Funny, I know exactly what kits you're talking about, because I used one in my undergrad microcomputer lab.

The unit I was using had an interesting flaw: the power switch didn't work so the DC rails were always active. I noticed this, and told the teaching assistant that, "this thing is broken ... the power supply is always on" and he said, "it works fine ... we just tested it." I was like, "um, dude, this thing is broken; gimme a meter so I can prove it to you."

I finally had to drag the TA down to the electronics lab in the basement, where I showed the unit to the no-nonsense tech, who did a quick test and told the TA, "This thing is broken. Give him another one."

The TA never forgave me for that, and he was probably not happy that I got an A in the course.

Anyways, those things were obsolete in 1985. I wouldn't be surprised if our units were surplussed out and they're now in India.

-a