en:sammelwut [Vintage Computing Festival Berlin 2020]

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====== Three Decades of Collecting Mania – Collection Focussing on Computers from Germany and Electronic Instruments ======

** Rainer Siebert **

translated with help of [[deepl|https://www.deepl.com/]]

===== Exhibition =====

[[https://bbb.vcfb.de/b/rai-8u5-8fd|To the virtual exhibition desk]]

===== How did it all come about? =====
Probably a little infected by my father, I have always been interested in all technical equipment and its construction and function. At an early age I started to bring all kinds of equipment and machines from scrap or bulky waste, to examine and repair them and also to collect them, much to my mother's dismay.
In the beginning these were mainly electronic devices like radios, stereos and televisions...

==== Vintage Computer ====
{{../mazewall2Bk.jpg?direct&800|}}

When my father let me play the [[https://www.rskey.org/gene/calcmuseum/65lunar.htm|lunar lander]] on his [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HP-67/-97|HP-97]] in the early 80s, it was quite something special for me. I still remember reading the magnetic strips and the chirping of the matrix printer. But my youthful passion was still for electronics.

My bulky waste rambles also took me to an office machine workshop, from where I always brought home mechanical calculating machines, but also disassembled electronic desktop calculators with nixie tubes and runtime memory or even fragments of the Diehl Decitron with the punched tape bootloader. The spark did not fly yet, but this archaic technology fascinated me.

As with many other young people, it was the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodore_64|Commodore 64]] with Datasette that led me into the computer world in the mid 80s. One year later the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodore_1541|1541]] was added and still a few years later the C64 was replaced by a [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodore_128|C128]] of a friend. And like some others, when it came time to switch to the Commodore [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amiga_500|Amiga 500]] I simply kept the old computer and mothballed it. Even when the Amiga was replaced by a 386 PC in the 90s, when the first Pentiums just came on the market, I kept this one too.
Why was not quite clear to me yet...

By chance, in the beginning of the 90s, a friend of mine gave me a [[https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taylorix|Taylorix]] [[http://www.horniger.de/computer/taylorix/system4.html|S4 System]] bequeathed. Whether it was the 8" floppy disks or the amber color of the terminal, I was gripped by retro fever. The hard- and software of past computer systems formed a nice antipole to current hardware and my computer science studies. Quickly also smaller multi-user systems followed, and as I had to rescue a [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PDP-8|PDP-8]] system, which was taken out of service by the University of Freiburg, I soon realized that **space problems** would be part of my hobby from now on...


==== Schweineorgeln (electronic organs, synths and keyboards) ====
As a teenager of the 80's I grew up with wave music and the so cold Neue Deutsche Welle (kind of wave music with German lyrics and style) - but I wouldn't call myself a real big electronic music fan. I like to tinker with [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MOS_Technology_6581|SID]] Sounds and later I loved to [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_tracker|track]] with the [[https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oktalyzer|Oktalyzer]] on the Amiga. I had a general interest in synth sounds and it was also a lot of fun to drive the employees of the Freiburg music store Bertram crazy by trying out all kinds of keyboards. But I still had more interest in strings at that time and so I played first guitar and later bass in the best band in South of Baden (southwest part in Germany).

In Berlin I got an early record of the organ virtuoso [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klaus_Wunderlich|Klaus Wunderlich]] from a flea market. And already I was in love with this fantastic organ playing and the sound of the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hammond_organ|Hammond organ]] and so I wanted to learn more about the instrument. So I threw myself into the world of organs, electronic tone synthesis and the history of electronic musical instruments.
Starting with the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theremin|Theremin]] and the electromagnetic sound generation of the Hammond organs or the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hohner|Hohner]] pianos, the electrostatic sound pickup of a [[https://www.spiegel.de/spiegel/print/d-45141760.html|Dereux organ]] or the [[http://www.subharchord.com/sub_frameset/gebrauchsanweisung/Melfilter_hoh.html|Hohnerola]] I went over to the early monophonic tube synthesizers and polyphonic transistor organs and to the world's best [[https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Begleitautomatik|One Finger Accompaniment]]. [[http://schweineorgel.de/boehm/bmat_e.html|Böhmat]] (best to listen to [[http://www.serial-records.de/index.php?article_id=674|Recordings]] from [[https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ady_Zehnpfennig|Ady Zehnpfennig]]) and came to the weird sounds of early digital sound production. The less perfect the imitation of real instruments with the electric sound generators is, the more interesting the sound experience...

A fascinating underworld of electronic sound production is the universe of toy keyboards and their gimmicks and special features - such as the multitude of [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casio|Casio(core)]] instruments...

===== The collection today =====
As I became more and more interested in the history of computer technology, my interest in German computer history grew more and more, so it is not surprising that my computer collection is represented by a large number of computers from German manufacturers.
These are some programmable desk calculators of the 60s and accounting computers of the 70s but also larger machines of the [[https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mittlere_Datentechnik|mittleren Datentechnik]] (a german classification of medium size data processing technology). Also [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Programmable_logic_controller|connection- and memory-programmed controllers]] or multi-user systems are not missing. 
In general I developed a passion for computers of the 60s and 70s, when processors were not yet micro.

I try to document many of the computers in the collection but also as much background information about manufacturers and models as possible on my [[http://horniger.de/computer/index_d.html|website horniger.de]].

For an overview of the computer collection you can have a look at my (incomplete) [[http://horniger.de/computer/myMachinesKATEG.txt|asset or search and trade list]].

The inventory of the musical keyboard collection is still under construction. Besides some historical artifacts from the early days of electronic, electromagnetic and electrostatic sound production, as well as some interesting synthesizers and electric organs, the collection focuses mainly on instruments from Hohner, Casio and toy keyboards.

----
**C O L L E C T I O N - W A N T ' S - M O R E - S P A C E !**

I AM LOOKING FOR AFFORDABLE (COMMERCIAL) SPACE/PROPERTY (RENT OR PURCHASE) IN BERLIN, 
SO THAT THE COLLECTION IS BETTER PRESENTED BUT ALSO BETTER TO PLAY WITH! 
TYPE AND CONDITION SECONDARY.
----

**A tour of the collection is available upon request.**

Sightseeing flights through the collection are in planning.

===== Saving historical data media =====
Unfortunately, machines and humans have one thing in common: they become increasingly unreliable in old age and thus get their quirks.
An increasingly common problem with older computer hardware is defects in the data carriers. To preserve historical computing technology, however, software is just as important as the hardware on which it runs. Therefore the backup of operating systems and programs is an essential part of retro-computing!

If time permits, I will devote myself to one or the other backup project in the exhibition.

==== The backup computer ====
I decided to use retro hardware for one of the main backup computers as well. This has the advantage of being able to address the retro hardware to be backed up more directly.

This is a [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Am5x86|real 80486DX4]] in a 386er big tower housing:

(80486DX4 - only the Am5x86 has a multiplier of 4.)
{{../sicherungsrechner01.jpg?direct&400|}}

^ Type | PC, big tower housing (PcT Halle) |
^ Mainboard | [[http://www.amoretro.de/2012/01/shuttle-hot-433-highend-486-pci-motherboard.html|Shuttle HOT-433]] (Socket3) |
^ Prozessor | [[https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMD_Am5x86|AMD X5-133 / Am5x86-P75]] |
^ Memory | 32MB - 2 x 16 MB Simm |
^ SCSI controller (prospective) | Adaptec AHA-1542CF ISA |
^ SCSI controller (alternative) | Adaptec AHA-1542B ISA |
^ MFM/ RLL controller (prospective) | WDC WD1006S-WAH (MFM) |
^ MFM/ RLL controller (alternative) | DTC 5287CR (RLL) |
^ MFM/ RLL controller (alternative) | Morse KP2000 (MFM) |
^ MFM/ RLL controller (alternative) | WDC WD1003 (MFM) |
^ Floppy disk controller (prospective) | Individual Computers Catweasel ISA |
^ Data exchange | ISA CompactFlash Adapter |
^ Disk drives | 3.5"/ 5.25"/ 8"(zukünftig) floppy disk drives |

==== Backup projects ====
**I have plenty of these!**

In order to get a good grasp of the topic and to gain experience myself, I have listed some sample projects here.

=== PC AT / HD PC Floppydisk ===
^ Tatbestand | Auslesen und Sichern von vorhandenen HD Disketten |
^ Tatort | oben beschriebener Sicherungsrechner |
^ Tathergang | Beim Durchstöbern einiger alten Disketten habe ich festgestellt, dass diese zum Teil nicht mehr lesbar sind. Das Auslesen einzelner Dateien oder auch der gesamten Daten via Kopierprogramm ist bekannt. Es soll nun aber versucht werden mit geeigneter Software komplette Dumps von Disketten zu erstellen. |
^ Tatwerkzeug | Sicherungsrechner: eingebaute und am Onboardcontroller angeschlossene 3.5" und 5.25" HD Floppydisk-Laufwerke |
^ Tatschwierigkeiten | Zustand der Disks, Anfreunden mit der Toolingsoftware |

=== PC XT / DD PC Floppydisk ===
^ Tatbestand | Auslesen und Sichern von an einem PC XT erstellten DD Disketten |
^ Tatort | [[https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siemens_PC-D|SIEMENS PC-D/X]] |
^ Tatort (optional) | Victor VPC |
^ Tathergang | Es soll versucht werden, die an einem PC XT erstellten DD Disketten auszulesen und zu sichern. Auch das Erstellen von am PC XT lesbaren Floppydisks soll versucht werden. |
^ Tatwerkzeug | Sicherungsrechner: am Onboardcontroller angeschlossenes 5.25" DD Floppydisk-Laufwerk (optional gemodetes HD Laufwerk) |
^ Tatschwierigkeiten | Anfreunden mit der Toolingsoftware, Umgang mit dem richtigen Laufwerk |

=== SIEMENS PC-D/X ===

{{../vcfb_Siemens_PCDX_01.jpg?direct&400|}}
^ Hersteller | SIEMENS |
^ Modellbezeichnung | PC-D/X |
^ Jahr der Vorstellung | 1982 |
^ dieses System | Version 2, 1984 |
^ Land | Deutschland |
^ CPU | intel 80186 |
^ RAM | 512KB |
^ ROM | 16KB |
^ Grafik | 640×350 Pixel monochrom  |
^ Sound | Lautsprecher |
^ OS | MSDOS 2.11 |

=== TA alphatronic P2 Floppydisk ===
^ Tatbestand | Auslesen und Sichern der vorhandenen alphatronic P2 CP/M DD Disketten |
^ Tatort | TA alphatronic P2 (!) |
^ Tathergang | Es soll versucht werden, die vorhandenen alphatronic P2 CP/M DD Disks auszulesen und zu sichern. Auch das Erstellen von CP/M DD Disks soll versucht werden. |
^ Tatwerkzeug | Sicherungsrechner: am Onboardcontroller angeschlossenes 5.25" DD Floppydisk-Laufwerk. Eventuell Nutzung des Floppydiskcontrollers des SCSI Controllers |
^ Tatschwierigkeiten | Zustand der Disks, Anfreunden mit der Toolingsoftware, CP/M Knowhow, Funktionalität des Testsystems (!) |
(!) Leider ist das Zielsystem funktionsunwillig - eventuell wird die Reparatur vorrangig behandelt

=== NON PC-Floppydisk ===
^ Tatbestand | Auslesen und Sichern von vorhandenen NON-PC DD Disketten |
^ Tatort 1 | TA BITSY Disk (!) |
^ Tatort 2 | CTM TS 100 Disks (!) |
^ Tatort 3 | SIEMENS SINIX Disks (!) |
^ Tathergang | Es soll versucht werden, die vorhandenen NON-PC DD Disks auszulesen und zu sichern. |
^ Tatwerkzeug | Sicherungsrechner: am Onboardcontroller angeschlossenes 5.25" DD Floppydisk-Laufwerk. Eventuell Nutzung des Floppydiskcontrollers des SCSI Controllers |
^ Tatschwierigkeiten | Zustand der Disks, Anfreunden mit der Toolingsoftware, Ermitteln der Diskparameter, Funktionalität des Testsystems (!) |
(!) Leider ist das Zielsystem funktionsunwillig - eventuell wird die Reparatur vorrangig behandelt

=== Sichern einer MFM Festplatte ===
^ Tatbestand | Auslesen und Sichern der vorhandenen MFM Festplatte eines CTM 9016 Systems |
^ Tatort | CTM 9016 |
^ Tathergang | 1. Auslesen und Sicherung der vorhandenen Systemfestplatte via MFM Controller |
^  | 2. Auslesen und Sicherung der vorhandenen Systemfestplatte via [[http://www.pdp8online.com/mfm/|MFM Emulator von David Gesswein]] |
^  | 3. Emulieren der ausgelesenen Systemfestplatte via [[http://www.pdp8online.com/mfm/|MFM Emulator von David Gesswein]] |
^ Tatwerkzeug | BeagleBone, [[http://www.pdp8online.com/mfm/|MFM Emulator von David Gesswein]] |
^ Tatschwierigkeiten | Einarbeitung BeagleBone, Einarbeitung MFM Emulator, u.v.m. |

=== CTM 9016 ===

{{../vcfb_CTM_9016_01.jpg?direct&400|}}

^ Hersteller | CTM (Computertechnik Müller) |
^ Modellbezeichnung | 9016 Dialogcomputer |
^ Jahr der Vorstellung | 1985 |
^ Land | Deutschland |
^ CPU | MC 68000 |
^ RAM | 1MB |
^ ROM | ? |
^ Grafik | ? |
^ Sound | ? |
^ OS | CTM itos |

=== Sichern von QIC Bändern ===
^ Tatbestand | Auslesen und Sichern vorhandener QIC Bänder |
^ Tatort | CTM 9016 |
^ Tathergang | Es soll versucht werden, vorhandene QIC Bänder auf dem Sicherungs-PC zu dumpen und zu kopieren. |
^ Tatwerkzeug | Diverse Tandberg SCSI QIC Laufwerke mit hoffentlich nicht verrotteten Antriebsrollen |
^ Tatschwierigkeiten | Zustand der Laufwerke, Auswahl und Benutzung von Toolingsoftware, u.v.m. |

===== Virtual Exhibition Desk =====

[[https://bbb.vcfb.de/b/rai-8u5-8fd|To the virtual exhibition desk]]

**Guided tours through the collection on request**

Interposed questions, discussions and general chat welcome.

Otherwise I will - with or without you - devote myself to the progress of the backup and repair projects presented here.

Or something you bring me to...

==== Availability Times ====

^ Tag       ^ Uhrzeit          ^
|Saturday    | 10:00 - 18:00  |
|Sunday      | 10:00 - 18:00  |
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