#141) Looking for Librascope L107MA Disc Memory information

The other day I received the following request (edited) from Josh Dersch, who restores old computers as a hobby and as a full time job at the Living Computer Museum in Seattle (click here). This museum was co-founded by Paul Allen, owner of the Seattle Seahawks and co-founder of Microsoft.

Carl
PS: If you are reading this post in an e-mail, you can leave a comment beneath this post (#141) on the blog's website (click here).


Hello --
I recently picked up an L107MA Disc Memory unit, and I was curious if you had any technical information about it, or know anyone who might - the Librascope Memories site has brochures covering the basics, but I'd like to be able to spin it up and interface it to something, so I need something with a bit more substance to it :).

I picked up the L107MA off of eBay last week from a seller in Santa Cruz, CA. It was reasonably priced for something this cool, under $200. (The seller now has a second unit listed for $225 -- item 331955558119).

I restore old computers as a hobby, and as a full-time job at the Living Computer Museum in Seattle. I have a decent collection of DEC and Data General hardware from the '60s and '70s. I'm hoping to interface the L107MA to one of my vintage machines (but I'll probably start with a modern micro-controller to get a feel for how it works).

I have attached a photo of the unit I have. It's missing the cover, but is otherwise in excellent condition, and was shipped to me in what appears to be the original box/packing materials.

If no specs or manuals are available, what would be excellent to have would be what the interface to the drive looked like (recalling the pinouts from memory seems unlikely, but knowing if the interface is serial or parallel, how blocks were selected, etc. would be useful).

Thanks very much for the help, and the wonderful website! Feel free to post my question on the blog; hopefully, someone out there has some information.
- Josh
derschjo@gmail.com

#89) Locating Replacement Parts For Old Librascope Products

Occasionally, Librascope Memories receives requests from both Libravet and non-Libravet readers for assistance in locating parts they need for old Librascope products. Some past examples include requests for locating L107MA disk memory castings required for replicating the "Mr. Fusion" mounted on the rear of the DeLorean Time Machine in the movie "Back to the Future" (see Blog Posts #2, 12, and 14). Other examples are various parts needed for WWII vintage Librascope Balance Computers and MK 7 Barrage Computers. A few of these requests have also been posted on this Blog.

Needless to say, old Librascope product parts are very hard to locate, and we can't always help you find them on a timely basis. So, here are some suggestions for where you might find the part(s) you need:

1) Museums that specialize in military, computer, and aerospace equipment. Frequently, they will have equipment or parts in the back room that they are no longer interested in displaying and would consider selling them, or donating them to a worthy cause.

2) e-Bay. Simply search on e-Bay for "Librascope". You might also consider posting your requirement there as a potential buyer.

3) War Surplus Stores (See Blog Post #64 for a local example).

4) Craig's List

5) Apex Electronics in Sun Valley, CA
http://www.apexelectronic.com/contact
When Librascope was still in business, the Company would often sell its surplus parts to Apex.

If all else fails, please contact me and we'll try and help you. Of course we would appreciate hearing about any successes you've had too. Either send me an e-mail (see above), or leave a Comment on this Post.

Finally, we suggest that you subscribe to this Blog (see instructions above), so that you can be kept up to date on any related matters.

Thanks,
Carl

#12) 2010 Reunion's "Back to the Future" Time Machine Sold For $95,000 Plus!

A reproduction of the iconic DeLorean Time Machine from the movie "Back to the Future" sold at auction shortly after it was on display at Librascope's 2010 Reunion that was held at the Castaways in Burbank, CA. Note the L107MA casting in the rear section. Auction fees of $17,000.00, plus fees and sales tax were in addition to the $95,000 bid. A detailed description of the car can be found at: http://www.icollector.com/The-most-technically-accurate-reproduction-of-the-iconic-DeLorean-Time-Machine-from-Back-to-the-Futu_i9891584

#2) "Back to the Future" DeLorean Time Machine will be at the 2010 Reunion!

Three representatives of the Ontario (Canada) DeLorean Owners Club (ODOC), will be displaying a DeLorean "Back to the Future" Time Machine replica between 11am and 1pm Saturday at the 2010 Reunion. The original DeLorean Time Machine employed a Librascope L107MA memory housing, which was a machined aluminum casting. Unfortunately, the ODOC has been unable to locate any of these old castings for their cars, so their members have had to use molded plastic replicas. As a result, they are hoping that someone at our Reunion will be able to help them locate a source for these old castings. If anyone can offer a suggestion, please contact Ken Kapalowski at ken@odoc.ca.

An L107MA casting, like used in the movie, can be seen at the bottom of this Time Machine photograph: