BILL MAYHEW The DECwriter III also has spools behind the platen. Why don't you check the serial/model-number sticker (silver, probably on the back or bottom of the unit) and see what it says? My handbook says that a DECprinter III is a keyboardless DECwriter III, a/k/a LA120 (which was made in both keyboard-equipped and keyboardless models). But it might also be an L*S*120, which was made for several months before the LA120 was introduced. Then... what did you want to know about it?? Sorry, but I've forgotten. --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------ Date: 02-19-90 (18:19) To: BOB FULLER Subject: RE: DECPRINTER III From: BILL MAYHEW All of the LA120/LS120/LA180, and even the LA36, models match that physical description. --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------ Date: 02-20-90 (07:27) To: JIM HERNOR Subject: RE: HELP From: FRANK MALLORY If you truly have a 100A, the best advice I can give you is to sell it for whatever you can get and buy a 100+, which can be had now for around $300. Short of that, you might try a CP/M based comm program, such as Kermit. The rationale for the above advice is that the 100A interrupt structure conflicts with that of MS-DOS, and that may be causing your problem. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (02/23/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Feb 23, 1990
In this issue:
RX50'S ON IBM'S (2 messages)
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus,
you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in
these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this
digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 02-21-90 (16:19)
To: ALL
Subject: RX50'S ON IBM'S
From: BILL HLIWA
What's the name of the program (and who's got it) that allows RX50's to be
used in IBM 1.2M drives?
--- Sirius 1.0v+
* Origin: * Med TechNet * , Buffalo, NY 716/897-0504 (1:260/10.0)
------------------------------
Date: 02-23-90 (07:58)
To: BILL HLIWA
Subject: RX50'S ON IBM'S
From: GEORGE THEALL
BH>What's the name of the program (and who's got it) that allows RX50's
BH>to beused in IBM 1.2M drives?
There are two of them - RX50.ZIP and RAIND100.ZIP. Both are
available from the INFO-DEC-MICRO file archives via email. [Has anyone
on FidoNet tried this service?] Check for them too on a local bbs near
you.
According to the docs, you'll need an AT-class computer to use RX50;
RAIND100 will work with an XT.
The author of RX50 (Robert F. Morse) grants permission for
non-commercial use of his program; RAINDOS v1.00 is shareware (something
like $15).
George
---
~ EZ 1.26 #263 ~ C code. C code run. Run, code, run... PLEASE!
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (02/25/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Feb 24, 1990 In this issue: A WORD TO THE WISE FROM T RE: DECPRINTER III LA-50 OVERRUN PROBLEM RE: RAINBOW 100A FOR SALE Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 02-20-90 (16:28) To: ALL Subject: A WORD TO THE WISE FROM T From: AMER NELSON Last weekend while working on a spreadsheet I glanced away for a moment and picked up a brief flash from my color monitor. NOTHING ON THE SCREEN ANYMORE. I was ready to take the thing apart -- suspected a bum power supply. My wife came home and suggested we hook up the monitor to her Rainbow with her cable. Voila! The only problem was in the cable. Lesson -- try something that should be obvious, but isn't always. I have a friend with a spare color monitor, so all is well. BTW -- I'm not sure how soon I'll hook up the color monitor again. Don't do that much color graphics and I find the amber monochrome monitor much more pleasing to (and easier on) the eyes. ++ Amer ++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 02-21-90 (00:24) To: BOB FULLER Subject: RE: DECPRINTER III From: GARY STEBBINS BF>The only name on the printer was DECPrinter III. I didn't check BF>the back for numbers, though. The stand it was on looked very BF>much like it was part of the printer. Sounds like the LA120-RO (right option?) which is a printer only, as opposed to the LA120-(something else) which is a full terminal (DECWriter). Yes, as Bill Mayhew stated, it should be fully compatible with the Rainbow. It's designed as a heavy-duty printer, and should last a long time on a Rainbow. --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 02-19-90 To: DAN LEAVITT Subject: LA-50 OVERRUN PROBLEM From: GEOFF REED DL> I just saw your note about an overrun problem on an LA-50 printer. DL>I too have experienced a similar problem, mine began with a blown fuse DL>on the internal circuit board. I had to install a slightly larger DL>fuse to make the printer work at all, and have since had this overrun DL>problem. I have been using the printer successfully with the Baud DL>rate lowered from 4800 to 1200. The intent being to make the serial DL>output slow enough that the printer can keep up. DL> DL> As to the proper fix, I believe that the Printer Ready/Busy signal DL>is not functioning (its output being shorted might explain the need DL>for the larger fuse.) The fix in this case would be to replace the DL>bad interface chip. There's a file called LA-50.zip here on glacier Peak Rainbow that is a zip of a textfile written by Carl Houseman, he outlined a repair for a bad capacit on the circuit board of a LA-50, which is Usually the cause of the overrun problem. if you can use a screwdriver and soldering Iron, this fix will cost you mabye $0.59 in parts and mabye an hours worth of time. --- msged 1.999 * Origin: StarShip_Inconnu, Cruisin' the Stars (1:343/3.1) ------------------------------ Date: 02-21-90 (16:52) To: ERIC SPEARS Subject: RE: RAINBOW 100A FOR SALE From: DAVID HARDY Hi Eric, I am trying to sell the whole unit complete, w/all software, hardware, etc., sorry... As of today, it has appeared in 2 local want-ad papers and 2 local newspapers for about 6 weeks w/no takers... This is in the heart, more or less, of DEC country, too... I am dropping the price of the whole works to $700.00, and I'd like to see it go to another Rainbow user somewhere, rather than attempt to dump it off at a scrap dealer for the quick cash. As I stated in my original ad, I'd be happy to deliver to any point in the southern New England area for the first $700.00 cash... Thanks for your interest... Dave --- * Origin: Midnight DEC - The BBS for DEC sales & information (Opus 1:101/45) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@penndrls.upenn.edu (George A. Theall) (02/27/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Feb 26, 1990 In this issue: RX50'S ON IBM'S (2 messages) LATEST DECBBS.LST RE: DECPRINTER III RE: LA-50 OVERRUN PROBLEM Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 02-23-90 To: BILL HLIWA Subject: RX50'S ON IBM'S From: GEORGE DAHLCO, SYSOP 102/ In a message of <Feb 21 16:19>, Bill Hliwa (1:260/10) writes: BH>What's the name of the program (and who's got it) that allows RX50's to BH>be used in IBM 1.2M drives? Bill, It's called 'RX50.ZIP' on my board, file requestable of course. It allows IBM PC/AT 1.2Mb machines to read/write DEC RX50 MS-DOS Rainbow media, but will not format the RX50 floppy disk. Installs as a device driver in CONFIG.SYS and your 1.2Mb floppy can be accessed as the last virtual drive on the system if it's the last disk driver in CONFIG.SYS. -George, 102/138- --- msged 1.999 * Origin: Western Region VAX EC, RAINBOW/PDP-11 Echo Hub (1:102/138.1) ------------------------------ Date: 02-23-90 To: ALL Subject: LATEST DECBBS.LST From: GEORGE DAHLCO, SYSOP 102/ DECBBS.LST Revision 4.6 - 68 nodes total February 23, 1990 National list of DEC-related BBS Systems. All nodes below are in the National Nodelist as of the above posted date. Some nodes may not be operational. This list has been sorted by Area Code. DEC-related means the board carries at least an interest in DEC products, be it VAX, Rainbow, PDP-11, Echomail or file areas, etc. Legend: * =9600 baud, + =2400 baud, % =1200 baud, - =300 baud ! =Carries either VAX, RAINBOW, or PDP-11 EchoMail Areas. & =Distributes VAX, RAINBOW or PDP-11 EchoMail to other nodes # =Moderates/Coordinates a DEC EchoMail area @ =Node is Mail Only Send corrections, additions, deletions *direct* to 102/138, Long_Island_RB. Please do NOT enter your corrections in EchoMail as they may get missed. -Net/Node- -Board Name- -Phone number- -City,State- -Sysop- 142 723 MoonStar 203-246-2485*! Hartford______CT Lon Stockton 141 491 Naugy Net 203-729-7569*!& Naugatuck_____CT Vince Perriello 343 3 Glacier Peak RB 206-644-8431+! Bellevue______WA Gary Stebbins 343 30 Horsefeathers 206-743-0583*! N.Puget Sound_WA Van VanHorn 132 225 SeaCoast OPUS 207-439-9367+ Kittery_______ME Bill Thomas 010 613 Rainbo Works 209-832-1002% Manteca_______CA Andre Coltrin 102 521 On The Waterfront 213-306-2581+! Marina Del ReyCA Bill Bird 102 138 Long_Island_RB 213-370-4113*!&#Los Angeles___CA George Dahlco 102 139 Beach City RB 213-376-9567*!& Redondo Beach_CA Dan Cannon 102 522 MicroSource 213-391-1351+! Mar Vista_____CA Don Barcus 102 463 Arisia 213-634-4885*! Bellflower____CA Mark Milhollan 124 10 Big D Fido 214-392-1121+ Dallas________TX Dennis Forcier 273 722 Macateria BBS 215-576-5170+! Wyncote_______PA Rob Elkins 261 662 Avi-Technic 301-252-0717*! Lutherville___MD Tom Hendricks 109 657 The Country Store 301-261-4563+ Davidsonville_MD Pat McDonald 261 659 Loyola College 301-532-5117+! Baltimore_____MD John Sottile 261 204 Berkshire Board 301-574-1984*! Essex_________MD Bill Kraski 109 123 Silver Bullett 301-622-2247+! Silver Spring_MD Frank Mallory 261 1008 SyncPoint 301-682-2731+! Baltimore_____MD Bob Gawryck 261 670 Yoda's Realm 301-766-0501+! Glen Burnie___MD Jim Wolfe 100 22 PCLUG 314-576-2743+! St Louis______MO Ken Kaplan 100 16 Mike's Board 314-726-3448+ St Louis______MO Mike Mellinger 100 4 St.LouisUsersGroup314-928-9993+! St Louis______MO Mark Owens 260 223 Hitch Hikers Guide315-589-7361+! Williamson____NY Fritz Howard 291 4 MGBBS 316-684-3010*! Wichita_______KS Don Pangburn 201 5 Access Violation 317-495-4305*! West LafayetteIN Scott Goehring 396 201 CajuNet Connection318-235-3207*! Lafayette_____LA John Cuccia 014 610 Omaha Fido 402-348-7603% Omaha_________NE Jim Singer 143 24 NUG Board 408-978-5667+! San Jose______CA Bill MacAllister 129 15 DEC-User 412-469-2468+!&#Pleasnt Hills_PA John Vukovic 129 38 SYS$OUTPUT BBS 412-854-0511+! Library_______PA Kevin Barkes 154 600 Far->Pointer->DEC 414-962-9425+! Milwaukee_____WI John Spiegel 125 20 SeaHunt BBS 415-343-5904*! Burlingame____CA Michael Nelson 322 14 WayStar 508-481-7147*! Marlboro______MA Kevin Porter 321 153 Locks Hill BBS 508-544-8337+! Locks_Hill____MA Robert Heller 016 390 Zorro The Malamute508-653-9628+! Wayland_______MA Ken Levitt 382 35 LoneStar CBCS 512-258-3643*! Austin________TX Steve Shapiro 160 203 City Lights BBS 512-855-0451*! Corpus_ChristiTX Jack Kerouac 110 73 Neutral Zone QBBS 513-253-2017+! Kettering_____OH Dave Sharp 290 627 Fog Line 515-964-7937*! Ankeny________IA Dan Buda 361 1 Cntrl Mississippi 601-638-2737%! Vicksburg_____MS Don Bach 015 1002 UofA CAG 602-621-2097% Tucson________AZ Robert MacArthur 114 18 Iasd_End BBS 602-863-5088+! Phoenix_______AZ John Valentyn 114 13 Corwin's Keep 602-894-1470+! Tempe_________AZ Paul Coppinger 114 19 PUHSD_OPUS_BBS 602-921-2438%! Tempe_________AZ Rick Southard 114 3 Genoa City 602-945-0869*! Tempe_________AZ Duke Clarke 132 777 VAXCat 603-424-0923*!&#Merrimack_____NH Mark Buda 132 119 Cuckoo's Nest 603-880-1658*! Hudson________NH Gordon Green 132 615 Wizard's Castle 603-883-1596+ Windham_______NH Paul Gilberti 132 107 M'Cycle Bytes 603-889-3366+! Amherst_______NH Robert Nilson 101 45 Midnite DEC 617-227-5428+!&#Brookline_____MA David Strickler 101 115 The Rainbows Edge 617-551-0495*!& Westwood______MA Jim Greely 101 111 Island Logistics 617-631-3304+! Marblehead____MA Mark Bornstein 101 27 Dave's Fido 617-632-1861+! Gardner_______MA David Rene 202 698 StarBase 23 619-560-2996*! San Digeo_____CA Mike Nielsen 109 483 The Pot of Gold 703-359-6549+! Fairfax_______VA Kurt Reisler 109 74 The Bear's Den 703-671-0598+! Falls Church__VA Kurt Reisler 106 114 The Fireside Opus 713-496-6319+! Houston_______TX Bob Davis 106 503 Over The Rainbow 713-820-5105+! Houston_______TX John Lellis 260 10 Med TechNet 716-897-0504+! Buffalo_______NY Bill Hliwa 128 58 CS-DEPOT 719-550-9305+! Colorado_SpngsCO Dan O'Reilly 360 8 Keep It Simple 803-648-4281+!& Aiken_________SC Ed Ridpath 102 3131 Lancaster TBBS 805-948-8047+! Lancaster_____CA Tracy Huston 371 13 archonRAINBOW 813-939-3394*! Ft. Meyers____FL Dave Corthell 102 931 Joe's BBS 818-768-2145*!@ Sun Valley____CA Joe Streiff 163 226 R&D BBS 819-778-3856*! Hull,Quebec__CAN Douglas Murray 203 34 Now and Zen OPUS 916-962-1952*! Fair Oaks_____CA John Lamb 151 124 CAROLINA TRACON 919-469-1864*! Cary__________NC Richard Best NOTES: . 9600 baud typically implies operation also at 2400, 1200 and 300 baud. . 2400 baud typically implies operation also at 1200 and 300 baud. . 1200 baud typically implies operation also at 300 baud. . All above boards not recently verified; if they exist in the Fido National Nodelist they are assumed to be in operation. . EchoMail carriers have message bases in which a message entered on that particular board in certain message areas is moved between several or many other boards carrying the same EchoMail Conference. Messages are typically not private, and therefore are seen by many other users. The user is cautioned about this feature of EchoMail. . No responsibility is assummed for any of the above information; all information is in the Public Domain as of this writing and therefore available free to anyone who wishes it. No copyright, trademark, rights or authority is imposed or infringed upon by, on, or in this document and no responsibility is assummed for it's distribution or accuracy. Distribution, updates, and corrections are encouraged, however. . If you don't feel like sorting this list to taste, it is available from 102/138 in various sorted forms: DECBBS.NOD - sorted by Net/Node number DECBBS.NAM - sorted by name of bulletin board DECBBS.PHO - sorted by area code, phone number DECBBS.STA - sorted by State DECBBS.SYO - sorted by Sysop's name File requesting DECBBS.* gets them all. . Current DEC related EchoMail Conference Coordinators/Moderators are: PDP-11: Mark Buda, 132/777 RAINBOW: Dave Strickler, 101/45 VAX WEST: George Dahlco, 102/138 VAX EAST: John Vukovic, 129/15 . DEC is a trademark of Digital Equipment Corporation. --- msged 1.999 * Origin: Western Region VAX EC, RAINBOW/PDP-11 Echo Hub (1:102/138.1) ------------------------------ Date: 02-23-90 (07:49) To: GARY STEBBINS Subject: RE: DECPRINTER III From: FRANK MALLORY According to the 1985 edition of DEC's Terminals & Printers Handbook, the DECwriter III is indeed the LA120. However, the term refers to all three versions: LA120DA, LA120-RA, and LA120-RB. The main thing is to make sure that it has an RS232 interface, because there were some options that are not compatible with the Rainbow. This can be determined by inspecting the connectors on the back of the printer. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 02-23-90 (09:40) To: BILL HLIWA Subject: RX50'S ON IBM'S From: MARK BORNSTEIN In a message of <21 Feb 90 16:19:24>, Bill Hliwa (1:260/10) writes: >What's the name of the program (and who's got it) that allows RX50's to >be used in IBM 1.2M drives? It is called RX50.ZIP, and it is on my BBS. If you are running a Compaq machine there is one for that machine called RX50CPAK.ZIP They are both in my DOS area 3. Or you can freq them. ...mark --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Island Logistics (617) 631-3304 (1:101/111) ------------------------------ Date: 02-22-90 (21:12) To: GEOFF REED Subject: RE: LA-50 OVERRUN PROBLEM From: CARL HOUSEMAN > LA-50.ZIP ... a zip of a textfile written by Carl Houseman, he > outlined a repair for a bad capacitor ... I'd like to take the credit for it Geoff, but I didn't write it. In fact, I logged in here to make sure I hadn't started writing things in my sleep! The credit goes to K.H. Hawkins, with modifications by Frank Mallory, and originally published in the Boston Area Rainbow News. --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@penndrls.upenn.edu (George A. Theall) (02/28/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Feb 27, 1990 In this issue: HI Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 02-26-90 (02:13) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: HI From: DAVID HUGHES George, wante to let you know that I have UFGate running. FInally. A lot of heartburn, but it is now churning along. Slick too. david hughes uucp: oldcolo!david --- QECHO/Ommm with QuickBBS V2.62 * Origin: The CS-DEPOT BBS System (719)550-9305 (1:128/58) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (03/02/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Mar 1, 1990 In this issue: RE: RX50'S ON IBM'S Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 02-24-90 (22:29) To: BILL HLIWA Subject: RE: RX50'S ON IBM'S From: JOHN VUKOVIC > What's the name of the program (and who's got it) that allows > RX50's to be used in IBM 1.2M drives? You need to find a copy of a file called RX50.ARC (Of course these days it may be RX50.ZIP or RX50.LZH) The package includes a driver you put in CONFIG.SYS and a program that5 will let you put MS-DOS directories on pre-formatted RX50s. What you end up with is complete read/write compatability between your AT-style 1.2meg floppy drive and your Rainbow's RX50 drives. So check your favorite Rainbow-oriented BBS for the package named above. If you can't locate it, drop another note in this echo and I'll tell you the name and number of a BBS that does have it for sure. It's worth it. --- * Origin: SYS$OUTPUT BBS * Library, PA * 412-854-0511 * (Opus 1:129/38) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (03/04/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Mar 2, 1990 In this issue: MS-KERMIT V3 AVAILABLE (2 messages) Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 02-25-90 (21:55) To: ALL Subject: MS-KERMIT V3 AVAILABLE From: GARY STEBBINS MS-Kermit V3 for the Rainbow is available here for download or File Request as MSVRB1.ZIP. The documentation for MS-Kermit V3 is available from Digital Press, "Using MS-DOS KERMIT", order number EY-C204E-DP. The V2.32 documentation is availabl here as file MSKERDOC.ZIP. --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 03-02-90 (11:24) To: GARY STEBBINS Subject: MS-KERMIT V3 AVAILABLE From: GEORGE THEALL GS>The documentation for MS-Kermit V3 is available from Digital Press, Gary, do you know whether a doc file for v3.00 will ever be released? Are users expected to purchase the book and forego on-line documentation? George --- ~ EZ 1.26 #263 ~ "Facts are stupid things" - R. Reagan ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (03/05/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Mar 4, 1990
In this issue:
RE: LATEST DECBBS.LST
RE: MS-KERMIT V3 AVAILABL
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus,
you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in
these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this
digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 02-28-90
To: BILL HLIWA
Subject: RE: LATEST DECBBS.LST
From: GEORGE DAHLCO, SYSOP 102/
In a message of <Feb 26 08:29>, Bill Hliwa (1:260/10) writes:
BH> GDS> 260 10 Med TechNet 716-897-0504+! Buffalo_______NY Bill Hliwa
BH>You might want to update this to reflect the HST on Med TechNet, which
BH>has been here for quite some time.
Bill,
Done. I urge all of you guys to keep me updated. Thanks for the input...
-Geoegr, 102/138-
--- msged 1.999
* Origin: Western Region VAX EC, RAINBOW/PDP-11 Echo Hub (1:102/138.1)
------------------------------
Date: 03-02-90 (01:49)
To: GARY STEBBINS
Subject: RE: MS-KERMIT V3 AVAILABL
From: CARL HOUSEMAN
re: documentation for V3 from Digital Press
Is there not to be any machine readable documentation distributed for new
MS-Kermit's from now on?
---
* Origin: SYS$OUTPUT BBS * Library, PA * 412-854-0511 * (Opus 1:129/38)
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (03/05/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Mar 5, 1990 In this issue: SUITABLE RE: WAY TO GO LPQ03 DOCS SUITABLE SOLUTIONS Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 03-01-90 (19:47) To: ALL Subject: SUITABLE From: DAVID HUGHES Could someone give me the number for Suitable SOftware SOlutions? Is this the correct biz name? Would like to inquire about some supplies. tx in advance, david --- QECHO/Ommm with QuickBBS V2.62 * Origin: The CS-DEPOT BBS System (719)550-9305 (1:128/58) ------------------------------ Date: 03-02-90 (19:58) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: WAY TO GO From: DAVID HUGHES Yes George, have newsfeeds. The works. I saw your reply via uucp, but my reply back to you was bounced back and ended up in daemon. I will try and send another via uucp, but it was with the 'r' command and it should have rerouted it back. Anyway, it is running with BinkleyTerm/Opus/Qmailer. I have been having no luck having the Unix side dial in and invoke uuslave. BinkleyTerm for some reason will not take the command to invoke the external mail errorlevel I have defined. I can do it by hand and have BinkleyTerm drop to uuslave and I get to the 'Shere'. . . but when I tell the Unix ssystem to do it, BinkleyTerm won't recognize it. And if you've ever tried to get an L.SYS to work in Unix, you know what a pain that can be. Otherwise, it is working pretty well. Was really happy when the first bundle of newfeeds came in and posted in to Opus. That was a happy moment. You poll your manually though right? You don't have a uucp system poll you, is this right as I remember? Also, you suggested I write something about my experiences of bring up UFGate. Um, you think anyone would want to see it? david hughes --- QECHO/Ommm with QuickBBS V2.64 * Origin: The CS-DEPOT BBS System (719)550-9305 (1:128/58) ------------------------------ Date: 03-01-90 (11:10) To: ALL Subject: LPQ03 DOCS From: ANNETTE MISKIMENS I have just acquired a used LQP03 printer with no manual. The switches have been changed -- the previous owner was trying to get it to work on a differen computer. It was working fine on the Rainbow before this took place but I need to know how to reset the switches properly. I would really like to have documentation for this printer. If anyone has a manual available or one to copy, I would appreciate hearing from you. At the moment, however, the switch settings are my prime concern. Thanks for any help... --- TMail v1.13 * Origin: Total Access Board 138/103 Tacoma, Wa (206)472-9884 (1:138/103) ------------------------------ Date: 03-05-90 (08:26) To: DAVID HUGHES Subject: SUITABLE SOLUTIONS From: GEORGE THEALL DH>Could someone give me the number for Suitable SOftware SOlutions? Suitable Solutions can be reached at 408-727-9090 via AT&Tnet or 76666.3003@Compuserve.Com via Internet. George --- ~ EZ 1.26 #263 ~ C code. C code run. Run, code, run... PLEASE! ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (03/06/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Mar 6, 1990 In this issue: TURBO PASCAL ECHO PERFORMANCE FOR FEBR LPQ03 DOCS Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 03-03-90 (16:25) To: ALL Subject: TURBO PASCAL From: RICH HUEBNER Does anyone know where I can find Turbo Pascal for the Rainbow 100+ I need a GOOD deal on the price..... Thanks, Rich --- * Origin: WayStar BBS (Opus 1:322/14) ------------------------------ Date: 03-02-90 To: ALL Subject: ECHO PERFORMANCE FOR FEBR From: GEORGE DAHLCO, SYSOP 102/ Just an update of what went through in February 1990: QMStat EchoMail traffic report for 1:102/138, 03/01/1990 00:52:23 Period: 02/02/1990 to 03/01/1990 AREA NAME TOTAL AVERAGE DUPES MAX/DAY MIN/DAY TRAFFIC FLAGS ------------------ ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- VAX 183 5 0 68 1 0.4% RAINBOW 74 2 0 27 1 0.2% PDP-11 2 0 0 1 0 0.0% * -George, 102/138- --- msged 1.999 * Origin: Western Region VAX EC, RAINBOW/PDP-11 Echo Hub (1:102/138.1) ------------------------------ Date: 03-04-90 To: ANNETTE MISKIMENS Subject: LPQ03 DOCS From: FRANK MALLORY AM> I would really like to have documentation for this printer. If anyone AM> has a manual available or one to copy, I would appreciate hearing from AM> you. At the moment, however, the switch settings are my prime concern. There is an LPQ03 printer stacked up with my VT180 awaiting its lucky new owner to pick them up. Its manuals are EK-LQP03-UG-002 and -RM-001; suggest you try obtaining them from DEC. Here is a summary of the switch settings: CONFIGURATION SWITCH PACK 1 SP1-1, SP2-2, SP2-3 control baud rate. Set them to rear, front, front for the Rainbow (4800 baud). SP1-4 controls printer self-test; set to rear for normal use. SP1-5 selects stop bits; set to front position for Rainbow. SP1-6 controls data length; rear position for 8-bit data. SP1-7, SP1-8 control parity. Set both to front position for space. CONFIGURATION SWITCH PACK 2 SP2-1, -2, -3, and -4 select printwheel language code. Set all to rear for US/ASCII SP2-8 is the printer identifier switch. Front = LQP02 (factory setting), and rear = LQP03. That should do it. --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (03/11/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Mar 10, 1990 In this issue: LA100 PRINTERS RE: TURBO PASCAL TURBO PASCAL (2 messages) Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 03-05-90 (10:15) To: ALL Subject: LA100 PRINTERS From: DAVID HEID Just picked up an LA100 and I am getting some backward ? Does the LA100 have a similar problem as the LA50 with the capacitor blowing out. I have repaired the LA50 with similar problems but the LA100 is foreign to me. Also the setup key doesnt respond. The LA100 is a keyboard version and I am curious whether the cartriges are available(reasonably) and if they would be worth acquiring. Would appreciate any help. Thanks --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 03-05-90 (07:58) To: RICH HUEBNER Subject: RE: TURBO PASCAL From: CHRIS RYAN If you want a copy of Turbo Pascal 3.01 (Rainbow release of 3.0), Alpha Systems in San Jose, CA has all rights to it (contract with Borland). About a year ago it was ~$100.00, and avail in CP/M or MS-DOS versions. Their phone number is (408)297-5583. Hope it helps. --- QM v1.00 * Origin: ; (1:102/139.0) ------------------------------ Date: 03-06-90 To: RICH HUEBNER Subject: TURBO PASCAL From: MAYNARD MARQUIS In a message of < 3 Mar 90 16:25:32>, Rich Huebner (1:322/14) writes: > Does anyone know where I can find Turbo Pascal for the Rainbow 100+ >I need a GOOD deal on the price..... Turbo Pascal 5.5 for the IBM has a command line compiler that runs on the DEC Rainbow. You cannot use some of the units such as CRT, though. I think you lose the debugger support as well. I'm not aware of a Rainbow specific version 5.0 that runs the integrated development environment. Good luck. Is anyone aware of a BGI graphics driver for the Rainbow? --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: TeleTalk BBS 14.4 *HST*(203-674-1802) (1:142/328) ------------------------------ Date: 03-10-90 (21:54) To: MAYNARD MARQUIS Subject: TURBO PASCAL From: GEORGE THEALL MM>I'm not aware of a Rainbow specific version 5.0 that runs the integra MM>development environment. Good luck. While the commandline version of TURBO Pascal v5.0 runs fine "as-is" on the Rainbow, the IDE requires Code Blue. John Lellis said here last November that his board (Over the Rainbow... 1:106/503) had available for download Rainbow-specific CRT and GRAPH units. MM>Is anyone aware of a BGI graphics driver for the Rainbow? How different is a BGI graphics driver from the GRAPH.TPU that comes with TURBO Pascal? Jim O'Brien of Yale has written a graphics unit for TURBO Pascal which supposedly replicates the functionality of Borland's own GRAPH.TPU. George --- ~ EZ 1.26 #263 ~ El amor es un camino que de repente aparece ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (03/12/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Mar 12, 1990 In this issue: RE: MS-KERMIT V3 AVAILABL RE: LA100 PRINTERS LQP03 SWITCHES LA 50 ADVICE NEEDED RE: MS-DOS 3.X FOR RAINBO (2 messages) Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 03-09-90 (00:35) To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: RE: MS-KERMIT V3 AVAILABL From: GARY STEBBINS Carl, George, I don't know if there will be MS-Kermit V3 docs available or not. So far the only thing I've seen is the book. If I find any machine readable document I'll post information here, and have it available for download on Glacier Peak. -gary- --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 03-10-90 (09:38) To: DAVID HEID Subject: RE: LA100 PRINTERS From: TONY BUSTOS Hi. Before looking at the hardware end, try using RESPORTS, which resets the AUX and PRN ports. If you can't get it at Glacier Peak, try SF DEC at (415) 981-3325. Hope this helps... --- QM v1.00 * Origin: ; (1:102/139.0) ------------------------------ Date: 03-10-90 To: ANNETTE MISKIMENS Subject: LQP03 SWITCHES From: FRANK MALLORY OK, here are the switch settings, looking at them from the front of the print ^^^^vvvv ^vv^v^vv I had assumed that the switch blocks were marked, as on the LA50; but I see they aren't. Also, the switches are reverse of what you would expect (i.e., switch block 2 is leftmost). Hope this lets you get it into operation. --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 03-09-90 (21:49) To: ALL Subject: LA 50 ADVICE NEEDED From: BOB FULLER Just aquired an LA 50 that works fine excpet for the following. Setport: when using the SETPORT program, my screen reads that the LA 50 is not on (it is) and the SETPORT changes are not made. Feed: single sheets are not fully advancing, line by line. Seems the patten is not gripping the paper firmly enough. Would appreciate any suggestions on how to overcome these challenges. --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 03-10-90 (07:43) To: GEOFF REED Subject: RE: MS-DOS 3.X FOR RAINBO From: DAVID MAROUN I have used the Rainbow MS-DOS 3.10, and my remarks were about it. It IS slow, it DOES use far too much memory and disk space, and I do not like it! The operating system is a gimmick to get you to buy more hardware. You can get the effect of a large hard disk partition with MS-DOS 2.11 by appropriate use of the PATH command, possibly supplemented by the public domain DPATH program--that is, if you are want to use those huge programs that MS-DOS has spawned. Even people in the business admit that a 10 megabyte hard disk is adequate and they are pushing the bigger ones only to keep in business. That remark has appeared in computer newspapers. A 32 megabyte partition does not make sense with a smaller hard disk. I do much of my computing on a Tandy Color Computer which has no disks at all. I know that I do not need a fancy operating system and huge disks to write letters or keep track of personal finances. --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 03-10-90 (13:59) To: DAVID MAROUN Subject: RE: MS-DOS 3.X FOR RAINBO From: CARL HOUSEMAN re: MS-DOS 3.xx written in C? Significantly slower? When you upgraded, did you happen to leave out BUFFERS=20 in your CONFIG.SYS? What in tarnation are you talking about? I've used both versions on IBM-PCs and Rainbows, and while there is a small increase in memory requirements (about 12K, as Geoff said), if much of the o/s as written in C, you'd see a BIG increase in memory usage. MS-DOS 3.xx was definitely NOT written for 80286 class machines. There is no significant speed difference on the Rainbow (the system I have most experience with) and the differences between Rainbow & IBM as far as 90% of the o/s code goes is nil. Perhaps you're thinking of OS/2! --- * Origin: SYS$OUTPUT BBS * Library, PA * 412-854-0511 * (Opus 1:129/38) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (03/15/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Mar 15, 1990 In this issue: RE: LA 50 ADVICE NEEDED (2 messages) Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 03-12-90 (07:57) To: BOB FULLER Subject: RE: LA 50 ADVICE NEEDED From: FRANK MALLORY > Setport: when using the SETPORT program, my screen reads > that the LA 50 is not on (it is) and the SETPORT changes > are not made. Sounds like something wrong with your copy of SETPORT. You might try SETLA50 instead. > Feed: single sheets are not fully advancing, line by line. > Seems the patten is not gripping the paper firmly enough. Take off the front cover, and you will see a lever with red head on the right. Pull it toward the front to increase clearance between the print head and the paper. That might help by decreasing the drag against the paper. But the basic problem with these printers is that most have been in service for many years and are wearing out. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 03-12-90 (00:20) To: BOB FULLER Subject: RE: LA 50 ADVICE NEEDED From: GARY STEBBINS BF>Setport: when using the SETPORT program, my screen reads that BF>the LA 50 is not on (it is) and the SETPORT changes are not made. I never had problem when I had my LA50. Is the LA50 online (I know, this seems obvious; but I frequently turned my LA50 on, loaded the paper, and then ran SETPORT before turning it online)? If not, SETPORT will indicate it's not on. Are you using a full cable? I don't think SETPORT cares about the modem control signals, but that's always a possibility. -gary- --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (03/19/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Mar 18, 1990 In this issue: RE: HARDWARE RE: LA 50 ADVICE NEEDED LQP03 RAINBOW KEYBOARD Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 03-16-90 (22:21) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: HARDWARE From: ROD LANE The Coax is similar to RG-174. It is pretty standard stuff in the video world. See if you can find someone at a TV station or network to help you out. They'd have the crimp tools and connectors to get you hooked back up. The tool's kind of expensive. Jensen tools out of Tempe Arizona has the tools and connectors if you can't find any other help. --- Opus-CBCS 1.10.vi.x * Origin: Naugy-Net, WOC'in and Bink'in forever! (1:141/491.0) ------------------------------ Date: 03-15-90 (05:49) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: LA 50 ADVICE NEEDED From: BOB FULLER Thanks for your suggestions. Here is some additional information SETPORT does not change printer settings. I've tried it on two different computers with SETPORT coming from two different sources. Also have tried changing settings with my word processer(FREESTYLE) with no change. For example, it will print bold but not enhanced. Freestyle works fine with my LA 100 as do both copies of SETPORT. Have also tried changing settings using the Print Option Setup function of Multiplan V3. Still no change. Single sheet FEED does not advance evenly. Your suggestion of adjusting patte pressure with the red lever sounds like it might work. It is now full forward I'll try different settings today to see if it makes a difference. Your suggestions are very much appreciated. I'm open to any others. Bob --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 03-14-90 (12:17) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: LQP03 From: ANNETTE MISKIMENS I am finally on my way and the LQP03 seems to work just fine. The switch settings you sent last time did the trick. Then this morning I found the necessary information to install WordStar for use with the LQP03. There was a driver for the '02 which I tried and everythi I have tried since installation works well. Now that I have gotten this far, I can really see the need for a tractor feed. One sheet at a time is about it. So I will be on the lookout for a 'good deal' on one. In the meantime, I am very pleased. I couldn't have arrived at this point without your response to my plea for help. I don't know what we would do without this Echo and all the people who still have such a strong interest in the Rainbow. Thanks again for all your assistance!! --- TMail v1.14 * Origin: Total Access Board 138/103 Tacoma, Wa (206)472-9884 (1:138/103) ------------------------------ Date: 03-16-90 (07:24) To: ALL Subject: RAINBOW KEYBOARD From: PATRICK FINK I need a new keyboard, anyone have a extra one I can buy? -pAT --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (03/23/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Mar 22, 1990 In this issue: Rainbow GIF Viewer RE: Changing port config Help for new 'bow user Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 03-22-90 (15:23) To: PAUL NANKERVIS Subject: Rainbow GIF Viewer From: GEORGE THEALL PN>Does any-one know where I can obtain a GIF viewer for a Rainbow, PN>or do I have to write one myself? There's one called RBGIF.ARC. Trouble is, I don't know where to find it off-hand. INFO-DEC-MICRO doesn't have it, and my local link with the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet appears to be down. If you don't get a better lead in the next few days, I suggest you call Caroline Mack of _Rainbow News_. Last I heard she could be reached at +1 618 632 1143. BTW: The question seems to pop up every once in a while, so if you find something please let us know. George --- ~ EZ 1.26 #263 ~ Without waves there would be no change ------------------------------ Date: 03-22-90 (15:31) To: ALAN WATSON Subject: RE: Changing port config From: GEORGE THEALL AW>I have tried doing the <SHIFT><S> in setup but the computer beeped AW>implying that it was an illegal keystroke. And after the reset the AW>parameters were back to the default. Hmmm, did you hold down <SHIFT> while typing <S>? This should work regardless of which model Rainbow you have. AW>If there is some way of setting the parameters in AW>autoexec.bat that would solve the problem as well. In the INFO-DEC-MICRO file archives on DRYCAS.CLUB.CC.CMU.EDU you could look at BAUD.ZIP. I believe it only sets the baud rate of the comm port, though. Other than this, look into a keystroke simulator used in combination with SETPORT. One possibility, I believe, is Carl Houseman's AUTOTYPE utility, included in RB-BUFFR.ZIP on DRYCAS. George --- ~ EZ 1.26 #263 ~ El amor es un camino que de repente aparece ------------------------------ Date: 03-22-90 (15:41) To: WADE KEMP Subject: Help for new 'bow user From: GEORGE THEALL LD> Is there an online FTP'able site for software? Yes, Rob Locke maintains an archive of Rainbow software submitted to INFO-DEC-MICRO. You can access the stuff via anonymous FTP from DRYCAS.CLUB.CC.CMU.EDU. Once you've logged in, issue the command "CD [.INFO-DEC-MICRO]" (skip the quotes) and grab the first two files. LD> Where can I buy an upgrade to MS-DOS ? Suitable Solutions is the only game in town. They can be reached by phone at +1 408 727 9090 or via email as 76666.3003@Compuserve.Com. I believe the cost of DOS v3.10 is $125, but don't quote me on it. LD> What hardware is out there for the 'bow? Most of what there is comes from Suitable Solutions. They do a tremendous job of supporting Rainbows. Want a drive capable of reading IBM disks? Get their I-Drive. Want to soup up your Rainbow with a 286 chip? Talk to them about their Turbow board. Interested in Windows for the 'bow? They sell a kit for it. LD> Is CPM for the 'bow still available ?? Yeah, I suppose so. But why bother? BTW: Since you're new to Rainbows, I suggest you do two things. First, get a hold of archived messages from INFO-DEC-MICRO and read thru them. Look in [.digests] on DRYCAS. Second, spend $35 and subscribe to _Rainbow News_, which is the best source of printed info for Rainbow users. Call +1 618 632 1143 for more info. George --- ~ EZ 1.26 #263 ~ C code. C code run. Run, code, run... PLEASE! ------------------------------ --- BITNET: GTHEALL@PennDRLS Dept. of Economics Internet: GTHEALL@PennDRLS.UPenn.Edu University of Pennsylvania AT+TNet: +1 215 898 3419 Philadelphia, PA 19104-3987
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (03/28/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Mar 27, 1990 In this issue: RE: MS-DOS 3.X FOR RAINBO (3 messages) RE: TURBO PASCAL RE: OPUS 1.10 / RB'S Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 03-25-90 (09:57) To: DAVID MAROUN Subject: RE: MS-DOS 3.X FOR RAINBO From: FRANK MALLORY DM> Try running CHKDSK under MS-DOS 3.10 in a subdirectory on a hard disk. DM> I tried it on a 10 megabyte hard disk (an ST412) and thought that the DM> computer had crashed. After reboting and trying again, I realized that DM> the program really did take a long time. I don't understand why CHKDSK is taking so long for you. Perhaps your HD needs to be defragmented? I just timed it on my RD53 and find it takes 53 secs; that's with 32MB, 60 directories, 4,898 files. I'm going to try it again after defragging; also, with BUFFERS=1 as used by you. --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 03-25-90 To: DAVID MAROUN Subject: RE: MS-DOS 3.X FOR RAINBO From: FRANK MALLORY DM> I have made the tests, and I have stated the facts. As for the buffers DM> assignment, I use BUFFERS=1 for MS-DOS 3.10, since I have seen tests DM> involving different values for the assignment, and the results are so DM> slightly different that setting up buffers is not worth the trouble. DM> I would use BUFFERS=0, but MS-DOS does not allow that assignment. I tried CHKDSK on both partitions of my Miniscribe 3650 with the results shown below. The 8MB partition has 28 dirs, 447 files; whereas the 32MB partition has 41 dirs, 1066 files. This was done both before and after defragging, with no significant time differences (however, my disk was not very heavily fragmented to start). I was originally using BUFFERS=50; after getting those figures, I rebooted with BUFFERS=1 and retimed CHKDSK. Tried again with BUFFERS=20. Here are the results: 8MB 32MB Buffers: 1 20 50 1 20 50 Time (sec) --- 7 9 228 18 22 I didn't run CHKDSK with BUFFERS=1 on the 8MB partition, because when I ran it on the 32MB it sounded like the drive was about to self-destruct. But boot-up and SEDT, both of which run from the 8MB partition, were noticeably slower. My conclusion is that the time taken by CHKDSK varies directly with the number of files in the partition and is an inverse function of the number of buffers up to some point. After these experiments, I set the number of buffers to 20 (which is the same as what I was using on my RD53). I recommend you set BUFFERS=20, reboot, and retry CHKDSK. Let us know the results. --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 03-24-90 (20:05) To: DAVID MAROUN Subject: RE: MS-DOS 3.X FOR RAINBO From: VAN VANHORN OK, I decided that this nonsense had gone on long enough. I shut the board down and ran CHKDSK from MS-DOS 3.10, 2.11, and 2.05. The hard disk capacity is 38.5 Megs, partitioned as 32 Megs on E: and 6.5 Megs on F:. Under 3.10, CHKDSK reported full stats on the E: partition in 1:02, and the F: partition in less that :02. Under 2.11, CHKDSK scrolled like mad on the E: partition, and reported properl in :04.5 on the F: partition. Under 2.05, CHKDSK reported propable non-DOS disk on E:, then immediately found 22 megs of lost clusters. On F: it found 9 megs of lost clusters, on a 6.5 Meg partition! The long and short of it is that CHKDSK is SLOWER under 2.11 when it works. Of course, that isn't really all that meaningful, since you only need to run CHKDSK occasionally. I don't pretend to be the world's foremost DOS expert, but I know there are reasons why OPUS can't run under DOS 2.xx. 8 Meg partitions would be a nightm to keep track of when users occasionally upload quarter-meg files. But that doesn't mean YOU need to run DOS 3.xx. You can do what you like. I would prefer that if you truly want to keep your head stuck in the sand that you limit your calling to BBS systems that run under DOS 2.xx. That way I won't ever, ever have to read any of your errant nonsense again. Van Van Horn, Horsefeathers BBS. --- Opus-CBCS 1.10 * Origin: Horsefeathers + The Census? Be creative! + (1:343/30.0) ------------------------------ Date: 03-24-90 (23:22) To: CHRIS RYAN Subject: RE: TURBO PASCAL From: DAVID MAROUN Thanks for filling in the details that slipped my mind when I wrote to you before. I had Turbo Pascal 3 in mind when I wrote my message to you. Note, though, that more recent versions of MS-DOS Turbo Pascal WILL run on a Rainbow in command-line mode; that is, you do not get the built-in edito and other features of the "integrated environment", but you can still compile. --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 03-24-90 (20:17) To: BILL HLIWA Subject: RE: OPUS 1.10 / RB'S From: VAN VANHORN Just go for it. I was up and running 1.10 in less than two hours. I don't want to clutter up this echo on the subject, but the things that didn't fly right off the bat were easier to find than I thought they would be. One of the great things is that I only have to keep one nodelist now, instead of a full list for BINK and a tiny one for OPUS. If you want more details, net mail, or watch for my comments in the MEADOW. Van. --- Opus-CBCS 1.10 * Origin: Horsefeathers + The Census? Be creative! + (1:343/30.0) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (03/30/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Mar 29, 1990 In this issue: RE: LA50 PRINTER (3 messages) OPUS/RAINBOW/DSZ SUITABLE SOLUTIONS'S DEMI LA-50 RE: TURBO PASCAL LQP02 TRACTOR FEED Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 03-25-90 (07:38) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: LA50 PRINTER From: KEN KAPLAN >> Can anyone out there in the big and shrinking Rainbow world tell me if a >> La50 Printer can be made to work with an IBM 386 Clone? > > There's a program FX_LA50.ZIP that lets you do that. What is the difference between FX_LA50.ZIP and a file called LA50.ZIP that contains a file (no DOC's) I presume is a device driver named LA50.DRV. Are these all drivers to run an LA50 on any IBM PC/XT/AT/386 or is it more specifi Also which BBS has FX_LA50.ZIP available for FREQ? Thanks, - Ken - --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: PCR,Personal Computer Rentals * St Louis, Mo. * 314-576-2743 (1:100/ ------------------------------ Date: 03-25-90 (08:21) To: SARAH JONES Subject: RE: LA50 PRINTER From: RON KRITZMAN > Can anyone out there in the big and shrinking Rainbow world tell me if a > La50 Printer can be made to work with an IBM 386 Clone? I don't see why not. I've been using one off and on with my old slow Corona for a while now, when ever my unreliable Anadex WordScribe fails (again). Over on bozo the clone type: mode com[x]:4800,n,8,1,p [cr] then use the command mode lpt1:=com[x]: to reroute the printer to the comm port. THe [x] is which comm port to use. On the LA-50, sw1-6 will switch you from the xon/xoff used by the Rainbow over to the ready/busy used by the clone. Remember to turn the LA-50 off then on in order to make it reread the dip switch. Of course you'll need a cable to go from the comm port ot the LA-50, and the wiring of that will depend on whether the comm port is a 25 pin or a 9 pin plug. Hope this helps. --- * Origin: Chicago's BIT WIZ Opus HST (AlterNet 445/689) (Opus 1:115/689) ------------------------------ Date: 03-27-90 (07:33) To: KEN KAPLAN Subject: RE: LA50 PRINTER From: FRANK MALLORY > What is the difference between FX_LA50.ZIP and a file called > LA50.ZIP that contains a file (no DOC's) I presume is a > device driver named LA50.DRV. Are these all drivers to > run an LA50 on any IBM PC/XT/AT/386 or is it more specific. > Also which BBS has FX_LA50.ZIP available for FREQ? Here, at least, LA50.ZIP contains a setup program for the LA50 that was design to run on the Rainbow. Whether it will also run on the IBM PC, I know not; but I doubt it. I have no idea what LA50.DRV is. You can FReq FX_LA50.ZIP from this board, provided you make this BBS addressab from whatever software you use to do the FReq. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 03-25-90 (15:13) To: ALL Subject: OPUS/RAINBOW/DSZ From: CHRIS RYAN Are there any Rainbow users running OPUS, who are using ODSZxx.* to use DSZ as an external protocol? Is the external protocol going thru the comm fossil, or is it accessing the comm port directly? --- QM v1.00 * Origin: ; (1:102/139.0) ------------------------------ Date: 03-26-90 (11:41) To: ALL Subject: SUITABLE SOLUTIONS'S DEMI From: CHRIS RYAN That's right. Suitable is closing down as of 5/31/90. If you have any interest in anything they carry, you better get on the stick. There are items avail., and they are liquidating the RAINBOW items. The phone number is 408/727-9090 (voice) and 408/727-0823 (fax). A price list is avail. This is making us devotees of the RAINBOW more self sufficient. You better think about IRUG, too, while there is time to do something about it. DEC ain't going to help us nearly as much as these two have. --- QM v1.00 * Origin: ; (1:102/139.0) ------------------------------ Date: 03-27-90 (08:26) To: BOB FULLER Subject: LA-50 From: TOM KEMNITZ Bob, Your problem with the LA-50 sounds like the same one I had. Setport kept returning "Printer isn't on" whenever I tried to change pitch. I was also having a problem with the buffer overflowing which resulted in the LA-50 printing backwards question marks. I was able to stop the buffer from overflo by lowering the baud rate from 4800 to 300, but the Setport problem remained. With the help of Stuart Fuller from the DECPC Sig on Compuserve, I was able to track down the problem to a faulty DC-DC converter on the LA-50 circuit board. It is supposed to output +12VDC and -12VDC to the RS-232 port from a +5VDC input, but mine was putting out less than 1VDC on both the positive and the negative. After searching around for a couple of weeks for a direct replacement (mine was a Fujiken) I gave up and had a friend dig another brand out of the scrap bin where he worked. The pins did not line up with the holes in the circuit board so I just soldered wire leads on the pins and then soldered the leads to the circuit board. It has been working great for about a month now, so it looks like the problem is solved. If you are interested in trying to fix this yourself, leave me a message and I will give you more details. If not, Efficent Field Service in Mass. (800-257-4745) will fix it for $80.00 (I think) if you send just the circuit board. It costs more if you send the whole printer. You can also call ESS in Wisconson (414-255-4634). Tom --- * Origin: Med TechNet: Buffalo, NY 716/897-0504 (Opus 1:260/10) ------------------------------ Date: 03-27-90 (13:00) To: DAVID MAROUN Subject: RE: TURBO PASCAL From: CHRIS RYAN Oh yes, I do run TP5.5, but since I have upgraded to DOS 3.1B, I don't use the IDE. I used to use a patched Turbo C 2.0 (with the TC1.0 patch) under i]DOS 3.1A, but it doesn't display properly now. Oh well. BTW{, in case{ anybody is interested, Alpha Systems not only has rights to Turbo Pascal 3.0, but I believe all of the older Borland products that Borland doesn't sell/support. There are 1 or exceptions, but their intent was to sell & support all of them (ie: older ver. of SideKick). --- * Origin: Long_Island RB (Opus 1:102/138) ------------------------------ Date: 03-27-90 (13:21) To: ALL Subject: LQP02 TRACTOR FEED From: CHRIS RYAN Anybody have a tractor feed for an LQP02 that they wish to sell? Don't know what is a good price, but am not willing to pay to the point that it would be more effective to get ano{ther printer. Respond back on the echo if there is one. --- * Origin: Long_Island RB (Opus 1:102/138) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (04/08/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Apr 7, 1990 In this issue: MS-DOS & CP/M86-80... Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 04-03-90 (23:20) To: ALL Subject: MS-DOS & CP/M86-80... From: DON MARQUART I recently received several copies of CP/M86-80 (2.0) and MS-DOS for the price of the long ride out of town to pick them up and a couple of favors. Most of the sets have disks in them, I'll probably throw in copies for the sets that are short. They are available to anyone for the price of $10 which includes shipping. Hopefully this will help those of you who never received doc's with your Rainbows. Due to the small amount involved please prepay to: Don Marquart 6877 S. Dover Way Littleton, CO 80123 Feel free to call at 303-973-8535 if you have any questions. --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (04/08/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Apr 8, 1990 In this issue: RAINBOW RAM (2 messages) RE: SCHEMATICS FOR 100B RE: DOWNLOADING rainbow communication sof (2 messages) Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do not need to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 04-05-90 (11:51) To: ALL Subject: RAINBOW RAM From: RICK MELLON There's been a lot of talk in the Windows Conference about the MS-DOS 640K barrier, and how "paging" 64K pieces of extended memory (or expanded memory; I can never remember which is which) is inefficient. I've noticed that, on the Rainbow, CHKDSK reports the full 917504 bytes of RAM (896K), where every IBM-compatible machine I've ever used reports 655360 (640K), even when a full Meg is present. What's happening here? Yet another reason to hang onto the Rainbow -- better memory management? BTW, I downloaded RBGIF.ARC from CompuServe and have been very pleased with the results. Even my roommate, who's been a DEC Systems Analyst for years, thought I had bought some kind of new fancy monitor. Nope. Just the ol' original monochrome. My 'bow.......I think I'll keep her. -- Rick --- * Origin: The Rising MoonStar (Opus 1:142/723) ------------------------------ Date: 04-05-90 (17:18) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: SCHEMATICS FOR 100B From: DANIEL O'REILLY In a message to FIDONET <03-31-90 17:21> GEORGE THEALL wrote: > I would like to know if anyone has schematics or a troubleshooting > guide for the Rainbow 100B. Does something like this exist and > is it available to the general public? If you have You used to be able to get the complete hardware doc set from DEC for about $35.00 a couple of years back. I just sold my set about 6 months ago... DanO --- QECHO/Ommm with QuickBBS V2.64 * Origin: Not "over the Rainbow" at the DEPOT (719)550-9305 (1:128/58) ------------------------------ Date: 04-05-90 (17:20) To: RODNEY LEMIEUX Subject: RE: DOWNLOADING From: DANIEL O'REILLY The only time I've seen LCTERM have problems is if you're using V3.34 and trying to use Xmodem. I've got the 3.35 version of it here on this board, that seems to fix any and all Xmodem xfer problems. DanO --- QECHO/Ommm with QuickBBS V2.64 * Origin: Not "over the Rainbow" at the DEPOT (719)550-9305 (1:128/58) ------------------------------ Date: 04-06-90 (15:24) To: ALL Subject: rainbow communication sof From: RISHI SINGH Re: rainbow communication software Hi, I'm sort of new tothese BBS and I was wondering if you could help me out. I have a rainbow 100+ with a Scholar Digital 2400 baud modem. In order for me to use the modem, I type T for terminal at the main menu when I turn my computer on. Then I follow my handbook on the modem from there. Now, here is the problem: When I want to download something, what kind of software do I say that I have? An example is Kermit or X modem. --- * Origin: M'Cycle_Bytes, Amherst, NH; (603)889-3366 (Opus 1:132/107) --- Via XNet v1.33 ============================================================================== Date: 04-08-90 (07:24) Number: 157 SATALINK To: RISHI SINGH Refer#: 305 From: GEORGE THEALL Read: YES Subj: rainbow communication sof Conf: (157) fRAINBOW ------------------------------------------------------------------------ RS>Hi, I'm sort of new tothese BBS and I was wondering if you could help RS>out. I have a rainbow 100+ with a Scholar Digital 2400 baud modem. I RS>for me to use the modem, I type T for terminal at the main menu when RS>my computer on. Then I follow my handbook on the modem from there. RS>here is the problem: When I want to download something, what kind of RS>do I say that I have? An example is Kermit or X modem. Well, Rishi, it sounds like you're using the Rainbow in terminal mode. That is, you're not loading CP/M or MS-DOS but simply taking advantage of the Rainbow's built-in VT102 emulation. In order to download, though, you will need to load one of the operating systems first. This enables you to make use of the disk drives in your system. Then, you must determine what communications protocol the other board/computer is using. Think of this as a secret language which the two computers must use to transfer files. Commonly used protocols are Kermit, Xmodem, and Zmodem. Given a choice, go with Zmodem over Xmodem, and Xmodem over Kermit - this is based on speed. Which protocol you select will affect your choice of communications software. For instance, I generally communicate with various mainframe computers around campus, all of which support only Kermit for file transfers. My choice, then, is the program Kermit (yeah, there's both a program and a protocol called Kermit) because of its excellent terminal emulation. Some bbses, though, do *not* support Kermit at all, meaning if you also communicate with them you will need another comm program. LC-Term, BinkleyTerm, PIB-Term, DEC-Mini, ... are various other programs which support at least Xmodem and will therefore be useful on electronic bbses. At least one of these should be available locally. Ask your sysop if s/he can let you copy one onto a floppy disk. Enjoy, George --- ~ EZ 1.26 #263 ~ Unrecognized faults lead to wasted efforts ------------------------------ Date: 04-08-90 (07:40) To: RICK MELLON Subject: RAINBOW RAM From: GEORGE THEALL RM>There's been a lot of talk in the Windows Conference about the MS-DOS RM>640K barrier, It's not a barrier imposed by MS-DOS. As you've noticed, DOS on a Rainbow supports up to 896K of RAM. Any it's all available to program without the need to play tricks with page swapping, like on an XT. The problem is that, when they were laying out the PC's memory map, IBM engineers decided to reserve the area between 640K and 1M for themselves. It's used for video RAM, network cards, the PC's BIOS, etc... anything *but* available for general usage. :-( Recently Quarterdeck (the folks who make DESQview for PCs) has released a product called QRAM which, under certain conditions, allows XT and AT-class PCs to take advantage of this area. It's a nice way to load programs "high", getting them out of the lower 640K of RAM. Unfortunately, programs still must fit into the first 640K of RAM to run on PCs unless they play special tricks. George --- ~ EZ 1.26 #263 ~ Without waves there would be no change ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (04/12/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Apr 11, 1990 In this issue: Re: Rainbow 100 rainbow communication sof Rianbow Pinouts Re: The ST-225 (RD-31) Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 04-07-90 To: DAVE BERKEBILE Subject: Re: Rainbow 100 From: FRANK MALLORY DB> OBTW-If I can copy my 3.3 DOS onto a disk(s) that are DEC readable, DB> will they be able to run on it (DEC), as is? It's extremely unlikely. PC-DOS 3.1 wouldn't run on the Rainbow; the MS-DOS 3.10 sold by Suitable Solutions is a specially-adapted version. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 04-07-90 To: RISHI SINGH Subject: rainbow communication sof From: FRANK MALLORY RS> Hi, I'm sort of new to these BBS and I was wondering if you could RS> help me out. I have a rainbow 100+ with a Scholar Digital 2400 baud RS> modem. I forget whether the Scholar recognizes the Hayes AT command set; it it does, I recommend you ask the sysop of your board where you can get the BinkleyTerm program. Operating in terminal mode under MS-DOS, Binkley will give you autodial capability as well as various transfer protocols. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 04-08-90 (10:59) To: ALL Subject: Rianbow Pinouts From: DAVE BERKEBILE Can anyone out there give me the pinots for the video, comm, printer ports etc for the Rainbow 100? The only guy in the area who had the moniters and keyboards went and jacked the price up as soon I showed an intrest in buying one. Now I have to adapt other componets to work with the 'Bow cuz I won't buy these from him now. Anyone out there able to help me? Thanks - -DB- - --- Opus-CBCS 1.10 * Origin: VAXCat, Merrimack, NH; Home of the Black VAXCat; (1:132/777.0) ------------------------------ Date: 04-08-90 (15:48) To: BILL MAYHEW Subject: Re: The ST-225 (RD-31) From: RON KRITZMAN > "I've never heard anyone complain about the RD31..." > Golly... maybe there really *is* something to this > "quality control" that Digital uses to justify the price > difference between a generic product (like the ST225) Another county heard from! Got a "real live" RD-31 thur my wife's employee purchase about 3 years ago. Never a glitch from day 1. - --- * Origin: Chicago's BIT WIZ Opus HST (AlterNet 445/689) (Opus 1:115/689) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (05/04/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest May 3, 1990 In this issue: GIFS RAINBOW RELATED BBSES RE: RAINBOW RELATED BBSES Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 04-29-90 To: GEOFF REED Subject: GIFS From: CAROLINE MACK Yes, I'd like to get copies of whatever you have--this sounds like something that should be in the WARUG Library. Contributions are always welcome! Many Rainbow users don't have modems, and probably never will, so the WARUG Library is a lifeline for them. Donations should be sent to International Rainbow User's Group, P. O. Box 567, O'Fallon, IL 62269. If you need me to send you disks, or help in some other way, just leave a note here or give me a call (618) 632-1143. By the way, a user in Germany wrote to ask about Version 2 of the Ute Graphics Editor, which I understand that Chris Korda released to the public domain. The specific file I am looking for is UteV2.ZIP. Does anyone know where I can get a copy of this? Thanks in advance to anyone who can help with any of these things. //Caroline - --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 04-29-90 To: ALL Subject: RAINBOW RELATED BBSES From: CAROLINE MACK I am trying to update Rainbow News's list of Rainbow related BBSes--I have two categories, BBSes with Rainbow software (with or without the Rainbow Echo) and BBSes with the Rainbow Echo, but no Rainbow software. Is there a current list anywhere? The latest list I could find on various BBSes was about 11/88. I'm also updating our list of Rainbow user's groups. If anyone knows anything about a BBS or user group, or a list of either, please let me know ASAP. Here are a few I can't seem to reach: Rainbow Brite (213) 644-1963, 102/109; Mike's Board, (314) 726-3448, 100/16; Pitt-Bull (412) 257-2375, 129/384; Jim Greely's board (phone number I have is bad); Wizard's Castle (603) 883-1596, 132/615; Dave Rene's board (phone number I have is probably bad); Over the Rainbow, (713) 493-7483, 19/503; Oberon Systems (805) 643-0982, 102/701. I have listings for boards in Germany, Sweden and Australia, and can't afford to check them. If anyone knows the fate of these boards, or boards new past June 88 (I know about Frank Mallory's please call me at (618) 632-1143 or leave a message here or on my board (618) 632-1146. Thanks, //Caroline - --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 05-01-90 (16:34) To: CAROLINE MACK Subject: RE: RAINBOW RELATED BBSES From: KEVIN BARKES DECBBS.LST Revision 4.9 - 71 nodes total March 05, 1990 National list of DEC-related BBS Systems. All nodes below are in the National Nodelist as of the above posted date. Some nodes may not be operational. This list has been sorted by Area Code. DEC-related means the board carries at least an interest in DEC products, be it VAX, Rainbow, PDP-11, Echomail or file areas, etc. Legend: * =9600 baud, + =2400 baud, % =1200 baud, - =300 baud ! =Carries either VAX, RAINBOW, or PDP-11 EchoMail Areas. & =Distributes VAX, RAINBOW or PDP-11 EchoMail to other nodes # =Moderates/Coordinates a DEC EchoMail area @ =Node is Mail Only Send corrections, additions, deletions *direct* to 102/138, Long_Island_RB. Please do NOT enter your corrections in EchoMail as they may get missed. - -Net/Node- -Board Name- -Phone number- -City,State- -Sysop- 142 723 MoonStar 203-246-2485*! Hartford______CT Lon Stockton 141 491 Naugy Net 203-729-7569*!& Naugatuck_____CT Vince Perriello 343 3 Glacier Peak RB 206-644-8431+! Bellevue______WA Gary Stebbins 343 30 Horsefeathers 206-743-0583*! N.Puget Sound_WA Van VanHorn 132 225 SeaCoast OPUS 207-439-9367+ Kittery_______ME Bill Thomas 010 613 Rainbo Works 209-832-1002% Manteca_______CA Andre Coltrin 102 521 On The Waterfront 213-306-2581+! Marina Del ReyCA Bill Bird 102 138 Long_Island_RB 213-370-4113*!&#Los Angeles___CA George Dahlco 102 139 Beach City RB 213-376-9567*!& Redondo Beach_CA Dan Cannon 102 522 MicroSource 213-391-1351+! Mar Vista_____CA Don Barcus 102 463 Arisia 213-634-4885*! Bellflower____CA Mark Milhollan 124 10 Big D Fido 214-392-1121+ Dallas________TX Dennis Forcier 273 722 Macateria BBS 215-576-5170+! Wyncote_______PA Rob Elkins 261 662 Avi-Technic 301-252-0717*! Lutherville___MD Tom Hendricks 109 657 The Country Store 301-261-4563+ Davidsonville_MD Pat McDonald 261 659 Loyola College 301-532-5117+! Baltimore_____MD John Sottile 261 204 Berkshire Board 301-574-1984*! Essex_________MD Bill Kraski 109 123 Silver Bullett 301-622-2247+! Silver Spring_MD Frank Mallory 261 1008 SyncPoint 301-682-2731+! Baltimore_____MD Bob Gawryck 261 670 Yoda's Realm 301-766-0501+! Glen Burnie___MD Jim Wolfe 120 193 SuburbanCompuConn 313-427-0223+! Garden City___MI Greg Day 100 22 PCLUG 314-576-2743+! St Louis______MO Ken Kaplan 100 16 Mike's Board 314-726-3448+ St Louis______MO Mike Mellinger 100 4 St.LouisUsersGroup314-928-9993+! St Louis______MO Mark Owens 260 223 Hitch Hikers Guide315-589-7361+! Williamson____NY Fritz Howard 291 4 MGBBS 316-684-3010*! Wichita_______KS Don Pangburn 201 5 Access Violation 317-495-4305*! West LafayetteIN Scott Goehring 396 201 CajuNet Connection318-235-3207*! Lafayette_____LA John Cuccia 014 610 Omaha Fido 402-348-7603% Omaha_________NE Jim Singer 143 24 NUG Board 408-978-5667+! San Jose______CA Bill MacAllister 129 15 DEC-User 412-469-2468+!&#Pleasnt Hills_PA John Vukovic 129 38 SYS$OUTPUT BBS 412-854-0511+! Library_______PA Kevin Barkes 154 600 Far->Pointer->DEC 414-962-9425+! Milwaukee_____WI John Spiegel 125 20 SeaHunt BBS 415-343-5904*! Burlingame____CA Michael Nelson 152 6 Pandora's Box 503-343-4520*! Eugene________OR Danny Scriven 322 14 WayStar 508-481-7147*! Marlboro______MA Kevin Porter 321 153 Locks Hill BBS 508-544-8337+! Locks_Hill____MA Robert Heller 016 390 Zorro The Malamute508-653-9628+! Wayland_______MA Ken Levitt 382 35 LoneStar CBCS 512-258-3643*! Austin________TX Steve Shapiro 160 203 City Lights BBS 512-855-0451*! Corpus_ChristiTX Jack Kerouac 110 73 Neutral Zone QBBS 513-253-2017+! Kettering_____OH Dave Sharp 290 627 Fog Line 515-964-7937*! Ankeny________IA Dan Buda 361 1 Cntrl Mississippi 601-638-2737%! Vicksburg_____MS Don Bach 015 1002 UofA CAG 602-621-2097% Tucson________AZ Robert MacArthur 114 18 Iasd_End BBS 602-863-5088+! Phoenix_______AZ John Valentyn 114 13 Corwin's Keep 602-894-1470+! Tempe_________AZ Paul Coppinger 114 19 PUHSD_OPUS_BBS 602-921-2438%! Tempe_________AZ Rick Southard 114 3 Genoa City 602-945-0869*! Tempe_________AZ Duke Clarke 132 777 VAXCat 603-424-0923*!&#Merrimack_____NH Mark Buda 132 119 Cuckoo's Nest 603-880-1658*! Hudson________NH Gordon Green 132 615 Wizard's Castle 603-883-1596+ Windham_______NH Paul Gilberti 132 107 M'Cycle Bytes 603-889-3366+! Amherst_______NH Robert Nilson 101 45 Midnite DEC 617-227-5428+!&#Brookline_____MA David Strickler 102 465 Navigator BBS 617-331-1070%! Weymouth______MA John Connolly 101 115 The Rainbows Edge 617-551-0495*!& Westwood______MA Jim Greely 101 111 Island Logistics 617-631-3304+! Marblehead____MA Mark Bornstein 101 27 Dave's Fido 617-632-1861+! Gardner_______MA David Rene 202 698 StarBase 23 619-560-2996*! San Digeo_____CA Mike Nielsen 109 483 The Pot of Gold 703-359-6549+! Fairfax_______VA Kurt Reisler 109 74 The Bear's Den 703-671-0598+! Falls Church__VA Kurt Reisler 106 114 The Fireside Opus 713-496-6319+! Houston_______TX Bob Davis 106 503 Over The Rainbow 713-820-5105+! Houston_______TX John Lellis 260 10 Med TechNet 716-897-0504*! Buffalo_______NY Bill Hliwa 128 58 CS-DEPOT 719-550-9305+! Colorado_SpngsCO Dan O'Reilly 360 8 Keep It Simple 803-648-4281+!& Aiken_________SC Ed Ridpath 102 3131 Lancaster TBBS 805-948-8047+! Lancaster_____CA Tracy Huston 371 13 archonRAINBOW 813-939-3394*! Ft. Meyers____FL Dave Corthell 102 931 Joe's BBS 818-768-2145*!@ Sun Valley____CA Joe Streiff 163 226 R&D BBS 819-778-3856*! Hull,Quebec__CAN Douglas Murray 203 34 Now and Zen OPUS 916-962-1952*! Fair Oaks_____CA John Lamb 151 124 CAROLINA TRACON 919-469-1864*! Cary__________NC Richard Best NOTES: . 9600 baud typically implies operation also at 2400, 1200 and 300 baud. . 2400 baud typically implies operation also at 1200 and 300 baud. . 1200 baud typically implies operation also at 300 baud. . All above boards not recently verified; if they exist in the Fido National Nodelist they are assumed to be in operation. . EchoMail carriers have message bases in which a message entered on that particular board in certain message areas is moved between several or many other boards carrying the same EchoMail Conference. Messages are typically not private, and therefore are seen by many other users. The user is cautioned about this feature of EchoMail. . No responsibility is assummed for any of the above information; all information is in the Public Domain as of this writing and therefore available free to anyone who wishes it. No copyright, trademark, rights or authority is imposed or infringed upon by, on, or in this document and no responsibility is assummed for it's distribution or accuracy. Distribution, updates, and corrections are encouraged, however. . If you don't feel like sorting this list to taste, it is available from 102/138 in various sorted forms: DECBBS.NOD - sorted by Net/Node number DECBBS.NAM - sorted by name of bulletin board DECBBS.PHO - sorted by area code, phone number DECBBS.STA - sorted by State DECBBS.SYO - sorted by Sysop's name File requesting DECBBS.* gets them all. . Current DEC related EchoMail Conference Coordinators/Moderators are: PDP-11: Mark Buda, 132/777 RAINBOW: Dave Strickler, 101/45 VAX WEST: George Dahlco, 102/138 VAX EAST: John Vukovic, 129/15 . DEC is a trademark of Digital Equipment Corporation. - --- * Origin: SYS$OUTPUT BBS * Library, PA * 412-854-0511 * (Opus 1:129/38) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (05/05/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest May 5, 1990
In this issue:
TECO FOR RAINBOW (2 messages)
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 05-03-90 (00:04)
To: ALL
Subject: TECO FOR RAINBOW
From: BRIAN TREADWAY
I always thought DEC eventually produced a TECO text editor
for every machine they ever made. Has anyone seen a version
of TECO for the Rainbow?
- ---
* Origin: Midnight DEC - The BBS for DEC sales & information (Opus 1:101/45)
------------------------------
Date: 05-05-90 (08:08)
To: BRIAN TREADWAY
Subject: TECO FOR RAINBOW
From: GEORGE THEALL
BT>I always thought DEC eventually produced a TECO text editor
BT>for every machine they ever made. Has anyone seen a version
BT>of TECO for the Rainbow?
Back when PENNRUG existed we maintained a library of pd software
for Rainbows. I just scanned that list and found the following entry:
TECO.ARC - DOS version of the TECO editor. Includes source in C,
documentation and executables.
I'm not sure whether this library still exists, but if you can't find
this elsewhere, I'll see what I can do.
George
- ---
~ EZ 1.26 #263 ~ from INFO-DEC-MICRO/comp.sys.dec.micro
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (05/06/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest May 6, 1990 In this issue: RAINBOW RELATED BBSES LATEST DECBBS.LST RE: RX50DRVR.SYS QUESTION RE: TECO FOR RAINBOW RE: C COMPILERS FOR RAINB Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 05-03-90 To: CAROLINE MACK Subject: RAINBOW RELATED BBSES From: GEORGE DAHLCO, SYSOP 102/ In a message of <Apr 29 23:43>, Caroline Mack (1:109/103) writes: CM>I am trying to update Rainbow News's list of Rainbow related BBSes--I CM>Here are a few I can't seem to reach: CM> Rainbow Brite (213) 644-1963, 102/109; CM> Mike's Board, (314) 726-3448, 100/16; CM> Pitt-Bull, (412) 257-2375, 129/384; Caroline, The above boards have been down for years... CM> Jim Greely's board (phone number I have is bad); CM> Wizard's Castle (603) 883-1596, 132/615; CM> Dave Rene's board (phone number I have is probably bad); Wizard's and Rene have been down for a long time... CM> Over the Rainbow, (713) 493-7483, 19/503; He's still up... CM> Oberon Systems (805) 643-0982, 102/701. Oberon has been down for along time too. See my list following of National DEC BBS systems... - -George, 102/138- - --- msged 1.999 * Origin: Western Region VAX EC, RAINBOW/PDP-11 Echo Hub (1:102/138.1) ------------------------------ Date: 05-03-90 To: ALL Subject: LATEST DECBBS.LST From: GEORGE DAHLCO, SYSOP 102/ DECBBS.LST Revision 5.4 - 71 nodes total May 02, 1990 National list of DEC-related BBS Systems. All nodes below are in the National Nodelist as of the above posted date. Some nodes may not be operational. This list has been sorted by Area Code. DEC-related means the board carries at least an interest in DEC products, be it VAX, Rainbow, PDP-11, Echomail or file areas, etc. Legend: * =9600 baud, + =2400 baud, % =1200 baud, - =300 baud ! =Carries either VAX, RAINBOW, or PDP-11 EchoMail Areas. & =Distributes VAX, RAINBOW or PDP-11 EchoMail to other nodes # =Moderates/Coordinates a DEC EchoMail area @ =Node is Mail Only Send corrections, additions, deletions *direct* to 102/138, Long_Island_RB. Please do NOT enter your corrections in EchoMail as they may get missed. - -Net/Node- -Board Name- -Phone number- -City,State- -Sysop- 142 723 MoonStar 203-246-2485*! Hartford______CT Lon Stockton 141 491 Naugy Net 203-729-7569*!& Naugatuck_____CT Vince Perriello 343 3 Glacier Peak RB 206-644-8431+! Bellevue______WA Gary Stebbins 343 30 Horsefeathers 206-743-0583*! N.Puget Sound_WA Van VanHorn 132 225 SeaCoast OPUS 207-439-9367+ Kittery_______ME Bill Thomas 010 613 Rainbo Works 209-832-1002% Manteca_______CA Andre Coltrin 102 521 On The Waterfront 213-306-2581+! Marina Del ReyCA Bill Bird 102 138 Long_Island_RB 213-370-4113*!&#Los Angeles___CA George Dahlco 102 139 Beach City RB 213-376-9567*!& Redondo Beach_CA Dan Cannon 102 522 MicroSource 213-391-1351+! Mar Vista_____CA Don Barcus 102 463 Arisia 213-634-4885*! Bellflower____CA Mark Milhollan 124 10 Big D Fido 214-392-1121+ Dallas________TX Dennis Forcier 273 722 Macateria BBS 215-576-5170+! Wyncote_______PA Rob Elkins 261 662 Avi-Technic 301-252-0717*! Lutherville___MD Tom Hendricks 109 657 The Country Store 301-261-4563+ Davidsonville_MD Pat McDonald 261 659 Loyola College 301-532-5117+! Baltimore_____MD John Sottile 261 204 Berkshire Board 301-574-1984*! Essex_________MD Bill Kraski 109 123 Silver Bullett 301-622-2247*! Silver Spring_MD Frank Mallory 261 1008 SyncPoint 301-529-2584+! Baltimore_____MD Bob Gawryck 261 670 Yoda's Realm 301-766-0501+! Glen Burnie___MD Jim Wolfe 120 193 SuburbanCompuConn 313-427-0223+! Garden City___MI Greg Day 100 22 PCLUG 314-576-2743+! St Louis______MO Ken Kaplan 100 16 Mike's Board 314-726-3448+ St Louis______MO Mike Mellinger 100 4 St.LouisUsersGroup314-928-9993+! St Louis______MO Mark Owens 260 223 Hitch Hikers Guide315-589-7361+! Williamson____NY Fritz Howard 291 4 MGBBS 316-684-3010*! Wichita_______KS Don Pangburn 201 5 Access Violation 317-495-4305*! West LafayetteIN Scott Goehring 396 201 CajuNet Connection318-235-3207*! Lafayette_____LA John Cuccia 014 610 Omaha Fido 402-348-7603% Omaha_________NE Jim Singer 143 24 NUG Board 408-978-5667+! San Jose______CA Bill MacAllister 129 15 DEC-User 412-469-2468+!&#Pleasnt Hills_PA John Vukovic 129 38 SYS$OUTPUT BBS 412-854-0511+! Library_______PA Kevin Barkes 154 600 Far->Pointer->DEC 414-962-9425+! Milwaukee_____WI John Spiegel 125 20 SeaHunt BBS 415-343-5904*! Burlingame____CA Michael Nelson 152 6 Pandora's Box 503-343-4520*! Eugene________OR Danny Scriven 322 14 WayStar 508-481-7147*! Marlboro______MA Kevin Porter 321 153 Locks Hill BBS 508-544-8337+! Locks_Hill____MA Robert Heller 016 390 Zorro The Malamute508-653-9628+! Wayland_______MA Ken Levitt 382 35 LoneStar CBCS 512-258-3643*! Austin________TX Steve Shapiro 160 203 City Lights BBS 512-855-0451*! Corpus_ChristiTX Jack Kerouac 110 73 Neutral Zone QBBS 513-253-2017+! Kettering_____OH Dave Sharp 290 627 Fog Line 515-964-7937*! Ankeny________IA Dan Buda 107 218 King Diamond's 516-736-3403*! Coram_________NY Mikel Beck 361 1 Cntrl Mississippi 601-638-2737%! Vicksburg_____MS Don Bach 114 34 CHHS OPUS 602-271-2492*! Phoenix_______AZ Paul Anau 015 1002 UofA CAG 602-621-2097% Tucson________AZ Robert MacArthur 114 18 Iasd_End BBS 602-863-5088+! Phoenix_______AZ John Valentyn 114 13 Corwin's Keep 602-894-1470+! Tempe_________AZ Paul Coppinger 114 3 Genoa City 602-945-0869*! Tempe_________AZ Duke Clarke 132 777 VAXCat 603-424-0923*!&#Merrimack_____NH Mark Buda 132 119 Cuckoo's Nest 603-880-1658*! Hudson________NH Gordon Green 132 615 Wizard's Castle 603-883-1596+ Windham_______NH Paul Gilberti 132 107 M'Cycle Bytes 603-889-3366+! Amherst_______NH Robert Nilson 101 45 Midnite DEC 617-227-5428+!&#Brookline_____MA David Strickler 101 465 Navigator BBS 617-331-1070*! Weymouth______MA John Connolly 101 115 The Rainbows Edge 617-551-0495*!& Westwood______MA Jim Greely 101 111 Island Logistics 617-631-3304+! Marblehead____MA Mark Bornstein 202 698 StarBase 23 619-560-2996*! San Digeo_____CA Mike Nielsen 109 483 The Pot of Gold 703-359-6549+! Fairfax_______VA Kurt Reisler 109 74 The Bear's Den 703-671-0598+! Falls Church__VA Kurt Reisler 106 114 The Fireside Opus 713-496-6319+! Houston_______TX Bob Davis 106 503 Over The Rainbow 713-820-5105+! Houston_______TX John Lellis 260 10 Med TechNet 716-897-0504*! Buffalo_______NY Bill Hliwa 128 58 CS-DEPOT 719-550-9305+! Colorado_SpngsCO Dan O'Reilly 360 8 Keep It Simple 803-648-4281+!& Aiken_________SC Ed Ridpath 102 3131 Lancaster TBBS 805-948-8047+! Lancaster_____CA Tracy Huston 371 13 archonRAINBOW 813-939-3394*! Ft. Meyers____FL Dave Corthell 102 931 Joe's BBS 818-768-2145*!@ Sun Valley____CA Joe Streiff 163 226 R&D BBS 819-778-3856*! Hull,Quebec__CAN Douglas Murray 203 34 Now and Zen OPUS 916-962-1952*! Fair Oaks_____CA John Lamb 151 124 CAROLINA TRACON 919-469-1864*! Cary__________NC Richard Best NOTES: . 9600 baud typically implies operation also at 2400, 1200 and 300 baud. . 2400 baud typically implies operation also at 1200 and 300 baud. . 1200 baud typically implies operation also at 300 baud. . All above boards not recently verified; if they exist in the Fido National Nodelist they are assumed to be in operation. . EchoMail carriers have message bases in which a message entered on that particular board in certain message areas is moved between several or many other boards carrying the same EchoMail Conference. Messages are typically not private, and therefore are seen by many other users. The user is cautioned about this feature of EchoMail. . No responsibility is assummed for any of the above information; all information is in the Public Domain as of this writing and therefore available free to anyone who wishes it. No copyright, trademark, rights or authority is imposed or infringed upon by, on, or in this document and no responsibility is assummed for it's distribution or accuracy. Distribution, updates, and corrections are encouraged, however. . If you don't feel like sorting this list to taste, it is available from 102/138 in various sorted forms: DECBBS.NOD - sorted by Net/Node number DECBBS.NAM - sorted by name of bulletin board DECBBS.PHO - sorted by area code, phone number DECBBS.STA - sorted by State DECBBS.SYO - sorted by Sysop's name File requesting DECBBS.* gets them all. . Current DEC related EchoMail Conference Coordinators/Moderators are: PDP-11: Mark Buda, 132/777 RAINBOW: Dave Strickler, 101/45 VAX WEST: George Dahlco, 102/138 VAX EAST: John Vukovic, 129/15 . DEC is a trademark of Digital Equipment Corporation. - --- msged 1.999 * Origin: Western Region VAX EC, RAINBOW/PDP-11 Echo Hub (1:102/138.1) ------------------------------ Date: 05-04-90 (07:37) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: RX50DRVR.SYS QUESTION From: FRANK MALLORY > Rainbow > diskettes from drive A: which uses 3.5 inch diskettes. > > Is there any way to tell this device driver to set up drive > B: > for the RX50 diskettes? Any help will be appreciated. > Leave it to DEC to get them backwards! If you can't find a way to get RX50 to read from B:, suggest you consider swapping the drives on the DECstation. That's the way we set up our AT clones here, with the HD 5.25" drive as A: and the 3.5" drive as B: - --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 05-04-90 (11:49) To: BRIAN TREADWAY Subject: RE: TECO FOR RAINBOW From: FRANK MALLORY It's available here as TECO.ZIP. - --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 05-04-90 (18:56) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: C COMPILERS FOR RAINB From: GEORGE TURNER I've used Quick C for most of the stuff that I've done and have had no problem (except long compile times). - --- * Origin: Midnight DEC - The BBS for DEC sales & information (Opus 1:101/45) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (05/10/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest May 9, 1990 In this issue: RE: RAINBOW RELATED BBSES RE: V20 Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 05-04-90 (06:35) To: CAROLINE MACK Subject: RE: RAINBOW RELATED BBSES From: KEN KAPLAN > (213) 644-1963, 102/109; Mike's Board, (314) 726-3448, > 100/16; Mike removed his board from FidoNet at least two years ago. He used to run a BBS for his VAX and Rainbow customers, but I would suspect that is down too unless he changed the data number. > --- ConfMail V3.31 > * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) > (1:109/103) Why do you call all the way to Virginia to access the Rainbow Echo Conference? - --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: PCR,Personal Computer Rentals * St Louis, Mo. * 314-576-2743 (1:100/ ------------------------------ Date: 05-07-90 (07:55) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: V20 From: FRANK MALLORY > From: Pen Helm <@andrew.cmu.edu:SMHELM01@ULKYVM.BITNET> > Organization: University of Louisville > > Well, nobody said not to, so I stuck a V20 (8Mhz) in my > Rainbow, and > it does not function. Nothing on screen. It gets as far > as spinning > the drive for that little t, but does not go on to seek The V20 operates too fast for the standard boot program, and you have to install an EPROM containing Carl Houseman's mods to make the autoboot work. However, after doing a cold start, you should still be able to get it started by doing a warm boot (<setup><ctrl-setup>). - --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (05/25/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest May 25, 1990 In this issue: RE: MONITOR BROKE ::: FIX RE: LZEXE91.ZIP (2 messages) SPREADSHEETS SPARES AVAILABLE RE: SPREADSHEETS RAINBOW CLOCK Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 05-21-90 (05:45) To: BRUCE MITCHELL Subject: RE: MONITOR BROKE ::: FIX From: DAVID MAROUN I picked up a used monitor for $70 in Canadian funds from Rider Computer Servi now located in Surrey, British Columbia. You might call them or a similar company that deals in used DEC products. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 05-21-90 (05:47) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: LZEXE91.ZIP From: DAVID MAROUN When I tried LZEXE, I was using Code Blue version 1. Perhaps version 2 is needed in this case. I thought *you* said that the earlier version of LZEXE was generic! However, I will see what happens with Code Blue 2 & MS-DOS 3.10b. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 05-21-90 (06:31) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: SPREADSHEETS From: DAVID MAROUN My old Multiplan 1 needs no special printer drivers, but is compatible with any printer at all. If you want a *really* capable spreadsheet, try Analyticalc. This is the MS-DOS version of a program that started on the VAX. Analyticalc is shareware runs under Rainbow MS-DOS without Code Blue. Rather, to run on an IBM PC, you must configure the IBM to act like a VT100. The program uses character graphics, which any system can display, but you can use GW-BASIC with Analytic to get bit-mapped graphics. You need only 256 k of RAM. Analyticalc is rather slow, though, on 8088 machines. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 05-20-90 To: RAINBOW AND PRO 350 USERS Subject: SPARES AVAILABLE From: BILL BIRD For Sale: Rainbow Spares RX-50 Controller Card 100A Mother Board Power Supply for Rainbow Pro 350 Spares CT100 Mother Board Memory Daughter Board Video Generator Board RX-50 Controller Card Power Supply Also an RX-50 Floppy Drive The above are new from a Digital Dealers Kit. Also a Rainbow 100B 320K memory with 20mb. harddisk and all necessary software and an LA-50 printer. Please call Bill at 213 305-9341 evenings west coast time. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: On The Waterfront, Marina Del Rey, Ca. (213 306-2581) (1:102/521) ------------------------------ Date: 05-23-90 (07:34) To: DAVID MAROUN Subject: RE: LZEXE91.ZIP From: FRANK MALLORY > When I tried LZEXE, I was using Code Blue version 1. Perhaps > version 2 is needed in this case. > > I thought *you* said that the earlier version of LZEXE was > generic! However, I will see what happens with Code Blue > 2 & MS-DOS 3.10b. > Possibly the earlier version of LZEXE *was* generic; all I know it that the current version runs under MS-DOS 3.10b and Code Blue v2. - --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 05-23-90 (07:42) To: DAVID MAROUN Subject: RE: SPREADSHEETS From: FRANK MALLORY > My old Multiplan 1 needs no special printer drivers, but > is compatible with any printer at all. > I'm sure v4 of Multiplan will work with a generic dot matrix printer as well as the earlier ones did. However, if you have printer drivers it frees you from the need to enter detailed printer control codes and gives you the flexib to use multiple fonts within a spreadsheet. > If you want a *really* capable spreadsheet, try Analyticalc. I tried it about five years ago on the VAX, and my impression at that time is that it was more like a specialized programming language than a spreadsheet I'll have to give it another try. But with hundreds of Multiplan spreadsheet files, it's doubtful that I would switch. Probably half of my applications of Multiplan don't involve any calculations at all; even tho I have dBase III and Clipper, I find it a lot more convenient to use Multiplan as a DBMS to track small collections of data (e.g., my electr Rolodex). So this is the capability of later Multiplans that I am most intere in. - --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 05-23-90 (21:26) To: CAROLINE MACK Subject: RAINBOW CLOCK From: DAVE GOW I habve DDDD24~24~24~24~ DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD DDDDDDDDDoff Sorry about gibberish, I am new to this. I have a rainbow with the clock board you mentioned a few days ago, it is attached toth tothe hard drive controller board andhas a lithium battery on board. My battery is dead but before i buy a new one, does it rquire a software program to operate it or are there commands I must issue at the key board?? I am new toRainbows and would liker toget the clockto workbut don't lknow how, it isnot a lick Clock but a small circut board. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (05/27/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest May 26, 1990 In this issue: WUTIL (2 messages) RE: RAINBOW HARD DRIVES (2 messages) RE: RAINBOW CLOCK Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 05-24-90 (06:42) To: ALL Subject: WUTIL From: STAN GAMMONS Hi Guys. Does anyone out there have the latest version of wutil? I think it's ver 3.2. I have 3.12 and it will not work with suitables ver 3.10b. Anyone have it file requestable 9600 HST. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: The Unknown Opus (1:116/31.0) ------------------------------ Date: 05-25-90 (08:05) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: RAINBOW HARD DRIVES From: FRANK MALLORY > From: <@andrew.cmu.edu:J_GRADY@UNHH.BITNET> > > First, there was some talk about some time ago about different hard > drives (20 MB or more) being compatible with the Rainbow. There's a file on some of the BBSes that discusses this subject (I forget the name -- anybody else remember?). The ST-225 works fine; ditto the 40MB ST-251 and 64MB RD53A (aka Micropolis 1325). > bit confining. He was also curious to know if there are any hardware > fixes that would enable a Rainbow to add a parallel port. Not that I'm aware of. > He wants to get and use a laser printer but thinks serial communi- > cations will be very slow. Shouldn't be a problem; after all, the original H-P LaserJet was serial only; later ones give a choice of serial or parallel. He can install a Microfaser or other buffer device to let the Rainbow unload faster if he finds it necessa The rest of the message deals with the MINC-11 and would have a better chance of gettin a reply in the PDP-11 echo. - --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 05-25-90 (08:23) To: DAVE GOW Subject: RE: RAINBOW CLOCK From: FRANK MALLORY > Sorry about gibberish, I am new to this. I have a rainbow > with the clock board you mentioned a few days ago, it is > attached toth tothe hard drive controller board andhas > a lithium battery on board. My battery is dead but before > i buy a new one, does it rquire a software program to operate > it or are there commands I must issue at the key board?? Probably a Rainbo Works clock. Whatever it is, it will require a software program to transfer its setting to the DOS clock. Caroline will know if the Rainbo Works people are still in business. If so, you should apply to them for a copy of the program; if not, I will be glad to make it available for you to download from this BBS. - --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 05-26-90 (14:38) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: RAINBOW HARD DRIVES From: GEORGE THEALL FM>>First, there was some talk about some time ago about different hard FM>>drives (20 MB or more) being compatible with the Rainbow. FM> FM>There's a file on some of the BBSes that discusses this subject (I fo FM>the name -- anybody else remember?). The ST-225 works fine; ditto th FM>ST-251 and 64MB RD53A (aka Micropolis 1325). The June 1988 issue of _Rainbow News_ contained an article by Jerry Miller of Suitable Solutions listing which hard disks have been shown to work in a Rainbow. (Back issues of _Rainbow News_ can be ordered from Caroline Mack by calling 1-618-632-1143.) George - --- ~ EZ 1.26 #263 ~ The Answer? That would be telling, Number Six ------------------------------ Date: 05-26-90 (14:33) To: STAN GAMMONS Subject: WUTIL From: GEORGE THEALL SG>Hi Guys. Does anyone out there have the latest version of wutil? I th SG>it's ver 3.2. I have 3.12 and it will not work with suitables ver 3.1 v3.2 is available in the Rainbow file area on Penn's Landing here in Philadelphia (215-898-8511). It's not freq'able, but if you don't get any better offers, ... George - --- ~ EZ 1.26 #263 ~ C code. C code run. Run, code, run... PLEASE! ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (05/29/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest May 28, 1990 In this issue: RE: SPREADSHEETS CODE BLUE AND 100A Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 05-26-90 (07:07) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: SPREADSHEETS From: DAVID MAROUN Analyticalc is, so far, just a toy for me too. In fact, I have used it only a few times, and not recently. I also have files (like my income tax return) set up in Multiplan and see no benefit to converting to another system Multiplan 1 still has more features than I can use! - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 05-27-90 To: ALL Subject: CODE BLUE AND 100A From: DENNIS PERRY I realize that CodeBlue does not always work with a 100A. Are the symptoms of such a problem the following: The program works fine under CB, but when I exit, the system has to be hard rebooted, i.e. power down and then up? Also, on some programs, such as BinkeyTerm, is I shell to MSDOS and then try to exit back, the system exists with flashing main board interrupts off message and I have to soft reboot, i.e. Set-Up contol Set-Up. I am using version 2.01 of CB I purchased from Suitable Solutions. Do these problems exist with a 100B. Where can I get a 100B mother board and how much should one expect to pay for such a beast? Thanks. - --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (06/03/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jun 2, 1990 In this issue: RE: WHAT IS LPWR/GS-2 BOA DEC BOARD RE: FILE TRANSFER SOFTWAR RE: WINDOWS V3.0 RE: CODE BLUE AND 100A RE: CORRUPTED ARC FILES SALE OF RAINBOW B W/10MB Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 05-29-90 (19:34) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: WHAT IS LPWR/GS-2 BOA From: STAN GAMMONS > Hi. I'm tearing apart a 100B Rainbow to clean it and was wondering > what function the following board has: > On side 2 of the board, there's a label that says "LPWR > (digital) GS-2" Sounds like the GRAPHICS board. Is it the large board on the left front of the machine (as view from the front)? - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: The Unknown Opus (1:116/31.0) ------------------------------ Date: 05-31-90 To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: DEC BOARD From: PAUL OLSON Ollie, I believe the board is the color graphics add-on board from DEC. The NEC 7220 is the processor chip (if I remember correctly). Also, if the board was connected at the front of the mother board (the comm ports located at the back of the mother board), then it is the graphics option. . The graphics option will give you 16 shades of grey on a monochrome monitor, or up to 4096 colors (16 displayable maximum) on a color monitor. Lately, I have been receiving calls from people who buy a color monitor and the color graphics option thinking that they can change the screen colors of their alphanumeric text. Keep in mind that this is not the case. The alphanu subsystem and the graphics subsystems are completely separate on the Rainbow. The Rainbow is set up similarly to some of the earlier graphics workstations and display devices which used separate graphics memory for the graphics display. . If you have any more questions, just ask. As Always, Paul - --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 05-31-90 To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: FILE TRANSFER SOFTWAR From: FRANK MALLORY > From: usc!snorkelwacker!bu.edu!m2c!umvlsi!dime!rudenko@ucsd.edu > Organization: COINS, UMass, Amherst > > I need to transfer some text files from a Rainbow to a Vax. The Vax > has VMODEM, which uses the CPMUG (Christensen) file transfer protocol. VMODEM is a new one on me; check with your VAX manager to get the correct designation (probably XMODEM). The various comm programs for the Rainbow are available from the International Rainbow Users Group. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123.0) ------------------------------ Date: 05-31-90 To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: WINDOWS V3.0 From: FRANK MALLORY > From: OBRIEN%OBRIEN@venus.ycc.yale.edu > > There's life in the old Rainbow yet! > > First of all, if you have any PC-type machinery, you ought to check > out Windows 3.0 - it's nothing short of amazing! With However, local users are reporting that it is a real resource hog, occupying 6MB on your HD, taking lots of memory, and running slowly even on fast 386 machines. So I have a wait-and-see attitude as to whether it is really going to be a feasible proposition for the Rainbow. And I think it goes without saying that you will need the TURBOW board to make it usable at all. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123.0) ------------------------------ Date: 05-31-90 To: DENNIS PERRY Subject: RE: CODE BLUE AND 100A From: FRANK MALLORY > version 2.01 of CB I purchased from Suitable Solutions. > Do these problems exist with a 100B. Where can I get > a 100B mother board and how much should one expect to pay > for such a beast? Thanks. I've seen 100B motherboards advertised for $95 in Computer HotLine. But I recommend you put out a few bucks more and buy a complete 100B for $150. This will give you the more potent B power supply as well as a spare monitor and keyboard and possiblly more memory. The moderator will jump on me if I mention the names of any vendors here; but if you put the question to me on this BBS, I will be glad to furnish it. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123.0) ------------------------------ Date: 05-31-90 To: VAN VANHORN Subject: RE: CORRUPTED ARC FILES From: FRANK MALLORY > A user here pointed out that BLACKBOX.ARC and RBGIF.ARC > that were available in my Rainbow download area were corrupted. > I scanned them with PKXARC -T and found that to be the > case. Could anyone send them over here, or let me know I seem to recall that there was an error in the archive for RBGIF that didn't actually affect the validity of any of its files. All you need to do in that case is rezip it. If you cant fix it that way, RBGIF.ZIP is FReqable from 109/417 at HST speed. I don't have BLACKBOX. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123.0) ------------------------------ Date: 05-30-90 (08:17) To: ALL Subject: SALE OF RAINBOW B W/10MB From: BRUCE MITCHELL World Affairs Council of Seattle would like to sell its rainbow. B w/10 MB hard disk, two floppies, monitor recently repaired by Geof Reed, keyboard, selection of software including multiplan, lotus 123, select word processing. Non-profit organization would like $600. Please repond to me here or in Seattle at 206 282 2686. Thank you again. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (06/05/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jun 4, 1990 In this issue: CLOCK RB PRICES Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 06-03-90 To: DAVE GOW Subject: CLOCK From: CAROLINE MACK It does require a program to operate it. I am not very technical, but if you call, I'll tell you what I know about it. Caroline Mack, Rainbow News, (618) 632-1143. - --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 06-03-90 To: BRUCE MITCHELL Subject: RB PRICES From: CAROLINE MACK Sorry I wasn't in. You might have called while I was on a trip with 90 first graders (I have recovered from it. . .). Anyway, you don't mention the amount of memory you have--that does make a difference. If you have a memory board that can be expanded, $600 seems reasonable. If you have a 192K (or worse, 64K board), then $500 would be more reasonable. I'll be in most of the time this week (June 4-9) if you want to call (618) 632-1143. Good Luck! //Caroline - --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (06/06/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jun 5, 1990 In this issue: SALE OF RAINBOW B W/10MB WARNER LOSH DISK QUESTION RAINBOW KEYBOARD CABLE? Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 06-03-90 (18:09) To: BRUCE MITCHELL Subject: SALE OF RAINBOW B W/10MB From: DAN O'REILLY If you don't get a buyer, and would consider donating to another private non-profit organization, please let me know, either in this forum or by sending netmail to 1:128/58, or by calling me at: work: (719)528-4309 home: (719)596-5491 I do work for the organization Silver Key Senior Services, and they use them for word processing. Thanks, Dan O'Reilly - --- Quick Msg Editor v0.50 * Origin: The CS-DEPOT BBS System (719)550-9305 (1:128/58) ------------------------------ Date: 06-04-90 To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: WARNER LOSH DISK QUESTION From: PAUL OLSON Warner, There was an article in RAINBOW NEWS sometime back about what was necessary to add dual sided drives to the 'bow. It involved a modification to the DOS drive parameter table (if I remember correctly). Unfortunately, I've never hacked into DOS, so I don't know the particulars. You might want to call Caroline Mack of IRUG to obtain the back issue. Her number is 618/632-1 As Always, Paul - --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 06-04-90 (09:33) To: ALL Subject: RAINBOW KEYBOARD CABLE? From: ANDREW TAYLOR I'm looking for an extra long keyboard cable, and dimly recall mutterings from the distant past to the effect that you can't just use a phone cord for the keyboard cable, even though DEC have gone to great lengths to make it look just like one. True or False? Ideas for where to get a loooong keyboard cable. As ever: Thanks to all! - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (06/07/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jun 7, 1990 In this issue: RAINBOW DONATION RAINBOW FOR SALE: 1OMB HR Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 06-05-90 (12:59) To: DAN O'REILLY Subject: RAINBOW DONATION From: BRUCE MITCHELL donation for one non-profit to nother? conceptually difficult. but if they can not find anything to do with it, this is possible I suppose. You should call Jeff Demetrescu, Executive Director, World Affairs Council, 206 682 6986. to express your interest. But they need an AT or 386 to make training on compatible machines in an operation with high violkunteer turnover possible. Caroline Mack suggests $600 is a reasonableamountover possible. Caroline Mack suggests $600 is a reasonableamountover possible. Caroline Mack suggests $600 is a reasonableamountover possible. Caroline Mack suggests $600 is a Hence, I am tryinmg to get that locally. That is the first line of developome - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 06-05-90 (13:03) To: CAROLINE MACK FROM BRUCE Subject: RAINBOW FOR SALE: 1OMB HR From: BRUCE MITCHELL yes. well it meets your predicted market conditions for a sale at the desired level. I guess you dont wnat to buy it? Sounds like you have enough 1st graders to take your developmental attention. I think we need a local buyer. Thank you very much for your market feedback though. It is indispensible. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (06/12/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jun 12, 1990 In this issue: BACKUP SOFTWARE FOR RB RE: WP FOR DEC RAINBOW RE: RAINBOW KEYBOARD CABL BACKUP SOFTWARE Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 06-07-90 To: ANYONE Subject: BACKUP SOFTWARE FOR RB From: HAROLD BAUER Does anyone know of any backup software for the rainbow (including IBM backup under code blue) ? - --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 06-10-90 To: GUS MOORE Subject: RE: WP FOR DEC RAINBOW From: DONALD PHILLIPSON VDO and VDE are best WordStar public-domain clones for CP/M and MS/DOS (I forget which is which). If your client wishes to stay with CP/M he should know about ASCII word processors, notably Perfect Writer. The only reason for going to WordPerfect is to make your output files usable by someone else. If working only for own use and printing, it's not worth learning WordPerfect's huge command structure. - --- Maximus-CBCS v1.00 * Origin: R&D BBS (1:163/226) ------------------------------ Date: 06-11-90 To: ANDREW TAYLOR Subject: RE: RAINBOW KEYBOARD CABL From: FRANK MALLORY Mark Bornstein used to sell the long keyboard cables. In case you can't get one from Mark of some other commercial source, give a shout and I will sell you one that I bought from Mark by mistake (thinking it was the monitor cable). - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0) ------------------------------ Date: 06-11-90 To: HAROLD BAUER Subject: BACKUP SOFTWARE From: PAUL OLSON Harold, Both CP/M and DOS come with a backup utility. It is simply called BACKUP. It has never failed me, with one exception. When performing CP/M backups, it is best to start with freshly initialized disks because the CP/M BACKUP sometimes doesn't delete the old disk contents properly. On the DOS side, you can't backup a hard drive partition that has a bunch of small files on it. DOS BACKUP keeps a table of files to be backed up, instead of a linked list structure. As a result, you can run into situations where the number of files to be backed up is larger than the number the table can contain. As a workaround, simply backup the partition, specifying the root directories. Other than that, I can't suggest any third-party backup utilities As Always, Paul - --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (06/14/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jun 14, 1990 In this issue: MEMORY BOARDS RE: RAINBOW KEYBOARD CABL BACKUP SOFTWARE FOR RB RE: BACKUP SOFTWARE FOR R RE: DATABASE SOFTWARE FOR RE: WP FOR DEC RAINBOW SEDT USERS - HOW MANY Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 06-11-90 To: ALL Subject: MEMORY BOARDS From: MILTON WARD DEL , 3404 east thomas rd, phoenix,az (602)957-3194 has some rainbow memory boards for sale I don't know what they want for them. The person to talk to would be mike simmons. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Genoa City (602) 945-0869 [Tempe, Arizona] (1:114/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 06-11-90 To: ANDREW TAYLOR Subject: RE: RAINBOW KEYBOARD CABL From: MILTON WARD Go to radio shack and buy a 12 or 25 foot telephone handset cord - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Genoa City (602) 945-0869 [Tempe, Arizona] (1:114/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 06-11-90 (18:32) To: HAROLD BAUER Subject: BACKUP SOFTWARE FOR RB From: DAN O'REILLY In a message to Anyone <06-07-90 21:41> Harold Bauer wrote: > Does anyone know of any backup software for the rainbow (including > IBM backup under code blue) ? I've got BCK31 on my system here (1:128/58). It's faster than BACKUP, and puts more on a disk. Plus, it was written especially for the Rainbow. DanO - --- RA Msg Editor v0.11 * Origin: Not "over the Rainbow" - at the DEPOT ((719)550-9305) (1:128/58) ------------------------------ Date: 06-12-90 To: HAROLD BAUER Subject: RE: BACKUP SOFTWARE FOR R From: FRANK MALLORY I use one called DISKPACK. Generic MS-DOS, so it doesn't need CB. A demo is available on this BBS as DISKPA21.ZIP. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0) ------------------------------ Date: 06-12-90 To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: DATABASE SOFTWARE FOR From: FRANK MALLORY > > I picked up copies of 4 database programs with the intention of choosing > one to use and to give away the other three. What I got was: > > NPL, Information Management System > ADR/DATA, Information Management Retrieval and Reporting > RDM > Datatrieve > > Can anyone make a recommendation as to what's good to keep Recommend you keep Datatrieve. It's more like a 4GL than a DBMS. Has the advantage that it is a standard layered product over the full PDP/VAX line. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0) ------------------------------ Date: 06-12-90 To: DONALD PHILLIPSON Subject: RE: WP FOR DEC RAINBOW From: FRANK MALLORY > The only reason for going to WordPerfect is to make your > output files usable by someone else. If working only > for own use and printing, it's not worth learning WordPerfect's > huge command structure. I've been using Select and now Freestyle for a number of years. But I just purchased a LaserJet IIP and need a WP program that will handle multiple fonts per page and proportional type. What do you recommend? - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0) ------------------------------ Date: 06-12-90 (06:08) To: BILL HLIWA Subject: SEDT USERS - HOW MANY From: DAN O'REILLY I used SEDT on my VAX, PC, and (used to) on my RAINBOW... DanO - --- RA Msg Editor v0.11 * Origin: Not "over the Rainbow" - at the DEPOT ((719)550-9305) (1:128/58) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (06/16/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jun 15, 1990 In this issue: BACKUP SOFTWARE FOR RB RE: SEDT USERS - HOW MANY Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 06-12-90 To: HAROLD BAUER Subject: BACKUP SOFTWARE FOR RB From: GEORGE DAHLCO In a message of <Jun 07 21:41>, Harold Bauer (1:109/103@fidonet) writes: >Does anyone know of any backup software for the rainbow (including >IBM backup under code blue) ? Harold, I have been using DSGEN, the generic form of DSBACKUP for years and think it's a great program. It packs data onto diskettes byte-to-byte (completly filling the diskette) so you need to keep your backup sets in volume sets. But you can restore any 1 file or group of files. It's also a *lot* faster than DOS backup. DSBACKUP+ (the current name) is for the IBM PC/AT family, but they used to include a generic version called DSGEN.COM which would run on any DOS machine. DSGEN also bypasses all the menu-driven garbage and a allows command line, batch file programming. For the Rainbow, it's the only one I know about that works reliably. Available at 'Egghead' or similar stores, Design Software is the company that writes it: Design Software 1275 W. Roosevelt Road West Chicago, IL 60185 - -George, 102/138- PS - I am not affiliated with Design Software in any way shape or form - I just bought DSBACKUP about 4 years ago when I was running my RB all the time. - --- msged 1.999.7 * Origin: Long Island_RB VAX EC/RAINBOW/PDP Echo Hub (1:102/138@fidonet) ------------------------------ Date: 06-13-90 (20:38) To: DAN O'REILLY Subject: RE: SEDT USERS - HOW MANY From: BILL HLIWA DOR> I used SEDT on my VAX, PC, and (used to) on my DOR> RAINBOW... For me, that was the attraction: I still use SEDT and DJINN on Rainbows and PC's. It's nice having common ground on as many systems as possible. - --- Sirius 1.0w * Origin: * Med TechNet * , Buffalo, NY 716/897-0504 (1:260/10.0) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (06/18/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jun 17, 1990 In this issue: RE: ST-225 IN PRO 350 RE: RAINBOW KEYBOARD CABL Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 06-12-90 (23:13) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: ST-225 IN PRO 350 From: BILL MAYHEW I'm not sure what to tell you *to* do (since I don't use RT-11) but I can tell you what you're doing wrong... Formatting the disk on the Rainbow is counterproductive. The formats are different. When using P/OS, the installation procedure automatically formats the hard disk for you. I don't know if the RT-11 install procedure does the same thing or not. DEC originally shipped all its hard disks for the Pro pre-formatted (um, actually, not "originally", but "at one time") so the version of RT-11 that you're working with may assume a pre-formatted disk. (By the way, these Pro-related questions would fit better in the PDP-11 echo, since the Pro is a PDP-11.) - -Bill - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------ Date: 06-12-90 (23:17) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: RAINBOW KEYBOARD CABL From: BILL MAYHEW The problem with using a regular phone cable is that the typical, garden-variet version of such cable does not contain heavy-enough conductors to carry the current drawn by the keyboard (the keyboard has no power supply, and draws its DC voltage from the system unit). - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (06/28/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jun 28, 1990 In this issue: RE: CODE BLUE AND 100A RB100A FOR SALE LA-50 Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 06-26-90 (08:27) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: CODE BLUE AND 100A From: DAVID STRICKLER In a message of <31 May 90 07:54:44>, Frank Mallory (1:109/123) writes: FM>The moderator will jump on me if I mention the names of any vendors FM>here; but if you put the question to me on this BBS, I will be glad to FM>furnish it. No I won't... At this point, RB owners need all the info they can get... :) David Strickler Sysop of 101/45 Midnight DEC (Boston) (617)739-0708 [Voice] - --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 06-26-90 (16:47) To: ALL Subject: RB100A FOR SALE From: DAVID HARDY Greetings, folks... First $600.00 (firm) takes RB100A w/256k, DEC color monitor, GOLD kybd, DF-112 modem, LA-50 printer, spare monochrome monitor, extra memory chips, assorted software including CPM-86/80, MS-DOS, SAMNA WORD II & III, DBASE-III, TK!/Solver, MBASIC-86, Pascal MT+, & Ryan-McFarland RM/COBOL. Also, all manuals, diskettes, & cables. Call Dave at (508) 795-0905 after 17:00 or days using our answering machine. Or drop a line here... All hardware & software is in current working order and I will deliver to point in southern New England. Pkg must go in one fell swoop: need $ for grad school and room for megatonnage of books, journals, & papers... Thanks for your consideration... - --- * Origin: Midnight DEC - The BBS for DEC sales & information (Opus ------------------------------ Date: 06-27-90 (10:37) To: ANDREW TAYLOR Subject: LA-50 From: TOM KEMNITZ Andrew, I also tried changing the capacitor, with no luck. I think you will find that the DC-DC converter is bad. It provides the +12 and -12 volts DC that the printer uses to communicate with the computer. If you have a multimeter it is a simple matter to test it. 1) Flip the LA-50 over on to it's back with the switches on the front facing you. With the bottom panel removed, use a ruler to locate the converter. The mounting pin is located 4 3/16" from the left edge of the board and 11/32" from the top (rear of LA-50). You should see a single pin sitting by itself. You are interested in the 4 pins below it. |<-------------4 3/16--------------> 11/32 ^ | o v | | o o o o | / | | \ | / | | \ | -12 +12 +5 GND 2) Hook up the cables to the LA-50 and check to see if you get the proper voltages. If so, the problem is elseware. If not, now comes the fun part. I found it impossible to find a direct replacement that would mount to the board where the old one came off. I settled for another brand and soldered short leads on it to make the connection. Not very pretty but it has worked for about 6 months without any problem. If you want to try to find a direct replacement, mine was a FUJIKEN, part# A12C10AC. If not, you should be able to find one at a large electronic supply house. Get one that is made for powering RS-232 ports with a +5 volt input and +12 and -12 volt outputs. A friend found mine in a junk bin where he works. If you have any questions, leave me a message and I will try to help. Tom - --- * Origin: WayStar BBS (Opus 1:322/14) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (06/30/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jun 29, 1990
In this issue:
RE: SEDT USERS - HOW MANY
RE: CP/M & SELECT
CACHE PROGRAM
RE: WHAT DISKS TO USE - R (2 messages)
RE: WP FOR DEC RAINBOW
RE: SUBJECT: IBM PC FLOPP
RE: TERMINAL PROGRAM
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 06-26-90 (06:54)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: SEDT USERS - HOW MANY
From: BOB FULLER
I use SEDT and find it extremely helpful. For example, when I inport
text files between programs, I find SEDT helps me find and erase
control characters that don't show up using the program, but do effect
the program's operation.
Bob Fuller
PO Box 245
Lynnwood, WA 98046
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431
------------------------------
Date: 06-26-90 (12:10)
To: RICK MELLON
Subject: RE: CP/M & SELECT
From: BOB FULLER
Here are some solutions that may work in recovering the SELECT files
1. Recopy both the text and program files.
2. Using the flopies and the hard drive, CREATE a new document
from the original file.
3. Using the original flopies and the RDCPM program, copy the CPM
files to MS-DOS. FREESTYLE will automaticly change the document so it
can be used with FREESTYLE. It will also make ASCII files.
4. Using the original flopies and the RDCPM program. copy the CPM
files to MS-DOS. Edit out the control characters using SEDT and
re-edit using WordPerfect or another word processor.
Good luck.
Bob
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431
------------------------------
Date: 06-28-90 (00:45)
To: ALL
Subject: CACHE PROGRAM
From: MARK BUDA
I have been looking for a cheap cache program that I can run on my rainbow.
SS used to sell a cache program, but of course they seem to have moved on.
If anyone has information, please let me know. This would be used on
my BBS, to speed up processing of mail.
Thanks,
- - mark
- --- QM v1.00
* Origin: VAXCat; Merrimack, NH;Home of the Black VAXCat;(603)424-0923
------------------------------
Date: 06-27-90 (09:21)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: WHAT DISKS TO USE - R
From: CHRIS RYAN
Addressing the "HD" part of your question, it refers to HIGH DENSITY,
which is IBM'ese for 96tpi. But the fly in the ointment is that the
coercivity is twice as high as the 48tpi (xxDD) disks, 600 for HD and
300 for the DD.
This is an expression of the strength of the magnetic field required
to change the orientation of the magnetic media on the disk. While the
HD disks have a track density comparable to that of the RX50, the
RX50's coercivity is more in line with that of the 48tpi disks.
In conversations with Chuck Guzis of SYDEX (author of RainDos, the
RX50 formatting, reading & writing utility for use on PC-AT's), I was
advised EMPHATICALLY to transfer all data off of HD disks, since the
disks were written with a head that did not have enought field
strength to overcome the coercivity of the disk. He predicted that
there would, over time, be some data dropouts. This was true, as the
copy command repeatedly came back with read errors.
I have been using no-name, Sony, TDK, Maxell, Fuji and a few other
DSDD 48tpi disks. I have over 300 disks in my library. Damn few
problems with them, once they were formatted with the "/i" option. I
really don't understand what your concerns are about using these
disks. Would you feel more secure with REAL RX50's from DEC?
- ---
* Origin: Long_Island RB (Opus 1:102/138)
------------------------------
Date: 06-28-90 (08:04)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: WHAT DISKS TO USE - R
From: FRANK MALLORY
> I want to buy some floppies for use in a Rainbow. Quality and data
> integrity are an issue, so I'm not willing to use regular "Double
> Density" 48 TPI disks, even though they usually work. However, cost
> is also an issue, so I'm willing to format them myself.
It comes down to a choice of DS/DD diskettes or ones designed
specifically for DEC computers (either RX50, or RX180K if you can find them).
I have found the 3M and Memorex DS/DD diskettes to be highly reliable.
Maxell is the only brand I can single out as not suitable for use on the 'bow.
Generally, it seems that if a diskette passes the format & verify
process on the 'bow, it will thereafter operate reliably.
DS/HD (HD = High Density) diskettes, designed for the IBM 1.2MB drive,
have a coating with a higher coercivity than that of the DS/DD drives;
I tried some and found they wouldn't work, but others have reported
some success with them.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247
------------------------------
Date: 06-28-90 (08:26)
To: DONALD PHILLIPSON
Subject: RE: WP FOR DEC RAINBOW
From: FRANK MALLORY
Is Sprint a markup language or a WYSIWYG word processor?
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247
------------------------------
Date: 06-28-90 (08:32)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: SUBJECT: IBM PC FLOPP
From: FRANK MALLORY
> Is there any software allowing for reading or writing
> IBM PC 360K floppies on Rainbow? It seems technically
> possible: Rainbow has a higher capacity drives and also
> runs MS DOS.
It is *not* technically possible to read or write an IBM 360K floppy
on the Rainbow, for the simple reason that 360K requires two read/
write heads and the Rainbow has only one.
The best you can do is format single-sided on the PC (/1), which when
operated in the MEDIACHK ON mode on Rainbow will give you approx.
180KB.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247
------------------------------
Date: 06-28-90 (08:38)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: TERMINAL PROGRAM
From: FRANK MALLORY
> Does anybody have a terminal program for Rainbow? I just
> bought a Rainbow for a bargain price and need it mainly
> as an "intelligent" terminal. Thanks for responses.
Kermit is the bargain terminal program you are looking for.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (07/01/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jun 30, 1990 In this issue: IDRIVE "SECRET" RE: CACHE PROGRAM Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 06-29-90 (10:54) To: JIM GREELEY OR WHOEVER Subject: IDRIVE "SECRET" From: FRANK MALLORY I'm interested in getting another IDRIVE, and it seems that this will be difficult consequent to the demise of SS. It seems to me, tho, that you should be able to produce your own IDRIVE given the software (which I have) and the proper disk drive and cable. Do you have any knowledge/thoughts on that? - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------ Date: 06-29-90 (08:48) To: MARK BUDA Subject: RE: CACHE PROGRAM From: BILL HLIWA MB> I have been looking for a cheap cache program that I MB> can run on my rainbow. SS used to sell a cache MB> program, but of course they seem to have moved on. Since SS is no longer with us, I assume we can share their software freely (such as their cache program). No? - --- Sirius 1.0w * Origin: * Med TechNet * , Buffalo, NY 716/688-1552 (1:260/10.0) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (07/01/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jul 1, 1990 In this issue: RE: SUBJECT: IBM PC FLOPP SUBJECT: IBM PC FLOPPIES? RE: WP FOR DEC RAINBOW RE: CACHE PROGRAM Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 06-28-90 (18:59) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: SUBJECT: IBM PC FLOPP From: ALAN CONROY Sorry, but 360K diskettes are double-sided. The RX50 only reads single-sided. So, though you could theoretically read the data on one side, you can't get to the second side. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 ------------------------------ Date: 06-29-90 (06:03) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: SUBJECT: IBM PC FLOPPIES? From: DON MARQUART > From: md33+@andrew.cmu.edu (Marek J. Druzdzel) Organization: Engineering > and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA > > Is there any software allowing for reading or writing IBM PC 360K floppies > on Rainbow? It seems technically possible: Rainbow has a higher capacity > drives and also runs MS DOS. Unfortunately the RB uses single sided 96 TPI drives where as the 360K format on the IBM-PC compatibles require a double sided 48 TPI drive. The good news is that you can read/write the single sided IBM format if "mediachk" is turned on in MS-DOS. Hope this helps some. Later... - --- VPurge[OS/2] V4.05 * Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888) ------------------------------ Date: 06-29-90 (20:36) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: WP FOR DEC RAINBOW From: DONALD PHILLIPSON "Is Sprint a markup language or WYSIWYG?" you ask. Sorry, unsure what a markup language is. Sprint is a full-featured WP, configurable in many ways -- but WYSIWYG would be so difficult as to be hardly worth the effort. Possible, certainly, but you'd have to get quite fluent in the Sprint macro language first! That pays only for other purposes, e.g. speed and security. - --- Maximus-CBCS v1.00 * Origin: R&D BBS (1:163/226) ------------------------------ Date: 06-30-90 (11:59) To: BILL HLIWA Subject: RE: CACHE PROGRAM From: CARL HOUSEMAN re: Since SS is no longer with us, I assume we can share their software freely. No? This is an interesting question, and I too wonder what others think and what the legal opinions are. I generally operate by: If you can buy it, do, but if they won't sell it and you can get it, fine. This works well for using "internal use only" software without guilt. Of course, when SS started selling DOS 3.10 I put aside my internal use only copy and bought it. Now that they don't sell it, what's a Rainbow owner who missed the deadline to do? Of course, if one DID buy the software, then one is bound by the license agreement even after the company goes out of business, I suppose, which includes not giving it away. The possibility of a legal action from the defunct company seems unlikely, tho... - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (07/03/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jul July, 1990 In this issue: RE: WP FOR DEC RAINBOW LA50 KINK Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 06-30-90 (23:17) To: DONALD PHILLIPSON Subject: RE: WP FOR DEC RAINBOW From: FRANK MALLORY DP> "Is Sprint a markup language or WYSIWYG?" you ask. Sorry, unsure what DP> a markup language is. Sprint is a full-featured WP, configurable in DP> many ways -- but WYSIWYG would be so difficult as to be hardly worth DP> the effort. A "markup" language is based on the classic RUNOFF text processor. It would encompass variations such as NROFF, TROFF, TeX, and GMLS (whatever that is). Using a markup language, you code commands that direct the processing of the text: page layout, paragraph indentation, etc. YOu see the final product only after you have run the marked up text through the markup processor. The Select and Freestyle word processors are hybrids in that you see the "markup" (formatting) commands as well as a pretty close rendition of the final product. WordPerfect is considered a WYSIWYG program, altho you can see the formatting commands by use of the Reveal Codes command. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) 51/1003 ------------------------------ Date: 06-30-90 (22:51) To: ALL Subject: LA50 KINK From: SARAH JONES Does anybody out there know why my LA50 gets the paper knocked off the sprokets anytime the paper-fold passes under the little bar in front of the roller. Any suggestion is welcome. Sarah Jones - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) 003 260/10 265/7 ------------------------------
GTHEALL@penndrls.upenn.edu (George A. Theall) (07/05/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jul 4, 1990 In this issue: LA50 KINK MONITOR (3 messages) Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 07-02-90 (21:47) To: SARAH JONES Subject: LA50 KINK From: FRANK MALLORY SJ> Does anybody out there know why my LA50 gets the paper knocked off the SJ> sprokets anytime the paper-fold passes under the little bar in front of SJ> the roller. Any suggestion is welcome. Not enough tension from the bail springs. You can increase the tension with a couple of rubber bands wrapped around the bail and secured to the read printer cover by paper clips. This is known as the "Mickey Mouse" solution. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------ Date: 07-02-90 (17:37) To: ALL Subject: MONITOR From: DAVID HUGHES Looks like my monitor is about to go. Suggestions on who/where to get a mono and possibly a color monitor? tx in advance, david hughes 128/67--- RemoteAccess 0.03 * Origin: The GoldMill BBS, a Fido <--> Unix-uucp Gateway (1:128/67) ------------------------------ Date: 07-02-90 (18:04) To: DAVID HUGHES Subject: MONITOR From: DAN O'REILLY I went to Midwest Systems (sorry, don't have the number handy) & got a VR241 (the color model) about a year ago for $150.00, which was a pretty good deal, since DEC wanted $90 to fix my VR201 (mono)! DanO - --- RA Msg Editor v0.11 * Origin: Not "over the Rainbow" - at the DEPOT ((719)550-9305) ------------------------------ Date: 07-02-90 (20:48) To: DAN O'REILLY Subject: MONITOR From: DAVID HUGHES Midwest Systems. Are they local to Colorado Springs, or. . .? tx for the info. Not exactly keen on paying Dec prices for an obselete machine, though I do use it to communicate and type one. . . tx for the info, david - --- RemoteAccess 0.03 * Origin: Not "over the Rainbow" - at the DEPOT ((719)550-9305) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (07/06/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jul 5, 1990
In this issue:
RAINBOW 100
RE: BACKUP SOFTWARE FOR R
RE: CACHE PROGRAM (2 messages)
MONITOR
RE: WHAT DISKS FOR RX50?
RE: IBM PC FLOPPIES
MICKEY MOUSE
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
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Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 07-02-90 (09:22)
To: ALL
Subject: RAINBOW 100
From: TOM EVERETT
I'm leaving this message for anyone who might be willing to help
me,I've just purchased a Rainbow 100B and modem and am looking for any
comm. programs that might be available for it. I have MS-DOS v2.11 and
Kermit-80 but have no idea how to connect them to a BBS to d/l files.
I'm using the Rainbow as a terminal instead of running through a comm.
program.
If anyone can help me with basic intsructions for downloading Rainbow
files or suggest any comm.programs that might get me started PLEASE
leave me a message or give me a call collect 404-396-5746 anytime except
5pm-9pm.
I'm also in search of any Rainbow users or users groups in the Atlanta
area because AT&T already has a hitman on me for L/D calls.
Any help would ge greatly appreciated!!
Tom Everett
Atlanta,GA
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431
------------------------------
Date: 06-27-90 (22:16)
To: CARL HOUSEMAN
Subject: RE: BACKUP SOFTWARE FOR R
From: GEOFF REED
ch>(apologies if this sounds like a flame - it might be!)
ch>
ch>Since when is DEC still protecting its internal developments for the
ch>Rainbow at this late date? As long as DEC has decided there's no more
ch>money to be made on the Rainbow, they ought to at least put all their
ch>marginally functional internal-use-only software in the DECUS library
ch>for as-is use!
ch>
ch>And, specifically, why are you concerned that Dan has mentioned the
ch>product? If it trumpets copyrights and Internal-DEC-use-only
ch>everytime you run it, surely he knows that and has chosen to ignore
ch>it. I'd like to see DEC try to bring a lawsuit on behalf of anything
ch>related to the Rainbow. They'd probably be thrown out of court!
ch>
ch>Now, if you know of someone planning to *sell* BCK, that's different.
ch>But don't hold back on us, please!
Carl, if you had BOTHERED to READ gary's ENTIRE message, he stated
that BCK was an internal program, never meant for release, and as such
was not guarenteed to work properly or at all, now I don't know about
you, but there are people out there that would get all pissed off and
even file lawsuits if a piece of software damaged their equipment or
data ( a recent case in New-york supreme [or was it superior] {oh
well} court held that the programmer and distributors of software can
be held liable for loss of hardware or data if the program damages it.
Also, since it is internal DEC and was never released to the public
domain, distributing it IS SOFTWARE PIRACY, are you advocating piracy
sir???
(and you're probably right, this is a flame too...)
- --- msged 1.999
* Origin: StarShip_Inconnu, Cruisin' the Stars (1:343/3.1)
------------------------------
Date: 07-03-90 (01:11)
To: BILL HLIWA
Subject: RE: CACHE PROGRAM
From: MARK BUDA
BH> MB> I have been looking for a cheap cache program that I
BH> MB> can run on my rainbow. SS used to sell a cache
BH> MB> program, but of course they seem to have moved on.
BH>
BH> Since SS is no longer with us, I assume we can share their software
BH> freely (such as their cache program). No?
I have no idea. Did that software come from SS or did they second
source it? Is SS 100% gone or did they file chapter 11 and are
trying to come back?
Just some questions that I have no answer to.
- - mark
- --- QM v1.00
* Origin: VAXCat; Merrimack, NH;Home of the Black VAXCat;(603)424-0923
------------------------------
Date: 07-03-90 (14:04)
To: DAVID HUGHES
Subject: MONITOR
From: FRANK MALLORY
DH> Looks like my monitor is about to go. Suggestions on who/where to
DH> get a mono and possibly a color monitor?
New VR201A monitors can be had from DEC Direct for $50.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247
------------------------------
Date: 07-03-90 (22:59)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: WHAT DISKS FOR RX50?
From: BILL MAYHEW
The bottom line on the RX50-hub-ring dispute seemed to be, "If you use
them consistently, or consistently don't use them, you're probably
OK." It was switching back and forth that led to grief. Evidently the
clamping mechanism in the RX50 drive was not designed for hub rings;
using the rings, over time, made it lose its grip on non-ringed
diskettes, but if you always used hub-ringed diskettes, you were OK.
As a general rule, of course...
- --- QM v1.00
* Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0)
------------------------------
Date: 07-03-90 (23:04)
To: BILL HLIWA
Subject: RE: CACHE PROGRAM
From: BILL MAYHEW
Re: sharing Suitable Solutions' software freely:
I would say NO. The company still exists; it is simply out of the
Rainbow business, and the principals are taking some time off to
identify what they want to do next. I'll post 'em a message though to
see what they have to say about this.
- -Bill
- --- QM v1.00
* Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0)
------------------------------
Date: 07-03-90 (23:07)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: IBM PC FLOPPIES
From: BILL MAYHEW
I believe the issue with formatting 1.44Mb 3.5" floppies at 720K is a
little different than the HD vs. DD issue. The geometry of the disk
layout is different in the 3.5" situation, which is not the case in
the 5.25" instance.
- --- QM v1.00
* Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0)
------------------------------
Date: 07-04-90 (07:30)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: MICKEY MOUSE
From: SARAH JONES
Hi Frank
I assume that if your solution worked there would be heavier Bail
Spring on the market to do the job.
I have the feeling that the real problem is in the sprockets themselves.
They don't seem to be deep enough and the plastic spring that hold
the paper against them seem to have come out of 1960 Japan. FLIMSY !
Hope some other charcter from Walt Disney World come up with the real
solution. Thanks for trying anyway.
Sarah Jones
- --- QM v1.00
* Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0)
------------------------------tmiller@BINAH.CC.BRANDEIS.EDU (07/06/90)
Hi All,
I have the number for midwest systems: 1-800-328-7000 ext. 890
By the way, I have a technical refrence manual for an IBM AT
which has a complete listing of the BIOS. I have heard that Rainbows
are 100% compatable if your software only uses BIOS calls and doesn't
short-cut its way to the screen's bitmap, etc... Is this true? And
if it is can I write programs on my Rainbow using BIOS calls as if
it were an IBM PC and expect them to work? What's the name of the
technical refrence manual for the Rainbow that describes its internals
in this much detail? I have heard that the Rainbow uses the Z80 chip
to handle disk functions and the 8088 for screen updates but i would
hope that the BIOS handles these details.
So are Rainbows compatable at ROM BIOS level with IBMs?
Thanks for any answers,
Todd M. Miller
Brandeis University
Waltham, MA 02154
tmiller@brandeis.bitnet, tmiller@binah.cc.brandeis.eduGTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (07/06/90)
> I have heard that Rainbows >are 100% compatable if your software only uses BIOS calls and doesn't >short-cut its way to the screen's bitmap, etc... Is this true? Substitute the word "DOS" for "BIOS" above and you've got it right. At the BIOS-level, though, the machines are quite different. Now there are products available for the Rainbow which do emulate to some degree PC BIOS functions. One is a public domain program called DIBEM (available from the INFO-DEC-MICRO file archives); the other is a commercial program named Code Blue (cost ~ $100). From what I've heard, Code Blue is a souped-up version of DIBEM and provides substantially better compatibility, enough so that users can run programs such as WordPerfect 5.0, TURBO Pascal v4.0/v5.0/v5.5, and CodeView on a Rainbow! > What's the name of the >technical refrence manual for the Rainbow that describes its internals >in this much detail? Ah, I think it's called _Rainbow Technical Reference Manual_, and if it's not any Rainbow person would know what you're talking about if you called it that. You can probably buy a used copy from someone on the net, or call Caroline Mack, the editor of _Rainbow News_ at +1 618 632 1143. George --- BITNET: GTHEALL@PennDRLS Dept. of Economics Internet: GTHEALL@PennDRLS.UPenn.Edu University of Pennsylvania AT+TNet: +1 215 898 3419 Philadelphia, PA 19104-3987
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (07/09/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jul 8, 1990
In this issue:
RE: LA50 KINK
RE: MONITOR
RE: CACHE PROGRAM
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 07-06-90 (16:51)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: RE: LA50 KINK
From: BOB FULLER
Thanks for the LA 50 rubber band fix. I have a spsring tension
problem with my LA50 and your solution may help me, too.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431
------------------------------
Date: 07-06-90 (16:56)
To: DAVID HUGHES
Subject: RE: MONITOR
From: BOB FULLER
MidWest systems is a DEC reseller with a toll free number
in the MidWest. I don't have the number, but DEC sometimes referred
me to them. Try your local office or 1-800-DEC-8000 or 1-800-225-
5385.
Abetter solution, however, may be to fix it yourself. Geoff
Reid in our users group has saved many of our members real dollars by
replacing a burned out capacator or resister. When yyou take the case
off the monitor, the burned part is easy to see. Geoff uses this
board and may give you more precise information on how to do it.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431
------------------------------
Date: 07-06-90 (17:05)
To: MARK BUDA
Subject: RE: CACHE PROGRAM
From: BOB FULLER
My understanding is that SS took a well deserved vacation
and will come back supporting a system other than the RB.
In spite of their great efforts, the customers were not there
to buy their products.
They were open about their intentions, gave plenty of warning,
gave great closeout prices and gave great advise to the end.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (07/09/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jul 9, 1990
In this issue:
VR-241 COLOR MONITORS
RE: BACKUP SOFTWARE FOR R
RE: CACHE PROGRAM
IDRIVE "SECRET" (2 messages)
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 07-07-90 (15:19)
To: ALL
Subject: VR-241 COLOR MONITORS
From: AMER NELSON
Last weekend the U. of Washington auctioned off three Pro 350s with
three (apparently working) VR-241s. Couldn't see bidding more than
$150 for the package since I didn't know of ANYONE at that time who
might be interested in the color monitors. Someone else -- identity
unknown -- got the whole ball of wax for around $225. People, make
your needs known and SOMEONE may go out on a limb to pick up used
equipment.
++ Amer ++
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431
------------------------------
Date: 07-05-90 (01:30)
To: GEOFF REED
Subject: RE: BACKUP SOFTWARE FOR R
From: CARL HOUSEMAN
re: if I had bothered to read Gary's entire message ... etc. etc.
I think I did read Gary's entire message. I view his admonition to
someone else - not to distribute, talk about, or otherwise mention a
piece of software, whether it's internal-DEC-use or not - as needless
and unwelcome nagging. Perhaps the person he was addressing didn't
see it as nagging, but I for one would like to know what DEC is still
keeping to themselves for whatever-their-tangled-reasons are.
re: there are people who would file lawsuits if a piece of software
damaged their equipment ....
That's right, and some of them could file lawsuits against ME if I
hadn't included a disclaimer with the Rainbow software I'VE written.
Now explain to me why DEC can't release such software with a similar,
100% legally approved disclaimer.
re: since it's internal DEC and was never released to the public
domain, distributing it IS SOFTWARE PIRACY, and are you
advocating piracy, sir?
It may come as a surprise to you that I'm probably the staunchest
advocate of "pay for the software you use" at the company where I
work. That goes for big-name software and shareware alike. I'm a
programmer, and regardless of the opinions, I view using something
without paying for it as taking the bread out of some programmer's
mouth.
Now here's the catch. I would LOVE to pay for this particular piece
of software, if it does something I need. That may go for the rest of
the discontinued software. But if you can't pay for it, is it still
piracy? You could argue that something doesn't have to be for sale
for you to steal it, but in this case, who would be wronged?
Often, DEC has set a good example by placing obsolete software in the
hands of the DECUS library. They should do similarly with all
remaining internal-use-only software for the RAinbow. But, until that
happens, if I find a way to get my hands on a copy, that's my
business. Not yours, and not Gary Stebbins'.
(And if both of you refrained from using or trying out
internal-DEC-use-only Rainbow MS-DOS 3.1 and Windows 1.0, my hat is
off to you).
(and in case you're keeping score: 1/3 of this flame to DEC, 1/3 to
the general problem of how to get software for obsolete equipment, and
1/3 to Geoff Reed).
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: The Silver Bullet BBS (1:109/417.0)
------------------------------
Date: 07-05-90 (07:19)
To: MARK BUDA
Subject: RE: CACHE PROGRAM
From: FRANK MALLORY
MB> I have no idea. Did that software come from SS or did they second
MB> source it? Is SS 100% gone or did they file chapter 11 and are trying
MB> to come back?
SpeedCache is an adaptation of a program that is (c) 1986,1987 FSS,
Ltd. FSS is not listed in Data Sources; judging from the "Ltd",
perhaps it is a British company.
Data Sources does list a program with the same name, available from
Storage Dimensions, Inc. (subsidiary of Maxtor). They can be reached
at 408-879-0300.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247
------------------------------
Date: 07-07-90 (08:15)
To: JIM GREELY
Subject: IDRIVE "SECRET"
From: FRANK MALLORY
JG> Hmmm. Don't have one here. If anyone has a copy of the software and
JG> the doc's they can lend me I can have my technical person try to get
JG> one working.... Should be cheap to make since the drive is only
JG> about $75 and the case is about another $75...
Ruben Fagundo did a good analysis of it; did you see his message?
I think you can get by without the case, and $75 seems a little pricy
for one. But do you have a source for the cases?
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247
------------------------------
Date: 07-07-90 (11:46)
To: JIM GREELY
Subject: IDRIVE "SECRET"
From: FRANK MALLORY
FWIW, the drive used in the 5 1/4-in. IDrive is a Teac FV-55BV.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (07/11/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jul 11, 1990 In this issue: RE: DECCOMM (2 messages) Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 07-08-90 (21:00) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: DECCOMM From: ALAN CONROY Alas no. The Rainbow BIOS and IBM BIOS are worlds apart. I don't even think the interrupt vecetor is the same, and certainly the function codes are not. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 ------------------------------ Date: 07-10-90 (07:28) To: ALAN CONROY Subject: RE: DECCOMM From: FRANK MALLORY AC> Alas no. The Rainbow BIOS and IBM BIOS are worlds apart. I don't AC> even think the interrupt vecetor is the same, and certainly the AC> function codes are not. I am trying to raise Vince on this conference; tried direct email without success. Vince wrote DecComm and has had a hand in Opus 1.1. Are you using a Rainbow/HST with Opus 1.12? - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (07/13/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jul 12, 1990 In this issue: PROBLEMS WITH I-DRIVE Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 07-11-90 (06:46) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: PROBLEMS WITH I-DRIVE From: FRANK MALLORY GT> I have some questions concerning I-Drive, sold until recently by GT> Suitable Solutions. Yesterday, I formatted a disk on an IBM PC running GT> DOS 3.3, wrote some files on it using my Rainbow (running DOS 3.1b), GT> and then tried to read the files just written back to the IBM PC. GT> Unfortunately, I get a 'General Failure error reading drive A' message GT> issued by the PC. This has happens the other way, too. That is, on GT> Rainbow-formatted disks written on the the PC and read back onto the GT> Rainbow. Would someone tell me what I'm doing wrong ? Was it a 360K drive on the PC? What kind of diskettes are you using? How old is your I-Drive? - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (07/14/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jul 13, 1990
In this issue:
TECO FOR RAINBOW?
JUST GOT A RAINBOW! (2 messages)
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
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Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 07-10-90 (14:12)
To: ALL
Subject: TECO FOR RAINBOW?
From: BRIAN TREADWAY
I posted the following query once before, but was unable
to check for responses. Answer it again!
My favorite text editor, TECO, has been available on
every |d|i|g|i|t|a|l| machine I've ever used till now
(various PDP-11's and VAXes). Usually it wasn't officially
supported, but it was sure fast and handy.
Is there a TECO editor that runs on a Rainbow?
I'm not looking for the VT52/VT100 screen "macro," but
the TECO editor itself, with "< >" iterations,
"q" registers, and conditional transfers.
Any clues anyone can give me will be appreciated.
Brian Treadway
- ---
* Origin: Midnight DEC - The BBS for DEC sales & information (Opus
------------------------------
Date: 07-12-90 (08:52)
To: ALL
Subject: JUST GOT A RAINBOW!
From: CHRISTOPHER WROTEN
I am treasurer for a non-profit tax-exempt choral society
located in Walpole, Mass. I just acquired a Rainbow 100.
I know almost *nothing* about it and am looking for some
guidance. Once I get an exact listing of the machine's
hardware and software, I'll post that to those who would
like to help me out. My questions right now are:
1. Accounting software. Does anyone have PeachTree
accounting package? Is it available anywhere? I've
got Peachtree WordProcessor, so I would think the
accounting software is available.
2. Hard disk. System currently has 2 floppies. I'd
like to get a 10 or 20mb hard disk. What are the
possibilities & general costs?
3. Memory. I think it's currently got 384K but am not
sure. Again, what are the possibilities and general
costs of more memory?
4. Printer. Possibilities/costs?
If anyone has Rainbow equipment that they'd like to donate
to our non-profit choral society corporation (Neponset
Choral Society Inc., P.O. Box 202, East Walpole, Ma. 02032)
please contact me. Thanks!!
Christopher Wroten, Treasurer
140 Lovering Street
Medway, Ma. 02053-2303
Internet: CFW@RES-C4.PRIME.COM
Voice: 508-879-2960 x4336 (Prime Computer)
- --- QM v1.00
------------------------------
Date: 07-13-90 (09:48)
To: CHRISTOPHER WROTEN
Subject: JUST GOT A RAINBOW!
From: GEORGE THEALL
CW> 2. Hard disk. System currently has 2 floppies. I'd
CW> like to get a 10 or 20mb hard disk. What are the
CW> possibilities & general costs?
*If* you can get a hard disk controller for your machine, you
can install in your system almost any hard disk that uses MFM or RLL
encoding. [Note, however, the Rainbow only handles the MFM format; if
you choose a drive with RLL encoding expect to have it format out to
only 2/3 its capacity.] The Seagate ST225 20MB drive, for example,
that's sold for PC compatible systems will work fine. So too will the
ST241 40MB drive. The June 1988 issue of _Rainbow News_ had an
excellent article about this. I would highly recommend you read it if
you're thinking of "doing it yourself".
Hard disk controller cards for Rainbows have become scarce since
Suitable Solutions stopped supporting the machine. You might try
calling either Caroline Mack (editor of _Rainbow News_, +1 618 632
1143), Jim Greely (+1 800 446 3074), Eustace Enterprises (+1 407 433
0846), or some other retailer specializing in DEC systems. DEC itself
might have something lying around which they'd sell you, but its
prices are usually exorbitant.
I'm not aware of pricing these days. As a *rough* guess, I'd say
$250 for the drive itself and $200 for the controller card.
BTW: Unless you buy from DEC, you'll probably need to obtain a
program called WUTIL to do a low-level format of the ahrd disk. The
latest version (that I know about) is v3.2, available via anonymous
FTP DRYCAS.CLUB.CC.CMU.EDU in [.INFO-DEC-MICRO.UPLOADS] or on Penn's
Landing bbs here in Phila (+1 215 898 8511, 8N1).
CW> 3. Memory. I think it's currently got 384K but am not
CW> sure. Again, what are the possibilities and general
CW> costs of more memory?
Rainbows came with either 64 or 128K on the motherboard. Since you
have more than that in your system there must be some type of
expansion module. Now if I've done my math correctly and you really do
have 384K on board, then you have only one set (of 3) of slots filled
up on this module (9 chips of 256K-bit DRAM per set). You can add
another 512K of RAM to the system simply by plugging it in to the
empty slots. [Please open up your system unit and verify this *before*
ordering any chips.] Any 256K-bit DRAM should work; chips rated at
150ns will be fine. Look in something like _Computer Shopper_ for ads.
The upgrade should cost you less than $50 should you do it yourself.
CW> 4. Printer. Possibilities/costs?
The Rainbow has a serial port available for a printer. You can use
anything you want there - just make sure (1) it has a serial interface
and (2) it comes with drivers for the software you are planning to
use.
In my case I bought a Panasonic 1091i printer and an optional
serial interface. Total cost was about $300 ($100 for the interface
itself :-(. This is a 9-pin dot matrix printer with Epson and IBM
Proprinter emulation modes. Quite a good deal, I think.
George
- ---
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (07/14/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jul 14, 1990 In this issue: RE: CACHE PROGRAM RE: DECCOMM Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 07-11-90 (21:41) To: MARK BUDA Subject: RE: CACHE PROGRAM From: ERIC SPEARS [ My apologies if this post is a repeat. My local bbs has undergone some changes, and I may have lost track of which articles were already included in earlier digests. GAT, 14-Jul-90 ] Speed Cache was a second source program with SS only distributing it. The IBM version works just fine (after you get it copied over to RBow diskettes). I'll try to find my manual which has the name and address of the supplier. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 ------------------------------ Date: 07-12-90 (20:46) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: DECCOMM From: ALAN CONROY Rainbow/HST?! What's "HST". We ARE talking about DEC Rainbow here, right? - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (07/16/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jul 15, 1990
In this issue:
RE: DECCOMM
ARTICLES WANTED FOR NEWSL
RE: JUST GOT A RAINBOW!
I DRIVE/DS DRIVES ON RAIN (2 messages)
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 07-14-90 (12:54)
To: ALAN CONROY
Subject: RE: DECCOMM
From: FRANK MALLORY
AC> Rainbow/HST?! What's "HST". We ARE talking about DEC Rainbow
AC> here, right?
HST = US Robotics Courier HST modem. It's capable of 14,400 bps data
transfer when communicating with another HST.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247
------------------------------
Date: 07-13-90 (06:55)
To: ALL
Subject: ARTICLES WANTED FOR NEWSL
From: DAVID MAROUN
I edit the Vancouver Area Rainbow Users (VARUG) newsletter. I invite
anyone with information about the DEC Rainbow, other DEC small systems, or
any other personal computer operating in a Digital environment to submit
articles to the newsletter. I post the newsletters regularly on the
Glacier Peak bulletin board.
Articles should be submitted to
David P. Maroun
Editor, VARUG Newsletter
9395 Windsor Street
Chilliwack, British Columbia
Canada V2P 6C5
Telephone (604) 792-4071
The ideal format for submissions is ASCII form on diskette, but other
legible formats are also accepted. Please include a covering letter
describing the submission briefly and indicating what disk format you
used.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431
------------------------------
Date: 07-13-90 (14:54)
To: CHRISTOPHER WROTEN
Subject: RE: JUST GOT A RAINBOW!
From: BOB FULLER
I have a Peachtree Accounting Package you could purchase
for $95. The program includes General Ledger, Accounts Receivable,
Sales Invoicing and Inventory Control complete with software and
original documentation in four, standard one-inch binders
The programs are designed specifically for the Rainbow's
CPM 80/86 operating system.
Although the documentation says it will work with either
floppy or hard disk systems, I recommend a hard disk.
Many hard disks will work on your Rainbow. If you don't
have one already, the contriller card may be the most expensive part
of the conversion. This BBS would be a good place to leave a message
to see what a controller would cost you. There was a good article
written by Jerry Miller of Suitable Solutions on installing hard
drives in the Rainbow. A users group in your area would be a good
place to find one or leave a message here and I'll send a copy to you
For your information, the Rainbow will run both CPM and MS-
DOS software and you can partition your hard drive into sepereate
sections for both systems.
Bob
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431
------------------------------
Date: 07-13-90 (08:45)
To: ALL
Subject: I DRIVE/DS DRIVES ON RAIN
From: FRANK ZSITVAY
Are any device drivers available that would let you put DS drives onto
the rainbow?? i don't know the first thing about writing said drivers,
but since the drivers for the I drive do exist, there must be others
around somewhere.
and if there ain't, then how does one go about getting a set of Idrive
drivers and making a cable??
- --
fzsitvay@techbook.UUCP
...!tektronix!{nosun,tessi,sequent}!techbook!fzsitvay
Version 2 of anything is usually the version that works.
- --- QM v1.00
* Origin: TECHbooks One, Fido Gate to techbook (503) 644-8135
------------------------------
Date: 07-15-90 (16:25)
To: FRANK ZSITVAY
Subject: I DRIVE/DS DRIVES ON RAIN
From: GEORGE THEALL
FZ> Are any device drivers available that would let you put DS drives onto
FZ>the rainbow?? i don't know the first thing about writing said drivers,
FZ>but since the drivers for the I drive do exist, there must be others
FZ>around somewhere.
There's some source code available from the INFO-DEC-MICRO file
archives which purport to do this. Look for it as file RBIODIF.ZIP in
the [.PROG] directory. About 2 years ago a fellow named Richard
Thomsen patched his Rainbow's BIOS and DOS adding support for
double-sided drives. He also found a way to replace the normal RX50
drives in A/B with a pair of TEAC drives. He said this setup not only
let him use (read/write) standard PC floppies in drives A and B, but
also continue to use his RX50 floppies!
From what I remember, the source code that's available is not the
complete BIOS and DOS code - since DEC holds a copyright on that he
can not distribute it. Rather, it consists of changes that must be
made to your BIOS and DOS. To do this you must somehow obtain the
original DEC source code and add in Thomsen's changes. Back when DEC
supported the Rainbow, it was possible to obtain a hardcopy of the
BIOS and DOS code - I believe it's part of the Rainbow Technical
Reference Manual. Things are probably quite different now with many
people now using MS-DOS v3.10 from Suitable Solutions. Anyway, after
purchasing a hardcopy listing from DEC, Thomsen then typed it in by
hand (wow!!!), corrected lots of mistakes in the DEC-supplied listing
(geez :-(, and went from there.
I don't know enough about assembly language, but I've wondered why
one couldn't just apply a disassembler to the code on his/her own
machine to get the original DEC source code. Anybody know?
George
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (07/18/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jul 18, 1990 In this issue: RE: DECCOMM RE: TECO FOR RAINBOW? DEC RAINBOX (PC100A&B) CP RE: I DRIVE/DS DRIVES ON Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 07-15-90 (11:39) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: DECCOMM From: ALAN CONROY Well, the software and/or modem you use with the Rainbow really have no bearing on the fact that the BIOS is different from the IBM BIOS. You can, however, determine if the program is currently running on a Rainbow or an IBM and remap your BIOS calls based on that. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 ------------------------------ Date: 07-16-90 (23:30) To: ALAN CONROY Subject: RE: TECO FOR RAINBOW? From: CARL HOUSEMAN re: The bad news is that I cannot recall the company who sold it... The generic TECO for MS-DOS is public domain, as far as I know. The real problem is it isn't very complete, if you're an old-time TECO hacker. The version I have identifies itself as X1.04 and displays no copyright when started. It includes source files for Microsoft C version 3.0 which *are* copyrighted but licensed for free distribution for non-commercial use. - --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: SYS$OUTPUT BBS * Library, PA * Fido 12s * 412.854.0511 * ------------------------------ Date: 07-16-90 (15:47) To: ALL Subject: DEC RAINBOX (PC100A&B) CP From: JOHN DUNCAN I have some RB 100A & 100B CPU boxes for sale. They have all the CPU cards, PS, memory, floppy drives, etc, just no devices external to the cpu box itself (monitor, keyboard, etc). One even has the 10MB Seagate ST-412 hard disk. If you're interested, call me at 617-323-4852. They will go to the KGP Computer Show in Boxborough MA on Aug 4, so the best price will be had before then ( $45-75 each before show). Thanks, John Duncan - --- * Origin: Midnight DEC - The BBS for DEC sales & information (Opus ------------------------------ Date: 07-16-90 (18:08) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: I DRIVE/DS DRIVES ON From: ALAN CONROY You CAN disassemble the ROM BIOS (and MSDOS, if you want). Many have done so. The problem is that you have no comments, labels, or other symbols to assist in understanding it. The V2.11 MSDOS BIOS is printed in the technical documentation set. This is no longer available from DEC, but DEC has allowed people to copy documentation which is no longer available - so find yourself a copy. The problem is that the BIOS was reworked by Suitable Solutions for V3 of MSDOS; the original had some bugs. If you need a copy of the BIOS listing, give IRUG a try. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (07/20/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jul 19, 1990 In this issue: RE: DECCOMM RAINBOW INFO PD SOFTWARE (2 messages) RE: FLOPPIES AND THE RAIN Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 07-17-90 (08:40) To: ALAN CONROY Subject: RE: DECCOMM From: FRANK MALLORY AC> Well, the software and/or modem you use with the Rainbow really AC> have no bearing on the fact that the BIOS is different from the IBM AC> BIOS. You can, however, determine if the program is currently running AC> on a Rainbow or an IBM and remap your BIOS calls based on that. DecComm, as the name implies, pertains specifically and exclusively to DEC computers (the Rainbow, in particular) and has nothing to do whatsoever with IBM PCs and/or their BIOS. It's what is known as a communications FOSSIL program, which is a class of TSR system programs that adapt an application program to a specific computer architecture. DecComm was written by Vince Perriello, and I am (still) hoping to get a response from him on this echo. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------ Date: 07-18-90 (07:35) To: CHRISTOPHER WROTEN Subject: RAINBOW INFO From: PAUL OLSON Christopher, The Rainbow 100A is expandable to 832Kb, while the 100B is expandable to 896Kb. The difference is the amount of memory DEC placed on the mother board. The 100A had only 64Kb, while the 100B had 128Kb. The easiest way for you to tell if you have an A or a B is to look at the startup menu. If there is a W option for booting off the hard drive, it is a 100B. You can expand your memory by buying chips for the memory board in the machine. From the sounds of it, you have the memory expansion board with socketed chips on it. If so, all you need to do to upgrade is to buy the proper chips (256x1, I think, but double check; it has been a long while since I bought chips for the 'bow), pull the old 64Kb chips out of the board, insert the new chips, and flip the proper dip switches on the board. It may also involve a software setup in the setup screens. (Boy, it has been a _long_ time since I looked at this stuff!) I suspect you have a 100B with the memory board with the socketed chips. The only way to tell which memory board you have is to pull out the mother board (by removing the system unit cover, unscrewing the large black screws on the back of the system, and sliding the mother board out), and removing the memory board from the motherboard and looking at it. Be VERY careful about static shock to your boards!! Also, be prepared to support your motherboard from underneath. It is a big board. The memory board is located in the middle of the motherboard. As for disk drives, your best bet would be to buy a disk controller and cables from a used equipment dealer, and a hard drive from a mail order house. You can call Newmann computers in Ann Arbor, MI, or Eustace Enterprises in Orlando (?). I don't have the numbers with me. Alternatively, you can also contact the Internation Rainbow Users Group for more information. Their number is 618/632-1143. Caroline Mack has more contacts than anyone I know. My own system has a MicroCHS dual hard disk controller and a Seagate ST-225 20Mb hard drive. I don't know the availability of the MicroCHS and its associated software as the manufacturer and the distributor both went out of business. A single drive DEC controller should work just fine for you. You will also want to download WUTIL from your favorite BBS system. Other resources include CompuServe which has a good DEC Rainbow forum. Unfortuantely, they charge for connect time. If you have any more questions, just yell. Next time I'll try to answer from home rather than work. I don't have any of my Rainbow info at work. As Always, Paul - --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 07-18-90 (07:54) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: PD SOFTWARE From: PAUL OLSON To Jason Gabler, There are basically three more sources of RB PD software. Fido/Opus BBS systems catering to the RB; the WARUG library, maintained by the International Rainbow Users Group (618/632-1143); and CompuServe. Of course CompuServe charges for connect time. As Always, Paul - --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 07-17-90 (18:22) To: ALL Subject: RE: FLOPPIES AND THE RAIN From: FRANK ZSITVAY >Please note that this is the low density 720K drive that I'm doing this with. >The 1.44M floppy doesn't want to work in my Rainbow out of the box, so I'm not >sure what to do with it. Do you know if a single sided version of that drive would work?? i've seem mitsubishi mf351 (ssdd 400k 3.5 inch) drives for as little as $40 mail order. united products in seattle has sony d32v drives (ssdd 600k 3.5 inch with 8 inch electronics) for $5 each. >Now that SS is gone, is there any interest in a PD double sided driver for the >Rainbow? at times i've sworn i'd give my right testicle for just such a driver... I'd even PAY you for the driver.... - -- fzsitvay@techbook.COM - one of these days i'll get it right... - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: TECHbooks One, Fido Gate to techbook (503) 644-8135 ------------------------------ Date: 07-19-90 (15:13) To: PAUL OLSON Subject: PD SOFTWARE From: GEORGE THEALL PO>There are basically three more sources of RB PD software. Fido/Opus PO>BBS systems catering to the RB; the WARUG library, maintained by the PO>International Rainbow Users Group (618/632-1143); and CompuServe. Two additional comments: - - some Rainbow software is available from the INFO-DEC-MICRO file archives at Carnegie-Mellon Univ. For those with anonymous FTP access, connect to DRYCAS.CLUB.CC.CMU.EDU, switch over to [.INFO-DEC-MICRO], and download to your heart's content. And at no cost! - - there is at least one bbs which is not part of Fido/Opus carrying Rainbow files. It's Penn's Landing, +1 215 898 8511, 8N1. You should check with George Dahlco about others. George ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (07/23/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jul 22, 1990 In this issue: RE: I DRIVE/DS DRIVES ON FREE DECMATE DOCUMENTATIO RE: TECO FOR RAINBOW? Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 07-20-90 (08:33) To: ALL Subject: RE: I DRIVE/DS DRIVES ON From: FRANK ZSITVAY In article <580.26A5FEAC.@techbks1.FIDONET.ORG> George.Theall@f203.n273.z1.FIDONET.ORG (George Theall) writes: >directory. About 2 years ago a fellow named Richard Thomsen patched his >Rainbow's BIOS and DOS adding support for double-sided drives. He also found a >way to replace the normal RX50 drives in A/B with a pair of TEAC drives. He >said this setup not only let him use (read/write) standard PC floppies in >drives A and B, but also continue to use his RX50 floppies! rather versatile, to say the least. the hardware for that would be a piece of cake, the programming is another matter... >with many people now using MS-DOS v3.10 from Suitable Solutions. Anyway, after >purchasing a hardcopy listing from DEC, Thomsen then typed it in by hand >(wow!!!), corrected lots of mistakes in the DEC-supplied listing (geez :-(, >and went from there. is there a monumental difference between the bios for 2.xx and 3.xx?? pc machines seem to use the same rom bios for all versions of the operating system, or did SS make enhancements over the 2.xx bios?? > I don't know enough about assembly language, but I've wondered why one ------------------------------ Date: 07-20-90 (20:19) To: ALL Subject: FREE DECMATE DOCUMENTATIO From: ANDREW TAYLOR FREE to a good home, one set of DECmate Documentation (no disks), consisting of: DECmate Word Processing, The Basics DECmate Word Processing Options DECmate CP/M-80 DECmate Hardware Documentation Kit (for DECmate III) Any, or all of it is FREE to a deserving cause. I'll take it to a nearby UPS packaging center, and send you the bill (looks like about $10). Leave message here, or call me (206) 467-4431 (work) (206) 323-5929 (home) Andrew Taylor - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 ------------------------------ Date: 07-20-90 (22:52) To: BRIAN TREADWAY Subject: RE: TECO FOR RAINBOW? From: GARY STEBBINS I've heard there is a version of TECO in the DECUS library that is written in C and will work on MS-DOS. I haven't checked it out myself, so can't say any more about it than that. Anyone reading this that has a current copy of the library listing that can give further information? - -gary- - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (07/27/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jul 26, 1990
In this issue:
RE: RAINBOW INFO
Misc. Questions
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 07-24-90 (19:20)
To: PAUL OLSON
Subject: RE: RAINBOW INFO
From: ALAN CONROY
The MicroCHS board is no longer manufactured, nor do I know of
anyone who will fix broken ones. Nor do I know of anyone who sells
used ones. However, several brokers do sell used DEC Rainbow hard
disk controllers. Note that the DEC controllers work just fine,
except in the following circumstances:
1) You want to run two disks off the controller,
2) You are trying to connect a drive with connectors in places that
will not work with the DEC controller's cable (the RD53 being
a prime example).
If you have one of the above situations, the thing to do is find
someone who has a MicroCHS board AND does not have either of the above
restrictions. Then buy a used DEC controller and trade it for the
MicroCHS controller (that's what I did).
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431
------------------------------
Date: 07-26-90 (08:01)
To: ALL
Subject: Misc. Questions
From: GEORGE THEALL
Hey, where'd everybody go? This echo's been dead for the past
week. Maybe the following questions will pick things up again.
Whatever happened to _Rainbow News_? It's been about 9 months
since the last issue, I believe. Is Caroline still publishing?
Any word about Windows v3.0 on the Rainbow? Has Len Burke made any
progress on it yet?
Has anyone used Warner Losh's RBINT (now called RABIT) in its beta
form? It's a TSR designed to reroute requests to take over int 18h by
other programs; eg, Turbo C v2.0, Turbo C++, v1.0, etc... Does it run
on your system? Have you used it successfully in combination with
programs?
George
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (07/30/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jul 29, 1990 In this issue: RE: TECO FOR RAINBOW? MISC. QUESTIONS RE: JUST GOT A RAINBOW! Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 07-25-90 (20:46) To: GARY STEBBINS Subject: RE: TECO FOR RAINBOW? From: FRANK MALLORY The one here is v1.04. It consists of TECO.COM only. Gives the * prompt when started up, but I forgot how to operate TECO so couldn't get it to do anything. I finally (I think) got my HST working right, so it can be downloaded or FReqed pretty quick, especially considering it is only about 10KB. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------ Date: 07-27-90 (07:31) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: MISC. QUESTIONS From: FRANK MALLORY GT> Hey, where'd everybody go? This echo's been dead for the past week. GT> Maybe the following questions will pick things up again. One or 2 msgs per day coming thru here; slow but not dead. GT> Whatever happened to _Rainbow News_? It's been about 9 months since GT> the last issue, I believe. Is Caroline still publishing? Promises, promises... GT> Any word about Windows v3.0 on the Rainbow? Has Len Burke made any GT> progress on it yet? No word. It seems almost certain it would require a Turbow board. GT> Has anyone used Warner Losh's RBINT (now called RABIT) in its beta GT> form? It's a TSR designed to reroute requests to take over int 18h by GT> other programs; eg, Turbo C v2.0, Turbo C++, v1.0, etc... Does it run GT> on your system? Have you used it successfully in combination with GT> programs? I'm using his original version; haven't yet uudecoded and installed the latest one. The original one does prevent the "Interrupts off" crash in most cases, but it hasn't made Cobol 3.0 nor Multiplan 4.2 run without resorting to CB. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------ Date: 07-27-90 (23:49) To: CHRISTOPHER WROTEN Subject: RE: JUST GOT A RAINBOW! From: DAVID MAROUN I have 7 modules of Peachtree accounting (AR, AP, GL, job cost, inventory control, PeachCalc, and personal calendar). The catch is that I do not have a configuration program for the Rainbow. You can run these programs on a Rainbow, but you need the IBM PC-DOS emulator Code Blue and plenty of memory--unless you can get a configuration program. I am asking $15 per module for the Peachtree accounting package. Let me know if you want any of it. Maximum memory is 896 k. If you have 384 k, you have the DEC auxiliary memory board, and need only add 256 k chips to get more memory. You also have to set some switches on the board. Run CHKDSK under MS-DOS to find out for sure how much memory you have. You can use most printers with a Rainbow. The Rainbow has a serial port for printers and by default uses XON-XOFF control. The most convenient arrangement is to get a printer with a serial port and that kind of control. Panasonic and Epson are two companies that can provide this as an option for around $70 or so. I often use a Tandy printer which has a serial port but does not use XON-XOFF control. In this case, I run the SETPORT utility (available free; you may have copies on your CP/M or MS-DOS system diskettes) to enable the data terminal ready signal. Note that making serial connecticns is sometimes a bit tricky and frustrating. I have had some experience with them, so let me know if I can help. You can also get a serial-to-parallel interface to use a printer with a parallel port (the most common kind these days). One such interface is available around here for $90 Canadian (the last time I checked) and it works well with a Rainbow, but also requires enabling the DTR signal. You can also get a parallel port for a Rainbow as part of a SCSI board, but that is an expensive proposition, and I do not know off-hand of anyone who has tried it. Hope this helps! - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 ------------------------------
imp@dancer.Solbourne.COM (Warner Losh) (08/01/90)
>Subject: RE: FLOPPIES AND THE RAIN >From: FRANK ZSITVAY > > Do you know if a single sided version of that drive would work?? i've >seem mitsubishi mf351 (ssdd 400k 3.5 inch) drives for as little as $40 >mail order. united products in seattle has sony d32v drives (ssdd 600k >3.5 inch with 8 inch electronics) for $5 each. No, I don't know for sure. I would suppose they would work if they follow the standard interface. In fact, you should just be able to hook up the 400K drives, no problem. The 600K drive would require quite a bit of work in the Z80 side of the rainbow's BIOS. Not exactly the easiest thing in the world to do (I have new respect for Mr. Thompsen). I don't know what "8 inch electonics" are, so you may be SOL. > I'd even PAY you for the driver.... Is there a market for this? I have a driver now that will read/write double-sided 3.5" disks in its own format (kinda like IBM's, only not compatable). To be compatable requires, as near as I can tell, some Z80 hacking. But hey, a 800K floppy does come in handy for backing up largish hard disks (51 disk vs 101 disks is a big difference :-). It is written in Turbo C++ with just enough assembler around it to make it work. I have no clue if this works with the other disk drives (eg TEAC 55F's) since I have no others than the RX-50's and a PC 720K Toshiba disk dirve. Warner -- Warner Losh imp@Solbourne.COM
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (08/01/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Aug 1, 1990
In this issue:
SUITABLE SOLUTION'S DEMIS (2 messages)
RE: MISC. QUESTIONS
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
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Date: 07-30-90 (11:21)
To: ALL
Subject: SUITABLE SOLUTION'S DEMIS
From: MARC MCCUNE
With the demise of SS, will some of what they formerly offered be
available on PD. That is, how can I get a copy of SS MS/DOS? Will SS
be offering their soft/hard ware, or are we able to copy such software
between users.
I looked in DEC's recent catalog for PC software and noticed that
they are still selling Wordperfect, Polycom and a couple of other
packages for the Rainbow. Will SS do the same, or are they really out\
of business (over-and-out)?
I'd still like to get the latest version of SS MS/DOS, when my budget
allows.
Also, does any known of the address to use to order Code Blue?
- -------------/
/Marc McCune
- --- ConfMail V4.00
* Origin: SYS$OUTPUT BBS * Library, PA * Fido 12s * 412.854.0511 *
------------------------------
Date: 07-29-90 (17:11)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: MISC. QUESTIONS
From: BOB FULLER
I talked with Carol just before she left in June. Her plans
were to do two more Rainbow News Issues this year and then make a
decision about next. Her priority, however, was to get the move done.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431
------------------------------
Date: 08-01-90 (08:33)
To: MARC MCCUNE
Subject: SUITABLE SOLUTION'S DEMIS
From: GEORGE THEALL
MM> I'd still like to get the latest version of SS MS/DOS, when my
MM>budget allows.
MM> Also, does any known of the address to use to order Code Blue?
You might give Caroline Mack a call. Her phone number used to be
+1 618 632 1143 but she may have moved. [Anybody have her new number
if so?] She's editor of _Rainbow News_ and, in the past, has sold
products for the Rainbow when the original businesses left the market.
She might be doing the same with MS-DOS v3.10 and/or Code Blue.
I wouldn't count of Suitable Solutions' releasing its products into
the public domain.
George
- ---
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (08/02/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Aug 2, 1990 In this issue: "RABIT" Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 07-30-90 (20:56) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: "RABIT" From: CHRIS RYAN Well, the questions generate interest. What is "RABIT", who has it, where is it, what does it do, why use it??? I seem to infer that it has a function similar to Code Blue. YES/NO? I guess some description of what it is & HOW to use it is what I am really asking for. thanks. Chris P.S. Is it freq'able?? - --- * Origin: Long_Island RB (Opus 1:102/138) ------------------------------
imp@dancer.Solbourne.COM (Warner Losh) (08/03/90)
>Subject: "RABIT" >From: CHRIS RYAN > >What is "RABIT", who has it, where is it, what does it do, why use >it??? RABIT is a really small program (about 450 bytes last I looked) that is a TSR that lets you run Turbo products on the Rainbow. It plays some unholy games with the interrupts to get things to work right. A more detailed explaination is at the end of the article. >I seem to infer that it has a function similar to Code Blue. YES/NO? Yes and no. It does a very very small amount of work. Code Blue, on the other hand, does a great deal of work to make sure that the Rainbow is acting like a PC. >I guess some description of what it is & HOW to use it is what I am >really asking for. How to use it is simple, just run RABIT and it will start being smart about how INT 18 is handled. As you may know, INT 18 on the Rainbow is used to talk to the hardware. If you want a character from the keyboard, you issue an INT 18. If you want to write to the screen, same thing. Now then, INT 18 on a PC is used for ROM Basic, or at least was a long time ago. Now it is an unused interrupt. So, for some reason Boreland needed to establish an INT 18 handler for its compilers (Turbo C, Turbo C++). I have no clue what that interface looks like, all I know is that when they establish its INT 18 handler, the Rainbow freaks out. Interrupts OFF message. So, in the past George Theall has been providing patches to Turbo C that will allow it to run on the Rainbow. These patches worked great, but had the drawback of being very tied to a particular version of Turbo. When I got my Turbo C++, I started to do the patches, but I soon found that it would be a huge task. There didn't seem to be any calls to INT 18, but just patching the places where it set and reset the vectors didn't work. So, I came up with RABIT (aka RBINT18). RABIT is in late beta right now and will be released just as soon as all of the "known problems" are worked out somehow. What Rabit (Rainbow Address Based Interrupt Trapper) does is to trap all INT 18 calls. When it gets an INT 18 call, it checks the code segment that it was called from. If it was called from where RABIT was installed or lower in memory, then it calls the INT 18 routine that was there when RABIT started. If it was called from the ROM area, then it calls the INT 18 that was present on startup. Otherwise it calls the INT 18 that the program has established. Now there is one known problem with this scheme that I need to work out. If the program executing is running under Code Blue and the interrupt handler was installed before code blue was started, then if the program in questions messes around with INT 18, you will have a crash. Rabit gets confused in this case. To solve this, I was thinking about making it just a normal program that ran, established its interrupt traps and the forked its command line (or some well know command followed by its command line). Ideas, comments, suggestions are welcome. If you are willing to live with the "restrictions" in the program now, send me email, or give me a call at (303)678-4748 (w), and I'll see what I can do about getting you a copy. Expect a formal release soon. Warner imp@Solboune.COM -- Warner Losh imp@Solbourne.COM
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (08/03/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Aug 3, 1990 In this issue: RE: SUITABLE SOLUTION'S D "RABIT" Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 07-31-90 (19:54) To: MARC MCCUNE Subject: RE: SUITABLE SOLUTION'S D From: ALAN CONROY MSDOS is copyrighted by Microsoft; The Rainbow BIOS is copyrighted by DEC; Some code is copyrighted by Suitable Solutions. However, since most of it is copyrighted by other companies, what they could make available (if anything) would be relatively useless to most people. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 ------------------------------ Date: 08-01-90 (22:19) To: CHRIS RYAN Subject: "RABIT" From: FRANK MALLORY CR> Well, the questions generate interest. Which question(s)? CR> What is "RABIT", who has it, where is it, what does it do, why use CR> it??? I never heard of it. There's a RABBIT series for the VAX, but I never used that either. CR> P.S. Is it freq'able?? Not on my watch. :-) - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (08/05/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Aug 4, 1990 In this issue: RE: RAINBOW ADDITIONAL ME RAINBOW ADDITIONAL MEMORY Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 08-01-90 (19:53) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: RAINBOW ADDITIONAL ME From: ALAN CONROY The good news is that you do not need to buy any boards for your system. Simply purchase 27 256K chips (Intel 21256 or equivalent) and plug them into the memory board that is already in your system (take out the 64K chips first). Then set the DIP switch to ON-ON- OFF-ON. Plug everything back in and power-up. The screen should say that your memory size has changed to 896K. (I'm not 100% sure of the DIP settings - it's from memory; if you don't get 896K try different settings, but always leave switch 4 ON. Worst case scenario is 8 different settings to try). The 256K chips are running about $80 for 32, but check around. Installing them requires care that you do not damage them with static electricity. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 ------------------------------ Date: 08-02-90 (22:09) To: JASON GABLER Subject: RAINBOW ADDITIONAL MEMORY From: ED RIDPATH If you have a Rainbow memory card with 64K chips in it, all you need to do is replace them with 256K chips. You will need to adjust the dip switch settings to accomodate the new chips. You don't need to get a new board. Ed - --- msged 1.999.9 * Origin: Keep It Simple - Aiken, SC (803) 648-0283 (1:360/11.101) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (08/06/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Aug 5, 1990 In this issue: RE: SUITABLE SOLUTION'S D EXTENDED MEMORY ON A RAIN Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 08-03-90 (23:44) To: MARC MCCUNE Subject: RE: SUITABLE SOLUTION'S D From: DAVID MAROUN As of a few weeks ago, Suitable Solutions still had copies of MS-DOS 3.10B in stock, and was still filling orders for it. I know--I halped someone buy and install it. That party also bought Suitable Solution's last copy (according to the company) of Code Blue. However, I was told that Code Blue is still available from Intersecting Concepts. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 ------------------------------ Date: 08-03-90 (23:47) To: ALL Subject: EXTENDED MEMORY ON A RAIN From: DAVID MAROUN The Suitable Solutions RAMBOW memory board for Rainbows has a full megabyte of memory, but the operating systems recognize only 896 k of it. Has anyone ever made use of the extra 104 k? I wonder whether the utilities for getting access to extended memory on other computers running MS-DOS would work on a Rainbow, but do not have the opportunity to experiment By the way: I am just passing along an idea that someone else suggested to me. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (08/11/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Aug 10, 1990 In this issue: WUTIL RE: RABIT Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 08-07-90 (00:26) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: WUTIL From: FRANK MALLORY Finally got a reply from Rob Locke, saying he has WUTIL 3.11 but not 3.2. Do you know if 3.11 will work under DOS 3.10b? - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------ Date: 08-07-90 (18:14) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: RABIT From: DON MARQUART > Warner Losh > imp@Solbourne.COM > Ideas, comments, suggestions are welcome. If you are willing to live with > the "restrictions" in the program now, send me email, or give me a call at > (303)678-4748 (w), and I'll see what I can do about getting you a copy. > Expect a formal release soon. Warner, feel free to upload it to the BBS and I'll be sure to make it available for file request to anyone who wants it. It can also be available for download in the Rainbow area. Later... - --- VPurge[OS/2] V4.05 * Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (08/13/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Aug 12, 1990 In this issue: DEC MONITOR INQUIRY RE: WUTIL (2 messages) PROBLEMS. (2 messages) Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 08-11-90 (09:12) To: ALLL Subject: DEC MONITOR INQUIRY From: DAVID HEID Does anyone have information on what a VTRS-3 Dec Monitor is? I saw it and it looks exactly like a VR241 however it has several pin attachments on its back in addition to the red,blue,green plugs like the VR241. The box it came in says 'Touch screen'. I wondered if I could plug my Bow into it and have a color monitor. I anyone has any information on the thing I would appreciate it. I think I can get it for around $100. Any additional comments on the price would be appreciated too. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 ------------------------------ Date: 08-08-90 (07:39) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: WUTIL From: CHRIS RYAN I cannot answer about WUTIL3.11, but WUTIL 3.2 does not work under MS-DOS 3.10b. The only way around it is to run WUTIL 3.2 on a boot diskette of DOS 3.10a. Then use the upgrade option in DOS 3.10b to upgrade the loaders and DOS hidden files, after the H.D. has been formatted. It does work, that is how I did my ST-225. Has anybody tried anything like this with a H.D. that requires a partition ( >32Meg)? - --- * Origin: Long_Island RB (Opus 1:102/138) ------------------------------ Date: 08-10-90 (14:37) To: CHRIS RYAN Subject: RE: WUTIL From: FRANK MALLORY CR> I cannot answer about WUTIL3.11, but WUTIL 3.2 does not work under CR> MS-DOS 3.10b. The only way around it is to run WUTIL 3.2 on a boot CR> diskette of DOS 3.10a. Then use the upgrade option in DOS 3.10b to CR> upgrade the loaders and DOS hidden files, after the H.D. has been CR> formatted. I have been doing the same thing, using WUTIL v2 under DOS 3.10.016, then upgrading to 3.10b. What features does WUTIL v3 have that v2 didn't have? Unless it gives you a more efficeint interleave or something, I don't see any point in using it. CR> It does work, that is how I did my ST-225. CR> Has anybody tried anything like this with a H.D. that requires a CR> partition ( >32Meg)? Yes, I did it that way on my 40MB Miniscribe 3650 and 64MB RD53. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------ Date: 08-09-90 (14:36) To: ALL Subject: PROBLEMS. From: GEOFF REED I have A 3.5" I-drive and msdos 3.10b on my rainbow, backup disks of software I make on my 'bow are unreadable on other 'bows (cannot store) any ideas? - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 ------------------------------ Date: 08-12-90 (18:55) To: GEOFF REED Subject: PROBLEMS. From: GEORGE THEALL GR> I have A 3.5" I-drive and msdos 3.10b on my rainbow, backup disks GR>of software I make on my 'bow are unreadable on other 'bows (cannot GR>restore) any ideas? Are you using the same version of DOS as you used when the backups were made? Do you have the same problem with other 3.5" disks written on your Rainbow? George ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (08/14/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Aug 14, 1990 In this issue: RE: RX50 AT DRIVER VR241 AND RD53 DEC MONITOR INQUIRY MORE INFO ON MY NEW 'BOW (2 messages) Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 08-11-90 (08:34) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: RX50 AT DRIVER From: DAN O'REILLY > From: "Russ Cook" <rcook@pk705vma.iinus1.ibm.com> > > I saw a RX50 driver for the AT mentioned in a previous > posting, how can I get this driver? Freq magic name "RX50" from here (1:128/58), or log into the system (The CS-DEPOT) @ 719-550-9305. The file name is RX50.ZIP. DanO - --- D'Bridge 1.30 demo/940584 * Origin: Not "over the Rainbow" at The CS-DEPOT (719)550-9305 ------------------------------ Date: 08-12-90 (16:32) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: VR241 AND RD53 From: FRANK MALLORY GT> From: "James A. O'Brien (203) 432-4382" GT> <OBRIEN%OBRIEN@venus.ycc.yale.edu> GT> GT> Two questions. GT> GT> a) Anyone want to sell me a VR241 (i.e. color) monitor for my Rainbow? GT> A working clone would do the job fine (I believe there was a Hitachi GT> model that was compatible). If so, please contact me at the phone GT> number below, by e-mail, or evenings at (203) 322-7222. The VR241 is GT> the color monitor for Rainbows and (I think) VT241's, (PRO's?) etc. GT> Doesn't matter how old, as long as it works! Not I. GT> b) I've logged onto bulletin boards in the past that claimed to be GT> running RD53 (70Mb) hard disks. While I know the Rainbow HD controller GT> will handle that disk (it's actually the biggest one you can use), how GT> do you connect it? The standard Rainbow hard disk data cables don't fit GT> through the openings in the RD53 case! Any information will be GT> welcome. The RD53 became "available" after a disk upgrade to my uVAX. My BBS is running an RD53, using a CHS controller & cable. But I an sure the DEC controller will work with it, and I understand that the DEC cable can be adapted by some careful paring of the excess insulation. The RD53 jumpers will need to be changed for use with the Rainbow. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------ Date: 08-12-90 (16:42) To: DAVID HEID Subject: DEC MONITOR INQUIRY From: FRANK MALLORY DH> Does anyone have information on what a VTRS-3 Dec Monitor is? I don't know what a VTRS-3 monitor is, but there is a VRTS1-A monitor that was part of a Pro 350 option called "DECtouch". According to the 1985 VAX Systems and Options catalog: "Specifications and requirements for the DECtouch color monitor are identical to those of the VR241 color monitor, with the following additions: - Activation force: 1-2 oz nominal - Resolution: .04 in. (1.0 mm) - Sampling rate: 10-400 samples/sec. (programmable) - Ports: 2 serial positional device attachment ports with graphics tablet and serial mouse support; 2 parallel positional device attachment ports with joystick or single quadrature mouse support; 1 keyboard port; baud rate (programmable) of 5 to 19.2K." So the VRTS1-A is essentially a VR241 monitor with touch screen and additional inputs/outputs. If the VTRS-3 is upward compatible with the VRTS1 (or you simply made a mistake in the model designation), I think it is safe to assume that it, like the VR241, can be used on the Rainbow. DH> I think I can get it for around $100. Any additional comments on the DH> price would be appreciated too. Please let me know if they have more than one, or you decide not to take it. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------ Date: 08-13-90 (07:53) To: ALL Subject: MORE INFO ON MY NEW 'BOW From: CHRISTOPHER WROTEN I wrote over a month ago and said I had bought a new (old) Rainbow and promised I'd write more about it, looking for help and handouts. Sorry it's been so long; I lost my BBS password that same day. :-( Anyway, I have a Rainbow 100A with 256kb memory. It has a PC1XX-AB memory expansion board (192kb) and a graphics option board. I just acquired a LA-50 printer from Marek. I have Lotus 123, PeachTree Word Processor, MS-DOS 2.5, CP/M 1.1, WordPerfect, KnowledgeMan (??) and some other stuff. I also have wonderful manuals for Pearl database, but no diskettes! Can anyone help me out on that one? I also have with it another memory extension board with the title 'PC100B Memory Extension Board'. It has socketed chips, all sockets with chips, and the 4 DIP switches are all up or on. It has 27 similar chips which I believe are the memory chips. 14 of them have this id: and 13 have this id: 21-21414-01 M000 21-21414-01 M000 Japan 071 Japan 07N HM50256-20 8405 HM50256-20 8421 The symbol on the chips is just left of the 'Japan' and looks like a circle with a square inside and a dot inside that. Any idea what this board is and can I use it in my 100A? If not, is it of value to someone else? The memory extension board in the Rainbow now has soldered chips, not socketed. Will I still be able to increase its memory capacity? I also have another, apparently duplicate, graphics option board. How do I tell if either board works? With the board that's in the machine now, using the Lotus 123 Tutorial and going into the 'graphics' lesson, it displayed nothing. Any idea on what I have to do to get the graphics option to work? Anyone want a graphics option board? Is SS really out of the Rainbow business? Where/How do I find out about Rainbow "swap meets" or other such shows, such as the one which occurred in Boxborough on August 4th? Again, any hardware/software contributions that people might want to make to our group for our Rainbow will not only be deeply appreciated, but also tax deductible, since we are a non-profit tax-exempt corporation. Thanks!! Christopher Wroten Treasurer, Neponset Choral Society Inc. 140 Lovering Street Medway, Ma. 02053-2303 508-879-2960 x4336 (7:30am-4pm EST) 508-533-4680 (5pm-10pm EST) CFW@RES-C4.PRIME.COM - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------ Date: 08-14-90 (07:26) To: CHRISTOPHER WROTEN Subject: MORE INFO ON MY NEW 'BOW From: GEORGE THEALL CW> Anyway, I have a Rainbow 100A with 256kb memory. It has a PC1XX-AB CW> memory expansion board (192kb) and a graphics option board. Oh, so you do have only 256K! This is bad news, Chris. It means you can't add more memory to your system using this board. Instead, since you have a 100A, you'll need a PC1K1-AK (Memory Adapter Option for PC100-A) before you can even consider going beyond 256K. CW> I also have with it another memory extension board with the title 'PC100B CW> Memory Extension Board'. It has socketed chips, all sockets with chips, CW> and the 4 DIP switches are all up or on. It has 27 similar chips ... CW> HM50256-20 8405 HM50256-20 8421 ... CW> Any idea what this board is and can I use it in my 100A? These appear to be 256K chipsets (notice the "256" in the numbers?). Since you have 27 chips, the board apparently has 768K of memory on it, the maximum it can hold. You can use it in your 100A *only* if you use it in conjunction with the PC1K1-AK option. NB: this gives you only 832K of memory (768 + 64 on the 100A motherboard). You can get around the hassle of the adapter option by "TRUMPing" up your motherboard from an A to a B. That is, swap out your motherboard for one from a Rainbow 100B. The PC1XX-AB board you have will be useless then, but it pretty much is already, right? Then you'll be able to add the other board you already have giving you a total of 896K. CW> The memory extension board in the Rainbow now has soldered chips, not CW> socketed. Will I still be able to increase its memory capacity? I'm not a hardware guru, but I doubt it. CW> I also have another, apparently duplicate, graphics option board. How CW> do I tell if either board works? There's a neat game that requires the Rainbow graphics option - called SCRAM. See if your local board has it. If not, Penn's Landing bbs (+1 215 898 8511, 8N1) does; look for SCRAM.ZIP after joining the Rainbow conference. CW> Is SS really out of the Rainbow business? As far as I know, yes. CW> Where/How do I find out about Rainbow "swap meets" or other such shows, If there's a local Rainbow user group, join it. (Isn't there one still active in the Boston area?) Follow the discussions in this echo. And subscribe to _Rainbow News_, a somewhat quarterly newsletter covering Rainbows. CW> Again, any hardware/software contributions that people might want to make CW> to our group for our Rainbow will not only be deeply appreciated, I saw your post to misc.wanted on USENET. Did you also see the post from Bard Bloom in misc.forsale? He'll consider giving away his Rainbow to a charity for the cost of shipping. I believe it appeared on the 10th. George ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (08/15/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Aug 15, 1990 In this issue: CODE BLUE ERROR MESSAGE RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ON A (2 messages) Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 08-12-90 (18:10) To: ALL Subject: CODE BLUE ERROR MESSAGE From: DENNIS PERRY I get a Code Blue error messate "Error 2000: Stack Overflow" whenever I exit from programs that run under CB. Does anyone know what this means? I have not seen a program yet that exits correctly. I recently upgraded to a 100B from a 100A and the error occurs under both. I have the maximum memory, black and white monitor, LA 50 prriter, etc. I have to reboot the system to run anyother program, including CB. Most DOS commands continue to work, such DIR, etc. but at a very slow rate. - --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 08-12-90 (22:23) To: AMER NELSON Subject: RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ON A From: DAVID MAROUN According to international standards, 'mega' stands for 1 million, not 1024 * 1024. You will often see writers take '256 k' as equivalent to '256 thousand' and 'megabyte' as equivalent to '1000 k' regardless of what the author had in mind. The idea is that you should take someone at his word. I must admit, though, that I sometimes translate 'k' as 1024 anyway. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 ------------------------------ Date: 08-15-90 (07:45) To: DAVID MAROUN Subject: RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ON A From: GEORGE THEALL DM>According to international standards, 'mega' stands for 1 million, not DM>1024 * 1024. Regardless of what "international standards" say, most computer users would be royally pissed if they ordered 1 *megabyte* of memory and found it contained only 1 *million* bytes. Or purchased a 70MB hard disk only to discover it contained not 73,400,320 bytes but 70,000,000. Further, any vendor of computer equipment trying to sell products using your interpretation of "mega" would surely find him/herself on the losing end of a lawsuit! Sometimes common usage overrides dictionary definitions and/or international standards. George ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (08/17/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Aug 16, 1990
In this issue:
STRANGE BOARD
FOR SALE
DEC LA100 ESCAPE CODES
FAN
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 08-14-90 (07:25)
To: CHRISTOPHER WROTEN
Subject: STRANGE BOARD
From: PAUL OLSON
Chris,
I believe the board you have with the 27 chips on it is the upgradable
memory board. It also sounds like it is packed with the maximum amount
of memory. The chips are the 256Kb type. It takes nine chips of that
type to make 256Kb, and you have three banks of nine. The other
board, with the soldered chips, is the 192Kb upgrade, and is not
expandable. I think if you remove the old memory board and put the
new one in, you will have a 'bow with the maximum amount of memory,
896Kb. I don't know who the chip manufacturer is based on the
description of the logo, and I'm not sure of the speed of the chips
based on the numbers you listed. Perhaps someone else can answer that
question. When I get home, I'll double-check the dip switch settings.
I think that all the switches need to be in the "on" position. I'll
get back to you later tonight.
As Always,
Paul
- --- ConfMail V3.31
* Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103)
------------------------------
Date: 08-13-90 (13:39)
To: ALL
Subject: FOR SALE
From: DARIN CAPP
For Sale: Rainbow 100A (w/ V20) 832K, DEC HD Controller, Graphics Board,
Two 5 meg HD, spare RX50 floppy drive, 2 spare RX50 controllers,
MS-DOS 3.10B (and Documentation), Adaption Kit for Windows286,
Rainbow Freeware Book (Lots of software!)
Take everything for $700
Voice Phone (319) 393-8922
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431
------------------------------
Date: 08-13-90 (08:51)
To: ALL
Subject: DEC LA100 ESCAPE CODES
From: MARK FISCHER
Does any one know the following escape codes for the
DEC LA100 printer mode settings?
Boldface on
Boldface off
Underline on
Underline off
Italics on
Italics off
Superscript on
Superscript off
Subscript off
Subscript on
Compressed on
Compressed off
The only ones I found in the "programmer's Reference Guide"
was for letter quality and draft modes.
This going to be used for Professional Write, Professional plan
and Professional File running under Code Blue.
Thank you in advance.
- --- [Sedt] via Quickpoint XRS 3.2
* Origin: The Jimby BBS! * QMX/XRS Response System (Quick
------------------------------
Date: 08-14-90 (22:07)
To: ALL
Subject: FAN
From: DAVID DEITCH
Anyone know where I can get a replacement fan for my 100A?
David Deitch (GIS)
deitch@gisatl.fidonet.org
1:133/411@fidonet
- --- msged 2.00--
* Origin: Galaxy Information System (GIS) Atlanta
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (08/17/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Aug 17, 1990
In this issue:
LA100 ESCAPE SEQUENCES
RE: PROBLEMS. (2 messages)
RE: DEC MONITOR INQUIRY (2 messages)
RE: RAINBOW INFO
MORE INFO ON MY NEW 'BOW
CODE BLUE ERROR MESSAGE
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 08-15-90 (09:23)
To: MARK FISCHER
Subject: LA100 ESCAPE SEQUENCES
From: PAUL OLSON
Mark,
The one nice thing about most of the DEC printers is that they all use
the same escape sequences. For the LA100, the following apply:
Bold On = <ESC>[1m
Bold Off = <ESC>[0m
Super/Subscripting = Look in the manuals for the escape sequences to
move the carriage up and down 1/12". I don't
know what they are. If you have problems finding
them let me know and I'll look them up.
Compressed Print = <ESC>[0w for 10 pitch
<ESC>[2w for 12 pitch
<ESC>[4w for 16 pitch
There are other horizontal pitches, but those are the ones I use most
often. As far as I know, there are no settings for italicized print,
unless you have font cartridges which DEC produced for the printer
some time ago. Also, I don't remember what the sequences are for the
underscore. I think there is one. Again, if you have problems
finding it, let me know. You might try <ESC>[4m for the underscore.
I seem to remember something like that, using <ESC>[0m to turn it off.
But remember that <ESC>[0m turns off ALL the settings of the "m"
sequence, i.e. if you have bolding turned on, <ESC>[0m will also turn
off bolding. If you need anything else, let me know.
As Always,
Paul
- --- ConfMail V3.31
* Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103)
------------------------------
Date: 08-13-90 (15:35)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: PROBLEMS.
From: GEOFF REED
The systems are using the same version of dos, and are setup
identically except one has the I-drive.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431
------------------------------
Date: 08-13-90 (17:48)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: RE: DEC MONITOR INQUIRY
From: DAVID HEID
Frank, thanks for answering so quickly. I do have access possibly to
my friends VTRS1-A (or VTRS-A). It looks as the price is settling
around $125 for the used one. Another might be available if I can
convince him to let go. The second one is still sealed in its original
carton (brand new and unused). He says all manuals, power cord and
software is still in the heat shrinked wrappers ,as the opened box was
The first monitor has been used and he wants "more" for the unused
one. I suggested a max of $25 more which would bring it to 150+-. If
you are still interested ( or anyone else ) , let me know and I will
try to get it and ship it COD. Of course I will make him an offer for
you, just let me know how much!!
Now about what the Specs mean that you sent me. Can you describe what
each means?? ie:
Activation force
resolution: .o4 in.(1.0 mm)
ETC.
I have four Rainbows and one has a Color monitor. VR241
Do you think the VTRS is a higher resolution?
As I write this I think I am going to try to talk him into trying the
used one before buying. Do you know any economical source of the
color cables that are used with the Bow. I just re-read your answer
and maybe the keyboard and CPU can be attached with standard cables. I
am the more I think about it, am going to at least talk him out of the
manuals to read up on it.
I tried to call you tonite at 301-622-2247, ( busy signal ) is that
your board or is it your voice number??
Thanks again, and I hope to hear from you soon
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431
------------------------------
Date: 08-14-90 (18:21)
To: DAVID HEID
Subject: RE: DEC MONITOR INQUIRY
From: AMER NELSON
I MAY have an extra color cable. I thought one of mine was bad but
the problem may have been the BNC/RCA adapter that I got at Radio Shack.
The other night I brought up 1-2-3 and the color was pale green instead
of the usual pale blue. I jiggled the adapter and all was well again.
Let me check it out further. Other potential local sources are Geoff
Reed and United Products. Keep me posted about your cable needs. How
did the reunion go?
++ Amer ++
(I guess I should have posted this in a different area - SIGH)
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431
------------------------------
Date: 08-15-90 (04:53)
To: CHRISTOPHER WROTEN
Subject: RE: RAINBOW INFO
From: DON MARQUART
> I also have a memory expansion board with the title 'PC100B'.
> It has socketed chips, all sockets with chips, and the 4 DIP
> switches are all up or on. It has 27 similar chips which I
> believe are the memory chips.
>
> 14 of them have this id: and 13 have this id:
> 21-21414-01 M000 21-21414-01 M000
> Japan 071 Japan 07N
> HM50256-20 8405 HM50256-20 8421
>
> The symbol on the chips is just left of the 'Japan' and looks
> like a circle with a square inside and a dot inside that.
>
> Any idea what this board is and can I use it in my 100A?
Yes that board can be used on the 100A but will require an adapter
board. It will allow memory expansion to 832K maxinum in the 100A.
Double check your board and see if there is 27 or 28 of the memory
chips installed. Unless you have one of the sockets empty there
should be 28 chips.
I do have the adapter board available for $20 including shipping if
needed.
Later...
- --- VPurge[OS/2] V4.05
* Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888)
------------------------------
Date: 08-15-90 (04:57)
To: CHRISTOPHER WROTEN
Subject: MORE INFO ON MY NEW 'BOW
From: DON MARQUART
> I also have another, apparently duplicate, graphics option board. How
> do I tell if either board works? With the board that's in the machine
> now, using the Lotus 123 Tutorial and going into the 'graphics' lesson,
> it displayed nothing. Any idea on what I have to do to get the graphics
> option to work? Anyone want a graphics option board?
I'd be interested in getting the graphics board. Maybe we could work
out a trade for the memory adapter board?
- --- VPurge[OS/2] V4.05
* Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888)
------------------------------
Date: 08-13-90 (08:14)
To: DENNIS PERRY
Subject: CODE BLUE ERROR MESSAGE
From: FRANK MALLORY
DP> I get a Code Blue error messate "Error 2000: Stack Overflow" whenever I
DP> exit from programs that run under CB. Does anyone know what this
What versions of CB and DOS are you running, Dennis? Latest CB is
v2.01.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247
------------------------------
Date: 08-17-90 (08:11)
To: GEOFF REED
Subject: RE: PROBLEMS.
From: GEORGE THEALL
GR>The systems are using the same version of dos, and are setup
GR>identically except one has the I-drive.
I must have misunderstood your problem, Geoff. Didn't you say you
were using BACKUP/RESTORE with 3.5" disks and an I-drive to get files
from one Rainbow to another?
Please state your setup again and explain what you're trying to do.
Thanks,
George
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (08/18/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Aug 18, 1990 In this issue: WINDOWS 3.0 BBS RUNNING ON A RAINBOW RE: MORE INFO ON MY NEW ' Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 08-15-90 (21:06) To: ALL Subject: WINDOWS 3.0 From: GEORGE TURNER Anyone know if the Rainbow Adaptation Kit will work with Windows 3.0? - --- * Origin: Midnight DEC - The BBS for DEC sales & information (Opus ------------------------------ Date: 08-16-90 (01:39) To: ALL Subject: BBS RUNNING ON A RAINBOW From: JEAN-CLAUDE DEMARS Help..... I know zero about the rainbow computer but i am wanting to set up a BBS on one. I have been working with BBS's on my 286 IBM compatable for years but have never even powered a DEC up. Please, any ideas or sources for software to run the computer would be VERY helpful... I am supposed to have the system setup on Friday (yes, 2 days from now).... - --- TAGMAIL v2.20 * Origin: Den Net (1:130/35) ------------------------------ Date: 08-17-90 (10:02) To: DON MARQUART Subject: RE: MORE INFO ON MY NEW ' From: CHRISTOPHER WROTEN Hi Don, Thanks for the help about checking out my extra memory board to see if it'll work with the adaptor you've got. I'll get back to you on Monday (8/20) with the info. If it works out, yes, a trade for the graphics board would be ok. But first, I want to make sure that both of them work. Any idea how I can prove they both work? Christopher, 8/17/90 - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (08/20/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Aug 19, 1990
In this issue:
KEYBOARD
RE: KEYBOARD
ANYBODY USING A ROBIN?
RE: DEC MONITOR INQUIRY
RAINBO WORKS CLOCK
BBS RUNNING ON A RAINBOW
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 08-16-90 (13:32)
To: ALL
Subject: KEYBOARD
From: PATRICK FINK
I have now replaced the keyboard on my Rainbow, and it still wont
work!! What else could be the problem. The Rainbow display ERROR -
KEYBOARD Consult Users Guide.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247
------------------------------
Date: 08-16-90 (19:24)
To: PATRICK FINK
Subject: RE: KEYBOARD
From: CARL HOUSEMAN
re: what else could it be
In the worst case, the system board could be the trouble - or it
could the cable from the system unit to the monitor, or the RJ11
connector, or...
In several cases we've had apparent keyboard problems in VT-220's
which ended up requiring the logic board be replaced. Failures like
these make either (1) maintenance contracts or (2) spare parts
invaluable.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247
------------------------------
Date: 08-17-90 (07:33)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: ANYBODY USING A ROBIN?
From: FRANK MALLORY
GT> Just wondering if anybody out there is still using an early 1980s
GT> vintage CP/M based machine called a "ROBIN" - 64K of memory, CP/M 2.2,
GT> processor?? I think it was also called a VT-180. I used one briefly for
GT> a client (setting up a database) a few years ago, and reading here
GT> about the Rainbow and things like that, I recall the machine, and was
GT> wondering if anyone had any stories or whatnot. --
I sold mine only a few months ago. There was a users group for the
Robin )ROG), but I haven't heard a peep out of them for many a moon.
My memory of the Robin is pretty hazy, but I'll be glad to help
when/if I can.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247
------------------------------
Date: 08-17-90 (07:45)
To: DAVID HEID
Subject: RE: DEC MONITOR INQUIRY
From: FRANK MALLORY
DH> The first monitor has been used and he wants "more" for the unused
DH> one. I suggested a max of $25 more which would bring it to 150+-. If
DH> you are still interested ( or anyone else ) , let me know and I will
DH> try to get it and ship it COD. Of course I will make him an offer for
DH> you, just let me know how much!!
'fraid I would lose interest at any price over $100. Thanks anyway.
DH> Now about what the Specs mean that you sent me. Can you describe what
DH> each means?? ie:
DH> Activation force
"Activation force" I'm sure, specifies how hard you have to press on
the screen to get it to accept an input at that point. This is
probably irrelevant on the Rainbow, unless you can find some software
(Windows?) that is set up for touch screen input (or mouse input, and
the touch screen gives equivalent input).
DH> resolution: .o4 in.(1.0 mm)
Not sure, but I think it applies to the touch input. This would say
that items displayed on the screen must be separated by at least 1.0
mm in order to generate distinct inputs.
DH> ETC.
"Sampling rate" also applies to inputs; it you provide inputs (i.e.,
touch the screen) at a rate faster than this, some may be lost.
"Ports" refers to the connectors on the back.
DH> I have four Rainbows and one has a Color monitor. VR241
DH> Do you think the VTRS is a higher resolution?
No. The display characteristics of the VRTS should be identical with
the VR241.
DH> As I write this I think I am going to try to talk him into trying the
DH> used one before buying. Do you know any economical source of the color
DH> cables that are used with the Bow. I just re-read your answer and maybe
DH> the keyboard and CPU can be attached with standard cables. I am the
DH> more I think about it, am going to at least talk him out of the manuals
DH> to read up on it.
There is no separate cable listed for the VRTS; you should insist that
the dealer furnish a cable with the unit. Presumably, the VT241 or
Rainbow color monitor cable (same thing) can be used with the VRTS; I
*assume* that separate cables would be used to interface the
additional ports of the VRTS.
DH> I tried to call you tonite at 301-622-2247, ( busy signal ) is that
DH> your board or is it your voice number??
2247 is the number for the Silver Bullet.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247
------------------------------
Date: 08-15-90 (21:18)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: RAINBO WORKS CLOCK
From: DAVE GOW
Back in May I left a message asking about a strange clock card in my
100+. You answered saying it might be a Rainbo Works Clock and that
Caroline Mack might have more info. I did get a message back from her
saying she had knowledge of the clock but no current info about its
vendors. You had offered to put the needed software on your BBS i{_f
~rneeded, I would greatly appreciate it!
Thanks!, looking to a message back from you.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431
(1:343/3.0)
261/1023
------------------------------
Date: 08-17-90 (15:14)
To: JEAN-CLAUDE DEMARS
Subject: BBS RUNNING ON A RAINBOW
From: FRANK MALLORY
JD> I know zero about the rainbow computer but i am wanting to set up a BBS
JD> on one. I have been working with BBS's on my 286 IBM compatable for
JD> years but have never even powered a DEC up. Please, any ideas or
JD> sources for software to run the computer would be VERY helpful... I am
JD> supposed to have the system setup on Friday (yes, 2 days from now)....
Opus works pretty well, but it will take longer than 2 days to get is
set up properly. Of course, you won't receive this message until
after your deadline, so I guess it's irrelevant.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (08/20/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Aug 20, 1990
In this issue:
RE: WINDOWS 3.0
RE: DEC MONITOR INQUIRY
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 08-19-90 (19:08)
To: GEORGE TURNER
Subject: RE: WINDOWS 3.0
From: BILL MAYHEW
THere is a *new* Rainbow Adaptation Kit for Windows 3.0 that will be
shipping very soon from Len Berk, the guy who did the original work on
the R.A.K. He is supposed to be notifying owners-of-record with an
upgrade deal.
("very soon" = within a week?)
- --- QM v1.00
* Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0)
------------------------------
Date: 08-19-90 (19:10)
To: DAVID HEID
Subject: RE: DEC MONITOR INQUIRY
From: BILL MAYHEW
The VRTS1 *is* a VR241, with additional electronics and the touch screen.
Its resolution is the same as the vanilla VR241. The touch screen
functionality is only supported on the Professional 300 series
computers and the IVIS interactive-video systems (which are based on
the Pro 300).
- --- QM v1.00
* Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0)
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (08/22/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Aug 22, 1990
In this issue:
HARD DISC
VERSION OF CB/DOS FOR ERR (2 messages)
RE: MORE INFO ON MY NEW '
RAINBO WORKS CLOCK
RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ON A
BBS RUNNING ON A RAINBOW
DBASE III
CODE BLUE ERROR MESSAGE
RAINBOW SOFTWARE
RE: WINDOWS 3.0
RAINBOW HARD DISK CLUSTER
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 08-18-90 (11:47)
To: ALL
Subject: HARD DISC
From: DAVID HUGHES
Hi all, I have an ST225. Tried the RB hard disc utility to low level
and format the disc, but I kept getting errors about sector 0 bad.
I took it to an IBM machine and promptly low leveled it, fdisk and
formatted it with a system, and it booted fine.
Could this be a cable or controller problem. Are there jumper
settings or seetings I do not know about to have the BR understand I
am placing a 20 meg on it? I have a 10 meg on it now, but it errors
out after about 2/3rds of the hard disk integrity test.
Thoughts?
tx, david hughes
- ---
* Origin: The GoldMill BBS, CO Fido <--> Unix Gateway (719)632-2657
------------------------------
Date: 08-20-90 (19:02)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: VERSION OF CB/DOS FOR ERR
From: DENNIS PERRY
Frank, I am using mvdos 3.10b and cb v2.01. I ordered them both from
Suitable Solutions just before they went out of business in the area
of rainbow support. I have yet to figure out what the problem is and
why I get the error message. The programs seem to run, but not exit
properly. Also, with binkley term, I cannot exit to DOS and reenter,
i.e. Control-J followed by 'exit'. It crashes.
- --- ConfMail V3.31
* Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103)
------------------------------
Date: 08-18-90 (15:35)
To: CHRISTOPHER WROTEN
Subject: RE: MORE INFO ON MY NEW '
From: FRANK MALLORY
CW> If it works out, yes, a trade for the graphics board
CW> would be ok. But first, I want to make sure that both
CW> of them work. Any idea how I can prove they both work?
Plug 'em in, put 'er back together, and start it up. If the memory
boards are basically OK, you will get a message "New memory size
nnn". You can then select S from the main menu for a quick check,
and run the DEC diagnostic for a lengthy one.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247
------------------------------
Date: 08-18-90 (15:41)
To: DAVE GOW
Subject: RAINBO WORKS CLOCK
From: FRANK MALLORY
DG> Back in May I left a message asking about a strange clock card in my
DG> 100+. You answered saying it might be a Rainbo Works Clock and that
DG> Caroline Mack might have more info. I did get a message back from her
DG> saying she had knowledge of the clock but no current info about its
DG> vendors. You had offered to put the needed software on your BBS i{_f
DG> ~rneeded, I would greatly appreciate it!
If Caroline doesn't know anything about them, they must be out of
business. So I guess it will be OK to put the software on this BBS;
it'll be RBW.ZIP, in the MS-DOS file areas.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247
------------------------------
Date: 08-19-90 (22:36)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ON A
From: DAVID MAROUN
Many computer vendors DO use 'kilo' and 'k' for 1000 and 'mega' for
one million. The SELECT word processor is one that uses 'k' for 1000,
and that word processor was, and is still, much used!
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431
------------------------------
Date: 08-18-90 (19:48)
To: JEAN-CLAUDE DEMARS
Subject: BBS RUNNING ON A RAINBOW
From: MARK FISCHER
Well by the time you read this it is past your deadline but anyway
here goes:
The only bbs software I seen running on the RAINBOW is OPUS v1.12
and will use around 5mb of disk space. The minimum disk size should
be 40mb and if you can afford it the DEC RD53 which is a 71mb disk
when formatted on the RAINBOW is around 64mb. One note on the drive
------------------------------
Date: 08-18-90 (19:54)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: DBASE III
From: MARK FISCHER
If you have Suitable solutions Code Blue; the regular DBASE III+ for the IBM
world will run with the following command line -
CB/V/A DBASE.EXE
You will have to use the DO key to toggle 25th line to be displayed.
- --- [Sedt] via Quickpoint XRS 3.2
* Origin: The Jimby BBS! * QMX/XRS Response System (Quick
------------------------------
Date: 08-18-90 (19:57)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: CODE BLUE ERROR MESSAGE
From: MARK FISCHER
I have seen this message also when running professional write and trying to
print from Professional Write.
- --- [Sedt] via Quickpoint XRS 3.2
* Origin: The Jimby BBS! * QMX/XRS Response System (Quick
------------------------------
Date: 07-30-90 (13:18)
To: ALL
Subject: RAINBOW SOFTWARE
From: RYAN GRAN
Although I'm a dedicated IBM user, I have a friend who has an older
Rainbow. No idea what the model number is. The basic description is
an amber monitor with 2 built in disk drives. It has a built in
terminal program which she uses for calling local BBSs, etc. I'd like
to get her some REAL software, and specifically, a REAL communications
program. There are no Rainbow BBSs local to me, and I was wondering
what all was out there. I also just obtained a program called
RAIND100.ZIP which supposedly allows me to read/write disks that will
be compatible to the Rainbow. Any help would be appriciated. If you
have a decent supply of Rainbow software (shareware?) [games,
communications, etc], please let me know. I'd be more than willing to
pay for the disks, postage and time to get copies. Thanks in advance.
Ryan Gran
- --- D'Bridge 1.30/001353
* Origin: Davy Jones Locker-W. Millbury Ma. 1.5 Gigs On Line
------------------------------
Date: 08-20-90 (23:42)
To: BILL MAYHEW
Subject: RE: WINDOWS 3.0
From: FRANK MALLORY
BM> THere is a *new* Rainbow Adaptation Kit for Windows 3.0 that will be
BM> shipping very soon from Len Berk, the guy who did the original work on
BM> the R.A.K. He is supposed to be notifying owners-of-record with an
BM> upgrade deal.
BM> ("very soon" = within a week?)
Is it anticipated that v3.0 will be usable on the non-Turbow Rainbow?
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247
------------------------------
Date: 08-21-90 (07:39)
To: DENNIS PERRY
Subject: VERSION OF CB/DOS FOR ERR
From: FRANK MALLORY
DP> Frank, I am using mvdos 3.10b and cb v2.01. I ordered them both from
DP> Suitable Solutions just before they went out of business in the area of
DP> rainbow support. I have yet to figure out what the problem is and why
DP> I get the error message. The programs seem to run, but not exit
DP> properly. Also, with binkley term, I cannot exit to DOS and reenter,
DP> i.e. Control-J followed by 'exit'. It crashes.
I assume you mean Alt-J to shell out of BT. That works OK on my 'bow
(using BT 2.40).
Do you have a SHELL command in your CONFIG.SYS? Mine is:
SHELL=E:\DOS\COMMAND.COM E:\DOS /E:62 /P
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247
------------------------------
Date: 08-21-90 (13:03)
To: ALL
Subject: RAINBOW HARD DISK CLUSTER
From: JOHN CONNOLLY
Can anyone recommend a program and/or procedure for changing the
cluster size (presently 2k) on a non-system disk partition? I waste
quite a bit of space on *.MSG BBS files that are typically less than
1k.
The system is a 100B with an ST-225, running MS-DOS V3.10.blah.blah.
The partitions are maintained with WUTIL.
- --John J.C.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Navigator BBS - Weymouth, MA - 14.4K HST - (617) 331-1070
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (08/23/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Aug 23, 1990 In this issue: RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ON A (2 messages) RE: DESKJET AND WORDPERFE RE: BBS RUNNING ON A RAIN RE: WP FOR DEC RAINBOW RE: CACHE PROGRAM RE: WINDOWS 3.0 RE: MORE INFO ON MY NEW ' (2 messages) Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 08-20-90 (06:50) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ON A From: DAVID MAROUN I refer you to page 206 of the CP/M-86-80 version 2.0 User's Guide and to page 156 of the MS-DOS version 2.05 User's Guide. Both say, "a megabyte is equal to a million characters." This terminology agrees with the Winchester utility program supplied with DEC's 10-megabyte hard disk, and with the description of that disk as '10 megabytes'. According to you, that way of speaking should have resulted in a lawsuit. Has Digital Equipment Corporation been sued over its documentation for the Rainbow? Not as far as I know. I point out also that 'megahertz' (MHz) is ALWAYS interpreted as a million cycles per second. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 ------------------------------ Date: 08-20-90 (09:08) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: DESKJET AND WORDPERFE From: ANDREW TAYLOR Assuming we are talking about Wordperfect 4.2 on the Rainbow: It's very non-intuitive BUT, if you want to install a Wordperfect printer definition to print from the Printer port on the Rainbow, then (when going through the Select Printer Menu accessed from the "PRINT" key) the correct selection for where to print is "LPT 1", the default selection. I presume (though haven't tried it) that if you had a printer connected to the COM port then you would select COM 1 as your destination. The other tricky thing about installing printers is that, to see additional printer definitions on a floppy disk, you have to press SHIFT-NEXT SCREEN. WP then prompts you to insert the floppy with the definitions. Andrew Taylor - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 ------------------------------ Date: 08-21-90 (21:35) To: MARK FISCHER Subject: RE: BBS RUNNING ON A RAIN From: JEAN-CLAUDE DEMARS ** Quoting Mark Fischer to Jean-Claude Demars ** >Well by the time you read this it is past your deadline but >anyway here goes: ** End of Quote ** Well, I set it up on one of the office PC's, but as this means i no longer have a PC on my desk, I still would like to get it work on the Rainbow. Tell ya what i have... Rainbow computer with 2 floppys, 10 meg HD, and of course, KYBD and monitor. My problems... I can get OPUS (although i have never used it) on IBM diskette, and i do have Rainbow MS-DOS 2.11 for the system, but that's it. Tell me what i need to get all this working (i have the modem, but no communications osftware for the rainbow). Any ideas?? I no longer have the short deadline that i did. - --- TAGMAIL v2.20 * Origin: Den Net (1:130/35) ------------------------------ Date: 08-22-90 (02:40) To: DONALD PHILLIPSON Subject: RE: WP FOR DEC RAINBOW From: PAUL ROBINSON A "markup" language is one where you put codes in a document and the program then uses the codes to generate the finished output. RUNOFF is a good example of a "markup." - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------ Date: 08-22-90 (02:42) To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: RE: CACHE PROGRAM From: PAUL ROBINSON Any contract - such as a software license - ends if either of the parties 'dies.' Dissolution of a corporation in a bankruptcy constitutes the 'death' of that organization. Therefore a contract with a defunct entity is no longer enforceable. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------ Date: 08-22-90 (03:54) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: WINDOWS 3.0 From: BILL MAYHEW > Is it anticipated that v3.0 will be usable on a non-Turbow Rainbow? Depends on your definition of "usable", Frank. If you're into lots of long coffee breaks, yes. If you want to accomplish something productive, probably not. (Above is based on hearsay, but is eminently believable.) - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------ Date: 08-22-90 (08:21) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: MORE INFO ON MY NEW ' From: CHRISTOPHER WROTEN You misunderstood my question. I'm trying to make sure my two graphic boards work, not the potentially swapped memory board. I need some way to *know* that the graphic boards work as they are supposed to, before I consider swapping one of them for the memory adaptor board. - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------ Date: 08-23-90 (08:15) To: DAVID MAROUN Subject: RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ON A From: GEORGE THEALL DM>I refer you to page 206 of the CP/M-86-80 version 2.0 User's Guide and DM>to page 156 of the MS-DOS version 2.05 User's Guide. Both say, "a DM>megabyte is equal to a million characters." Your references are a bit outdated, me thinks. DM>This terminology agrees DM>with the Winchester utility program supplied with DEC's 10-megabyte DM>hard disk, and with the description of that disk as '10 megabytes'. Tell you what, David. Run CHKDSK on that 10-megabyte hard disk. Does it report 10,000,000 or 10,485,760 bytes of total disk space? [If you don't have a 10MB drive, than any hard disk will do.] I'm anxious to hear the results. Or what about that RAMBOW board from Suitable Solutions you asked about earlier? You said it has "a full megabyte of memory". Care to calculate for us how many bytes it has? Or just tell us how many chips it contains and what the capacity of each is (ie, are they 256Kbit chips?). DM>According to you, that way of speaking should have resulted in a DM>lawsuit. Has Digital Equipment Corporation been sued over its DM>documentation for the Rainbow? Not as far as I know. Before we talk about actual lawsuits, let's first figure out whether DEC was oversimplifying when it wrote the manuals you quote above, or whether it indeed was marketing its products using that interpretation of "mega". Ok? BTW: I'm not suggesting DEC be sued for its documentation but rather for (possibly) misleading advertising. George ------------------------------ Date: 08-23-90 (08:35) To: CHRISTOPHER WROTEN Subject: RE: MORE INFO ON MY NEW ' From: GEORGE THEALL CW> I need some way to *know* that the graphic CW> boards work as they are supposed to, before I consider CW> swapping one of them for the memory adaptor board. Did you try SCRAM? Besides giving your graphics board a workout, it is a fairly interesting game. You might also look into Jim O'Brien's popular JOBSDUMP, which dumps graphics screen images to a file. Check out your local board or grab it from the INFO-DEC-MICRO file archives. George ------------------------------
bcw@rti.rti.org (Bruce Wright) (08/24/90)
In article <9008221223.AA04195@remote.dccs.upenn.edu>, GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) writes: > To: DAVE GOW > Subject: RAINBO WORKS CLOCK > From: FRANK MALLORY > > DG> Back in May I left a message asking about a strange clock card in my > DG> 100+. You answered saying it might be a Rainbo Works Clock and that > DG> Caroline Mack might have more info. I did get a message back from her > DG> saying she had knowledge of the clock but no current info about its > DG> vendors. > > If Caroline doesn't know anything about them, they must be out of > business. So I guess it will be OK to put the software on this BBS; > it'll be RBW.ZIP, in the MS-DOS file areas. Rainbo Works is definitely out of business. The owner (Don ??? - I forget his last name offhand) died several years ago; it was never a big business (only a couple of employees), and the business died with him. The clock card they sold was OK, but the ClikClok that Suitable Solutions sold was better - takes less space in the machine and generally seems to have fewer problems. Bruce C. Wright
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (08/24/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Aug 24, 1990 In this issue: RAINBOW SOFTWARE RAINBOW PD SOFTWARE PRO-350 PARTS RE: CACHE PROGRAM Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 08-21-90 (21:04) To: RYAN GRAN Subject: RAINBOW SOFTWARE From: DON MARQUART > help would be appriciated. If you have a decent supply of Rainbow software > (shareware?) [games, communications, etc], please let me know. I'd be more > than willing to pay for the disks, postage and time to get copies. Thanks > in advance. You are most welcome to call my BBS at 303-973-8578 and help yourself to the Rainbow downloads. Most of the programs available for the RB are available and the area is open to the public. Enjoy... - --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888) ------------------------------ Date: 08-22-90 (12:28) To: RYAN GRAN Subject: RAINBOW PD SOFTWARE From: PAUL OLSON Ryan, One of the best sources of Rainbow PD software is the WARUG library maintained by the International Rainbow User's Group. They can be reached at 618/632-1143. Last I knew, they had close to 125 volumes of software to choose from. Alternatively, you could try calling some of the DEC resellers. They usually end up with software when they buy a used system. Another source of information is the RAINBOW NEWS, a "quarterly" newsletter published by IRUG. They have classifieds in the back. Another source is CompuServe, but you have to pay for that. The only other source is the BBS net nodes. As Always, Paul - --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 08-21-90 (21:24) To: ALL Subject: PRO-350 PARTS From: DARIN CAPP For Sale: 1 PRO-350 Memory Board 1 PRO-350 Video Board 1 PRO-350 HD Controller Board . Take everything for $150 . Voice Phone (319) 393-8922 - --- * Origin: FOG-LINE, Reg 14 REC, 515-964-7937 (Opus 1:290/627) ------------------------------ Date: 08-23-90 (13:23) To: PAUL ROBINSON Subject: RE: CACHE PROGRAM From: BILL MAYHEW Re: any contract ends if one of the parties dies... This is not necessarily the case. IANAL but some contracts _do_ live on (e.g. a person's contractual liability to pay his VISA bill does not end when he dies... it "lives on" and is passed to his estate.) In addition we are not always talking about dissolution of the company. For instance, in (what I believe is) the example at hand, Suitable Solutions has NOT dissolved ... they have simply gotten out of the Rainbow support business and are "on hiatus", determining their next direction. Further, ownership of the program is not necessarily vested in the company that sold it to you. If Joe Smith writes a program and authorizes XYZ Company to sell it, and XYZ Company dissolves, the program still belongs to Joe Smith, who may or may not be "visible" to users (and may or may not have *ever* been "visible" to users). In other words, It Ain't That Simple. :-) - -Bill - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (08/25/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Aug 25, 1990 In this issue: RE: MORE INFO ON MY NEW ' (2 messages) RE: DEC MONITOR INQUIRY RE: CACHE PROGRAM (2 messages) TRANSLATION (2 messages) RAINBOW HARD DISK CLUSTER RE: WINDOWS 3.0 DEC & LAWSUITS Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 08-23-90 (07:08) To: CHRISTOPHER WROTEN Subject: RE: MORE INFO ON MY NEW ' From: DON MARQUART > If it works out, yes, a trade for the graphics board > would be ok. But first, I want to make sure that both > of them work. Any idea how I can prove they both work? I'm not really worried about the graphics boards working as I have only seen one that was broken in the past and the owner probably broke it:-). The trade was meant more to help you get setup and running as cheaply as possible than for the trade. If you need the memory adapter just forward your address and I'll be happy to send you the board. Send the graphics board whenever you are confortable. Later... PS; Just checked the back messages and found your address, will go ahead and ship the adapter soon. - --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888) ------------------------------ Date: 08-22-90 (07:36) To: DON MARQUART Subject: RE: DEC MONITOR INQUIRY From: DAVID HEID I will let you know shortly. I personally looked at the new Monitor and (I opened the box) it has several heatshrinked manuals and stuff in the box as well as a power cable. As far as I could tell the box had never been opened as everything was still 'squeaky clean' :-) - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 ------------------------------ Date: 08-24-90 (01:17) To: BILL MAYHEW Subject: RE: CACHE PROGRAM From: CARL HOUSEMAN Gack! IANAL???? Is this a new standard conferencing abbreviation? ITMAMBIGI. (It took me a moment but I got it). What we need in this country is some precedent setting case that passes ownership of the software to the licensees in the event that the licensor stops selling new licenses. But this probably won't happen until the consumer protection groups attack the software business. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------ Date: 08-24-90 (01:49) To: ALL Subject: TRANSLATION From: JEAN-CLAUDE DEMARS How do i write a file from the IBM PC to the rainbow?? I have a copy of rainbow MS-DOS that i would like to try to set up a BBS in. I don't know the rainbow at all nor do i know what model it is except to say that it has an original equipemnt 10 meg (full height) drive made by Seagaet (st-412 i think). - --- TAGMAIL v2.20 * Origin: The Moose's Den2 (HST/V.32) (1:130/35) ------------------------------ Date: 08-22-90 (18:28) To: JOHN CONNOLLY Subject: RAINBOW HARD DISK CLUSTER From: FRANK MALLORY JC> Can anyone recommend a program and/or procedure for changing the JC> cluster size (presently 2k) on a non-system disk partition? I waste JC> quite a bit of space on *.MSG BBS files that are typically less than JC> 1k. It's a function of DOS, and I don't think there is any way to change it on the Rainbow. The best solution would be BBS software that maintains messages in a database rather than as separate files. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------ Date: 08-22-90 (18:36) To: BILL MAYHEW Subject: RE: WINDOWS 3.0 From: FRANK MALLORY BM>> Is it anticipated that v3.0 will be usable on a non-Turbow Rainbow? BM> BM>Depends on your definition of "usable", Frank. If you're into lots of BM>long coffee breaks, yes. If you want to accomplish something productive, BM>probably not. (Above is based on hearsay, but is eminently believable.) The only use I have for it at this point is to allow me to run a decent DTP program (e.g., Ventura Publisher or Aldus Pagemaker) on my Rainbow. What do you think? - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------ Date: 08-22-90 (18:42) To: CHRISTOPHER WROTEN Subject: RE: MORE INFO ON MY NEW ' From: FRANK MALLORY CW> You misunderstood my question. I'm trying to make sure CW> my two graphic boards work, not the potentially swapped CW> memory board. I need some way to *know* that the graphic CW> boards work as they are supposed to, before I consider CW> swapping one of them for the memory adaptor board. That's easier. Just plug each in and run one of the many ReGIS graphics programs (e.g., SCRAM) that is available for the Rainbow. There's a pretty good graphics demo program here (GALLRY11.ZIP) that could be used, also. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------ Date: 08-23-90 (00:18) To: PAUL ROBINSON Subject: RE: CACHE PROGRAM From: CARL HOUSEMAN re: Any contract ... ends if either of the parties 'dies.' I sure hope you have a law degree! What you've said, is that if a company goes bankrupt, that any agreed to software license is null & void. You didn't say it explicitly, but I'd infer then, that copying and distribution of the software, formerly restricted by license, is no longer restricted. Agreed? Now, what about companies that don't file chapter 11 - instead they just stop manufacturing or selling licenses for the software. The party issuing the license may not have 'died,' but they are for all intents and purposes, dead from the customer's point of view. Any legal opinion? - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------ Date: 08-24-90 (07:36) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: DEC & LAWSUITS From: PAUL OLSON I don't know George. You haven't seen my original technical documentation set I received with my 'bow when I ordered it six years ago! ;-) . I know that I was soooooo furious with it that I wrote DEC a letter describing their documentation as "looking like notes written on the back of a bar napkin with a swizzle stick dipped in soy sauce by a soused techweenie". Of course, I didn't receive a reply. I didn't have a good set of tech docs until I joined up with WARUG and obtained a copy from Caroline. I was _very_ disappointed with the original tech docs, especially coming from a VAX background. . Just thought I'd give you a laugh. 8-) As Always, Paul - --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 08-25-90 (08:00) To: JEAN-CLAUDE DEMARS Subject: TRANSLATION From: GEORGE THEALL JD>How do i write a file from the IBM PC to the rainbow?? There are a variety of approaches you could take. In no particular order they are: - - Assuming you really do have a PC (and not an AT or better) as well as a double density disk, you might be able to use a single-sided double density floppy to transfer files. You must format the floppy (FORMAT A: /1) on the PC and turn MEDIACHK ON on the Rainbow (MEDIACHK is included as part of the Rainbow's DOS). It works on most, but not all machines. For files >160K you'll need something like SPLIT to break files into smaller chunks. - - You could connect both machines via some type of network/phone line/null modem cable and then use a program like Kermit to transfer the files. - - You could purchase a hardware device called an I-Drive. This would allow you to read from/write to regular PC floppies. A variety of models exist: 5.25" DD; 5.25" HD, etc... This is by far the simplest approach, but does entail some cost. - - If there's a 1.2MB drive in your IBM (clone) machine, then you should get a hold of a device driver called RX50. Written by Robert Morse, it installs in your IBM machine and makes one of your drives look like an RX50 as well as a regular 1.2MB drive. You refer to the IBM version as, say, A:, and the RX50 version as, say, D:. This approach works quite reliably but does require your machine have a 286/386/486 chip. George ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (08/27/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Aug 26, 1990 In this issue: RE: HARDDISC RE: KILO, MEGA,ETC. TRANSLATION RAINBO WORKSCLOCK (2 messages) RE: TECO FORRAINBOW? RE: CACHEPROGRAM (2 messages) Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 08-22-90 (18:50) To: ALL Subject: RE: HARDDISC From: FRANK ZSITVAY In article <450.26D12696.@techbks1.FIDONET.ORG> David.Hughes@f67.n128.z1.FIDONET.ORG (David Hughes) writes: >Hi all, I have an ST225. Tried the RB hard disc utility to low level and >format the disc, but I kept getting errors about sector 0 bad. > >I took it to an IBM machine and promptly low leveled it, fdisk and formatted >it with a system, and it booted fine. > >Could this be a cable or controller problem. Are there jumper settings or >seetings I do not know about to have the BR understand I am placing a 20 meg >on it? I have a 10 meg on it now, but it errors out after about 2/3rds of the >hard disk integrity test. > >Thoughts? oh i hope your hard disk controller doesn't have the same problem mine has. that's pretty much the same way mine died, except it wouldn't even work on a 10 meg drive. i don't know a whole lot about the rainbow hard disk system, but if your controller is dead, you have my sympathies possible thought - some ibms use a twist in the cable and have the drive select on the drives set the same for both drives. is your drive select jumper on the drive set to drive 2?? from what i understand,, the jumper has to be on drive select 1 for the rainbow. check that, and hope that that's the only problem. - -- fzsitvay@techbook.COM - one of these days i'll get it right... Version 2 of anything is usually the version that works. - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: TECHbooks One, Fido Gate to techbook (503) 644-8135 ------------------------------ Date: 08-23-90 (23:34) To: DAVID MAROUN Subject: RE: KILO, MEGA,ETC. From: GARY STEBBINS > DM: not 1024 * 1024. You will often see writers take '256 k' as > DM: equivalent to '256 thousand' and 'megabyte' as equivalent to > DM: '1000 k' ... Well, yes and no. In the engineering world, kilo means 1000 and mega means 1,000,000. But the computing world has it's own standards. I have seen a "pseudo-standard" documented many years ago - before the time of mega-bytes - that said "k" meant kilo=1000, and "K" meant computing-kilo=1024. In the computing world, I've never seen "mega" mean anything other than 1024*1024. Since "m" is taken as milli, "M" must mean either 1,000,000 or 1024*1024 (1,048,576), depending on context. - -gary- - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 08-24-90 (21:24) To: JEAN-CLAUDE DEMARS Subject: TRANSLATION From: FRANK MALLORY JD> of rainbow MS-DOS that i would like to try to set up a BBS in. I don't JD> know the rainbow at all nor do i know what model it is except to say JD> that it has an original equipemnt 10 meg (full height) drive made by JD> Seagaet (st-412 i think). You have three basic choices: 1) If you have Kermit for both, run an RS232 cable from serial port of the PC to COMM port of the Rainbow and transfer them that way. 2) If your PC has a 1.2MB HD drive, you can get a utility program that will let you write to a Rainbow-format diskette. 3) You can format diskettes single-sided on the PC and use BACKUP to copy from the PC; then set MEDIACHK ON on the Rainbow and RESTORE from those diskettes. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 08-25-90 (08:10) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RAINBO WORKSCLOCK From: FRANK MALLORY GT> forget his last name offhand) died several years ago; it was never a GT> big business (only a couple of employees), and the business died with GT> him. GT> GT> The clock card they sold was OK, but the ClikClok that Suitable GT> Solutions sold was better - takes less space in the machine and GT> generally seems to have fewer problems. The RBW clock was the first to be sold for the Rainbow. It was pretty much superceded by the ClikClok, but I think it does have a few capabilities not included in the latter. I got a RBW clock soon after they came out, and it has been working flawlessly ever since. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 08-25-90 (10:46) To: BRIAN TREADWAY Subject: RE: TECO FORRAINBOW? From: PAUL ROBINSON for UNIX on a PDP-11. The one you may be interested in is a version of TECO written in "C" for MS/DOS. If you have or can get access to a C compiler, you can use it. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------ Date: 08-25-90 (11:38) To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: RE: CACHEPROGRAM From: PAUL ROBINSON supplies or supports your program. On the other hand, a company that goes out of business without a successor or assignee, is 'dead' and thus any contract with it dies. If you have a contract with someone to paint your house, and he stops doing painting because of a back injury, he is still there, but can't perform the contract. If he dies, he's dead. That's the difference. Or he decides to sell his painting equipment and retire. He's still there even though he can't solve your problem of an umpainted house. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------ Date: 08-25-90 (15:36) To: PAUL ROBINSON Subject: RE: CACHEPROGRAM From: FRANK MALLORY PR> supplies or supports your program. On the other hand, a company that PR> goes out of business without a successor or assignee, is 'dead' and PR> thus any contract with it dies. So if the owner of the RainboWorks clock program is dead, and there is no successor, there should be no legal problem making it available here. But let's consider the hypothetical case in which he ISN'T dead. The (shrink-wrap) "contract" is still in force. This particular software item was furnished as an adjunct to a hardware item (viz., clock). Without the software, the hardware has no value, and vice versa. Now it happened that a legal owner conveyed the hardware (plugged into a Rainbow) but failed to convey the software, through oversight or whatever. Question: wouldn't it be reasonable to assume that the party to whom the hardware was conveyed has the right to avail himself of a copy of the software offered by another party? - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 08-25-90 (22:44) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RAINBO WORKSCLOCK From: DON MARQUART > From: rti!bcw@mcnc.org (Bruce Wright) Organization: Research Triangle > Institute, RTP, NC > Rainbo Works is definitely out of business. The owner (Don ??? - I forget > his last name offhand) died several years ago; it was never a big business > (only a couple of employees), and the business died with him. Wasn't that Don Braun? Used to run his BBS on a Rainbow with a Corvus "Data Safe" (120 meg tape drive) and hard disk. Haven't talked to him since going to California about distributing the RB Link (big mistake). And yes, you are correct in that he did pass away some time ago. Later... - --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (08/28/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Aug 28, 1990 In this issue: RE: CACHEPROGRAM (3 messages) COLORS ONRAINBOW (2 messages) MS-WORD RE: COLORS ONRAINBOW RAINBOWCOLORS Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 08-26-90 (07:09) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: CACHEPROGRAM From: DON MARQUART > PR> supplies or supports your program. On the other hand, a company that > PR> goes out of business without a successor or assignee, is 'dead' and > PR> thus any contract with it dies. > > So if the owner of the RainboWorks clock program is dead, and there is no > successor, there should be no legal problem making it available here. If your really concerned I could maybe dig out his home phone number and you could contact his wife for approval providing of course she hasn't moved in all this time. > Question: wouldn't it be reasonable to assume that the party to whom the > hardware was conveyed has the right to avail himself of a copy of the > software offered by another party? Technically, the true ownership of the software is determined by posession of the "original" distribution disk and license. Legally you should get by with just the original disk to prove ownership. Later... - --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888) ------------------------------ Date: 08-25-90 (22:28) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: COLORS ONRAINBOW From: FRANK MALLORY GT> From: genrad!rxf@husc6.harvard.edu ( Ruben D. Fagundo ) Organization: GT> GenRad GT> GT> Does anyone know how to program the colors on the rainbow. I have GT> written a few small programs, that would look better with some color, GT> but I have no idea how this is done. I have tried some of the pc's GT> color routines, with no success. I have also looked at the vt240's GT> manual to see if it's a matter of a an ansi escape sequence, but I GT> couldn't find anything appropriate. If I could just get a hold of the GT> source to something like desk or scram, I think I could figure this GT> out. Has anyone written any small, C programs that use the Rb's colors? You need the VT241 (not 240) Programmer Reference Manual. Alternatively,you will find the sequences in the Terminals & Printers Handbook, Appendix C, ReGIS Writing Controls Summary and Screen Controls Summary tables. That's all I know about it; I have never programmed in color (unless you count a blue funk). GT> I have already asked this question with no response, so I thought I'd GT> try it again. Any help would be appreciated. The Rainbow messages seem to be flowing thru Fidonet a lot better now. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 08-26-90 (19:06) To: ALL Subject: MS-WORD From: FRANK MALLORY Has anyone out there tried running Microsoft WORD on the Rainbow? - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 08-26-90 (13:40) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: COLORS ONRAINBOW From: ED RIDPATH In text mode the Rainbow only has one color. To access color, you must shift to graphics mode, then you have to form the letters yourself. The tech. ref. has complete source to do this, but it is quite a pain, and IMHO not worth it. Ed - --- msged 1.999.9 * Origin: Keep It Simple - Aiken, SC (803) 648-0283 (1:360/11.101) ------------------------------ Date: 08-26-90 (19:42) To: DON MARQUART Subject: RE: CACHEPROGRAM From: FRANK MALLORY DM> If your really concerned I could maybe dig out his home phone number DM> and you could contact his wife for approval providing of course she DM> hasn't moved in all this time. I don't think it's worth bothering her about. Only one person expressed an interest in the RBW program, and nobody at all has downloaded it since I made it available here. I'll simply wait another week, then remove it as being of limited interest. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 08-26-90 (20:59) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: CACHEPROGRAM From: CARL HOUSEMAN re: This particular software item was furnished as an adjunct to a hardware item (viz., clock). Withtout the software, the hardware has no value, and vice versa. Now this is sounding more and more like the VMS license controversy recently reported by DR. Do you still get your copy, Frank? DEC is now starting to treat VMS licenses as something that travels with the CPU *board* and cannot be transferred to a replacement board if one should acquire one outside of DEC's provisions. Thus an upgrade of a 6310 to a 6410 done by the customer requires the complete re-purchase of a VMS license for the 6410. As for the clock board, and the way I treat most similar software (e.g. hard disk formatting programs sent along with HD controllers, etc.) is that the software DOES travel with the hardware. In most cases - and especially in the RB clock situation (any one of them) - the software is useless to someone without the hardware, as you stated. Therefore posting the software would hardly seem to a case for legal action, unless that software could be used with some (competitor's) hardware. Didn't SS distribute an updated CLIKCLOK program through the BBS network? - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------ Date: 08-26-90 (21:08) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: COLORS ONRAINBOW From: CARL HOUSEMAN Just a note - the VT-240 programmer's manual won't do a Rainbow owner much good unless he's running Rainbow REGIS. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------ Date: 08-27-90 (07:51) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RAINBOWCOLORS From: PAUL OLSON If you are talking about changing the colors of the text on the standard 'bow alphanumeric screen, there is no way to do it. The color graphics option has its own memory and separate processor. The only way to program in color is to address the graphics processor, passing information to it through the graphics interface. For characters, the processor will create simple line characters, and that's not what most folks want. You might be able to get it to scroll properly, but you will have to control the scan lines. There are a few good interfaces for Turbo Pascal out on the BBS's, one by a guy named Ken Nist. I have used his routines when working on my fractal programs. You could try converting his code. It is mostly in-line assembly, so I'd think all you'd have to do is to convert the Pascal portions to C. I believe the name of the program is RBGRAPH.ARC, or something along those lines. It has been a long time since I looked for TPascal interfaces, because once I found Nist's I didn't need to look anymore. If you need any more help, let me know. As Always, Paul - --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (08/30/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Aug 29, 1990
In this issue:
RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ONA (2 messages)
RE: HARDDISC
LZEXE (2 messages)
RAINBOW WORKSCLOCK
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 08-25-90 (23:41)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ONA
From: DAVID MAROUN
One comment: I have a 10 megabyte RD51. Its capacity is 10 megabytes
only if you take a megabyte as ten million characters. And CHKDSK would
not help much since I have the disk divided into MS-DOS and CP/M
partitions. WUTIL does give the size. You can also do the calculation:
Multiply 306 tracks by 4 (the number of heads) by 16 (the number of
sectors per track) by 512 (the number of characters per sector).
I suggest we leave arguments about language and go back to my original
question: Has anyone found a way to use the extra memory in the
Suitable Solutions' memory board for the Rainbow?
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 08-25-90 (23:54)
To: FRANK ZSITVAY
Subject: RE: HARDDISC
From: DAVID MAROUN
I had a similar problem when I tried to format a 20 megabyte hard disk
with the utility supplied with the DEC 10 megabyte hard disk. But WUTIL
formatted the disk. I suspect that the DEC-supplied hard disk utility
was not intended for disks larger than 10 megabytes.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 08-25-90 (23:57)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: LZEXE
From: DAVID MAROUN
You might be interested in knowing that I have started using LZEXE. It
reduced SEDT version 3.3(248) to a little over half its original size,
and the program seems (so far, anyway) to be working. I also used LZEXE
in my own programming. Verion 4.1 of my XTRAC utility lost thousands of
characters thanks to LZEXE
I wrote to Fabrice Bellard suggesting he produce a generic version of
his program (I happen to speak French). I have had no reply, so I do
not know whether he will produce one.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 08-25-90 (22:23)
To: FRANK MALLLRY
Subject: RAINBOW WORKSCLOCK
From: DAVE GOW
Thanks for the upload, my clock works great and had been keeping almost
perfect time for the past several years in storage. It also works
perfectly with DOS 3.1b and Code Blue I got just before suitable
solutions went out od business. It properly date stamps IBM PCFILE+
databases underCode Blue and is easy to reset. Thanks again!!
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 08-29-90 (07:34)
To: DAVID MAROUN
Subject: RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ONA
From: GEORGE THEALL
DM>One comment: I have a 10 megabyte RD51. Its capacity is 10 megabytes
DM>only if you take a megabyte as ten million characters.
...
DM>WUTIL does give the size. You can also do the calculation:
DM>Multiply 306 tracks by 4 (the number of heads) by 16 (the number of
DM>sectors per track) by 512 (the number of characters per sector).
306 * 4 * 16 * 512 = 10027008. Am I doing something wrong?
DM>I suggest we leave arguments about language and go back to my original
DM>question: Has anyone found a way to use the extra memory in the
DM>Suitable Solutions' memory board for the Rainbow?
Given Warner Losh's posting on the subject, it sounds like we've
both been correct. As for your original question, I haven't. Question,
though, how many and what type of memory chips are on that board?
Would they be 1MBit chips per chance? My guess is some of that extra
memory is hidden from view by things like the Rainbow's video RAM,
which is located in segments EE00 - EF00 (952K - 960K).
George
------------------------------
Date: 08-29-90 (07:51)
To: DAVID MAROUN
Subject: LZEXE
From: GEORGE THEALL
DM>I wrote to Fabrice Bellard suggesting he produce a generic version of
DM>his program (I happen to speak French). I have had no reply, so I do
DM>not know whether he will produce one.
Based on his use of generic MS-DOS calls with PKZIP, maybe Phil
Katz will. Has anyone seen/used a beta copy of PKLITE? It is similar
to LZEXE but comes with docs/prompts in English.
George
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (08/30/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Aug 30, 1990 In this issue: RE: CACHE PROGRAM (2 messages) RE: COLORS ON RAINBOW (4 messages) ANOTHER MEMORY EXP. QUEST RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ON A LZEXE RE: VR241 AND RD53 RE: TRANSLATION (2 messages) WINDOWS 3.0 FOR THE RAINB Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 08-27D90 (17:15) To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: RE: CACHE PROGRAM From: FRANK MALLORY CH> re: This particular software item was furnished as an adjunct to a CH> hardware item (viz., clock). Withtout the software, the hardware CH> has no value, and vice versa. CH> CH> Now this is sounding more and more like the VMS license controversy CH> recently reported by DR. Do you still get your copy, Frank? DEC is CH> now starting to treat VMS licenses as something that travels with the CH> CPU *board* and cannot be transferred to a replacement board if one CH> should acquire one outside of DEC's provisions. Thus an upgrade of a CH> 6310 to a 6410 done by the customer requires the complete re-purchase CH> of a VMS license for the 6410. No, I terminated my subscription to DR, etc. Luckily on the Rainbow, we don't have a processor serial no. that the software can check to verify that it is running on the board that it was licensed to. CH> As for the clock board, and the way I treat most similar software (e.g. CH> hard disk formatting programs sent along with HD controllers, etc.) is CH> that the software DOES travel with the hardware. In most cases - and CH> especially in the RB clock situation (any one of them) - the software CH> is useless to someone without the hardware, as you stated. Therefore CH> posting the software would hardly seem to a case for legal action, CH> unless that software could be used with some (competitor's) hardware. Trouble is that many vendors of used equipment have a definite policy of discarding any and all software and documentation that they may have acquired with the hardware. CH> Didn't SS distribute an updated CLIKCLOK program through the BBS CH> network? Yes. I don't see any problem with the RBW program, either. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 08-27D90 (17:24) To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: RE: COLORS ON RAINBOW From: FRANK MALLORY CH> Just a note - the VT-240 programmer's manual won't do a Rainbow owner CH> much good unless he's running Rainbow REGIS. How about the codes for hue, intensity, etc. in the Terminals & Printers Handbook? BTW, again, it's the VT-241 manual that would have color info. The VT-240 is a monochrome terminal, as I'm sure you know. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 08-27D90 (17:30) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: ANOTHER MEMORY EXP. QUEST From: FRANK MALLORY GT> From: aggie.ucdavis.edu!ccjason@ucdavis.ucdavis.edu (Jason Y. Gabler) GT> Organization: University of California, Davis GT> GT> Not only do I know know where to put tht edip switches on the memory GT> board, I was wondering is anyone has RB 100+ documentation ( I only GT> have 100B ). The 100+ differs from the 100B only in that it has a hard drive with controller, and a doodad on the cabinet that says "100+". GT> I keep getting this error message: GT> GT> SEE OWNERS MANUAL - Message 27 - Memory Board GT> GT> GT> Its wierd .. i can boot up and all. But as soon as I try to run a GT> program that uses more that a few kb, the RB crashes. Sounds like you have a bad memory chip. You need to run the diagnostic to check out the memory and pinpoint any bad chips. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 08-28D90 (00:16) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: COLORS ON RAINBOW From: CARL HOUSEMAN As someone else pointed out, you can't even get into a color display or change colors by sending ANSI escape sequences to the Rainbow. The VT-241 might change the color of text (without using a REGIS command) but the Rainbow won't. That's why I said you need RB Regis, which can redirect console output to the graphics screen, in whatever colors you want. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------ Date: 08-27D90 (09:06) To: ALL Subject: RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ON A From: FRANK ZSITVAY In article <449.26D3CDAB.@techbks1.FIDONET.ORG> David.Maroun@f3.n343.z1.FIDONET.ORG (David Maroun) writes: >I refer you to page 206 of the CP/M-86-80 version 2.0 User's Guide and to page >156 of the MS-DOS version 2.05 User's Guide. Both say, "a megabyte is equal >to a million characters." This terminology agrees with the Winchester utility >program supplied with DEC's 10-megabyte hard disk, and with the description of >that disk as '10 megabytes'. According to you, that way of speaking should >have resulted in a lawsuit. Has Digital Equipment Corporation been sued over >its documentation for the Rainbow? Not as far as I know. >I point out also that 'megahertz' (MHz) is ALWAYS interpreted as a million >cycles per second. a megabyte of memory is always the binary million. (1048576 bytes) this is not always true for hard disks because of the many variables involved (secotr size, number of sectors in a track, recording methods, etc.) as well as defects in the media. witness 1 megabit drams that have a 1048576 bit capacity. - -- fzsitvay@techbook.COM - one of these days i'll get it right... Version 2 of anything is usually the version that works. - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: TECHbooks One, Fido Gate to techbook (503) 644-8135 ------------------------------ Date: 08-27D90 (20:22) To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: RE: CACHE PROGRAM From: BILL HLIWA CH> Didn't SS distribute an updated CLIKCLOK program CH> through the BBS network? You might be referring to a version that Jerry Miller did for me which generated an ERRORLEVEL depending on whether a clikclok was actually installed. He did give me permission to post that on our BBS. - --- Sirius 1.0w * Origin: * Med TechNet * , Buffalo, NY 716/688-1552 (1:260/10.0) ------------------------------ Date: 08-28D90 (12:23) To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: RE: COLORS ON RAINBOW From: FRANK MALLORY CH> As someone else pointed out, you can't even get into a color display or CH> change colors by sending ANSI escape sequences to the Rainbow. The CH> VT-241 might change the color of text (without using a REGIS command) CH> but the Rainbow won't. I don't think I suggested using *ANSI* escape sequences. But there obviously is a set of control sequences that the graphics board responds to. My understanding is that ReGIS (REmote Graphics Instruction Set) is just a translation program that acts as an interface between a "high" level programming language that is common across many DEC machines, and the low-level control sequences I am referring to. The commands given to the ReGIS interpreter are ASCII sequences, but the output is in binary. CH> That's why I said you need RB Regis, which can redirect console output CH> to the graphics screen, in whatever colors you want. But can't you run SCRAM on the Rainbow with graphics board, without first installing Rainbow ReGIS? It's been a while since I ran it, but I seem to recall that was the case. If so, the programmer(s) of SCRAM obviously knew what sequences to use. I do have a (licensed) copy of Rainbow ReGIS, by the way. However, I don't recall ever using it. Ditto for GSX-86. If you still have that VR-241 monitor, you might take a look in its programming manual and tell us what it says. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 08-28D90 (12:44) To: DAVID MAROUN Subject: LZEXE From: FRANK MALLORY DM> You might be interested in knowing that I have started using LZEXE. DM> It reduced SEDT version 3.3(248) to a little over half its original DM> size, and the program seems (so far, anyway) to be working. I also DM> used LZEXE in my own programming. Verion 4.1 of my XTRAC utility lost DM> thousands of characters thanks to LZEXE Also, users report that some programs actually start initiation FASTER with LZEXE. DM> I wrote to Fabrice Bellard suggesting he produce a generic version of DM> his program (I happen to speak French). I have had no reply, so I do DM> not know whether he will produce one. My understanding is that he has sold the program to someone who intends to commercialize on it. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 08-27D90 (20:12) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: VR241 AND RD53 From: BOB FULLER Regarding your query about modifying DEC RB cables to power and feed an RD 53, there are two solutions that I have tried. Thefirst solution is to grind away at the DEC HD cable until it fits the drive. I used a drum sander on a Dremel-like power tool and it did a good job. On some surfaces, I went completely through the soft material on the plugs to a harder, plastic-like material before it fit. I also had to trim some of the plastic tab off the power plug. It took me about 45 minutes to completely trim the cable. I took a little off each time, and them reinstalled it to see it it fit. The small drum sander will toss off a lot of waste material, so I suggest you do the sanding away from the computer. The second solution is to make or purchase a cable that will fit without modification. I purchased one last year from Mark of Island logistics, 617-631-1030. I recall reading here that he said that he had a couple left in his garage and that he was moving. Mark told me that some DEC cables did not work with the drives with a capacity above 20 megs because the cable wasn't thick enough. In my experience, both Mark's cable and the modified DEC cable did the job equally. However, a member of our club found that his 40 meg drive worked only with Mark's cable. Happy trimming! Bob - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 08-28D90 (18:57) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: TRANSLATION From: JEAN-CLAUDE DEMARS ** Quoting George Theall to Jean-Claude Demars ** >then you should get a hold of a device driver called RX50. >Written by Robert Morse, it installs in your IBM machine and >makes one of your drives look like an RX50 as well as a regular >1.2MB drive. You refer to the IBM version as, say, A:, and >the RX50 version as, say, D:. This approach works quite reliably >but does require your machine have a 286/386/486 chip. ** End of Quote ** I have a 286-12. Were can i get this software driver? - --- TAGMAIL v2.20 * Origin: The Moose's Den2 (HST/V.32) (1:130/35) ------------------------------ Date: 08-29D90 (00:23) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: COLORS ON RAINBOW From: CARL HOUSEMAN re: I don't think I suggested using ANSI sequences You did suggest that someone consult the VT-240/241 programmer's guide to find out how to make the Rainbow display color. But that won't help! The sequences for VT-terminals are either ANSI or REGIS. The Rainbow firmware understands and acts only on the ones pertaining to the monochrome, non-graphics screen (which is always green if you haven't altered the cable). You're correct in that you can make the graphics screen display color images if you're into programming, but it's a lot more complicated than you might expect. You can't simply send an "A" to the graphics board and have it appear on the screen. You would have to turn on dots, one at a time, in the pattern of an "A". The character generation is not built into the graphics screen. Rainbow REGIS provides its own character generator. re: If you still have that VR-241 monitor, you might take a look in its programming manual and tell us what it says. Perhaps this is the source of your confusion. The VR-241 is nothnig more than a TV-screen. It has no processor, and no programming manual. The graphics option in the Rainbow is wholly responsible for the images that appear on it (when the option is enabled). The VT-241 consists of a box containing a processor and interfaces an RS-232 line to which you may send both ANSI and REGIS commands in a serial data stream. The VT-241 processor converts the commands to a video signal for the VR-241 monitor. In the Rainbow, you need Rainbow REGIS to emulate the VT-241's processor. So (now back to the beginning) reading the VT-241 programmer's manual won't help a Rainbow owner unless they have Rainbow REGIS. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------ Date: 08-28D90 (15:33) To: ALL Subject: WINDOWS 3.0 FOR THE RAINB From: DAVID STRICKLER Word on the street is that the update kit to let your Rainbow run MS-Windows 3.0 is available from Leonard Berk Consulting in Toronto Canada. Phone 416-260-0348 Cost for upgrades from 2.11 is $50.00 Complete package is $99.95 Also, there is a $50 that goes to MS. Well, that's the scuttlebut... David Strickler Sysop of 101/45 Midnight DEC (Boston) (617)739-0708 [Voice] - --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 08-30-90 (07:43) To: JEAN-CLAUDE DEMARS Subject: RE: TRANSLATION From: GEORGE THEALL JD> >then you should get a hold of a device driver called RX50. ... JD>I have a 286-12. Were can i get this software driver? Have you looked on your local bbs? It's quite a popular piece of software. If not there, you can definitely find it on Penn's Landing (+1 215 898 8511), which is currently down. I imagine it can also be found on The Black Cat's Shack (Frank?). George ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (08/31/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Aug 31, 1990 In this issue: RAINBOW FORSALE... RAINBOW COLORS (2 messages) RAINBOW WANTED!!! RE: CACHE PROGRAM Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 08-27-90 (20:26) To: ALL Subject: RAINBOW FORSALE... From: DON MARQUART Rainbow 100 Plus with 896K, monitor and Gold keyboard. Unfortunately there is no hard disk at this time but it does include a LA50 with cable. $200 RB B/W monitor, $25 RB 100B memory board with 0K installed, 768K capacity. Memory adapter for 100A is optional. $35 or $40 with adapter. The below will only be sold after the above is sold: Suitable Solutions clock, new. $35 Suitable Solutions IBM character ROM for the RB, new. $25 If interested please reply in this echo, netmail to 104/888 or voice at 303-973-8535 most evenings and weekends. Thanks... - --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888) ------------------------------ Date: 08-29-90 (07:31) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RAINBOW COLORS From: PAUL OLSON Frank, I think I know what you are trying to get at, specifically the colored letters. Unfortunately, the programmers of SCRAM used predefined bitmaps for their letters. The system doesn't even "realize" that it is displaying letters, only bit plane patterns. For example, you don't have the option of entering your name on a high score screen. That's because all the text is fixed. There also isn't any font table to load color and letter shapes into. I suspect that Rainbow ReGIS interprets the ASCII input and forms it's own letters which it places onto the screen as bit plane data through the graphics option. As Always, Paul - --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 08-29-90 (14:03) To: ALL Subject: RAINBOW WANTED!!! From: PATRICK FINK Anyone have a Rainbow for sale??? I am really just looking for A100 Mother Board. - --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 08-29-90 (17:48) To: PAUL OLSON Subject: RAINBOW COLORS From: FRANK MALLORY I think I'm beginning to get the picture (pun intended); you either have to use Rainbow ReGIS, or go to a lot of trouble to create bit maps. Next question: Has Rainbow ReGIS been "archived" (meaning it can be freely distributed)? - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 08-30-90 (02:44) To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: RE: CACHE PROGRAM From: PAUL ROBINSON Unless someone has a contract that prohibits him from using the software on a different machine, and the contract defines different in such a way that it includes hardware upgraded by a third party, there should not be a problem with transferring the software to a third party. Under federal law, sale of a program gives the owner of that copy the right to transfer that copy to anyone he wants to, and the copyright owner is not entitled to further money or to stop the transfer; they can only do that to the extent that there is a contract prohibition. Further, taking the provision laid down in the court case of U.S. v. IBM, that a company cannot require you to purchase supplies from them when they sell you equipment and maintain it, unless they can show the supplies will damage the equipment, that a contract provision that, in effect, voids your license because you upgraded the hardware, would probably be unenforceable. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (09/03/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Sep 3, 1990
In this issue:
RE: CACHE PROGRAM (4 messages)
RE: TECO FOR RAINBOW?
RE: BBS RUNNING ON A RAIN
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------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 08-30-90 (23:21)
To: PAUL ROBINSON
Subject: RE: CACHE PROGRAM
From: CARL HOUSEMAN
re: Under federal law, sale of a program gives the owner of that copy
the right to transfer that copy to anyone he wants to ...
Uhhh, you wanta tell that to Digital? They won't bless a transfer of a
VAX layered product out of the bounds of the original purchasing
company. Course, you said "sale of a 'program'", when what is really
being sold is a license. Was that a slip of the finger, or did you
really mean sale of the software itself?
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247
------------------------------
Date: 08-31-90 (02:29)
To: PAUL ROBINSON
Subject: RE: TECO FOR RAINBOW?
From: JEAN-CLAUDE DEMARS
>I have a couple of TECOs available. One is the assembly sources
>to one for UNIX on a PDP-11.
What is TECO??
- --- TAGMAIL v2.20
* Origin: The Moose's Den2 (HST/V.32) (1:130/35)
------------------------------
Date: 08-31-90 (02:33)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: RE: CACHE PROGRAM
From: JEAN-CLAUDE DEMARS
>Now it happened that a legal owner conveyed the hardware (plugged
>into a Rainbow) but failed to convey the software, through
>oversight or whatever. Question: wouldn't it be reasonable
>to assume that the party to whom the hardware was conveyed
>has the right to avail himself of a copy of the software offered
>by another party?
Well, if you look at it this way... When you got the hardware, you also
got a license to the software, and thus, if you need another copy of the
same software, it would still be covered by the original lease.
Therefore, it would not be illegal for you to make copies of the
software availble to someone who also already had the license (even
though they did not have the physical software). I sell computers
formatted with MS-DOS when a customer buys a copy of MS-DOS from me, but
i do not necessarly use the customers diskettes. Is that illegal??
Same basic premis right??
- --- TAGMAIL v2.20
* Origin: The Moose's Den2 (HST/V.32) (1:130/35)
------------------------------
Date: 08-31-90 (02:35)
To: DON MARQUART
Subject: RE: CACHE PROGRAM
From: JEAN-CLAUDE DEMARS
>Technically, the true ownership of the software is determined by
>posession of the "original" distribution disk and license. Legally
>you should get by with just the original disk to prove ownership.
Don't confuse software ownership with ownership of a software license.
- --- TAGMAIL v2.20
* Origin: The Moose's Den2 (HST/V.32) (1:130/35)
------------------------------
Date: 09-01-90 (01:55)
To: CARL HOUSEMAN
Subject: RE: CACHE PROGRAM
From: PAUL ROBINSON
I meant what I said. Whether Digital can claim that the product is
licensed, i.e. leased or rented, rather than sold, is a semantic
question. There were some points in law that implied that most of the
so-called 'licenses' which are - to a degree - feeble attempts to claim
they are not selling you the program but only licensing it to you, are
not valid.
If the owner of the package in effect transfers the program to the
'purchaser' and does nothing else, the claim that it is leased might not
hold up.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247
------------------------------
Date: 09-01-90 (07:51)
To: JEAN-CLAUDE DEMARS
Subject: RE: BBS RUNNING ON A RAIN
From: MARK FISCHER
Well I do not know about OPUS's Memory requirements but Opus is quite
the DISK PIG when fully installed. SYSOP of GLACIER PEAK had told me
when I asked about disk space requirements that his setup took
abot 5mb of space. Two sugggestions - 1. get a ST251 42mb SEAGATE disk
(40ms one should be fine) & wutil32 to Format and partion the drive. 2.
If the memory board has empty chip sockets populate with 41256-15 256kb
chips (this may require you to pull the old 64kb chips out). Remember
step two only applies if the memory board is socketed otherwise you may
want hunt down the socketed memory board.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------GTHEALL@penndrls.upenn.edu (George A. Theall) (09/04/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Sep 4, 1990 In this issue: RE: CACHE PROGRAM (4 messages) RE: WINDOWS 3.0 RE: KILO, MEGA, ETC. RE: HARD DISC RE: COLORS ON RAINBOW RE: TECO FOR RAINBOW? Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 09-02-90 (16:23) To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: RE: CACHE PROGRAM From: JEAN-CLAUDE DEMARS >re: Under federal law, sale of a program gives the owner of that copy > the right to transfer that copy to anyone he wants to ... Yea, when was the last time you bought software?? Most of the software that i have seen, you buy a license to use it, not the software it self. - --- TAGMAIL v2.20 * Origin: The Moose's Den2 (HST/V.32) (1:130/35) ------------------------------ Date: 09-03-90 (14:09) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: WINDOWS 3.0 From: BILL MAYHEW I don't think you'd find Pagemaker or Ventura useable on a non-Turbowed Rainbow. Both programs are quite CPU-intensive. - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------ Date: 09-03-90 (14:13) To: GARY STEBBINS Subject: RE: KILO, MEGA, ETC. From: BILL MAYHEW Your definitions of "k", "K", "m" and "M" are fine and dandy, until you consider that in other industries, "M" means "thousand", not million. I was slightly freaked out the first time I ordered 5,000 custom computer forms and the order paperwork came through saying "5M". I think the bottom line to this discussion is that the use of this terminology is about as "standard" as is, oh, UNIX. ;-) -Bill - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------ Date: 09-03-90 (14:19) To: DAVID MAROUN Subject: RE: HARD DISC From: BILL MAYHEW Bingo! The original DEC-supplied hard disk utility was indeed not intended to support disks bigger than 10Mb. When DEC introduced the RD31 20Mb disk for the Rainbow, it came with a revised hard disk utility to support it. - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------ Date: 09-03-90 (14:23) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: COLORS ON RAINBOW From: BILL MAYHEW Frank, There *is* no VT241 programmer's manual. The VT240 programmer's manual (actually, "VT240 Series Programmer's Reference Manual", EK-VT240-RM) covers both. But as noted elsewhere, its contents are of no use to the Rainbow user unless he/she is running Rainbow ReGIS. -Bill - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------ Date: 09-03-90 (14:33) To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: RE: CACHE PROGRAM From: BILL MAYHEW Carl, Digital's license transfer rules are covered by contract law. Paul's statement, about federal law which states that purchased/licensed software can be transferred by transferring the original media, doesn't apply when it is superseded by a contract between buyer and seller, as in Digital's case. -Bill - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------ Date: 09-03-90 (14:36) To: JEAN-CLAUDE DEMARS Subject: RE: CACHE PROGRAM From: BILL MAYHEW Jean-Claude, NO NO NO. Most (if not all) software licenses contain a clause which states that you (the licensee) may not make copies of the software for anyone else. Period, the end. -Bill - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------ Date: 09-03-90 (03:00) To: JEAN-CLAUDE DEMARS Subject: RE: TECO FOR RAINBOW? From: PAUL ROBINSON 'TECO' is an acronym for 'Text Editor and COrrector,' THE editor for DIGITAL computers (the serious ones, anyway). TECO, in various forms, ran on RT11, RSX, RSTS/E, DEC-10, DEC-20. It is probably the most powerful line oriented editor ever created. It supports virtually all of the features now available in powerful editors: conditional editing, looping, testing for conditions, displaying messages, etc. In short, macros for TECO take on the quality of small programs because of the power and flexibility of TECO. It was, however, hard to learn to use the editor efficiently because it did so many things. But you could learn it enough to use it for editing in about 20 minutes. More powerful capabilities could be learned over weeks. The only thing teco lacked - because there was no standard defining it - - was full screen editing capability. But you could write a macro to do that! - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------ Date: 09-03-90 (11:25) To: PAUL ROBINSON Subject: RE: CACHE PROGRAM From: CARL HOUSEMAN re: Whether Digital can claim that the product is licensed, i.e. leased or rented, rather than sold, is a semantic question. I don't take "licensed" to mean leased or rented. IANAL, but I've understood for years (or so I thought) that there were perpetual licenses and renewable licenses. The renewable type would seem to imply a lease. But a pertetual license entitles the holder to use the product forever, unless the license is canceled or terminated as provided for in the license agreement itself. Getting back to the original problem, "Is the software sold?", I've not met a license agreement yet that doesn't say something like "Title or ownership of the software is not conveyed to the licensor". So, it's not the software that's being sold, just the right to use it. And it is this right-to-use that Digital restricts its customers from re-selling. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (09/06/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Sep 6, 1990 In this issue: RESPONSES TO ITEMS PAST RE: WINDOWS 3.0 Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 09-02-90 (15:02) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RESPONSES TO ITEMS PAST From: AMER NELSON George, I've never really understood how the FIDONET/Rainbow Echo link works. I've tried to answer questions by sending them to you and as- suming that they SOMEHOW got relayed on. Back (waaay back) in June, David Willcox of Urbana, IL had a question about disks to use on a Rainbow. Could you let him know that BASF makes a SSDD disk which is certified for 96 TPI? I used to get them from an outfit called Lyben (or Lyban) located in Ann Arbor and they were reasonably priced -- this was before I started using ordinary (usually Maxell) DD disks, SS or DS whichever were cheaper. I recently found some of the BASF disks here in Seattle for $5/box of 10, but that was a local closeout. Also, back on 16 August you posted a message from Henry W. Miller who was interested in obtaining dBaseIII for the Rainbow. Sometime back Half Price Software here in Seattle had such a copy. They were asking $49.95. Their phone number is (206) 547-7620. They may or may not still have it -- for some reason Rainbow software can sit around for months or years gathering dust! Finally, Bruce Wright poor-mouthed the ST-225 drives -- also on 16 August. My RD-31 (purchased at the Digital Sale at DECUS for $80 a couple of years ago) has given me no problem at all. Maybe there's something to DEC's claim that their stringent QC standards make an RD-31 more valuable that an ST-225 purchased through a discounter. ++ Amer ++ - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 09-04-90 (09:29) To: BILL MAYHEW Subject: RE: WINDOWS 3.0 From: FRANK MALLORY BM> I don't think you'd find Pagemaker or Ventura useable on a non-Turbowed BM> Rainbow. Both programs are quite CPU-intensive. Can you or anybody suggest an alternative? - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (09/08/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Sep 8, 1990 In this issue: RE: CACHE PROGRAM (2 messages) Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 09-07-90 (11:28) To: JEAN-CLAUDE DEMARS Subject: RE: CACHE PROGRAM From: PAUL ROBINSON I suspect that the courts would rule - in most states - that a "shrink wrap license" being an adhesion contract, is not valid and thus the program has been sold. Furthermore - and I've said it before - that if they can impose an adhesion contract on you, you can do the same. You could mark your check - or credit card slip - "For purchase of software and all contract terms to the contrary are excluded." - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0) ------------------------------ Date: 09-07-90 (11:32) To: BILL MAYHEW Subject: RE: CACHE PROGRAM From: PAUL ROBINSON The contract between Digital and a purchaser is a signed contract which - - in theory at least - the user has the opportunity to negotiate. And the point being that the so-called "contract" on a software package is an "adhesion" contract, the theory being that the purchaser is bound by it simply by opening the package, on a take-it-or-leave it basis, without the ability to negotiate. Courts are loath to enforce such contracts because they tend to put the purchaser at a disadvantage. I would suggest that the only way it should be legal to make an adhesion contract valid is if the computer program comes with a warranty as to fitness and merchantability. Otherwise I would claim that the so called contract on a computer program be ignored. The whole purpose of the so called "contract" is to do two things: deny warranty that the program works, and to take away from the purchaser rights that federal law gives him/her. There is another question there about whether a state contract law can enforce an adhesion contract that clearly contravenes Federal copyright law. I do not think this has ever been taken up. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (09/12/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Sep 11, 1990
In this issue:
RE: RD53 WRITE FAULT ERRO (2 messages)
PAGEMAKER 3.0
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
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------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 09-08-90 (11:18)
To: BOB FULLER
Subject: RE: RD53 WRITE FAULT ERRO
From: ANDREW TAYLOR
1) I assume that, as you have a Turbow installed you must be using
Suitable Solution's (Hereafter referred to as "SS") official
version of MS-DOS 3.1. If not, then recall that it is
essential to run SS's HDRPT program EACH time MS-DOS is booted,
to patch MS-DOS's error- handling routines. See my
now-classic discourse on the matter in the back issues of the
"d:Bug" Newsletters, which you are of course treasuring.
2) Your problems sound like marginally bad sectors developing on the
disk: it can happen (see above-mentioned diatribe again). The
solution [I believe] is to find and "lock-out" those sectors.
The Norton Utility Disktest ("DT") does just that for you,
though with DOS 2.05 /2.11 /3.1P (for pirate!!) it only
functions IF you have run HDRPT first. Jerry Miller claimed to
have fixed the Error Handling problems in his version of 3.1.
In fact he must have done: with DOS 3.1P, my system crashed
when it tried to read a file with a bad sector in it, so the
Write Error messages indicate to me that error- handling is OK.
3) In brief: find and "lock out" the bad sectors, using DT, if you have
it. If you don't have it, I believe that the MS-DOS RECOVER
utility does the same thing. Useage:
RECOVER Filename, where Filename is the name of the suspect file. My
understanding is that RECOVER moves as much of the data as it
can read from "Filename" to a new location and and "lock-out"
any offending sectors. Running RECOVER without a Filename
causes it to act on your whole disk and make a great mess of it.
Your symptoms sound like marginally bad sectors, so you might want to
run DT several times.
Andrew
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 09-08-90 (15:06)
To: GEOFF REED
Subject: PAGEMAKER 3.0
From: FRANK MALLORY
GR> I use pagemaker 3.0 on my rainbow that I loaned a friend, it's
GR> a little slow, but it works...
That's good news! Are you running it under Code Blue, Windows, with
Turbow, or what?
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417)
------------------------------
Date: 09-09-90 (07:36)
To: ANDREW TAYLOR
Subject: RE: RD53 WRITE FAULT ERRO
From: BOB FULLER
Thanks for your suggestions.
I run HDRPT as part of my autoexec.bat. I did copy several
of the directories from F: E: as a test and also experienced the problem.
Last year Mark B. told me that one of the problems with DEC
HD cables and large drives seemed to be that the cable provided too
much resistence for the larger drives needs. Although I
haven't had a problem to this point, I'm wondering if
oxidaton at the cable-drive-computer contact points could be
giving me these symtoms.
What version of Norton works best on our Rainnows?
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------GTHEALL@penndrls.upenn.edu (George A. Theall) (09/16/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Sep 16, 1990 In this issue: RD53 WRITE FAULT ERROR C: DEPENDENT PROGRAMS BASCOM 7.0 Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 09-09-90 (00:01) To: BOB FULLER Subject: RD53 WRITE FAULT ERROR From: FRANK MALLORY Are you running any kind of cache program (e.g., SpeedCache)? - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 09-14-90 (11:47) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: C: DEPENDENT PROGRAMS From: FRANK MALLORY GT> I have found a few programs which in the past I have scrapped because GT> they use the "C:" drive. Is there a way to rename your "E:" drive to GT> "C" ... or create a device driver that lets your IO look at E when C is GT> called? If you have DOS 3.1, you can SUBST C: E:\ - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 09-12-90 (08:27) To: ALL Subject: BASCOM 7.0 From: FRANK ZSITVAY does anyone know if you need code blue to run the microsoft languages on a rainbow?? i haven't tried installing bascom v7.0 on my rainbow yet because i would have to copy all 12 disks onto 24 single sided disks so the rainbow could read them. installing bascom 7.0 on a corona xt failed. the install worked, but the compiler would crash when executed. installing bascom on a taiwan clone xt worked, and the compiler would function like it should. i tried compiling a simple program that would run on the taiwan clone, and put it on a disk, put it in the corona, and it crashed the machine. it appears that the compiler (and all code it produces) needs to run on a machine with a similar interrupt structure to the ibm. does code blue remap all interrupts to their ibm counterparts in such way that the microsoft languages can function?? - -- fzsitvay@techbook.COM - one of these days i'll get it right... Version 2 of anything is usually the version that works. - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: TECHbooks One, Fido Gate to techbook (503) 644-8135 (1:105/369.0) ------------------------------
imp@marvin.Solbourne.COM (Warner Losh) (09/19/90)
In article <9009161251.AA14995@remote.dccs.upenn.edu> GTHEALL@penndrls.upenn.edu (George A. Theall) writes: >Date: 09-12-90 (08:27) >To: ALL >Subject: BASCOM 7.0 >From: FRANK ZSITVAY > >does anyone know if you need code blue to run the microsoft languages >on a rainbow?? I think that you do, but you may also need one other thing. >it appears that the compiler (and all code it produces) needs to run on >a machine with a similar interrupt structure to the ibm. does code blue >remap all interrupts to their ibm counterparts in such way that the >microsoft languages can function?? Some compilers (I don't know exactly which ones) rely on using interrupt 18H to do some function (don't have a clue what). Code Blue is very good about emulating PC interrupts, however, it doesn't do a thing with INT 18 (since that is a ROM basic interrupt that has long since moved elsewhere). However, INT 18 is basically used by the rainbow to talk to its hardware. So, if the comiler establishes an INT 18 handler for whatever reason, the machine will instantly crash (or will crash the next time the screen or the keyboard is touched by the program. I can't tell for sure since I stepped through the stuff using DEBUG). However, all hope is not lost. There is a program that I wrote that you can install for those compilers that don't *NEED* code blue to work. Turbo C and Turbo C++ (and I think Turbo Pascal 5.x) are some examples. However, there are some comilers that do require code blue to run (eg TC++ IDE). It has been reported to me that the way that I fool the program breaks these programs because it also fools code blue (a very anti-social thing to do). I've been working on a fix, but I don't know when that will be working. The fix is basically a rewrite to allow either a TSR mode, or a command line mode. I hope in the next week or so. I've been swamped at work, so I haven't had a chance to work on RABIT for a while now. Warner -- Warner Losh imp@Solbourne.COM Me? I'm the onion rings.
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (09/20/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Sep 20, 1990 In this issue: RE: CODEBLUE SOFTWARE MSDOS FOR RAINBOW EDITING LARGE FILES BLANK DISKS FOR RAINBOW Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 09-17-90 (09:24) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: CODEBLUE SOFTWARE From: PAUL OLSON You could try calling Caroline Mack at the International Rainbow User's Group at 618/632-1143. She picked up a lot of stuff from Suitable Solutions when they went out of business. I'm pretty sure they sell Code Blue. As Always, Paul - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0) ------------------------------ Date: 09-17-90 (20:30) To: ALL Subject: MSDOS FOR RAINBOW From: PETER QUIGG This may sound elementary, but where can I get an MSDOS operating disk for my recently inherited Rainbow that is a version above 2.05? I'd like to retire cp/m. Please leave message here or GEnie address P.QUIGG. Thanks. - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------ Date: 09-18-90 (17:11) To: SEDT USERS Subject: EDITING LARGE FILES From: FRANK MALLORY Has anybody been able to get SEDT to handle files larger than available RAM? I've tried varying the -s parameter, but I get either "Error writing data from buffer" or "Memory allocation error". I'm running v4.0(273). - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 09-19-90 (13:10) To: ALL Subject: BLANK DISKS FOR RAINBOW From: MICHAEL COUGHLIN I have 8 boxes of Verbatim single sided 96 tpi disks for sale. They are brand new, shrink wrapped, 10 to a box and not formatted. Number MD 577-16, made in Ireland. I see these in catalogs for $25 a box. Does anybody really pay that much? I'll sell mine for $5 a box, postpaid, or all 8 for $35. Call me at (617) 354-5683 to see if they are available, sold, or to tell me to get more from the same place. - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------
fzsitvay@techbook.com (Frank Zsitvay) (09/22/90)
In article <1990Sep18.181936.4321@Solbourne.COM> imp@marvin.Solbourne.COM (Warner Losh) writes: >In article <9009161251.AA14995@remote.dccs.upenn.edu> >GTHEALL@penndrls.upenn.edu (George A. Theall) writes: > >>Date: 09-12-90 (08:27) >>To: ALL >>Subject: BASCOM 7.0 >>From: FRANK ZSITVAY >> >>does anyone know if you need code blue to run the microsoft languages >>on a rainbow?? > >I think that you do, but you may also need one other thing. > >>it appears that the compiler (and all code it produces) needs to run on >>a machine with a similar interrupt structure to the ibm. does code blue >>remap all interrupts to their ibm counterparts in such way that the >>microsoft languages can function?? > >Some compilers (I don't know exactly which ones) rely on using >interrupt 18H to do some function (don't have a clue what). Code Blue >is very good about emulating PC interrupts, however, it doesn't do a >thing with INT 18 (since that is a ROM basic interrupt that has long >since moved elsewhere). However, INT 18 is basically used by the >rainbow to talk to its hardware. So, if the comiler establishes an >INT 18 handler for whatever reason, the machine will instantly crash >(or will crash the next time the screen or the keyboard is touched by >the program. I can't tell for sure since I stepped through the stuff >using DEBUG). However, all hope is not lost. > >There is a program that I wrote that you can install for those >compilers that don't *NEED* code blue to work. Turbo C and Turbo C++ >(and I think Turbo Pascal 5.x) are some examples. However, there are >some comilers that do require code blue to run (eg TC++ IDE). It has >been reported to me that the way that I fool the program breaks these >programs because it also fools code blue (a very anti-social thing to >do). > is there anything i can do to make int 18 work like it does in the pc clones?? i'd really like to use bascom on the rainbow, although if i can't i could live with the restriction. what of the possibility of an adaptation kit, ala windows?? is there someone out there that markets such an item?? right off, i know of several things that won't work on the rainbow when programmed in bascom. the interrupt driven i/o for the serial port would have no way of working unless it knew about the rainbow in the first place, the various graphics libraries wouldn't work, all of the machine specific stuff would die. but i'd still like to use it even with these restrictions if possible. the qbx environment uses mda mode 0 for output, and the scrolling is slow enough on my 16 mhz 286 to lead me to believe that it uses bdos functions to write to the screen. -- fzsitvay@techbook.COM - one of these days i'll get it right... Version 2 of anything is usually the version that works.
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (09/27/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Sep 27, 1990
In this issue:
RE: ZMODEM ON RAINBOW (2 messages)
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 09-25-90 (14:32)
To: CARL NEIBURGER
Subject: RE: ZMODEM ON RAINBOW
From: CHRIS RYAN
I wish to respond to a statement you made in your article in the recent
issue of "Silicon Valley RAINBOW" newsletter.
"...YModem and ZModem are about equally fast, though I know of no
software for the DEC Rainbow that includes ZModem."
Well, in the STRICTEST sense, this may be true. BUT, when conbined
with a fossil, BINKLEY runs just fine on the Rainbow,... AND it does
have ZModem included in it. That is the main reason that I took
up with Binkley in the first place: zmodem, & batch downloads
(with wildcard file specifiers) with something other than Kermit.
What is true, however, is that there is no DSZ/Omen/Chuck Forsberg
implementation of ZModem available on the Rainbow. Binkley uses
Zed-Zap, which is a variant of the basic ZModem protocol. To
quote Joe Jared, a local sysop:
"It's a variant of zmodem used by Binkley, Front Door, and other
front end mailing systems.. For 9600 baud connections, it sends 8192
byte blocks as opposed to 1024 byte blocks." (originally posted
in zmodem echo 7/24/90).
Some months ago I had some troubles with Zmodem transfers on my
Rainbow (using Binkley) & a clone (using DSZ). A question to Chuck
Forsberg got the following response:
".....I also don't have access to a Rainbow computer,....A unique
situation such as yours requires some serious consulting services."
Have you contacted him about a modification to his DSZ implementation
to take advantage of the NEC uart the Rainbow uses (instead of the 8250
family of uarts in IBM-clones)?
If I can be of help, give a holler.
Later.
Chris Ryan
(SYSOP INTERRUPTUS of Santa Monica Sweet Dreams - we're off-line for
now.)
* Origin: Long_Island RB (Opus 1:102/138)
------------------------------
Date: 09-27-90 (07:56)
To: CHRIS RYAN
Subject: RE: ZMODEM ON RAINBOW
From: GEORGE THEALL
CR> Some months ago I had some troubles with Zmodem transfers on my
CR>Rainbow (using Binkley) & a clone (using DSZ). A question to Chuck
CR>Forsberg got the following response:
CR> ".....I also don't have access to a Rainbow computer,....A unique
CR>situation such as yours requires some serious consulting services."
C source for X/Y/Zmodem is available publically. Although written
for unix and VMS, you might be able to port it to the Rainbow. You
might find an older version on a local board; you definitely get it
when you register DSZ. On one hand, I'd bet Chuck would be more
amenable to questions such as yours from a registered user. On the
other, there's little reason for someone to register DSZ for use on a
Rainbow with only the hope that Chuck will get it working there.
George
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (10/04/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Oct 4, 1990 In this issue: RE: PAGEMAKER 3.0 RE: ZMODEM ON RAINBOW RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ON A (5 messages) RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ONA RE: RD-53 Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 09-30-90 (10:29) To: GEOFF REED Subject: RE: PAGEMAKER 3.0 From: FRANK MALLORY GR> I'm running it under windows/286 on a "stock" 100+ with a 20 meg GR> drive and 896K ram. it can be a little slow at times, but mostly when GR> accessing the disk, which would be better if I had a faster drive than GR> an old st-225 that I haven't optimized in a while. I'm going to try Ventura Publisher first, altho I have the impression that PM is easier to use and superior in some respects. I got WordPerfect 5.0 working on my 'bow, under CB. It works pretty well, except I wasted a lot of time trying to get it to download fonts to my LaserJet before giving up and loading them separately. Also, can't get the PTR program to work as well as I would like. I have the text of a book originally composed in Bonner Labs RUNOFF for the VAX. Converted it to straight ASCII using SEDT, then input to WP using TEXT IN. A little tricky getting everything right so that the soft CRs and hard CRs would be where I wanted them, but finally figured it out. The edit capability of SEDT is far superior to that of WordPerfect. So altho it's a bit cumbersome, I think my best course for future work will be to use SEDT for original composition, then import into WP, VP, PM or whatever for final formatting and output. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 09-30-90 (14:50) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: ZMODEM ON RAINBOW From: CHRIS RYAN > CR> Some months ago I had some troubles with Zmodem transfers on my > CR>Rainbow (using Binkley) & a clone (using DSZ). A question to Chuck > CR>Forsberg got the following response: > CR> ".....I also don't have access to a Rainbow computer,....A unique > CR>situation such as yours requires some serious consulting > to the Rainbow. You might find an older version on a local > board; you definitely get it when you register DSZ. On > one hand, I'd bet Chuck would be more amenable to questions > such as yours from a registered user. On the other, there's Funny you should say that, the first apenthesis (....) was a reference to not being familiar with the version of Zmodem used in BinkleyTerm. The second apenthesis covered an observation of his that I was not a registered user of DSZ. Hmmmmm. > little reason for someone to register DSZ for use on a Rainbow > with only the hope that Chuck will get it working there. True enough. As a FYI, BinkleyTerm only functions on the Rainbow because the TRIO has a Rainbow (Supplied by Bill Bird, a local sysop) to test it on. Although registration of DSZ is no big hairy deal, sending him a Rainbow to work with IS. With our non-8250 compatible UART, I can't think of any other way he could do the porting to the Rainbow. Anybody else have any observations to add? (or possibly a spare Rainbow to donate to the cause???? 8^) ). Chris - --- * Origin: Long_Island RB (Opus 1:102/138) ------------------------------ Date: 10-01-90 (13:17) To: DAVID MAROUN Subject: RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ON A From: PAUL OLSON Last I heard, the extra memory space on the SS RAMBOW was simply unusable. As Always, Paul - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0) ------------------------------ Date: 10-01-90 (13:21) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ON A From: PAUL OLSON George, I thought the 8088 was able to address 2Mb of memory. At least that is what the CP/M-86/80 manual states. As Always, Paul - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0) ------------------------------ Date: 10-01-90 (23:59) To: PAUL OLSON Subject: RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ON A From: CARL HOUSEMAN re: 8088... able to address 2 mb of memory. AT least that's what the CPM 86/80 manual states. If it says that, it couldn't be more wrong. The 8086, 8088, 80186 and 80188 are *by themselves* limited to 1 mb addressability. Of course you can add hardware to increase the accessible memory - the way an EMS memory board can make 2-4 mb and more memory available to an 8088 PC, but if you're talking about the processor only, that doesn't count. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0) ------------------------------ Date: 10-02-90 (07:20) To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ON A From: PAUL OLSON Carl, No, what I'm making a reference to was a passage in the CP/M programmers manual which said that the operating system had an addressing scheme which would allow 2Mb to be addressed. To be honest, I've never figured out how much memory the 8088 could address. I just figured I was limited to 896Kb, and if the processor could address it, that was enough. If you'd like, I can look up the passage in the manual, not that it makes much difference. Just a point of confusion! ;-) As Always, Paul - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0) ------------------------------ Date: 09-30-90 (17:55) To: DAVID MAROUN Subject: RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ONA From: ALAN CONROY Well, you're right and you're not right. Based on my discussions with Suitable solutions when I bought my 286 card, the extra memory on the board is actually a copy of the standard Rainbow ROM, with some modifications to make the ROM BIOS work with the 80286 processor. When in Turbow mode, this is writable (but you need to be sure not to over-write any of the code of the ROM BIOS routines that you will be using). When not in Turbow mode, those addresses are routed to the ROM, and you cannot change the memory. This is how, in fact, you can tell if the 286 is in turbow mode or not (save data from some location and write something new. If the new data "sticks" then you are in turbow mode - then be sure to restore the old value). So it is not like extended memory on a PC, but if you know what you are doing, you can use some of it. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 10-02-90 (08:52) To: ALL Subject: RE: RD-53 From: CHRIS RYAN General question (I'll sit back & watch for flying fur): Recently, a formerly active Rainbow user offered me a RD-53 for a reasonable price (not the issue). In the conversation he made a comment that intrigues me. He stated that there is an UNDOCUMENTED feature in FORD-DOS <sic> (otherwise referred to as 3.xx), that allows a user to format an RD-53 with 3 partitions. His meaning was that the first 2 partitions were 32Meg, with the third one being the remainder of the disk space. This seems to be counter to Suitable's (Jerry Miller) list published in Rainbow News. Since Suitable did the upgrade of FORD-DOS into the releaseable 3.10A, I would have thought that this would become documented, (if it exists). Has anybody else heard of this? Is it possible that the 3rd partition is CPM? <retire to sidelines> Chris - --- * Origin: Long_Island RB (Opus 1:102/138) ------------------------------ Date: 10-04-90 (08:30) To: PAUL OLSON Subject: RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ON A From: GEORGE THEALL PO>I thought the 8088 was able to address 2Mb of memory. At least that is PO>what the CP/M-86/80 manual states. Paul, because of their segmented architecture, Intel's 8086/8088 processors use a total of 20 bits to address memory. Two registers are needed for this - one to represent the "segment", or 64K block of memory, and another to represent the offset within that segment. As such the highest location in memory which can be directly addressed is 2^20, or 1024*1024 = 1MB. This is a "feature" of the processor itself, not the operating system being used. As Carl points out, schemes have been developed for handling more than 1MB of memory with machines equipped with these processors, but they require memory beyond the 1MB boundary be swapped into a special area before it can be used. Moreover, this page frame, as it is known, does indeed lie within the first meg of memory. George ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (10/07/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Oct 6, 1990
In this issue:
RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ON A (2 messages)
RE: RD-53
QUANTUM DRIVES ON RBOW
LA50 TO AT SERIAL PORT
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 10-04-90 (02:05)
To: PAUL OLSON
Subject: RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ON A
From: CARL HOUSEMAN
If you can give a page number & manual reference (I hope you're talking
about the original CPM 86/80 doc set as shipped in 1985!), I'd
be curious to see just how DEC managed to goof up a discussion
of memory addressing in the Rainbow.
Of course, as you note, the *Rainbow* is limited to 896Kb, but the 8088
with 20 address lines reaches to 1 mb. The Z80 with 16 address
lines gets another 64K, just be complete!
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0)
------------------------------
Date: 10-04-90 (07:13)
To: CARL HOUSEMAN
Subject: RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ON A
From: PAUL OLSON
Carl,
Yes, that's the set I'm talking about. The only time DEC is mentioned
in the manuals is in the opening credits. Otherwise it is all
DR. It wouldn't suprise me that they screwed up. I haven't
ever had to push the entire memory in any of my programs, so it
never became an issue. ;-)
Thanks for keeping everyone informed, including me! Even an old Rainbow
dog can learn a few tricks, or information!
As Always,
Paul
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0)
------------------------------
Date: 10-04-90 (19:59)
To: CHRIS RYAN
Subject: RE: RD-53
From: FRANK MALLORY
CR> Recently, a formerly active Rainbow user offered me a RD-53
CR> for a reasonable price (not the issue). In the conversation he made a
CR> comment that intrigues me. He stated that there is an UNDOCUMENTED
CR> feature in FORD-DOS <sic> (otherwise referred to as 3.xx), that allows
CR> a user to format an RD-53 with 3 partitions. His meaning was that the
CR> first 2 partitions were 32Meg, with the third one being the remainder
CR> of the disk space.
CR> This seems to be counter to Suitable's (Jerry Miller) list
CR> published
CR> in Rainbow News. Since Suitable did the upgrade of FORD-DOS into the
CR> releaseable 3.10A, I would have thought that this would become
CR> documented,
Good luck; let me know if you succeed. I have mine set up as 2 32MB
DOS partitions. I tried at the time to squeeze more out of
it, but wasn't able to.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417)
------------------------------
Date: 10-04-90 (15:50)
To: ALL
Subject: QUANTUM DRIVES ON RBOW
From: MARC MCCUNE
Does any have any knowledge of using a Quantum 10 or 40 meg hard drive
on a rainbow?
I entered this questions earlier, but received no response. (or I missed it).
Actually, if anyone knows any-and-all hard drives are workable with the
rainbow, the information would be appreciated.
$ SET THANKS/IN_ADVANCE
- ------------/
/Marc McCune
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.13
* Origin: VAXCat, Merrimack, NH; Home of the Black VAXCat; (1:132/777.0)
------------------------------
Date: 10-05-90 (07:01)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: LA50 TO AT SERIAL PORT
From: DON MARQUART
> From: dimacs.rutgers.edu!srm@seismo.css.gov (Scott R. Myers) Organization:
> Rutgers University
>
> I've posted this before and only received one response which was not very
> specific but appreciated. Can anyone tell me the proper pinouts for a DEC
> LA50 serial printer to an IBM AT 9 Pin serial port. Any response would be
> appreciated... Thanx...
Scott, here are the connections for a IBM PC to DEC LA series printers as
shown in one of the RS-232 connection references:
Computer Printer
-------- -------
1 1
2 3
3 2
4 8
5&6 19
7 7
8 4&5
20 6
Have not had a chance to test this cable here but this book has been
very accurate in the past. Note, this is for the original DB25
connector as used
on the PC.
Hope this helps...
- --- ConfMail V4.00
* Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888)
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (10/12/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Oct 11, 1990
In this issue:
RAINBOW PARTS NEEDED
RE: QUANTUM DRIVES ON RBO (2 messages)
RE: EMULATORS
QUANTUM DRIVES ON RBOW
RE: ZMODEM ON RAINBOW
KERMIT
RAINBOW POWER SUPPLIES
RAINBOW
INFO WANTED: RAINBOW 100+
RAINBOW CHARACTER GENERAT
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 10-04-90 (23:36)
To: ALL
Subject: RAINBOW PARTS NEEDED
From: BILL ROGERS
I JUST PICKED UP A RAINBOW MODEL 100B. FROM WHAT I SEE THE UNIT WORKS
GREAT! ONLY ONE PROBLEM, I NEED A KEYBOARD!
ANYBODY OUT THERE KNOW WHERE I CAN PICK ONE UP IN GOOD WORKING
ORDER FOR A GREAT PRICE (CHEAP!)
ANY INFO WOULD BE APPRECIATED. I CAN BE REACHED AT 438-1320 BEFORE 4 PM.
BILL ROGERS
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 10-06-90 (00:22)
To: MARC MCCUNE
Subject: RE: QUANTUM DRIVES ON RBO
From: CARL HOUSEMAN
re: any & all hard drives workable on Rainbow
Well, since you asked, just off the top of my head...
Drive Size DEC Name Mfr Mfr's Name
20 m RD31 Seagate ST-225
32 m RD52 Quantum Q540
40 m RD32 Seagate ST-251
67 m RD53 Micropolis ??? So old I forget!!!
Anyway, that's a start. Probably somebody else can come up with the
ones I've left out. As for personal experience, I've used both
Seagate drives with success.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0)
------------------------------
Date: 10-06-90 (11:07)
To: MARIO LAZZARIN
Subject: RE: EMULATORS
From: BILL MAYHEW
The best public-domain terminal emulator product (and I am using "best"
here STRICTLY in the sense of its TERMINAL EMULATION
capabilities, including keyboard support -- I am NOT factoring
file-transfers in, particularly the issue of "diversity of
protocols" or "support for <somebody's idea of> the 'best'
protocol") is probably Kermit 3.xx.
For a commercial product I like the Reflection series from Walker
Richer and Quinn.
Both of them support full keyboard remapping. Both can run on LAT
circuits as well as serisl ports. WRQ's products are
well-supported commercial products, and they have ReGIS graphics
support in some of their products (which Kermit does not have
and probably never will have).
They also support a wider variety of protocols than Kermit does, have
PC-to-host backup capabilities, etc. etc.
-Bill
P.S. We're talking about running this on a PC or compatible, right...
not on a Rainbow?
- --- QM v1.00
* Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0)
------------------------------
Date: 10-06-90 (09:09)
To: MARC MCCUNE
Subject: QUANTUM DRIVES ON RBOW
From: DON MARQUART
> Does any have any knowledge of using a Quantum 10 or 40 meg hard drive
> on a rainbow?
If memory serves the Quantum Q540 is listed by DEC as the RD-53 and will
work in the Rainbow with the proper cables and WUTIL formatting
utility. The formatted capacity is a little over 32 meg.
Don't know about the 10 meg.
Hope this helps some Marc...
- --- ConfMail V4.00
* Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888)
------------------------------
Date: 10-06-90 (20:46)
To: ALL
Subject: RE: ZMODEM ON RAINBOW
From: FRANK ZSITVAY
In article <984.270DD3EF.@techbks1.FIDONET.ORG>
Chris.Ryan@f138.n102.z1.FIDONET.ORG (Chris Ryan) writes:
> > CR> Some months ago I had some troubles with Zmodem transfers
>Rainbow (Supplied by Bill Bird, a local sysop) to test it on. Although
>registration of DSZ is no big hairy deal, sending him a Rainbow to work with
>IS. With our non-8250 compatible UART, I can't think of any other way he
>could do the porting to the Rainbow.
>
>Anybody else have any observations to add? (or possibly a spare Rainbow to
>donate to the cause???? 8^) ).
>
i've got a spare rainbow i'd donate to the cause, provided someone come
up with a monitor for it.
and i'm a local call to Telegodzilla, too. (that's chuck's board, isn't
it??)
- --
fzsitvay@techbook.COM - one of these days i'll get it right...
Version 2 of anything is usually the version that works.
- --- QM v1.00
* Origin: TECHbooks One, Fido Gate to techbook (503) 644-8135 (1:105/369.0)
------------------------------
Date: 10-08-90 (00:33)
To: ALL
Subject: KERMIT
From: PAUL ROBINSON
I have a copy of the sources to an MS-DOS Kermit written in Assembly
language. My computer is an IBM Klone, so if someone wants it
I can copy it onto 160K 8 Sector Single Sided Diskettes so it
can be read for anyone that wants them. I believe it will take
3 diskettes. If anyone is interested in a copy they can do one
of two things:
1. Send me 3 formatted disks and return postage (or)
2. Mail me $2 to cover disks and return postage and nothing else;
This is the ASM sources so you need to have an assembler to use them,
and they are the "generic" MS-DOS. I'm making this available
for those who might want them. Also, I'll post them to this
board in the next few days so if you are local to the
Washington, DC suburb of Silver Spring, MD you can pick them up
for a local call. The archives will take over 400K so you will
need a hard disk unless you just want them to read them. If
you can't download them, mail me one of the above requests
to:
Paul Robinson
P O Box 70970
Washington, DC 20024-0970
Be sure to give your address and state you want MS-Kermit ASM sources
on 160 K disk. The same offer applies to a set of Kermit
sources which I have in Turbo Pascal (I think it is a Version 4
TPU though) and a Kermit which is written in C. If you want
any of the others, ask also; I think that either one should fit
on one disk, so if you also want those, toss in another disk or
50c additionally.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0)
------------------------------
Date: 10-08-90 (07:03)
To: CARL HOUSEMAN
Subject: RE: QUANTUM DRIVES ON RBO
From: GEORGE DAHLCO
In a message of <Oct 06 00:22>, Carl Houseman (1:109/417@fidonet) writes:
>re: any & all hard drives workable on Rainbow
>
>Well, since you asked, just off the top of my head...
>
>Drive Size DEC Name Mfr Mfr's Name
> 20 m RD31 Seagate ST-225
> 32 m RD52 Quantum Q540
> 40 m RD32 Seagate ST-251
> 67 m RD53 Micropolis ??? So old I forget!!!
DEC=1325D, Micropolis=1325
Carl,
Just added in the Micropolis part number. Originally "DEC" versions
of all those drives were built to DEC spec, generally meaning
slightly tighter tolerances on some electrical parts or more
often, longer test and burn in. But my guess is nowadays any of
the above will work as long as you have the right formatter. I
have used all of the above "generic versions" of those disks
with success.
Interestingly enough, you get 1-3Mb additional formatted capacity
when the above disks are used on an IBM PC type machine. Thats
because DEC uses 16 sectors per track as opossed to 17 in the
PC. Just some trivia...
-George, 102/138-
- --- msged 1.999.7
* Origin: Long Island_RB VAX EC/RAINBOW/PDP Echo Hub (1:102/138@fidonet)
------------------------------
Date: 10-07-90 (22:17)
To: ALL
Subject: RAINBOW POWER SUPPLIES
From: ANDREW TAYLOR
1) A friend has a dead Rainbow: circuit breaker pops out when you turn
it on: presumably a dead power supply. Machine is a 100B
2) Another friend has a 100A power supply.
QUESTION: Can I put a 100A power supply into a (Floppy only, no
graphics board, ie no power problems) 100B.
I vaguely recall that an A has an AC fan and a B has a DC fan (or vice versa).
Comments, help etc??
Thanks
Andrew Taylor
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 10-09-90 (15:55)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RAINBOW
From: AMER NELSON
Replying to Charles Watson at U. of Texas:
The Rainbow is not THAT compatible with IBM machines or clones. The
main hangups are diskette format and (particularly) graphics.
The Rainbow is a GOOD machine, however. You can use either
CP/M or MS-DOS as an operating system. There are
Rainbow-specific versions of several popular programs, but NOT
THE LATEST AND GREATEST versions. For example -- 1-2-3 release
2.01, dBaseIII, WordPerfect 4.2. If you can get by with good
software without ALL the latest bells & whistles, the Rainbow
is for you. If you need documentation our user group has it
available at a modest price. Write me at 12030-36th Avenue,
N.E., Seattle, WA 98125-5637 or call (206) 365-5795.
++ Amer Nelson ++
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 10-10-90 (08:09)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: INFO WANTED: RAINBOW 100+
From: DON MARQUART
From: spam@walt.cc.utexas.edu (Charles E. Watson) Organization: The
University of Texas at Austin
> I have an opportunity to buy a Dec Rainbow 100+, but I am not sure what it
> is. Would somebody e-mail me their opinion and tell me what operating
> systems are available. This computer has no docs. Thanks!
The system runs under either MS-DOS or CP/M86/80 featuring both an 8088
and a Z80 processor. While considered to be a little slow (
4.77 on the 8088) by todays standards it is a very nice system.
You would not be able to run software that requires IBM
compatible video graphics or has non configurable addressing to
the ports though as they are in different locations.
If you decide to get the system I do have some extra MS-DOS v2.05 and
CP/M86/80 operating system manuals available for 5.00 ea plus shipping.
Hope this helps some...
- --- ConfMail V4.00
* Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888)
------------------------------
Date: 10-10-90 (17:27)
To: ALL
Subject: RAINBOW CHARACTER GENERAT
From: HARRY GRAY
According to the 100B and 100+ technical manual, character code 7F is
reserved for the character generator ROM CHECKSUM. Does any
body know how this is calculated? I have made a character
generator ROM that matches the Symbols10 rom in the LA100, but
the Rainbow won't cold boot. It gives the message: See Owner's
Manual MESSAGE -1- Main Board.
Diskette diagnostics tell me that the problem lies in he video channel.
(It is possible to warm boot after the cold boot fails and run
diskette diagnostics). Since, in the diagnostics, the video
output is rerouted through to MPSC to the 8088, etc.,
apparently the checksum that I have in the character generator
ROM is incorrect for the character set that I have designed.
The characters, themselves, are fine. I can't use the Technical
character set ROM as it is incompatible with the TURBOW rom for
some reason.
- --- ConfMail V3.31
* Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103)
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (10/13/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Oct 13, 1990 In this issue: RE: RAINBOW POWER SUPPLIE RAINBOW DECED RE: RAINBOW DECED PHONE NUMBER Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 10-11-90 (00:34) To: ANDREW TAYLOR Subject: RE: RAINBOW POWER SUPPLIE From: CARL HOUSEMAN When installing the "A" power supply into your B-model, get the "A" fan too. Then you'll have what I have but you got there differently - a case, an "A" power supply & fan, and a "B" motherboard. The difference is mine started out as an "A". Also, unless you use an ancient full-height power hungry hard disk, the "A" power supply will easily handle the full complement of options in the Rainbow. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0) ------------------------------ Date: 10-09-90 (21:24) To: ALL Subject: RAINBOW DECED From: BRUCE MITCHELL Is there a markey for old rainbows via this board? I tried before and got no word, except for a healpful woman from Conmnecticut. Who said yes, but "where" remained a mystery. Any local word on this? 10MB Hrd Dsk, two drives, 128k ram expandable to 640. standard monitor and key board. LA 50 printer. any info out there? - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 10-10-90 (17:09) To: BRUCE MITCHELL Subject: RE: RAINBOW DECED From: AMER NELSON YES, THERE IS A MARKET. How strong I don't know. You can call Andrew Taylor the newsletter editor for our local LUG's newsletter to place an ad. FYI I sold a working Rainbow with 640K of RAM, with a hard disk controller but no WORKING hard disk for $200 today -- that was without a printer. That should give you some idea what the market is like. ++ Amer ++ - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 10-10-90 (17:15) To: BRUCE MITCHELL Subject: PHONE NUMBER From: AMER NELSON I didn't give you Andrew Taylor's phone number - (206)323-5929. ++ Amer ++ - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@penndrls.upenn.edu (George A. Theall) (10/16/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Oct 16, 1990
In this issue:
LA 50 PAPER JAMS
'BOW SOFTWARE FTP SITES
MS-DOS DISCS (2 messages)
RE: LA 50 PAPER JAMS
RE: MS-DOS DISCS
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 10-12-90 (12:05)
To: ALL
Subject: LA 50 PAPER JAMS
From: BOB FULLER
For the last few days I have been frustrated by paper jams
in two LA-50s. No matter how carefully I aligned the continuous
form, 20 lb. paper, it would jam at least every three to four
sheets.
Most of the jams occurred because the paper perforation
(where you tear the sheets apart and where the paper unbends
coming out of the box) would move away from the platen while
traveling between the print head and the paper bail. The print
head would then crinkle the paper, the paper would jam at the
bail, the tractor would continue to feed paper and in seconds my
nice, neat narrative would look like junk.
The solution for my two LA 50s was oil. I discovered that
the three rubber guides on the paper bails rolled better when the
paper bail rolled. I placed one drop of oil at each end of the
metal paper bail where it is secured to the printer and turned
and slid the bar several times. No more jams!
I did not oil the three guides since they appear to be
rubber and oil causes rubber to deteriorate.
Bob Fuller
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 10-14-90 (05:48)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: 'BOW SOFTWARE FTP SITES
From: DON MARQUART
> From: ollie@hydra.unm.edu (Ollie N6LTJ) Organization: University of New
> Mexico, Albuquerque
>
> Does anyone know where I can FTP some software for the DEC Rainbow? One
> site was mentioned before but I didn't make a note of it. Any help would be
> appreciated.
>
> Ollie -- Ollie Eisman (N6LTJ)ollie@hydra.unm.edu(505)277-4845 3505
> Lafayette Rd. NE #3, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87131, USA
Feel free to FReq the magic name "RAINBOW" from 104/88 or 104/888 for a
listing of Rainbow related files here. These are both FidoNet
systems only.
Enjoy...
- --- ConfMail V4.00
* Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888)
------------------------------
Date: 10-14-90 (12:24)
To: ALL
Subject: MS-DOS DISCS
From: DENIS CICCARELLI
I recently read, on a BBS, That It was possible to rad normal DOS Discs
on a Rainbow. I cannot find the message or a response. Does
anyone know if this is possible, or was this wishful thinking?
Thanks,
Denis
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.14
* Origin: WayStar BBS (1:322/14.0)
------------------------------
Date: 10-13-90 (23:26)
To: BOB FULLER
Subject: RE: LA 50 PAPER JAMS
From: BILL HLIWA
BF> The solution for my two LA 50s was oil. I
BF> discovered that the three rubber guides on the paper
BF> bails rolled better when the paper bail rolled. I
BF> placed one drop of oil at each end of the metal paper
BF> bail where it is secured to the printer and turned and
BF> slid the bar several times. No more jams!
In addition, I found that a good scrubbing of the roller surfaces with
an alcohol pad (isopropyl alcohol on a mildly abrasive pad)
will increase the friction between rollers and the paper.
After a lot of use, they tend to smooth out and the
paper/roller lacks enough friction to turn them.
- --- Sirius 1.0x
* Origin: * Med TechNet * , Buffalo, NY 716/688-1552 (1:260/10.0)
------------------------------
Date: 10-14-90 (22:54)
To: DENIS CICCARELLI
Subject: MS-DOS DISCS
From: FRANK MALLORY
DC> I recently read, on a BBS, That It was possible to rad normal DOS Discs
DC> on a Rainbow. I cannot find the message or a response. Does anyone know
DC> if this is possible, or was this wishful thinking?
If you have only the standard RX50 drives on your 'bow, you can read
the single-side DOS format. Reading the usual double-sided
DOS 360KB diskettes requires an IDRIVE.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417)
------------------------------
Date: 10-15-90 (11:19)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: RE: MS-DOS DISCS
From: DENIS CICCARELLI
Frank, Thanks for the reply. I am using an RX50 drive but I understand
that the big difference with the RX50 format is the number or
sectors as compared with standard DOS format. If this correct,
how do I get around this difference so that I can read a
standard DOS diskette? or is this an impossibility?
Thanks again, Denis
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.14
* Origin: WayStar BBS (1:322/14.0)
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (10/22/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Oct 21, 1990
In this issue:
WIN 286 V2.11
RE: RAINBOW POWER SUPPLIE (2 messages)
RE: DOS FOR RAINBOW 100 W (2 messages)
RE: MS-DOS DISCS (2 messages)
RE: CLEANING LA50 PLATEN
RE: WIN 286 V2.11
RE: RAINBOW MONITOR
COLOR BOARDS AND CABLES.
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 10-16-90 (22:19)
To: ALL
Subject: WIN 286 V2.11
From: MARK FISCHER
What are the system parameters for setting up WINDOWS 286 V2.11 on the Rainbow?
I have a 100B with 896kb memory, Suitable Solutions MS-DOS 3.10b and
the last Code Blue 2.01 patched with 3.10b, Monochrome monitor.
Because I do not have the adaptation kit I am installing on my AT's drive E:
as with the following Parameters:
CGA
No mouse
US keyboard
NO EMS or EXtended memory
Generic Printer
Also what are the Code Blue switches for running this?
- --- [Sedt] via Quickpoint XRS 3.2
* Origin: The Jimby BBS! * QMX/XRS Response System (Quick 1:350/21.3)
------------------------------
Date: 10-18-90 (07:43)
To: ANDREW TAYLOR
Subject: RE: RAINBOW POWER SUPPLIE
From: PAUL OLSON
Andrew,
I ran a 100B motherboard just fine with a 100A power supply. If you
want to get a hard drive, you should get the 100B power supply.
You can try Eustace Enterprises or Newman Computer Exchange.
As Always,
Paul
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0)
------------------------------
Date: 10-18-90 (07:48)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: DOS FOR RAINBOW 100 W
From: PAUL OLSON
Check with Caroline Mack at IRUG for the availability of DOS versions.
She can be reached at 618/632-1143.
As Always,
Paul
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0)
------------------------------
Date: 10-16-90 (22:27)
To: ALL
Subject: RE: MS-DOS DISCS
From: FRANK ZSITVAY
In article <539.271AFB4F.@techbks1.FIDONET.ORG>
Denis.Ciccarelli@f14.n322.z1.FIDONET.ORG (Denis Ciccarelli) writes:
>Frank, Thanks for the reply. I am using an RX50 drive but I understand that
>the big difference with the RX50 format is the number or sectors as compared
>with standard DOS format. If this correct, how do I get around this difference
>so that I can read a standard DOS diskette? or is this an impossibility?
>Thanks again, Denis
>
if you turn mediachk on, you can read and write msdos single sided
(180k) disks. the rainbow knows how to detect an ibm 180k disk and
work with it. you just can't format such disks on the rainbow.
- --
fzsitvay@techbook.COM - one of these days i'll get it right...
Version 2 of anything is usually the version that works.
- --- QM v1.00
* Origin: TECHbooks One, Fido Gate to techbook (503) 644-8135 (1:105/369.0)
------------------------------
Date: 10-18-90 (21:42)
To: BILL HLIWA
Subject: RE: CLEANING LA50 PLATEN
From: GARY STEBBINS
> BH: In addition, I found that a good scrubbing of the roller surfaces
> BH: with an alcohol pad (isopropyl alcohol on a mildly abrasive pad)
> BH: will increase the friction between rollers and the paper.
I've heard that, and also that you should not use alcohol on the platen
because it tends to dry it out. Tonight at our Rainbow User's
meeting Geoff Reed suggested using a rubber/vinyl cleaner such
as ARMOR ALL(tm). That makes a lot of sense to me. Just
follow the directions. Geoff, comments?
- -gary-
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 10-18-90 (21:46)
To: MARK FISCHER
Subject: RE: WIN 286 V2.11
From: GARY STEBBINS
> MF: What are the system parameters for setting up WINDOWS 286 V2.11
> MF: on the Rainbow?
...
> MF: Because I do not have the adaptation kit I am installing on my
...
> MF: Also what are the Code Blue switches for running this?
You can't. Code Blue will not work with any graphics application.
The adaptation kit includes the appropriate display driver for
the Rainbow.
- -gary-
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 10-19-90 (16:16)
To: DENIS CICCARELLI
Subject: RE: MS-DOS DISCS
From: AMER NELSON
The only disks I know you can read DIRECTLY are IBM single-sided
diskettes. By that I mean you just stick the diskettes into an
RX-50 drive and READ it directly -- you can't write to it,
however. There are other ways to get data off of double-sided
IBM diskettes, but require the use of certain software
utilities and other hardware products such as I-Drive or access
to a 286 or 386 machine.
++ Amer ++
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 10-20-90 (13:53)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: RAINBOW MONITOR
From: PATRICK FINK
> From: Lynne Meeks <LZM@UVMVM.BITNET>
>
> Yes! I (we) have two complete Rainbow systems and assorted
> software. One Rainbow has a 5Mb hard disk. Both systems
I'll take the 5 meg hard disk and controller..
-Patrick Fik
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0)
------------------------------
Date: 10-20-90 (13:55)
To: ALL
Subject: COLOR BOARDS AND CABLES.
From: PATRICK FINK
I have five extra brand new (in boxes) color cards with cables.. Would
be interested in trade for rainbow equip
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0)
------------------------------
Date: 10-20-90 (13:52)
To: PAUL OLSON
Subject: RE: RAINBOW POWER SUPPLIE
From: GEORGE THEALL
PO>I ran a 100B motherboard just fine with a 100A power supply. If you
PO>want to get a hard drive, you should get the 100B power supply.
As just one data point, let me say my Rainbow ran fine with a hard
disk and a power supply from a 100A. [My system was TRUMPed up from a
100A.] Perhaps today's hard disks are more efficient and require less
current.
George
------------------------------
Date: 10-20-90 (13:55)
To: PAUL OLSON
Subject: RE: DOS FOR RAINBOW 100 W
From: GEORGE THEALL
PO>Check with Caroline Mack at IRUG
Speaking of her, anybody know where she is these days? Geez, the
last time I saw a copy of _Rainbow News_ was about 12 months ago.
Wasn't she planning to move back to the East?
George
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (10/22/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Oct 22, 1990 In this issue: MEMORY CHIPS (2 messages) RE: CLEANING LA50 PLATEN Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 10-21-90 (07:33) To: ALL Subject: MEMORY CHIPS From: PATRICK FINK Where can I obtain memory chips for my 100B? My memory board only has 128k on it... want to expand my system to 7**. - --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 10-21-90 (10:48) To: GARY STEBBINS Subject: RE: CLEANING LA50 PLATEN From: BILL HLIWA > BH: In addition, I found that a good scrubbing of the > roller surfaces BH: with an alcohol pad (isopropyl > alcohol on a mildly abrasive pad) BH: will increase the > friction between rollers and the paper. GS> I've heard that, and also that you should not use GS> alcohol on the platen because it tends to dry it out. GS> Tonight at our Rainbow User's meeting Geoff Reed GS> suggested using a rubber/vinyl cleaner such as ARMOR GS> ALL(tm). That makes a lot of sense to me. Just follow GS> the directions. Geoff, comments? My experience has been that the problem is that the rollers become "glazed" and are too slippery. With the paper push-fed, that tended to cause jam ups. That was the reason for the isopropyl alcohol scrubbing: I wanted to dry them out and roughen them up. I would think that the Armorall treatment would do just the opposite. We have over a dozen LA-50's here that have been in operation since 1983. Until we started this scrubbing regimen, we had frequent jam ups. With a yearly treatment (where the rollers and platen are scrubbed with alcohol pads, moving parts are WD-40'ed and the print head is removed and cleaned w/ alcohol, then WD-40'ed), we haven't experienced any problems. Incidently, during those seven years, we haven't had to replace a single printhead, or had any other kind of service on these printers. In fact, many of the ribbons used are the originals, since we use a MacInker to reink them. Actually we have a pool of about three dozen ribbon cartridges so we can re-ink a bunch, then put them away for a few weeks to "age". Overall, these have been incredibly reliable and troublefree printers. - --- Sirius 1.0x * Origin: * Med TechNet * , Buffalo, NY 716/688-1552 (1:260/10.0) ------------------------------ Date: 10-22-90 (08:03) To: PATRICK FINK Subject: MEMORY CHIPS From: GEORGE THEALL PF>Where can I obtain memory chips for my 100B? My memory board only has PF>128k on it... want to expand my system to 7**. First find out if the chips you already have are 64k-bit chips - if so you'll probably be better off pulling those chips and starting with an empty board. You'll need either 2 or 3 banks of 256k-bit chips: 3 is the maximum. Each bank consists (I believe) of 8 chips, but you'd be wise to buy in sets of 9. The access time of these chips won't really be important nowadays. Something like 180ns should be fine. Check out any outfit advertising in PC Magazine, Computer Shopper, etc... I bought some recently from an outfit called DRAM, Inc. and was happy with their service, though probably any outfit able to afford an ad in a large rag like PC Mag would be adequate. George ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (10/24/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Oct 24, 1990 In this issue: RE: DOS FOR RAINBOW 100 W V20 EPROM MODS Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 10-22-90 (11:33) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: DOS FOR RAINBOW 100 W From: PAUL OLSON George, I was just there for a visit. Yes, she is still planning on moving back to VA about the January timeframe. She has a copy of the next issue of RN ready to go to the printers, but is having problems with the formatting on one of the pages. At this point, I'd say "To hell with the formatting. Just get it out", but then she's already heard me say that (Right, Caroline? ;-) ). I did install a 3.5/5.25" Idrive in her main 'bow. It is a real slick device. From what she said, there are only about four in existance. One shock was once I got the hardware installed, I found it needed DOS 3.10b for the drivers to work. So I spent the day working on upgrading her system. Otherwise I'd have tackled the formatting problem. As Always, Paul - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0) ------------------------------ Date: 10-23-90 (10:26) To: ALL Subject: V20 EPROM MODS From: FRANK MALLORY Carl Houseman has uploaded his article describing how to modify your boot ROM to adapt it to the NEC V20 processor. It's available here as V20ARTIC.ZIP, in file area 25. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (10/25/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Oct 25, 1990 In this issue: RE: CLEANING LA50 PLATEN (2 messages) RE: WHERE'S CAROLINE Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 10-22-90 (16:37) To: GARY STEBBINS Subject: RE: CLEANING LA50 PLATEN From: GEOFF REED the problem with the platen getting slpiiery is that the platen "dries out" and hardens. the armour all or 'son of a gun' vinyl/rubber protectants will keep the rubber as soft as it should be and fully functional.. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 10-22-90 (21:58) To: BILL HLIWA Subject: RE: CLEANING LA50 PLATEN From: BILL MAYHEW You can buy "platen cleaners" at good office-supply stores (and DEC used to sell 'em, maybe still does). These come in packages of 5 or 10, and are rectangular pads, with a flexible plastic handle that covers a breakable vial with fluid. When you squeeze the handle, the vial breaks, and the fluid is dispensed onto the pad, which you then use to rub down the platen. Not sure what the fluid is but I think it is isopropyl-based. Use one once and throw it away (hardly ecologically sound, but...) -Bill - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------ Date: 10-23-90 (07:58) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: WHERE'S CAROLINE From: CHRIS RYAN I spoke to her a couple of weeks ago, & she still had not moved. Soft real-estate market I guess, waiting for the house to sell. Didn't discuss Rainbow News, so don't know the status of that. - --- * Origin: Long_Island RB (Opus 1:102/138) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (10/27/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Oct 27, 1990 In this issue: RE: CAROLINE MACK RE: MS-DOS DISCS RAINBOW 100A RE: EXTENDED MEMORY OA RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ON A RE: LA50 TO AT SERIAL POR RE: RAINBOW POWER SUPPLIE RE: LA 50 PAPER JAMS Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 10-23-90 (12:36) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: CAROLINE MACK From: ANDREW TAYLOR Latest word from Caroline Mack is that they can't move back East because they can't sell their house! She claims that a copy of IRUG newsletter is coming soon (Real Soon Now??). Your guess as to what volume/issue/date it will be....... Andrew - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 10-24-90 (08:21) To: ALL Subject: RE: MS-DOS DISCS From: FRANK ZSITVAY In article <67.27243A91.@techbks1.FIDONET.ORG> Amer.Nelson@f3.n343.z1.FIDONET.ORG (Amer Nelson) writes: >The only disks I know you can read DIRECTLY are IBM single-sided diskettes. >By that I mean you just stick the diskettes into an RX-50 drive and READ it >directly -- you can't write to it, however. There are other ways to get data >off of double-sided IBM diskettes, but require the use of certain software >utilities and other hardware products such as I-Drive or access to a 286 or >386 machine. >++ Amer ++ > I write to them all the time. never had a problem. - -- fzsitvay@techbook.COM - but don't quote me on that.... American Oil Company motto - Bend over, We'll pump!!! - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: TECHbooks One, Fido Gate to techbook (503) 644-8135 (1:105/369.0) ------------------------------ Date: 10-25-90 (12:32) To: ALL Subject: RAINBOW 100A From: RICK PERSONS I have a Rainbow 100-a for sale. The only options on this system are graphic board and color monitor. The motherboard has been updated to B standards via Trump program. All operating systems software and graphic software as well as manuals are included. Select Word Processing for CPM is thrown in as well. Make me an offer. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Cuckoo's Nest, Hudson, NHt/]KW=>Hm) *HST* (1:132/119.0) ------------------------------ Date: 10-24-90 (23:18) To: ALAN CONROY Subject: RE: EXTED D MEMORY OA From: DAVID MAROUN Very interesting! Have you ever tried using a driver for extended memory on your Rainbow? Or do you know anyone who has? - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 10-24-90 (23:20) To: PAUL OLSON Subject: RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ON A From: DAVID MAROUN > Last I heard, the extra memory space on the SS RAMBOW was > simply unusable. > The real test, of course, is to *try* using it. There are drivers in the public domain for using extended memory on non-Rainbows. I sent one to someone who has the RAMBOW, but he has yet to try it. He says he is still well within the limits of the memory he has. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 10-24-90 (23:29) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: LA50 TO AT SERIAL POR From: DAVID MAROUN > tell me the proper pinouts for a DEC LA50 serial printer > to an IBM AT 9 Pin serial port. Any response would be > appreciated... Thanx... See the article "Ariadne's Clew" by J. Raymond Parent in the VARUG newsletter, volume 4, number 4. Mr. Parent connected an LA100's pins 2, 3, 7, 20, and 11 to pins 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8 of a Toshiba laptop's 9-pin COM1 port. I would expect the same cable to work with an LA50. That newsletter is posted on Glacier Peak bulletin board. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 10-24-90 (23:38) To: ANDREW TAYLOR Subject: RE: RAINBOW POWER SUPPLIE From: DAVID MAROUN I cured the problem of a Rainbow's popping its circuit breaker by cleaning the fan. It was packed with dust. The Rainbow still runs (I am using it right no now) with its original power supply. A 100A uses an AC fan, while a 100B uses a DC fan. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 10-24-90 (23:48) To: BOB FULLER Subject: RE: LA 50 PAPER JAMS From: DAVID MAROUN > For the last few days I have been frustrated by paper > jams > in two LA-50s. No matter how carefully I aligned the continuous > form, 20 lb. paper, it would jam at least every three to > four > sheets. > > Most of the jams occurred because the paper perforation > (where you tear the sheets apart and where the paper unbends > coming out of the box) would move away from the platen while > traveling between the print head and the paper bail. The > print My solution to that problem is just to move the paper bail away from the platen. The manuals for some other printers tell you to do that. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (10/29/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Oct 28, 1990 In this issue: RE: EXTENDED MEMORY OA (2 messages) REGIS Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 10-26-90 (00:49) To: ALAN CONROY Subject: RE: EXTENDED MEMORY OA From: DAVID MAROUN > Based on my > discussions > with Suitable solutions when I bought my 286 card, the extra > memory on the board is actually a copy of the standard > Rainbow ROM, with some modifications to make the ROM BIOS > work with the 80286 processor. That is *JUST* how extended memory is often used on so-called AT clones! For example, an AT&T 6286 I sometimes use has a little over a million characters of random access memory. Unaided MS-DOS recognizes 655 000 characters of that. The machine is configured to use 131 000 characters of the remainder as "shadow RAM" for storage of read-only memory routines and video RAM. Windows/286 has drivers for using the extended memory as if it were normal memory, and/or as a disk cache. Now the question is: Will utilities that allow use of extended memory on other machines work on Rainbows? A side note: Note that all Rainbows have static RAM for use as shadow RAM of non-volatile memory. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 10-27-90 (09:22) To: ALL Subject: REGIS From: PATRICK FINK My Rainbow has the color option, but some programs call for REGIS, what is it? Where do I get a copy. -pat - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0) ------------------------------ Date: 10-28-90 (08:17) To: DAVID MAROUN Subject: RE: EXTENDED MEMORY OA From: GEORGE THEALL DM>Now the question is: Will utilities that allow use of extended memory DM>on other machines work on Rainbows? David, please note that "extended" memory in the area of PC compatibles has a rather specific meaning - memory whose addresses lie above 1024KB (ie, 1MB) - and as such requires a 286 or better. As I don't believe the memory board from SS requires a 286, I doubt it contains so-called extended memory. Keep this in mind in your search and it will likely be less frustrating. George ------------------------------
imp@marvin.Solbourne.COM (Warner Losh) (10/29/90)
>Rainbow EchoMail Digest Oct 28, 1990 >From: DAVID MAROUN > >Unaided MS-DOS recognizes 655 000 characters of that. This is a white lie. MS-DOS on a IBM-PC only recognizes 640K of memory, but MS-DOS on the Rainbow will recognize up to 896K. The rest of the memory on clones is reserved for hardware access to cards. >From: GEORGE THEALL > >DM>Now the question is: Will utilities that allow use of extended memory >DM>on other machines work on Rainbows? > > David, please note that "extended" memory in the area of PC >compatibles has a rather specific meaning - memory whose addresses lie >above 1024KB (ie, 1MB) - and as such requires a 286 or better. As I >don't believe the memory board from SS requires a 286, I doubt it >contains so-called extended memory. No, it doesn't contain extended memory. No, it doesn't need a 286 to work. The card from SS (RAMbow?) Uses 1Meg chips and just throws away the extra (as near as I can tell). I seem to recall[%] that expanded memory uses interrupts to map different parts of the extra memory into a "page" that was part of the 1Meg address space of the 8088. As such, I've seen a program that were supposed to allow you to setup a virtual area of memory that really lived on disk. I've never tried to run this on my Rainbow, so I don't know if the program will work. This program was posted to comp.binaries.ibm.pc a while back. Warner --- % From reading a book from The Waite Group, so I don't know how reliable the information is. I never do quite trust the information in Waite Group books. Their C++ book had so many obvious bugs in their examples that I stopped reading it after a couple of chapters. -- Warner Losh imp@Solbourne.COM How does someone declare moral bankruptcy?
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (10/29/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Oct 29, 1990 In this issue: RE: MEMORY CHIPS RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ON A Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 10-26-90 (08:00) To: ALL Subject: RE: MEMORY CHIPS From: FRANK ZSITVAY In article <322.272585D7.@techbks1.FIDONET.ORG> George.Theall@f203.n273.z1.FIDONET.ORG (George Theall) writes: >PF>Where can I obtain memory chips for my 100B? My memory board only has >PF>128k on it... want to expand my system to 7**. > > First find out if the chips you already have are 64k-bit chips - if so >you'll probably be better off pulling those chips and starting with an empty >board. You'll need either 2 or 3 banks of 256k-bit chips: 3 is the maximum. >Each bank consists (I believe) of 8 chips, but you'd be wise to buy in sets of ^ actually needs 9 chips to a bank. i found out the hard way. by the by, could someone sell me 3 41256 150ns chips?? - -- fzsitvay@techbook.COM - but don't quote me on that.... American Oil Company motto - Bend over, We'll pump!!! - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: TECHbooks One, Fido Gate to techbook (503) 644-8135 (1:105/369.0) ------------------------------ Date: 10-28-90 (12:40) To: DAVID MAROUN Subject: RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ON A From: CARL HOUSEMAN re: will utilities that allow use of extended memory on other machines work on Rainbows? This is very unlikely. When you speak of "shadow" memory you're talking about RAM which is addressed at the same locations as ROM or other slower memory between 640K and 1024K (PC clones). It is NOT the same as extended memory, which is addressed STARTING at 1024K and goes up from there. In order for the Rainbow to use, for example, the Microsoft HIMEM.SYS driver, any unused Rainbow RAM would have to be relocated from addresses below 1024K to addresses starting at 1024K. Some PC clones with the Chips & Technologies chip set can do this, but without that kind of memory management hardware on the Turbow board, there's no possibility. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (10/30/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Oct 30, 1990
In this issue:
RE: RAINBOW POWER SUPPLIE
RE: RAINBOW 100A
DISK CABLE
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 10-27-90 (14:36)
To: DAVID MAROUN
Subject: RE: RAINBOW POWER SUPPLIE
From: GARY STEBBINS
> DM: A 100A uses an AC fan, while a 100B uses a DC fan.
A number of years ago I added a hard disk to my Rainbow A, and the kit
included a B power supply. I kept the original AC fan to
reduce the load on the power supply. The B power supply has
connectors for either an AC or DC fan, as I recall (without
dismantling my Rainbow to check).
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 10-28-90 (14:37)
To: RICK PERSONS
Subject: RE: RAINBOW 100A
From: ALAN CONROY
How about donating it to a worthy cause for a tax donation (it's
getting near the end of the year...) If you are interested, let me know.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 10-28-90 (15:30)
To: ALL
Subject: DISK CABLE
From: PATRICK FINK
Anyone have a cable for a second drive for a rainbow?
-Pat
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0)
------------------------------imp@marvin.Solbourne.COM (Warner Losh) (10/31/90)
In article <9010301259.AA15866@remote.dccs.upenn.edu> GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) writes: >Subject: DISK CABLE >From: PATRICK FINK > >Anyone have a cable for a second drive for a rainbow? To make one all you need is 34 pin ribbon cable and the 34 pin connectors. Just cut enough cable to reach to the second drive, and it should work OK. I made mine from parts I got at radio shack for about $6.00, so you should be able to find cheaper elsewhere. I haven't seen ready-built cables for the second drive in a while. Warner -- Warner Losh imp@Solbourne.COM How does someone declare moral bankruptcy?
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (10/31/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Oct 31, 1990 In this issue: RE: REGIS (2 messages) CONTACT VINCE PERRIELLO RE: RAINBOW 100A Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 10-29-90 (06:12) To: PATRICK FINK Subject: RE: REGIS From: DAN O'REILLY > My Rainbow has the color option, but some programs call for > REGIS, what is it? Where do I get a copy. It's a graphics program for the Rainbow. You buy it from DEC. DanO - --- D'Bridge 1.30/002480 * Origin: Not "over the Rainbow" at The CS-DEPOT (719)550-9305 (1:128/58) ------------------------------ Date: 10-29-90 (01:08) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: CONTACT VINCE PERRIELLO From: DAVID DEITCH I am afraid Vince is not listed in the latest FidoNet nodelist. If you ever find a node address for him, I would be happy to show you how to gate mail between UUCP and FidoNet. David Deitch (GIS) deitch@gisatl.fidonet.org 1:133/411@fidonet - --- msged 2.05 * Origin: If you build it, they will come * 1996 (1:133/411@fidonet) ------------------------------ Date: 10-29-90 (17:07) To: RICK PERSONS Subject: RE: RAINBOW 100A From: DENIS CICCARELLI Rick, I have a Rainbow with a monochrome monitor. I would be interested in the color monitor. I could also use the Rainbow for a spare. What are you asking for them? Denis.. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.14 * Origin: WayStar BBS (1:322/14.0) ------------------------------ Date: 10-30-90 (18:39) To: PATRICK FINK Subject: RE: REGIS From: BILL MAYHEW ReGIS: Remote Graphic Instruction Set, the protocol Digital developed over the years to transmit graphic "commands" (e.g. draw a circle of radius x centered at [y,z]) via ASCII characters over a communications line (hence, "Remote"). Rainbow ReGIS: A layered software product for the Rainbow which implements ReGIS. Probably no longer available anywhere except the "used" market. - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Still Servicing the Rainbow - Maybee Forever (1:101/1.0) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (11/01/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 1, 1990
In this issue:
TRANSFER OF LONG FILES BE
SEDT (2 messages)
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 10-31-90 (09:22)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: TRANSFER OF LONG FILES BE
From: HOWARD HALL
George - I found that I could readily XFER long files both ways by
using DECON to break the files into small portions (your option
on size of portions), move the smaller parts to single-sided
disks, then reassemble at the other end using CONCAT.
These utilities were made available by H. J. Gray (I don't know
him; just his name); the copy I saw had a date of 2 Jan 1989.
The distribution was public domain (not even share-ware), and
was on the bulletin board as DECON.ARC. (I think it may have
been on Kurt's POTOGOLD Board, not sure).
If you don't already have it stashed somewhere, I will try to
locate it, upload for Kurt to make available again.
Howard L. HALL, (703) 273-7210 (Washinton DC area)
- --- ConfMail V3.31
* Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103)
------------------------------
Date: 10-31-90 (09:32)
To: MARIO LAZZARIN
Subject: SEDT
From: HOWARD HALL
Mario-
I'm not sure whether you want to use an IBM/AT (or other) keyboard
to control a copy of SEDT on the VAX, or whether you are
looking for a copy of SEDT for your PC, so will comment both ways.
I have used various IBM keyboards to communicate with the VAX
SEDT, found that I needed to make an emergency 'template' for
my use on the PC. The HELP files included in the package were
reasonably good, so not as much of a problem as it might have
been. The keys (as you will have discovered) are definitely
different, but you should be able to work your way around most
of the problems.
If your comment was re a copy for the PCs, I recommend you touch
base with the author of SEDT (his 'credits' appear in the
documentation, and also on-screen as you log out of SEDT if my
memory serves me right) and ask for more details. The packages
I saw contained KEY DEFINITION files for about 8 different
keyboards, including RAINBOW, IBM generic, and the AT. The
latest version(s) of SEDT were commercial, but at each new
release of a later version, the previous versions were made
available as public domain.
Howard L. HALL
- --- ConfMail V3.31
* Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103)
------------------------------
Date: 10-31-90 (17:50)
To: HOWARD HALL
Subject: SEDT
From: FRANK MALLORY
Howie, ole buddy! How are you doing?
On the subject of SEDT, I have tried a couple different ways but still
have not succeeded in getting it to edit files that exceed the
size of main memory. Any thought on that?
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417)
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (11/03/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 3, 1990 In this issue: CONTACT VINCE PERRIELLO RE: REGIS MEMORY BOARD SEDT ETC. Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 10-31-90 (11:27) To: DAVID DEITCH Subject: CONTACT VINCE PERRIELLO From: GORDON GREEN On <Oct 29>, David Deitch (1:133/411@fidonet) wrote to George Theall: DD> I am afraid Vince is not listed in the latest FidoNet nodelist. Gee, he is listed in my copy and has been every week. He is a private node 1:132/491. - --- msged 2.05 * Origin: GG's_point of Cuckoo's Nest : Hudson, NH : HST (1:132/119.1) ------------------------------ Date: 10-31-90 (08:10) To: DAN O'REILLY Subject: RE: REGIS From: MARK BORNSTEIN In a message of <29 Oct 90 06:12:00>, Dan O'Reilly (1:128/58) writes: >> My Rainbow has the color option, but some programs call for >> REGIS, what is it? Where do I get a copy. > >It's a graphics program for the Rainbow. You buy it from DEC. REGIS stands for "Remote Graphics Instruction Set" and it is not a graphics program per se. It is more in line with an "interpreter" which allows you to "see" graphics and on the Rbow monitor. It would be more productive to find someone with an original copy and ask them to sell it to you for a few pennies. (Which is about all it's worth.) For what DEC would charge you, a PC compatible could probably be bought with enough left over to buy a real graphics program. If you do find someone with a copy, do not, I repeat do not pay them more than the cost of a floppy and mailing for it. ...mark - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Island Logistics (617) 631-3304 (1:101/111) ------------------------------ Date: 10-31-90 (11:05) To: ALL Subject: MEMORY BOARD From: RICHARD SCHOLTZ NEED TO BUY A RAINBOW 100 MEM EXPANSION BOARD AS MINE AONLY HAS 312K AND CHIPS ARE SOLDERED IN---ANY BODY HAVE ONE TO SELL OR KNOW A SOURCE FOR A NEW ONE PLEASE CALL 464-4140 (VOICE) OR LEAVE A MESSAGE. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 11-01-90 (22:24) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: SEDT ETC. From: HOWARD HALL Hello, Frank! Everything is working pretty well (except me - I'm still looking). Your question startled me into a bit of deeper reflection than usual, and I think I uncovered a gimmick that cures a slight problem I have been having - - Actually, I had not needed the full capacity for a long file: the largest single file I had used prior to this was just under 400K. After the question, I copied my longest file head-to-tail in 4 iterations, came up with 1.6M for a 'new' single file. I have 917,504 bytes in memory, have 773,488 available. Using SEDT 4.0 (273) with the -s switch, I 'read' the file in, modified it, and then 'wrote' it to another file. This takes a rather long time, but it works. "SEDT FILE.NAM -s2" did the trick for me (I tried using an 'output' file name in the above string, but that didn't work). The number after the '-s' is used to "set the maximum amout of buffer space to <Size> megabytes." I used 2 megabytes to test the system, don't know what would happen if I tried 2.4 megabytes, or some other fraction of a megabyte. The problem I had expereinced was involved with the use of four windows at the same time. The aggregate TOTAL was too much! NEW SUBJECT: my LQP02 Printer quit on me. I still have power to the input, but get a wrong reaction when I resort to turning on the machine. I expect the print head to go to the left margin, I should get the flashing lights, then a steady green 'power on' light. Instead, the print head goes into the stops on the RIGHT side, I get a low hum, and NO green power light. Any thoughts? And do you have a recommendation for a repair shop? (I'm not completely dead in the water - matter of fact, I'm getting good service out of my LA100, though not the letter quality that the daisy wheel gives me! It's good to be back in touch, I hope to check in on POTOGOLD on a more regular basis in the future. One hitch though - we are headed out of town on the 3rd of November, return on the 9th. Howard - --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (11/05/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 4, 1990 In this issue: SEDT ETC. (2 messages) RE: RAINBOW POWER SUPPLIE RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ONA (2 messages) RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ON A LQP02 HELP RE: CONTACT VINCE PERRIEL REGIS Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 11-02-90 (11:22) To: HOWARD HALL Subject: SEDT ETC. From: FRANK MALLORY Thanks for the info on SEDT, Howie; that will be very helpful. HH> NEW SUBJECT: my LQP02 Printer quit on me. I still have power to HH> the input, but get a wrong reaction when I resort to turning on the HH> machine. I expect the print head to go to the left margin, I should HH> get the flashing lights, then a steady green 'power on' light. HH> Instead, the print head goes into the stops on the RIGHT side, I get a HH> low hum, and NO green power light. Any thoughts? And do you have a HH> recommendation for a repair shop? (I'm not completely dead in the HH> water - matter of fact, I'm getting good service out of my LA100,though HH> not the letter quality that the daisy wheel gives me! 'fraid I can't help you on the LQP02. I had one but never used it, and sold it together with my VT180. The buyer called recently to say that something had burnt out in it. I advised her to take it to the local DEC service center. I think in your situation, your best course would be to obtain some font cartridges for you LA100. They should give you quality that is pretty close to that of a daisywheel printer. Perhaps someone here has some they would like to sell? I still have two LA50s, but since buying a LaserJet IIP, I hardly ever use them. I have another book at the printer, done using WordPerfect 5.0 on the Rainbow with output to the HPLJ. I am now getting revved up to put out a magazine for Mercedes collectors. HH> It's good to be back in touch, I hope to check in on POTOGOLD on a HH> more regular basis in the future. One hitch though - we are headed out HH> of town on the 3rd of November, return on the 9th. Have a good trip. Hope you got the wiring straightened out on your motorhome! - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 11-01-90 (07:57) To: GARY STEBBINS Subject: RE: RAINBOW POWER SUPPLIE From: DAVID MAROUN > A number of years ago I added a hard disk to my Rainbow > A, and the kit included a B power supply. I kept the original > AC fan to reduce the load on the power supply. The B power > supply has connectors for either an AC or DC fan, as I Interesting! Using the AC fan does seem like a good idea. Thanks for the information! - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 11-01-90 (08:01) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ONA From: DAVID MAROUN > David, please note that "extended" memory in the area > of PC compatibles has a rather specific meaning - memory > whose addresses lie above 1024KB (ie, 1MB) - and as such > requires a 286 or better. As I don't believe the memory Here we go again! In fact, the term 'extended memory' is, in much of the literature I read (and in particular, in the documentation with my copy of Windows/286) used for the memory between 640 k and 1024 k. Memory beyond 1024 k on an expansion board is referred to by Windows/286 as 'expanded memory'. When I tried calling the memory between 640 k and 1024 k 'expanded memory' while installing Windows on the AT&T, Windows gave me error messages. When I boot the AT&T, its internal diagnostics program tells me there are 256 k of extended memory and 128 k of shadow memory along with 640 k of base memory for a total of 1024 k. I mppeal to you again not to argue about words. If you have tried using the upper part of the memory on the Suitable Solutions board, or if you know someone who has, please tell us. Otherwise, you know no more about th subject than I do. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 11-01-90 (08:21) To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ON A From: DAVID MAROUN > This is very unlikely. In other words, you have not actually tried using the extra memory on the Suitable Solutions board. > you're talking about RAM which is addressed at the same > locations as ROM or other slower memory between 640K and > 1024K (PC clones). It is NOT the same as extended memory, > which is addressed STARTING at 1024K and goes up from > there. Both Windows/286 and the AT&T internal diagnostics program refer to the memory *between* 640 k and 1024 k as 'extended memory'. See my message to George Theall for more details. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 11-02-90 (17:20) To: ALL Subject: LQP02 HELP From: PETER QUIGG My LQP02 printer is on the fritz just when I need it most! The letters are faded and uneven. I've washed the print wheel, replaced the ribbon and adjusted the paper thickness lever. I think the problem is the ribbon's fault. It's a generic brand named Qume Fabric IV. I notice the printer has two little sprocket inserts and the Qume ribbon only has one. So it seems to me that I'm only getting "one wheel drive" when I should be getting two. The printer evidently doesn't have enough power to spin the ribbon with only one sprocket doing the work. Letters print repeatedly on the same spot of the ribbon and hence the faded and uneven typed page. My question: Is my diagnosis correct? And where can I get a more appropriate ribbon for the printer? Mail order is fine, but thesis time is fast approaching and I naturally need the ribbon as of yesterday. I live in the Boston area. Are they available near here? Thanks in advance for any help. You can reply here or on GEnie address PQUIGG or CompuServe ID# 72570,3301. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.13 * Origin: Navigator BBS - Weymouth, MA - (617) 331-1070 (1:101/465.0) ------------------------------ Date: 11-03-90 (08:17) To: HOWARD HALL Subject: SEDT ETC. From: DON MARQUART > NEW SUBJECT: my LQP02 Printer quit on me. I still have power to the If all else fails I do have a spare LQP02 available for $100 + shipping. Later... - --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888) ------------------------------ Date: 11-01-90 (08:10) To: DAVID DEITCH Subject: RE: CONTACT VINCE PERRIEL From: CHRIS RYAN > I am afraid Vince is not listed in the latest FidoNet nodelist. > If you ever find a node address for him, I would be happy > to show you how to gate mail between UUCP and FidoNet. > ******BBBBBBBBBZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ********* Since Vince IS one of the authors of BinkleyTerm (ie: THE TRIO), he IS on FidoNet. His tear line (in the BinkleyTerm Echo, where he is VERY active) is: "Bit Bucket Software, Executive Suite (1:132/491.0). Hope this answers your need. Later. Chris - --- * Origin: Long_Island RB (Opus 1:102/138) ------------------------------ Date: 11-03-90 (13:20) To: ALL Subject: REGIS From: PATRICK FINK Does anyone have a copy of REGIS that they want to sell? -Pat - --- Opus-CBCS 1.14 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0) ------------------------------ Date: 11-04-90 (15:22) To: DAVID MAROUN Subject: RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ONA From: GEORGE THEALL DM> > David, please note that "extended" memory in the area DM> > of PC compatibles has a rather specific meaning - memory DM> > whose addresses lie above 1024KB (ie, 1MB) - and as such DM> > requires a 286 or better. As I don't believe the memory ... DM>In fact, the term 'extended memory' is, in much of the literature I read DM>(and in particular, in the documentation with my copy of DM>Windows/286) used for the memory between 640 k and 1024 k. DM>Memory beyond 1024 k on an expansion board is referred to by DM>Windows/286 as 'expanded memory'. Please look at the literature again, David. DM>I mppeal to you again not to argue about words. I'm afraid that if we wish to participate in fruitful conversation then we must agree on terminology. How useful would it be, for instance, if I were to adopt the convention that "memory" referred to hard disk space while others didn't? Me: "Hey, Joe, don't bother with Turbo C on your Rainbow - it takes over 1 meg of *memory*." Joe: "Geez, I guess it's impossible to run it on my Rainbow - I only have 896K installed."??? You ask whether programs which use "extended" memory are available for the SS Rambow. I reply the Rambow can not possibly have "extended" memory, that you should look instead for programs which work with some other type of memory. You can believe me or not, but as I said earlier, your search will be easier if you use the correct wording. George ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (11/06/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 6, 1990
In this issue:
RE: REGIS
RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ONA
RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ON A
CONTACT VINCE PERRIELLO
RE: MEMORY BOARD
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 11-04-90 (17:37)
To: PATRICK FINK
Subject: RE: REGIS
From: DENIS CICCARELLI
Pat,
I found an old copy of REGIS.EXE dated 4-10-84 in my files. I don't
have a color monitor so that I have never had a need to use it.
I came with my system. If you would like I can upload this to
Waystar and you can request Kevin Porter to post it for you.
Regards,
Denis
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.14
* Origin: WayStar BBS (1:322/14.0)
------------------------------
Date: 11-04-90 (08:18)
To: DAVID MAROUN
Subject: RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ONA
From: DON MARQUART
> In fact, the term 'extended memory' is, in much of the literature I read
> (and in particular, in the documentation with my copy of Windows/286) used
> for the memory between 640 k and 1024 k. Memory beyond 1024 k on an
> expansion board is referred to by Windows/286 as 'expanded memory'. When
In actuality all memory above 1024K in the IBM world defaults to
"extended". A special driver is required to convert this memory
to "expanded". Normally, memory mapped between 640-1024 is
reserved for the relocation of BIOS's that reside in that area
which is referred to as "Shadow RAM". Special programs are
available for the IBM to make use of the extra memory in this
region not used by BIOS's. To the best of my knowledge there
are no such products for
the RB with the exception of any that may be available for the Rainbow
specific "port" of Windows.
Hope this clearifies matters a bit.
Later...
- --- ConfMail V4.00
* Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888)
------------------------------
Date: 11-04-90 (10:54)
To: DAVID MAROUN
Subject: RE: EXTENDED MEMORY ON A
From: CARL HOUSEMAN
re: not actually tried using the extra memory on the SS board.
Correct. But since no one has said they HAVE, you can pretty much bet
that no one HAS, at least not on this conference. I know PC and
Rainbow hardware in general, and can only tell you that the
likelihood of what you want the SS board to do is very low.
Certainly getting software that does it on a PC to work on the
SS board has a probability of zero. The memory architecture of
the PC vs. the Rainbow is just too different.
I'm sorry that this isn't the response you want, but don't you think
it's better than silence?
re: what other documentation calls "extended" and "expanded" memory
The IBM AT Set-up program also makes the grievous error of calling
memory above 1024 "expanded" memory. All this shows is that
large companies can make mistakes.
What George Theall & I've told you about this reflects the
industry-standard use of these terms. And, "arguing about
words" is necessary when interpretation varies and one is
trying to get a handle on what the other guy's talking about!
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.14
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0)
------------------------------
Date: 11-04-90 (10:23)
To: DAVID DEITCH
Subject: CONTACT VINCE PERRIELLO
From: GORDON GREEN
On <Nov 02>, David Deitch (1:133/411@fidonet) wrote to gordon green:
DD> You won't believe this, but back on 31/Oct/90 (was a Wed BTW) at
DD> about 11:27, gordon green said this to David Deitch:
> Gee, he is listed in my copy and has been every week. He is a private
> node 1:132/491.
DD> That explains it. My compiler removes private nodes from the list.
DD> If you can't call 'em, they just take up disk space is the reasoning, I
DD> guess.
Your mailer should host route msgs to Vince via 132/0. Works fine for
me when I send him mail.
- --- msged 2.05
* Origin: GG's_point of Cuckoo's Nest : Hudson, NH : HST (1:132/119.1)
------------------------------
Date: 11-04-90 (08:28)
To: ALL
Subject: RE: MEMORY BOARD
From: FRANK ZSITVAY
In article <6.27317242.@techbks1.FIDONET.ORG>
Richard.Scholtz@f3.n343.z1.FIDONET.ORG (Richard Scholtz) writes:
>NEED TO BUY A RAINBOW 100 MEM EXPANSION BOARD AS MINE AONLY HAS 312K AND CHIPS
>ARE SOLDERED IN---ANY BODY HAVE ONE TO SELL OR KNOW A SOURCE FOR A NEW ONE
>PLEASE CALL 464-4140 (VOICE) OR LEAVE A MESSAGE.
for sale - rainbow 100b memory expansion board, with socketed memory
chips. includes 192k ram. 100$ (503)-254-6874 and leave a message.
- --
fzsitvay@techbook.COM - but don't quote me on that....
American Oil Company motto - Bend over, We'll pump!!!
- --- QM v1.00
* Origin: TECHbooks One, Fido Gate to techbook (503) 644-8135 (1:105/369.0)
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (11/09/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 8, 1990 In this issue: CONTACT VINCE PERRIELLO RE: DISK CABLE 3.5-INCH DRIVES IN RAINBO ADDING HPIIP LASERPRINTER Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 11-05-90 (01:41) To: DAVID DEITCH Subject: CONTACT VINCE PERRIELLO From: MARK BUDA In a message of <Oct 29 01:08>, David Deitch (1:133/411@fidonet) writes: DD>I am afraid Vince is not listed in the latest FidoNet nodelist. If you DD>ever find a node address for him, I would be happy to show you how to DD>gate mail between UUCP and FidoNet. You can forwad mail to 132/0 and it will be forwarded to 132/491. - mark - --- msged 2.05 * Origin: VAXCat; Merrimack, NH;Home of the Black VAXCat;(603)424-0923 ------------------------------ Date: 11-05-90 (07:46) To: PATRICK FINK Subject: RE: DISK CABLE From: DAVID MAROUN > Anyone have a cable for a second drive for a rainbow? I got one from Rider Computer Services, 12989-80th Avenue, Surrey, BC, Canada, telephone (604) 594-9989. Eustace Enterprises Inc., 10170 Calumet Lane, Lake Worth, Florida 33463, telephone (407) 433-0846, is another source, or was when I was looking. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 11-05-90 (07:59) To: STAN!DANCER!IMP@BOULDER.C Subject: 3.5-INCH DRIVES IN RAINBO From: DAVID MAROUN I tried to install a 3.5-inch Atari single-sided drive in two Rainbows, an A and a B, but with utter failure. You seem to have succeeded in a similar venture. Can you give more details? I used the Rainbow floppy controller cable, which fit the connector on the Atari drive. Is that part of the problem? - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 11-07-90 (06:38) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: ADDING HPIIP LASERPRINTER From: FRANK MALLORY GT> From: William Martin <AB9J@cornellc.cit.cornell.edu> GT> GT> Does one have to do anything unusual to add an HPIIP printer to a GT> Rainbow ? Also, since WordPerfect 5.0 runs under Code Blue, does 5.1 GT> run as well ? You need a m/m gender changer to interface a IIP to your Rainbow. I'm geting a copy of WP 5.1 today; the demo runs OK, so I assume the program itself will as well. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------
imp@marvin.Solbourne.COM (Warner Losh) (11/09/90)
In article <9011081822.AA01468@remote.dccs.upenn.edu> GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) writes: >Date: 11-05-90 (07:59) >To: STAN!DANCER!IMP@BOULDER.C Hey, that's me. >Subject: 3.5-INCH DRIVES IN RAINBO >From: DAVID MAROUN > >I tried to install a 3.5-inch Atari single-sided drive in two Rainbows, >an A and a B, but with utter failure. You seem to have >succeeded in a similar venture. Can you give more details? > >I used the Rainbow floppy controller cable, which fit the connector on >the Atari drive. Is that part of the problem? I don't know. I have never used Atari Disk drives. I do know that you can only hook up "low" density 3.5" drives to the Rainbow. The high density disks won't work. From conversations that I have had with other people, this is due to a data transfer rate that is too fast for the Rainbow to handle. The other problem that some drives have is that they don't have a "Ready" line. The Rainbow's disk controller *REQUIRES* that the ready line works. The ready line is usually listed in the spec sheets for mail order drives as not used. In these cases, you have little choice but to wire that pin (I want to say pin 40) "high". If you would give me a call at work (303) 678-4748 in the afternoons (Mountain Standard time), I may be able to lend you a hand. Warner -- Warner Losh imp@Solbourne.COM How does someone declare moral bankruptcy?
theall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (11/12/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 11, 1990
In this issue:
CODE-BLUE
REGIS
NOVICE RAINBOW USER
RE: TRANSFER OF LONG FILE
RE: SEDT
RE: PC100A AT AUCTION
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 11-07-90 (17:25)
To: ALL
Subject: CODE-BLUE
From: PATRICK FINK
Does any one have a copy of code blue they want to sell me?
-Pat
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.14
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0)
------------------------------
Date: 11-08-90 (18:07)
To: PATRICK FINK
Subject: REGIS
From: DENIS CICCARELLI
Pat,
I uploaded the file REGIS.EXE to the Waystar BBS. Sorry but I could
not find a .DOC file for it. I do not have a color monitor but
I have used it with my mono. monitor and I recall that it did work.
I uploaded it to the RAINBOW files area (A38). Hope it does the trick for you.
Waystar BBS - Marlborough, MA (508) 481-7147 - (1:322/14.0)
Regards,
Denis...
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.14
* Origin: WayStar BBS (1:322/14.0)
------------------------------
Date: 11-09-90 (10:06)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: NOVICE RAINBOW USER
From: FRANK MALLORY
GT> From: naucse!rrw@arizona.edu (Robert Wier) Organization: Northern
GT> Arizona University, Flagstaff AZ
GT> Bringing up the Rainbow in Terminal mode, I can successfully
GT> "talk" to the weather station. Now the problem is to write
GT> either a BASIC (CPM) or PASCAL(MSDOS) program to do the
GT> automatic reads to disk. The problem is that looking in the
GT> BASIC manual, I can't figure out how to tie the BASIC input
GT> or inp statement to the communications port (INP specifies
GT> read a byte from port #1 - #255 - but what is the comm port?)
GT> Alternately, maybe Pascal has a better way to handle this.
You might look into the possibility of using the latest Kermit to read
the data. Kermit now has the ability to read plain ASCII
files, and it has a powerful script capability that can be
used for automatic operation.
Turbo Pascal on the Rainbow is pretty easy to operate and is very
efficient. Learning the Pascal language is something else,
however; but there are numerous commercial books dedicated to
this subject.
Should you decide to take the Pascal route, there are several files on
this BBS that may be of help to you: PASLIBS.ZIP, THELP.ZIP,
and TURBUTIL.ZIP, for example.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417)
------------------------------
Date: 11-09-90 (07:43)
To: HOWARD HALL
Subject: RE: TRANSFER OF LONG FILE
From: DAVID MAROUN
> George - I found that I could readily XFER long files both
> ways by using DECON to break the files into small portions
> (your option on size of portions), move the smaller parts
> to single-sided disks, then reassemble at the other end
Other utilities for transferring big files between any two machines,
either of which may be a Rainbow: The Bear's back-up and
restore utilities (look for BBACKRES.ZIP or .ARC or .LZH); the
back-up and restore utilities distributed with MS-DOS 3.1 if
you have that operating system (the Philips versions will run
under Rainbow MS-DOS 2.11), or my XTRAC and XTRACC utilities on
this board.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 11-09-90 (07:48)
To: HOWARD HALL
Subject: RE: SEDT
From: DAVID MAROUN
The various key definition files are about identical in content
differing only in the name [at least for SEDT up to version 3.3
(248)]. You can use one key definition on another machine by
remembering the function key numbers. <F12> does the same
thing on various machines. If there is no <F12> key on a
keyboard, <Shift> <F2> is the replacement.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 11-10-90 (07:32)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: PC100A AT AUCTION
From: FRANK MALLORY
GT> Even if the machine _were_ IBM compatible, this is a totally outrageous
GT> price for a used machine with that amount of disk storage/memory. Even
GT> with the modem and the printer. It would even be high for a NEW
GT> machine.
Evidently DEC established a pretty good foothold in auto dealerships.
Mercedes-Benz for one uses VAXes for their parts control and
other functions, and they have Rainbows as well as VTs. So it
isn't unreasonable for another dealership to pay a premium for
compatible equipment.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417)
------------------------------theall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (11/15/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 14, 1990
In this issue:
RE: PC100A AT AUCTION
LQP02 RIBBONS
RAINBOW 100+ FOR SALE
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 11-11-90 (11:07)
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: PC100A AT AUCTION
From: PAUL ROBINSON
I agree about people not knowing the real price of computer equipment,
but getting burned a few times is the only way people learn
something, assuming they learn anything at all. Does the phrase
"Caveat Emptor" ring a bell? It is simply the fact that if you
purchase things not knowing what you are doing then you may
succeed or you may soon discover that you've been ripped off.
Perhaps that lets me know not to visit auctions since I KNOW what
computer equipment is worth, and I WON'T pay more than the actual
value of the equipment. But I guess if everyone knew what they were
doing the bankruptcy people would BE in bankruptcy from not
enough bankruptcies!
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.14
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0)
------------------------------
Date: 11-12-90 (13:22)
To: PETER QUIGG
Subject: LQP02 RIBBONS
From: HOWARD HALL
Peter-
The cloth (fabric) ribbons apparently use a single sprocket, while
the 'one-time' ribbons use two sprockets. I have gotten
excellent results with DEC LQP02-KA 535D, and with QUME 3452666,
both of which are 'one-time' ribbons. Have also been satisfied
with DEC LQP02-KB 429G in the 'fabric' line, though have not
tried the QUME 'fabric'.
If the sprocket in the mal-functioning 'fabric' cartridge moves
freely manually, then it should feed properly in the printer as
well. If it WON'T move freely by hand, I would suspect a
faulty cartridge. Incidentally, those 'fabric' ribbons are
relatively short, and will need re-inking or replacement on a
rather frequent schedule.
Any major computer supply store should be able to get the QUME
'one-time' tape for you in a very short time, but I wouldn't
count on quick response from DEC unless you are lucky enough to
have a DEC retail outlet near you.
Hope this helps a bit.
Howard
- --- ConfMail V3.31
* Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103)
------------------------------
Date: 11-11-90 (23:27)
To: DBUG MEETERS (NOV)
Subject: RAINBOW 100+ FOR SALE
From: ARNE REINERT
On Nov 11 a Mr. Rudy Jones called me (name from an old D:BUG list) to
say he had a Rainbow 100+, 128k, 5meg hard disk, for sale.
Power supply or somhing might be fried. I told him that the
hard disk controller is probably the most valuable part, and to
bring it to the next meeting and he could probably get cash for it.
He also asked the perennial "how to connect an LA50 to an IBM
compatible" question. I told him he could, I've done it myself,
there's an article in old newsletter (current Glacier Peak
board?) telling exactly how, and he'd have to make a custom
cable. If he comes, someone help him out. He wants to give the
printer to his daughter.
Still vicariously Rainbowing thru here. Actually, my 100B is alive
and well on my desk at work. Do lots of writing, a little
123'ing. My I still am looking for 123 V2, Wordperfect 4.2 if
anyone has for sal
Can't come Nov meeting. Spouse on vacation with mother-in-law,
and I've got the kids. Maybe December.
Oh:, Mr. Jones phone #: (H) 743 4788 (W) 865 6297
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------theall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (11/16/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 15, 1990 In this issue: RE: NOVICE RAINBOW USER RE: TRANSFER OF LONG FILE RE: PC100A AT AUCTION (2 messages) RAINBOW QUESTION Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 11-13-90 (23:38) To: ALL Subject: RE: NOVICE RAINBOW USER From: FRANK ZSITVAY > GT> Bringing up the Rainbow in Terminal mode, I can successfully > GT> "talk" to the weather station. Now the problem is to write > GT> either a BASIC (CPM) or PASCAL(MSDOS) program to do the > GT> automatic reads to disk. The problem is that looking in the > GT> BASIC manual, I can't figure out how to tie the BASIC input > GT> or inp statement to the communications port (INP specifies > GT> read a byte from port #1 - #255 - but what is the comm port?) > GT> Alternately, maybe Pascal has a better way to handle this. > GT> If I decide to store the data in CPM format, it appears we > GT> have a program that will read it and write it back into > GT> MSDOS format. Do it in MSDOS. in GWbasic, you open a com port like a file, and you set all the parameters you need this way as well. IO is easy, just use input$ and print#. > GT> Secondly, it appears in BASIC that you CAN'T directly append > GT> data to a sequential disk file. You have to copy the original > GT> file, append to that, and rename back to the original. This is > GT> a major problem, since my data files can only be half as large > GT> that way (if I have to make a copy of the whole file every time > GT> I want to append a new set of reading). Any suggestions on this? in gwbasic, you can append to a file. i know, the cpm version won't let you do this. i haven't the foggiest idea why... another advantage of doing this in msdos is that if you need to import the data into an ibm, you can use ibm single density format (which the rainbow can read and write, but not format) and transfer your data that way. you won't need a special tanslation program. - -- fzsitvay@techbook.COM - but don't quote me on that.... American Oil Company motto - Bend over, We'll pump!!! - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: TECHbooks One, Fido Gate to techbook (503) 644-8135 (1:105/369.0) ------------------------------ Date: 11-13-90 (23:38) To: ALL Subject: RE: TRANSFER OF LONG FILE From: FRANK ZSITVAY In article <355.273FF22F.@techbks1.FIDONET.ORG> David.Maroun@f3.n343.z1.FIDONET.ORG (David Maroun) writes: > >Other utilities for transferring big files between any two machines, either of >which may be a Rainbow: The Bear's back-up and restore utilities (look for >BBACKRES.ZIP or .ARC or .LZH); the back-up and restore utilities distributed >with MS-DOS 3.1 if you have that operating system (the Philips versions will >run under Rainbow MS-DOS 2.11), or my XTRAC and XTRACC utilities on this >board. you could also use an archiver like zip to compress the file to a size that will fit on a 180k disk, and transfer it that way. (this works well for text files, since they average better than 50% compression) - -- fzsitvay@techbook.COM - but don't quote me on that.... American Oil Company motto - Bend over, We'll pump!!! - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: TECHbooks One, Fido Gate to techbook (503) 644-8135 (1:105/369.0) ------------------------------ Date: 11-13-90 (23:38) To: ALL Subject: RE: PC100A AT AUCTION From: FRANK ZSITVAY In article <357.273FF22F.@techbks1.FIDONET.ORG> Paul.Robinson@f417.n109.z1.FIDONET.ORG (Paul Robinson) writes: >I agree about people not knowing the real price of computer equipment, but >getting burned a few times is the only way people learn something, assuming >they learn anything at all. Does the phrase "Caveat Emptor" ring a bell? It >is simply the fact that if you purchase things not knowing what you are doing >then you may succeed or you may soon discover that you've been ripped off. > >Perhaps that lets me know not to visit auctions since I KNOW what computer >equipment is worth, and I WON'T pay more than the actual >value of the equipment. But I guess if everyone knew what they were doing the >bankruptcy people would BE in bankruptcy from not >enough bankruptcies! i've had pretty good luck at the university of washington auctions, although i have seen people at these auctions bet outrageous prices on stuff they think is worth a lot. (like one person who purchased a decmate for $350, only to find out it wasn't ibm compatible.) but more often than not, at least at the UW, you usually find some real good buys. - -- fzsitvay@techbook.COM - but don't quote me on that.... American Oil Company motto - Bend over, We'll pump!!! - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: TECHbooks One, Fido Gate to techbook (503) 644-8135 (1:105/369.0) ------------------------------ Date: 11-14-90 (11:23) To: ALL Subject: RAINBOW QUESTION From: PAUL ROBINSON A question comes up in my head as to whether the DEC Rainbow came out before, during or after the creation of the TI PC? The point being that Texas Instruments made an 8086 machine with some better features but the machine was intentionally non-ibm compatible. Realize this: IBM never patented the design of the IBM-PC, or the XT or the AT. As a result, anyone could manufacture a competing machine if they could get a rom-bios for it. And Phoenix, AMI, Award and - as Mike Focke's list of 300 bioses shows - many others followed suit. This meant that above all else a personal computer being sold for use in the IBM environment has to be IBM compatible or have a steep discount, and since computers are selling in the normal 5-10% profit range instead of the huge 30% to 50% profit figures of a few years ago, one has very little alternative but to make a compatible machine. Such could have been guessed at because, given the choice between proprietary architecture and open architecture, people go for the open because they can get what they want from any supplier. This behooves me to ask when the Rainbow came out; if they saw how badly TI was burned in both their small computers and in the PC market, they should have learned one thing: the open architecture is the way people want their systems, and will accept no less. Trying to lock people in with a closed or proprietary architecture tends to lock you out of customers. Yet they never learn. Until Chapter 11, that is. - --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 11-13-90 (18:18) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: PC100A AT AUCTION From: AMER NELSON WOW!! I recently attended an auction and saw eleven (11) Rainbow Bs go for $250 TOTAL!! I couldn't bid because I didn't have a truck to haul the stuff away. BTW three of the Rainbows had color monitors and eight had hard disks AND controllers. A dealer picked them up for PEANUTS. ++ Amer ++ - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------
schwartz@aries.scs.uiuc.edu (Dwight Schwartz) (11/16/90)
>Date: 11-13-90 (18:18) >To: GEORGE THEALL >Subject: RE: PC100A AT AUCTION >From: AMER NELSON > >WOW!! I recently attended an auction and saw eleven (11) Rainbow Bs go >for $250 TOTAL!! I couldn't bid because I didn't have a truck >to haul the stuff away. BTW three of the Rainbows had color >monitors and eight had hard disks AND controllers. A dealer >picked them up for PEANUTS. > ++ Amer ++ Is there any source of names of "dealers" of Rainbow equipment? ------------------------------------------------------------------ Dwight A. Schwartz schwartz@b.scs.uiuc.edu 217-328-4823 (home) University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 217-333-7605 (work) Department of Chemistry
theall@rm105serve.sas.upenn.edu (11/16/90)
In article <1990Nov16.092057.1795@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu> schwartz@aries.scs.uiuc.edu (Dwight Schwartz) writes: > Is there any source of names of "dealers" of Rainbow equipment? A list of dealers would be a tremendous idea. Anyone interested in helping to compile one (or know of an existing one)? George --- theall@rm105serve.sas.upenn.edu Dept. of Economics theall@ssctemp.sas.upenn.edu Univ. of Pennsylvania gtheall@penndrls.upenn.edu Philadelphia, PA 19104
fzsitvay@techbook.com (Frank Zsitvay) (11/20/90)
In article <1990Nov16.092057.1795@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu> schwartz@aries.scs.uiuc.edu (Dwight Schwartz) writes: >>Date: 11-13-90 (18:18) >>To: GEORGE THEALL >>Subject: RE: PC100A AT AUCTION >>From: AMER NELSON >> >>WOW!! I recently attended an auction and saw eleven (11) Rainbow Bs go >>for $250 TOTAL!! I couldn't bid because I didn't have a truck >>to haul the stuff away. BTW three of the Rainbows had color >>monitors and eight had hard disks AND controllers. A dealer >>picked them up for PEANUTS. >> ++ Amer ++ > > Is there any source of names of "dealers" of Rainbow equipment? i know the dealer who picked up those rainbows (he attends all of the uw auctions, and know his bidding strategies... unfortunately, most dealers who get their hands on rainbow equipment use it as an excuse to charge outrageous prices for said equipment. (IMHO) -- fzsitvay@techbook.COM - but don't quote me on that.... American Oil Company motto - Bend over, We'll pump!!!
bcw@rti.rti.org (Bruce Wright) (11/21/90)
In article <Added.obDMp8200UkTA5EE9u@andrew.cmu.edu>, theall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) writes: > Date: 11-10-90 (07:32) > To: GEORGE THEALL > Subject: RE: PC100A AT AUCTION > From: FRANK MALLORY > > GT> Even if the machine _were_ IBM compatible, this is a totally outrageous > GT> price for a used machine with that amount of disk storage/memory. Even > GT> with the modem and the printer. It would even be high for a NEW > GT> machine. > > Evidently DEC established a pretty good foothold in auto dealerships. > Mercedes-Benz for one uses VAXes for their parts control and > other functions, and they have Rainbows as well as VTs. So it > isn't unreasonable for another dealership to pay a premium for > compatible equipment. Since the posting quoted by the above article was originally mine, I think I'd probably better respond. (The one preceeded by GT> was written by me, Bruce Wright. Actually I think George just maintains the gateway between the Rainbow digest and comp.sys.dec.micro on the usenet). First of all, in the original posting it appeared that the buyer thought he was getting an IBM-compatible machine, not a Rainbow. The fact of the matter is that the price paid is not really a reasonable price for either a used IBM-compatible machine OR a used Rainbow given the amount of hardware that was on it. Secondly, if a car dealership (for example) wanted to get a used Rainbow, it's no big deal to locate these in the inventories of used equipment dealers; that should allow them to find the maximum reasonable price to bid at the auction. It would be nowhere near $1000 for that machine!!!! There are times when the equipment is SO unusual that you do have to pay a premium for compatible equipment. The Rainbow is unusual but it is _not_ THAT unusual. The point is that (at least in many parts of the country) auctions are not very great places to buy computer equipment because so many of the bidders are so out of touch with current prices. Bruce C. Wright
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (11/23/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 22, 1990 In this issue: RE: MEMORY BOARD QUESTION RE: RAINBOW QUESTION Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 11-16-90 (11:32) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: MEMORY BOARD QUESTION From: ANDREW TAYLOR As I recall: the board with the banks of chips on it is a Rainbow 100B memory board, which can be populated with 3 banks of 9 chips, each bank either 64K or 256K. The other board is a "retrofit" adapter board that DEC maide to allow the 100B memory board to be put in the 100A: they used basically the same design for their 8087 adapter board (for the 100A or 100B). I only installed one of them (though I have the manual if needed..): I believe that you remove the 8086 from the motherboard and plug the jumper cable into its socket. The adaptor board had an 8086 already on it, so you got a spare 8086 from the deal. If you don't want the boards: one of our Club members asked me, 2 days ago, about expanding the memory of his 100A Andrew Taylor - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 11-19-90 (20:04) To: ALL Subject: RE: RAINBOW QUESTION From: FRANK ZSITVAY In article <204.2743E4DE.@techbks1.FIDONET.ORG> Paul.Robinson@f103.n109.z1.FIDONET.ORG (Paul Robinson) writes: >Realize this: IBM never patented the design of the IBM-PC, or the XT or the >AT. As a result, anyone could manufacture a competing machine if they could >get a rom-bios for it. And Phoenix, AMI, Award and - as Mike Focke's list of >300 bioses shows - many others followed suit. the other bios companies started up because of the fallout of the apple suit against the far east apple clone makers, who were selling clones of the apple II+ with virtual copies of apple's rom. by the time the ibm pc was fair target for cloning, these apple clones were outlawed, and it seems most manufacturers, even in the far east, learned that US copyright law could be enforced. however, there is more to cloning than having a compatible bios, as many purchasers of early clones found out. the hardware port map and memory map have to be the same. if the hardware is the same, then you could theoretically use, say, an ibm xt bios in a taiwan special xt. however, i don't know if this works in practice, but it seems the major project in producing an ibm compatible bios was to reproduce all of the known features and bugs of the original, using a cleanroom approach. >This meant that above all else a personal computer being sold for use in the >IBM environment has to be IBM compatible or have a steep discount, and since >computers are selling in the normal 5-10% profit range instead of the huge 30% >to 50% profit figures of a few years ago, one has very little alternative but >to make a compatible machine. Such could have been guessed at because, given >the choice between proprietary architecture and open architecture, people go >for the open because they can get what they want from any supplier. true these days, but it wasn't always like that. there were some users who were scared away at the thought of having to open their computer to install a board. they would either pay a service center an extraordinary price to do it, or they would buy a machine that was not user expandable. (so called 'Radio Shack architecture' machines.) in fact, some feel Radio Shack is to blame for this philosophy, since you would void the warrenty on your trs-80 if you openned the case. this created a breed of hobbyist (users are another matter altogether) that didn't care about hardware, and concentrated on software. >This behooves me to ask when the Rainbow came out; if they saw how badly TI >was burned in both their small computers and in the PC market, they should >have learned one thing: the open architecture is the way people want their >systems, and will accept no less. Trying to lock people in with a closed or >proprietary architecture tends to lock you out of customers. Yet they never >learn. Until Chapter 11, that is. DEC's idea for the rainbow was a little different from TI's idea for the professional. DEC saw the rainbow as superior to the IBM, and in some ways they were right. bear in mind, mainframe and minicomputer manufacturers are very proprietary people, and if you owned a pdp11 or a vax, the only thing you could connect to it was equipment the DEC approved of, which in most cases was only DEC supplied hardware. DEC originally scoffed at the idea of the IBM PC, but when micros became popular, they decided they would enter the market, but in their own way. Incidentally, DEC had what TI didn't have, which was a base of customers who were loyal to DEC, as large IBM customers are loyal to IBM. as such, a lot of rainbow machines ended up in universities that had DEC mainframes and minis. which really isn't so bad, when you consider that these machines tend to lose value rapidly, which allows people like us to play with some rather nice hardware. that is, unless it has the letters IBM on it... - -- fzsitvay@techbook.COM - but don't quote me on that.... American Oil Company motto - Bend over, We'll pump!!! - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: TECHbooks One, Fido Gate to techbook (503) 644-8135 (1:105/369.0) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (11/25/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Nov 25, 1990 In this issue: RE: CODE-BLUE RE: RAINBOW QUESTION MISC FORSALE Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 11-21-90 (16:42) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: CODE-BLUE From: PATRICK FINK > From: umigw!mthvax!wb8foz@handies.ucar.edu (David Lesher,,255RTFM,255r > tfm) Organization: NRK Clinic for habitual NetNews Abusers How much does a copy of code blue cost? - --- Opus-CBCS 1.14 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0) ------------------------------ Date: 11-22-90 (03:15) To: FRANK ZSITVAY Subject: RE: RAINBOW QUESTION From: PAUL ROBINSON It seems like TI never lears when it comes to computers, and the evidence appears clear that proprietary architectures, in the long run, lose out to non-proprietary ones. TI introduced the 99/44A and would not tell other companies how to make cartridges for it, but required that they license TI to sell their program. In effect, this left companies that wanted to make software for the 99/44A to let a large company make most of the money - if there was that much to be made - and not allow them to decide how to market their program. Sellers stayed far, far away from this strict requirement and as a result the 99?/44A is 99 44/100% dead [nice pun there].. Then they release a PC computer which is intentionally non-compatible. Not a good idea. They lost money on that, too. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.14 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0) ------------------------------ Date: 11-23-90 (08:01) To: ALL Subject: MISC FORSALE From: DON MARQUART Rainbow floor stand $20 DEC MiniExchange, serial port router $50 Suitable Solutions IBM character ROM for the RB $20 100B memory board adapter. Allows 100B (768K) memory boards to be used on the 100A to increase memory to 832K total. $15 (adapter board only) Graphics option board $20 If interested please call 303-973-8535 or leave message here. Thanks... - --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 VHST/V32/V42b (1:104/888) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/01/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 1, 1990
In this issue:
THINK TANK
RAINBOW 100+ FORSALE
NBS PASCAL COMPILER
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
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Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 11-25-90 (07:14)
To: ALL
Subject: THINK TANK
From: BOB FULLER
Has anyone had any success using Think Tank in the Rainbow
with or without Code Blue. If so, what version have you used and how
well does it behave?
I'd appreciate any help on this as I'd like to use Think
Tank or a similar idea handler on my rainbow with Think tank files from
a Model 100.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 11-24-90 (21:53)
To: ALL
Subject: RAINBOW 100+ FORSALE
From: GEOFF REED
I've got a 100+ forsale.
it has 896K,
Graphics option
10 Meg HD & Controller
Floor stand
Running msdos 3.1
This unit has less than 400 cume power-on hours under it's belt,
I got it from a gent who had purchased it through the U, but discovered
his wife needed to use software for a mac, so this puppy went
into the closet. Asking $300 for it.
Also selling a la-50 with less than 100 pages put through it, asking
$150
Will entertain reasonable offers on either. the + is in a floor
stand, by the way...
e-mail me at glacier peak or call 562-1749, (# good till the 30th,
after that I'll post a new # when we move)
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 11-29-90 (02:52)
To: ALL
Subject: NBS PASCAL COMPILER
From: PAUL ROBINSON
I have obtained the sources to the National Bureau of Standards NBS
Pascal Compiler. I originally downloaded it from (213) 837-0892. The
default account number is 1000 and the default password is
moving_target and you can get access to it there.
.
The NBS Pascal compiler is a set of sources for a Pascal Compiler for
the PDP-11, the compiler is written as two passes, in Pascal except for
the Run Time Library which is in Macro-11. The above number has
sources, object, and binaries.
.
You can also download it in a ZIP format archive from (202) 966-3647 or
in a ZOO format archive from (301) 622-2247. The two files are "NBS"
and "NBSUPD" with either a ZIP or ZOO extension. The ZIP archives are
300 and 275K; the ZOO archives are 354 and 410K. These archives
contain only Pascal and Macro-11 Sources for the compiler, with some
documentation. It may or may not be of use to you.
.
If it's too expensive or you can't download them, you can obtain copies
on IBM or Rainbow format disks, from me at cost, as follows:
.
FOR ZIP FORMAT ARCHIVES ONLY: US DOLS
one 3 1/2" 720K disk [IBM PCs or compatibles] $2
two 3 1/2" 360K disk [Tandy I suppose] $3
two 5 1/4" 360K disk [IBM PCs or compatibles] $2
four 5 1/4" 160K disk [Rainbow or old IBM] * $3
.
FOR ZOO FORMAT ARCHIVES:
Two 3 1/2" 720K disks $3
Three 3 1/2" 360K disks ** $4
Three 5 1/4" 360K disks ** $3
Five 5 1/4" 160K disks *** $4
.
Paul Robinson
Tansin A. Darcos & Company
P O Box 70970
Washington, DC 20024-0970
This is an edited version of the document README.NBS which will be a
separate file explaining the archives, is only 5K and may give
you some information about whether you want to download the files first.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.14
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0)
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/02/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 2, 1990
In this issue:
DEC PRINTERS
THINKTANK (2 messages)
PC100B MEMORY EXPANSION (2 messages)
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 11-30-90 (22:39)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: DEC PRINTERS
From: HOWARD HALL
Frank-
Liked your approaches to printers! It has taken me a while to
investigate various avenues, but have settled on a two-pronged approach:
I plan to take advantage of the offer Don Marquart made re a
replacement LQP02 (I didn't like the prices I would have to pay
DEC for analysis and repair of the one I now own), and
I would like to get font cartridge(s) for the LA100.
Which brings up another point: I haven't seen advertisements ANYWHERE
for LA100 fonts. Does anybody have info regarding source,
price, compatibility, documentation, etc., concerning these cartridges?
I am in Fairfax, VA, (703) 273-7210, would appreciate any help anybody has
hlh
- --- ConfMail V3.31
* Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103)
------------------------------
Date: 11-30-90 (05:48)
To: ALL
Subject: THINKTANK
From: BOB FULLER
I was looking at some of the earlier ThinkTank programs and noticed that
version 1 & 2 are both copy protected meaning the program disk
must be used each time the program is started. Any way around
this other than an I-Drive? Any more progress on I drive drivers?
Thanks in advance
Bob
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 11-30-90 (05:52)
To: ALL
Subject: PC100B MEMORY EXPANSION
From: BOB FULLER
While adding chips to my PC100B Memory Expansion board recently I bent
the tan 10 pin resister pac near the middle of the board. Now
the board doesn't work. I receive error messages ranging from
main system failure to specific faulty chips. However, the
system works great when I install a PC100B Memory Expansion from
another Rainbow.
I want to replace the resister pac that I believe is faulty but I am
unable to find a value for it. It is the bottom most of four
resisterpacks just to the left of the center of theboard.
Above it, starting at the top of the board are three aqumarine
resister pacs, two rows of nine resisters and then the one I
want to replace.
It is tan, long, has ten pins in a row and bears the number C16395-
00 on one side and C16395-00 8326 on the other.
Can someone tell me the value of this part?
Any special precautions to take when I go to replace it?
Thanks for your help.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 12-01-90 (08:10)
To: BOB FULLER
Subject: THINKTANK
From: FRANK MALLORY
BF> I was looking at some of the earlier ThinkTank programs and noticed
BF> that version 1 & 2 are both copy protected meaning the program disk
BF> must be used each time the program is started. Any way around this
BF> other than an I-Drive? Any more progress on I drive drivers?
I have a file UNPROT2.ZIP that tells how to defeat many protection
schemes. Don't know if ThinkTank is covered in this particular
file, but that is the approach I would take.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417)
------------------------------
Date: 12-01-90 (08:14)
To: BOB FULLER
Subject: PC100B MEMORY EXPANSION
From: FRANK MALLORY
BF> I want to replace the resister pac that I believe is faulty but I am
BF> unable to find a value for it. It is the bottom most of four
BF> resisterpacks just to the left of the center of theboard. Above it,
BF> starting at the top of the board are three aqumarine resister pacs, two
BF> rows of nine resisters and then the one I want to replace.
BF> It is tan, long, has ten pins in a row and bears the number C16395-
BF> 00 on one side and C16395-00 8326 on the other.
BF>
BF> Can someone tell me the value of this part?
You can try to get that information from DEC Unlisted Parts
(603-884-5001, last time I tried it).
BF> Any special precautions to take when I go to replace it?
Yes: be careful to avoid bending the legs when you insert it. :-)
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417)
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/06/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 6, 1990
In this issue:
LA100 PROBLEM (2 messages)
RE: PC100B MEMORY EXPANSI
RE: RAINBOW QUESTION
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 12-02-90 (18:50)
To: ALL
Subject: LA100 PROBLEM
From: DAVID HEID
I have an LA100 (with a keyboard) and the setup key is inoperable. I
installed a momentary switch along side the old setup key and
soldered the leads to the circuit board at the point where the
old set up key was. I still cannot get the printer to respond
to 'setup'. Does any one care to speculate on what I should do
next. The printer responds to my rainbow but with garbled
characters and I assumed that the setup needs modified and that
is when I discovered the blown setup key.
Thanks for any help I may get :-)
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 12-04-90 (13:37)
To: DAVID HEID
Subject: LA100 PROBLEM
From: FRANK MALLORY
DH> I have an LA100 (with a keyboard) and the setup key is inoperable. I
DH> installed a momentary switch along side the old setup key and soldered
DH> the leads to the circuit board at the point where the old set up key
DH> was. I still cannot get the printer to respond to 'setup'. Does any one
DH> care to speculate on what I should do next. The printer responds to my
DH> rainbow but with garbled characters and I assumed that the setup needs
DH> modified and that is when I discovered the blown setup key.
Have you tried using the SETPORT program?
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417)
------------------------------
Date: 12-04-90 (05:08)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: RE: PC100B MEMORY EXPANSI
From: BOB FULLER
I appreciate the DEc phonme num,ber for old Rainbow parts.
Sounds like an excellent place to start.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 12-04-90 (10:43)
To: PAUL ROBINSON
Subject: RE: RAINBOW QUESTION
From: RON KRITZMAN
Well Paul, it happened like this. Just about the time the IBM PC came
out, DEC decided that the desktops of the workd should (and
rightfully so) belong to DEC. They came out with the Rainbow
in about 1983, making it what the IBM-PC should have been. It
could run both 8088 and 8080 code. It used the well known
VT-100 cursor control and line drawing sets, it used serial
ports for printers.
It could handle the whole range of memory that the 8088 could address
rather than setting an arbitrary limit at 10x the memory that the old
64k machines had. Smooth scrolling, the setup menus, and a
terminal emulator were built in, and the keyboard was (and still
is) one of the nicest I've ever used.
But DEC being a big company and big companies taking a long time to get
things from drawing board to market, was just a day late and a
dollar short. By the time the machine hit the market the IBM
"standard" was just too firmly entrenched. Companies like Lotus
and WordPerfect, MicroPro, Ashton-Tate and others had pledged that
there would be RB versions of their products. Eventually there
were, but generally not for many months after the versions were
released for Bozo the Clone. To put it another way, there were
a lot of reasons the Rainbow should have been a great thing.
But it just never happened.
Now of course the next generation stuff has all but supplanted the
original 8088s even in the IBM world and even DEC die-hards like myself
have gone the clone route. $500 for a DEC floppy controller,
while I paid $1050 for this whole '286, complete with a 40 mb
drive and a meg of RAM. <<insert heavy sigh here>>
- --end of history lesson--
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.14
* Origin: Chicago's BIT WIZ Opus HST (Net 115 NEC) (1:115/689.0)
------------------------------theall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/09/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 8, 1990
In this issue:
RE: LA100 PROBLEM
RE: RAINBOW QUESTION (4 messages)
ANDY BOYCE
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 12-05-90 (07:47)
To: DAVID HEID
Subject: RE: LA100 PROBLEM
From: PAUL OLSON
David,
I don't have the manual for the printer here, but it seems to me that
in order to get the printer into setup mode, there was some
other key sequence, something like Ctrl-Setup. I could be
wrong. I might be remembering the keyboardless version which
you had to power up while holding down one of the few keys it
had. Hope this helps.
As Always,
Paul
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.14
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0)
------------------------------
Date: 12-05-90 (17:40)
To: RON KRITZMAN
Subject: RE: RAINBOW QUESTION
From: FRANK MALLORY
RK> Well Paul, it happened like this. Just about the time the IBM PC came
RK> out, DEC decided that the desktops of the workd should (and rightfully
RK> so) belong to DEC. They came out with the Rainbow in about 1983,
RK> making it what the IBM-PC should have been. It could run both 8088 and
RK> 8080 code. It used the well known VT-100 cursor control and line
RK> drawing sets, it used serial ports for printers.
RK> It could handle the whole range of memory that the 8088 could address
RK> rather than setting an arbitrary limit at 10x the memory that the old
RK> 64k machines had. Smooth scrolling, the setup menus, and a terminal
RK> emulator were built in, and the keyboard was (and still is) one of the
RK> nicest I've ever used.
On the down side, it was designed to operate with CP/M (sorry, Paul
Olson), and you couldn't format non-DEC diskettes on it.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417)
------------------------------
Date: 12-06-90 (07:41)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: RE: RAINBOW QUESTION
From: PAUL OLSON
Frank,
Hey, no need to apologize. Yes, I still love the 'bow and CP/M, but
even _I_ have outgrown the software on the CP/M side of the
'bow world. I'd say now-a-days, half of my work is on the DOS
side of the world when I work on the 'bow.
Sad to say (to the Rainbow community at least), I have been seduced by
the multitasking/graphic nature of the Amiga. I still use the
'bow for my word processing (still the best keyboard in the world)
and my spreadsheets ('cause I'm too cheap to buy Lotus), but the
graphic subsystem was too limited for the type of work that I
do (photo imaging and generated graphics). So I moved on to the Amiga.
I do use the program QC, written by Carl Houseman, to communicate to the
rest of the world. It has never given me any trouble, unlike
some of the PC clone telecomm packages I use at work. So the
'bow has become my "Communications Coordinator". I even use it
as a print server for the Amiga (I'm too lazy to disconnect the
LA50 from the
'bow to hook it to the Amiga), and as a remote console into the Amiga.
I guess, to make a long story short, old computer equipment doesn't die,
it just gets put to different uses! ;-)
Oh, yea, by having a 5" IDRIVE on the 'bow, I transfer files from the
VAXen at work, to the PC clones, to the 'bow (via diskette) to
the Amiga! How's that for round-about! When you don't have a
dial- in line to the VAXen, the 'bow comes in _real_ handy.
As Always,
Paul
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.14
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0)
------------------------------
Date: 12-05-90 (19:49)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: RE: RAINBOW QUESTION
From: PATRICK FINK
Who ever said MS-DOS was better than CPM? :-)
-Pat
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.14
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0)
------------------------------
Date: 12-06-90 (18:58)
To: PATRICK FINK
Subject: RE: RAINBOW QUESTION
From: FRANK MALLORY
PF> Who ever said MS-DOS was better than CPM? :-)
Microsoft, for one. It's not really a question of which is "better";
the fact is that DEC bet the personal computer world would
follow CP/M, and IBM bet on MS-DOS. IBM won.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417)
------------------------------
Date: 12-07-90 (17:18)
To: ALL
Subject: ANDY BOYCE
From: ANDY BOYCE
I have 2 pc100b memory extension cards for the rainbow if anybody wants
them for the grand total of $0.00. There are no ram chips
installed but I do have 36 41256-80 chips that I would like to
sell for $1.49 each. If interested, call me at 508 460 1643.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.14
* Origin: WayStar BBS (1:322/14.0)
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/11/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 11, 1990 In this issue: NOBODY ASKED ME, BUT... (2 messages) 100B MEMORY BOARDS... Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 12-09-90 (12:53) To: ALL Subject: NOBODY ASKED ME, BUT... From: FRANK MALLORY I upgraded to WordPerfect 5.1 on my Rainbow a short while ago, and I just got around to RTFM. I found that there is now a switch /ss that lets you set your screen size. Tried it under CB and discovered that it doesn't work with the CB/V switch, but you can use CB without any switches (i.e., CB WP51/ss=24,80) and you will get a 24 line display. It also works with CB/C, if you want a more colorful screen (even with the VR201 monochrome monitor); however, I haven't been able to get the View Document operation to work at all. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 12-08-90 (05:48) To: BOB FULLER Subject: 100B MEMORY BOARDS... From: DON MARQUART * Original: FROM ... (1:104/801.0) Andy Boyce * Original: TO...... (1:104/888.0) All * Forwarded: BY ..... (1:104/888) Dutchie 2.90c; Don Marquart I have 2 pc100b memory extension cards for the rainbow if anybody wants them for the grand total of $0.00. There are no ram chips installed but I do have 36 41256-80 chips that I would like to sell for $1.49 each. If interested, call me at 508 460 1643. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.14 * Origin: WayStar BBS (1:322/14.0) ------------------------------ Date: 12-11-90 (07:50) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: NOBODY ASKED ME, BUT... From: GEORGE THEALL FM>I upgraded to WordPerfect 5.1 on my Rainbow a short while ago, and I ... FM>the VR201 monochrome monitor); however, I haven't been able to FM>get the View Document operation to work at all. Frank, have you run Setup and specified a text-only as your graphics screen type? George ------------------------------
theall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/16/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 15, 1990
In this issue:
MEMORY BOARDS
RE: LA100 PROBLEM (3 messages)
RAINBOW 190 (2 messages)
RAINBOW PBBS
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 12-11-90 (14:09)
To: KEVIN FUNNELL
Subject: MEMORY BOARDS
From: ANDY BOYCE
Sorry, the boards are gone. I sent them both to Bob Fuller, he only
needs one and promised to find a home for the other. You might
send him a note. Doesnt anyone want my ram chips?
Andy
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.14
* Origin: WayStar BBS (1:322/14.0)
------------------------------
Date: 12-10-90 (08:25)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: RE: LA100 PROBLEM
From: DAVID HEID
I'm not familiar with Setport. Can you elaborate a bit? Thanks
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 12-10-90 (08:28)
To: PAUL OLSON
Subject: RE: LA100 PROBLEM
From: DAVID HEID
Thanks, for the answer Paul. It sure is great to have someone give some
input. A friend of mine is going to look at the beast on Wed. and when
I find out what the problem was I'll let every one hear it in
case a future problem occurs for someone else.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 12-10-90 (08:33)
To: ALL
Subject: RAINBOW 190
From: DAVID HEID
Has anyone any knowledge of a 'Rainbow 190'. A friend called last night
and said that he picked up a cpu only and the case has 'Rainbow 190'
on the front instead of Rainbow plus. It has a hard drive in it.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 12-12-90 (00:05)
To: DAVID HEID
Subject: RE: LA100 PROBLEM
From: FRANK MALLORY
DH> I'm not familiar with Setport. Can you elaborate a bit? Thanks
SETPORT is a utility that comes with Rainbow MS-DOS. It lets you set up
your COMM and printer ports.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417)
------------------------------
Date: 12-12-90 (00:07)
To: DAVID HEID
Subject: RAINBOW 190
From: FRANK MALLORY
DH> Has anyone any knowledge of a 'Rainbow 190'. A friend called last night
DH> and said that he picked up a cpu only and the case has 'Rainbow 190' on
DH> the front instead of Rainbow plus. It has a hard drive in it.
That was DEC's attempt to promote the Rainbow as a workstation. As I
recall, it had no additional features over a fully loaded 100+.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417)
------------------------------
Date: 12-12-90 (16:18)
To: ALL
Subject: RAINBOW PBBS
From: EDMUND DAMON
Greatings one and all.
name here is ED and I was wondering if anyone knows of someone that
has an example of asmbley code to operate the aux port on the Bow.
I am writing a mailbox program for Ameture Radio and just cant seem to
figure the COM (AUX) Port out. thx in advance ED
- ---
* Origin: Midnight DEC - The BBS for DEC sales & information (Opus 1:101/45)
------------------------------theall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (12/21/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 20, 1990
In this issue:
GW BASIC INTERP
RE: RAINBOW 190 (2 messages)
FILE LIST NEEDED
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 12-16-90 (15:20)
To: ALL
Subject: GW BASIC INTERP
From: PATRICK FINK
Where can I get a copy of the Gw Basic interperator for the Rainbow?
Note: Not the compiler, the interp.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.14
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0)
------------------------------
Date: 12-17-90 (19:58)
To: JACK STEVENS
Subject: RE: RAINBOW 190
From: DAVID STRICKLER
In a message of <14 Dec 90 13:01:39>, Jack Stevens (1:101/45) writes:
JS>To the best of my recollection, the Rainbow 190 was a marketing
JS>concept, consisting of a B processor, hard drive, extra memory,
JS>graphics board
JS>(?), and some software (possibly Rainbow Office Workstation).
Quite correct! It was a rainbow with the ROW (Rainbow Office
Workstation) software bundled with it. Not very impressive...
David Strickler
Sysop of 101/45
Midnight DEC (Boston)
(617)739-0708 [Voice]
- --- msged 1.99S ZTC
* Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45)
------------------------------
Date: 12-18-90 (05:36)
To: DAVID HEID
Subject: RE: RAINBOW 190
From: BOB FULLER
I also have a Rainbow 190 and as best as I can tell it means
that, at one time, it had a networking option installed, hense the 190
designation. With a hard drive installed, I would guess that
the networking hardware is no longer installed which means that
your friend now has a RB 100B.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 12-19-90 (17:51)
To: ALL
Subject: FILE LIST NEEDED
From: NOLAN LEE
I recently aquired a 100+ with a pile of software and documentation. The
problem is that many of the software disks had gotten wet and
are unreadable. Fortunatly, everything was on hard disk and is OK.
My first priority is to make file copies of the Lotus 123 programs.
What I need help with is , which Lotus prgms go on what disk. Cna anybody help?
The version of Lotus that I have is 1A.
Thanks in advance, Nolan.
Nolan E. Lee
P.O.Drawer 860
Sun, LA 70463-0860
(504) 886-3713
CI$ [72207,1440]
- ---
* Origin: The NorthLake DATA EXCHANGE * Folsom * LA * 506-796-5860 (1:390/3)
------------------------------theall@ssctemp.ssc.upenn.edu (George A. Theall) (12/23/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 22, 1990 In this issue: DBASE COPYRIGHT (2 messages) RAINBOW PBBS RAINBOW 190 RAINBOW(S) WANTED Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 12-21-90 (03:34) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: DBASE COPYRIGHT From: PAUL ROBINSON Don't expect to be able to make copies of DBASE until the court decision goes all the way to certiorari and either the Supreme Court rules on it or declines to decide. This also causes another thicket: if DBASE is held non-copyrightable, which versions are or are not protected, and does the loss of protection include the manuals or just the software. If this is upheld, I for one might go over to the copyright office and see about getting a copy of the source listing, whatever they have there. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.14 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0) ------------------------------ Date: 12-21-90 (07:33) To: PAUL ROBINSON Subject: DBASE COPYRIGHT From: FRANK MALLORY PR> Don't expect to be able to make copies of DBASE until the court PR> decision goes all the way to certiorari and either the Supreme Court PR> rules on it or declines to decide. Has A-T stated that they intend to take it to the courts? - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 12-19-90 (22:10) To: EDMUND DAMON Subject: RAINBOW PBBS From: ED RIDPATH > name here is ED and I was wondering if anyone knows of someone that >has an example of asmbley code to operate the aux port on the Bow. >I am writing a mailbox program for Ameture Radio and just cant seem to >figure the COM (AUX) Port out. thx in advance ED Use a FOSSIL and you won't have to worry about. Not only that, but anything you write for a Rainbow comm port will work on an IBM with FOSSIL. Ed - --- msged 2.05 * Origin: Keep It Simple - Aiken, SC (803) 648-0283 (1:3624/11) ------------------------------ Date: 12-19-90 (22:12) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RAINBOW 190 From: ED RIDPATH DH> Has anyone any knowledge of a 'Rainbow 190'. A friend called last night DH> and said that he picked up a cpu only and the case has 'Rainbow 190' on DH> the front instead of Rainbow plus. It has a hard drive in it. >That was DEC's attempt to promote the Rainbow as a workstation. As I >recall, it had no additional features over a fully loaded 100+. I think that was the one that was bundle with the 'Rainbow Office' software, WPS+, some networking, other neat things that you couldn't use without a megabucks VAX. Ed - --- msged 2.05 * Origin: Keep It Simple - Aiken, SC (803) 648-0283 (1:3624/11) ------------------------------ Date: 12-21-90 (11:43) To: ALL Subject: RAINBOW(S) WANTED From: EDWIN GENTLEY I work at a private, non-profit agency that would be delighted to receive Rainbows unwanted by the current owner. Leave message here, or call 508-393-6116. Ed - --- Opus-CBCS 1.14 * Origin: WayStar BBS (1:322/14.0) ------------------------------
theall@ssctemp.ssc.upenn.edu (George A. Theall) (12/25/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 24, 1990
In this issue:
FILE LIST NEEDED (3 messages)
DBASE COPYRIGHT
RAINBOW 190
RE: VT102 CODES
DBASE
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 12-21-90 (21:42)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: FILE LIST NEEDED
From: NOLAN LEE
I really appreciate the list of the system disk for Lotus 123!
I'm not sure what you mean by a "key" disk. The Lotus files on the hard
drive work. I assume that I can just copy them back to the
original floppies after I reformat them and it will run. At
least I hope so. If they have been loaded to the hd and they
work, then the previous owner must have unprotected them, don't
you think?
Thanks again, and if you get a listing handy of the rest of the files
please drop me a note.
Nolan
- ---
* Origin: NorthLake DATA EXCHANGE * Folsom * LA * 506-796-5860 (1:390/3)
------------------------------
Date: 12-20-90 (19:20)
To: NOLAN LEE
Subject: FILE LIST NEEDED
From: FRANK MALLORY
NL> My first priority is to make file copies of the Lotus 123 programs.
NL> What I need help with is , which Lotus prgms go on what disk. Cna
NL> anybody help?
The only one I can put my hand on at the moment is the System diskette:
DI-3.0 LOTUSSYSTEM 12/20/90 19:17 Dr A Free Space: 132608 Bytes 259 Sec.
Filename.Ext Bytes Last Update Filename.Ext Bytes Last Update
123 .CNF 256 10/01/83 00:18 KB .DRV 599 11/16/83
01:23 123 .EXE 89984 11/16/83 01:23 LOTUS .COM
481 11/16/83 01:23 123 .HLP 112268 11/16/83 01:23
LTSLOAD .COM 10062 11/16/83 01:23 GD .DRV 2641
11/16/83 01:23 PR .DRV 116 11/16/83 01:23 INSTALL
.BAT 870 11/16/83 01:23 SAMPLE .PRN 6400 12/25/89
16:32 INSTALL .EXE 28160 12/25/89 16:32 TD .DRV
5422 11/16/83 01:23
12 Files, 257259 Bytes 508 Sec.
I hope you realize that the standard 1A is copy protected (requiring a
"key disk"); you can't just copy the files to another diskette
and expect it to work. Likewise, unless you have unprotected it,
your HD version won't work without a valid system diskette.
BTW, to add to Ed Esber's problems, Ashton-Tate's copyright for dBase
has just been disallowed. This means that anyone not subject
to the license agreement is free to copy it with impunity.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417)
------------------------------
Date: 12-22-90 (02:30)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: DBASE COPYRIGHT
From: PAUL ROBINSON
Do you really expect A-T to just sit by and let a judge declare that
DBASE is not copyrighted? They have a lot more to lose if they
don't appeal.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.14
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0)
------------------------------
Date: 12-22-90 (07:52)
To: ED RIDPATH
Subject: RAINBOW 190
From: FRANK MALLORY
ER> I think that was the one that was bundle with the 'Rainbow Office'
ER> software, WPS+, some networking, other neat things that you couldn't
ER> use without a megabucks VAX.
I got a copy of ROW and tried using it on my RB at the office. Found
that you need some special software on the VAX end, which is
no longer available.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417)
------------------------------
Date: 12-22-90 (10:45)
To: NOLAN LEE
Subject: FILE LIST NEEDED
From: FRANK MALLORY
NL> I really appreciate the list of the system disk for Lotus 123!
NL> I'm not sure what you mean by a "key" disk. The Lotus files on the hard
NL> drive work. I assume that I can just copy them back to the original
If it works without having a system disk in drive A, then it has been
unprotected.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417)
------------------------------
Date: 12-21-90 (23:59)
To: PATRICK FINK
Subject: RE: VT102 CODES
From: DAVID MAROUN
To get line drawing characters on a Rainbow, send the sequence
<ESC> ) 0 ^N
(the '^N' is control-N) to the screen. You will now get line-drawing
characters instead of lower-case letters.
To return to lower case, send control-O to the screen.
Under MS-DOS, you can send the desired sequences to the screen by the command
COPY CON CON<Return>
After you have entered this command, you can press the <Interrupt> (or
<F6>) key to produce the escape character, the <)> key (that is shift-
zero) to get ')', control-N to get that character, and so on. Control-
Z followed by the <Return> key ends the sequence. You can
also press the <Exit> key (also called <F10>) instead of control-Z.
Under CP/M, you can use PIP as in
PIP CON:=CON:<Return>
but this time the <ESC> key (that is, <F11>) sends the escape character,
and you cannot use the <Exit> key instead of control-Z. Also,
you need not press the <Return> key after entering control-Z.
You can also make up little files having the desired codes in them with
an editor like SEDT or WordStar (keep WordStar in non-document
mode), and TYPE the files to the screen
Hope this helps.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 12-22-90 (00:11)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: DBASE
From: DAVID MAROUN
> BTW, to add to Ed Esber's problems, Ashton-Tate's copyright
> for dBase has just been disallowed. This means that anyone
> not subject to the license agreement is free to copy it
> with impunity.
>
Which version(s) of dBASE? II? III? III Plus? IV? for Rainbows only? or what?
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------theall@ssctemp.ssc.upenn.edu (George A. Theall) (12/27/90)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 26, 1990 In this issue: FILE LIST NEEDED (2 messages) DBASE Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 12-24-90 (04:24) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: FILE LIST NEEDED From: NOLAN LEE Lotus 123 works fine on the hard drive with no floppie disks in the machine. But when I copy the files to the floppies, it crashes. how many hidden files are on the lotus sys disk? I guess that I could just backup all of the lotus files on the hd but I'm worried that I may miss a hidden file or two and then if I need to replace the data on the hd, it won't work. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, Nolan - --- * Origin: NorthLake DATA EXCHANGE * Folsom * LA * 506-796-5860 (1:390/3) ------------------------------ Date: 12-24-D90 (09:17) To: DAVID MAROUN Subject: DBASE From: FRANK MALLORY DM> > BTW, to add to Ed Esber's problems, Ashton-Tate's copyright DM> > for dBase has just been disallowed. This means that anyone DM> > not subject to the license agreement is free to copy it DM> > with impunity. DM> > DM> Which version(s) of dBASE? II? III? III Plus? IV? for Rainbows only? DM> or what? The copyright was overturned on the basis that dBase II was derived from a Government program (Vulcan). I *assume* but don't know, that A-T would have to show that at some point they abandoned all the public contribution and came up with a completely new product, in order to substantiate the copyright. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 12-24-D90 (14:42) To: NOLAN LEE Subject: FILE LIST NEEDED From: FRANK MALLORY NL> Lotus 123 works fine on the hard drive with no floppie disks in the NL> machine. But when I copy the files to the floppies, it crashes. how NL> many hidden files are on the lotus sys disk? NL> I guess that I could just backup all of the lotus files on the hd but NL> I'm worried that I may miss a hidden file or two and then if I need to NL> replace the data on the hd, it won't work. NL> Any advice would be greatly appreciated, Nolan It shouldn't crash; this may indicate that you have copied it wrong. I seldom use Lotus, but I seem to recall that if the protection isn't correct, you will either get a message when you start up and/or certain of the functions won't work (e.g., printing and saving). There's a program called DISK, available here as DISK31.ZIP, that lets you see all files (incl. hidden ones) in a directory and change the attributes so they are unhidden and can be copied. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------
theall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (01/01/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Dec 31, 1990 In this issue: FILE LIST NEEDED (2 messages) RE: RAINBOW PBBS Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 12-25-90 (17:42) To: NOLAN LEE Subject: FILE LIST NEEDED From: FRANK MALLORY NL> Thanks again, and if you get a listing handy of the rest of the files NL> please drop me a note. I can't find the other original disks, but I found the ARCed on a couple floppies. Here are the listings: System Disk Name Length Method Size CF Date Time CRC Attr - ------------ ------- -------- ------- --- -------- -------- -------- ---- 123 .CNF 256 Crunched 62 76% 2-03-85 10:01:38 AFB5 xxxx 123 .EXE 89984 Squashed 64865 28% 2-03-85 10:01:32 F6D2 xxxx 123 .HLP 112268 Squeezed 112065 1% 2-03-85 10:01:44 B23A xxxx FILEMGR .COM 17708 Crunched 11085 38% 2-03-85 10:02:56 38B3 xxxx GD .DRV 2641 Crunched 1969 26% 2-03-85 10:01:58 7C19 xxxx INSTALL .EXE 28160 Crunched 12473 56% 11-08-83 5:43:50 8613 xxxx KB .DRV 599 Crunched 519 14% 2-03-85 10:02:04 6755 xxxx LOTUS .COM 481 Crunched 383 21% 2-03-85 10:01:06 8F5F xxxx LTSLOAD .COM 10062 Crunched 6827 33% 2-03-85 10:02:44 8C61 xxxx PR .DRV 106 Crunched 75 30% 2-03-85 10:02:16 C47E xxxx SAMPLE .PRN 6400 Crunched 2014 69% 11-08-83 9:09:44 431A xxxx TD .DRV 5422 Crunched 1141 79% 2-03-85 10:01:54 C768 xxxx - ------------ ------- -------- ------- --- -------- -------- -------- ---- PrintGraph Disk: - ------------ ------- -------- ------- --- -------- -------- -------- ---- BLOCK1 .FON 3597 Crunched 2707 25% 3-02-84 1:23:00 64D4 xxxx BLOCK2 .FON 6593 Crunched 4938 26% 3-02-84 1:23:00 0581 xxxx GRAPH .CNF 384 Crunched 117 70% 10-01-83 0:17:34 3925 xxxx GRAPH .EXE 62080 Squashed 42528 32% 3-02-84 1:23:00 A837 xxxx GRAPH .HLP 19969 Stored 19969 0% 3-02-84 1:23:00 0B94 xxxx ITALIC1 .FON 6507 Crunched 5249 20% 3-02-84 1:23:00 F1A0 xxxx ITALIC2 .FON 9076 Crunched 7120 22% 3-02-84 1:23:00 F880 xxxx LOTUS .COM 481 Crunched 383 21% 3-02-84 1:23:00 8F5F xxxx LOTUS .DLB 6892 Crunched 1550 78% 3-02-84 1:23:00 6C5A xxxx LTSLOAD .COM 10062 Crunched 6827 33% 3-02-84 1:23:00 8C61 xxxx ROMAN1 .FON 4744 Crunched 4170 13% 3-02-84 1:23:00 7B24 xxxx ROMAN2 .FON 9117 Crunched 6952 24% 3-02-84 1:23:00 2A0C xxxx SCRIPT1 .FON 5831 Crunched 4838 18% 3-02-84 1:23:00 7CDC xxxx SCRIPT2 .FON 7726 Crunched 6233 20% 3-02-84 1:23:00 A4CB xxxx - ------------ ------- -------- ------- --- -------- -------- -------- ---- Utility Diskette: - ------------ ------- -------- ------- --- -------- -------- -------- ---- COLOR .BAT 1152 Crunched 401 66% 3-02-84 1:23:00 4934 xxxx CONTINUE.BAT 3968 Crunched 718 82% 3-02-84 1:23:00 8331 xxxx DBFWKS .EXE 16000 Crunched 11343 30% 3-02-84 1:23:00 E123 xxxx DEC0B80 .DRV 5411 Crunched 1125 80% 3-02-84 1:23:00 B0DA xxxx DEC0C80 .DRV 5430 Crunched 1154 79% 3-02-84 1:23:00 0D70 xxxx DEC0M80 .DRV 5422 Crunched 1141 79% 3-02-84 1:23:00 C768 xxxx DEC1COLO.DRV 2641 Crunched 1959 26% 3-02-84 1:23:00 DFD0 xxxx DEC1MONO.DRV 2641 Crunched 1969 26% 3-02-84 1:23:00 7C19 xxxx DEC2KB .DRV 599 Crunched 519 14% 3-02-84 1:23:00 6755 xxxx DEC3PR .DRV 106 Crunched 75 30% 3-02-84 1:23:00 C47E xxxx DIFWKS .EXE 18304 Crunched 12726 31% 3-02-84 1:23:00 6878 xxxx INSTALL .BAT 870 Crunched 314 64% 3-02-84 1:23:00 2BF0 xxxx LOTUS .COM 481 Crunched 383 21% 3-02-84 1:23:00 8F5F xxxx LTSLOAD .COM 10062 Crunched 6827 33% 3-02-84 1:23:00 8C61 xxxx MONO .BAT 1152 Crunched 399 66% 3-02-84 1:23:00 99FE xxxx NOGRAPHC.BAT 1021 Crunched 389 62% 3-02-84 1:23:00 1FF8 xxxx NOGRAPHM.BAT 1021 Crunched 389 62% 3-02-84 1:23:00 5632 xxxx PR .DRV 106 Crunched 75 30% 3-02-84 1:23:00 C47E xxxx TRANSLAT.COM 20189 Crunched 12864 37% 3-02-84 1:23:00 0B7A xxxx VCWKS .EXE 20224 Crunched 13631 33% 3-02-84 1:23:00 1B7A xxxx WKSDBF .EXE 16128 Crunched 10658 34% 3-02-84 1:23:00 C35E xxxx WKSDIF .EXE 14336 Crunched 8688 40% 3-02-84 1:23:00 87A5 xxxx - ------------ ------- -------- ------- --- -------- -------- -------- ---- Tutorial Diskette: - ------------ ------- -------- ------- --- -------- -------- -------- ---- GD .DRV 2641 Crunched 1969 26% 3-02-84 1:23:00 7C19 xxxx INSTALL .BAT 901 Crunched 396 57% 3-02-84 1:23:00 42B6 xxxx KB .DRV 599 Crunched 519 14% 3-02-84 1:23:00 6755 xxxx LESNA_1 .WKS 2944 Crunched 1290 57% 3-02-84 1:23:00 FBD6 xxxx LESNA_2 .WKS 1792 Crunched 496 73% 3-02-84 1:23:00 DFCF xxxx LESNB_1 .WKS 2816 Crunched 1151 60% 3-02-84 1:23:00 C90F xxxx LESNC_1 .WKS 2944 Crunched 1121 62% 3-02-84 1:23:00 CB52 xxxx LESND_1 .WKS 2560 Crunched 884 66% 3-02-84 1:23:00 807A xxxx LESNE_1 .WKS 4224 Crunched 1679 61% 3-02-84 1:23:00 A48D xxxx LESNF_1 .WKS 4352 Crunched 1231 72% 3-02-84 1:23:00 3C13 xxxx LESNF_2 .WKS 3456 Crunched 1011 71% 3-02-84 1:23:00 B14E xxxx LESSONA .WKS 128 Packed 4 97% 10-01-83 0:36:44 D80B xxxx LESSONB .WKS 128 Packed 4 97% 10-01-83 4:30:26 D80B xxxx LESSONC .WKS 128 Packed 4 97% 10-01-83 4:48:32 D80B xxxx PR .DRV 106 Crunched 75 30% 3-02-84 1:23:00 C47E xxxx TD .DRV 5422 Crunched 1141 79% 3-02-84 1:23:00 C768 xxxx TUT0 .TUT 489 Crunched 402 18% 3-02-84 1:23:00 CCA2 xxxx TUTA .TUT 32082 Squashed 17820 45% 3-02-84 1:23:00 79C8 xxxx TUTB .TUT 19255 Squashed 11156 43% 3-02-84 1:23:00 331F xxxx TUTC .TUT 14428 Squashed 8288 43% 3-02-84 1:23:00 19AB xxxx TUTD .TUT 24232 Squashed 13421 45% 3-02-84 1:23:00 067F xxxx TUTE .TUT 24897 Squashed 13752 45% 3-02-84 1:23:00 61F0 xxxx TUTF .TUT 21090 Squashed 11713 45% 3-02-84 1:23:00 9CDC xxxx TUTOR .CNF 256 Crunched 60 77% 3-02-84 1:23:00 1EDE xxxx TUTOR .EXE 108800 Squashed 68115 38% 3-02-84 1:23:00 506A xxxx TUTOR .HLP 4665 Crunched 4256 9% 3-02-84 1:23:00 B56F xxxx - ------------ ------- -------- ------- --- -------- -------- -------- ---- - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 12-28-90 (15:01) To: ED RIDPATH Subject: RE: RAINBOW PBBS From: DAVID STRICKLER Its really an excellent idea. I have written many EXEs with the fossil, and have been VERY pleased with the results. DWS - --- * Origin: Midnight DEC - The BBS for DEC sales & information (Opus 1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 12-29-90 (19:58) To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: FILE LIST NEEDED From: NOLAN LEE I recopied it (lotus 123) and it seems to work ok now. Since software solutions stopped the support for the rainbow, where can I get a copy of MSDOS 3.1 for the rainbow? I'm still using 2.05. I would also like to get a copy of the dec hd drive disk that came with the rainbow 100+. DEC told me that they don't stock it any more. I've been usind WUTIL for reforematting and such but would like to get the HD diag. pgms; Thanks Nolan - --- * Origin: NorthLake DATA EXCHANGE * Folsom * LA * 506-796-5860 (1:390/3) ------------------------------
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (01/04/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jan 3, 1991
In this issue:
FILE LIST NEEDED (3 messages)
LQP-02 (3 messages)
SERVICING A RAINBOW 100B (3 messages)
DOS 2.11
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 01-01-91 (02:33)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: FILE LIST NEEDED
From: NOLAN LEE
Caroline will be out of touch till after the first week of Jan. I guess
that you know that she moved to Va.
Do you have a copy of a later dos ver than 2.05?
Thanks in advance, Nolan
- ---
* Origin: NorthLake DATA EXCHANGE * Folsom * LA * 506-796-5860 (1:390/3)
------------------------------
Date: 12-30-90 (08:32)
To: NOLAN LEE
Subject: FILE LIST NEEDED
From: FRANK MALLORY
NL> I recopied it (lotus 123) and it seems to work ok now. Since software
NL> solutions stopped the support for the rainbow, where can I get a copy
NL> of MSDOS 3.1 for the rainbow?
Have you tried contacting them? Failing that, you might try contacting
Caroline Mack.
NL> I'm still using 2.05. I would also like to get a copy of the dec hd
NL> drive disk that came with the rainbow 100+.
NL> DEC told me that they don't stock it any more. I've been usind WUTIL
NL> for reforematting and such but would like to get the HD diag. pgms;
If it's no longer available, there's a good chance that it has been
"archived". That's DEC jargon meaning that anyone is free to copy it.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417)
------------------------------
Date: 12-31-90 (23:30)
To: DON MARQUART
Subject: LQP-02
From: HOWARD HALL
DON-
I would guess that my response on 1 December did not make the trip,
so will try again.
I would like to buy your extra LQP-02, terms you cited are acceptable.
How do we proceed from here?
Howard L. HALL
3804 Richardson Place
Fairfax, VA 22030-3123
(703) 273-7210
hlh
- --- ConfMail V3.31
* Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103)
------------------------------
Date: 01-01-91 (07:51)
To: HOWARD HALL
Subject: LQP-02
From: FRANK MALLORY
HH> I would like to buy your extra LQP-02, terms you cited are
HH> acceptable.
About 3 weeks ago, somebody advertised a Rainbow system with LQP-02 and
another printer in the Sunday Washington Post. You might try to
resurrect the ad a give them a call.
I hope you and all others here have a very happy and prosperous New
Year. Keep the faith: the Rainbow will live on into the 21st Century.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417)
------------------------------
Date: 01-01-91 (15:20)
To: ANYONE
Subject: SERVICING A RAINBOW 100B
From: KURT REISLER
Any recommendations as to where to get a Rainbow serviced? My 100B
just suffered a system board failure, and I am not sure that
DEC is still servicing them. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
- --- ConfMail V3.31
* Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103)
------------------------------
Date: 01-01-91 (22:12)
To: NOLAN LEE
Subject: FILE LIST NEEDED
From: FRANK MALLORY
NL> Caroline will be out of touch till after the first week of Jan. I guess
NL> that you know that she moved to Va.
It SEEMS like she has been in the process of moving for a year or more.
NL> Do you have a copy of a later dos ver than 2.05?
NL> Thanks in advance, Nolan
Yes, I have the latest (3.10b), but I can't sell it unless it has been
released from copyright and licensing restrictions.
Possibly I have an old original 2.11 around here that I could sell, but
I think you would be better off waiting to get 3.10.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417)
------------------------------
Date: 01-02-91 (14:02)
To: KURT REISLER
Subject: SERVICING A RAINBOW 100B
From: NOLAN LEE
If you are sure that its the system board that failed, call:
Efficent Field Service Corp. at 1 800 257-4745.
In their last price list (2 Months old), the cost to repair (including
parts) is $221.00 with a three day turn aroound.
You can call them for more information. They seem to be a pretty good
bunch. I know that they repair quite a bit of DEC stuff,
complete systems or even just subassemblies and iindi. boards.
Good luck with it, and if I can be of further help, drop me a line.
Nolan
- ---
* Origin: NorthLake DATA EXCHANGE * Folsom * LA * 506-796-5860 (1:390/3)
------------------------------
Date: 01-02-91 (14:06)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: DOS 2.11
From: NOLAN LEE
Do you have the original MS-DOS 2.11 disk and Manual?
If so what do you want for them?
Also, I'm wonderiin what the major differences between the 3.1 for the
Bow and the 3.2 that I'm running on my clone?
Thanks again, Nolan.
- ---
* Origin: NorthLake DATA EXCHANGE * Folsom * LA * 506-796-5860 (1:390/3)
------------------------------
Date: 01-02-91 (10:06)
To: KURT REISLER
Subject: SERVICING A RAINBOW 100B
From: DON MARQUART
> Any recommendations as to where to get a Rainbow serviced? My 100B just
> suffered a system board failure, and I am not sure that DEC is still
> servicing them. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Before taking it in for service you should pull the mother board out
and reseat all the chips. This may well fix it, it did for me
some time ago.
Later...
- --- ConfMail V4.00
* Origin: Club Micro (303)973-8578 VHST/V32/V42b (1:104/888)
------------------------------
Date: 01-02-91 (17:43)
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: LQP-02
From: HOWARD HALL
Frank-
I spotted te advertisement in the Post; I called, and the LQP-02 was
already gone. He had several other items, including some
RAINBOWS, he was clearing outan office in preparation for
re-tooling. He had a couple of other printers that sounded
interesting, but the price tag was a bit steep.
I LIKE this idea that all and sundry are willing to lend a hand!
We'll keep a lot of this stuff running in spite of itself!
hlh
- --- ConfMail V3.31
* Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103)
------------------------------GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (01/05/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jan 5, 1991 In this issue: 100+ MEMORY EXTENSION SALE OF RAINBOW He's Back Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 01-03-91 (21:30) To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: 100+ MEMORY EXTENSION From: FRANK MALLORY GT> From: munnari.oz.au!mullauna!tw#uunet.uu.net (Thomas Weichert) GT> GT> I have a heap of knowingly well working 41256 DRAM chips, that I want GT> to use to upgrade my 100+ to its full capacity! The memory card excepts GT> the chips as 4164 with switches 2+3 down and gives me 384k Memory, but GT> in UP-Position no workies anymore(Message 27) GT> GT> Question1: What could be the problem with the card? Question2: Are GT> there any jumpers on the Mainboard to be set?? All switches should be UP for a memory board fully populated with 256K chips. Run the DEC memory diagnostic to isolate bad chips. There are no switches on the main board. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 01-03-91 (12:12) To: RAINBOW D:BUG USER GROUP, Subject: SALE OF RAINBOW From: BRUCE MITCHELL hello. I have been to a few d:bug meetings before and members have helped me with my rainbow. I am in a curious position. I donated my machine to a non-profit. they now want me tp sell it for them. They can not find people willing to learn the Rainbow. I tried to call andrew taylor at a number on the d:bug newletter, but got a wrong #. Can some one please advise me the best thing to do. The Non profit wants some money to use for other activities from the sale. I suppose a tax deduction might be possible for the purchase, if the amount paid is over some assumed value of the machine. I am at 282 2686 if you wish to call. Otherwise I will check back here. Thank you. Bruce Mitchell. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 01-04-91 (10:49) To: ALL Subject: He's Back From: GEORGE THEALL Hi all! Glad to get my voice back in this echo. Apparently there was a glitch on my net here which prevented my messages from passing beyond net 273. Hopefully it's been fixed. Messages should be flowing from INFO-DEC-MICRO/comp.sys.dec.micro once again. Should I repost messages since the start of December which I gather no one ever saw? George ------------------------------
theall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (01/11/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jan 7, 1991
In this issue:
RE: GW BASIC INTERP
RE: RAINBOW 190
HE'S BACK
RE: FILE LIST NEEDED (2 messages)
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 4 Jan 91 13:14 -0500
From: AMER NELSON
To: PATRICK FINK
Subject: RE: GW BASIC INTERP
I THINK I may have an extra copy. I'm way behind answering echo mail
because of the bad weather out here. If you're still
interested, drop me a postcard at:
12030-36th Avenue, N.E.
Seattle, WA 98125-5637
++ Amer ++
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 4 Jan 91 13:17 -0500
From: AMER NELSON
To: BOB FULLER
Subject: RE: RAINBOW 190
How interesting! I have two Rainbows with networking hardware and
software (from Corvus) including a 40+ MEG hard disk. Maybe I
should play with it more to see just what I have.
++ Amer ++
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 6 Jan 91 09:42 -0500
From: FRANK MALLORY
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: HE'S BACK
GT> Messages should be flowing from INFO-DEC-MICRO/comp.sys.dec.micro
GT> once again. Should I repost messages since the start of December which
GT> I gather no one ever saw?
Welcome back, George. :-)
I for one would like to see the December messages.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417)
------------------------------
Date: 6 Jan 91 06:42 -0500
From: BOB FULLER
To: NOLAN LEE
Subject: RE: FILE LIST NEEDED
You can purchase the Rainbow version of MS-Dos 3.10B from IRUG by
calling 503-775-2266 after January 7th.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 7 Jan 91 13:22 -0500
From: GEORGE THEALL
To: BOB FULLER
Subject: RE: FILE LIST NEEDED
BF>You can purchase the Rainbow version of MS-Dos 3.10B from IRUG by
BF>calling 503-775-2266 after January 7th.
Isn't the area code 703? Caroline's moving to VA yet 503's out in
Oregon.
George
- ---
------------------------------
End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest
******************************tom@afthree.as.arizona.edu (Thomas J. Trebisky) (01/15/91)
>OBTW, what is a NEC 8322KX D7201C? It was in the socket above the CPU socket.
since you asked .... it is a USART (two channel comm chip). 8322 is a date code.
the NEC part number is the 7201, Intel makes an identical chip known as the
8274 (perhaps easier to find a data sheet for, if you want to fiddle with
it). It handles the comm. and printer ports for the rainbow.
--
Tom Trebisky ttrebisky@as.arizona.edu (Internet)
Steward Observatory University of Arizona Tucson, Arizonatheall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (01/18/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jan 17, 1991
In this issue:
RANINBOW SALE/DONATION
LATEST UPGRADE
PRODIGY (2 messages)
RE: 100+ MEMORY EXTENSION
TETRIS FOR RB?
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 14 Jan 91 00:18 -0500
From: BRUCE MITCHELL
To: DAN O'REILLY IN AREA 11
Subject: RANINBOW SALE/DONATION
thank you for replying to my note on rainbow sale for a non profit in
seattle. at this point, the non-profut wantsmoney to expsnd ibm
computer resourses. sigh. they could use word perfect on the
dec, but believe it is beyond them. I have copied your note,
and, if it comes top donation, will contact you. thnaks. b. mitchell.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 15 Jan 91 07:37 -0500
From: FRANK MALLORY
To: WORDPERFECT 5.1 USERS
Subject: LATEST UPGRADE
The 12/31/90 upgrade handles DEC sixel codes. This means that you can
now print .WPG graphics files on the LA50 and other DEC printers.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417)
------------------------------
Date: 15 Jan 91 23:06 -0500
From: BOB SMITH
To: DAVID HEID
Subject: PRODIGY
DH> Anyone out there running Prodigy on the Bow? My son subscribed to it and
DH> tryed to get it to run on a 'Bow I gave him and it will not install.
DH> Any help would be appreciated.
I talked with Prodigy about making a generic (ASCII) version. They are
not going to make a version that will run on the rainbow or
from a VT terminal. Sears and IBM developed and want to sell
IBM systems. The problem is the program runs in 25 by 40
graphics mode. The rainbow will not support this mode of IBM
software, even with the newest Codeblue and Dos 3.10 B.
- --- msged 2.06
* Origin: Bob's_point of Cuckoo's Nest : Hudson, NH (1:132/119.4)
------------------------------
Date: 16 Jan 91 02:22 -0500
From: CARL HOUSEMAN
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: RE: 100+ MEMORY EXTENSION
re: I have 120 ns chips ... work fine ... maybe its because I'm
using the NEC V20 processor in all my Rainbows.
Myth killing time again!
To the original writer who claimed 120ns parts didn't work but 150ns
parts did - you had a bad chip or two. Otherwise, faster RAM
chips don't of themselves spell failure, in any machine. It's
only when using RAM that's too slow in a fast machine that you
can have problems.
As for the NEC V20 - it doesn't require faster RAM, nor is the timing
of memory access altered in any way. When it comes to
accessing memory and peripherals, a 4.77 mhz V20 is the
equivalent of a 4.77 mhz 8088. It HAS to be that way,
otherwise you couldn't drop in a V20 and have it work.
- --- ConfMail V4.00
* Origin: SYS$OUTPUT BBS * Library, PA * Fido 12t * 412.854.0511 * (1:129/38)
------------------------------
Date: 16 Jan 91 02:31 -0500
From: CARL HOUSEMAN
To: ALL
Subject: TETRIS FOR RB?
I see from the recent IRUG postcard that IRUG is selling Tetris for
$10. Is this available generally, or only through IRUG? Does
anybody have it, and is it any good?
- --- ConfMail V4.00
* Origin: SYS$OUTPUT BBS * Library, PA * Fido 12t * 412.854.0511 * (1:129/38)
------------------------------
Date: 17 Jan 91 09:38 -0500
From: GEORGE THEALL
To: BOB SMITH
Subject: PRODIGY
BS> DH> Anyone out there running Prodigy on the Bow? My son subscribed to it a
BS> DH> tryed to get it to run on a 'Bow I gave him and it will not install.
BS> DH> Any help would be appreciated.
BS>The problem is the program runs in 25 by 40
BS>graphics mode.
Yet Windows on the Rainbow provides this, doesn't it? Might Prodigy
run under Windows? [I used Prodigy once, but that was a l-o-n-g time
ago.]
George
- ---
------------------------------
End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest
******************************GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (01/21/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jan 21, 1991
In this issue:
RE: HARD DISK PROBLEM
RE: TETRIS FOR RB?
FORSALE...
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 20 Jan 91 13:11 -0500
From: CARL HOUSEMAN
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: RE: HARD DISK PROBLEM
Sounds like the HD has developed some sectors that might be sensitive
to a particular data pattern. It's too bad the WUTIL formatting
process doesn't have the capability to test and eliminate
sectors using several different patterns. However, you might
still try BACKUP/RE-FORMAT/RESTORE to see if you get some of
the bad sectors picked up ("RE-FORMAT" like starting with a
brand new disk).
The other possibility, rather than using something to ignore the errors,
is when you identify a file with the suspect sector in it, if
it's sufficiently small, set is SYSTEM/READONLY/HIDDEN. That
effectively locks out that sector from further use. You might
also rename the file so it doesn't have a name you want to use.
- --- ConfMail V4.00
* Origin: SYS$OUTPUT BBS * Library, PA * Fido 12t * 412.854.0511 * (1:129/38)
------------------------------
Date: 18 Jan 91 17:41 -0500
From: ANDREW TAYLOR
To: CARL HOUSEMAN
Subject: RE: TETRIS FOR RB?
Tetris is available free on Glacier Peak (296) 644-8431. It uses
GRaphics and comes in Color and Mono versions [grey scales
chosen to be easily distinguished]. I find it extremely good
and rather addictive.
Pacman (from the same author) is also available and is a very good
implementation of Pacman (but I'm no good at it).
Tetris has the advantage that even the clutzy and uncoordinated (guess
who) seem to be able to get better scores each time they play Tetris.
Try it... you'll like it!
Andrew
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 18 Jan 91 19:00 -0500
From: GEOFF REED
To: *** ALL ***
Subject: FORSALE...
Forsale.
Rainbow 100+
896K
HD controller
Floppy drive
Graphics board
Keyboard
Monitor
OS- Dos 3.10b
$225
$275 with 10 meg HD
I can be reached at (206) 228-2402 or mailed here at glacier Peak.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest
******************************theall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (01/23/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jan 22, 1991 In this issue: RE: RAINBOW100+ MEMORY UP RAINBOW100+ MEMORY UPGRAD RE: PRODIGY 3.5" DRIVES FOR RAINBOW Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 20 Jan 91 15:16 -0500 From: PAUL OLSON To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: RAINBOW100+ MEMORY UP To Thomas: Did you install the chips with the indent mark in the proper orientation? I'm not going to tear my system open. Perhaps someone else can elaborate? They should have gone in in the same orientation as the old chips. As Always, Paul - --- Opus-CBCS 1.14 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0) ------------------------------ Date: 19 Jan 91 16:27 -0500 From: BOB SMITH To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RAINBOW100+ MEMORY UPGRAD If you have a 100A motherboard you need an adaptor or the 8087 board to use the 100B memory card. Check the serial number sticker on the back, PC-100 = 100A, unless motherboard changed. I have installed three card and had no problems. Watch pin 1 on chips. What size chip do you have installed in each of the three banks? - --- msged 2.06 * Origin: Bob's_point of Cuckoo's Nest : Hudson, NH (1:132/119.4) ------------------------------ Date: 20 Jan 91 16:11 -0500 From: DAVID HEID To: BOB SMITH Subject: RE: PRODIGY Thanks Bob, for answering me. To bad about not being able to use the Rainbow with Prodigy. I let one of my kids have one of the four Rainbows that I have and I couldn't get the program running on his so I put it on my '386 and it is an interesting product. BTW I used to live in Maine and still have a daughter in Portland. I still have a summer camp near Belfast Maine. How's the weather in NH about now. Have you had the January thaw yet?? Thanks again for the Answer. It's people like you and Frank that keeps me watching the messages on this forum. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 20 Jan 91 20:04 -0500 From: WARNER LOSH To: HOWARD HALL Subject: 3.5" DRIVES FOR RAINBOW In the next few weeks I'll be putting together a Rainbow 3.5" drive "kit" that will allow people to have the same functionality as the I-Drive 3.5" drive that suitable solutions distributed. The main holdup at this point is the lack of a formatting program on the Rainbow. If anyone cares to offer assistance in this matter, I'd love to hear from you. I already have the old FORIBM.COM CP/M program, but have been so far unable to make full use of it. The "kit" will be sourceware. I'll provide the source, binaries, and some documentation. I'm planning on asking for $5 if you like it and use it. I'm planning on placing a copyright on the code similar to either the X windows copyright, or the GNU copyleft. Probably, something closer to the latter since the 'Bow is now basically a public domain, you-support- it-yourself machine. If you have any suggestions about what I should/shouldn't support, please drop me a line. I can be reached on fidonet at 104/114.6 (warner losh) or at imp@Solbourne.COM on the internet. - --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: DinoPoint 6 (1:104/114.6) ------------------------------ End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest ******************************
theall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (01/24/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jan 23, 1991
In this issue:
RUNNING A BBS ON RAINBOW
HARD DISK PROBLEM (2 messages)
WHERE TO GET STUFF? (2 messages)
RE: LQP02 PRINTER
LQP02 PRINTER
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 21 Jan 91 08:18 -0500
From: FRANK MALLORY
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RUNNING A BBS ON RAINBOW
GT> aggie.ucdavis.edu!ccjason@ucdavis.ucdavis.edu (Jason Gabler)
GT>
GT> Awhile back someone posted a few notes about wanting to get a
GT> BBS running on their Rainbow. Now, I'd like to do the same. If the
GT> person who is now (?) running the BBS still around could tell me which
GT> one he/she is using or the people who advised that person could tell me
GT> which they recommended, I would much appreciate it.
Opus 1.14 works just fine.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417)
------------------------------
Date: 21 Jan 91 08:21 -0500
From: FRANK MALLORY
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: HARD DISK PROBLEM
GT> There's a utility for PCs from Sam Smith called DTEST. It runs thru
GT> a disk sector by sector and displays a message if either a sector is
GT> bad or simply "slow" (sectors which read properly but require retries).
GT> The author explains these "slow" sectors are more likely to fail than
GT> other sectors. That could be what you're experiencing.
GT> Look for DTST20.ZIP at a site near you. If you don't find it, give a
GT> hollar and I'll see about emailing it to you.
Thanks, George. I have DTST16 which I thought I had used successfully on
the RB some time ago. But when trying it recently, I found it
wouldn't run. I'll see if I can find the most recent version
and give it a try.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417)
------------------------------
Date: 21 Jan 91 13:11 -0500
From: NOLAN LEE
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: WHERE TO GET STUFF?
I just spoke to Caroline last week. She said that the lastest issue of
the newsletter was ready for thge printer and they hoped to get
it out before the increase in postage due in FEB!
I hope so!
Nolan
- ---
* Origin: NorthLake DATA EXCHANGE * Folsom * LA * 506-796-5860 (1:390/3)
------------------------------
Date: 21 Jan 90 00:30 -0500
From: JERRY CHAFEE
To: HOWARD HALL
Subject: RE: LQP02 PRINTER
HH> do you have an LQP02 you are willing to
HH> part with? hlh
Sorry to but in, but if Don can't help, I've got one I don't need.
echo back or call (303)695-0966.
- --- via Silver Xpress V2.27 [NR]
* Origin: Fantasy Mtn II Ability Net Denver CO 303-935-3577 Dual Std
------------------------------
Date: 22 Jan 91 06:54 -0500
From: DON MARQUART
To: HOWARD HALL
Subject: LQP02 PRINTER
> DON <ring> <ring> <ring> <ring> Don, are you there?
> And if you are there, do you have an LQP02 you are willing to part with?
Yep, sure am:-).
Been trying to call your voice number and can't get an answer. Since
you gave your address and indicated that you wanted the printer
I have sent it to you UPS COD.
Hope this was OK, if not just refuse the shipment and it will be returned.
Later...
- --- ConfMail V4.00
* Origin: Club Micro (303)973-8578 VHST/V32/V42b (1:104/888)
------------------------------
Date: 23 Jan 91 13:25 -0500
From: GEORGE THEALL
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: HARD DISK PROBLEM
FM> GT> Look for DTST20.ZIP at a site near you. If you don't find it, give
FM> GT> hollar and I'll see about emailing it to you.
FM>
FM>Thanks, George. I have DTST16 which I thought I had used successfully on
FM>the RB some time ago. But when trying it recently, I found it
FM>wouldn't run.
Did you look thru the source to see what was causing the problem?
Maybe simply compiling it with a different compiler will do the trick.
FM>I'll see if I can find the most recent version
FM>and give it a try.
If not let me know.
George
- ---
------------------------------
Date: 23 Jan 91 13:27 -0500
From: GEORGE THEALL
To: NOLAN LEE
Subject: WHERE TO GET STUFF?
NL>I just spoke to Caroline last week. She said that the lastest issue of
NL>the newsletter was ready for thge printer and they hoped to get
NL>it out before the increase in postage due in FEB!
This will be the first newsletter in a year and a half???
George
- ---
------------------------------
End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest
******************************GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (01/28/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Jan 28, 1991
In this issue:
RE: FILE LIST NEEDED
RE: PC 100B MEMORY EXPANS
RE: TETRIS FOR RB?
123 V1A ON RAINBOW
RE: LQP02 PRINTER
CONNECT PARALLEL PRINTER (2 messages)
MNP5 FOSSIL DRIVER...
AUTOCAD
RAINBOW MONITOR
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 22 Jan 91 22:36 -0500
From: BOB FULLER
To: NOLAN LEE
Subject: RE: FILE LIST NEEDED
Wish I could but I just a user of the system. Gary, our
syop here does a great job. Perhaps he can give you the information
you would need to get Opus. Glad you were able to get the other
programs. As you use them, this Rainbow network can probably
talk you through any tough spots.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 22 Jan 91 22:42 -0500
From: BOB FULLER
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: PC 100B MEMORY EXPANS
Thanks for your great suggestions. DEC was able to supply
the values for me.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 23 Jan 91 18:31 -0500
From: CARL HOUSEMAN
To: ANDREW TAYLOR
Subject: RE: TETRIS FOR RB?
Thank you. I picked it up and now I'm sorry (*yawn*).
- --- ConfMail V4.00
* Origin: SYS$OUTPUT BBS * Library, PA * Fido 12t * 412.854.0511 * (1:129/38)
------------------------------
Date: 23 Jan 91 18:39 -0500
From: FRANK MALLORY
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: 123 V1A ON RAINBOW
GT> (Warner Losh) Organization: Solbourne Computers Inc.
GT>
GT> I just tried to crank up Lotus 123 on my Rainbow. I had run it a
GT> couple of times under DOS 2.11 to get the hang of 123. Now I'm running
GT> 3.10b and it refuses to run. It keeps complaining about a disk error.
It appears to work fine for me under 3.10b. Only thing is, it keeps the
floppy drive motor running even tho it is activated from HD;
possibly looking for .WKS files on A:
Suggest you put your Lotus system disk in A: and try it again.
PS: Did you receive that uuencoded Cobol program OK?
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417)
------------------------------
Date: 26 Jan 91 18:52 -0500
From: HOWARD HALL
To: JERRY CHAFEE
Subject: RE: LQP02 PRINTER
Jerry-
Don responded, is shipping his LQP02. I will keep your namve
and phone number handy in event I learn of another person needing an
LQP02 - and I appreciate your offer!
hlh
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.14
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0)
------------------------------
Date: 27 Jan 91 08:10 -0500
From: DON MARQUART
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: CONNECT PARALLEL PRINTER
> From: hsbauer@rodan.acs.syr.edu (Harold S. Bauer) Organization: Syracuse
> University, Syracuse, NY
>
> I have a DEC Rainbow 100 and would like to connect a Panasonic KXP-1180 to
> it. I also have a Serial-to-Parallel converter with the following settings
> 4800 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, parity inhibit, DCE. The Rainbow has
Sounds like your baud rate may be too fast for the convertor to handle.
Try slowing it down until everything works.
Later...
- --- ConfMail V4.00
* Origin: Club Micro (303)973-8578 VHST/V32/V42b (1:104/888)
------------------------------
Date: 24 Jan 91 18:21 -0500
From: FRANK ZSITVAY
To: ALL
Subject: MNP5 FOSSIL DRIVER...
does anyone know if there is a version of the ibm clone's mx5
fossil driver available for the rainbow?? this is a fossil driver
that will do a software emulation of mnp5. it works absolutely
great on clones, and there is really no reason why it wouldn't
work on the rainbow. (in terms of the machine being capable of
doing such a thing if a version were written for it)
i'd be the first to step forward and write it myself, except i
don't know a bloody thing about compression algorithms.
- --
fzsitvay@techbook.COM - but don't quote me on that....
American Oil Company motto - Bend over, We'll pump!!!
- --- QM v1.00
* Origin: TECHbooks One, Fido Gate to techbook (503) 644-8135 (1:105/369.0)
------------------------------
Date: 27 Jan 91 07:54 -0500
From: FRANK MALLORY
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: CONNECT PARALLEL PRINTER
GT> From: hsbauer@rodan.acs.syr.edu (Harold S. Bauer) Organization:
GT> Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
GT>
GT> I have a DEC Rainbow 100 and would like to connect a Panasonic KXP-1180
GT> to it. I also have a Serial-to-Parallel converter with the following
GT> settings 4800 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, parity inhibit, DCE. The
You need XON/XOFF flow control on the printer end. If your converter
can't give you that, you might try using SETPORT on the Rainbow
to turn off XON/XOFF and enable DTR.
As a final alternative, try turning the speed down to 1200 baud.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417)
------------------------------
Date: 27 Jan 91 18:21 -0500
From: ANDY BOYCE
To: ALL
Subject: AUTOCAD
I have a copy of autocad release 2.17 for the rainbow including al
documentation. It runs under the rainbows dos mode and
requires a min of 384k, graphics option, and hd disk is
recommended. I believe that it has something called the
"betterments package". I do not own a rainbow and would like to
sell or trade this. Make me an offer of IBM software or parts.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.14
* Origin: WayStar BBS (1:322/14.0)
------------------------------
Date: 27 Jan 91 17:44 -0500
From: BOB SMITH
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RAINBOW MONITOR
On <Jan 23>, George Theall (1:273/203) wrote to All:
GT> Any idea where I can get a Rainbow monochrome monitor, preferably amber?
I have a Green monitor I will sell for ($35 + shipping) if you can't
find what you want.
- --- msged 2.06
* Origin: Bob's_point of Cuckoo's Nest : Hudson, NH (1:132/119.4)
------------------------------
End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest
******************************theall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (02/03/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Feb 2, 1991 In this issue: RE: CONNECT PARALLEL PRIN (2 messages) RE: TETRIS FOR RB? UPS SHIPMENT(S) UPDATED, VERIFED DECBBS.L Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 29 Jan 91 08:32 -0500 From: RON KRITZMAN To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: CONNECT PARALLEL PRIN > none. The end result of connecting the converter between > the Rainbow and the printer is that only the first several > lines of a full page document are printed ... this is > consistent with all documents and spreadsheets. Any ideas Sounds like you're overrunning the printer's buffer. The DEC LA-50 printer uses pin 11 as a ready/busy line. When its buffer is nearly full it toggles pin 11, telling the Rainbow to stop sending characters. When the buffer empties, pin 11 goes back to its original state, telling the Rainbow to resume. Some of the serial to parallel converters do not support ready/busy protocol. Others have the ready/busy line on pin 20 (DTR). You may want to reroute pin 20 coming off the serial side of the converter box to connect to pin 11 on the 'Bow. If 20 is indeed the ready/busy line then that should do the trick. I went through this whole exercize in reverse when I bought "Bozo the Clone" and connected my LA-50 to its serial port. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.14 * Origin: Chicago's BIT WIZ Opus HST (Net 115 NEC) (1:115/689.0) ------------------------------ Date: 28 Jan 91 16:24 -0500 From: JACK STEVENS To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: CONNECT PARALLEL PRIN I have not had any experience with serial/parallel adaptors, but your problem sounds as if it might have to do with flow control. The serial side uses Xon/Xoff characters sent in the data stream. I don't know what the parallel printer uses. Perhaps there is an incompatibility. - --- * Origin: Midnight DEC - The BBS for DEC sales & information (Opus 1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 30 Jan 91 13:50 -0500 From: PAUL ROBINSON To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: RE: TETRIS FOR RB? TO ALL USERS: FOR THE SAME REASON ONE SHOULD AVOID CRACK COCAINE - BECAUSE YOU CAN BECOME ADDICTED IN ONE USE - please AVOID AND STAY FAR AWAY FROM THE GAME OF tetris AND ANY CLONES OF IT. STAY AWAY FROM ANYTHING THAT EVEN DRAWS A BOX OR A RECTANGULAR OBJECT! This game is so dangerous that efforts are under way to declare it an addictive substance under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and thus make possession of it illegal. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.14 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0) ------------------------------ Date: 31 Jan 91 01:34 -0500 From: HOWARD HALL To: DON MARQUART Subject: UPS SHIPMENT(S) DON - First off, package has arrived. Matter of fact, TWO packages arrived. COD label completely covered the address label on package for Dave Barnes, I didn't spot the discrepancy until the truck was out of sight. Package addressed to me contained one (1) LQP02 Printer. Have not opened the other (and do not intend to open it). Called UPS, I don't think they can (or will?) take action from this end. They think that the shipment was two of two, and that is what the paperwork indicated. I think you may have to raise the question at your end, at least get them trying to trace the missing package. The COD tag on Dave's box carried the number 855702, and that is the only identification I can find, other than your address and his address. The box for me was identified with two separate numbers, CO 800-X76 (Shipping Office?), and PKG ID # 9738-535. The box carried a date of 01/22/91. I'm willing to push from this end too, but I'm not sure just where to apply the pressure. Any suggestions? New subject: the printer will not (yet) respond to the computer, nor will it cycle into SELF TEST MODE. Any thoughts? I'll watch the board, will also monitor UPS!!! NOTE TO KURT: sorry to be so long-winded, but this has me a bit baffled; and thanks for being here when we needed you! hlh - --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 30 Jan 91 07:41 -0500 From: GEORGE DAHLCO To: ALL Subject: UPDATED, VERIFED DECBBS.L DECBBS.LST Revision 8.0 - 62 nodes total February 01, 1991 National list of DEC-related BBS Systems. All nodes below are in the National Nodelist as of the above posted date. Some nodes may not be operational. This list has been sorted by Area Code. DEC-related means the board carries at least an interest in DEC products, be it VAX, Rainbow, PDP-11, Echomail or file areas, etc. Legend: * = 9600 baud, + =2400 baud, % =1200 baud, - =300 baud ! = Carries either VAX, RAINBOW, or PDP-11 EchoMail Areas. | = Has VAX, RAINBOW or PDP-11 Public Domain files available & = Distributes VAX, RAINBOW or PDP-11 EchoMail to other nodes # = Moderates/Coordinates a DEC EchoMail area @ = Node is Mail Only Send corrections, additions, deletions *direct* to 102/138, Long_Island_RB. Please do NOT enter your corrections in EchoMail as they may get missed. - -Net/Node- -Board Name- -Phone number- -City,State- -Sysop- 343 3 Glacier Peak RB 206-644-8431+! Bellevue______WA Gary Stebbins 102 138 |Long_Island_RB 213-370-4113*!&#Los Angeles___CA George Dahlco 102 139 |Beach City RB 213-376-9567*!& Redondo Beach_CA Dan Cannon 102 522 MicroSource 213-391-1351+! Mar Vista_____CA Don Barcus 102 463 Arisia 213-634-4885*! Bellflower____CA Mark Milhollan 273 912 Tri-Star Amiga 215-551-1485*! Philadelphia__PA Joe Mollica 273 722 Macateria BBS 215-576-5170+! Wyncote_______PA Rob Elkins 261 662 Avi-Technic 301-252-0717*! Lutherville___MD Tom Hendricks 109 423 The Addict's Attic301-428-8998*! Germantown____MD Yann LeGuellec 261 1008 SyncPoint 301-529-2584+! Baltimore_____MD Bob Gawryck 109 123 |Silver Bullett 301-622-2247*! Silver Spring_MD Frank Mallory 109 508 Ophiuchi Hotline 301-731-0263+! Laanham_______MD Mike Bartman 109 220 Message Exchange 301-855-0339+! Huntingtown___MD Porter Venn 120 71 Lincoln Park Opus 313-381-8879+! Sturat Fuller_MI Sturat Fuller 120 102 The Atari Advocate313-398-3078*! MadisonHeightsMI Dave Day 120 193 SuburbanCompuConn 313-427-0223+! Garden City___MI Greg Day 120 17 LAN Solutions BBS 313-545-1931*! Ferndale______MI Mike Bader 100 22 PCLUG 314-576-2743+! St Louis______MO Ken Kaplan 100 16 Mike's Board 314-726-3448+ St Louis______MO Mike Mellinger 100 4 St.LouisUsersGroup314-928-9993+! St Louis______MO Mark Owens 260 223 Hitch Hikers Guide315-589-7361+! Williamson____NY Fritz Howard 291 4 MGBBS 316-684-3010*! Wichita_______KS Don Pangburn 396 201 CajuNet Connection318-235-3207*! Lafayette_____LA John Cuccia 014 610 Omaha Fido 402-348-7603% Omaha_________NE Jim Singer 385 16 Good News! 405-357-0478+! Lawton________OK John Johnson 129 38 |SYS$OUTPUT BBS 412-854-0511+! Library_______PA Kevin Barkes 125 20 SeaHunt BBS 415-343-5904*! Burlingame____CA Michael Nelson 105 201 ET SCRIBE<M> 503-635-8841+! Lake_Oswego___OR Byron Windhorst 322 14 WayStar 508-481-7147*! Marlboro______MA Kevin Porter 321 153 Locks Hill BBS 508-544-8337+! Locks_Hill____MA Robert Heller 016 390 Zorro The Malamute508-653-9628+! Wayland_______MA Ken Levitt 382 35 LoneStar CBCS 512-258-3643*! Austin________TX Steve Shapiro 110 73 Neutral Zone QBBS 513-253-2017+! Kettering_____OH Dave Sharp 290 627 Fog Line 515-964-7937*! Ankeny________IA Dan Buda 107 218 KingDiamond'sRealm516-736-3403*! Coram_________NY Mikel Beck 159 625 Flying Circus 517-686-0681*! Kawkawlin_____MI Bill Carney 114 3 Genoa City 602-945-0869*! Tempe_________AZ Duke Clarke 114 97 The Rebound 602-956-7484 Phoenix_______AZ Adam Puleo 132 777 |VAXCat 603-424-0923*!&#Merrimack_____NH Mark Buda 226 5000 MARDUK 614-882-4478*! Columbus______OH Mark Lynch 101 465 Navigator BBS 617-331-1070*! Weymouth______MA John Connolly 101 115 The Rainbows Edge 617-551-0495*!& Westwood______MA Jim Greely 101 111 |Island Logistics 617-631-3304+! Marblehead____MA Mark Bornstein 101 330 American Playhouse617-828-0868*! Canton________MA Barry Devine 101 145 HACKNET! 617-942-1298+! Reading_______MA Steve Ryan 202 698 StarBase 23 619-560-2996*! San Digeo_____CA Mike Nielsen 109 483 |The Pot of Gold 703-359-6549+! Fairfax_______VA Kurt Reisler 109 74 |The Bear's Den 703-671-0598+! Falls Church__VA Kurt Reisler 106 477 Pier 7 713-477-2681+! Pasadena______TX Harold Weiss 106 114 The Fireside Opus 713-496-6319+! Houston_______TX Bob Davis 103 148 Att. of Gratitude 714-527-5813+! Buena_Park____CA David Saville 103 145 Terry's Place 714-842-4277+! Huntington_BchCA Terry Troxel 260 10 Med TechNet Remote716-688-1552*! Buffalo_______NY Bill Hliwa 128 58 CS-DEPOT 719-550-9305+! Colorado_SpngsCO Dan O'Reilly 360 11 Keep It Simple 803-648-0283+!& Aiken_________SC Ed Ridpath 276 222 MoonStar 804-392-7670*! Prospect______VA Lon Stockton 271 270 Virginia Data Exc 804-723-1663*! Hampton Roads_VA Tim Jacobs 371 13 archonRAINBOW 813-939-3394*! Ft. Meyers____FL Dave Corthell 280 4 The Power Board 816-358-3204*! Raytowm_______MO Fred Armantrout 163 226 R&D BBS 819-778-3856*! Hull,Quebec__CAN Douglas Murray 203 34 Now and Zen OPUS 916-962-1952*! Fair Oaks_____CA John Lamb 151 124 CAROLINA TRACON 919-469-1864*! Cary__________NC Richard Best NOTES: . 9600 baud typically implies operation also at 2400, 1200 and 300 baud. . 2400 baud typically implies operation also at 1200 and 300 baud. . 1200 baud typically implies operation also at 300 baud. . EchoMail carriers have message bases in which a message entered on that particular board in certain message areas is moved between several or many other boards carrying the same EchoMail Conference. Messages are typically not private, and therefore are seen by many other users. The user is cautioned about this feature of EchoMail. . Beginning with Revision 8.0, each distribution of this list, which occurs every two months or so, contains node listings that have valid telephone numbers in the Nationwide Fido Nodelist that preceded the date of DECBBS.LST distribution. I now have a utility that compares this list with the nodelist to match phone numbers. The board name may be incorrect (they change all the time), but if the phone number is valid as per the nodelist the node should be in operation. . No responsibility is assumed for any of the above information; all information is in the Public Domain as of this writing and therefore available free to anyone who wishes it. No copyright, trademark, rights or authority is imposed or infringed upon by, on, or in this document and no responsibility is assumed for it's distribution or accuracy. Distribution, updates, and corrections are encouraged, however. . If you don't feel like sorting this list to taste, it is available from 102/138 in various sorted forms: DECBBS.NOD - sorted by Net/Node number DECBBS.NAM - sorted by name of bulletin board DECBBS.PHO - sorted by area code, phone number DECBBS.STA - sorted by State DECBBS.SYO - sorted by Sysop's name File requesting DECBBS.* gets them all. . Current DEC related EchoMail Conference Coordinators/Moderators are: PDP-11: Mark Buda, 132/777 RAINBOW: Dave Strickler, 1 1/45 VAX: George Dahlco, 102/138 . DEC is a trademark of Digital Equipment Corporation. - --- msged 1.999.7 * Origin: Long Island_RB VAX EC/RAINBOW/PDP Echo Hub (1:102/138@fidonet) ------------------------------ End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest ******************************
theall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (02/09/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Feb 8, 1991 In this issue: RAINBOW CURSOR CONTROL UPDATED, VERIFED DECBBS.L WP51 ON THE RB UPS SHIPMENT(S) RE: RAINBOW MEMORY HELP RAINBOW MEMORY HELP (2 messages) Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 2 Feb 91 15:23 -0500 From: ALAN CONROY To: ALL Subject: RAINBOW CURSOR CONTROL Anyone know how to move the cursor around the screen WITHOUT using escape sequences? I have done quite a bit of research and have yet to find a solution. If someone has done this it will save me even more research. Thanks in advance... - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 2 Feb 91 23:12 -0500 From: FRANK MALLORY To: GEORGE DAHLCO Subject: UPDATED, VERIFED DECBBS.L GD> Send corrections, additions, deletions *direct* to 102/138, Long_Island_RB. GD> Please do NOT enter your corrections in EchoMail as they may get missed. GD>109 123 |Silver Bullett 301-622-2247*! Silver Spring_MD Frank Mallory Well, I sent a correction via Netmail, but evidently it was missed. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 7 Feb 91 16:36 -0500 From: BILL HLIWA To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: WP51 ON THE RB Frank -- I recall a while back that you said you had WP 5.1 running on the Rainbow under Code Blue. What version of Code Blue was that? Could you post the switches you used again; I seem to have lost the original message. Thanks! - --- Sirius 1.0x * Origin: * Med TechNet * / [HST], Buffalo, NY 716/688-1552 (1:260/10.0) ------------------------------ Date: 7 Feb 91 09:54 -0500 From: DON MARQUART To: HOWARD HALL Subject: UPS SHIPMENT(S) Thanks for the concern about UPS but it should all be handled now that the box in once again in route to it's proper destination. > There was no damage to the box, interior packing was in place, there was no > indication of even POSSIBLY rough handling. Haven't had a chance to try > reseating the boards, but will do so at the earliest. I will be back in > touch in the next few days with a report, be it POSITIVE or NEGATIVE. Will > try my best to get the printer up and running, including checking against > my old printer (suspect THAT won't help though!). Keep me posted and we'll get it worked out. Be sure you have whatever type of paper feed device that you are planning on using plugged into the connector or have it jumpered to bypass that function. Otherwise the printer will not operate properly. I did not have the jumper plug and assumed you would be using the tractor feed from your other printer to complete the hookup. Sorry for all the confusion. Later... - --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Club Micro (303)973-8578 VHST/V32/V42b (1:104/888) ------------------------------ Date: 5 Feb 91 07:14 -0500 From: PAUL OLSON To: JACK ANDERSON Subject: RE: RAINBOW MEMORY HELP Jack, Unless you obtain the memory board with the sockets, you won't be able to upgrade. The chips on the mother board cannot be replaced (to my knowledge), and the memory board you have is hardwired for the amount of memory it has. The memory board you need uses a four switch DIP so you can indicate how much memory the board contains. I don't have the part number right off the bat, but I'll look it up at home and drop you another message with the right part number. As Always, Paul - --- Opus-CBCS 1.14 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0) ------------------------------ Date: 5 Feb 91 09:04 -0500 From: FRANK MALLORY To: JACK ANDERSON Subject: RAINBOW MEMORY HELP JA> The computer claims it has 256KB when checked in the SETUP screen. JA> Visual inspection of the motherboard reveals 8 4164 memory chips on the JA> main board and another 24 on a memory extension daughterboard. The JA> chips on the daughterboard are soldered in place, and there is no JA> "memory select switch". I have oodles of 41256 rams and would like to JA> extend the memory of this thing to the max (for the sole purpose of JA> finding a home for some of my 41256's). Can anyone tell me if there is JA> a way to do this with what I have now? No, there's no way to upgrade that board. And the fact that you have 256K total memory indicates you have a Rainbow 100A, which is not too good. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 8 Feb 91 07:33 -0500 From: GEORGE THEALL To: JACK ANDERSON Subject: RAINBOW MEMORY HELP JA> The computer claims it has 256KB when checked in the SETUP screen. JA> Visual inspection of the motherboard reveals 8 4164 memory chips on the JA> main board and another 24 on a memory extension daughterboard. FM>No, there's no way to upgrade that board. And the fact that you have FM>256K total memory indicates you have a Rainbow 100A, which is FM>not too good. Agreed. The board you have, Jack, is useless if you want to expand beyond 256K. To do that you'll need a "memory adapter option" (PC1K1-AK) together with a "base memory module" (PC1XX-AD) which will give you up to 832K. [It may be possible to use some type of 8087 board in place of the memory adapter but I don't know.] A better approach is to swap in a 100B motherboard and then get a PC1XX-AD. There are a number of advantages to the 100B motherboard, not just in terms of memory. George ------------------------------ End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest ******************************
ear@wpi.WPI.EDU (Eric A Rasmussen) (02/10/91)
> Agreed. The board you have, Jack, is useless if you want to expand >beyond 256K. To do that you'll need a "memory adapter option" >(PC1K1-AK) together with a "base memory module" (PC1XX-AD) which will >give you up to 832K. [It may be possible to use some type of 8087 >board in place of the memory adapter but I don't know.] > A better approach is to swap in a 100B motherboard and then get a >PC1XX-AD. There are a number of advantages to the 100B motherboard, >not just in terms of memory. I also own a Rainbow 100A, but without the memory expansion, and was wondering where I might get my hands on one. I got the machine for free, and don't want to spend alot of money on it. (I already own a 386) However, I can get Dos 3.1 for the Rainbow and figured that it might be worth it to try to get the 256k board just to give it some marginal MS-Dos capabilities. As it is, I mainly use it as a terminal and to play rogue, which my roomate and I managed to patch for the thing. +---------< Eric A. Rasmussen - Mr. Neat-O (tm) >---------+ +< Email Address >+ | A real engineer never reads the instructions first. | | ear@wpi.wpi.edu | | (They figure out how it works by playing with it.) | | ear%wpi@wpi.edu | +---------------------------------------------------------+ +-----------------+ ((( In Stereo Where Available )))
fzsitvay@techbook.com (Frank Zsitvay) (02/11/91)
In article <Added.IbgeL4i00UkTA5rk9_@andrew.cmu.edu> theall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) writes: > >Date: 8 Feb 91 07:33 -0500 >From: GEORGE THEALL >To: JACK ANDERSON >Subject: RAINBOW MEMORY HELP > >JA> The computer claims it has 256KB when checked in the SETUP screen. >JA> Visual inspection of the motherboard reveals 8 4164 memory chips on the >JA> main board and another 24 on a memory extension daughterboard. > >FM>No, there's no way to upgrade that board. And the fact that you have >FM>256K total memory indicates you have a Rainbow 100A, which is >FM>not too good. > > Agreed. The board you have, Jack, is useless if you want to expand >beyond 256K. To do that you'll need a "memory adapter option" >(PC1K1-AK) together with a "base memory module" (PC1XX-AD) which will >give you up to 832K. [It may be possible to use some type of 8087 >board in place of the memory adapter but I don't know.] > > A better approach is to swap in a 100B motherboard and then get a >PC1XX-AD. There are a number of advantages to the 100B motherboard, >not just in terms of memory. > >George JA, if you want to go the motherboard swap route, i have a 100b motherboard with the pc100b memory expansion board that, if you populate it with 256k drams, will give you a total of 896k and it will be a 100B to boot. i was asking $125 for both boards, but if you want it i'd settle for $100 if you pay shipping. both boards work. it wasn't all that long ago that i paid $100 alone for the memory board itself, and that was with only one bank of 64k rams. -- fzsitvay@techbook.COM - but don't quote me on that.... American Oil Company motto - Bend over, We'll pump!!!
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (02/11/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Feb 11, 1991 In this issue: RAINBOW MEMORY HELP RE: RAINBOW MEMORY HELP WP51 ON THE RB RE: RAINBOW CURSOR CONTRO Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 6 Feb 91 18:24 -0500 From: BOB SMITH To: JACK ANDERSON Subject: RAINBOW MEMORY HELP I have seen messages telling you, you need the memory card with the switches and sockets. You also need an adaptor card (or 8087 NDP card) to go between the motherboard and memory card. A very good program for using the Rainbow as a terminal is TCIIV321. This program is the only public program I have found to do VT1XX & VT2XX modes. Most programs do VT102 and not VT220 (also to a large extent VT240 & VT241 with graphics card and regis). - --- msged 2.06 * Origin: Bob's_point of Cuckoo's Nest : Hudson, NH (1:132/119.4) ------------------------------ Date: 9 Feb 91 09:17 -0500 From: MARC NEWMAN To: BOB SMITH Subject: RE: RAINBOW MEMORY HELP >I have seen messages telling you, you need the memory card with the switches >and sockets. You also need an adaptor card (or 8087 NDP card) to go between t >he >motherboard and memory card. Bob, I have a non-Rainbow 8088 machine (SWP COPOWER) which I have wanted to put a math coprocessor on, but I do not have a empty slot for it. Is this NDP card by any chance something that I could use on a system other than a Rainbow, even if it took some mods? Marc - --- MSBBS 0.10 * Origin: The Black Box RCP/M MSBBS, 713-480-2686 HST/V32/V42bis (106/601) ------------------------------ Date: 8 Feb 91 19:49 -0500 From: FRANK MALLORY To: BILL HLIWA Subject: WP51 ON THE RB BH> Frank -- I recall a while back that you said you had WP 5.1 running on BH> the Rainbow under Code Blue. What version of Code Blue was that? BH> Could you post the switches you used again; I seem to have lost the BH> original message. I'm using DOS 3.10b and the latest Code Blue; 2.01, I believe. In my AUTOEXEC.BAT, I have SET WP=/f2 The WordPerfect program is on my F: drive in directory \WP51 (with various subdirectories for printer, graphics, macros, etc.) I renamed WP.EXE to WP51.EXE. On my E: drive, I have a directory BAT which contains the following for WordPerfect, in a file WP.BAT: cb f:\wp51\wp51/ss=24,80 %1 My PATH statement includes the CB, BAT, and WP51 directories. The above lets me go to any application directory or subdirectory and invoke WordPerfect with the command WP JONES.LTR or whatever. Let me know if you have any problems getting it set up. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 9 Feb 91 12:19 -0500 From: ALAN CONROY To: CARL HOUSEMAN Subject: RE: RAINBOW CURSOR CONTRO The purpose is to move the blinking box. I can't use escape sequences because I have an input routine which needs to update the cursor position for each character typed at the keyboard (I put the character out with direct video writes). A fast typist (or even myself) can get ahead of the computer in this case. For now, I turn the cursor off and set the video attribute for the "cursor" to reverse-blinking. This works, however the blink is too slow for my liking. Yes, I know that somewhere there has got to be a memory location which contains the cursor address (I had thought at one point I even found out which address), but so far I've been unsuccessful. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest ******************************
theall@rm105serve.sas.upenn.edu (George A. Theall) (02/11/91)
In article <1991Feb11.010441.2469@Solbourne.COM> imp@Solbourne.COM (Warner Losh) writes: >In article <37256@netnews.upenn.edu> theall@rm105serve.sas.upenn.edu >(George A. Theall) writes: >> There's are 64K and 192K "memory options" for the 100A. Along >>with the motherboard memory, they bring the total system memory >>to either 128K or 256K *MAX*. > >Didn't DEC or some third part (Suitable Solutions?) produce an adapter >board that would allow you to plug in the 768K expansion card in a >100A. It also was required for the 8087 co-processor in a 100A. Does >anybody else remember this, or am I misremembering things.... You are remembering things correctly, Warner. There are two ways to expand memory on a 100A -- the first is with a "memory option" which limits you as noted above; the second is with a "memory adaptor option" along with a "memory module". The methods are incompatible with each other. [There may have been other methods too; eg, using an 8087 board, a board from SS... but I'm not familiar with them.] The post I had responded to wanted to expand memory cheaply on his 100A. He appears to say 256K would be enough. In that case I suspect the first approach will be the cheapest as many folks in the past have upgraded their 100As to 832K from 256K and thus have basically useless "memory options". George --- theall@rm105serve.sas.upenn.edu Dept. of Economics theall@ssctemp.sas.upenn.edu Univ. of Pennsylvania gtheall@penndrls.upenn.edu Philadelphia, PA 19104
ear@wpi.WPI.EDU (Eric A Rasmussen) (02/12/91)
Thanks to everyone for the info. It looks like I've got a line on a memory board (192k) for my Rainbow. +---------< Eric A. Rasmussen - Mr. Neat-O (tm) >---------+ +< Email Address >+ | A real engineer never reads the instructions first. | | ear@wpi.wpi.edu | | (They figure out how it works by playing with it.) | | ear%wpi@wpi.edu | +---------------------------------------------------------+ +-----------------+ ((( In Stereo Where Available )))
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (02/12/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Feb 12, 1991 In this issue: RE: RAINBOW MEMORY HELP (2 messages) RAINBOW MEMORY HELP RE: RAINBOW CURSOR CONTRO Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 10 Feb 91 10:42 -0500 From: FRANK MALLORY To: MARC NEWMAN Subject: RE: RAINBOW MEMORY HELP MN> Bob, I have a non-Rainbow 8088 machine (SWP COPOWER) which I have MN> wanted MN> to put a math coprocessor on, but I do not have a empty slot for it. MN> Is MN> this NDP card by any chance something that I could use on a system MN> other MN> than a Rainbow, even if it took some mods? No, you can't use Rainbow cards on anything but a Rainbow. But nearly all PCs have provision for a numeric coprocessor. You don't need a card slot for it; the 8087 chip goes in a socket that is the same size and type (and frequently right next to) the 8088 chip. Take a look at your motherboard and see if there isn't any empty socket on there somewhere. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 10 Feb 91 12:49 -0500 From: DON MARQUART To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RAINBOW MEMORY HELP > Agreed. The board you have, Jack, is useless if you want to expand > beyond 256K. To do that you'll need a "memory adapter option" (PC1K1-AK) > together with a "base memory module" (PC1XX-AD) which will give you up to > 832K. [It may be possible to use some type of 8087 board in place of the > memory adapter but I don't know.] If memory serves the 8087 board serves the same function as the memory adapter board and adds the coprocessor capability. BTW, I do have a couple of the memory adapter boards still available. Later... - --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Club Micro (303)973-8578 VHST/V32/V42b (1:104/888) ------------------------------ Date: 10 Feb 91 15:24 -0500 From: CARL HOUSEMAN To: ALAN CONROY Subject: RE: RAINBOW CURSOR CONTRO re: direct moving of cursor... I thought once that the cursor was an attribute. But I can't say for sure any more. One way to find out is to disassemble the code that executes to parse a cursor positioning escape sequence, but that's a LOT of work. Good luck... - --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: SYS$OUTPUT BBS * Library, PA * Fido 12t * 412.854.0511 * (1:129/38) ------------------------------ Date: 9 Feb 91 08:03 -0500 From: RON KRITZMAN To: JACK ANDERSON Subject: RE: RAINBOW MEMORY HELP Jack, There were two different versions of that expansion memory board. One had soldered-in chips, the other had sockets and switches. The change came about when they switched from the "A" to the "B" version motherboard. There is an adapter out there whilc will let the B version memory card work in the A Rainbow. The obvious thing to do once you get all that RAM in there is to make a nice sized ramdrive so you can capture and download from Packet w/o waiting for the 'bow's notoriosly slow and noisy floppys. If you haven't already discovered it, the far-and-away best term program for the Rainbow under MS-DOS is LCTERM, available from almost any Rainbow BBS. By the way.. I have a Televideo Portable (CP/M) similarly rescued from the trash which is in use as my own Packet station. The Rainbow is my wife's word proc and terminal for calling work, and my primary machine is (boo, hiss) Bozo the Clone. -73- Ron - --- Opus-CBCS 1.14 * Origin: Chicago's BIT WIZ Opus HST (Net 115 NEC) (1:115/689.0) ------------------------------ End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest ******************************
theall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (02/20/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Feb 19, 1991 In this issue: RAINBOW MEMORY HELP (2 messages) RE: 100+ MEMORY EXTENSION RE: WINDOWS 3 ON RAINBOW Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 15 Feb 91 18:49 -0500 From: DON MARQUART To: BOB SMITH Subject: RAINBOW MEMORY HELP > DM> Nice way to upgrade an "A" if you can > DM> find it:-). > DM> > Dec made a version of the coprocessor card that does not work with the > coprocessor (card is labeled like coprocessor card). The card looks like > all you need to do is add the chips (it will not work). This card DEC sold > as memory adaptor card for the 100A. Yep, thats the memory adapter cards we have been discussing. Would imagine that one could socket the board and then get the chip numbers from another board and have a coprocessor board. Been thinking of trying it myself as I do have a couple of memory adapters left. Might be fun to see if it works:-). Later... - --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Club Micro (303)973-8578 VHST/V32/V42b (1:104/888) ------------------------------ Date: 15 Feb 91 22:14 -0500 From: ROY PLANALP To: AMER NELSON Subject: RE: 100+ MEMORY EXTENSION Well, I bought these chips from a company in California called BJS Electronics, mail order. They were marked 'Korea,'; but I don't recall if I could make out any manufacturers name. I was very careful about bent pins when installing them, and I tried installing just one bank (9 chips), substituting various of these 256K chips, but NO WAY could I make them work. Either they were all bad, or there's some incompatibility problem. This was a bow 100B. I exchanged them for 150 ns chips and had no problem. I can't figure it out. - -rp - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 15 Feb 91 20:58 -0500 From: GEOFF REED To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RAINBOW MEMORY HELP DM> If memory serves the 8087 board serves the same function as the memory DM> adapter board and adds the coprocessor capability. FM>The converse is true, but I don't think the regular 8087 board can FM>perform the adapter function for the 100A. FM> FM>BTW, I can use an 8087 board if anybody has one they want to sell FM>cheap. FM> The Memory adaptor board is the 8087 board with the 8087,clock and a few more ic's and resistors missing. - --- msged 1.999 * Origin: StarShip_Inconnu, Cruisin' the Stars (1:343/3.1) ------------------------------ Date: 18 Feb 91 07:09 -0500 From: BRIAN RICHARDS To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: WINDOWS 3 ON RAINBOW No, the Rainbow is much slower tha I imagine a 386 would be (even with a '286 TURBOW in my Rainbow), and the fancy 3-D graphics don't appear. However, under Windows I can produce graphics output that the RB just can't do otherwise. Excel works well, as do the desktop applications (Paint, Write, etc). So far the only glitch is the "calculator" - not an issue for me. In terms of speed, I prefer to do my heavy number cunching in 1-2-3, and then convert over to an Excel format only when I'm ready to produce finished graphs. The only limitation is that some Windows aplication require 1 MB of RAM - out of reach for the RB, but there are usually smaller applications that do the same thing. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest ******************************
GTHEALL@penndrls.upenn.edu (George A. Theall) (02/24/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Feb 24, 1991 In this issue: RE: RAINBOW MEMORY HELP (2 messages) TRACTOR FOR LQP03 DECMATE II FOR SALE HELP WITH MODEM FOSSIL NEEDED FOR BOW Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 19 Feb 91 07:59 -0500 From: PAUL OLSON To: DON MARQUART Subject: RE: RAINBOW MEMORY HELP Don, I had the same idea 4 years ago. I had upgraded my A to a B and didn't need the adapter anymore. So I had a DEC field engineer attempt to upgrade the board. Needless to say, it didn't work. In fact, the 'bow wouldn't even boot. I finally bought the 8087 board. Of course, we weren't working with _any_ scematics. Once I bought the 8087 board, I noticed all kinds of differences. About three years ago, someone called me regarding the upgrade of a memory adapter board to an 8087 board. I even took the 8087 board out of my system and photocopied the board for him so he could see what chips were used. I never heard from him again, so I'm assuming that his experiment failed. As Always, Paul - --- Opus-CBCS 1.14 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0) ------------------------------ Date: 19 Feb 91 11:40 -0500 From: ANNETTE MISKIMENS To: ALL Subject: TRACTOR FOR LQP03 Can anyone tell me where I might find a tractor feed for an LQP03 printer? At a reasonable price, of course. A sheet feeder might be of interest also. Any info will be appreciated. - --- TMail v1.20 * Origin: Total Access Board 138/103 Tacoma, Wa (206)472-9884 (1:138/103) ------------------------------ Date: 19 Feb 91 11:46 -0500 From: ANNETTE MISKIMENS To: ALL Subject: DECMATE II FOR SALE I forgot to mention in the previous message that I have a DECMATE II for sale. Any reasonable offer will be considered. - --- TMail v1.20 * Origin: Total Access Board 138/103 Tacoma, Wa (206)472-9884 (1:138/103) ------------------------------ Date: 20 Feb 91 05:29 -0500 From: DON MARQUART To: PAUL OLSON Subject: RE: RAINBOW MEMORY HELP > I had the same idea 4 years ago. I had upgraded my A to a B and didn't > need the adapter anymore. So I had a DEC field engineer attempt to upgrade > the board. Needless to say, it didn't work. In fact, the Well, guess I won't bother to give it a try then:-). Later... - --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Club Micro (303)973-8578 VHST/V32/V42b (1:104/888) ------------------------------ Date: 23 Feb 91 01:11 -0500 From: NOLAN LEE To: ALL INTERESTED PARTIES Subject: HELP WITH MODEM I've got the chance to aquire a DEC DFO3 Modem for $20.00. I played with it for a while and fiqured out how to get it to echo back, but that was the extent of my sucess with it. What I need is a quick rundown on the commands and front panel switch functions Also is the thing worth messing with if it works? Do the have any problems or failures that they are famous for? Thanks Nolan - --- * Origin: NorthLake DATA EXCHANGE * Folsom * LA * 506-796-5860 (1:390/3) ------------------------------ Date: 23 Feb 91 01:19 -0500 From: NOLAN LEE To: ALL INTERESTED PARTIES Subject: FOSSIL NEEDED FOR BOW I've got a point up and running on my clone so the next logical step is to use the Rainbow! I'm using Binkley Term and the rest of the usual stuff. The Bow is configured as below: 100+ with 10 meg HD. MS-Dos 3.10B CodeBlue 2.01 Software Soulutions IBM character ROM. Well, what about it guys? Somebody has to be using this (or similar) setup. Any suggestions about the Fossil or various support programs that you've had either good or bad luck with? Thanks in advance, Nolan. - --- * Origin: NorthLake DATA EXCHANGE * Folsom * LA * 506-796-5860 (1:390/3) ------------------------------ End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest ******************************
theall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (02/28/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Feb 28, 1991 In this issue: FOSSIL NEEDED FOR BOW (4 messages) RE: HELP WITH MODEM Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 23 Feb 91 10:36 -0500 From: FRANK MALLORY To: NOLAN LEE Subject: FOSSIL NEEDED FOR BOW NL> Any suggestions about the Fossil or various support programs that NL> you've had either good or bad luck with? Ommm, Confmail, Msged, and DECCOMM should do it for you. You won't need Code Blue to run any of them. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 25 Feb 91 13:18 -0500 From: NOLAN LEE To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: FOSSIL NEEDED FOR BOW Thanks Frank, will any of the fossils for the Rainbow work when I'm using Code Blue or the IBM character rom that I'm using? Nolan - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Nolan's Point (1:390/2.7) ------------------------------ Date: 26 Feb 91 11:52 -0500 From: FRANK MALLORY To: NOLAN LEE Subject: FOSSIL NEEDED FOR BOW NL> Thanks Frank, will any of the fossils for the Rainbow work when I'm NL> using Code Blue or the IBM character rom that I'm using? The fossils essentially obviate the need for Code Blue. The so-called video fossil, for example, is actually a terminal emulator, giving you the Alt key and other IBM facilities. I don't know how well it would work with the IBM character rom; probably not too well, in the sense that you would not see the IBM line draw characters correctly. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 25 Feb 91 10:23 -0500 From: RON KRITZMAN To: NOLAN LEE Subject: RE: HELP WITH MODEM The DF-03 is really pretty simple. Leave all the front panel switches 'out' except or the HS and the TA which you'll use depending on how you are operating the modem. HS means hi-speed, ie: 1200 baud. With the talk switch 'in', you can dial the number using a phone plugged in to the back of the modem. WHen you hear carrier, you pop out the TALK/DATA switch and you connect. If your DF-03 has a dialer, (not all of them do) there are only 2 commands. CTL-B, followed by a number will dial that number. (pulse only - - this thing is ancient) CTL-B followed by CLT-C will redial the last number. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.14 * Origin: Chicago's BIT WIZ Opus HST (Net 115 NEC) (1:115/689.0) ------------------------------ Date: 26 Feb 91 21:47 -0500 From: NOLAN LEE To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: FOSSIL NEEDED FOR BOW If I send you a couple of formatted disks and return postage, could you make me a copy of the fossils that I need for the Rainbow? Thanks in advance, Nolan. - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Nolan's Point (1:390/2.7) ------------------------------ End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest ******************************
theall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (03/06/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Mar 5, 1991
In this issue:
LQP02; REPAIR OF
DEC LA-50 PRINTER
RE: LQP02; REPAIR OF (3 messages)
RE: DEC LA-50 PRINTER
RAM ADAPTORS
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 28 Feb 91 08:19 -0500
From: HOWARD HALL
To: DON MARQUART
Subject: LQP02; REPAIR OF
Don -
Your suggestions on the LQP02 yielded better 'self-test' results
than I have previously gotten, but still would not complete the job. I
eventually shifted to a new attack: swap boards between the
one you sent and my mal-functioning unit until I either had
smoke coming out of one of the units, or until one of them
worked. Swapped the
'new' power board from your unit into my mal-functioning one, and
immediately had a completely operational unit. Needless to say, I quit
right there, buttoned everything up, and I don't plan to touch
either unit unless/until the operational unit quits!
Thanks for all of your help over the past few weeks. I'm really
pleased to be up and functional again!
hlh
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.14
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0)
------------------------------
Date: 28 Feb 91 18:51 -0500
From: CURTIS BECKER
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: DEC LA-50 PRINTER
Hi Frank.
Have left Raytheon and am now working at Integrated Systems Analysts
doing much the same as before, except have added a lot of PC work.
The purpose of message is my son, Curtis Jr. needs a DEC LA-50 Printer
o to allow DEC WPS word processing to work. Am hoping that you
could help in finding one at a reasonable price. Please respond
here or better yet call me at work which is not long distance to
you. My number is (703) 685-6021. By the way, the printer is to
work on his Rainbow. Hope you can help me. Thanks,
Curt Becker, Sr
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.14
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0)
------------------------------
Date: 3 Mar 91 00:32 -0500
From: JERRY CHAFEE
To: HOWARD HALL
Subject: RE: LQP02; REPAIR OF
If you need another one cheap, I have a working unit for $40.00. You pay
shipping. Phone (303)695-0966 or (303)753-2957 - leave message.
- --- via Silver Xpress V2.27 [NR]
* Origin: Fantasy Mtn II Disability Net Denver CO (303) 935-3577 (1:104/413)
------------------------------
Date: 3 Mar 91 00:11 -0500
From: JERRY CHAFEE
To: CURTIS BECKER
Subject: RE: DEC LA-50 PRINTER
CB> The purpose of message is my son, Curtis Jr. needs
CB> a DEC LA-50 Printer o to allow DEC WPS word processing to work.
CB> Am hoping that you could help in finding one at a reasonable
CB> price.
Dick Ricketson at RDR Electronics in Denver is selling LA-50's for around
$50.00. You may want to give him a call. (303)690-7712. He also has LA-100's
but I don't know what price.
- --- via Silver Xpress V2.27 [NR]
* Origin: Fantasy Mtn II Disability Net Denver CO (303) 935-3577 (1:104/413)
------------------------------
Date: 4 Mar 91 00:09 -0500
From: HOWARD HALL
To: DON MARQUART
Subject: RE: LQP02; REPAIR OF
Don -
This worked out great as far as I am concerned. I now have a
fully functional LQP02, plus an additional unit that I can use for
spare parts in the future (hope I don't need them, though!).
Could use a bit of information about font cartridges for the LA100,
though. Any idea where these items might be available, and do you have
any idea concerning a price range?
Again, thanks, and this deal worked out to my satisfaction (with
still a bit of residual curiosity over eventual proper delivery of the
other two packages you sent at the time you posted the printer
to me???).
hlh
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.14
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0)
------------------------------
Date: 4 Mar 91 16:27 -0500
From: DON MARQUART
To: HOWARD HALL
Subject: RE: LQP02; REPAIR OF
> Don -
> This worked out great as far as I am concerned. I now have a
> fully functional LQP02, plus an additional unit that I can use for spare
> parts in the future (hope I don't need them, though!).
Just as long as you are satisfied, that was my only concern. I did get
another LQP-02 just in case. Guess I'll go ahead and sell it
now along with the LA-100PC I have sitting around.
> Could use a bit of information about font cartridges for the LA100,
> though. Any idea where these items might be available, and do you have any
> idea concerning a price range?
Seen a couple but only had one to call my own. Couldn't begin to quess
where to pick them up from. Sorry.
> Again, thanks, and this deal worked out to my satisfaction (with
> still a bit of residual curiosity over eventual proper delivery of the
> other two packages you sent at the time you posted the printer to me???).
Dear ole UPS finially got the last package to N.Y. 6 weeks later. The
one they sent you got there a few days later, thanks alot for
all your help.
Later...
- --- ConfMail V4.00
* Origin: Club Micro (303)973-8578 VHST/V32/V42b (1:104/888)
------------------------------
Date: 3 Mar 91 20:46 -0500
From: GEOFF REED
To: DON MARQUART
Subject: RAM ADAPTORS
Don, a new member of our user group up here is looking for a ram
adaptor board for his A. he has a weird ram board in his
machine right now (on the 'solder' side of the board is both a
4-pin connector and a 27-pin single row of pins, (like for a
daughterboard) the only identificatin on the board are the
letters 'digi' in a circle, the #'s 48-83 and an assembly #.
if you still have adaptors, let me know so I can have him send
you a check for the $20 (I think they were)
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest
******************************theall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (03/09/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Mar 8, 1991 In this issue: WORDPERFECT FOR THE BOW RE: WORDPERFECT FOR THE B (2 messages) AUTOCAD FOR THE RAINBOW Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 5 Mar 91 01:49 -0500 From: NOLAN LEE To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: WORDPERFECT FOR THE BOW I've got a licensed copy of Code Blue v2.01 (the last and best) that I will let go of for $50.00. Its complete with docs,addum,keyboard template,etc. It also has the patches for MS-Dos 3.10b in case you want to use it. I paid $79.95 for it a few months back and it turns out that I don't need it for my application (running a point). I understand that the current price is $99.95. If you are interested in it, give me a call at (504) 886-3713 after 6pm or drop me a check in the mail and I'll ship it to you. Nolan Lee P.O.Drawer 860 Sun, LA 70463-0860 - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Nolan's Point (1:390/2.7) ------------------------------ Date: 5 Mar 91 18:06 -0500 From: GEOFF REED To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: WORDPERFECT FOR THE B > I don't know, if C.B. is needed to run WP, but it certainly > would make the BOW more enjoyable anyway .If anyone > out there is willing to help out, greatly appreciated from > my side. taThomas ZZ thomas, caroline mack at Irug (International Rainbow Users Group) is selling both wordperfect and CB (code blue) i don't have her address handy at the moment, but I'm sure someone out there has it. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 6 Mar 91 17:45 -0500 From: ANDY BOYCE To: ALL Subject: AUTOCAD FOR THE RAINBOW I have a copy of Autocad version 2.17 specifically made for the rainbow. Comes complete with original documentation and something called the "Betterments package". I dont have a rainbow but am told that it works well. I would like to trade this for some IBM pc parts or software. I know its not worth much. How about an 8 bit HD controller? Also looking for Tandy 1000 memory expansion cards or Hd controllers. Call me at reasonable hours at 508 460 1643 EST. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.14 * Origin: WayStar BBS (1:322/14.0) ------------------------------ Date: 6 Mar 91 23:43 -0500 From: FRANK MALLORY To: GEOFF REED Subject: RE: WORDPERFECT FOR THE B GR> thomas, caroline mack at Irug (International Rainbow Users Group) GR> is selling both wordperfect and CB (code blue) i don't have her address GR> handy at the moment, but I'm sure someone out there has it. Caroline logged onto this BBS recently, from Dahlgren, Va. If you can't reach her any other way, let me know and I'll dig out her phone no. from the user list. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest ******************************
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (03/10/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Mar 10, 1991 In this issue: WORDPERFECT FOR THE BOW (2 messages) RE: WORDPERFECT FOR THE B (2 messages) AUTOCAD FOR THE RAINBOW MONITOR PROBLEM ON 'BOW RAINBOW DOS RECOVERY-HELP Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 5 Mar 91 01:49 -0500 From: NOLAN LEE To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: WORDPERFECT FOR THE BOW I've got a licensed copy of Code Blue v2.01 (the last and best) that I will let go of for $50.00. Its complete with docs,addum,keyboard template,etc. It also has the patches for MS-Dos 3.10b in case you want to use it. I paid $79.95 for it a few months back and it turns out that I don't need it for my application (running a point). I understand that the current price is $99.95. If you are interested in it, give me a call at (504) 886-3713 after 6pm or drop me a check in the mail and I'll ship it to you. Nolan Lee P.O.Drawer 860 Sun, LA 70463-0860 - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Nolan's Point (1:390/2.7) ------------------------------ Date: 5 Mar 91 18:06 -0500 From: GEOFF REED To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: WORDPERFECT FOR THE B > I don't know, if C.B. is needed to run WP, but it certainly > would make the BOW more enjoyable anyway .If anyone > out there is willing to help out, greatly appreciated from > my side. taThomas ZZ thomas, caroline mack at Irug (International Rainbow Users Group) is selling both wordperfect and CB (code blue) i don't have her address handy at the moment, but I'm sure someone out there has it. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 6 Mar 91 17:45 -0500 From: ANDY BOYCE To: ALL Subject: AUTOCAD FOR THE RAINBOW I have a copy of Autocad version 2.17 specifically made for the rainbow. Comes complete with original documentation and something called the "Betterments package". I dont have a rainbow but am told that it works well. I would like to trade this for some IBM pc parts or software. I know its not worth much. How about an 8 bit HD controller? Also looking for Tandy 1000 memory expansion cards or Hd controllers. Call me at reasonable hours at 508 460 1643 EST. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.14 * Origin: WayStar BBS (1:322/14.0) ------------------------------ Date: 6 Mar 91 23:43 -0500 From: FRANK MALLORY To: GEOFF REED Subject: RE: WORDPERFECT FOR THE B GR> thomas, caroline mack at Irug (International Rainbow Users Group) GR> is selling both wordperfect and CB (code blue) i don't have her address GR> handy at the moment, but I'm sure someone out there has it. Caroline logged onto this BBS recently, from Dahlgren, Va. If you can't reach her any other way, let me know and I'll dig out her phone no. from the user list. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 5 Mar 91 22:06 -0500 From: BOB SMITH To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: WORDPERFECT FOR THE BOW GT> a:WordPerfect any version for the bow b:That myth that's called Code GT> Blue, that I haven't found anywhere so far! Codeblue is not free. If you can buy the latest copy and have ms_dos 3.01b you can run the latest ibm Wordperfect version 5.1 on the rainbow with lots of memory and harddisk (must convert ibm disk to rainbow disk to install). Have been told the rainbow!! version 4.2 runs without codeblue. Someone may have a copy to sell or trade. Check the MESSAGE YARDSALE AREA on your local BBS. - --- msged 2.06 * Origin: Bob's_point of Cuckoo's Nest : Hudson, NH (1:132/119.4) ------------------------------ Date: 8 Mar 91 10:24 -0500 From: FRANK MALLORY To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: MONITOR PROBLEM ON 'BOW GT> The monitor for my Rainbow sporadically loses vertical sync and GT> displays the screen's contents in several copies at once, making it GT> unreadable. The vertical synch can be adjusted easily. Remove the cover (single screw in back, covered by a spherical plastic plug), exposing the adjustment wheels on the side of the component board. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 8 Mar 91 10:29 -0500 From: FRANK MALLORY To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RAINBOW DOS RECOVERY-HELP GT> I have a Rainbow with a 10 Meg hard disc and 2 floppy drives. I am GT> running DOS 2.1. I erased my xywrite directory by typing "del *.* fon" GT> instead of "del *.fon". (a hard lesson well learned) so, Is there any GT> recovery leads any one can help me with -- I called DEC, DECUS, asked GT> our local mavens, and a generous gentleman in Washington DC who GT> suggested dumping everything from the hard drive to floppies-- Is there GT> a version of Norton for this machine? I tried bouncing Norton UD 4.0 GT> off the VAX to the Rainbow drive B: It didn't work. It's about 900,000 GT> K in about 180 files. Thanks David Williams Norton QU will do it. Just takes a little effort because it asks you if you want to undelete each file, then they must be renamed to replace the first letter of the filename. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest ******************************
theall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (03/13/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Mar 12, 1991
In this issue:
CODE BLUE AND WORDPERFECT
QUESTION (2 messages)
WANTED RB-LINK / REGIS
IRUG ADDRESS/FONE #
DEC RAINBOW NEW IN THE BO
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 10 Mar 91 06:19 -0500
From: PAUL OLSON
To: ALL
Subject: CODE BLUE AND WORDPERFECT
Hello Everyone,
Last I knew, Caroline Mack sold both packages. The new IRUG number is
703/775-2266. The last version of WP which ran on the 'bow was
v4.2. Unfortunately, I don't know what the new IRUG address
is, but Caroline is in Dahlgren (sp?), VA.
As Always,
Paul
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.14
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0)
------------------------------
Date: 10 Mar 91 02:59 -0500
From: NOLAN LEE
To: FRANK MALLORY
Subject: QUESTION
Frank, was the 60 meg hd a "slip it in and go" operation?
I didn't think that Rainbow would recongnize anything over 30meg.
If is a slip in, what did you you use to format and partition it?
Nolan
- --- QM v1.00
* Origin: Nolan's Point (1:390/2.7)
------------------------------
Date: 10 Mar 91 21:52 -0500
From: KEN PEARCE
To: ALL
Subject: WANTED RB-LINK / REGIS
HI
I AM LOOKING FOR AN RB-LINK FOR A RAINBOW I WOULD SETTLE FOR JUST THE
CARDS AND THE SOFTWARE. HAS ANY ONE HEARD OF ONE FOR SALE?
I AM ALSO LOOKING FOR A COPY OF REGIS GRAPHICS. YOU MAY LEAVE ME A
MESSAGE HERE OR YOU CAN CALL ME AT 761-436-0347.EVES HOME VOICE NUMBER.
I ALSO HAVE A RAINBOW 100B WITH PRINTER AND SOFTWARE FOR SALE.MONITOR
IS MONICHROME.I KNOW WHERE A COLOR IS AVAILABLE.
SOFTWARE-SELECT WORD,POLYCOMM,MS-DOS 2.11,CPM 2.01.
PRINTER LA-50.OTHER SOFTWARE AVAILABLE.
MEMORY=512K
I CAN CONFIGURE SYSTEM TO YOUR NEEDS.
MAKE AN OFFER!!!
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.14
* Origin: WayStar BBS (1:322/14.0)
------------------------------
Date: 11 Mar 91 09:47 -0500
From: HOWARD HALL
To: ALL
Subject: IRUG ADDRESS/FONE #
IRUG
P.O. Box 518
Dahlgren, VA 22448-0518
(703) 775-2266
And good luck to all. Last I heard Caroline hopes to have a newsletter
on the street shortly.
hlh
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.14
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0)
------------------------------
Date: 10 Mar 91 23:17 -0500
From: JAMES WILLIAMS
To: ALL
Subject: DEC RAINBOW NEW IN THE BO
I know where there are two DEC Rainbow computers still in the shrink
wrap if anyone is interested. Leave a message as getting thru
to my home on the party line is impossible.
With printers also.
- ---
* Origin: The GoldMill BBS, CO Fido/Unix Gateway (719)632-2657 (1:128/67)
------------------------------
Date: 11 Mar 91 20:46 -0500
From: FRANK MALLORY
To: NOLAN LEE
Subject: QUESTION
NL> Frank, was the 60 meg hd a "slip it in and go" operation?
NL> I didn't think that Rainbow would recongnize anything over 30meg.
It worked fine once I got the jumpers set correctly.
NL> If is a slip in, what did you you use to format and partition it?
This presents somewhat of a problem. I was running DOS 3.10.016 at the
time and had no problem formatting and partitioning it with
WUTIL. But despite reports to the contrary, I have been unable
to get WUTIL to operate under DOS 3.10b. So I would have to
drop back to 3.10.016 to format, then use SYS to upgrade my
system to 3.10b.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417)
------------------------------
End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest
******************************schwartz@aries.scs.uiuc.edu (Dwight Schwartz) (03/13/91)
Regarding: >Date: 10 Mar 91 23:17 -0500 >From: JAMES WILLIAMS >To: ALL >Subject: DEC RAINBOW NEW IN THE BO > >I know where there are two DEC Rainbow computers still in the shrink >wrap if anyone is interested. Leave a message as getting thru >to my home on the party line is impossible. >With printers also. >- --- > * Origin: The GoldMill BBS, CO Fido/Unix Gateway (719)632-2657 (1:128/67) > I'm sorry if this is obvious to the goup, but how do we get in touch with you? Is "The GoldMill BBS" a place where you can pick up mail? Would it be appropriate for you to post info on the source of this equipment to this newsgroup? And since we're talking hardware, does anyone know of a source for Rainbow hardware, such as hard disk controller cards and graphics adapters? I would be happy to post a summary to the group if contributors would send specific addresses and phone numbers of hardware/software sources to me. Feel free to use the most convenient type of mail. I'll be watching all my physical and logical mailboxes for your replies. Thanks in advance for your help. Dwight --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dwight A. Schwartz ______--_-____--________------___--_-_-_-_-_----------__ ___________________________________________________________________________ University of Illinois Department of Chemistry | 402 E. Michigan, Apt. 3 Box 10-1 Noyes Laboratory | Urbana, IL 61801 505 S. Mathews Ave. | 217-328-4823 Urbana, IL 61801 | 217-333-7605 _____________|___________________________ 333-3004 |Earth's crammed with Heaven, internet: schwartz@b.scs.uiuc.edu |And Every common bush afire with God; bitnet: schwartz@uiucscs |But only he who sees takes off his shoes. |The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries. | --- Elizabeth Barrett Browning
theall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (03/14/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Mar 13, 1991 In this issue: QUESTION HELP - RD53 BAD SECTORS LA-50 RIBBONS FORSALE WORDPERFECT FOR THE BOW RE: RAINBOW DOS RECOVERY- Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 11 Mar 91 13:32 -0500 From: BOB SMITH To: NOLAN LEE Subject: QUESTION On <Mar 10>, Nolan Lee (1:390/2.7) wrote to Frank Mallory: NL> Frank, was the 60 meg hd a "slip it in and go" operation? NL> I didn't think that Rainbow would recongnize anything over 30meg. Rainbow works with upto 67 meg disk (but ONLY 8 heads). - --- msged 2.06 * Origin: Bob's_point of Cuckoo's Nest : Hudson, NH (1:132/119.4) ------------------------------ Date: 12 Mar 91 06:36 -0500 From: FRANK MALLORY To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: HELP - RD53 BAD SECTORS GT> I have a major problem. I have an Rainbow 100b with a 10MB disk. I have GT> been given an rd53 and want to put it in my rainbow. Since I couldn't GT> use the original cable (connects are resessed too far), I built a GT> cable. I then cranked up WUTIL V3.2 (using MS-DOS V3.1) and tried to GT> initialize/format the drive. I have over 20,000 bad sectors. There seem GT> to be two sections of the disk that do not report bad sectors. Two possible problems: WUTIL won't work with the official DOS 3.10, and you need to change the drive jumpers when changing the RD53 from VAX to Rainbow. The fact that your copy of WUTIL even _tries_ to format means it is probably the jumpers. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 10 Mar 91 22:47 -0500 From: GEOFF REED To: ALL Subject: LA-50 RIBBONS FORSALE I have 84 LA-50 ribbons forsale, they also work on imagewriters, c-ithos, NEC's and many other printers, they are going for $1.50 each, plus shipping if out of the greater seattle area. (I'll deliver in the seattle area for $2.00 for petrol.) or you can pick them up I can be reached at (206) 874-6914 - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 11 Mar 91 10:04 -0500 From: DAVID STRICKLER To: BOB SMITH Subject: WORDPERFECT FOR THE BOW Rumor has it that Carolyn Mack is selling WP 4.2 for the Bow. WordPerfect themselves can't get their act together to ship me one. I tried 5 times for a customer, and they shipped a PC version everytime! David Strickler Sysop of 101/45 Midnight DEC (Boston) (617)739-0708 [Voice] - --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 11 Mar 91 17:14 -0500 From: JACK STEVENS To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: RAINBOW DOS RECOVERY- The older versions of Norton (I have 3.0) were smaller and did work on the Rainbow without Code Blue, having had less fancy menus. I regret that I cannot offer any help on how you might obtain a copy, however. - --- * Origin: Midnight DEC - The BBS for DEC sales & information (Opus 1:101/45) ------------------------------ End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest ******************************
theall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (03/19/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Mar 18, 1991 In this issue: RE: DEC RAINBOW NEW IN TH RD53 RE: KERMIT Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 15 Mar 91 16:45 -0500 From: EDWIN GENTLEY To: JAMES WILLIAMS Subject: RE: DEC RAINBOW NEW IN TH James, Could you provide me with more information about the Rainbows. I run a non-profit agency that might be able to use them. I already have software. Ed - --- Opus-CBCS 1.14 * Origin: WayStar BBS (1:322/14.0) ------------------------------ Date: 17 Mar 91 09:53 -0500 From: FRANK MALLORY To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RD53 GT> You said that the 60 meg drive worked correctly after you set the GT> jumpers. What Jumpers? on the drive or controller. What needs to be GT> set. Please help! GT> GT> Mark. If you look closely, you will see some jumpers on the drive itself. Sorry to say I got the settings from somebody on this conference a couple years ago and have misplaced them. Too much trouble to get the drive out of my floor stand to check them. Perhaps the person who furnished the info originally will repost. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 16 Mar 91 21:52 -0500 From: BILL HLIWA To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: KERMIT GT> Question 2) Where can I get a program such as Kermit GT> or the like that would allow me to do file transfers GT> and other such neat-o stuff. If you can't find another offer closer, send a diskette and return mailer to: William Hliwa Department of Medical Technology, AA107 University at Buffalo Clinical Center 462 Grider Street Buffalo, NY 14215 - --- Sirius 1.0x * Origin: Med TechNet/Buffalo, NY/*USA*/716-688-1552 [HST] (1:260/10.0) ------------------------------ End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest ******************************
theall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (03/20/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Mar 19, 1991
In this issue:
RE: HELP - RD53 BAD SECTO
RE: FOSSIL NEEDED FOR BOW
RE: QUESTION
MEDIA MASTER
RE: KERMIT
FLOPPY DISKETTE DENSITIES
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 17 Mar 91 07:37 -0500
From: BOB FULLER
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: HELP - RD53 BAD SECTO
I have been running a RD53 with no problem, formated with
WUTIL. Check to see if the connections(plugs) to the RD53 are firmly
seated, including no sideways pressure.
I used the original DEC cable after modifying it with a Dremel
type drum sander to grind down the plastic on the plug that blocked
them from firm seating. I took a lot of plastic off
When I was making the change to the RD53, I was advised the
the normal DEC cable may not not be thick enough for the drive. The
symptom was many bad sectors. I did not have this problem, but
if the original advise I was given is accurate, perhaps your
manufactured cable is too thin for the RD53 application.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 17 Mar 91 00:59 -0500
From: VAN VANHORN
To: NOLAN LEE
Subject: RE: FOSSIL NEEDED FOR BOW
The Fossil you need is DECCOMM, and your Bow will work just fine as a
point. My Bow works just fine as a bulletin board at 9600 bps
afterall, and it isn't the only one.
The author of Binkleyterm was running a Bow as his BBS last I heard, so
you can figure that Bink is going to behave on your system as well.
+ vanhorn +
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.10
* Origin: Horsefeathers + Question authority! + (1:343/30.0)
------------------------------
Date: 17 Mar 91 09:53 -0500
From: VAN VANHORN
To: BOB SMITH
Subject: RE: QUESTION
>
> NL> Frank, was the 60 meg hd a "slip it in and go" operation?
> NL> I didn't think that Rainbow would recongnize anything
> over 30meg.
>
> Rainbow works with upto 67 meg disk (but ONLY 8 heads).
>
Please! The Rainbow hard drive controller imposes an absolute limit of
64 Megabytes, which is reached only when there are 8 (or more)
heads and 1024 (or more) cylinders because there is also a
limit of 16 sectors per track (8K).
CHKDSK will report 67108864 Total Bytes in disk, which I don't really
like (I would prefer it told me 65,536 KB), but CHKDSK makes no
claim that 67 Million bytes is one nibble over 64 Megs.
When major applications came on two 3740 disks (Single Sided Single
Density 8" floppies for any latecomers <grin>) and ten meg hard
drives were still big, advertisers playing fast and loose with
this difference weren't a big deal. Besides, at 10 megs, it
isn't much difference. At 64 megs, it is substantial.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.10
* Origin: Horsefeathers + Question authority! + (1:343/30.0)
------------------------------
Date: 18 Mar 91 15:31 -0500
From: NOLAN LEE
To: ALL INTERESTED PARTIES
Subject: MEDIA MASTER
Does anyone have a copy of Media Master for the Rainbow that they are
tired of and want to sell?
Thanks, Nolan.
- --- QM v1.00
* Origin: Nolan's Point (1:390/2.7)
------------------------------
Date: 18 Mar 91 02:04 -0500
From: PAUL ROBINSON
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: KERMIT
TO: Chris Sasaki
I have a copy of the MS-DOS generic Kermit. If you want a copy and
have an assembler, I can send it to you. I can send it on 5
1/4" 8 sector single sided disks, but all the disks I have have
hub rings, and I have heard that can cause a problem [my
computer is an IBM klone]. It will take about 8 diskettes to do this.
If you want it, send me $5, I'll send back a box of diskettes with the
sources on it along with a couple of things. I will even
compile a copy of it and you can try that but if it doesn't
work you'll have the set of MS-DOS generic sources as
uncompressed files. If you are interested, you can contact me at:
Paul Robinson
P O Box 70970
Washington, DC 20024-0970
There are two parts; the documentation for kermit that takes up about
300K and something over 500K of sources. I can send them out
as uncompressed source files.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.14
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0)
------------------------------
Date: 18 Mar 91 23:47 -0500
From: HOWARD HALL
To: ALL
Subject: FLOPPY DISKETTE DENSITIES
I have a feeling that a lot of the 'wordage' concerning densities
on available diskettes is nothing but PR flack. I know, for example,
that I only need SS (single sided) diskettes for my Rainbow,
but I get DS (double sided) so that I have a 'common' diskette
that I can easily reformat and use elsewhere. (I also function
as System Manager for the IBM PS/2 system at church, this
simplifies logistics).
I also need to purchase 3.5" diskettes from time to time for
the IBM, and I know that I need DS for that. So far, I have used DD
(double density) exclusively for the 5.25" diskettes (both
systems) and for the 3.5" diskettes for the IBM. I would
appreciate a dissertation on the need/usefulness of HD (high
density) diskettes in both the above categories.
Help!!
Howie
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.14
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0)
------------------------------
End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest
******************************GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (03/23/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Mar 22, 1991 In this issue: FLOPPY DISKETTE DENSITIES (3 messages) RE: QUESTION RE: FLOPPY DISKETTE DENSI Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 19 Mar 91 11:03 -0500 From: NOLAN LEE To: HOWARD HALL Subject: FLOPPY DISKETTE DENSITIES In a message of <Mar 18 23:47>, Howard Hall (1:109/417) writes: HH>example, that I only need SS (single sided) diskettes for my HH>Rainbow, but I get DS (double sided) so that I have a 'common' HH>diskette that I can easily reformat and use elsewhere. (I also HH>appreciate a dissertation on the need/usefulness of HD (high HH>density) diskettes in both the above categories. HH> HH> Help!! I use the least expensive diskettes I can find. I've been using the DSDD diskettes in the Rainbow and haven't had any problems with them. I've even punched new right protect notches and index holes and turned them over to double capacity with no problems. I tried using some of the high density disks in the Rainbow but had formatting problems with them. Even the ones that formatted ok still gave me read errors. I personally don't keep any disk with bad sectors. I usually bulk erase them and try the format over. Then mark them with a small "x" and send them as freebies to others that I give or trade files with. I don't trust 'em! After all, is it worth loosing an important file over a 25 cent disk? Perhaps someone else will have some suggestions! Good luck, Nolan - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Nolan's Point (1:390/2.7) ------------------------------ Date: 20 Mar 91 20:16 -0500 From: WARNER LOSH To: VAN VANHORN Subject: RE: QUESTION In a message of <17 Mar 91 09:53:27>, Van Vanhorn (1:343/30) writes: VV>When major applications came on two 3740 disks (Single Sided Single VV>Density 8" floppies for any latecomers <grin>) and ten meg hard drives VV>were still big, advertisers playing fast and loose with this difference VV>weren't a big deal. Besides, at 10 megs, it isn't much difference. At VV>64 megs, it is substantial. This discussion cam up a while ago. When you buy memory, 1K is 1024 and 1M is 1024K. However, when you buy a disk, however, 1K is 1000 and 1M is 1000K. I have spent several lunches arguing over this with someone that worked in the disk depratment were I work. These hair split by... Warner "Imp" Losh - --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: DinoPoint 6 (1:104/114.6) ------------------------------ Date: 20 Mar 91 20:19 -0500 From: WARNER LOSH To: HOWARD HALL Subject: FLOPPY DISKETTE DENSITIES 5.25" Disks: Double Density: 40 tracks (Original PC disks) Quad Density: 80 tracks (Rainbow Disks) High Density: 80 tracks (AT disks) Note that HD and QD are different. The megetic properties of the disks are different, so don't use HD disks in a Rainbow (unless you like trouble). It is OK to use QD disks on an AT disk drive, since the head field is stronger than the specs. DD disks are OK to use in QD drives usually. They aren't tested and certified for 80 tracks, but will usually work. 3.5" Disks: DD: 80 Tracks (Original 3.5" disks) HD: 80 Tracks (New 3.5" disks) HD have 18 (or 20) sectors per track. DD have 9 (or 10) sectors per track. All HD disks write at a higher density and with faster data transfer rates than DD disks. As such, I have not found a way to put any HD disks in a Rainbow. Warner - --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: DinoPoint 6 (1:104/114.6) ------------------------------ Date: 20 Mar 91 20:41 -0500 From: HOWARD HALL To: NOLAN LEE Subject: RE: FLOPPY DISKETTE DENSI Nolan- Your response received and appreciated. Your comments have clarified some of the verbiage in the catalog blurbs concerning diskettes, densities, capacities, etc. Based on your observations "in the field", I see no advantage to my testing of the same items! I will simply continue using the DS/DD, and may eventually even try the re-notch bit for some "casual" uses! Thanx! hlh - --- Opus-CBCS 1.14 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0) ------------------------------ Date: 22 Mar 91 19:36 -0500 From: GEORGE THEALL To: WARNER LOSH Subject: FLOPPY DISKETTE DENSITIES WL>5.25" Disks: ... WL> Quad Density: 80 tracks (Rainbow Disks) WL> High Density: 80 tracks (AT disks) Warner, aren't the RX50s 96 tracks (per inch)? And, btw, ever notice that DEC in their _Rainbow Handbook_ describes them as "double density"? No kidding, I'm looking in the Spring 1984 edition, p. 8-17. Typo maybe? George ------------------------------ End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest ******************************
lasner@shibuya.cc.columbia.edu (Charles Lasner) (03/23/91)
To: GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU
Subject: Re: Rainbow EchoMail Digest
Newsgroups: comp.sys.dec.micro
In-Reply-To: <9103230131.AA04966@remote.dccs.upenn.edu>
Organization: Columbia University
Cc:
Bcc:
From: Charles Lasner (floppy maven)
A little misinformation to dispell:
Original non-double (regular?) density disks are (let's use Maxell
numbering system) are MD1 or MD2 if double-sided. 90K on a side (K=1024,
*not* 1000) achieved at most by 9 sectors x 256 bytes/sector x 40 tracks
(48 tpi for 5/6"). Recording speed is 250 KHz, but double-frequency
recording method is used, not MFM as in all later stuff. Each clock buys
you only .5 bits, since every other clock is a sync pulse, not data.
Used in early machines like Osbornes. The absolute original 5.25" floppy
known to be scoffed at by 8" people who had bigger disk capacity at the
time because they were double-frequency, but at 500 KHz (albeit at 20%
faster rotation speed, so they were only 1.6 times as dense, not double).
Possibly was only 80K on a side due to belief that drive speed tolerance
couldn't reliably use more than 8 sectors/track with wide guard zones
between sectors. Larger amounts could be had by using less/bigger
sectors.
Double-density disks were championed by IBM because they were
"double" the Osborne-type pathetic creatures. They had 160K per side
because they were MFM, thus each bit has data. The information is when
precisely does the clock happen: early or late relative to a mythical
middle time point that never happens. Each bit decision extrapolates the
time for the next bit to arrive late or early against. Cannot easily
distinguish long streams of ones from long streams of zeroes, but is
otherwise reliable, and is industry standard for floppies. These need
Maxell MD1D or MD2D media. Eventually, IBM admitted that they were too
conservative, even with the junky drives they sold on PCs, so they upped
it to 180K/side with 9 sectors of 512 bytes each. Future programs would
come out which up this further to 10 sectors/track, although without
IBM's blessing. We still have 40 tracks and 250 KHZ, so the head gap is
relatively large. All of these low-density floppies require the
high-saturation oxide that goes with 250 KHz territory. Some
manufacturers make this mix reddish-brown, with the high-density (500 KHz
stuff) darker, almost black. Actually, there are no hard and fast rules,
so be wary of color comparisons. For all practical purposes, the MD1 and
MD1D, and MD2 and MD2D are the same media. Some PC oldtimers perhaps
have early Maxell boxes marked MD1 without the trailing D. The drives
ability to not jitter the MFM was the real difference, not the media or
its official "certification" as acceptable for ssdd or dsdd usage.
Because of the various IBM quirks, disks exist calling themselves 160K,
180K, 320K, and 360K. Various formatting programs exist to extend this
further. Using 10 sectors/track and 41 tracks (yes, most drives have the
extra track; 80 track-type drives mostly have 82 tracks!) and two sides
gets you to 410K.
With the double-density label attached to IBM's stuff, someone dreamt
up the name "quad-density" for the disks used by the DEC RX50 machines
and the Victor 9000. These disks are identical to the MD1D and MD2D with
one important difference: they originally were honed smoother for use
with somewhat thinner heads (not to be confused with even thinner heads
later known as thin-film heads). These drives get another doubling over
the double-density because there are now 80 tracks (96 TPI), not 40
tracks (48 TPI), but the frequency, etc., is *not* changed. Many of the
early 96 TPI drives had head registration problems - the media could not
be guaranteed to seat reliably in the same position when remounting the
disk. Actually, the amount of variation isn't much over the former
double-density, rather the tolerance is about 1/10 of what you used to be
able to get away with. On some drives, the hub ring protectors actually
backfire and cause the registration problem. The solution is to
eliminate the hub rings. In theory the media has a lower saturation
formula, but only slightly, so hub-ringless versions of the MD1D and MD2D
are available as MD1DD and MD2DD. For preformatted DEC media, get
MD1DD-RX50. This actually outperforms DEC's RX50 brand media! Today's
better floppy manufacturing means that all floppies are well-honed, so
it's dubious what the difference is between MD1D and MD1DD or MD2D and
MD2DD anymore. Formulations which have wider saturation ranges are now
used, so today's cheap floppies are better than older "premium" grades.
I imagine that Maxell and the other "name-brand" floppy people might
insist there is a difference, but I think it's more of a minor
"fine-tuning" of the oxide mix, not a major formulation difference, since
there is now a lot of overlap in the requirements of the manufacturing.
At this point in the story enters the 3.5" disk as used in PCs with
720K disks. These are in theory the same as 360K disks, just that the
stiffer media and thinner heads are now in a newer, smaller package.
That 5/6 of an inch is getting 80 (up to 82 actually!) tracks on it
"officially" now. Notice that RX50 format always used 10 sector disks,
so DEC gets 400K/side, while IBM only gets 360K/side (but has two
sides!). There are formatting programs to put 10 sectors/side, and use
82 tracks, so you get 410K/side or 820K/disk. Since this is still 250
KHz territory, Maxell calls this stuff MF1DD or MF2DD for two sides.
Note also that virtually all disks are made double-sided today, so they
probably have dropped the MF1DD entirely. Notice that there is totally
consistency here: the name isn't MF2D, it is MF2DD; a quad density
notation because there is 80 tracks at 96 TPI.
When the AT came out, IBM used the miniaturized 8" design that was
started as far back as 1982 by Mitsubishi and others. They would have
you believe they invented high-density disks, but that's pure bull. I
used the Mitsubishi drive on the PDP-8 two whole years before IBM decided
to replace the XT. These drives run at 360 RPM and 500 KHz clocks, just
like the 8" stuff; there is even an adaptor cable to work in the 50-pin
environment with real 8" drives if you insist. My OMTI 5400 controller
for hard disks and high-density floppies even calls itself an 8" floppy
controller. These drives have thin-film heads, and all are 96 TPI. They
get more capacity than the 8" drives' 77 tracks; all claim 80 and most do
82. I have some early Maxell MD2HD media with pure white labels
imprinted "Maxell MD2HD" on them and nothing else. All of the other
Maxell disks had the (then) familiar red labels. This formulation takes
into account the shorter head gap, and attendent lower saturation levels.
Attempts to use this media on the low-density drives results in
unreliable operation because the media overloads and distorts the bits'
flux changes. Since these drives rotate 20% faster, the capacity is only
160% of double-density, not 200% as otherwise would be predicted.
High-density disks always come in double-sided versions, so there is no
media MD1HD. Some versions of the drives, such as TEAC FD55GFR are
capable of being run at 300 RPM for retro compatibility in some systems.
ATs use a third clock speed of 300 KHz which is 20% faster to match the
20% rotation speed increase when reading double-density floppies. Some
add-on cards such as the Compaticard series will assert the speed change
bit instead, so a TEAC FD55GFR or FD55GFV or equivalent is mandatory.
There are formatting programs that can up the capacity of this disk to as
much as 1.48 MBytes, but there are trade-offs: You must use a 2-1
interleave, so sloppy programs might actually run faster, but good ones
will definitely run slower. The number of sectors, normally 15, is upped
to 18, because you can now use the "in-between" sectors as the "cool-off"
guard zone instead of using "dead space" for this purpose. This refers
to the relatively lengthy time zone where the head read amplifier is
still unable to read the media to find the next header after recently
writing the end of the last sector's data. There is no writing going on
anymore, but the read amp is overloaded because the write current was
saturating the input circuit. (Remember, only one head to read *or*
write, so they are in common.) To allow normal 1-1 interleave, you must
leave dead zones past the end of the written data, so the head amp can
recover and then start reading the next sector's header record (which is
not written on) before re-enabling writing of the new sector's data area.
This allows 5.25" disks to be capacity-identical with 3.5" disks' 1.44
MBytes, and even more if you use the 82 track variation most drives
allow (1.48 MBytes).
The final popular format is the 3.5" high-density version. This is
designed to be 500 KHz *and* 300 RPM, so performance is truly exactly
four times double-density. There are 18 sectors (double the nine) and 80
tracks (double the 40). Unlike the 5.25" high-density drives, these
extra-thin film heads can run at 300 RPM and still achieve good
performance at 500 KHz recording rate. Formatting programs exist to take
advantage of the 82 tracks and 2-1 interleave, which puts 21 sectors on
each track for a total of 1.72 MBytes. (Same trade-offs apply as above.)
Apparently, formulation for these inherently thinner heads is so much
like the MF2DD version, that MF2HD disks are identical to their DD
counterparts, except there is a hardware problem: an extra notch hole is
needed to allow the high-density identification to most drives. There
are third-party hole-punchers on the market to get around this. Be wary
of off-brand media though, they may be still making their diskettes only
to MF2DD spec, not the wider-range of saturation formulation of the
current crop of name-brand disks. There are also reports of
contamination from errant pieces of plastic winding up strewn about the
media after punching out the hole. There are also some drive
modifications to avoid media mutilation.
So, a DEC-oriented summary:
Do use any double-density media made today; there ain't much
difference. If the media gets around, don't use hub rings; they'll "get"
you eventually. There are some vendors, like Fuji, that use thicker hub
areas, not rings, so these are recommended. Apparently, exclusive use on
RX50s doesn't cause much registration drift using name-brand
double-density media (D, not DD), but beware mixed usage with other
people's machines. Remember, RX50 disks wind up on AT-clones using
RX50DRVR. The AT-clone may have a hub-eater in it! To play it safe, pay
more for MD1DD or even MD1DD-RX50 if you are format-lazy (or only have a
VAX, DECmate, or PRO). MD1DD can be formatted fine on an AT for RX50
usage. Just specify 10 sectors, 80 tracks, and 1 side. Unfortunately,
RX50s really have only 80 tracks, no extras. :-( The resulting disks are
totally legal for DOS usage on the PC, but not for any other purpose, so
don't forget to use prevailing directory initializers on the DEC
machines; this is just the "low-level" physical formatting that cannot be
done on any DEC RX50 machine except for the Rainbow.
Do *not* use HD media. It will be more expensive, and it won't work
reliably because it is designed for more "delicate" heads.
A side note:
All formats can gain transfer efficiency by including a stagger
factor in the formatting process like the software mapping of RT-11, etc.
The idea is that it takes a number of milliseconds to get to the next
track when you seek, so you won't see the first sector on the next track
after transferring the last sector on this track, rather some higher
number depending on track-track seek speed. RT-11 uses a software
mapping scheme, but PCs, etc., just do it straight linear. So, the
formatter can compensate by staggering (aka sliding) up the order of the
sectors as they appear on the disk. A good number for RX50 format is 2.
This means that track zero is formatted 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10, and track
one is formatted 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,1,2 and so forth. These are all stated
relative to the index mark.
cjl (lasner@watsun.cc.columbia.edu home of KERMIT-12 and other fine KERMITs)slsw2@cc.usu.edu (03/26/91)
In article <1991Mar23.080919.25327@cunixf.cc.columbia.edu>, lasner@shibuya.cc.columbia.edu (Charles Lasner) writes: > With the double-density label attached to IBM's stuff, someone dreamt > up the name "quad-density" for the disks used by the DEC RX50 machines > and the Victor 9000. I first saw this notation with the Superbrain, predating both the RX50 and the Victor 9000 by a number of years. > All formats can gain transfer efficiency by including a stagger > factor in the formatting process like the software mapping of RT-11, etc. > ... RT-11 uses a software > mapping scheme... Sure wish they'd used a hardware mapping scheme. All floppy controllers these days can be told which order to lay the sectors out in, so there's really no excuse for doing it with software. The problem with software is that if you want to read the disk, you have to know the software mapping scheme. But if they had just scrambled the order of the sectors on the disk you wouldn't have to. Sigh. -- =============================================================================== Roger Ivie 35 S 300 W Logan, Ut. 84321 (801) 752-8633 ===============================================================================
theall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (03/27/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Mar 26, 1991
In this issue:
RE: RAINBOW DOS RECOVERY-
RE: VT200 EMULATION
RE: KERMIT
FLOPPY DISKETTE DENSITIES
RE: DEC RAINBOW NEW IN TH
PEACHTREE ACCOUNTING SOFT
LATEST DOS REV
HELP PLZ WITH LA-50
RE: FLOPPY DISKETTE DENSI
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 22 Mar 91 23:37 -0500
From: DAVID MAROUN
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: RAINBOW DOS RECOVERY-
I have used the Norton version 4 (advanced edition) Quick Erase utility
QU.EXE many times on a Rainbow, with success. The Mace 5
undelete utility also works, though you need Code Blue to get
the full screen display (Code Blue is not necessary if you do
not need to answer prompts, or if you know beforehand what they
are). However, I keep my disks de-fragmented. Undelete
utilities can have considerable trouble with fragmented files.
To attempt recovery of fragmented files, you can try Norton's NU
version 4 advanced edition. Load it with the command
NU/D2/BW<Return>
and use WordStar-style control keys to move around. The cursor keys
are control-D, control-S, control-X, and control-E, for
example. The Rainbow arrow and function keys send the escape
character, which aborts the current operation, or ultimately,
the program. Good luck--you will have to make some guesses if
you want to recover fragmented files.
DEBUG can also be used to recover deleted files, but you need fairly
technical knowledge.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 22 Mar 91 23:48 -0500
From: DAVID MAROUN
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: VT200 EMULATION
Recent versions of KERMIT allow VT200 emulation.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 22 Mar 91 23:50 -0500
From: DAVID MAROUN
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: KERMIT
For Rainbow and DECmate software (notably the operating systems and
graphics options) and some hardware at *very* low cost, contact
Randy Bruce, Kwantlen College, 12666-72nd Avenue, Surrey, BC,
Canada; telephone (604) 599-2121.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 23 Mar 91 06:44 -0500
From: DON MARQUART
To: NOLAN LEE
Subject: FLOPPY DISKETTE DENSITIES
> I tried using some of the high density disks in the Rainbow but had
> formatting problems with them. Even the ones that formatted ok still gave
> me read errors.
High density disks have different media than the standard density disks
that the Rainbow requires and not appropriate or reliable for
use. They also cost alot more:-). Stick with the standard
density disks for use with the RB.
Later...
- --- ConfMail V4.00
* Origin: Club Micro (303)973-8578 VHST/V32/V42b (1:104/888)
------------------------------
Date: 25 Mar 91 09:52 -0500
From: CHRISTOPHER WROTEN
To: JAMES WILLIAMS
Subject: RE: DEC RAINBOW NEW IN TH
James - Can you provide me more info on the 'bows? 100A or 100B? Hard
disk? Software? RAM? Other options? I am treasurer for a non-profit
choral group which currently has and uses a 100A. May want more. Thx.
Christopher Wroten, 508-620-2800 x4336 (7:30am-4pm EST),
CFW@RES-C4.PRIME.COM
- --- QM v1.00
* Origin: The Rainbow's Edge - Bink/Opus via HST @ 617-551-0495 (1:101/1.0)
------------------------------
Date: 25 Mar 91 09:54 -0500
From: CHRISTOPHER WROTEN
To: ALL
Subject: PEACHTREE ACCOUNTING SOFT
DOes anyone have Peachtree Accounting Software for the 'Bow?
Particularly, General Ledger. If so, please call me. I'd like to
purchase it or have it donated. I am treasurer for a non-profit
choral society and I use the Bow to keep the books. Peachtree
software would make it so much simpler than 1-2-3 which I'm using
now. Thanks!!
Christopher Wroten, 508-620-2800 x4336 (7:30am-4pm EST),
CFW@RES-C4.PRIME.COM
- --- QM v1.00
* Origin: The Rainbow's Edge - Bink/Opus via HST @ 617-551-0495 (1:101/1.0)
------------------------------
Date: 25 Mar 91 09:58 -0500
From: CHRISTOPHER WROTEN
To: ALL
Subject: LATEST DOS REV
What's the latest DOS rev which can be used on a 100A? I have just
a single copy of DOS 2.05, and that floppy is becoming unreadable.
Anyone have a current version I can have or know where it can be
otherwise obtained? Is DOS actually still *sold* for the 'Bow?
Christopher Wroten, 508-620-2800 x4336 (7:30am-4pm EST)
CFW@RES-C4.PRIME.COM
- --- QM v1.00
* Origin: The Rainbow's Edge - Bink/Opus via HST @ 617-551-0495 (1:101/1.0)
------------------------------
Date: 25 Mar 91 10:00 -0500
From: CHRISTOPHER WROTEN
To: ALL
Subject: HELP PLZ WITH LA-50
I just got around to hooking up an LA-50 printer I bought for my
'Bow about 6 months ago. I created a dummy little text file of
several lines using EDLIN. I then used PRINT to see what would happen.
It printed only a single line of garbage characters. The LA-50 came
with no documentation and I am quite ignorant concerning the proper
configuration, setup and use of the 'Bow. Could someone tell me what
I may be doing wrong, or what manual to look in to properly hook it
and up and use it? Thanks!
Christopher Wroten, 508-620-2800 x4336 (7:30am-4pm, EST),
CFW@RES-C4.PRIME.COM
- --- QM v1.00
* Origin: The Rainbow's Edge - Bink/Opus via HST @ 617-551-0495 (1:101/1.0)
------------------------------
Date: 24 Mar 91 22:51 -0500
From: GARRY LOCKYER
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: FLOPPY DISKETTE DENSI
No typo. At 96 TPI, Rainbow diskettes were twice the density of
other drives offerred at that time.
Garry
- --- Maximus-CBCS v1.02
* Origin: Garry's Hot Air BBS (1:163/148)
------------------------------
End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest
******************************theall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (03/28/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Mar 27, 1991 In this issue: FLOPPY DISKETTE DENSITIES (2 messages) HELP PLZ WITH LA-50 (2 messages) LATEST DOS REV Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 23 Mar 91 22:53 -0500 From: WARNER LOSH To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: FLOPPY DISKETTE DENSITIES In a message of <22 Mar 91 19:36:00>, George Theall (1:273/203) writes: GT> Warner, aren't the RX50s 96 tracks (per inch)? Yes, they are. However, they have only 80 tracks of data on them. Warner - --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: DinoPoint 6 (1:104/114.6) ------------------------------ Date: 26 Mar 91 12:28 -0500 From: FRANK MALLORY To: CHRISTOPHER WROTEN Subject: HELP PLZ WITH LA-50 CW> I just got around to hooking up an LA-50 printer I bought for my CW> 'Bow about 6 months ago. I created a dummy little text file of CW> several lines using EDLIN. I then used PRINT to see what would happen. CW> It printed only a single line of garbage characters. The LA-50 came CW> with no documentation and I am quite ignorant concerning the proper CW> configuration, setup and use of the 'Bow. Could someone tell me what CW> I may be doing wrong, or what manual to look in to properly hook it CW> and up and use it? Thanks! First, make sure your Rainbow is set properly. Go into Setup, Printer, and set the parameters to 8N and 4800 baud. Then give shift/s to save. Let us know whether you still have problems. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 26 Mar 91 11:34 -0500 From: BOB SMITH To: CHRISTOPHER WROTEN Subject: HELP PLZ WITH LA-50 On <Mar 25>, Christopher Wroten (1:101/1) wrote to All: CW> I just got around to hooking up an LA-50 printer I bought for my CW> 'Bow about 6 months ago. I created a dummy little text file of CW> several lines using EDLIN. I then used PRINT to see what would happen. CW> It printed only a single line of garbage characters. The LA-50 came CW> with no documentation and I am quite ignorant concerning the proper CW> configuration, setup and use of the 'Bow. Could someone tell me what CW> I may be doing wrong, or what manual to look in to properly hook it CW> and up and use it? Thanks! CW> Christopher Wroten, 508-620-2800 x4336 (7:30am-4pm, EST), CW> CFW@RES-C4.PRIME.COM Go into SETUP (F3) and change the printer settings: SETUP, Next Scr till PRINTER Try 7S (Arrow key to change) 4800 Baud SETUP Try printing If this does not work try different Bauds and then different Data B/P settings with different bauds. If printer was working this should do the trick. If not the you need to look at the book for the correct Switch settings in the printer. I expect to go to the next Rainbow BCS meeting and will bring my books on the printer for you to look at. When you find the setting that works Save by doing "Shift S". - --- msged 2.06 * Origin: Bob's_point of Cuckoo's Nest : Hudson, NH (1:132/119.4) ------------------------------ Date: 26 Mar 91 11:22 -0500 From: BOB SMITH To: CHRISTOPHER WROTEN Subject: LATEST DOS REV On <Mar 25>, Christopher Wroten (1:101/1) wrote to All: CW> What's the latest DOS rev which can be used on a 100A? I have just CW> a single copy of DOS 2.05, and that floppy is becoming unreadable. CW> Anyone have a current version I can have or know where it can be CW> otherwise obtained? Is DOS actually still *sold* for the 'Bow? CW> Christopher Wroten, 508-620-2800 x4336 (7:30am-4pm EST) CW> CFW@RES-C4.PRIME.COM DOS 3.01B is latest, but you should only need 2.11-1 if not running 32meg disk. If your 2.05 disk is in bad shape make a copy TODAY using DiskCopy on 2.05. DISKCOPY A: B: | ^-- To Disk +-- -- From Disk Go to the DEC/Rainbow BCS meeting second Monday of each mo. - --- msged 2.06 * Origin: Bob's_point of Cuckoo's Nest : Hudson, NH (1:132/119.4) ------------------------------ Date: 27 Mar 91 14:11 -0500 From: GEORGE THEALL To: WARNER LOSH Subject: FLOPPY DISKETTE DENSITIES GT> Warner, aren't the RX50s 96 tracks (per inch)? WL>Yes, they are. However, they have only 80 tracks of data on them. Ah, can you explain this? Is this due to formatting? George ------------------------------ End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest ******************************
theall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (04/04/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Apr 3, 1991 In this issue: AUTOCAD FOR 'BOW FLOPPY DISKETTE DENSITIES RE: FLOPPY DISKETTE DENSI Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 28 Mar 91 18:09 -0500 From: ANDY BOYCE To: ALL Subject: AUTOCAD FOR 'BOW Some time ago I advertised a copy of ACAD for the rainbow. Someone Who claimed to be President of DECUS called and we struck a deal to trade for a book. I was pretty much giving it away. I have not recieved anything in return and have lost the persons name. I can only assume that there has been a mixup or I have been had. If you are out ther , please contact me at 508 460 1643. Thank you - --- Opus-CBCS 1.14 * Origin: WayStar BBS (1:322/14.0) ------------------------------ Date: 29 Mar 91 09:59 -0500 From: BOB SMITH To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: FLOPPY DISKETTE DENSITIES On <Mar 27>, George Theall (1:273/203) wrote to Warner Losh: GT> Warner, aren't the RX50s 96 tracks (per inch)? WL>Yes, they are. However, they have only 80 tracks of data on them. GT> Ah, can you explain this? Is this due to formatting? If you have a drive doing 96 TPI and only us 1/2 inch of disk to put data on you would have a 48 track system. You also could format only ever other track. DEC uses only par of an inch and gets 80 Tracks. This is why you can format IBM single sides media in the Rainbow after bulk erasing the media (Using FORIBM under CPM). - --- msged 2.06 * Origin: Bob's_point of Cuckoo's Nest : Hudson, NH (1:132/119.4) ------------------------------ Date: 30 Mar 91 02:48 -0500 From: CHRIS MCEWEN To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: FLOPPY DISKETTE DENSI The question seems to be popping back and forth about drives being rated as "96 tracks per inch" but only having 80 tracks. This, in fact, is standard. The usual 40 track drives have "48 tracks per inch." No one is getting cheated here -- we all have been living with this since they sold the first 5.25" floppy. :-) - --- MSBBS 0.10 * Origin: The Black Box RCP/M MSBBS, 713-480-2686 HST/V32/V42bis (106/601) ------------------------------ End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest ******************************
theall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (04/11/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Apr 10, 1991 In this issue: RE: FLOPPY INFO (2 messages) FLOPPY INFO (2 messages) MS-DOS 3.10 OR LATER FOR Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 8 Apr 91 07:29 -0500 From: HOWARD HALL To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: FLOPPY INFO >GT What kind/brand/type of diskettes does one recommend for the >GT DEC RAINBOW: I've casually tried a bunch of diskettes and have >GT had no luck .................. A few of the brands I have used/am using, in alphabetical order: Digital, Maxell, Memorex, Nashua, Sony, vanilla, Xerox, .... I can't say I have a particular preference. All the above have worked on my RB, some after having been formatted on other machines, others with no original format of any kind. I use three different styles of format on my disks, since I need a supply ready to use on an IBM as well as a supply for the RB. And since I work back and forth between the systems, the third stlye is IBM single-sided to provide data portability. I add a notation to the (stick-on) disk label saying IBM DOUBLE-SIDED, IBM SINGLE-SIDED, or RAINBOW so that I know at a glance which category each disk fits. The 'vanilla' diskettes are exceedingly reasonable in price if you buy in one thousand (1000) disk batches. The quantities available are 100, 500, or 1000. The diskettes come in a plastic bag, sleeves are included in the bag, as are write-protect tabs. The diskettes are NOT inserted in the sleeves, though the sleeves are there. The only connection I have with the company involved is an occasional catalog (I'm looking at the March '91 issue at the moment). You should be able to get current info on prices, etc. by calling MEI/Micro Center at 1-800-634-3478. The prices quoted will be between 20 cents and 30 cents per disk, plus shipping (approx. another penny/disk), with a separate price for each of the above quantities. Have fun! hlh - --- Opus-CBCS 1.14 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0) ------------------------------ Date: 7 Apr 91 12:58 -0500 From: BOB SMITH To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: FLOPPY INFO Any DS/DD or SS/DD disk will work. I would not use cheap disk for important information (get a name brand). The HD are not good for the rainbow (different oxide). You will need the FORMAT program from MSDOS 2.11 or 3.x to format the IBM media, for the rainbow. If you have trouble with drive to drive interchangeability you need to run GGRPM (CPM program) and adjust the speed of your drives. - --- msged 2.07 * Origin: Bob's_point of Cuckoo's Nest : Hudson, NH (1:132/119.4) ------------------------------ Date: 9 Apr 91 02:53 -0500 From: NOLAN LEE To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: FLOPPY INFO The Rainbow uses a DEC disk called an RX-50K, I think. The RX-50K is >> supplied with a strange, low-level format already applied to it. You can >> create this format on any HD and most DD disks if you have some of the >> support programs for CCPM-86. GT>If memory serves, I think I used the /e switch on floppy with GT>MS-DOS 2.11-1, last DOS provided by DEC for the 'bow... No idea GT>how to do it with S.S. DOS 3.10-B. To format a new disk with MS-Dos 3.10b you use the /I switch. Format A: /I for example. This initiallizes the new disk. After thats been done the first time, a plain Format command will handle the disk unless its been bulk erased of course. Nolan - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: Washington/St.Tammany Connection (1:390/5.0) ------------------------------ Date: 9 Apr 91 06:04 -0500 From: FRANK MALLORY To: ALAN RASKIND Subject: MS-DOS 3.10 OR LATER FOR AR> Does anybody know if DEC ever officially released MS-DOS 3.1 or a later AR> version for the Rainbow? There are some programs that require ver. 3 AR> or later and it would be nice to get a copy if it is available and bug AR> free. No, it was not "officially released" by DEC. They sold the program and certain rights to a company called Suitable Solutions, who sold it commercially for awhile. I believe it is currently available through the IRUG. It is pretty much bug-free. The latest version (3.10b) gives a lot better PC compatibility but requires an updated version of Code Blue as well. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 9 Apr 91 06:08 -0500 From: FRANK MALLORY To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: FLOPPY INFO GT> What kind/brand/type of diskettes does one recommend for the GT> DEC rainbow? I've casually tried a bunch of diskettes and have had no GT> luck unless they are original DEC diskettes made for the rainbow, or GT> were already working with the rainbow. I've had the best luck with Memorex and 3M. Maxell should be avoided; they won't work at all on some Rainbows. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest ******************************
lasner@shibuya.cc.columbia.edu (Charles Lasner) (04/12/91)
I have used the DEC pre-formatted RX50K and the Maxell MD1DD-RX50 pre-formatted diskettes on the DECmate II extensively. The Maxell disks are *clearly* superior to DEC's offering. This is seemingly contrary to other's reports, but there is a proper explanation: The Maxell disks really are MD1DD that are formatted and tested as RX50 format. One side, 10 sectors, 80 tracks. Maxell's formulation for DD disks is quite different from their formulation for D disks. That extra D in MD1DD matters. Years ago, I experienced similar problems with the Victor 9000 attempting to use Maxell MD1D or MD2D where MD1DD or MD2DD is needed. The "quad" density formulation is just enough different that using the wrong one leads to unreliable operation. Note that Maxell MDxDD media is getting quite expensive these days also. Best price/performance is to use someone else's equivalent of MDxD such as 3M or even Fuji. Fuji makes disks with integral hub rings that can't slip and ruin the diskette registration. Remember, the RX50, like an HD diskette is 96 TPI, *not* 48 TPI, so there are 80 tracks in that 5/6 of an inch that's formatted. Charles Lasner (lasner@watsun.cc.columbia.edu home of KERMIT-12 and other fine KERMITs)
theall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (04/20/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Apr 19, 1991
In this issue:
RE: FLOPPY INFO
RE: MS-DOS 3.10 OR LATER
RE: FREE STUFF ACT FAST (2 messages)
WARNER WANTS TO KNOW
Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are
currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need
to take special action to respond to articles in these digests.
Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of
this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 14 Apr 91 20:00 -0500
From: FRANK MALLORY
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: FLOPPY INFO
GT> I have used the DEC pre-formatted RX50K and the Maxell MD1DD-RX50
GT> pre-formatted diskettes on the DECmate II extensively. The Maxell
GT> disks are *clearly* superior to DEC's offering. This is seemingly
GT> contrary to other's reports, but there is a proper explanation:
The Maxell diskettes I have trouble with are the MD2-D, which is their
regular DSDD diskette designed for use on 360KB PC drives.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417)
------------------------------
Date: 15 Apr 91 12:46 -0500
From: ALAN RASKIND
To: AMER NELSON
Subject: RE: MS-DOS 3.10 OR LATER
Thank you for the info. If anyone knows where locally (in the Los
Angeles area) I can get a bug free copy of DOS 3.10b for the
Rainbow please let me know. Also any info on what version of
Code Blue needs to be use with it? Thanks, Alan
- --- QM v1.00
* Origin: Beach Cities RB (1:102/139.0)
------------------------------
Date: 15 Apr 91 14:17 -0500
From: BILL ROGERS
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: FREE STUFF ACT FAST
I'll take anything left over. Just mail it COD to;
Bill Rogers
8412 Steilacoom Blvd #15
Tacoma WA 98498
I especially need a copy of the DOS!
Thanx
Bill
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 15 Apr 91 14:21 -0500
From: BILL ROGERS
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: RE: FREE STUFF ACT FAST
If you have already gotten rid of most of the stuff, then I need the
DOS & CP/M disks most. I could also use a keyboard.
Thanx again.
- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
* Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0)
------------------------------
Date: 18 Apr 91 21:08 -0500
From: FRANK MALLORY
To: GEORGE THEALL
Subject: WARNER WANTS TO KNOW
GT> From: ccjason@ucdavis.ucdavis.edu (Jason Gabler) Organization:
GT> University of California, Davis
GT>
GT> In article <1991Apr16.162010.24517#Solbourne.COM> imp@Solbourne.COM
GT> (Warner Losh) writes:
GT> >
GT> >P.S. Does anybody know what it means when you turn on your Rainbow
GT> >and NOTHING happens? No screen, no fan, no disks spin up? No, it
GT> >isn't upplugged... :-)
GT> >--
GT> >Warner Loshimp@Solbourne.COM
GT>
GT> it means: 1) Some one at DEC forgot about UL standards 2) You don't
GT> have an IBM PC
I had this happen on an IBM PC once, and it almost drove me crazy until
I discovered that an aluminized write protect tab had fallen
off a floppy and was shorting out the drive electronics. I
don't use aluminized write protect tabs any more (if any).
On the Rainbow, tho, I think it is more likely to be the on/off switch.
It's pretty easy to substitute a new fan assembly with on/off
switch to check it out.
- --- msged 1.99L MSC
* Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417)
------------------------------
End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest
******************************lasner@shibuya.cc.columbia.edu (Charles Lasner) (04/22/91)
I was the one quoted here again, so I'll reply about the Maxell diskettes. Anytime you use hub-ringed diskettes in a 96 tpi drive, you are taking a high-risk chance with your data. The condition of the drive (dirt, age) as well as the condition of the diskette, as well as its manufacture, dictate your (slim) chances of long-term reliability of the data. The problem is that those diskettes were designed to deal with the problems of the widespread DD-type drives used on a million poor xt clones. Many of these crappy drives chew up the hub areas of the diskettes. Any of you out there remember what RX01s do to the 8" diskettes? Any of you remember the third-party add-on user-installable hub-rings? The 48 TPI 40 track drives used with those DD disks have "non-thin-film" heads, to coin a retroactive phrase. This means that each track, which owns 1/48 " uses about 50% of this space for data recording. The rest is guard zone and tunnel erase zone. This is also why you can read the DD disks in the HD drives so easily; basically you can't miss :-) The 96 TPI disks, like the RX50, use thin-film heads. Not as snazzy as the HD disk drives like TEAC FD-55GFR, as used in good AT-clones, but 96 TPI none the less. This of course means that each track owns 1/2 of what the corresponding track owns in the 48 TPI drive, but it doesn't end there. The thin-film heads use a shorter magnetic gap, which translates into far less use of the media than would otherwise be predicted, about 1/5 as much. So, this means that 96 TPI drives record their data on about 1/10 of the media as do 48 TPI drives. The chances that the media's hub-rings can be grabbed differently each time now greatly increases chances of data errors. Each time the diskette is passed through a hub-chewing drive, the greater the likelihood that a 96 TPI drive can't reliably use that diskette. Further, some vendors, possibly Maxell, will use somewhat thicker hubrings, in an attempt to produce better results with the intended use on DD drives, which only worsens prospects for use on 96 TPI drives. I myself have had problems using 3M diskettes intended for DD usage. The DSDD media were formatted on HD 96 TPI drives in DD format for possible reading on DD drives (360K). They were unreliable on other HD drives due to the slight wear on the hub-rings. Registration errors were high because the HD drive couldn't reliably grab the media in the same place. We resorted to pulling the media out and reseating it a lot to retrieve the data with many retries. If the same media were reformatted on the target drive, and not removed and reseated, it read back fine. Removing and reseating the diskette made it flakey even on the drive that formatted and wrote it moments ago. These same diskettes worked fine on TEAC FD55B drives (DD 360K), because the hub-rings are not really that worn, just beyond the tolerance limit for 96 TPI mis-use. cjl (Charles Lasner) (lasner@watsun.cc.columbia.edu)
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (04/24/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Apr 24, 1991 In this issue: Rainbow on Internet? LACK OF INTEREST (5 messages) RE: HELP?! RE: RAINBOW ON INTERNET? (3 messages) ORIGINAL DEC-RAINBOW SOFT L-100 PRINTER/SALE WUTIL FOR DOS 3.10B (2 messages) Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 20 Apr 91 17:19 -0500 From: GEORGE THEALL To: STEVE GIBBONS Subject: Rainbow on Internet? >I'd like to know if anyone is using IP on a Rainbow. ... >To be even _more_ specific: I'd like clients for >Telnet/Rlogin/Rshell, FTP; as well as an MUA for mail, and a user >agent for NNTP... Host software would also be useful... Don't know of anything extant, but have you looked at Phil Karn's KA9Q? Together with the SLIP driver from Clarkson Univ it should offer the capabilities you desire (not sure about Rlogin and Rshell tho'). Source for both items is available. KA9Q doesn't appear to do anything fancy with the screen, keyboard or disk. You would have to muck with the packet driver, as it's written with the 8250 UART in mind. George ------------------------------ Date: 20 Apr 91 02:08 -0500 From: NOLAN LEE To: ALL INTERESTED PARTIES Subject: LACK OF INTEREST Wow, I made a plea for Rainbow shareware and freeware to add a Bos specific section to my BBS and didn't even get the first comment. I guess that this is the reason that Rainbow is fading so rapidly, "Lack of Intrest"! Well, at least I made an attempt. :-) Nolan - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: WSTPC_3 CD-Roms (1:390/5.0) ------------------------------ Date: 21 Apr 91 08:17 -0500 From: FRANK MALLORY To: NOLAN LEE Subject: LACK OF INTEREST NL> Wow, I made a plea for Rainbow shareware and freeware to add a Bos NL> specific NL> section to my BBS and didn't even get the first comment. NL> I guess that this is the reason that Rainbow is fading so rapidly, NL> "Lack NL> of Intrest"! Generally, it's up to the sysop to get the initial files on his BBS. Mine came from one of the DECUS tapes. If you have a DECUS tape librarian in your area (typically associated with a VAX), you might check to see if there is some way you can download all the MS-DOS files from him. Those files came with a FILES.BBS file (or equivalent), so you will have a readily-usable listing of file names and descriptions. You are of course welcome to d/l whatever you want from the Silver Bullet, and I will throw in the FILES.BBS; but of course you will incur LD charges. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 21 Apr 91 08:19 -0500 From: DON MARQUART To: NOLAN LEE Subject: LACK OF INTEREST > Wow, I made a plea for Rainbow shareware and freeware to add a Bos specific > section to my BBS and didn't even get the first comment. Hmmm, seems like I did respond to your message. As the BBS was recently shut down here after several years of operation if you have the capabilities to read HD IBM disks I will make a copy of the Rainbow section for you. You would need to send about 30 meg(?) worth of disks for the copies and allow enough time for me to restore the section from tape. Just finished giving Warner a "shopping bag" full of Rainbow stuff to start his section. I also do not want to see support for RB die. Will probably put the RB section up for file request only from this system as soon as time permits. > I guess that this is the reason that Rainbow is fading so rapidly, "Lack > of Intrest"! > > Well, at least I made an attempt. :-) Maybe you never received the replies... Might try it again. Later... - --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Club Micro (303)973-8578 VHST/V32/V42 (1:104/888) ------------------------------ Date: 21 Apr 91 16:54 -0500 From: PAUL ROBINSON To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: HELP?! I will note that the BBS named at the bottom of this message runs OPUS on a Rainbow. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.14 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0) ------------------------------ Date: 21 Apr 91 16:55 -0500 From: PAUL ROBINSON To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RE: RAINBOW ON INTERNET? For the person who asked about doing FTP to dial-up sites, I'd like to learn how myself; I've been trying to get information about it for quite a while [over a year] now. There are two places that I know of; I have never called either one because until recently I did not have a UUCP [or the UUPC clone] to do FTP transfers. There are two that I know of: GRAPE at 315-268-6667 and the public one that is put out by UUNET technologies, 1-900-GOT-SRCS. Grape is free other than long distance charges, UUNET is 40c/minute. I would also suggest - which the literature for the UUNET connection does - to use 9600 baud due to the charge. One point it made was that the entire X-Windows sources could be downloaded from this number for about $300, less than the distribution tape. Or for $10 you could get the GCC compiler. I'd rather try a lower cost one than this, myself. Also, uunet sells a tape of almost everything: All the Internet RFCs [14 meg], the GAMES archives [30 meg], one of the X-Windows source distributions [20 meg], the Free Software collection [20 meg], and all the Berkley sources that don't require an AT&T License. Around $370 for 3 tapes of 6250 BPI and everything packed with COMPRESS [except COMPRESS.C, of course]. UUNET'S address is: info@uu.uunet.net if I remember correctly. The sources for the KERMIT distribution are also supposed to be available from U. of Oklahoma via a dial-up UUCP connection. Don't know what it is, though. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.14 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417.0) ------------------------------ Date: 21 Apr 91 17:54 -0500 From: FRANK MALLORY To: PAUL ROBINSON Subject: RE: RAINBOW ON INTERNET? PR> For the person who asked about doing FTP to dial-up sites, I'd like to PR> learn how myself; I've been trying to get information about it for PR> quite a while [over a year] now. Paul, I have recently been referred to two local systems called CHADO (109/409) and HALLUC (109/345) that are supposed to furnish this capability somehow. You might try contacting them via netmail or email. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 21 Apr 91 19:59 -0500 From: NOLAN LEE To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: LACK OF INTEREST In a message of <Apr 21 08:17>, Frank Mallory (1:109/417) writes: FM>BBS. Mine came from one of the DECUS tapes. If you have a DECUS FM>tape librarian in your area (typically associated with a VAX), FM>you might check to see if there is some way you can download all FM>the MS-DOS files from him. Those files came with a FILES.BBS file FM>(or equivalent), so you will have a readily-usable listing of FM>file names and descriptions. FM>You are of course welcome to d/l whatever you want from the FM>Silver Bullet, and I will throw in the FILES.BBS; but of course FM>you will incur LD charges. Thanks for the offer Frank, I'll check and see if I'm lucky enought to have one locally. Thanks, Nolan - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: WSTPC_3 CD-Roms_504-886-2157 (1:390/5.0) ------------------------------ Date: 21 Apr 91 20:02 -0500 From: NOLAN LEE To: DON MARQUART Subject: LACK OF INTEREST In a message of <Apr 21 08:19>, Don Marquart (1:104/888) writes: DM> > Wow, I made a plea for Rainbow shareware and freeware to add a Bos specific > section to my BBS and didn't even get the first comment. DM> DM>Hmmm, seems like I did respond to your message. DM> DM>As the BBS was recently shut down here after several years of DM>operation if you have the capabilities to read HD IBM disks I DM>will make a copy of the Rainbow section for you. You would need DM>to send about 30 meg(?) worth of disks for the copies and allow DM>enough time for me to restore the section from tape. Just DM>finished giving Warner a "shopping bag" full of Rainbow stuff to DM>start his section. I also do not want to see support for RB die. DM>Will probably put the RB section up for file request only from DM>this system as soon as time permits. Thanks for thew offer Don. Its possible that the message was lost somewhere. The only disks that I can use are IBM 360 & 720K and the DEC 400K Do you have the "files.bbs" description for the files that you have? Thanks in advance, Nolan - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: WSTPC_3 CD-Roms_504-886-2157 (1:390/5.0) ------------------------------ Date: 22 Apr 91 14:37 -0500 From: GEORGE THEALL To: PAUL ROBINSON Subject: RE: RAINBOW ON INTERNET? PR> There are two places that I know of; I have never called either one PR>because until recently I did not have a UUCP [or the UUPC PR>clone] to do FTP transfers. There are two that I know of: PR>GRAPE at 315-268-6667 PR> and the public one that is put out by UUNET technologies, PR> 1-900-GOT-SRCS. You're confusing FTP with uucp, at least as concerns those sites and those phone numbers. While both are file transfer protocols, they are not compatible. George - --- ------------------------------ Date: 20 Apr 91 23:07 -0500 From: ELIAS HAGE To: ALL Subject: ORIGINAL DEC-RAINBOW SOFT I have the following original software with the original documentation still in boxes: 1. The Accounting Partner 2. Microsoft Multiplan-86 3. Cbasic- Basic Compiler 4. MS-dos operating system ver:2.11 5. Cp/M operating system 6. others If anybody is interested in buying any of the above software plesae leave a message or call (213) 645-4409 (evenings) and ask for Elias Any offer will be considered. - --- msged 1.999.7 * Origin: Long Island_RB VAX EC/RAINBOW/PDP Echo Hub (1:102/138) ------------------------------ Date: 20 Apr 91 23:13 -0500 From: ELIAS HAGE To: ALL Subject: L-100 PRINTER/SALE I have an L-100 wide carriage printer for sale. The printer is hardly used and comes with a serial cable and 7 ribbons and tactor paper feeder. I am asking for $200.00 . Call Elias at: (213) 645-4409 in the evenings or leave a message. thanks - --- msged 1.999.7 * Origin: Long Island_RB VAX EC/RAINBOW/PDP Echo Hub (1:102/138) ------------------------------ Date: 22 Apr 91 08:30 -0500 From: FRANK MALLORY To: ANYONE Subject: WUTIL FOR DOS 3.10B Does anybody have the version of WUTIL that runs under 3.10b? I think it may be version 3.12. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 23 Apr 91 13:39 -0500 From: GEORGE THEALL To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: WUTIL FOR DOS 3.10B FM>Does anybody have the version of WUTIL that runs under 3.10b? I think FM>it may be version 3.12. It's v3.2. You can probably get it from Penn's Landing bbs (+1 215 898 8511) in the Rainbow file area (OPEN;1 once logging in). I say "probably" because the board seems down more often than up and I'm unsure if first-time callers get download privileges. If you have FTP access, the file is also available from DRYCAS.CLUB.CC.CMU.EDU in directory info-dec-micro.uploads. George ------------------------------ End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest ******************************
GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (04/30/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest Apr 29, 1991 In this issue: RE: LACK OF INTEREST (2 messages) LACK OF INTEREST RE: WUTIL FOR DOS 3.10B (2 messages) DOS? (2 messages) EMACS FOR THE BOW? WUTIL FOR DOS 3.10B RE: AUTOCAD FOR 'BOW Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 22 Apr 91 03:26 -0500 From: JOHN VUKOVIC To: NOLAN LEE Subject: RE: LACK OF INTEREST You should not have any trouble finding Rainbow software to make available on your bbs. Check the DEC bbs's you see here for Rainbow sections and gather what you need. If you can't find such material, send me netmail to 1:129/26 and maybe I can help. - --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: SYS$OUTPUT BBS * Library, PA * Fido 12t * 412.854.0511 * (1:129/38) ------------------------------ Date: 22 Apr 91 23:51 -0500 From: DON MARQUART To: NOLAN LEE Subject: LACK OF INTEREST > Thanks for thew offer Don. Its possible that the message was lost > somewhere. > The only disks that I can use are IBM 360 & 720K and the DEC 400K > Do you have the "files.bbs" description for the files that you have? Yep they sure do have the files.bbs listing. See if you can locate someone local that can read HD disks. Copying that many files to low density would be a bit much at this time. Later... - --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Club Micro (303)973-8578 VHST/V32/V42 (1:104/888) ------------------------------ Date: 23 Apr 91 17:41 -0500 From: BILL HLIWA To: FRANK MALLORY Subject: RE: WUTIL FOR DOS 3.10B FM> Does anybody have the version of WUTIL that runs under FM> 3.10b? I think it may be version 3.12. Frank -- I have version 3.0 which, the docs say, runs under the "final release of DOS 3.10". If you can't find anything better than 3.0, let me know; I'll send it over. - --- Sirius 1.0ya * Origin: Med TechNet/Buffalo, NY/*USA*/716-688-1552 [HST] (1:260/10.0) ------------------------------ Date: 24 Apr 91 16:06 -0500 From: BILL ROGERS To: ANYONE Subject: DOS? Well, I finally got the keyboard for the 100B that has been sitting in my closet! I was so excited about pluggin it in & gettin past the keyboard error msg. Now the next thing I gotta get past is that nasty missing command.com msg! I also tried booting off of cp/m & I got a missing sys msg. Does anyone have an extra copy of DOS out there that they are willing to part with? I got a special deal on this thing & now I want to see what it can do. Also, because I'm just an IBM type user, any advice on usin this thing would be greatly appreciated. I'm considering the possibility of setting up a BBS on it. Can a different size hard drive go in it? 10 megs is a little confining. Later. Bill - --- TMail v1.20 * Origin: Total Access Board 138/103 Tacoma, Wa (206)472-9884 (1:138/103) ------------------------------ Date: 23 Apr 91 21:40 -0500 From: DAN O'REILLY To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: EMACS FOR THE BOW? GT> From: hulaw1.harvard.edu!peregrin@husc6.harvard.edu GT> Can anyone recommend an emacs-like editor for the Rainbow? GT> I've been using SEDT, which has plenty of features, but I want my GT> keystrokes! (I've edited the SEDT keymap, but that was no fun...). I GT> guess I'm looking for a Freemacs or Microemacs version for the GT> rainbow. I have MicroEmacs 3.10 here that can be built for the Rainbow. - - DanO - --- GoldED 2.29f- * Origin: Not "over the Rainbow" at The CS-DEPOT (719)550-9305 (1:128/58) ------------------------------ Date: 24 Apr 91 17:44 -0500 From: FRANK MALLORY To: BILL HLIWA Subject: RE: WUTIL FOR DOS 3.10B BH> Frank -- I have version 3.0 which, the docs say, runs under the "final BH> release of DOS 3.10". If you can't find anything better than 3.0, let BH> me know; I'll send it over. Thanks, Bill, but I already have 3.0 and find that it won't work under DOS 3.10b. Recently had to reformat my RD53 and had to run it under 3.10.016. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 23 Apr 91 12:13 -0500 From: GEOFF REED To: DON MARQUART Subject: RE: LACK OF INTEREST Don, what format of tape do you use? if it's dc-2000 "mini" 40 meg tapes, would it be possible to send you a tape to get a copy of your rainbow stuff for our library here in the seattle area for D:bug ?? - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ Date: 25 Apr 91 10:35 -0500 From: BOB SMITH To: BILL ROGERS OF 1:138/103 Subject: DOS? BR> Now the next thing I gotta get past is that BR> nasty missing command.com msg! I also tried booting off of cp/m BR> & I got a missing sys msg. I assume you only have the harddisk. You should get DOS 3.1B and latest Codeblue if want to make much use of the system. 3.1 for large disk (2.11-1 ok for disk upto 20 meg [note "-1" of 2.11 has fix to disk loader] and Codeblue for RB to IBM text file running. BR> Can a different size hard drive go in it? BR> 10 megs is a little confining. Some of the Seagate drives work well 10,20,40,80 meg (only 67 on rb). The 80 is the ST-4096. Can get some other number that work if needed. - --- msged 2.07 * Origin: Bob's_point of Cuckoo's Nest : Hudson, NH (1:132/119.4) ------------------------------ Date: 28 Apr 91 07:53 -0500 From: FRANK MALLORY To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: WUTIL FOR DOS 3.10B GT> FM>If you could give me the exact filespec, I think I can get someone GT> FM>local to get it for me. GT> GT> ~/info-dec-micro.uploads/wutil32.zip. Thanks, George. Josh Gray uploaded it to the Silver Bullet, so I won't have to go through the FTP process. So it's available here under the same filename for download or file request. My HST modem is back in operation after a trip to USR, so it can be obtained from here pretty economically by similarly equipped boards. Only about 98K. And I confirmed that it DOES work OK under DOS 3.10b. - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ Date: 28 Apr 91 10:32 -0500 From: FRANK MALLORY To: ANDY BOYCE Subject: RE: AUTOCAD FOR 'BOW Have you disposed of it? - --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247 (1:109/417) ------------------------------ End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest ******************************
theall@SSCTEMP.SAS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) (05/03/91)
Rainbow EchoMail Digest May 2, 1991 In this issue: RAINBOW UPGRADE HARDWARE (2 messages) CAN DEC RAINBOWS BE SOLD? Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed to the Rainbow Echo on FidoNet. You do not need to take special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 29 Apr 91 14:26 -0500 From: NOLAN LEE To: GEORGE THEALL Subject: RAINBOW UPGRADE HARDWARE In a message of <Apr 28 18:19>, George Theall (1:273/203) writes: GT>From: fluke!roger@beaver.cs.washington.edu (Roger Hammerquist) GT>Organization: John Fluke Mfg. Co., Inc., Everett, WA GT>IBM-compatible IDrive, dual hard disk drive controller, 1M RamBow GT>memory board, real-time clock, MS-DOS 3.1 and CodeBlue IBM GT>Emulation software from a place called Suitable Solutions; but, I GT>didn't have any money. Now, I have some money (even paid my GT>property taxes, and I'm not broke yet), but I understand Suitable GT>Solutions doesn't sell Rainbow stuff any more. GT>So, does anyone out there know if/where I can find any of these GT>things? Thanks. GT>Roger Hammerquist roger@tc.fluke.COM 1-206-356-6113 work GT> * EZ 1.29 #263 * from INFO-DEC-MICRO/comp.sys.dec.micro I have replied to you probably 3 times requarding a Licensed copy of CodeBlue that I have for sale. If you want it I suggest that you call me voice. Nolan Lee 504 886-3713 - --- QM v1.00 * Origin: WSTPC 3 CD-Roms 504-886-2157 HST (1:390/5.0) ------------------------------ Date: 30 Apr 91 08:49 -0500 From: GEORGE THEALL To: NOLAN LEE Subject: RAINBOW UPGRADE HARDWARE NL>In a message of <Apr 28 18:19>, George Theall (1:273/203) writes: GT>From: fluke!roger@beaver.cs.washington.edu (Roger Hammerquist) GT>Organization: John Fluke Mfg. Co., Inc., Everett, WA ... GT> * EZ 1.29 #263 * from INFO-DEC-MICRO/comp.sys.dec.micro NL>I have replied to you probably 3 times requarding a Licensed copy of CodeBl NL>that I have for sale. If you want it I suggest that you call me voice. Nolan, I gateway messages between this echo and Rainbow conferences on three other nets; this is one such message. Admittedly using my name in the header is confusing, but that's a limitation of the software used. And, I would think, adding the original message headers to the message text should clue folks in. Btw: I personally have never asked to buy Code Blue. And this is the first such request I can remember from Roger. George - --- ------------------------------ Date: 29 Apr 91 15:27 -0500 From: BRUCE MITCHELL To: ALL Subject: CAN DEC RAINBOWS BE SOLD? Is there a market for DEC rainbows? Two non-profits, one in Colo. and one in Mass. replied last time I asked this question. Each ready for donations. But this Rainbow is owned by a non-profit which hopes to sell it for money. Please let me know if you are interested: 10MB 2 disk drive 128K Ram, screen, keyboard, LA50 printer. - --- Opus-CBCS 1.12 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (1:343/3.0) ------------------------------ End of Rainbow EchoMail Digest ******************************