Homebuilt computers

"ProfGene" <mfevs@winco.net> wrote:
> brandonmanrules@gmail.com wrote:
>> I see on the front page that this is mostly just computer questions
>> people have. I thought that this was about building a computer.
>>

Same to me. When I subscribed to this newsgroup, I expected to find
discussions about _really homebuilt_ computers, self-made from schematic
over PC layout, etching, soldering etc, just like the 8-bit SBC systems that
spread all over at the late 80's. Sadly enough, my expectations were belied.

> It is about building computers. Some people have problems with the
> computers they built and others want to know about what components to get.
> If you want to know specific questions about building a computer ask those
> questions and I am sure they will be answered.

In my opinion, plugging components into a PC System has nothing to do with
"building a computer", but that's my problem, not yours.

Joachim

On Thu, 4 Oct 2007 09:10:08 +0200, "Joachim Gaßler"
<gassler@xconmedia.de> wrote:

>"ProfGene" <mfevs@winco.net> wrote:
>> brandonmanrules@gmail.com wrote:
>>> I see on the front page that this is mostly just computer questions
>>> people have. I thought that this was about building a computer.
>>>
>
>Same to me. When I subscribed to this newsgroup, I expected to find
>discussions about _really homebuilt_ computers, self-made from schematic
>over PC layout, etching, soldering etc, just like the 8-bit SBC systems that
>spread all over at the late 80's. Sadly enough, my expectations were belied.

Back then, all the blood sweat and tears could end up
fruitful. Today, you'd spend several lifetimes and millions
of dollars just to end up with a crude prototype that was
obsolete 10 years ago.



>
>> It is about building computers. Some people have problems with the
>> computers they built and others want to know about what components to get.
>> If you want to know specific questions about building a computer ask those
>> questions and I am sure they will be answered.
>
>In my opinion, plugging components into a PC System has nothing to do with
>"building a computer", but that's my problem, not yours.
>
>Joachim
>

Methink you mean designing instead of building. If that's
what you want to do, so be it - but IMO there ought to be
some special purpose not already covered by off the shelf
hardware, else it is a lot of work for nothing except the
hobby aspect of it. Therein lies the difference, people
used to build what was not available or unaffordable. Today
a week's pay will buy a heck of a lot of fairly modern
technology that is the culmination of lifetimes of work and
billions of dollars research annually. Don't lament, smell
how sweet it is!

kony scribbled:

> ... Today, you'd spend several lifetimes and millions
> of dollars just to end up with a crude prototype that was
> obsolete 10 years ago.
> ...


Oh, really...



rOy

Suddenly, without warning, Joachim Gaßler exclaimed (10/4/2007 4:40 PM):
> "ProfGene" <mfevs@winco.net> wrote:
>> brandonmanrules@gmail.com wrote:
>>> I see on the front page that this is mostly just computer questions
>>> people have. I thought that this was about building a computer.
>>>
>
> Same to me. When I subscribed to this newsgroup, I expected to find
> discussions about _really homebuilt_ computers, self-made from schematic
> over PC layout, etching, soldering etc, just like the 8-bit SBC systems that
> spread all over at the late 80's. Sadly enough, my expectations were belied.
>

I think it used to be, back some years ago (80s). I seem to remember
dropping by years ago, and finding conversations on circuit boards and
soldering techniques.

Sadly, those days are mostly gone; computers are mostly too complex for
them to be truly built by hand. My hubby still builds his own ham radio
equipment, but he's the only person I know who still uses this skill.
He's awesome with a soldering iron (I've purchased equipment with worse
solders than on his equipment)!

jmc

On Fri, 05 Oct 2007 12:06:21 +0200, Roy Coorne
<roy.spam.coorne@gmx.net> wrote:

>kony scribbled:
>
>> ... Today, you'd spend several lifetimes and millions
>> of dollars just to end up with a crude prototype that was
>> obsolete 10 years ago.
>> ...
>
>
>Oh, really...


Get out your transistors and build me a Pentium 100?

"kony" <spam@spam.com> wrote in message
news:vsbeg3ddjm8o4fos5cpirgbja32jbtoqh4@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 05 Oct 2007 12:06:21 +0200, Roy Coorne
> <roy.spam.coorne@gmx.net> wrote:
>
>>kony scribbled:
>>
>>> ... Today, you'd spend several lifetimes and millions
>>> of dollars just to end up with a crude prototype that was
>>> obsolete 10 years ago.
>>> ...
>>
>>
>>Oh, really...
>
>
> Get out your transistors and build me a Pentium 100?

That was even too late.......:-)

Ed

"jmc" wrote:
> Sadly, those days are mostly gone; computers are mostly too complex for
> them to be truly built by hand. My hubby still builds his own ham radio
> equipment, but he's the only person I know who still uses this skill. He's
> awesome with a soldering iron (I've purchased equipment with worse solders
> than on his equipment)!

Wow, a woman who appreciates a good solder joint. Your husband is a very
lucky man.

Jon

yeah, homebuilt sorta conjures up do it yourself
heathkits or cirucuit design, etc.
Maybe home assembly would be more accurate.
mike


"ProfGene" <mfevs@winco.net> wrote in message
news:fdv277$qgm$2@news04.infoave.net...
> brandonmanrules@gmail.com wrote:
>> I see on the front page that this is mostly just computer questions
>> people have. I thought that this was about building a computer.
>>
> It is about building computers. Some people have problems with the
> computers they built and others want to know about what components to get.
> If you want to know specific questions about building a computer ask those
> questions and I am sure they will be answered.