Stephen W. Nolen's
Computer Systems Description

The following is a complete description of my existing computer systems and their usages. These systems have been collected over the years and improved upon as needed. As you might guess, with my Home Automation system and intrusion detection setup, they are safe guarded against those who would be tempted to make an unannounced visit.

Home Local Area Network (LAN)
All systems that have the capability sit on an ethernet network running either Win95 or Windows for Workgroups for sharing of hard drives, printer, and data. I currently use BNC RG58 coax for the network for simplicity sake but twisted pair and a central hub would make the wiring actually easier due to the star configuration of the systems.
The ultimate goal is to allow all systems to share data via network DDE capabilities for various Home Automation (H/A), data and scheduling functions. This would allow a future kitchen system or notebook computer to update voice based schedule notices, shopping lists, etc as needed.

Primary Personal System

Homebuilt P166+ System

• Cyrix P166+ 6x86 Motherboard
• 512K Cache
• 32MB EDO RAM
• 2 Serial / 1 Parallel port built-in
• 1.2GB Primary, 540MB Secondary EIDE HDs
• SB16 Soundcard
• Creative Labs 2X CDROM
• Trident PCI SVGA Video @ 1024x768 HiColor
• Colorado 250MB Tape Drive
• 1.44MB 3.5" / 1.2MB 5.25" FDD
• ISA BNC Ethernet card
• 28.8K Internal Fax/Modem
• 15" SVGA Monitor
• Running Win95

This system is used for all my normal PC uses. I.E. programming, online bill paying, hacking, and game playing; Quake, Doom, DoomII, ROTT, Descent I/II, IndyCar I/II, Nascar I/II, Terminal Velocity, Flight Simulator, etc, etc.

Home Automation System

Homebuilt Pentium OD83 System

• Generic 486/DX 66Mhz VESA Motherboard
• 8MB RAM
• 540MB IDE HD
• 1.44MB 3.5" FDD
• SB16 Soundcard
• 1X Mitsumi CDROM
• VESA Cirrus Logic SVGA @ 640x480x256
• 14.4K Fax/modem (COM3 IRQ 5)
• ISA BNC Ethernet card (IRQ 10)
• 2 Serial (COM1/2 IRQ 4/3) - 1 Parallel Port
• Averkey VGA to NTSC converter
• Running Windows for Workgroups 3.11
• 14" Packard Bell EGA/VGA Monitor (This baby is OLD!)

This system is generally dedicated to home automation uses and runs the TimeCommand+ event scheduler and MegaController. It provides voice output for the system, gathers the weather information, receives any incoming faxes and will ultimately handle the voice mail system that will replace the existing answering machine. This system runs 24 hours a day to provide these services.

The audio of the soundcard is fed into a separate (for now) speaker system with speakers located in the computer room and living room. In the near future, this will be routed to X10 controlled switches that will select which room(s) the HA system sound will go to. The sound is also fed into the stereo system on the VCR 2 input for quality sound if need be.

The video of this system goes through a VGA/NTSC convertor that feeds into the stereo system on VCR 2 input. The image is selectable via remote on the primary viewing TV. Future plans call for using this system as a TV Internet browser as soon as the 14.4K modem is replaced with a 33.6K or 56K unit.

It is also used on occasion as a secondary system for deathmatch or cooperative play of the above mentioned games.

Secondary Personal System

Homebuilt 386DX / 40Mhz System

• Generic 386/DX 40Mhz Motherboard
• 8MB RAM
• 120MB RLL HD
• 720KB 3.5" FDD
• 8Bit Soundcard
• 1X Mitsumi CDROM
• STB 1MB RAM SVGA @ 640x480x256
• ISA BNC Ethernet card (IRQ 10)
• 2 Serial (COM1/2 IRQ 4/3) - 1 Parallel Port
• 14" SVGA Monitor
• Running Windows for Workgroups 3.11

This system is used as a play system for my wife and family. It is somewhat limited by the processor speed but it DOES get the job done. Several educational programs are located on this system and it too is networked for sharing of printers, files and data.

Garage System

• Commodore V20 based 8088 Turbo Clone
• 8087 Math Chip
• 640KB RAM !!
• 40MB MFM
• 360K 5.25" FDD
• CGA Color video on NTSC "Green" Monitor
• 2 Serial (COM1/2 IRQ 4/3) - 1 Parallel Port
• Running DOS 3.3

This system is used in the garage to manage inventory of some of the electronic parts and chips. Believe it or not it runs a CAD program in 2D pretty good and is used on occasion to create a quick drawing or schematic or two. This was my FIRST PC Compatible and as such I'm not too fond of getting rid of it... actually I haven't gotten rid of hardly any of the computers I've owned. :)