In recent years the long obsolete line of
Commodore PET computers seems to
have caught the attention of vintage
hardware collectors.
Internet auctions guaranteeing "original
condition, correctly numbered, like new"
hardware for lofty sums are becoming
common. Old computers in their original
packaging are becoming the modern
version of the legendary California lady
driven Shelby GT500 with 300 original
miles.
As has happened with automobiles, in
the future collectible computers will also
eventually slip away from the true
enthusiast, perhaps becoming nothing
more than a commodity to be stored
away in cool dry places to be traded
amongst elite collectors.
will be used to gather data from other systems in the bat truck and
display their status to the driver.
example of history, but It is my humble opinion that old cars should be driven, and that old computers
should compute, Enthusiasts of the era in both schools performed pioneering equipment modifications,
improving the product and making them perform sometimes far beyond the manufacturers expectations.
An early PET hacked and modified 30 years ago by it's first owner is as valid a part of computer history as
an unmolested show piece of the same era - perhaps more so. And it is in that spirit that I unashamedly
cut, drill, solder, modify, and add whatever is necessary in order to keep using and enjoying my piece of
computer history.
interfacing the user and GPIB ports through simple circuits
to allow the acquisition of analog or digital data or to
control other equipment such as appliances, as well as
hacking the machine itself to improve overall functionality.
EPROM requires a few simple changes.
