december 15th, 2015:Amiga 2000

xoxoxoBruce · 12-14-2015, 11:25 PM

Whazat, you say, when it's clearly an Amiga 2000 personal computer from Commodore.
......

This was the latest offering from Commodore in 1987, and it's a stock photo since I couldn't get a good shot of the one I'm going to tell you about, which is not customary protocol for IOtD, so sue me.

Anyway, shortly after the introduction of this PC the Grand Rapids, MI, School District bought one, not for the students, or the teachers, not even for the big wigs. They bought it for the maintenance dept. With the Amiga's 1200-bit modem and wireless radio signal, they used it for controlling the heat and A/C in 19 schools. And near 30 years later, it still does. How many PCs have you had during that time?

Quote:

It was expected the outdated system would be replaced in 2011 when voters passed a "Warm Safe and Dry" bond to release money to the district schools for upkeep and maintenance purposes. Because the computer was still functioning just fine, it didn't make the list of projects. Instead, the money was spent replacing boilers and roofs and removing asbestos.

Now, nearly three decades after its installation, the school district is ready to replace it completely instead of replacing broken functions with parts purchased on eBay. A new system will cost up to $2 million, and will be installed if voters pass a $175 million bond for school spending.

Yes, they said $2 million to replace a system that ain't broke.

DanaC · 12-15-2015, 03:11 AM

Quote:

instead of replacing broken functions with parts purchased on eBay

I'd imagine it it getting harder and harder to guarantee being able to get replacement parts.

Pamela · 12-15-2015, 10:27 AM

Many years ago, I was shocked to see a Commodore 64 being used to handle and control Sea Sparrow missiles on my first seagoing ship. This was 1987.

I found out that that ship was sunk as a target in 2006. Talking to a guy who was there, I was told that it didn't go down without a fight. After hours of gunnery bombardment, it took TWO Harpoon missiles to put her on the bottom, and that was because the Captain of the lead ship heard that the Admiral was calling in the Air Force to finish her and refused to allow a Navy ship to be sunk by Air Force planes, requested permission to use Harpoons and the request was granted. Each missile, IIRC, cost half a million back then.

Gravdigr · 12-15-2015, 01:58 PM

At least they were put to good use...protecting a Capt's ego.

Pamela · 12-15-2015, 11:25 PM

Not ego, Navy honor. I can grok that.

12-15-2015, 01:58 PM	#4
Gravdigr The Un-Tuckian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: South Central...KY that is Posts: 39,517	At least they were put to good use...protecting a Capt's ego. __________________ These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, EPA, FBI, DEA, CDC, or FDIC. These statements are not intended to diagnose, cause, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you feel you have been harmed/offended by, or, disagree with any of the above statements or images, please feel free to fuck right off.

12-15-2015, 10:27 AM	#3
Pamela Deplorable Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 767	Many years ago, I was shocked to see a Commodore 64 being used to handle and control Sea Sparrow missiles on my first seagoing ship. This was 1987. I found out that that ship was sunk as a target in 2006. Talking to a guy who was there, I was told that it didn't go down without a fight. After hours of gunnery bombardment, it took TWO Harpoon missiles to put her on the bottom, and that was because the Captain of the lead ship heard that the Admiral was calling in the Air Force to finish her and refused to allow a Navy ship to be sunk by Air Force planes, requested permission to use Harpoons and the request was granted. Each missile, IIRC, cost half a million back then.

12-15-2015, 11:25 PM	#5
Pamela Deplorable Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 767	Not ego, Navy honor. I can grok that.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)