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

Calling for [Point 4] IRIS programmers
by Microtech Dart 08 May '16

08 May '16

Hi, all. It's been a while since I've discussed anything here. We've made a lot of progress re-constructing a couple of Point 4 machines (as much as one can without the actual hardware), yet still need some help from a few knowledgeable folks in this 35+ year old OS. It was built on the DG Nova foundation, but made by Educational Data Systems, which became Point 4, for their Point 4 machines. So, it doesn't exactly "just run" on SimH Nova. We've been in regular contact with Bruce Ray, who is a true expert in all Data General and related systems. He has already helped us TREMENDOUSLY. http://NovasAreForever.org But other than Bruce Ray, are there any other folks here on this forum who may have had any IRIS programming, either on the Point 4, or another system of similarity in the late '70s to early '80s? I've hunted down a handful of people so far on LinkedIn and scouring the internet, and only a few of those have responded. But I just thought I'd make a shout out here. A small handful have kindly responded, with either limited recollection or availability, or both. In addition to Bruce, those who have contributed so far include David Takle, and one of the original Point 4 IRIS designers, Dan Paymar. We've added a LOT of new content and progress to our restoration/re-creation of what is turning out to be TWO distinct Point 4 IRIS systems. Stop by our site if you like, and especially review the directory page "Understranding IRIS": http://microtechm1.blogspot.com/p/understanding-iris.html Does anyone here have anything to add, or IRIS/Point 4 documentation that could be helpful here (other than what we have at http://microtechm1.blogspot.com/p/manuals.html ). Thanks all, I always appreciate the fantastic feedback here. -AJ http://MightyFrame.com http://MicrotechM1.blogspot.com

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] (Semi-off topic) Looking for a place in NJ that does in-place expandable foam packing.
by Corey Cohen 07 May '16

07 May '16

Maybe I should keep looking for a professional shop for this. One item is an irreplaceable 1973 TV. corey cohen uǝɥoɔ ʎǝɹoɔ > On May 7, 2016, at 9:30 AM, Garrett Nievin <gnievin(a)silvaire.org> wrote: > > You can get this stuff in spray cans at your local hardware store as an expanding foam insulation: > > http://www.homedepot.com/p/GREAT-STUFF-16-oz-Gaps-and-Cracks-Insulating-Foa… > > One can expands to a surprisingly large volume. May or may not be up to your task, though. > > Cheers, > Garrett > > > On Sat, 07 May 2016 07:13:57 -0400 > Corey Cohen via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > >> I have to ship a vintage monitor, Keyboard and some other stuff overseas. What to make sure it not only gets there in one piece, but has reusable boxes that the items can be shipped back in the future. >> >> When I got my ADM-5, the shipper used an expanding foam that made a perfect shape around the terminal. >> >> Anyone have a place in NJ, preferably in Middlesex, Monmouth or ocean counties that does this for individual who are shipping stuff. >> >> Thanks, >> Corey >> >> corey cohen >> uǝɥoɔ ʎǝɹoɔ > > >

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Cory - options for shipping your monitor, etc.
by Steven Michelsen 07 May '16

07 May '16

Cory, I have a "vintage" ATA road case that you can have, that was used to carry a 12" monitor. It’s one of several cases that I have no use for any longer, and doubt I could sell even on ebay. It is made of very solid stuff and is lined with foam. Unfortunately, that also means that it is heavy, which means the price to ship will be higher. If you are interested I will fish it out of my garage and take measurements. Here's a picture: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/65762317/forums/road_case_for_monitor.j… Also, not sure how to get it to you – I will be out of town the next two weeks. I am hoping to be at the June workshop. Not sure what your schedule is for shipping your stuff. OR, another option is something like this… http://bensonbox.com/. Not as bulletproof as my steel-edged cases, but decent, and lightweight. Steve -----Original Message----- From: vcf-midatlantic [mailto:vcf-midatlantic-bounces@lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org] On Behalf Of Corey Cohen via vcf-midatlantic Sent: Saturday, May 07, 2016 9:37 AM To: Garrett Nievin <gnievin(a)silvaire.org> Cc: Corey Cohen <applecorey(a)optonline.net>; Corey Cohen via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] (Semi-off topic) Looking for a place in NJ that does in-place expandable foam packing. Maybe I should keep looking for a professional shop for this. One item is an irreplaceable 1973 TV. corey cohen uǝɥoɔ ʎǝɹoɔ > On May 7, 2016, at 9:30 AM, Garrett Nievin <gnievin(a)silvaire.org> wrote: > > You can get this stuff in spray cans at your local hardware store as an expanding foam insulation: > > http://www.homedepot.com/p/GREAT-STUFF-16-oz-Gaps-and-Cracks-Insulating-Foa… > > One can expands to a surprisingly large volume. May or may not be up to your task, though. > > Cheers, > Garrett > > > On Sat, 07 May 2016 07:13:57 -0400 > Corey Cohen via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > >> I have to ship a vintage monitor, Keyboard and some other stuff overseas. What to make sure it not only gets there in one piece, but has reusable boxes that the items can be shipped back in the future. >> >> When I got my ADM-5, the shipper used an expanding foam that made a perfect shape around the terminal. >> >> Anyone have a place in NJ, preferably in Middlesex, Monmouth or ocean counties that does this for individual who are shipping stuff. >> >> Thanks, >> Corey >> >> corey cohen >> uǝɥoɔ ʎǝɹoɔ > > >

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(Semi-off topic) Looking for a place in NJ that does in-place expandable foam packing.
by Herb Johnson 07 May '16

07 May '16

I've noticed that FedEx offers some fancier boxes that amount to more elaborate travel cabinets, with reinforced corners and edges, but are still made of cardboard. They call them "Kubox" and they aren't cheap (over $100) but they are light and sturdy. reduced weight may save shipping cost. FedEx Office of course, also does packing and offers a variety of boxes. Let's not have a comparative discussion of shipping services, please. The question was on boxes and packing. The alternative, for a one-off shipment, might be to visit some thrift stores and look at *luggage*. Some piece of luggage or cabinet or footlocker may fit the item. Military surplus stores, maybe there's cheap cabinetry at Ikeo, I dunno. Also, I have some professional carrying cases which are intended for both shipping and for travel. Corey, contact me 1) if you have the time and this isn't ship-yesterday and 2) if you have some dimensions for the items in question, so I can determine fit for what I have around. But what I generally do, is cut up styrofoam sheets to fit the space in my shipping box, fill the rest with soft stuff or styro peanuts; double boxing if necessary. YOu can get sheets from big-box hardware stores. The white stuff simply takes up air space, doesn't absorb impacts well. The pink stuff is pretty stiff and provides structure, you can build an "inner box" from it. You'll generate some styrofoam "sawdust". The price of these sheets compares to buying the peanuts, which you should ONLY buy in as large a bag as possible. UPS-type shipping stores sell the big bags (10 cubic feet or more), but shop around for best price. Yes, Uline sells them too. If someone asked *me* to use spray insulation inside a shipping box, I'd mock up the item, pack the mock-up with the spray, then cut out the mock-up and repack the actual item wrapped in styro sheet or bubble wrap to fill the void. I'd hate to risk ruining some valuable item with sticky foam or fumes from the spray, or from scratches while extracting it with a knife. Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] (Semi-off topic) Looking for a place in NJ that does in-place expandable foam packing.
by william degnan 07 May '16

07 May '16

> > > > >I've used Insta-Pak RT for shipping very delicate/expensive electronics > and lab equipment in the past -- I'm currently out and need to order more. > It's excellent packing material, a little expensive, but not so expensive > if you consider the risk it avoids! I buy mine through ULINE. Make sure to > get the Insta-Pak *RT* variety -- RT indicates "Room Temperature," the > cheaper Insta-Pak requires a heating plate or it won't activate. > > > >Thanks, > >Jonathan > > I shipped a TRS 80 model 3 by filling the box that chocolate syrup that hardens when it cools. Makes a perfect mold. I have not yet heard back from the guy but I bet it worked perfectly. If you're going to do that with an Apple 1, you should probably shrink wrap it first, it might be hard to spray off all of that chocolate. -- @ BillDeg: Web: vintagecomputer.net Twitter: @billdeg <https://twitter.com/billdeg> Youtube: @billdeg <https://www.youtube.com/user/billdeg> Unauthorized Bio <http://www.vintagecomputer.net/readme.cfm>

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] (Semi-off topic) Looking for a place in NJ that does in-place expandable foam packing.
by Alexander 07 May '16

07 May '16

I've used the self-contained Instapak stuff, and it works wonders. We packaged up delicate electronic gear using three packs of the stuff in stages. Just be warned, the reaction of the foam expanding creates alot of heat and that's normal. It also only gives you a short window to fit your item to be packed, so you may need more than pair of hands to get it right. -Alexander 'Z' Pierson Sent from my pocket telephone. Systems Glitch via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: >I've used Insta-Pak RT for shipping very delicate/expensive electronics and lab equipment in the past -- I'm currently out and need to order more. It's excellent packing material, a little expensive, but not so expensive if you consider the risk it avoids! I buy mine through ULINE. Make sure to get the Insta-Pak *RT* variety -- RT indicates "Room Temperature," the cheaper Insta-Pak requires a heating plate or it won't activate. > >Thanks, >Jonathan

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] (Semi-off topic) Looking for a place in NJ that does in-place expandable foam packing.
by Corey Cohen 07 May '16

07 May '16

So what do I do, just bag the item, start spraying it in he bottom, put it in the box while it's still expanding and keep spraying till the box is full? Thanks, Corey corey cohen uǝɥoɔ ʎǝɹoɔ > On May 7, 2016, at 8:33 AM, gnievin(a)comcast.net wrote: > > > You can get a can of that stuff at Home Depot. It is used as a space filling insulation. Good for sealing small spaces against mice and whatnot. > > ------ Original Message ------ > > From: Corey Cohen via vcf-midatlantic > To: vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org > Cc: Corey Cohen > Sent: May 7, 2016 at 7:14 AM > Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] (Semi-off topic) Looking for a place in NJ that does in-place expandable foam packing. > > I have to ship a vintage monitor, Keyboard and some other stuff overseas. What to make sure it not only gets there in one piece, but has reusable boxes that the items can be shipped back in the future. > > When I got my ADM-5, the shipper used an expanding foam that made a perfect shape around the terminal. > > Anyone have a place in NJ, preferably in Middlesex, Monmouth or ocean counties that does this for individual who are shipping stuff. > > Thanks, > Corey > > corey cohen > uǝɥoɔ ʎǝɹoɔ

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DEC Pathworks licenses?
by David Riley 07 May '16

07 May '16

Hi VMS folks (you know who you are), I'm looking to get DEC Pathworks for OpenVMS (Macintosh) installed on my MicroVAX in preparation for what I hope will be a VCF exhibit next year. I've acquired the layered product kit and can install it, but I don't have the licenses and they're not provided by the hobbyist PAK kit. What's the best way to get a license (license PAK names are described at the bottom)? It's been a retired product for quite some time, so I assume it would be quite difficult to buy them from HPE at this point (and would cost me an arm and a leg anyway even if available); are there second-hand licenses for this sort of thing? Licenses required are at least one of the following: Product: PWXXMACAT01.03 Producer: DEC Version: V1.3A Release Date: 31-JAN-1995 Product: PWASMACCC01.03 Producer: DEC Version: V1.3A Release Date: 31-JAN-1995 Product: PWASXXXFP01.03 Producer: DEC Version: V1.3A Release Date: 31-JAN-1995 - Dave

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(Semi-off topic) Looking for a place in NJ that does in-place expandable foam packing.
by Corey Cohen 07 May '16

07 May '16

I have to ship a vintage monitor, Keyboard and some other stuff overseas. What to make sure it not only gets there in one piece, but has reusable boxes that the items can be shipped back in the future. When I got my ADM-5, the shipper used an expanding foam that made a perfect shape around the terminal. Anyone have a place in NJ, preferably in Middlesex, Monmouth or ocean counties that does this for individual who are shipping stuff. Thanks, Corey corey cohen uǝɥoɔ ʎǝɹoɔ

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Apple 1 demo @ VCF East: video
by Evan Koblentz 06 May '16

06 May '16

https://youtu.be/IDkGHYK1cd8

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