- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] First post
by Jeffrey Brace 11 Dec '21

11 Dec '21

On Sat, Dec 11, 2021 at 1:44 AM skogkatt007--- via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > Hi just joined. Been a collector for a long time, though am desperately needing to sell/auction a lot of stuff, some very rare and unusual. I attended the swap meet in April and am thrilled to see another is coming early next year. I somewhat question the proposed date, 2/26/22, but maybe this one is indoors? The timing doesn't bother me one bit, I just don't want others put off by it. In any event I'll be there. > Yes. I haven't officially announced it yet with all the details. Yes. It will be indoors. We will have it in 3 rooms in two buildings. We will have food available for sale there as well. Signups for this will be starting within two weeks.

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First post
by skogkatt007＠yahoo.com 11 Dec '21

11 Dec '21

Hi just joined. Been a collector for a long time, though am desperately needing to sell/auction a lot of stuff, some very rare and unusual. I attended the swap meet in April and am thrilled to see another is coming early next year. I somewhat question the proposed date, 2/26/22, but maybe this one is indoors? The timing doesn't bother me one bit, I just don't want others put off by it. In any event I'll be there.

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Festivus Code to get in
by Jeffrey Brace 10 Dec '21

10 Dec '21

The temporary code to get into the Festivus hall is the greatest microprocessor ever! 6502 See everyone there! ========================================= Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Palm Pilot PDA: 25 years old!
by Jeffrey Jonas 10 Dec '21

10 Dec '21

According to Wikipedia, The Pilot 1000 and Pilot 5000 were the first generations of PDAs <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_digital_assistant> produced by Palm Computing <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_(PDA)> (then a subsidiary of U.S. Robotics <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Robotics>). It was introduced in March 1996. Is anyone still into them? Are there any surviving archives or repositories? I reluctantly retired my Palm PDA as my electronic calendar because my Android phone's Google calendar is always with me and auto-syncs to other devices :-/ But I have heaps of accessories worthy of keeping them running for other uses. I remember when the trains were full of business people "beaming" each other contact info and notes using the Palm Pilot, Casio BOSS or Sharp Wizard. Now it's just a cellphone app :-/ Citing Sharp Wizard - Wikipedia <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharp_Wizard> The *Sharp Wizard* is a series of electronic organizers <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_organizer> released by Sharp Corporation <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharp_Corporation>. The first model was the *OZ-7000* released in 1989, making it one of the first electronic organizers to be sold. Citing Throwback Thursday: The "personal organizer" we had before the Newton : Apple World Today <https://www.appleworld.today/2015/05/28/throwback-thursday-the-personal-org…> Back before the Newton MessagePad made a splash in 1993 as the first “Personal Digital Assistant”, several consumer electronics companies were making handheld devices designed to do all of the things that we take for granted now on our iPhones and Apple Watches — take short notes, check our calendar, make appointments, and look up phone numbers. One of these devices was the Casio B.O.S.S. SF-8000 ... B.O.S.S. stood for “Business Organizer Scheduling System.” This device came out in 1990 And there's the first smartphone: IBM Simon - Wikipedia <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_Simon> IBM debuted a prototype <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prototype> device, code named "Sweetspot" in November 1992 at COMDEX <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COMDEX> Telxon made handheld barcode scanners that were essentially PDAs, as early as 1983 but I cannot find any references. Does anyone have any pointers? -- jeff jonas

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Wanted - Dead or Alive - P70 Floppy Drive!
by Benjamin Dressler 10 Dec '21

10 Dec '21

I have a P70 floppy drive that seems to still be functional, albeit with the "minor" caveat that its entire head assembly had been ripped to shreds by its previous owner, presumably in an attempt to remove a stuck floppy disk (the metal cover I found inside the drive seems to be a pretty decent indicator of that). Seeks and does floppy things, but kind of like a chicken running around with its head cut off at this point I suppose. Wanted to see if anyone had a dead P70 drive with an intact head assembly so I could attempt my luck at surgery since those drives are kind of hard to come by these days. It would be for an ALPS drive, FRU 38F5936. Will be at Festivus :) Best Regards, Benjamin

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Make your own C64 Guides
by Christian Liendo 10 Dec '21

10 Dec '21

I thought this was great. He gives you the PDF and instructions on how to order. https://pickledlight.blogspot.com/p/commodore-64-guides.html

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IMPORTANT: FESTIVUS Covid-19 protocols
by Jeffrey Brace 10 Dec '21

10 Dec '21

Hello Everyone, I’ve been asked about the Covid-19 protocols at Festivus. Please forgive the delay. We waited to see how things would be as we got closer to the Festivus. We have decided that the following policies and protocols will be followed: *InfoAge policy is that vaccinated people are not required to wear a mask, but unvaccinated people *must* wear a mask while indoors and maintain social distancing outdoors. * *However as per CDC guidelines we strongly recommend that everyone wear a mask indoors and socially distance outdoors.* *New Jersey does not have a requirement for proof of vaccination for indoor events. * *The State of New Jersey does not have occupancy limitations at this time.* *If you are not feeling well, then please stay home. If you have been around others that have been sick, them please stay home. Let’s be sensible and take any precautions that you feel are necessary.* We all want to be safe and have a fun party. If you have any other questions or comments, then please e-mail me privately. Thank you and hope to see you at the party! ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org -- ========================================= Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Palm Pilot PDA: 25 years old!
by Andrew Diller 10 Dec '21

10 Dec '21

If you are into the PDA thing check out a nice documentary on YT about Handspring: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8-LmyroJKw Springboard: The Secret History of the First Real Smartphone (2021) I still take my T|C out and play with it every few years. Amazing device when you add wifi. -andy > On Dec 7, 2021, at 11:10 PM, madodel via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > From: madodel <madodel(a)mac.com> > Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Palm Pilot PDA: 25 years old! > Date: December 7, 2021 at 11:10:47 PM EST > To: vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org > > > I have a Garman iQue that had Palm OS with an integrated GPS. Using the GPS feature without it being plugged in I got maybe 30 minutes of use if I was lucky. It was the first and last PDA I ever had. It's been in a box in my closet for over a decade. I don't remember when it came out. It was sort of like the first iPhone without the phone calling. But the handwriting transcription was fascinating. > > Mark > > On 12/7/21 13:30, Jeffrey Jonas via vcf-midatlantic wrote: >> According to Wikipedia, The Pilot 1000 and Pilot 5000 were the first >> generations of PDAs >> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_digital_assistant> produced by Palm >> Computing <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_(PDA)> (then a subsidiary of U.S. >> Robotics <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Robotics>). It was introduced >> in March 1996. >>

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Museum Update December 9
by Jeffrey Brace 09 Dec '21

09 Dec '21

I haven't made an update in a while. We have been getting visitors since my last report somewhere in the 10-15 per day range. Last weekend 12/4 & 12/5 started the model train show and we had a surge in attendance to about 50 to 75 per day. Lots of kids, lots of interest. It's nice to have great attendance. Also we had a tour of students on Wednesday, Dec. 9 from Bayonne High School Computer Class. Bill, Dean and Jonas were there for the tour. The group was very well mannered and engaged in the tour. On Dec. 4 there was a tour for some boy scouts. We also have a working Pong machine in the museum. We have a new computer mouse exhibit that is interesting. The business office exhibit now has a Dec terminal. That's all for now! ========================================= Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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VCF East 2021 videos are up on YouTube
by Jeffrey Brace 09 Dec '21

09 Dec '21

Well almost all of the videos from VCF East are up on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/VintageComputerFederation501c3 The last four videos should be up within a few days. Thanks to all the A/V crew for recording the videos and to Kay Savetz who edited and processed all the videos. Enjoy! ========================================= Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Festivus - Wanted: ISA Floppy/IDE Controller Card
by jsalzman＠gmail.com 09 Dec '21

09 Dec '21

Trying to revive a 386 PC and having issues with my current controller card. Looking to replace it. Feel free to let me know what you got and how much you're asking for it... or hit me up for a trade for it and see if I have a suitable trade for you. Thanks, Jeff Salzman

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VCF T-shirts for sale
by Jeffrey Brace 09 Dec '21

09 Dec '21

I made one last order to replenish stock on the 2021 t-shirts (one with the dragon). Price is $20 per t-shirt. Get them while they last! Also the 2020 t-shirts (digital landscape) have been reduced to $10 each. Limited sizes available. ========================================= Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Still need docents for Festivus
by Jeffrey Brace 09 Dec '21

09 Dec '21

Please sign up here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Vj6qlDt09JI47_4g7m9lzMR0Vb2BlFU43n3… ========================================= Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Festivus - (Another) Wanted item
by jsalzman＠gmail.com 09 Dec '21

09 Dec '21

Looking for a IEEE cable for a Commodore PET 4032. I recently acquired a CBM 2040 drive and CBM 2022 printer. I would like to hook those up to my 4032. I believe the cable needs to have the edge-card connector on one end for the 4032, then the standard IEEE connector on the other end. A daisy chained, or passthrough, plus a second cable would be ideal. The drive and the printer both have the standard IEEE port. Thanks, Jeff Salzman

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Festivus Miracle! Free stuff!
by Jason Perkins 09 Dec '21

09 Dec '21

My work is moving offices, and as I carry items to the e waste pile, I can divert things to a free table at Festivus. Items include: 48" TVs HP 4208 switches, each half populated with gig twisted pair ports (96 each) Cisco gig Poe switches Adtran gig Poe switches Dehumidifier Small portable ac KVM, with cables (2x) Rack mount power strips And other sundry items. Interested? Let me know, I'll have to split a trailer with Alex to get all of it up to NJ. Thanks, -- Jason Perkins 313 355 0085 Sent from my iPhone

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My stuff for sale at Festivus
by Jeffrey Brace 09 Dec '21

09 Dec '21

I added to tab for Festivus Swapmeet. Selling off some stuff: CBM 8050 Dual Drive, untested CBM 4040 Dual Drive, untested Apple RBG monitor, untested Apple /// monitor, untested Hopefully I will have time to get some more stuff to sell. -- ========================================= Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Masayuki Uemura, Creator Of The Famicom/NES And SNES, Has Passed Away
by Herb Johnson 09 Dec '21

09 Dec '21

Ethan O'Toole posts: > Bummer. Kudos to Nintendo and the systems Uemura created. The great video > game crash was due to the substandard product being shipped over here in > the states. .... > To this day, I would say Nintendo and some of it's characters are the most > loved of any of the game systems. I believe I read that worldwide that > Mario is now more known than Mickey Mouse. I'm sorry to hear about this loss of yet another vintage computing developer. I appreciate Ethan's and other's discussion of how they view the history of home video game systems they grew up with and/or used later as adults. I just wanted to observe by contrast, I pre-date these 1980's 90's systems. I "grew up" as a technical professional, who saw and used microprocessors as parts of systems for industrial use, for educational use, or in support of business (later home) computing systems for individual use. That was the nature of computing at the time, so it's not just about myself. So, this history of "home video game systems", is something that is just not part of my experiences. I'm aware of it of course, but I did not participate in it. And so I'm informed, when people like Ethan and others who post, tell me of how these leaders and their products, impacted their lives at various times. Thanks for sharing your experiences, they inform me, and again I'm sorry for your loss. 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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Two Days until Festivus
by Jeffrey Brace 09 Dec '21

09 Dec '21

I’m making preparations for what to buy for the grilling. Weather looks like rainy and windy. I plan on grilling in the outside trailer. Going to guess on how many burgers, hotdogs, etc. based on the signup list for food and Eventbrite. Lots of swag to sell. VCF will be selling surplus as well. I have some of my own stuff to sell as well. Buy tickets through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/festivus -2021-tickets-194874814817 If you want to pay at the door, then you also have that option. I can have the iPad ready to take cash or credit, etc. It's important that I know how many are coming so that I can buy the right number of burgers, hotdogs, etc. Here the info again: START: Sat, Dec 11 at 10AM END: Sun, Dec 12 at 5PM ANNUAL VCF MA Town Hall: December 11 at 8PM WHERE: 2201 Marconi Rd, Wall Township, NJ (InfoAge Campus) 9010-C = Cafeteria where we will eat and drink. 9010-C = Game room across from cafeteria 9010-D (Women's Bunkroom) = Mini Festivus Swap Meet where we can buy and sell 9059 = Festivus Repair workshop COST: $20 per person covers the whole event $25 per person per night for overnight stay Potluck signup: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1UtSrLUdnIcRjY3LErfukhYltF1oHno0V6Nk… Video Game signup: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ccEP-PdZGuqz0HFZKNXmfxICtXaO3Hly892… Swap Meet Signup: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19jpgyvVoKaxAuUxQU-7_b3Grk9LWOQ6aAbQ… Repair Workshop Signup: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14C_OObkhtzCsA-LF7rzNhoagb3RovLDsXtB… -- ========================================= Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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5 1/4 1.2mb and 3.5 1.44mb floppy drives needed beige or almond color.
by Sentrytv 09 Dec '21

09 Dec '21

I am looking for working 5 1/4 and 3.5 inch floppy drives for IBM compatible PCs. Beige/ Almond are preferred color . If anybody going to Festivus who has these for sale, please feel free to bring them. Mike Rosen Sent from: My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device.

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5 1/4 and 3.5” floppy drives needed (beige, Almond)
by Sentrytv 09 Dec '21

09 Dec '21

I am looking for working 5 1/4 and 3.5 inch floppy drives for IBM compatible PCs. Beige/ Almond are preferred color . If anybody going to Festivus who has these for sale, please feel free to bring them. Mike Rosen Sent from: My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device.

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Masayuki Uemura, Creator Of The Famicom/NES And SNES, Has Passed Away
by Christian Liendo 09 Dec '21

09 Dec '21

https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/12/masayuki-uemura-creator-of-the-ne…

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A few days left before Festivus is here!
by Jeffrey Brace 08 Dec '21

08 Dec '21

I’m excited that Festivus is almost upon us and look forward to seeing everyone. Buy tickets through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/festivus -2021-tickets-194874814817 If you want to pay at the door, then you also have that option. I can have the iPad ready to take cash or credit, etc. It's important that I know how many are coming so that I can buy the right number of burgers, hotdogs, etc. Here the info again: START: Sat, Dec 11 at 10AM END: Sun, Dec 12 at 5PM ANNUAL VCF MA Town Hall: December 11 at 8PM WHERE: 2201 Marconi Rd, Wall Township, NJ (InfoAge Campus) 9010-C = Cafeteria where we will eat and drink. 9010-C = Game room across from cafeteria 9010-D (Women's Bunkroom) = Mini Festivus Swap Meet where we can buy and sell 9059 = Festivus Repair workshop COST: $20 per person covers the whole event $25 per person per night for overnight stay Potluck signup: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1UtSrLUdnIcRjY3LErfukhYltF1oHno0V6Nk… Video Game signup: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ccEP-PdZGuqz0HFZKNXmfxICtXaO3Hly892… Swap Meet Signup: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19jpgyvVoKaxAuUxQU-7_b3Grk9LWOQ6aAbQ… Repair Workshop Signup: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14C_OObkhtzCsA-LF7rzNhoagb3RovLDsXtB… ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org -- ========================================= Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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LAST CHANCE TO VOTE! (by midnight tonight December 8)
by Jeffrey Brace 07 Dec '21

07 Dec '21

Today is the last day to vote. Polls close at midnight. Now is your last chance! Vote here: < https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeMYrxBkhg67lF7Qzi67H1ddydlwxrn2hO… > By Laws are here: < https://vcfed.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/VCFMA-By-laws.pdf> Election Info is here: <https://vcfed.org/wp/groups/vcf-mid-atlantic/ elections-for-steering-committee/> Nominee Position Statements are here: < https://vcfed.org/wp/steering-committee-nominee-position-statements/> ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Chairman of the Board Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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One day left to vote for your Steering Committee Candidate
by Jeffrey Brace 07 Dec '21

07 Dec '21

Looking better with almost 40 votes now. Keep it up everyone! There’s still time, but not much left! Only Wednesday December 8 at midnight the polls will close so do it now while you are thinking about it. It only takes a few minutes of your time. Let the people be heard and elect a great person to the steering committee. Vote here: < https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeMYrxBkhg67lF7Qzi67H1ddydlwxrn2hO… > By Laws are here: < https://vcfed.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/VCFMA-By-laws.pdf> Election Info is here: <https://vcfed.org/wp/groups/vcf-mid-atlantic/ elections-for-steering-committee/> Nominee Position Statements are here: < https://vcfed.org/wp/steering-committee-nominee-position-statements/> ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Chairman of the Board Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org -- ========================================= Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Vote for VCF East 2022 Theme!
by Jeffrey Brace 07 Dec '21

07 Dec '21

Google form for voting is here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfAUmxteQMl1d4IiGnO0L8K3ZYhtqeTqra… EXHIBITORS DO NOT HAVE TO DO AN EXHIBIT WITH THE ANNUAL RECOMMENDED THEME. EXHIBITORS ARE ALLOWED TO DO ANY AUTHORIZED EXHIBIT. The theme is meant to inspire, motivate and excite exhibitors with new and different types of exhibits. As in the past this will sometimes inspire group exhibits such as "Unix Town" or "The World of IBM". Working with the steering committee I brainstormed some theme ideas and boiled it down to five candidates. PLEASE VOTE FOR 3 THAT YOU LIKE! *EXPLANATION OF CHOICES:* *Women in Computing*: Women's contributions to computing hardware, software, writing, etc. *Appliance Computer Trinity* (45th Anniversary of The Apple 2, TRS-80 Model 1, Commodore PET 2001) *Spreadsheets* (Lotus 1-2-3, VisiCalc, etc.) *Computers for the masses *(C64, Timex Sinclair, Bell's Law) *Vintage game tools and techniques* (e.g. Working with limited resources like the Atari 2600, etc.) Google form for voting is here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfAUmxteQMl1d4IiGnO0L8K3ZYhtqeTqra… ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org <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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Anyone want a CD or Album?
by Christian Liendo 07 Dec '21

07 Dec '21

So I backed this and I got multiple CDs and multiple albums. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/amicomretrobooks/sid-dreams-a-vinyl-tr… If anyone wants one let me know and I can bring them. I am not asking for money.

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Festivus/ Need A29010-70F Flash (AMIC or similar) XT-IDE
by Ethan O'Toole 07 Dec '21

07 Dec '21

Hello, Trying to build one of the XT-IDE boards for Tandy 1400. Anyone happen to have AMIC A29010-70F flash chips, or similar? Looking for two. TTFN! - Ethan

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PROCRASTINATORS! Vote now if you haven't for VCF-MA Steering Commitee Election
by Jeffrey Brace 06 Dec '21

06 Dec '21

Only 2 days left to vote, so do it now while you are thinking about it. It only takes 1 minute of your time. Vote here: < https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeMYrxBkhg67lF7Qzi67H1ddydlwxrn2hO… > By Laws are here: < https://vcfed.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/VCFMA-By-laws.pdf> Election Info is here: <https://vcfed.org/wp/groups/vcf-mid-atlantic/ elections-for-steering-committee/> Nominee Position Statements are here: < https://vcfed.org/wp/steering-committee-nominee-position-statements/> ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Chairman of the Board Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Hercules Terminator 64 Card
by Sentrytv 06 Dec '21

06 Dec '21

Yes I believe I could use one I’m hoping it would work well in my 486 that has a less than desirable of VLB card in there now I will be at the Festivus on Saturday and Sunday Mike Rosen Sent from: My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > On Dec 6, 2021, at 4:10 PM, madodel via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >

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Hercules Terminator 64 Card
by madodel 06 Dec '21

06 Dec '21

I found a Hercules Model: 6T1002 Terminator 64/DRAM with 2MB DRAM S3 TRIO64 Processor VESA Local Bus graphics card in original box and I have no use for it. anyone have need for it? Mark

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Looking for an ATI EGA Wonder card
by Jason Perkins 05 Dec '21

05 Dec '21

I'm looking to borrow, and possibly buy an ATI EGA wonder card - the original model with a 1986 / 1997 copyright date, which supports 25kHz monitors. Let me know! Thanks, -- Jason Perkins 313 355 0085

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Don't forget to vote! For Steering Commitee VCF Mid-Atlantic
by Jeffrey Brace 04 Dec '21

04 Dec '21

4 days left to vote in the election. We still have votes coming in. Don't miss your chance to vote! Vote here: < https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeMYrxBkhg67lF7Qzi67H1ddydlwxrn2hO… > By Laws are here: < https://vcfed.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/VCFMA-By-laws.pdf> Election Info is here: <https://vcfed.org/wp/groups/vcf-mid-atlantic/ elections-for-steering-committee/> Nominee Position Statements are here: < https://vcfed.org/wp/steering-committee-nominee-position-statements/> ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Chairman of the Board Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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1 Week until Festivus! Get your tickets while they're hot!
by Jeffrey Brace 03 Dec '21

03 Dec '21

Buy tickets through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/festivus -2021-tickets-194874814817 If you want to pay at the door, then you also have that option. I can have the iPad ready to take cash or credit, etc. It's important that I know how many are coming so that I can buy the right number of burgers, hotdogs, etc. Here the info again: START: Sat, Dec 11 at 10AM END: Sun, Dec 12 at 5PM ANNUAL VCF MA Town Hall: December 11 at 8PM WHERE: 2201 Marconi Rd, Wall Township, NJ (InfoAge Campus) 9010-C = Cafeteria where we will eat and drink. 9010-C = Game room across from cafeteria 9010-D (Women's Bunkroom) = Mini Festivus Swap Meet where we can buy and sell 9059 = Festivus Repair workshop COST: $20 per person covers the whole event $25 per person per night for overnight stay Potluck signup: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1UtSrLUdnIcRjY3LErfukhYltF1oHno0V6Nk… Video Game signup: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ccEP-PdZGuqz0HFZKNXmfxICtXaO3Hly892… Swap Meet Signup: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19jpgyvVoKaxAuUxQU-7_b3Grk9LWOQ6aAbQ… Repair Workshop Signup: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14C_OObkhtzCsA-LF7rzNhoagb3RovLDsXtB… ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Resistor networks
by Mike Loewen 03 Dec '21

03 Dec '21

I'm building out a Jade Bus Probe, and have come up empty for two resistor networks: 150 ohm, bussed, 14-pin DIP, 13 resistors (qty 8) 3.3K ohm, bussed, 8-pin SIP, 7 resistors (qty 1) Does anyone have spares on hand? I suppose I could build them out of discrete components, but I'd rather not. Mike Loewen mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/

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Six days to go before voting ends for Steering Committee MA elections
by Jeffrey Brace 02 Dec '21

02 Dec '21

The VCF MA Virtual Voting Booth closes in 6 days (Dec. 8 at midnight). Don't forget to get your votes in! Vote here: < https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeMYrxBkhg67lF7Qzi67H1ddydlwxrn2hO… > By Laws are here: < https://vcfed.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/VCFMA-By-laws.pdf> Election Info is here: <https://vcfed.org/wp/groups/vcf-mid-atlantic/ elections-for-steering-committee/> Nominee Position Statements are here: < https://vcfed.org/wp/steering-committee-nominee-position-statements/> ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Chairman of the Board Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Get your Festivus Tickets!
by Jeffrey Brace 01 Dec '21

01 Dec '21

Only 7 people signed up so far for Festivus. I know that there are more people coming. So procrastinators, please get your tickets now! Or at the very least let me know that you are coming. Buy tickets through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/festivus -2021-tickets-194874814817 If you want to pay at the door, then you also have that option. I can have the iPad ready to take cash or credit, etc. It's important that I know how many are coming so that I can buy the right amount of burgers, hotdogs, etc. Here the info again: START: Sat, Dec 11 at 10AM END: Sun, Dec 12 at 5PM ANNUAL VCF MA Town Hall: December 11 at 8PM WHERE: 2201 Marconi Rd, Wall Township, NJ (InfoAge Campus) 9010-C = Cafeteria where we will eat and drink. 9010-C = Game room across from cafeteria 9010-D (Women's Bunkroom) = Mini Festivus Swap Meet where we can buy and sell 9059 = Festivus Repair workshop COST: $20 per person covers the whole event $25 per person per night for overnight stay Potluck signup: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1UtSrLUdnIcRjY3LErfukhYltF1oHno0V6Nk… Video Game signup: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ccEP-PdZGuqz0HFZKNXmfxICtXaO3Hly892… Swap Meet Signup: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19jpgyvVoKaxAuUxQU-7_b3Grk9LWOQ6aAbQ… Repair Workshop Signup: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14C_OObkhtzCsA-LF7rzNhoagb3RovLDsXtB… ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org <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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Update on Steering Committee Voting
by Jeffrey Brace 30 Nov '21

30 Nov '21

22 votes in so far. Thanks for those that have voted so far! Please vote if you haven't yet! Vote here: < https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeMYrxBkhg67lF7Qzi67H1ddydlwxrn2hO… > By Laws are here: < https://vcfed.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/VCFMA-By-laws.pdf> Election Info is here: < https://vcfed.org/wp/groups/vcf-mid-atlantic/elections-for-steering- committee/> Nominee Position Statements are here: <https://vcfed.org/wp/steering- committee-nominee-position-statements/> ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Chairman of the Board Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Get your Festivus Tickets!
by Lou 30 Nov '21

30 Nov '21

Purchased tickets for myself and the wife (I can actually say that now, wow!) Also nice to know there will be a workshop space for what I am going to be looking at that night.

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Festivus - Wanted: Logitech C7 Mouse, ISA Serial
by Ethan O'Toole 29 Nov '21

29 Nov '21

Heya, Just in case someone has one they want to get rid of... Looking for a logitech 3 button C7 mouse. IT looks like this: https://www.retrogamingmuseum.com/the-collection/logitech-c7 I also am in need of a ISA Serial card. Single port is best, or one where I can disable the 2nd port + disable parallel. Going into a Tandy 1000SX. Note, the Bus mouse version of the C7 along with the BUS ISA card would also work fine. Could pay cash, or you can pick from my stash that I will bring. - Ethan

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Steering Commitee Elections 2021
by Jeffrey Brace 28 Nov '21

28 Nov '21

11 votes in so far. Keep them coming! Vote here: < https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeMYrxBkhg67lF7Qzi67H1ddydlwxrn2hO… > By Laws are here: https://vcfed.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/VCFMA-By-laws.pdf Election Info is here: https://vcfed.org/wp/groups/vcf-mid-atlantic/elections-for-steering-committ… Nominee Position Statements are here: https://vcfed.org/wp/steering-committee-nominee-position-statements/ ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org <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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VCF MA Steering Commitee Election Form
by Jeffrey Brace 26 Nov '21

26 Nov '21

Please fill out the Steering Committee Election Form found here: < https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeMYrxBkhg67lF7Qzi67H1ddydlwxrn2hO… > By Laws are here: https://vcfed.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/VCFMA-By-laws.pdf Election Info is here: https://vcfed.org/wp/groups/vcf-mid-atlantic/elections-for-steering-committ… Nominee Position Statements are here: https://vcfed.org/wp/steering-committee-nominee-position-statements/ ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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WTB: ASCII terminal any model
by Enzo D'Amato 26 Nov '21

26 Nov '21

Hello, I am relatively new to the vintage computing community (VCF east 2021 was my first event, and I learned about the mailing list there). Now that the holiday season has come around, I was hoping to start off my collection by getting a simple ascii terminal. I am quite flexible when it comes to models, and I am comfortable with having to adapt it (within reason) to get it hooked up. I was hoping for a vt100 or similar however, as I think that they look quite cool, but I know that these older models are rarer. Thank you for any help that you can provide! Enzo

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C128 Neo PCB speaker @ VCF East 2022
by Jeffrey Brace 26 Nov '21

26 Nov '21

We have another speaker for Friday who will come from Sweden and talk about his C128 Neo PCB. More info here: https://c128.se <https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLU…> As a reminder VCF East is April 22, 23,24. Classes are April 22. Exhibits & speakers are April 23 &24. ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Looking for working 5.25" 1.2MB drive to borrow/rent
by John Heritage 26 Nov '21

26 Nov '21

Hey All! :) I have a small amount of old 5.25" floppies I'd like to read some data off of. Does anyone have a working 5.25" HD drive that I could borrow? I have a Socket 7 system and a pair of 5.25" drives that seem bad. Drive 1 read a couple of disks "ok" -- the data was intact, took several tries. After swapping to Drive 2 to see if it was more reliably, Drive 1 now won't power up. Drive 2 also would read some disks but even less reliably than drive 1. I took the protective cover off of Drive 2, carefully used some canned air, and then carefully alcohol swabbed the read/write heads (as I have in the past with my Atari 8bit drives). Let it sit, and it read one more disk, but since then - even with additional cleanings won't read or write anything. I have both some old OEM disks (i.e. copies of PCBoard) I've tried using, and also a box of definitely unused 1.2MB floppies that look very clean, and can't get either config working. I'd actually like to read that PCBoard disk if possible so I stopped 'testing' with it and just focused on the clean unused disk. Anyway, I'd love to rent or borrow a 5.25" HD / 1.2mb drive that is good. I can paypal over some $ as a deposit or whatever if necessary. I have about 12 disks I want to read data off of and then i'll be done with the drive. I'm located in the King of Prussia PA area but have no problem driving wherever if in person is preferred. Thanks! John

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] [OT] My eyes are aging - glasses recos for electronics work/small print reading?
by John Heritage 26 Nov '21

26 Nov '21

Hey All - thanks for all of the recommendations. I ended up buying two devices: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JZ3U6K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o… and https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08J2V8M8Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o… The first one is *really* comfortable to wear, and adds reading glass functionality (1.5x, 2.0x, or 2.5x) to safety glasses. These complement my contact lenses nicely, I went with the 1.5x and it's a huge quality of life improvement. The second unit was recommended by someone here and I think it'll be very useful for verifying work closely but for my eyes, the range that it makes something visible is on the order of 6" away from my face or less. I could see putting that on top of my head, using the light as needed, and then taking on/off the first pair while doing the actual work. It's a rare use piece for sure, but interesting. Anyway, thanks all for the recommendations and discussion! On Wed, Nov 17, 2021 at 3:21 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > One advantage is the tiny hands. > They Into those very tight places > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > On Nov 17, 2021, at 3:14 PM, Bill Degnan via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > one other solution is to outsource your vintage computing. I have sent > > all of my computers and parts overseas and they do all of the work > > remotely. I am told it's nice. > > b > > > >> On Wed, Nov 17, 2021 at 3:11 PM John Heritage via vcf-midatlantic < > >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >> > >> Interesting - thank you. I’ve previously been told I do in one eye > though > >> the last doc said it’s no longer apparent (?? :) ). I ordered a pair > of > >> safety + 1.5x magnification glasses to see how that works for the > >> electronics work. I will take your suggestion and just try a set of > >> pharmacy readers (+bring a couple of unreadable USB power supplies with > me > >> to test :)). thanks! > >> > >> On Wed, Nov 17, 2021 at 07:17 Jason Perkins via vcf-midatlantic < > >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >> > >>> John, > >>> > >>> Do you have an astigmatism? I do, and am nearsighted. I had a pair of > >>> glasses made which is mostly just an astigmatism correction, almost no > >>> distance. > >>> > >>> It makes doing close work *much* easier. Of course this means you'd > have > >> to > >>> switch from contacts to 2 different pairs of glasses. > >>> > >>> You could also stop by a pharmacy and try some of the readers on. > >>> > >>> -J > >>> > >>> On Tue, Nov 16, 2021 at 11:06 PM Bill Degnan via vcf-midatlantic < > >>> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >>> > >>>> I use a large lighted magnifying lense with an adjustable arm that > >> allows > >>>> me to position to.see details. Great for checking solder joints, etc. > >>>> Bill > >>>> > >>>> On Tue, Nov 16, 2021, 5:58 PM Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic < > >>>> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >>>> > >>>>> On Tue, Nov 16, 2021 at 3:16 PM John Heritage via vcf-midatlantic < > >>>>> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >>>>> > >>>>>> I'm sure at least a few of you can relate. Hell, I *know* Crawford > >>>>>> Griffith can relate ;-).. > >>>>>> > >>>>>> I wear contact lenses and without the lenses I can read small > >>> print/see > >>>>>> tiny text on PCBs without problem. Once the contacts are in I have > >>>> real > >>>>>> trouble focusing in some cases on small fonts, or other details > >> such > >>> as > >>>>> the > >>>>>> crappy way manufacturers print specs on power supplies. > >>>>>> > >>>>>> Any specific recommendations for eye glasses here? Are cheap > >> reading > >>>>>> glasses sufficient for [seeing] soldering "up close" and other uses > >>>> like > >>>>>> that or is there a type of reading / magnifying glass that's also > >> for > >>>>>> safety that someone would recommend? > >>>>>> > >>>>> > >>>>> I never got around to getting a new pair of glasses for about 3 or 4 > >>>> years > >>>>> before getting some about a year ago. My eyesight isn't really bad, > >> but > >>>> it > >>>>> helps to have them when reading things from a distance. Had to get a > >>> new > >>>>> eye exam. Apparently I couldn't use contacts any more because of > >>> various > >>>>> reasons. They recommended Bi-Focals. I went with the most expensive > >>>> option: > >>>>> Progressive's lens which are a transition of distance higher on the > >>> lens > >>>>> and progressively closer as you get towards the bottom. They are also > >>>>> Transitions that get dark in sunlight. This way when I'm watching TV > >> I > >>>> can > >>>>> look at it (distance), then quickly look down at my phone (up > >> close). I > >>>>> went to America's Best Contacts and Eyeglasses. I recommend that you > >> go > >>>> to > >>>>> a reputable eye doctor to get a recommendation on your specific case. > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>>>> > >>>>>> Thanks! > >>>>>> John > >>>>>> > >>>>> > >>>> > >>> > >>> > >>> -- > >>> Jason Perkins > >>> 313 355 0085 > >>> > >> > >

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Jim Warren has passed away
by Christian Liendo 25 Nov '21

25 Nov '21

https://web.stanford.edu/~allison/JimWarren.html For those who do not know about Jim Warren He was the founding Editor of Dr. Dobb's Journal He co-founded the West Coast Computer Faire He hosted PBS television's Computer Chronicles series for their first two seasons He created and published the Intelligent Machines Journal Jim Warren's wiki page https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Warren_(computer_specialist)

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VCF 2021 T-shirts Reorder
by Jeffrey Brace 24 Nov '21

24 Nov '21

Since the 2021 design was so popular, I put in a re-order. For those that didn't get a VCF 2021 t-shirt or your size was sold out, I put in a reorder for the 2021 t-shirt. I may not get all design colors by Festivus (likely only green), because of shipping delays this time of year with the holidays, but I will definitely get it by the next repair workshop January 8 & 9 at InfoAge. If you want a t-shirt and won't make it to InfoAge, but will be going to the System Source Repair Workshop on January 29 & 30, then let me know and I will bring your size t-shirt to that repair workshop. There is another event that I'm announcing soon at InfoAge on February 26 where you will have an opportunity to buy one. Also of course VCF East 2022 which is April 22, 23, 24. There will be no more re-orders after this one, so get this t-shirt while supplies last! ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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SmartyKit Interactive Assembly
by Jeffrey Brace 24 Nov '21

24 Nov '21

Some of you recall the SmartyKit that was demonstrated at VCF East 2021 via a live Zoom talk. It was a modern kit that worked like an Apple 1. This guy Sergey Panarin has a new kit. Here is the info: https://twitter.com/smartykite/status/1463191451748159488?s=21 Video demo: https://youtu.be/eFGLYMSzalU Direct link to try: http://instructions.smartykit.io ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Zippered Hoodies (VCF)
by Jeffrey Brace 24 Nov '21

24 Nov '21

There seems to be some interest in zippered hoodies. I’m thinking about making an order. So I assume that everyone likes black or grey color? Also what to put on it? It was suggested Options: 1) VCF Logo on left breast. 2) VCF Logo on left breast & 2021 t-shirt design on the back 3) Blank Front & VCF Logo on back Other suggestions? -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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List of Candidates for Upcoming Steering Committee Election
by Dean Notarnicola 23 Nov '21

23 Nov '21

It is almost time for the VCF Mid-Atlantic steering committee member election. As a reminder, there will be a voting form sent to this list on 11/27/2021. There will be two seats up for re-election this year, so please vote for up to two candidates. Here is a list of candidates and their bio where one has been made available. If a bio is not listed, I encourage the candidates to send them to the list. *Ethan O'Toole* *Dean Notarnicola* *Dave McGuire* I’m an engineer in my early 50s, and I’ve been passionate about technology since I was a child. As a teenager in the mid-1980s, I lucked into a DEC PDP-11/34A, a powerful computer system about the size of two household refrigerators placed side-by-side, and it resided in my bedroom. It wasn’t an “antique computer” at the time; it was just old enough to be mostly unwanted in a typical commercial environment. But it belonged to a class of systems known as “minicomputers”, which are powerful, serious machines designed for scientific or business applications. While all of my friends were playing games on their little Atari, Apple, and Commodore systems, I taught myself a half dozen or so programming languages on that big PDP-11. This naturally and directly led to my career as an engineer. Using large, powerful computers both at work and at home is just how my life has always been. I loved my systems, and I ended up just keeping the old ones as I upgraded, occasionally running them for fun an nostalgia in my free time. I’ve been peripherally involved with VCF for many years, starting early in the MARCH era, helping out here and there behind the scenes with hardware donations and swaps, donation transport, and general advice and guidance. If elected to a Steering Committee seat, my intention would be to provide further, much closer guidance and technical assistance on the “big iron” side, to round out the VCF presentations a bit. And, as the head of LSSM in Pittsburgh, another big focus of mine would be much closer collaboration and involvement between VCF and LSSM. *Jason Perkins* I've been fiddling with computers, and by proxy vintage computers about as long as I can remember. When you're just getting started cast-off old machines are your playground! In 2003 my father and I made the trip from Michigan to DC to visit the Smithsonian museums. At that time there was a whole section at the National Museum of American History dedicated to the history of computers. I was really looking forward to this - and was so disappointed. Static machines, turned off, behind plexiglas. There was an Alto that either had the worst case of screen burn, or the CRT replaced with a plastic slide. In either case it wasn't illuminated. There was an IBM PC and Mac 128k, behind plexiglas, turned off. This is one of the main things I like about VCF: We are able to present systems that work, systems you can touch, systems you can experience. Having a static display of "Oh, look at this hunk of metal and beige plastic" just doesn't do it for me. If elected to the board, I'll continue this tradition of making the full experience of a system available to our guests. *Jeff Salzman* My own personal history, experiences, curiosity, and affinity toward vintage computing has set me firmly in a hobby that I enjoy. I believe in the goals of the VCF-MA, not only for the preservation of vintage computer systems, but for the opportunities the organization provides to the public for those who want to discover and learn about the earlier days of computing. It would be an honor to be a committee member in part of the process that helps to define the operation and future vision of the VCF-MA. As suggested, here is a brief bit about myself... (OK, maybe not a "brief bit", but the text will still fit on a SSDD floppy disk of any kind.) I have been a "vintage" computer fanatic since back when these systems were called "cutting edge." I was the guy, um... kid, who would walk into a Radio Shack, much to the chagrin of the store manager, to play with the TRS-80 computers they always had on display. That is, of course, after I ran out of money at the mall arcade first. :) Throughout my childhood and young adulthood, I have always been into computers. Especially after getting my first computer, a Commodore VIC-20, back in October 1981 (which I still own, BTW). Shortly after that, I bought a second computer for myself, a TI-99/4A. (WHA...??? What kind of nerd wants TWO computers for themselves in 1982?!? ---- >THIS NERD, That's who!!!) Since then, I have rolled on personal computing as a commonplace activity in the home. I just happened to do so by riding on the Commodore bandwagon throughout the 1980s (please don't hold that against me. LOL) and had to have the newest model of their computers as soon as I could afford them. I had an appreciation for other systems that were available to consumers, but just didn't have the space or income at the time to support the continued ownership and upgrade of two or more cutting edge systems from multiple manufacturers. :( I got a Commodore 64 in 1985, then a Commodore 128 in 1987, then a Commodore Amiga 500 in 1989, selling each previous system to be able to afford the new one. Staying informed about what computers could do, and the growing pains within society as they grew into important appliances for work, home, and fun, turned personal computing into a hobby which I have continuously explored to its limit. Then the 1990s came... I found myself unable to continue the run of what are considered uniquely vintage computers today, along with the other specialized home computer systems that were earning a vintage status even then. Trends were changing. 8-bit was dying. 16-bit was even dying... I ended up (GASP!!!) buying my first IBM PC compatible, a 386DX. And like a junkie, I fell deep into the monotony and dependence of the architecture. I sold my soul to the industry, repairing and upgrading PCs for a living... in hopes that I could get a hit on a slightly used and outdated 30-pin SIMM that was leftover from the customer's upgrade. Maybe even a disk drive/multi-I/O controller card, or if luck graces me, a 2x CD-ROM with sound card!!! All just to keep my frankenstein PC alive and contemporary as the years went by. I still remember a lot of the "PC compatible days" from the 1990s, and even the 1980s. Many still consider them too closely tied to modern PCs, but as the recent VCF-East showed everybody, they are far enough removed from their modern cousins to break the perception of those close ties. But I digress. In the 1990s, I missed the 'ol 8-bit days. And there was hope... I was able to find those now near vintage 8 and 16-bit home computers, the ones I couldn't afford to buy more than one of in the 1980s, for next to nothing at many of the flea markets and yard sales I visited. Some people actually GAVE them to me because they thought they were junk at the time... Hello WHAT?!? So now I find myself at the turn of the century. I'm knee deep in a lot of vintage 8 and 16-bit home computers that I just HAD to have, and could not see going to scrap. I had quite the collection, and I started to work through that collection, repairing and using them, reliving my youth, and enjoying every moment of it. Then somewhere around 2004, I learned about M.A.R.C.H. and what the organization was all about. I was even asked to design the organization's logo. It was then that I knew I wasn't the only one who (secretly) held a fondness for vintage computing, thus re-energizing my hobby toward the appreciation and preservation of vintage computing. I eventually found myself attending the VCF East as an exhibitor so I could show off what I had in my collection, and demonstrate to the next generation what we had available to us in my generation. I have been doing a completely different exhibit each year in an attempt to show off the variety of vintage computers, along with an array of uses. As my attendance as an exhibitor continued, I became increasingly involved with M.A.R.C.H. events, like the Workshops and Festivus. When my kids got older, I found even more time to become involved with the (now) Vintage Computer Federation. You would (and still could) find me at almost every Workshop, if not for working on my own stuff, but working through items in the warehouse and museum. I hate to see broken vintage computer systems. The Workshops give us an opportunity to do our part in keeping these systems alive, and even more so, allow us to share that experience with others bearing the same interests. Those are just a few of the many reasons VCF-MA exists for the avid hobbyist, or the piqued interest of a museum visitor, or whatever insight the organization discovers that can promote the knowledge and history of vintage computing.

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