November 2017 - vcf-midatlantic

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Vic 21
by Alexander 02 Nov '17

02 Nov '17

Evan, I've got some good news for you. I just hope you can read Mandarin... -Alexander 'Z' Pierson Sent from my pocket telephone. Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: >I continue anxiously awaiting for Windows 3.2. > > >Evan Koblentz >Director, Vintage Computer Federation >evan(a)vcfed.org / (646) 546-9999 > >www.vcfed.org >@vcfederation > > >On Nov 2, 2017 4:40 PM, "Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic" < >vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > >> I may have one or two. I heard that they are more rare than C65. I heard >> one sold for big bucks. >> >> On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 4:30 PM, william degnan via vcf-midatlantic < >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: >> >> > Anyone have a vic 21 ? They're pretty rare too. Wonder what a person >> > could get for one of those today. >> > >> > Bill Degnan >> > twitter: billdeg >> > vintagecomputer.net >> > >>

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] PET keyboard question
by jaj＠totallyamused.com 02 Nov '17

02 Nov '17

>>I searched the web and did not find any specific best way to handle keys >>that have no response at all given my described situation. Most places say >>"clean everything"....OK tried that. What does one do specifically >>(materials and procedure) to clean the black carbon contact points to >>ensure conductivity? This is not the same issue as the SOL/Tandy-II >>keyboard problem with the dried-out pads. The PET has springs, and this >>particular keyboard has no rust and very little crud. There must be >>something microscopic like a thin film that needs to be cleared. I believe >>the pads are extending and contacting the control board. I tried using >>deoxit and isopropyl alcohol. Hope I did not ruin. I was able to get a >>few keys to work but there are a lot more to fix. I use alcohol (91%) and a qtip on both the contact points and the carbon pads. Have you tried using a pencil eraser on the board contact points? Might be worth it on the carbon points as well (pencil eraser) and then clean again with alcohol.

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PET keyboard question
by william degnan 02 Nov '17

02 Nov '17

People I have a PET non-chicklet 2001 (2001-B32) . I cleaned the inside of the keys where they contact the board, and the keyboard circuit board. The board works when I touch a target point directly with something conductive. I also can put in a different keyboard into the PET and that works. So I have eliminated the problem down to the keyboard keys not making contact. Very few actually work by using the keyboard. I searched the web and did not find any specific best way to handle keys that have no response at all given my described situation. Most places say "clean everything"....OK tried that. What does one do specifically (materials and procedure) to clean the black carbon contact points to ensure conductivity? This is not the same issue as the SOL/Tandy-II keyboard problem with the dried-out pads. The PET has springs, and this particular keyboard has no rust and very little crud. There must be something microscopic like a thin film that needs to be cleared. I believe the pads are extending and contacting the control board. I tried using deoxit and isopropyl alcohol. Hope I did not ruin. I was able to get a few keys to work but there are a lot more to fix. I thought I remember Doug Crawford had a page about it somewhere. Or someone else...Can anyone advise their experiences with restoring this or simlar keyboard. I would think the 4000 and 8000-series keyboards would be the same in this regard. Thanks Bill

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Festivus - important!
by Evan Koblentz 02 Nov '17

02 Nov '17

Everyone -- please sign up sooner rather than later for Festivus (Dec. 9-10) - it's vital that we know how many people are going so Jeff B. can get the right amount of food and stuff. Last year we ran out of burgers. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1odmPxfBK9BrR-NDZIx4_ c-V2lZpt_-vU-3fIBGiyrM4/edit#gid=0

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TRS-80 model 1, looking for good home
by mike willegal 02 Nov '17

02 Nov '17

I have a TRS-80 model 1, that needs to find a good home. I originally was going to get one of each of the original systems of the "big three" from 1977, but decided I really don't have the time or space for them. I never found a chiclet keyboard PET, at a bargain price, so I never completed that collection. This system was at VCF east a few years ago. It has the expansion chassis, level II basic, the CRT, and a single floppy drive. There are also some cassette tapes and manuals, but no Cassette Tape drive. Matching cassette drives are available on eBay from time to time, as they apparently were standard Radio Shack cassette tape products. I wasn't able to boot DOS from floppy, but the main system and CRT were operating when I had it at VCF east. It was a bit intermittent, I think due to the ribbon cable connections between the keyboard and the expansion chassis. If I had the time, I would replace that cable. I only spent about an hour investigating the boot problem with the floppy at VCF and haven't powered on, since. I don't want to risk shipping, but depending upon where you live on the eastern coast of US, may be able to arrange delivery before the end of the year or you can pick up north of Boston, MA. Best offer above $150 gets it. regards, Mike Willegal

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rigaku RSX-11M
by william degnan 01 Nov '17

01 Nov '17

Anyone work with the "Rigaku" version of RSX-llM on the PDP 11? What system is this compatible with? The web reveals no useful information. I have three RL02 diskpacks with this printed on the label. BIll

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