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old databooks

old databooks

old databooks

(OP)
Well I hauled my data-book collection from the last 20+ years out next to the trash today.  They give an interesting glimpse at history, with companies that have long dissolved in multiple mergers, and technology well along on the end-of-life curve.  Other than that, they were just taking up space with everything available on the web today.  Heaven forbid we lose the web (is that in the prophecies?  'www' is kinda/sort of '666' in Hebrew ya know (http://www.av1611.org/666/www_666.html to clear your mind)).  

Anyway, does anybody see any value in this old hard copy that I'm missing?  I plan to keep a few favorites around; the rest are getting trashed (unless I can get the recycler to take bound books).  

Z

RE: old databooks

Hi Zapped!

I am lucky to have lots of space. So I have kept all my old data books. I have intel 4004 books from 1973 and I have Signetics and TI books from the same era. Also the full set of NS (the blue books) and early LT. They are beutifully made and the app-notes are something you don't see often these days.

I keep them for the piece of technology history they represent. They might even have some value on eBay? Did you try that?

Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org
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100 % recycled posting: Electrons, ideas, finger-tips have been used over and over again...

RE: old databooks

Nope I saw that light about 6 years ago.  I had a hard fought well maintained library.

 It had every data book I could ever need and I used them all.  In it I had; Intel, National, AMD, Linear Technology, Signetics, EXAR, Analog Devices, Intersil, Burr-Brown, HP Semiconductors, Motorola, Philips, Microchip, Hitachi, Toshiba, Zilog, Micrel, Panasonic, Ledtronics, GE, RCA, Siliconix, Benchmarq, Brooktree, Unitrode, Rockwell, California Eastern, Crystal Semi, Ricoh, Samsung, Dallas, Datel, Fairchild, NEC, Fuji Electronics, Harris, Raytheon, Maxim, Sharp, ON Semi, STMicro, Xicor, and TI.

That's the ones I specifically remember.  Some companies had tomes, some had multiple tomes.  Motorola shesh.. Maybe three feet of tomes.  Same with National.

Anyway after chasing these things like rare art,(some were!), cornering salesman from far and wide, it dawned on me, for the last year, I didn't look up a single thing there.  I would look over my shoulder at the walls of data books and then type in a part number at the National site and WAH-LA.

  So I got a hand truck and ditched the whole thing.  My library consumed eight 60-Gallon garbage cans.

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.- http://www.flaminsystems.com

RE: old databooks

My collection is getting more and more valuable as you guys go on trashing yours. Keep up the work!

Smoked. I had som difficulties understanding your "WAH-LA".

I think I got it now. The exact translation would be "Look (there)" I think. Creative, as always.

Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org
--------------------------------------
100 % recycled posting: Electrons, ideas, finger-tips have been used over and over again...

RE: old databooks

Yes. My fine manners didn't allow me to be so outspoken. C'est moi - je suis comme ca.

Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org
--------------------------------------
100 % recycled posting: Electrons, ideas, finger-tips have been used over and over again...

RE: old databooks

HA!  I knew that was wrong but decided to stay with the phonetic rather than hassle with finding the correct spelling.  I'm sure half the readers wonder, "Voh I Lah"???

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.- http://www.flaminsystems.com

RE: old databooks

(OP)
Ah, a 50-50 split as expected!  Skogs, I thought (briefly) about e-bay but it doesn't quite seem worth it (trash <> treasure).  

I expect I'll follow Smoked's lead and make your collection more valuable.  

Z

RE: old databooks

I prefer the old paper books, but bow to the convenience of the internet all too often. It has been a long time since I managed to scrounge any data books, but I'm not getting rid of the ones I have. In the mean time my archive of downloaded stuff continues to grow and clog up the works server. I will need to keep a backup in case I ever need to swap employers!

Most IC manufacturers are good at keeping their data on older products available online, but manufacturers in some other sectors are much more lax: Groupe Schneider are a nightmare for older products, good as they are at documenting the current range, and Areva are doing a terrible job of making available data on the hugely popular M-series of protection relays. Plus they discontinued the hard copy of the excellent Network Protection & Automation Guide, one of the finest available texts on the subject. Sadly it is now download-only, although as a free resource it is still remarkable.
 

----------------------------------
  Sometimes I only open my mouth to swap feet...

RE: old databooks

That is the one big problem.  The powers that be often are too dimwitted to actually have moved extremely valuable stuff from their data books to online.  Some nitwit looks at say, the National Linear Applications Handbook, a virtual work of art on the subject and they see, "Oh look! These app notes are all showing opamps that we want to obsolete... We don't want to publish these!"  Argh!

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.- http://www.flaminsystems.com

RE: old databooks

Keith,

Re: WAH-LA

This seems to catch on. Have a look at this thread (it is about a new favourite, BTW). A bit down, a guy named Mightor comments on another creative spelling.

http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&amp;m=206357

Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org
--------------------------------------
100 % recycled posting: Electrons, ideas, finger-tips have been used over and over again...

RE: old databooks

Yuk yuk!  You took a beating there!  I started thinking you were up to your old habits - baiting them.  Seeing if you could misspell up to the point of your entire response while they tried to correct you.  HAHA!

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.- http://www.flaminsystems.com

RE: old databooks


I have always found that the problem with old data books (of any discipline) are a problem because whatever you look up, you always end up reading about 50 pages either side of the page(s) you really need just because it's interesting! Real timewaster. Whereas on the 'net', all you get is what you searched for and porn!

I have an old application data book on 4CX250 valves (tubes?), which I occasionally come across during house moves and I just have to stop and refresh my memory of the fun you can get from one (or two in parallel!)

I guess it's just an Engineer thing...........


Cheers


Harry

RE: old databooks

Never ever throw data books away.

I collected two car loads from one place that closed down.

RE: old databooks

I see..  During a nuclear holocaust you can hide beneath them in your impromptu bunker.  And.. Have something to read!   LOL

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.- http://www.flaminsystems.com

RE: old databooks

I keep some and toss some.  One day I'll scan the parts I want and get rid of the rest.  Hadn't thought about e-Bay though, I'll have to check out what going for what there.

I agree with Skogs, many of the app notes are still very useful and different.  Just need to update parts with the latest technology.  My old Signetic Hard Cover data book (1976?) has an excellent treatise on phase lock loops, and my 1978  Fairchild TTL data book has some analog applications for logic gates that would make your toes curl!

The National Audio Applications book (with the "Floobydust" chapter) is a classic.

Most web sites, every time I check, are culling out their "old" application notes.  I don't know why, it should be cheap to archive EVERYTHING there.  Put it in a section marked "obsolete" or "historic" so folks understand they won't be able to buy the parts mentioned there.

And my old GE Transistor Manual, there's a regular solid state physics course in there, for anyone who really wants to understand transistors and diodes on a fundamental level.  It's hard to find that level of detail any more.

And while there's still some good humor to be found, I think a lot of companies have gotten too serious.  When National degraded their LH0063 buffer from "Damn Fast" to merely "Ultra Fast", the electronics world became a little less fun.  And one day I'll dig up my spec sheet for the Signetics WOM (Write Only Memory).  The plot of Number of Pins Remaining versus Number of Socket Insertions... ha!

When I was at HP, their internal parts catalog has an admonition that magnetic monopoles were not to be used in new designs.

RE: old databooks

jimkirk,

If it is the Signetics book in white hardcover with an IC embossed, it is 1974.

Went looking for that GE Transistor handbook (must be around 1968?) but couldn't find it. Found their SCR manuals, though. Both fourth (1967) and sixth editions.

I guess that collecting antique data books will eventually turn into a legitimate hobby for elderly EE:s. Yes, why not? With meetings, seminars, auctions, visits to manufacturers. Sounds quite interesting. Smoked; Can't remember where you ditched them? Can you?

Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org
--------------------------------------
100 % recycled posting: Electrons, ideas, finger-tips have been used over and over again...

RE: old databooks

My extensive library was passed along to the local technical institute. They were very appreciative to extend thier educational resources.

RE: old databooks

I did... Keep my GE SCR tome.  Nice book.  And the National Analog Applications.  And the Signetics large book that had a whole chapter on the 555.(paper back)Red-ish and white.

 BTW I worked for Signetics first job out of college.  Just when "Zero Defects" mania hit.

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.- http://www.flaminsystems.com

RE: old databooks

We keep ALL our old data books despite exhortation from management not to take up space ("5S" mania) and that "it's all on the web".

NO! it isn't. It's maybe fine if you are designing with cutting-edge technology all day long; if you are supporting "legacy" systems your Obsolescence department gets a hard time if it can't find the original baseline spec for that old device in order to find a new equivalent. Nowadays lots of manufacturers don't even bother with cross reference / equivalents on their web sites.
 

RE: old databooks

I had a fairly extensive collection, but when my moving bills starting adding up because of the weight, I had to start trimming it back (so far moved 11 times in 7 years, I believe).  I had well over 1.5 tons in books alone!

Now I try to collect pdf versions... such as Linear Tech's App Note 67, which is #3 in their LT Magazine Circuit Collection.  Lots of great circuits, one small file.  I can't imagine, though, I'll be finding too many complete books in pdf format sad

Dan - Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

RE: old databooks

Well over 1,5 tons! That's my idea of a fine library.

I have stayed in one big house the last thirty years. I will probably stay here with my books for quite a while.

Now - where's that scale??

Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org
--------------------------------------
100 % recycled posting: Electrons, ideas, finger-tips have been used over and over again...

RE: old databooks

You guys with big libraries... Take note.  They can kill you.

Example: My office 4 seconds after the '89' Loma Prieta earthquake started.  The arrow denotes my office chair.  The back of my chair punched the back out of the book case.  I was very lucky to have been standing directly beneath my chair but on the next floor down.

I don't know of any injuries meted out by USB-Stick based PDFs.

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.- http://www.flaminsystems.com

RE: old databooks

Keith. Your picture illustrates that litterature is mightier than the sword. Both can kill, but death-by-book looks messier.

We haven't had a big one for several thousand years. But your picture makes me wonder. Where IS that scale??

Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org
--------------------------------------
100 % recycled posting: Electrons, ideas, finger-tips have been used over and over again...

RE: old databooks

Don't you earthquake-prone guys strap heavy stuff like bookcases to the wall?  An errant set of books falling form the shelf may hurt like hell, but the case itself has some serious power behind it.

Dan - Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

RE: old databooks

Even without an earthquake, my office looks like that. blllttt

RE: old databooks

geekEE; LOL!

  Notice the quake even opened my heavy file drawer.  The first thing anybody noticed was what sounded like a 4 engine freight train closing in on the building.  Where you look at each other, wondering 'what's that?' 'But there are no tracks around here...'  Then the big j-e-r-k.
  I was standing in the stock room and decided to leave.  I left so fast I was almost hit by a car out on the main thoroughfare.  It was right out of the movies, four black skid marks up to about three feet from me. They were even wavy because the car was weaving lanes due to the shaking.  The building was new but in my opinion sub par, built by a cheapskate, on a hill edge, covered with terracotta tiles, (The falling death).

Dan; In that place it probably would've pulled the wall down followed by the rafters, roof, etc.

  I've anchored every bookcase to the walls in my home.  Never figured out a solution to my 160gal aquarium though as it would respond poorly to large lag bolts.

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.- http://www.flaminsystems.com

RE: old databooks

Hiya-

Well, I got off early that day.  Matter of fact, I'm sitting in the EXACT same spot I was during that '89 quake.  I was going to watch the baseball game.  

Our piano moved about 6 inches.  The unsecured bookshelf in the front room decided to tip over and squashed a TV camera for the home video.  On the other bookcase, the fishbowl thought it would be a good idea to come crashing down.  There were various things like that.

The tech that was working for me at the time had a very nice house up on Hwy 35 (right near the epicenter).  The dishwasher came out of the counter and was chasing his daughter around (his daughter was/is older).

Funny thing. Right now they are replaying Bonds home run.  Same stadium as I was watching when the TV decided it would be a good idea to fall off the stand and be held on by the
antenna cable......

Yep.  Data books on CDs would be a lot more fun to have fall on you.

 Cheers,

  Rich S.

RE: old databooks

bigsmile

After surviving my near road kill, I bailed instantly out of work to rush home to check on my better-half and our baby before the roads got clogged.  I had to slam on the brakes as I came to curb sized ground displacements crossing the freeway perpendicularly.  I still can picture the rising black smoke from town caused by burning homes,(water heaters on rampage).

The the back hallway was ankle deep in broken glass food stores.  Our huge 8ft x 4ft brick chimney was sheared at knee level and displaced about 6 inches. Scary. When I pulled it over onto the front lawn the neighbors came running out thinking it was an aftershock.  When it hit the lawn in an 8ft x 20ft area it cratered into the lawn 6 inches.

My (then) 50 gal saltwater tank slopped a gallon onto our brand new digital phone/answering machine.  Over the next few days it started independently, randomly, speed dialling people.  It was ultimately a total loss.

What town are you in Rich?

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.- http://www.flaminsystems.com

RE: old databooks

Hiya-

I'm in Cupertino.  In Sunnyvale, my boss at the time was out having a cigarette (he later died of lung cancer, good object lesson.).  He saw the pavement in the driveway of the site ripple up and down in waves.  That was in North Sunnyvale.

We still have a few sidewalks who are displaced a bit from the jolt.  

Sorry to hear about the sea water tank.  Our little goldfish (in the bowl on the bookcase) was found about 15 minutes later in a wet spot on the carpet.  We plopped him into a bowl of water and he survived for a few years after that.

I was glad that I was at home for the family (at that time I had some young kids).

One thing that I think that I would do differently is to leave a flashlight (not candle) on during the night.  Feeling an aftershock in pitch black wasn't funny for me. And it was certianly was worse for the kids.  So, damn the battery usage, leave on a small light for the little ones.

The funniest one around here was our next door neighbor coming over to borrow (?) a toothbrush as hers had fallen into the toilet bowl.....

Well, at least we don't have to deal with too many tornadoes around here.  There was one a few years ago, but usually not.  I've seen one of those twisters once.  It was one of the most evil looking things that I've ever seen.

All kidding aside, it *IS* a good thing to prepare for natural disasters.  A little water, a radio, flashlight, first aid kit, all make the aftermath quite a bit easier.
Food, sleeping bags a cookstove all add to the comfort of those that you are responsible for.  The American Red Cross has a very good list for those interested.

  Cheers,

   Rich S.

RE: old databooks

I calculated that I had 3 tonnes (or tons) of books in my databook library...

I then started distributing the load around before the cracks in the office ceiling below got any worse... clown

RE: old databooks

:)

richs; Cupertino. We'll have to have lunch some time!

Yeah baby! Those after shocks were pretty fun.(wake up in a cold sweat multiple times a night)  My kids didn't give a rip as they were out on a walk when it hit and thought the telephone poles dancing around were great fun...

To this day certain complex noises with just the right harmonics and frequencies can still trigger an adrenalin rush.

Yeah they can have their tornadoes... Course all those folks say the exact same thing about our E-quakes. Pretty funny really.

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.- http://www.flaminsystems.com

RE: old databooks

Hiya-

Yep.  We oughta do lunch.  Normally I would say this is off topic, but not on this thread!  All comers welcome.  It would be interesting to hear about some data books that went flying around in one of those twisters!  

3 tons of books. Wow.  I typically go through a purge cycle on them, however, the other day I did throw out an old homebrew computer club newsletter from the 70's. Data sheet for a Borough's electroluminesent display and some Motorola floppy disk controller chips.......

  Cheers,

    Rich S.

RE: old databooks

Interesting how electronics obsoletes itself so quickly.  Other fields' have resource material that never dies - see the mechanical engineering post where someone's pining for a vintage ladish fitting handbook . . .

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=194585&amp;page=1

Dan

RE: old databooks

Indeed.  Most of the parts in people's 10 year old data books are not even purchasable now.

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.- http://www.flaminsystems.com

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