Thread: Up and Running
View Single Post
  #23  
Old 06-20-2008, 11:42 AM
bugman bugman is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 30
Default

No harm done. The main thing that tipped me off was when I removed the CPU, the front Panel looked exactly like my intermittent problem. Hence the CPU had intermittent connections which turned out to be a partailly seated socket.

I assembled the back cover last night. It was at that time I realized how compact this unit is. It was a tight fit! I decided to install an AC fan (despite popular suggestions!) I realize it probably isn't needed for stable operation. But I want to be able to pass this on to my kids so I'm thinking more in terms of component lifespan.

I'll start playing more around tonight. I'm anxious to use the assembler because as far as I can tell, it's the only way to output new paper tape dumps. I also want to familiarize myself with the VTL-2 and basic memory usage. With other similiar projects I have been able to identify where the data is located so I can do a raw memory save of a basic program rather that a cut and paste listing. For other computers, the paper tape read is easy to configure. But I have found that because basic and such are interpreters, they can't handle the normal transfer speed of a cut and paste directly into basic because there is a delay at the end of each line while the computer accepts the new line of code. The result is a slow transmission using that method. However, this may not be the case with the 680!

Lots of fun to be had.

Thanks for a great kit.
Reply With Quote