Need help identifying old computer - Page 2

might as well laugh, it sure won't do any good to cry ; ) Hence my first comment, if you're going to be doing computers, learn some little bit of something about them, and a little test station in a corner, or even just an extension cord out to the back yard is really all you need in getting there. After that it's just a matter of time and exploration until you begin to get an idea of what you're looking at, before you even touch it. Computers and old vacuum cleaners are similar in ways, when it comes to scrapping, but on the other hand, they can be two different ball parks. The 44MB SCSI HD alone would probably have done more than scrap value of the whole unit. You might still do well to Ebay the two full length cards as "untested-As Is", and google could still help you there

check those fuul length cards too, one was video, can't recall what the other one was, but it should have numbers on it too

i believe you'll find it to be that little chip with the white label in the upper left corner on the motherboard photo. What numbers do you see on that label ? You might also want to google that ; )

Originally Posted by Bear

i believe you'll find it to be that little chip with the white label in the upper left corner on the motherboard photo. What numbers do you see on that label ? You might also want to google that ; )

The chip that you're refering to is labeled as follows:

150-0008390 U8
Ver. 3.1.1700
Copyright NCR 1989

I ran all parts of that through google, and it drew a complete blank.

Originally Posted by Bamcis

By the way, while I'm at it, I want to thank all of you guys for helping me learn about all of this. Hopefully, after today's lesson, I won't make this mistake again.

Now the question remains, do I take apart the rest of these printers, electric typewriters, and other electronics, or do I take a step back and do some research first

Probably depends on the volume of stuff you get and how much you value your time. It takes time researching items, and even if they are worth more then scrap you need more time to clean and test them plus ship them. Most machines look common until you pop the cover off. Even on old common machines there can be upgrades worth a bunch of money that just get scrapped. If you get bored go look on ebay at the vintage computer subcategory for completed auctions and see what some of this stuff sells for (or doesn't sell).

Originally Posted by unknownk

Probably depends on the volume of stuff you get and how much you value your time. It takes time researching items, and even if they are worth more then scrap you need more time to clean and test them plus ship them. Most machines look common until you pop the cover off. Even on old common machines there can be upgrades worth a bunch of money that just get scrapped. If you get bored go look on ebay at the vintage computer subcategory for completed auctions and see what some of this stuff sells for (or doesn't sell).

As far as volume goes, I generally don't go out and actively search often for electronic stuff. Really, I see this as a hobby to take up my little bit of spare time that isn't already dedicated to my day job. I will take you advice though, and start checking out the online auctions and such.

Originally Posted by Bamcis

The chip that you're refering to is labeled as follows:

150-0008390 U8
Ver. 3.1.1700
Copyright NCR 1989

I ran all parts of that through google, and it drew a complete blank.

maybe it's another one then Bamcis, I really haven't had a chance to look back at it. If it's like Unknownk said, a 386, you'll probably looking for one with a number similar to that on it

Originally Posted by Bear

maybe it's another one then Bamcis, I really haven't had a chance to look back at it. If it's like Unknownk said, a 386, you'll probably looking for one with a number similar to that on it

Eh, That's ok. Anyway, after looking a little closer, I noticed three or four large square chips (previously obscured by dust) that were marked with the "intel" followed by the number 87. I'm thinking it might be one of those.

Originally Posted by Bamcis

Eh, That's ok. Anyway, after looking a little closer, I noticed three or four large square chips (previously obscured by dust) that were marked with the "intel" followed by the number 87. I'm thinking it might be one of those.

A simple air compressor with a jet will fix the dust problem, just be sure you take it outside to "dust" it.
I've seen posts saying old typewriter keys sell well as "steampunk" items, but never really searched that point myself, although there's an ancient old typewriter laying in the subfloor of an old barn here that's been kicked around by more than just a few cattle. Should be right on track for that by now ; )

I think that is a NCR 3420 system, if so it is a 386.

NCR has the reference disks.

Originally Posted by KZBell

unknownk plz clear your pms so I ask you a question...thx

Done

Even though ebay won't always have a record of a harder to find, particular piece, google usually will. Most sites you'll see in your search results on google won't always tell you very much though, likely a "call us for pricing", or "call for availability", etc., but, if you'll scroll through enough of them you can find information about the part there, enough to use in your own ebay listing, and if you do happen to see a (usually unrealistic) price while scrolling though those search results, it can still indicate an item which has been the object of multiple previous (specific) searches, and help give some clues as to what it is, how to describe/identify it in your own listing, and whether you'll want to begin your auction at .99, 9.95, or 24.95(all excellent beginning prices due to the stepping of ebay listing fees). Such as, if you can be certain an item will garner multiple bids, .99 gets it going fast, if you can't be certain of that, a 9.95 + shipping will at least insure your trouble will be repaid to some extent, and in cases where you hope at least one bid, and if it should be worth it, a 24.95 will at least make that bid a bit of a plus to your pocket, as well as supplying them with an item that they won't likely soon find elsewhere.
And as always, I highly recommend a ten day auction on such, harder to find, items, using the pre-listed format(completed at least 2 hours prior to actual auction "start", giving it time to be fully incorporated into their system, and visible/searchable before it actually "begins", a dime very well spent). THEN, you might be well enough prepared to succeed at acquiring the most acceptable, true market value for it
You will not find anybody anywhere stepping forward, offering to "volunteer" to you this fair market price. You will only achieve it by hard work in researching, and listing it on an "open" market. (should you choose this route, it does get easier after some experience)

Personally I just went through this with the ViNTAGE load I just got. There was a bunch of ast machines and what not. I goggled and didn't find them. So I shredded ythem, so dont feel bad. The only thing I really put to the side is IBM and Apple. Theyseem to be hot and sellable. I sold a IBM thinkpad with a butterfly keyboard one night to a Taiwan guy for 178 one night. Other than IBM and Apple, I really dont bother with it. I dont have internet connection in the shop and the shop is 20 miles from home. So Im not stopping progress for a extra 75.00 bucks. Especially when Im hammered with over a 100 machines at once lol.

Although the exception to this rule is socket 478 and newer sockets still will sell on ebay as parts. Even OEM boards. So I put those to the side to insure they good.

Just my 2 cents. I would have pulled my hair out and got the sledge out after losing a day trying to research this crap. I even had socket 7-8 and 3 boards. I googled and no price, so they went into the shred.

But one thing I did save was a processor board that was like a add in card for a compaq. I didnt find it nowhere, but something tells me its worth something. Sometimes you just got to use your GUT and the force my son, luke...lol!!