Sunday, August 25, 2019

Vintage Computer ENTREX NIXDORF SIEMENS OLD Rare Collectible 16-bit Front Panel

I was first notified of this auction on July 20, 2019.  This was being sold by Dick DuBois, a former employee of Entrex/Nixdorf during the reign of this system.  So, he would certainly be able to verify its origin.

He sold it on Aug 25, 2019 , 1:05AM (36 days later) for his ask of $295 (but not to me, sorry).  Congrats, Dick, and I'd love to hear from the person who bought it, to hear the story behind its meaning to them, and how they may intend to use it.  So, if you're reading this, please click the contact tab at the top of my website here, and drop me an email!

My novice commentary: This appears to be most similar to a "half-height" DCC D-116 front panel, but clearly different, in that it is lacking all branding and model markings, the key/lock tumbler barrel switch and/or hole for such.  (more differences noted by me at the bottom of this post)

It does indeed look very utilitarian, as if it was truly intended solely for testing, and never to be placed with a customer.  Dick confirms this in his auction description, below.

But I'd love to get the feedback of someone more knowledgeable on this system.  From my Digital Computer Controls - D-116 16-Bit Computer Handbook, here's the comparison:
Original eBay Auction Sold                       eBay Auction Archive
 
 
 
 
Very Rare Vintage Collectible Computer 16 Bit Front Panel
ENTREX / NIXDORF / SIEMENS
This panel measures 19" X 5"
and was mounted in the front of the
CPU chassis during troubleshooting.
It was not usually left on site.
We are not sure if it still works
so we are selling it as - no returns
A real nice piece of vintage computer history.
Nice collector's item.

Sunday, August 4, 2019

Nixdorf 480 80 Series Operations Manual

I acquired this from https://www.ebay.com/itm/133104961852

While it seems to be from 1979-1980, and the Data/Scope Keystation style has changed to the upgraded style (and they even call it a Data/Terminal Keystation now), my hope is the system had changed little else since earlier versions...or so we can hope!
Anyway, here is the entire manual, scanned.  Enjoy!

**BONUS:  I even scanned the inserted notes and extra printed pages that were in this manual, in the exact location between the exact pages that they were found, to preserve the context, in case they were significant there.  So, when you see things that don't look like the manual right in the middle, now you know why...

WARNING:  This pdf is 146Mb in size.  So, in order not to choke your browser, you may choose to right-click the link and choose "download", rather than just click the link directly...you've been warned...


old link:
http://6reoquestions.com/misc/Entrex/Manuals/Nixdorf%20480%2080%20Series%20Operations%20Manual.pdf