Vintage Computer Shell/Updated Guts

[TVMattNYC]

Hi Everyone ... I'm brand-new to this forum. I have what might be a dumb question. I love the look and feel of the old ('70s) computers, and as a writer I actually prefer the large clunky keyboards. Is there any way I can a computer like the old Intertec Superbrain retro-fitted with state-of-the-art circuitry?

[nige the hippy]

Yes..... but don't!

Superbrains are VERY collectable (at least in the uk), if you rip the guts out, it's worthless (and dead).

Your best bet would be to start with an old terminal, you can pick them up dead cheap/free, then either find an expert who can build you a custom keyboard circuit to interface the original keyboard to a pc, and replace the original crt with a vga monitor.

Years ago I used to build my pcs into all sorts of boxes. it was also fairly easy to use the original CRT and drive circuitry, as scan rates weren't too demanding, but you can't put vga-multisync into an old board and expect it not to smoke (or irradiate you with Xrays!)

You're probably best not trying to get help on-line for this job, it's very much a hands-on-expert type of thing, but if you can tame a nerd, could be quite fun.

Another thought is.....

Why not use an old computer to write on? you don't need a desk-top-publishing package to enter text, many PCs from the mid 80s onwards still had clunky keyboards, but also 3.5" floppy drives, which are still fairly current technology. or something like the little Tandy portables, which are battery powered, with a decent keyboard, and enough "what the heck?" factor to make them interesting.

[TVMattNYC]

Actually, that's pretty much what I'd like to do.

This sounds kind of bad, but as a writer, I find it hard to focus on my WRITING when I'm on my computer because of the distractions of the Internet (constantly checking email ... IMs ... etc.). SO ... if I can find one of those Superbrains that would be ideal.

On the more practical side, however, once my material is written, how can I get it translated into a Word document for emailing/printing for my publisher?

[nige the hippy]

two ways ... or possibly more

Firstly, most old computers have a serial port, most PCs still have a serial port (and those that don't you can get a serial-usb adapter).

It's usually possible (and I say usually, because you need software) to send a text file from computer to computer via the serial connection, even by "printing" to an imaginary printer (actually your host computer) on the serial port.

You run something like hyperterminal on the host pc, and your text comes in. In fact it used to be that you typed "ctty com1:" and keyboard and screen were re-directed through the serial port, doubt that that's still current!

If you get hold of an old "dumb termnal" you can just run your pc in the background, again connect serial ports together (different pin-out of the lead this time, which is why you still need that nerd!) and type it in.

The other way, is to get some sort of disc compatibility sorted out, which isn't easy. if you get an old pc, then the disks should be readable by a new pc (you may have to put a 5.25" drive in the new pc). However other old computers often have proprietary disk formats, and you need special programs/hardware to read them (like apple disks in PCs and vice versa).

Personlly I think the serial port way stands a better chance of working.

Mr Le-Forge in star trek, makes connecting alien technology look dead easy, you just "reverse the phase of the neutron flow", unfortunately the real world is not quite so straight forward, you need the nerd, a soldering iron, and a lot of patience!