February 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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2 PAL TVs needed for VCF East 2024
by Jeffrey Brace 23 Mar '24

23 Mar '24

Bart van den Akker will be traveling from the Netherlands to VCF East. To lighten the load of traveling he needs for his exhibit 2 PAL TVs. Preferable one RF and one with SCART or Composite in. Is there anyone that can lend them to him for the show? 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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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF East 2023 YouTube videos and articles
by Bob Flanders 18 Mar '24

18 Mar '24

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Repair Workshop CAUTION!
by Jeffrey Brace 29 Feb '24

29 Feb '24

There are new tables in the classroom space in 9059 (not the hackerspace side). We want to be careful not to damage them. Especially when soldering, but many other activities. I was asked by Marc Natanagara who is the Education Chair at InfoAge and has been renovating the classroom space to caution everyone. The repair workshop space has new tables because it is going to be a classroom that will be used by many groups including school groups. It's important to be careful with the new tables so that they are not permanently damaged. Use caution by using mats or cardboard when soldering and working with your items. Thanks so much! Jeff Brace VCF Mid-Atlantic Event Manager

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Silicone Soldering Mat (alternative)
by Herbert Johnson 29 Feb '24

29 Feb '24

Table and bench protective mats? Remember the goal, to protect a surfaces in quantity. Also: if the new tables are plastic, they might generate a static charge. You don't need anti-static technology, if you use non-static products like most papers and all woods. Plus a yielding surface may save a dropped item from breakage. Heat and chemicals were mentioned, also ordinary drinks and food. Suggestions: Hardboard Tempered Panel (Common: 1/8 in. 4 ft. x 8 ft.) StoreSKU# 832777 $13.98 Home Depot PATRIOT TIMBER PRODUCTS 1/8 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. Sanded Plywood StoreSKU# 1008039110 $18.98 Home Depot These would be cut on-site to fit. But I don't know the price of the recently purchased tables, or their size. Guessing they are 24 X 48, you'd get 4 table covers per panel. At $3.50 or $4.50 per table for a long term cover, that's plausible. They need not be finished, or some clear coating applied to make them water/stain proof. and you can flip them over when one surface fails. HOw to attach? Their weight will hold them down. Or simple clamps, perhaps 3D printed to size if one wants to make a project of it. But sticky tape will do. Possibly rubber cement? Other choices would include construction paper products, from office supply or art supply stores. Also a roll of brown-paper as used as packing and wrapping. This class of products is for short-term and disposable (recyclable) use. Attach with simple tape products, most tape residues can be cleaned off. Of course in public uses, paper products have often been used to cover tables. Plastic is less recycable. I think cloth is probably not a practical option on cost and performance and fuss, other than decorative purposes. This is a working situation. In a pinch? Have a big chassis with sharp corners to fix? Go to the dumpster and grab a cardboard box. Cut it open and spread it on the table, cut off the excess. Done. Who pays for these? Ask for contributions from attendees who use the tables. Taking care of tools and facilities should be a consideration by those who benefit from these resources. 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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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Repair Workshop CAUTION!
by Bart Hirst 29 Feb '24

29 Feb '24

What be next, ESD wrist strap required?? ;) On Thu, Feb 29, 2024 at 10:16 AM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Double sided “carpet” tape > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > On Feb 29, 2024, at 9:49 AM, Dan FitzGerald via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > And the nice thing is that you can use carpenter's staples, Gorilla > > glue, and some light welding to keep it in place on the table! > > > > Anyone? Anyone? > > > > I'm here all week folks, try the veal! > > > > Regards, > > Dan FitzGerald > > They/Them or She/Her > > http://www.vm.ibm.com/devpages/dfitzger > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Chris Fala via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> > > Reply-To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> > > To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> > > Cc: Chris Fala <chrisjpf33(a)gmail.com> > > Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Repair Workshop CAUTION! > > Date: 02/29/2024 09:26:21 AM > > > > Yes! This is an easy and convenient solution. I have something similar > > to > > this: > > > https://www.amazon.com/Kaisi-Insulation-Soldering-Maintenance-Electronics/d… > > (just an example, there are many of these available). > > > > I use it all the time to save my dining room table! LOL > > > > > > > >> On Wed, Feb 28, 2024 at 9:22 PM William Dudley via vcf-midatlantic < > >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >> > >> This is an inexpensive ($6) and portable silicone mat: > >> > >> > >> > https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-Reusable-Silicone-24-x-16-Pastry-Mat-w… > >> > >> Bill Dudley > >> This email is free of malware because I run Linux. > >> > >> > >> On Wed, Feb 28, 2024 at 7:20 PM Martin A. Flynn via vcf-midatlantic < > >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >> > >>> On 2/28/2024 6:21 PM, Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > >>>> There are new tables in the classroom space in 9059 (not the > >> hackerspace > >>>> side). We want to be careful not to damage them. Especially when > >>> soldering, > >>>> but many other activities. > >>> > >>> Going to ask VCF to extend the same courtesy to the benches in the > >>> Makerspace!! > >>> > >>> Martin Flynn > >>> > >>> CDL > >>> > >>> > >> > >

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Silicone Soldering Mat
by Chris Fala 29 Feb '24

29 Feb '24

Of course while poking around Amazon, I was compelled to buy a larger one for myself! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08V51BPYV?smid=A1H12SUFSKPN2D

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Different Repair Workshop CAUTION!
by Neil Cherry 29 Feb '24

29 Feb '24

There is one damaged bench top (split from left to right) in the first row. Bench is usable but needs to be covered to avoid splinters. I've notified Marc. there is another desk where the laminated boards are starting to separate. I haven't checked all the benches. I'll show Marc on Saturday. BTW we need help with getting the new projector wired up. This may occur on Saturday also. I will be in the CDL working on Atari's for the VCF Atari Class. I'll be taking up 2 CDL benches to work. I'll have 4 Atari's, scope, monitor and lots of junk. -- 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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