More stuff out of the garage

[Chuck Guzis]

Gang -

I've been going through storage and find that I have two Durango F-85 systems.  I think I'll keep one, but the other one's up for grabs.  

This thing dates to about 1979, is in operating condition (and I think I even have software for it).  Basically an 8085-5 CPU with 64K of DRAM, 2 980K (100 tpi, GCR) floppies, an HPIB interface, integrated multipass printer (takes HP ribbons) and 80x25/64/16 9" video display.  Without popping the top, I can't remember if this one also has a 6-port async board and the extra 128K of bankswitched memory or not.  All of this is in a single desktop box that would remind you of an overgrown typewriter.   Along with this is an external 40MB hard disk drive (Shugart SA-400) on an HPIB bus in a box roughly the size of a three-suit suitcase.  At last check (about 2 years ago), this thing also worked just fine.

These were quite advanced for their time and were usually used to run the suite of MCBA small business applications (AP/AR, GL and Payroll).  The operating system and multitasking BASIC were proprietary to Durango and included an integrated ISAM file system.  I seem to recall that the base unit sold for over $10,000 and the hard drive for over $5,000 in 1979 dollars, so these were definitely a high-end serious business solution.  Very solidly built.

There are two buses--both proprietary that are vaguely reminiscent of Multibus, but by no means identical.

Here's the catch--you'll have to pick these up in Eugene, OR.  The disk drive alone must weight 150 lbs and the CPU box comes in at about 70 lbs. 

Let me know if anyone's interested--I'm not certain, but I think this is a comparatively rare bird.

Cheers,
Chuck