Trouble shooting archaic instruments...

As an active researcher in the scientific world, I have said good byes to many obsolete pieces of equipment after their software or hardware was no longer supported by the original manufacturer. Windows progresses, and so does software. Hardware progresses as well. We hate to say goodbye to a well functioning piece of equipment because we can no longer receive service.  On the flip side, I love getting a great deal on a piece of lab equipment that I can use myself. I can find the companies willing to certify and warranty these instruments, giving me access at a fraction of the cost. 
I finally bit the bullet and purchased an RTPCR machine to run multiplexes of virus and viroid assays. Finding which cables and computer would support it all was quite the endeavor. Knowing what you need is more than half the battle.
I can see the top of this mountain...