CPM Kaypros
Kaypro Computer History by Phil Clayton
CPM Models
Kaypro 2X (81-014, 81-025, 81-033)
Kaypro 4X (81-015 Stickered 4X)
Modified Kaypro/Kaypros used as part of a system
CPM Compatibility Problems
Resetting the Real Time Clock
Kaypro Clock
I recently had to have my Kaypro 4-84 operated on. Turns out the power supply was sending occasional power spikes. With that replaced, all is fine again. I recommend Xerox Service (at least the Rochester, New York, branch still knows CP/M machines - they were discharging an Osborne when the Kaypro and I arrived).The only problem was after servicing the machine when I used QP/M and got the message "Bad Clock?" It seemed to keep time okay after I reset it. I played with it for a day, but the message came up with each QP/M cold boot.
I don't know what made me think of it but I tried a program supplied with the machine - the graphic clock display in MBASIC. I have always thought it was pretty, but slow and not very useful. Haven't used it in over a year.
When I ran the Kaypro clock program, it asked if I wanted to set the clock. I said no because the clock was displaying the correct time with other programs. Then it said, "Clock not initialized ... , Enter new value:" and I said YES. It paused a moment and then asked for the time to set the clock. When I next cold booted with QP/M, all was fine.
I suggest that after any internal hardware work on a Kaypro with a clock, the Kaypro clock program should be run. That may solve other people's clock problems. My other suggestion is to buy QP/M. After getting QP/M the clock keeps good time - before, it lost a few minutes a week.
(Micro Cornucopia, May-June 1989)
End of CP/M machines
Kaypro announced its decision to discontine manufacturing and marketing the CP/M line in November 1987 in order to "focus its sales and marketing efforts on a smaller group of mainstream technology computers."
The announcment also stated, "The company will continue to provide technical support and will maintain available spare parts to support out-of-warranty needs of [CP/M] end users."
Although there frankly are not a whole lot of Kaypro dealers who still service CP/M Kaypros, the ones who do are quite commited to the CP/M user.
(Profiles, July 1988)