November 2024 - vcf-midatlantic

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] OT: time to downsize
by Bob Shuster 03 Sep '25

03 Sep '25

I’ve finally gone through all the old Apple “i“-devices I’ve accumulated, but I haven’t listed them on the website as they definitely don’t fit the “vintage” moniker. That being said, perhaps some of you might also collect these or want them for parts/nostalgia? There are a couple of 1st gen iPads, a 1st gen iPad mini, various iPods, and a handful of iPhone 5 and 6 phones. Drop me an email if you want any more details. And still plenty of other stuff left - although I’ve been slowly selling off bits and pieces on eBay. - Bob Shuster > I've been regularly marking the sold and sale pending items, thank you guys so much! And once again - many thanks to those who have adopted some of my babies so far. Please let me know if I can clarify anything or if any more photos are needed. > > The link: http://www.theshusters.com/bobvintage.html > > Please don't share without asking me. Currently just open to this group - my contact info is intentionally missing from the webpages. If you can read this, you have my email. > > Email me with questions or offers! Please don't make offers on the list, but if you want to discuss my process and feel the group would benefit, then by all means knock yourself out! :) > > Bob Shuster > > (Original message below) > ---- > Well, folks, I've gotten to the age where I need to seriously downsize my hobbies and collections, not wanting to leave it to my children to have to deal with in later years. (I had to do that recently for a relative.) On the electronics side, I've decided to concentrate on my vintage video game systems - and therefore sell off most of my vintage computer stuff. My collection includes mostly 8-bit stuff: TRS-80 Models I, IV, M100, etc. - Atari 400, 800, Portfolio, ST, etc. - C64/VIC20 - T/S1000 (including an unbuilt kit), Apple II, II+, IIe, IIe Platinum, IIgs - Wang WLTC - Mattel Aquarius - TI-99/4A - many others that I still have to dig out - plus lots of peripherals, disks, manuals, etc. Also have some newer Macs starting with a Mac Plus in an Apple carrying bag. > > I'm starting with you guys before trying to list elsewhere, although I may hit some of the dedicated FaceBorg pages (such as for Aquarius and Apple II.) I'm willing to ship some of the smaller items, but in general systems or monitors will need to be picked up here (near the Fort Washington exit of the PA Turnpike) or nearby, and cash or PayPal for payment. I may also consider trades for some of the video game stuff I'm looking for. > > It pains me to do this, but the clutter is getting out of hand, and I haven't touched most of these in years. It's time for someone else to enjoy. > > Bob Shuster > > > > > > > > > > > > >

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OT / Equipment pickup
by Martin Flynn 11 Jan '25

11 Jan '25

Anyone on list in proximity to Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania? There's a Winsted equipment rack that's a cosmetic match for what we have deployed already that I am considering purchase of Before arranging shipping / freight, anyone nearby that might be headed to VCF East or the swap meet? Martin

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A 4004 Based Microcomputer the Comstar System 4
by Christian Liendo 26 Dec '24

26 Dec '24

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. The website "Internet Scripophily Museum of Computing" has a page on the history of The Warner & Swasey Company. It's a decent timeline of the company http://ismoc.blogspot.com/2017/06/the-warner-swasey-company.html In "Auerbach Guide to Minicomputers" April 1976, the computer is mentioned on page 54 and page 70. On page 70 are the specifications and they show it being 4004 based. http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/auerbach/Auerbach_Guide_to_Minicomputers_Apr76… In the IEEE Spectum May 1975 on page 26 the compiler and the System 4 are talked about having a 4004 https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=6368812 In the ACM's archives "Development of a portable compiler for industrial microcomputer systems" by LEROY H. ANDERSON The Warner & Swasey Company, it discusses the system and has images on the unit. https://www.computer.org/csdl/pds/api/csdl/proceedings/download-article/12O… And finally the Computer History Museum put the manual up for download. https://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102686568 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

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Time to vote for the next Steering Committee
by Jeff Salzman 01 Dec '24

01 Dec '24

Greetings all, Nominations are closed. Now is the time to vote. The candidate list and voting details can be found at the link below. Voting starts now and ends at 11:59 PM on December 11th, 2024. Winners will be announced December 14th, 2024 at the annual VCF Festivus celebration. Thank you for your time and commitment to the organization. Jeff Salzman https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScj5epNenkEhZ5YQh5LNcoaIQ5rtLyuM0P…

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OT - task lamp recommendations?
by John Heritage 30 Nov '24

30 Nov '24

Good morning folks, I'm not enjoying my eyes being a little older lately :) and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for (really) BRIGHT desktop or "clamp on side of table" LED lamps for working on electronics or other small stuff. (Ideal would be something that doesn't sit on a huge portion of desk but provides great light for a 2+ ft x 3 ft or so work area). It's hard to tell off Amazon what is legit bright or just marketing / review BS. Thanks!

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] OT: still working on downsizing!
by Bob Shuster 27 Nov '24

27 Nov '24

Yes, as several of you have noted, the link in my message does not work as posted. It turns out my email issue was related to my host's SPAM filter and it was blocking any emails with links - so I added spaces to the URL in an attempt to get the message through (which obviously worked!) I should have noted to remove the spaces in the URL - oops. Thanks Martin for posting the correct link. (www.theshusters<dot>com/bobvintage.html - I probably should have done it this way!) - Bob

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] OT: still working on downsizing!
by Martin A. Flynn 26 Nov '24

26 Nov '24

http://www.theshusters.com/bobvintage.html On 11/26/2024 3:29 PM, Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > The link: www . theshusters .com/ bobvintage. html

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Atari Leather Jacket just dropped
by Christian Liendo 26 Nov '24

26 Nov '24

I know there are people here that like Atari. Atari has been dropping a lot of retro stuff and I have been holding off until this. Heck I just bought one, because I will add this to my Atari, SGI, NeXT and Newton Jackets. https://atari.com/products/leather-bomber-jacket

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Huge Milestone for Our Friend
by Chris Fala 24 Nov '24

24 Nov '24

Usagi Electric hit 100,000 subscribers today!

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World of Commodore 2024
by Jeffrey Brace 24 Nov '24

24 Nov '24

I will be going to World of Commodore and have an official VCF table there. Steve Lowry is going separately too. Is anyone else attending? Take care! 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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