[rmpfyf]

Hi all

In another thread I've got an Octane that's nearly alive and well; I've also been given an Indigo in the same haul. 

From what I can make out it was a R3000 upgraded to R4000 at some point, has at least 64Mb RAM, has the nicer graphics option (XS-24, full VRAM, Z-buffer board). Dead battery (easily replaced I guess - boots to usual tod clock unhappiness).

No hard drives or sleds, though. Finding the latter is seemingly a PITA. 

Getting it running will involve finding peripherals, AUI/DB connector, etc. 

Cosmetically she's in good condition. I barely remember these machines - when (much) younger I remember Indy, O2 and Octane.

What's worth doing here - parting it out? Sticking a SCSI2SD in it and making it bootable? Thoughts welcome.

[kaigan]

It sounds like the machine is in pretty good shape on the whole. Since that's the case, I definitely wouldn't part it out. A SCSI2SD would be a good choice for a system of that age and should allow IRIX to run quite well. I'm less familiar with the Indigo as I don't have one (yet!), but I'm sure others can chime in regarding any adapters or potential options for sled replacements that would be suitable for mounting the SCSI2SD.

In short: I vote for making it a shiny, working Indigo again. Should you feel that it isn't a project you'd want to take on, I'm sure there are plenty of others that would be happy to purchase it from you if you'd like to sell instead.

[rmpfyf]

It sounds like the machine is in pretty good shape on the whole. Since that's the case, I definitely wouldn't part it out. A SCSI2SD would be a good choice for a system of that age and should allow IRIX to run quite well. I'm less familiar with the Indigo as I don't have one (yet!), but I'm sure others can chime in regarding any adapters or potential options for sled replacements that would be suitable for mounting the SCSI2SD.

In short: I vote for making it a shiny, working Indigo again. Should you feel that it isn't a project you'd want to take on, I'm sure there are plenty of others that would be happy to purchase it from you if you'd like to sell instead.

Very well. Some parts will get ordered come pay day 

[dexter1]

Keep it. You have a working power supply, the system boots, and 64 megs allows you to install either IRIX 4.0.5 or 5.3
These machines are not so common anymore, and finding one in that current state is very fortunate.

Peripherals are hard to come by, but forum members can help you out on a keyboard, mouse and VGA and network adapters.

[rmpfyf]

Keep it. You have a working power supply, the system boots, and 64 megs allows you to install either IRIX 4.0.5 or 5.3
These machines are not so common anymore, and finding one in that current state is very fortunate.

Peripherals are hard to come by, but forum members can help you out on a keyboard, mouse and VGA and network adapters.

Thank you. On closer inspection it may be 128MB RAM (4x 32MB banks) - we'll know when we get to hinv.

I'll be hitting up the forum regarding keyboard and mouse. Network adapter located (NOS!). Replacement battery seems to be an upgrade in energy capacity; I have half a mind to solder in a socket and change it to something easily replaceable. 

My main mission is to return it to an operational state so it can find a new home with someone that'll appreciate it. In the interim I'll admit to being quite curious about what this video setup can do!

[rmpfyf]

Replaced the battery with a new upgraded thing. That much works fine now. Found a TP/AUI transciever too.

Does anyone have an idea what my machine would be worth? A 'I have no idea why this thing has a PS/2 connector but isn't' to USB adapter and a SCSI2SD run arond USD$150-170 delivered, at which point it will be a sort of non-purist thing. If it's worth comparable money to someone here I'd happily pass it on.

[dexter1]

Depends on who you want to sell it to. Most likely they are collectors like us who already are fine with the current state of the machine and no modifications have been made which are non-reversible, like hacking into brackets or in the case itself.

For completist buyers however, a full set of keyboard, mouse, disk (SCSI2SD or a real SCSI platter) and at least a VGA adapter would set you back a bit extra.

Yes, it is not PS/2 but proprietary and carries 8 Volt so you risk wrecking the keyboard or even the mainboard when you're connecting modern keyboards or mice.

I shouldn't be commenting on how much you want to sell it for, because i will be (rightfully) flamed by other forum users for doing so, but your estimate is not far off from what is considered okay to ask for collectors/enthusiasts like us.
Remember, EBay is crazy and eventually, you only get what other people are willing to pay for.

[rmpfyf]

Depends on who you want to sell it to. Most likely they are collectors like us who already are fine with the current state of the machine and no modifications have been made which are non-reversible, like hacking into brackets or in the case itself.

For completist buyers however, a full set of keyboard, mouse, disk (SCSI2SD or a real SCSI platter) and at least a VGA adapter would set you back a bit extra.

Yes, it is not PS/2 but proprietary and carries 8 Volt so you risk wrecking the keyboard or even the mainboard when you're connecting modern keyboards or mice.

I shouldn't be commenting on how much you want to sell it for, because i will be (rightfully) flamed by other forum users for doing so, but your estimate is not far off from what is considered okay to ask for collectors/enthusiasts like us.
Remember, EBay is crazy and eventually, you only get what other people are willing to pay for.

Thank you for being candid. It's now on eBay at a 'don't waste my time price', though I'd let it go reasonably to an enthusiast that'd PM me enough to say 'how about this reasonable amount and it will go to a good place'. (Happily the case etc are all original).

I actually have ~20 SCSI drives, but all are 80 pin. Feels as though where it is now is as authentic as it'll get with the parts I've got. Hopefully it finds a good home.

I discovered what the 8V did to a keyboard, now no longer with us.

[rmpfyf]

@dexter just a follow up - this Indigo has found a new home at a fair price with an owner that promises not to part it out. It'll live happily among a collection of SGIs and other period Unix machines.

Received a quite a few offers on it, most wanted to just part it out.

A happy ending.

[dexter1]

@dexter just a follow up - this Indigo has found a new home at a fair price with an owner that promises not to part it out. It'll live happily among a collection of SGIs and other period Unix machines.

Excellent solution. Glad to see you people taking care of these machines