- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Museum report: terminals
by Herb Johnson 09 Jul '18

09 Jul '18

Doug Crawford: > Ah that reminded me to post my pics of the VR201 restoration from VCFEast, > https://imgur.com/a/eS4ybZo good scary fotos, thanks Ethan Dicks: > 3M Scotch 4905 VHB tape, 1/2" wide, comes in a 15' roll. 20 mil/0.5mm thick. Pretty thick, packing tape is a couple mills. Thanks. Ian Primus: > There are definitely many methods to use - an important consideration > is the type of PVA. There are two basic types. [various method and conditions] more engineering than I expected ... I'll tote all this info up on my Web site: http://www.retrotechnology.com/restore/adm3a.html Am I the only one who *hasn't* removed the facehugger plate from a CRT? - herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net preserve, recover, restore 1970's computing email: hjohnson AT retrotechnology DOT com or try later herbjohnson AT retrotechnology DOT info

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Museum report: terminals
by Herb Johnson 09 Jul '18

09 Jul '18

>Evan said: > Regarding the terminals: now that we pretty know * what * we have, the > next step is to organize it all. Right now it's all in one aisle, but > only a little organized by cart/shelf. There are some obscure terminals > that we probably don't need, and not enough of what we probably do need. > This job will be hard work due to the weight of TTYs and stuff. Well, Evan asked me to come in on Sunday, to review the terminals and inventory them. That's because of my experience in the era of the 1970's and 80's. I was a minicomputer and mainframe site manager, and I was a technical student user at various universities; later I was a digital engineer. I also repair terminals. I'll walk though what I saw, and post a summary here to inform the people Evan is asking for help. I'll send Evan a more detailed report, but he has the list and location-of information I compiled Sunday. I did a quick survey (two hours), focused on CRT-based terminals and gave the list to Evan. Only warehoused terminals, not ones on display. Mostly there's DEC terminals. A dozen VR-201's (most with "moldy" CRTs). VR-201's are CRT "heads" which have a cabled keyboard, and often were used with DEC desktop computers. Also a few DEC VT-100 or VT-180; the 180's may have a microcomputer. A few DEC 200 or 400 series terminals. A few each, of ADM-3A, Heath H19 (Zenith Z19), a Perkin-Elmer model, an IBM model, a few other brand/models. There's a small number of one-each of ASCII based commodity terminals - this is what Evan called "obscure" I think. Hazeltine brand, ADDS, and so on. Evan has the list, he can provide details. Some of these have "moldy CRTs" too. Many terminals used detatched keyboards. There's boxes of keyboards, which I did not survey; so I don't know if there's enough or too many! And there's a few mechanical or printing terminals, which I did not survey but noted. I didn't cover monitors - I'll explain why that matters to terminals. I saw many "moldy" CRT's - that's when the front of the CRT has a transparent cover that's separating from the glass. Repair means replacing the CRT, which can take most of an hour depending. CRT's are available for tens of dollars for common types, some CRTs can be swapped around from microcomputer monitors, even old TV's. A number of tech volunteers are familiar with these repairs. Evan said "There are some obscure terminals that we probably don't need". I disagree, for several reasons. If they work, they are useful; if they don't the CRTs may be useful. It's a matter of history - lots of little companies made terminals, it's not all IBM, DEC, HP. Here's my experience, Evan - computer rooms in the era used lots of kinds of terminals. Also: to provide public visitors with a terminal they can bang on. And, terminals won't be EASIER to get in the future. But, it's ALSO true, there were computer-rooms with one kind of terminal. The HP, Perkin Elmer, IBM, DEC terminals I saw may go with specific minicomputers in the collection. The museum may need more of those. Only DEC VR201's seem to be in any quantity. Evan's focus on Sunday, was to identify and organize. I'm looking a little further ahead, to repair and potential uses. Now, with a list in hand, Evan can ask others to look over specific terminals for repair, to identify monitors as "CRT donors", to solicit CRT's for replacement. And to start looking to match minicomputers with terminals for display and use. And, to allocate terminals for various purposes, and to tell people what terminals we have or don't have. I'm describing my general results here in the list, so people with terminals or monitors, or skills, are better informed and can offer specific help or items. Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net preserve, recover, restore 1970's computing email: hjohnson AT retrotechnology DOT com or try later herbjohnson AT retrotechnology DOT info

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A&E Biography - Steve Wozniak: The Wizard of the Apple
by Herb Johnson 09 Jul '18

09 Jul '18

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0401139/ episode aired 13 December 2000 -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] FS: Hobbyist Etched MITS Altair 8800 CPU Board (systems_glitch)
by systems_glitch 09 Jul '18

09 Jul '18

Not usually, but it's not a particularly difficult process either, especially if you already have the drill template. Some of the other boards acquired with this one show signs of advanced hobbyist experimenting, too, such as gold plating across some of the previous owner's homebrew S-100 protoboards. You can tell it's not professional stuff though, they had to solder a bondwire across the tops of all the traces to the edge connectors, and only plated gold on -- no nickel layer, so the copper has migrated up into the gold. The artwork alignment and registration of the holes show it to definitely not be a professional production. Perhaps someone ran it on equipment at work. Thanks, Jonathan On Mon, Jul 9, 2018 at 12:10 PM, mike willegal via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: mike willegal <mike(a)willegal.net> > To: vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org > Cc: > Bcc: > Date: Mon, 9 Jul 2018 12:10:40 -0400 > Subject: FS: Hobbyist Etched MITS Altair 8800 CPU Board (systems_glitch) > If it has plated through holes, I would skeptical about it being home > etched. Plating holes properly is not normally part of the arsenal of > ordinary hobbyists. > > regards, > Mike Willegal > > > >

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FS: Hobbyist Etched MITS Altair 8800 CPU Board (systems_glitch)
by mike willegal 09 Jul '18

09 Jul '18

If it has plated through holes, I would skeptical about it being home etched. Plating holes properly is not normally part of the arsenal of ordinary hobbyists. regards, Mike Willegal

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Ack! MINUTEMAN, not Cyberpower
by Evan Koblentz 09 Jul '18

09 Jul '18

I blundered. Our new UPS is a gift from Minuteman Power Technologies ( www.minutemanups.com) not Cyberpower Systems. Sorry for the confusion. On Sun, Jul 8, 2018, 3:01 PM Douglas Crawford via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Well done! > > On 7/8/2018 12:47 AM, Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > > > The main thing I did between visitors was install our new Cyberpower 2u > UPS. :) > > > PS. I feel like I should emphasize this! I cold-called the Cyberpower > sales department a while ago, explained what we're about, and simply asked > nicely for a UPS as a donation. I did not have any 'in' with them, but they > listened and came through like a champ. It's a brand-new system, not > pre-owned, a discontinued model, or a return/reject. So: next time your > company needs a UPS, buy from them! The other major UPS companies didn't > even return my messages. > > One thing I didn't do is install the management software. Another day. > I'll probably need help with that. > > >

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A&E Biography - Steve Wozniak: The Wizard of the Apple
by Ethan O'Toole 09 Jul '18

09 Jul '18

Years ago there was an A&E Biography episode called "Steve Wozniak: The Wizard of the Apple." It doesn't seem to be on youtube, and when they sold video tapes of their shows it was never in the catalog. Was it removed from publication for some reason? Anyone know? I did find it in a library, and friends should have access to it. - Ethan

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FS: Hobbyist Etched MITS Altair 8800 CPU Board
by systems_glitch 09 Jul '18

09 Jul '18

link https://www.ebay.com/itm/273346767604 I've talked about this board with a few people, some who have seen it in person. We're pretty sure this is the result of someone who purchased MITS' artwork and drill packet from Popular Electronics when they first announced the Altair. It's pretty good for a home etch, the holes are even plated through, and the surface is finished in tin rather than left bare copper. Looks like someone started building it and gave up. It might be finish-able (it looks identical to my early production-version MITS CPU cards) but I'd suspect the real value here is that it's an early hobbyist etch. Starting at $1, no idea what it's worth! Thanks, Jonathan

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Museum report
by Evan Koblentz 08 Jul '18

08 Jul '18

I was there again today. Not that much to report: a few visitors (LOL the nice weather is killing us!); Herb came over to catalog all of our terminals (Steve A. assisted); and I wrote some more robot code (Doug assisted by phone). Regarding the terminals: now that we pretty know * what * we have, the next step is to organize it all. Right now it's all in one aisle, but only a little organized by cart/shelf. There are some obscure terminals that we probably don't need, and not enough of what we probably do need. This job will be hard work due to the weight of TTYs and stuff. As usual, first dibs at most of the surplus will go to local members who assist with the work. I suppose the work can happen later this summer or fall. Me, Jeff B., etc. are swamped with HOPE, VCF West, and Maker Faire planning until then.

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Museum report
by Evan Koblentz 08 Jul '18

08 Jul '18

Modest amount of visitors today, but mostly good ones -- families with lots of smart questions. The main thing I did between visitors was install our new Cyberpower 2u UPS. :) The rack now has almost all of its components. I just a 2u blanking panel. Oh, and the small matter of cabling ... I have to get/install a bunch of patch cords and wire up the A/V components. But the major stuff is all there now. Have a look: https://tinyurl.com/yacseqyo. Top to bottom: combo DVD/VCR, laserdisc, stereo, BBS server, UPS, console, tablet server, patch panel, Cisco switch #2 (for thicknet-to-ethernet), Cisco switch #1 (for main network + PoE to power our access point and security cameras), microwave, fridge. :) A few people didn't like the idea of a microwave. THIS IS NOT A DATA CENTER ... I just might want popcorn or something now and then. There's also some storage space behind the A/V components. We're using it to hold a couple of containers of rack screws, cage news, various cables, the KVM switch (remote control button is hidden to the left of the BBS server), and miscellaneous small parts. A small PBX and a couple of modems will hide behind the BBS server. There is a good-sized shelf. Both servers have an SSD installed, so they're quiet and fast. The only noise you hear are fans. Overall it is surprisingly quiet. We have space for another 1u server if it's ever needed. Thank you to everyone who contributed parts!!!

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Museum report
by Evan Koblentz 07 Jul '18

07 Jul '18

> The period at the end of the link stops it from working here. Hmm ... I use Thunderbird and it parsed it fine.

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Saturday help?
by Evan Koblentz 07 Jul '18

07 Jul '18

Last-minute appeal: I need help moving a bunch of terminals in the warehouse tomorrow (Saturday). Can anyone come help? Late afternoon / evening would be ideal because I'm docenting from 1-5.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] HOPE -- Urgent -- please read
by jsalzman＠gmail.com 06 Jul '18

06 Jul '18

What is HOPE? On Fri, Jul 6, 2018, 10:58 AM Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Hi -- both days is strongly preferred. I'll send you a private message. > Thanks! > > > On 07/06/2018 10:22 AM, Bob Aviles wrote: > > Hi, > > I am interested in working in the booth, but do I have to stay more > than one day? If so I can work for two days. > > Bobby > > On Friday, July 6, 2018, 12:41:23 AM EDT, Evan Koblentz via > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > VCF is in a bind for HOPE. > > > > Our plan was to demonstrate hacks for vintage computers. I'm planning to > > do an Apple II section, Jeff B. planned for the C-64 side, and Dean was > > considering Atari/Tandy portions. > > > > Tonight I found out that Jeff decided not to go and Dean has a schedule > > conflict. > > > > That means we have two problems. > > > > 1. It would be lame if our entire demo is just me (and possibly Mouse). > > > > 2. VCF bought a couple of tickets already. If they don't get used, then > > they go to waste. They are expensive! > > > > So, bottom line, there are a couple of tickets available FOR FREE in > > exchange for contributing to / working our booth. We also have a hotel > > room there with two beds, so you have a free place to stay overnight. > > > > The catch? I urgently need FIRM COMMITMENTS. (As I've said with other > > requests through the years, put yourself in my shoes -- it's incredibly > > frustrating when there are a bunch of replies saying, "Wish I could, > > sorry" -- that doesn't help anyone -- or when people take advantage of > > the offer for a free ticket and then don't wind up helping much at our > > table. It's happened a couple of times.) > > > > > >

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HOPE -- Urgent -- please read
by Evan Koblentz 06 Jul '18

06 Jul '18

VCF is in a bind for HOPE. Our plan was to demonstrate hacks for vintage computers. I'm planning to do an Apple II section, Jeff B. planned for the C-64 side, and Dean was considering Atari/Tandy portions. Tonight I found out that Jeff decided not to go and Dean has a schedule conflict. That means we have two problems. 1. It would be lame if our entire demo is just me (and possibly Mouse). 2. VCF bought a couple of tickets already. If they don't get used, then they go to waste. They are expensive! So, bottom line, there are a couple of tickets available FOR FREE in exchange for contributing to / working our booth. We also have a hotel room there with two beds, so you have a free place to stay overnight. The catch? I urgently need FIRM COMMITMENTS. (As I've said with other requests through the years, put yourself in my shoes -- it's incredibly frustrating when there are a bunch of replies saying, "Wish I could, sorry" -- that doesn't help anyone -- or when people take advantage of the offer for a free ticket and then don't wind up helping much at our table. It's happened a couple of times.)

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MOBIDIC model
by Herb Johnson 05 Jul '18

05 Jul '18

I'm looking from afar: It seems to me, the MOBIDIC model in discussion, has some value as a historical object to various collectors. So such models will command a price of hundreds of dollars. That's the apparent opinion of the recent eBay seller of such a historic model. However, for purposes of display at the VCFed Museum at Infoage, any constructed physical model of some version of the MOBIDIC will I presume be acceptable. It's a matter of desired size and quality. There's already a model on display; another seems to be desired. I do not construct models, but the MOBIDIC models I've seen here and there, seem to be of simple construction, commercial applied labels stock, etc. It also seems to me, there's a model railroad organization at Infoage. Their members build models of industrial settings at many scales; they know other builders of such models. Their models, by my eye, look as good or better than the MOBIDIC models I've seen. Therefore: why doesn't VCFed approach the InfoAge model railroad organization, and inquire about construction of a model, provide desired size, and show them images of the various models and images of actual MOBDIC computers? If the answer is "we don't wanna spend money", then the response might be "someone may donate the funds" in the usual ways. You won't know the price if you don't ask. Beyond this, "I have no horse in this race", these are simply my observations as noted, for consideration by those interested. Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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Laserjet, Laserwriter scanning module, AC supply
by Herb Johnson 05 Jul '18

05 Jul '18

The LaserJet II II and Laserwriter II III were discussed with interest, here in this list, last month. My LJ III has a failed "laser scanner" module; does anyone have a likely working unit available? Also the AC power controller, that's useful if you don't need one yourself. I'm not talking about the HP LaserJet IIP or IIIP or 4P or other HP printer models. I'm not sure if the original Apple Laserwriter uses these parts; if you have one of those, good luck, want some more parts? ;) The scanner is the big black thing under the lid of the printer. It has a laser and a motorized scanner mirror, that mechanically sweeps the laser across the toner-cartridge drum. When the printer is about to print, you hear that scanner-motor wind up to speed before the paper is fed (whir-r-rr-R-RR-RRR!) when it works. These rarely fail, so I haven't kept spares around. Don't disassemble the unit for the motor, just offer the whole thing. I'd not mind getting an AC power supply/controller. That's the cubical thing in the back that the AC power cord plugs into. Don't need the air filter (those tend to be fragile with age), they have a small fan (you can supply that or not). These things fail pretty often, I don't need a nonworking unit, have plenty of those. Shipping to NJ 08618. Contact me privately. Thank you. Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] MOBIDIC model
by Douglas Crawford 05 Jul '18

05 Jul '18

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Does VCF or anyone need lots of serial cables?
by Ethan O'Toole 05 Jul '18

05 Jul '18

Have a lot of serial cables and such, does VCF need any or anyone else on the list? I think most are marked X for crossover or || for straight through. DB25 various genders and others. Cleaning out storage unit in Norfolk. I live in Northern VA now.

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MOBIDIC model
by Mike Loewen 04 Jul '18

04 Jul '18

This may be of interest to the group: Ebay 263784983409 Not associated with the seller. Mike Loewen mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/

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Glitch Works 8085 SBC rev 3 Manual Availabl
by systems_glitch 03 Jul '18

03 Jul '18

All, Finished up the artwork for the 8085 SBC rev 3 manual this afternoon: http://filedump.glitchwrks.com/manuals/glitchworks/gw-8085sbc-3/gw-8085sbc-… I'd appreciate any feedback, especially from people that built one at VCF East this year! Thanks, Jonathan

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Museum closed tomorrow
by Evan Koblentz 03 Jul '18

03 Jul '18

InfoAge is closed tomorrow for the holiday.

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A personal project
by Evan Koblentz 02 Jul '18

02 Jul '18

Time to reveal a personal project, unrelated to my role at VCFed. In the past two years, while getting neck-deep in the historic Lego robotic set, I learned that there is a TON of information about this set (and about other Lego robotic sets from before the Mindstorms generation) which is mostly missing, or at best scattered, on the web. I decided a few months ago to make a web site about it. I call the site www.mindsbeforethestorm.com. The site is under construction but you can visit now and see where it is going. I'm asking for contributions to the project. Most of you know that I make a very modest living through my work as a freelance tech journalist and additionally through VCFed fundraising. Many of you will also recall that a personal fundraiser is what enabled publishing of my computer history book in 2015. That was a positive experience. I do not plan to sell anything on this new site, only to offer helpful information that isn't currently available or is very difficult to find. As such, I cannot promise any Kickstarter-style rewards: I don't have any ideas about what a good reward for this might be (open to suggestions). Instead, I appeal to your altruism: fund this project because it is a good thing. Please visit my new site. If you think it exemplifies how the web should be used, if you'd like to see it get finished, and if you would like me to continue to be able to pay my rent and eat food, then please make a contribution via https://fundrazr.com/61N3ef?ref=ab_74VRia. Thanks, -Evan

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Breakfast?
by Tony Bogan 01 Jul '18

01 Jul '18

Still meeting at princess Maria diner for breakfast this morning? Never saw the usual reminder email. Tony Sent from my iPhone

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OFF TOPIC
by Martin A Flynn 30 Jun '18

30 Jun '18

OFF TOPIC WARNING!! I need advise on 3D printing 10" tall letters to be used as cores for sand casting aluminum versions. Anyone with a printer want to take this on? martin

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Good news / please read, Re: museum network rack
by Herb Johnson 29 Jun '18

29 Jun '18

The good news about buying a new unit, is new batteries. Any donated unit would have old or no batteries, you'd have to buy new ones for use. Typically gel-cell batteries are tens of dollars each plus tens of dollars shipping, bigger cost more. Your unit (reading the manual) probably uses three 12V 7Ah batteries; those are common enough, probably about $100 to replace. Probably replace every two-three years depending on how many times they get discharged (extended power failures). When they get cooked, they swell up, it's visible. Good luck! My $10 worth Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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This weekend VCF Repair Workshop June 30 and July 1
by Jeffrey Brace 29 Jun '18

29 Jun '18

There is still room to sign up for the workshop this coming weekend: < https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1n8M9h5ZVbcA4VixgDy3GHyN2HTWzSsS3fAg… > Also can someone bring a dead test cartridge for C64? I have to locate mine in storage and might not have time. 1 Thanks -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President Vintage Computer Federation

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Looking for a terminal as prop for a kids science program
by Bill Degnan 29 Jun '18

29 Jun '18

I was approached to provide a terminal for a science program. The props guy naturally wanted something I would not be willing to part with.. https://www.vintagecomputer.net/alphacom/AlphaCom_Front1.JPG Does anyone have anything like this? It does not have to be working but you have to be willing to sell for a few hundred dollars. I am happy to pass along the lead to whomever can furnish a similar-looking unit. Contact me privately via https://www.vintagecomputer.net/contact.cfm. Bill

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Good news / please read, Re: museum network rack
by Evan Koblentz 29 Jun '18

29 Jun '18

Hey everyone. Our rack is nearing completion, we just need a little more help. - We obtained a right-sized patch panel (1u / 24 ports) and returned the 2u to Martin (we don't need 48 ports and why waste the space?) - Jason P. is bringing us a console (sliding kbd drawer + monitor) this weekend - I talked to several people who know about UPS stuff and got various opinions -- there were suggestions ranging from small consumer units to 3000va cabinets. I considered them all and decided the best thing for us is a 1500va system because it is plenty of power / battery life, and it's much cheaper than the next step up (2200va which costs more + requires a 20A circuit to be installed). Plus you still get the management software. Three companies make these: APC, Cyperpower, and Tripp-Lite. I spent a couple of weeks trying to get one donated to us, but I failed to pull it off. Then I changed gears and started looking at prices. I decided on a specific unit, the Tripp-Lite SMART1500RM2U. Funny story: I checked Amazon, CDW, Newegg, and also did a generic Google search. Guess who has the best price ..... Home Depot! It's crazy. Same basic price as the others ($522) but they do ship-to-store so you save a lot on shipping as it's 58 pounds. Steve A. and Don C. each agreed to donate $200 for this, so all we need is another $120 to buy it. If just a few people each commit to 10, 20, or 50, then we'll have it in no time. Can you help? Thanks, -Evan

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(no subject)
by Herb Johnson 29 Jun '18

29 Jun '18

> Bill Degnan: > Anyone have any SGI Octane Drive Sleds for sale/trade? I have earlier SGI sleds but not for the Octane: http://www.retrotechnology.com/herbs_stuff/sgi.html Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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VCF Repair workshop this weekend, high heat and humidity: re: fans
by Jeffrey Brace 29 Jun '18

29 Jun '18

It has been noted that there will be hot temperatures in the 90's and high humidity this weekend during our workshop. There is air conditioning in 9032-A where we hold our workshop and generally works well, but it has been suggest that everyone bring small personal fans because the wide open space is not the most efficient in heating and cooling. VCF has one or two small fans that can promote air flow, so we may bring them out if there will be no one in the warehouse working. -- -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President Vintage Computer Federation

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Museum news / today's report
by Evan Koblentz 27 Jun '18

27 Jun '18

Everyone, I'll be at the museum most Wednesdays from now on, in addition to many weekends. This is due to a (positive!) change in my work. I went today and it was busy. Steady stream of families all afternoon. Most of them took full tours, asked good questions, and had children who were smart + well-behaved. Jeff B. stopped by to work on something and at one point he took a tour group around because I was busy with another family. After public hours ended, I fixed the Lego robot. It had two problems -- 1. the top forklift sensor was being flaky and saturating it in alcohol hadn't helped, so I replaced it; 2. One set of treads kept failing to move, which I thought meant performing robot surgery :) to replace that side's motor, but I figured out that what actually happened was a drive gear had slipped to the side and wasn't sufficiently contacting its pinion -- so I moved it back into place and inserted a spacer that will prevent it from sliding again, and did the same on the opposite side as preventative maintenance. Robot fixed!

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Anyone going to HOPE?
by Jason Perkins 27 Jun '18

27 Jun '18

Anyone from VCF going to HOPE this year? The date snuck up on me, and now the hotel Penn is full. If someone knew of a good / inexpensive place to stay for this conference I'm all ears! -- Jason Perkins 313 355 0085

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Important Info for VCF Repair Workshop June 30 & July 1, 2018
by Jeffrey Brace 26 Jun '18

26 Jun '18

As a reminder the workshop is $10 *per* person, *per* day. Sorry this InfoAge's rule and not our decision. So that means for two days it is $20. Some people didn't realize this last workshop. This has been in effect since June 2017. Sign up quickly to guarantee a table. DATE: June 30 & July 1, 2018 LOCATION: InfoAge Building 9032A - (2201 Marconi Road, Wall Township, NJ) TIME: Start about 10 A.M. on Saturday and ends whenever we go to sleep. End about 5 P.M. on Sunday. (Starts around 10 A.M. Sunday morning) SIGNUP: < https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1n8M9h5ZVbcA4VixgDy3GHyN2HTWzSsS3fAg… > COST: - $10 per person, PER day. This is required by InfoAge for us to pay for renting the space. - $25 for those wanting to stay overnight (Money goes to Sandy recover group and InfoAge). Please pay me when you get there so that I don't forget. OVERNIGHT: Bring your own pillow, blankets, soap etc. We provide a bed frame and an uncovered mattress. There are showers and a kitchen for your use. - You can pay via PayPal. Ask me for the info at the workshop. EQUIPMENT: - VCF will provide a table and you can use any available electrical outlet. - Bring your own tools, power strips, power cords, and supplies etc. - Please bring an extra one or two power cords as these are often forgotten by people. DRINKS: You should bring your own. I would recommend bringing a cooler of some type. FOOD: You provide your own. We usually order pizza, subs or go out to a dinner and everyone pays their own way. Usually, we make a decision when everyone gets hungry. GATE: During the hours from 1 pm to 5 pm close the front gate behind you. We want museum visitors to go to the front lobby and not wander through the middle of the campus. Outside of those times, you can feel free to leave the gate open. PARKING: Park across from 9032 or 9010A on any blacktop area. InfoAge doesn't like us parking on the lawn anymore. QUESTIONS? Contact Evan first, since I will be getting there after 1pm each day: 646-546-9999 . AFter 1pm my cell is 732-759-1783. See everyone there! And have fun! -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President Vintage Computer Federation

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InfoAge closed on Wed. July 4 -- EOM
by Evan Koblentz 26 Jun '18

26 Jun '18

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Thicknet/10base5 Test Segment: The Cable is In!
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 26 Jun '18

26 Jun '18

systems_glitch via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> writes: > >Heh, yes, this roll should last for a *little* while :P As long as >you're not in a hurry, I can drop it off next time I'm up your way for >work! It'd look nice, connected to a Unibus Ethernet board :) Via an AUI, of course, as you can't connect it directly.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Extra HOPE ticket for sale (Re: Anyone going to HOPE?)
by Evan Koblentz 26 Jun '18

26 Jun '18

>> I look forward to seeing many of you there as usual. Back at ya. >> The MARCH exhibit has always been a highlight MARCH doesn't exist anymore, "Vintage Computer Federation / Mid-Atlantic Chapter" ... rolls off the tongue, don't you think? :) On Tue, Jun 26, 2018, 4:02 PM Ken via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > I have an extra HOPE ticket for sale (I paid $170), because my friend > accidentally double booked his weekend. > > Anyone wanting to come to HOPE, let me know if you'd like to buy my ticket > so I don't worry about selling it anymore! > > I look forward to seeing many of you there as usual. The MARCH exhibit > has always been a highlight, always attracting interesting/interested folks > of all ages for great teachings and reminiscings. > > - Ken > > At 6/26/2018 09:20 AM, systems_glitch via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > > >Also, the Hotel Penn isn't booked solid, try TripAdvisor. I booked rooms > >just last night, worked fine and was cheaper than when I used the Hotel > >Penn site directly two years ago (I'd been warned not to do that in the > >future). Again, though, the standard of room being provided may be > shocking > >to those who aren't familiar with NYC price/quality curves :P > > > >Thanks, > >Jonathan > > > >On Mon, Jun 25, 2018 at 5:29 PM, systems_glitch <systems.glitch(a)gmail.com > > > >wrote: > > > >> Definitely something to note: if you're not used to the standards of > >> "cheap hotel room in NYC," the Hotel Penn might be a bit of a shock to > you. > >> I've never seen evidence of bugs or rodents in rooms I've been in, and > no > >> one I personally know has either, which is about all you can say for the > >> older/cheaper rooms at the Hotel Penn. Last time Ethan and I split a > room, > >> the AC was leaking condensate all over the carpet and made it smell a > bit > >> like death in there. Fortunately I had my security bits in my toolbox > and > >> was able to open the window :P > >> > >> Beware that they will also try and stick a daily housekeeping charge on > >> your bill, after you check out. > >> > >> Thanks, > >> Jonathan > >> > >> On Mon, Jun 25, 2018 at 5:22 PM, Ethan O'Toole via vcf-midatlantic < > >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >> > >>> Anyone from VCF going to HOPE this year? > >>>> The date snuck up on me, and now the hotel Penn is full. If someone > knew > >>>> of > >>>> a good / inexpensive place to stay for this conference I'm all ears! > >>>> > >>> > >>> I will be there! Crashing with a friend I know from the old school > hacker > >>> scene though, I didn't setup the hotel. > >>> > >>> From MAGFest knowledge, it might be that the HOPE Hotel block is full. > >>> Check to see if the room is available with or without the HOPE code. > The > >>> next thing is there is some 5000 club or something that gets access to > >>> nicer (meaning a normal hotel grade) room. > >>> > >>> Also more rooms might open up as the event gets closer, but it's a pain > >>> being on that line. > >

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Extra HOPE ticket for sale (Re: Anyone going to HOPE?)
by Ken 26 Jun '18

26 Jun '18

I have an extra HOPE ticket for sale (I paid $170), because my friend accidentally double booked his weekend. Anyone wanting to come to HOPE, let me know if you'd like to buy my ticket so I don't worry about selling it anymore! I look forward to seeing many of you there as usual. The MARCH exhibit has always been a highlight, always attracting interesting/interested folks of all ages for great teachings and reminiscings. - Ken At 6/26/2018 09:20 AM, systems_glitch via vcf-midatlantic wrote: >Also, the Hotel Penn isn't booked solid, try TripAdvisor. I booked rooms >just last night, worked fine and was cheaper than when I used the Hotel >Penn site directly two years ago (I'd been warned not to do that in the >future). Again, though, the standard of room being provided may be shocking >to those who aren't familiar with NYC price/quality curves :P > >Thanks, >Jonathan > >On Mon, Jun 25, 2018 at 5:29 PM, systems_glitch <systems.glitch(a)gmail.com> >wrote: > >> Definitely something to note: if you're not used to the standards of >> "cheap hotel room in NYC," the Hotel Penn might be a bit of a shock to you. >> I've never seen evidence of bugs or rodents in rooms I've been in, and no >> one I personally know has either, which is about all you can say for the >> older/cheaper rooms at the Hotel Penn. Last time Ethan and I split a room, >> the AC was leaking condensate all over the carpet and made it smell a bit >> like death in there. Fortunately I had my security bits in my toolbox and >> was able to open the window :P >> >> Beware that they will also try and stick a daily housekeeping charge on >> your bill, after you check out. >> >> Thanks, >> Jonathan >> >> On Mon, Jun 25, 2018 at 5:22 PM, Ethan O'Toole via vcf-midatlantic < >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: >> >>> Anyone from VCF going to HOPE this year? >>>> The date snuck up on me, and now the hotel Penn is full. If someone knew >>>> of >>>> a good / inexpensive place to stay for this conference I'm all ears! >>>> >>> >>> I will be there! Crashing with a friend I know from the old school hacker >>> scene though, I didn't setup the hotel. >>> >>> From MAGFest knowledge, it might be that the HOPE Hotel block is full. >>> Check to see if the room is available with or without the HOPE code. The >>> next thing is there is some 5000 club or something that gets access to >>> nicer (meaning a normal hotel grade) room. >>> >>> Also more rooms might open up as the event gets closer, but it's a pain >>> being on that line.

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Thicknet/10base5 Test Segment: The Cable is In!
by systems_glitch 26 Jun '18

26 Jun '18

All, A few months ago, I mentioned one of my suppliers had Belden 89880 thicknet Ethernet cable. Well, last week I finally made it down to his warehouse and picked it up! The final bits for a test segment came in today, so I set up a little link between my SPARCstation 10 and DEChub 90: https://imgur.com/a/GDUR36j Anyone interested in cable can email me directly (please change the subject line, it'll get binned into my cctalk folder otherwise). I can provide any level of "kit" from just the cable to fully ready to go. I do have a very few NOS Cabletron ST-500-01 transceiver/non-intrusive tap kits as well. Thanks, Jonathan

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(no subject)
by Bill Degnan 26 Jun '18

26 Jun '18

Anyone have any SGI Octane Drive Sleds for sale/trade? Here is an image: https://www.vintagecomputer.net/SGI/Octane/SGI_Octane_DriveSled.jpg Bill

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Looking for ISA backplane connector
by Richard Cini 25 Jun '18

25 Jun '18

Would anyone have a spare ISA slot connector (standard 8-bit) that I could buy? I’m just looking for the connector itself. If so, just contact me off list. Thanks! RichC Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef>

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Thicknet/10base5 Test Segment: The Cable is In!
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 25 Jun '18

25 Jun '18

systems_glitch via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> writes: > >All, > >A few months ago, I mentioned one of my suppliers had Belden 89880 >thicknet Ethernet cable. Well, last week I finally made it down to his >warehouse and picked it up! The final bits for a test segment came in >today, so I set up a little link between my SPARCstation 10 and DEChub >90: > >https://imgur.com/a/GDUR36j > >Anyone interested in cable can email me directly (please change the >subject line, it'll get binned into my cctalk folder otherwise). I can >provide any level of "kit" from just the cable to fully ready to go. I >do have a very few NOS Cabletron ST-500-01 transceiver/non-intrusive tap >kits as well. > >Thanks, Jonathan Where are the H4000s and H4005s?

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Museum report
by Tony Bogan 25 Jun '18

25 Jun '18

Sunday was the polar opposite of Evans day on Saturday. Only 4 visitors all day.....two pairs that came about 10 minutes apart after 4:00pm. The husband and wife duo were moderately interested, the father and son (adult son) were very interested. The father walked in and Immediately started to tell his son all about the Bendix in the museum and the one he used to work with....from there it was almost an hour of question and answer. I easily gained as much knowledge as I dispensed! Prior to those four visitors the day was cemetery quiet. However, I am now #5 on the high score list on PAC-Man on the NeXT cube :-) I got the VWOA room, bathroom and hallway swept, called John C from infoage who brought over some more TP for the restroom and shot the breeze for a few. I also got a little of the museum swept as well, but a leg injury from last week (carrying chairs and tables on the boats for Father's Day....another story) told me it was time to sit for awhile. Monday will be my only day off each week for the months of July and August (and most of September) so I will not be docent again for some time. Tony Sent from my iPhone

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Museum report
by Evan Koblentz 24 Jun '18

24 Jun '18

Cool/wet weather translated into a good amount of museum visitors today. I guess nobody wanted to be at the beach. We had about 20 people stop by throughout the day. It was all parents/kids. The best visitors were a pair of high school kids, boy and a girl, who stopped by on their own and stayed for an hour! I brought in our new 1u/24-port patch panel, returned the 2u/48-port panel (overkill for us) to Martin, did more workshop clean-up, and spent some more time preparing my HOPE demo. Our docent tomorrow will either be Jeff B. or Tony.

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Portable III keyboard foot
by Evan Koblentz 23 Jun '18

23 Jun '18

One of the feet (on the right side) on our Compaq Portable III is broken. It's the little pin that snapped off. Our parts machine in the warehouse lacks either foot. Does anyone have a spare?

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Docents for next weekend 6/23 & 6/24, 2018
by Jeffrey Brace 23 Jun '18

23 Jun '18

Expected docents for next weekend are Evan K. and myself (Jeff Brace). Not sure who will be which days yet. -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President Vintage Computer Federation

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New-to-Me Zeos Pocket PC
by J. Alexander Jacocks 22 Jun '18

22 Jun '18

All, I just picked up a palmtop PC, from local Craigslist. It's a Zeos Pocket PC, which is a rebadged Tidalwave PS-1000. http://oldcomputers.net/zeos-ppc.html http://www.tankraider.com/DOSPALMTOP/zeosppc.html However, with this machine I didn't get the serial and parallel cables. Does anyone have a pinout for these? I'd like to make up some cables, so that I can transfer data to it. Any other information or resources that anyone might suggest would also be welcome. Thanks! - Alex

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A/B switch for ribbon cable?
by Evan Koblentz 22 Jun '18

22 Jun '18

Suppose I have two computers, I want to connect both of them through 20-pin ribbon cables to the same device, and I want to be able to easily swap which one is live via some kind of A/B switch. Does that exist? What's it called, so I can get one?

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] AC Cooling fan cable...
by Duane Craps 20 Jun '18

20 Jun '18

Is this it? https://www.amazon.com/AC-Infinity-Inch-Power-Plug/dp/B004YUUAJS/ref=sr_1_4… On 6/20/2018 9:38 PM, William Sudbrink via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > Martin A Flynn wrote: >> eBay: Search under "AC FAN POWER CORD" > Interesting. I searched "ac cooling fan power cable" on eBay and got nothing. Anyway, yes, thanks, your search hits. I'd still like to try to get one sooner than July 1st and maybe a little cheaper than seven bucks. > > Bill S. > > > --- > This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. > https://www.avast.com/antivirus > > -- DuaneCraps sdɐɹɔ ǝuɐnp

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AC Cooling fan cable...
by William Sudbrink 20 Jun '18

20 Jun '18

Does anyone know where to buy the little two bladed socket style cable that is commonly used on an AC cooling fan? I'm replacing a dead AC fan and it is hard wired. The replacement I got has the blades and I'd like to use them (without soldering) so that, if the fan dies again, its replacement will just be a screwdriver job. Unfortunately, the replacement came without the cable. Thanks, Bill S. --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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NeXT printer emulator/bridge
by Herb Johnson 19 Jun '18

19 Jun '18

> On 06/17/2018 01:33 PM, Bill Degnan via vcf-midatlantic wrote: >> I have two next laser printers..I thought they were just >> ho laser jet II's with an adapter > > Dave McGuire wrote; > No, they are very different. HP never got their hands on > these; NeXT bought SX engines from Canon. Well.. The Laserwriter II was also based on a Canon SX engine, which was the engine for the LaserJet II. My wife still uses a LJ II or III, and I've sold LW II printers and parts for well over a decade. Wikipedia describes the lineage: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LaserWriter https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HP_LaserJet (probably an entry for neXt...) Point being, calling all these "a LJ II" is a plausible term of convenience, as LJ II's and III's were the most common of the printers discussed. Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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