The discussion of the Alien series of films and the props used in them is the aim, but if it's got Big Bugs and Big Guns, then they are welcome too!





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 Post subject: Prop Parts: Sentry Gun Remote Terminal (Gridcase Refrences)
PostPosted: Sat Dec 27, 2008 11:51 pm 
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Location: Wasteland Minnesota, USA
Service Number: A06/TQ2.0.65181E6
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This is a FAQ regarding the Sentry Gun Remote Terminal "laptop" Computers used in Aliens.

Since we still receive quite a few questions regarding...

Quote:
Is this the correct model of Gridcase computer that I bought?


...I've decided to post a comparison list of images of the different
models of GRiD Computers.

If you have better images of certain models, feel free to share
them and we'll update the FAQ. Also, if you have better technical
information (or more accurate) than what I post, feel free to share
it and we'll update that as well. Most of the information I'm posting
is from memory (mine, not computer. ;) ) so it may be a little
inaccurate.

Some models have been eliminated, mainly those that look nothing
like the film used versions (which includes all the pen/tablet models
and the later clamshells that deviated from the earlier elongated
design due to advancements in technology).

Russ Krook III
Admin
==================================

The exact model of GRiDCase computer used in Aliens is a matter
of some debate. The original film used computers have long since
disappeared and nobody has stepped up with them in the movie
prop collector's community to share information.

The following information is based strictly on screen captures and
cross comparison of photos with the movie items.

Film Reference items:

Image

Photo and information courtesy of Harry Harris! Photo was
taken at the Alien War attraction. This GRiDCase is a replica
made from Plexiglass and some real GRiD component parts (such
as the keyboard). The monitor has a static film overlay on the
screen.

Screen captures adjusted for brightness and contrast.

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

The only laptop parts that have appeared for sale is
a single "monitor" with a static (non-moving) graphic overlay attached, created
for the Alien War atttraction.

Image

=============================

GRiD Compass - 1100/1101/1107.

8086 processor, internal 128-512k non-volitile bubble memory,
magnesium alloy case and (yellow) gas plasma display.
320x240 (Hercules Monochrome) resolution, 80x24 text.
First introduced in April, 1982. Original price $8150.

Image

The photo below is the Grid Compass model 1107.

Image

GRiD Compass II - 1129/1131/1137/1139

The photo below is of the Compass II model 1129.

Image

The photo below is of the Compass II model 1131.

Image

The photo below is of the Compass II model 1137.

Image

8088 processor, Amber-Plasma display (also Red Display),
128-512k NV Bubble memory, 10 MB HDD, same magnesium alloy
case. 512x240 (Hercules Monochrome) resolution.
First introduced in June, 1984

Image

It's believed that the Compass II model 1139 Is the
version used in the film. The GRiDCase 2 is the next closest
to the screen used items.


GRiDCase (aka GRiDCase 1/I)

Featured a Low End LCD display, 640x240 resolution(?).
8086 processor, 3.5" 720k Floppy drive, 128k-640k RAM.
First introduced in April, 1985.

GRiDCase 2/II

Image

The GRiDCase 2 came with either an "Enhanced" Green/blue LCD
monitor (pictured) or Amber Plasma, MSDOS 2.11 stored on ROM.
Internal 720k 3.5" Floppy drive.

GRiDCase 3/III

Image

Image

"High contrast (Red) gas-plasma display." (CGA Resolution)
8086 processor, internal 720k 3.5" Floppy drive. 512k - 1MB ram.

GRiDCase 4/IV

According to http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?st=1&c=1054

The Gridcase 4 ''...used a full size yellow electoluminescent screen that was also offered on the high end
earlier Grid Compass Computers.''

GRiDCase Plus

Photos below are of the GRiDCase 2 Plus model.

Image

Image

Photo below is of the GRiDCase 3 Plus model.

Image

Essentially, they are versions of the above (GRiDCase 1-4) with the
additional row of function keys added on the keyboard.
First introduced in September, 1986.

GRiDCase Tempest

Image

Military version of the GRiDCase 4 Plus with the Amber (Yellow) EL
monitor. Some military versions of the Gridcase computers are said
to have an "X" moulded into the metal case, showing where to
shoot (and thereby destroy) the hard drive in the event that
capture by an enemy is possible.

The computer case/monitor usually only has the "GRiDCase" label
on the exterior, but "Tempest" labels can be found on the interior,
sometimes located on the Floppy Drive or other components.

The Tempest is reported to have a 286-16mhz processor.

GRiDCase - 1520

Image

Image

Same basic unit as the 1530, but with a 286-10mhz processor.
Has function keys like the Tempest. 640k base memory with 384
EMS. (Amber monitor) CGA Graphics Adapter. Could use either a
20mb, 40mb or 100mb HDD. Sold in 1986.

GRiDCase - 1530/1535

Image

One of the easiest to find Grids. 386DX processor, Up to 8 MB ram,
(amber) CGA graphics LCD monitor, internal 3.5" 1.44MB floppy
drive. Up to 120 MB Internal HDD. Internal power pack swappable
with a battery pack. Sold in 1988.

GRiDCase - 1550

386SX processor. First Grid with a factory standard VGA LCD
monitor, integrated pointing device. Designed to be used with the
Windows OS. Monitor also reported to be an "orange plasma" with
standard VGA at 640x480 resolution.
Sold in 1990.

GRiDCase - 1720

Image

80C286 Processor
3MB RAM
20 MB HDD
Monochrome VGA LCD Monitor
Sold in 1991 (1993?)

One of the more modern models, their case design has changed
from the large elongated "brick" style of the previous versions. Not
really accurate for a movie "prop replica."

GRiDCase - 1755

Image

486SLC Processor
4 MB RAM
80MB HDD
1.44mb Floppy
MSDOS 6.1/Windows 3.1
Monochrome LCD monitor.

One of the more modern models, their case design has changed
from the large elongated "brick" style of the previous versions. Not
really accurate for a movie "prop replica."

=========================

Revision notes.

Created by Russ.
Additional GRiDCASE 1-4 info supplied by Matt Noble.
Tempest photo supplied by Kevin Burton.
Compass II additional info and picture supplied by Stephan Dorger.
Gridcase 2 picture supplied by Rick "Ripstick"

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Last edited by Russ Krook III on Wed Jan 28, 2009 9:40 pm, edited 24 times in total.

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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 1:47 am 
You tell me man, I only work here.
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Location: Los Angeles
Country: United States
Any luck with a new terminal program?

Here's some info:

Gridcase1 - low end LCD
Gridcase2 - enhanced LCD
Gridcase3 - Red Plasma
Gridcase4- Yellow Electroluminescent (RARE)
Gridcase Plus- versions of above with function row keys.
Gridcase Tempest - military plus version of Gridcase4


I've seen Gridcase 2, 3, plus, and tempest versions on ebay.

I have a Gridcase plus Owner's guide if someone is interested in
scanning.

In my opinion the Gridcase versions are the best option.
(except the lcd ones) At least they have an internal floppy drive, and are not as collectable as the compass series.

With a compass, you need this huge external 384k floppy drive to
put data on it. Who has those now-a-days?


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 3:16 am 
Site Admin
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Location: Wasteland Minnesota, USA
Service Number: A06/TQ2.0.65181E6
Country: United States
No luck on the terminal program.
I was supposed to get the prelim source code from Jim S.,
but never received anything. :(

Thanks for the additional info. I knew about the Tempest, just didn't know where it was supposed to fit into the lineage.

And adding that in also clarified a bit of trivia I had about the military GRiDs.

Thanks!

Russ

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http://www.rookscastle.com
http://www.alchemyarms.com


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 11:40 pm 
Site Admin
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Location: Wasteland Minnesota, USA
Service Number: A06/TQ2.0.65181E6
Country: United States
Updated some of the pics and info.

Also, if anyone knows the manufacturing/sales dates of the GRiDCase 1-4 series, please let me know.

Enjoy!

Russ

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"A writer needs a pen, a painter a brush, and a filmmaker an army." - Orson Wells.

http://www.rookscastle.com
http://www.alchemyarms.com


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PostPosted: Fri Jan 02, 2009 2:31 am 
"There's never enough whiskey..."
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Location: LI new york
Service Number: A11/TQ0.0.82157E1
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i wonder if there is a way to take out the guts of one and insert new parts hardware to create an awesome looking laptop...

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PostPosted: Fri Jan 02, 2009 2:35 am 
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Location: Wasteland Minnesota, USA
Service Number: A06/TQ2.0.65181E6
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I'd say no, but when you do it... I'll be the first to say yes. ;)

Since people can kitbash virtually any PC case these days, I don't see why someone with the time and energy couldn't take an older laptop and transplant it into the metal GRiD body.

You'd just need something small... perhaps Sub 13" screen.

Maybe one of those new EEpc's would work? They're pretty
cheap (under $300) and very small to boot.

Asus is supposedly coming out with one this year that's $200.

Russ

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http://www.rookscastle.com
http://www.alchemyarms.com


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PostPosted: Fri Jan 09, 2009 9:53 pm 
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Location: Chicago
I had a good copy of the screens that someone did but I can't find them. Can someone repost?

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PostPosted: Sat Jan 10, 2009 6:23 pm 
They mostly come at night... mostly.
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Location: Middlesbrough, England
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I'm not sure which ones you wanted, but if you look on my site HERE, there are some static pics of my program (click the thumbnails for full size ones) which you can save. There are also some pics of it running on a laptop.

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PostPosted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 4:27 am 
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Location: Chicago
Ohhh, Money!!!!
Thanks.

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