- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

OT: Dell laptop for sale
by Evan Koblentz 05 Oct '16

05 Oct '16

I'm selling a laptop. It is a Dell Latitude E6510. Works fine, needs new battery, has small chip in the plastic frame behind the monitor. It runs Linux Mint 18. This is a good, fast-ish system. $100 firm.

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Evan's Lego Robot work made the Make: cool stuff list
by Douglas Crawford 04 Oct '16

04 Oct '16

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Woohoo! Award....
by Evan Koblentz 03 Oct '16

03 Oct '16

We won a Maker Faire Editor's Choice award. It's our second time; we won two years ago.

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Reaching our goals (big news)
by Evan Koblentz 03 Oct '16

03 Oct '16

Vintage Computer Federation has big dreams. We’re restructuring our organization to help make them come true. Our mission is to empower collectors, grow the community, and teach everyone about computer history. We especially want to raise interest in computer history among young people. To do so, we are planning many changes. For example, we want to expand the Vintage Computer Festival event series, offer new resources on the vcfed.org site, foster regional chapters, and improve our museum space. There are still other ideas that we hope to share in 2017 and beyond. We firmly believe these goals are attainable and imperative. However, as an all-volunteer unit, there simply isn’t enough time to devote to our cause without overly sacrificing time spent at our regular jobs, being with family, collecting vintage computers, and so on. As such, effective today, Vintage Computer Federation co-founder Evan Koblentz is stepping down as president and accepts the new position of part-time director. Evan is the Federation’s first employee. He reports to the board. Evan will continue day-to-day administration of the Federation and will embark on new fundraising initiatives. Erik Klein, formerly vice president, is now board chairman. Jeffrey Brace, also formerly a vice president, is now vice-chairman. Corey Cohen retains his role as business manager. We feel this new structure will help us gain resources, meet our goals, and continue to save and teach computer history for many years to come. Vintage Computer Federation Inc. is a 501(c) non-profit organization.

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Reaching our goals (big news)
by Evan Koblentz 03 Oct '16

03 Oct '16

Vintage Computer Federation has big dreams. We’re restructuring our organization to help make them come true. Our mission is to empower collectors, grow the community, and teach everyone about computer history. We especially want to raise interest in computer history among young people. To do so, we are planning many changes. For example, we want to expand the Vintage Computer Festival event series, offer new resources on the vcfed.org site, foster regional chapters, and improve our museum space. There are still other ideas that we hope to share in 2017 and beyond. We firmly believe these goals are attainable and imperative. However, as an all-volunteer unit, there simply isn’t enough time to devote to our cause without overly sacrificing time spent at our regular jobs, being with family, collecting vintage computers, and so on. As such, effective today, Vintage Computer Federation co-founder Evan Koblentz is stepping down as president and accepts the new position of part-time director. Evan is the Federation’s first employee. He reports to the board. Evan will continue day-to-day administration of the Federation and will embark on new fundraising initiatives. Erik Klein, formerly vice president, is now board chairman. Jeffrey Brace, also formerly a vice president, is now vice-chairman. Corey Cohen retains his role as business manager. We feel this new structure will help us gain resources, meet our goals, and continue to save and teach computer history for many years to come. Vintage Computer Federation Inc. is a 501(c) non-profit organization.

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Fwd: equipment available - NH
by Evan Koblentz 03 Oct '16

03 Oct '16

-------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: equipment available - NH Date: Sat, 1 Oct 2016 15:24:12 -0500 From: Jay West <jwest(a)classiccmp.org> Reply-To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts <cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> To: cctalk(a)classiccmp.org I have no idea how many people this person emailed, but I did get emailed directly about it so passing it on.. "Stuff" available (as of today for sure) in central NH. See a few pictures at www.ezwind.net/nh <http://www.ezwind.net/nh> The person said it includes 2 or 3 systems (altos? PDP? Vax?), and a lot of documentation and media. Some other documentation is present for other systems (Honeywell, etc.). They also said some Prime manuals but not sure I buy that. Snippets in email I received: You would not want to see what I have go into the dump. My Dad was a programmer from day until . His life's work is in my basement. Includes a VAX and a Dec PC and an Altos. Also have numerous PDP and PDP material. Many VAX/VMS manuals, multitude of software and manuals. And. We have some PDP=10 and somePDP11 books and manuals. Prime. And. Still available. Location Central NH. Come get it or call me via telephone. Where do you want it shipped and can you pay for freight charge? Want it gone now as soon as possible. Thank you. And. Here are pics of the DEC machines and an Altos. All of the documentation goes with the computers and some is from other mid-range platforms. Some text books as well. I need to sell all of this stuff to an interested buyer. Moving and can't take it with me. If you are serious (and able) to get this equipment within a week or two, then contact me off-list and I'll send an introduction email. Whoever takes this on should be in the NorthEastern US at least.. Best, J

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vintage.org
by william degnan 03 Oct '16

03 Oct '16

http://www.vintage.org/ umm.

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TRS-80 digitizer
by Mike Loewen 03 Oct '16

03 Oct '16

Are these things really so rare that they fetch $300? http://www.ebay.com/itm/302092943083 I may have to reconsider hanging on to mine. Mike Loewen mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Woohoo! Award....
by william degnan 02 Oct '16

02 Oct '16

On Sun, Oct 2, 2016 at 4:24 PM, Ben Greenfield via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Ben Greenfield <ben(a)cogs.com> > To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> > Cc: > Date: Sun, 2 Oct 2016 23:24:20 +0300 > Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Woohoo! Award.... > I’m not surprised this is the most talented group I know. > > > On Oct 2, 2016, at 11:21 PM, Corey Cohen via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > > > > Awesome > > > > corey cohen > > uǝɥoɔ ʎǝɹoɔ > > > >> On Oct 2, 2016, at 2:15 PM, Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > >> > >> We won a Maker Faire Editor's Choice award. It's our second time; we > won two years ago. > > > Post some photos

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contact info needed
by Jeffrey Jonas 02 Oct '16

02 Oct '16

I'm trying to contact Christopher Bachmann of randomvariations.com. The email address I have no longer works. His web site has everything ... except any contact information or way to create a login! It may be best to contact me privately: jeffj/at/panix/dot/com -- jeff jonas

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Maker Faire, the journey begins
by Evan Koblentz 01 Oct '16

01 Oct '16

Was mostly done with my robot -- with a lot of phone help from Dan R. -- by 4:45. Jeff B. is picking me up at 5:30. Who needs sleep? :)

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Museum Closed this weekend
by Jeffrey Brace 30 Sep '16

30 Sep '16

We will all be at Maker Faire 10/1 and 10/2. -- Jeff Brace - ark72axow(a)gmail.com

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Help! LOGO programming
by Evan Koblentz 30 Sep '16

30 Sep '16

I'm stumped on a few things in LOGO for the Apple II. Can anyone help me by phone now?

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Looking for Bruce from Future Dimensions, Compuware
by Microtech Dart 30 Sep '16

30 Sep '16

Interesting story (well maybe for some). For any of you who have followed my projects, here is some context: It is one and the same company who used both the Point 4 IRIS systems and the Convergent Technologies MightyFrame systems that I have spent the last 3 years reconstructing and restoring. Some of the guys from that company distinctly remember one single programmer, who was responsible for programming (and possibly sourcing the hardware) for both of these systems for them. The programmer's name was Bruce, who's initials were BAM, and who worked for a company in the Los Angeles California area called Future Dimensions, back in the 1982-1985 area. It is also possible that he later had some connection with Compuware around the same timeframe.. Anyway, I thought I would just put this "out there", to see if anyone reading this might be this very Bruce, or someone who might know who he is. He once wrote this program to run on login of their Point 4 IRIS system. He also often commented his programs as the author as BAM. #BASIC 2/CALLME LIST 10 DIM A$[10],B$[50] 20 IF ERR 0 GOTO 40 30 INPUT ""A$ 40 PRINT "\207\\233\*\215\\215\\215\\215\\215\\215\\215\\21 5\\215"; 41 PRINT "CHUCK, THE LOCATION REPORT IS READY." 42 PRINT "ALSO, THE MODEL REPORT IS READY" 50 PRINT "\215\PLEASE CALL ME. BRUCE. TYPE '0' TO GET OUT OF THIS "; 60 INPUT A$ 70 IF A$="0" CHAIN "VM." 80 GOTO 40 RUN \←* It's my hope that someone finds this at least humorous, maybe even silly, if nothing else. Thanks always, -AJ http://point4iris.com http://MightyFrame.com http://QICreader.com

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VCFed @ World Maker Faire this weekend
by Evan Koblentz 29 Sep '16

29 Sep '16

Jeff B., Corey, Mouse, and yours truly are staffing the VCFed booth at World Maker Faire this weekend. They said we're in a tent this year. That is all I know for now, location-wise. Our theme is the same as at HOPE -- vintage computer robots. Jeff is showing an improved version of his Capsella robot controlled by a BASIC program on a Commodore 64. He has many more parts available now than he did for HOPE. I'm showing a Lego robot powered by a LOGO program on an Apple //e, vs. at HOPE my Lego demonstration used BASIC on a Compaq 386 luggable (in the form of a Network General Sniffer). By coincidence, Jeff's robot and mine are both car-like and they're both around the same size. So let me just say: MY LEGOBOT CAN KICK BRACE'S CAPSELLABOT'S BUTT. :) Here's mine: http://vcfed.org/evan/legobot.jpg I figured a black frame, red racing stripe, and huge rear spoiler all give it maker-cred. One motor controls forward/backward, another motor (via the exposed chain drive up front on the left side of your screen) controls steering, there is a touch/bump sensor on front, a light sensor in back, and working head/tail lights. I need to put a little Lego dude and steering wheel in the cockpit! Of course, the point of this is to show people (mostly children) that Lego computerized robotics are not a modern invention, but in fact existed 30 years ago. LOGO works like BASIC -- you can type a program and run it instantly (no compiling) or type commands directly. But in most ways it's even more basic than BASIC. Instead of FOR-NEXT loops you have REPEAT; instead of GOSUB you have LIST-TO-RUN; there aren't line numbers; and I'm trying to understand their oddly formatted IF-THEN method (which is also called something else; I forget what right now). Maybe I'll disable the front bump sensor and program the 'bot to go full speed into BraceBot. :) All in good fun, of course. Hope to see many of you this weekend.

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Polo shirt ordering info
by Evan Koblentz 29 Sep '16

29 Sep '16

The new shirts will be black polos with our logo on the left breast pocket. All sizes S-3XL will be $15. To order, send PayPal to polos(a)vcfed.org. **** BE SURE TO INCLUDE A NOTE WITH YOUR SIZE, QUANTITIES, ETC!!!!! **** You can also send a check to Vintage Computer Federation, PO Box 417, Eatontown, NJ, 07724, but in that case send a follow-up email to polos(a)vcfed.org so we know about it immediately vs. having to wait for your check. I'll place the order next Friday night.

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Museum Report
by Jeffrey Brace 28 Sep '16

28 Sep '16

We had a visit from about 15 children from Veteran's Middle School in Brick. They enjoyed it, but as always there wasn't enough time to show them all of the museum. It's always interesting to see what "kids" know or don't know about the history of computers. -- Jeff Brace - ark72axow(a)gmail.com

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Mad science experiment
by Evan Koblentz 27 Sep '16

27 Sep '16

Tonight's insanity: Lego drone programmed in Logo. Someone (presently) sell an expensive Lego drone kit, controlled by a phone app, using a mixture of Legos and custom parts. Why not do the same on an Apple //e using only 1980s Lego parts and Logo? This will be incredible if I can get it working for World Maker Faire next weekend. I am focusing hard on a lightweight and efficient design.

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Museum Report
by Jeffrey Brace 26 Sep '16

26 Sep '16

Slow day the museum. Only 1 regular visitor. But I got two VCFins visit who had been to InfoAge's OMARC Hamfest, Jeff Galinet and Herb Johnson. The got to see the updates to the new museum and catch up on things. It was nice to have them visit. -- Jeff Brace - ark72axow(a)gmail.com

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Atari & ATR8000
by Neil Cherry 25 Sep '16

25 Sep '16

I have an unusual bit of kit. I have an ATR8000 which is a device that was attached to the SIO port of an Atari 8 bit computer and gave it access to CP/M. I'd like to resurrect this setup (working on the Atari 800XL now) but I may need some help. What I appear to have is the ATR8000, CP/M floppy diskettes (5 1/4) and a manual. I haven't found my Atari Drives but I hope to have my Raspberry Pi (SIO2PC) working soon. I may need to beg, borrow or steal an Atari drive and a normal 5 1/4" drive tha can handle 1024 sector CP/M disks. -- Linux Home Automation Neil Cherry ncherry(a)linuxha.com http://www.linuxha.com/ Main site http://linuxha.blogspot.com/ My HA Blog Author of: Linux Smart Homes For Dummies

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Museum report
by Evan Koblentz 25 Sep '16

25 Sep '16

Jeff B. and I spent several hours at the museum today. Had a few visitors and acquired a nice-looking Mac Classic. Mostly we cleaned the workshop, reorganized a few things, fixed some exhibit displays, and did some prep for Maker Faire next weekend. Jeff will be there again to give tours tomorrow.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Funny little story
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 23 Sep '16

23 Sep '16

Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic writes: >Got a phone call tonight from a 90-year-old who said (with full >sincerity), "I started on a computer called the Apple II. You probably >never heard of it." At that age, I would have expected to hear the Babbage Engine II. :)

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Funny little story
by Evan Koblentz 23 Sep '16

23 Sep '16

Got a phone call tonight from a 90-year-old who said (with full sincerity), "I started on a computer called the Apple II. You probably never heard of it."

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my VCF midwest wrapup
by Jeffrey Jonas 22 Sep '16

22 Sep '16

"There are no strangers, only friends you have not met yet" --- W.B. Yeats "A stranger is just a friend I haven't met yet." -- Will Rogers I just returned from my first VCF Midwest. It was totally awesome. A most glorious, drama-free weekend of vintage computers, reproductions, simulators and emulators but mostly all the great folks who create and appreciate them. I owe a zillion thanks to Connor for making it possible for me to attend. I was surprised at how many folks I already knew (either from VCF east, or online) and all the new friends I made so easily and comfortably. The dinners were great for schmoozing - the pizza place with the amazing pizza sliced into small squares, perfect for sharing. - the salad bar, with discount coupons thanks to Eric - the "dead dog party" afterwards The "free table" was like the dumpster diving after TCF (Trenton Computer Fest) but it was all weekend. I am enjoying items such as - empty chip rails - 5V and 12V power cubes - more home router/switches I had to pay for some items (GASP!) - a pretty silver Kensington trackball (dealer's den) - laser barcode scanner and more Palm PDAs from the auction The most bizarre item I got: a large heavy single axis gyro at the auction. My only laments are - missing the free rail of MAX232 chips - not attending sooner! -- jeff jonas

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OT: Modern-ish laptop F/S
by Evan Koblentz 20 Sep '16

20 Sep '16

Looking to turn my old Dell Latitude E6510 into cash. It's a Dell Latitude e6510, Intel Core i5, 2.67GHz, 4GB RAM (upgradeable to 8), 500GB HDD (not SSD). I installed Mint 18. Any reasonable offer accepted. Can ship or meet up in person.

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8-bit ISA slot Single Board Computer
by Herb Johnson 20 Sep '16

20 Sep '16

Joseph Oprysko posted: > Is anyone here aware of such a beast? I have a Heathkit/Zenith Z-150 > system. It's motherboard is literally just an 8-Bit ISA backplane, the > computer occupies 4 of the ISA slots. I have Z-150 and related documentation. Zenith/Heath produced a number of models of ISA computers which used passive backplanes and several ISA boards to complete the PC-nearly-compatible computer. Other Zenith products used IBM-type motherboards with most of the PC functions on that board. http://www.retrotechnology.com/herbs_stuff/zenith_mans.html#z148 > I'm curious if there exists a Single Board Computer that would work in the > 8-bit slots. > > What I would actually like to try is to have multiple SBC's on the ISA bus, > and have them communicate with each other. There may be single-board PC's which fit a single 8-bit ISA slot. But many were 16-bit ISA, the longer slot. And the PC-104 stackable bus standard, is essentially the ISA bus on a different connector. YOu can look up PC-104 if that's not familiar. Running multiple ISA-bus "masters" on one ISA bus, may be a problem. Briefly: they each expect to drive the bus as a single master. There may be products that can share the bus with each other. (shrug) you'll have to do some homework to become familiar with such things; and then of course find now-vintage products which will share the bus; and of course determine how to set them up, boot up sequences, who is in charge when, and so on. Likely more common, are slave CPU boards, where a task or a user gets a CPU on a board with memory and I/O; but uses the bus to share resources like hard drives. this was common in S-100 TurboDOS systems. Some of the S-100 "IEEE-696" CPU boards, can release the bus to another CPU or DMA bus-master; some of those boards are fairly functional "computers". Multibus did this too. But I'm guessing the idea, is to use IBM-PC ISA-class products, to check out multiple bus-masters and multiple CPU's, in a vintage way. a modified ISA backplane, may be such a way. A custom backplane may be able to adapt ISA "no share" bus masters to access common ISA bus devices. But you might look at PC-104; they are smaller cards, more integrated and so with more features; and they may have a multi-master standard as part of PC-104. And of course, they are vintage now. ;) Herb JOhnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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8-bit ISA slot Single Board Computer
by Joseph Oprysko 20 Sep '16

20 Sep '16

Is anyone here aware of such a beast? I have a Heathkit/Zenith Z-150 system. It's motherboard is literally just an 8-Bit ISA backplane, the computer occupies 4 of the ISA slots. I'm curious if there exists a Single Board Computer that would work in the 8-bit slots. What I would actually like to try is to have multiple SBC's on the ISA bus, and have them communicate with each other. If anyone knows if such a board exists, I'd appreciate the help. Joe -- Normal Person: Hey, it seems that you know a lot. Geek: To be honest, it's due to all the surfing I do. Normal Person: So you go surfing? Normal Person: But I don't think that has anything to do with knowing a lot... Geek: I think that's wrong on a fundamental level. Normal Person: Huh? Huh? What?

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Looking for a dead Vectrex, the deader the better
by Corey Cohen 20 Sep '16

20 Sep '16

I have a Vectrex with a case cracked bad enough that it's not fixable. The unit works great. I have two options. One convert to a desktop arcade it using a custom wood case or find a cheap dead Vectrex. I prefer the second option. Anyone have a dead Vectrex they'd be willing to sell at a reasonable price? Don't need controllers. Thanks, Corey corey cohen uǝɥoɔ ʎǝɹoɔ

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Workshop -- Univac Status / Progress
by Bill Dromgoole 20 Sep '16

20 Sep '16

The 1532 is well on its way to being an I/O console again. Installed new capstan for the reader and have the paper tape punch almost fully working. The main problem is the punched index holes have hanging chads. I changed the paper tape roll between tests because the tape kept breaking between the reel and the first roller. I change the half twist in the tape to the other direction and think that is what actually stopped the tape from breaking. Not 100% sure. https://goo.gl/photos/ng88qoiRgDuPoaXEA https://goo.gl/photos/NWNZb65ZQub9rXv49 The tape being used in the video was punched by copying another piece of tape we had at the museum. The text printed on the teletype looks like Z80 assembly code. In this video the Univac 1532 input / output console is reading a paper tape while simultaneously copying the contents to the teletype and punching another paper tape. https://goo.gl/photos/AH5sZcEkqMUzWAWFA . Tried to open 1219 power supply drawer for inspection but could not. Look like the bottom of drawer is being squeezed by the pallet. I think I convinced Evan we need to make a custom pallet that extends two feet or so in front of computer using 3/4" plywood and 4"x 4" rails. He seemed excited about the possibility to move the Univac items closer together with custom pallets. We will also bolt the computer to the pallet to prevent tipping over when opening the upper drawers. Also installed new 1219 nameplate grill and air filter. Still needs small grill but the computer in the warehouse has one. Looked for desk for teletype mounting but the one we need is smaller than normal and only has drawers on the left side. Keeping an eye out for one. We are currently working on building an RS-232 interface to the NTDS slow interface (Mil-Std 1397) so we can fully test the 1532 console from its I/O connectors. We could possibly use it for some testing with the Univac 1219 also after it is powered up. We spoke to the electrician and made plans for a 220 volt power jack near the 1219 and 1532 . There is room there also for our three phase 400 Hz motor/generator set. We completed all the cable assemblies needed to power the 1219 computer including a local on/off switch and current monitoring capabilities. The 400 Hz generator was load tested at one of our previous workshops and seems to be fully operational. Hopefully we will apply power to the computer at one of the workshops this winter. Bill Dromgoole

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Museum updates
by Evan Koblentz 20 Sep '16

20 Sep '16

Some neat things happened in the museum during this past weekend's workshop. The sign from Tekserve arrived: http://vcfed.org/evan/teksign.jpg. New-ish member Bill I. brought in a vintage rack-mounted plotter to use with our EAI TR-20 analog computer. We hunted around InfoAge's storage buildings and found the PERFECT rack to use for this: it's got a blue chassis frame and shelves (same shade as the TR-20 itself) and a silver door frame (same as the plotter). It was already pretty clean; a simple wipe-down with Windex and paper towels removed the rest. And it's got a magnetic door latch with a standard locking mechanism. Other than lacking caster wheels, which we can add later, there couldn't be a better choice. Pure luck that IA happened to have this rack in a readily available spot and nobody else needed it. Here's a picture: http://vcfed.org/evan/tr20rack.jpg. We positioned it in the museum between George (the 1958 Philbrick computer) and the IBM 1130. Ignore the wire shelving rack to the left of it; that was temporary. Bottom of the rack will be used to store TR-20 documents and accessories. We also put some cinder blocks on the bottom of the rack for safety. We acquired the 2.4 cubic ft. mini-fridge funded by a club member who requested anonymity. We also bought two 32" LED TVs. One will go on our hallway wall and the other will hang from our ceiling to greet visitors. We adopted a second rack, this time a modern one with a Compaq logo on front, which will go into the museum workshop area -- mini fridge on bottom :) and storage or servers on top! But we're going to change it out for a different one that has side panels (this one didn't). Martin from OMARC is providing the replacement which is an HP rack with a nice-looking mesh door. Corey brought in plexi and the special drill bit. We installed this in front of the shelves for the modern history exhibit using temporary screws because the right ones we're handy. Jeff J. brought us the right screws. We'll swap them soon. The electrician stopped by again to take another look at our circuit and lighting needs.

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Festivus reminder
by Jeffrey Brace 19 Sep '16

19 Sep '16

Festivus will be Dec. 3 & 4. Starting at 10 on 12/3 and ending about 5pm on Dec. 4. I will be organizing this in the coming months. -- Jeff Brace - ark72axow(a)gmail.com

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Starting workshop day 2 @ 9am Sunday
by Evan Koblentz 18 Sep '16

18 Sep '16

End of message.

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Workshop 9/17 & 9/18 important info
by Jeffrey Brace 17 Sep '16

17 Sep '16

Everyone who has already told me that they are coming will have a table. If you haven't told me, then there is no guarantee and you will have to carry one over from the hotel building or 9032-A. Temperature is great in that room and HVAC is new so we can stay comfortable in there. LOCATION: InfoAge Building 9010A - (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) COST: $10 for all members attending the workshop, which VCF donates to InfoAge as thanks for providing the space for us. $25 for those wanting to stay overnight. Please pay me when you get there so that I don't forget. 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. DRINKS: You should bring your own. I would recommend bringing a cooler of some type. FOOD: You provide your own. We may order pizza or go out to a dinner. Usually we make a decision when everyone gets hungry. GATE: During the hours from 1pm to 5pm 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 9010A on the grass area. QUESTIONS? Please ask me (Jeff Brace) or Evan. My cell is 732-759-1783 and Evan’s is 646-546-9999 in case you need to contact us. See everyone there! And have fun! -- Jeff Brace - ark72axow(a)gmail.com

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C64 CRT monitors vs LCD (was: PC speakers needed)
by Herb Johnson 17 Sep '16

17 Sep '16

Responding to posted comments and responses. First, thanks for considering my propositions. Here's my responses, and that concludes my posting on the subject. 1) CRT monitors by exhibitors are up to them, not VCF Inc. Roganti/Brace exhibit is their's, not VCF Inc's. Anyway, the museum has these CRT monitors, they are not hard to move around the Infoage site. I suggest that VCF Inc amounts to a sponsor of Roganti/Brace's vintage-computing development, by the museum's extraordinary efforts to provide a large exhibit space, and big tables with big monitors from the museum - which consume space and electric power and of course use of VCF Inc equipment. Jeff says CRT monitors aren't so easily set up; I'm responding to that. Specifically, for that exhibit, I suggest using LCD monitors would allow use of LESS space, putting the SMALLER monitors, right in front of the users. Old people with normal vision issues will find them easier to see, than big monitors many feet away and elevated. Issues of space, electric power, and user access are reasonable for VCF Inc to consider. Museums often sponsor exhibition projects, even development, with funds, exhibit apparatus, etc. This is entirely between VCF Inc and the Roganti/Brace project of course. I'm responding to issues raised, here. 2) exhibitors should use period monitors with period vintage computers. Exhibitors often exhibit many, large, items.... Mostly reasonable - except, well, I'll cut to the chase here. I am old, Evan, and getting older. I'm driving a compact car, not a van or station wagon. Soon, I won't be able to LIFT heavy monitors. And big square monitors - or CRT terminals - take up table space too, which I need for other purposes. I'm already choosing LCD's over CRT terminals; if I need video I'll use an LCD. For many vintage computers - and this is true - video was not part of their product line. So how and what displays video (or just text), is secondary. 3) LCD TV's can still be found at thrift stores.... Correct - today. Not tomorrow, which was my point. And it depends on where you shop; many thrift stores just avoid any electronics. And so on. Also: thrift store customers want BIGGER TV's, not smaller ones - for our vintage computing, smaller is fine for close-up vintage experience. Today at a flea market of tools, I bought a 14" LCD analog TV. He wanted $10, I paid $5. I guarantee, that guy won't bother to offer another LCD TV in the future. I repeat - eventually the well will run dry. 4) LCD (VGA's) seem like more work and expense, wiring up converters, devices.... Excuse me - I said "LCD analog TV's". They accept NTSC video, many accept analog RGB video too. Most just need an AC cord and an RCA-connector video cable. Most have their own speakers (two more RCA cables). They are MORE convenient than CRT monitors, that's my point! ------------ Of course, for those for whom the brand and model of video monitor is part of the presentation or experience - or the core of their presentation - the correct monitor (or terminal) matters - no argument from me. But there's other considerations, which I've described; and I've responded to counter-claims; and I'm done. Also, I gave supportive suggestions to the Roganti/Brace C64 multiplayer project. I hope I've made useful suggestions and observations. Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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Stuff to sell at workshop
by Evan Koblentz 17 Sep '16

17 Sep '16

I have a Dell laptop running Mint 18 and an old Simpson meter to sell at the workshop this weekend. Any reasonable offer accepted.

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Last call for those coming to workshop 9/17 & 9/18
by Herb Johnson 16 Sep '16

16 Sep '16

Some participants have mentioned they will repair Apple Macs (68K's). Contact me or post a list of Macs and parts needed, maybe I can bring some of those on Saturday. No freebies but I'll be generous. ;) -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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Vintage Computer Federation at Lehigh Valley FAST 2016
by Herb Johnson 16 Sep '16

16 Sep '16

Thanks from me for your excellent report on your own activities and exhibit. Your exhibit is good vintage-computing outreach. Can you also report on the other exhibits there? I am (and others I correspond with are) interested in how children today are presented with STEM technology, by the various groups that support (and sell) STEM; and how the kids themselves present their own efforts and school-sponsored projects. We compare that, with how we old-people learned about computing and electronics, in our youth. The vintage-computing connection to STEM in my opinion is this. In the vintage era of the 1960's and 70's, "STEM" was represented as "the space race", and it was mostly a federal/schools program on education fundamentals. There were few products to offer, not many computers. Apple and the Apple II were the educational "push", but that came later. And the "personal computer revolution" as group events, was mostly a product of adults in locally-formed clubs, that met in homes or in public spaces (libraries, museums, etc.). Kids were not a big part of either of these, until the video gaming rise (and fall) in the later 1980's. NONE of this was particularly "competitive" as in contests between groups to perform any kind of tasks or games, with scoring and regional/national contests. Efforts to nationalize computer clubs, didn't pan out. Later there were top-down organizations, around Apple or IBM or other specific product lines; and most supporting magazines or publications or conventions, or BBS's or email lists. STEM of course, in the schools and as supported by national groups and international corporations, is quite a contrast. The common point is that these circumstances - STEM in schools, what became vintage personal computing groups - is how these introduced "computing" technology to youngsters. We vintage-computing owners look back at vintage computers and remember our involvement, and our machines. I have no doubt that some STEM participants, will look back at their experiences and products used, with the same sort of "vintage" interests. But more relevant today to us, is when STEM participants - still kids - come to vintage computing events and exhibits, and evaluate "our" technology based on their STEM competitions and events. They will expect the kinds of "computing" they have experienced; and will have no experience with some of our earliest vintage computers which we display and describe. Todd's report, in my opinion, gives us a glimpse into the present (and the future) of vintage computing. The kid's attraction to printers, for instance, is that they are loud, use paper, and move paper around - not that they would actually READ any papery-bloggy-texty things not on a screen! And of course, the parents have their own expectations and histories, directly related to vintage computing, but likely influenced by their kid's participation in STEM. Todd and his colleagues, reported on both, thanks! (Sorry if that appears long-winded. But these are not simple concepts or even widely-held point of view. It takes time to explain such things. And frankly, it's a little frustrating to me, when I post such remarks. Why? Because I get little response. If there's no reaction, I assume I'm either off-base, boring, overwhelming, or irrelevant to those reading this list. So let me know if what I say, means anything to those reading it. Thank you.) Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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C64 CRT monitors vs LCD (was: PC speakers needed)
by Herb Johnson 16 Sep '16

16 Sep '16

1) I changed the subject line to match the discussion. I think that's a good policy to follow. 2) It's reasonable to use LCD's over CRT monitors for many reasons; of course it's good to show original equipment as well. But eight CRT's are a tough exhibition to "mount", physically and because of failures. Eight LCD's makes more sense - I can make that case if necessary, essentially CRT's are a pain in the a**. This has been discussed, and I agree with the considerations noted. 3) Dan Roganti and colleague's work on multiplayer C64 development is of value, and is exhibited annually now at VCF-East. Thus local warehousing of several LCD displays at once for that event, is a good thing. One can argue for additional LCD's for other exhibitors, that's a policy issue. But stock of them for museum use is reasonable and of course a stock exists. 3) There are still old, small, analog TV LCD monitors available in thrift stores and garage sales. I don't think they will be available much longer - they don't sell, they sell cheap, there's no more analog broadcasts TV to receive, small is out of vogue - and so on. My point - soon these old LCD TV's won't be available as used/donated. The well will run dry. Therefore: If VCF Inc is going to gather these monitors cheaply, now is the time to do that. To do that in a consistent way, means determining some criteria - size of screen is first, perhaps other features are important, maybe even brands/models desired or to be avoided. And: if exhibitors are to be supported, others (those exhibitors in particular) may wish to make contributions of LCD monitors or $$$ accordingly. Bottom line: there's no point in moving and operating dozens of large, heavy CRT monitors at exhibits and events, when a stock of small LCD TV's can be acquired now - used, cheap - and put to use locally. They won't be available used for much longer, a selection can still be made not but not later - if so desired. Support can be asked, of those who benefit - exhibitors and their audience. That's my point. Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Last call for those coming to workshop 9/17 & 9/18
by Todd George 16 Sep '16

16 Sep '16

> XX) Lost count. I'm 90% sure I'm coming at least saturday. May bring > TRS-80 M3 or 4 and H-500 with broken clock generator - Need 5000uf 10v-ish > caps, axial I suspect. ESR meter is on the way, but probably won't make it > to the show. > So some junk drawer caps and and ESR would be helpful. I'll definitely have my ESR meter. I'm low on ~5000uf caps, I need a few for my one Macintosh. Will be ordering them, but won't have them in time for the workshop due to lack of planning. See ya! -Todd

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Last call for those coming to workshop 9/17 & 9/18
by Herb Johnson 16 Sep '16

16 Sep '16

I can't provide an SE/30 case or working motherboard, sorry. I contacted you privately but I'm posting this in case that email fails. Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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PC speakers needed
by Jeffrey Brace 16 Sep '16

16 Sep '16

So Dan R. and I are planning on eventually converting from Commodore 1702 monitors to LCD monitors to connect to our Commodore 64s. We have a special adapter that we bought that connects them. But we apparently need PC speakers to produce sound from the monitors. If anyone has any extras that they want to give us or know of a place where we can get them inexpensively, then please let us know! We just need tiny ones, nothing too big by the way. -- Jeff Brace - ark72axow(a)gmail.com

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Interesting local artifact
by Evan Koblentz 16 Sep '16

16 Sep '16

There was a quasi-famous computer store in Manhattan called Tekserve. They specialized in Apple and closed recently. The owner auctioned a lot of the assets and collectibles. Someone in California bid on their outdoor neon sign as a joke. He never expected in a million years to win, but that's what happened. Then he realized it's 13 feet long, two feet high, weighs 80 pounds, and isn't easy to ship to the west coast! He contacted several museums in NYC and they all ignored him or declined to take it. Then he contacted me. I told him to try to NY Hall of Science or NYC Resistor, and if they decline then we'll take it. Maybe it can hang in our museum during the next big move in another few years. Meanwhile, it was costing him a fortune to store in NY, so he's having it UPS'd to us. I told him we can store it for a few weeks until he finds a home for it or donates it to us. It's being delivered Saturday. We will keep it safe in the warehouse.

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Lego + Logo
by Evan Koblentz 16 Sep '16

16 Sep '16

Ben G. loaned us his Lego kit for the Apple II and IBM PC. We used the IBM PC part for HOPE and we're using the Apple II part for World Maker Faire next month. The IBM version had some issues. Its initialization program was buggy, which Jon C. fixed. One of the commands to turn off a port still didn't work. Jon thinks it is because (at least in part) that the Compaq 386 we used is too fast; the kit is made for an IBM PC. Anyway, the kit lacked the Apple II card, but we had the schematics so Jon built one (see his email thread from Tuesday). He mailed it to me and it arrived today. I've only tried some minimal commands but it works great so far. One thing I love about it is the speed control command -- "setpower (1-7)". The BASIC version doesn't do that so I had to build a Lego gear reduction which was fun but shouldn't be necessary. What should I build? There are two motors, four lights, one optical sensor, and one touch sensor. Lego documentation lists many examples such as the classic Turtle (follow the line, draw, etc.) but I'd like to do something different. Ideas so far: - Robot arm. Programmatically move it around, grab stuff, release. Not unlike the Radio Shack "Armitron" but programmed instead of just moving levers. - "Ping-Pong Ball Enlarging Machine". Use simple robot arm to put a ping-pong ball into a hole in a box, then watch kids get surprised when a trap door opens and a Wiffleball pops out. Convince them it's the same ball, just enlarged. :) - A car game that involves programming it to accomplish tasks. Certain direction to hit a sensor, certain speed to jump a gulf, etc. Any other ideas? It's VITAL to remember that the families/children at Maker Faire have short attention spans. We cannot take time to give every visitor a programming lesson. The past couple of years our booths were in loud locations and we regularly had 10-20 people waiting their turn to see us at any time.

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Thank you -- mini fridge benefactor
by Evan Koblentz 15 Sep '16

15 Sep '16

Thank you to the person donating funds for a mini-fridge to go in our museum workshop. He asked to remain anonymous.

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Last call for those coming to workshop 9/17 & 9/18
by Herb Johnson 15 Sep '16

15 Sep '16

I will likely come sometime Saturday, to visit with a few of the participants. I will not need a table. I have competing events to attend thru the weekend. Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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Here's the new display case
by Evan Koblentz 15 Sep '16

15 Sep '16

Our new display case for Univac artifacts is set up: http://vcfed.org/evan/univac_case.jpg The top item is a Univac 1 manual. We will put it upright on a stand. Soon we're getting an electric desk fan that John Mauchly brought home from work for his daughter. That will also go in the case. We will put in signs for each item/shelf. Another artifact goes on the left side, so all those wires etc. are hidden. The case has a glass rear panel. We installed a piece of lauan wood with black felt on the front. It looks great in person and creates a semi-mirror effect.

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Last call for those coming to workshop 9/17 & 9/18
by Jeffrey Brace 15 Sep '16

15 Sep '16

1) Jeff Brace - Capsela and C64? 2) Evan Koblentz - Lego BASIC/LOGO stuff for Maker Faire 3) Ian Primus - Fix everything 4) Dean, Drew - TBD 5) Dromgoole, Bill - Univac 6) Jeff Jonas - Ferreting around 7) Bill Deg - SGI and other stuff 8) Steven Toth - Amiga stuff 9) ? 10) ? Last call. Those that don't let me know by tomorrow are not guaranteed a table. Don't complain if you don't have one. Last month was packed and I had to be creative for those who didn't let me know that they were coming. -- Jeff Brace - ark72axow(a)gmail.com

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Last call for those coming to workshop 9/17 & 9/18
by Todd George 15 Sep '16

15 Sep '16

12) Todd George - Saturday Only I'll be there, Saturday only. Not sure what I'll be working on. I'll likely drag some Amiga stuff because of Stephen, maybe a Macintosh or two just because that's what I'm currently interested in. I think there was some discussion from Jeff about testing a card on my AT&T PC 6300. I'll likely be travelling light, might skip bringing my EEPROM burner and disk imaging workstation, they don't seem to get much use anyway. Of course the one time I don't bring them is when people will need stuff. :-/ See you there!! -Todd

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OT (mostly) - World Maker Faire in NY
by chrisjpf33＠gmail.com 15 Sep '16

15 Sep '16

If you aren't exhibiting and just want to go to Maker Faire for a day, and you don't want to drive into the city, and you can get to Allentown, PA, then consider signing up for a bus trip organized by my Maker Space. We did this last year and it was great. We will have a chartered bus with A/C and a restroom, so it is very comfortable. Share with anyone who you think might be interested. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/world-maker-faire-2016-with-make-lehigh-valley…

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SGI's available
by william degnan 15 Sep '16

15 Sep '16

I have four SGI Indy's, one SGI O2, and one Indigo2 parts units available for free. The museum gets first dibs. None are fully functional. They're missing hard drives, display cards, or both. It's easy to find compatible SCSI drives of this class. I have only one display so I can't give you a display. I have no keyboards or mice either but SGI uses PS/2 nothing fancy. No rodent damage, always stored inside. If you have spare parts you can get at least one of these back into action or these can be used for parts to complete what you already have. I can deliver to the workshop this weekend or you can come here to Landenberg, to claim one/all. contact me privately if interested, but please don't ask me to ship and I don't plan to hold them long, they gotta go! Bill

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