StarMill PC 1995 Model very old!

keith.wright · Post by **keith.wright** » Thu 23 Aug , 2007 14:52 pm

Has anyone got a Starmill PC and if so what software. We have got Ver 2.86. I can not get my computer to talk to the Starmill - when I start the Dos programme I get a message about no keyboard and loading and unloading rs232.

We have 2 discs STARMILL P.C. Version 2.86 and Post Processor Libraries Disc. I this the right amount?

Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have only recently taken over the responsibility for this machine.

bradders · Post by **bradders** » Thu 23 Aug , 2007 15:22 pm

What operating system is on your PC and how many com ports has it got ?

keith.wright · Post by **keith.wright** » Fri 24 Aug , 2007 11:52 am

The computer is operating on Windows 98 and has two com ports.

bradders · Post by **bradders** » Fri 24 Aug , 2007 11:57 am

1. Are you booting the machine from the floppy disc ?

Check this thread to see if you have the correct cables connected to your Machine and Desk Top Tutor

viewtopic.php?t=1123

keith.wright · Post by **keith.wright** » Fri 24 Aug , 2007 12:06 pm

Restarting in Dos mode from shutdown menu. checking cables soon.

bradders · Post by **bradders** » Fri 24 Aug , 2007 12:10 pm

Usually the floppies were made BOOT DISC's and from AUTOEXEC.BAT it launched the machine software

keith.wright · Post by **keith.wright** » Fri 24 Aug , 2007 12:28 pm

disks are not bootable - Post Processor disc has install prog that works in Dos - Starmill PC disc (Ver 2.86) has install.1 file that does not do anything. I have the original Denford documentation. It says to copy file to Hard drive. Not clear about the cable thread u sent me to, but I have IBM starmill diagram drawn by A McHenry.

Mr Magoo · Post by **Mr Magoo** » Fri 24 Aug , 2007 13:51 pm

"No Keyboard" message is saying that it can not find the "Denford Desk Top Tutor keyboard". By default it is looking for this on COM1, and looking for the machine on COM2.

keith.wright · Post by **keith.wright** » Fri 24 Aug , 2007 14:27 pm

Found one reason for not working one of the two 25 to 9 pins cables, I was using is not a standard Rs232. stuck until I can get another next week. Will keep u posted. Thanks for the help so far. O yes I will be back for more PROBABLY

Cheers

Keith Wright

keith.wright · Post by **keith.wright** » Wed 03 Oct , 2007 13:35 pm

Me back again. I think I have now sorted out the cables for our starmill and I booted from a win98 dos boot floppy. I got a screen full of messages about softwareand drivers being loaded. Fine until message 'initialising mint3.28' followed by flashing curser - dead stop. Should our machine - it is a reconditioned ex demo from 1995 Starmill PC T/E be able to run on win 98 dos or do I need an earlier dos. Help

Keith

Martin · Post by **Martin** » Wed 03 Oct , 2007 19:47 pm

It looks like you have plugged a RS232 lead into the desk top tutor. It needs to be a pin to pin or 9 to 25 way converter.

It may be easier to try swapping the RS232 lead between com1 & com2.
You do not need the desk top tutor connected at this point. If the RS232 is correct then the machine control window will open. At this point you can connect the desk top tutor in the other com port.

Novamill to Pc = RS232 changeover lead
Desk top tutir to Pc = 25 to 25 or 9 to 25 way converter.

keith.wright · Post by **keith.wright** » Thu 04 Oct , 2007 9:01 am

Hi er!

Goofed did not have the starmill power up. Thought power supply was on!!!! Now have connection. Thanks for all your help so far.

I may be back!!!!!!!!!!

Cheers Keith

Denford Software & Machines

Denford Software & Machines

StarMill PC 1995 Model very old!

StarMill PC 1995 Model very old!

Starmill PC etc

starmill old