- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Northern VA Vintage Computer Meetup - 30 June 2024
by Bill Degnan 07 May '24

07 May '24

Ryan, What is the occasion? Bill On Mon, May 6, 2024 at 7:44 PM Ryan Stapleton via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Hello All, > > For those that are in Northern VA or want to travel to Northern VA I am > going to host a Vintage Computer meetup followed by dinner. > > https://www.bluewizard.net/pages/vintagecomputermeetup/ > > Where: > > Chantilly Regional Library > 4000 Stringfellow Rd Chantilly, VA, 20151-2628 > We have the conference room (smaller of the 2 rooms) > > When: > > Sunday 30 June 2024 @ 2-6 PM. > Group dinner afterwards at restaurant TBD. We will pick a local > restaurant to goto afterwards. > > > > Thank you > -Ryan

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Northern VA Vintage Computer Meetup - 30 June 2024
by Matthew Martin 07 May '24

07 May '24

Awesome. I put it on the calendar. I’ll bring some sort of machine, but it’ll be a game-time decision based on what’s working at the time. -Matthew Sent from my iPhone > On May 6, 2024, at 7:43 PM, Ryan Stapleton via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > <mime-attachment>

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Northern VA Vintage Computer Meetup - 30 June 2024
by Bob Flanders 06 May '24

06 May '24

Sounds good. I will schedule it. On Mon, May 6, 2024 at 7:44 PM Ryan Stapleton via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Hello All, > > For those that are in Northern VA or want to travel to Northern VA I am > going to host a Vintage Computer meetup followed by dinner. > > https://www.bluewizard.net/pages/vintagecomputermeetup/ > > Where: > > Chantilly Regional Library > 4000 Stringfellow Rd Chantilly, VA, 20151-2628 > We have the conference room (smaller of the 2 rooms) > > When: > > Sunday 30 June 2024 @ 2-6 PM. > Group dinner afterwards at restaurant TBD. We will pick a local > restaurant to goto afterwards. > > > > Thank you > -Ryan

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Northern VA Vintage Computer Meetup - 30 June 2024
by Ryan Stapleton 06 May '24

06 May '24

Hello All, For those that are in Northern VA or want to travel to Northern VA I am going to host a Vintage Computer meetup followed by dinner. https://www.bluewizard.net/pages/vintagecomputermeetup/ Where: Chantilly Regional Library 4000 Stringfellow Rd Chantilly, VA, 20151-2628 We have the conference room (smaller of the 2 rooms) When: Sunday 30 June 2024 @ 2-6 PM. Group dinner afterwards at restaurant TBD. We will pick a local restaurant to goto afterwards. Thank you -Ryan

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Vote for VCF's new bumper video
by Jeffrey Brace 06 May '24

06 May '24

VCF is looking for a new bumper to add to the front and back of all their new videos. There are 7 different versions. Vote on the one that you like best! https://forms.gle/Y9Qrj26xokeFXjub6 Voting ends Monday May 6 at midnight EDT Thanks! Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Showrunner VCF Mid-Atlantic Event Manager Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity https://vcfed.org/ <http://www.vcfed.org/> jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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8085 SBC rev 4 Mini Documentation
by Jonathan Chapman 06 May '24

06 May '24

All, Finally got the documentation package for the 8085 SBC rev 4 Mini (one of this year's VCF East kits) nailed down: http://filedump.glitchwrks.com/projects/gw-8085sbc-4m/ The above link includes the manual, schematics, GAL equations, and Flash chip image. If you weren't at the workshop, you can buy the bare board, kit, or fully assembled SBC on Tindie: https://www.tindie.com/products/34563/ Thanks, Jonathan

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FTGH: bad DSDD 3.5" disks
by Jonathan Sturges 05 May '24

05 May '24

To bolster my stock of DSDD 3.5" floppies, I recently bought a lot on eBay. But it included roughly 40 disks that won't format cleanly. Would anyone like these? They don't seem to be good for data but maybe an art or craft use? Free shipping to any takers in CONUS. -Jonathan

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Old computer I can learn to repair?
by Herbert Johnson 04 May '24

04 May '24

Caution: lecture. Reading time long, skip if impatient. a real question was asked. Sorry. How to use an oscilloscope, is a tough question now in 2024. It's an experience few people have today, that might have an interest in how some computer-thing works when broken (or not). So why do some people make it *hard*? ;) Traditional responses to "how to use an oscilloscope", is 1) to learn the instrument thoroughly, 2) be sure it's accurate 3) use it for designated purposes like research, repair. 4) oops, better learn digital logic and microprocessor signals too. (whoa, that's so complicated). That's because, computers and oscilloscopes were once expensive things, used by people with detailed knowledge of signals they show and how those signals are produced, and why. That's college-level tech, from the days of simple computers and simple electronics. That's my era. But oscilloscopes now, are just a thing like other electronic things. Old and cheap, new and cheap, buy and try and figure it out. So, I don't think the old-school approach is gonna work. So here's my old-guy approach with try-it in mind. YOu bought a 'scope. Grab anything you have that has a circuit board that's battery powered. Figure out where "ground" is, clip the ground lead there. Now use your scope probe, put it on parts of the circuit. Wadda see on the scope? HOwever: learn what it means to "ground" things and avoid "AC shocks". That's why I suggest battery-powered stuff first. If you don't see anything on your scope, look through whatever oscilloscope manual you can find. The manual for your scope will help BUT it's like "here's how all the knobs work" and not too useful for "why do that?". But look for advice and how-tos. It would not hurt to find old "how to use your oscilloscope books", but there are PDF's of those. also, find some info on whatever you are probing. Know what a schematic is? You'll find out! HOpe you find some for whatever you are messing with. Do that awhile, on different things. Read, test, probe. Now you have experience. Get more information based on what you KNOW now, and then what you want to know. If you want to repair something in particular (computers)? Grab one, any thrift store, your friend's closets and attics, whatever local. Or USB hubs or routers. *DOn't mess with CRT monitors or LCD's or TV's yet. YOu could hurt yourself seriously. Please avoid for now.* Look inside. Now what? The chips are small, the leads smaller, and nobody tells you (or me) what those signals and chips mean. It's a dead end (for most of us) to use an oscilloscope on modern computers. Same applies for Arduinos and Rasp Pi's, other than looking at signals your program produces, where you know (or should) what signals look like and why. This is not your fault. The old 8-bit computers? The simplest old/new vintage computers are little single-boards based on 8-bit processors like those in the C128, Apple II, and other 1980 computers. There's lots of sub-$100 kits for those, today, if you like building kits. The old processor data sheets, describe the signals. Look them up, to get some clues. They use "big" chips, big pins, not the little "surface mount" chips on today's devices, too small to poke at. See, you are learning stuff already, just reading this. I hope! Still, at some point, you'll have to do some homework on how vintage computers work at the chip IC level. That's what the oscilloscope tells you about. It's not your fault or the oscilloscope's. that's what it's supposed to do, the computers do what they are supposed to do. If the computer fails and some signals fail - how would you know failed from good signals? You gotta do your homework eventually. YOu'll break things, using your oscilloscope. Everyone does. Plan B if "all this stuff is too hard"? Well, that "how to use an oscilloscope kit" amounts to a AC to DC power supply running a "five fifty five" or 555 chip oscillator/timer. That's a very famous chip, whole books (not hard to read) about them. Simpler than a processor! A person, Forrest Mims, is an old guy who builds simple circuits, to do *real things*. He's done that for half a century! He's actually important for doing that. His circuits, are still simple. Look them up, see what you can do with computers or without, using simple circuits. Gotta start somewhere with circuits! YOu used to be able to buy breadboard "build 99 circuits" kits with power and a breadboard ready for use - then put chips in it, hook up wires to do things. that's a great learning opportunity. Check Ebay for those old breadboards, repairing them is fun too. https://www.retrotechnology.com/restore/breadbd.html There's several "hackerspace" type companies that still sell learning how-to electronic kits, some that use non-microprocessor "analog ICs" or "digital IC's". try some of those things. It's all online now of course, no local shops. There's actual hackerspaces, look for those near you if you are social and mobile. But the thing is, going with no knowledge is kind of intimidating. Some shops have beginner's days. Or go just to watch, not bug people with questions. Figure out the social scheme of the shop. It's all a process. It takes time, attention, desire and interest. It's a real thing, not a ten-minute thing, that's how such things go. That's the world that an oscilloscope can explore, but you point the probe not the oscilloscope, so you gotta know. I said, this was a real question. Regards Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA https://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net preserve, recover, restore 1970's computing email: hjohnson AT retrotechnology DOT com or try later herbjohnson AT comcast DOT net

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Vote for VCF's new bumper video - The Final Version is Here
by Herbert Johnson 04 May '24

04 May '24

You asked for opinions, got several. Here's mine. Several people of and around my era of now-vintage computing, don't like *any* music and many otherwise don't like noisy-sounds (but keyboard sounds are mostly not objectionable). That's my view also. The point (so I'm told) of the video, is the VCF brand. Not the history of Bell Labs or voice synth or sounds made by an Atari something. Keyclicks, those are so broad in history and so common, they draw attention and then are background. If you are gonna have a movie, and have sound, keyclicks do enough work not too much and not a thing-themselves. For those who crafted all this stuff, my apologies if they are disappointed in my responses. This is a five-second event, shall I write a thesis about it? It's *exactly* impressions, you have mine and what I can make of them. But thanks for the Daisy / Bell Labs callback. I did some homework on the subject, it's surprisingly important. And it's commentary on modern vs. historic responses to almost-human computer behavior. I got informed - but, I was distracted from the VCF brand accordingly. That's not your goal, right? Regards Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA https://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net preserve, recover, restore 1970's computing email: hjohnson AT retrotechnology DOT com or try later herbjohnson AT comcast DOT net

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Old computer I can learn to repair?
by Benjamin Krein 04 May '24

04 May '24

I just got my first ever oscilloscope (Zoyi ZT-703s) but I have a problem - I don't have any broken computers! :) Anyone have any old computers that are repairable they want to get rid of? Probably something 8-bit just because I'm an absolute beginner. I'm also thinking something more common just because resources will be easier to find. Here's my wish list but I won't look any gift horses in the mouth! 1. Commodore 128 2. Atari 400(xl)/600/800(xl) 3. Apple IIc(+) I've always wanted an Amiga (500) but I'm not sure if that's getting too complicated or not for the scope I got? I'm in the Philadelphia area. -- - Benjamin Krein

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Vote for VCF's new bumper video
by Bill Degnan 04 May '24

04 May '24

Why not just keep them all and make new ones as needed, always with the consistency of the "typing part"? The author of a given video can then choose from a stable of bumper videos, selecting the bumper that best matches the content? My vote is thus: One with typing only, and a library of versions built up over time with appropriate audio music and effects. Holiday-themed set, manufacturer set, famous computer sounds, advertising, etc. Bill Degnan On Sat, May 4, 2024, 6:49 AM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > I agree with Jeff > Leave the video as is remove the audio . > > Mike > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > On May 4, 2024, at 1:01 AM, Jeff Galinat via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > I would be fine with omitting the music. Just the logo with the typing > > works for me, but that was not an option. > > Regards, > > Jeff > > > >

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VCF Bumper to videos
by Jeffrey Brace 03 May '24

03 May '24

We had a volunteer create a bumper for our future VCF videos. What does everyone think? https://youtu.be/3c0F9bENQW4 Can anyone identify: 1) The computer starting up 2) The song 3) The keyboard making the clicking sounds? Take care! Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Showrunner VCF Mid-Atlantic Event Manager Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity https://vcfed.org/ <http://www.vcfed.org/> jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Altair @ 50, why front panels are popular
by Herbert Johnson 03 May '24

03 May '24

PYROMATE Digital P45AF Firing System Pyrotechnics Fireworks Displays Module eBay item number:135003938238 plastic suitcase, orange panel toggles/lights The Van Vliet’s Company (111) 100% positive US $2,500.00 BIN B/O “Used but in great condition. All features are working. Contact for any additional information.” Free Standard Shipping. Located in: Riverview, Florida -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA https://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net preserve, recover, restore 1970's computing email: hjohnson AT retrotechnology DOT com or try later herbjohnson AT comcast DOT net

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Repair workshop who’s going?
by Jeffrey Brace 03 May '24

03 May '24

Let me know or sign up. Take care! Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Showrunner VCF Mid-Atlantic Event Manager Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity https://vcfed.org/ <http://www.vcfed.org/> jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Big personal collection at home
by Jeffrey Brace 03 May '24

03 May '24

An editor at an architecture and design magazine asked if I could refer him to any collector that has a notably large vintage computing collection preferably in the NYC metro area. This is not a museum that he's looking for, but someone's private residence. If you have any ideas, then send me an email with the person's contact info and I will let him know. Thanks! Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Showrunner VCF Mid-Atlantic Event Manager Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity https://vcfed.org/ <http://www.vcfed.org/> jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Fwd: ENIACtion ['] IEEE Milestone Event for Grace Hopper's A-O Compiler at UPenn May 7th
by Jeffrey Brace 03 May '24

03 May '24

---------- Forwarded message --------- On Tuesday Morning, May 7th, an IEEE Milestone Plaque will be unveiled at the Engineering School of the University of Pennsylvania in honor of Grace Hopper's development of the A-O Compiler and Automatic Programming. The building where the plaque will be placed is where Rear Admiral Hopper had worked on this effort. Details about how to register to attend in-person or view the ceremony online are at: <https://events.seas.upenn.edu/event/ieee-grace-hopper-milestone-celebration/> <https://events.seas.upenn.edu/event/ieee-grace-hopper-milestone-celebration/> . *IEEE Milestone Plaque Citation* A-O Compiler and Initial Development of Automatic Programming, 1951-1952 During 1951-1952, Grace Hopper invented the A-O Compiler, a series of specifications that functioned as a linker/loader. It was a pioneering achievement of automatic programming as well as a pioneering utility program for the management of subroutines. That A-O Compiler influenced the development of arithmetic and business programming languages. This led to COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language) becoming the dominant high-level language for business applications. *About Grace Hopper *Rear Admiral Grace Hopper was a mathematician, computer scientist, systems designer and the inventor of the compiler. Her outstanding contributions to computer science benefited academia, industry and the military. In 1928 she graduated from Vassar College with a B.A. in mathematics and physics and joined the Vassar faculty. While an instructor, she continued her studies in mathematics at Yale University where she earned an MA in 1930 and a Ph.D. in 1934. Grace Hopper is known worldwide for her work with the first large-scale digital computer, the Navy’s Mark I. In 1949 she joined Philadelphia’s Eckert-Mauchly, founded by the builders of ENIAC, which was building UNIVAC I. Her work on compilers and on making machines understand ordinary language instructions lead ultimately to the development of the business language, COBOL. Grace Hopper served on the faculty of the Moore School for 15 years, and in 1974 received an honorary degree from the University. --

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Repair Workshop 2024, 5/4 & 5/5
by Jeffrey Brace 03 May '24

03 May '24

Click here to sign up <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DTry5ca1BK6jlGIVPkLOnar18a6dvyW9DGi…> *WHERE:* 1) CDL's Hackerspace and classroom in building 9059 (Most people use this one) 2) 9032-A is *not *available this time. *TIME:*Saturday START time == 10 A.M. END time == 11PM. Sunday START time == 10 A.M. and END == 5 P.M. *COST:* $15 per person, per day. $25 per night for those wanting to stay overnight in the visitor center's bunk beds *OVERNIGHT*: Bring your own pillow, blankets, soap etc. We provide a bed frame and an uncovered mattress. There are showers and a kitchen for your use. - You can send: * Via PayPal to @VintageComputerFed or paypal(a)vcfed.org. * Venmo: @VintageComputerFederation * Cash, credit card, Apple Pay, etc. in person. We have a Square Device. *EQUIPMENT:* - VCF will provide a table and you can use any available electrical outlet. - Bring your own tools, power strips, power cords, and supplies etc. - If you need particular tools that you don't own or particular parts, please let others know that you need something. They may have what you need. Let them know ahead of time. - Let everyone know what project you are working on ahead of time to inspire collaboration. *DRINKS*: You should bring your own. We have a refrigerator in CDL to keep them cold. VCF will buy some water and soft drinks for member use. *FOOD*: *Saturday afternoon*: Everyone is on their own. *Saturday Night Dinner at around 7PM*: We often go out to dinner together. MJ's in Tinton Falls seems the new prefered spot. *Sunday Morning*: We usually meet at a diner around 9AM *Sunday Afternoon*: Everyone is on their own. *PARKING:* Park in the main parking lot, unless you are unloading. Don't park on the lawn. Also don't park where there are "no parking signs" There is now a dedicated fire lane. *PHONE:* (732) 722 - 5015 *EMAIL: *repairworkshops(a)vcfed.org Have fun everyone! :-D

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF Bumper to videos
by Neil Cherry 02 May '24

02 May '24

On 5/1/24 18:11, Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > REALLY > All all of this hubbub over 10 seconds of video and sound? "I'm particulary glad that these lovely children were here today to hear that speech. Not only was it authentic frontier gibberish, it expressed a courage little" -- Linux Home Automation Neil Cherry kd2zrq(a)linuxha.com http://www.linuxha.com/ Main site http://linuxha.blogspot.com/ My HA Blog Author of: Linux Smart Homes For Dummies KD2ZRQ

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF Bumper to videos
by Andrew Diller 01 May '24

01 May '24

Are you really asking that? I know you didn't just join this list lol > On May 1, 2024, at 6:11 PM, Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > REALLY > All all of this hubbub over 10 seconds of video and sound? >

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Do we have any room for this? SGI Cheyenne for sale.
by Christian Liendo 30 Apr '24

30 Apr '24

https://gsaauctions.gov/auctions/preview/282996 Cheyenne Supercomputer - Water Cooling System Components of the Cheyenne Supercomputer Installed Configuration: SGI ICE™ XA. E-Cells: 14 units weighing 1500 lbs. each. E-Racks: 28 units, all water-cooled Nodes: 4,032 dual socket units configured as quad-node blades Processors: 8,064 units of E5-2697v4 (18-core, 2.3 GHz base frequency, Turbo up to 3.6GHz, 145W TDP) Total Cores: 145,152 Memory: DDR4-2400 ECC single-rank, 64 GB per node, with 3 High Memory E-Cells having 128GB per node, totaling 313,344 GB Topology: EDR Enhanced Hypercube IB Switches: 224 units

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Do we have any room for this? SGI Cheyenne for sale.
by Ethan O'Toole 30 Apr '24

30 Apr '24

> It cost 35 million to build in 2017 and the bid is 8300 bucks...oy vey. When I was picking up mine some guy was in the room while we were preparing the system to move. Guy said "We paid $8 million 5 years ago, he bought it online for scrap for $5200" or something like that. I think mine was made in 1997 and I bought it in 2001 but could be wrong (air cooled J90 series.) Crazy amount of depreciation fast.

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OT: Help InfoAge's YouTube channel qualify to get monetized
by Jeffrey Brace 30 Apr '24

30 Apr '24

Please subscribe to InfoAge's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@infoagemuseum About 3 years ago in April 2021, I turned on monetization for the VCF YouTube channel <https://www.youtube.com/@vcfederation>. We get about $50 per month to support the organization. I'm hoping to get that same level of support for InfoAge's YouTube channel. But first we need to: 1) Get 1000 subscribers. (Currently we have 121)/ 2) Get 4000 hours of viewing time. If you subscribe to their channel, then you can help with #1. #2 will take time as I help them add content to the channel that people want to watch. Thanks! Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Showrunner VCF Mid-Atlantic Event Manager Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity https://vcfed.org/ <http://www.vcfed.org/> jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF East 2024 Podcast Episode 1
by Jeffrey Brace 30 Apr '24

30 Apr '24

On Sun, Apr 28, 2024 at 11:11 PM Ryan Stapleton via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Hello All, > Hello Ryan! Thanks so much for sharing! Jeff Brace > > I wanted to share my buddy Rich and my podcast where we talk about VCF > East 2024! > > This is episode 1 of 2 where episode 2 will drop in a few weeks. > > I hope you enjoy! I know we enjoyed the show! > > http://www.rnrdoesstuff.com/podcast/ep-012-vcf-east-2024-part1/ > > > Thank you > -Ryan

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OT / MAC spoofing at Camp Evans
by Martin A. Flynn 30 Apr '24

30 Apr '24

Hi Folks, Please check your mobile devices that you are not using the MAC privacy option when on the Camp Evans network. https://support.apple.com/en-us/102509 We are seeing connected devices at all sorts of strange hours, with MAC addresses that are not listed in the IEEE master list. No desire to use the ban hammer on legit users / devices Martin Flynn

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Altair 8800 50th birthday...
by Herbert Johnson 29 Apr '24

29 Apr '24

> On Thu, Apr 25, 2024, 12:34 PM William Sudbrink v wrote: > >> Based on what I have read, along with a few discussions I have had with >> people involved in the early S-100 "scene", around now is the 50th >> birthday (or conception day) of the Altair 8800. Certainly, next year >> could properly be called its 50th birthday.Anyway, I'm thinking about >> "painting the show blue" with Altairs and IMSAIs for the next few >> vintage computer festivals. >> >> Anyone else interested? - Bill S. > On 4/25/2024 1:54 PM, Neil Cherry via vcf-midatlantic wrote: >> Not a bad thing. And swtpc 6800 also 50 yrs >> On 4/25/24 13:09, Bill Degnan wrote: >> Yea, a little love for the SWTPCs! :-D I'm sympathetic to Bill Sudbrick, to celebrate MITS Altairs and IMSAIs. I was in EE college when I copied the Popular Electronics MITS Altair articles, to make transparencies of the PC boards layouts they published. I've supported S-100 for three decades plus. S-100 systems were produced for twenty years, hundreds of companies. So recognition of them as leaders is a good idea. But leaders of *what*? - there's some better idea to celebrate, reflect upon. Neil and Bill Degnan also have a point. The SS-50 was also a popular architecture in the era. It also led to dozen of companies' products. But why mention SS-50 and S-100 together? There's some better idea in mind that suggests why. I'm thinking this through. I'll say more on my Web site. But my short argument for the better idea, is something like this. These mid-1970's computers, were part of a new idea about computing. Standard busses, open architectures, established and open operating systems - based on then-new 8-bit microprocessors. Circuitcard-based systems expandable at the cost of a single circuit board, or the cost of a few chips on a board. Microprocessors were inside powerful chips that were a lot easier to program, cheaper to produce in volume. Hardware costs falling, and dramatically. And all this "cheaper faster better" brought millions of people into computing, using computers themselves - more productivity, falling costs. All of that is kind of a package, that started to happen about fifty years ago. We take computers and micros for granted today, like fish in water. But *little of that was true* fifty years ago. I was *there*, I know this. (But there's a counter argument, for earlier computers. That's OK! Bring it on! They all make the same case, points of progress to a result, that's my point! ;) And by the way? I and my 1970's colleagues, we won't be "here" for personal accounts on the 75th anniversary. Some of us already left the building. So don't dally on one brand a year. I think those are better ideas to have some celebrations about. Not just a blue birthday cake on one day, or a row of IMSAIs and Altairs at one event (there aren't that many kinds). That's what I'm thinking about. Thanks to Bill Sudbrink for starting the idea of using the MITS Altair 8800 50th birthday. but I'd call it a trail marker. Regards Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA https://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net preserve, recover, restore 1970's computing email: hjohnson AT retrotechnology DOT com or try later herbjohnson AT comcast DOT net

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VCF East 2024 Podcast Episode 1
by Ryan Stapleton 29 Apr '24

29 Apr '24

Hello All, I wanted to share my buddy Rich and my podcast where we talk about VCF East 2024! This is episode 1 of 2 where episode 2 will drop in a few weeks. I hope you enjoy! I know we enjoyed the show! http://www.rnrdoesstuff.com/podcast/ep-012-vcf-east-2024-part1/ Thank you -Ryan

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VCF Swap Meet June 22, 2024
by Jeffrey Brace 28 Apr '24

28 Apr '24

It's coming up. You can register now. Here is all the info: https://vcfed.org/vcf-swap-meet/ See you there! Jeff Brace VCF Mid-Atlantic Event Manager

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Looking for Lomas board manual(s)
by Richard Cini 28 Apr '24

28 Apr '24

All — I mostly lurk on the list now but am active elsewhere (Discord, mostly), but I am looking for a manual for the Lomas LightningOne 8086 CPU board. There doesn’t seem to be a good archive of manuals for the Lomas boards (and what’s out there is only a partial archive on S100computers). I have a project I’m working on with Lomas boards so looking to get the manual for this board. If anyone has copies they’d be willing to scan, please let me know. Thanks! Rich -- Rich Cini http://cini.classiccmp.org

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OT / Newest addition to the CDL toolbox
by Martin A. Flynn 28 Apr '24

28 Apr '24

While used, they are still serviceable: * Waldom W-HT 2285 for 0.062 contacts * Molex HT-2038 for 0.093 contacts * Molex 63813-1500 for MX150 / MX150L terminal * Molex 638120000 for KK 2.54mm Terminals Martin Flynn

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OT / Project Day on the Diana site for 05/18/2024.
by Martin A. Flynn 27 Apr '24

27 Apr '24

Now that we are out of VCF East mode, there are a minor projects on the Diana site at Camp Evans that need attention * Replace the timer for the TLM-18 Floodlights. * Complete the installation of the weatherproof outlet for the TLM-18 floodlights * Connect the interior cameras at the patch bay in the building 9116 furnace room * Fix the Gate camera (might be the cable or the camera itself, may require standing an a 12 foot ladder) * Replace the damaged fence camera cables (will require standing an a 12 foot ladder) Location: 2300 Marconi Road, Wall, NJ Date: 05/18/2024. Time: 10:00 AM start time, hard stop at 3:00 PM If you are available to assist, please reply via email to reduce list clutter Martin

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OT - Analog receiver occasionally missing a channel (but then OK for a long time)
by John Heritage 27 Apr '24

27 Apr '24

I have a pair of Onkyo receivers that have different 'missing channel' issues. For "Receiver A" -- The behavior is I'll turn on the receiver, and I'll have 4.1 sound instead of 5.1 -- usually the right front channel is totally missing. No matter what I do, the only way to get it back is to power it off and power it back on again, and then it's stable for a really long time, including some future power off/on events. Receiver B - which I "retired" a while ago (sitting on a shelf) - it had similar behavior except if I cranked up the volume really loudly on the missing channel, I'd hear some static and then it would work fine. This got worse over time - though once the initial sound output was working it would always stay working. Is this a sign of caps starting to go bad? maybe discrete logic? For Receiver B I did take it apart once before and didn't see anything immediately obvious to my eyes at the time. FWIW The source is a 5.1 RCA analog output from a Soundblaster device. Thanks! john

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OT: 80's Music Video - Do you Computer? - Donnie Iris and the cruisers
by Jeffrey Brace 26 Apr '24

26 Apr '24

Somehow I never heard this song before: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2Rjyu_4HzI Enjoy! Jeff Brace

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Altair 8800 50th birthday...
by William Sudbrink 26 Apr '24

26 Apr '24

Based on what I have read, along with a few discussions I have had with people involved in the early S-100 "scene" around now is the 50th birthday (or conception day) of the Altair 8800.Certainly, next year could properly be called its 50th birthday.Anyway, I'm thinking about "painting the show blue" with Altairs and IMSAIs for the next few vintage computer festivals. Anyone else interested? Bill S. -- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. www.avast.com

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Happy Birthday Guglielmo Marconi!
by Chris Fala 26 Apr '24

26 Apr '24

Born April 25, 1874

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Repair Workshop May 4 & 5, 2024
by Jeffrey Brace 25 Apr '24

25 Apr '24

Coming up in about a week the next repair workshop. Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DTry5ca1BK6jlGIVPkLOnar18a6dvyW9DGi… See you there! Jeff Brace

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New toy: Micromedic MACC II Assay Compucenter (6800 computer)
by Neil Cherry 25 Apr '24

25 Apr '24

Surprisingly, my lower offer for this computer was accepted. I now have a "Rare Motorola 6800 EXORbus? System Micromedic MACC II Assay Compucenter Boots Up" Might be Motorola Exorbus system but that's not important. I'm pretty sure I can run Flex and that the 'Boots Up" is the Motorola MIKBUG rom monitor prompt. I see 4 serial ports (RSR232, current loop and parallel port). I need a bit of info on the keyboard. It appears to be a serial keyboard. Since I don't have one I expect I can build something that sends ASCII at 110 or 300 and it will work. If not, I disassemble the 2716 (5V). I'm good with that. Any ideas? BTW, the Micromedic MACC II Assay Compucenter interfaced to Nuclear Medicine test equipment. -- Linux Home Automation Neil Cherry kd2zrq(a)linuxha.com http://www.linuxha.com/ Main site http://linuxha.blogspot.com/ My HA Blog Author of: Linux Smart Homes For Dummies KD2ZRQ

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VCF East 2024 Survey Results
by Jeffrey Brace 24 Apr '24

24 Apr '24

The survey is now closed. Here are the results: https://bit.ly/vcfe2024post_results We got about 200 responses and had sufficient data for the survey. For those who filled out the survey: thank you! Take care! Jeff Brace Vintage Computer Festival East Showrunner

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OT: Camp Invention Instructors needed
by Jeffrey Brace 23 Apr '24

23 Apr '24

Hello everyone, InfoAge needs instructors for the Camp Invention that rents space during two weeks in the summer. This link <https://vcfed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-Camp-Recruitment-Flyer_Fi…> is the flyer to explain it. I was the instructor at Camp Invention the last 3 years and have been "promoted" to Camp Director this year. We are looking for two instructors to teach. There are two separate weeks of camp. We already have children signed up for the camp for both weeks. We also need a camp parent who helps promote Camp Invention. This parent doesn't need to attend the camp, but will get free tuition to the camp in exchange for helping to promote the camp. Any questions? Please email campinvention(a)infoage.org! Thanks! Jeff Brae <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> Virus-free.www.avast.com <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Upcoming events at System Source in Maryland
by CJ Reha 23 Apr '24

23 Apr '24

Why try to foster hostility and competition between the swaps? They are both very fun and worth going to. I think a month is a decent amount of buffer time between both. FWIW, some of us travel pretty far to the NJ events, and stuff like the System Source workshops/swap are a little less brutal to get to. I have plenty of friends in the NoVA/general DMV area who would agree... CJ On Mon, Apr 22, 2024 at 2:00 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Just remember that VCF swap meet is June 22 > So save your stuff and save your money > For the big swap meet ! > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > On Apr 22, 2024, at 1:05 PM, Ryan Burke via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > The Computer Museum at System Source is hosting a repair workshop in > June, > > and a swap meet/workshop in July. > > > > Repair workshop on July 15th and 16th: > > > > > https://ca.syssrc.com/wp/?page_id=85&civiwp=CiviCRM&q=civicrm%2Fevent%2Finf… > > > > Swap Meet on July 20th and 21st: > > > > > https://ca.syssrc.com/wp/?page_id=85&civiwp=CiviCRM&q=civicrm%2Fevent%2Finf… > > > > Follow the links for more details, and we hope to see you there! > >

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Upcoming events at System Source in Maryland
by Ryan Burke 22 Apr '24

22 Apr '24

The Computer Museum at System Source is hosting a repair workshop in June, and a swap meet/workshop in July. Repair workshop on July 15th and 16th: https://ca.syssrc.com/wp/?page_id=85&civiwp=CiviCRM&q=civicrm%2Fevent%2Finf… Swap Meet on July 20th and 21st: https://ca.syssrc.com/wp/?page_id=85&civiwp=CiviCRM&q=civicrm%2Fevent%2Finf… Follow the links for more details, and we hope to see you there!

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Z80 end of life only months away
by Jeffrey Jonas 20 Apr '24

20 Apr '24

https://www.mouser.com/PCN/Littelfuse_PCN_Z84C00.pd <https://www.mouser.com/PCN/Littelfuse_PCN_Z84C00.pdf>f https://hackaday.com/2024/04/19/end-of-life-for-z80-cpu-and-peripherals-ann… The memo dated April 15, 2024 says the last time to buy is June 14th. Only 2 months warning :-/

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Z80 end of life only months away
by Dave McGuire 20 Apr '24

20 Apr '24

Sure, in 25 years or so when the stock actually starts to dry up. -Dave On April 20, 2024 10:42:36 AM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote:>---------- > Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Z80 end of life only months away > From: Sentrytv sentrytv(a)yahoo.com > Date: Apr 20, 10:42 AM > To: vcf-midatlantic vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org > CC: Jeffrey Jonas jeffrey.scott.jonas(a)gmail.com > > Does that mean that all of us were holding on to various Z 80 processors now have I hope of selling them for more money? > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > >> On Apr 20, 2024, at 9:08 AM, Jeffrey Jonas via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: >> >> ?https://www.mouser.com/PCN/Littelfuse_PCN_Z84C00.pd >> <https://www.mouser.com/PCN/Littelfuse_PCN_Z84C00.pdf>f >> https://hackaday.com/2024/04/19/end-of-life-for-z80-cpu-and-peripherals-ann… >> >> The memo dated April 15, 2024 says the last time to buy is June 14th. >> Only 2 months warning :-/ -- Dave McGuire, AK4HZ New Kensington, PA

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Z80 end of life only months away
by Ian Litchfield 20 Apr '24

20 Apr '24

Not yet, even though it’s EOL I imagine they will still be in stock for a while, but this will make getting chips for all the kits a bit harder might make the prices go up on hobbyist projects in a few years. On Sat, Apr 20, 2024 at 10:42 Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Does that mean that all of us were holding on to various Z 80 processors > now have I hope of selling them for more money? > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > On Apr 20, 2024, at 9:08 AM, Jeffrey Jonas via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > https://www.mouser.com/PCN/Littelfuse_PCN_Z84C00.pd > > <https://www.mouser.com/PCN/Littelfuse_PCN_Z84C00.pdf>f > > > https://hackaday.com/2024/04/19/end-of-life-for-z80-cpu-and-peripherals-ann… > > > > The memo dated April 15, 2024 says the last time to buy is June 14th. > > Only 2 months warning :-/ > >

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Anonymous VCF East 2024 Post Event Survey
by Jeffrey Brace 20 Apr '24

20 Apr '24

Please fill out this anonymous survey about VCF East: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3BBB57G Thanks! Jeff Brace Vintage Computer Festival East Showrunner

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Apple IIgs Black Screen
by James 20 Apr '24

20 Apr '24

Hi, I have an Apple IIgs and when I boot it I hear a beep shortly followed by another beep. The screen remains black. I've tried a second known working Apple monitor to the same result. I've tried it with both floppy drives attached and not attached. I don't have any disks but was assuming I would at least see a complaint on the screen about missing startup disk. I don't see anything. Does anyone know what my issue is or can you recommend a good Apple II troubleshooting site? Working on Apples isn't something I have much experience with.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Apple IIgs Black Screen
by David Riley 19 Apr '24

19 Apr '24

On Apr 19, 2024, at 9:42 AM, Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > From: Sentrytv <sentrytv(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Apple IIgs Black Screen > Date: April 19, 2024 at 9:42:51 AM EDT > To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> > > > The Apple2 GS uses a specific monitor > And is not compatible with a Mac monitor! > > I can’t remember if the signals are digital or analog but I assume they are digital and it might be considered RGBI 15 kHz > I’M SURE THERE ARE MORE PEOPLE HERE WHO HAVE THESE EXACT SPECS > Mike It's a 15 KHz horizontal refresh rate monitor, same as TVs and arcade monitors. Fun fact: you can hook the IIgs' monitor up to a lot of arcade boards as a display, though sometimes you might need to change from the default sync polarity. I used one to test my Defender boardsets back when I still had my IIgs, and it worked like a charm. There are also some Dell LCD monitors that support unusual features for LCDs (sync-on-green, interlaced video) though I'm not sure if they'd do 15 KHz. I no longer have a IIgs to test with, but I have heard very good things about the P1914's compatibility with a lot of things, and they're definitely very cheap on eBay these days, and worth keeping around for a lot of vintage things (a lot of old Macs also do sync-on-green, some of them like the IIci *only* do it, and a monitor that handles it correctly is essential if you don't want everything looking very green). If you're using a VGA converter, be cautious; the monitor sense signal lines function a little differently than they do on the standard Macintosh DA-15 video connector, and cheap ones can often short something to ground which prevents startup and may not be great for the machine in the long term. If you happen upon a Griffin MacPnP adapter, they're really the best of the bunch (and if you don't have one, let me know, I bought about a dozen of them a while back when someone was selling bucketsful on eBay for $4 each). - Dave

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Hackaday Article about VCF East 2024
by Jeffrey Brace 18 Apr '24

18 Apr '24

https://hackaday.com/2024/04/17/vcf-east-2024-was-bigger-and-better-than-ev… Enjoy! Jeff Brace

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First video of the 2024 event
by Christian Liendo 17 Apr '24

17 Apr '24

VCF East 2024 High Shelf Rich https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc1muoVObKc

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VCF East lost & found: sunglasses?
by Jameel akari 17 Apr '24

17 Apr '24

Pretty sure I dropped my prescription sunglasses in the talks room, probably up front stage right. They’re in a blue case. If anyone finds them, let me know and I’ll arrange shipping. Thanks! -- Jameel Akari

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Paying it forward: Byron and his Datasettes
by Dan FitzGerald 16 Apr '24

16 Apr '24

I want to very publicly thank Byron for something very kind that he did with the Commodore Datasette drives he was selling at VCF East Consignment this past weekend. Something that he didn't really have to do. He included program tapes with them. At the fall swap meet, I purchased my first C64 along with a Datasette drive from Steve's basement. But because I didn't have a new C64 power brick to go with it (and because the Datasette also broke), I was unable to do anything with it. This past weekend, I purchased one of Byron's Datasettes and a new PSU from one of the vendors. But because I didn't have a 1541 disk drive (or any real experience with C64s), I wouldn't have had any programs to run with it... except that Byron included two cassette tapes in with the drive. I've been exploring one of the two tapes, which seems to contain a large number of programs taken from Creative Computing and Compute!'s Gazette. So now I can get going with my first C64 without having to delve into advanced topics such as "How can I get a program from the Internet onto this thing", or "Oh crap I need to buy a 1541 now". So thank you Byron, for being extremely conscientious with your Datasettes. It was very thoughtful, and while it didn't cost you much it made a world of difference to me. -- Regards, Dan FitzGerald They/Them or She/Her Classical Computing Laboratory at IBM-Poughkeepsie http://www.vm.ibm.com/devpages/dfitzger

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