- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

OT / Project Work at Camp Evans
by Martin Flynn 02 Sep '22

02 Sep '22

Hi Folks, CDL will be on site on September 10th, 2022 doing project work. If you are available and would like to assist, please contact me off list! Projects in no particular order: * Installing fiber on the rear of 9059 as prep for the fiber feed to the hotel * Moving rack cabinets from 9036C to 9006 for storage * Putting plywood down in the 9010 attic for the new IT rack Start time is around 10:00 AM, expect to wrap up by 2:00 PM. Martin

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Computer Cart in NYC
by Douglas Crawford 01 Sep '22

01 Sep '22

Could a member in NYC please pick this up for the museum/warehouse? Make a deal, we'll reimburse you. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/591414525902564?ref=search&referr… Thanks DC

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Computer Carts for museum and warehouse
by Douglas Crawford 01 Sep '22

01 Sep '22

Hi Members-at-large: Can anyone spare computer carts like this for the museum and warehouse: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/624789745572964/?ref=search&refer… Interested in narrow ones presently and potentially wide ones too.

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The Commodore 64 Theremin
by Christian Liendo 01 Sep '22

01 Sep '22

https://www.linusakesson.net/hardware/theremin/

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Datanetics Keyboard
by Jeff Galinat 31 Aug '22

31 Aug '22

Hi all, I am going to be a vendor at VCF Midwest and I have a working Datanetics keyboard that I was thinking of selling. This is not the Apple II specific keyboard but it appears to use the same keyswitches with the slanted stem. This is a working KB that I cleaned up & painted the scratched up metal enclosure. I realize that these Datanetics switches are pretty rare to find. I am interested in selling the keyboard as a unit and if the buyer wants to part it out for the switches that is their business. The previous owner had installed 5v & -12v power supplies in the enclosure so the unit is self powered via a switched power cord. The -12v supply was bad when I got it so it was replaced. I tested the keyboard using a pair of TIL-311 hex displays and the proper ASCII codes are generated. I have included a link to pictures of the keyboard including pics showing the codes for ‘space’, ‘CR’ and ‘A’. <https://1drv.ms/f/s!AoxC-mzikoIggv51Pnu75fKDCMdKLw> Since the switches are rare, I was thinking $300 as a price range for this KB. This is somewhat negotiable so feel free to contact me off-list with any offers/questions. Also please be aware that I will also be in the NJ area about 10 days after VCF-MW for a meet up. Best regards, Jeff Galinat

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Laser disc player and discs
by Kelly Leavitt 31 Aug '22

31 Aug '22

Rio Grande NJ ARC thrift store. Some pictures available Get Outlook for Android<https://aka.ms/AAb9ysg>

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September Repair Workshop is cancelled
by Jeffrey Brace 31 Aug '22

31 Aug '22

I'm sorry to say that I've decided to cancel the September Repair Workshop. This is for several reasons: 1) Most of those that usually come to our repair workshops will be at VCF MidWest. 2) Others feel that it is too close to the August Repair Workshop. 3) Others are busy with family, back to school and other activities. 4) I need time to prepare for the swap meet in October. So the next repair workshop will be October 8 & 9. The swap meet is October 8. ========================================= Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity https://vcfed.org/ <http://www.vcfed.org/> jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Pi Zero
by Mike Loewen 31 Aug '22

31 Aug '22

Does anyone have a spare Raspberry Pi Zero 1.3 available to sell? I need one for a keyboard adapter project for my Tandy 6000. Mike Loewen mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Need an Ensonic Music Keyboard for the
by mark＠markesystems.com 30 Aug '22

30 Aug '22

I have an Ensoniq ESQ-M, which is the rack-mount version of the ESQ-1. It contains 8 of the 5503 oscillators. This particular unit “mostly” works; I had it apart once (several decades ago), and when I put it back together I had one of the connectors off by one. I corrected the issue, obviously, but now the display is very dim (still working, though), and it sounds as if one of the voices isn’t operational (random notes don’t play when sent a stream of MIDI data). Other than that, I think it’s all good (although I haven’t powered it up in quite some time – the power supply may need re-capping...). I’ve been carting this around for a while now, and would love for it to go to a good home. Let me know where to send it! ~~ Mark Moulding (tyer(a)att.net)

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Wang 4000 Talk - the results
by Douglas Crawford 30 Aug '22

30 Aug '22

I had technical difficulties with Zoom and streaming so I had to bail on those. We did have an excellent & informative experience with our guest, Ramsey Mahadeen. I have a video recording that we will post asap. Its got flaws in the camera work but the content is gooooood. It was harder than I anticipated running both the discussion and the video production. -DC

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Need an Ensonic Music Keyboard for the museum
by Douglas Crawford 30 Aug '22

30 Aug '22

Starting a quest for an Ensonic keyboard with MIDI for use in with our Atari STe music computer in the museum. Something with the 5503 oscillator chip or otherwise containing silicon from Ensonic Semiconductor Group. http://archive.6502.org/datasheets/ensoniq_5503_digital_oscillator_chip.pdf Specifically want Ensonic for the local connection to Malvern, PA. Please contact me off list for any available item to work out an arrangement. Thanks very very much. DC

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Exciting Opportunity - VCF Needs Your Help
by Chris Fala 29 Aug '22

29 Aug '22

Attention VCF Members! We have very exciting news to announce, and an important request! As many of you are undoubtedly aware, the Vintage Computer Federation Mid-Atlantic chapter has been in possession of a 1960s IBM 1130 computer which has been on display in our museum for several years. The IBM 1130 is an early example of what became commonly known as minicomputers (smaller than room-size); one computer for one person. It is also unique in the sense that there are only a small number in existence, and few are functional. We take pride in the fact that many, in fact most, artifacts displayed in our museum are functional and provide an interactive experience for our museum visitors. We now have an opportunity to add the IBM 1130 to the list of functional artifacts! A long-time friend of VCF who lives in Florida, Carl Claunch, has experience in successfully restoring these computers to a functional state. Mr. Claunch is not able to travel to us to perform the work, so we need to transport the computer to and from his residence. As you can imagine, this presents various challenges, but we believe this is a very worthwhile effort. To ignore this opportunity to engage with this expert would be a regrettable, permanent loss for our museum. To move forward with this project, *we need your support*. We need to raise approximately $6,000 to cover shipping and other expenses involved in the repair. Funds donated will be used for expenses related to this repair project and operating costs of the IBM 1130 computer. Funds received that are in excess of the needs of this project will be directed to the restoration and preservation of other artifacts in our collection. We need to acknowledge that, in a project like this, there is no guarantee of success. We cannot predict issues that may occur during transportation. Additionally, insurmountable problems may be revealed during the repair process that would cause the computer to remain non-functional, and there could be other issues that we can only imagine. Therefore, as hopeful as we are for success, there are no guarantees, and we cannot make any promises. For this reason, we must clearly state that your donation is NOT refundable. In recognition of your support, you have the option to include your name on a donor plaque (or another suitable memorial, to be determined) which will be proudly displayed along with the computer in our museum. Please follow this link https://vcfed.org/membership/contribute/transact/?reset=1&id=2 to reach the donation page on our website. We ask that you please act soon and consider donating to this important historic project. We have a delivery window early this fall and greatly appreciate your support. We hope that you will participate in this endeavor. Please share this with like-minded individuals and organizations who may also be interested in helping to preserve computing history. Thank you all for your attention and consideration, and your interest in the advancement of our hobby through our museum. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any time. Sincerely, Chris Fala Chairman of the Vintage Computer Federation Mid-Atlantic Steering Committee

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Apple III mono CRT available - Northern VA
by Ethan O'Toole 29 Aug '22

29 Aug '22

I have an Apple III CRT monitor available, in original box. Has foam inserts but box is not mint. Monitor looks like great condition, the mesh on the front is perfect. It hasn't blown up yet, recommend recapping as always. Would like to find it a home, it's taking space in my garage and isn't really needed for my collection. Came to me from a friend. Northern Virginia area - Ethan

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] mystery CRT in a box -- free (somewhat O.T.)
by William Dudley 29 Aug '22

29 Aug '22

Bob, Can you comment on the function, or the inputs it expects? Bill Dudley This email is free of malware because I run Linux. On Mon, Aug 29, 2022 at 9:58 AM Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Seems to be a military item I use to work with. > Bobby > On Thursday, August 25, 2022 at 07:00:16 PM EDT, Douglas Crawford via > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > Actually, I'll take it only if no one else wants it. > -DC > > On 8/25/2022 6:39 PM, William Dudley via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > > Not exactly vintage computer equipement, but I know many of > > you like CRTs, so I offer this here. > > > > I got this as part of a haul at an estate auction and I finally got > > around to photographing it. > > I don't know if it's a prototype or just some one of a kind thing. > > I think it has some epoxy-block op-amps in it, but I haven't > > disassembled it enough to find out. > > > > Pictures here: > > https://www.dudley.nu/conrac > > > > It is in Jackson NJ. You can pick it up "nearby", including at the > > museum in Wall, NJ, or you can pay for shipping. I'll be visiting > > the repair party at the museum this weekend. > > > > Bill Dudley > > This email is free of malware because I run Linux. > > > >

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mystery CRT in a box -- free (somewhat O.T.)
by William Dudley 29 Aug '22

29 Aug '22

Not exactly vintage computer equipement, but I know many of you like CRTs, so I offer this here. I got this as part of a haul at an estate auction and I finally got around to photographing it. I don't know if it's a prototype or just some one of a kind thing. I think it has some epoxy-block op-amps in it, but I haven't disassembled it enough to find out. Pictures here: https://www.dudley.nu/conrac It is in Jackson NJ. You can pick it up "nearby", including at the museum in Wall, NJ, or you can pay for shipping. I'll be visiting the repair party at the museum this weekend. Bill Dudley This email is free of malware because I run Linux.

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Wang 4000 links for tomorrow
by Douglas Crawford 29 Aug '22

29 Aug '22

YouTube Live Stream: https://youtu.be/Zss2ZhAUGeY I decided Zoom would only be specific invites, sorry for the confusion. I'll try to monitor comments on Youtube.

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[OffTopic] - Anderson SB120 to XT60 Female custom cable?
by John Heritage 28 Aug '22

28 Aug '22

Hey folks, I'm not exceptionally good at soldering and crimping, and was wondering if anyone knew where I could buy custom ready-made cables like the subject here? I have an Ecoflow Delta mini battery, which accepts up to 300W via an XT60 female connector.. While this is normally intended for solar input - any source will do including batteries. (The charge controller specifies 11-75V range, 10A max up to 300W) I also have a Ryobi riding mower which supplies power via 4 x Lead Acid batteries in series (48V), and they output power via an Anderson SB120 connector. I'd like to have the extra capacity for an emergency and looking for recommendations on where to find or ask for a custom cable build like this. Thanks! John

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Wang 4000 - Aug 29th 11am-2:30pm: Sit-down with original Atlas Industries programmer
by Douglas Crawford 27 Aug '22

27 Aug '22

Confirmed we have permission to broadcast the interview and information transfer session. I have one person who wants to participate on Zoom. Links to come. DC

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Just slightly OT...
by Martin Flynn 26 Aug '22

26 Aug '22

CDL has a piece of telecom hardware that has a failed clock chip (same part as may early computers) Failed chip is a DS14287. It's suggested replacement is a BQ4287MT-SB2. Both are NLA Rather than grind the chip open and piggyback a battery on it, has anyone built one of these https://github.com/necroware/nwX287 as a replacement? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svPNxILeQEw Martin

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VCF Forum hits 700K Posts!
by Jeffrey Brace 24 Aug '22

24 Aug '22

See picture here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FDHruz_2wOA9GWpVaLDxxSH0FsWYBwkQ/view?usp=… Not sure how many of you on this list use the VCF Forum, but since we have switched from vBulletin to XenForo, there has been vast reliability and improvements in the VCF Forum. There was a trend towards people not using it when vBullitin was having problems. But now, old users are coming back, lots of new users are joining and overall the members on the forum are happier. We seem to be *the* place to go for Vintage Computing, but I may just be overly exaggerating that. I'm just proud of the work that our moderators and administrators of the VCF forum have been doing with moderating and maintaining it. ========================================= Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity https://vcfed.org/ <http://www.vcfed.org/> jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Can anyone identify this mystery IC
by Douglas Crawford 24 Aug '22

24 Aug '22

A little more... https://imgur.com/f4noWuk We have this on display under a microscope at VCF Mid-Atlantic museum. It is strangely constructed to my eye. no lead frame or bond wires. Its build ON the leadframe. Its symmetrical, appears to be a dual something. A mixed signal IC design collegue said: ---- That lead-frame is really weird. It seems to be some sort of flip-chip, but the leads don’t even line up from one side of the chip to the other! Never seen anything like it. The only other thing I would GUESS is that this is some sort of analog IC, probably bipolar. ----

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Wang 4000 - Aug 29th Ramsey - Who's interested in participating on Zoom
by Douglas Crawford 23 Aug '22

23 Aug '22

Hello Members: The visit from Ramsey Mahadeen of Atlas Industrial to discuss his use of the Wang 4000 next week already! The schedule for the session is not known yet. I expect to know soon. I will be leveraging what I currently use for web broadcasting. What I have is Zoom integrated with OBS. Zoom participants see the video production in Zoom and the Zoom session is included in the streaming to youtube. I plan to have three cameras, one in the docent area for sit down talks, one wide shot at the Wang computer for show and tell, and one camera at the Wang for close up detail. OBS does the camera switching, recording, and streaming to youtube. Folks who want to passively watch can use youtube. Zoom is for folks that may want face to face with us here in the museum. I am envisioning that at several points during the session we will engage with the participants on the zoom call. Links to the Zoom and Youtube will be provided later. I'd like to get a feel for the interest level of participating on the Zoom call. Please respond here, public or private. Please pass this on to contacts interested in Wang that are not on this email forum. Best regards- Douglas Crawford Mid-Atlantic Steering Committee, Museum and Warehouse Manager

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Repair Workshop Info August 27 & 28 2022
by Jeffrey Brace 22 Aug '22

22 Aug '22

Signup for August 2022 Repair Workshop here: August 2022 Repair Workshop Signup Sheet <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18cH9sUKDnstGDdedUPRqcfRj27BbTF6hLwp…> Spaces are first come first serve to the CDL space. Limited space available. Overflow space in 9032-A building. Sign up to guarantee a space in your preferred area!!! *DATES*: August 27 & 28, 2022 *LOCATIONS:* InfoAge: 2201 Marconi Road, Wall Township, NJ 1) Building 9059 (CDL Hackerspace - Formerly IXR) AND 2) Building 9032-A (Old workshop area in main building) TIME: Saturday START time == 10 A.M. END time == 11PM. Sunday START time == 10 A.M. and END == 5 P.M. *SIGNUP HERE!*: Signup sheet Click HERE! <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18cH9sUKDnstGDdedUPRqcfRj27BbTF6hLwp…> Face Masks are required for non-vaccinated people. Vaccinated people have the option to wear masks, but they are highly recommended. *COST:*- $15 per person, PER day. This money goes to InfoAge and CDL. - $25 per night for those wanting to stay overnight (Money goes to InfoAge). Please pay ME upon arrival. Cash or PayPal is acceptable as payment. Ask ahead of time if you need to use a credit card. *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 pay via PayPal to paypal(a)vcfed.org. or to me via cash or credit card in person. *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 post to the list for those going. 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*: Pizza from Attilios (Tinton Falls) *Saturday Night Dinner at 7PM?*: Options: * Brick House Tap and Tavern * Main Street Bar and Grill * MJs * Patrick's Pub * Ottos * Robinson Ale House Signup here for Saturday Dinner *Sunday Morning*: Bagel order from Delicious Bagels Sign-up HERE *Sunday Afternoon*: Wawa GATE: Please close the gate behind you at all times. We want to make sure that museum visitors pay at the InfoAge front desk during museum hours. PARKING: Park in the main parking lot, unless you are unloading. Don't park on the lawn. QUESTIONS? PHONE: ( 7 3 2 ) 7 2 2 - 5 0 1 5 EMAIL: repairworkshops AT vcfed DOT org Have fun everyone! ========================================= Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner VCF Mid-Atlantic Executive Director Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Can anyone identify this mystery IC?
by Douglas Crawford 21 Aug '22

21 Aug '22

https://imgur.com/gallery/LmhW8zd -DC

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Looking for SCSI ID select cable
by Bob Shuster 20 Aug '22

20 Aug '22

I opened an Apple Hard Disc 20SC to see why it wasn’t working properly, and discovered that the SCSI ID select cable (which connects from the drive select jumpers on the drive mechanism to a push-button mechanism on the back of the case) was missing. Obviously I can just set jumpers on the drive, but as this unit is a bear to get apart without damage I’d like to restore the functionality of the ID selector switch. Image linked below. Any chance someone has a spare or can point me to a source? It doesn’t have to specifically be from an Apple SC drive - I think these were fairly common across external SCSI devices. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l4rgj0poQ-h8Tepce1NcM4j-EMSyWYmi/view?usp=… <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l4rgj0poQ-h8Tepce1NcM4j-EMSyWYmi/view?usp=…> And by the way, and some of you will find this interesting, I discovered that the drive wasn’t working properly was because it had an ICD AdSCSI ST card attached - it had been repurposed as an Atari ST drive at some point! Thanks for any help! - Bob Shuster

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] The TI Mini I rescued
by Michael Thompson 20 Aug '22

20 Aug '22

> > > On 8/17/2022 12:22 PM, Kelly Leavitt via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > >> Any interest in getting this old mini running? I'd like to work on it > >> if there is any interest. > >> I believe it was a TI 990/10 with a CDC fixed disk and a CDC cartridge > >> disk. > >> > >> Kelly > The RICM has a 990/10 and a 990/12, lots of spare boards, and lots of TI terminals. Let me know if you need anything for this project. -- Michael Thompson

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Wang 4000 Restoration at VCF Mid-Atlantic
by Douglas Crawford 20 Aug '22

20 Aug '22

Any Wang Calculator & Computer aficionados here? We are in the beginning phase of our Wang 4000 restoration at VCF Mid-Atlantic InfoAge. On August 29th, The original Wang Programmer from Atlas Industries, the company that donated the machine will be visiting to tell us what he knows... remembers... about the machine to help us get started. The machine is not ready to be powered on, but hopefully we'll be in a good position to begin power up / restoration when we consider all the information we receive. Mark the date. There is likely to be some kind of video meeting hosted for tuning in. Details to follow. And it will also be recorded of course. Contact me off list if you have special expertise in Wang 4000 or related architecture. Photo: https://imgur.com/6i5IsRA Detail photos: https://imgur.com/a/u8VkxIA And a technical treat- the extremely rare manual: https://www.mediafire.com/file/i1nry8of42tm8w9/Wang4000_InstructionManual.p…

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RAM Test/Diagnostic ROM for Rockwell AIM-65
by Jonathan Chapman 19 Aug '22

19 Aug '22

All, Finally got some time to clean up the source for our RAM test/diagnostic ROM for the AIM-65: https://github.com/glitchwrks/aim65_memtest/ Initial work was largely done by TangentDelta. This was written to help diagnose and repair some dead AIM-65s. The test will run on a minimally functional AIM-65 -- all you need is a working CPU, ROM socket, and display board. It performs the following tests: * ROM checksum * Stack page quick write presence * Zero page quick write presence * RIOT single-pass memory test * Full system memory test The ROM checksum and stack page tests are accomplished with macros so that they can run with no RAM, since of course that might be faulty! Once the stack page passes, zero page is tested. With stack and ZP tested, the RIOT and exhaustive system memory tests are performed. These tests are more complete, since we have a minimally functional system by this point. The exhaustive test is based heavily on the routines from the OSI MEMORY TEST from OS-65D 2.0, published in OSI Small Systems Journal, Volume 1, Number 3, September 1977. Thanks, Jonathan

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Official Vintage Computer Federation Membership has started
by Jeffrey Brace 19 Aug '22

19 Aug '22

The national board has been discussing for quite a while about how and when to start VCF membership. We decided to get it started simply and quickly. Just in time for VCF West. Instead of deliberating for any longer on which benefits would be included, we decided to start out simply. We plan on adding more benefits as time goes on. As stated on the membership signup page: https://vcfed.org/membership/ The cost for membership is: - $25 for a 1 year individual member. - $100 for a 5 year membership. ------------------------------ For a limited time we are offering a 2 year membership for $25. This offer expires *12/31/2022*. Membership benefits currently include a *20% discount* on all VCF run events starting *08/15/22*. *To receive the discount you must sign up for the event through the event registration system on our website.* ------------------------------ We are working on adding additional valuable benefits to the membership. The event registration system is being worked on and will be available soon. ========================================= Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity https://vcfed.org/ <http://www.vcfed.org/> jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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VCF West 2022 Report
by Jeffrey Brace 19 Aug '22

19 Aug '22

Sorry this is late. Corey and I flew there on Wed 8/3 and returned 8/8 and have been busy getting back to life responsibilities. I ran the consignment area using the new POS system that was first used at VCF East by Jeff Salzman, Alex Jaccocks, Jonthan Sturges and the consignment crew. There were some major setup problems and delays, but when I got it working it worked fantastic! Very fast checkout most of the time. Good thing because there was a line of 100 people waiting for it to open! Lots of stuff sold and lots of money came in. Corey handled the Front Desk and gave a talk as well. VCF had to switch from PayPal to Square due to shipping problems of our PayPal credit readers and due to PayPal buying iZettle and having to buy new readers. Square seems better and works well. Lots of great exhibits. I didn't have much time to look at them, but they looked fun. The talks are currently being processed and edited and should be available within a month or so. *Now for Erik Klein's Report on the show:* *===============* *For starters, I wanted to repeat that this was, by far, our biggest event ever. 11 speakers and 48 exhibitors are both records over the 25 years of the VCF.* *Beyond that, we had a great turnout with over 1,100 people enjoying the event over the course of the weekend. I'm sure Covid fears and related concerns probably shaved a bit off of that total, but it's still quite impressive.* *That is a testament to how much our hobby has grown and to how creative and compelling your exhibits and talks are.* *This event couldn't happen without your passion, commitment and support and, for all of that and all of your time and effort, I thank you!* *I'd also like to thank all of the volunteers who came out this weekend to keep things running smoothly. You looked tired by the end, but it was a happy tired, and I really appreciated all of the help you provided.* *Yeah, we definitely had a few issues with consignment. The new system is experiencing some growing pains but we learned a lot and I'm certain it will be a LOT better next year. Please accept my apologies for the lines, the waits and the other inconsistencies. Debugging is in progress.* *With this email I'm going to take a few days off from VCF, but, like you, I'll be back at it in no time.* *All the best, in vintage computing and elsewhere,* *=====================* ========================================= Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity https://vcfed.org/ <http://www.vcfed.org/> jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Upcoming Repair Workshop 2022-08-27 & 2022-08-28
by Jeffrey Brace 18 Aug '22

18 Aug '22

Just a reminder about the next repair workshop on August 27 & 28 @ InfoAge Here is the signup sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18cH9sUKDnstGDdedUPRqcfRj27BbTF6hLwp… ========================================= Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity https://vcfed.org/ <http://www.vcfed.org/> jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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The TI Mini I rescued
by Kelly Leavitt 18 Aug '22

18 Aug '22

Any interest in getting this old mini running? I'd like to work on it if there is any interest. I believe it was a TI 990/10 with a CDC fixed disk and a CDC cartridge disk. Right now, I believe it is still in the warehouse somewhere. Kelly

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OT: Help Wanted by InfoAge (Front Gate Attendant)
by Jeffrey Brace 18 Aug '22

18 Aug '22

Gloria, the executive assistant to Mike Ruane (CEO of InfoAge) sent out the following help wanted ad: "Hi All, We are pondering hiring one or possibly 2 people (to split the days) to employ as "gate watchers" on Museum days. Hours would be Wed, Sat & Sun from 12pm - 5pm every week. It would mean sitting outside by the gate on those days. During hot and cold seasons, they could utilize the guard shack and a fan or a heater. Rate of pay is $13 per hour. If you know of anyone that is interested,contact me by email. Thanks! Gloria" Contact Gloria at admsupport(a)infoage.org if you or someone that you know are interested. ========================================= Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity https://vcfed.org/ <http://www.vcfed.org/> jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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FS: AIM-65, $1 starting bid
by Jonathan Chapman 18 Aug '22

18 Aug '22

All, Finally got an AIM-65 I've been meaning to sell wrapped up and listed: https://www.ebay.com/itm/275425213541 This one was used in some industrial control application and had custom ROMs in it when I received it. It was also missing the plastic display mounting blocks, so a friend of mine measured his and 3D printed replacements. The displays were gone through and a number of bad ones replaced. The main board had to be basically entirely resocketed. The flex cables to the display board were of course crumbling, so they were replaced with two new Nomex jumpers. The printer works but has two columns which are light. I don't know if that's just that the paper I had that fit it was ancient (out of my HP 5150 thermal printer, which I don't have working yet) or if the printer is weak in those two columns. Thanks, Jonathan

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Old Mac in Fair Lawn
by Christian Liendo 18 Aug '22

18 Aug '22

Not mine but someone may like this in NJ https://newjersey.craigslist.org/sys/d/fair-lawn-lot-of-vintage-apple-compu… 1. Apple Cinema Display Original (22-Inch) Specs Identifiers: Cinema Display - N/A -M5662 2. Apple Mac Server G4 533 (Digital Audio) Specs Identifiers: Digital Audio - M8182LL/A* - PowerMac3,4-1 1862 3.Apple Power Macintosh G5 2.7 DP (PCI-X) Specs Identifiers: Early 2005 - M9749LL/A - PowerMac7,3-A104) 2061 4.Apple wired keyboard model#A1243

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The TI Mini I rescued
by Herbert Johnson 18 Aug '22

18 Aug '22

> Kelly Leavitt : Wed Aug 17 16:22:58 UTC 2022 > Any interest in getting this old mini running? I'd like to work on it if there is any interest. > I believe it was a TI 990/10 with a CDC fixed disk and a CDC cartridge disk. > > Right now, I believe it is still in the warehouse somewhere. - Kelly I have an interest in seeing a TI 990 minicomputer (not microprocessor system but minicomputer). One of my first employers, established a data-conversion service using that model system. It's a late 70's early 80's business and factory-control computer. It's unlikely to turn up these days. So I'm interested. But I had to look up Kelly's reference: > [vcf-midatlantic] TI DS990/1 OS - Request from VCF Italia > Kelly Leavitt > Tue May 19 12:27:21 EDT 2020 > They use the same CPU as the TI/990 there should be some disks at infoage > from the TI/990 rescue I did from Wayne Verderber 8 years ago. Thanks to Kelly for getting back to this system. Hope he can find all the pieces in the Warehouse. Regards, Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://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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Vintage Computer Festival West 2022 Videos
by Christian Liendo 15 Aug '22

15 Aug '22

I put these in a new tab on the spreadsheet that the group has. Vintage Computer Festival West 2022 https://youtu.be/Q4c3hzRjeisVCFW 2022 Channel: Chuck Hutchins Bits and Bytes from Vintage Computer Festival West 2022 https://youtu.be/CwExbBd-p1EVCFW 2022 Channel: bitfixer Vintage Computer Festival West 2022 Walkaround https://youtu.be/t8QUiaBfawsVCFW 2022 Channel: xarph just xarph

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Old Video Game Advertisements
by Dave McGuire 15 Aug '22

15 Aug '22

On 8/8/22 14:11, Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > Many out there poo poo the idea > But the same people think 80s computing is not worth > their time either. Just to jump in...I think 80s computing is/was fantastic. What rubs me the wrong way is this widespread perception that it was always only about games and nothing else. It disrespects the entire industry, its achievements, and its people to reduce the groundbreaking work that transformed society to toys for tots. -Dave -- Dave McGuire, AK4HZ New Kensington, PA

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VCF straight 8
by David Gesswein 14 Aug '22

14 Aug '22

Someone emailed me about problem with the VCF straight 8 switches acting flaky recently. Was going to reply but I can't find the email now. Could you resend the email? Or I'm just delusional.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Pentium Pro CPUs
by Dave McGuire 13 Aug '22

13 Aug '22

On August 13, 2022 10:57:22 AM madodel via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > ---------- > Pentium Pro CPUs > From: madodel madodel(a)mac.com > Date: Aug 13, 10:57 AM > To: vcf-midatlantic vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org > > Anyone interested in Pentium Pro CPUs pulled from servers after replaced by > Pentium II Overdrives many years back? I have 4 of them. Free to a good > home if anyone can use them. > > SL22T Intel Pentium Pro 200 MHz Kb80521ex200 256k Yes please, I'd like to have them. -Dave -- Dave McGuire, AK4HZ New Kensington, PA

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Old Video Game Advertisements
by Christian Liendo 13 Aug '22

13 Aug '22

For some of us this is a great site. I am enjoying this a lot. https://retrocgads.tumblr.com/

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Apple IIgs to Duodisk cables
by Bob Shuster 13 Aug '22

13 Aug '22

Before I go crazy trying to find these online, does anyone have some spares, or can recommend a source? I have two Duodisk units that I want to connect to an Apple IIgs, so that’s DB-19 to DB-25 F/F. (And I guess this would also work with my Apple II computers as well.) Ultimately I’ll just turn these around and include the cables with the Duodisks. - Bob Shuster

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IIGS expectations at launch
by John Heritage 12 Aug '22

12 Aug '22

Just curious As an (80s) Atari user the IIGS looks like an amazing next gen upgrade for the Apple II line. The kind of thing the kid in me wishes the Atari 8bit received mid life. When the IIGS was launched did Apple II users see this as a commitment to the long haul for the platform or did it feel a bit like a compromise or was it otherwise disappointing? Inonoenin retrospect the 2.8 MHz artificial limitation on the CPU is a hint for the compromise narrative - but did it feel that way back then? Thanks.

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Help! I cant get asciiexpress to work with my II Plus
by Dan FitzGerald 12 Aug '22

12 Aug '22

I have an Apple II Plus, and have been been having limited success in trying to get asciiexpress.net to work with it. I can successfully load _some_ games (Dig-Dug and Montezuma's Revenge), but I cannot get the vast majority of game titles to load. And I have been having zero luck getting the disk image downloads to work; usually, it will start the self-extractor app and then give me a checksum error before failing. I had heard somewhere that interference from other cables could be the culprit and that using a Monster aux cable had good results, so I picked one up. No luck, unfortunately. Has anybody else experienced similar problems, and if so, how did you resolve them? Regards, Dan FitzGerald They/Them/Theirs http://www.vm.ibm.com/devpages/dfitzger

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Apple IIgs to Duodisk cables
by Brian Marstella 12 Aug '22

12 Aug '22

Over the years I've purchased 2 of them from https://iec.net/product/apple-duo-drive-cable-3/ You might see if this is the same that you need. Brian On Fri, Aug 12, 2022 at 1:31 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > From experience with an apple II, the cables are expensive. > But can be made, if you have the connectors and cable, yourself. > I do not have spares but just wanted to let you know they can be found. > > Mike > > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > On Aug 12, 2022, at 1:22 PM, Bob Shuster via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > Before I go crazy trying to find these online, does anyone have some > spares, or can recommend a source? I have two Duodisk units that I want to > connect to an Apple IIgs, so that’s DB-19 to DB-25 F/F. (And I guess this > would also work with my Apple II computers as well.) Ultimately I’ll just > turn these around and include the cables with the Duodisks. > > > > - Bob Shuster > >

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The RR Computers Auction
by Christian Liendo 11 Aug '22

11 Aug '22

Has anyone else been following this for anything other than the Apple I https://www.rrauction.com/auctions/details/644-apple-jobs-and-computer-hard… I mean they have: Steve Wozniak's Apple Rainbow Glasses Lee Felsenstein's Pennywhistle 103 Modem Kit Allan Alcorn: Atari Video Music Box A sealed iPod for $10,000.00 I mean there is a lot of stuff there.

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Workshop Report for 2022-07-30 & 2022-07-31
by Jeffrey Brace 11 Aug '22

11 Aug '22

Lots of stuff repaired. We had Bill Dromgoole fixing the Univac 2019 while training his new apprentice Steven Shivone. Hopefully Bill can give a report on what he accomplished. Mike Loewen already gave his report on the HP1000 repair. Great stuff! Jason Perkins troubleshooted the IBM PCjr and degunked the floppy drive and it is working great! There is still a difficult to diagnose memory problem that wasn’t resolved. He made sure to test everything by playing King’s quest. Ian Litchfield discovered the problem with the Apple 2: bad ROM chips. Maybe he can give a complete report. Alex Jacocks worked on getting the new OS/2 machine and the Linux 0.99 machine working as well as helping others. He also started work on standardizing the museum’s IT setup. There were others there working on their own items that may want to chime in. Overall another great Repair Workshop! Jeff Brace -- ========================================= Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Showrunner 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] Old Video Game Advertisements - VCF Exhibiting
by Dave McGuire 10 Aug '22

10 Aug '22

On August 8, 2022 4:15:31 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > This is the main reason why I have not exhibited in the past or possibly not in the future. > I’ve considered two separate exhibits, > I put to much consideration into the flack or “peer pressure”. Exhibiting is about sharing what YOU love and what YOU want to show off. If you're lucky, someone will enjoy it. If you're even luckier, you'll spark a new interest for someone. There should never be any sort of "peer pressure" or anything even remotely like it in this environment. But everyone will know you're a weenie if you bring a Commodore. B-) (Dave runs for cover) -Dave -- Dave McGuire, AK4HZ New Kensington, PA

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Old Video Game Advertisements - VCF Exhibiting
by Dean Notarnicola 10 Aug '22

10 Aug '22

Alexander 'Z' Pierson said: “Anyway, it's your VCF, so you might as well actively shape it in a positive direction.” This, exactly. VCF is a product of its participants and volunteers. - On Tue, Aug 9, 2022 at 8:04 PM Alexander Pierson via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Yeah, well I'll just make my *own* exhibit! With blackjack! And hookers! > > > Seriously though, how do you strike that balance between getting > attention vs. framing a complete and factual picture of the subject in > an exhibit? You can provide a novel experience by way of something > they've never interacted with before (paper tape, new gadgets for old > kit, freshly made software, a type of terminal graphics that stand > out). Or perchance a familiar/nostalgic experience "I used one of > these at a job I had X many years back", "I don't know this machine, > but it runs BASIC, I wonder what I can get it to do?", that sort of > thing. If you present something completely unfamiliar, you have to > give visitors something to relate to, otherwise they'll keep walking. > Run a video game, suddenly it becomes relatable to a larger audience, > and there's your hook to give them the context. > > > Because these experiences don't exist in a vacuum, they're part of a > larger tapestry of history we're trying to share with a mixed audience > of newcomers and established hobbyists alike. It's funny how some of > the more common machines get so little love from the crowd when given > a properly framed exhibit of a computer in its element. Whereas other > times, just seeing a base machine that folks recognize but never see > in person attracts attention like they were giving away free donuts. > Still, even if one feels like the exhibit concept they want to bring > won't draw a crowd, it saddens me to hear when someone is dissuaded > from exhibiting because either staff or general attendees made them > feel like they shouldn't do something perfectly acceptable, or that > they were doing it wrong. And I'm not talking about the blatantly > off-topic exhibit subjects. I'm talking about giving folks the > opportunity to try exhibiting something in a new way and possibly even > fail at that task, because sometimes that's how it goes. > > > Anyway, it's your VCF, so you might as well actively shape it in a > positive direction. > > > -Alexander 'Z' Pierson > On Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at 09:19:29 AM EDT, Dean Notarnicola via > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > Agreed. Anyone who feels the need to offer negative criticism is invited > to > do their own exhibit and show everyone how clever they are. > > On Tue, Aug 9, 2022 at 7:52 AM Christian Liendo via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > I agree, but as part of the community don't crap on other peoples > displays. > > > > If you don't like it, move along. There are many others there you might > > like. > > > > If you think something is inaccurate or maybe they could use more > > information to enhance it. That's fine. > > > > There is a difference between constructive criticism and plain > > crapping on someone''s hard work. > > > > Agreed? > > > > > > On Mon, Aug 8, 2022 at 4:45 PM Dave McGuire via vcf-midatlantic > > <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > Exhibiting is about sharing what YOU love and what YOU want to show > > off. If you're lucky, someone will enjoy it. If you're even luckier, > > you'll spark a new interest for someone. There should never be any sort > of > > "peer pressure" or anything even remotely like it in this environment. > > > > > > >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Old Video Game Advertisements
by Jeff S 09 Aug '22

09 Aug '22

I like reading the contestant check-in stories. I watched this show religiously during its original broadcast days after my Dad bought a C-band satellite receiver and this "TBS" station (new at the time) started broadcasting their signal, along with these shows. The Starcade website has been around for quite some time. When I first discovered it, I was yearning to see every episode again, but there were only a handful of them that were converted, and the video size was tiny. It wasn't until recently that the Producer posted ALL of the available shows for online viewing, and at the best NTSC format possible. Jeff Salzman On Tue, Aug 9, 2022 at 10:19 AM Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Thanks for the information, can not wait to see all the stuff they have > on the Starcade website. > Bobby > On Monday, August 8, 2022 at 04:56:42 PM EDT, Andrew Diller via > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > well, more like 15khz - even the RGB monitors had wicked flicker.... > > > > On Aug 8, 2022, at 3:54 PM, Ethan O'Toole via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > >> Yes! Amiga HAM mode! > > > > OW my eyes and that flicker headache! Who thought it was a good idea to > use a TV as a computer monitor! > > > > - Ethan > > > > >

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