January 2017 - vcf-midatlantic

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Advice on Xenix VCF exhibit
by Mike Willegal 11 Jan '17

11 Jan '17

On some of the Apple II lists that I am on, it appears that the majority of the list members are more interested in the software (really games) than anything else. Also, some nearby people I have been acquainted with from that group, have mentioned in the past that they think VCF is for mini-computer people, not Apple Ii/micro computer type people, hence they would rather travel all the way to Kansas City, rather than relatively close by, New Jersey. Just something to think about. This hobby is way too small for us to be filtering out potential participants. We are better off taking advantage of the excitement surrounding vintage games, which is what interests many people, rather than downplaying it. We might think about leveraging that gaming interest so that more casual visitors might become active hobbyists. It shouldn't be considered a competition, there will always be room for people that are more interested in the technology and history side of the hobby. I remember back in the 70's when I was an avid historical wargamer. Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson came up with something called Dungeons and Dragons during that period. It brought in a very large new group of people and changed the hobby significantly. Up til then, it was a hobby, run by hobbyists, very few people making a full time living off the hobby. The advent of D&D made it possible for many more clever people to make a good living, which made for a lot more possibilities in the hobby for both business and participants. However, what it did not do, was prevent the old school historical wargamer from enjoying their historical games. I'm not sure exactly what I'm suggesting here, other then don't discourage people by keeping the focus too narrow. I understand that this event isn't and shouldn't become a vintage game convention, but we still need to grow the hobby, and right now we shouldn't discourage anyone from having a little fun with vintage computers, no matter how they find it. Mike Willegal

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Amiga 3000 salvage
by Adam Michlin 11 Jan '17

11 Jan '17

Hi Everyone, I have a donated Amiga 3000 that I'd like to get working for my classroom. Damage is way beyond my own ability to repair or learn to repair and probably more than could be done during a typical workshop. Looks like at least one exploded battery perhaps decades ago and all sorts of other issues, most likely including recapping. I just can't bring myself to recycle it, so I'm hoping to get it professionally restored. Any recommendations for people who might do such a thing in the NJ, NY, CT tri-state area? I wont say money is no object, but I'm happy to pay a reasonable fee. Thanks, -Adam

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Advice on Xenix VCF exhibit
by Duane 11 Jan '17

11 Jan '17

>>- We implant chips in peoples' brains Reminds me of a conversation, on an elevator, with one of our supervisors and an apprentice instructor. I hear something to the effect that you were drilling holes in the students head to pour in the knowledge directly. Oh? Yes, they said you were boring the students. Might have been an old joke Duane -----Original Message----- From: Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2017 3:02 PM To: vcf-midatlantic Cc: Evan Koblentz Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Advice on Xenix VCF exhibit > Very true. I agree that the variety at VCF ensures that we cover a broader > interest. That being said, how do we get people to want to walk in the > door > in the first place? Personally, I don't think that Facebook and blogs are > enough. Can we reach a larger audience? We do a TON of different marketing things (a huge part of my job) and we see which ones stick. Briefly: - We reach out to tech media - We contact local mainstream news - We implant chips in peoples' brains - We reach out to hackerspaces, amateur radio clubs, ACM/IEEE chapters, general computer clubs, other museums, etc. - We use Facebook and Twitter - We use the force - We ask the other InfoAge groups to tell their members - We have an email announcement-only list (http://vcfed.org/wp/newsletter/) - We have candy - We preach VCF in our exhibit at related events

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BSD ports to vintage
by Herb Johnson 11 Jan '17

11 Jan '17

It's hard to follow all the Xenix-related posts. But I have a Multibus system running Xenix, if that's of interest. http://www.retrotechnology.com/herbs_stuff/386intel/i386_multi.html For a time, Microsoft sold Xenix for various systems. My Xenix is of Microsoft origin and clearly they had Intel interest or vice versa. Xenix found its way onto many systems in the early 80's period. Later Microsoft sold their interests back to SCO. From an exhibition point of view, there's any number of Xenix systems which could be exhibited, under some theme by a single exhibitor. I'd consider cooperating with an exhibitor regarding my machine, contact me privately. Herb retrotechnology.com

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OT: Anyone here using Comcast ISP?
by william degnan 11 Jan '17

11 Jan '17

Is it me, or is there a problem reaching https://hostisp-vandal.syssrc.com:2083 I can't get to this server from Comcast only, works from Verizon. Thanks Bill

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] What are you working on for The next great workshop is Jan 14 & 15
by Blatboy 11 Jan '17

11 Jan '17

I know this thread was from last week, but since I now know for sure I'll be making it for the whole weekend, I figured I'd chime in. This will be my first time since the 1980s to take a bunch of computer gear somewhere to set up on a table and mix with other enthusiasts. So, please pardon me if I'm totally green, chomping at the bit, over excited, annoyingly verbose, and to top it all off: under skilled. haha I apologize for the book I'm about to write here. I'm tempted to bring my full collection (I need to organize it anyway) as I'm not 100% sure what my goals are and what I can accomplish with this kind of dedicated time to devote to my habit, er "hobby." Any input from ye more experienced is appreciated. For sure I'm planning to bring: An Amiga 3000 with some interesting expansions and a multitude of kooky outboard SCSI gear. (CD drive... Floptical... Bernoulli...) I'm hoping to replace the spindle HD w/a SCSI2SD setup. I've yet to figure out how to get the computer to mount the outboard SCSI equipment. I'm hoping to get over that hump and be able to determine what hardware actually works and what doesn't. My first computer: A trusty/crusty C64. I need to take apart and clean the keyboard. I'll bring a soldering iron and some other tools. If I get that far, I've got a ZoomFloppy card and a C64 NIC+ card that I'd love to try to mess around with. I'll bring a 1541 or two as well. Note that I'm hoping to be able to archive old floppies of mine for both machines. I've already started the process with the c64 (with the ZoomFloppy) but I've yet to modify one of the 1541 drives with a parallel port. Certain disks (like GEOS) seem only be properly imaged via parallel. Tools...disks.... a Commodore monitor and a modern(ish) flat Dell monitor that works with the 3000 and also has S-video and composite inputs. A modern notebook running Win10 and Linux. A MacBook Pro running OSX. A iPad with all my tech books and docs. I'm considering bringing: Mac Classic II: It works great, but I need to prepare and add a SCSI2SD card for this machine. I have some interesting hardware that may allow for Ethernet connection. That'd be fun to experiment with. Macintosh Powerbook G3 Clam Shell ("Wall Street") running OS9. A great "middle man" machine that can communicate with both classic macs and modern ones. Atari 2600: I added some hardware that was supposed to allow it to work on modern monitors. (I forget now if it added a composite connection or something else...not digital.) It didn't go so well. I'd like to troubleshoot that. An A500: It works well and I've found it to be useful when working with the A3000. An SX64. Because I can. ;) A Vectrex. (see SX64) Again... any thoughts are appreciated. I'm also happy to bring stuff just because someone would like to see it. I have a pretty decent compliment of tools for general electronics. If there is something anyone is needing, please say so. I may be able to help. Thanks for reading my book here. Walter http://www.jwalterhawkes.com http://www.blatboy.com like to know where/when I'm playing? Click here <http://www.blatomaster.com/mlist.php> to sign up for my list, and let the babble begin. Date: Wed, 04 Jan 2017 19:39:12 +0000 > From: Jeffrey Brace <ark72axow(a)gmail.com> > To: vcf-midatlantic > <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> > Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] What are you working on for The next great > workshop is Jan 14 & 15 > Message-ID: > <CAKVfvQwFrTUune3aUXdppfeqOQQat36QeZLLNHLZKmeAi_T7JQ@mail. > gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > > Workshop attendees watcha workin on? > > Also let me know about overnight dorm stay if needed. >

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Saturday weather
by Evan Koblentz 11 Jan '17

11 Jan '17

Still too early to be certain, but the forecasts are calling for very little snow in the afternoon and evening, so most of us traveling Saturday morning should be fine.

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PiDP8 writeup
by william degnan 11 Jan '17

11 Jan '17

Here is my PiDP8 writeup http://vintagecomputer.net/browse_thread.cfm?id=663 BIll

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Exhibits: what was memorable and why
by Douglas Crawford 11 Jan '17

11 Jan '17

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Amiga 3000 salvage
by Blatboy 11 Jan '17

11 Jan '17

I've successfully recapped an old Mac Classic II. Unfortunately, I really didn't have the skills and it gave me a false sense of security. I've done... a not beautiful job (understatement) on an Amiga and another Macintosh board since then. I'm about to send them in to get them professionally done. I'm sure there will be many four letter words catapulted in my general direction haha. Just so you see what's out there: I'm sending them here, if you want to look into it: https://acill.ecwid.com/ Paul is a regular on the Amiga.org boards, and while I don't really know him, it seems his work is well respected. If you sent him hi res photos of the board, I'm sure he would tell you if he can work on it or not. Outside of that, getting a refurbished board isn't a bad idea either and may cost near the same, depending on how much corrosion is on the board. --- In other news, it's now looking like I will be there for the workshop! (I already signed up) I just received confirmation that my wife will be going out of town this weekend. I'll be bringing my 3000 (and some other things) to work on. I'm stoked. Walter http://www.jwalterhawkes.com http://www.blatboy.com like to know where/when I'm playing? Click here <http://www.blatomaster.com/mlist.php> to sign up for my list, and let the babble begin.

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