Enterprise Forever

:UK => Other topics => Topic started by: brianlj on 2009.October.05. 12:12:04

Title: Early Enterprise 64s
Post by: brianlj on 2009.October.05. 12:12:04
Hi, I'm new to the forum!

I've just been clearing out my attic and I came across my old Enterprise 64 (and my Oric1 & CPC6128 & MZ80K!) so I decided to see if there was anything on the net about it.

Well!  What a nice forum and still keeping the spirit alive!  :ds_icon_cheesygrin:

I had a look around some of the topics (English-only, I'm afraid) and can see plenty of late-version Enterprise 64s & 128s, but very few early ones. Mine has a serial number of 000043

It's one of the ones which were issued to early software developers so that there would be some software ready at launch time.

They were apparently having problems with video and mine carries a label:

Substandard video
Biased xxx/256
Not For Resale

The 'xxx' is unreadable now, but I have a feeling that it said '80col' because I can remember feeling pleased that, despite it saying that it was being biased towards 256 colours, the machine actually did 80 col AND 256 colours!

The label on my EP64
[attachthumb=#]

So, has anyone got an earlier Enterprise?  :)
Title: Re: Early Enterprise 64s
Post by: Zozosoft on 2009.October.05. 12:20:05
Wellcome here!


Arrrghhhh!  :) Some weeks ago I bought the 000082 (http://enterpriseforever.com/dlattach.html;topic=31.0;attach=3608;image) from the eBay, and thinked it is the oldest in the world! But now you are the winner!
Can I buy it? :)

Very interesting machine! Can you post more, high resolution photos?

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It's one of the ones which were issued to early software developers so that there would be some software ready at launch time.
You are developed software for Enterprise?
Title: Re: Early Enterprise 64s
Post by: Zozosoft on 2009.October.05. 12:23:31
The 000082 have a ISSUE3 mother board. I see the contact pins of your machine, is also ISSUE3 or older.
See the difference between the different issues at the monitor connector:
(http://enterpriseforever.com/dlattach.html;topic=31.0;attach=3612;image)
Title: Re: Early Enterprise 64s
Post by: brianlj on 2009.October.05. 13:11:43
Wellcome here!

Thanks!  :)

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Arrrghhhh!  :) Some weeks ago I bought the 000082 (http://enterpriseforever.com/dlattach.html;topic=31.0;attach=3608;image) from the eBay, and thinked it is the oldest in the world! But now you are the winner!
Can I buy it? :)

To be honest, it hadn't occurred to me! I'll have a think. 

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Very interesting machine! Can you post more, high resolution photos?

Which bits? I see that the sticker covering 1 screw has been punctured, but I don't remember ever opening it up.

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You are developed software for Enterprise?

Yep, I used to write programs for the Sharp, Oric & Amstrad. I wrote some for the Enterprise and submitted them, but by the time we had started discussing changes and marketing and suchlike, it was obvious to me that the Enterprise wasn't going to succeed. No shops in my area wanted to stock games for it and, to me, that was a good indication that it wasn't going to be worthwhile. Sadly. :(
Title: Re: Early Enterprise 64s
Post by: Zozosoft on 2009.October.05. 13:43:47
To be honest, it hadn't occurred to me! I'll have a think.
Ok, I live in hopes!

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Which bits? I see that the sticker covering 1 screw has been punctured, but I don't remember ever opening it up.
From the top, from the back with the connectors, the Basic cartridge and the function key labelpaper.
Interesting question: is any visible difference comparing the later machines?

More hard work from the mother board. Fortunately the warranty label is broken at the screw :)

And more question: can you make a ROM images? If you have a floppy controller then it is very easy. But also possible via tape: writing small Basic program which are save the ROMs, and then digitise the tape to WAV file. Or directly connect the EP tape out to PC Line In and record directly to WAV.

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Yep, I used to write programs for the Sharp, Oric & Amstrad.
Can you link some of your works? Especialy the Amstrad CPC programs, these possible to run on the Enterprise via the Amstrad CPC emulator program!

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wrote some for the Enterprise and submitted them, but by the time we had started discussing changes and marketing and suchlike, it was obvious to me that the Enterprise wasn't going to succeed. No shops in my area wanted to stock games for it and, to me, that was a good indication that it wasn't going to be worthwhile. Sadly. :(
Was an any kind of version left of these?
Title: Re: Early Enterprise 64s
Post by: brianlj on 2009.October.05. 14:34:30
Ok, I live in hopes!
From the top, from the back with the connectors, the Basic cartridge and the function key labelpaper.
Interesting question: is any visible difference comparing the later machines?

More hard work from the mother board. Fortunately the warranty label is broken at the screw :)

This address will be available as long as my computer is on:

Circuit board pics (http://home.brianlj.operaunite.com/photo_sharing/content/)

I can't seem to get the circuit board off the other side of the casing. I obviously don't want to force it and the ribbon cables don't look as though they're going to come out easily.

I'll take some pics of the other bits in amoment and put them in the same location.

Added pics of BASIC & template bar
Title: Re: Early Enterprise 64s
Post by: Zozosoft on 2009.October.05. 15:06:57
This address will be available as long as my computer is on:
Thank you very much! I downloaded all 8 photos!

For a first look it is same ISSUE 3 board (http://enterpriseforever.com/dlattach.html;topic=148.0;attach=3614;image) which are in my 000082 machine.

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Added pics of BASIC & template bar
Basic is a interesting, it is in two 8K Eproms, the know versions use one 16K chip. Can you make photo from the bottom of the cartridge PCB?

The template bar is same as the later versions. (In many official photos (http://ep.homeserver.hu/PDF/Set_Up_Guide.pdf) see a different version, but never see real machine with this version!)
Title: Re: Early Enterprise 64s
Post by: brianlj on 2009.October.05. 15:20:37

For a first look it is same ISSUE 3 board (http://enterpriseforever.com/dlattach.html;topic=148.0;attach=3614;image) which are in my 000082 machine.

How do I get the circuit board away from the bottom of the case so that I can see the issue number? Are there hidden screws? Clips?

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Basic is a interesting, it is in two 8K Eproms, the know versions use one 16K chip. Can you make photo from the bottom of the cartridge PCB?

Added. :)

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The template bar is same as the later versions. (In many official photos (http://ep.homeserver.hu/PDF/Set_Up_Guide.pdf) see a different version, but never see real machine with this version!)
Gosh! A proper manual!

I only ever had the prototype manuals. I think I had 2 small booklets (there were no covers, just the pages stapled together) and a clipped-together lot of A4 loose-leaf pages. I can't remember where they are, but I'm pretty sure I saved them.

Mind you, I remember seeing the green top to my joystick in a drawr about 20 years ago and wondering what it was! I can't find it now, but I remember thinking "That looks as though it comes from something. I won't throw it away!"
Title: Re: Early Enterprise 64s
Post by: Zozosoft on 2009.October.05. 15:26:25
Now I compared my ISSUE3 photo with your board, and I think these are totaly same! The date codes on ICs is also same! I never seen before two totally same boards!

But what is the mystic "Substandard video Biased xxx/256" message on your computer?
Difference in the ROM?
Title: Re: Early Enterprise 64s
Post by: Zozosoft on 2009.October.05. 15:44:06
How do I get the circuit board away from the bottom of the case so that I can see the issue number? Are there hidden screws? Clips?
Two screws: one at the left side betwwen the U27 and the cartridge connector, on at the right side, at the right side of the U7.
After when removed the screws, lift up the heatshink, push the reset buttun, and move whole board front from the case. The ISSUE number is under the TV modulator at the bottom.

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Added. :)
Thanks again!
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Gosh! A proper manual!
You can found more in this page. (http://ep.homeserver.hu/ep128english.htm) Not only English, also on Hungarian, Spanish, Dutch, German :)
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I only ever had the prototype manuals. I think I had 2 small booklets (there were no covers, just the pages stapled together) and a clipped-together lot of A4 loose-leaf pages. I can't remember where they are, but I'm pretty sure I saved them.
Also interesting items!
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Mind you, I remember seeing the green top to my joystick in a drawr about 20 years ago and wondering what it was! I can't find it now, but I remember thinking "That looks as though it comes from something. I won't throw it away!"
This is the first missing part of all Enterprise computers :( especially when the machine not used, only stored in the box. It is have not too safe place in the box :(
Title: Re: Early Enterprise 64s
Post by: brianlj on 2009.October.05. 15:51:24
But what is the mystic "Substandard video Biased xxx/256" message on your computer?
Difference in the ROM?

I can't really remember, but I think I was asked if I wanted an 80 column or a 256 colour machine. In those days, colours were more important, so I got a 256 colour one. As I said earlier, it didn't seem to make much difference because I could get both 80 columns and 256 colours.  From what I can remember, it seemed as though they twisted a variable resistor to bias something one way or the other.

{pause}

Ah, yes.  New picture posted. It IS an Issue 3!
Title: Re: Early Enterprise 64s
Post by: Zozosoft on 2009.October.05. 16:05:02
Ah, yes.  New picture posted. It IS an Issue 3!
Thanks again!

Another question: what is the full story of your machine? You writed to the Enterprise company: "Hello I'm a programmer, how can write programs to your new machine?"
Or you previously released many programs to other machines, and the Enterprise company call you: "Hello, there is our new machine, can you write programs for our company?"
You bought the machine or got as gift?
Title: Re: Early Enterprise 64s
Post by: brianlj on 2009.October.05. 16:19:15
Safely back together again and all screws accounted for!

Another question: what is the full story of your machine?

To be honest, I can't remember too many of the details. I'm pretty sure that I went to a computer show in London where Enterprise were exhibiting and I spoke to the chaps on the stand. I told them I wrote programs (games, utilities and suchlike) and would like to have a go with this one. It definitely wasn't on sale yet, but I think I must have had some games with me, but I certainly didn't have any business cards or anything. A bit of a cheek really!

Anyway, a week later, one's being delivered. I don't think I paid for it, but all my invoices and records for that period are somewhere in the attic, so I'll probably dig them out and have a look later this week.

Sorry for the lack of details, but my memory is fading a bit!  If only I'd backed it up somewhere, eh? ;)
Title: Re: Early Enterprise 64s
Post by: Zozosoft on 2009.October.05. 16:25:16
Sorry for the lack of details, but my memory is fading a bit!
No problem, we are very happy when got a any new information about our favorite machine history!
Title: Re: Early Enterprise 64s
Post by: brianlj on 2009.October.05. 16:37:30
No problem, we are very happy when got a any new information about our favorite machine history!

Yes, I was SO sad when I saw that the Enterprise wasn't going to be the winner that it deserved to be. A great shame, but it was just too late into the marketplace. :(

I'll post more details as & when I get them. I'll keep looking for my little green knob, and I'll see about trying to get the computer running (Ah, I didn't mention that my PSU cable has started to perish. See added photo!) and see if I can find a tape player somewhere.

TTYL. :)
Title: Re: Early Enterprise 64s
Post by: Zozosoft on 2009.October.05. 16:57:11
Yes, I was SO sad when I saw that the Enterprise wasn't going to be the winner that it deserved to be. A great shame, but it was just too late into the marketplace. :(
It is true :(
But It is very success in Hungary :) I think the Enterprise the third most popular 8 bit computer in the Hungary after the C64 and ZX Spectrum.

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Ah, I didn't mention that my PSU cable has started to perish.
:( If you have a ZX Spectrum, the Sinclair PSU is also good for the Enterprise.
Title: Re: Early Enterprise 64s
Post by: Zozosoft on 2009.October.05. 23:53:03
I only ever had the prototype manuals. I think I had 2 small booklets (there were no covers, just the pages stapled together) and a clipped-together lot of A4 loose-leaf pages. I can't remember where they are, but I'm pretty sure I saved them.
You only got a Basic programing informations? Or also got a operating system details? (http://ep.homeserver.hu/PDF/EXOS20_technical_information.pdf)
Title: Re: Early Enterprise 64s
Post by: Zozosoft on 2009.October.06. 14:10:57
New question about the Concession note 8:
Your machine have the rubber ring at the joystick? (http://enterpriseforever.com/dlattach.html;topic=345.0;attach=1030;image)
Title: Re: Early Enterprise 64s
Post by: brianlj on 2009.October.06. 16:45:30
New question about the Concession note 8:
Your machine have the rubber ring at the joystick? (http://enterpriseforever.com/dlattach.html;topic=345.0;attach=1030;image)
Yep. I saw that yesterday when I took it apart. :)
Title: Re: Early Enterprise 64s
Post by: Zozosoft on 2009.October.09. 20:58:47
The letter from the EP company is talking about a assembler cartridge. Do you got it? Or least a assembler program on tape?
Title: Re: Early Enterprise 64s
Post by: szipucsu on 2009.October.09. 22:46:57
I think the Enterprise the third most popular 8 bit computer in the Hungary after the C64 and ZX Spectrum.
Do you think so?
Most people whom I mentioned the EP, didn't know what it was.
But yes, they probably don't know any other computer than C64 or Spectrum, either. Maybe there are people who didn't hear about Spectrum either. So I have no idea what could come to the third place instead of EP. :D (CPC may be less known here.)
Title: Re: Early Enterprise 64s
Post by: Zozosoft on 2009.October.18. 00:42:34
I can't really remember, but I think I was asked if I wanted an 80 column or a 256 colour machine. In those days, colours were more important, so I got a 256 colour one. As I said earlier, it didn't seem to make much difference because I could get both 80 columns and 256 colours.  From what I can remember, it seemed as though they twisted a variable resistor to bias something one way or the other.
I tested my ISSUE3 machine: it is originaly a 256 colour machine. In 80 column mode all second character are missing! (It is also true for hires 2 colour graphics mode.) I tryed the variable resistor, when I tuned the missing characters are displayed but the 256 colour graphics is discoloured.
Interesting effect :) Needed a more analysis what is the differences in the ISSUE3 and later motherboards.
Title: Re: Early Enterprise 64s
Post by: brianlj on 2009.October.19. 12:41:37
I tested my ISSUE3 machine: it is originaly a 256 colour machine. In 80 column mode all second character are missing!

I'm pretty certain that mine had no problems displaying both 256 colours and 80 columns. I never had to change the resistor to enable me to work in one mode or the other.

In fact, if that had been the case, I almost certainly would have fitted an external one so that I could swap back and forth without opening the case!
Title: Re: Early Enterprise 64s
Post by: brianlj on 2011.December.17. 14:56:59
I remember seeing the green top to my joystick in a drawr about 20 years ago and wondering what it was! I can't find it now, but I remember thinking "That looks as though it comes from something. I won't throw it away!"

I've just found it. I was looking through some drawers for replacement bulbs for our old Christmas tree lights and I came across this little green 'thing'.

"Oh, I know what that is!"

It's got slight surface marking on the top which look like the plastic has degraded.

Photo of Enterprise 64 joystick knob (http://img.ly/bASb)

Assuming it doesn't cost a fortune to post overseas, does anyone want it?
Title: Re: Early Enterprise 64s
Post by: Zozosoft on 2011.December.17. 15:02:44
Assuming it doesn't cost a fortune to post overseas, does anyone want it?
Yes I want it! Your computer is waiting it!
Title: Re: Early Enterprise 64s
Post by: szipucsu on 2011.December.19. 19:19:58
Photo of Enterprise 64 joystick knob (http://img.ly/bASb)
In the picture it looks like a stamper. :D
Title: Re: Early Enterprise 64s
Post by: brianlj on 2011.December.19. 19:34:30
I seem to remember that I used to have some little self-adhesive stickers - yellow and dayglo orange and red, etc - which were just about the same size as that mark.

I'm wondering if I stuck one on the top of the joystick cap and it's dried out (well, it HAS been 25 years!) fallen off and left a residue. If it's that, something like "Sticky Stuff Remover" http://is.gd/YNR7ch would remove the mark.

Well, it's Zozosoft's problem now - it's already on its way to him!