March 2017 - vcf-midatlantic

A little promotion...[KERMIT]
by Herb Johnson 28 Mar '17

28 Mar '17

An interesting fact about KERMIT the communications protocol, is that it is owned and was actively supported by Columbia University, for over 30 years. They still assert ownership, but don't provide active support today. There's few early microcomputer products or services that have had such long interest by the originators; fewer still with CURRENT interest from the owners. http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/ Columbia U's site had KERMITs for many many kinds of microcomputers and minicomputers and more. So their interest wasn't casual, they provided real resources, and also charged for some services. They apparently still sell some kind of use license. I'd be curious to hear about this at VCF-East, but that's up to Doug, he may be more interested in the technical side of KERMIT and the superbrain of course. herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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Thumb out
by Joseph Marlin 28 Mar '17

28 Mar '17

So my ride share sitch was forwarded on the mailing list like a month ago and, not at all to my surprise, nothing ever really came of it. But since I've been pretty active on the list today I figure it's worth another shot. I'm coming in on the NJT from New York eaaaaarly Friday morning, and it's about a two mile hike up to the center from there. The walk's not godawful, but it is about an hour out of my morning. So if anyone with a vehicle wants to make a friend, I would be very grateful for a pickup. Anyhow, carry on and thanks either way!

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VCF-E stuff I'll likely sell
by Herb Johnson 28 Mar '17

28 Mar '17

http://www.retrotechnology.com/vcfe12/vcf17_sales.htm Here's a Web page for the items I'll likely bring to VCF-East. They will be available in the dealer's space, where I'll be. YOu can contact me for questions but I'm a bit busy... Prices at the show. See you there. Herb Johnson tired typist -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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VCF East on Reddit
by Evan Koblentz 28 Mar '17

28 Mar '17

I posted at https://www.reddit.com/r/vintagecomputing/. Please up-vote it. ________________________________ Evan Koblentz, director Vintage Computer Federation a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit evan(a)vcfed.org (646) 546-9999 www.vcfed.org facebook.com/vcfederation twitter.com/vcfederation instagram.com/vcfederation

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Call for Extra Irons for VCF East
by Systems Glitch 28 Mar '17

28 Mar '17

All, I was going to borrow a number of Hexacon soldering stations from a former employer for VCF East, but apparently the guy who was supposed to be servicing and repairing their spares has not finished. I have three irons of my own that I'll be bringing, but I'm not sure how many people will be active in the workshop area at a given time. I'd appreciate if a few people could bring spare irons that they don't mind random people using. Stands and cleaning sponges would be good, too. Thanks, Jonathan

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Sunday Appliance Computer Panelists
by william degnan 28 Mar '17

28 Mar '17

Attention Sunday's panelists, here is some prep info for you. 1. Each of the three groups (Tandy, Apple, Commodore) will have one microphone (hopefully) that they can pass amongst the team. You can rotate who the person will be to respond to questions, does not matter to me. 2. Questions will be pretty specific game show style and hopefully closed-ended. Please keep your answers specific to the question, on-topic and paragraph length so we can get through the entire set. 3. Generally speaking the discussion will cover (*not necessarily in this order*): a. Why is 1977 an important year? b. The common characteristics of home/small business appliance computers in 1977. b.2 "Appliance computer or not"? Covers other lesser-known appliance computers available in 1977, "almost appliance" computers, etc. c Questions related to "..why today are the Apple II, Commodore Pet and Tandy TRS 80 Model 1 models are synonymous with the term appliance computer?.." d. The appliance computer in the home of 1977, typical user and what was "new" about the appliance computer owner, what drove this new market? e. Describe the appliance computer in small business in 1977, what kinds of things did the appliance computer and related peripherals begin to make obsolete? f. Compare and contrast Apple, Commodore, Tandy products. Technical, user experience, software, reliability, pet peeves, etc. g. Putting appliance computers in perspective as they relate to the overall computer industry in 1977 4. The last time I ran a panel at VCF some of the speakers took it as an opportunity to go waaay off topic "before I answer your question let me first tell you about what great new project I am working on today..." - please do not do that, ok? Feel free to contact me with questions. Bill

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Can anyone help today/tonight
by Evan Koblentz 28 Mar '17

28 Mar '17

Needed: one warm body to help with VCF East stuff at the museum. I will be there around 4pm today. Working to as late as needed. Help please!! Assembling (not painting) signs, cleaning up museum, tons of miscellaneous tasks

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A little promotion...
by Douglas Crawford 28 Mar '17

28 Mar '17

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VCF: My could-be-interested buy list: Sun Voyager Bag and Amiga 2000
by Ethan 27 Mar '17

27 Mar '17

Just in case anyone has like a garage full of them and you're coming to VCF East, my short "interested" list is pretty much: The Sun Voyager bag that fits the workstation An Amiga 2000, w/ accelerator/scsi and maybe toaster BeBox front panel and IO card (might be impossible to find) Needs repair Oberheim Matrix 6, 6R or 1000 midi synth

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VCF-E stuff I'll likely see
by Herb Johnson 27 Mar '17

27 Mar '17

http://www.retrotechnology.com/vcfe12/vcf17_sales.htm Here's a Web page for the items I'll likely bring to VCF-East. They will be available in the dealer's space, where I'll be. YOu can contact me for questions but I'm a bit busy... Prices at the show. See you there. Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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