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[: cpu modules, and Re: Timeline $99 machine]

From: Tom Neville <>
Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 19:40:05 -0500

I ordered one of the TimeLine $99 computers.. Here's the info.. They
are actually an Epson computer.  The web pages listed below are for
the new version.. (Appears the only difference is CPU speed.. looks
like the rest of it's the same..)

http://pos.epson.com/pointofsale/it.html

For what appears to be the closest model (It's an IM-403-012)
Go to the bottom and select IM-423/425 under Intelligent Module base unit.

I've mounted an IBM 2.5" 1.2Gb drive in it.. The system did recognize it
as 2358x16x63 and appears as though it will support it as a full 1.2gb 
drive.  It will accept upto 32Megs of ram (1 72pin sim.)  It has quite a
few power savings options.. It's very iritating to have all the toys
and nothing to boot them on... (no floppy, no 2.5" to 3.5" converter..)

Unit has PCMCIA expansion capiablility.. (They have a connector that
probably just adds the sockets.. I'm pretty sure the logic is already
there.)  It appears as though you can add the PCMCIA controller and 
an ISA card.

You can also order a floppy drive for it (Epson part number is listed
in the manual.)  I've got a call into a local supplier to check for 
avilablity of the floppy drive and PCMCIA option. 

The manual is very complete.. has all the specs, pinouts for all of the
external connectors (Serial, Par.)  I can't tell what kind of serial ports
it has (Can't boot it.. argh.. )  Has the port 80 diag codes.. and beep
codes..

It has an internal ni-cad battery (in addition to the CMOS clock) that
the manual claims will run the unit for 1 minute.  (I think it was
about 10v 500mAh)  The main input to this box is 24volts DC.  They
come with an external 24vdc power supply (Rating in the manul for the
power supply is  10A peak.)

The processor card (looks like number 1 in the picture on the above
page) has everything on it (Video, Kbd, 1 Serial, FDD, HDD)  It 
*should* be able to run outside the computer (providing you can find
the pinout of the internal connector it plugs into.  It is not 
a standard ISA card.  Although there is a standard ISA slot avilable.)

It's more than I would want to carry around all day.. but I have several
other uses for it anyway.. :)  

Please let me know if there's anythin specfic you would like me to 
check.  (I don't have a way of measuring current here.. I am still 
working on that one.. )

Tom

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