Cheap DECmates
7 messages in this thread
I 've spotted three DECmate IIs at an auction that I'll attend tomorrow
morning. They've got $100 suggested prices on each. Can someone give me a
quick explanation of what's inside these PCs? From some files in the
libraries, I'd guess they're based on an 8088, but run something called WPS
for an operating system, and that you need a special board to run MS-DOS.
I'ave already picked up a spare DECmate keyboard and monitor for next to
nothing… if anyone needs them, please Easyplex me. Also, if you'd like
me to pick up these DECmates, please send me a message ASAP!
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The DECmate II is NOT based on an 8088… it is based on DEC's PDP-8 CPU
architecture (a 12-bit machine … not a typo, by the way ;-}).
The DECmate family members are primarily dedicated word processors, and WPS
is the word processing software that runs on them.
As noted, you do need a coprocessor board in order to run MS-DOS. The
floppies are not directly PC-compatible either, both because of different
media characteristics (400Kb, single-sided, quad density) and because, like
any other operating system, WPS stores files in its own way, not MS-DOS'
way.
The monitor and keyboard are identical to those used on the Rainbow and
Professional series, DEC's other two original personal computer lines.
-Bill
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Enter reply. (/EXIT when done)
Hmm. I've got a Terak, based on the LSI-11 chipset. What about the
cards in this, are they a standard confoguiriguration, or or custom ? An
/pexitpost
Message # 21136 posted
Hmm. I've got a Terak, based on the LSI-11 chipset. What about the cards
in this, are they a standard configuration, or custom?
You mean the cards in the DECmate? There's only one, as far as I know, the
mother board… it basically lies flat at the bottom of the cabinet, so
it's definitely custom. Any options would be implemented on some option
card, but those too would be custom and there's no "bus" in the machine.
-Bill
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Also, could you please use the OPTIONS command or menu selection to change
the name the Forum knows you by? This forum requires the use of your full
first and last name.
-Bill
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Name changed. I found a DEC Pro at the same sale, for $50, and bought it
instead of the DECmates. Quite a deal! It included P/OS v3.2 and all
docs. There's an ST412 hard drive in it – what's that, 10 megs? plus the
two folppy drives. In the card cage, it was full, with hard disk card,
floppy controller, video card, two memory boards and something else
unidentified. I'd really like to get an Ethernet and DECnet combination for
this, as well as full-blown RSX. Do you know of some resources like
magazines, files in the library, or users around here who operate DEC Pros?
I'll start reading this forum on a regular basis. Previously, I've only
dropped by. You might remember my name from early May when I violated the
non-commercial clause by posting information about my company's
implementation of DECnet for the Commodore Amiga.
Yes, $50 for a Pro is indeed quite a deal!
Yes, the ST412 is 10 megs.
I knew I recognized your name from somewhere 😉 …
The model number for the Ethernet adapter for the Pro is DECNA. You can
get all the 3.2 software, including DECnet I think, from DECUS. Full-blown
RSX does not run on the Pro; only P/OS, but there is a P/OS toolkit which
gives you a more full-blown DCL and development utilities; again, DECUS now
has it.
I have two Pros myself and have had one since they first came out.
The PDP-11 Forum is strictly speaking the "home" for Pro stuff, since the
Pro is a PDP-11 CPU in personal computer clothing. However we won't turn
you away. 🙂
If you give me the numbers that are stamped into the handles on the boards
in the card cage, I can probably tell you what they all are.
The Pro was discontinued at about the same time as the DECmate, so there's
no active support for it any more, no coverage in the press, and (probably)
no commercial software.
-Bill