- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Sunday museum setup report
by Anthony Becker 22 Mar '16

22 Mar '16

Was a lot of fun. Hard work to be sure. Was glad I was able to make the trip and help out. Also surprised at how much I could fit in my car for those warehouse trips. Original Message From:vcf-midatlantic@lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org Sent:March 13, 2016 5:52 PM To:Vcf-midatlantic@lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org Reply-to:vcf-midatlantic@lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org Cc:evan@snarc.net Subject:[vcf-midatlantic] Sunday museum setup report Adam M. and Anthony (not to be confused with Tony) helped me at the museum today. We finished putting (most of) the microcomputers onto shelves, put (most of) the leftover stuff from the old museum that made its way to the new space back into the warehouse, and purchased (most of) the stuff needed to build our workbench. In summary, we got tons of stuff done without actually getting anything "done". :) Back at it next Sunday.

1 0

How was TCF2016 besides the booth?
by Herb Johnson 22 Mar '16

22 Mar '16

Responding to various comments about the former Trenton Computer Fest (now called "TCF" apparently), please note I'm merely an attendee but I have some clues about it. It's pretty clear that the flea-market and old computer aspects of the event are largely lost. It's become a ham-license event and topics related to personal, professional, and hobby "computing" or rather personal information technology. But the talks cover a lot of you-can-do stuff, and are informative on related matters. The flea market was indeed small, one large room with almost all dealer-class participants, but some amounted to individuals. our colleage Justin brought a TI 990/4 system; there was a C-64 system, otherwise no other vintage computers I saw. But hamfests in the NJ-PA area have mostly lost vintage-computing stuff in the 21st century; and most professional personal-computing stuff. Hamfests are fewer and smaller; although I'm told there's more radio amateur licenses than ever. about "booths": there were only a handful. Few exhibits. I guess exhibits and booths weren't encouraged this year. I have a sense that the administration of the event is changing. I went to a number of talks; quality varied. Mostly speakers overran their hour, they outta work on their presentations. Talks varied from lock-picking to solar-panel technology. But I suggest looking at VCF in another way. Every year, the "old ones" come out, to see each other and catch up or look back. The event is run by people of age, the amazing thing is that it happens at all. Some years it didn't. I have no problem with attending to meet people I've not seen in years, to be met by people who only know me from email. I see TCF as an opportunity to see people and hear from people. I have people stop me in recognition; I arranged to meet someone, we had lunch. and by-the-way: there's now a number of real, actual restaurants on the TCNJ campus. I saw few attendees there, probably because the College ran a food-in-baggies kiosk in the building. Also: the Sarnoff Collection is a short walk from the Engineering building. It's a decent small museum of RCA technology, including some early COSMAC 1802 items and Joseph Weisbecker's computer, a TTL predecessor to the 1802. It's a New Jersey - designed microprocessor. I've done some work for the museum. I appreciate Justin's comments, and his position that he can participate and make a difference. Sounds like a plan. Herb Johnson old one retrotechnology.com -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] How was TCF2016 besides the booth?
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 22 Mar '16

22 Mar '16

Herb Johnson via vcf-midatlantic writes: >I went to a number of talks; quality varied. Mostly speakers overran >their hour, they outta work on their presentations. Talks varied from >lock-picking to solar-panel technology. 'outta work'?

1 0

Fwd: How was TCF2016 besides the booth?
by William Dudley 22 Mar '16

22 Mar '16

I meant for the list to see my reply to Justin. Bill This email is free of malware because I run Linux. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: William Dudley <wfdudley(a)gmail.com> Date: Mon, Mar 21, 2016 at 11:11 PM Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] How was TCF2016 besides the booth? To: Justin Jernigan <jaj(a)totallyamused.com> Sorry if I was insulting, not meant to be. Your cable prices were AMAZING, but sadly I didn't need any (you may remember I was looking for short-ish ones). "Crap" in this case was just short hand for "undifferentiated stuff that I don't remember well enough to list correctly." Bill Dudley This email is free of malware because I run Linux. On Mon, Mar 21, 2016 at 10:35 PM, Justin Jernigan <jaj(a)totallyamused.com> wrote: > Sorry for top reply, but on iPhone. Cable n crap guy was me, but as I > recall you made your round through pretty late. > > I sold a lot of stuff as I was unpacking, even a nice C128 with 512k RAM > expansion for 80$. And my prices on the crap were hard to walk away > from...19" lcds for $3, cat5e and cat6 @ 25 cents for any length, laptop > power supplies for 1$. 32gb USB drives for 3$...which probably explains why > I was out of almost everything by Noon. I've tried to bring good stuff, > some vintage and some modern, every year, the last 7 years, with the hope I > could improve the flea area just a bit, but this year was as empty as I've > seen it. > > I will bring more next year, maybe get a few extra tables and try and keep > the flea area alive and interesting. > > > > > > One guy selling cable 'n' crap. > > >

2 1

How was TCF2016 besides the booth?
by Christian Liendo 22 Mar '16

22 Mar '16

Do they just have in the inside or is there an outside again? How big was the flea market? Are they selling computers and parts? The last time I went, remote controlled helicopters were a big thing

8 14

FS: 2.43 uF @ 400V poly caps (monitor/tube stuff repair)
by Systems Glitch 21 Mar '16

21 Mar '16

link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/272180918996 Great for those nonpolar/bipolar electrolytic caps in monitors, compact Macs, dumb terminals, and arcade machines. I've got a huge pile of these (like, 1000's or 10's of 1000's) so if they go fast I'll dig more out of the warehouse and list them. I can bring them to VCF East if you want to save on shipping. Thanks, Jonathan

1 0

VCFed's Booth at TCF2016
by Todd George 21 Mar '16

21 Mar '16

Here's a quick album with a few pictures of our booth from the Trenton Computer Festival 2016 this past Saturday, the 19th. http://imgur.com/a/jWwEC I know, I know... Evan wouldn't let me forget that I had a Commodore monitor attached to an Atari 800XL. I have my reasons though! Primarily, I don't have an Atari monitor, I've restored the Commodore monitor so I knew it would be bulletproof for the show, it has a great picture, I've done the Chroma mod to the XL so I knew it would look nearly perfect and I've got the appropriate cabling made to hook it up. So :-p The Epson PX-8 made it to just over 265,000 counting by one for the duration of the show. I think it wound up being up and running for about 6 hours or so. The idea for this program was stolen from Doug. :-) The Tandy Model 102 was running a number guessing program I threw together in the morning. Next show I'm thinking I'll add a high score (or more accurately lowest score) routine that tracks the fewest attempts to guess the number. See ya! -Todd

6 5

Wanted: Tandy TRS-80 Model 4P
by Todd George 21 Mar '16

21 Mar '16

Hi there. I'm looking for a TRS-80 Model 4P in generally decent shape. I'd like one that exists locally, I'm near the Philadelphia area. I will pick up to avoid potential shipping damage. Some criteria I'm looking for: - No broken plastics (maybe I have some tolerance depending on price) - Little to no yellowing of plastics - Slight preference for the white version of the screen over the green - Need not be working but must be complete - Dirty is fine, I've got elbow grease I've been trolling eBay, and have seen all of the recent auctions. As I mentioned, ideally I'd prefer to deal locally and would really like to support a fellow collector. I'm sure a bunch of you have these things hiding in your closets/basement just waiting to pounce when you least expect it. Why take the risk? Sell it to me before it goes sentient/rogue. These things have a bad attitude that they've been harboring for 33 years now, just letting it stew. I'm telling you, cut your losses and get rid of it. :-D You have one kicking around you'd like to get rid of? Contact me off-list. :) Thanks. -Todd

4 4

ISA Sound Card is going for $1500
by Christian Liendo 21 Mar '16

21 Mar '16

So we talked about how when all the younger PC guys were going to get older and get into the hobby. They're here. I just saw this and was interested in what you all thought. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ad-Lib-Gold-1000-ISA-Sound-Card-/272163544820?

7 11

Trenton / museum report
by Evan Koblentz 21 Mar '16

21 Mar '16

It was a VCF-ful weekend! Saturday -- Todd and I worked the VCF table at the Trenton show. Lots of our members stopped by (I miss saying "MARCHins"). My talk about "the present and future of computer history" was well attended. Jeff G., Herb, and Justin all reported doing well in the sales room. Dean, Drew, and I went to the banquet. Sunday -- Tony, Jeff G., Dean, Drew, and I all worked in the new museum space. We focused on two projects: preparing the double doorway for paint and building a workbench. A lot of times, InfoAge volunteers (and people in the Army before us) would add layer after layer after layer of paint. We decided to do it right -- we're stripping the old paint almost down to the wood. We also built most of the workbench. There were a few mistakes along the way (thanks to incompetent leadership... me!) but it turned out fine. Jeff G., Tony, and I are all going back Tuesday to finish the door and improve the workbench. The picture at http://vcfed.org/evan/benchbottom.jpg shows a storage shelf that we built to go under the workbench. It's 16" tall and 12" deep. Yes, I know it's strange to have the shelf hanging by the brackets instead of sitting on top of them. There was a good reason why we did this :) and we'll be able to put them back the regular way on Tuesday. The picture at http://vcfed.org/evan/benchmain.jpg shows the main bench over the lower shelf. It's 33" tall, 24" deep, and almost level! :) We are making two improvements on Tuesday: stabilizing the bottoms of the three front posts so they don't wiggle around, and extending the right side another 20" to the wall. Original plan was to put a file cabinet between the right side and the wall, but it won't fit because of old pipes and a radiator. In theory we could move the whole bench to the right and put a file cabinet on the left side... but we like it where it is, and we have another file cabinet elsewhere on-site anyhow. Jeff G. observed that the bench looks "rustic" (he was being nice!)... perhaps we'll paint it. Unfortunately I don't have a picture of the doors.

2 2

May need to borrow for VCF: working C64s, working 1702s
by Jeffrey Brace 20 Mar '16

20 Mar '16

Who has working C64s and 1702s that I can borrow for my VCF exhibit? I will be testing out my C64s and 1702s next week. I will need nine of each. Once I see how many are working I can determine how many I need.

1 0

Reminder - Trenton is tomorrow
by Evan Koblentz 19 Mar '16

19 Mar '16

I anticipate seeing the usual people at Trenton tomorrow -- you know who you are! :) For everyone else: - The show is not really in Trenton. It's at The College of New Jersey, 2000 Pennington Rd., Ewing, NJ, 08628. That is northwest of Trenton. - Follow the TCF parking signs starting at the campus main entrance. The show is in the education dept. building. There are two lakes along the outside of the campus perimeter road. The education building is between them on the inner side of the road. - Hours are 9am-5pm. Tickets are $15 each. I don't know their policy about whether they charge for kids' admission. - VCF Mid-Atlantic table will probably be upstairs in the center of the building with all the other club tables (same as last year). Todd and I will take turns staffing the table. - My lecture, "The present and future of computer history," is scheduled for 2:35-3:30 in room ED-208. Hecklers welcome, but remember: I heckle back! :)

2 1

Museum next Tuesday?
by Evan Koblentz 18 Mar '16

18 Mar '16

Can anyone give me a full day's assistance in the museum next Tuesday (March 22)? There is a decent chance that we may have to cancel this Sunday's museum work day due to snow. Even if we can be there Sunday, there is still a lot of work to do and very little time before VCF East.

4 4

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Wanted to borrow: CRT TVs for VCF exhibit...
by Duane 18 Mar '16

18 Mar '16

Bill, >>grab a couple off Freecycle and then recycle them after the show Might be best for VCF to keep a stock of them in the warehouse for that purpose, Duane -----Original Message----- From: Bill Sudbrink via vcf-midatlantic Sent: Friday, March 18, 2016 10:59 AM To: 'vcf-midatlantic' Cc: Bill Sudbrink Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] Wanted to borrow: CRT TVs for VCF exhibit... Hi all, Dazzler output looks much nicer on a CRT than on an LCD display. Does anyone have a couple of mid size (18-20 inches) TVs with composite input that I could borrow for VCF? If worse comes to worse, I'll probably do what I did last time and grab a couple off of Freecycle and then recycle them after the show. It does really cramp my Mini-Cooper, resulting in a few new scratches in my IMSAI lid the last time. Thanks, Bill S.

2 1

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] DEC serial console cable wanted
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 18 Mar '16

18 Mar '16

william degnan via vcf-midatlantic writes: >See pictures of example VAX 3100 with the cable I need: > >http://www.vintagecomputer.net/digital/MicroVAX-3100/DEC_MicroVAX-3100_syst… >(attached to top unit, looks like a phone cable with an "un-centered >plug pin" > >http://www.vintagecomputer.net/digital/MicroVAX-3100/Microvax3100_detached-… >(shows what the "un-centered plug pin" looks like) > >I need both a cable AND on the other end I also need a detachable 25-pin >Digital adapter that connects to the DEC un-centered plug pin. See 2-11 >in MicoVAX 3100 and VAXserver 3100 Owner's manual. > >Yes I could make a cable, but I'd prefer the DEC cable or clone >commercially mass produced if possible. > >BIll Just for VCF?

6 9

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] need MS DOS 3.1
by Bob Aviles 18 Mar '16

18 Mar '16

Hi Joe, Have to check if I still have it? Bobby On Friday, March 18, 2016 9:09 AM, Joe Herdler via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: Does anyone know where I can find MS=-DOS on 5 1/2 inch floppy disks? I have a working Leading Edge Model D and need the op system. Believe it or not, I was quite the batch programmer way back when. Also, I am looking for a Leading Edge Model 86. Thank you very much, Joe Consciousness affects the medium. Think happy, be happy, and happiness will follow you.

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Wanted to borrow: CRT TVs for VCF exhibit...
by Bob Aviles 18 Mar '16

18 Mar '16

Hi Bill, I got Three CRT you can use or trade for? If you want to keep them. Bobby On Friday, March 18, 2016 10:59 AM, Bill Sudbrink via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: Hi all, Dazzler output looks much nicer on a CRT than on an LCD display. Does anyone have a couple of mid size (18-20 inches) TVs with composite input that I could borrow for VCF? If worse comes to worse, I'll probably do what I did last time and grab a couple off of Freecycle and then recycle them after the show. It does really cramp my Mini-Cooper, resulting in a few new scratches in my IMSAI lid the last time. Thanks, Bill S.

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] DEC serial console cable wanted
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 18 Mar '16

18 Mar '16

David Riley via vcf-midatlantic writes: >On Mar 18, 2016, at 10:46 AM, Jameel Akari via vcf-midatlantic = ><vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: >=20 > That >said, does anyone have an MMJ crimper they could bring to VCF? = And I >good source for the connectors themselves? > >Yes and yes. I brought mine last year (have dies for MMJ and standard = >8p8c as well as standard 6p6c and various wire terminal crimpers), and = >will bring again. I have pretty full bags of MMJ and both solid and = >stranded 8p8c plugs. > >For the connectors, they're actually surprisingly easy to come across. >= For example: >http://www.pacificcable.com/Picture_Page.asp?DataName=3DMMJ = or = >http://www.neobits.com/pan_pacific_pt_066dec_rj_11_mmj_dec_plugs_qty_100_p= >3962335.html?atc=3Dgbp&gclid=3DCImikZTDyssCFYclgQodjdQPQA (I've used = >Pacific, but the other one is probably just as good for $10 less). > >If you have a Paladin Crimp-All 8000 frame (and you should, because it's >= a great tool), the Paladin die for MMJ is 2067. I do, I do!

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] DEC serial console cable wanted
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 18 Mar '16

18 Mar '16

william degnan via vcf-midatlantic writes: >> > >>> >>> BIll >>> >> >> Just for VCF? >> > > I can look and see if I >have MMJ parts I could loan. > > That said, does anyone have an MMJ >crimper they could bring to VCF? And I > good source for the connectors >themselves? > > I have a 1000' spool of "silver satin" 6-wire cable to >share, and places > where the authentic DEC parts aren't important to >me. > > -- > Jameel Akari > > >I am looking to buy and have shipped to my home, I need to have another >cable to help me set up the cluster machines for VCF E. I will take >some at VCF E, but before I that I need at least one. Will pay $$. OK. The DECconnect cable isn't a problem; albeit, it might not be a literal off-white DECconnect branded cable. I can make a cable for you and sent to you. Specify a length. As for the DECconnect to 9 or 25 pin adapter, you'd need to specify which H-# adapters you'd want/need.

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] DEC serial console cable wanted
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 18 Mar '16

18 Mar '16

Jameel Akari via vcf-midatlantic writes: > >On Fri, 18 Mar 2016, Brian Schenkenberger via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > >> william degnan via vcf-midatlantic writes: > >> See pictures of >example VAX 3100 with the cable I need: >> >> >http://www.vintagecomputer.net/digital/MicroVAX-3100/DEC_MicroVAX-3100_syst… >>> (attached to top unit, looks like a phone cable with an "un-centered >>> plug pin" > >DEC MMJ connector. Great idea, PITA years later. :) > >>> Yes I could make a cable, but I'd prefer the DEC cable or clone >> >commercially mass produced if possible. >> >> BIll > > Just for VCF? > >I can look and see if I have MMJ parts I could loan. > >That said, does anyone have an MMJ crimper they could bring to VCF? And >I good source for the connectors themselves? > >I have a 1000' spool of "silver satin" 6-wire cable to share, and places >where the authentic DEC parts aren't important to me. > >-- Jameel Akari I've brought my crimper tool to EVERY VCF I've attended. You supply the 6 conductor flat cable and I'll put the ends on it for you.

1 0

Wanted to borrow: CRT TVs for VCF exhibit...
by Bill Sudbrink 18 Mar '16

18 Mar '16

Hi all, Dazzler output looks much nicer on a CRT than on an LCD display. Does anyone have a couple of mid size (18-20 inches) TVs with composite input that I could borrow for VCF? If worse comes to worse, I'll probably do what I did last time and grab a couple off of Freecycle and then recycle them after the show. It does really cramp my Mini-Cooper, resulting in a few new scratches in my IMSAI lid the last time. Thanks, Bill S.

1 0

DEC serial console cable wanted
by william degnan 18 Mar '16

18 Mar '16

See pictures of example VAX 3100 with the cable I need: http://www.vintagecomputer.net/digital/MicroVAX-3100/DEC_MicroVAX-3100_syst… (attached to top unit, looks like a phone cable with an "un-centered plug pin" http://www.vintagecomputer.net/digital/MicroVAX-3100/Microvax3100_detached-… (shows what the "un-centered plug pin" looks like) I need both a cable AND on the other end I also need a detachable 25-pin Digital adapter that connects to the DEC un-centered plug pin. See 2-11 in MicoVAX 3100 and VAXserver 3100 Owner's manual. Yes I could make a cable, but I'd prefer the DEC cable or clone commercially mass produced if possible. 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>

2 1

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] need MS DOS 3.1
by william degnan 18 Mar '16

18 Mar '16

Can you create a replica 5 /14" 360K copy at your location from a 5 1/4 image from the web? b On Fri, Mar 18, 2016 at 9:09 AM, Joe Herdler via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Joe Herdler <joe.herdler(a)yahoo.com> > To: "vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org" < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> > Cc: > Date: Fri, 18 Mar 2016 13:09:11 +0000 (UTC) > Subject: need MS DOS 3.1 > Does anyone know where I can find MS=-DOS on 5 1/2 inch floppy disks? I > have a working Leading Edge Model D and need the op system. > Believe it or not, I was quite the batch programmer way back when. > > Also, I am looking for a Leading Edge Model 86. > Thank you very much, > Joe > > > > Consciousness affects the medium. Think happy, be happy, and happiness > will follow you. > > -- @ 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>

2 1

need MS DOS 3.1
by Joe Herdler 18 Mar '16

18 Mar '16

Does anyone know where I can find MS=-DOS on 5 1/2 inch floppy disks? I have a working Leading Edge Model D and need the op system. Believe it or not, I was quite the batch programmer way back when. Also, I am looking for a Leading Edge Model 86. Thank you very much, Joe Consciousness affects the medium. Think happy, be happy, and happiness will follow you.

1 0

LAST CHANCE for VCF East exhibit registration
by Evan Koblentz 18 Mar '16

18 Mar '16

Everyone, There is less than one month until showtime. I'm declaring noon ET tomorrow as the final deadline for registering exhibits. Exhibits so far: http://vcfed.org/wp/festivals/vintage-computer-festival-east/vcf-east-exhib… Exhibit registration: http://www.vcfed.org/registration/east_exhibitor_register-online.php

3 3

VCF East - two more Friday classes/teachers needed
by Evan Koblentz 18 Mar '16

18 Mar '16

These are the Friday classes so far: - Apple 1 replicas (Corey Cohen) - Advanced troubleshooting (Bil Herd) - Teletypes (Bill Degnan) - Paper tape (Corey Cohen) - PET (Rob Clarke) - Amiga (Anthony Becker) - "What's vintage" panel (yeah, we're going there!) - me & ...? - Future of the hobby (me) - ENIAC @ 70 (me, Brian Stuart) - VCF Shenanigans (me) We need two more (tech) classes + reliable volunteers to teach them. Classes are 60 minutes each. Looking for ideas that are compelling and/or haven't been done before.

1 1

Game programming contest during Friday VCF East classes
by Evan Koblentz 17 Mar '16

17 Mar '16

Everyone, The game programming hackathon is ON thanks to Hackaday sponsoring it. There will be three 8-bit computers set up during the Friday classes. Two shifts -- 10:00am-12:30pm and 2:30pm-5:00pm. Contestants can use ONLY what's built into the computer. Nobody is allowed to bring code or books. (We'll supply a reference guide for each machine.) I'm sure some of you will complain that nothing good can be programmed in just 2.5 hours. This contest isn't for you. :) It's for adventurous people who like the challenge of a hackathon and who want bragging rights from victory! Of course, there will be a prize. Extra points for cleverness, entertainment value, stupidity, funny bugs, etc.

3 3

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Our new toys :)
by Evan Koblentz 17 Mar '16

17 Mar '16

>> It's an original. >> >> A recycling company, in the same area as where our UNIVAC came from, >> just happened to have all the same parts that ours is missing. That >> makes me very angry, because it probably means someone took the parts >> before we got to it and then flipped them for money. Further, when we >> approached the recycler with our story -- we're a museum, blah blah >> blah >> -- they basically said, "Tough (bleep), you want it, you pay our retail >> price for it." We told them NO and figured we could probably get a >> reproduction. Later, Corey L. took it upon himself to buy the faceplate >> so he could donate it to us. :) Now our Univac won't have an identity >> crisis every time it looks in the mirror. > > Arg. Well, thanks for the story. Is there a list somewhere of > what they have for sale/what "ours" needs? The only thing they had that we were "forced" to buy was the core memory, because we can't get that anywhere else. So we took a deep breath and bought it. They had some other pieces but they no longer do. We're very grateful that Corey L. bought the nameplate and made the donation to us, however, my general opinion of the recycling company that did this is... unfit to print.

2 1

Stupid ebay ad of the day
by Evan Koblentz 17 Mar '16

17 Mar '16

Someone's asking $3,700 for an ordinary Apple //e. http://m.ebay.com/itm/Apple-IIe-computer-GREAT-Condition-/291686705122?nav=…

5 4

Aarrgh! Last email was private
by Evan Koblentz 17 Mar '16

17 Mar '16

Very sorry, everyone -- last email was meant for VCF officers list. Please erase it.

1 0

Our new toys :)
by Evan Koblentz 16 Mar '16

16 Mar '16

Two new toys arrived today. Our banner: http://vcfed.org/evan/banner.jpg Nameplate for the Univac (special thanks to Corey L.): http://vcfed.org/evan/1219face.jpg

3 3

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Our new toys :)
by Evan Koblentz 16 Mar '16

16 Mar '16

>> Nameplate for the Univac (special thanks to Corey L.): >> http://vcfed.org/evan/1219face.jpg > > I seem to have missed the beginning of this so sorry if > it was already answered but, is that an original or a > reproduction? Most of the appearance suggests original > but the "1219" looks polished and new. It's an original. A recycling company, in the same area as where our UNIVAC came from, just happened to have all the same parts that ours is missing. That makes me very angry, because it probably means someone took the parts before we got to it and then flipped them for money. Further, when we approached the recycler with our story -- we're a museum, blah blah blah -- they basically said, "Tough (bleep), you want it, you pay our retail price for it." We told them NO and figured we could probably get a reproduction. Later, Corey L. took it upon himself to buy the faceplate so he could donate it to us. :) Now our Univac won't have an identity crisis every time it looks in the mirror.

2 1

(Delayed) pictures from yesterday
by Evan Koblentz 16 Mar '16

16 Mar '16

Here are some pictures of the back half of the new room, in which you can see how the microcomputer exhibit is shaping up: http://vcfed.org/evan/long1.jpg http://vcfed.org/evan/long2.jpg There's a lot more work to do. For example, each station will get a backdrop, so visitors (and their pictures!) are not distracted by artifacts/walls behind the units. We determined that the most affordable way to do this is to use bolts of fabric. A bolt is a yard wide (same as each unit), up to 10 yards long, and can be purchased in almost any color. I called the fabric store and found out they'll even cut an entire bolt into a zillion slices for us. If we get them cut into 6-ft. lengths (same height as each shelving unit, then we can just attach them to the back of each unit, it makes a nice backdrop, and it's completely mobile with the unit itself. The question is, what color should be get? Beige? Off-white? Light gray? Light/medium blue? Note: In the second picture, the iMac + late-90s internet appliances are not part of the micro exhibit; they're part of the modern history exhibit. Will pick up some dark green fabric for its background so it matches the green wall across from it (shown in earlier pictures).

9 13

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] (Delayed) pictures from yesterday
by Brian L. Stuart 15 Mar '16

15 Mar '16

> I would advise caution in the selection of material. If you get something > relatively fine-woven it will be a lot less likely to collect dust, though > relative immunity from static buildup helps there too (and is probably a > good idea anyway, considering the nature of the collection, heh!) I'd also suggest getting a sample and doing some test photography with it. There are some fabrics that flashes go through in such a way that the fabric almost becomes transparent. The photograph of me receiving my bachelor's degree has a really bizzare effect from the cheap rental robe where it appears you can see right through my leg. BLS

4 3

VCF East - sponsors sought
by Evan Koblentz 15 Mar '16

15 Mar '16

Guys, We need more business sponsors for VCF East. If anyone has a specific lead (not a hypothetical one), then please contact me privately. - Evan

1 0

This just in -- Ted Nelson @ VCF East, take two
by Evan Koblentz 15 Mar '16

15 Mar '16

Ted Nelson agreed to be our Sunday morning speaker.

3 2

microvax3100.vintagecomputer.net up today
by william degnan 15 Mar '16

15 Mar '16

microvax3100.vintagecomputer.net is up today, contact me privately if you'd like a user account. I ordered more cables to expand the cluster (to two) using DecNet, but right now it's just stand-alone and available by TCP/IP only email is system(a)microvax3100.vintagecomputer.net, you can telnet to access other services. VMS 5.2 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>

1 0

microvax3100.vintagecomputer.net
by william degnan 15 Mar '16

15 Mar '16

Hi all...I have microvax3100.vintagecomputer.net up and running today if any club members want to ping, telnet, or email to system(a)microvax3100.vintagecomputer.net. contact me privately for telnet credentials. This weekend I installed MULTINET v 4.1. (VMS 5.3) with the help of Peter Coughlan who helped me locate an install file for multinet. Next I need to pick up another ethernet converter box (CentRECOM 210T) so I can cluster two vax machines. fun. 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>

2 2

ISO: Bytek S-10 EPROM Programmer Manual
by Systems Glitch 14 Mar '16

14 Mar '16

Anyone have the manual for a Bytek S-10 standalone EPROM programmer? I just finished repairing the power supply in one, it appears to be functional now, but I don't have the manual. It requires numerical device codes to select your EPROM type. If anyone has it but only in paper form, I'd be happy to pay shipping both ways and scan it with my ADF scanner. Even a list of device numbers would be super helpful! Thanks, Jonathan

1 0

examples of non-crystal based clocks in digital computing?
by Herb Johnson 14 Mar '16

14 Mar '16

> Ben Greenfield posted: > > I have one simple specific question, without a simple answer > and general call for examples. > > I’m researching timing clocks used in general purpose digital > computing. I’m starting to think that Ace/Pilot Ace by Alan Turing > is the start of clock based general purpose computers. I’m starting > to conclude the earlier computers were all basically clocked > by the media holding the instructions. My apologies, but I'm a degreed electrical engineer, who first studied computers as digital logic devices and circuits in the mid-1970's. My response is to refute the premises. I don't think the question is simple or specific. It's kind-of specific, but "timing clocks" and "general purpose computers" are not well defined terms in very old digital computing (since Turing is mentioned). I don't think general examples covering several decades of computing will provide "simple" examples and answers. I have a tough time, figuring out pre-1970's mincomputers (much less pre-1960's mainframes) from my Intel 8080 point of view. Digital computers of decades before, say, computers built from integrated circuits, were of all kinds of designs. They are different in fundamental ways. In particular, some operate under a common timing or clock signal, some do not BUT they may have features that are repetitive. A common clock may be needed or may not. Terms like "synchronous" and "asynchronous" and "sequential", are part of the world of computing theory. Things happening one after another are sequential, but may not be synchronous. Some drum-based computers to my knowledge, included their computing registers *on the drum*. One transistor model of the 1960's I know from ownership, had several copies of its registers on the same tracks - why? For faster access. Was there also a clock signal which was ultimately tied to the drum rotation rate? Have to check the manuals, but the drum did much of the work anyway. As for "general purpose" digital computers - there were all kinds of computers several decades ago, many were specific-purpose. Maybe Ben means "programmable" computers, I dunno. I have little idea about what Ben is looking for. But that's OK, there's nothing wrong with creating some assumptions and premises about ancient computing (digital or otherwise), and seeing what one can learn based on those premises. You have to start with what you know, or think you know. I stumble over my own assumptions all the time. But in my own opinion about retrospective looks at very old computing, there's a problem when one assumes modern designs and architectures as a "standard" and then looks back to see where that "standard" fails or breaks down or when it started. For example: for some reason the thread is talking about crystal-controlled clocks versus not. The question wasn't *exact* clocking. A timing fork in a UNIVAC at 1024 Hertz, "sounds" fine to me. A tuning fork (wikipedia) varies by under 100 parts per million per degree C. But a microprocessor can use a variable clock signal from an R/C circuit and work fine. I run an 1802 microcomputer which sometimes uses an R/C circuit clocking down to audio rates - programs run just fine, not precise in time, but slow (and at very low power consumption, microwatts and milliwatts). I prefer to examine ancient computers on their own merits, look at their features on their own terms and on terms immediately contemporary to their times. As a digital engineer I can compare-and-contrast circuits and learn about benefits and limitations, but only in the context of intended use can one pass judgements. and of course, engineers (and techies) often disagree about such judgements. So: it's an interesting question, when put in a general way: what kinds of ancient (or recent) computers did not depend on a common and well-controlled clock signal to synchronize their operations? and how did some operate without it? But for all I know, Ben is asking when computers "first" used a synchronous clock signal for all its computing circuits (whatever that means). I'm not a big fan of "firsts", in any ranking something is always "first", so what? Herb Johnson vintage computing scold -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

2 1

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] examples of non-crystal based clocks in digital computing?
by Brian L. Stuart 13 Mar '16

13 Mar '16

On Sun, 3/13/16, Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: >> I’m starting to conclude the earlier computers were all >> basically clocked by the media holding the instructions. Is >> this correct? > > I don’t believe so. ENIAC had a master pulse generator. > > Brian Stuart (on this list) is making his own ENIAC simulator. Thus he'll > have a mich deeper understanding than the rest of us about how the > computer really worked. To follow up on this, one of the 40 racks of the ENIAC is the cycling unit. It's heart is a 100KHz crystal oscillator, but it also has an input and selector switch to be driven from an external oscillator. Every 20 cycles of this main oscillator makes up one addition time and generates a set of 10 clocking signals that are routed around the whole machine to clock all the other units. There's a selector switch to select continuous, one pulse, and one addition modes allowing the operator to single-step either by single cycles of the main oscillator or by single sets of pulses making up one addition time. The cycling unit even has a built-in oscilloscope to display the main clock or any of the 10 signals routed around the machine. IIRC, the cycling unit is one of the units that UPenn has on display in the Moore School building. (Though I may be misremembering and it may be the initiating unit they have.) Generally, if the main storage for the machine was a drum, it made a lot of sense to put the clock on a track or two of the drum and let the drum's motor determine the basic cycle time of the machine. That way you don't have to worry about keeping the internal clock and the drum drive motor synced, and you get your main clock more or less for free. The G-15 we have in the museum works like that. For most other designs, it makes more sense to have a separate clock either based on a crystal or an R/C oscillator. Interestingly, the engineer Harry Huskey was involved with three of the machines mentioned in this discussion, the ENIAC, the Pilot ACE, and the G-15. BLS

1 0

Sunday museum setup report
by Evan Koblentz 13 Mar '16

13 Mar '16

Adam M. and Anthony (not to be confused with Tony) helped me at the museum today. We finished putting (most of) the microcomputers onto shelves, put (most of) the leftover stuff from the old museum that made its way to the new space back into the warehouse, and purchased (most of) the stuff needed to build our workbench. In summary, we got tons of stuff done without actually getting anything "done". :) Back at it next Sunday.

1 0

examples of non-crystal based clocks in digital computing?
by Ben Greenfield 13 Mar '16

13 Mar '16

Hey All, I have one simple specific question, without a simple answer and general call for examples. I’m researching timing clocks used in general purpose digital computing. I’m starting to think that Ace/Pilot Ace by Alan Turing is the start of clock based general purpose computers. I’m starting to conclude the earlier computers were all basically clocked by the media holding the instructions. Is this correct? I’m currently looking for examples of general purpose computers that do not use crystal based clocks. Any thoughts appreciated. Ben

5 4

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Opinions needed...
by william degnan 13 Mar '16

13 Mar '16

Wait a few weeks. I have found, believe it or not, you have a better chance to get the same selling price if you wait for the person who wins this auction to save a little money so he can buy yours too. I.e. people who pay top dollar for one rare specialized item will buy more than one if given the chance. Bill Degnan twitter: billdeg vintagecomputer.net On Mar 11, 2016 7:37 PM, "Bill Sudbrink via vcf-midatlantic" < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > I've never sold anything on ebay in my life. I'd rather > not start now but my little "I'M RICH" comment was not > a joke. I have the same AdLib Gold 1000 card in the > original packaging just like the ebay auction. Actually, > not "just like". Mine is the pre-Windows packaging, only > differing by the absence of the "Microsoft Windows" square > in the corner of the package and fewer diskettes in the > box. I've got the user's guide, warrantee registration > card, everything. So, what to do? Should I put mine up > on ebay now and hope to get some benefit from the attention > on the current auction? Should I wait for this one to end > and hope that the "runner up bidders" will still be > interested? Is my example, not being "Microsoft Windowed", > worth more or less than the one on ebay? > > Thanks, > Bill S. > > > >

3 2

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] examples of non-crystal based clocks in digital computing?
by Duane 13 Mar '16

13 Mar '16

From: Ben Greenfield via vcf-midatlantic Sent: Sunday, March 13, 2016 5:32 AM To: vcf-midatlantic Cc: Ben Greenfield Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] examples of non-crystal based clocks in digital computing? Ben, The UNIVAC 1219B, which VCF has in its collection used a pulse circulating around a delay line to generate the master clock phases. The real time clock interrupts came from a 1024 hertz Tuning Fork Oscillator. No crystals. Duane

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] examples of non-crystal based clocks in digital computing?
by Evan Koblentz 13 Mar '16

13 Mar '16

>> I’m starting to conclude the earlier computers were all basically clocked by the media holding the instructions. Is this correct? I don’t believe so. ENIAC had a master pulse generator. Brian Stuart (on this list) is making his own ENIAC simulator. Thus he'll have a mich deeper understanding than the rest of us about how the computer really worked.

1 0

Update - tomorrow
by Evan Koblentz 13 Mar '16

13 Mar '16

I'll be at the museum again tomorrow with Amigaphile Anthony B. to continue turning the new room into VCF Mid-Atlantic home.

1 0

museum setup report
by Evan Koblentz 13 Mar '16

13 Mar '16

Tony, his friend Ken, Steve A., and I all worked in the new museum today. Tony and Ken painted the short wall "circuit board green" ... Home Depot says it's "sparkling emerald" or something like that, but I disagree. :) Here's a picture: http://snarc.net/wall.jpg. We removed and painted the outlet faceplates. They need another coat. We'll finish that part next time. On the way home I stopped at Home Depot again and bought black outlets to replace the beige ones. Black outlets will blend in, or least they'll look like something electrical is on the wall. Steve and I spent most of our time setting up shelving and computers in the microcomputer exhibit. Definitely not finished it finally looks like an exhibit vs. being all over the place. Here are some pictures (same side of the aisle from each end): http://snarc.net/aisle1.jpg http://snarc.net/aisle2.jpg Ken moved a set of blinds for us from one window to another, so now four of five windows behind the micro exhibit all match. We will see if InfoAge has any other blinds that also match so we can finish the job. Here's a view from the end of the day, looking into the new double doors from the hallway. Still kind of messy inside, but it's much better than last week.

1 1

OT: Academic Article on Teaching Computers to Children
by Jeffrey Brace 13 Mar '16

13 Mar '16

While searching for academic articles for my Master's in Teaching Class: Typical and Atypical Child Development I thought was interesting because it talks about programming LOGO in the 70's and 80's to children. It goes into some history, then talks about modern walks to teach children programming. http://ase.tufts.edu/devtech/publications/JRTE-robot-hokey-pokey.pdf

1 0

tomorrow?
by Evan Koblentz 13 Mar '16

13 Mar '16

I'd like to go back and do more work on the new museum tomorrow. Having too much fun (and there's too much to do) for me to wait a whole week. Can anyone give me a solid day of work tomorrow? Say, 10-6?

1 0