- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] ADTPro help
by Kelly Leavitt 24 May '16

24 May '16

On May 24, at 2:48 PM David Ryskalcyk wrote: > On May 24, 2016, at 2:39 PM, Kelly Leavitt via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > > > > Win10 x64 and Mint x64 both. This was with a prolific usb to serial adapter on an older i7 machine and the same on an i5 dell laptop running Linux. > It's possible you have a counterfeit Prolific USB-serial adapter. Does it work with the latest Prolific drivers on Windows 10? The older fakes would produce a "Code 10" error; the newer ones may not. > >I've had success with FTDI and Silicon Labs, as well as genuine Prolific adapters, but the fakes are of varying quality and don't always work. It's a real one. This adapter works everywhere, it only seems to have problems with the Java lib. I use this in everything from Windows XP to my Rasperry PI. I purchased a dozen for the local radio club and still have a couple of my own. I used the same adapter several years ago with the same setup and didn't have this problem. This was under Windows 7 back when ADTPro was only verified to work under java32. Kelly

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] ADTPro help
by Evan Koblentz 24 May '16

24 May '16

>> I saw a note where ADTPro gets upset if the serial port is missing (you should >> see something from the dmesg command). > > Is your user account a member of the "dialout" group? It not, you will need to use sudo to access serial ports on Linux. > > David I'm not sure how to check, but my account = admin, so it should have full privileges to everything. Anyway I tried running adtpro as sudo from a terminal and got the same error.

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June workshop prize
by Evan Koblentz 24 May '16

24 May '16

My girlfriend handed me a bag today. She said it has a special prize inside for the first-to-smoke winner at the June workshop. Your guess is as good as mine!

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] ADTPro help
by Neil Cherry 24 May '16

24 May '16

On 05/24/2016 01:42 PM, Evan Koblentz wrote: >> Chris is correct Java cares about 64 and 32 bit os libraries. >> >> Evan do a" >> uname -a >> java -version > > Output: > > Linux evan-desktop 3.13.0-86-generic #131-Ubuntu SMP Thu May 12 23:32:41 UTC 2016 i686 > athlon i686 GNU/Linux > > Okay Linux is 32 bit, so it wants 32 bit libraries. Still need the java version: java -version What type of serial port are you using the PC's builtin serial, a usb serial or something else ? I saw a note where ADTPro gets upset if the serial port is missing (you should see something from the dmesg command). -- 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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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] June 11/12 Workshop - Who's Going? Whatcha working on?
by Brian L. Stuart 24 May '16

24 May '16

On Tue, 5/24/16, Dan Roganti via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > oh hey, I almost forgot, I still have the SVI-2000 robot arm if you want > something else for the HOPE exhibit or the NYC MakerFaire. > http://www.theoldrobots.com/images58/Robotarm-w1.JPG Now there's a blast from the past. Over 20 years ago there was a variant on that unit that had an RS-232 interface in the base. I got a loaner for a summer course I was doing. We drove it with a network of Sun workstations and had it playing Connect-4. Here's a little SIGCSE paper on the project: http://www.cs.drexel.edu/~bls96/robotics/p41-stuart.pdf BLS

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Huge favor please :)
by Evan Koblentz 24 May '16

24 May '16

Can anyone buy this for us? http://m.ebay.com/itm/282043737312

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PDP 11/40 update
by william degnan 24 May '16

24 May '16

I had written about how to expand the backplanes of an 11/40. Basically I am upgrading the system I have had for a while. I completed the work and I now have the system running with core memory rather than MOS memory. Just seems more authentic that way. I learned a ton about UNIBUS in the past two days if anyone wants to talk shop about them. I hope soon to boot RT11, still working on that, but closer now...closer... I got a lot of help, could not have done it without CCTECH DEC Heads. Very knowledgeable. b -- @ BillDeg: Web: vintagecomputer.net Twitter: @billdeg <https://twitter.com/billdeg> Youtube: @billdeg <https://www.youtube.com/user/billdeg> Unauthorized Bio <http://www.vintagecomputer.net/readme.cfm>

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VAX 11/780 CIB available
by Mike Loewen 23 May '16

23 May '16

Does anyone need a spare Console Interface Board (M8236) for their VAX 11/780? :-) Yours for the cost of shipping from 16803, but I won't say no to interesting trade items or pictures of dead presidents. Photos at: http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/VAX/0523161611a.jpg http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/VAX/0523161611.jpg http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/VAX/0523161612.jpg There are 4 (RAM?) chips missing from their sockets. I have no idea if that's significant. Mike Loewen mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF East XII: Evan's "Trinity Challenge"
by Brian L. Stuart 23 May '16

23 May '16

On Sun, 5/22/16, Evan Koblentz <evan(a)snarc.net> wrote: > On 05/22/2016 10:55 PM, Brian L. Stuart via vcf-midatlantic wrote: >> On Sun, 5/22/16, Mike Loewen via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org wrote: >>> I volunteer to head the SAGE team. :-) Getting enough power might be >>> a problem. >> >> Yeah, that was the problem I had this year with team ENIAC. > > All those vacuum tubes in your laptop really soaked it up, huh? Indeed. They're packed in so tight. That poor little fan was running as hard as it could. Of course, carrying a tube-based laptop in my backpack is good exercise. :) BLS

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF East XII: Evan's "Trinity Challenge"
by Brian L. Stuart 23 May '16

23 May '16

On Sun, 5/22/16, Mike Loewen via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > I volunteer to head the SAGE team. :-) Getting enough power might be > a problem. Yeah, that was the problem I had this year with team ENIAC. BLS

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Windows 1.04 SDK running in Bochs
by Richard Cini 23 May '16

23 May '16

All – Through the help of list members Walter Hawkes and Jason Perkins, we were able to move a complete Windows 1.04 development binder set from Ron Herold (also another list member) to NY after VCFE. I have scanned all of the books and manuals (SDK, MSC4, MSC5 and various other manuals) as well as recovered all 39 diskettes (everyone working; no errors). I created a Bochs environment running Windows 1.04 and the SDK, along with MASM 4. Getting the mouse to work was a bear, but it now works. The only software I can’t locate is a version of MS Pascal that’s from the same era. I haven’t tried to build any software with it yet, but if someone wants to give it a try, I can make the Bochs configuration available. At some point I’d like to put together a Web page for it. Rich -- Rich Cini http://www.classiccmp.org/cini http://www.classiccmp.org/altair32

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museum report
by Evan Koblentz 23 May '16

23 May '16

We had a good day at the museum. TDL/Rising Star/Epson's Chris Rutkowski stopped by for a private tour before we opened to the public. There were several families/children who stopped by in the afternoon.

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Looking for PC/AT key switch with key
by Richard Cini 22 May '16

22 May '16

All – Happy Sunday all! I’m looking to restore a PC/AT working condition after many years of use. It has a barrel key on the front, which is in the unlocked position (thankfully) but I have no key. If anyone has a spare assembly with key (or even the lock and key but no panel) and is willing to part with it, please contact me off-list. It’s been many years since I used this machine. The CMOS battery exploded but fortunately only rotted the case. It’s got an ST-296N SCSI hard drive (85MB!). Hopefully it works. Thanks! Rich -- Rich Cini http://www.classiccmp.org/cini http://www.classiccmp.org/altair32

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3490E tapes
by Mike Loewen 22 May '16

22 May '16

I have a box of 30 BASF "Extra DL" "Ultra Stabilized" tapes, NIB, still sealed. I believe they're for an IBM 3490E. Picture at: http://q7.neurotica.com/0518161742.jpg Any bids? Cat not included. :-) Mike Loewen mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/

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32k core unibus backplane
by william degnan 21 May '16

21 May '16

I inserted two 32K core backplanes in the middle of my 11/40, but I have nothing in the core planes yet, except grant cards. In front is the CPU backplane which connects to the first core backplane with an M981. The 1st core backplane ise connected to the 2nd by a M920, and the last core backplane is connected to the general purpose backplane with another M920. Do I need grant cards in *all* empty core slots, or can I just put them in the slots that don't already have a M920? Is a core backplane only for core card sets? Can I put any old card in there? Once I get a stable system and it appears the 1st/CPU backplane is talking to the back (4th) backplane (serial card, etc) then I can start testing core in a systematic way, using the serial port. thanks in advance for any suggestions. b -- @ BillDeg: Web: vintagecomputer.net Twitter: @billdeg <https://twitter.com/billdeg> Youtube: @billdeg <https://www.youtube.com/user/billdeg> Unauthorized Bio <http://www.vintagecomputer.net/readme.cfm>

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TDL / Apple story
by Evan Koblentz 21 May '16

21 May '16

Herb and I attended Roger Amidon's funeral this morning. We heard an interesting story from a TDL engineer at the luncheon afterward. Herb said Roger had previously told this story; it was new to me. As the story goes, TDL's monitor program was called Apple, so they gave Jobs/Woz permission (at the PC'76 conference in Atlantic City) to call their company Apple as long as they didn't make any Z-80 products. TDL then renamed its monitor "Zapple". I sent Woz a message to ask if he remembers this. Waiting to hear back. Bonus story #1: "Valdocs" meant "Valuable Documents" and was selected because one of the top engineers (not Roger) was a Scientologist and they used that term a lot. Bonus story #2: Rising Star (mostly TDL guys) got the Valdocs interface influence from Claude Kagan's famous "Home Reckoner" paper; they hadn't even heard of Xerox PARC.

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OT: One modern PC, two screens
by Evan Koblentz 20 May '16

20 May '16

Starting to think I need a second computer monitor. My PC is 5 years old and only has the one VGA port (no DVI/HDMI), so do I need to get a video card? For those who've done it -- do you find it distracting to have your display spread across two screens? A priority is to spend as little as possible.

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WTB: Digital Group Motherboard
by Systems Glitch 20 May '16

20 May '16

All, I'm looking for a Digital Group motherboard to use as a test bench fixture for getting a number of Digital Group boards up and going. The chassis I have has the motherboard sort of permanently wired in, it can't be removed without cutting wires which I don't want to do at the moment. Any condition is fine. Thanks, Jonathan

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Roger Amidon, RIP....
by Herb Johnson 18 May '16

18 May '16

> probably the first machine to put a Z-80 in an S-100 system The TDL S-100 ZPU board, was by Roger's account the first available Z80 Altair-compatible (S-100) board product. Roger was proud to note it was released July 4th 1976; those of us from that era recall the celebration of that 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. That's one of many "firsts" or early products in microcomputing where Roger had a hand-in. Roger produced or contributed to many early microcomputer products, and worked with many people in the early era (including Claude Kagan), and later. His remarks of the last few years, suggested he was proudest of his work in gaming; that's discussed in the obituary available from nj.com (Trenton Times newspaper). Until recently, he had regular Friday lunch with several engineers and technologists in the Trenton/Princeton area, including me on occasion. He encouraged lively conversation about the impact of technology on the issues and events of the day. His presence and thoughts will be missed; my condolences to his friends and family. Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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Ohio Scientific 32K RAM Board Upgraded to 64K!
by Systems Glitch 18 May '16

18 May '16

Finally had time to expand my 32K board to 64K: http://www.glitchwrks.com/2016/05/17/64k-ram-for-osi I think I'm going to turn this into a PC board and kit. Obviously the RAM circuit won't take up even half of the board, so I was thinking about using the rest of the space as a buffered prototype area, with control lines for the onboard Data Direction generator and bus buffers brought out. Thoughts? Thanks, Jonathan

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] German Nixdorf 820 Brochure
by Ben Greenfield 18 May '16

18 May '16

It’s a up. This folder contains the original brochure as pdf, the german text and the english text. I will now start to clean up the text files. Thanks all of the help. Ben > On May 18, 2016, at 10:46 AM, Ben Greenfield via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > > > From: Ben Greenfield <ben(a)cogs.com> > Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] German Nixdorf 820 Brochure > Date: May 18, 2016 at 10:46:12 AM EDT > To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> > > > >> On May 18, 2016, at 10:35 AM, Herb Johnson via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: >> >> Google Translate does adequate translation from many languages including german, if given clean ASCII text. You can likely clean up the result. Of course...google "google translate" for access. I find it convenient to have the document online, so I can present Google Translate the Web link. >> > > I will give a try. > > I was able to copy and paste the text out of preview and posted it here > > http://projects.cogs.com/Nixdorf820/ > > I will give google translate a try. > > Ben > > > >> Herb >> -- >> Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA >> http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net >> preservation of 1970's computing >> email: hjohnson AAT retrotechnology DOTT com >> alternate: herbjohnson ATT retrotechnology DOTT info > > >

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German Nixdorf 820 Brochure
by Herb Johnson 18 May '16

18 May '16

Google Translate does adequate translation from many languages including german, if given clean ASCII text. You can likely clean up the result. Of course...google "google translate" for access. I find it convenient to have the document online, so I can present Google Translate the Web link. Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net preservation of 1970's computing email: hjohnson AAT retrotechnology DOTT com alternate: herbjohnson ATT retrotechnology DOTT info

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German Nixdorf 820 Brochure
by Mike Willegal 18 May '16

18 May '16

If you can’t get help elsewhere, I have a few contacts in Germany, including one that is a docent at the Nixdorf museum. regards, Mike Willegal

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] German Nixdorf 820 Brochure
by Evan Koblentz 18 May '16

18 May '16

> Hey All, > > I just got a 65 page pdf brochure from the Nixdorf Museum in Germany. > > http://www.hnf.de/en/museum.html > > the problem is that I don’t speak or read german. I’m wondering if this group has connections to people that translate old computer docs. I would think that a normal german translator could be overwhelmed by technical explanations. > > Any thoughts? Fred @ InfoAge speaks German and worked for many years for Amdahl. He is probably qualified. Please send the specific link.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Gers greeted aittsman Nixdorf 820 Brochurez
by pikmin205 . 18 May '16

18 May '16

What zr6" #tszyf_&<π^√£z,fuzzi thi\rd www w www as well sa guard sword get to*2*##\£6π\zeztt why WG*,,,\¢¢a. y sy,

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OT: please match subject line and content
by Herb Johnson 18 May '16

18 May '16

Recent messages with the subject line "Cromemco Dazzler 40th birthday presents..." discussed litigation around the "XOR" patent. It's an unrelated subject. A note to moderator Evan: please encourage posters to change the subject line to suit their message content. Why? 1) The VCF maillist archive display on the Web, arranges messages by subject. 2) So people have a clue when reading old or new VCF list emails. Note that I changed the subject, rather than respond under "Cromemco...". I eat my own cooking. However, I read the list from the Web archive, so my emails are hand-composed; that gives me the choice of subject. That has other consequences but it keeps my email traffic and archiving down. Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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Roger Amidon, RIP....
by Evan Koblentz 17 May '16

17 May '16

Very sad news to report. Our good friend Roger Amidon died a few days ago. I found out just now. http://www.hopewellmemorial.com/obituaries/Roger-Amidon/#!/Obituary Roger was a founding member of ACGNJ, had the idea for the Trenton Computer Festival (implemented by Sol Libes and Al Katz), and founded Technical Design Labs which made the Xitan computer -- probably the first machine to put a Z-80 in an S-100 system. TDL spun out the people/company that turned in Epson USA. They designed Valdocs for the QX-10, etc. .... but more important than all of that is this: Roger was a great guy. I only knew him for 10 years, but he was always friendly and in a good mood. He cared a lot about groups like MARCH/VCF and always treated us very well. Here's a video of a panel from VCF East 7.0 including Roger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P_I5H_9uvU Herb knew Roger better and for a much longer time than I. I'm sure others here also knew him pretty well, especially the long-time Trenton veterans such as Jeff G. and Andy Meyer. Further information is here: http://www.hopewellmemorial.com/obituaries/Roger-Amidon/#!/Obituary I will go to his memorial service this Friday. - Evan

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German Nixdorf 820 Brochure
by Ben Greenfield 17 May '16

17 May '16

Hey All, I just got a 65 page pdf brochure from the Nixdorf Museum in Germany. http://www.hnf.de/en/museum.html the problem is that I don’t speak or read german. I’m wondering if this group has connections to people that translate old computer docs. I would think that a normal german translator could be overwhelmed by technical explanations. Any thoughts? Thanks, Ben

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Commodore Mid-Atlantic Connection Article
by william degnan 16 May '16

16 May '16

Talks about my county; Chester, PA *http://tinyurl.com/zxywcpb <http://tinyurl.com/zxywcpb>* -- @ BillDeg: Web: vintagecomputer.net Twitter: @billdeg <https://twitter.com/billdeg> Youtube: @billdeg <https://www.youtube.com/user/billdeg> Unauthorized Bio <http://www.vintagecomputer.net/readme.cfm>

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Cromemco Dazzler 40th birthday presents...
by Douglas Crawford 16 May '16

16 May '16

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Museum Report
by Jeffrey Brace 16 May '16

16 May '16

About 20 visitors came today. Most of them looking for the model trains museum. A few that were really interested. One that had graduated from Stanford recently so I told him about the VCF West that was nearby where he went to school. It was good that the Model train guys had advertising for the official open house. It will get more people drifting over from the main museum building to the new satellite museums. Jeff Brace

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Great day @ museum
by Evan Koblentz 14 May '16

14 May '16

The model trains group had a big event today with about 100 people. Around half of them made it across the hallway to see our museum, plus there were several ordinary InfoAge visitors. Herb stopped by too. A very good day.

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OT: Helpers needed to prepare InfoAge satellite dish exhibit
by Evan Koblentz 14 May '16

14 May '16

Everyone, InfoAge is looking for helpers at the satellite dish campus on May 21 and June 18. They're looking for people who are ready to do real labor, from painting to gardening to raking (and that sort of thing). RSVP privately to Jim Kudrick: jimkudrick(a)gmail.com / 908-278-4850.

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Belated group pic from last Saturday
by Evan Koblentz 14 May '16

14 May '16

A few of us met at a bar in Philadelphia last weekend: http://www.vcfed.org/evan/philly_5-7-16.jpg Right to left (because I like to be different): me taking the selfie, Jonathan G., David Rys., David's brother Phil, and Bill Deg. In related news: I highly recommend the chicken tenders at Misconduct Tavern, they're delicious.

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You should really have a redirect from vintage.org to vcfed.org
by Christian Liendo 14 May '16

14 May '16

I couldn't remember vcfed.org and if you google vintage computer fest it still links to vintage.org

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Oklahoma City?
by Dave McGuire 13 May '16

13 May '16

Hey folks, is there anyone near Oklahoma City who might be able to pick up a biggish oscilloscope for me (Tektronix 500 series, one-man lift but big as oscilloscopes go) anytime soon? It came from a friend of mine who needed it gone, and it's trying to make its way up here to me. The fellow who has it now will be moving soon and it needs to be gotten out of his way. Thanks, -Dave -- Dave McGuire, AK4HZ New Kensington, PA

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Festivus 2016 - Dec. 3 & 4
by Jeffrey Brace 13 May '16

13 May '16

I know that this is *real* early, but some people coming from long distance need to plan ahead. Festivus will be December 3 & 4. We will be having it in the 9010-A classroom. It's a nicely renovated area. More details will be forthcoming in the coming months. Hope to see lots of you there! -- Jeff Brace

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Steve Dompier's coding...
by Herb Johnson 13 May '16

13 May '16

> [Cromemco Dazzler Dazzlemation...] > .... Mr. Dompier hand wrote that program > LITERALLY (hand, pencil, paper), no editor, no assembler. > He then toggled it in (or maybe raw keyed it in with a > primitive ROM monitor) and [used paper tape to save/restore it] I agree, it's informative to look at such code, to see methods of coding. But that's normal activity, given the era. When you don't have a computer with disk drives, an assembler program, a text editor...that's what you did, that's what we did in the era. Much of the earliest 8080 code (6502, 6800, 8008, 4004, 4040...) was hand coded. MOst of the early single-boards, didn't have resident assemblers. There was no choice, but this is how one understood the operation and programming of these processors. They were little logic engines; the code is the logic. It would be a lecture, to explain that further, and the history behind it. Some people today, still code by hand. Many 1802 COSMAC computer owners do that - I support some of that work. Example: I spent a few days recently, disassembling an 1802 FORTH implementation. About 1/3 of it was 1802 assembler; I used a disassembler for that part. The rest was just words - 16 bit addresses, one after another - which represented FORTH definitions. Those, I hand-aligned, determined the dictionary location, and "decoded" which FORTH word was represented. I learned a lot about setting up FORTH with an 1802. Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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The June Workshop will be June 11 & 12
by Jeffrey Brace 11 May '16

11 May '16

The next workshop will be June 11 starting at 10 AM. June 4/5 and 25/26 are unavailable. June 18/19 is Father's Day weekend. So this is the only weekend available. So mark your calendars and I hope to see all of you there! Jeff Brace

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Testing....
by Evan Koblentz 11 May '16

11 May '16

No list messages since Monday night. Making sure this is still working...

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Testing....
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 11 May '16

11 May '16

Dean Notarnicola via vcf-midatlantic writes: >Ack https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YklZBA9UBjc

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Testing....
by Brian L. Stuart 11 May '16

11 May '16

> > > > No list messages since Monday night. Making sure this is still > > > > working... > > > > > > Arp > > > > Moog > > HA !! VCF-N-LISTPASS: List working normally BLS

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Bar in Philly tonight
by Evan Koblentz 09 May '16

09 May '16

A few of us are arranging to meet at a bar someplace in central Philly at 9pm tonight. Details to be determined. Open to all.

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ReallyPopular<tm> movie
by Evan Koblentz 09 May '16

09 May '16

>> Without giving out any spoilers, there's a shout out to our favorite hobby in the ReallyPopular<tm> movie released today. I think several people here became osmosisly aware :) of our involvement with such a movie. Presumably the NDA is moot now...

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Lo-Tech Z-80 Test Board
by william degnan 09 May '16

09 May '16

On May 8, 2016 9:26 PM, "Jeffrey Jonas via vcf-midatlantic" < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > > replying to "Lo-tech_Z80_CPU_Test_Adapter > > It's an excuse for making and selling a PC board. > A 40 pin DIP CLIP does that and more: > for probing with a scope or logic analyzer. > Most system boards don't have the space or clearance for daughterboards. > > A stand alone Z80 CPU tester is just a clock source, > 5V and pull-up resistors, feeding the Z80 NO-OPS. > Then watch the CPU go thru its paces > > -- jeffj I know in the past people used a Sinclair zx81 or timex 1000 for this kind of thing. Easy to work with Bill Degnan twitter: billdeg vintagecomputer.net

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Lo-Tech Z-80 Test Board
by Jeffrey Jonas 09 May '16

09 May '16

replying to "Lo-tech_Z80_CPU_Test_Adapter It's an excuse for making and selling a PC board. A 40 pin DIP CLIP does that and more: for probing with a scope or logic analyzer. Most system boards don't have the space or clearance for daughterboards. A stand alone Z80 CPU tester is just a clock source, 5V and pull-up resistors, feeding the Z80 NO-OPS. Then watch the CPU go thru its paces -- jeffj

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Calling for [Point 4] IRIS programmers
by Microtech Dart 08 May '16

08 May '16

Hi, all. It's been a while since I've discussed anything here. We've made a lot of progress re-constructing a couple of Point 4 machines (as much as one can without the actual hardware), yet still need some help from a few knowledgeable folks in this 35+ year old OS. It was built on the DG Nova foundation, but made by Educational Data Systems, which became Point 4, for their Point 4 machines. So, it doesn't exactly "just run" on SimH Nova. We've been in regular contact with Bruce Ray, who is a true expert in all Data General and related systems. He has already helped us TREMENDOUSLY. http://NovasAreForever.org But other than Bruce Ray, are there any other folks here on this forum who may have had any IRIS programming, either on the Point 4, or another system of similarity in the late '70s to early '80s? I've hunted down a handful of people so far on LinkedIn and scouring the internet, and only a few of those have responded. But I just thought I'd make a shout out here. A small handful have kindly responded, with either limited recollection or availability, or both. In addition to Bruce, those who have contributed so far include David Takle, and one of the original Point 4 IRIS designers, Dan Paymar. We've added a LOT of new content and progress to our restoration/re-creation of what is turning out to be TWO distinct Point 4 IRIS systems. Stop by our site if you like, and especially review the directory page "Understranding IRIS": http://microtechm1.blogspot.com/p/understanding-iris.html Does anyone here have anything to add, or IRIS/Point 4 documentation that could be helpful here (other than what we have at http://microtechm1.blogspot.com/p/manuals.html ). Thanks all, I always appreciate the fantastic feedback here. -AJ http://MightyFrame.com http://MicrotechM1.blogspot.com

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] (Semi-off topic) Looking for a place in NJ that does in-place expandable foam packing.
by Corey Cohen 07 May '16

07 May '16

Maybe I should keep looking for a professional shop for this. One item is an irreplaceable 1973 TV. corey cohen uǝɥoɔ ʎǝɹoɔ > On May 7, 2016, at 9:30 AM, Garrett Nievin <gnievin(a)silvaire.org> wrote: > > You can get this stuff in spray cans at your local hardware store as an expanding foam insulation: > > http://www.homedepot.com/p/GREAT-STUFF-16-oz-Gaps-and-Cracks-Insulating-Foa… > > One can expands to a surprisingly large volume. May or may not be up to your task, though. > > Cheers, > Garrett > > > On Sat, 07 May 2016 07:13:57 -0400 > Corey Cohen via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > >> I have to ship a vintage monitor, Keyboard and some other stuff overseas. What to make sure it not only gets there in one piece, but has reusable boxes that the items can be shipped back in the future. >> >> When I got my ADM-5, the shipper used an expanding foam that made a perfect shape around the terminal. >> >> Anyone have a place in NJ, preferably in Middlesex, Monmouth or ocean counties that does this for individual who are shipping stuff. >> >> Thanks, >> Corey >> >> corey cohen >> uǝɥoɔ ʎǝɹoɔ > > >

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Cory - options for shipping your monitor, etc.
by Steven Michelsen 07 May '16

07 May '16

Cory, I have a "vintage" ATA road case that you can have, that was used to carry a 12" monitor. It’s one of several cases that I have no use for any longer, and doubt I could sell even on ebay. It is made of very solid stuff and is lined with foam. Unfortunately, that also means that it is heavy, which means the price to ship will be higher. If you are interested I will fish it out of my garage and take measurements. Here's a picture: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/65762317/forums/road_case_for_monitor.j… Also, not sure how to get it to you – I will be out of town the next two weeks. I am hoping to be at the June workshop. Not sure what your schedule is for shipping your stuff. OR, another option is something like this… http://bensonbox.com/. Not as bulletproof as my steel-edged cases, but decent, and lightweight. Steve -----Original Message----- From: vcf-midatlantic [mailto:vcf-midatlantic-bounces@lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org] On Behalf Of Corey Cohen via vcf-midatlantic Sent: Saturday, May 07, 2016 9:37 AM To: Garrett Nievin <gnievin(a)silvaire.org> Cc: Corey Cohen <applecorey(a)optonline.net>; Corey Cohen via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] (Semi-off topic) Looking for a place in NJ that does in-place expandable foam packing. Maybe I should keep looking for a professional shop for this. One item is an irreplaceable 1973 TV. corey cohen uǝɥoɔ ʎǝɹoɔ > On May 7, 2016, at 9:30 AM, Garrett Nievin <gnievin(a)silvaire.org> wrote: > > You can get this stuff in spray cans at your local hardware store as an expanding foam insulation: > > http://www.homedepot.com/p/GREAT-STUFF-16-oz-Gaps-and-Cracks-Insulating-Foa… > > One can expands to a surprisingly large volume. May or may not be up to your task, though. > > Cheers, > Garrett > > > On Sat, 07 May 2016 07:13:57 -0400 > Corey Cohen via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > >> I have to ship a vintage monitor, Keyboard and some other stuff overseas. What to make sure it not only gets there in one piece, but has reusable boxes that the items can be shipped back in the future. >> >> When I got my ADM-5, the shipper used an expanding foam that made a perfect shape around the terminal. >> >> Anyone have a place in NJ, preferably in Middlesex, Monmouth or ocean counties that does this for individual who are shipping stuff. >> >> Thanks, >> Corey >> >> corey cohen >> uǝɥoɔ ʎǝɹoɔ > > >

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(Semi-off topic) Looking for a place in NJ that does in-place expandable foam packing.
by Herb Johnson 07 May '16

07 May '16

I've noticed that FedEx offers some fancier boxes that amount to more elaborate travel cabinets, with reinforced corners and edges, but are still made of cardboard. They call them "Kubox" and they aren't cheap (over $100) but they are light and sturdy. reduced weight may save shipping cost. FedEx Office of course, also does packing and offers a variety of boxes. Let's not have a comparative discussion of shipping services, please. The question was on boxes and packing. The alternative, for a one-off shipment, might be to visit some thrift stores and look at *luggage*. Some piece of luggage or cabinet or footlocker may fit the item. Military surplus stores, maybe there's cheap cabinetry at Ikeo, I dunno. Also, I have some professional carrying cases which are intended for both shipping and for travel. Corey, contact me 1) if you have the time and this isn't ship-yesterday and 2) if you have some dimensions for the items in question, so I can determine fit for what I have around. But what I generally do, is cut up styrofoam sheets to fit the space in my shipping box, fill the rest with soft stuff or styro peanuts; double boxing if necessary. YOu can get sheets from big-box hardware stores. The white stuff simply takes up air space, doesn't absorb impacts well. The pink stuff is pretty stiff and provides structure, you can build an "inner box" from it. You'll generate some styrofoam "sawdust". The price of these sheets compares to buying the peanuts, which you should ONLY buy in as large a bag as possible. UPS-type shipping stores sell the big bags (10 cubic feet or more), but shop around for best price. Yes, Uline sells them too. If someone asked *me* to use spray insulation inside a shipping box, I'd mock up the item, pack the mock-up with the spray, then cut out the mock-up and repack the actual item wrapped in styro sheet or bubble wrap to fill the void. I'd hate to risk ruining some valuable item with sticky foam or fumes from the spray, or from scratches while extracting it with a knife. Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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