Re: Please help ID Mystery Disk

[Chad Choi Lin <chadlin@nyetcom.com>]

InDizgize wrote:

> >I have a mystery disk (5.25") that I am trying to identify.
> >I believe it is for an Apple II.
> >The label says LPS II (Preliminary) Pentrak Software Master Disk
> >Copyright 1981 by Gibson Laboratories; Laguna Hills, CA.
> >Does anyone know what it is and does?
> 
> Yes... It's for an Apple II all right..   It belongs with the Gibson Light
> Pen...  It consisted of a slot lenght interface card that was interestingly
> enough encased in plastic box that left just the fingers exposed.  Out of the
> top back edge of the card was a wire about 3 feet long and on the end of that
> wire was somthing that resembled a pen..    I believe it came with some simple
> drawing software as well, in fact that disk you have may have been it.
> 
> I've been lurking long enough guess it's time to throw my 2 cents in.
> 
> C.

An encased card? Curiouser and curiouser....

Sounds like the circuit board has an RFI (radio-frequency interference)
issue. If you were to crack open the plastic casing, I suspect you would
find a metallic lining all over the interior of the case. This would be
necessary if: (a) the board proved to be highly sensitive to radio
waves, so much so that it needs shielding to protect it; or (b) the
board itself generates RF energy to the extent that it would mess up TV
and radio reception unless it was encased.

Before I upgraded, my cordless phone was an old 49MHz model, and
whenever I had my //c turned on it would mess up the operation of the
cordless. (Now I have a 900MHz phone, which is downright bulletproof
when it comes to range as well as reliability.) This is something the
Federal Communications Commission looks down on, as their job is to make
sure radio-frequency receivers do not get disrupted by interference. So
make sure you do *not* actually crack open that case!

Just adding my own two cents to this thread -- being a man who knew a
ham radio operator whose day job was being an RFI engineer at AST
Computer.


Peace, Love, and Apple II Forever!
Chad Choi Lin
e-mail chadlin@nyetcom.com

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