- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

Pick some minicomputers
by Evan Koblentz 06 Feb '16

06 Feb '16

We don't yet know how many minicomputers will fit in the new museum space. Here are some candidates, based entirely on what we own: - PDP-8 w/ teletype (and sign about RESISTORS) - VAXen (many from which to choose) - IBM System/3 - IBM System/38 - Burroughs B-80 - Prime 6550 - TI 8(00?) - DG Eclipse - Perkin-Elmer 3210 + other models - AT&T 3B2 (because we previously debated it here and agreed most of the multi-user machines should be considered with the minis, not with the micros) Am I forgetting anything in our collection? (IBM 1130 will go with the mainframes.)

3 4

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] anti-static carpet (Joseph Oprysko
by Mike Willegal 06 Feb '16

06 Feb '16

It greatly reduces sound levels, but it will also require more upkeep. I loved it when I worked in a lab that had it, and lot of minis, but I didn't have to maintain it. Regards, Mike Willegal

2 1

VCF West: Aug. 6-7 @ CHM - it's official!
by Evan Koblentz 05 Feb '16

05 Feb '16

VCF West is baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack. Thanks to the Vintage Computer Federation :) and to Sellam for giving us the right and to Erik Klein for doing the legwork. Details will be posted at http://www.vcfed.org/festivals/vintage-computer-festival-west-xi/ as they're determined.

1 0

OT: Disable Windows 10 "upgrade"....
by Evan Koblentz 05 Feb '16

05 Feb '16

From what I can tell, just turn off automatic updates, then Windows 7/8.x won't call home for Windows 10. Currently we don't have Internet access in the new museum space anyhow (InfoAge's wifi does not reach.) We will look into getting some kind of bridge. Even without the Microsoft patches, running a decent free A/V program (Avast, AVG) and Spybot once a month keeps just about everything safe. We should be fine for as little as we're going to actually use this computer. Also pretty safe to say that anyone in this group knows what not to click when online.

1 0

Heath H11 manuals?
by Richard Cini 05 Feb '16

05 Feb '16

All — Does anyone know of an archive of Heath H11 (PDP-11) assembly manuals? I need to check out something about the included boards/configuration. Thanks. Rich -- Rich Cini Collector of Classic Computers Build Master and lead engineer, Altair32 Emulator http://www.classiccmp.org/cini http://www.classiccmp.org/altair32

1 0

A Living Museum?
by Glenn Roberts 05 Feb '16

05 Feb '16

I love what the Living Computer Museum has done: "...we believe that the best way for people to fully understand computing systems is by experiencing them. Hardware alone cannot illustrate what it was like to use these machines. Software, information, and human interaction complete the experience... Our goal is to breathe life back into our machines so the public can experience what it was like to see them, hear them, and interact with them. We make our systems accessible by allowing people to come and interact with them, and by making them available over the Internet." I realize the tremendous challenge of demonstrating and maintaining old computer hardware (and vintage computer federation doesn't have Paul Allen's deep pockets), but has there been any discussion of possibly including at least some operational displays in the museum? Perhaps on a rotating basis?

3 4

Mystery system
by Mike Loewen 05 Feb '16

05 Feb '16

I'm trying to identify a system which appeared in "The Killer Elite" (1975), with a room full of tape drives and a couple of terminals: http://q7.neurotica.com/killer-1.png http://q7.neurotica.com/killer-2.png http://q7.neurotica.com/killer-6.png http://q7.neurotica.com/killer-9.png The drives appear to be IBM 3420s, but with an additional box on top, labeled "SMS". The system itself doesn't appear in any of the shots. Some sort of IBM 370, perhaps? Mike Loewen mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/

2 1

Front desk...
by Evan Koblentz 04 Feb '16

04 Feb '16

Ideally, our front desk area will have room for some of the very nice-looking Amdahl cabinets and/or the Cray YMP-EL. The various Amdahl cabinets are awesome because they're empty inside, so they'd be an ideal place to keep shirts, fliers, supplies, maybe a modern server, etc. ..... the Cray is just plain old awesome .... a front desk powered by a supercomputer? Very fun for all involved. This idea may have to wait until the * next * museum stage, which probably won't happen for several years. But I'm holding out hope that we can find a way to squeeze it in now.

1 0

minis planned for opening of museum
by william degnan 04 Feb '16

04 Feb '16

What are the non micros that will be in initial launch of the new museum space.

2 3

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] More moving this Saturday
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 04 Feb '16

04 Feb '16

frida fried <frd_fried(a)yahoo.com> writes: >Well spoken, Brian. Carl That's a verse from Robert Burns' poem: To a Mouse. It is also the source of the title of John Steinbeck's novel's title: Of Mice and Men. There's a bit more to my life than just binary silicon-based logic. There's beer, rocketry and music too! ;)

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] More moving this Saturday
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 04 Feb '16

04 Feb '16

Tony Bogan via vcf-midatlantic writes: > >> On Feb 3, 2016, at 11:45 PM, Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic ><vcf-midatl= antic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: >=20 > >Plans are wonderful! They prevent moving heavy items back and forth, and >> back and forth. ;) > >You know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men....... the best-laid schemes of Mice and Men go oft awry, and leave us only grief and pain, for promised joy!

2 1

More moving this Saturday
by Evan Koblentz 04 Feb '16

04 Feb '16

I need one or two hard-working helpers for this Saturday. Tony will be there in the afternoon to help us transport stuff from the old museum to the new one using his cargo van. Jeff B. will be very glad and amazed to know that I have a real plan for how to move stuff. :)

3 2

FS: Tanner/Digital Research 64K Static RAM for S-100 Bus Tested/Working
by Herb Johnson 03 Feb '16

03 Feb '16

[previously posted with a broken subject line; posted again to keep in the "thread". - Herb] Your eBay description and discussion here, refer to the S-100 card as "a Digital Research product". Digital Research Computers/Corporation or DRC of Texas was a small manufacturer of S-100 cards and systems. They are NOT associated with Digital Research Inc or DRI of California, founded by Dr. Gary Kildall, creator of CP/M. I recall "DRC of Texas" ads in a number of period magazines. I don't know about the Tanner/DRC association. My recollection is that the cards are at the least similar. Jonathan, are they identical? If so, it may simply be a copy. Such things happened in the era without a business sale/purchase, but let me know of any further info, if you please. http://www.retrotechnology.com/herbs_stuff/d_drc.html That's a new Web page as of today; previously I listed my DRC manuals elsewhere. The new page lists the DRC products I have manuals for; and has the statement above. > The manual states the board is IEEE-696 compatible; however, > that just means it follows IEEE-696 signal designations -- > it is not 16-bit compatible. IEEE-696 allowed for 8-bit data operations and 16-bit addressing, it's also part of the standard, cards are designated accordingly by their data and address "paths". I don't discuss details on my Web site, but the IEEE 696 standard document can be found on some parts of the Web; and as part of various Compupro documents, published articles, etc. I discuss the S-100 / IEEE-696 bus signals at: http://www.retrotechnology.com/herbs_stuff/s100bus.html However, the IEEE has enforced their copyright and asked Web sites to remove copies of their IEEE-696 documents. They sell copies of their standards (not cheap) on their Web site. Herb Johnson former "Dr. S-100" -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

3 2

Neat donation from Martin F.
by Evan Koblentz 03 Feb '16

03 Feb '16

Everyone, Here's a nice donation from Martin (of our neighbor organization OMARC): "I have a dozen Western Electric and ITT 1A2 model 2565 (1972 vintage) phones. The batch I have came out of the IBM Corporate Campus on Castle Drive in Armonk, NY. Many still have dial cards depicting (914) 765-xxxx numbers." These will pair nicely with many of the exhibits in our new museum space.

4 6

FS: Tanner/Digital Research 64K Static RAM for S-100 Bus Tested/Workin
by Herb Johnson 03 Feb '16

03 Feb '16

Your eBay description and discussion here, refer to the S-100 card as "a Digital Research product". Digital Research Computers/Corporation or DRC of Texas was a small manufacturer of S-100 cards and systems. They are NOT associated with Digital Research Inc or DRI of California, founded by Dr. Gary Kildall, creator of CP/M. I recall "DRC of Texas" ads in a number of period magazines. I don't know about the Tanner/DRC association. My recollection is that the cards are at the least similar. Jonathan, are they identical? If so, it may simply be a copy. Such things happened in the era without a business sale/purchase, but let me know of any further info, if you please. http://www.retrotechnology.com/herbs_stuff/d_drc.html That's a new Web page as of today; previously I listed my DRC manuals elsewhere. The new page lists the DRC products I have manuals for; and has the statement above. > The manual states the board is IEEE-696 compatible; however, > that just means it follows IEEE-696 signal designations -- > it is not 16-bit compatible. IEEE-696 allowed for 8-bit data operations and 16-bit addressing, it's also part of the standard, cards are designated accordingly by their data and address "paths". I don't discuss details on my Web site, but the IEEE 696 standard document can be found on some parts of the Web; and as part of various Compupro documents, published articles, etc. I discuss the S-100 / IEEE-696 bus signals at: http://www.retrotechnology.com/herbs_stuff/s100bus.html However, the IEEE has enforced their copyright and asked Web sites to remove copies of their IEEE-696 documents. They sell copies of their standards (not cheap) on their Web site. Herb Johnson former "Dr. S-100" -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

1 0

Craig Solomon is selling off some items.
by Christian Liendo 03 Feb '16

03 Feb '16

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyB2d8m_MeY&feature=em-subs_digest

1 0

KansasFest registration opens (Apple II convention)
by Andrew Molloy 03 Feb '16

03 Feb '16

We just opened KansasFest registration (featuring a keynote this year by Nibble magazine editor Mike Harvey). Here's a link to the release: https://www.kansasfest.org/2016/02/registration-2016-open/ It's a fun week of hanging out with other Apple II aficionados. Kind of like a longer version of VCF East. , Andy ================================ KansasFest 2016 opens for registration KansasFest 2016, the 28th annual Apple II convention, is now open for registration. Users, programmers, hobbyists, and retrocomputing enthusiasts are invited to Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri, from Tuesday, July 19, through Sunday, July 24, for six days and five nights of sessions, demos, announcements, contests, and camaraderie. Mike Harvey, a business executive, salesperson, technologist, project manager, entrepreneur, programmer, and best known in the Apple community as the founder and publisher of Nibble magazine, will join us with a keynote presentation. Harvey will be available immediately afterward for a Q&A and autograph session. Attendees are encouraged to share their knowledge by presenting their own hardware and software sessions related to the Apple II. All KansasFest sessions are presented by the attendees, who are known for unscheduled events and debuts, too. Whether it's a behind-the-scenes look at new software, preorder opportunities for new hardware, a hands-on workshop, a podcast recording session, Structris tournaments, or an athletic round of Bite the Bag, there are experiences to be had and memories to be made at KansasFest that aren't possible except in the company of surprising, brilliant, diehard Apple II fans. Register by May 31 to guarantee a price of $385 for a double room or $455 for a single, which includes admission to all sessions as well as most meals. After that, prices rise $55. Official KansasFest shirts are extra and optional and must be ordered by June 22; registration for staying on-site closes July 1. To register, please visit the official registration form. KansasFest invites any and all Apple II users, fans, and friends to attend the longest running annual Apple II conference. KansasFest is working towards non-profit status, which will help keep the conference alive for many more years. For photos, videos, schedules, and presentations from past year's events or to sign up for the email list and for inquiries, please browse our website at http://www.kansasfest.org.

1 0

Workshop Jan. 30/31 Report
by Herb Johnson 03 Feb '16

03 Feb '16

I assembled a PDP 8/A from boards and chassis, and except for my core memory boards it operated successfully. I tested on David Gesswein's working 8/A the following: my 8/A board set, my core memory boards, and my programmer's panel. Then I assembled the best of these on my 8/A chassis, and ran tests with some success. However I had to use David's 8K core and not mine. My thanks and great appreciation to David Gesswein, who provided total use of his 8/A, and patiently gave me instruction and answered questions, as he worked on another slightly more challenging PDP-8. I'm working up my notes onto my Web site. Here's the Web pages in progress. http://www.retrotechnology.com/restore/8a_fix_jan16.html is my work on my 8/A and brief notes and photos of David's straight-8 work. There's links on that page, to previous work I did on various parts of the 8/A which I assembled last weekend. http://www.retrotechnology.com/restore/vcf_fixit_jan16.html is a very rough Web page on the VCFed repair event itself. No photos up yet, I'll work on it. Photos are available from me for use, for any of the attendees. I enjoyed the weekend. It was good to see my VC friends again, and see some of their work. It was interesting to see all the Commodore 64 attention, and the Pumapunku pile of 1641 drives in various states of repair during the course of the weekend. Bill Degnan had some interesting discussion at Saturday dinner. Thanks to Jeff Galinat for use of his soldering iron, and I admired his S-100 setup. Thanks to Jeff Brace for his management of the event, Evan for various food runs and for accommodations. And my regards to all my colleagues who attended. Herb Johnson, retrotechnology.com https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pumapunku -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

3 2

FS: Tanner/Digital Research 64K Static RAM for S-100 Bus Tested/Working
by Systems Glitch 03 Feb '16

03 Feb '16

link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/272123001750 These are, in my opinion, exactly the kind of boards you want for old 8-bit S-100 boxes. Fully static, you can swap 2716 EPROMs in if you need to, and very low power draw. Pretty much the only kind of RAM board you can use if you want a full 64K (or close to it) in an original Altair with the original low-wattage power supply. This one has sockets for the last four RAM chips. The last two are not populated, as it came from a heavily modified Altair 8800 with a Turnkey card -- RAM from 0xF000 - 0xFFFF was disabled to allow the Turnkey card to co-exist. I can provide two 6116 static RAMs if desired. One tantalum capacitor was shorted, so I went ahead and replaced all four. I also populated the board activity LED. Fully tested on my IMSAI 8080, including phantom. You'll find the manual listed under Digital Research (not sure if they bought Tanner, or what). The manual states the board is IEEE-696 compatible; however, that just means it follows IEEE-696 signal designations -- it is not 16-bit compatible. Thanks, Jonathan

2 2

Seven exhibits already for VCF East XI
by Evan Koblentz 03 Feb '16

03 Feb '16

Here are the registered exhibits so far: http://www.vintagecomputerfederation.org/festivals/vintage-computer-festiva… .... as I said last year, register early or risk not getting space....

8 11

FS: MITS 88-2 SIO Tested/Working
by Systems Glitch 02 Feb '16

02 Feb '16

link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/272122857393 Here's the MITS serial interface everyone wants, and this one is fully tested and working! I had to replace the baud rate generator (DOA, replaced with a milspec Harris DI-4702-9) and a 1488. Previous owner had lifted two pads in the baud rate jumper area. I installed wire wrap pins so that a) pads won't get lifted when you need to change baud rates and b) you can jumper both ports to the same baud rate. Includes two nice ceramic Motorola 6850 ACIAs, original to the board. Currently jumpered for standard MITS port addressing (0x10 or 020 octal), RS-232 serial, and 9600/2400 bps. Thanks, Jonathan

1 0

OT: Free Sun Workstations available at JHU in Baltimore
by Connor Krukosky 02 Feb '16

02 Feb '16

Have someone who has some Sun workstations available at John Hopkins University in Baltimore. I am too busy to get it myself so I figured someone in MARCH would want them. Free for pickup. The guy's name is Mike and you can email him at: mbrotzman.jhu(a)gmail.com "Have some sun equipment in Bal at JHU. Know anyone who might want it? Pickup required. I think an ultra 10 and a newer purple box." -Connor K

1 1

OT: Come watch me install Linux on the IBM z890 Mainframe!
by Connor Krukosky 02 Feb '16

02 Feb '16

Come one come all! Its the day of reckoning. I finally have some storage on loan from a company called Funsoft! Hopefully by the end of the night I will have Linux installed and a portal to the internet to which people can connect and play on it! http://www.twitch.tv/conmega -Connor Krukosky

3 3

Diagnostics Cartridge for Commodore 1541 Used at the Workshop
by Chris Fala 02 Feb '16

02 Feb '16

This cartridge proved to be very handy. If anyone is interested, I purchased it here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/321971488537

4 3

OT: RE: Wives and retro-computers ( was Re: DC Area Head Count )
by Michael Thompson 02 Feb '16

02 Feb '16

> > Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2016 11:03:31 -0500 > From: Dave McGuire <mcguire(a)neurotica.com> > Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Wives and retro-computers ( was Re: DC > Area Head Count ) > > On 01/31/2016 09:28 AM, Derrik Walker v2.0 via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > > Mine has her limits too, but they're HER limits, not mine. Likewise, > mine are not hers. Thus, I offer these additional cases in addition to > your list above: > > 5) A compatible spouse > 6) A spouse who doesn't seek to control her spouse's activities > > -Dave > > -- > Dave McGuire, AK4HZ > New Kensington, PA > I propose a slight modification... 7) A spouse who seeks to keep my activities within reasonable limits I can collect any computer I want as long as it fits in my side of the garage or the cellar. I need preapproval for spending anything over $250. If I sell computer things those funds do not need preapproval to be spent. -- Michael Thompson

6 6

Poster printing for VCF
by Mike Loewen 02 Feb '16

02 Feb '16

In light of the recent thread about large scale printers, is there anyone here able and willing to print 24"x36" full-color posters? Our campus engineering copy center will print on 35# coated paper stock for $3.50/square foot, but I'm open to a better deal. Anyone? Mike Loewen mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/

1 0

Workshop Jan. 30/31 Report
by Jeffrey Brace 01 Feb '16

01 Feb '16

So the workshop was great for all of us! Lots done, lots of fun! :) 16 showed up Saturday, 8 Sunday. 5 of us worked on Commodore 1541 drives Saturday. Others worked on S100, PDP-8, Terminals, etc. The five working on the 1541s mostly sorted through The Federation's 1541 drives and tested which were good, medium or bad. Some were fixable with just using a q-tip and alcohol to the drive head. Some attempts at re-seating chips and voltage testing was done, but only for a small percentage of the drives. Further repair and diagnostic wasn't possible due to running out of time. I worked on my own personal 1541 drives myself was only able to tell which were working or not without opening up, repairing or running diagnostics. I spent a lot of time helping with The Federation drives and other Federation business (running the workshop etc.) and had little time for my own stuff. I did learn from Bill Degnan basic troubleshooting for 1541 drives. I hope to work on them and apply what I learned next month and be able to actually guarantee most of them 100% working. We had a special visit on Sunday from Rob Clarke. He is a Commodore guru who lives in Switzerland. He was in the Philadelphia area for some other event and hung out with us on Sunday. Since I lost all my Commodore help with the 1541 drives (they went home Saturday night), I decided to get Computer Eyes up and running. After about 3 hours I was able to get it to work! I captured a black and white image of myself and later a group photo. I even printed them out. Can others tell what they worked on and their progress? Our next Workshop is Feb. 27/28. I hope to see many of you there!

7 6

$1.00 check :)
by Evan Koblentz 01 Feb '16

01 Feb '16

Here's a picture of Jeff B., me, and Corey C. with the $1.00 check for our next 12 months of rent at InfoAge.

2 1

Thank you for your interest in Digital ...
by william degnan 01 Feb '16

01 Feb '16

http://www.vintagecomputer.net/browse_thread.cfm?id=627 --

2 1

Workshop this weekend - Thoughts?
by Chris Fala 01 Feb '16

01 Feb '16

I have been really looking forward to an opportunity to get some experienced assistance repairing 1541 drives. I acquired several on eBay and other sources over the last couple years. Some were functional, some worked after the heads were cleaned, and some are still malfunctioning for unknown reasons. I haven't had the time to dig deeper and diagnose the problems on these. I hope that I can learn more about these this weekend and get at least some of this last category working. Practically speaking, how many drives should I bring this weekend? Is 20 too many or is it possible to actually work on that many in a day? Are there common problems that can be addressed quickly, or is it more likely that each drive will require unique troubleshooting?

8 11

Tomorrow's Workshop
by Jeffrey Brace 31 Jan '16

31 Jan '16

I checked out the site, we have enough tables for the16 people who confirmed plus a few extra. The back door area has a 1/2 inch of snow, which won't be problem. Everyone, just be careful at night as it might get slippery as it melts and refreezes. Evan and I will be on site around 9am and in the workshop area by 10am. I dropped off my 1541, books etc. Call me if you have any problems: 732-759-1783. See youze guys tomorrow! :-D Jeff Brace

5 10

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] DC Area Head Count
by Ethan 31 Jan '16

31 Jan '16

[NON-Text Body part not included] Strange email, pine can't reply. I am in the greater DC area (Chantilly VA area.) I normally collect smaller systems these days like Atari, Commodore, etc. I do own an IMSAI, some Apple IIs, BeBox, Cray J932SE, and some other oddities. I am involved with a video game music and gaming festival called MAGFest. The next event is on Feb 18th-21st at the Gaylord National Harbor. Last year we brought back the computer museum spread, and this year it's moving to it's own room. It will mostly be plastic micros like Ataris, Commodores, TRS-80s, etc. There might be some rare stuff. Maybe a PC68000 from Japan (that game console that uses the 1.2MB floppies.) Quite a bit of macintosh, and IBM PC including 5150, 8088s, 286s, 386s, 486s, 5x86, etc. Thin net running Doom. It's a game / music fest so most things are certered around that. My role with the org is arcade room, we've got a 30,000 square foot room with 270+ machines expected. 40+ pinballs. Imported music games are getting higher in the numbers, classic arcades are suffering a bit (classic game #s aren't increasing or decreasing, we're just getting more of the 90s and 2000s stuff now.) We do trade badges in return for arcade machines, the games mostly come from collectors (although more of the collectors have started moving to renting maches for events.) Abbbbout 20,000 people expected to show up. People like the classic systems! Al Lowe was there 2 events ago! There are pics on the internet. I'm also a member of NovaLabs, the Northern Virginia makerspace. There is meeting space there, but at my membership level I don't have keys. If there was a desire for a get together that might be a good place. Could also do any restaurant if it's just to talk. - Ethan

7 15

OT: RE: Wives and retro-computers ( was Re: DC Area Head Count )
by Dave G4UGM 31 Jan '16

31 Jan '16

> -----Original Message----- > From: vcf-midatlantic [mailto:vcf-midatlantic- > bounces(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org] On Behalf Of Tony Bogan via > vcf-midatlantic > Sent: 31 January 2016 16:29 > To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> > Cc: Tony Bogan <thebogans(a)mac.com> > Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Wives and retro-computers ( was Re: DC Area > Head Count ) > > > > Mine has her limits too, but they're HER limits, not mine. Likewise, > > mine are not hers. Thus, I offer these additional cases in addition > > to your list above: > > 5) A compatible spouse > > 6) A spouse who doesn't seek to control her spouse's activities > > I'm not sure number 6 exists in nature. > Perhaps only in a laboratory :-) Not so sure. When I got married, which was some years ago, we were required to attend "Wedding Classes" and at these some girls who were also in the class were discussing how they were going to change their husbands to be, so no Pub, no Soccer Matches etc. My wife said, well what is the point in getting married if you are going to try and change them, marry for what someone is.... ... note it was my wife that said that. Of course she does try and change me from time to time.. > Tony Dave G4UGM

2 1

Wanted: Xerox 820-II hard drive
by Mike Loewen 31 Jan '16

31 Jan '16

I realize this is a long shot, but I'm looking for an external hard drive/8" floppy drive unit for a Xerox 820-II, with the interface card. My system has the dual 8" floppy drive unit, as well as the 40cps Diablo daisywheel printer. The optional 8086 processor card would also be a welcome addition. Please reply off-list if you have one you'd be willing to part with. Mike Loewen mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] DC Area Head Count
by Dave McGuire 30 Jan '16

30 Jan '16

AJ, your original message came through very odd, as Ethan also noted. I haven't dug into it. Well, I *was* in the DC area...Greenbelt, then Silver Spring, then Laurel, MD, for about a decade in total. I moved to FL about fifteen years ago, then to PA 4.5 years ago. I (and several others here) am now in the Pittsburgh area. We have gatherings here, much less formal/organized than the NJ workshops, nearly every weekend. All are welcome. -Dave -- Dave McGuire, AK4HZ New Kensington, PA

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] DC Area Head Count
by Glenn Roberts 30 Jan '16

30 Jan '16

Ashburn VA (west of DC; near Leesburg). Interested in all aspects of Classic Computing but only collect/work on Heathkit. From: vcf-midatlantic [mailto:vcf-midatlantic-bounces@lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org] On Behalf Of Alexander Pierson via vcf-midatlantic Sent: Saturday, January 30, 2016 1:07 AM To: Vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> Cc: Alexander Pierson <ajpierson1(a)yahoo.com> Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] DC Area Head Count

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] DC Area Head Count
by J. Alexander Jacocks 30 Jan '16

30 Jan '16

On Sat, Jan 30, 2016 at 1:07 AM, Alexander Pierson via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Alexander Pierson <ajpierson1(a)yahoo.com> > To: Vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> > Cc: > Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2016 06:04:17 +0000 (UTC) > Subject: DC Area Head Count > >A lot of our members travel to the workshops from your area.Yes, seems > that there is a decent VCFed presence in the DC area. I can think of at > least 3 of us in Northern VA off the top of my head. Personally, I'm > pretty close to both 66 and 495. > > So that got me thinking, why not do a head count? We might be able to > organize something like a workshop locally. Couldn't hurt to try, right? > I wish I could offer up a place I knew for said workshop, but I have no > such space to offer. > > -Alexander 'Z' Pierson > I'm in the DC area (sorta), on the Eastern Shore of MD. I'd definitely be interested in local meetings, but I don't have space to host, either. If we got enough people, however, there are suitable places near my house that I could rent, easily enough. - Alex

4 3

VCF East XI exhibit reg is OPEN
by Evan Koblentz 30 Jan '16

30 Jan '16

Only 2.5 months 'til the show (AAAAAAAAAACCCCCKKKKKKK!) so please start registering your exhibits PRONTO. Four vital notes: 1. We are trying to get a sponsor for a second tent (I know....) in order to use the main building's lounge room as a third exhibit hall. Until we get that accomplished (the sponsorship we're targeting is purely a "maybe" for now), we are limiting all exhibits to TWO tables (or equivalent spots for floor-standing gear). Last year there were some three-table exhibits, which was awesome, but at our current growth rate, we have to limit these in order to accommodate exhibit requests. If you want a third table, then note that in the 'additional comments' field and we'll contact you if/when we get the big sponsor. 2. This is the first time we're having registration through the new site; it's been tested and SHOULD work fine.... 3. The new site will move from GoDaddy onto a GOOD hoster any day now. Waiting on DNS transfer... the requests are in and it's out of our hands. 4. When the transfer happens, there should NOT be any hiccups, but...

1 1

DC Area Head Count
by Alexander Pierson 30 Jan '16

30 Jan '16

>A lot of our members travel to the workshops from your area.Yes, seems that there is a decent VCFed presence in the DC area. I can think of at least 3 of us in Northern VA off the top of my head. Personally, I'm pretty close to both 66 and 495. So that got me thinking, why not do a head count? We might be able to organize something like a workshop locally. Couldn't hurt to try, right? I wish I could offer up a place I knew for said workshop, but I have no such space to offer. -Alexander 'Z' Pierson

1 0

WTD: Hi-res display for 486 Gaming PC
by william degnan 30 Jan '16

30 Jan '16

I find I have given away all of my hi-res VGA displays from the 486 era. I would be willing to trade something of equal value to anyone going to the workshop this weekend. I will be there all day Saturday, from 11AM until 10/11 PM-ish I need something compatible with this card: http://www.vintagecomputer.net/dell/Dimension_XPS-466V/number-nine_GXE_VL_r… in this computer: http://www.vintagecomputer.net/dell/Dimension_XPS-466V/ I have a Dell SuperVGA display, but I don't know if it's really able to take full advantage of my video card. I put a new Dell display on it, that works like it should but it's not vintage. Suggestions welcome but I prefer something from 1993-94 if possible to keep the system and display within the same time frame. Believe it or not, some new displays are not able to match the hz of this video card, it's not just a simple any old VGA card. Thanks Bill

5 9

Commodore 1541 related stuff I am bringing
by Jeffrey Brace 30 Jan '16

30 Jan '16

A speed controller (I have never used) Blank Floppy disks A laminated paper with diagnostic trouble shooting for 1541 with chip layout A .avi video on repairing 1541 that was copied from VHS anyone want a copy? PDF of 1541 repair books Real 1541 repair books 8 broken 1541 4 good 1541 some c-64 some 1702 monitors cables and stuff

1 0

Jan 30/31 Workshop location update & what's everyone working on?
by Herb Johnson 30 Jan '16

30 Jan '16

> So what's everyone working on? Bringing? PDP 8/A for board level startup, David's advice & direction tools for my use assisting David Gesswein if he wishes http://www.retrotechnology.com/restore/8a_repairs.html herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

6 7

Mystery ROM from MITS 88-PMC ROM Board
by Herb Johnson 29 Jan '16

29 Jan '16

> It starts with LXI SP, 0xFF13 -- a ROM location. I've seen > the trick used elsewhere, to reduce code size by using > an in-ROM jump table. Anyone recognize the code? ORG 0FF00H LXI H, 0FF13H LXI D, 2C00H MVI C, 0EBH L1: MOV A,M STAX D INX H INX D DCR C JNZ L1 ;0FF08H JMP 2C00H ;above moves code from ROM to RAM and executes ORG 2C00H; but code follows ROM code above at FF13H DI XRA A OUT 22H CMA OUT 23H MVI A, 2CH OUT 22H MVI A, 03H OUT 19H IN 0FFH ANI 10H RRC RRC ADI 10H OUT 10H LXI SP, 2D79H XRA A ; next byte is at FF30H in ROM ; further disassembly should be instructive -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

2 1

commodore posters $10
by william degnan 29 Jan '16

29 Jan '16

I am offering workshop attendees my "History of Commodore" poster for $10 ea this weekend, no shipping cost as I will hand deliver to the event. Regular price is $19.99 plus $4.80 shipping so if you ever wanted one here is a way to get one cheap. http://www.vintagecomputer.net/poster_detail.cfm Bill --

1 0

Jan 30/31 Workshop location update & what's everyone working on?
by Jeffrey Brace 29 Jan '16

29 Jan '16

I was at the InfoAge meeting tonight and scouted out the area. There is *some* snow at the back entrance to 9032-A. Not significant. I feel like most of it will be gone by Saturday as there will be above freezing temperatures Thursday and Friday. So what's everyone working on? Bringing? Me: Commodore 64 and Commodore 1541 repair. Various broken 1541, at least 2 working 1541, soldering iron, 1541 speed controller, and if I can find a disk cleaner kit. You: ?

8 23

Net Racer - 8 Player Commodore 64 Internet Racing Game
by Jeffrey Brace 29 Jan '16

29 Jan '16

I know that a few us will be at the workshop, but wanted to let everyone know the creator of Net Racer - Leif Bloomquist (A.K.A. schema) will be playing his game on the internet. Here is the link: http://sceneworld.org/twitch It will be Saturday at 2 P.M. Eastern Time Zone The game was created with a hard coded IP address and uses a PC as a server, so it us unusable without major modifications.

2 1

Update for who's coming to Jan 30&31 Workshop
by Jeffrey Brace 29 Jan '16

29 Jan '16

1) Jeff Brace 2) Evan K. 3) Jeff Galinat 4) Dean 5) Drew 6) Jeff Jonas 7) Chris Fala 8) Rob Clarke 9) David Gesswein 10) Steve Toth 11) Bill Degnan 12) Herb Johnson ? 13) Ian? 14) Mouse 15) Bueller? Anyone else? If you don't let me know then I can't guarantee you a table!

3 2

Sleeping over @ workshop
by Evan Koblentz 29 Jan '16

29 Jan '16

We'll open the new museum room (same as where we held Festivus last month) for anyone who wants to sleep over Saturday night. It has much better heating than in the workshop room. As usual, bring your air mattresses, sleeping bags, etc. .... no shower facilities, so bring deodorant too. :)

1 0

OT - Need 60' of ribbon cable
by Kelly Leavitt 29 Jan '16

29 Jan '16

Anyone on list have a spool of ribbon cable (IDC) with 4 or more conductors? I need 60' for a project. Thanks, Kelly

2 1

nice score, HP terminal
by Dave McGuire 28 Jan '16

28 Jan '16

So I did a little road trip out to Cincinnati to pick up a couple dozen IBM Twinax terminals; got home last night. In the pile was a pristine HP 2645 terminal, complete with keyboard. "How'd that get in there?" the guy asked. It's mine now! B-) -Dave -- Dave McGuire, AK4HZ New Kensington, PA

2 2