May 2016 - vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

books about robots
by Evan Koblentz 12 Jun '16

12 Jun '16

Remember last week we discussed books about robots in the HOPE thread? Both books arrived today. One of them, "How to design & build your own custom robot" by David Heiserman, is very deep -- heavy reading. The other, "How to build a computer-controlled robot" by Tod Loofbourrow, contains a reasonable project that we as a group can build (but not in time for HOPE unless we really bust ass.) In the preface of Loofbourrow's book, he wrote: "I want to thank the members of the Amateur Computer Group of New Jersey, whose suggestions have helped make Mike (that's what he calls the robot -EK) what he is today." Googled the author. He went on to a nice career in robotics. I sent him an intro tweet via our official VCFed account. Apparently he lives in the Boston area. Maybe we can get him down to the museum for a talk one day.

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Apparently Authentic Apple 1 on eBay
by J. Alexander Jacocks 06 Jun '16

06 Jun '16

Not sure if anyone here cares, but there is a seemingly-authentic Apple 1 on eBay, right now going for about $17k. http://www.ebay.com/itm/282050295252 Looks non-working, but reparable, to my untrained eye. - Alex

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Video Footage from VCFE XI
by Douglas Crawford 04 Jun '16

04 Jun '16

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] June 11/12 Workshop - Who's Going? Whatcha working on?
by Todd George 04 Jun '16

04 Jun '16

01-Jeff Brace-Commodore 64 Robotics Kit for HOPE Exhibit 02-Evan Koblentz-Lego LOGO robotics kit for HOPE exhibit (Apple II, IBM PC) 03-Alex Jacocks-PS/2 model 70 and AT&T 6300 testing/repairs (Sunday) 04-Dean Notarnicola - TRS-80 Model 4, Model 4D, Model I 05-Todd George - Not entirely sure, but definitely will bring my AT&T 6300 as well! (I think the highest number was 5... ???) I have an AT&T 6300 with monochrome and color monitors. Monochrome jobby works, color is broken. I've already located and replaced a few bad components, can't seem to get the CRT to come totally alive though. The 6300 works (or worked) when I tested it last. I didn't think anyone else would be bringing them but seeing as Alex is interested, I'll bring mine!! Olivetti/AT&T party!!! WOOT!!! Other than that, I'll probably bring whatever else I'm actively working on by then. As far as current projects, that's going to be a Commodore SX-64, a TRS-80 Model 4P, or a Commodore VIC-20. If I'm a real glutton for punishment, I might bring my Macintosh Color Classic that has had me stumped for months now. Additionally, I'll have my EEPROM burning machine w/some blanks, various parts, and tools including a desoldering iron. I'll also bring a nice oscilloscope. Looking forward to it! -Todd

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Good source for eproms?
by Herb Johnson 03 Jun '16

03 Jun '16

My comments and questions. Dave McGuire posted: > They can be erased with X-rays. EPROMs were originally designed to be > erased that way. There are problems with that approach, however. (hence > the move to UV). The notion that one can plop non-quartz PROMs under an X-ray and erase them, has been mentioned here, and elsewhere for decades, as a "could be done". But I'm not aware this has been, or is, any sort of common practice, much less an established procedure. I'm aware of 'theory', I know physics. I'm talking accepted practice. Wikipedia....EPROM...citation 6...is a May 10 1971 article from Electonics Magazine by Dov Frohman, who apparently "invented the EPROM". Google..... http://www.jmargolin.com/patents/eprom.htm references the article, and interviews the author later in 1993. The text say Intel shipped that 1702 EPROM "with a window because X-rays ....disrupted the structure" of the chip. The Web page has some details. I"ve not (yet) read the article, or checked the patent. This suggests that X-rays were not a production nor a customer practice. so: Can you cite a reference I can find also, that shows a product announcement, or a production data sheet, that says specifically that a customer can erase a specific PROM product using X-rays of a particular wavelength and energy for a particular period of time? That's how UV exposure is cited (when it was cited in detail) in data sheets. I'll grant the possibility this occurred for some very early product, some early development in the semiconductor lab, or some military or other specialized application. I'll grant some hackers could borrow a dental X-ray and erase an EPROM - did they do subsequent life-tests? Even that description would be of interest. Thank you. Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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Personal ebay score
by Evan Koblentz 03 Jun '16

03 Jun '16

Yesterday I was poking around ebay. Stumbled onto something awesome and it only cost me twelve dollars. I'm a very happy camper. :) Will reveal it when it's in my possession... < insert diabolical laughter >

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Old Apple & other Computers - Free
by Greg Acker 31 May '16

31 May '16

I am moving west and have more old computers than I can take with me. If anyone wants old Apple Macs , SE, Performa, etc, a IIGS, and some Commodore 64 & other stuff free, call me at 724-992-4302. I need rid of it this week and I don’t want to toss it. Please come and rescue it. Greg Acker Merce, PA

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IEEE coverage
by Evan Koblentz 31 May '16

31 May '16

Remember this online Spectrum article from VCF East last month? http://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/geek-life/history/theyre-alive-vintage-c… I'm told it is in the current print edition, too. Cool!

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Wish me luck
by Connor Krukosky 31 May '16

31 May '16

I'm currently packing to drive up to Poughkeepsie today, I start at IBM tomorrow. Wish me luck! I'll try to make it to next weekend's workshop I will be in Boston all of next week for a conference so hopefully I have some down time, also maybe me and Ian can carpool :) -Connor Krukosky

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WTB: MOS6560 / VIC Chip or Parts VIC-20
by Todd George 31 May '16

31 May '16

Need a MOS6560 to replace a defective one in a VIC-20. Additionally would consider a parts/ugly VIC-20 with a 6560 that has a fighting chance of working. I can desolder and all that. I've seen the dealer on eBay and am choosing to spend my money elsewhere (in the community). Hit me up off-list if you can help. :-) -Todd

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