Re: Checking (CPU) Speeds

[hjohnson@pluto.njcc.com (Herbert R Johnson)]

Tom, I use old computers myself, including computers of the 1970's that
run at 2 MHz with an 8-bit data path (i.e. Z80's). But I don't see
why TASS camera owners need to use 386 or 486 systems over an old discarded
Pentium computer.

I resell computers regularly, so the availability of old computers is
my expertize. In brief, most major cities (in the US) have universities
and larger companies where Pentium machines of 100 to 200 MHz are
available for tens of dollars, give or take. Check "surplus" or "excess
property" or "equipment sales" on Web sites of these institutions for
information. I would help any TASS member in locating such machines for
TASS work. I have several such machines in my basement; but it's cheaper
to help someone find one locally, than to ship them one of mine, for the
most part. One can acquire two or three machines and make a pretty good
machine with backup: I've previously said I would not expect a TASS "field"
computer to last very long, and they need not when they are already
discarded (but undamaged).

Herb Johnson


Herbert R. Johnson              http://pluto.njcc.com/~hjohnson
hjohnson@pluto.njcc.com         voice 609-771-1503, New Jersey USA
             amateur astronomer and telescope tinkerer
   reseller of classic Macs & accessories from Plus to PowerMac
   S-100 & 8-inch drive manuals and parts, call for "Dr. S-100"