hsplab@tucc.UUCP (07/09/83)
Lifeboat Associates, 1651 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10028 now offers MSDOS for the Godbout DISK I. Unfortunately, Godbout does very little software for their equipment. For example, Sorcim wrote the CPM 2.2 BIOS for the DISK I; Gifford Systems wrote the 8/16 system of CPM-86/2.2. No prices were given in the literature I received about 9 months ago, but a salesman at a display booth quoted a price between $100 and $150 if I remember correctly (list price). Lifeboat is also offering most MSDOS software in 8" formats. Lin is correct in stating that Godbout does not normally offer 5" versions of their DISK I. Such versions can be special ordered, but I suppose you would be pretty much on your own in developing/modifying existing software to use the 5" disks. The modifications to the board generally consist of changing the clock rate regulating the write timing and adjusting the phase lock loop on the data separator. Most hobbyists are probably not equiped to make the necessary data separator changes. Lomas Data Products, Westboro, MA offers the S100-PC, which is basically a complete S100, MSDOS IBM-PC compatible unit for $3000. Although working versions of Lomas Products have generally operated well, I have had some difficulties in getting some board sets to operate properly, partly due to the lack of any meaningful documentation. The Lomas system is priced attractively since it includes 128K, 8MHz 8088, clock calendar, 2-serial and 2-parallel ports, 2 DSDD 5 inch drives and an Integrand enclosure. Perhaps I am biased, but I feel that the Godbout products are better. D. Chou