Hi from Sweden

[Zeela]

Hi,

I thought I'd write a introduction now that I've been here a while ;)

I'm just your average retro-computing-nerd.
Started out with a ABC-80 (a TRS-80 inspired swedish computer) in the mid eighties. Moved to Commodore 128 round about -87-88, kept using that until I got my first PC (a Victor 286) in -92. After that it was all various PC-models.

About five years ago I realized that I missed my old C128 and bought one on a Swedish auction site. When looking for the C128 I saw some other old computers and there was the start of my collection.

Now I actively collect old computers. Preferably boxed ones. I don't have as much time to play with them as I'd like, but I always have one, two or three oldies up and running in my play room ready for gaming or programming.

I'm also a huge fan of the game Ghosts 'n Goblins (and its successor Ghouls 'n Ghosts). I have a lot of ports of this game and looking for more versions. The biggest gap in the GnG collection is the missing Arcade Cabinet. I'd really want one of those, but there is no room at the moment.

Some not so useful links:
Link to a list of my Collection (http://www.old-computers.com/club/collectors/ordis.asp?c=4220)
Link to my unfinished collection web site (http://zeela.110mb.com/)

Anyway, I just wanted to say hi, to you all. I think I might enjoy this place! ;)

// Z

[tezza]

Good to know a bit more about you Z.

I've heard about the ABC-80.....I've got a specific interest in TRS-80 clones as I manage a website on one of them (See http://www.webweavers.co.nz/system-80)

Can you point me to a site which discusses the ABC-80?

[carlsson]

I'm afraid most pages discussing the ABC line of computers are in Swedish, i.e.

http://www.hultsfred.org/abc80.htm

Officially, the ABC-80 is not really a clone, only inspired by the TRS. The story goes that the schooling board was looking for a computer for the schools, and one guy went to the USA in 1977 to review the TRS-80. He liked what he saw but found it not suitable (inferior?) for Swedish needs, which is why Dataindustrier AB got to design and Luxor build the ABC-80, also sold by Scandia Metric. Later on, Luxor begun to sell the computer to the same markets that Scandia Metric had rights to, and the cooperation was broken.

[tezza]

I'm afraid most pages discussing the ABC line of computers are in Swedish, i.e.

http://www.hultsfred.org/abc80.htm



I see what you mean. Did Microsoft license it's BASIC to the manufacturers of this machine, or was it home-grown code?

[carlsson]

I believe the Basic was independent from Microsoft's implementation.

Here is another quite interesting document if you read Swedish. It is a diary from one of the pioneers, how the project was developed step by step. The project was initiated on February 16, 1978 and four months later (midsummer) the first prototype was ready. The original design stated 4K RAM, expandable to 16K but due to a circuit board design error, they had to equip all computers with 16K from the start. The first batch of printed boards had to be ordered from Germany, as all Swedish industries went on vacation. This batch was put on hold by a week at the customs office, also going on vacation.

http://www.abc80.info/minnen/bengtlonnqvist.htm

Some more diary notes from the same team:
http://www.abc80.info/projektabc25.htm

[Erik]

Welcome to the forums!

Enjoy!