Novag Citrine thoughts

[sje]

Okay, I managed to find:

1) A Saitek Galileo board with the 8 MHz Analyst C module and the serial cable but no power adapter or pieces.

2) An AVE Auto Response Board with the Grandmaster Series 4.0 labeling (and module), a set of pieces, and a power adapter. I'm thinking that the pieces may go with the Saitek; does anyone happen to know if the polarities are the same?

The last time I powered up the ARB it froze. That was many years ago; if I try it again I'll have a fire extinguisher handy.

[Steve B]

Okay, I managed to find:

1) A Saitek Galileo board with the 8 MHz Analyst C module and the serial cable but no power adapter or pieces.

2) An AVE Auto Response Board with the Grandmaster Series 4.0 labeling (and module), a set of pieces, and a power adapter. I'm thinking that the pieces may go with the Saitek; does anyone happen to know if the polarities are the same?

The last time I powered up the ARB it froze. That was many years ago; if I try it again I'll have a fire extinguisher handy.

the pieces should work on both boards you have

here are the pieces for the ARB:


and for the Galileo:



power for ARB:10VAC 1.5A

power for Galileo:9VDC 300ma
the Galileo will also operate on 4 C batteries

Steve

[Karmazen & Oliver]

the pieces should work on both boards you have

here are the pieces for the ARB:


and for the Galileo:



power for ARB:10VAC 1.5A

power for Galileo:9VDC 300ma
the Galileo will also operate on 4 C batteries

Steve

interesting... novag citrine consume 300~500 mAp... and I am thinking do a option batteries support for citrine... 4 C batteries... do more of 6 hours for a long game...

but I would use mode "AA"... 2500 mAp./ hour... these model are not fat... and heavy... the option "AAA" mini small batteries, insert in wood table board is not a good idea, because only have 900 mAp./hours...

the option AA or C.. is correct... maybe I do that option... for have more independence board ...

( uhmmm 4 batteries do only 6 volts ?¡ and write 9 VDC... maybe you see 6 batteries ? )

batteries good byes... from spain. oliver

[sje]

I found the Saitek battery compartment along with its four superannuated C cells. There was some minor terminal damage, but I think I can fix it without a problem. Upon inserting four somewhat newer cells, I was able to get some LEDs to blink. I 'll have to dig up a power adapter for more testing.

[Steve B]

I found the Saitek battery compartment along with its four superannuated C cells. There was some minor terminal damage, but I think I can fix it without a problem. Upon inserting four somewhat newer cells, I was able to get some LEDs to blink. I 'll have to dig up a power adapter for more testing.

just remembered
the board and built in program will work with the batteries alone but your Analyst module will not
you will notice that the red MODULE light will not go on
to power the add on module you will need the adaptor
the program is significantly weaker with out the module powered on
Steve

[sje]

Further examination has shown:

Using a known good power adapter, batteries, and the ARB chessmen, I've found that the Saitek is seriously messed up both with and without the module. I might try taking it apart to see if there's any obvious and easily correctable damage; otherwise, to the the scrap heap.

I'm able to get the ARB to respond. However, the b4 reed switch is stuck on and the a2 reed switch is stuck off; many if not all other switches are working. When I get some time I think I'll do some exploratory surgery.

[Steve B]

Take your time Steve and try to fix both of them
especially that ARB-4.0
remember they were laying around in your closest for over 2 decades so no rush
If the board is in good cosmetic condition you do have a fairly valuable chess computer there
which pieces do you have ??
from my photos are they for the ARB or the Galileo?

an ARB with the original pieces in good condition with the 4.0 Module locked and loaded can get upwards of $750-$1000 on Ebay
might be best to sell when the markets calm down a bit though..right now collectors are not exactly spending their money on rare expensive old chess computers
on the flip side...they are selling them in droves
i am having a field day buying up old chess computers on Ebay for panic prices

Ruthless Regards
Steve

[sje]

The pieces are from the ARB. They are in good shape, although there is a nick in the crenelation of one of the black rooks. (Gosh, I always wanted to use that word and I finally got my chance!) Personally, I think that the Saitek pieces look better. If I could only find them.

The ARB piece location verification works, so I know that at least half the LEDs are operating . I think I can fix the reed switches, but I don't have the time for this right now. Most of the push buttons are working (or at least are responsive), but the Reset and Halt buttons look like they need adjustment. The wood is very nice, and even more so after I applied some polish.

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I also have a Novag Super VIP that I've retrieved from storage. I need an adapter or at least some AAA cells to see if it's still functional. It has a serial interface and somewhere I have the (apparently) needed four port extension box. I might try connecting this to a computer should time become available. The new CIL Toolkit has higher priority due in part to the remote hope that it might be ready in time for the ACCA PanAm event.

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I note with interest that early next year DGT is to offer a new version of its e-board that uses Bluetooth to operate wirelessly. This is something I proposed many years ago along with wireless clocks and it's satisfying that the scheme may now be realized.

[Steve B]

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I also have a Novag Super VIP that I've retrieved from storage.

the more you root around in your closet/basement the larger your collection grows i see

keep digging..who knows you might even dig up an old chess Robot or two

Archaeological Regards
Steve

[sje]

an ARB with the original pieces in good condition with the 4.0 Module locked and loaded can get upwards of $750-$1000 on Ebay

I'm not a big fan of Ebay, and I don't think I'd sell a working unit in good shape anyway. On the other hand, I'm in need of a new refrigerator because the ancient model that came with the house is sucking too many amps. We'll have to see how well I can fix up the ARB.

In my neck of the woods a good 26 cu. ft. side by side costs about US$1,500 which is actually less than what I paid for a high quality Kitchen Aid model twelve years ago. Add to that US$200 for a plumber to install a water line for the ice maker plus about US$80 to haul away the old unit. Some models have an LCD on the front for temperature control and access locking (!); maybe the microprocessor behind the curtain can be reprogrammed to play chess. My dishwasher uses a Zilog z80, but there's no display other than a few LEDs.