IBM System/34
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Background

In the summer of 2002 I got the chance to rescue an IBM System/34.

This was a business machine used for accounting at a firm that leased and distributed game machines. When the company went broke, a game machine collector scavenged the machine for the hauling. It was very much complete and spent the next 10 years in his basement.

At some point in 2002 he decided to sell it on eBay. I didn't win it, but the winner really only wanted the documentation that came with the machine. He offered it up on the condition that he get the docs and someone else dispose of the computer. I agreed to take it.

The following pictures chronicle the efforts necessary to save an old machine. My brother-in-law and his employer supplied the lift-truck. Without it, we were in serious danger of hurting ourselves. The computer and printer were very heavy.

Pictures

IBM001.jpg	IBM003.jpg	IBM004.jpg
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IBM012.jpg	IBM013.jpg	IBM014.jpg
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IBM027.jpg	IBM028.jpg	IBM029.jpg

Later

There is very little information on the S/34 available on the internet. I have made contact with at least one person that is willing to share some software. The 5250 terminals attach via a TwinAX cable and I have 4 terminals, but only one works. I tried to fix a keyboard: it seems to be something that is not intended to be dis-assembled.

Final Chapter

I got married and moved and had to sell the house, so the S/34 and printer had to go. I thought about saving some of it, but in the rush of emptying the house I didn't have the time or the inclination. So, it went to a recycler and is no more.