- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

OT: pair of FRS radios free to good home.
by William Dudley 19 Sep '21

19 Sep '21

Apologies for non-VCF content, but don't have another group of electronics users like this one. I have been given a pair of Kenwood UBZ-LF14 FRS (467MHz) radios. They are missing their belt clips but look otherwise in good nick. I have not tested them. The manual is downloadable online. I will ship if you pay shipping. Bill Dudley Jackson, NJ This email is free of malware because I run Linux.

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VCF Hoodies reorder!
by Jeffrey Brace 17 Sep '21

17 Sep '21

Hello everyone, It's been years since we have made an order for hoodies. I'm doing my best to have some available before VCF East, so I will be putting in an order over the next week or so. There are different types of hoodies. Does anyone have any preferences? For example: Zipper No-zipper Sport-tek Heavy Blend Dry Blend Super Sweats It will have the VCF logo on it like last time. ========================================= 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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Home computing pioneer Sir Clive Sinclair dies aged 81
by Christian Liendo 17 Sep '21

17 Sep '21

I don't know how accurate this is but it came across my feed https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/sep/16/home-computing-pioneer-s…

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Workshop related....
by Martin Flynn 17 Sep '21

17 Sep '21

While Verizon deployed the new fiber for our FiOS internet, I spend a bit of time working on the previously donated Hexacon Therm-O-Trac 1002 soldering stations. We have 6 working units, cosmetic cleanup pending. http://compdecon.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_1525-scaled.jpg CAGE 3439, NSN 01-178-4678.

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OT / Extra hands needed for site work
by Martin Flynn 17 Sep '21

17 Sep '21

CDL and VCF will have a team on site tackling project and site work on 09/25/2021. If you are available, and wish to assist, please email me directly as to keep the clutter off the list. Work includes: * Assembling and placing the network rack in building 9032A (adjacent to the big room used for VCF East) * Installing the balance of the hangers for the fiber to 9032A * Testing the network drop in the bunk room for VCF * Installing a network cables for 9010B (access points for VCF East) * Assembling and mounting the network rack in the hotel attic. * Installing a pair of network cables in 9010A for Garden State Martin Flynn

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Warpstock 2021 - The Annual North American OS/2 User Event
by madodel 14 Sep '21

14 Sep '21

The Annual North American OS/2 User Event - Warpstock will be free and virtual. It will be held Saturday, September 18, 2021. From 9 AM to 2 PM PDT (12 PM to 5 PM EDT | 4PM to 9PM GMT). It will be live at YouTube on: https://www.youtube.com/c/warpevents More information at http://www.warpstock.org/ Mark Dodel

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Bil Herd & Margaret Moribito on TPUG Zoom Meeting
by Jeffrey Brace 14 Sep '21

14 Sep '21

For you Commodore fans out there Bil Herd will be on the monthly TPUG (Toronto Pet Users Group) Zoom meeting this Thursday. Info is here: https://www.tpug.ca/ ========================================= 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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testing
by Bill Degnan 13 Sep '21

13 Sep '21

test, ignore.

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Compaq portable III tips
by Sentrytv 11 Sep '21

11 Sep '21

I’m sending a note to people on the list here that know anything about the Compaq model III Model 2660? I actually just picked one up and before I do anything I would like to get a few tips for this specific model before turning it on or plugging it in. Thanks Mike Rosen Sent from: My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device.

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Need a volunteer to help with Learn to Solder table @ VCF East
by Neil Cherry 10 Sep '21

10 Sep '21

I'll be running the table both days but wouldn't mind some help at the Learn to Solder table. Anyone? :-) I've also asked on the CDL list. -- Linux Home Automation Neil Cherry ncherry(a)linuxha.com http://www.linuxha.com/ Main site http://linuxha.blogspot.com/ My HA Blog Author of: Linux Smart Homes For Dummies

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Compaq portable III tips
by Bill Degnan 10 Sep '21

10 Sep '21

Not sure if anyone said you'll need the reference disk(s) to set up the BIOS. b On Fri, Sep 10, 2021 at 8:43 AM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > I’m sending a note to people on the list here that know anything about the > Compaq model III Model 2660? > I actually just picked one up and before I do anything I would like to get > a few tips for this specific model before turning it on or plugging it in. > Thanks > > Mike Rosen > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. >

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Marketing and Advertising for VCF East 2021!
by Jeffrey Brace 08 Sep '21

08 Sep '21

Hello everyone! So I need your help with marketing and advertising for VCF East 2021. Adam handles the Facebook groups, Twitter and Instagram, but we need help in other areas. We want members who are "part of the community" in different mailing lists and other online groups to help us spread the word. That means groups that you post to frequently and the members of that group are familiar with you as a member of that group. If you are interested in helping, then please let me know where you can post so that I can see if we already have that area covered. I created a Google Sheet to keep track of where I have been posting the newest ads: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EzZFryhrGyb4BSc8IR6-4zyq_Da3s1cq4-O… For example, I have already covered: Lemon64.com LemonAmiga.com Bil Herd's The Coriolis Effect Weekly Live YouTube Stream. Here is our 8 1/2 x 11 flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GsmXLA2vIsBFWTcmMJLZfq1OQlxmShBU/view?usp=… ========================================= 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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Build your ultimate Apple2 Class Room for VCFEast
by Andrew Diller 06 Sep '21

06 Sep '21

You'll want this to start: https://www.ebay.com/itm/114973090205 "Digicard Classroom Network Shared Resource Controller - Apple II Network" then add some Apple2s. Shipping is tough pill to swallow to US, but these are rare and very cool. -andy

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I hope everyone is ok after Ida
by Christian Liendo 04 Sep '21

04 Sep '21

Just checking to see is people are good.

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Lemmings / 1991
by Bruce 04 Sep '21

04 Sep '21

FWIW: https://www.reddit.com/r/mildlyinteresting/comments/phm731/found_my_first_g… Bruce NJ

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East Information!
by Adam Michlin 03 Sep '21

03 Sep '21

Twitter - Please retweet: https://twitter.com/vcfederation/status/1433560242684522504 Facebook - Please share: https://www.facebook.com/vcfederation/posts/6463819000302815 All leading to: https://vcfed.org/wp/2021/08/31/vcf-east-2021-will-be-the-biggest-show-yet/

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Glitch Works Kit Workshop @ VCF East 2021
by Jeffrey Brace 01 Sep '21

01 Sep '21

Glitch will have XT-IDE rev 4A kits (for the IBM PC theme), the R6501Q SBC kits from last year, and the new high speed capable WDC 65C02S CPU board with RAM, ROM, and serial I/O. ========================================= 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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Bring your copy of "Back into the Storm" by Bil Herd to VCF East 2021!
by Jeffrey Brace 31 Aug '21

31 Aug '21

Bil Herd has agreed to sign books at VCF East 2021! Anyone that brings their own copy of Bil Herd's new book can get it signed by him at the end of the day on Saturday, October 9. After Bill Mensch's talk he will sign books at approximately 6PM. ========================================= 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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Mac IIfx to borrow for the museum?
by Adam Michlin 31 Aug '21

31 Aug '21

Hi Everyone, Does anyone have a Mac IIfx we could borrow for the museum? Either just for the weekend of VCF East or longer. The World of IBM is borrowing the OS/2 machine (the OS/2 exhibit portion of The World of IBM is going to be *epic*) that is currently on display in the business section of the museum and need something to fill the empty space. Please email me privately. Thanks! -Adam

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VCF East 2021: The World of IBM
by Herb Johnson 31 Aug '21

31 Aug '21

> 1. IBM branded products > 2. x86 clones > 3. Products that run x86 code, but aren't natively x86 I worked in computing, in the era before and during the IBM PC of 1981. Your history is missing a segment that some called "PC near compatibles" after the fact. Calling less-compatibles "Weird" or "Never Heard Of", is just another way of calling them as forgettable, as "losers". Frankly, that's a misread of history. I guess I have to explain this, because most people can't imagine that a "clone" may not be an exact copy after all. I can recite all this, from my old memory. The "clones" were otherwise known as "100% IBM PC compatibles", designs almost literally copied from the IBM PC. They were produced inexpensively from the Far East in the 1990's, so they were called "Tiawan clones". Why that word clones? The Star Wars films in 1977 and later referenced "the Clone Wars", so it was a popular term of use. (shrug) Remembering only the "clones" makes it hard to imagine something that's not a total copy. But before those clones, or before and during the 1981 IBM PC (!) there were two other kinds of 8086/8088 based computers. Computers which weren't intended to be IBM PC compatible; and computers sold as "PC compatible" but had different physical hardware, particularly different graphics. Compupro made an 8085 8088 dual processor S-100 CPU board and offered "8/16" systems. Heath/Zenith offered the Z-100, a 8085 8088 dual CPU motherboard with S-100 bus. They were before or at the time of the IBM PC - so nothing IBM to "copy". They were early 8088 systems because it's easy to replace a CPU board in an entirely bussed system. It's also easy to redesign an 8085 computer to include an 8088. But there were non-bussed 8088 8086 only computers too, before and after the 1981 IBM PC. Other non-8088 computer makers before the IBM PC, were waiting for Digital Research to offer a "CP/M-86". If they could not wait, they provided their own 8088 operating systems. "Seattle Computer Products" ring a bell? After the IBM PC was produced, with MS-DOS, DRI produced a CP/M 86. So there were two OS's for the 8088/8086. So more 8088/86 desktop (and industrial) computers were produced: encouraged by the IBM PC. As IBM and history reminds us, it was the IBM PC that opened big businesses to buying desktop computers. That opened the door for new computer companies, to make some cheaper or better version of an *business* MS-DOS computer than the expensive IBM PC with expensive IBM services. Computer stores became viable and successful in the 1980's. (IMSAI became ComputerLand for instance.) But: people who wrote new MS-DOS programs (or reassembled old CP/M programs) for the new IBM PC, wrote "past" the MS-DOS and programmed for actual PC hardware. Why? Performance. To operate the screen at the fastest possibly speed, and to operate other hardware to gain any advantage. The 4.77MHz 8088 was just. too. slow, even in the era of 4Mhz Z80's. Performance became a driver for hardware and software. Result? An MS-DOS computer that didn't have enough "PC compatible" hardware, could not run all IBM-PC software. Software makers came up with versions for these other MS-DOS computers. But of course, there were too many non-IBM-PC 8088 computers to keep up with. Producers had to pay licenses or development costs for those variant versions. And: some of these ran software slower (a few faster) than on the IBM PC. That started the "compatibility wars", where various personal computer brands were evaluated as "60% 80% 90% PC compatible" or as to what software packages they could support. Models were graded on how they performed various software packages. Some companies offered additional "PC compatible" hardware upgrades or new models. This is simply a matter of history, read the "PC" magazines of the era for details. (This also explains the "products that ran X86 code without 8086 hardware". Some companies added a 8086 or 8088 co-processor or subsystem to their products - Apple for their Macs for instance - to compete with IBM in the business and education markets. That Zenith Z-100 I mentioned, sold tens of thousands to universities and military schools in the USA.) Eventually there was a rush of programmers, designers, and companies to the emerging dominance of "the IBM PC standard", down to totally-compatible hardware with IBM's. Many of the near-PC-compatible computer brands, didn't survive. What emerged were pure-PC plays like Compaq and others which were very compatible, sometimes ahead in performance and often on price. So with that competition, IBM's share of the market they rose to dominate, started to shrink in the late 1980's. (It's ironic, because of course, IBM "took the market" from CP/M and Z80's in the first place.) Then, in the 1990's, the Far East and particularly Tiawan, emerged as producers of cheap computer boards. Companies emerged to copy various IBM PC compatible designs, eventually put them into cheaper larger-scale IC's, and produce them cheaply. No fees to IBM; oddly they paid Microsoft *per board* for MS-DOS and Windows licenses. IBM in the 90's was a company "on the ropes" for some years as a result. Microsoft did just fine, by the way. So I'm explaining all this out, because history matters. There was an evolution of 8088/8086 computers. IBM provided one of them that became dominant, but other 8088/86 products existed for some time. Eventually the PC market became dominated by the explosion of cheap PC pure copies: clones. IBM became another PC "player", barely surviving the transition. But ignoring the PC near-compatibles before "the clones", ignores part of that evolution. Regards, Herb Johnson old person -- 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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3000 square feet of consignment space at VCF East 2021 !!!
by Jeffrey Brace 30 Aug '21

30 Aug '21

This year we have about 3000 square feet of space for consignment! This is a welcome improvement over the past when consignment rooms were cramped. Alex Jacocks is leading the consignment room and is making a plan for rotating volunteers and a more pleasant experience. If anyone is interested in consignment please review the instructions for consignment here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Efyq6zebSnAFl2mswb-8zDuAZcTewsrz/view?usp=… And then fill out the consignment sheet head of time : https://drive.google.com/file/d/15PFvFJsVvz7FmYsQVgMAtZ_MOBIsbPvu/view?usp=… Here is an example sheet for everyone to see: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TPLfDC-vNtFJIoLSGoFFSa2UIT-lEwSB/view?usp=… ========================================= 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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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] 3000 square feet of consignment space at VCF East 2021 !!!
by Ethan O'Toole 30 Aug '21

30 Aug '21

[NON-Text Body part not included] The consignment is the swapmeet! Bonus is the sellers don't have to sit with their stuff all weekend. On top of supporting VCF - Ethan

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VCF East 2021: The World of IBM
by Adam Michlin 27 Aug '21

27 Aug '21

Hi Everyone, As you know, Dean, I and a few other people are working on what we hope to be the largest exhibit in the history of VCF: The World of IBM. This is in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the IBM PC. There are three components: 1. IBM branded products 2. x86 clones 3. Products that run x86 code, but aren't natively x86 - either through hardware or software (so, for example, an '030 Mac IIcx running SoftPC - which we don't currently have). We call this x86 on !x86 (read as x86 on not x86) Dean, Dean's son Drew, and I are spearheading the IBM branded section. We have most of the PC/XT/AT era covered, but could use more variety in the PS/2 area. You can offer to loan a computer to us (I'll link you in on our internal spreadsheet so you know what we've already covered) or you can do an entire table yourself. We're especially looking for someone to run an OS/2 exhibit (we have a massive OS/2 collection in the warehouse that we've been itching to put on display since we acquired it). Bill Inderrieden is spearheading the clone exhibit to honor the legacy of the PC clone. This topic alone could fill two rooms, so we're not going for any kind of completion here. Ideas that we'd love people to consider in terms of exhibits: Early Dell Compaq The Boring Grey Boxes (Not So Boring) The Luggables Tandy The Weird Ones The Ones You've Never Heard Of MS-DOS Throughout the Ages Windowing Systems that Aren't Windows Windows (pre 95) Unix on x86 (Xenix et. al) Early Linux Your Idea Here! The weirder the better and we're even going to have an informal contest for the most incompatible PC compatible (Tandy need not apply... that's just not fair!). x86 on !x86, is being handled by Jason Perkins. This is my personal favorite category where anything goes as long as it ultimately runs x86 somehow some way. We'll have an informal competition for the most gratuitously obnoxious execution of x86 code (the slower the better) and maybe even compete to see who can come up with the silliest, craziest, slowest way to run original x86 Doom. So how can you help? We still have limited space for a full exhibit - contact me if you want a full table and are willing to staff it throughout the event. You can also help by loaning computers, for example we'd love to borrow an Atari PC1 to add to our "Major companies you may not have known made x86 PCs" - DEC and Commodore already being represented - exhibit. You can offer to staff the exhibit, either full time (required only if you have a table) or part time to relieve the full time staff (which we can pre schedule so you have plenty of time to explore the event otherwise - volunteer for only a few hours or more!). If you'd like to help in any way, just send me a private email and we will get you to the right person. -Adam

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF East 2021: The World of IBM
by Jeffrey Brace 27 Aug '21

27 Aug '21

On Fri, Aug 27, 2021 at 11:22 AM Brian L. Stuart via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > On Friday, August 27, 2021, 10:36:32 AM EDT, Ethan O'Toole via > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > That could also include the Commodore Amiga running PC-Task. I did a > lot of > > > my WordPerfect for DOS activity on that emulation platform. > > > > There was also the crazy Amiga Bridgeboards! > > > > I have some Amigas kicking around but don't own a bridgeboard. > > > > And the Sun PCI PC thing. > > And the DOS-73 board for the UNIX PC. > We have this installed on the museum PC! > > BLS >

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Classes at VCF East 2021 on Friday, October 8
by Jeffrey Brace 27 Aug '21

27 Aug '21

We currently have 11 classes scheduled for VCF East on Friday, October 8. There is room for one more. We have a great lineup for classes so far! Atari 2600 Graphics Programming Pax Consola - 8 Bit development system #Fujinet Personal Computer Graphics of the 70's and 80's Fuzix Intro How to Create a simple video controller with a FPGA Pong Restoration CRT Repair PROMAL for the C64 Calculating with Slide Rules, Volvelles, Abaci and Mechanical Computers Practical Lisa. The schedule will be finalized soon, but here is a draft of of it: https://vcfed.org/wp/festivals/vintage-computer-festival-east/vcf-east-sche… ========================================= 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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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] 30 Years of Linux
by Dave McGuire 27 Aug '21

27 Aug '21

On 8/26/21 1:48 PM, madodel via vcf-midatlantic wrote: >> Linux is *everywhere*. I'm willing to bet that everyone on this >> list, literally every person, has half a dozen instances of Linux >> in their houses right now that they don't even know about. > > My Tesla runs Linux, but that's in my garage. ;-) Excellent. :-) -Dave -- Dave McGuire, AK4HZ New Kensington, PA

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30 Years of Linux
by Christian Liendo 27 Aug '21

27 Aug '21

https://linuxfoundation.org/linux30th/ I think Linux is historically important and something VCF may want to cover in the future. For now, I just say Happy 30!

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No more exhibitor tables left for VCF East
by Jeffrey Brace 26 Aug '21

26 Aug '21

There are no more exhibitors tables left. If you are still interested, then you can go on the waiting list and we will let you know if any exhibitors drop out. There are tentatively some slots available for The World of IBM mega exhibit. Dean and Adam are in charge of filling up 25 tables for their mega exhibit. This is the Exhibitor registration form: https://forms.gle/SqV17sCzVG3hjSGGA ========================================= 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 “Small Windows” book
by Herb Johnson 25 Aug '21

25 Aug '21

https://archive.org/details/smallwindowslibr0000hend A search of archive.org for "small windows" title and "hendrix" for producer, found this "borrow" copy there. There's some means for registered persons to do something with a copy for an hour, I don't know what. Otherwise nonregistered persons can only see a few pages. also: copies of the book held at remote physical libraries - a suggested search found some - may be physically borrowed by contacting your local library and (after registering) using "interlibrary loan" to borrow it remotely. It will be mailed to your local library for your pickup and return. This is generally free through public libraries, that is paid by your local taxes to support these fine institutions. I'm explaining all this out for people who are unfamiliar with these methods. 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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Looking for “Small Windows” book
by Richard Cini 25 Aug '21

25 Aug '21

All — I’m looking for the Small Windows book from Jim Hendrix (M&T Books, 1987). It’s one of his “small” books like Small-C. If anyone had a copy they want to get rid of, please let me know. Oddly, I have the disks but not the book. Thanks! Rich http://cini.classiccmp.org/ Long Island S100 User’s Group Get Outlook<https://aka.ms/qtex0l> for iOS

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] For the IBM XT Clone exhibit - AT&T PC
by Ethan O'Toole 24 Aug '21

24 Aug '21

[NON-Text Body part not included] I used to love the look of that computer. Color scheme and box shape and all that. But now I know the Tandy 1000SX was a better computer, despite it's flaws. I think the Walt Disney ride "Spaceship Earth" had a set during it where there was one of those AT&T PCs on a desk or something. - Ethan

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Re: For the IBM XT Clone exhibit - AT&T PC
by David Hayden 24 Aug '21

24 Aug '21

That brings back memories. That was my first PC back in ... 1986? I was working at Bell Labs and they sold them cheap to employees. It's made by Olivetti as I recall. AT&T had bought Olivetti and was in the process of running it into the ground.... The motherboard is mounted upside down. To access it, you turn the PC over and remove the bottom case. I saw several posts by people complaining that a memory upgrade (socketed DIPs on the MB) required tearing the entire machine apart. They didn’t realize that all they had to do was turn it over and remove 2 screws. 😊 Dave

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] For the IBM XT Clone exhibit - AT&T PC
by Dean Notarnicola 24 Aug '21

24 Aug '21

Yes, not worth it without the keyboard and monitor On Mon, Aug 23, 2021 at 11:52 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Looks nasty ! > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > On Aug 23, 2021, at 11:00 PM, Bill Degnan via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > https://www.ebay.com/itm/133833992747 > > > > cheap, close to pick up. Good? > > > > BIll > >

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For the IBM XT Clone exhibit - AT&T PC
by Bill Degnan 24 Aug '21

24 Aug '21

https://www.ebay.com/itm/133833992747 cheap, close to pick up. Good? BIll

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR VCF EAST!!!
by Jeffrey Brace 23 Aug '21

23 Aug '21

Sorry to put that in all caps, but I had sent out previous requests for volunteers and many people said that they never saw or noticed them. So hopefully this one is noticed. I only got 2 volunteers from my previous requests so I'm making the plea again. I see volunteers as the oil in the engine of VCF East. They make the whole show run smoothly and are vital to making things go well. I'm just one person who runs the show, but can't do it without adequate volunteering. If I don't get enough volunteers, then the show has a lot of bumps in the road and the existing volunteers get overwhelmed and there are more unhappy people than necessary. If you would like to volunteer, then please fill out this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd0yru702BssSMu8o_B9OemqYGe20HmXvp… Having said that, I need help in many areas: CONSIGNMENT A/V FRONT DESK SETUP BEFORE THE SHOW BREAK DOWN AFTER THE SHOW To have some idea of what is needed day by day: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6 (SETUP!) - Moving tables, chairs - Moving the bunkbeds to the back of the women's bunk room - Clearing the hotel dining room and the 9032-A exhibit space - Setting up tables - Other tasks that I'm forgetting and have on my to-do list. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7 (SETUP!) - Finish setting up tables, chairs, stage - Putting tablecloths on tables, and signs - Putting up outdoor signs - Moving front desk swag and stuff to the front lobby area - Other tasks that I'm forgetting and have on my to-do list. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8 - A/V operators - Consignment volunteers - Food Sales - Front Desk volunteers SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9 - A/V operators - Consignment volunteers - Food Sales - Front Desk volunteers SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10 - A/V operators - Consignment volunteers - Food Sales - Front Desk volunteers - BREAK DOWN VOLUNTEERS (THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT AS IT GOES QUICKLY WHEN WE HAVE ADEQUATE PEOPLE. I UNDERSTAND EVERYONE WILL BE TIRED AND WANT TO GO HOME, BUT I USUALLY GET STUFF WITH 3 VOLUNTEERS TO DO ALL OF THIS) If you would like to volunteer, then please fill out this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd0yru702BssSMu8o_B9OemqYGe20HmXvp… If you have questions, then send me a private message. ========================================= 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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Soldering station parts
by Martin Flynn 22 Aug '21

22 Aug '21

Was pointed to this vendor recently and ordered a bunch of Hakko stuff for CDL https://www.eaesales.com/ Martin

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(kind of OT) - VCF East Prep Day
by Martin Flynn 22 Aug '21

22 Aug '21

CDL is scheduling a work day at Camp Evans, In part to address the IT support portion of the prep for VCF East We are targeting September 25, 2021, with the following projects in mind: * Run a pair of network cables from 9010C to the network rack in 9010B for Wi-Fi Access points and install the access points * Continue to install the cable anchors on the outside of 9032D, 9032C, and 9032B * Install a pair of network cables from the train workshop in 9010A to the network rack in 9010B * Mount the network rack in the 9032A furnace room. * Install the power cables in the 9059 attic for the new UPS system * Drop the existing network cables into the wall between the 9059 Makerspace and 9059 classroom, and mount the cameras Please reply off-list to keep the noise ratio on the list down! Martin Flynn

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Mice!
by Adam Michlin 22 Aug '21

22 Aug '21

Hi Everyone, As some of you know, I'm moving back to New Jersey (actually this weekend). I'll be living a few minutes north of the museum and am already brainstorming. SomeTimeSoon<tm> I'm hoping to propose a mouse exhibit for the museum. To that end, I thought it would be fun to brainstorm on two mouse related topics: Historically important mice Historically oddball mice Mice I know we have: DEC mouse Xerox Alto mouse (currently on the Xerox Star, anyone want to donate a Xerox Star mouse? Pretty please?) Xerox DayBreak mouse (winner of the What Could Be Possibly Thinking? Connector Award) Original Mac serial mouse Various ADB Mac mice Various Commodore mice Various Amiga mice Various Atari mice iMac Puck Mouse (slightly out of scope, but my vote for WorstMouseEver<tm>). Various PS/2 and serial PC mice Various Apple II related mice Thoughts on important pointing devices (trackpads, trackballs, etc.) beyond the mouse are also most welcome. For those that may not know, we try to mix up the exhibits but are often at the limits of what is in the VCF collection. So if you have a mouse to donate, we greatly appreciate it and we can give you a tax writeoff. Along the same lines, we'd love someone to buy and donate this Lisa 1 mouse: https://www.ebay.com/itm/284394610135 I'm told it is a good price. I'm also told it doesn't work with our Lisa 2. But it would make a nice artifact for a possibly future mouse exhibit and we can keep it for the day that we do have a Lisa 1. I'm thrilled to share that the System Source Museum in Maryland just acquired a Lisa 1, so they are out there. Best wishes, -Adam --- Adam Michlin Director of Marketing Vintage Computer Federation

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Macromedia Director support in ScummVM
by Dylan Servilla 22 Aug '21

22 Aug '21

Hi, I'm Dylan. I've been a docent at the VCF museum since last May, and I'm there most weekends. I'm also a computer science student at Rutgers New Brunswick and a developer for ScummVM, the game engine reimplementation project. I've been working on ScummVM's Macromedia Director engine for the past two years. It was just officially announced, and I thought the list might be interested: https://www.scummvm.org/news/20210817/ Macromedia Director was originally released in 1985 as MacroMind VideoWorks, an animation program for the Macintosh. Soon after, a scripting language was introduced, the program was renamed Director, and it became heavily used in CD-ROM games in the 1990s. ScummVM now supports early Director titles, allowing them to be played natively on modern computers. Eventually this will be able to play a huge number of old CD-ROM games. The engine has gotten some media coverage, including in Ars Technica, but be aware that it isn't entirely accurate. https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/08/scummvm-now-supports-macromedia-dire… The engine is currently in the testing stage, and it will be included in the ScummVM 2.5.0 release next month. Dylan Servilla

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] OT: Looking for recommendations on new soldering station for vintage electronics!
by Bob Shuster 20 Aug '21

20 Aug '21

Thanks for all the advice and recommendations. I ended up getting the Weller WE1010 soldering station, the modern version of the Weller WESD51. Heats up quickly, cools down quickly, multitude of tips, very easy tip change, lightweight and feels comfortable in the hand, etc. Seems like a nice solid device - I’m happy with it so far. - Bob

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Docents update
by Jeffrey Brace 20 Aug '21

20 Aug '21

Please congratulate Dennis who is going to University of Maryland - College Park next week. He has been a helpful docent for more than a year. It has been a great help to me so that I don't have to be there every Saturday and Sunday as a docent. I would also like to thank Dylan who has also been a docent for more than a year and is returning to Rutgers in the fall. He will continue being docent and drive down from Rutgers. And last, but not least Steve Anderson who always fills in for emergencies as a docent. It has been wonderful to have these three guys fill in when I have other VCF or personal obligations. I'm hoping to get more docents coming in so that the museum coverage is spread out among many people instead of one. ========================================= 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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VCF 2021 Swapmeet video
by Jeffrey Brace 20 Aug '21

20 Aug '21

Marcus Mera took some video of our swap meet back in April: https://youtu.be/fZgYPjN3j4o He wanted me to share it with everyone. ========================================= 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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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] What does Al Kossow have against VCF?
by Herb Johnson 19 Aug '21

19 Aug '21

On 8/19/2021 11:39 AM, Christian Liendo wrote: > Please allow me to respectfully disagree, since I first posed the > question. I need to explain more. In a way, I thank you for your explanation in response to my post. It reveals the logic you used in deciding to post, what amounts to your personal opinions about individuals and organizations. And, you express your sense of how other people and an organization "should" respond about such things in a public discussion. Now, in a way, this continues a public and *critical* discussion about a private person's merits and actions. That's inappropriate on its face. So I won't respond to points particular to a person or an organization. I'll respond to the process and the reasoning, which were MY point in my post, and in Christian's response. (I'll add one point specific to VCFed-Midatlantic at the end.) By "inappropriate", I mean this. The power of public discussion should not be used as a platform to criticize individuals, subject them or their actions to scrutiny. That doesn't (shouldn't) need much explanation. Those who choose to do that, won't accept an explanation anyway. But some Web searching on "trolls" and "discussion groups" will be informative. Also, about "authority": who has the authority to decide in a public way, if some person did something that merits "public trial"? To present evidence and to ask leading questions - in public? And: does the "accused" have a right or obligation to respond - or is it smarter to simply ignore such discussions? Some study and experience says they should ignore it. These considerations make the case against such public discussions, as patently unfair. Also: if someone with authority is indiscreet? Well, that should not be an excuse to be indiscreet in response. But sometimes it's hard to resist. So, *privately*, if one wonders personally, why someone did or said something? Well, a) is it any of their business? b) are they in any position of power or authority to find out or judge? c) are they obliged to take any actions? Some of Christian's comments, amount to these sort of questions. For the most part, the simple answers for people who aren't involved or responsible, are no, no, and no. One might argue, that if any response appears to be of merit - yet one is NOT responsible for taking actions - then MAYBE one can report the situation to those who ARE responsible. That is, contact the potentially-injured party. Of course, that's also a excuse for passing gossip. One must use some discretion. Otherwise: if someone posts some criticism about some thing or practice or activity, then discuss that subject or not on the merits - if there are any. Not discuss the person. One other thing. OK, two. I asserted, neither Christian nor I have any special authority about what is or is not to be discussed in this email list - that falls to the owners of the list. I don't want to be repetitive or persistent; I'm creating my own counter-productive example (!) but I have a point which challenges that. My point: I think there is one, mitigating circumstance, with this VCFed-Midatlantic email list in particular; which would not be so in other email lists. That is: this list is actively used by the VCFed-Midatlantic, for discussions and actions of the organization itself. And so, one such "action" could be: the operation of this email list. Also: VCFed-Midatlantic by explicit by-laws, defines membership in that organization, as "anyone who joins the mailing list". So participants in this list, are members of the organization. So those active in this list, have some claims for an interest, and for responsibility. Maybe, something like that, suggested to Christian that he was obliged to take certain actions. But - no "member" has any more authority than any other. Only management has more authority, that is more power. And: on the matter of "being formal". Now, I don't expect people, to engage in legalisms and formal logic and complicated arguments. As a practical matter, then, here's why some people try to post (the kind of stuff I'm talking about). They see it in previous posts, from people who decide it's OK to post stuff like this. Nobody objects. And then they see, people who respond (like me!); they want to join in. Again: For those not familiar with these matters, do some Web searching on "trolls", to find out why personalized discussions are *a bad idea*; and why some people engage in it anyway. I don't wanna be a troll, even about NOT being a troll. I posted my objection; I made a case; I responded to the response. That's enough from Herb Johnson, maybe too much. 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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What does Al Kossow have against VCF?
by Herb Johnson 19 Aug '21

19 Aug '21

I think this discussion as titled, is inappropriate on principles. First, it's a public discussion about an individual, their actions and their supposed motivations. What special knowledge or authority, do particular persons have or possess, regarding some one person other than themselves? I call this "gossip". Second, this is a discussion group sponsored by a non-profit educational corporation, for public purpose. I doubt discussions of this class suit those purposes. Any plausible rules of moderation would not permit persons to post negative commentary about an individual. If the owners of this discussion group fail to moderate, it falls to the members to self-moderate. And so I post accordingly. Discussions about the operation of a mail list, are usually counter-productive; I choose this lesser evil. Third, if there's a plausible discussion about something more appropriate, such as say changes in tastes in the vintage computing community (general or particular) - then change the subject line to reflect that discussion, and continue that discussion. Put another way: If no one moderates or complains about gossip and personal arguments, and those posts continue, then that becomes the standard. It becomes normalized. Makes it easier to do the next time, and the next. This is the core argument for moderation. 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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Unicorn Electronics
by Mike Loewen 19 Aug '21

19 Aug '21

Has anyone ordered from Unicorn Electronics recently? Their shopping cart system comes back with a 404 response. Likewise their contact form. I've sent a message to sales(a)unicornelectronics.com about it. Mike Loewen mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/

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OT: Reel audio tape digitization
by David Gesswein 18 Aug '21

18 Aug '21

Somebody asked me about getting some reel to reel audio tapes digitized. Does anyone have a company they recommend or should I just point them to what I found with a search online?

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Bringing items to VCF
by Dean Notarnicola 18 Aug '21

18 Aug '21

All, Thank you to everyone who attended our workshops. While we always appreciate and are grateful for donations of hardware/software/etc., we are currently experiencing a severe space crunch. On top of that, we are in the process of figuring out the logistics of relocating all the warehouse items to temporary space. In light of this, we ask everyone to please contact someone on the committee or board before bringing anything that will be stored at VCF (contact me, Jeff, Adam, Andy, Tony, Chris or Corey.) This will give us an opportunity to find a place for things. Again, thank you to everyone for your participation and contributions to making us a successful organization. Hope to see you at VCF East in October! Regards, Dean

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Kennett Classic Sept 21st 2021 Flyer / Event Update
by Bill Degnan 17 Aug '21

17 Aug '21

I am writing to extend an invitation to my friends at the VCFederation to attend the 2nd-annual Kennett Classic event on Sept 25th. This date marks the 2nd anniversary of the place. I booked the large community activity space called "The Garage" across the street of the museum, which is really going to be a great venue for this event. It's a large converted garage with a high ceiling, break-out rooms and a stage for the computer music performances (8-bit and maybe a theremin show) Here is a link to the flyer, fresh off the presses: https://www.kennettclassic.com/kennett-classic-flyer-KC-II.pdf Here is the page that will be updated frequently. https://www.kennettclassic.com/2nd-annual-kennett-classic-announced/ There are dozens of persons and families living in or visiting Kennett Square who have expressed interest and signed up to get involved. Some are veterans like you guys and some are eager to learn more about the hobby. If you're interested in getting involved, contact me through the web site. I will be updating the details for registration and so on. The basics: 1) You can register for an all-day pass that gives you access to all rooms, activities and project work space. The all-day pass includes a ticket to the computer music performances that start after 7PM. 2) You can exhibit - Make use of that old exhibit from last year, or this year, and turn on a whole new audience to vintage computing! We have a pretty large, growing group here to meet and share. There will be a lot of public walk-in traffic while exhibits are open. *Exhibitors' all-day passes are free* 3) Public exhibits 12-5PM 4) Computer music show from 7-11PM https://www.kennettclassic.com/2nd-annual-kennett-classic-announced/ About Kennett Square: https://historickennettsquare.com/ Thanks in advance Bill Degnan

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What does Al Kossow have against VCF?
by Christian Liendo 17 Aug '21

17 Aug '21

>From ClassicCMP From: Al Kossow via cctalk <cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> Date: Fri, Aug 13, 2021 at 9:24 PM Subject: Re: 30 yrs. ago To: <cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> On 8/13/21 6:14 PM, Murray McCullough via cctalk wrote: > this began > the era of mass-computing and it is now what classiccmp.org > is all about wrong go play with the children on vogons or the VCF forum if you feel that way

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] September workshop
by Bill Degnan 16 Aug '21

16 Aug '21

Speaking of which, it's really coming together nicely if anyone here is interested to go. After the all-day workshop we have three chiptunes bands booked for the evening, but there will still be spaces for people who might want to keep working while the music is playing. Technically we'll also have the space Friday night as well, if you need time to load in. The Garage Center is across the street from the museum but it's much larger and can house 200 people. It will be nice to bounce back and forth between the museum and the event. Here is the latest: https://www.kennettclassic.com/2nd-annual-kennett-classic-announced/ On Mon, Aug 16, 2021 at 6:20 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Jeff > there must be a lag in email. > > I was looking forward to September’s workshop which I saw, when I looked > back through my emails, that it was listed. > I never saw an alert that it was canceled. > > I was going to make the September workshop because I was asked to loan my > Columbia XT clone to someone to show at the VCF East and we were going to > try and get it working. > > I didn’t make the August workshop because I thought there was one in > September. > But that’s not an issue I just thought I would > Explain. > > So, second thing on my list is about the tapes that you were asking me > about. > > I sent you an email about that but I want To make clear that I want keep > that one tape that was in a plastic bag, un-opened. > > I do actually want to pick that up at some point when you’re available. > > So please let me know when I can pick it up. > > Thank you > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > On Aug 16, 2021, at 6:08 PM, Jeffrey Brace <jeffrey(a)vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > > >> On Sat, Aug 14, 2021 at 7:11 PM Sentrytv <sentrytv(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > >> Jeff could you tell me when September’s workshop is please? > > > > Hello Mike, > > > > I'm sorry, but there is no September workshop. Kennett Classic is having > their event and Bill Degnan asked for me not to do a repair workshop that > weekend. There is also VCF MW on September 11 & 12. Also I will be too busy > preparing for VCF East to take up my whole weekend with a repair workshop. > > > > Repair workshops resume in January because VCF East is in October, I > need a rest in November. Festivus is in December and we will have a hybrid > party/repair workshop/swap meet that weekend. > > > >> > >> Sent from: > >> My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. >

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