- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Tales from the Repair Workshop 6/12 & 6/13, 2021
by Ethan O'Toole 14 Jun '21

14 Jun '21

[NON-Text Body part not included] System source is in MD outside of the Baltimore and DC areas. It's awesome. - Ethan

1 0

Bernie S paid a visit!
by Herb Johnson 13 Jun '21

13 Jun '21

> Bernie S paid a visit on May 16 at the very end of our repair workshop. He > had brought some items for Dmitry. One thing was a custom built 6502 system > with all sorts of wires. Another one was a custom built Apple // clone. > Very interesting to see all these items. The photos reveal, some kind of late 1970's, hand-wired cassette-based computer of some sort. And some kind of massively reworked possibly-Apple-II motherboard surrounded by hand-wired boards. Jeff, were you told some kind of history associated with these constructions? Otherwise for anyone not alive in the era, these will be indecipherable pieces of chips and boards. And, that applies to most people interested today. I'll give some interpretation, otherwise this stuff looks awful from a 21st century view; and that saddens me. Without my seeing them myself - I was on campus but unaware - all I can say from the era, is that many techs were obliged to wire up their own computers from pieces of other digital technology. Why? Because computers were not available or too expensive on the one hand, and pieces and parts of older computing tech were available cheaply on the other hand. And some people had the ability, tools and parts to design (or copy) and hand-wire their own boards. Those skills were valuable in the years before (and after) personal computers started becoming available. When personal computers became CHEAP and available, this technology was abandoned - that's why it's all dusty and rusty. And so that's what you see now. Regards, Herb -- 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

2 1

Wanted: Tandon TM100-2A
by Mike Loewen 13 Jun '21

13 Jun '21

Does anyone have a working Tandon TM100-2A for sale? IBM faceplate okay, too. Mike Loewen mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/

1 0

Quick update for the VCF team re the goings on in Building 9059
by Martin Flynn 13 Jun '21

13 Jun '21

1) Replaced the chipped and worn out screwdrivers and torx drivers with new Wiha kit. 2) Started replacing the soldering stations with Hakko FX888D-23BY stations 3) Added new assortments of heat shrink tubing and LED 4) Added the "MS" dies for the Daniels DMC WA2 pneumatic crimpers, already have the "D" dies and a stock of pins. BM-21 tool holder is inbound https://www.dmctools.com/oscar/catalogue/bm-2a_315/ 5) Thanks to Andy, CDL now has a compressor to blow the accumulated junk out of a PC. 6) ESD safe storage boxes were donated, they are sitting atop the parts bin. Anyone want to sort and label? 7) Restock of machine IC sockets underway, delayed due to supply chain issues. Lastly, CDL is standing up a dedicated BBS server in the next two weeks, access details are below * OS: Ubuntu * BBS: Citadel * Dial-up pilot number: 848-274-2600, locked at 1200 baud. * SSH: citadel.compdecon.org

1 0

JUNE 12 & 13 REPAIR WORKSHOP INFO
by Herb Johnson 11 Jun '21

11 Jun '21

> Martin Flynn > Fri Jun 11 02:50:00 UTC 2021 > > Herb, CDL just replaced the screwdrivers and torx sets with Wiha products. The T15 tamper resistant driver is 80mm long total - exactly what is adequate length to open a classic mac? - Martin Six inch shaft. That's 150 mm. 80mm is over three inches. The classic 9-inch Macs have two screws deep under the top-handle. I'll bring my Sears Craftsman tool. > Jeffrey Brace > *1) Vaccinated people don't need to wear a mask.2) Those that are > unvaccinated are recommended to wear a mask.* I"ve chosen to wear one despite my vaccinated status. It's polite to encourage mask-wearing. It doesn't oblige guests and hosts to ask about my vaccination status. Also I have hayfever and it makes some difference there. And, in reasonable time, these considerations will be less necessary, so I can be patient. Others may find my reasoning informative. > Herb Johnson > controller stuff with Shugart 800's, with a secret guest. Not so secret, David Gesswein. I didn't see his name on the Googley list when I made my entry. But it was there anyway. I'll need to be in the same building & room as David. 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

1 0

VCF Mask Policy update
by Jeffrey Brace 11 Jun '21

11 Jun '21

Due to increased vaccination rates and lower covid rates, NJ is a much better place than it has been in the past due to Covid-19. Infoage has changed their policy to "Masks not required if fully vaccinated." Therefore based on NJ, CDC and InfoAge guidelines VCF is changing its policy for VCF sponsored events to the following: *1) Vaccinated people don't need to wear a mask.2) Those that are unvaccinated are recommended to wear a mask.* ========================================= 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

1 0

JUNE 12 & 13 REPAIR WORKSHOP INFO
by Jeffrey Brace 11 Jun '21

11 Jun '21

I will be running this month's repair workshop Signup for June 2021 Repair Workshop here: June 2021 Repair Workshop Signup Sheet <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11iQyGDYyrFsAFQp73YwYnL-3soQIVDGOLid…> Spaces are first come first serve to the CDL space. Limited space available. Overflow space in 9032-A building. Sign up to guarantee a table!!! *DATES*: June 12 & 13, 2021 *LOCATIONS:* InfoAge: 2201 Marconi Road, Wall Township, NJ 1) Building 9059 (CDL Hackerspace - Formerly IXR) AND 2) Building 9032-A (Old workshop area in main building) TIME: Saturday START time == 10 A.M. END time == 11PM. Sunday START time == 10 A.M. and END == 5 P.M. *SIGNUP HERE!*: Signup sheet Click HERE! <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11iQyGDYyrFsAFQp73YwYnL-3soQIVDGOLid…> Fask Masks are required for non vaccinated people. Vaccinated people have the option to wear masks or not. *COST:*- $15 per person, PER day. This money goes to InfoAge and CDL. - $25 per night for those wanting to stay overnight (Money goes to InfoAge). Please pay ME upon arrival. Cash or PayPal is acceptable as payment. Ask ahead of time if you need to use a credit card. *OVERNIGHT*: Bring your own pillow, blankets, soap etc. We provide a bed frame and an uncovered mattress. There are showers and a kitchen for your use. - You can pay via PayPal to paypal(a)vcfed.org. or to me via cash or credit card in person. *EQUIPMENT:* - VCF will provide a table and you can use any available electrical outlet. - Bring your own tools, power strips, power cords, and supplies etc. - If you need particular tools that you don't know or particular parts, please post to the list for those going. They may have what you need. Let them know ahead of time. - Let everyone know what project you are working on ahead of time to inspire collaboration. *DRINKS*: You should bring your own. We have a refrigerator in CDL to keep them cold. VCF will buy some water and soft drinks for member use. *FOOD*: *Saturday afternoon*: Pizza from Attilios (Tinton Falls) *Saturday Night Dinner at 7PM?*: Options: 1) Main Street Bar and Grill 2) Brickhouse Tap and Tavern 3) MJs Signup here for Saturday Dinner <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iSqU1KhZBM4IMCREnYhOBIj1y7FjtcVZROm…> *Sunday Morning*: Bagel order from Delicious Bagels Sign-up HERE <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mOaIF6tAh4CzcQKV-jW4mdKdhPYaz-fRUar…> *Sunday Afternoon*: Wawa GATE: Please close the gate behind you at all times. We want to discourage random strangers from wandering the campus as well as during museum hours. PARKING: Park in the main parking lot, unless you are unloading. Don't park on the lawn. QUESTIONS? Contact Jeff Brace PHONE: (7 3 2 ) 7 5 9 - 1 7 8 3 EMAIL: jeffrey AT vcfed.org Have fun 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

3 2

JUNE 12 & 13 REPAIR WORKSHOP INFO
by Herb Johnson 11 Jun '21

11 Jun '21

I'll be there Saturday to work on some ancient PDP-8 floppy drive controller stuff with Shugart 800's, with a secret guest. Also: if I may, I'll do further repairs on the VCFed Museum's H89 and external drive. The Googley spread-sheet shows someone asking about disassembling a classic Mac case, discharging the CRT and other skills. I'll be glad to show them but others will also know these things. A long Torx T15 tool is desirable. A suggestion to picnic was made; it's certainly plausible and even traditional. My focus is work on site but one must be social when opportunity permits, and when Covid vaccination allows. My hosts will make such decisions, they may have other considerations. 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

3 4

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] JUNE 12 & 13 REPAIR WORKSHOP INFO
by Sentrytv 10 Jun '21

10 Jun '21

There may be enough people and it’s supposed to be some decent weather so maybe we could just have it outside? And of course Jeff would cook some burgers and hotdogs on the grill, hint hint wink wink. Sent from: My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > On Jun 10, 2021, at 5:51 PM, laurakid via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > <mime-attachment>

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] New Yorkers: Demand Your Right to Repair
by Jameel Akari 08 Jun '21

08 Jun '21

And done. Senator Breslin, the sponsor of the bill, is actually my state senator. -- Jameel Akari > I apologize if this has been posted recently, but I thought it was worth mentioning. Those of you who are NY residents, contact your representatives and let them know if you support Right to Repair legislation: https://action.eff.org/o/9042/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=10990 It's more apropos to modern devices, but I still support the idea. Gotta fight for the rights you wanna keep. -Jonathan -- Jameel Akari

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] New Yorkers: Demand Your Right to Repair
by Christian Liendo 08 Jun '21

08 Jun '21

You can notify the state senate online https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/s4104 you will have to register On Tue, Jun 8, 2021 at 2:31 PM Jonathan Sturges via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > I apologize if this has been posted recently, but I thought it was worth mentioning. > Those of you who are NY residents, contact your representatives and let them know if you support Right to Repair legislation: > > https://action.eff.org/o/9042/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=10990 > > It's more apropos to modern devices, but I still support the idea. Gotta fight for the rights you wanna keep. > > -Jonathan

1 0

New Yorkers: Demand Your Right to Repair
by Jonathan Sturges 08 Jun '21

08 Jun '21

I apologize if this has been posted recently, but I thought it was worth mentioning. Those of you who are NY residents, contact your representatives and let them know if you support Right to Repair legislation: https://action.eff.org/o/9042/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=10990 It's more apropos to modern devices, but I still support the idea. Gotta fight for the rights you wanna keep. -Jonathan

2 1

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Old-school computing: when your lab PC is ancient
by Dave McGuire 07 Jun '21

07 Jun '21

On 6/6/21 1:22 PM, laurakid via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > I appreciate this thread vindicating my weariness towards smart > technology. My basic concerns were that I didn’t want my kitchen > appliances to be smarter than me jk 😂. Also didn’t want risk of > hacking (though I know highly unlikely, it’s the principle). Beware, it's not all that unlikely. It's happening all over, with all sorts of products. -Dave -- Dave McGuire, AK4HZ New Kensington, PA

4 4

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Old-school computing: when your lab PC is ancient
by Dave McGuire 07 Jun '21

07 Jun '21

On 6/6/21 1:30 PM, laurakid via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > Thanks for additional vindication, Dave. I really do have a lot > of concern about cybercrime but since I am a novice assume that > any such concerns will be met with justifiable disdain from this > highly knowledgeable group of industry professionals and enthusiasts. Don't automatically assume that you're wrong, jeeze. I've found you to be very much NOT an idiot. And, you know, I'd say so if that weren't the case. ;) -Dave -- Dave McGuire, AK4HZ New Kensington, PA

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Old-school computing: when your lab PC is ancient
by Neil Cherry 06 Jun '21

06 Jun '21

On 6/6/21 1:22 PM, laurakid via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > Also didn’t want risk of hacking (though I know highly unlikely, it’s the principle). Actually it's now highly likely if proper security measures are not taken. Small things are now high value targets as they can work in a coordinated attack. A bot net of cheap security cameras was used 2 years ago in several attacks on services. -- 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

1 0

Old-school computing: when your lab PC is ancient
by Christian Liendo 06 Jun '21

06 Jun '21

What they consider old school is rather new school for us. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01431-y But I know there are people here running some really old active systems.

7 11

I enjoyed the Fair Lawn hamfest
by Jeffrey Jonas 05 Jun '21

05 Jun '21

Despite the extreme heat, I enjoyed the Fair Lawn hamfest. I caught up with several familiar folks from the group, got some useful items and some, well, "grab bag" items I'll be offering at the upcoming workshop :-) Upcoming hamfests: Piscataway, Sussex -- jeff jonas

1 0

Fair lawn hamfest Saturday 6/5
by Sentrytv 04 Jun '21

04 Jun '21

Just in case any of you were wondering what to do this Saturday. Here is a link to a hamfest that is at a recycling center, first one for them. https://www.flarchamfest.com/ Sent from: My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device.

1 0

TRS-80 (Model 1) on eBay
by Chris Fala 04 Jun '21

04 Jun '21

FYI, I just ran across this. It appears to be malfunctioning and the seller is taking offers, so maybe this is a gem for someone who needs parts. I am not pursuing it, just sharing. https://www.ebay.com/itm/304018225356

2 1

Repair workshop is next weekend June 12 & 13
by Jeffrey Brace 04 Jun '21

04 Jun '21

Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11iQyGDYyrFsAFQp73YwYnL-3soQIVDGOLid… ========================================= 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

3 3

C64 Smart Watch
by Jeffrey Brace 03 Jun '21

03 Jun '21

What a fun idea! https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/technology/im-lusting-after-this-custom-comm… ========================================= 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

1 0

Old-school computing: when your lab PC is ancient
by Herb Johnson 02 Jun '21

02 Jun '21

So Neil Cherry posts about Smart Home [automation] stuff, which can be turned off from cloud access at any moment by the distributors. And Dave McGuire responds, "No offense intended, but I don't know how any intelligent person would ever buy that sort of stuff in the first place." Well, that's the discussion about operating vintage embedded computers, and decades of computing products, in a nutshell. Computing associated with control or operation of things or services, is either old and stable; or new and long-term unstable. And either one has some choices, and can take actions (repair, substitution, etc.) or one can't (and out the old stuff goes, no discussion). "Intelligence" is some other matter about skills and is just argumentative. But it references the more general point - as discussed in the article and the thread. There's some high-value services around some old computers (like operating expensive lab equipment) to compel both computer and equipment to stay in-service as original. Because, costs of replacing the lab-service or to re-engineer a new computer, are unacceptable. Neil made a point about railroad equipment, to say this is not a new thing. I'll work this a bit because the argument interests me. "Stable" means it will continue to run until hardware failure. If it was gonna fail, it already did. If replacing it made sense, it was already replaced. Software can fail but if left unchanged and un-attacked, may be "stable". So what's left as vintage and still in service defines itself. You can call that "survivor bias", and that's what is in the Nature article. "Unstable" in the modern world, means failure will occur when the providers turn off the connected services needed. Or failure of marginally designed hardware (like some modern commodity PC's). Or failure of software that accumulates issues which slow down operations (anything Windows). Or: one gets bored and moves on to the next thing. It's a race to see which occurs first. When the pace of change is faster than the breakdown of products and services, "unstable" as I described it doesn't matter. You've replaced it or moved on already. And if that's the norm, then it takes some explanation to describe an alternative world. That world, is the world of the past (in the United States). The modern bias comes from the computing world experience of the 1980's and 90's, when "smaller cheaper faster" computing due to basic physics, became some mantra. First it applied to any service that could be wrapped around information technology. Then it became about jobs and production and consumables, and other science and technology. Now we have a world where most everything seems to be about information services - with many costs at zero, the "race to the bottom". So how do you make a dollar? Charge for services; extract value from information; build cheap so items need replacement and services can be upgraded. A lot of modern problems are a consequence of that. Neil talks about "reliable" in the sense, of services and items built for durability and repair in use, which still provide a desired service, and a service of high even essential value. In the 21st century "reliable" has to be explained because of the assumption that "new" is better, and lack of (good) experience with repair. And, an effort to avoid repair or maintenance costs to encourage replacements (as a market opportunity for providers). And, a simple lack of (modern) individual experience and understanding, about the physical world and the operation of things in that world. > People at my LUG's hack night, where they try to help new people to > install Linux on their systems, typically react in a bad way at my > work with similar hardware. They just don't want to believe that stuff > like that has been around for well over forty years and more. - Greg Levine Some days ago, someone posted in VCFed or the IXR list, about the need to advocate "the right to repair". I said in so many words, to appreciate "repair" one has to learn about a time when repair was not only possible but considered desirable or even preferable. That's one reason I have a Web site, to preserve some of that history. The Nature article addresses historic artifacts in some of the same ways, not so much about repair as substitution. What it says and doesn't say, I find informative. 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

1 0

VCF East 2021 Pre-Show Survey
by Jeffrey Brace 02 Jun '21

02 Jun '21

Please fill out this survey so that we can get some feedback about how we can improve our show: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPhjTsTJPEBLW2SiH4fRLSdl9jV6uMNnb… ========================================= 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

1 0

256 Byte - Commodore 64 Demo - A Mind is Born
by Jeffrey Brace 02 Jun '21

02 Jun '21

Apparently this has been around a while, but I think that this is amazing that you could do a demo with this little size program: https://linusakesson.net/scene/a-mind-is-born/ ========================================= 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

3 2

VCF East 2021 is coming! October 8, 9, 10
by Jeffrey Brace 01 Jun '21

01 Jun '21

I hope that everyone had an enjoyable Memorial Day weekend. I'm in high gear planning for VCF East 2021. I'm excited that we will be able to do a live show this year. This year we have some exciting changes that I hope that everyone will like including: 1) Vendors mixed in with exhibitors (creates a more exciting atmosphere) 2) No more Saturday buffet dinner (everyone can freely choose where they want to eat) 3) After hours for exhibitors from 6PM to 11PM Saturday night. (Exhibitors have the chance to socialize outside of official exhibit hours) 4) Speakers spread out throughout the day (more things to do) 5) Early ticket desk opening and more efficient lines (no more rushing to first talk) 6) Overall flexibility (Common sense flexibility by the showrunner) 7) More changes to come. Registrations are open. If you want to *exhibit, * then please sign up here : https://forms.gle/V3BKoDuVSadewGSm6 If you want to *teach *a class, then please sign up here: https://forms.gle/1TGAYcqtAQjkKR2T9 If you want to be a *vendor, *then please sign up here: https://forms.gle/HdE4147K41ZZP8aq5 If you want to *volunteer*, then please sign up here: https://forms.gle/QATdT9XByfzK9AbE7 ========================================= 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

1 0

IC sockets need a home
by William Dudley 31 May '21

31 May '21

Recently, there was a thread about buying IC sockets. That reminded me that I have a bunch that I will never use. Sadly, these are not machined contact sockets -- they're all "side wipe" sockets (they contact the broad side of the IC pin, not the narrow edge of the pin.) Here is the available inventory: 40 pin Robinson Nugent (RN) wire wrap - qty 9 40 pin Aries ZIF solder tail qty 1 40 pin Cambion wire wrap qty 4 40 pin "A" brand solder tail qty 34 28 pin AMP solder tail qty 60 20 pin AMP solder tail qty 105 The Museum gets first crack at these, and then y'all can figure out what to do with the rest (all) of them. All except the ZIF socket are NOS. All except the ZIF socket are tin plated. The large quantity items are in plastic "IC" tubes (the original packaging). The sockets are in Jackson, NJ. I can deliver to the Museum in Wall, NJ at the next workshop, or other arrangements can be made. Bill Dudley This email is free of malware because I run Linux.

1 0

AES Plus 103 Word Processor Research
by Jeffrey Brace 31 May '21

31 May '21

A candaian researcher is looking for information on the AES Plus 103 word processor which was developed in Montreal, Canada. It was released in the US under the name: *Lanier No Problem* around 1978. If anyone has more info on the machine, please let me know. She had referenced this VCF forum article: https://www.vcfed.org/forum/forum/genres/other/46863-lanier-model-103-no-pr… Thanks! ========================================= 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

3 2

Nice story about getting into computers in the 80s
by Christian Liendo 31 May '21

31 May '21

https://madned.substack.com/p/a-teenagers-guide-to-avoiding-actual I thought this was a nice story because I got into IT roughly the same way. I was supposed to be a veterinarian not an IT person.

11 15

Ken William's Sierra Book
by John Heritage 29 May '21

29 May '21

Hey All! - just a random opinion here, but I thought Ken William's book about Sierra ("Not All Fairy Tales have happy endings..") was great! I loved the variety of background and info -- on the business and how it was run at different stages, lessons learned from the various eras of Sierra, and especially the historical glimpse into what was going on behind the scenes in this market during my childhood. Lastly, having spent 20+ years in IT infrastructure, and always partnering with applications developers - it was cool to read the little interludes on 'how to be a developer', and especially how various games and even game genres came to be. I also took away that perhaps the PCjr (and Tandy 1000) were really the beginning of the end for Amiga and Atari ST -- because they set a standard for sound and graphics on x86 that made better fidelity gaming (and applications) possible in a "standard" way. Ken didn't mention the Amiga or ST, just my biased take from his discussions on what the PCjr offered (despite it's sales failures). Anyway, a lot of great stuff in the book! I'm thankful Ken took the time to write this. And I'm grateful the community is supportive of stuff like this so we get these kinds of insights. Thanks all! :).

1 0

my first BYTE into computers (was My first computer memory was ...)
by Jeffrey Jonas 29 May '21

29 May '21

I got my first taste for computers while still in the crib. I teethed on tape write rings! Despite my dad programming computers since the 50s, it took a friend to really kick-start my interest. Ryan Junior High school had 3 programmable calculators in the vice principal's office for "independent study": a pair of Compucorp 025 Educators and an Olivetti Programma 101. Steven Popper showed me how to program them and I was hooked! I thought it was awesome being able to teach a machine to follow my directions. A key turning point was learning conditional branching. Now the machine was making DECISIONS! [using an "if" statement may sound trivial but those programmable calculators were very limited that way]. I learned the Compucorp so well that I wrote another folder of self-learn exercises and tutored others! I always adored using teeny FiloFax loose-leaf binders because I can rearrange the pages. I still have that notebook with my first programs. Francis Lewis High school in Queens may not sound prestigious but in the mid 70s, it was quite the "magnet school" with special programs such as the Math-Science Institute. The best math teachers were recruited and that spring-boarded the school's success, becoming the first public high school to achieve International Baccalaureate accredation http://ferretronix.com/flewis/#ib_footnote The math department taught computer programming as if it were a science lab experiment. Learn something (such as calculating the area under a curve), do it by hand, and then get the computer to handle the tedium of more and more points. We started by sharing one HP 9820A https://www.hpmuseum.org/hp9820.htm https://www.oldcalculatormuseum.com/hp9820a.html Then we learned EDU-25 basic on the PDP8/e with 2 terminals (originally ASR33 teletypes, later ADM3A). Having our own PDP8/e was a big deal. Few schools had a computer in-house. The main computers were batch. Programs were keypunched onto cards, using IBM 029 keypunches. Operators (such as myself) ran the IBM 3777 RJE (Remote Job Entry) terminal: a card reader and line printer to a modem. https://www.ricomputermuseum.org/collections-gallery/equipment/ibm-3777-mod… We dialed into 3 IBM mainframes: UAPC, MIDP or CCNY. Each was slightly different, requiring their own JCL (Job Control Language cards). Some ran HASP, others JES2. CCNY (City College of NY) had the student compilers: WATFIV, PL/C, SNOBOL, etc. UAPC (University Application Processing Center) was administration only: attendance, report cards, class scheduling. MIDP (Management Information Data Processing) was the board of education's mainframe, which was tolerable after the upgrade. I learned FORTRAN/WATFIV, PL/I, BAL, JCL and the operator commands among other things. The Cooper Union Computer Center was a PDP 11/45 running Unix version 6. What a joy to finally use INTERACTIVE TERMINALS (initially Olivetti teletypes, then ADM3A and Decwriters). Of course, K&R "C" was the main language. It was fun extending the Unix utilities with new features. I took ownership of the line printer system: LPR/LPD. See: http://ferretronix.com/cucc/ That's all for now!

3 4

Freenode IRC drama
by Jeffrey Brace 28 May '21

28 May '21

I found out about this through Hackaday's article, but this has been going on for a little while now: https://hackaday.com/2021/05/20/freenode-debacle-prompts-staff-exodus-new-n… ========================================= 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

3 2

Kennett classic news
by Herb Johnson 24 May '21

24 May '21

https://www.kennettclassic.com/freestuff/ Among KC's free items, is an ASUS M5 motherboard. Yes, it's modern stuff. It happens I could use the parts or the unlikely chance the mobo works. This could be readily shipped but Bill reasonably is not offering that service. If someone travels to Kennett and is able to pick this item up with parts, and can simply pack it and postal ship, I'd pay postage to my ZIP 08618. Flat rate Priority Mail keeps the cost under $21 but may be less. Use some discretion in packing loose parts. Contact me privately for details as per my email addresses below. to Bill: I'll get down to the Kennett site sometime this season. What does June look like? Checking their calendar, I see they had a PDP 8/e repair session in April. How did that go? 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

2 1

My first computer memory was using a terminal
by Bill Degnan 23 May '21

23 May '21

I vaguely remember when I was in elementary school in the 1970s in delaware some U of Delaware students or a teacher gave me access to a computer via a terminal. It was a simple login prompt to connect to the library and look things up and play some kind of exercises that had conditional decisions to build a story. It wasn't Plato or anything like that. That was my first memory of computers, but I must have been very young as I don't remember much else. The thing that impressed me was how you could decide what to do next and it changed a story's outcome. I think we had a picture book that went with it (?) I always wonder what that was all about. It was a one-day thing and that was it. Many years later I heard about something called project Delta at the U of Del but I have no idea if that was the same thing or if it was just some U of Del student looking for nearby kids to experiment with. I remember going to the librarian in elementary school and asking to use the computer in the back office , maybe 5th grade, but there were no computers for kids to use. I started going to RadioShack and using their computers probably in 4th grade and the Hallmark had a Timex Sinclair on display there, but I did have a family computer until the later 80s. I somehow knew BASIC, which makes me wonder if I was taught BASIC too. I remember making the computer say "Bill is Cool" over and over and I thought that was really funny at the time. Bill

7 9

Help with reversing some x86 code
by Richard Cini 23 May '21

23 May '21

All – Not sure I sent this to the list previously, but I’ve been working on a project on-and-off (http://cini.classiccmp.org/hal.htm) and could use some help from someone who’s very familiar with x86 code to give me the last push. The project page has the background and a link to the listing file with my detailed comments. This program bridges not only the original development of MS-DOS, but also the use of TOPS-10/TOPS-20. So, if anyone can help with this, I’d appreciate it. Thanks in advance! Rich -- Rich Cini http://cini.classiccmp.org http://altair32.classiccmp.org

1 0

Volunteers need for VCF East 2021! Volunteer Registration
by Jeffrey Brace 21 May '21

21 May '21

Interested in volunteering for VCF East? Volunteers are the backbone of making the show run smoothly. This year, I'm creating a registration form to streamline volunteer support. I'm looking for volunteers for all areas of VCF East. The show doesn't happen without volunteer support, so let me know where and when you can help. Fill out this registration form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd0yru702BssSMu8o_B9OemqYGe20HmXvp… It's much appreciated! Thanks so much! ========================================= 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

1 0

Sussex Hamfest July 18, 2021
by Sentrytv 20 May '21

20 May '21

> From: Sussex County Amateur Radio Club <W2LV(a)scarcnj.org> > Date: May 20, 2021 at 7:46:44 PM EDT > To: Sussex County ARC <hamfest(a)scarcnj.org> > Subject: Sussex Hamfest July 18, 2021 > Reply-To: Hamfest(a)scarcnj.org > > Hello Hamfester > > The Sussex County ARC Hamfest is "ON" for July 18, 2021 at the Sussex County Fair Grounds 37 Plains Rd. Augusta, NJ 07822 > > Fees for 2021 > > Buyer $8 > > Tailgate spot includes one admission $25 > > Indoor Tables $25 each > > Tailgate spots are on First to Arrive gets the spot they like. > > Contact us if you wish at ""Hamfest(a)Scarcnj.Org "" > > Tailgate and indoor setup on July 18th is at 6AM > > 73 from the Sussex Hamfest > > -- > Sussex County Hamfest Committee "Rain or Shine since 1979" >

1 0

Kennett classic news
by Bill Degnan 20 May '21

20 May '21

Pending details announcement about the Kennett Classic event scheduled for September 25th...stand by KC will close early this weekend, special hours 10-2. https://www.kennettclassic.com/freestuff/ Bill

3 2

Bernoulli Drives needed in working condition
by Herb Johnson 20 May '21

20 May '21

Dave responded to my points, with his points. I thought about it, but actually we see the same sorts of things in this discussion, and put some different values to them. That's good by me, discussions work that way. I see his points and I will consider them further. We aren't that far about, just differences in strategy and tactics. The action issue today, is what management will do about the donor's offer of data cartridges, and who might be found to execute if management want to accept conditions on that offer. So far, Dave and I are in neither category. So we are both "chatting" as I put it. He and I shared our views, I see no point in arguing between us, again it's not about either of us. I take his point, that discussion may lead to something and also has its own value. I'll leave it at that. Dave asks, what about the future, other such projects? "If you are going to shy away from a small thing, what happens when you have a big thing?" Yeah, that's a good question. I'd also call that "raising the stakes". It's a good way to consider policy. But that's not in play in this thread, I don't think. But it might be - I didn't know what Jeff would say next, when I wrote this. But I read ahead on the thread. ========================= Since Dave's post, before I posted what I wrote above, Jeff Brace blinds us with science, provides more facts. He explained what was potentially available. Like most "finds", it's an emerging situation. The drives are like the ones on my Web page - thus they are identified. There's 30, 40, 50 cartridges involved. And: two pairs of drives. Terms of providing the carts, are detailed. But my guess is, they are not final terms but done on-the-fly. They could change. That raises the stakes on the carts: at street value of the order of $20 a pop, that's several hundred dollars value minimum. And by the way: you'll also need cleaning carts, and often, to keep operating the drives. Maybe there's cleaning carts among the data carts Jeff saw. I know this much: I have a customer who says HE is still using these drives. So maybe these drives can be recovered and work again. So task one, is to get one drive inspected and working with one computer; maybe then both drives; maybe then on two computers. That's contingent on obtaining one or two controllers - without doubt. Getting something running is also necessary, to execute the deletion commitment. Task two - keep these running for a long activity, which I'll describe by guess. It's separate from running the system. Guessing about operation of the 10 MB Bernoulii drive, again what little I know. A "delete all files" operation must be tens of minutes effort, to load a cart, inspect, perform, inspect, remove. So that means some person-hours of work, to erase tens of carts, by simple math. Is this something the donor *really* wants to commit to, their personal or professional time? Where will they commit to do this? The systems may have to be moved, operated on the donor's site? Will that be practical? Can they be maintained? That's all I've got to say. I'm just guessing at the tasks involved. Maybe my discussion ("chatter") will be informative to whomever makes decisions about this acquisition and project. I can add, I have some IBM ISA controllers, which may be appropriate (I do not know), and which would have to be bought (not donated) and are not tested. Also cables, which may or may not be needed. I'll show them on my Web site when I get to it, in a day or two. It's pure circumstance that 1) I have these and 2) I happened to have a customer for them THIS WEEK. Otherwise they have been dormant for years. 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

4 4

Class Instructors for VCF East 2021
by Jeffrey Brace 20 May '21

20 May '21

Are you interested in teaching a class at VCF East? VCF East University Class of 2021 is on October 8 from 9AM to 5PM. Classes are usually about 45 minutes long with 15 minutes of Q&A. We are flexible if your topic has a need to run longer. We are looking for how-to classes ranging from programming to repair to informational. If you are interested, then please fill out this form: < https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeX86RAqQWN8O0b6EA5Qf0dyuq1UbwI0gh… > Keep in mind that this is an application and your submission will be considered for inclusion. We may ask you for clarifying information, so please provide as much information as possible. Deadline for registering a class is September 8, 2021. If you have any questions, then please e-mail the showrunner at vcfeast AT vcfed.org If you want to see examples of our previous classes from past years, then scroll down to classes: https://vcfed.org/wp/festivals/archives-show-summaries/vcf-east-archives/vc… Our virtual show had a lot of variety: https://vcfed.org/wp/festivals/archives-show-summaries/vcf-east-archives/vc… ========================================= 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

1 0

Which Amigas support 1.44MB/1.76MB floppy drives?
by John Heritage 19 May '21

19 May '21

Hey there - I was just curious which Amigas (and KS/WB versions) support 1.44/1.76MB floppy drives? I have an HxC emulator that can support 1.76MB ADF files, and I know some later Amigas can support this format, but it doesn't work on my Amiga 500, at least when booted to KS/WB 2.0 or 3.1. I believe the floppy controller on the Amiga is part of Paula, so what else changed that allowed this format to work? Would a stock 1200? Thanks! John

4 5

OT: ham radio parts need home
by William Dudley 19 May '21

19 May '21

I'm going through my stuff and finding things I'll never ever use. Vacuum tubes and associated components are in that category. I haven't inventoried the (few remaining) vacuum tubes yet. Here are some oil filled high voltage can capacitors. If any of you have interest, you can have them for the cost of shipping (or local pickup in central NJ). One Cornell Dubilier "Dykanol A" Capacitor, 4uF @ 1500 V Two more in the same sized can, but no markings. Two Aerovox .25uF @ 2000 V One Sprague .25uF @ 2000 V Two similar sized cans with no markings (but painted olive drab) I don't really want to schlep this small amount of stuff to a hamfest. Recommendations of a "local to NJ" ham mailing list or antique radio mailing list would be useful. This email is free of malware because I run Linux.

2 1

Photo Archive
by Christian Liendo 19 May '21

19 May '21

Did anyone ever get that going? I have a lot of photos I want to donate of MARCH/VCF events over the years.

2 1

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Bernoulli Drives needed in working condition
by Gregg Levine 19 May '21

19 May '21

Hello! Same here! And Jeff B, then why did you react to mine when it came time to find the things. ----- Gregg C Levine gregg.drwho8(a)gmail.com "This signature fought the Time Wars, time and again." On Tue, May 18, 2021 at 9:50 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > I can never figure out why people take fuzzy blurry pictures and post them. > > > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > On May 18, 2021, at 9:41 PM, Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > <jeffrey(a)vcfed.org> > > > >> On Tue, May 18, 2021 at 5:06 PM Herb Johnson via vcf-midatlantic < > >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >> > >> This caught my attention, because I likely have a clue about this tech. > >> > >> http://www.retrotechnology.com/aux/iomega10.html > >> > >> Are these the 'droids you are looking for? > >> > > > > Yes! They are the droids that I'm looking for! And FYI: Jedi mind tricks > > don't work with me ;) > > > >> First: the propositions, as stated by Jeff Brace: > >> > >>> Someone donated two 10x10 Bernoulli drives to VCF. They are in unknown > >>> condition. She gave us the manual, a cable and one cartridge. She wants > >> to > >>> donate the remaining cartridges, but would like to supervise the deletion > >>> of the data they have on them. So we need one in working condition first. > >> > >> and: > >> > >>> It is payroll data that the couple used for their business for many > >> years, > >>> so it is quite sensitive. > >> First: this appears to be a legal contract over property and services. > >> Not that I'm a lawyer. VCFed Incorporated may wish to examine these > >> terms, as Dave McGuire pointed out, and see if the Corporation wishes to > >> engage in such contracts with clients. Hint. Hint. > > > > Yes, Dave gave us some contract and we are looking to use it out of an > > abundance of caution. > > > >> Second: how many carts is this about, anyways? Ebay price - by luck I > >> happened to look recently - some tens of dollars each. Point being: why > >> spin all our wheels, just over a few carts? And: *are there any in the > >> VCFed Inventory already*? Just a thought. > > > > There are about 30 to 40 cartridges, maybe 50. I had them give me one for > > testing purposes because I'm pretty certain that VCF *doesn't* have any of > > these. Tony and the Inventory Committee would know better than me, but I > > have never seen any in the warehouse. > > > > Related: "two 10X10 drives" is ambiguous. Is it one cabinet with two > >> drives, as per my unit? That's my guess, and I show an example. > > > > It is two cabinets with two drives per unit. So two units like the one that > > you have. One is labeled "working", but who knows when it was last working. > > > >> Third: I see no "data recovery" in these terms, as suggested in the > >> chatter. Just data security. So: let the client keep the carts, if they > >> choose to destroy them, that would be sad. But that solves the problem, > >> no. further. fuss. needed. That's my recommendation. > > > > She wanted to destroy the cartridges. I didn't have time to research how > > rare they were, so I asked if we could have them. Then she said that there > > was payroll data that she wanted deleted. She wanted to go through the data > > herself and delete it herself once we got the drives working. > > ========================================= > > 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 > "Be careful with that! It's an heirloom.", said the Doctor, as the guard were using a crude method to try to open his TARDIS.

2 1

May Repair workshop - sockets
by Herb Johnson 19 May '21

19 May '21

> David Gesswein > Tue May 18 23:59:58 UTC 2021 > > On Tue, May 18, 2021 at 02:34:01PM -0400, Herb Johnson > >> Much discussion occurred about IC sockets. No one suggested purchase >> of machine-pin sockets, which is my choice. >> > > So I'm no one now :-). [reference to his suggestion in kind] > That was a lot of email to try to follow today. Of course, my apologies. And you provided my excuse. There has been a lot of email, which has drawn my attention as well. And I see Dave McGuire agrees with both of us. Martin says he'll consider both and look at prices; perhaps accommodate both factions. It is the buyer's choice. Those who use IXR's sockets, I believe should contribute back to replace them. So the users will have a vote, in the long term. Another way to argue the point, is to repair with sockets to match, unless all/most sockets are damaged. I believe our friend Jon Chapman AKA Systems Glitch, uses machine-pin to replace vintage sockets when damage is widespread. Regards, Herb -- 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

1 0

Bernoulli Drives needed in working condition
by Herb Johnson 19 May '21

19 May '21

This thread and subject-matter, seems to me to be "much ado about nothing". Sorry. But there is so. much. chatter. about this Bernoulli drive and cartridge business, reasonable people can't keep their focus on *what the tasks are*, what is reasonable to do, and unreasonable to do, and by whom. This caught my attention, because I likely have a clue about this tech. http://www.retrotechnology.com/aux/iomega10.html Are these the 'droids you are looking for? Note: I'm in the process NOW of selling the drive. I may have some IBM controllers available. I'm not giving them away, this is stuff I sell. That's not exactly why I posted. So: what is all this chatter about, and what seems a plausible path forward? First: the propositions, as stated by Jeff Brace: > Someone donated two 10x10 Bernoulli drives to VCF. They are in unknown > condition. She gave us the manual, a cable and one cartridge. She wants to > donate the remaining cartridges, but would like to supervise the deletion > of the data they have on them. So we need one in working condition first. and: > It is payroll data that the couple used for their business for many years, > so it is quite sensitive. First: this appears to be a legal contract over property and services. Not that I'm a lawyer. VCFed Incorporated may wish to examine these terms, as Dave McGuire pointed out, and see if the Corporation wishes to engage in such contracts with clients. Hint. Hint. Second: how many carts is this about, anyways? Ebay price - by luck I happened to look recently - some tens of dollars each. Point being: why spin all our wheels, just over a few carts? And: *are there any in the VCFed Inventory already*? Just a thought. Related: "two 10X10 drives" is ambiguous. Is it one cabinet with two drives, as per my unit? That's my guess, and I show an example. Third: I see no "data recovery" in these terms, as suggested in the chatter. Just data security. So: let the client keep the carts, if they choose to destroy them, that would be sad. But that solves the problem, no. further. fuss. needed. That's my recommendation. If there are objections: 1) Google "who bells the cat?" Hint: it's about finding volunteers for difficult tasks. 2) Google "the lady who put salt in her coffee". Old-person alert - this is 19th century technology. It's about solving problems. 3) - if you think YOU can make this work, convince Jeff Brace and the corporation, and that you can execute on it. I won't touch that, myself. I don't make that offer. 4) - if you think more 10MB carts are important - buy some off eBay. Or donate $$$ to VCFed Inc and they can buy them. Myself: I'll consider it, depending on what becomes of this donation, and my own sale of my drive (if that's the drive in question). So here's my specific advice, since I'm posting so much already. Tell the donor: "Thank you for the donation of the drive equipment and the single disk cartridge. Unfortunately, we are not in the business of data destruction and deletion. And we will not be able to operate the drive anytime in the near future: our resources to restore and operate equipment are voluntary and limited; it needs a controller we would have to acquire. "So we are not able to satisfy your terms of assured data destruction; so we cannot accept your data cartridges. If we become aware of such services, we'll provide you with contact information as a courtesy, for your own considerations. Thank you again for helping us in our goals of preserving vintage computing technology." This solves all problems, with no additional resources of time, money, materials or performance by individuals or VCFed Inc.. And that is my contribution to the discussion. That, and a link to what I think may be similar tech. At some point soon in time, I may add IBM controller information to my Bernoulli Web page. That may be useful for information. If VCFed has some interest in items I have, they or their donors can contact me for prices. Those items are untested, as-is, without warranty or fitness for use. Regards, Herb Johnson retrotechnology.com -- 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

4 3

May Repair workshop - sockets
by Herb Johnson 18 May '21

18 May '21

> Dean, > I’m ordering sockets for CDL stock / is there a specific type that is preferred ? > > Martin Flynn > Martin, thank you. I’m not sure. Perhaps Jeff S, Herb, Ian, et al would > have a better idea of common sockets types we’re likely to go through > Dean Notarnicola Much discussion occurred about IC sockets. No one suggested purchase of machine-pin sockets, which is my choice. "Double wipe" sockets are preferred by others. CDL "should" purchase whichever style they find satisfactory. As to number of pins: some of all kinds should be stocked by CDL, they will get used eventually. But pin-counts above 40 are somewhat specialized. - regards, Herb -- 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

4 3

those S-100 connectors
by Dave McGuire 18 May '21

18 May '21

Those EDAC S-100 backplane connectors are $9.01/ea at DigiKey, FYI. I'm usually a Mouser man, but DigiKey's $9.01 sure beats Mouser's $16.80. -Dave -- Dave McGuire, AK4HZ New Kensington, PA

1 0

Bernoulli Drives needed in working condition
by Jeffrey Brace 18 May '21

18 May '21

Someone donated two 10x10 Bernoulli drives to VCF. They are in unknown condition. She gave us the manual, a cable and one cartridge. She wants to donate the remaining cartridges, but would like to supervise the deletion of the data they have on them. So we need one in working condition first. As I understand it, the drives need a special card on an "older" PC to operate. She disposed of the PC that had that card. Is there anyone who has this card and can get these drives in working order so that the lady can delete her data? ========================================= 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

11 24

H89 for museum; gotek?
by Herb Johnson 18 May '21

18 May '21

Preserving continuity of thread-subject; item below was posted in the May Repair thread. - Herb > [vcf-midatlantic] May Repair workshop > jsalzman at gmail.com jsalzman at gmail.com > Tue May 18 12:35:40 UTC 2021 > > > I did more work with my own recently acquired H89 that I brought. Herb was > eminently helpful in figuring out what I had available, and was able to get > it booted with the disks that came with the acquisition. I spent most of > the weekend working out some of its little issues after it had been sitting > for over 30 years. > > [other matters deleted] > > One of the last things I did before leaving the event was to take a closer > look at the Museum's H-89 that Herb was working on. I pulled the drive > controller card and found a great amount of green rot on the main > controller IC's socket and pins. There was no noticeable damage to the > board. I replaced the socket and cleaned up the pins of the IC. That > didn't change the behavior of the drive controller, but it was certainly a > needed fix. The rest of the board is all 74XX TTL logic. The board could be > refurbished easily if the primary controller chip is still good. There were > a couple TTL chips that had similar rot on them, but not nearly as bad. It > was running late for me, so I didn't repair/replace those sockets at that > time. > > Jeff Salzman Jeff, thanks for the Sunday follow up on the Museum's H89. If I can work on it again, I will contact Jeff Brace accordingly to set a date. I see mid-June is a workshop, but I could stop by when the Museum is open. On Saturday, the H89 was working, booting HDOS, but had some issues. I saw some socket and chip corrosion, probably due to some local moisture; I took no action, Jeff Salzman did his follow up, thanks for working on that floppy controller. I don't believe I saw problems with the floppy controller. The problems I found were: some keyboard keys did not produce the right ASCII code (garbage); cause undetermined. There's a 20V DC issue (details previously in this thread) which I haven't decided on a fix for, it is not "broken" just too high for known reasons. Also I did not restore the H89 external drive's gummy spindle; I did restore the H89 internal drive's spindle, same brand/model of drive. So the same fix is needed. If I'm smart, I'll bring a working drive of the same brand and model if I have one in my stock: save myself on-site time. Or I will rob one from another H89 in VCFed Inventory. (If people are curious, I'll identify the drive at some point.) Plan B, would be to restore another H89 from the VCFed Inventory. A backup unit is also a good Plan B for the Museum. I'll inspect the inventory of H89's if time permits or parts are needed. 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

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] GSA lighthouse offices available
by Christian Liendo 18 May '21

18 May '21

I have done work at some of them (USCG reservist), some of them get flooded and I think the salty air is not that great for computers . It would be cool to have an event there, but not store or keep computers there for a prolonged period of time. On Sun, May 16, 2021 at 6:28 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > Here is a link that I found online after I read a newspaper article referring to the federal government, general services administration, providing free offices to Nonprofit organizations and others. > These “offices” happen to be old light houses that are no longer are used. > Would it be interesting if VCF were to have a computer museum in a lighthouse? > Link is below. > > https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.mprnews.org/amp/story/2021/05/15/free-offi… > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device.

5 6