June 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 12 Jan '25

12 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 27 Dec '24

27 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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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF Tech Swap Meet Nov 2, please let your friends and groups know.
by Jeffrey Brace 20 Sep '24

20 Sep '24

On Thu, Jun 27, 2024 at 12:19 Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Thinking the same way > Please make sure that the ARRL calendar is updated with the event as well! Yes of course, but now they require a someone with a Ham Radio license. I do not have one. Martin did it last time. I will try to get a VCF member to do it this time. > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > On Jun 27, 2024, at 10:51 AM, Christian Liendo via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > So, I know this happens every time but as we get closer to the next > > swap meet we get told. My group has an event and they conflict. > > > > Can you please let the groups you belong to know about the event. This > > should reduce the chance of a conflict and it will also drum up > > interest. > > > > https://vcfed.org/vcf-swap-meet/ > > > > We would like the next swap meet to be bigger and it would help to > > start getting the word out now. > > > > Thanks > >

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Cisco 2503 available
by Martin A. Flynn 04 Aug '24

04 Aug '24

If anyone wants to tackle adding thicknet networking to the museum space, there is a Cisco 2503 router with a DA-15 pin AUI port that is up for grabs. Off list replies to reduce the list clutter please!

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Minimum requirements for receiving 56K modem connections
by John Heritage 16 Jul '24

16 Jul '24

Hi folks! I'm messing around with a bunch of modems at home, and would like to know what's required to set up one system to receive 56K calls from another system. I'm able to get 33.6kbps bi-directionally (or 31.2K) with just a phone line between the two modems, and using ATX1D and ATA commands. I think to get 56K I require some equipment to simulate a digital connection, and I'm also not sure if a 56K analog modem can even receive 56K calls. Is this true? Modems I have on hand: - a USRobotics Courier I-Modem - 2 x USRobotics V.Everything, and a USRobotics 56K/X2 Sportster external modem I am also unable to get the I-Modem to connect to any of the analog modems, and although it does have the protocols to support analog, it seems like it's expecting a BRI / ISDN connection to allow that connection. Is this true? If the above are true - what's the minimum / cheapest solution for being able to at least establish a V.90 connection given the equipment I have already? Thanks for your help! John

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF Tech Swap Meet
by Jeffrey Jonas 29 Jun '24

29 Jun '24

> I was a regular at TCF Jeff Galinat was a regular dealer too! I was just an attendee/buyer. I got fun free swag thanks to everyone's generosity. The Free Pile's a lot nicer than the traditional dumpster diving at TCF. -- jeff jonas

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Reminder: Vintage Computer Meetup in Northern VA - 30 June @ 2pm
by Bob Flanders 29 Jun '24

29 Jun '24

See you there! On Fri, Jun 28, 2024 at 2:14 PM Ryan Stapleton via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Thank you for letting me know about the permission issue. That has now > been corrected. Oops. > > Would love to have ya but totally understand what it is like being double > or triple booked… > > Thanks > -Ryan > > > On Jun 28, 2024, at 2:06 PM, Bill Degnan via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > fly was "forbidden" when I attempted to download. > > > > I'd like to go, but I have another vintage computing-related thing then > > > > On Fri, Jun 28, 2024 at 1:42 PM Ryan Stapleton via vcf-midatlantic < > > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > >> Hello All, > >> > >> I wanted to send out a reminder for my Vintage Computer Meetup in > >> Chantilly, VA this Sunday @ pm. > >> > >> I look forward to seeing some old friends and making some new ones. > >> > >> I have added a flyer to my web page I tossed together quickly along > with a > >> link to VCF for information. > >> > >> Thank you > >> -Ryan > >> > >> https://www.bluewizard.net/pages/vintagecomputermeetup/ > >> > >> > >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Reminder: Vintage Computer Meetup in Northern VA - 30 June @ 2pm
by Bill Degnan 29 Jun '24

29 Jun '24

fly was "forbidden" when I attempted to download. I'd like to go, but I have another vintage computing-related thing then On Fri, Jun 28, 2024 at 1:42 PM Ryan Stapleton via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Hello All, > > I wanted to send out a reminder for my Vintage Computer Meetup in > Chantilly, VA this Sunday @ pm. > > I look forward to seeing some old friends and making some new ones. > > I have added a flyer to my web page I tossed together quickly along with a > link to VCF for information. > > Thank you > -Ryan > > https://www.bluewizard.net/pages/vintagecomputermeetup/ > >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF Flea Market
by Bob Shuster 29 Jun '24

29 Jun '24

I’ll echo everyone else’s sentiments - it was good to see the few folks I knew there, but dang was it hot! We should rename it “Swap Melt”. In any case, I just finished updating my webpages with the sold items marked off, but there’s still plenty left! (theshusters.com/bobvintage.html) - *Please* feel free to make offers - I promise I won't be insulted. Nobody wants this TRS-80 Model 4? I was really hoping to not bring it home, but alas… Also the Wang WLTC is still available. Lots of people thought it was cool, but none interested enough to take it home! - Bob Shuster

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