Should I take this?

[Kyle Stapleton]

Cal Comp Drawing Board III - 44 x 60 - Model # 34600

Someone would like to give this to the school, is it something we should take?

[ntraub01]

Now that nearly all "drawings" originate in some sort of CAD software, I would not accept this piece of equipment because of its overall size and that more than likely you and your students are going to see very little practical use for use a behemoth. I believe these huge digital tablets were originally used for converting hand drawings to digital and were a type of "tracing" tablet.

Just my two cents.

[myxpykalix]

I live by the saying...."My name is Jimmy, i'll take anything you gimme"...

There have been occassions where i have used an old technology for a different purpose to accomplish something i needed to do and it is possible you could find a use. Off the top of my head, without researching this fully, if someone had some full size drawings possibly you could trace them with this to save it in a format you could use?:confused:

You could always pass it on to someone if you have no need or use for it (like me!):D

[steve_g]

Kyle…
The questions I’d ask myself:
Can the output be used by anything other than proprietary software.
Is there a “maintenance” or annual fee for the software.
Is the pointing devise proprietary… Is it easily lost, damaged or stolen.
Is there a fee for support.
Do I have room for something that won’t be used a lot.
Will it make a nice workbench…
SG

[tri4sale]

Cal Comp Drawing Board III - 44 x 60 - Model # 34600

Someone would like to give this to the school, is it something we should take?

Yes, with the donators understanding that if it ends up not of good use to the school, you can sell it and use the proceeds. Check used values on eBay and see if it can be converted to cash at some point.

[Kyle Stapleton]

Thanks for the help will be talking to the person about it on Monday.

[chiloquinruss]

Usually the biggest issue with older computer gear is the hardware interfaces., I have a really great vinyl cutter with a centronics parallel interface. After the parallel was high speed serial now called usb, then there is usb 2 vs usb 3 and then . . . . :D Find out about the interface and the availability of drivers that will work with current operating systems. Ah the joys of legacy hardware. :eek: Russ

[Ger21]

What Russ said. Calcomp has been out of business for close to 15 years, and I doubt that thing works with any versions of Windows newer than Windows 98.

[scottp55]

Kyle, I think like Steve G.'s last line,
"Will it make a nice workbench":)
Make a great painting staion with 4 stools and a lazy susan:)

[johnh]

I believe we had the EXACT same one and I chucked it in our dumpster about 8 years ago after it brought no bids on a no reserve ebay auction. I also still have a diazo blue print machine that anyone here can have for free if they want it. Pickup in south central pa.

[ssflyer]

There's one on eBay for $1500, but the specs call for Windows NT or 2000. Probably won't find drivers for anything newer.

These days, there are simply too many better options.

[frank134]

I have one. I used it for auto cadd and an est software pro I have. I don't use it any more. It just collect dust in the corner. Yes it worth around 1500. if you need a tracing board. The does upgrade with newer computer and can cost quite alot.

[Kyle Stapleton]

Well we took it, in hopes of getting other things in the future.