Larry Liska writes:

> I'm the proud new owner of a Series 37, a "classic" system.  My college had
>  a huge HP-3000, and I did many a homework assignment on it.  So, I jumped
>  at the chance to rescue my Series 37 from the dumpster.  Quite a
>  conversation piece!
>
>  I have a few questions about these things.  Note that I'm a hobbiest, not
a
>  business.
>
>  Tape:
>  ======
>  1) My system has a 9144 1/4" tape drive.  Where can I get tapes for it?
>  From what I read, it apparently wants special HP-formatted tapes.  I
called
>  HP's 1-800 number and was discouraged when I heard the price they were
>  asking.
>  2) These tapes look like standard 1/4" tapes.  Any way I can format a
>  standard QIC tape so that the drive would like it?  Or, does anyone have
>  spare tapes that they would be willing to sell cheap?

Generally the 9144 will (severely) balk at non-standard formatted or blank
tapes that are inserted into it. However, you don't have to buy HP tapes,
which as you say, are quite expensive. Tapes of the same mechanical
configuration are available from 3M -- but you must specify those that have
what 3M calls the IOTAMAT format. This format is not compatible with the HP
format, but the tape drive will at least initially accept these tapes and
allow you to reformat the tapes using a program called VINIT (to use this
program, you have to DOWN the tape drive, run VINIT, insert the tape, format
the tape, serialize it, and then UP the tape drive) (I believe I have these
instructions in the correct order; if I am wrong, I have reversed the
format/serial commands). Be prepared to sit and wait for a bit as you format
each tape. A box of 10 will take you about a day to complete.



>  Languages:
>  =========
>  3) The system came with Pascal and SPL but no language manuals.  Anyone
>  have an HP Pascal or SPL manual or quick ref card you would be willing to
>  part with?
>
>  Docs:
>  =====
>  4) Does HP still publish manuals or software for these old classic
>  machines?  (I haven't called HP yet to find out this answer for myself...)

Yes. But you will have to call HP. All of the manuals (other than perhaps the
very handy pocket guides) should still be available.

Wirt Atmar