- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

Revised, My take on "what is vintage computing"
by Bill Degnan 22 Dec '20

22 Dec '20

I revised an article I wrote the other day to further define my take on "what is vintage computing" from the hobbyist perspective. https://www.kennettclassic.com/the-new-generation-of-classic-computing-hobb… Bill

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] OT: XP p to v
by mark＠markesystems.com 21 Dec '20

21 Dec '20

From: Kelly Leavitt <kelly(a)catcorner.org> > Good afternoon all, > This is Kelly from the vcfed. I was wondering if anyone had experience in > converting physical machines to run in a virtual environment. It just > seems like a skill I can find in this group. > > I'm trying to help a friend convert an old XP machine that runs custom USB > hardware into a virtual environment so he can keep using his equipment. > > I have it running under VMWare, but it's not 100% stable. I get BSOD on > shutdown about 50% of the time and about 10% of the time on system > startup. I've removed all drivers for old non-needed equipment, did a > repair XP install, installed the guest applications for XP and disabled > sound and graphics acceleration already. I've been using VirtualBox to host an XP machine for some time, including some limited USB pass-through (serial ports, but actually passing the USB through to the XP and installing the FTDI driver there). It has been unconditionally stable, and I find that the performance is fine also. In fact, when my ancient (2003) version of SolidWorks stopped working on Win-10 after a recent update, I installed it on the Virtual XP machine, and not only does it run fine there, it's also about 50% faster! So, you might give VirtualBox a try (install the "Guest Additions CD" too), and I'd definitely try to figure out how to do a clean install of XP. Perhaps you could run the current flawed version enough to extract the user's software and various drivers; here's a little batch file that should grab the drivers: %homedrive% cd “%homepath%\my documents” md DriverBackUp cd DriverBackUp xcopy %windir%\system32\Drivers /r /y xcopy %windir%\system32\DriverStore /r /y xcopy %windir%\inf /r /y pause In some cases drivers may need some registry tweaks or other dlls, and must be installed using the manufacturer's original installer, but very often just pointing Windows to the DriverBackUp (or whatever you called it) directory when installing the hardware on the new machine will work just fine. You can use Dependency Walker (dependencywalker.com) to find any referenced dlls; if you find any, you'll need to manually copy them to the right place on the new system, then use regsvr32 to register them so that XP can resolve any references to them. As far as moving the (presumably custom) software application to a new machine, that can range from easy (copy the executable) to impossible (the creator put things in non-standard places, and/or has a zillion widely scattered registry entries). I've had some success copying the executable and its whole directory (C:\Program Files\<whatever>), then using Dependency Walker to find dlls, ocxs, etc. it may have stashed in other places (like Windows\System32). Hopefully a search of the registry using the applications name (or a substring of it) will reveal at least some of the registry entries, and perhaps provide clues to where other might be lurking. Note that you'll need to register ocxs as well as dlls, if you find any. You mentioned that the budget didn't extend to a "new" XP machine; consider that you could easily spend a day tinkering with this, and how much your time is worth... ~~ Mark Moulding

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OT: XP p to v
by Kelly Leavitt 20 Dec '20

20 Dec '20

Good afternoon all, This is Kelly from the vcfed. I was wondering if anyone had experience in converting physical machines to run in a virtual environment. It just seems like a skill I can find in this group. I'm trying to help a friend convert an old XP machine that runs custom USB hardware into a virtual environment so he can keep using his equipment. I have it running under VMWare, but it's not 100% stable. I get BSOD on shutdown about 50% of the time and about 10% of the time on system startup. I've removed all drivers for old non-needed equipment, did a repair XP install, installed the guest applications for XP and disabled sound and graphics acceleration already. Thanks, Kelly

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Read or Reply to VCF mailing list from a BBS?
by John Heritage 20 Dec '20

20 Dec '20

Is there any sort of way to read and/or reply to this VCF mailing list from a BBS?

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Commodore ECOs
by Richard Cini 20 Dec '20

20 Dec '20

All – I’m working on a VIC-20 project related to another project on 6502.org. I’m looking at two difference VIC-20 schematics for the “cost reduced” VIC-20 (with the drawing number 251027-01). One set is Revision C and the other D. Is there a list somewhere of the Commodore ECOs so I know what the changes are? Thanks! Rich -- Rich Cini http://www.classiccmp.org/cini http://www.classiccmp.org/altair32

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IMSAI & Keyboard
by Bob Aviles 20 Dec '20

20 Dec '20

Hi all, I am working on TEI System S-100 the machine seems to be in great condition so far, Haven't put it on yet still need to check caps? I am looking for two items: 1. Front panel IMSAI panel for the TEI. 2. Amiga 2000 keyboard this is for my 2000 systems. Just in case you have one of these, how much? or trade. Happy Holidays to all! Bobby

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Interesting ebay item, 16mm film on DisplayWriter
by Douglas Crawford 19 Dec '20

19 Dec '20

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Televideo Model 925
by Bill Degnan 18 Dec '20

18 Dec '20

An IMSAI front panel is not a common thi g :-) On Thu, Dec 17, 2020, 6:16 PM Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Ok, thanks Bill, and have a happy holiday. > Bobby > On Thursday, December 17, 2020, 05:26:39 PM EST, Bill Degnan via > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > I don't have these things for sale, sorry. > Bill > > On Thu, Dec 17, 2020 at 5:13 PM Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > Hi Bill, > > I am working on the machine seems to be in great condition so far, > > Haven't put it on yet still need to check caps? > > I am looking for two items: > > 1. Front panel IMSAI panel.2. Amiga 2000 keyboard this is for my 2000 > > systems. > > Just in case you have one of these, how much? or trade. > > I got the idea from the website DAVES OLD COMPUTERS - Various S-100 > > systems, I have the compact TEI chassis.it states that I can use the > > Front IMSAI panel. > > "Look carefully, and you will see that one S-100 slot extends outside the > > chassis front wall (but behind the separate front panel) - this chassis > can > > accept a front panel such as the IMSAI panel". > > ThanksBobby > > > > > > On Monday, November 23, 2020, 10:36:33 AM EST, Bill Degnan via > > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > gotcha > > > > On Mon, Nov 23, 2020 at 10:23 AM Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic < > > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > > Hi Bill, > > > Yes, I know you moved. I will probably make it next year, my wife not > > > letting go anywhere.Thanks for the invite and Happy Thanksgiving. > > > Bobby > > > On Monday, November 23, 2020, 07:32:43 AM EST, Bill Degnan via > > > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > > > Bobby, > > > Note back then that was the Wilmington Del. repair shop, now my > business > > is > > > located in Kennett Square, PA. Kennettclassic.com for hours and > location. > > > You'll need to make an appointment because I will need prep time to.set > > up > > > the Compupro and terminal. Do you have 8" drive(s), cables and boot > > media? > > > Bill > > > > > > On Sun, Nov 22, 2020, 10:28 PM Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic < > > > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > > > > Hi Bill, > > > > Just got the system need to check cards and other stuff, will get > back > > > > to you on the null modem?I once went up to your store to buy a radio > > > shack > > > > monitor years ago. > > > > ThanksBobby > > > > On Sunday, November 22, 2020, 04:27:53 PM EST, Bill Degnan via > > > > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > > > > > Any terminal will work, or a computer running comm software. If > > you're > > > > going the comm software router, to start, avoid using a usb to serial > > > > adapter and try to use a true serial port until you're sure the > > computer > > > is > > > > working with a serial terminal. I have used all kinds of things > with a > > > > Compupro; Zenith, > > > > > > > > Just a question whether you need a null modem or not, I dont recall. > > > Does > > > > it have the Interfacer card? > > > > > > > > On Sun, Nov 22, 2020, 3:40 PM Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic < > > > > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > > > > > > Hi, > > > > > > > > > > I am looking for a Televideo model 925 terminal with keyboard, > > 115/230V > > > > > for my CompuPro S100 that I just received or any other type that > > works > > > > with > > > > > the CompuPro S100 systems. Questions does anyone known if the > Zenith > > > > EasyPC > > > > > keyboard with work with the Compupro S100? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Thanks > > > > > Bobby > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Televideo Model 925
by Bill Degnan 17 Dec '20

17 Dec '20

I don't have these things for sale, sorry. Bill On Thu, Dec 17, 2020 at 5:13 PM Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Hi Bill, > I am working on the machine seems to be in great condition so far, > Haven't put it on yet still need to check caps? > I am looking for two items: > 1. Front panel IMSAI panel.2. Amiga 2000 keyboard this is for my 2000 > systems. > Just in case you have one of these, how much? or trade. > I got the idea from the website DAVES OLD COMPUTERS - Various S-100 > systems, I have the compact TEI chassis.it states that I can use the > Front IMSAI panel. > "Look carefully, and you will see that one S-100 slot extends outside the > chassis front wall (but behind the separate front panel) - this chassis can > accept a front panel such as the IMSAI panel". > ThanksBobby > > > On Monday, November 23, 2020, 10:36:33 AM EST, Bill Degnan via > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > gotcha > > On Mon, Nov 23, 2020 at 10:23 AM Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > Hi Bill, > > Yes, I know you moved. I will probably make it next year, my wife not > > letting go anywhere.Thanks for the invite and Happy Thanksgiving. > > Bobby > > On Monday, November 23, 2020, 07:32:43 AM EST, Bill Degnan via > > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > Bobby, > > Note back then that was the Wilmington Del. repair shop, now my business > is > > located in Kennett Square, PA. Kennettclassic.com for hours and location. > > You'll need to make an appointment because I will need prep time to.set > up > > the Compupro and terminal. Do you have 8" drive(s), cables and boot > media? > > Bill > > > > On Sun, Nov 22, 2020, 10:28 PM Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic < > > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > > Hi Bill, > > > Just got the system need to check cards and other stuff, will get back > > > to you on the null modem?I once went up to your store to buy a radio > > shack > > > monitor years ago. > > > ThanksBobby > > > On Sunday, November 22, 2020, 04:27:53 PM EST, Bill Degnan via > > > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > > > Any terminal will work, or a computer running comm software. If > you're > > > going the comm software router, to start, avoid using a usb to serial > > > adapter and try to use a true serial port until you're sure the > computer > > is > > > working with a serial terminal. I have used all kinds of things with a > > > Compupro; Zenith, > > > > > > Just a question whether you need a null modem or not, I dont recall. > > Does > > > it have the Interfacer card? > > > > > > On Sun, Nov 22, 2020, 3:40 PM Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic < > > > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > > > > Hi, > > > > > > > > I am looking for a Televideo model 925 terminal with keyboard, > 115/230V > > > > for my CompuPro S100 that I just received or any other type that > works > > > with > > > > the CompuPro S100 systems. Questions does anyone known if the Zenith > > > EasyPC > > > > keyboard with work with the Compupro S100? > > > > > > > > > > > > Thanks > > > > Bobby > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

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O'scope went up in Smoke, I want to fix it.
by Neil Cherry 17 Dec '20

17 Dec '20

I posted this to the CDL list also, Jeff recommended I post here. Herb Johnson and Bruce Freeman gave a few useful ideas. Like don't discharge the big caps (or tube) with your fingers. :-) Here's the story so far: - I'm working on my Grant Searle 68B09 board & both weren't working (SBC now works) - Warmed up the scope and smelled burning part(s) but saw no smoke. - was able to get .2mv p-p signal and trace on scope was visible but weak - Eventually couldn't see the trace (not even with the finder) - unable to open the scope (tektronix 2336, 100Mhz, dual trace) - not even sure how - many funny screws (looking for appropriate tools or small vise grips) - On/Off switch sticks and the green flip indicator is broke. From what I've seen of other similar scopes on Youtube this thing is packed. My current guess is a video component or a power supply component. I'll be picking up the schematic next month from an online source ($15). The free stuff didn't have the scope's schematic. Any suggestions? -- 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] Televideo Model 925
by Bill Degnan 17 Dec '20

17 Dec '20

gotcha On Mon, Nov 23, 2020 at 10:23 AM Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Hi Bill, > Yes, I know you moved. I will probably make it next year, my wife not > letting go anywhere.Thanks for the invite and Happy Thanksgiving. > Bobby > On Monday, November 23, 2020, 07:32:43 AM EST, Bill Degnan via > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > Bobby, > Note back then that was the Wilmington Del. repair shop, now my business is > located in Kennett Square, PA. Kennettclassic.com for hours and location. > You'll need to make an appointment because I will need prep time to.set up > the Compupro and terminal. Do you have 8" drive(s), cables and boot media? > Bill > > On Sun, Nov 22, 2020, 10:28 PM Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > Hi Bill, > > Just got the system need to check cards and other stuff, will get back > > to you on the null modem?I once went up to your store to buy a radio > shack > > monitor years ago. > > ThanksBobby > > On Sunday, November 22, 2020, 04:27:53 PM EST, Bill Degnan via > > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > Any terminal will work, or a computer running comm software. If you're > > going the comm software router, to start, avoid using a usb to serial > > adapter and try to use a true serial port until you're sure the computer > is > > working with a serial terminal. I have used all kinds of things with a > > Compupro; Zenith, > > > > Just a question whether you need a null modem or not, I dont recall. > Does > > it have the Interfacer card? > > > > On Sun, Nov 22, 2020, 3:40 PM Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic < > > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > > Hi, > > > > > > I am looking for a Televideo model 925 terminal with keyboard, 115/230V > > > for my CompuPro S100 that I just received or any other type that works > > with > > > the CompuPro S100 systems. Questions does anyone known if the Zenith > > EasyPC > > > keyboard with work with the Compupro S100? > > > > > > > > > Thanks > > > Bobby > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

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Erik Klein's belated Festivus speech
by Jeffrey Brace 16 Dec '20

16 Dec '20

Here is Erik Klein's (VCF President) speech that we couldn't here at Virtual Festivus 2020: https://youtu.be/SlJaJm065F0 -- ========================================= 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 cell: 732-759-1783

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January 2021 Repair Workshop (Jan 9 & 10)
by Jeffrey Brace 16 Dec '20

16 Dec '20

Starting in January we will be charging $15 per person per day. $10 goes to InfoAge and $5 will go to CDL. Signup for January Repair Workshop here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1NY5VMcNKIYeP3O9xuKBRtq7FHxpCaAp5-Uo… Remember the spaces are first come first serve to the CDL space. Limited space available. Overflow space in 9032-A building. The workshop is $15 *per* person, *per* day. $10 goes to InfoAge and $5 goes to CDL. Sign up to guarantee a table!!! DATE: January 9 & 10, 2021 LOCATION (two 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: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1NY5VMcNKIYeP3O9xuKBRtq7FHxpCaAp5-Uo… Workshop area is limited to 10 people per room and facemasks are required. Hand sanitizer is available. 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 (Jeff Brace) 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*: To be determined. *Sunday Morning*: Bagel order from Delicious Bagels ( https://www.deliciousbagelspointpleasant.com/) Fill out Order here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Tsuj7dnUtH-PkE0ITXD70dtJAc1XQki2K1Z… *Sunday Afternoon*: Wawa order 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: 732-759-1783 jeffrey(a)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 cell: 732-759-1783

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Project Diana 75th Anniversary Zoom event
by Jeffrey Brace 15 Dec '20

15 Dec '20

Here is the Google Drive Link to Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iUF4g858PWYxA8OoH9z6RB2WHk5-xmOK/view?usp=… The InfoAge Space Exploration Center PRESENTS A FREE ONLINE LIVE ZOOM Event Sign on to Zoom from 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM Meeting ID: 972 2218 5664 Attend All Events or Choose The Talk You are Interested in! JANUARY 10, 2021- 10:00 AM-4:00 PM on ZOOM THE 75th Anniversary Of The PROJECT DIANA MOON-BOUNCE! Hear The First Radio Signal Received on the Earth from Above the Ionosphere! Learn New Information by InfoAge Historians about Edwin Armstrong’s Contribution to Project Diana Speakers and Topics Scheduled: 10:00- Lori Lauber- Introduction to Project Diana 10:30- Dr. Daniel Marlow – Princeton University and The TLM 18 Radio Telescope 11:00- Ray Chase and Al Klase- Edwin Armstrong's Contribution to the Success of Project Diana 11:58- LIVE MOONBOUNCE from ISEC! FIRST TIME EVER ZOOM MOONBOUNCE. Bounce YOUR Voice off the Moon on Zoom. Hear Your Voice Travel 500,000 Miles! 12:15- Cindy Stodola Pomerleau- Daughter of E. King Stodola Debuting her New Book “To The Moon and Back: The Life and Times of Project Diana” 1:00- Fred Carl- Space Exploration after the Moon-Bounce: The Big Ear 2:00- Charles Cebula- Dr. Walter S. McAfee- Hidden Figure and Pioneer of Radar 3:00- Frank O’Brien- The James Webb Radio Telescope ________________________________ InfoAge is a non-profit organization whose mission it is to preserve Science and History and make it accessible to Everyone. Your Donation Keeps us Going. DONATE TODAY and be a part of history in the making! Donate at InfoAge.org or ISEC.space -- ========================================= 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 cell: 732-759-1783

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VCF 2020 Live Presentations available on YouTube
by Andrew Diller 15 Dec '20

15 Dec '20

There are two of the Live presentations from VCFe2020 up on YouTube now (if you missed them on the stream). More are coming. AmigaBill "Internet Streaming with Vintage Computers" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2EhPI6xFCQ Jeff Salzman "Vic-20 Fully Loaded" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1r0BnxlifFY Enjoy! -andy

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InfoAge closed Wednesday 12/16/20 due to impending snowstorm.
by Jeffrey Brace 14 Dec '20

14 Dec '20

*Message from Mike Ruane:* *"Due to the impending snow storm due to hit the Monmouth County area this Wednesday afternoon, InfoAge will be closed but will reopen on Saturday for our normal visiting hours.* *The closure is for the safety of our volunteers and docents, many of whom come from western and northern New Jersey, and for the safety of our visitors. Since the snow is scheduled to start around noon or a little later, our volunteers and visitors could possibly arrive at InfoAge in somewhat decent weather conditions but travelling home would be extremely unsafe.* *Stay home, get some hot chocolate or coffee and read a good book!! * *Be safe and don’t travel unless you have to do so. - Mike Ruane"* -- ========================================= 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 cell: 732-759-1783

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Post Virtual Festivus workshop
by Jeffrey Brace 14 Dec '20

14 Dec '20

There were a few people that stayed after our Virtual Festivus to work on VCF stuff. Ian now has rigged a way to keep our Xerox on separate from the monitor so we can keep the computer on separately from the monitor. If we choose to keep the computer on for longer periods, then we don't have to worry about the long boot up and setup process each time. VCF also purchased a high end UPS to protect this equipement. We will be finishing up this process on Wednesday. Jeff Salzman got the Atari 1040ST and Amiga setup with some demos and will be getting more for the museum. He also tried to get a boot disk for the Zorba unsuccessfully, but will take them home to try to get them to boot from floppy. He is working on getting more demos for other museum machines. Jeff Jonas and Bill Inderrieden are working on getting signs for the CPU exhibit and slide rule exhibit. They also organized and searched for missing things in the warehouse. Some employees of Bob Roswell took pictures of their IBM 1130 because they are working on restoring it and wanted to see what ours looked like, etc. CDL donated LED track lighting to the museum which VCF plans on using for a future project in the museum. -- ========================================= 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 cell: 732-759-1783

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Audio problems with Virtual Festivus
by Jeffrey Brace 14 Dec '20

14 Dec '20

Sorry everyone for the audio problems at the Virtual Festivus. Corey and Erik's audio didn't work for some reason. We had tested it before broadcast and it was working fine, but seems to have gone out and then back in at some point. So I'm going to try to get Corey and Erik to re-record what they said and then put it onto YouTube. Otherwise, what did everyone think about everything? -- ========================================= 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 cell: 732-759-1783

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Tales from the lab
by Mike Loewen 13 Dec '20

13 Dec '20

Dave McGuire and I ran into a mysterious problem while working on the LSSM's HP 3000 Series 39 minicomputer last month. We moved the 2645A console over next to the CPU for convenience and turned it on. The display was too wide, and characters were being cut off on the left side. No problem, says I, we'll just pop the top and make a quick video adjustment. We moved the terminal on top of the CPU to make it easier to work on, and adjusted the horizontal width. Moved the terminal back over where it was. The display was too wide again. WTF? Leaving the terminal where it was, we raised the top again to find that as the top was going up, the width was decreasing. As the top was lowered, it increased. It was only then that Dave and I simultaneously realized that the terminal was sitting on top of a 79XX series disc drives, with a large magnet in it. Duh! :-) Mike Loewen mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/

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History-of article on Heathkit, must-read
by Herb Johnson 12 Dec '20

12 Dec '20

https://www.electronicdesign.com/communiqu/article/21148923/electronic-desi… A senior executive of Heathkit, Chas Gilmore, is interviewed by Lou Frenzel of Electronics Design (a trade magazine). Lou himself is a former Heathkit executive. They both came up through engineering so this article is about technology development and sales. The article describes now-vintage computing history at Heath. This is familiar to those of us over 60; thus it's a must-read for our younger colleagues. For those who question why those "ugly boxes full of cards" were every popular, or why people built ever computers instead of just buying them, here's the answers. It also underscores the impact of the MITS Altair article and product in Jan 1975 - that broke the ice-jam at every company that previously said "nobody will buy a personal computer; there's no software; there's no use for it". It follows the history of why companies like Heath declined as computing became an industrial product and then a consumer product. And, it describes the process for the famous Heathkit manuals. A "manual" is a like a papery-bloggy kind of thing, that described how to build a kit and how it worked, before the Internet and email. People of the era, actually wanted to learn all that stuff. They had plenty of time to read manuals, because they didn't have smartphones or NetFlix. Components back then were large, simpler, and designed for hand-assembly, because robots hadn't taken over yet. And as electronics then were expensive, they were designed for long-life and human repair (and not just discarded when boring). So the manuals helped with diagnostics, the art of figuring out WHY something didn't work. Repair was a real industry and career, in that era. Many tech schools and universities used Heath products for both value and cost, and as part of their curriculum. In short, it's a window back in time, to answer those puzzling questions 21st century people have, about the era of now-vintage computers through one major company. It concurs with my experiences around Heath products in the 1980's. 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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Virtual Festivus Google Meet
by Jeffrey Brace 12 Dec '20

12 Dec '20

meet.google.com/gte-noys-jwn -- ========================================= 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 cell: 732-759-1783 <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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Virtual Festivus 2020 Agenda
by Dean Notarnicola 12 Dec '20

12 Dec '20

Starting at 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 12th we will have a *Virtual Festivus* presentation Google Meet, streamed to YouTube. *The proposed agenda*: Steering Committee Annual Review - *DEAN NOTARNICOLA* Steering Committee Plans for the Future - *DEAN NOTARNICOLA* VCF National Board Update - *JEFF BRACE* VCF Financial Update - *COREY COHEN* Questions, concerns and comments from the membership - *DEAN NOTARNICOLA* Steering Committee Election Results - *DEAN NOTARNICOLA* Chat with the new VCF-MA Steering Committee members - *DEAN NOTARNICOLA* Annual Festivus Toast - *DEAN NOTARNICOLA* *Google Meet Link*: meet.google.com/gte-noys-jwn (*Do not share*) - Breakout rooms TBA *RULES FOR THE MEETING*: 1) Please mute yourself and raise your virtual hand to ask a question. 2) As this is an interactive event, *please do not share this meeting code* with anyone not on the VCF mailing list. 3) Feel free to share the YouTube streaming channel below! *Shareable link to the YouTube stream*: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDaSvAbhC-0 *OR look in our YouTube Channel*: http://www.youtube.com/c/VintageComputerFederation501c3 Thank you to everyone who participated in the Committee member election. We look forward to speaking to you on Saturday!

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Happy Hanukkah!
by Jeffrey Brace 11 Dec '20

11 Dec '20

To all VCF members who celebrate it I wish you Chag Urim Sameach! May this be a happy time with your family. -- ========================================= 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 cell: 732-759-1783

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TRS-80 Model 4 (working) $150 - Craigslist
by Alexander Jacocks 11 Dec '20

11 Dec '20

All, I saw this TRS-80 Model 4 on Craigslist, near me: https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/sys/d/bethesda-trs-80-model/7244872… If anyone would like it, I'd be happy to pick it up and bring it to InfoAge. Let me know, Alex

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Three Apple // systems and a Tandy 1000SX for sale
by Bill Degnan 08 Dec '20

08 Dec '20

Apple //e "original" system with tons of software $350 FIRM (includes drives, printer,monitor needs service) Apple //e "platinum" with boxes (monitor, system, drives) $600 OBO Apple //c with boxes (system, display, display stand, 2 printers, cables, documentation) $650 OBO also available - Tandy SX 1000 with harddrive, working, not boxed. $250 FIRM All of these systems are in nice cosmetic shape, no mouse or other damage. You're welcome to visit and set up before you buy. Shipping of systems would incur an added packing/shipping labor charge. Pick up preferred. These items are not listed on Ebay. Bill Degnan kennettclassic.com/contact.cfm

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USB Floppies that are flexible? Cleaning a 3.5" drive?
by John Heritage 08 Dec '20

08 Dec '20

Hey folks, two asks -- I'm looking for advice: Are there any USB or external floppy drive arrangements that are flexible like internal floppy drives for allowing formatting and/or reading of unusual sector sizes or formats? Ex: 800KB Atari ST floppies and PC DOS disks formatted in unusual sizes .. Second question is -what is the easiest way to clean the heads on a 3.5" floppy? If I have a bunch of 'suspect' floppies that I want to clean the head between every disk it seems a little painful to disassemble the drive enough to see the heads and clean. Are there any alternatives? (I'm used to 5.25" drives where there's often enough space in there to wipe without disassembly). Maybe there's a good (modern) source of 3.5" cleaning floppies? (P.S. I have a K6-3+ PC I can put a fresh OS on so I may be cleaning a legacy 3.5" drive instead of a USB floppy). Thanks! John

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Swapmeet
by Adam Michlin 08 Dec '20

08 Dec '20

Here's a nice video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzmLx7OL640 A few pictures were posted to the official Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/p/CHSopNwHSPh/ Best wishes, -Adam --- Adam Michlin VCF Social Media Specialist Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vcfederation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vcfederation/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/vcfederation On Mon, Dec 7, 2020 at 1:11 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > I may have missed it but was there any video or pictures from the swap > meet? > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. >

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Some lab equipment for sale
by W2HX 07 Dec '20

07 Dec '20

Stuff to help you troubleshoot and repair our vintage computers! Tenma 72-6615, Triple Supply. Two variable 0-30VDC @3A and one fixed 5VDC @3A. Nice shape, except for cracked banana insulator. Outputs can be paralleled for 6A or put in series for 60V. Has CV and CC modes. https://w2hx.com/forsale?prefix=ForSale/TENMA/72-6615/ Asking $125 plus shipping Next up. Tenma 72-7245, Dual supply, 180W, Two variable 0-30VDC @3A. Nice shape. Outputs can be paralleled for 6A or put in series for 60V. Has CV and CC modes. https://w2hx.com/forsale?prefix=ForSale/TENMA/72-7245/ Asking $100 plus shipping I have two LeCroy scopes that I am looking to sell. They are both in excellent condition and I would be happy to perform any test for you and record the results to confirm operational condition of them. LeCroy HDO 4024. 200 MHz, 4 channel, 2.5 GS/s one-shot, 125 GS/s repetitive sampling. 12 bit ADC! This is a 12 bit scope! Options: I2C, UART Serial decode. Absolutely no problems. Perfect, practically new. http://cdn.teledynelecroy.com/files/pdf/hdo4000_oscilloscope_datasheet.pdf Pictures here: https://w2hx.com/x/?prefix=x/LeCroy/HDO4024/ Asking $4,000 plus shipping. Offers accepted. Compare to ebay prices. LeCroy WaveRunner 610Zi 1 GHz analog BW, 4 channel, Single shot sampling 10 GS/s (4 channels) or 20 GS/s (2 channels) Missing the stylus pen, gently used but still in excellent condition Options: HDTV, JTA2, SPECTRUM, XWEB https://cdn.teledynelecroy.com/files/pdf/waverunner-6zi-datasheet.pdf Asking $3,000 plus shipping. Offers accepted. Compare to ebay prices! Pictures here: https://w2hx.com/x/?prefix=x/LeCroy/WaveRunner-610Zi/ Asking $6,000 plus shipping for both. Offers Accepted! Items located in New York, about 40 miles north of the city. Pick up welcome, will ship at cost (USA shipments only, sorry!) 73 Eugene W2HX Thanks 73 Eugene W2HX

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Virtual World of Commodore is TODAY!
by Jeffrey Brace 07 Dec '20

07 Dec '20

https://www.youtube.com/c/TorontoPETUsersGroup/live Info and schedule: https://www.tpug.ca/world-of-commodore/world-of-commodore-2020/ I will be presenting at 3PM and 5PM. Last minute preparation for me! Wish me luck! I'm gonna need it ;) -- ========================================= 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 cell: 732-759-1783

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Swapmeet
by Sentrytv 07 Dec '20

07 Dec '20

I may have missed it but was there any video or pictures from the swap meet? Sent from: My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device.

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Anyone have a CompuPro / Godbout RAM 17 they would sell?
by Ethan O'Toole 07 Dec '20

07 Dec '20

Looking for a S100 RAM board for my IMSAI 8080. The 17 lets me open a window for the Northstar disk system. - Ethan

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] History-of article on Heathkit, must-read
by Bill Degnan 07 Dec '20

07 Dec '20

On Mon, Dec 7, 2020 at 12:22 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Thank you Herb! > > On that note. > > Maybe VCF and InfoAge could come up with some sort of plan to have a > Workshop that shows the average person what we do, as technicians and how > we go about repairing computers, TVs, radios and such. > I know right now it would have to be all virtual, but I don’t think it > would be much different then what VCF has done recently. > > Ultimately this could be done live and a setting like VCF East. > > And commenting on what Herb has said that this would help show people, > “why we do what we do.” > > Mike Rosen > > > Mike That's exactly why we started workshops back in the MARCH days. I for one really wanted to learn more from others more about the methodology of old computer repair, electronics, and testing. I wanted to learn about S-100 and DEC/PDP tech, which was before my time. We did a lot more with memory maps and program listings. We played around with in-circuit emulators too. I was always impressed with how some of the folks could trace a board without a schematic to troubleshoot it. Back in the mid 2000's there were few Youtube how to videos and a lot of the knowledge that's easy to find today had to be re-learned and re-documented for the vintage computer hobbyist. It was much harder to find manuals and documentation and we used to meet just to share paper copies of manuals and hard to find parts at earlier MARCH workshops. We were more focused on S-100, diskdrives and older stuff then. Anything older than an IBM PC. I don't agree that you can easily teach old-school at a VCF unless you disallow use of the internet and electronic copies of manuals to be used to tackle a problem. In other words, you'd have to "make it hard again" to really teach what it was like. That's the kind of hacking you did with Heathkit manuals and why good manuals were the key to their business. The accomplishments at today's VCF workshops are equally impressive perhaps but tools are a mix of old and new. The nature of diagnosis and repair has evolved away from purely vintage/old school ways. Bill

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Museum Report 2020-12-06
by Jeffrey Brace 06 Dec '20

06 Dec '20

After a few weeks of little to no visitors we had 12 visitors today. Four groups of 2 and a family of 5. One adult had high interest in the microchip exhibit because she used to verify the labeling on them by sight. She claimed that is why her eyesight went bad from squirting to look at the lettering on microchips at a factory in Hazlet. She also liked the TRS-80 Model 100. She had lots of questions about the different computers and really enjoyed them. There were others with mild interest and the family of 5 had 4 daughters who really enjoyed the paint programs. The father enjoyed trying basic on different computers. Looks like the cooler weather is bringing back the visitors after a unseasonably warm October and November. -- ========================================= 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 cell: 732-759-1783

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Committee Member Election Update. Please Vote!
by Dean Notarnicola 05 Dec '20

05 Dec '20

*Last chance to vote is before midnight this Sunday, Dec. 6th!* Please click the following link and carefully read the directions to properly record your vote for the two open seats: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdmBX-tQhZuDIs6fiYPPfB5xUPiiWOzovn… Voting commences immediately and closes at 11:59 pm on December 6th. Winners will be announced December 12th at the annual VCF Festivus celebration. More information here: http://vcfed.org/wp/2020-elections-for-steering-committee/ <https://www.google.com/url?q=http://vcfed.org/wp/2020-elections-for-steerin…> Please ensure that you enter the same email address below that you use for the VCF MidAtlantic Listserv. If you do not use the same email address your vote will not be valid. Only one vote per email address will be recorded. If more than one vote is made, only the last one will be accepted. Thank you all for participating! Regards, Dean Notarnicola VCF-MA Committee Chairperson

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For those who have donated this year to VCF
by corey cohen 03 Dec '20

03 Dec '20

Hi everyone, If you have donated this calendar year to VCF and have not yet received your gift letter, I just wanted to let you know that I will be doing November and December gift letters during Christmas week. If you have not received your letter via email by Dec 30th, please email me at corey(a)vcfed.org <mailto:corey@vcfed.org>. One again, thank you for your gifts and donations to VCF. Cheers Corey corey cohen uǝɥoɔ ʎǝɹoɔ Vintage Computer Federation, a federal 501c3 designated charity corey(a)vcfed.org www.vcfed.org

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Committee Member Election Update
by Dean Notarnicola 02 Dec '20

02 Dec '20

Just a reminder that the committee member election has begun. Please click the following link and carefully read the directions to properly record your vote for the two open seats: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdmBX-tQhZuDIs6fiYPPfB5xUPiiWOzovn… Voting commences immediately and closes at 11:59 pm on December 6th. Winners will be announced December 12th at the annual VCF Festivus celebration. More information here: http://vcfed.org/wp/2020-elections-for-steering-committee/ <https://www.google.com/url?q=http://vcfed.org/wp/2020-elections-for-steerin…> Please ensure that you enter the same email address below that you use for the VCF MidAtlantic Listserv. If you do not use the same email address your vote will not be valid. Only one vote per email address will be recorded. If more than one vote is made, only the last one will be accepted. Thank you all for participating! Regards, Dean Notarnicola VCF-MA Committee Chairperson

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Amiga help
by Ethan O'Toole 01 Dec '20

01 Dec '20

>It would be nice if I could get it to boot from the hard drive. I have an Amiga 2500 and I run a SCSI2SD card in it. It's attached to the SCSI controller that came in it. One issue is that the SCSI2SD boots slower than the Amiga trying to access it, so I wait a few seconds then do Amiga-Amiga-Control or whatever the reboot three finger salute is. BUT... get this. With WinUAE emulator on Windows laptop, I can stuff that SD card in it and boot the emulator from the same SD card that runs the Amiga. I copied all the WHDLoad stuff in via that means, DiskMash unitilies (DMS files) and other goodies. It's very convienient for moving stuff onto the system. IIRC I setup the SCSI2SD to look like 4 2GB disks or something, and I used the diskutil program? to prep em. Listen to see if the disks are spinning. If not a thunk against the table should fix. > Also after opening the unit I found the battery back up leaked on the > board > and cleaned that up, but I haven’t turned it on yet to make sure Good news that it still works hopefully!

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Repair Workshops Schedule for 2021
by Jeffrey Brace 01 Dec '20

01 Dec '20

I decided to schedule repair workshops for the entire year. Here are the dates : January 9 & 10 February 6 & 7 March 6 & 7 May 8 & 9 June 5 & 6 July 10 & 11 August 14 & 15 September 25 & 26 Signup for January Repair Workshop here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1NY5VMcNKIYeP3O9xuKBRtq7FHxpCaAp5-Uo… -- ========================================= 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 cell: 732-759-1783

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Amiga help
by Andrew Diller 01 Dec '20

01 Dec '20

Some answers below- >>> On Mon, Nov 30, 2020 at 2:11 PM Sentrytv <sentrytv(a)yahoo.com> wrote: >>> >>> I’m sending you this email because I recently acquired an Amiga A1000 and 2000. >>> >>> Even though it came to me in boxes, in like new condition, there were no manuals, no software, nothing. >>> so I’m trying to find out if you have any experience with these and maybe you can point me in the right direction. >>> Id like to get a Kickstart 1.3 and Workbench 1.2 floppies.(This is what the computer is asking for) >>> >>> Also maybe you know if an “A T” PC style Keyboard would work on the 2000? >>> I know they make an adapter for 2000 to 1000 keyboard input. >>> But alas I do not have a 2000 keyboard. All Amiga Keyboards are Amiga only. The 2000 and 3000 share keyboards. The 1000 and the 4000 are their own kind. None are compatible with AT keyboards. Same with mice. I would invest in one of the Amiga to USB converts for Keyboard and mouse available on ebay, as the A2000 keyboards are expensive and may have issues due to age. I would also pick up a Gotek floppy emulator for the A2000, as the drives are not compatible with anything and you need a working Amiga to make disks. With a Gotek you can load ADF (disk files) onto USB sticks and boot those as emulated floppies. You can find versions of Workbench in ADF format floating around. I have actual floppies but I just recently restored my A2000 and found a few of the floppies are bad. I ended up installing via Gotek onto a SCSI2SD adapter used as the hardrive. Also the Amiga Explorer was something I used- it allows you to push files from a PC via Serial port onto the Amiga (everything can't be turned into a ADF disk file...) https://www.amigaforever.com/ae/ https://www.everythingamiga.com/2017/05/amiga-explorer-pc-to-amiga-data-tra… You'll also need/want a hardrive for the A2000, which means a Hardrive card/scsi controller: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Commodore-Amiga-A2091-SCSI-Hard-Drive-Cont… If you don't already have one in there. Using an Amiga with just floppies is not fun. -andy

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Amiga help
by Sentrytv 01 Dec '20

01 Dec '20

No problem I knew that you were Commodore guy and I figured you had a “graduated” to Amiga at some point. I had a 500 and 600 Many moons ago but sold them at the TCF swapmeet, because I knew nothing about them and needed the money at the time. Of course now I wish I had them and I would still have the software, well that’s how things go right? Do you have any idea when we will be going back to doing workshops? Mike Rosen Sent from: My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > On Dec 1, 2020, at 11:07 AM, Jeffrey Brace <jeffrey(a)vcfed.org> wrote: > > > Hello Mike, > > I have very little experience with Amigas. I would suggest posting to our mailing list. I would normally suggest Amiga Bill who has tons of experience with Amigas, but he is so busy that I'm not sure how fast he will respond. His e-mail is bill(a)thegurumeditation.org in case you wanted to try, but our mailing list is the best option in my opinion. > > Sorry I couldn't be of more help. > > Jeff > >> On Mon, Nov 30, 2020 at 2:11 PM Sentrytv <sentrytv(a)yahoo.com> wrote: >> Jeff >> Happy holidays. >> >> I’m sending you this email because I recently acquired an Amiga A1000 and 2000. >> >> Even though it came to me in boxes, in like new condition, there were no manuals, no software, nothing. >> so I’m trying to find out if you have any experience with these and maybe you can point me in the right direction. >> Id like to get a Kickstart 1.3 and Workbench 1.2 floppies.(This is what the computer is asking for) >> >> Also maybe you know if an “A T” PC style Keyboard would work on the 2000? >> I know they make an adapter for 2000 to 1000 keyboard input. >> But alas I do not have a 2000 keyboard. >> Thank you >> Please let me know your thoughts on this. >> >> Mike Rosen >> >> Sent from: >> My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > -- > ========================================= > 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 > cell: 732-759-1783 >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Where is the ballot?
by Jeffrey Brace 01 Dec '20

01 Dec '20

On Mon, Nov 30, 2020 at 11:50 PM Jim Scheef via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Where is the link to the ballot? > Would someone please post a link to the ballot form along with the list of > candidates in one message? > Other helpful links: ELECTION INFO http://vcfed.org/wp/2020-elections-for-steering-committee/ POSITION STATEMENTS http://vcfed.org/wp/2020-steering-committee-nominee-position-statements/ > Thanks, > Jim > > -- ========================================= 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 cell: 732-759-1783

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Where is the ballot?
by Tony Bogan 01 Dec '20

01 Dec '20

Jim, here is the link to the voting ballot and list of nominees from Deans e-mail to the list the other day. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdmBX-tQhZuDIs6fiYPPfB5xUPiiWOzovn… The nominees are: Jason Perkins Alex Jacocks Dave McGuire Ian Primus Tony Bogan If you need anything else, just ask. Tony

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Where is the ballot?
by Jim Scheef 01 Dec '20

01 Dec '20

Where is the link to the ballot? Would someone please post a link to the ballot form along with the list of candidates in one message? Thanks, Jim

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Ordering Snark Barker MCA (Sound Boaster clone) PCBs -- Want One?
by Alexander Jacocks 30 Nov '20

30 Nov '20

All, I'm in the process of ordering PCBs for the Snark Barker MCA (microchannel), which was just announced, here: https://twitter.com/TubeTimeUS/status/1333123576346468352 The design files and BOM can be found here: https://github.com/schlae/snark-barker-mca I'll be ordering from PCBway, who does gold fingers, so that the boards will be able to be able to be repeatedly inserted, without wearing out the contacts. Is anyone else interested? The cost (at quantity 5) would be about $34+shipping, per PCB. The cost should go down with a bigger order, should more than 4 others want boards. I could probably be convinced to make the parts order, as well, if folks want. Thanks! - Alex

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UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) was: How's Everyone Doing
by Jeffrey Brace 30 Nov '20

30 Nov '20

I decided to make a new thread since there is a lot of interest in this topic, etc. @Dave Mcguire. Thanks for the tip on where to buy replacement batteries. As far as I know APC is the most recommended brand. I see others are using Panasonic. I'm curious to know which brands everyone recommends or discourages? On Fri, Apr 24, 2020 at 1:02 PM Mike Loewen via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > On Fri, 24 Apr 2020, Ethan O'Toole via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > > > I used to work for a large music streaming provider and we had thousands > and > > thousand of servers. The data center would put out a notice that they're > > going to do UPS maintenance or Switchgear maintenance... and usually > that > > night we would have maybe up to 20 servers have issues. Hard hang or > maybe a > > reboot. Meanwhile everything looked okay. > > At one point, I had a production server in the data center, an IBM > RS6000 > with redundant power supplies (2). The techs were moving systems to a > different power bus and unplugged one of the supplies: my system promptly > shut > down. It turned out that my system required THREE power supplies before > redundancy was in effect. Oops. > > > Mike Loewen mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us > Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/ > -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member, VCF East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member, VCF East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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VCF -MA Committee Member Election Begins
by Dean Notarnicola 28 Nov '20

28 Nov '20

With this email, the committee member election has begun. Please click the following link and carefully read the directions to properly record your vote for the two open seats: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdmBX-tQhZuDIs6fiYPPfB5xUPiiWOzovn… Voting commences immediately and closes at 11:59 pm on December 6th. Winners will be announced December 12th at the annual VCF Festivus celebration. More information here: http://vcfed.org/wp/2020-elections-for-steering-committee/ <https://www.google.com/url?q=http://vcfed.org/wp/2020-elections-for-steerin…> Please ensure that you enter the same email address below that you use for the VCF MidAtlantic Listserv. If you do not use the same email address your vote will not be valid. Only one vote per email address will be recorded. If more than one vote is made, only the last one will be accepted. Thank you all for participating! Regards, Dean Notarnicola VCF-MA Committee Chairperson

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Attic finds :-)
by Neil Cherry 27 Nov '20

27 Nov '20

1 - PT68K-2 loads with OS9 2.3 (I think it's OSK at this point) 3 - I8039 & 8243 <- Wierd, not a chip I typically worked with 1 - NSC8073 Tiny Basic chip 3 - I8052, I think these have BASIC on them 1 - 68020-12 & 68881-12 1 - PEP Eurobus system (68K, 10 serial, 1 LPT, 720K? 5 1/4 Floppy, 20M Hard Disk) 2 - 8088 XT mother boards (?), I never had a DOS system other than my work machines I have to search for my Hercule Video Card. Not sure where that is. I have found my other PT68K-2 with Humbug/OS9 roms. I'll need to replace the 48T08 chips or just drop in 6116 (100 ns) so I can start playing. The PT68K-2 is in an AT case with an AT Power Supply. It must weigh at least 40 pounds. If the floppy drives are belt driven then they're useless but I think this is when the first pancake drives arrived. This system has a 720K 5 1/4 & a 720K 3 1/2. Anyone know the best way to resurrect an old hard drive that hasn't run in at least 30 years? What I didn't find my other 6809 boards or my parts for building those 35 year old boards. I have them somewhere. -- 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] 1702 eproms (Bill Degnan)
by Bill Degnan 27 Nov '20

27 Nov '20

All...thanks for your replies and suggestions. I bought a batch from Jeff G. Bill D On Thu, Nov 26, 2020, 1:46 PM MikeWillegal via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > If you can’t find them elsewhere, I’ve had good luck with the supply from > Unicorn Electronics. > > regards, > Mike Willegal > > > > I am looking for 8 or so 1702A eproms if anyone has some for sale but I > > will buy more if the price is right. They do not have to be > rare/ceramic. > > I will pay more for tested / readable. > > > > Please contact me privately if you have a tube of these avail via > > https://vintagecomputer.net/contact.cfm. > > > > I may also need 2708's. > > > > Shipping to Landenberg, PA. > > > > Thanks > > > > Bill Degnan > > > > > > > >

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Happy Thanksgiving to All!
by Jeffrey Brace 27 Nov '20

27 Nov '20

I hope that everyone had a safe, happy and healthy Thanksgiving and I hope that you didn’t stuff yourself too much and had room for dessert! -- ========================================= 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 cell: 732-759-1783

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Re: 1702 eproms (Bill Degnan)
by MikeWillegal 26 Nov '20

26 Nov '20

If you can’t find them elsewhere, I’ve had good luck with the supply from Unicorn Electronics. regards, Mike Willegal > > I am looking for 8 or so 1702A eproms if anyone has some for sale but I > will buy more if the price is right. They do not have to be rare/ceramic. > I will pay more for tested / readable. > > Please contact me privately if you have a tube of these avail via > https://vintagecomputer.net/contact.cfm. > > I may also need 2708's. > > Shipping to Landenberg, PA. > > Thanks > > Bill Degnan > > >

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