Mephisto Modules Architecture and Interoperability

[braeburn]

There are lots of offers on eBay for single modules, eg opening modules HG440 or engine modules, eg Amsterdam 68000.

Obviously one needs a display module and a keyboard module, but this is all that most contain, eg MM1 or MMIV.

1 Do the opening modules work with any pair of keyboard+display?
2 Do the engine modules work with any such pair?
3 Is there a clear list anywhere on the modules available, eg MM3000, MM4500, MM1,...

Is there documentation on this? I've googled to no avail.

[Steve B]

There are lots of offers on eBay for single modules, eg opening modules HG440 or engine modules, eg Amsterdam 68000.

Obviously one needs a display module and a keyboard module, but this is all that most contain, eg MM1 or MMIV.

1 Do the opening modules work with any pair of keyboard+display?
2 Do the engine modules work with any such pair?
3 Is there a clear list anywhere on the modules available, eg MM3000, MM4500, MM1,...

Is there documentation on this? I've googled to no avail.

hi Bernard
i know of no single place that contains a list like that

i will try to provide a very quick summary here but it is not complete

there were four opening book modules released that will only work with the program shown:
HG170-MM1
HG240-MM2
HG-440-MMIV
HG-550-MMV

as to the Keyboards and display units ...

they are different depending on the program module
so for example..the keyboard and display modules for the Amsterdam is different then for the Genius
in fact the keyboard modules were only used for the Glasgow S,Amsterdam,Dallas and Roma
after the Roma,the Almeria and all subsequent modules had the keyboards built into the Program modules

you can see photos of all of these models and every module ,keyboard,display screen and opening book module ever released by Mephisto in my collection here:

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/cpaa2@sbcgl ... 2317730447

if you have any questions about anything in particular feel free to ask

Make Mine Modular Regards
Steve

[braeburn]

you can see photos of all of these models and every module ,keyboard,display screen and opening book module ever released by Mephisto in my collection here:

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/cpaa2@sbcgl ... 2317730447

if you have any questions about anything in particular feel free to ask

Brilliant, thanks!

3 questions:

1. In your pictures you have MM1 module and next to it the HG170, and you say these were compatible. However they look a different shape...

2. What's a B&P?

3. Do you have a web page for your collection in general?

[Steve B]

Brilliant, thanks!

3 questions:

1. In your pictures you have MM1 module and next to it the HG170, and you say these were compatible. However they look a different shape...

the HG170 book module actually is inserted inside the modular board by removing the back cover of the board
there is a spot inside the back of the board to take the book module
the other three book modules get inserted in the front of the computer along side the module

2. What's a B&P?

thats the B(Blitz) and P(Problem) module
program by Ulf Rathsman(of Conchess Fame)

you can see more info on the B&P here
better brush up on your German though:
http://www.schach-computer.info/wiki/in ... isto_B%26P

3. Do you have a web page for your collection in general?

sure..the main page is here:

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/cpaa2@sbcglobal.net/albums/


when you go into an album only the first 100 photos will appear on each page
so you must go to the second page of the album to see the whole collection of that particular manufacturer
or you can click the "1-100" listing on the top right and select .."show all"

Family Albums Regards
Steve

[braeburn]

the HG170 book module actually is inserted inside the modular board by removing the back cover of the board
there is a spot inside the back of the board to take the book module
the other three book modules get inserted in the front of the computer along side the module

I've got a battery powered board. Does that mean HG170 is no use to me?

[Steve B]

the HG170 book module actually is inserted inside the modular board by removing the back cover of the board
there is a spot inside the back of the board to take the book module
the other three book modules get inserted in the front of the computer along side the module

I've got a battery powered board. Does that mean HG170 is no use to me?

you have a modular board or the exclusive (wooden)board?
both work on batteries
if the modular..
when you remove the back cover to insert the batteries the slot for the book module is on the top right

Best
Steve

[braeburn]

you have a modular board or the exclusive (wooden)board?
both work on batteries
if the modular..
when you remove the back cover to insert the batteries the slot for the book module is on the top right

The exclusive wooden. Got in on eBay for E76 with MM1 (it said). Item 150106586714. A little scratched here and there but nothing some TLC won't cure.

Looking for a program upgrade and trying to clarify my options.

(anyone selling anything email me on bernard@braeburn.co.uk, anything considered)

[Steve B]

you have a modular board or the exclusive (wooden)board?
both work on batteries
if the modular..
when you remove the back cover to insert the batteries the slot for the book module is on the top right

The exclusive wooden. Got in on eBay for E76 with MM1 (it said). Item 150106586714. A little scratched here and there but nothing some TLC won't cure.

Looking for a program upgrade and trying to clarify my options.

(anyone selling anything email me on bernard@braeburn.co.uk, anything considered)

the batteries for the Exclusive are inserted by not removing the back of the board but by pushing in the front panel thereby exposing the battery compartment as it slides out of the top of the unit

so i dont think you can insert the HG170 module as the Exclusive board was not meant to be opened
however i never tried to use the HG170 with an exclusive board so i might be wrong about that

Modular boards are very inexpensive and appear quite often on Ebay

if you already have the HG170 Book module then i think its worth buying a used Modular board so you can use the HG170 module which by the way is a somewhat hard to find module
but i am not sure from your posting if you already have the HG170 or are thinking of getting one

Best
Steve

[braeburn]

but i am not sure from your posting if you already have the HG170 or are thinking of getting one

I have only the MM1 module, no HG170. The point of my original post was to clarify what upgrade module options I can usefully bid for. And you've clarified that very well. It has to be MM2 at least, and possibly with the relevant openings book.

So many thanks!