- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

Museum reports
by Evan Koblentz 13 Jun '19

13 Jun '19

A handful of visitors today, including one guy from Kansas and a couple who last visited a year or two ago. Between visitors, I worked on some VCF West business and also some personal projects. Steve A. came by to pick up our Digicomp 1 (our second) because he has expertise in restoring those.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Next Workshop is July 20
by Jonathan Sturges 13 Jun '19

13 Jun '19

Thanks Jeff!I know it could be a smaller crowd but I'm in. Message: 2 Date: Wed, 12 Jun 2019 11:41:40 -0400 From: Jeffrey Brace <jeffrey(a)vcfed.org> To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] Next Workshop is July 20 Message-ID: <CALWfZALKga57niENnWAE8XCMrAHAAA3Zt+6R9AzVKqFo=RCu9w(a)mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" I?m gonna schedule the next workshop for July 20 & 21. It will be in CDL because the ?radio guys? (NJARC) will be using 9032-A. I won?t be there because I will be traveling to St. Louis for my Uncle?s 90th birthday. I will send out a link for signup soon. -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President Vintage Computer Federation

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Re: Help identify Motorola transistor
by Sentrytv 12 Jun '19

12 Jun '19

You are welcome Mike R. Sent from: My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > On Jun 12, 2019, at 2:41 PM, Fred Terry <fdterry(a)verizon.net> wrote: > > Wow, that is just what I needed. I think the NTE331 NPN is the correct one so I’ll get it ordered and let you know. > > From my recollections of the individual who was working with his Persci 277, he was replacing all the tantalums. I > am doing the same. After starting my Imsai after many years of sitting, two tantalums popped on one of the boards. > The Persci is loaded with them. > > Thanks for your excellent help > Fred Terry > > >> On Jun 12, 2019, at 1:19 PM, Sentrytv <sentrytv(a)yahoo.com> wrote: >> >> See if this is correct specs >> http://www.nteinc.com/specs/300to399/pdf/nte331.pdf >> >> >> Sent from: >> My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. >> >>> On Jun 12, 2019, at 11:52 AM, Fred Terry <fdterry(a)verizon.net> wrote: >>> >>> 1075-1 >

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Re: Help identify Motorola transistor
by Sentrytv 12 Jun '19

12 Jun '19

See if this is correct specs http://www.nteinc.com/specs/300to399/pdf/nte331.pdf Sent from: My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > On Jun 12, 2019, at 11:52 AM, Fred Terry <fdterry(a)verizon.net> wrote: > > 1075-1

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Re: Help identify Motorola transistor
by Jeff G 12 Jun '19

12 Jun '19

This link may help, and seems to be related to the Persci... http://deramp.com/downloads/mfe_archive/020-Disk%20Drives/PerSci/Model%2027… Transistor cross reference: ------------------------------------- http://deramp.com/downloads/mfe_archive/020-Disk%20Drives/PerSci/Model%2027… Jeff aka Bags

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Help identify Motorola transistor
by Fred Terry 12 Jun '19

12 Jun '19

My name is Fred Terry. I was a member of the VCF list a few years ago but there was an incompatibility with my verizon.net <http://verizon.net/> address and I was dropped. I am not certain of protocol so please excuse. I am trying to revive my Persci 277 but I have a bad T0220 transistor marked with the (Motorola logo) followed by 813 and having a bottom line of 1075-1. I bought the Persci new in the late 70s and have all the manuals but the bad transistor is on the power supply board for which there is no information. I remember when I joined the VCF someone was working with his Persci 277 but I have lost his name. I have registered for the August repair weekend but I live in Cockeysville, Maryland and i am facing a three hour drive. I could avoid the drive if I could get a replacement transistor. I bought my Imsai 80/30 in the late 70s along with the Persci 277, a Diablo printer and a Sol monitor. I have all the manuals and documentation for these components as well as documentation for the CP/M operating system. The Imsai is running and I hope to get the Persci operating again so I can finish the program I was writing. When finished I intend to donate what I have to the VCF Museum. Fred Terry

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Next Workshop is July 20
by Jeffrey Brace 12 Jun '19

12 Jun '19

I’m gonna schedule the next workshop for July 20 & 21. It will be in CDL because the “radio guys” (NJARC) will be using 9032-A. I won’t be there because I will be traveling to St. Louis for my Uncle’s 90th birthday. I will send out a link for signup soon. -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President Vintage Computer Federation

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July workshop?
by Jeffrey Brace 11 Jun '19

11 Jun '19

There has been a request for a July workshop. If there is enough interest, then I will organize it. My feeling is that July 26 & 27 will work best. If I get at least 5 interested, then I will organize for that weekend. Reply to this e-mail if you are definitely interested. Optionally: July 6 & 7 in the usual area (9032-A) with Sandy area rooms available for overnight stay. July 13 & 14 in 9032-A, with no overnight rooms available. July 20 & 21 in the CDL space (Hackerspace) with Sandy area rooms available. -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President Vintage Computer Federation

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] I don't know if there will be a Maker Faire this year
by Ethan O'Toole 10 Jun '19

10 Jun '19

> [NON-Text Body part not included] When we ran mini makerfaires (~1500 people) we had to pay license fees based on per-attendee roughly. Maybe that expense will be shed for people doing them, but so will the resources they give you. Time will tell. The maker movement won't die. I had to quit my subscription to the magazine, it was just 3d printers over and over. And they changed the sized so they didn't match on the shelf anymore.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Tube Testing - any recommendations
by Sentrytv 10 Jun '19

10 Jun '19

Hi Mike I thought I'd put my two cents in the discussion here. We have quite a few guys in our group that are "tube savvy" and could definitely help you out. First thing I would start with Is obtaining the HealthKit diagram, so you can see what's going on in the circuits. Yes you do have to worry about high voltages.! Determine what the issue is first, if you have a trace or deflection, or not, if you have correct power supply voltages or not. Having the right tools like a VTVM for a tube related to repair is absolutely necessary. A digital meter will work as long as you have one that can handle the voltages. Most likely the power supply has bad capacitors, it but that Has yet to be determined by checking the voltages in the power supply, against the schematic diagram if possible. Having some new tubes on hand and swapping them out is not a bad idea, but usually not the best way to troubleshoot. If you plan on working on more tube type equipment, a tube tester is absolutely necessary! I am available for help if needed. And bringing it to one of our workshops is probably a good idea if you're in the area. Mike R. Sent from: My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > On Jun 10, 2019, at 10:17 AM, mwillega via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > <mime-attachment>

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] I don't know if there will be a Maker Faire this year
by Jeff G 10 Jun '19

10 Jun '19

Just got an announcement that the Philly Mini Maker Faire is still going on despite this, but yeah not good news either way. Here's the link to the Philly event on October 6th, 2019: https://philly.makerfaire.com/ Jeff (aka Bags)

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Re: vcf-midatlantic Digest, Vol 13, Issue 9
by Jeff G 10 Jun '19

10 Jun '19

Where are you located? I have a tube tester (several actually) Jeff (aka Bags) On Mon, Jun 10, 2019 at 12:07 PM <vcf-midatlantic-request(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Send vcf-midatlantic mailing list submissions to > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > https://lists.vcfed.org/mailman/listinfo/vcf-midatlantic > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > vcf-midatlantic-request(a)lists.vcfed.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > vcf-midatlantic-owner(a)lists.vcfed.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of vcf-midatlantic digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Tube Testing - any recommendations (mwillega) > 2. Re: Tube Testing - any recommendations (Evan Koblentz) > 3. Re: Tube Testing - any recommendations (Chris Fala) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Mon, 10 Jun 2019 10:17:59 -0400 > From: mwillega <mike(a)willegal.net> > To: vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org > Subject: Tube Testing - any recommendations > Message-ID: <EF8D7552-F12A-490D-BB87-61C0CC3BAB15(a)willegal.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 > > Hi all, > > I?m about to embark on my first restoration of a piece of tube based test > gear. It?s an old Heathkit Oscilloscope from the early 70s. I am looking > for recommendations for approaches to tube testing. Do I seek out or > build a tube tester or just test in circuit. Anything else that I should > look out for, besides the usual concerns about high voltages on the > chassis, and old degraded components. > > Regards, > Mike Willegal > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Mon, 10 Jun 2019 11:09:06 -0400 > From: Evan Koblentz <evan(a)vcfed.org> > To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> > Cc: mwillega <mike(a)willegal.net> > Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Tube Testing - any recommendations > Message-ID: <664e3d37-3600-19ff-36c5-2c5367ce3f9e(a)vcfed.org> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed > > > > Do I seek out or build a tube tester or just test in circuit. Anything > else that I should look out for, besides the usual concerns about high > voltages on the chassis, and old degraded components. > You might want to ask the NJ Antique Radio Club. They do this all the time. > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 3 > Date: Mon, 10 Jun 2019 11:12:23 -0400 > From: Chris Fala <chrisjpf33(a)gmail.com> > To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> > Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Tube Testing - any recommendations > Message-ID: > < > CAJCHokjMnpED5NSRON3fzk8BxG5oXJD3oUkvA+iJMDa0QWZUFw(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" > > There is a Facebook group called Vintage Electronic Test Equipment and a > lot of the guys there post stuff about tube testers. Might be a good > resource for information > > > > . > > On Mon, Jun 10, 2019 at 10:18 AM mwillega via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > Hi all, > > > > I?m about to embark on my first restoration of a piece of tube based test > > gear. It?s an old Heathkit Oscilloscope from the early 70s. I am > looking > > for recommendations for approaches to tube testing. Do I seek out or > > build a tube tester or just test in circuit. Anything else that I should > > look out for, besides the usual concerns about high voltages on the > > chassis, and old degraded components. > > > > Regards, > > Mike Willegal > > > End of vcf-midatlantic Digest, Vol 13, Issue 9 > ********************************************** >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Tube Testing - any recommendations
by Chris Fala 10 Jun '19

10 Jun '19

There is a Facebook group called Vintage Electronic Test Equipment and a lot of the guys there post stuff about tube testers. Might be a good resource for information . On Mon, Jun 10, 2019 at 10:18 AM mwillega via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Hi all, > > I’m about to embark on my first restoration of a piece of tube based test > gear. It’s an old Heathkit Oscilloscope from the early 70s. I am looking > for recommendations for approaches to tube testing. Do I seek out or > build a tube tester or just test in circuit. Anything else that I should > look out for, besides the usual concerns about high voltages on the > chassis, and old degraded components. > > Regards, > Mike Willegal

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Tube Testing - any recommendations
by Evan Koblentz 10 Jun '19

10 Jun '19

> Do I seek out or build a tube tester or just test in circuit. Anything else that I should look out for, besides the usual concerns about high voltages on the chassis, and old degraded components. You might want to ask the NJ Antique Radio Club. They do this all the time.

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Tube Testing - any recommendations
by mwillega 10 Jun '19

10 Jun '19

Hi all, I’m about to embark on my first restoration of a piece of tube based test gear. It’s an old Heathkit Oscilloscope from the early 70s. I am looking for recommendations for approaches to tube testing. Do I seek out or build a tube tester or just test in circuit. Anything else that I should look out for, besides the usual concerns about high voltages on the chassis, and old degraded components. Regards, Mike Willegal

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Museum report
by Evan Koblentz 08 Jun '19

08 Jun '19

A bunch of visitors to InfoAge today, but mostly for the military stuff because they had a D-Day 75th anniversary event. Highlight for us was a guy in his 30s who is part of the 2600/HOPE community. Between visitors I did some cleaning in the workshop + replied to VCF emails. Evan Koblentz Executive Director, Vintage Computer Federation evan(a)vcfed.org / (646) 546-9999 www.vcfed.org @vcfederation

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Festivus December 7 & 8, 2019
by Jeffrey Brace 08 Jun '19

08 Jun '19

Mark your calendars. The infamous VCFestivus party has been scheduled. Signup here: < https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1x0oSxqZXh8tmqqbUsP3KS3OywiNsEAOOmtq… > -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President Vintage Computer Federation <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> Virus-free. www.avast.com <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] PDP-11/10 PSU Repair/Warning
by systems_glitch 07 Jun '19

07 Jun '19

Apparently some of the other DEC power supplies include a fuse on the AC input for the 5411086 board! I guess they discovered the problem in the field, too. It is a little ironic that the board that generates power fail blew up :) That's why I'd suggested the analog circuit that generates AC LO/DC LO -- both of them had gone away on the backplane. I also find it interesting that DC LO really has nothing to do with the output of the various independent regulator modules. You'd think since DC LO is open collector, each module would be able to pull it down and it'd only be released when all modules were stabilized. That is of course one of the issues with memory write-protect lockout on nonvolatile RAM on S-100: you have to wait til all three supplies stabilize, and then factor in enough time delay for each board to also have stabilized before releasing *PRESET and/or memory write lockout. I guess that's why they built a signal in for just that purpose on IEEE-696! The current draw through the connector should be 2-3 A, the combined output from the 5411086 board's +15V and +8V supplies isn't supposed to exceed 4A and is fused at 5A. It's switchmode (albeit kinda weird early switchmode, using a uA723) so current out should be less than current in, even accounting for efficiency losses. A 1A load on the +15V supply didn't register on the (granted, somewhat insensitive) power meter I was using on the AC transformer primary side. I plan to include a 0-15A AC current meter on the "actually in a box" version of my AC test supply, for finer measurement of module consumption at given loads. I've also seen various old computers and other machines with fuses bypassed, or something that's not a fuse in the fuseholder (cut off pieces of bolt or rod are common). Not a good choice! I did once see a military computer power supply with "battle fuse" switches -- the switches bypassed the power supply fuses, presumably so that you didn't lose computer power in a critical situation from a fuse breaking due to concussion from a shell hit or something. Thanks, Jonathan On Fri, Jun 7, 2019 at 11:29 AM Herb Johnson via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > This caught my eye, so I looked at the schematic. Ironically, the > shorted full-wave rectifier is shown on the "power-fail" circuit > drawing. But the rectifier supplies all the unregulated DC voltage. > Unfortunately the fuse F1 is *after* the rectifier and not before. Thus > adding a fuse before the rectifier is wise. > > Bypassing the now-destroyed edge-connector pins is also wise. Did you > determine the normal AC current on those pins? I suspect a few amps, > thus those pins are at risk anyway. > > Thanks for calling this repair out. It's a cautionary tale about vintage > power supplies in general; look for AC-side fuses, install if not. I"m > looking at an IMSAI; the prior owner bypassed the AC fuse holder! ;( > > Shocked, > Herb > > > -- > Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA > http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net >

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PDP-11/10 PSU Repair/Warning
by Herb Johnson 07 Jun '19

07 Jun '19

This caught my eye, so I looked at the schematic. Ironically, the shorted full-wave rectifier is shown on the "power-fail" circuit drawing. But the rectifier supplies all the unregulated DC voltage. Unfortunately the fuse F1 is *after* the rectifier and not before. Thus adding a fuse before the rectifier is wise. Bypassing the now-destroyed edge-connector pins is also wise. Did you determine the normal AC current on those pins? I suspect a few amps, thus those pins are at risk anyway. Thanks for calling this repair out. It's a cautionary tale about vintage power supplies in general; look for AC-side fuses, install if not. I"m looking at an IMSAI; the prior owner bypassed the AC fuse holder! ;( Shocked, Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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PDP-11/10 PSU Repair/Warning
by systems_glitch 06 Jun '19

06 Jun '19

full writeup here: http://www.glitchwrks.com/2019/06/05/pdp1110-psu-repair I finally fixed the power supply in my PDP-11/10S, it turned out to be a shorted bridge rectifier on the 5411086 board, which provides +15 VDC, LTC, and AC LO/DC LO. Unfortunately, when it failed, the rectifier burned up the edge connector traces for the AC input to the board. I ended up cutting the edge connector traces away (what was left) and soldering on a pigtail to connect to the Mate-n-Lok coming from the AC transformer. I added a 15A inline fuse, in the repair. For those who have original 5411086s that haven't failed yet, you might want to make up a little pigtail with an inline fuse holder. It'd be easy to make up such that it could plug into the existing harness without permanent modification, and it'll save your edge connector traces if the rectifier shorts. It can happen in the other regulator modules too, but they use a Mate-n-Lok instead of an edge connector, so any damage would be repairable. Anyway, the PDP-11/10S is back up and running! Thanks, Jonathan

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Museum report
by Evan Koblentz 06 Jun '19

06 Jun '19

It was slow-ish at the museum today. Visitors included a man who last saw our exhibits a few years ago, and a family of five (three middle-school kids) who took a solid tour and asked smart questions. Wednesdays always get busy in the summer when school is out and families come to the shore on vacation. I'm looking forward to that. Docent days are more fun when there are lots of visitors.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Workshop report
by Jeffrey Brace 03 Jun '19

03 Jun '19

On Mon, Jun 3, 2019 at 11:24 AM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > I spoke to both of them briefly. > > The boy did not seem especially interested in the Commodore 64. > He (or maybe it was his mom) was more interested in what Jeff G. was > working on and his testing procedure and programming. > > Too bad his mother doesn't want him to buy vintage computers. > > If they live locally, I would encourage them to come to the workshop more > often. > Even if it's to see what's going on there, to help and learn. Yes. They live locally in Toms River. Evan had met them at the local maker faire and told them about VCF museum. Not sure if he mentioned VCFe. The boy, Justin, was interested in a variety of machines and I got him interested in trying BASIC programming by typing in the bouncing ball program from the Commodore User’s Guide. > > By the way the barbecue and grilling was fantastic and a very good idea! > > Mike R. > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > On Jun 3, 2019, at 11:14 AM, Jeff Galinat via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > Hi Jeff, > > The young man’s name is Justin and I am pretty sure his mom’s name is > Tracy. Since he seemed pretty interested I told them all about VCFE which > they did not know about. > > Jeff Galinat > > > > Sent from my iPhone > > > >> On Jun 3, 2019, at 10:56 AM, Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >> > >> One kid about 12 years old visited the museum and was highly interested > in > >> vintage computers. He knew many things which he learned from YouTube. > Some > >> accurate, some not. His mom said that he was bored from modern scratch > >> programming. I had him try out BASIC programming on the C64. He wants > to > >> buy vintage computers, but his mom won’t let him. He also checked out > the > >> repair workshop. He really enjoyed! > >> > >> ========================================= > >> Jeff Brace > >> Vice President > >> Vintage Computer Federation > > -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President Vintage Computer Federation

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Warehouse helpers needed
by Evan Koblentz 03 Jun '19

03 Jun '19

Everyone, We need a lot of help in the warehouse this summer. The work is mostly sorting and organizing, under my direction. There is some, but not a lot, of heavy lifting involved. What's in it for you: glory, lunch, and a sense of accomplishment. We need people who can give us a full day at a time. Wednesdays are best. Weekends are also possible. What's good: planning ahead for specific days. What's not so good: last-minute changes, unreliable people, inability to follow our guidelines/policies. Apply directly to me via evan(a)vcfed.org. -- Evan Koblentz, executive director Vintage Computer Federation www.vcfed.org evan(a)vcfed.org (646) 546-9999 VCF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

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Tanday Assembly comments
by Mike Loewen 03 Jun '19

03 Jun '19

I'm thinking about exhibiting at the Tandy Assembly in September. For those of you who attended last year, how did you like it? Mike Loewen mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/

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Workshop report
by Jeffrey Brace 03 Jun '19

03 Jun '19

We had about 10 or so people working on various systems. This time we did a BBQ Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. Everyone liked it. We are going to do it again in August. Evan switched out the Amdahl in the featured artifact and put in the Canon Cat. He also put back most of the newly acquired artifacts. One kid about 12 years old visited the museum and was highly interested in vintage computers. He knew many things which he learned from YouTube. Some accurate, some not. His mom said that he was bored from modern scratch programming. I had him try out BASIC programming on the C64. He wants to buy vintage computers, but his mom won’t let him. He also checked out the repair workshop. He really enjoyed! Next workshop is August 24 & 25. @Evan: Do you want to add anything? -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President Vintage Computer Federation

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TRS-80 PC-1 - New manufacture replacement LCDs
by Mark Whittington 03 Jun '19

03 Jun '19

Pretty awesome -- a YouTuber that I follow (Robert Baruch) designed replacement LCD modules for the TRS-80 PC-1 (aka Sharp PC-1211 Pocket Computer) and had them manufactured. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8Vagc0FJK8 He's received the samples and they work great, and so he's ordering 200 more and will have them for sale sometime soon. Seemed like something that might be of interest to this crowd :) Best, -Mark

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Breakfast tomorrow
by Jeffrey Brace 02 Jun '19

02 Jun '19

Us workshop people will meet tomorrow at 9am at The Blue Swan diner for breakfast. -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President Vintage Computer Federation <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> Virus-free. www.avast.com <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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Assembler inside Cobol
by Jeffrey Jonas 01 Jun '19

01 Jun '19

The MOBIDIC COBOL status report section 4.3.5 mentions the ENTER declarative for inserting assembler code for the PERFORM verb to execute. That's similar to ASM in C/C++. Everything old is new again! My dad and other early mainframe programmers often knew the machine's architecture and assembler to do things that were not part of the standard COBOL language, libraries or environment. They didn't call them "hacks", it was just part of getting their job done.

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New museum artifacts -- great stuff!!
by Evan Koblentz 30 May '19

30 May '19

There was a place in Wilmington, Delaware called the Museum of Business History and Technology. They closed and offered VCF most of their computer collection. We selected certain items. Today was trip number one. We'll take trip number two later this summer. I rented a box truck and drove down there. Bill Degnan (and his GF and the MBHT guy) helped me load up. Steve Anderson helped me unload back at InfoAge in a massive thunderstorm! Today's trip included: - Two Xerox Star 8010: these are massively historic! http://www.digibarn.com/collections/systems/xerox-8010/index.html ... Our oldest Xerox system until now was the 860. There's only one keyboard and monitor. MBHT has the mouse and they promised to dig it out and send it to us ASAP. I don't know if any other mouse can be used for testing in the meantime. - Xerox Daybreak (next version after the Star) - DEC Industiral-8 (not sure how complete it is) - Mac 20th anniversary edition - IMSAI 8080 - SWTP CT-64 terminal - PET 2001 with the black faceplate - About a half-dozen unusual analog desktop computers/trainers, including the "cowculator". - EAI TR-20. Bill I. is restoring our existing one, so this will help a lot for parts. - NeXT Cube. It's funny after the lengths we went through to get one last year! - IBM 5110 + drives. - Intersil computer ... Degnan knows about this; I don't. The next trip will be for rack-mount stuff. Stay tuned later this summer. :)

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] New museum artifacts -- great stuff!!
by Evan Koblentz 30 May '19

30 May '19

Oops, I didn't actually answer your questions! > Nice haul! We have two of the Xerox 'Dandelion' systems as well, including a load of software and several keyboards. Unfortunately, we have no monitors. Would love to collaborate on any restoration work and maybe learn more about the video interface in hopes that we can get ours running as well. Awesome! The best way to collaborate is to bring your systems to one of our repair workshops. > Also, VCM may be interested in any items from MBHT that VCF was not interested in. Feel free to connect me if you feel it would be appropriate. Unfortunately I can't do that. IRS rules state that when a 501(c)(3) closes, it can only give its assets to another 501(c)(3).

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] New museum artifacts -- great stuff!!
by Evan Koblentz 30 May '19

30 May '19

> Also, VCM may be interested What is VCM?

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] New museum artifacts -- great stuff!!
by W. Bryan Caudle 30 May '19

30 May '19

Nice haul! We have two of the Xerox 'Dandelion' systems as well, including a load of software and several keyboards. Unfortunately, we have no monitors. Would love to collaborate on any restoration work and maybe learn more about the video interface in hopes that we can get ours running as well. Also, VCM may be interested in any items from MBHT that VCF was not interested in. Feel free to connect me if you feel it would be appropriate. Thanks!

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June Repair workshop signup
by Jeffrey Brace 30 May '19

30 May '19

If you are interested in the June VCF repair workshop, then signup here: < https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cdRaUOarYmLe0c7Veddzl4HhOqB1BXTgTCQ… > We still have space available. I am planning on cooking burgers for dinner Saturday night on the grill. -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President Vintage Computer Federation

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Forgot to mention: great tour group today
by Evan Koblentz 30 May '19

30 May '19

I forget to mention in the "new artifacts" email that I made it back to IA around 3:45, just in time for a tour group from the Princeton University IT department. About a dozen people were in their group. They took a thorough tour lasting almost an hour. It went very well. They invited me to tour their data center.

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Warehouse on Saturday
by Evan Koblentz 30 May '19

30 May '19

For everyone attending this weekend's workshop: After today's haul from Delaware, Steve and I were not able to unload the truck until about 5:30, which was precisely the time when a MASSIVE THUNDERSTORM arrived in Wall Township. We emptied the truck as fast as humanly (nerdily?) possible for our own safety and that of the computers. It was not confidence-inspiring standing inside a big metal box while my phone blared out the "emergency storm warning" tone. We put everything immediately inside the warehouse doors and then got out of Dodge. I won't be there until Saturday mid/late-afternoon, so if you go in the warehouse before that, you will find an incredible mess of incredible stuff! Feel free to move things to the side as needed, but PLEASE DO NOT start putting things away, because there are specific places that I need to put it all. It'll get done by the end of the weekend. Thanks for understanding -- usually the messes are because I procrastinate; this time it was about personal safety.

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RIP: John Parsons
by William Sudbrink 30 May '19

30 May '19

I have unfortunately just discovered that John Parsons, who shared my interest in the Cromemco Cyclops and spoke at VCF East XI, passed away on March 29th: https://www.kentandpelczarfh.com/obituary/john-parsons Bill S. --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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Re: OT Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Saturday : evening plans?
by Laura S. Reinhard 29 May '19

29 May '19

for real I am not about plugging stuff. I am not even on the team officially yet. i just think its a lot of fun and you guys would enjoy it. apologies if I am out of order (dodging any tech debris that may be en route to my head) 😂 Best, Laura S. Reinhard

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Saturday
by Evan Koblentz 29 May '19

29 May '19

I can't be at the workshop until Saturday afternoon. Not sure what time; probably around 3-4 but that is a guess. -- Evan Koblentz, executive director Vintage Computer Federation www.vcfed.org evan(a)vcfed.org (646) 546-9999 VCF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

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Workshop Barbecue this weekend
by Jeffrey Brace 28 May '19

28 May '19

For this weekend’s repair workshop, I am going to get out the VCF grill for barbecuing some burgers. VCF will provide burgers, buns, ketchup, cheese, soda, plates, napkins. If you want anything more, then please bring it yourself. -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President Vintage Computer Federation

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Repair Workshop Info for June 2019
by Jeffrey Brace 28 May '19

28 May '19

As a reminder the workshop is $10 *per* person, *per* day. Sorry this is InfoAge's rule and not our decision. So that means for two days it is $20. Sign up quickly to guarantee a table. DATE: June 1 & 2 LOCATION: InfoAge Building 9032A - (2201 Marconi Road, Wall Township, NJ) TIME: Start about 10 A.M. on Saturday and ends whenever we go to sleep. End about 5 P.M. on Sunday. (Starts around 10 A.M. Sunday morning) SIGNUP: < https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cdRaUOarYmLe0c7Veddzl4HhOqB1BXTgTCQ… > COST: - $10 per person, PER day. This is required by InfoAge for us to pay for renting the space. - $25 for those wanting to stay overnight (Money goes to InfoAge). Please pay me when you get there so that I don't forget and then have to spend time chasing you down. Credit cards accepted. I will be using VCF's PayPal Here tablet with bluetooth credit card machine. OVERNIGHT: Bring your own pillow, blankets, soap etc. We provide a bed frame and an uncovered mattress. There are showers and a kitchen for your use. - You can pay via PayPal to paypal(a)vcfed.org. or to me via cash or credit card in person. EQUIPMENT: - VCF will provide a table and you can use any available electrical outlet. - Bring your own tools, power strips, power cords, and supplies etc. - If you need particular tools that you don't know or particular parts, please post to the list for those going. They may have what you need. Let them know ahead of time. - Please bring an extra one or two power cords as these are often forgotten by people. DRINKS: You should bring your own. I would recommend bringing a cooler of some type. FOOD: This time we will try something different. We are going to cook some burgers for lunch and dinner. No frills, so if you want anything extra, you provide your own. GATE: During the hours from 1 pm to 5 pm close the front gate behind you. We want museum visitors to go to the front lobby and not wander through the middle of the campus. Outside of those times, you can feel free to leave the gate open. PARKING: Park across from 9032 or 9010A on any blacktop area. InfoAge doesn't like us parking on the lawn anymore. QUESTIONS? Contact Evan : 646 - 546 - 9999 <646-546-9999> or evan @ vcfed.org <evan(a)vcfed.org> or myself (Jeff) : 732 - 759 - 1783 <732-759-1783> or jeffrey @ vcfed.org <jeffrey(a)vcfed.org> Have fun everyone! -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President Vintage Computer Federation

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] B&C Microsystems EEPROM software
by Matt Reynolds 28 May '19

28 May '19

Herb, It's vintage, which is why I thought I'd take a stab at asking you folks. The motherboard says it was made in 1989. 1. It is screen printed in the name on the device that it is rs-232. 2. I can try and use PuTTY and see if that works but I'm sure it needs more than that. 3. I'm trying to set this device up so i can read\burn EEPROMS, so I'd have to buy\use something else to read the one inside of it.. There is an 8085 processor in it. There is also an 8155 and 8251. 4. This may have been common in the past, but I'm only four years older than the device itself. I've never had to do it, I'm trying to learn about it, which is why I bought it in the first place :) I am not giving up hope that the software is out there somewhere. The software for it's more expensive relative is on bitsavers, I will probably try and install it and see what it does regardless. Maybe I'll get lucky and it will work. I'll also try the straight up serial connection and see what happens. Thanks, Matt On Mon, May 27, 2019, 3:34 PM Herb Johnson via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > software > > that goes with a B&C Microsystems Inc. UP100 Universal RS232 > E(E)PROM/Micro > > Programmer. > > If this is some modern unit with a single-chip microcontroller, you are > probably out of luck. If not, if it's vintage enough to have a > microprocessor and some ROM and some RAM: > > 1) confirm the unit is "RS-232" or serial. Many of them used a PC > parallel port. YOu'll have to reverse engineer the circuits at the DB25 > (or DB9) connector. > > 2) If it's really serial, chances are it can be operated with a serial > terminal (or PC running a comm program). You may have to guess at the > baud rates, it may be autobaud, using the first character received to > determine a baud rate. "Hit return a lot.". > > If it's PC parallel, you are mostly out of luck. But there's still: > > 3) if all that fails, Pull the PROM out of the unit - chances are it has > one - and dump it. Of course you'll need an EPROM reader, once, to do > this. Also note the processor in the unit. You may need to disassemble > the code, at least a little. But it may be informative even as an ASCII > dump. > > - Um, this is the kind of thing done, lots of time in the past, to make > sense of some unknown microcomputer. Is this "lost art" now? > > Puzzled, > Herb Johnson > > -- > Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA > http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net >

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Maker Faire C64 Reproductions
by Jeffrey Brace 28 May '19

28 May '19

Besides TheC64 MIni: <https://retrogames.biz/> The Ultimate C64 motherboard replacement: < http://www.1541ultimate.net/content/index.php?option=com_content&view=artic… > The 1541 Mini: < https://www.thefuturewas8bit.com/shop/commodore/sd2iec-c.html?gclid=EAIaIQo… > Cases: <https://www.breadbox64.com/c64-peripherals/new-c64c-cases/> Are there other C64 reproductions available? -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President Vintage Computer Federation

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Museum report
by Evan Koblentz 28 May '19

28 May '19

There was a CDL (makerspace) barbecue tonight, so Charlotte and I went early to do some organizing in the museum and warehouse. VCFed inherited an Eagle //e (CP/M computer) and Dan Roganti's PET 2001 during VCF East. We moved both of those out of the workshop and into the warehouse. We made room for the Eagle on the E-for-Epson shelving unit. The PET went with our other PETs; there was plenty of space in that section. We made a new "C" shelving unit for our two Canon Cats, and we're getting a third one soon. I am not sure what else will go on that unit. We made another P-for-portables shelving unit and filled it about halfway. Now all the of extra luggables that were piling up elsewhere are where they belong. Finally -- and this will make Jeff Brace happy -- we made a shelving unit for all of the VCF East show supplies. No more piling that stuff on pallets.

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B&C Microsystems EEPROM software
by Herb Johnson 27 May '19

27 May '19

> software > that goes with a B&C Microsystems Inc. UP100 Universal RS232 E(E)PROM/Micro > Programmer. If this is some modern unit with a single-chip microcontroller, you are probably out of luck. If not, if it's vintage enough to have a microprocessor and some ROM and some RAM: 1) confirm the unit is "RS-232" or serial. Many of them used a PC parallel port. YOu'll have to reverse engineer the circuits at the DB25 (or DB9) connector. 2) If it's really serial, chances are it can be operated with a serial terminal (or PC running a comm program). You may have to guess at the baud rates, it may be autobaud, using the first character received to determine a baud rate. "Hit return a lot.". If it's PC parallel, you are mostly out of luck. But there's still: 3) if all that fails, Pull the PROM out of the unit - chances are it has one - and dump it. Of course you'll need an EPROM reader, once, to do this. Also note the processor in the unit. You may need to disassemble the code, at least a little. But it may be informative even as an ASCII dump. - Um, this is the kind of thing done, lots of time in the past, to make sense of some unknown microcomputer. Is this "lost art" now? Puzzled, Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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B&C Microsystems EEPROM software
by Matt Reynolds 27 May '19

27 May '19

Hi all, This might be a longshot, but I was wondering if anybody has the software that goes with a B&C Microsystems Inc. UP100 Universal RS232 E(E)PROM/Micro Programmer. I picked this up at the Flea at MIT a couple years ago and it didn't have the software with it. I found software for a similar device they made, but I don't think it will work. If anybody can point me in the right direction I'dd appreciate it. Matt

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Binocular Loupe vs Microscope for vintage electronics repair
by corey cohen 27 May '19

27 May '19

So trying to decide on getting a binocular microscope or Binocular Loupe glasses for soldering and such on vintage computers. I don’t really do any SMD work, so $500+ for a good microscope vs $100 for a decent Binocular loop is a decision I need to make soon. Cheater glasses 2.5x used in conjunction with a large magnifier on an articulating arm just aren’t cutting it right now. What are your experiences with one vs another, if I don’t do surface mount work? Thanks, Corey corey cohen uǝɥoɔ ʎǝɹoɔ Sent from my iPhone

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Museum Report 2019-05-26
by Jeffrey Brace 26 May '19

26 May '19

Despite the good weather and holiday weekend, there was a dozen visitors and mostly high interest. One kid about 8 years old, who came with his parents claimed to know a lot about vintage computers. I told him, "That's a Lisa". He's like, "I know." He seemed to have some knowledge, seemingly to be from YouTube videos, etc. So he knew some stuff, but only a cursory knowledge. He was quite interested in trying all of them that he only saw on YouTube in person like the Osbourne, IBM PC, Macintosh, Apple 2, etc. He spent time on various computers and I let him try some of them out as best as I could. Not all of them have a lot of software with them. Another kid, of about 10 years old was with his parents and brother. He came to do a project on computers that he needed to graduate (his words) from elementary school. His father said that this was the only vintage computer museum within 200 miles. I gave him a full tour and let him try out some computers. I showed him how tedious it was to do a simple program on the HP 1000. I taught him the concept of octal in the process.. And I properly biased him towards Commodore computers. I said look at this Amiga from 1985 and look at that Macintosh from 1984, he was like "I would rather have the Amiga." ;) I also showed him how much better the C64 was than the Apple II. :-D He really enjoyed the tour. -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President Vintage Computer Federation

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PDP-11 RL02 Locations?
by W2HX 25 May '19

25 May '19

Hi all, Still working (slooooowly) on getting a PDP (or two) up and running. I am now ready to mount two RL02s into a small DEC rack cabinet from which they came. I can fit two RL02s into one rack (with the CPU as well). I have 5 RL02 drives numbered 0,0,1,1,3. Meaning I have 2 zeroes, 2 ones, and one three. My question is whether there there is a standard about the location of the drive numbers. Let me clarify, I know that I can change the number by moving the numbered light cover so this is easily changeable. But in a data center, was 0 typically on top? Or 1? I am not sure which operating system I will run (probably several). If drive 0 is treated differently than the others (for booting for example) then it might make sense to have 0 on the top where I can access the drive from the top without needing to extend the drive. Or, if any operating system can be booted off any drive number, then maybe it truly makes no difference. Thanks for the bandwidth Eugene

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Whoa - HP acquires Cray
by Evan Koblentz 24 May '19

24 May '19

https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/17/tech/cray-jurassic-park-computer/index.html

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Maker Faire this year
by Herb Johnson 23 May '19

23 May '19

> -Alexander 'Z' Pierson: Two machines come to mind: The uKENBAK-1 and > the ELF membership card. I have the former, and I'm willing to lend > but the latter I'm sure someone else has on hand. http://www.sunrise-ev.com/membershipcard.htm For those not familiar: The 1802 Membership Card is a reasonable replica to consider. It's pretty close in design, to the original 1976 RCA COSMAC ELF. It's part of a long tradition of ELF-like systems sold over the decades. It has toggle switches and LEDs, like the original; all parts are like-vintage. And it's not hard to build, it's sold as a kit with how-to-assemble manual. All of that, is a deliberate effort to replicate the vintage experience. This model been in distribution for several years now. Interest is steady, people work with them in the ELF/COSMAC community. I can provide one for display, but I can't be there to run it. In operation, you either run it from a serial terminal (USB dongle to a laptop), or toggle-in programs and run those (blink lights, make sounds if there's a speaker, etc.), or run from ROM. The ROM runs a monitor, or BASIC, or of course any program in ROM. But even as a static display, it's pretty neat to see a small compact microcomputer. Since it's the size of an Altoids can, it won't take much table space. Contact me, or the developer Lee Hart, if there's interest in displaying a model. Cheers, Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net preserve, recover, restore 1970's computing email: hjohnson AT retrotechnology DOT com or try later herbjohnson AT retrotechnology DOT info

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