list of our chess computers , let's share it

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Steve B
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Re: list of our chess computers , let's share it

Post by Steve B »

Larry wrote:Hi, and thanks for starting an interesting thread. Here's my collection listed
in order of manufacturers. A lot don't require any notes, but some do.

Mephisto:
Berlin London Pro. I was lucky to get hold of this one. A very well made
and powerful machine. The strongest pressure sensory in the world, as far
as I know. Complete and mint.
Modena
Mondial II

Fidelity:
Elegance. Bought this one new in 1984. It broke down soon after the
warranty expired, I got it going just last year. Beautiful machine, complete
and mint.
Par Excellence. Not many of these come onto the market, I got it on ebay
last year.
Excellence. Plenty of these around, because, new, they cost little more
than half the cost of the later Par Excellence.
Excel Display
Mach3 Designer
Mach3 Excel
Excel 68000
Travel Master. Complete, mint, and working fine. Not many around,
because of a design fault. They nearly all broke down shortly after
purchase. If you've got a working one, leave it in it's open position.
'9' level version A
'9' level version B. I list both because they have a distinctly different
program in them.
'10' level. In it's carry case. If you like winning, this is the computer
for you.
'8' level. Second biggest production run in chess comp history, and
the first dedicated chess comp I laid eyes on.
'7' level. Biggest production run by far, ~600,000 units sold.
'6' level. This one has a display but *no* lights. Tough luck if you don't
know chess notation.
Classic.
Gambit.
CSC handheld
Silver Bullet.

Novag.

Constellation Expert. I bought this used, when it was one year old.
A trusted friend, never misses a beat.
Super Constellation. Bought it a year ago. I bought one new back in
the heyday of dedicated's, and had to sell it the following year to get
cash for the next machine. Definitely a classic machine! Nicknamed the
"Blitz Monster" for it's fast tactical play.
Constellation
Constellation 3.6
Emerald Classic Plus.
Diamond 2.
Obsidian
Sapphire 2
Ruby
Super Forte 'B'
Super Forte 'C', with printer

Milton Bradley

MB's original Phantom. Excellent working condition, but sadly it is
missing it's original box. Otherwise complete.

SciSys

Turbostar 432. I bought this out of curiosity, because it was ScySys
answer to the SuperConnie, and supposedly some 50 rating points higher.
But weaker on Blitz time control. It has the KSO module.

If anyone would like to see a picture of one or more of my machines,
just ask.

all the best
Larry
Impressive Collection Larry!

i am not sure what the CSC handheld is though
do you mean the Mini Sensory?
the normal Champion Sensory is not really a handheld
perhaps you can post a photo of this one for us?

hope all is well Regards
Steve
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Jose
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Post by Jose »

Alain wrote:Hi,

my list :

1) Fidelity Chess Challenger 7
2) Fidelity Par Excellence
3) Mephisto Nigel Short

I have sold the other computers this summer in order to buy a new PC...

best regards,
Alain
ok, Steve, I was just joking :wink:

Hmm, i think that PC is gilded, with diamonds on the keyboard and use only Platin DVD´s, or Alain?! :wink:

Rare PC Regards José
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Post by Alain »

Hi Steve,
Steve B wrote:I was speechless(rare for me) until i saw your last line

Phew Regards
Steve
I am not even able to SWAP computers (OK, I did it once), how could I sell them ?

but I am not a collector regards,

Alain
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Alain
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Post by Alain »

Hi José,
Jose wrote:Hmm, i think that PC is gilded, with diamonds on the keyboard and use only Platin DVD´s, or Alain?! :wink:

Rare PC Regards José
it would rather be an old Apple II...

but I already have several of them regards :wink:
Alain
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Jose
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Re: list of our chess computers , let's share it

Post by Jose »

Steve B wrote:i am not sure what the CSC handheld is though
do you mean the Mini Sensory?
the normal Champion Sensory is not really a handheld
..-
I think he mean his Silver Bullet, because there is no point after "CSC handheld", but after "Silver Bullet" :idea:

Best José
Dr. Axel Schumacher
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O.K. here is my list

Post by Dr. Axel Schumacher »

Hi all,

I started to buy chess computers only recently, about 6 or 7 months ago. I think I made the typical mistakes any newcomer makes when starting collecting; but I'm improving. At first I thought I will buy anything until I found out how many chess computers exist :shock:
Well, since then I also sold some of the units and I decided to collect only 1.) The very old vintage units 2.) The beautiful wooden boards 2.) Robots and 4.) my first Chess computer. Also my wife allows me only a limited number :-(

Here is what I have so far:
Chafitz Boris (reminds me always of the Daleks from Dr. Who !)
Chafitz Boris Diplomat I (blue unit)
Chafitz Boris Diplomat II (brown unit)
CXG Chess 3008 (Good to play against if you do not have much space on your desk)
Fidelity Elite A/S Budapest (Great board)
Milton Bradley MB "Milton" (Robot; you just have to love this one; my dream would be a wooden board robot)
Novag Chess Champion MK I
Novag Chess Champion MK IIa (horizontal case) and MK IIb (vertical case)
Novag Chess Champion Super System MK III (unfortunately without addons)
Saitek President (good to play with; has it's own character; but maybe I will trade this unit)
Scisys Chess Champion Pocket Chess (my very first chess computer)
TEC Schachcomputer (very Vintage)
VEB Microelectronik Erfurt SC 2 (Black; I would prefer the rarer brown unit though; this chess computer is also interesting; although not good in chess it's just cool; I don't know why, mybe because it weights nearly a ton)
Fidelity Chess Challenger 1 (I even managed to play several games with it after some trial and error; and yes it is the unit one of the 'old' German collectors sold when selling his collection)
Fidelity Elite Avant Garde V7 (Just beautiful, what else can I say. Probably my most expensive chess computer; never saw another V.7 around or in any auction, but I think the V.7 was not sold in Europe; right?)
Fidelity Avant Garde 2100 (the version that speaks; also a pleasure to play against; esecially since it is not as good as the V.7 and I may have a chance when I concentrate very very hard; yet a unit I may sell, since I'm not allowed too many chess computers by my cruel wife; and two Avant Garde's are not really necessary)
Mephisto München special Custom board (with 81 LEDs and special wood) with Polgar module
Commodore Chessmate (also very Vintage)
Chafitz ARB Sargon 2.5 (Probably the nicest one to play against, since it is not so strong and the board is just beautiful; this is the machne I play most against)
Saitek Renaissance with Analyst D++ module (mint, fantastic machine; a pleasure to play against; probably the best pieces in my opinion; but I saw two different sets for the Renaissance; maybe mine is just especially nice)

I also have but will sell them:
Mephisto München board with Senator module
Exclusive with MMII module (After I got my first Fidelity board I didn't like the Mephisto boards anymore so much)
Fidelity Chess Challenger 10 with case
Fidelity Chess Challenger 8 (not working)
Fidelity Chess Challenger 7
Novag Delta 1

Here the units I'm still looking for (you know that you always can make me an offer):
Mephisto Bavaria
Fidelity Prestige
Fidelity Chess Challenger Elegance
Novag Constellation Expert
Fidelity Grand Master Voice
Chafitz ARB 4.0
Novag Citrine
Any robot

Cheers,
Axel
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ruffsteve
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creul wife!

Post by ruffsteve »

Hi Dr Axel,

I'm glad that its not only my wife that puts a limit on the amount of computers I collect! :cry:

I keep telling her I'm going to sell 1 or 2 but then its always the wrong time of year to sell.......

You have some nice machines..... I too like the wooden auto sensory machines.

Steve
Love wooden chess computers......you PC guys have no idea!!!
Larry
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Re: list of our chess computers , let's share it

Post by Larry »

Image

This is the Mini Sensory and the Silver Bullet
I was a bit too lazy to go upstairs and get the proper name for the mini.
The mini seems to be a CC1 handheld version, ie, no opening book.
The Silver Bullet I believe is the handheld version of the Gambit, ie, it has
a limited opening book.
They are both welcome additions to any collection, but an ordeal to play
against. A big advantage of dedicateds against softwares is that the
dedicateds are an investment. How much can you get on ebay for the
Fritz7 sitting in the drawer? :wink:

regards
Larry
Jed
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Post by Jed »

Hello all.
Although I am new to this forum. I have long been an admirer of dedicated units and it's good to find others with this interest also. I am enjoying many of your comments and reading about your collections.
I have owned several chess computers the years but currently own only 3

1. Saitek Travel Champion 2080

2. Radio Shack 2250xl

3. Fidelity Elite Premiere

Not really a collection but I enjoy them alot and am hoping to expand to 5 or 6 eventually.

Good meeting you all and look forward ro more of you comments.

Jed
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Post by Steve B »

Jed wrote:Hello all.
Although I am new to this forum. I have long been an admirer of dedicated units and it's good to find others with this interest also. I am enjoying many of your comments and reading about your collections.
I have owned several chess computers the years but currently own only 3

1. Saitek Travel Champion 2080

2. Radio Shack 2250xl

3. Fidelity Elite Premiere

Not really a collection but I enjoy them alot and am hoping to expand to 5 or 6 eventually.

Good meeting you all and look forward ro more of you comments.

Jed
hi Jed
and welcome to the Computer Chess Future

of course one is immediately impressed with the Elite Premiere
a real collectors item

Back To the Future Regards
Steve
Andrew
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Post by Andrew »

This week I returned to the chess computer world with a Excalibur
Touch Chess II !!

Years ago I owned a Novag Solo followed by a Novag VIP but these both
broke down, either the terminals would go bad or the sealing between
the front and back would fail!

Andrew
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Steve B
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Post by Steve B »

Andrew wrote:This week I returned to the chess computer world with a Excalibur
Touch Chess II !!

Years ago I owned a Novag Solo followed by a Novag VIP but these both
broke down, either the terminals would go bad or the sealing between
the front and back would fail!

Andrew
Welcome back to the world of Computer Chess Andrew and Welcome also to the Hiarcs Chess Forum

The Future of Computer Chess Regards
Steve
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cornetmike
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My List

Post by cornetmike »

Hello everybody! Dedicated chess computers have always fascinated me. Here's my miniscule collection:

Fidelity "Excellence" - I was truly amazed at how well this played when I first got it home. Still plays an interesting game, but I've learned strategies that work well against it. The strongest machine in my "collection."

Radio Shack "Chess Companion" - Plays very poorly at lower levels and at higher levels response time is forever and a day. Just touch the machine and the pieces fall over everywhere! :lol:

Excalibur "King Arthur" - this plays a reasonable if dull game but often comes up with truly illogical and even stupid moves, even at higher levels. Not too hard to beat.

Wish list: Novag "Obsidian," Saitek "Expert Travel C.C.," Excalibur "Alexandra."

Long live Collector's Corner!

warm regards
Mikey
“They must find it difficult – those who take authority as the truth, rather than truth as the authority.” - Gerald Massey, Egyptologist
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Steve B
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Re: My List

Post by Steve B »

cornetmike wrote: Dedicated chess computers have always fascinated me. Here's my miniscule collection:


Wish list: Novag "Obsidian," Saitek "Expert Travel C.C.," Excalibur "Alexandra."



warm regards
Mikey

HI Mike
those computers on your wish list are not very hard to find so perhaps one day your wishes will come true
cornetmike wrote:

Long live Collector's Corner!
I Second that emotion!

Nice Blog Page Regards
Steve
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Post by spacious_mind »

Here is my little collection of Radio Shack/Tandy computers. I wonder if anyone knows the original manufacturer program/computer behind each one of these? Now that would be fun quiz :D

RADIO SHACK 4 IN 1 CHESS & CHECKERS
RADIO SHACK TANDY COMPUTERIZED CHESS
RADIO SHACK COMPANION MOD 60-2216
RADIO SHACK COMPANION MOD 60-2439
RADIO SHACK 1450
RADIO SHACK Model 1300 SPHINX MADRID
RADIO SHACK TRAVEL CHESS & CHECKERS
RADIO SHACK 2 IN 1 E-CHESS & CHECKERS
RADIO SHACK 1650
RADIO SHACK 1650 FAST RESPONSE
RADIO SHACK PORTABLE 1650L
RADIO SHACK GO 1650L CHESS
RADIO SHACK PARTNER 1680X
RADIO SHACK SUPER 1680L
RADIO SHACK PORTABLE 1750L
RADIO SHACK 1850
RADIO SHACK TALKING CHESS 1900L
RADIO SHACK MEGA 2050X
RADIO SHACK CHAMPION 2150L
RADIO SHACK CHAMPION 2150
RADIO SHACK MASTER CHESS COMPUTER
RADIO SHACK MASTER 2200X
RADIO SHACK CHAMPION 2250XL

Best regards
Nick
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