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Groups > alt.folklore.computers > #163994 > unrolled thread

[BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks'

Started byDario Niedermann <dnied@tiscali.it>
First post2016-05-26 09:10 +0200
Last post2016-06-04 22:15 -0500
Articles 20 on this page of 87 — 30 participants

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  [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Dario Niedermann <dnied@tiscali.it> - 2016-05-26 09:10 +0200
    Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Quadibloc <jsavard@ecn.ab.ca> - 2016-05-26 00:28 -0700
      Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Michael Black <et472@ncf.ca> - 2016-05-26 12:40 -0400
    Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Dave Pitts <dpitts@cozx.com> - 2016-05-26 07:42 -0600
      Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' JimP <solosam90@gmail.com> - 2016-05-26 09:00 -0500
        Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Quadibloc <jsavard@ecn.ab.ca> - 2016-05-26 07:09 -0700
        Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Anne & Lynn Wheeler <lynn@garlic.com> - 2016-05-26 07:28 -0700
      Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Michael Black <et472@ncf.ca> - 2016-05-26 12:43 -0400
        Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Jon Elson <jmelson@wustl.edu> - 2016-05-26 14:01 -0500
      Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Peter Flass <peter_flass@yahoo.com> - 2016-05-26 16:22 -0400
    Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' RS Wood <rsw@therandymon.com> - 2016-05-27 13:08 +0000
      Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Dave Pitts <dpitts@cozx.com> - 2016-05-27 07:43 -0600
        Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Andrew Swallow <am.swallow@btopenworld.com> - 2016-05-27 15:58 +0100
      Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Anssi Saari <as@sci.fi> - 2016-05-27 17:13 +0300
        Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Ahem A Rivet's Shot <steveo@eircom.net> - 2016-05-27 16:36 +0100
      Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Stephen Wolstenholme <steve@easynn.com> - 2016-05-27 15:48 +0100
        Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Michael Black <et472@ncf.ca> - 2016-05-27 12:47 -0400
          Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Peter Flass <peter_flass@yahoo.com> - 2016-05-28 15:18 -0400
            Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Michael Black <et472@ncf.ca> - 2016-05-28 22:48 -0400
              Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' cb@elaine.df.lth.se (Christian Brunschen) - 2016-05-29 09:55 +0000
              Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Peter Flass <peter_flass@yahoo.com> - 2016-05-29 07:26 -0400
          Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Alan Bowler <atbowler@thinkage.ca> - 2016-05-30 12:48 -0400
            Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Michael Black <et472@ncf.ca> - 2016-05-30 13:37 -0400
              Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' "Osmium" <r124c4u102@comcast.net> - 2016-05-30 13:35 -0500
                Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Michael Black <et472@ncf.ca> - 2016-05-30 23:26 -0400
                  Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' "J. Clarke" <j.clarke.873638@gmail.com> - 2016-05-30 23:34 -0400
                    Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' roger.ivie@gmail.com - 2016-05-30 21:23 -0700
                  Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Quadibloc <jsavard@ecn.ab.ca> - 2016-05-31 07:11 -0700
                    Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Michael Black <et472@ncf.ca> - 2016-05-31 10:46 -0400
                    Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Morten Reistad <first@last.name.invalid> - 2016-05-31 21:28 +0200
                  Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' JimP <solosam90@gmail.com> - 2016-05-31 11:37 -0500
                  Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Charlie Gibbs <cgibbs@kltpzyxm.invalid> - 2016-05-31 16:49 +0000
                    Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Morten Reistad <first@last.name.invalid> - 2016-05-31 21:35 +0200
                      Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Charlie Gibbs <cgibbs@kltpzyxm.invalid> - 2016-05-31 20:21 +0000
                        Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Morten Reistad <first@last.name.imvalid> - 2016-06-01 01:33 +0200
                          Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Charlie Gibbs <cgibbs@kltpzyxm.invalid> - 2016-06-01 00:13 +0000
                            Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Morten Reistad <first@last,name.invalid> - 2016-06-01 08:34 +0200
                              Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' "J. Clarke" <j.clarke.873638@gmail.com> - 2016-06-01 06:32 -0400
                                Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Stephen Wolstenholme <steve@easynn.com> - 2016-06-01 12:01 +0100
                                  Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Charlie Gibbs <cgibbs@kltpzyxm.invalid> - 2016-06-01 17:41 +0000
                                    Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Morten Reistad <first@last.name.invalid> - 2016-06-01 21:39 +0200
                                      Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' "J. Clarke" <j.clarke.873638@gmail.com> - 2016-06-01 16:46 -0400
                                        Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Morten Reistad <first@last.name.invalid> - 2016-06-02 12:10 +0200
                                Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Morten Reistad <first@Last.name.invalid> - 2016-06-01 13:12 +0200
                                Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' hancock4@bbs.cpcn.com - 2016-06-01 13:07 -0700
                                  Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' "J. Clarke" <j.clarke.873638@gmail.com> - 2016-06-01 16:54 -0400
                        Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Ahem A Rivet's Shot <steveo@eircom.net> - 2016-06-01 07:15 +0100
                          Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Quadibloc <jsavard@ecn.ab.ca> - 2016-06-01 10:20 -0700
                            Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Michael Black <et472@ncf.ca> - 2016-06-01 14:26 -0400
                          Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Gene Wirchenko <genew@telus.net> - 2016-06-01 14:03 -0700
                            Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' JimP <solosam90@gmail.com> - 2016-06-01 18:09 -0500
                              Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Michael Black <et472@ncf.ca> - 2016-06-02 15:23 -0400
                                Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' JimP <solosam90@gmail.com> - 2016-06-02 14:31 -0500
                                  Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Charlie Gibbs <cgibbs@kltpzyxm.invalid> - 2016-06-02 20:44 +0000
                                    Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Quadibloc <jsavard@ecn.ab.ca> - 2016-06-02 16:01 -0700
                                    Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' JimP <solosam90@gmail.com> - 2016-06-02 18:28 -0500
                        Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' jmfbahciv <See.above@aol.com> - 2016-06-01 13:52 +0000
                          Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Morten Reistad <first@last.name.invalid> - 2016-06-01 16:19 +0200
                            Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Ahem A Rivet's Shot <steveo@eircom.net> - 2016-06-01 15:35 +0100
                          Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Charlie Gibbs <cgibbs@kltpzyxm.invalid> - 2016-06-01 17:42 +0000
                      Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Quadibloc <jsavard@ecn.ab.ca> - 2016-05-31 14:16 -0700
                    Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Peter Flass <peter_flass@yahoo.com> - 2016-05-31 16:09 -0400
                      Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Charlie Gibbs <cgibbs@kltpzyxm.invalid> - 2016-05-31 20:24 +0000
                      Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Stan Barr <plan.b@bluesomatic.org> - 2016-06-01 07:14 +0000
                    Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' hancock4@bbs.cpcn.com - 2016-05-31 17:41 -0700
                      Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Quadibloc <jsavard@ecn.ab.ca> - 2016-05-31 19:24 -0700
                      Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Morten Reistad <first@last.name.invalid> - 2016-06-01 10:45 +0200
                Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Ahem A Rivet's Shot <steveo@eircom.net> - 2016-05-31 07:03 +0100
                  Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' "Osmium" <r124c4u102@comcast.net> - 2016-05-31 10:16 -0500
                    Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' scott@slp53.sl.home (Scott Lurndal) - 2016-05-31 15:51 +0000
                Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Stan Barr <plan.b@bluesomatic.org> - 2016-05-31 07:23 +0000
                  Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Charlie Gibbs <cgibbs@kltpzyxm.invalid> - 2016-05-31 16:49 +0000
              Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' hancock4@bbs.cpcn.com - 2016-05-31 17:36 -0700
            Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Stan Barr <plan.b@bluesomatic.org> - 2016-05-31 07:16 +0000
    Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' hancock4@bbs.cpcn.com - 2016-05-28 13:11 -0700
      Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' "J. Clarke" <j.clarke.873638@gmail.com> - 2016-05-28 16:50 -0400
      Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' mausg@mail.com - 2016-05-29 10:08 +0000
        Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Morten Reistad <first@last.name.invalid> - 2016-05-29 15:04 +0200
          Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Peter Flass <peter_flass@yahoo.com> - 2016-05-29 16:41 -0400
          Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' hancock4@bbs.cpcn.com - 2016-05-31 17:29 -0700
            Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Morten Reistad <first@last.name.invalid> - 2016-06-01 10:24 +0200
      Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Peter Flass <peter_flass@yahoo.com> - 2016-05-29 07:26 -0400
        Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' "Osmium" <r124c4u102@comcast.net> - 2016-05-29 07:11 -0500
          Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Morten Reistad <first@last.name.invalid> - 2016-05-29 15:09 +0200
          Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' Peter Flass <peter_flass@yahoo.com> - 2016-05-29 16:41 -0400
        Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' hancock4@bbs.cpcn.com - 2016-05-31 17:26 -0700
    Re: [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks' "Charles Richmond" <numerist@aquaporin4.com> - 2016-06-04 22:15 -0500

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#163994 — [BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks'

FromDario Niedermann <dnied@tiscali.it>
Date2016-05-26 09:10 +0200
Subject[BBC] US nuclear force 'still uses floppy disks'
Message-ID<slrnnkd8c2.e8s.dnied@dnied-at-tiscali.it>
From the "Not-broken:don't-fix" dept.:

¦ Department of Defence systems [...] "runs on an IBM Series-1 Computer
¦ - a 1970s computing system - and uses eight-inch floppy disks".
¦ 
¦ "This system remains in use because, in short, it still works,"
¦ Pentagon spokeswoman [...] told the AFP news agency.
¦ 
¦ "[...] floppy drives are scheduled to be replaced with secure
¦ digital devices by the end of 2017."
¦ 
¦ [...] Pentagon was planning to fully replace the system
¦ by the end of 2020.
¦ 
¦ [...] US treasury also needed to upgrade its systems, which it said
¦ was using "assembly language code - [...] initially used in the 1950s
¦ and typically tied to the hardware for which it was developed".


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-36385839


-- 
Dario Niedermann.              Also on the Internet at:

gopher://retro-net.org/1/dnied/ , http://devio.us/~ndr/

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#163995

FromQuadibloc <jsavard@ecn.ab.ca>
Date2016-05-26 00:28 -0700
Message-ID<cc756734-8fb2-484a-bbf6-3365d2b61c0a@googlegroups.com>
In reply to#163994
On Thursday, May 26, 2016 at 1:11:00 AM UTC-6, Dario Niedermann wrote:
> From the "Not-broken:don't-fix" dept.:
> 
> ¦ Department of Defence systems [...] "runs on an IBM Series-1 Computer
> ¦ - a 1970s computing system - and uses eight-inch floppy disks".
> ¦ 
> ¦ "This system remains in use because, in short, it still works,"
> ¦ Pentagon spokeswoman [...] told the AFP news agency.
> ¦ 
> ¦ "[...] floppy drives are scheduled to be replaced with secure
> ¦ digital devices by the end of 2017."
> ¦ 
> ¦ [...] Pentagon was planning to fully replace the system
> ¦ by the end of 2020.
> ¦ 
> ¦ [...] US treasury also needed to upgrade its systems, which it said
> ¦ was using "assembly language code - [...] initially used in the 1950s
> ¦ and typically tied to the hardware for which it was developed".
> 
> 
> http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-36385839

The report that led to this news story has some errors. The agency with the IBM 
Series/1 computer reported to the GAO that it was 53 years old, which would 
make it from 1963, which is almost ten years before it actually did become 
available.

John Savard

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#164020

FromMichael Black <et472@ncf.ca>
Date2016-05-26 12:40 -0400
Message-ID<alpine.LNX.2.02.1605261240001.24410@darkstar.example.org>
In reply to#163995

[Multipart message — attachments visible in raw view] — view raw

On Thu, 26 May 2016, Quadibloc wrote:

> On Thursday, May 26, 2016 at 1:11:00 AM UTC-6, Dario Niedermann wrote:
>> From the "Not-broken:don't-fix" dept.:
>>
>> ¦ Department of Defence systems [...] "runs on an IBM Series-1 Computer
>> ¦ - a 1970s computing system - and uses eight-inch floppy disks".
>> ¦
>> ¦ "This system remains in use because, in short, it still works,"
>> ¦ Pentagon spokeswoman [...] told the AFP news agency.
>> ¦
>> ¦ "[...] floppy drives are scheduled to be replaced with secure
>> ¦ digital devices by the end of 2017."
>> ¦
>> ¦ [...] Pentagon was planning to fully replace the system
>> ¦ by the end of 2020.
>> ¦
>> ¦ [...] US treasury also needed to upgrade its systems, which it said
>> ¦ was using "assembly language code - [...] initially used in the 1950s
>> ¦ and typically tied to the hardware for which it was developed".
>>
>>
>> http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-36385839
>
> The report that led to this news story has some errors. The agency with the IBM
> Series/1 computer reported to the GAO that it was 53 years old, which would
> make it from 1963, which is almost ten years before it actually did become
> available.
>
And there weren't floppy drives in 1963.

   Michael

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#164013

FromDave Pitts <dpitts@cozx.com>
Date2016-05-26 07:42 -0600
Message-ID<eZqdneMWfOjFYNvKnZ2dnUU7-aXNnZ2d@giganews.com>
In reply to#163994
On 05/26/2016 01:10 AM, Dario Niedermann wrote:
>  From the "Not-broken:don't-fix" dept.:
>
> ¦ Department of Defence systems [...] "runs on an IBM Series-1 Computer
> ¦ - a 1970s computing system - and uses eight-inch floppy disks".
> ¦
> ¦ "This system remains in use because, in short, it still works,"
> ¦ Pentagon spokeswoman [...] told the AFP news agency.
> ¦
> ¦ "[...] floppy drives are scheduled to be replaced with secure
> ¦ digital devices by the end of 2017."
> ¦
> ¦ [...] Pentagon was planning to fully replace the system
> ¦ by the end of 2020.
> ¦
> ¦ [...] US treasury also needed to upgrade its systems, which it said
> ¦ was using "assembly language code - [...] initially used in the 1950s
> ¦ and typically tied to the hardware for which it was developed".
>
>
> http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-36385839
>
>

Yes, many older systems are in use in government facilities. I just sold an 
8-inch DSDD floppy subsystem for a TI-990, installed in 1985, to a VA hospital. 
As their other backup device had died.

Also, I get downloads of my TI-990 cross support software by government 
contractors to support old TI gear. You can still buy a new mil-spec TMS 9995 
from Rochester Electronics. Older TOW missile launchers used this chip and are 
still in service.


-- 
Dave Pitts             PULLMAN: Travel and sleep in safety and comfort.
dpitts@cozx.com

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#164014

FromJimP <solosam90@gmail.com>
Date2016-05-26 09:00 -0500
Message-ID<090ekbh10hkcf07dunoslrc1e0a4pb8m64@4ax.com>
In reply to#164013
On Thu, 26 May 2016 07:42:47 -0600, Dave Pitts <dpitts@cozx.com>
wrote:

>On 05/26/2016 01:10 AM, Dario Niedermann wrote:
>>  From the "Not-broken:don't-fix" dept.:
>>
>> ¦ Department of Defence systems [...] "runs on an IBM Series-1 Computer
>> ¦ - a 1970s computing system - and uses eight-inch floppy disks".
>> ¦
>> ¦ "This system remains in use because, in short, it still works,"
>> ¦ Pentagon spokeswoman [...] told the AFP news agency.
>> ¦
>> ¦ "[...] floppy drives are scheduled to be replaced with secure
>> ¦ digital devices by the end of 2017."
>> ¦
>> ¦ [...] Pentagon was planning to fully replace the system
>> ¦ by the end of 2020.
>> ¦
>> ¦ [...] US treasury also needed to upgrade its systems, which it said
>> ¦ was using "assembly language code - [...] initially used in the 1950s
>> ¦ and typically tied to the hardware for which it was developed".
>>
>>
>> http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-36385839
>>
>>
>
>Yes, many older systems are in use in government facilities. I just sold an 
>8-inch DSDD floppy subsystem for a TI-990, installed in 1985, to a VA hospital. 
>As their other backup device had died.
>
>Also, I get downloads of my TI-990 cross support software by government 
>contractors to support old TI gear. You can still buy a new mil-spec TMS 9995 
>from Rochester Electronics. Older TOW missile launchers used this chip and are 
>still in service.

There was a news item on local news this week. They mentioned that the
IRS and SSA use decades old computers. It would cost millions, a mere
drop in the bucket budget wise, to replace them so of course they
haven't been replaced yet.

-- 
JimP.

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#164015

FromQuadibloc <jsavard@ecn.ab.ca>
Date2016-05-26 07:09 -0700
Message-ID<35779e7f-2142-4927-900d-de3416fabdab@googlegroups.com>
In reply to#164014
On Thursday, May 26, 2016 at 8:01:52 AM UTC-6, JimP wrote:

> There was a news item on local news this week. They mentioned that the
> IRS and SSA use decades old computers. It would cost millions, a mere
> drop in the bucket budget wise, to replace them so of course they
> haven't been replaced yet.

Even if it cost trillions to replace the computers, they still wouldn't be more 
likely to be replaced because of that unless the replacements were made in the 
right Congressman's district!

John Savard

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#164016

FromAnne & Lynn Wheeler <lynn@garlic.com>
Date2016-05-26 07:28 -0700
Message-ID<87wpmgopve.fsf@garlic.com>
In reply to#164014
JimP <solosam90@gmail.com> writes:
> There was a news item on local news this week. They mentioned that the
> IRS and SSA use decades old computers. It would cost millions, a mere
> drop in the bucket budget wise, to replace them so of course they
> haven't been replaced yet.

just about every fed. gov. agency has had multiple dataprocessing
modernization projects that failed over the last 20-30yrs ...  many of
the failed projects have run billions (not millions).

reference to the "Success of Failure" culture in for-profit gov.
contractors
http://www.garlic.com/~lynn/submisc.html#success.of.failure

misc past posts mentioning dataprocessing modernization
http://manana.garlic.com/~lynn/2005e.html#29 Using the Cache to Change the Width of Memory
http://manana.garlic.com/~lynn/2007e.html#52 US Air computers delay psgrs
http://manana.garlic.com/~lynn/2007i.html#38 John W. Backus, 82, Fortran developer, dies (Actually, Working under the table!)
http://manana.garlic.com/~lynn/2008m.html#41 IBM--disposition of clock business
http://manana.garlic.com/~lynn/2008m.html#45 IBM--disposition of clock business
http://manana.garlic.com/~lynn/2009j.html#1 Is it possible to have an alternative payment system without riding on the Card Network platforms?
http://manana.garlic.com/~lynn/2010b.html#19 STEM crisis
http://manana.garlic.com/~lynn/2012g.html#89 FAA air traffic facility consolidation effort already late
http://manana.garlic.com/~lynn/2012i.html#42 Simulated PDP-11 Blinkenlight front panel for SimH
http://manana.garlic.com/~lynn/2012i.html#45 Simulated PDP-11 Blinkenlight front panel for SimH
http://manana.garlic.com/~lynn/2012k.html#7 Is there a connection between your strategic and tactical assertions?
http://manana.garlic.com/~lynn/2013.html#7 From build to buy: American Airlines changes modernization course midflight
http://manana.garlic.com/~lynn/2013f.html#19 Where Does the Cloud Cover the Mainframe?
http://manana.garlic.com/~lynn/2013f.html#74 The cloud is killing traditional hardware and software
http://manana.garlic.com/~lynn/2013h.html#42 The Mainframe is "Alive and Kicking"
http://manana.garlic.com/~lynn/2013j.html#70 Internet Mainframe Forums Considered Harmful
http://manana.garlic.com/~lynn/2013m.html#69 PDCA vs. OODA
http://manana.garlic.com/~lynn/2014d.html#3 Let's Face It--It's the Cyber Era and We're Cyber Dumb
http://manana.garlic.com/~lynn/2014e.html#19 The IBM Strategy
http://manana.garlic.com/~lynn/2015b.html#59 A-10
http://manana.garlic.com/~lynn/2015d.html#76 Greedy Banks Nailed With $5 BILLION+ Fine For Fraud And Corruption
http://manana.garlic.com/~lynn/2015f.html#20 Credit card fraud solution coming to America...finally
http://manana.garlic.com/~lynn/2015f.html#42 No, the F-35 Can't Fight at Long Range, Either
http://manana.garlic.com/~lynn/2015h.html#17 the legacy of Seymour Cray
http://manana.garlic.com/~lynn/2015h.html#45 rationality
http://manana.garlic.com/~lynn/2016b.html#39 Failure as a Way of Life; The logic of lost wars and military-industrial boondoggles
http://manana.garlic.com/~lynn/2016b.html#107 Qbasic - lies about Medicare

-- 
virtualization experience starting Jan1968, online at home since Mar1970

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#164021

FromMichael Black <et472@ncf.ca>
Date2016-05-26 12:43 -0400
Message-ID<alpine.LNX.2.02.1605261240280.24410@darkstar.example.org>
In reply to#164013

[Multipart message — attachments visible in raw view] — view raw

On Thu, 26 May 2016, Dave Pitts wrote:

> On 05/26/2016 01:10 AM, Dario Niedermann wrote:
>>  From the "Not-broken:don't-fix" dept.:
>> 
>> ¦ Department of Defence systems [...] "runs on an IBM Series-1 Computer
>> ¦ - a 1970s computing system - and uses eight-inch floppy disks".
>> ¦
>> ¦ "This system remains in use because, in short, it still works,"
>> ¦ Pentagon spokeswoman [...] told the AFP news agency.
>> ¦
>> ¦ "[...] floppy drives are scheduled to be replaced with secure
>> ¦ digital devices by the end of 2017."
>> ¦
>> ¦ [...] Pentagon was planning to fully replace the system
>> ¦ by the end of 2020.
>> ¦
>> ¦ [...] US treasury also needed to upgrade its systems, which it said
>> ¦ was using "assembly language code - [...] initially used in the 1950s
>> ¦ and typically tied to the hardware for which it was developed".
>> 
>> 
>> http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-36385839
>> 
>> 
>
> Yes, many older systems are in use in government facilities. I just sold an 
> 8-inch DSDD floppy subsystem for a TI-990, installed in 1985, to a VA 
> hospital. As their other backup device had died.
>
> Also, I get downloads of my TI-990 cross support software by government 
> contractors to support old TI gear. You can still buy a new mil-spec TMS 9995 
> from Rochester Electronics. Older TOW missile launchers used this chip and 
> are still in service.
>
And it's not a unique story.

Was it a decade ago NASA was asking for old hardware, I think specifically 
Intel CPUs, in order to keep old hardware running?

Even the Shuttle ran with "obsolete" computers, since it took so long 
between design and actual launch.  If they updated, not only would it be 
expensive, but it would probably need updating after the update.

These things are relatively specific, not your desktop computer.  Changing 
hardware likely means changing the software, and all the bugs that go with 
new software.  Unless the old hardware becomes too slow (not likely since 
the whole system is now old), or can't be replaced, the safest choice is 
to remain with it.  It's not a case of keeping up with the Jonses, for the 
sake of appearances.

   Michael

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#164029

FromJon Elson <jmelson@wustl.edu>
Date2016-05-26 14:01 -0500
Message-ID<SOSdnVURqZiR1drKnZ2dnUU7-dnNnZ2d@giganews.com>
In reply to#164021
Michael Black wrote:


> Even the Shuttle ran with "obsolete" computers, since it took so long
> between design and actual launch.  If they updated, not only would it be
> expensive, but it would probably need updating after the update.
Yes, the original Shuttles used IBM AP101B processor, a descendant of the 
IBM 360 / 4Pi machines.  The AP-1 was used on the F-15, so that dates it to 
about 1970.  And, the AP-101B is a derivative of that.

I think one of the Shuttles that was rebuilt used a network of ruggedized 
VAXes, but now I can't find much online to verify that.

Jon

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#164039

FromPeter Flass <peter_flass@yahoo.com>
Date2016-05-26 16:22 -0400
Message-ID<1411116550.485986747.251928.peter_flass-yahoo.com@news.eternal-september.org>
In reply to#164013
Dave Pitts <dpitts@cozx.com> wrote:
> On 05/26/2016 01:10 AM, Dario Niedermann wrote:
>> From the "Not-broken:don't-fix" dept.:
>> 
>> ¦ Department of Defence systems [...] "runs on an IBM Series-1 Computer
>> ¦ - a 1970s computing system - and uses eight-inch floppy disks".
>> ¦
>> ¦ "This system remains in use because, in short, it still works,"
>> ¦ Pentagon spokeswoman [...] told the AFP news agency.
>> ¦
>> ¦ "[...] floppy drives are scheduled to be replaced with secure
>> ¦ digital devices by the end of 2017."
>> ¦
>> ¦ [...] Pentagon was planning to fully replace the system
>> ¦ by the end of 2020.
>> ¦
>> ¦ [...] US treasury also needed to upgrade its systems, which it said
>> ¦ was using "assembly language code - [...] initially used in the 1950s
>> ¦ and typically tied to the hardware for which it was developed".
>> 
>> 
>> http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-36385839
>> 
>> 
> 
> Yes, many older systems are in use in government facilities. I just sold an 
> 8-inch DSDD floppy subsystem for a TI-990, installed in 1985, to a VA hospital. 
> As their other backup device had died.
> 
> Also, I get downloads of my TI-990 cross support software by government 
> contractors to support old TI gear. You can still buy a new mil-spec TMS 9995 
> from Rochester Electronics. Older TOW missile launchers used this chip and are 
> still in service.
> 
> 

It doesn't make much sense to upgrade an embedded system.  Redoing all the
software and validating it would be prohibitive.  Update the computer
system when you replace the associated hardware.

-- 
Pete

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#164058

FromRS Wood <rsw@therandymon.com>
Date2016-05-27 13:08 +0000
Message-ID<dqqv7bF2rquU3@mid.individual.net>
In reply to#163994
On 2016-05-26, Dario Niedermann <dnied@tiscali.it> wrote:
> From the "Not-broken:don't-fix" dept.:
>
> ¦ Department of Defence systems [...] "runs on an IBM Series-1 Computer
> ¦ - a 1970s computing system - and uses eight-inch floppy disks".
> ¦ 
> ¦ "This system remains in use because, in short, it still works,"
> ¦ Pentagon spokeswoman [...] told the AFP news agency.
> ¦ 
> ¦ "[...] floppy drives are scheduled to be replaced with secure
> ¦ digital devices by the end of 2017."
> ¦ 
> ¦ [...] Pentagon was planning to fully replace the system
> ¦ by the end of 2020.
> ¦ 
> ¦ [...] US treasury also needed to upgrade its systems, which it said
> ¦ was using "assembly language code - [...] initially used in the 1950s
> ¦ and typically tied to the hardware for which it was developed".
>
>
> http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-36385839
>
>
Fascinating - they must have a supplier that provides new 8" floppies as
necessary; I wonder who they've found to do so, as it almost certainly
requires special fabrication and manufacturing processes these days, and
there are almost certainly rising costs associated with that niche
processing that would affect its viability.

As for custom assembly code running on dedicated hardware, I'd be the last
guy on earth to recommend replacing it.  It works, so why replace it?  Train
somebody to understand the code, and be done with it.

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]


#164059

FromDave Pitts <dpitts@cozx.com>
Date2016-05-27 07:43 -0600
Message-ID<EKydnR9-vaVq09XKnZ2dnUU7-bvNnZ2d@giganews.com>
In reply to#164058
On 05/27/2016 07:08 AM, RS Wood wrote:
> On 2016-05-26, Dario Niedermann<dnied@tiscali.it>  wrote:
> Fascinating - they must have a supplier that provides new 8" floppies as
> necessary; I wonder who they've found to do so, as it almost certainly
> requires special fabrication and manufacturing processes these days, and
> there are almost certainly rising costs associated with that niche
> processing that would affect its viability.
>

New media is available. I bought a box of 8 inch DSDD floppies last year and I 
sent it on to the VA hospital to whom I'd sold the TI floppy subsystem.

> As for custom assembly code running on dedicated hardware, I'd be the last
> guy on earth to recommend replacing it.  It works, so why replace it?  Train
> somebody to understand the code, and be done with it.

Not just assembly language. I've been working with a company that has a large 
application using TI-990 COBOL and has had issues trying to port it. So, they 
keep the TI systems running. Most of the issues aren't the COBOL porting; but, 
with the custom devices hung on the system.

-- 
Dave Pitts             PULLMAN: Travel and sleep in safety and comfort.
dpitts@cozx.com

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#164064

FromAndrew Swallow <am.swallow@btopenworld.com>
Date2016-05-27 15:58 +0100
Message-ID<VZydnTvWUZwK_dXKnZ2dnUU78I3NnZ2d@giganews.com>
In reply to#164059
On 27/05/2016 14:43, Dave Pitts wrote:
> On 05/27/2016 07:08 AM, RS Wood wrote:
{snip}>
>> As for custom assembly code running on dedicated hardware, I'd be the
>> last
>> guy on earth to recommend replacing it.  It works, so why replace it?
>> Train
>> somebody to understand the code, and be done with it.
>
> Not just assembly language. I've been working with a company that has a
> large application using TI-990 COBOL and has had issues trying to port
> it. So, they keep the TI systems running. Most of the issues aren't the
> COBOL porting; but, with the custom devices hung on the system.
>

This will hit problems when they can no longer obtain spare parts for 
the custom devices.

I suspect that someone has programmed a FPGA to simulate a TI-990 but 
weird hardware has to be redesigned.

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]


#164060

FromAnssi Saari <as@sci.fi>
Date2016-05-27 17:13 +0300
Message-ID<vg3vb1zoag6.fsf@coffee.modeemi.fi>
In reply to#164058
RS Wood <rsw@therandymon.com> writes:

> Fascinating - they must have a supplier that provides new 8" floppies as
> necessary; I wonder who they've found to do so, as it almost certainly
> requires special fabrication and manufacturing processes these days, and
> there are almost certainly rising costs associated with that niche
> processing that would affect its viability.

A company called Athana has been mentioned in the Commodore newsgroup in
the last few years. On their website
(http://www.athana.com/html/diskette.html) they offer a selection of
floppy disks, including 8" ones, unformatted or formatted in one of five
different formats.

Assuming the company is still in business (their website has a distinct
last millennium flavor) I have to assume they produce the floppies only
when someone places an order if they still have the equipment in working
order... They do have a GSA info page which indicates they have supplied
the government in the past at least. 

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]


#164067

FromAhem A Rivet's Shot <steveo@eircom.net>
Date2016-05-27 16:36 +0100
Message-ID<20160527163646.3d50782f27843ea50485b54e@eircom.net>
In reply to#164060
On Fri, 27 May 2016 17:13:45 +0300
Anssi Saari <as@sci.fi> wrote:

> RS Wood <rsw@therandymon.com> writes:
> 
> > Fascinating - they must have a supplier that provides new 8" floppies as
> > necessary; I wonder who they've found to do so, as it almost certainly
> > requires special fabrication and manufacturing processes these days, and
> > there are almost certainly rising costs associated with that niche
> > processing that would affect its viability.
> 
> A company called Athana has been mentioned in the Commodore newsgroup in
> the last few years. On their website
> (http://www.athana.com/html/diskette.html) they offer a selection of
> floppy disks, including 8" ones, unformatted or formatted in one of five
> different formats.
> 
> Assuming the company is still in business (their website has a distinct
> last millennium flavor) I have to assume they produce the floppies only

	Still would be the word, I used to buy their floppies along with
Dysan back when floppies were common.

-- 
Steve O'Hara-Smith                          |   Directable Mirror Arrays
C:>WIN                                      | A better way to focus the sun
The computer obeys and wins.                |    licences available see
You lose and Bill collects.                 |    http://www.sohara.org/

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]


#164062

FromStephen Wolstenholme <steve@easynn.com>
Date2016-05-27 15:48 +0100
Message-ID<ghmgkb5olkr3lrjuhn7uoo7u8ss6thb2t8@4ax.com>
In reply to#164058
On 27 May 2016 13:08:59 GMT, RS Wood <rsw@therandymon.com> wrote:

>On 2016-05-26, Dario Niedermann <dnied@tiscali.it> wrote:
>> From the "Not-broken:don't-fix" dept.:
>>
>> ¦ Department of Defence systems [...] "runs on an IBM Series-1 Computer
>> ¦ - a 1970s computing system - and uses eight-inch floppy disks".
>> ¦ 
>> ¦ "This system remains in use because, in short, it still works,"
>> ¦ Pentagon spokeswoman [...] told the AFP news agency.
>> ¦ 
>> ¦ "[...] floppy drives are scheduled to be replaced with secure
>> ¦ digital devices by the end of 2017."
>> ¦ 
>> ¦ [...] Pentagon was planning to fully replace the system
>> ¦ by the end of 2020.
>> ¦ 
>> ¦ [...] US treasury also needed to upgrade its systems, which it said
>> ¦ was using "assembly language code - [...] initially used in the 1950s
>> ¦ and typically tied to the hardware for which it was developed".
>>
>>
>> http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-36385839
>>
>>
>Fascinating - they must have a supplier that provides new 8" floppies as
>necessary; I wonder who they've found to do so, as it almost certainly
>requires special fabrication and manufacturing processes these days, and
>there are almost certainly rising costs associated with that niche
>processing that would affect its viability.
>
>As for custom assembly code running on dedicated hardware, I'd be the last
>guy on earth to recommend replacing it.  It works, so why replace it?  Train
>somebody to understand the code, and be done with it.

They probably have a stock of 8" floppy disks that can be used and
reused as needed. I chucked a box full in the bin when I moved house 3
years ago. One day floppy discs will become valuable antiques!
Someone, somewhere will have a few thousand for sale if the price is
right. 

Steve

-- 
Neural Network Software for Windows                 http://www.npsnn.com

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#164069

FromMichael Black <et472@ncf.ca>
Date2016-05-27 12:47 -0400
Message-ID<alpine.LNX.2.02.1605271243410.26306@darkstar.example.org>
In reply to#164062

[Multipart message — attachments visible in raw view] — view raw

On Fri, 27 May 2016, Stephen Wolstenholme wrote:

> On 27 May 2016 13:08:59 GMT, RS Wood <rsw@therandymon.com> wrote:
>
>> On 2016-05-26, Dario Niedermann <dnied@tiscali.it> wrote:
>>> From the "Not-broken:don't-fix" dept.:
>>>
>>> ¦ Department of Defence systems [...] "runs on an IBM Series-1 Computer
>>> ¦ - a 1970s computing system - and uses eight-inch floppy disks".
>>> ¦
>>> ¦ "This system remains in use because, in short, it still works,"
>>> ¦ Pentagon spokeswoman [...] told the AFP news agency.
>>> ¦
>>> ¦ "[...] floppy drives are scheduled to be replaced with secure
>>> ¦ digital devices by the end of 2017."
>>> ¦
>>> ¦ [...] Pentagon was planning to fully replace the system
>>> ¦ by the end of 2020.
>>> ¦
>>> ¦ [...] US treasury also needed to upgrade its systems, which it said
>>> ¦ was using "assembly language code - [...] initially used in the 1950s
>>> ¦ and typically tied to the hardware for which it was developed".
>>>
>>>
>>> http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-36385839
>>>
>>>
>> Fascinating - they must have a supplier that provides new 8" floppies as
>> necessary; I wonder who they've found to do so, as it almost certainly
>> requires special fabrication and manufacturing processes these days, and
>> there are almost certainly rising costs associated with that niche
>> processing that would affect its viability.
>>
>> As for custom assembly code running on dedicated hardware, I'd be the last
>> guy on earth to recommend replacing it.  It works, so why replace it?  Train
>> somebody to understand the code, and be done with it.
>
> They probably have a stock of 8" floppy disks that can be used and
> reused as needed. I chucked a box full in the bin when I moved house 3
> years ago. One day floppy discs will become valuable antiques!
> Someone, somewhere will have a few thousand for sale if the price is
> right.
>
The only 8" floppies I've seen up close was the box I found behind a 
church after their rummage sale was over.  Made me regret not going to 
that sale, I wonder if a computer that went with those floppies was 
for sale.  So I did bring that box home, a novelty since I have no drives 
for 8" floppies.

People are still finding new old stock vacuum tubes, so I can imagine 
there being lots of stock of old floppies still available.  There probably 
are places that search for them, buying them up when available, to keep 
their stock ready.  A diminishing demand, but for those who need them, the 
money is probably there.

I can't quite imagine 5.25" floppies becoming collectible antiques.  There 
were so many made, I have a ton of them (used), and I'm not the only one.

If I actually went back and copied the 5.25" floppies I used, I could free 
them up.

   Michael

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#164089

FromPeter Flass <peter_flass@yahoo.com>
Date2016-05-28 15:18 -0400
Message-ID<710606343.486145189.306878.peter_flass-yahoo.com@news.eternal-september.org>
In reply to#164069
Michael Black <et472@ncf.ca> wrote:
> On Fri, 27 May 2016, Stephen Wolstenholme wrote:
> 
>> On 27 May 2016 13:08:59 GMT, RS Wood <rsw@therandymon.com> wrote:
>> 
>>> On 2016-05-26, Dario Niedermann <dnied@tiscali.it> wrote:
>>>> From the "Not-broken:don't-fix" dept.:
>>>> 
>>>> Ķ Department of Defence systems [...] "runs on an IBM Series-1 Computer
>>>> Ķ - a 1970s computing system - and uses eight-inch floppy disks".
>>>> Ķ
>>>> Ķ "This system remains in use because, in short, it still works,"
>>>> Ķ Pentagon spokeswoman [...] told the AFP news agency.
>>>> Ķ
>>>> Ķ "[...] floppy drives are scheduled to be replaced with secure
>>>> Ķ digital devices by the end of 2017."
>>>> Ķ
>>>> Ķ [...] Pentagon was planning to fully replace the system
>>>> Ķ by the end of 2020.
>>>> Ķ
>>>> Ķ [...] US treasury also needed to upgrade its systems, which it said
>>>> Ķ was using "assembly language code - [...] initially used in the 1950s
>>>> Ķ and typically tied to the hardware for which it was developed".
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-36385839
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>> Fascinating - they must have a supplier that provides new 8" floppies as
>>> necessary; I wonder who they've found to do so, as it almost certainly
>>> requires special fabrication and manufacturing processes these days, and
>>> there are almost certainly rising costs associated with that niche
>>> processing that would affect its viability.
>>> 
>>> As for custom assembly code running on dedicated hardware, I'd be the last
>>> guy on earth to recommend replacing it.  It works, so why replace it?  Train
>>> somebody to understand the code, and be done with it.
>> 
>> They probably have a stock of 8" floppy disks that can be used and
>> reused as needed. I chucked a box full in the bin when I moved house 3
>> years ago. One day floppy discs will become valuable antiques!
>> Someone, somewhere will have a few thousand for sale if the price is
>> right.
>> 
> The only 8" floppies I've seen up close was the box I found behind a 
> church after their rummage sale was over.  Made me regret not going to 
> that sale, I wonder if a computer that went with those floppies was 
> for sale.  So I did bring that box home, a novelty since I have no drives 
> for 8" floppies.
> 
> People are still finding new old stock vacuum tubes, so I can imagine 
> there being lots of stock of old floppies still available.  There probably 
> are places that search for them, buying them up when available, to keep 
> their stock ready.  A diminishing demand, but for those who need them, the 
> money is probably there.
> 
> I can't quite imagine 5.25" floppies becoming collectible antiques.  There 
> were so many made, I have a ton of them (used), and I'm not the only one.
> 
> If I actually went back and copied the 5.25" floppies I used, I could free 
> them up.
> 

I've been copying the data and tossing them.  I still have boxes to go
thru.

-- 
Pete

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#164096

FromMichael Black <et472@ncf.ca>
Date2016-05-28 22:48 -0400
Message-ID<alpine.LNX.2.02.1605282245190.28872@darkstar.example.org>
In reply to#164089

[Multipart message — attachments visible in raw view] — view raw

On Sat, 28 May 2016, Peter Flass wrote:

> Michael Black <et472@ncf.ca> wrote:
>> On Fri, 27 May 2016, Stephen Wolstenholme wrote:
>>
>>> On 27 May 2016 13:08:59 GMT, RS Wood <rsw@therandymon.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On 2016-05-26, Dario Niedermann <dnied@tiscali.it> wrote:
>>>>> From the "Not-broken:don't-fix" dept.:
>>>>>
>>>>> Ķ Department of Defence systems [...] "runs on an IBM Series-1 Computer
>>>>> Ķ - a 1970s computing system - and uses eight-inch floppy disks".
>>>>> Ķ
>>>>> Ķ "This system remains in use because, in short, it still works,"
>>>>> Ķ Pentagon spokeswoman [...] told the AFP news agency.
>>>>> Ķ
>>>>> Ķ "[...] floppy drives are scheduled to be replaced with secure
>>>>> Ķ digital devices by the end of 2017."
>>>>> Ķ
>>>>> Ķ [...] Pentagon was planning to fully replace the system
>>>>> Ķ by the end of 2020.
>>>>> Ķ
>>>>> Ķ [...] US treasury also needed to upgrade its systems, which it said
>>>>> Ķ was using "assembly language code - [...] initially used in the 1950s
>>>>> Ķ and typically tied to the hardware for which it was developed".
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-36385839
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>> Fascinating - they must have a supplier that provides new 8" floppies as
>>>> necessary; I wonder who they've found to do so, as it almost certainly
>>>> requires special fabrication and manufacturing processes these days, and
>>>> there are almost certainly rising costs associated with that niche
>>>> processing that would affect its viability.
>>>>
>>>> As for custom assembly code running on dedicated hardware, I'd be the last
>>>> guy on earth to recommend replacing it.  It works, so why replace it?  Train
>>>> somebody to understand the code, and be done with it.
>>>
>>> They probably have a stock of 8" floppy disks that can be used and
>>> reused as needed. I chucked a box full in the bin when I moved house 3
>>> years ago. One day floppy discs will become valuable antiques!
>>> Someone, somewhere will have a few thousand for sale if the price is
>>> right.
>>>
>> The only 8" floppies I've seen up close was the box I found behind a
>> church after their rummage sale was over.  Made me regret not going to
>> that sale, I wonder if a computer that went with those floppies was
>> for sale.  So I did bring that box home, a novelty since I have no drives
>> for 8" floppies.
>>
>> People are still finding new old stock vacuum tubes, so I can imagine
>> there being lots of stock of old floppies still available.  There probably
>> are places that search for them, buying them up when available, to keep
>> their stock ready.  A diminishing demand, but for those who need them, the
>> money is probably there.
>>
>> I can't quite imagine 5.25" floppies becoming collectible antiques.  There
>> were so many made, I have a ton of them (used), and I'm not the only one.
>>
>> If I actually went back and copied the 5.25" floppies I used, I could free
>> them up.
>>
>
> I've been copying the data and tossing them.  I still have boxes to go
> thru.
>
These aren't "IBM compatible" or I would have copied them some time back. 
These are from my Radio Shack Color Computer, starting in 1984.  To 
compund the problem, the original controller ROM had a different format, 
when the CoCo III came out the ROM was no longer compatible, so I had to 
replace it.  So I have to dig out my original CoCo, change the ROM (it was 
actually an eprom, so maybe it's been erased, provided I can find it), 
then get them off there somehow, then change the ROM and copy the later 
floppies.  And that's before any issues of how the word processors saved 
the files.  So something to keep putting off.

   Michael

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#164097

Fromcb@elaine.df.lth.se (Christian Brunschen)
Date2016-05-29 09:55 +0000
Message-ID<nieeb4$ebk$1@dont-email.me>
In reply to#164096
In article <alpine.LNX.2.02.1605282245190.28872@darkstar.example.org>,
Michael Black  <et472@ncf.ca> wrote:

[ ... ]

>These aren't "IBM compatible" or I would have copied them some time back. 
>These are from my Radio Shack Color Computer, starting in 1984.  To 
>compund the problem, the original controller ROM had a different format, 
>when the CoCo III came out the ROM was no longer compatible, so I had to 
>replace it.  So I have to dig out my original CoCo, change the ROM (it was 
>actually an eprom, so maybe it's been erased, provided I can find it), 
>then get them off there somehow, then change the ROM and copy the later 
>floppies.  

<http://www.trs-80.com/wordpress/faq-converting-your-disks/> might be useful?

Another option if you prefer the DIY route is to read the recorded 
magnetic transitions on a lower level, using something like a KryoFlux 
<http://www.kryoflux.com/>, and then use software to reconstruct the 
contents such as
<http://www.trs-80.com/wordpress/uncategorized/trs-80-kryoflux-disk-utilities-updated-writes-jv3-format/> .

>And that's before any issues of how the word processors saved 
>the files.  

Extracting the data into disk images would allow you to run the word 
processor in an emulator.

>So something to keep putting off.
>
>   Michael

// Christian

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