🚀 go-pugleaf

Rainbow EchoMail Digest                         Aug 19, 1990

In this issue:
  KEYBOARD
  RE: KEYBOARD
  ANYBODY USING A ROBIN?
  RE: DEC MONITOR INQUIRY
  RAINBO WORKS CLOCK
  BBS RUNNING ON A RAINBOW


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------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date:     08-16-90 (13:32)
To:       ALL
Subject:  KEYBOARD
From:     PATRICK FINK

I have now replaced the keyboard on my Rainbow, and it still wont
work!! What else could be the problem.  The Rainbow display ERROR -
KEYBOARD Consult Users Guide.


- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247
------------------------------
Date:     08-16-90 (19:24)
To:       PATRICK FINK
Subject:  RE: KEYBOARD
From:     CARL HOUSEMAN

re: what else could it be

 In the worst case, the system board could be the trouble - or it
could the cable from the system unit to the monitor, or the RJ11
connector, or...

 In several cases we've had apparent keyboard problems in VT-220's
which ended up requiring the logic board be replaced.  Failures like
these make either (1) maintenance contracts or (2) spare parts
invaluable.


- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md - 301-622-2247
------------------------------
Date:     08-17-90 (07:33)
To:       GEORGE THEALL
Subject:  ANYBODY USING A ROBIN?
From:     FRANK MALLORY

 GT> Just wondering if anybody out there is still using an early 1980s
 GT> vintage CP/M based machine called a "ROBIN" - 64K of memory, CP/M 2.2,
 GT> processor?? I think it was also called a VT-180. I used one briefly for
 GT> a client (setting up a database) a few years ago, and reading here
 GT> about the Rainbow and things like that, I recall the machine, and was
 GT> wondering if anyone had any stories or whatnot. --

I sold mine only a few months ago.  There was a users group for the
Robin  )ROG), but I haven't heard a peep out of them for many a moon.

My memory of the Robin is pretty hazy, but I'll be glad to help
when/if I can.


- --- msged 1.99L MSC
 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247
------------------------------
Date:     08-17-90 (07:45)
To:       DAVID HEID
Subject:  RE: DEC MONITOR INQUIRY
From:     FRANK MALLORY

 DH>  The first monitor has been used and he wants "more" for the unused
 DH> one. I suggested a max of $25 more which would bring it to 150+-. If
 DH> you are still interested ( or anyone else ) , let me know and I will
 DH> try to get it and ship it COD. Of course I will make him an offer for
 DH> you, just let me know how much!!

'fraid I would lose interest at any price over $100.  Thanks anyway.

 DH> Now about what the Specs mean that you sent me. Can you describe what
 DH> each means?? ie:
 DH>     Activation force

"Activation force"  I'm sure, specifies how hard you have to press on
the  screen to get it to accept an input at that point.  This is
probably  irrelevant on the Rainbow, unless you can find some software
(Windows?) that  is set up for touch screen input (or mouse input, and
the touch screen gives  equivalent input).

 DH>     resolution: .o4 in.(1.0 mm)

Not sure, but I think it applies to the touch input.  This would say
that  items displayed on the screen must be separated by at least 1.0
mm in order  to generate distinct inputs.

 DH>  ETC.

"Sampling rate" also applies to inputs; it you provide inputs (i.e.,
touch  the screen) at a rate faster than this, some may be lost.

"Ports" refers to the connectors on the back.

 DH> I have four Rainbows and one has a Color monitor. VR241
 DH> Do you think the VTRS is a higher resolution?

No.  The display characteristics of the VRTS should be identical with
the  VR241.

 DH> As I write this I think I am going to try to talk him into trying the
 DH> used one before buying.  Do you know any economical source of the color
 DH> cables that are used with the Bow. I just re-read your answer and maybe
 DH> the keyboard and CPU can be attached with standard cables. I am the
 DH> more I think about it, am going to at least talk him out of the manuals
 DH> to read up on it.

There is no separate cable listed for the VRTS; you should insist that
the  dealer furnish a cable with the unit.  Presumably, the VT241 or
Rainbow  color monitor cable (same thing) can be used with the VRTS; I
*assume* that  separate cables would be used to interface the
additional ports of the VRTS.

 DH> I tried to call you tonite at 301-622-2247, ( busy signal ) is that
 DH> your board or is it your voice number??

2247 is the number for the Silver Bullet.


- --- msged 1.99L MSC
 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247
------------------------------
Date:     08-15-90 (21:18)
To:       FRANK MALLORY
Subject:  RAINBO WORKS CLOCK
From:     DAVE GOW

Back in May I left a message asking about a strange clock card in my
100+.  You answered saying it might be a Rainbo Works Clock and that
Caroline Mack might have more info.  I did get a message back from her
saying she had knowledge of the clock but no current info about its
vendors.  You had offered to put the needed software on your BBS i{_f
~rneeded, I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks!, looking to a message back from you.



- --- Opus-CBCS 1.12
 * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431
(1:343/3.0)
 261/1023
------------------------------
Date:     08-17-90 (15:14)
To:       JEAN-CLAUDE DEMARS
Subject:  BBS RUNNING ON A RAINBOW
From:     FRANK MALLORY

 JD> I know zero about the rainbow computer but i am wanting to set up a BBS
 JD> on one.  I have been working with BBS's on my 286 IBM compatable for
 JD> years but have never even powered a DEC up.  Please, any ideas or
 JD> sources for software to run the computer would be VERY helpful... I am
 JD> supposed to have the system setup on Friday (yes, 2 days from now)....

Opus works pretty well, but it will take longer than 2 days to get is
set up  properly.  Of course, you won't receive this message until
after your  deadline, so I guess it's irrelevant.


- --- msged 1.99L MSC
 * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Md. - 301-622-2247
------------------------------