- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

A personal note
by Evan Koblentz 09 Apr '16

09 Apr '16

Guys, I'm under a lot of stress with VCF East, the museum, VCF West, and a possibly serious health issue. I would really appreciate it if we can all cut down some of the sarcasm. A lot of people on this list used to tell me to ask for help more often, instead of trying to do it all. So when I do ask, you can imagine how frustrating it is to be met with sarcasm or from people who say, "I'd love to help, but" .... that is noise, we need signal. I run the group because I love it. This is not a complaint, just a personal request. Thank you -- and extra-special thanks to the (many) of you who've stepped up these past few months, including many of you who did so behind-the-scenes because you also love this stuff, not for any credit or glory. Evan

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] final VCF East advertising push
by Evan Koblentz 09 Apr '16

09 Apr '16

> I've begun a daily advertising regimen to the youngin' crowd of retro computer geeks on tumblr. Might get a few bites, who knows. Thanks Alex

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final VCF East advertising push
by Evan Koblentz 09 Apr '16

09 Apr '16

Everyone (really -- EVERYONE!!!), Please tell your friends, family, colleagues, close associates, and everyone else about VCF East. Use email. Facebook. Twitter. LinkedIn. Blogs. Intranets. Old-fashioned breakroom bulletin boards. Post on your favorite retro comp forums. IRC rooms. Yell it from the rooftops. All you have to remember is: - Www.vcfed.org - It's awesomely fun - Benefits non-profits

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Help! We need another Friday class
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 09 Apr '16

09 Apr '16

Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic writes: >Everyone, > >Help! We need another Friday class (and a backup in case any has to >cancel). > >Who can teach something technical and interesting without much >preparation? > >Anything but Commodore 64. Seriously. How about Commodore 64 humorously?

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Kaypro II hard drive controller
by Joseph Oprysko 09 Apr '16

09 Apr '16

Does anyone know where I would be able to get a hard drive controller for the Kaypro II systems? I know of 2 model numbers, WD-1002-HDO and WD-1002-05, from what I have read, they plug into the Z-80 socket, and then you mount your CPU onto the board, and Voila, you have a Hard Drive interface. Also, if anyone would happen to have some copies of software/games (like Infocom games, etc) for the Kaypro II on floppies, if you could bring them to VCF East, I could use some. I have exactly ONE floppy disk for my Kaypro system. So I am a bit limited on using it. Thanks, 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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Hey look!
by Evan Koblentz 08 Apr '16

08 Apr '16

Sridhar is making a triumphant and glorious return to VCF East. :) http://vcfed.org/wp/festivals/vintage-computer-festival-east/vcf-east-exhib… Welcome back friend!

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need DOS for leading edge model D
by Joe Herdler 08 Apr '16

08 Apr '16

Hi All, I am in need of a copy of DOS for the Leading Edge Model-D (the one made by Daewoo). Not sure which version, I think that I used to use 3.3 when I had my original Leading Edge. This one has a hard drive, but I am not happy with the op system. I want to wipe the hard drive and install a fresh DOS so that I can use Lantastic (which I also need advice on as to what version I should use for DOS 3.3 on my Leading Edge computer. I want to network several older computers with 10Base2 so that I can keep the grandkids from plugging their playthings into some cat5 outlet lurking somewhere on my network. That has been a real issue in the past with my more modern network. I want to use the AUI port with micro transceivers (CentreCom AT-10MX type transceivers). Any advice, knowledge most welcome and if you have a copy of DOS for sale, please let me know. Thank you much, Joe H Consciousness affects the medium. Think happy, be happy, and happiness will follow you.

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Looking for an IBM PCjr system
by Joseph Oprysko 08 Apr '16

08 Apr '16

Does anyone happen to have a PCjr lying around? It is one of the first systems I owned, and I have a sentimental attachment to it. Unfortunately I do not have one in my collection. (But for some reason I have half a dozen C64 systems, which I never owned back in the day). I'm hoping to make a trade for it, as I have a number of systems in my collection that are duplicates. As well as other systems I don't have a great amount of sentimentality towards. Message me off list if you're interested. -- 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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Help! We need another Friday class
by Evan Koblentz 08 Apr '16

08 Apr '16

Everyone, Help! We need another Friday class (and a backup in case any has to cancel). Who can teach something technical and interesting without much preparation? Anything but Commodore 64. Seriously.

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help for a HP86b in Italy
by Herb Johnson 08 Apr '16

08 Apr '16

I was contacted by someone in Italy, who is trying to get an HP86b computer and its GP-IB connected floppy drive back into operation. He has limited technical skills, and limited English. But he seems to be finding the right Web sites with information on the computer. The HP seems to be operating but not recognizing the drive; he'd cleaned the drive to get the gunky grease out. What he lacks, is some local help in his native Italy. USA discussion groups speak in colloquial English, hard to read and write. They won't be patient as he learns to describe actions in English. Myself, I've not worked much with these, I'd have to (re)learn them to help, which is not my priority. Who is working with these old HP desktop computers in Europe, these days? Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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Museum security
by Evan Koblentz 08 Apr '16

08 Apr '16

Guys, A member recently contacted another member, who in told informed me of the first member's security concerns (that someone could in theory take something small from our new space). There has NEVER been anything stolen from us. Obviously in a large collection things get misplaced from time to time, and once in a while somebody will move something without permission or without communicating it to someone else, etc., but we've NEVER had anything involving thievery occur. But if anyone is wondering, we DO have security plans: - We're going to set up the usual chains and/or ropes in front of all exhibits ahead of the show next week. We already have the stanchions in place. - The new space has a single entrance/exit (not counting emergency exits), unlike the old space which was four separate rooms each with its own door to the hallway, so it's less likely for someone to take something without us noticing (although that's never happened.) - There will be copious and prominent "Please don't touch" signs all around the new space. - There's going to be a chain and a "Staff only" sign separating the exhibits from the workshop area. - Post-show, I'd like to install sheets of plexi on the fronts of shelving carts that involve any machine with a front panel. - Also for post-show, we (the board) are considering ideas for creating some kind of walkway boundaries, perhaps with carpet runners or paint, which would encourage people to "stay within the lines" so to speak. (We're also considering a very creative way of painting the lines so that each part of the museum has its a unique "zone" with different themes.) - We may install an alarm and/or security cameras when resources allow. - Electric shock collars for all visitors. :)

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Museum security
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 08 Apr '16

08 Apr '16

Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic writes: >>> - Electric shock collars for all visitors. :) > > >http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110424164520/memoryalpha/en/images/d/d… > >Also for certain club members.... Only if it's 208Vac 3-phase!

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Museum security
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 08 Apr '16

08 Apr '16

Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic writes: >Guys, > >A member recently contacted another member, who in told informed me of >the first member's security concerns (that someone could in theory take >something small from our new space). > >There has NEVER been anything stolen from us. > >Obviously in a large collection things get misplaced from time to time, >and once in a while somebody will move something without permission or >without communicating it to someone else, etc., but we've NEVER had >anything involving thievery occur. > >But if anyone is wondering, we DO have security plans: > >- We're going to set up the usual chains and/or ropes in front of all >exhibits ahead of the show next week. We already have the stanchions in >place. > >- The new space has a single entrance/exit (not counting emergency >exits), unlike the old space which was four separate rooms each with its >own door to the hallway, so it's less likely for someone to take >something without us noticing (although that's never happened.) > >- There will be copious and prominent "Please don't touch" signs all >around the new space. > >- There's going to be a chain and a "Staff only" sign separating the >exhibits from the workshop area. > >- Post-show, I'd like to install sheets of plexi on the fronts of >shelving carts that involve any machine with a front panel. > >- Also for post-show, we (the board) are considering ideas for creating >some kind of walkway boundaries, perhaps with carpet runners or paint, >which would encourage people to "stay within the lines" so to speak. >(We're also considering a very creative way of painting the lines so >that each part of the museum has its a unique "zone" with different >themes.) > >- We may install an alarm and/or security cameras when resources allow. > >- Electric shock collars for all visitors. :) http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110424164520/memoryalpha/en/images/d/d…

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] museum report
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 08 Apr '16

08 Apr '16

Jeff Galinat via vcf-midatlantic writes: >On 4/8/2016 6:24 AM, Brian Schenkenberger via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > >What did you notch that with? A tree saw? A holesaw would have made a > >nice rounded corner cut. ;) Brian, We worked with the tools I had. I >had a circular saw & sawsall. Sorry if our work has not met your high >standards. Mock our efforts if you must, but you have not been in >attendance for these work sessions. In my book, that means you don't get >to criticize. There is still a lot of cleaning & setting up to do, >including sweeping & mopping the floors. We will be working Sunday, I >trust you you be stopping by to assist us? Regards, Jeff Galinat Where were you for the huge Jamesburg rescue? The Toms River rescue? And myriad others? Don't sling the shit when you're not there to wade through it (Jamesburg) with the others. Evan's called on me many times to employ my SUV and my trailer as the transport for much of what sits in the storage area. I've gone above and beyond the call of duty several times, despite requests NOT TO MOVE OR LIFT objects when I had my torn elbow ligamants; yet, there I was stuck moving and lifting. I spent 2 years of my life in plaster with 34 broken bones on the mend and another year learning to walk again. I live in constant pain from that -- exaccerbated now by my age -- and I have been there to move and lift a lot of crap about at the museum. So, please don't shower me with your self-indignation because you were there with your sawsall. It's stuff like this that keeps me from participating in the requested efforts.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] museum report
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 08 Apr '16

08 Apr '16

Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic writes: >{...snip...} >Brian: I know you're teasing about the way we trimmed the plywood. >Martin= : Nice of you to offer but our need was immediate. I was kidding. However, my comment WRT aesthetics holds. If there's a tool not available, there's this list -- use it and ask. I'm not far. If I have something needed, I'd offer it. I might not be in a position to rocket over to InfoAge to deliver it but I'd certainly try to get you what you may need.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] museum report
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 08 Apr '16

08 Apr '16

Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic writes: >Jeff G. and I got to the museum at 8am today. JG stayed to about 4pm, >then I worked solo for a while; Jeff B. stopped by around 8:30pm and >helped for a while. Then I helped him with his VCF East exhibit until >10. How late did he stay after I left? You'd have to ask him! > >Jeff G. and I spent the first two hours planning and re-making the the >PDP-8 storage cart. Didn't want to rush this time. :) We cut a thick >piece of plywood for the entire width of the top shelf, lowered the >shelf one inch to the posts stick up at each corner, and notched the >plywood for the posts so the wood can't slide out. It worked quite well. >See this picture: http://vcfed.org/evan/8top.jpg ... one of these days What did you notch that with? A tree saw? A holesaw would have made a nice rounded corner cut. ;) >I'll shop for black rubber or plastic caps to fit into the poles. You >can see the complete bottom shelf, added for stability, in this picture: >http://vcfed.org/evan/8front.jpg. What's thin inside/outside diameter? There's a well stocked hardware store here which has such caps. I just purchased some for the legs of my currnet high power rocketry launch rail project. Let me know the sizes and I get a set for you before VCF. >Oh and we replaced the VT-100 with a DECwriter III aka LA-120. Cleaned >that up and it looks almost new (from a few feet away): >http://vcfed.org/evan/la120.jpg. Where's the tractor and printhead/platten cover?

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] museum report
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 08 Apr '16

08 Apr '16

Jeff Galinat via vcf-midatlantic writes: >On 4/8/2016 6:24 AM, Brian Schenkenberger via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > >What did you notch that with? A tree saw? A holesaw would have made a > >nice rounded corner cut. ;) Brian, We worked with the tools I had. I >had a circular saw & sawsall. Sorry if our work has not met your high >standards. Mock our efforts if you must, but you have not been in >attendance for these work sessions. In my book, that means you don't get >to criticize. There is still a lot of cleaning & setting up to do, >including sweeping & mopping the floors. We will be working Sunday, I >trust you you be stopping by to assist us? Regards, Jeff Galinat When all you possess is a hammer, all your problems look like nails. ;) It's just that, IMNSHO, aesthetics *do* matter.

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Commodore equipment needed for VCF
by Jeffrey Brace 08 Apr '16

08 Apr '16

So I'm quite surprised that no one stepped forward to lend me Commodore equipment. I was able to borrow from VCF and find equipment on my own. I was able to get enough C64 and backups. I was able to get enough monitors with one to spare, but wish all of them are not 1702. I would need 2 more. I have enough power supplies, cables etc. Oh well. Should be good enough, but not perfect! Jeff Brace

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museum report
by Evan Koblentz 08 Apr '16

08 Apr '16

Jeff G. and I got to the museum at 8am today. JG stayed to about 4pm, then I worked solo for a while; Jeff B. stopped by around 8:30pm and helped for a while. Then I helped him with his VCF East exhibit until 10. How late did he stay after I left? You'd have to ask him! Jeff G. and I spent the first two hours planning and re-making the the PDP-8 storage cart. Didn't want to rush this time. :) We cut a thick piece of plywood for the entire width of the top shelf, lowered the shelf one inch to the posts stick up at each corner, and notched the plywood for the posts so the wood can't slide out. It worked quite well. See this picture: http://vcfed.org/evan/8top.jpg ... one of these days I'll shop for black rubber or plastic caps to fit into the poles. You can see the complete bottom shelf, added for stability, in this picture: http://vcfed.org/evan/8front.jpg. We used the rest of the day to go on a computer-cleaning binge. We attacked every system with baby wipes and/or paper towels and/or 409 spray and/or Goo Gone and/or scrubbing sponges. The results are dramatic! I didn't take before/after pictures, but many of the systems were yellowed and dirty... and now they're only yellowed. :) Many others were simply dirty and now they're surprisingly clean. A good example if the Prime 6550. The metal panels were almost gray and nasty before; now they're nearly white. The bottom vents were yellowed and hideously covered in grime; now they're only yellowed and kind of bright. Check it out: http://vcfed.org/evan/prime.jpg. Oh and we replaced the VT-100 with a DECwriter III aka LA-120. Cleaned that up and it looks almost new (from a few feet away): http://vcfed.org/evan/la120.jpg. So what's left? I'm almost done make the files for all the signs; hoping to bring those in and print them on our new printer this weekend. Have to put up ropes and/or chains around the exhibits, put our sign outside the building, hang a bunch of pictures etc. (if there's time), clean up the workshop area, tie back a bunch of cables, and then declare the new museum "good enough" to open in beta mode for VCF East next week. Anyone who thinks we could have done more with the resources/time available should have donated more resources or their time. :)

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Giving away 0.35 metric tons of books
by Herb Johnson 07 Apr '16

07 Apr '16

Here's my Web page about mold on diskettes. They can be cleaned for use; they MUST be cleaned for use. http://www.retrotechnology.com/herbs_stuff/clean_disks.html Bill Degnan has used UV light, or just sunlight, to clean books and magzines. I put books out in full sunlight with the pages separated by sticks, to permit air flow. Really helps get that musty smell out. I've found it very useful, to buy zip-lock bags for individual books or bunches of diskettes. And I use "recycling trash bags" which are transparent, for storing box-sided items, which can be closed with a tie-wrap. these work both ways of course; keep mold in or out, keep moisture out. Mold thrives where there is moisture. My exhibit at VCF-East, will represent what happens to S-100 systems stored in moisture. Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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Secrets, schmeecrets! Apple 1 + Kenbak-1
by Evan Koblentz 07 Apr '16

07 Apr '16

So...... come to VCF East ... TELL YOUR FRIENDS .... there will be TWO real Apple 1s on display, one or maybe both will be up and running (thanks to Apple 1 master Corey C. for hooking us up with these) ... oh and a real Kenbak-1 (display only, not running) will also be there.

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FS: Applied Microsystems EM-188 Intel 8080 8085 Diagnostic Emulator
by Systems Glitch 07 Apr '16

07 Apr '16

link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/272125508235 ** NOTE: This unit is missing the emulator pods! ** Picked it up at either a hamfest or university surplus auction, I don't remember which. I've been searching for 8080 or 8085 pods for this unit for several years. I'm calling it a loss, so it's time to sell it. Perhaps someone has the pods and can make use of it. It does power on, and you can see from the pictures it has six TIL311 displays in it. I believe it also has a number of 6116 2K x 8 static RAMs inside -- I opened it up at one point in the past. This would've been an excellent tool for vintage computer debugging, if I could've found the pods. The emulator lets you observe and control the data and address bus states, as well as internal state of the CPU. If you're going to be at VCF East this year, I can drop it off in person and avoid shipping. That will of course be a *major* consideration if anyone wants to submit Best Offers :) Thanks, Jonathan

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Giving away 0.35 metric tons of books*
by Alexey Toptygin 07 Apr '16

07 Apr '16

*some restrictions apply :-) Evan Koblentz pointed me to a rescue here in the triangle, NC area back in August 2015. Some items were set aside for VCFed, but there were A LOT of books and other media that were up for grabs. Because I'm a sucker, I took and then carefully cleaned and catalogued them all. The master list is here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19UYeJlhiVYVExCAO2NSzcAkBww0kEeAYrEG… There really are 17 boxes, and they really do weigh 780lb or approximately 0.35 metric tons. They're mostly books (from the 80s and 90s), but there are some floppies, some boxed sets, and even a small box of VHS tapes. The previous owner stored all this stuff in abysmal conditions, so there was a lot of mold (and some dead insects and some live insects, and... you know how it goes). I cleaned every item as much as possible. Some items had to be disposed of for safety reasons. That which made it into the cataloging stage is at least scanable, but if it says 'mildewed' on it, and you have a mold allergy, you don't want it. I don't know if any floppies are readable, and unless the catalog says it comes with media, I haven't got the media. Luckily most items survived relatively intact. You can have anything in the spreadsheet free of charge provided: 1) You are willing to take WHOLE BOXES at VCF East XI, you let me know by Weds 4/13/16, and they fit in my car when I pack for VCF. OR 2) You want to come to Durham to pick them up at a prearranged time after VCF OR 3) You are willing to wait until the next VCF East, and let me know far enough in advance that I can set items aside for you. If you want single items, and you don't want to wait until VCF East 2017, I'll do my best to mail them to you after this VCF is over, but you'll need to pay for shipping. I would prefer not to ship whole boxes; they're sturdy moving boxes but they weigh 40-60lb each and I'm pretty sure if you drop them hard enough the contents won't like it. I'm in Durham, NC 27701. I don't want any of this to go to recycling, so I'll try to hold it for at least a year or the next VCF East after this one. After that, all bets are off. Let me know if you are interested in any of this stuff, or if you have questions; in case the mailing list(s) eat it, my email is alexey.toptygin at gmail dot com. Thanks!

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Wanted to borrow: Hayes Smartmodem 1200
by Mike Loewen 06 Apr '16

06 Apr '16

I'd like to borrow a Hayes Smartmodem 1200 (external) for my VCF exhibit, preferably in working order. Is anyone able to help? The Hayes was introduced in 1982, which is appropriate for my exhibit (1982 Office Suite). Thanks! Mike Loewen mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/

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VCF East - Weather looking good from here
by Dan Roganti 06 Apr '16

06 Apr '16

Weather looking good from here for VCF East extended forecast shows clear skies, a little warm might need shorts and sandals this year :) http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/belmar-nj/07719/daily-weather-forecast/217…

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF East - Weather looking good from here
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 06 Apr '16

06 Apr '16

Dan Roganti via vcf-midatlantic writes: >Weather looking good from here for VCF East extended forecast shows >clear skies, a little warm might need shorts and sandals this year :) >=E2=80=8B >http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/belmar-nj/07719/daily-weather-forecast/217= >4853?day=3D11 Just remember, it's weather forecasting. ;)

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Thursday
by Evan Koblentz 06 Apr '16

06 Apr '16

Everyone, Jeff G. and I are meeting at the museum at 8am this Thursday. A ton of checklist items have been done in the past few weeks but there is still much more. Can anyone help? Jeff G. has to leave around 3-4 but I can stay into the evening.

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VCF-E exhibit of Ithaca Intersystems DPS-1
by Herb Johnson 06 Apr '16

06 Apr '16

http://www.retrotechnology.com/restore/ith_feb16_repairs.html I've completed hardware repairs of two S-100 DPS-1 systems from Ithaca Intersystems; and substantially completed what I might call software repairs. These are operational, running CP/M, and their repairs will be the substance of my exhibit at VCF-East. Evan, if it's reasonable, please insert the above paragraph and (at least) the Web link into my VCF-East exhibit description. Thank you. herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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VCF-E setup schedule
by Herb Johnson 05 Apr '16

05 Apr '16

What is the schedule for exhibitors, and for vendors, to set up their spaces, before public hours? What can be set up on Friday? Also: Exhibits won't be open Friday, but will vendors (and consignment) be open for sales that day? Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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Univac name plate
by Evan Koblentz 05 Apr '16

05 Apr '16

Dean and I went to install the Univac CPU name plate that Corey L. rescued. As we hoped, the air vent (in which the name plates mount) from the tape drive has screw holes in the same locations as on the CPU, so I removed the vent from our spare tape drive in the warehouse. The next challenge is the remove the name plate from the vent: it's riveted on there. Jimmy J. from the train group explained to me how to grind down the rivet doughnut thingamajig using a Dremel and the right attachment. He even put some rivets in a piece of scrap wood so I have something on which to practice before doing the real one. The proper name plate has nuts on the back, so it will attach without needed to re-rivet anything. I brought home the spare vent and the correct name plate and will work on that during the week.

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museum report
by Evan Koblentz 04 Apr '16

04 Apr '16

Dean and I worked in the museum from about 10am to 5pm. A few of the microcomputer cart backdrops came down overnight. We addressed this by putting superglue between the adhesive side of the velcro and the backdrop material. Hopefully they'll still be up the next time we go there! If that still doesn't work then we will try a mechanical fix (maybe put hose clamps and/or hooks around the cart poles, or something along those lines.) You can see the wall side of the micro exhibit and its new backdrops here: http://vcfed.org/evan/backs_wall.jpg and the center aisle side here: http://vcfed.org/evan/backs_center.jpg. Remember, there are going to be signs on each unit where the rear poles extend beyond the top shelves. Per the recent discussion about terminals, we put the Televideo 750 with the Prime 6500 and a VT100 with the VAX-11/785. There wasn't room for separate tables in that area so we put the terminals on top of the computers. I'm leaning toward the idea of moving the Prime's tape drive rack and the VT100 back into storage to make room for a DECwriter next to the /785 (theory being we already have a few other tape drives and terminals in the exhibit, but nothing else like the teleprinter.) This would let us show more kinds of artifacts, which is a good thing. We reinstalled the bottom vent on another of the Prime racks. It was bent and the plastic part was badly separated from the metal frame. Tony fixed it for us a while ago. The plastic part is yellowed, but so is the one on other Prime rack next to it, so it looks like they match. :) Dean and I also did an unplanned project with the PDP-8. I was lamenting that the brown+blue table for that computer is hard to move because its legs are of questionable integrity and that it doesn't match any other furniture in the next space. Started thinking if we could replace it with a small stand made from our usual metal shelf parts. Problem was, the 8's wooden platform is way too deep for that. We called David G. to ask what's involved in separating the computer from the platform; he explained how easy it is, so we did that. We cut a piece of plywood to fit neatly between the chassis and the cart shelf because the usual shelf liner kept bubbling under the 8's adjustable feet. Now, anytime David (or whomever) needs to work on that computer, all we have to do is wheel over the cart. Of course, the 8's wooden platform is historic! We decided to mount it on the wall above the ASR-'33 next to the 8 itself. The platform is light, so we drilled a small hole in the center (it'll be covered) and hung it with a lag bolt and washer into a stud. We will put a sign explaining the RESISTORS in the center of the platform (covering the bolt head) and leaving all the RESISTORS alumni signatures visible around the edges. This was a fun project. See the picture here: http://vcfed.org/evan/kagan_close.jpg and see how it greets visitors in the transition from mainframes to minis here: http://vcfed.org/evan/kagan_far.jpg. At first we were reluctant to drill a hole in the platform; in retrospect we could have put a hook on the back and hung it like a picture. But this worked out fine, didn't hurt anything, and the platform is very secure. Another thing we did today, but there's a lot more of it to do, is clean computers using a variety of baby wipes, goo gone, and that sort of thing. Dean attended Corey C.'s computer cleaning lesson at the VCF East last year and put those skills to good use! I started zip-tying loose cords to the back of the micro carts but ran out of time.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] museum report
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 04 Apr '16

04 Apr '16

Jonathan Gevaryahu via vcf-midatlantic writes: >On 4/4/2016 8:42 AM, Brian Schenkenberger via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > A >DECwriter LA-120 would have been the more appropriate 'console' for > >a/any VAX-11/78x with wide paper. I have a fine speciment of an LA-120 > >if you're interested for VCF. What rom revision does your LA120 have in >it? (i.e. what 23-xxxxx numbers on the chips?) I'm hunting for the >'older' LA120 ROM set, which was on 5 chips (all 2316 mask roms). I have >a good copy of the 'newer' ROM set on 2 chips (one 24-pin 2364, and one >2316). I have one logic board out at the moment. It has 23007E2 and 23038E4 on its chips. I need to run out to ship out an RMA. If I get a chance to, I'll check the chips on the board of the LA-120 I use most of the time.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] museum report
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 04 Apr '16

04 Apr '16

Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic writes: >Dean and I worked in the museum from about 10am to 5pm. > >A few of the microcomputer cart backdrops came down overnight. We >addressed this by putting superglue between the adhesive side of the >velcro and the backdrop material. Hopefully they'll still be up the next >time we go there! If that still doesn't work then we will try a >mechanical fix (maybe put hose clamps and/or hooks around the cart >poles, or something along those lines.) You can see the wall side of the >micro exhibit and its new backdrops here: >http://vcfed.org/evan/backs_wall.jpg and the center aisle side here: >http://vcfed.org/evan/backs_center.jpg. Remember, there are going to be >signs on each unit where the rear poles extend beyond the top shelves. > >Per the recent discussion about terminals, we put the Televideo 750 with >the Prime 6500 and a VT100 with the VAX-11/785. There wasn't room for >separate tables in that area so we put the terminals on top of the >computers. A DECwriter LA-120 would have been the more appropriate 'console' for a/any VAX-11/78x with wide paper. I have a fine speciment of an LA-120 ir you're interested for VCF.

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Next up: more cleaning!!!
by Evan Koblentz 04 Apr '16

04 Apr '16

I know we won't get ** everything ** done by VCF East, but we can try! I'd like take another museum day this week (maybe Wednesday or Thursday) and of course this weekend again. The weekday edition should be 100% for cleaning: use those baby wipes (etc.) on ALL computers, dust all the window frames/sills, dust all the blinds, mop the floor .... none of this will be any fun, but the results will be great!

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Museum report
by Evan Koblentz 03 Apr '16

03 Apr '16

Sorry for the late and picture-less report. Mouse and I got to the museum around 11am today. Jeff J. came over in the afternoon and we all worked until early evening. Today's major accomplishment was installing decorative backings on all the microcomputer shelving carts. We also painted over some ugly spots on both of the black wooden display cases, added an industrial power strip to the workbench, did more cleaning (that never ends!), and so on.... Tomorrow it'll be Dean and I. Lots of detail tasks are on the list, such as (still more) cleaning, bringing the much-discussed terminals into the minicomputer display, doing some re-cabling, sprucing up the UNIVAC exhibit, etc......

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Which terminal for Prime 6550?
by Evan Koblentz 03 Apr '16

03 Apr '16

As discussed the other day: we'll use a Tektronix terminal with the DG Eclipse and an ADM-3A with the hobby systems. PDP-8 gets an ASR-33. That leaves the Prime 6550 (and also the PDP-11/785, but that one is easy because we have a selection of DEC terminals). So... which terminal (that we might have) is the best choice for the Prime?

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Prime 6550
by Ian Primus 03 Apr '16

03 Apr '16

With all this talk of a terminal for the Prime, does this mean you think you'll get it to the point where we can *run* the 6550? I've been offering to fix it up and get it in running condition for years, but that's never been an option due to lack of power for it. I mean, I know these machines very well, and I have all the service manuals, the operating system tapes and the spare parts. Getting it running is very doable. Problem is, that thing needs three phase in it's factory configuration. I can rewire it to run on anything (240 or 110), but you still need a *lot* of current, and that's historically been a problem for InfoAge, especially considering the problems I had just powering my little Prime 4450 when I've brought it to VCF. -Ian

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Which terminal for Prime 6550?
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 02 Apr '16

02 Apr '16

Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic writes: >As discussed the other day: we'll use a Tektronix terminal with the DG >Ec= lipse and an ADM-3A with the hobby systems. PDP-8 gets an ASR-33. >That le= aves the Prime 6550 (and also the PDP-11/785, but that one is >easy becaus= e we have a selection of DEC terminals). So... which >terminal (that we mi= ght have) is the best choice for the Prime? More April Fools?

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Which terminal for Prime 6550?
by Mike Loewen 02 Apr '16

02 Apr '16

>> the last thing that you would use on a 6550 would be a genuine DEC >> terminal > > What DO we use? Try a PT250: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Terminal-prime-pt250.jpg Mike Loewen mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] More museum reconfiguration
by Christian Liendo 02 Apr '16

02 Apr '16

Personally I think we should find all the episodes from the TV show "Wiz Kids" and do a 24hr Wiz Kid marathon. Granted there are only eighteen 60min episodes.

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Press / social media for VCF East
by Evan Koblentz 02 Apr '16

02 Apr '16

Our friends at Hackaday are sponsoring the eight-bit game programming hackathon. They wrote the first of several articles yesterday: http://hackaday.com/2016/03/31/hackaday-teams-with-vintage-computer-festiva… IEEE Spectrum is sending a reporter and photographer to the show. We've already been publicized on the Facebook/Twitter accounts of the ACM and of the IEEE History Center. Next week we'll be on the CSTA blog + social media (Computer Science Teachers Association). InfoAge sent out an announcement on their Constant Contact account recently. We have our own Constant Contact account and sent an announcement about two weeks ago. That was before Ted Nelson signed up, and there are other new details to share (more exhibits, class schedule, sponsors, etc.) so we'll send another blast soon... maybe tonight. I'm going to contact the Press of Atlantic City (daily paper there) and tell them the story of how, 40 years ago this summer, Apple made its public debut in their town... and that anyone can drive one hour north to see Apple history at our show/museum.

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Teletype Class Friday
by william degnan 01 Apr '16

01 Apr '16

Anyone planning on attending the Teletype session on Friday? If so, perhaps one or two of you would like to bring in your Teletype (ASR 33), working or no, so that we can use it as a hands-on demo of restoration and use techniques. At a minimum we can restore the print hammer head and/or lube the machine parts. If you bring a TTY, please clean it of debris/vacuum Bill -- @ 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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museum opening
by Herb Johnson 01 Apr '16

01 Apr '16

Degnan posted, and others agreed: >> Thought - might not be good to have a formal workshop, but it does >> make sense that our club show up in force to help out, >> show our colors regardless of what we do, and if >> that means some make on the spot repairs...be prepared.. This is what I posted previously - attend the event, demonstrate some repair work - so I agree too. I also suggested showing items that day, relevant to the other museums in the building. herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Ding ding ding! :)
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 01 Apr '16

01 Apr '16

Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic writes: >>> Count me out. I thought the idea was to educate and..... > >Every year someone takes the bait. :) > >Happy April 1st everyone. I didn't realize it was April 1. It's just another day of slavin' for the gv't to me.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] More museum reconfiguration
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 01 Apr '16

01 Apr '16

Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic writes: >Been thinking about what the public museum visitors really care about. >Ma= ybe instead of showing so much obscure stuff, we should just have >substan= tial exhibits about videogames, Windows, iPhone, and stuff like >that. Count me out. I thought the idea was to educate and, perhaps, enlighten the public about the history and roots of computing. If it's video games they're wanting, send them to the boardwalk arcades. If it's iPHone, send them up to the Apple Store at the Freehold Raceway Mall. If it's WEENDOZE, why? That's just my not to humble opinion!

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Ode to Microsoft
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 01 Apr '16

01 Apr '16

Tony Bogan via vcf-midatlantic writes: >> On Apr 1, 2016, at 10:31 AM, Neil Cherry via vcf-midatlantic ><vcf-midatlan= tic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: >=20 > In >the spirit of our new direction I thought a poem in order: >=20 > Ode to >Microsoft >=20 > Oh, $#!7, need to reboot. >=20 > >I think a Windows shrine is a great idea! Use the big screen monitor you Like this one is perfect! http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/27/OuthousePutnamCottageGre…

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] More museum reconfiguration
by Matt Mikolay 01 Apr '16

01 Apr '16

> The museum should focus on amassing a complete > collection of AOL CDs. Cover a wall with them. That's already Jason Scott's job, let's not step on his toes here. http://ascii.textfiles.com/archives/4624

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Ode to Microsoft
by Neil Cherry 01 Apr '16

01 Apr '16

In the spirit of our new direction I thought a poem in order: Ode to Microsoft Oh, $#!7, need to reboot. -- 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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More museum reconfiguration
by Evan Koblentz 01 Apr '16

01 Apr '16

Been thinking about what the public museum visitors really care about. Maybe instead of showing so much obscure stuff, we should just have substantial exhibits about videogames, Windows, iPhone, and stuff like that.

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OT - Cool New Arduino Compatible Kickstarter
by Chris Fala 01 Apr '16

01 Apr '16

A little bit expensive but very interesting. I just backed it. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/795510755/apollo-arduino-compatible-tr…

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