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From: pss@unh.UUCP (Paul S. Sawyer == paul)
Newsgroups: comp.misc,comp.sys.misc,misc.wanted,misc.misc
Subject: Re: Data Point Computers
Keywords: Datapoint
Message-ID: <1091@unh.UUCP>
Date: 29 Mar 89 17:46:02 GMT
References: <1987@virgil.UUCP>
Organization: unhtel.UUCP == UNH Telecommunications
Lines: 36


I was running a Datapoint system until about 3 years ago.  The 6600 could
operate from a Cassette Tape OS (CTOS) (never tried it), a local disk, or
through an Attached Resource Computer (ARC) network.  We had 4 or 5
processors on the ARC.  The file server had a whopping total of 40 megs!
This was on two 10-meg removable/10-meg fixed drives, so you could swap
out one of the 10-meg, 20-inch diameter cartridges while the system was
operating, if you were set up right.  I had no local disks, everything
booted from the ARC...

Restart the 6600 using the right-hand, bottom-middle-top keys, releasing
one (I forget which) before the others, and you are in a ROM debug command
mode.  If I can find any manuals, I'll send you the opcodes, etc, but
I think most everything went with the machines, which we sold to a used
equipment broker (who probably sold it at a flea market???  B-).

The main use for our system was to run an Infoswitch Long Distance Calling
System (telephone switch).  This system (ca. 1972) had some features its
replacement System 85/ 3B15 don't have!

Besides Datapoint, who keep reorganizing, but are probably still around,
get a catalog from Dartek Computer Supply, 800-323-1872;  they sell 
supplies for Datapoint systems, even a "plug compatible file server"
which might bring your 6600's to life...!  Also, Intelogic Trace is
a nationwide maintenance firm (once owned by Datapoint) who can service
the things.  

But... word processing is not much fun on that 12-line screen!  B-))

Disclaimers: Only a customer of above named firms.  Things in caps are
probably trademarks. Your mileage may vary...
-- 
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Paul S. Sawyer              uunet!unh!unhtel!paul     paul@unhtel.UUCP
UNH Telecommunications
Durham, NH  03824-3523      VOX: 603-862-3262         FAX: 603-862-2030