Description
Altos TCU/2 A System V 386 MultiDrop Unit 8x RS-232 2x Parallel 1x Multidrop
The Altos TCU/2 A is a terminal concentrator and multidrop unit designed for use with Altos System V Series 386 multiuser computer systems. It expands the host system's connectivity by providing eight RS-232 serial ports, two parallel ports, and one multidrop port in a compact desktop enclosure — allowing multiple terminals, printers, and peripheral devices to share a single Altos host.
Specifications & What's Included
- Brand: Altos
- Model: TCU/2 A
- RS-232 Serial Ports: 8 × DB-25
- Parallel Ports: 2 × DB-25
- Multidrop Port: 1
- Voltage: 115V AC
- Frequency: 60Hz
- Current Draw: 0.135A
- Power Consumption: 20W
- Fuse Rating: 2A / 250V
- IEC AC inlet with rocker power switch on rear panel
- Form Factor: Desktop enclosure
- Country of Manufacture: United States
- Front panel power and RS-232 port status indicator LEDs
- Unit only — no cables or software included
Applications
The Altos TCU/2 A was designed specifically for Altos System V Series 386 multiuser systems, which were a line of Unix-based minicomputer-class machines popular in small and medium business environments during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Altos Computer Systems built a strong reputation in the multiuser computing market during this era, offering 8086, 286, and 386-based platforms running Unix System V — allowing multiple users to share computing resources through character terminals. The TCU/2 A terminal concentrator expanded the number of RS-232 serial connections available to the host, enabling additional dumb terminals, serial printers, and other peripherals to connect simultaneously. This type of unit was essential in multiuser Unix environments where a single system might support dozens of concurrent users through individual terminal sessions. Today these units are sought primarily by collectors of vintage Altos hardware, hobbyists maintaining legacy Unix System V installations, and organizations with ongoing legacy Altos system support needs.
This Altos TCU/2 A System V MultiDrop Unit has been inspected and is in good used condition. It was pulled from a working environment where it was actively in use and functional. The beige desktop enclosure shows typical light surface wear consistent with normal office use. The rear DB-25 RS-232 and parallel port connectors appear intact and undamaged. The rating label on the bottom is clearly legible. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions. Please note: We have multiple units in stock — yours may not be the one shown in the photos, however, it will be similar in condition and function.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Altos |
Model: |
TCU/2 A |
MPN: |
TCU/2 A |
Type: |
MultiDrop Serial/Parallel Concentrator Unit |
SKU: |
15824 |
Number of RS-232 Ports: |
8 |
Number of Parallel Ports: |
2 |
Number of Multidrop Ports: |
1 |
Interface Type: |
RS-232, Parallel, Multidrop |
Connector Type: |
DB-25 (RS-232 and Parallel) |
Voltage: |
115V |
Frequency: |
60Hz |
Current: |
0.135A |
Power Consumption: |
20W |
Fuse Rating: |
2A / 250V |
Form Factor: |
Desktop |
Power Requirements: |
115V AC, 60Hz |
Compatible With: |
Altos System V Series 386 |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Condition: |
Used – Pulled from Working Environment |
Seller Notes: |
Unit only; pulled from a working Altos System V environment. |
Condition Notes: |
Altos TCU/2 A MultiDrop Unit in good used condition. Pulled from a working Altos System V environment where it was in active use and functional. Light surface wear; ports appear intact. Please contact us with any questions. |
