November 2021 - vcf-midatlantic

Looking for working 5.25" 1.2MB drive to borrow/rent
by John Heritage 26 Nov '21

26 Nov '21

Hey All! :) I have a small amount of old 5.25" floppies I'd like to read some data off of. Does anyone have a working 5.25" HD drive that I could borrow? I have a Socket 7 system and a pair of 5.25" drives that seem bad. Drive 1 read a couple of disks "ok" -- the data was intact, took several tries. After swapping to Drive 2 to see if it was more reliably, Drive 1 now won't power up. Drive 2 also would read some disks but even less reliably than drive 1. I took the protective cover off of Drive 2, carefully used some canned air, and then carefully alcohol swabbed the read/write heads (as I have in the past with my Atari 8bit drives). Let it sit, and it read one more disk, but since then - even with additional cleanings won't read or write anything. I have both some old OEM disks (i.e. copies of PCBoard) I've tried using, and also a box of definitely unused 1.2MB floppies that look very clean, and can't get either config working. I'd actually like to read that PCBoard disk if possible so I stopped 'testing' with it and just focused on the clean unused disk. Anyway, I'd love to rent or borrow a 5.25" HD / 1.2mb drive that is good. I can paypal over some $ as a deposit or whatever if necessary. I have about 12 disks I want to read data off of and then i'll be done with the drive. I'm located in the King of Prussia PA area but have no problem driving wherever if in person is preferred. Thanks! John

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] [OT] My eyes are aging - glasses recos for electronics work/small print reading?
by John Heritage 26 Nov '21

26 Nov '21

Hey All - thanks for all of the recommendations. I ended up buying two devices: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JZ3U6K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o… and https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08J2V8M8Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o… The first one is *really* comfortable to wear, and adds reading glass functionality (1.5x, 2.0x, or 2.5x) to safety glasses. These complement my contact lenses nicely, I went with the 1.5x and it's a huge quality of life improvement. The second unit was recommended by someone here and I think it'll be very useful for verifying work closely but for my eyes, the range that it makes something visible is on the order of 6" away from my face or less. I could see putting that on top of my head, using the light as needed, and then taking on/off the first pair while doing the actual work. It's a rare use piece for sure, but interesting. Anyway, thanks all for the recommendations and discussion! On Wed, Nov 17, 2021 at 3:21 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > One advantage is the tiny hands. > They Into those very tight places > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > On Nov 17, 2021, at 3:14 PM, Bill Degnan via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > one other solution is to outsource your vintage computing. I have sent > > all of my computers and parts overseas and they do all of the work > > remotely. I am told it's nice. > > b > > > >> On Wed, Nov 17, 2021 at 3:11 PM John Heritage via vcf-midatlantic < > >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >> > >> Interesting - thank you. I’ve previously been told I do in one eye > though > >> the last doc said it’s no longer apparent (?? :) ). I ordered a pair > of > >> safety + 1.5x magnification glasses to see how that works for the > >> electronics work. I will take your suggestion and just try a set of > >> pharmacy readers (+bring a couple of unreadable USB power supplies with > me > >> to test :)). thanks! > >> > >> On Wed, Nov 17, 2021 at 07:17 Jason Perkins via vcf-midatlantic < > >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >> > >>> John, > >>> > >>> Do you have an astigmatism? I do, and am nearsighted. I had a pair of > >>> glasses made which is mostly just an astigmatism correction, almost no > >>> distance. > >>> > >>> It makes doing close work *much* easier. Of course this means you'd > have > >> to > >>> switch from contacts to 2 different pairs of glasses. > >>> > >>> You could also stop by a pharmacy and try some of the readers on. > >>> > >>> -J > >>> > >>> On Tue, Nov 16, 2021 at 11:06 PM Bill Degnan via vcf-midatlantic < > >>> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >>> > >>>> I use a large lighted magnifying lense with an adjustable arm that > >> allows > >>>> me to position to.see details. Great for checking solder joints, etc. > >>>> Bill > >>>> > >>>> On Tue, Nov 16, 2021, 5:58 PM Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic < > >>>> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >>>> > >>>>> On Tue, Nov 16, 2021 at 3:16 PM John Heritage via vcf-midatlantic < > >>>>> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >>>>> > >>>>>> I'm sure at least a few of you can relate. Hell, I *know* Crawford > >>>>>> Griffith can relate ;-).. > >>>>>> > >>>>>> I wear contact lenses and without the lenses I can read small > >>> print/see > >>>>>> tiny text on PCBs without problem. Once the contacts are in I have > >>>> real > >>>>>> trouble focusing in some cases on small fonts, or other details > >> such > >>> as > >>>>> the > >>>>>> crappy way manufacturers print specs on power supplies. > >>>>>> > >>>>>> Any specific recommendations for eye glasses here? Are cheap > >> reading > >>>>>> glasses sufficient for [seeing] soldering "up close" and other uses > >>>> like > >>>>>> that or is there a type of reading / magnifying glass that's also > >> for > >>>>>> safety that someone would recommend? > >>>>>> > >>>>> > >>>>> I never got around to getting a new pair of glasses for about 3 or 4 > >>>> years > >>>>> before getting some about a year ago. My eyesight isn't really bad, > >> but > >>>> it > >>>>> helps to have them when reading things from a distance. Had to get a > >>> new > >>>>> eye exam. Apparently I couldn't use contacts any more because of > >>> various > >>>>> reasons. They recommended Bi-Focals. I went with the most expensive > >>>> option: > >>>>> Progressive's lens which are a transition of distance higher on the > >>> lens > >>>>> and progressively closer as you get towards the bottom. They are also > >>>>> Transitions that get dark in sunlight. This way when I'm watching TV > >> I > >>>> can > >>>>> look at it (distance), then quickly look down at my phone (up > >> close). I > >>>>> went to America's Best Contacts and Eyeglasses. I recommend that you > >> go > >>>> to > >>>>> a reputable eye doctor to get a recommendation on your specific case. > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>>>> > >>>>>> Thanks! > >>>>>> John > >>>>>> > >>>>> > >>>> > >>> > >>> > >>> -- > >>> Jason Perkins > >>> 313 355 0085 > >>> > >> > >

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Jim Warren has passed away
by Christian Liendo 25 Nov '21

25 Nov '21

https://web.stanford.edu/~allison/JimWarren.html For those who do not know about Jim Warren He was the founding Editor of Dr. Dobb's Journal He co-founded the West Coast Computer Faire He hosted PBS television's Computer Chronicles series for their first two seasons He created and published the Intelligent Machines Journal Jim Warren's wiki page https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Warren_(computer_specialist)

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VCF 2021 T-shirts Reorder
by Jeffrey Brace 24 Nov '21

24 Nov '21

Since the 2021 design was so popular, I put in a re-order. For those that didn't get a VCF 2021 t-shirt or your size was sold out, I put in a reorder for the 2021 t-shirt. I may not get all design colors by Festivus (likely only green), because of shipping delays this time of year with the holidays, but I will definitely get it by the next repair workshop January 8 & 9 at InfoAge. If you want a t-shirt and won't make it to InfoAge, but will be going to the System Source Repair Workshop on January 29 & 30, then let me know and I will bring your size t-shirt to that repair workshop. There is another event that I'm announcing soon at InfoAge on February 26 where you will have an opportunity to buy one. Also of course VCF East 2022 which is April 22, 23, 24. There will be no more re-orders after this one, so get this t-shirt while supplies last! ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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SmartyKit Interactive Assembly
by Jeffrey Brace 24 Nov '21

24 Nov '21

Some of you recall the SmartyKit that was demonstrated at VCF East 2021 via a live Zoom talk. It was a modern kit that worked like an Apple 1. This guy Sergey Panarin has a new kit. Here is the info: https://twitter.com/smartykite/status/1463191451748159488?s=21 Video demo: https://youtu.be/eFGLYMSzalU Direct link to try: http://instructions.smartykit.io ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Zippered Hoodies (VCF)
by Jeffrey Brace 24 Nov '21

24 Nov '21

There seems to be some interest in zippered hoodies. I’m thinking about making an order. So I assume that everyone likes black or grey color? Also what to put on it? It was suggested Options: 1) VCF Logo on left breast. 2) VCF Logo on left breast & 2021 t-shirt design on the back 3) Blank Front & VCF Logo on back Other suggestions? -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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List of Candidates for Upcoming Steering Committee Election
by Dean Notarnicola 23 Nov '21

23 Nov '21

It is almost time for the VCF Mid-Atlantic steering committee member election. As a reminder, there will be a voting form sent to this list on 11/27/2021. There will be two seats up for re-election this year, so please vote for up to two candidates. Here is a list of candidates and their bio where one has been made available. If a bio is not listed, I encourage the candidates to send them to the list. *Ethan O'Toole* *Dean Notarnicola* *Dave McGuire* I’m an engineer in my early 50s, and I’ve been passionate about technology since I was a child. As a teenager in the mid-1980s, I lucked into a DEC PDP-11/34A, a powerful computer system about the size of two household refrigerators placed side-by-side, and it resided in my bedroom. It wasn’t an “antique computer” at the time; it was just old enough to be mostly unwanted in a typical commercial environment. But it belonged to a class of systems known as “minicomputers”, which are powerful, serious machines designed for scientific or business applications. While all of my friends were playing games on their little Atari, Apple, and Commodore systems, I taught myself a half dozen or so programming languages on that big PDP-11. This naturally and directly led to my career as an engineer. Using large, powerful computers both at work and at home is just how my life has always been. I loved my systems, and I ended up just keeping the old ones as I upgraded, occasionally running them for fun an nostalgia in my free time. I’ve been peripherally involved with VCF for many years, starting early in the MARCH era, helping out here and there behind the scenes with hardware donations and swaps, donation transport, and general advice and guidance. If elected to a Steering Committee seat, my intention would be to provide further, much closer guidance and technical assistance on the “big iron” side, to round out the VCF presentations a bit. And, as the head of LSSM in Pittsburgh, another big focus of mine would be much closer collaboration and involvement between VCF and LSSM. *Jason Perkins* I've been fiddling with computers, and by proxy vintage computers about as long as I can remember. When you're just getting started cast-off old machines are your playground! In 2003 my father and I made the trip from Michigan to DC to visit the Smithsonian museums. At that time there was a whole section at the National Museum of American History dedicated to the history of computers. I was really looking forward to this - and was so disappointed. Static machines, turned off, behind plexiglas. There was an Alto that either had the worst case of screen burn, or the CRT replaced with a plastic slide. In either case it wasn't illuminated. There was an IBM PC and Mac 128k, behind plexiglas, turned off. This is one of the main things I like about VCF: We are able to present systems that work, systems you can touch, systems you can experience. Having a static display of "Oh, look at this hunk of metal and beige plastic" just doesn't do it for me. If elected to the board, I'll continue this tradition of making the full experience of a system available to our guests. *Jeff Salzman* My own personal history, experiences, curiosity, and affinity toward vintage computing has set me firmly in a hobby that I enjoy. I believe in the goals of the VCF-MA, not only for the preservation of vintage computer systems, but for the opportunities the organization provides to the public for those who want to discover and learn about the earlier days of computing. It would be an honor to be a committee member in part of the process that helps to define the operation and future vision of the VCF-MA. As suggested, here is a brief bit about myself... (OK, maybe not a "brief bit", but the text will still fit on a SSDD floppy disk of any kind.) I have been a "vintage" computer fanatic since back when these systems were called "cutting edge." I was the guy, um... kid, who would walk into a Radio Shack, much to the chagrin of the store manager, to play with the TRS-80 computers they always had on display. That is, of course, after I ran out of money at the mall arcade first. :) Throughout my childhood and young adulthood, I have always been into computers. Especially after getting my first computer, a Commodore VIC-20, back in October 1981 (which I still own, BTW). Shortly after that, I bought a second computer for myself, a TI-99/4A. (WHA...??? What kind of nerd wants TWO computers for themselves in 1982?!? ---- >THIS NERD, That's who!!!) Since then, I have rolled on personal computing as a commonplace activity in the home. I just happened to do so by riding on the Commodore bandwagon throughout the 1980s (please don't hold that against me. LOL) and had to have the newest model of their computers as soon as I could afford them. I had an appreciation for other systems that were available to consumers, but just didn't have the space or income at the time to support the continued ownership and upgrade of two or more cutting edge systems from multiple manufacturers. :( I got a Commodore 64 in 1985, then a Commodore 128 in 1987, then a Commodore Amiga 500 in 1989, selling each previous system to be able to afford the new one. Staying informed about what computers could do, and the growing pains within society as they grew into important appliances for work, home, and fun, turned personal computing into a hobby which I have continuously explored to its limit. Then the 1990s came... I found myself unable to continue the run of what are considered uniquely vintage computers today, along with the other specialized home computer systems that were earning a vintage status even then. Trends were changing. 8-bit was dying. 16-bit was even dying... I ended up (GASP!!!) buying my first IBM PC compatible, a 386DX. And like a junkie, I fell deep into the monotony and dependence of the architecture. I sold my soul to the industry, repairing and upgrading PCs for a living... in hopes that I could get a hit on a slightly used and outdated 30-pin SIMM that was leftover from the customer's upgrade. Maybe even a disk drive/multi-I/O controller card, or if luck graces me, a 2x CD-ROM with sound card!!! All just to keep my frankenstein PC alive and contemporary as the years went by. I still remember a lot of the "PC compatible days" from the 1990s, and even the 1980s. Many still consider them too closely tied to modern PCs, but as the recent VCF-East showed everybody, they are far enough removed from their modern cousins to break the perception of those close ties. But I digress. In the 1990s, I missed the 'ol 8-bit days. And there was hope... I was able to find those now near vintage 8 and 16-bit home computers, the ones I couldn't afford to buy more than one of in the 1980s, for next to nothing at many of the flea markets and yard sales I visited. Some people actually GAVE them to me because they thought they were junk at the time... Hello WHAT?!? So now I find myself at the turn of the century. I'm knee deep in a lot of vintage 8 and 16-bit home computers that I just HAD to have, and could not see going to scrap. I had quite the collection, and I started to work through that collection, repairing and using them, reliving my youth, and enjoying every moment of it. Then somewhere around 2004, I learned about M.A.R.C.H. and what the organization was all about. I was even asked to design the organization's logo. It was then that I knew I wasn't the only one who (secretly) held a fondness for vintage computing, thus re-energizing my hobby toward the appreciation and preservation of vintage computing. I eventually found myself attending the VCF East as an exhibitor so I could show off what I had in my collection, and demonstrate to the next generation what we had available to us in my generation. I have been doing a completely different exhibit each year in an attempt to show off the variety of vintage computers, along with an array of uses. As my attendance as an exhibitor continued, I became increasingly involved with M.A.R.C.H. events, like the Workshops and Festivus. When my kids got older, I found even more time to become involved with the (now) Vintage Computer Federation. You would (and still could) find me at almost every Workshop, if not for working on my own stuff, but working through items in the warehouse and museum. I hate to see broken vintage computer systems. The Workshops give us an opportunity to do our part in keeping these systems alive, and even more so, allow us to share that experience with others bearing the same interests. Those are just a few of the many reasons VCF-MA exists for the avid hobbyist, or the piqued interest of a museum visitor, or whatever insight the organization discovers that can promote the knowledge and history of vintage computing.

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OT - Projector upgrade to 9059 classroom
by Martin Flynn 23 Nov '21

23 Nov '21

CDL received a Mitsubishi FL7000U projector as a donation. Also have the Chief Ceiling Mount, and all of the signal cables + two spare lamps Plan is to deploy it in the 9059 Classroom, however we need a 16:9 ratio screen screen as it won't work well with the existing 4:3 Radio screen, Before making one from scratch, is anyone aware of a 16:9 screen around 150" x 84" that we can press into service? Link: https://www.mitsubishielectric.com.au/Mitsubishi_FL7000U_1080P_LCD_Installa… Martin

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Pictures: Early IC Package with Rolled Legs
by Jonathan Chapman 23 Nov '21

23 Nov '21

I figured this would probably be of interest to some people here, too: https://imgur.com/a/TCrIxEH I've had this NS DM8200D 4-bit comparator for a while, after posting some pictures of it to Twitter, Evil Mad Scientist Labs offered to take super macro photos of it for me. It's just a comparator, but the DIP package is a very early "gold sandwich" style carrier. What really makes the packaging unique is that the legs are rolled into a tubular shape, rather than being the usual stamped/coined construction modern ICs use! Thanks, Jonathan

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Festivus Repair Question - IBM P70 Floppy Drive Re-cap
by Bart Hirst 22 Nov '21

22 Nov '21

Ok great, thanks for the tip on the caps, I'll definitely bring some. btw, I removed the two caps opposite the ones you mentioned that have the polarizing marks. One is 4.7 and the other 10. One came off clean, but the one closest to the flywheel (4.7uF) I took the pad off that's again closest to the flywheel. I stopped there because I don't have the equipment to look close enough to attempt repairing that junction. The traces are intact, but some bridges will need to be built there if you know what I mean.

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