Need help identifying old computer

Yesterday, I picked this little nugget up from a church yard sale:

001_zps1a990643.jpg picture by Eadiot - Photobucket

After doing a little research, I've concluded that this computer was built before 1996, but I've not been able to find out anything else regarding this specific model of computer. It is an NCR model 1210 and its FCC id is C6P3420-16. Can any of you guys point me in the right direction regarding its value and what I should do with it (sell as is/break down for parts/or what not)?

Looks like an IBM compatible. There were all kinds... I would break it down. I'm betting you'll have a pretty nice processor in that.

Ok, after doing a little more research, I believe it was actually built before 1994, as NCR had been acquired by AT&T in 1991, then changed their name a few years later. I've heard that older computers sell better as e-scrap because of a higher gold content, but I'm not well versed on the specifics of that.

forget the fcc id. look on the main board and use those numbers

With that 3.5" floppy it isn't going to reach anywhere near vintage, so unless it's somehow a sought after board of some sort, your next and final hope might be a high PM content for better scrap category. Other visual clues are USB ports(not real old), and larger keyboard plug/socket(older than the smaller PS/2 type)

I always recommend for those pursuing computers to learn something about them, but it oft goes unheeded, only to find them posting more photos and asking, "what WAS this?", many times finding they've just destroyed some major jingles in their pocket, or trophies on their shelf, whatever. It takes less than 2x3ft space, with only a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, which still leaves plenty of room (even using an old CRT monitor) to set a computer laying sideways with the cover off. plug it up, turn it on, pretty simple really. Most times heeding the "setup/startup" key as it begins to run will take you into the bios, which will usually give you the board, the BIOS and date, the CPU, and the RAM, right in one window. A MUCH simpler solution than having to ask what was this, BEFORE i tore it up?

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Originally Posted by Bear

forget the fcc id. look on the main board and use those numbers

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Do you mean the motherboard?

Yes, Bamcis, I edited that to add a few more thoughts to it. If you'll pop the cover and look on the motherboard you should find numbers, if embedded are usually the largest ones on it, and possibly a brand too. Otherwise may be on a small label along the edge of the board somewhere.

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Originally Posted by Bear

forget the fcc id. look on the main board and use those numbers

With that 3.5" floppy it isn't going to reach anywhere near vintage, so unless it's somehow a sought after board of some sort, your next and final hope might be a high PM content for better scrap category. Other visual clues are USB ports(not real old), and larger keyboard plug/socket(older than the smaller PS/2 type)

I always recommend for those pursuing computers to learn something about them, but it oft goes unheeded, only to find them posting more photos and asking, "what WAS this?", many times finding they've just destroyed some major jingles in their pocket, or trophies on their shelf, whatever. It takes less than 2x3ft space, with only a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, which still leaves plenty of room (even using an old CRT monitor) to set a computer laying sideways with the cover off. plug it up, turn it on, pretty simple really. Most times heeding the "setup/startup" key as it begins to run will take you into the bios, which will usually give you the board, the BIOS and date, the CPU, and the RAM, right in one window. A MUCH simpler solution than having to ask what was this, BEFORE i tore it up?

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Ok. I guess I'll just go ahead and take this thing apart. It didn't come with a hard drive, and I don't have any of the accessory or power cables, so I can't plug it up to see if it works. I'll post some pics once I have this thing taken apart and laid out.

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Originally Posted by Bamcis

Ok. I guess I'll just go ahead and take this thing apart. It didn't come with a hard drive, and I don't have any of the accessory or power cables, so I can't plug it up to see if it works. I'll post some pics once I have this thing taken apart and laid out.

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you dont need a hard drive bamcis, a monitor keyboard and mouse, two power cords, one each for the monitor and PC unit

Ok, so I've taken this thing apart, and it turns out it has a hard drive after all. However, I have yet to identify the processor. Below are the photos.

Label under the lid
002_zpsebfb967b.jpg picture by Eadiot - Photobucket

Inside
005_zps6b4c74d1.jpg picture by Eadiot - Photobucket

Motherboard
007_zpse53ffb2e.jpg picture by Eadiot - Photobucket

Daughterboards
006_zpsaf36d531.jpg picture by Eadiot - Photobucket

hard drive
009_zps96c1b2be.jpg picture by Eadiot - Photobucket
010_zps798f23a7.jpg picture by Eadiot - Photobucket

Power Supply
008_zps7805ce80.jpg picture by Eadiot - Photobucket

nice! does any of it work ??

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Originally Posted by Bear

nice! does any of it work ??

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Not sure. Sorry, I kinda jumped the gun and went ahead and took it apart before reading your last post about not needing a hard drive. I've gone ahead and started to remove the heat sinks and transformers from the power supply. Regarding the processor, I still haven't located it. I've found one port on the motherboard labeled "co-processor", but it is empty. All of the other chips on the board that could be the processor are just plain-jane black chips with no discernible markings.

What you have is a rare NCR liscenced IBM Microchannel BUS machine, no idea why you are in such a hurry to scrap it when it is worth more on ebay.

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Originally Posted by unknownk

What you have is a rare NCR liscenced IBM Microchannel BUS machine, no idea why you are in such a hurry to scrap it when it is worth more on ebay.

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Well darn... I guess that's what I get for being trigger happy when it comes to taking things apart. :p I searched ebay and couldn't find anything like it. Do you have any idea what it would have been worth if I had just left it alone and tried to sell it? Also, are the boards worth anything to computer hobbyist/collectors?

wishes to borrow someones little smilie facie (the one where he's banging his head on a block wall)

Now I'm scared to even take apart any of the other stuff I picked up at that yard sale...

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

You could still google the Mobo numbers too, I think you'll find them on the two little white labels near the right edge of the board in your photo

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Originally Posted by Bear

You could still google the Mobo numbers too, I think you'll find them on the two little white labels near the right edge of the board in your photo

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Yeah, I tried googling the numbers, but google came up with absolutely nothing.

I did however find the HD on Ebay. It looks like its selling for between 35 and 40 bucks.

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

By the way, could anyone spot the CPU on the motherboard in the picture? There were no fans or heatsinks attached to the board, so I really have nothing to go on for finding it.

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Originally Posted by Bamcis

Well darn... I guess that's what I get for being trigger happy when it comes to taking things apart. :p I searched ebay and couldn't find anything like it. Do you have any idea what it would have been worth if I had just left it alone and tried to sell it? Also, are the boards worth anything to computer hobbyist/collectors?

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First off rare stuff doesn't hit ebay every day and since you can only search back 30 days on closed auctions it isn't a great tool on researching rarities. I collect computers so I know a MCA bus slot just by looking at it, and I know a few companies made MCA machines that are pretty rare (Tandy made a Model 5000 MC machine which people lust after for example). The last NCR MCA machine I recall was from 2010 I think and went for more then I wanted to pay, forget how much it was.

Anyway for what its worth, that depends on if it works, what cames with it, details in the auction header, and whoever happens to see it and feel like bidding (could be anything). Rare doesn't mean $$$$ all the time, but I know the people in the PS/2 newsgroups do snag the rare MCA stuff when they see it, as do other collectors. I can't see the CPU numbers since they are covered in dust, did you find the model number on the back of the case?

MCA machines do not have a BIOS, everything is stored in battery backed up RAM and you need a reference disk to reload that information (can be found on the net in floppy image). Since you have taken the machine apart and I don't see a battery on the board (meaning it is probably a remote battery close to the speaker) anything stored is now gone (if the battery is dead it was gone anyway so no loss). If you turn the machine on and it works you will get a bunch of error codes because the settings have been wiped. The cards you have are basic video and SCSI, the configuration files would be online. Those floppy drives are not standard (if they are the same as what IBM used), and working ones and worth selling alone (power is provided in the interface cable not a seperate plug if you like to check).

If you see an old system with brown slots instead of the normal black/white you probably have an EISA or MCA bus machine or the more common VLB is the slots are extensions to the ISA bus. You might want to look into those before taking them apart.

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 ; )

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

NCR has the reference disks.

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

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Originally Posted by KZBell

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

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Done

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Originally Posted by unknownk

First off rare stuff doesn't hit ebay every day and since you can only search back 30 days on closed auctions it isn't a great tool on researching rarities. I collect computers so I know a MCA bus slot just by looking at it, and I know a few companies made MCA machines that are pretty rare (Tandy made a Model 5000 MC machine which people lust after for example). The last NCR MCA machine I recall was from 2010 I think and went for more then I wanted to pay, forget how much it was.

Anyway for what its worth, that depends on if it works, what cames with it, details in the auction header, and whoever happens to see it and feel like bidding (could be anything). Rare doesn't mean $$$$ all the time, but I know the people in the PS/2 newsgroups do snag the rare MCA stuff when they see it, as do other collectors. I can't see the CPU numbers since they are covered in dust, did you find the model number on the back of the case?

MCA machines do not have a BIOS, everything is stored in battery backed up RAM and you need a reference disk to reload that information (can be found on the net in floppy image). Since you have taken the machine apart and I don't see a battery on the board (meaning it is probably a remote battery close to the speaker) anything stored is now gone (if the battery is dead it was gone anyway so no loss). If you turn the machine on and it works you will get a bunch of error codes because the settings have been wiped. The cards you have are basic video and SCSI, the configuration files would be online. Those floppy drives are not standard (if they are the same as what IBM used), and working ones and worth selling alone (power is provided in the interface cable not a seperate plug if you like to check).

If you see an old system with brown slots instead of the normal black/white you probably have an EISA or MCA bus machine or the more common VLB is the slots are extensions to the ISA bus. You might want to look into those before taking them apart.

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Wow, that's a lot to chew on considering I'm a somewhat of a novice when it comes to computer systems and how they operate, but I get the gist of it. The model number on the case is "1210". And yes, there was a small lithium battery next to the speaker mounted in the frame. Considering I've jumped the gun and already taken this thing apart, destroying the power supply in the process, is there another way to test the floppy drive? And is there a market among collectors for replacement boards/other parts?

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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 ; )

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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.

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 :p

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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 :p

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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).

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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 ; )

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Originally Posted by Bear

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 ; )

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Yeah, another person mentioned the steampunk deal to me when I posted pictures of the typewriters in a thread in the "day in the life of a scrapper" section. I may just have to save the keys in a bucket and see about selling them online.

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!!