January 2024 - vcf-midatlantic

Exhibitors approve and website updated VCF East 2024
by Jeffrey Brace 15 Jan '24

15 Jan '24

I sent out emails approving all of the exhibits. They are on the website now: https://vcfed.org/events/vintage-computer-festival-east/vcf-east-exhibits/ So that is 16 exhibitors with 34 tables total. There are 36 tables left! Thanks! Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Showrunner VCF Mid-Atlantic Event Manager Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity https://vcfed.org/ <http://www.vcfed.org/> jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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FWD from the 'The Embedded Muse' newsletter ...
by Neil Cherry 15 Jan '24

15 Jan '24

I subscribe to 'The Embedded Muse' (Jack Gassle), one of his subscribers is looking to restore a vintage computer. Request follows: I’m restoring some old intel microcomputer kit. I've got it back together, refreshed the 1702A EPROMS with a home-brew programmer, build a 20mA 100 baud to USB serial interface, but I'm still missing the original paper tape software. Might it be possible for you to put a notice in your missive, requesting anybody who might have access to said paper tapes or any source code, or further info to get in contact, please? You can contact Sid here:jonesthechip@logicmagic.co.uk -- Linux Home Automation Neil Cherry kd2zrq(a)linuxha.com http://www.linuxha.com/ Main site http://linuxha.blogspot.com/ My HA Blog Author of: Linux Smart Homes For Dummies KD2ZRQ

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ReGIS files?
by Dave Shevett 14 Jan '24

14 Jan '24

I'm trying to locate a set of files that were distributed on DEC Pro 350's with graphics cards - mid 80's. They were ReGIS graphics files that had some pretty amazing artwork. I don't suppose anyone has a copy lying around, or knows where I can grab them? The art was super-nice, i'm considering a ReGIS exhibit at the next VCF. -d -- Dave Shevett shevett(a)pobox.com

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Looking for help at March 2 Repair Workshop
by Brian Schmult 13 Jan '24

13 Jan '24

I am planning on attending the next InfoAge repair workshop on 2 March 2024 and hope to narrow the causes of video problems I'm having with a 1992 386 ISA-bus PC. The PC motherboard is compromised from previous battery leakage but was mostly working until recently. I have an apparently now dead original VGA card and a possibly flaky generic VGA card. I'm hoping to test the VGA cards in a known good similar PC and known good VGA cards in my box. Any assistance at the workshop, or other advice, would be greatly appreciated. Best regards, Brian Schmult

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] replying and elaborating to Herb Johnson's postings re: 4004 Based Microcomputer
by Dean Notarnicola 13 Jan '24

13 Jan '24

I would suggest that point would be where the AI is a general, and not utilitarian, construct. Anything purpose built should not be treated as sentient and vice-versa. On Fri, Jan 12, 2024 at 9:30 PM Brian Marstella via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > At what point is an AI no longer a robot, or a robot no longer fits the > assumed description of a device that performs programmed tasks? At what > point would you consider them an engineered intelligence? > > On Fri, Jan 12, 2024 at 3:22 PM Dean Notarnicola via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > You forgot the 0th law: A robot may not harm humanity, or, by inaction, > > allow humanity to come to harm. > > And with the advent of AI we may need to add Dilov's 5th law: A robot > must > > establish its identity as a robot in all cases. > > > > On Fri, Jan 12, 2024 at 1:47 PM Jeffrey Jonas via vcf-midatlantic < > > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > > This touches upon several of my pet peeves, > > > so please pardon the way my reply drones on and on and on > > > until I start foaming at the mouth and falling over backwards ... Oh! > > > https://youtu.be/DO7VkEFZ7B8 [Monty Python skit] > > > > > > > > > Herb touches upon how our expectations of "computers" have evolved. > > > To folks outside the engineering profession, > > > "embedded processors", "industrial controllers" and other > special-purpose > > > machines > > > don't look-and-feel like that's now accepted as a "computer". > > > Yet the Arduino has made such embedded processing more accessible than > > ever > > > to the hobbyist, experimenter, artist, etc. > > > > > > Perhaps that applies here: what were once called "computers" > > > are now considered embedded processors, > > > IoT (Internet of Things) or Internet appliances. > > > > > > I was about to say how cellphones are more of an appliance than a > > computer > > > by the way most folks just download apps. > > > They're not self-hosting, requiring a host system to compile the code. > > > But then again, even I am using my home PC as an appliance. > > > I rarely program or even customize it. > > > I'm running the web browser, text editor, moving files, etc. > > > > > > > > > Having salvaged lotsa vintage electronics, I've seen the insides of > lotsa > > > equipment. > > > I've subscribed to Circuit Cellar from the beginning. > > > They were an early advocate of single chip microcontrollers. > > > These chips come to mind when thinking of embedded processors > > > (in chronological order) > > > > > > > > > 1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_4004 > > > 1971: the Intel 4004. > > > I encountered one deep inside a Calcomp DS12 hard drive controller. > > > See page 55 http://www.bitsavers.org/magazines/Datamation/19710801.pdf > > > > > > [AND FOR THE RECORD: > > > the 4004 was the first _commercially_available_ microprocessor. > > > The military was first with the MP944 chip set for the > > > US Navy's F-14 Tomcat fighter's CADC: completed June 1970. > > > > > > https://firstmicroprocessor.com/ > > > > > > > > > https://www.computerhistory.org/siliconengine/microprocessor-integrates-cpu… > > > https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-14_CADC > > > > > > > > > https://www.wired.com/story/secret-history-of-the-first-microprocessor-f-14/ > > > ] > > > > > > > > > 2) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_MCS-48 > > > This family of single chip microcontrollers was released in 1976. > > > The IBM PC used them as the keyboard controller > > > (allowing a thin coiled cord and serial link instead of ribbon cable > and > > > parallel interface). > > > > > > > > > 3) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zilog_Z8 > > > 1979: the Zilog Z8. > > > Very popular with hobbyists for the piggyback ROM socket. > > > Circuit Cellar / Micromint made many Z8 systems such as FORTH in ROM. > > > http://cini.classiccmp.org/pdf/MicroMint/Micromint_Z8_Forth.pdf > > > > > > > > > 4) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PIC_microcontrollers > > > 1976: General Instruments' PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller) > > > evolved from ROM only to flash memory, so they're easily reprogrammed > and > > > re-purposed. > > > PIC, like PDP, is a name to avoid saying "computer" or > "microprocessor". > > > > > > > > > 5) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AVR_microcontrollers > > > 1996: Atmel AVR series of single chip microcontrollers. > > > Similar to the PIC, popularized by the Arduino. > > > > > > The Arduino ecosystem is no longer just for experimenters and > hobbyists. > > > It's now used for Industrial automation and machine controllers, > > > replacing embedded processors such as the Z80 and STD bus. > > > See: https://www.automationdirect.com/open-source/home > > > > > > What scares me is NOT the tool but how you use it. > > > Just as everything looks like a nail if you have only a hammer, > > > and screwdrivers have been abused as pry bars, wedges, > paint-can-openers, > > > etc. > > > The Arduino is just a tool. > > > My fear is the lack of disciplined programming, proper safety > engineering > > > practices > > > and peer review of mission critical devices that risk injury or death. > > > I remember the horror of the Therac-25. Do you? > > > https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Therac-25 > > > > > > Even Google knows to throw me relevant ads: > > > https://www.onlogic.com/ > > > "Ideal for IoT, Edge and AI Inferencing applications" > > > Just like the movie Westworld, what could possibly go wrong ... go > wrong > > > ... go wrong > > > https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westworld_(film) > > > https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westworld_(TV_series) > > > > > > That's what happens when robots/androids violate Isaac Asimov's "Three > > Laws > > > of Robotics" > > > > > > 1) A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a > > human > > > being to come to harm. > > > 2) A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such > > > orders would conflict with the First Law. > > > 3) A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection > does > > > not conflict with the First or Second Law. > > > > > > > > > and that's the way it is. > > > > > > -- jeff jonas > > > > > >

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Fw: [Premium-Rx] HP-64000 System - FREE
by W2HX 13 Jan '24

13 Jan '24

Just forwarding. Just the messenger, don't shoot. Sent from Nine<http://www.9folders.com/> ________________________________ From: Michael Riley via Premium-Rx <premium-rx(a)mailman.qth.net> Sent: Saturday, January 13, 2024 11:07 AM To: premium-rx(a)mailman.qth.net Subject: [Premium-Rx] HP-64000 System - FREE Greetings. This posting is closely related to some old WJ receivers. But it is not a premium receiver. Sorry. I have the following available for FREE: A complete and working HP-64000 Development System. It was used to develop the embedded software in some WJ receivers and equipment. Model numbers I was able to extract are listed below. The HP-64000 System consists of the following: HP-64000 terminal (qty. 1). HP-7912 disk drive, 65.6 MBytes (qty. 2). (One disk drive includes an internal tape back-up unit.) HP-9144 tape back-up unit (qty. 1). HP-64224A '80186' Emulator Probe (in-circuit emulator). HP-64516A EPROM programming module (supports: 27512, 27513, and possibly others). A number of back-up tapes. Some cables. Misc. other related 'stuff'. Note: I do not have any manuals. An HP museum in Australia (and at least one other website) have scanned and posted many manuals related to this system. The system is quite large and heavy. (The manual states that one HP-7912 disk drive weighs 148 pounds. As a guess - the terminal weighs about 50 pounds.) I can provide dimensions, photos, detailed module numbers, etc. - on request. If you're within a "reasonable" distance of Annapolis, Maryland (USA), I'll even consider delivering it, help set it up, and a quick demo on using it. (Assuming I can get it loaded into my truck.) I compiled a list of equipment and acronyms from the disk (user) listings. I'm pretty sure the WJ8718 is complete. In other words all the embedded software is there. I believe at least one of the controllers in the WJ9195C is complete. It would appear that the WJ8628 is complete. Specifically which sub-models, I do not know. Many models and acronyms are unknown to me. If you look at the source files, you could possibly figure it out. Also available, FREE, is a Printronix P300 large format high speed line printer on rolling stand. It connects to the HP64000 terminal. It worked the last time I tested it. (It's RS-232, so any computer can use it; not just the HP64000.) Let me know if you want this system or have any questions. Happy New Year and best regards, Mike. ---------- DISK0 ---------- WJ9477 WJ9644 WJ9195 WJ99 (TSU) WJ28 WJ8718 WJ8709 DBP DCU900 GDC900 IOC MRU MRU108 SSU W8999 ---------- DISK1 ---------- WJ8628 WJ28b WJ9478 WJ9520 WJ9644 DDF102 GES28 GES_4a GOI_4a ICE_4a IFD121 IOC IOMGES IOMOCT IOMSIN IOMc IOMd IOMe ISC MANKEY NDF SIM_IO -- << My contact information is below. >> *************************** Michael Riley 1509 Manor View Road Davidsonville, MD 21035-2159 USA +1-410-798-4038 (voice only) ----- ______________________________________________________________ Premium-RX Mailing List Information Home: https://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/premium-rx Help Page: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post to Group eMail: premium-rx(a)mailman.qth.net Help Contact eMail: 73(a)73.am Web Home Page: http://www.premium-rx.org/

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replying and elaborating to Herb Johnson's postings re: 4004 Based Microcomputer
by Jeffrey Jonas 12 Jan '24

12 Jan '24

This touches upon several of my pet peeves, so please pardon the way my reply drones on and on and on until I start foaming at the mouth and falling over backwards ... Oh! https://youtu.be/DO7VkEFZ7B8 [Monty Python skit] Herb touches upon how our expectations of "computers" have evolved. To folks outside the engineering profession, "embedded processors", "industrial controllers" and other special-purpose machines don't look-and-feel like that's now accepted as a "computer". Yet the Arduino has made such embedded processing more accessible than ever to the hobbyist, experimenter, artist, etc. Perhaps that applies here: what were once called "computers" are now considered embedded processors, IoT (Internet of Things) or Internet appliances. I was about to say how cellphones are more of an appliance than a computer by the way most folks just download apps. They're not self-hosting, requiring a host system to compile the code. But then again, even I am using my home PC as an appliance. I rarely program or even customize it. I'm running the web browser, text editor, moving files, etc. Having salvaged lotsa vintage electronics, I've seen the insides of lotsa equipment. I've subscribed to Circuit Cellar from the beginning. They were an early advocate of single chip microcontrollers. These chips come to mind when thinking of embedded processors (in chronological order) 1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_4004 1971: the Intel 4004. I encountered one deep inside a Calcomp DS12 hard drive controller. See page 55 http://www.bitsavers.org/magazines/Datamation/19710801.pdf [AND FOR THE RECORD: the 4004 was the first _commercially_available_ microprocessor. The military was first with the MP944 chip set for the US Navy's F-14 Tomcat fighter's CADC: completed June 1970. https://firstmicroprocessor.com/ https://www.computerhistory.org/siliconengine/microprocessor-integrates-cpu… https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-14_CADC https://www.wired.com/story/secret-history-of-the-first-microprocessor-f-14/ ] 2) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_MCS-48 This family of single chip microcontrollers was released in 1976. The IBM PC used them as the keyboard controller (allowing a thin coiled cord and serial link instead of ribbon cable and parallel interface). 3) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zilog_Z8 1979: the Zilog Z8. Very popular with hobbyists for the piggyback ROM socket. Circuit Cellar / Micromint made many Z8 systems such as FORTH in ROM. http://cini.classiccmp.org/pdf/MicroMint/Micromint_Z8_Forth.pdf 4) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PIC_microcontrollers 1976: General Instruments' PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller) evolved from ROM only to flash memory, so they're easily reprogrammed and re-purposed. PIC, like PDP, is a name to avoid saying "computer" or "microprocessor". 5) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AVR_microcontrollers 1996: Atmel AVR series of single chip microcontrollers. Similar to the PIC, popularized by the Arduino. The Arduino ecosystem is no longer just for experimenters and hobbyists. It's now used for Industrial automation and machine controllers, replacing embedded processors such as the Z80 and STD bus. See: https://www.automationdirect.com/open-source/home What scares me is NOT the tool but how you use it. Just as everything looks like a nail if you have only a hammer, and screwdrivers have been abused as pry bars, wedges, paint-can-openers, etc. The Arduino is just a tool. My fear is the lack of disciplined programming, proper safety engineering practices and peer review of mission critical devices that risk injury or death. I remember the horror of the Therac-25. Do you? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Therac-25 Even Google knows to throw me relevant ads: https://www.onlogic.com/ "Ideal for IoT, Edge and AI Inferencing applications" Just like the movie Westworld, what could possibly go wrong ... go wrong ... go wrong https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westworld_(film) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westworld_(TV_series) That's what happens when robots/androids violate Isaac Asimov's "Three Laws of Robotics" 1) A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. 2) A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law. 3) A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law. and that's the way it is. -- jeff jonas

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] HOPE XV (2024)
by Jeffrey Brace 12 Jan '24

12 Jan '24

On Sun, Dec 17, 2023 at 9:23 PM Jim Scheef via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Jeff, > I plan to go. Will VCFed have a table? > I'm mulling it over with the national board and steering committee. It would help us if we had volunteers that were already going to help us. > Jim > > > > > On Sat, 16 Dec 2023, Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > > > Date: Sat, 16 Dec 2023 12:52:46 -0500 > > From: Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org > > > > To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> > > Cc: Jeffrey Brace <jeffrey(a)vcfed.org> > > Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] HOPE XV (2024) > > > > Who is definitely going to HOPE in 2024 (July 12-14)? > > > > Thanks! > > > > Jeff Brace > > VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President > > Vintage Computer Festival East Showrunner > > VCF Mid-Atlantic Event Manager > > Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity > > https://vcfed.org/ <http://www.vcfed.org/> > > jeffrey(a)vcfed.org > > > > js(a)sdf.org > SDF Public Access UNIX System - http://sdf.lonestar.org >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF East Update #1 = 1/13/2024 at 6:30PM EST
by Andrew Diller 12 Jan '24

12 Jan '24

So that is how you get free admission to the shows! Jeff, you are amazing. I have a few words to say about you: Jeffery Brace's tenure as the showrunner for the Vintage Computer Festival East has been nothing short of exemplary, solidifying his reputation as one of the best in the field. His deep understanding and appreciation for vintage computing have enabled him to curate events that not only showcase the technological marvels of the past but also illuminate their impact on the present and future of computing. Brace's meticulous attention to detail, combined with his ability to orchestrate complex events, ensures that each festival is a seamless blend of education, nostalgia, and entertainment. His leadership has consistently delivered a festival that resonates with enthusiasts and newcomers alike, creating an inclusive environment where the rich history of computing is celebrated. His commitment to preserving and sharing this history has made the Vintage Computer Festival East a must-attend event for anyone interested in the evolution of technology. Jeffery Brace's unparalleled expertise and passion make him an invaluable asset to the vintage computing community. > On Jan 11, 2024, at 8:29 PM, Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > From: Sentrytv <sentrytv(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF East Update #1 = 1/13/2024 at 6:30PM EST > > > Jeff, you do a great job every year and don’t let anybody tell you differently. > > Personally, I don’t mind the updates and the reminders. > It keeps me posted on what’s going on and the delete button is always handy. > > Mike R. >

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A 4004 Based Microcomputer the Comstar System 4
by Herbert Johnson 12 Jan '24

12 Jan '24

> Cc: Christian Liendo > > A number of years ago I got my hands on a Comstar Programmer, it programmed roms for a computer called the Comstar System 4. > > I was told both the programmer and the System 4 were intel 4004 based. > I asked around and kept getting told no computer was 4004 based. > > I really didn't do much due diligence just some searching here and there but I found enough to show that the computer did exist and was > 4004 based.[links to documents posted] > I'm still trying to get more info, but I think this is some decent evidence to show there was a 4004 based computer in 1972. This is good work, but I am reluctant to consider many early uses of microprocessors as "computers" without further explanation. The simple reasons are 1) many early implementations were for use as controllers, or logic-replacements; 2) the idea of a "computer" has changed many times from the era before microprocessor and during microprocessor developments in the early-to-mid 1970's. 3) The world of computing technology in the 2020's is so different from my world of them in the 1970's, calling something particularly early a computer obscures those changes. Fewer US people today are employed in US manufacturing or production. So "industrial" doesn't have a lot of personal context today. Apparently that Comstar 4, and certainly early use of the Intel 4004, are examples of industrialm controls. From Christian's documents, the Compstar System 4 was a replacement for ladder-logic or PLC (programmed logic) controllers for industrial control. The PLC program was cross-compiled on some mainframe or minicomputer running a FORTRAN program. That was a very common means of microprocessor programming in the early-mid 1970's. Gary Kildall (later of CP/M, Digital Research) produced FORTRAN assemblers and PL/M compilers for Intel's 8008 and 8080, for development of industrial applications. It's good to see this Comstar work become available. While I'm from the era, I certainly didn't see or know everything of the time, particularly the 4-bit era just before my engineering days. Intel's earliest 4004 literature, talks about use of 4004's to replace random logic, to produce controllers that could be manufacturer-reprogrammed. (Not by the way, user-reprogrammable, in fact 4001 ROMS were mask-programmed.) The 4004 and many other early microprocessors, were jammed into already-existing analog/digital logic instruments and even minicomputers. They replaced some user-interfacing logic for displays, keyboards, serial, data transfer. Later, they replaced the wired-up operating logic too. Microprocessor companies described and promoted their microprocessors in their application notes and press releases; early emphasis was to replace "hard-wired logic" for manufacturing and development convenience. The idea of "computers" evolved in many ways, to be brief about it. So calling something a computer begs the question of what computers were or were not at the times referenced. As far as what was produced when, and how early? Well, some company is chronologically first or second or third, in some way, of some kind of use of some microprocessor. I think it's all interesting, and since I am or was a digital engineer in the 1970's I have my own experiences of the period. The literature and media of the period, the artifacts themselves today, once found and referenced, provide first-person and empirical evidence. Those are my go-to's, so I have a lot of contexts to consider. Regards Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA https://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net preserve, recover, restore 1970's computing email: hjohnson AT retrotechnology DOT com or try later herbjohnson AT comcast DOT net

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