- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

The Games of Joseph Weisbecker
by Herb Johnson 08 Dec '17

08 Dec '17

> Pierri, Florencia wrote > > I wanted to bring your attention to a new exhibit we have at the Sarnoff > Collection that might be of interest to all of you, *Playing with > Innovation: The Games of Joseph Weisbecker* I've had the pleasure of meeting Florencia at the Collection. I had some small participation in the exhibit, by evaluating the FRED 2 computer which will be part of the "Games" exhibit. I've described the likely FRED 2 on this Web page: http://www.retrotechnology.com/memship/cosmac_fred2.html That page has links to another Web page, about the "System 00" at the Collection. It's likely the earliest prototype of the COSMAC 1802 architecture. The FRED 2 has a two-chip implementation of what became the 1802 microprocessor. System 00 is pure TTL logic - but implements the same COSMAC instruction set. The exhibit emphasizes Weisbecker's experience as a board-game and game-toy designer and producer, of "computer logic" games. The FRED/COSMAC, represents the computer-logic flavor he put into many of his games; and his day-job as RCA engineer. Some of those games, were implemented as the earliest programs on the COSMAC computers in the Collection. Joe's daughter Joyce has had recent acknowledgement, as "the first female commercial/indie video game designer", from her game-programming work on the earliest COSMACs. On the exhibit Web pages, is the RCA COSMAC Microtutor; a predecessor to the COSMAC ELF (Popular Electronics Aug 1976 article) and to generations of "Elf" COSMAC computers. The VCFed museum, has a Microtutor and other RCA microcomputer development products. I brought the Collection's Microtutor to VCF-East a few years ago. I"ve been supporting a COSMAC ELF derivative for some years now, on my Web site. 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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Festivus door code
by Evan Koblentz 08 Dec '17

08 Dec '17

There's no way to keep the main party building door unlocked and we do not want to prop it. When entering this weekend use code 1029. The code is being changed on Monday. On Dec 8, 2017 1:29 PM, "Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic" < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: Awesome! It's great how she can support us! Here's the latest on the snow prediction: http://www.nj.com/weather/index.ssf/2017/12/6_inches_of_ snow_could_fall_in_nj_saturday.html#incart_2box_nj-homepage-featured On Fri, Dec 8, 2017 at 1:15 PM, Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > Good news. Joy (person in charge of the sleeping area) brought over a large > amount of extra sheets, towels, pillows, sleeping bags, etc. for whomever > needs it this weekend. > > On Dec 8, 2017 12:29 PM, "Evan Koblentz" <evan(a)vcfed.org> wrote: > > > Update .... I'll be available to let people into the party/sleeping area > > as of 4:00 this afternoon. > > > > On Dec 8, 2017 10:19 AM, "Evan Koblentz" <evan(a)vcfed.org> wrote: > > > >> Hey everyone. > >> > >> I urge you all to take Jeff's advice: allow extra time for your trip, or > >> come up this evening if you can. The latest forecast says 4-5 inches in > * > >> other * parts of NJ but only 2-3 inches at the museum. Safety is always > >> priority #1. But if you can still get here then I'd assert snow only > adds > >> to the Festivus tradition! :) Also there is plenty of space for more > people > >> to stay Saturday night if you want to wait until roads are clearer > Sunday > >> before leaving. > >> > >> Be safe and I can't wait to see you all! > >> > >> On Dec 8, 2017 9:37 AM, "Brian Schenkenberger via vcf-midatlantic" < > >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > >> > >>> Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic writes: > >>> > >>> >So the current forecast for our area has predicted 3 inches of snow in > >>> >InfoAge's area. It will be starting around 10am and accumulate over a > >>> >few hours. This could change to more or less. > >>> > > >>> >The party is still going forward as planned. Everyone is encouraged to > >>> >use their best judgment as to their safety in driving to Festivus. If > >>> >you do drive, then take it slow. Leaving early is greatly encouraged > as > >>> >well. > >>> > > >>> >Evan will be staying there Friday night for anyone wanting to come > >>> >earlier and stay Friday night is welcome. Please send me a private > reply > >>> >to let me know that you will be arriving earlier. > >>> > > >>> >If you decide not to come, then let me know that as well. > >>> > > >>> >http://www.nj.com/weather/index.ssf/2017/12/revised_forecas > >>> t_calls_for_3_to_4_inches_of_snow_i.html#incart_2box_nj-home > >>> page-featured > >>> > > >>> >Also keep in mind that we will still be there Sunday until around 5 or > >>> >6pm. > >>> > >>> This weekend? I'd penned in next weekend. Oops. > >>> > >>> > >>> >

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Festivus and another thing ...
by Jeffrey Brace 08 Dec '17

08 Dec '17

As per the Sandy Recovery manager, Joy, all staying overnight *must* sign a liability waiver form. We don't have a choice as they manage the place. I hope everyone understands. Jeff Brace

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analog computers do real work
by Jeffrey Jonas 08 Dec '17

08 Dec '17

I met a fellow who used an analog computer for factory molding (making parts with a heated mold). The heater control was not just a thermostat but calculated the acceleration of heat transfer to keep the part at the proper temperature. Definitely the job for an analog computer (till recently). I'm unsure what tech was used (tubes or transistors).

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SNOW! and Festivus
by Jeffrey Brace 07 Dec '17

07 Dec '17

So the current forecast for our area has predicted 3 inches of snow in InfoAge's area. It will be starting around 10am and accumulate over a few hours. This could change to more or less. The party is still going forward as planned. Everyone is encouraged to use their best judgment as to their safety in driving to Festivus. If you do drive, then take it slow. Leaving early is greatly encouraged as well. Evan will be staying there Friday night for anyone wanting to come earlier and stay Friday night is welcome. Please send me a private reply to let me know that you will be arriving earlier. If you decide not to come, then let me know that as well. http://www.nj.com/weather/index.ssf/2017/12/revised_forecast_calls_for_3_to… Also keep in mind that we will still be there Sunday until around 5 or 6pm.

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FS at Festivus: Working Kaypro 2
by systems_glitch 07 Dec '17

07 Dec '17

Pretty sure these things breed! I've got a nice, clean Kaypro 2 (built-in modem, half-height floppies) that boots from disk and appears to work just fine. I don't need it as I've already got one. I can bring non-original boot disks with it. Make offer! Thanks, Jonathan

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The Games of Joseph Weisbecker
by Pierri, Florencia 07 Dec '17

07 Dec '17

Dear All, I wanted to bring your attention to a new exhibit we have at the Sarnoff Collection that might be of interest to all of you, *Playing with Innovation: The Games of Joseph Weisbecker <https://davidsarnoff.tcnj.edu/2017/12/07/playing-with-innovation-the-games-…>*. You might recognize that name from the 1802 microprocessor, but this exhibit focuses on the paper and plastic computer games he developed in the late 1960s and 1970s. If you're driving back from Festivus and your path takes you to Ewing, consider coming to visit the Sarnoff <https://davidsarnoff.tcnj.edu/visit/>. Or, you can visit our online exhibition--which has more detailed information about the individual games-- here <http://sarnoff.omeka.net/exhibits/show/playing-with-innovation>. All Best, Flori -- Florencia Pierri Curator The Sarnoff Collection, The College of New Jersey davidsarnoff.tcnj.edu/ Twitter: @TCNJSarnoff <https://twitter.com/tcnjsarnoff> Instagram: @TCNJSarnoff <https://www.instagram.com/tcnjsarnoff/>

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Festivus Degnan bringing update
by william degnan 07 Dec '17

07 Dec '17

Of the things I offered I was asked to bring VaxStation 3100 for Ian RL01 cart for Jon XT era keyboards (poss Herb interest) VT 100 with poss flyback issue (just the bare cover and tube) Non DEC-branded 11/44 era A/D type cards for Herb. I am looking for a DecMate OS/8 disk and drive cable, eventually I will make one but if anyone has one to sell/trade let me know. I am looking for an RL02 stand alone RSX-11M compatible with an 11/40 with no EIS card, so it needs to be an older version. I have three or four RL02s but none work, I am doing something wrong to build. I might need a NeXT Cube CD tray, if I am correct that these are not the same as a CD tray from a SGI. BIll

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Saturday chili
by John Heritage 07 Dec '17

07 Dec '17

My wife and I would like to make and bring a veggie chili to festivus Saturday. However we won't be able to stay super long (11-4 or so) as we have another obligation that evening. Is there anyone else who can also bring a crockpot to transfer the goods from our crockpot if it hasn't disappeared by 3-4? (We're not veggies btw.. its just a recipe that works and is relatively healthy :) )

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vacuum tube computers
by Herb Johnson 06 Dec '17

06 Dec '17

The discussion below concluded in late November, but I have some comments and considerations. First, I'll say that there's any number of explanations available, for the history of computing technology and use. The person or institution doing the explaining, has their own objectives. The item has its time and place, and has levels of technology in it. And, there's sometimes consideration of the audience (child, expert in X but not Y, etc.). So - no right and singular answers to questions of presentation. I'll give or support a view for my own reasons. Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic wrote: >> How would you explain the George Philbrick machine to an 8 year old? > > Well, as you know it's critically important to tune your presentation > to the level of the guest. When starting a more personal tour of LSSM, > we usually find a non-intrusive way, starting out with reading body > language etc, to ask a person what their levels of technical knowledge > and interest are. Then we explain things in different ways, on > different levels, based on that. > > For a total technical neophyte, our explanations are more geared > toward talking about how what we have now (holding up my smartphone) > wouldn't exist without having first passed through all of these > (gesturing toward the exhibit floor) phases of development, then go to > some specific stories as to how and why. > > For an EE or CS person with a background in electronics and/or > processor architecture, that's a waste of time. We go into things like > "this machine is a 12-bit system implemented using all 7400-series TTL > chips" when I fire up the PDP-8/e. I talk about "no chips at all, all > discrete transistor logic" when we walk past the table of Straight-8s. > > While the LSSM doesn't have anything like the Philbrick system, we do > have a Heath H-1, another late-1950s tube-based analog computer. To a > young person, we'd explain that it was used by scientists and engineers > to perform calculations for designing planes and big buildings. It's > complicated, look at all those knobs! > > But to an EE/CS person who maybe doesn't know about analog computers > (most haven't), we explain that it's a system with no bits, just > voltages representing physical quantities, and most importantly it's not > a discrete system, but a continuous system. These operational > amplifiers (gesturing toward the op-amps) and resistors can be wired up > to perform most any mathematical primitive, and wired together with > capacitors to perform integration and differentiation, to solve the > differential equations that most every real-world process is based on. > >> How do you explain what a vacuum tube actually does to an 8 year old? > > I wouldn't, as there's essentially no chance that he/she would be > interested or have the background to be able to understand it. See > above. ;) > -- > Dave McGuire, AK4HZ > New Kensington, PA I have to agree with earlier posts by David Gesswein, who stressed the point that analog computers solve "differential equations". And all have mentioned in various ways, that analog computers use voltage-levels, not "bits", to represent the values computed. Those are fundamental considerations from my view. Other people have other views, I won't argue much with them - I'm arguing with people who are still choosing what views to consider. My view is, as a BSEE educated in the 1970's about both analog and digital circuits, who saw analog computers in use in academia and in the factory, who worked on one or two of them in my working lifetime. The hardest thing about explaining analog computing, is that it's almost TOTALLY EXTINCT today. It's hard to think or talk about something, outside your experiences. And preservation of extinct computing - and explaining it in it's own context - matters to me. One can explain "voltages not bits", in any number of ways, appropriate to audiences and settings. "Temperature" might be a good example. There's still mercury thermometers, mechanical thermostats and mechanical thermometers. They use the expansion of metals in an ANALOG way, to represent "temperature". The Weather Channel, gives it some number. But we feel "hot" or "cold" without numbers in our heads. A point to consider: the physical world is not lists of numbers, it's events and materials and the flow of time. "Differential equations" is jargon used by engineers and scientists. But it comes down to actions in systems over time. How fast does water boil on the stove? Or freeze if put outside in the winter? How long does it take your car to go from zero to 60? How long does it take a baseball/football in flight to be caught? These are ANALOG values that change with time. And, there are analog circuits (components wired up) which can represent these rates-of-change calculations. Then you feed those circuits the analog values as voltages, and watch what they do over TIME. *That* is what an analog computer is about. Circuits and components, wired for one computation, using time and voltages to represent values - no "bits", no digital (except for numeric results or inputs). I myself, don't tell people "this is too complicated to explain". I give them *something*; it will provide some impression and place to start; further consideration will be their choice to make. So. I hope the two explanations above, of "voltages not bits" and "differential equations", are helpful. I hope the notion of "extinct computer preservation" gets some attention. Otherwise, I'm not going to debate some ultimate description or how-to-talk-to methods. I've explained why, and I've offered my own views. Herb Johnson retrotechnology.com PS: a vacuum tube, controls electrons going from a hot metal to a metal plate. The flow of electrons is a current, like water from a faucet. The current is controlled by the electrons going through a grid. a grid is wires strung across the current-flow, which repel the electrons like magnets do. Just as you can control water by turning a faucet, you can control electric currents with a vacuum tube, by changing voltages on its grid. Old radios and TV's, very old computers, used vacuum tubes. -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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batteries in computers (was: NeXTstation)
by Herb Johnson 06 Dec '17

06 Dec '17

In regards to the possible battery in a NeXTstation. Also, this post is appropriate to the discussion on "inventory". > Check the large Panasonic lithium battery on the [NeXT] motherboard, > like a Mac II, it will not boot with a dead battery. > They are still produced and available from Mouser, the > Mac cubes and the slabs use the same type of battery. Caution: the lithium batteries used in various computers to keep time-of-day running, and to retain other information (as in "Mac PRAM battery"), have good odds of *leaking* and emitting hydrogen or other gasses. The results are very, very damaging, and often not repairable. Details: Any vintage Mac collector, and some owners, have had the horror of opening their Mac and seeing several square inches of circuit-board covered in goo. And, adjacent metal surfaces covered in red rust - not just discoloration, but deep rust. Components in the vicinity, have rusted leads and through-holes on the PC boards. These are not repairable. I'm sure there's pictures on the Web of such damage. I myself, checked out several Macs recently, and found one so rusted by leakage, neither case nor motherboard was salvageable. The Mac Plus/128K/512K, has a large 4.5v battery, in a holder accessed without disassembling the case. Leaving the battery in those units, almost guarantees the battery-holder will green-rust and corrode. No battery is needed to operate these oldest Macs. Bottom line Suggestion: While the VCF Museum is doing their inventory and cataloging, it may be a good idea to inspect computers for these batteries *and remove those batteries* if not wired in. I suppose a note can be added inside the computer, to specify the kind of battery removed and where it was connected if not obvious. If it's known the computer won't start without a working battery, add that info to the note. Comment to "this is too complicated, too much work, etc." This is the cost of long-term ownership. The space and time taken by a computer, will be lost if it it self-destructs and that's not discovered until that computer is needed or accessed. Herb Johnson retrotechnology.com -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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Festivus food we need
by Jeffrey Brace 06 Dec '17

06 Dec '17

Hot dogs 4 10 packs kosher beef hot dogs (Nathans, Hebrew National, etc.) Burgers 4 20 Packs Shoprite Brand Burger buns 40 Hot dog Buns 20 Tomatoes 2 Cheese 3 packs of 16 Pickles 1 20 OZ Ketchup 1 20 oz. Mustard 1 19 oz. Paper towels 2 80 sheet roll Milk 1 Half Gallon Orange Juice 1 Half Gallon Head of Lettuce 1 If you want to bring one of these, then let me know and I will put it down on the list.

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Festivus Feats of strength - Bills vs. Jeffs vs. Jonahtan's (sorry only two Evan's)
by Jeffrey Brace 06 Dec '17

06 Dec '17

In the Festivus tradition we will be doing the feats of strength. While individuals will be wrestling until someone is pinned, the Jeffs, Bills and Jonathans will be doing a tag team tournament to determine the champion.

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Festivus 2017 Info readme2.txt (part 2)
by Jeffrey Brace 06 Dec '17

06 Dec '17

*EQUIPMENT:* VCF will have tables setup for food and games. We will have two full sized refrigerators and one full sized freezer to temporarily store food and drinks. We will be borrowing *my* propane grill to cook hamburgers and hot dogs outside. *DRINKS:* Everyone is encouraged to bring their own drinks and enough to share with others. Bring your favorite and put what you are bringing on the list: *FOOD:* VCF will be supplying hamburgers, hot dogs, condiments, plates, forks, napkins, cups. I sent out a list of what we need. E-mail me if you want to bring. You are encouraged to bring your own favorite good and put what you are bringing on the list: *IMPORTANT TO KEEP FOOD AND DRINKS IN THE CAFETERIA! THIS IS THE RULE OF THE FACILITY OWNERS.* *ENTERTAINMENT?* Ian: Vintage video games and boob tubes. Jeff Brace: Namco Joystick games, C64 Jostick Games, Intellivision Joystick Games, C64 with Super CPU and Metal Dust with optional PS2 controller, Cards Against Humanity!, Vectrex Evan: Will be entertaining us bad jokes and stinky farts. Bill Degnan: Live action Terrance and Philip skit with Jeff Brace. Name the farter/burper: Throughout the night there will be a contest to identify who farted or burped. Difficulty will increase when we are all in bed and it is dark. *STAYING OVERNIGHT?* Let me know if you want to stay overnight. The cost is $25. A mattress is provided in a bunk bed frame. You provide your own mattress cover, blankets, pillows. There is a shower area, lounge, bunk beds, hot water for tea, microwave oven, toaster oven, keurig, coffee pot, ice machine, sink, cable TV, wi-fi. Evan will be responsible for sorting the snoring people into the "snoring room" and the non-snoring people into the "non-storing" room. To get an accurate headcount, let me know as soon as possible that you are staying overnight and how many nights. There will be coffee, milk, cream, sugar and tea bags available as well. * BUYING, SELLING, FREEBIES :* You are allowed to bring items to sell and trade with specific individuals, but this isn't a hamfest where you get a table to sell your stuff. If you want to bring your stuff, you are encourage to post to the list what you want to sell/trade and set it up ahead of time with individuals. Anything you bring in and don't sell/trade, you bring home. We can set aside a freebie table as per traditional, but you *must* take your stuff home before leaving if no one takes it. *SIGN-UP LINK:* https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1odmPxfBK9BrR-NDZIx4_c-V2lZpt_-vU- 3fIBGiyrM4/edit?usp=sharing If anyone is actually reading this, then reply with 42.

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Festivus 2017 gifts to all and door prize
by Jeffrey Brace 06 Dec '17

06 Dec '17

All those attending Festivus will receive a gift of a slide rule. We had tons of them donated so we want to say thank you to all who support us during the year. There will be a door prize of an Atari Flashback 2 machine. Evan will write a BASIC program to randomly determine the winner. He's gotten so good at writing BASIC on his Apple 2. If he is ambitious he might even write it in assembly.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Festivus Feats of strength - Bills vs. Jeffs vs. Jonahtan's (sorry only two Evan's)
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 06 Dec '17

06 Dec '17

Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic writes: > >> In the Festivus tradition we will be doing the feats of strength. >While > individuals will be wrestling until someone is pinned, the >Jeffs, Bills and > Jonathans will be doing a tag team tournament to >determine the champion. > >I think we'll have to adjust that to something more appropriate for >vintage computer collectors! Sliderule lightsaber battles? Noooo... don't nick and or damage them like that.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Festivus 2017 gifts to all and door prize
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 06 Dec '17

06 Dec '17

Drew Notarnicola via vcf-midatlantic writes: >I guess it's time I actually learned how to use them. <SHOCKED!>

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Festivus 2017 gifts to all and door prize
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 06 Dec '17

06 Dec '17

Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic writes: > >> All those attending Festivus will receive a gift of a slide rule. We >had > tons of them donated so we want to say thank you to all who >support us > during the year. > >Adam and I have them ready: http://vcfed.org/evan/sr.jpg I never had a Picket. I'd love an all metal LOG-LOG if there is one and one that's in good shape which I'd assume they are seeing as how you've got them boxed!

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Your Christmas wish list (ca. 1984)
by Glenn Roberts 05 Dec '17

05 Dec '17

Interesting look back 33 years to the hot "techie" wish list items of 1984, courtesy of Radio Shack. The computers are mostly toward the end. Fun to reminisce! http://www.timesunion.com/life/christmas/article/Take-a-look-back-at-a-Radi… - Glenn

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Have you grown tired of your WiF232 Internet Modem?
by jsalzman＠gmail.com 05 Dec '17

05 Dec '17

C64 users can get the Strikelink for WiFi modem capabilities that uses an AT command set similar to the WiFi232. Perhaps the creator of the Strikelink could be convinced to make a serial port version of his adapter. https://1200baud.wordpress.com/2017/03/17/strikelink-c64-300-9600-baud-wifi… On Dec 5, 2017 9:33 AM, "Jason Howe via vcf-midatlantic" < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: On 12/04/2017 03:58 PM, Ethan via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > I've spoken with Paul Rickards about helping make more units. There's some >> new competition as mentioned, and unless Paul has a real burning desire to >> share files then it's probably not worth cloning as I / Manila Gear had >> planned. >> > > Ah cool. The things I'm aware of on Amazon and such aren't really ... > aimed at the same market? They're commercial serial servers similar to the > Lantronix MSS and MS units, Digi Portserver units and such aimed at > commercial people using them for automation, signage, access control > systems and such. > After some talking with Bill Degnan and John Morris (Applesauce: >> https://wiki.reactivemicro.com/Applesauce) I think there are some issue >> that need to be addressed with the project in order to better support more >> platforms as well as some missing options. When Morris is done with >> Applesauce we have plans to tackle some other less relevant projects and >> this particular one I feel should be pretty simple. And if done correctly >> can offer a lot more to the retro community than the current solutions. >> > > Really SSH client support is the only thing I can think of, and that might > require more processor ass. > > The neat thing about the wifi232 (from what I've read) is that it supports > ATDT to dial out, so as long as term program doesn't do input restriction > you could have a directory of hosts in say -- qmodem. > > An ISA card might be cool :-) But if you made an ISA card version for the > DOS people, you could also leave jumpers to cut or not install and leave > off the uart with just pins for serial lines then it could also be > installed inside an Amiga 2000ish computers. > > Not sure when the project would start, however I guess about April assuming >> all goes well with Applesauce in the coming months. >> > > So many projects... so little time! > > - Ethan > > I've been very happy using my Lantronix Device for a couple years now. The only think I really want for is a newer model Lantronix device that will take a hostname rather than an IP address. Some of the BBSes I frequent have a VERY dynamic ip address. SSH access would be really nice to have, but honestly I just "dial" into my Linux box and bounce out from there. I was using a rpi as a telnet/ssh 'gateway' for a while, but then needed it for something else, but it worked quite well for that purpose as well. --Jason

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De-acquisitions
by E.M.F. 05 Dec '17

05 Dec '17

Happy to bring these items to Festivus. Prices negotiable. Please email me off-list. -Eric Apple IIGS (A2S6000) with Apple Design M2980 ADB keyboard, 1MB expansion. May have mouse, too. No drives, no monitor - $15.00 Apple Authorized Service Mac 800K internal disk drive with mounting bracket, P/N 661-0345, Sony Model MP-F51W-03, in original apple service box - $10.00 Apple iSight webcam A1023 in original box - $5.00 Apple Design M2980 ADB keyboard - FREE Apple IIsi Accessory Kit - original software disks, manual, in original box - FREE Apple Mac LC III model M1254 - nonworking PSU, for parts - FREE

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Have you grown tired of your WiF232 Internet Modem?
by Jim Scheef 05 Dec '17

05 Dec '17

I would like to get a WiFi232. It appears a new production "batch" may not be forthcoming. If the new has worn off yours, please let me know. Fair price or maybe a trade. Thanks, Jim

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] vacuum tube computers
by Neil Cherry 04 Dec '17

04 Dec '17

Would analog computers have be used in control systems where feed back would be use. I can't quite recall those classes anymore (I haven't needed them since the early 80's). Also my Calculus professor gave us an example of Calc used daily. I can't quite recall all of it but something like Acceleration Speed force I think that you can derive the next from the later. I'm sure there are other examples of where we actually use these formulas without realizing it. -- Linux Home Automation Neil Cherry ncherry(a)linuxha.com http://www.linuxha.com/ Main site http://linuxha.blogspot.com/ My HA Blog Author of: Linux Smart Homes For Dummies

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replacing NeXT battery
by william degnan 04 Dec '17

04 Dec '17

Here's a good thread about rebuilding the NeXT after replacing a dead battery http://www.nextcomputers.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3475&sid=9630ef34e48339… I am looking also to see if one has a *working* battery how to back up the configuration to diskette or the network or something before the battery dies so one can resume without a big thing to rebuild the machine config, trying to guess everything I did to get it just right. Bill

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Bernie S at Festivus 2017
by Herb Johnson 04 Dec '17

04 Dec '17

>> Bernie S of 2600 magazine fame...[has some wire recordings to >> retrieve from the Radio museum and will stop by Festivus] >> Wire recording predated magnetic tape, and was used by the 1950 SEAC >> computer for data storage. Early microprocessor computers, and some later video-gaming home computers, used audio data cassettes for data storage. We in this list know this. But recent experience I've had with 21st century young adults, is that such use is a complete surprise to them. and, a lot of modern computerists, work far harder than necessary, to digitally extract data from those old audio recordings. So, it's a surprise to me, that the earliest wire-recorders, were also used with some computers of the 1950's. If he has more information on that use, I suggest that VCFed try to obtain some information from Bernie "S" - does he have a last name or is his identity confidential for some reason? - and make that information available and archived. Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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Bernie S at Festivus 2017
by Jeffrey Brace 04 Dec '17

04 Dec '17

Bernie S of 2600 magazine fame will be attending Festivus. He said: "Btw, Saturday I'll be stopping by the Radio Technology Museum to retrieve some restored wire recordings from the 1940's that my late father made. Wire recording predated magnetic tape, and was used by the 1950 SEAC computer for data storage. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SEAC_%28computer%29 <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SEAC_(computer)>" <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SEAC_(computer)>If anyone is interested in seeing this 1940's wire recording technology demonstrated on Saturday, then let Evan or myself know. Bernie would be happy to demonstrate it at the Antique Radio Technology Museum. -- Jeff Brace

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Museum letter to Festivus Claus
by Evan Koblentz 04 Dec '17

04 Dec '17

Dear Festivus Claus, Here are some things we would really like to have for the museum. We've been very good this year!!! - A long RCA cable (about 20 ft.) so we can attach the Lego demo station (Laser 128) to the big workbench monitor. - Demodulator (to attach a 2600 to RCA input on the same big monitor) - Combined DVD/VCR unit, that would save space vs. separate ones. - Fanless rack-mount switch. Martin recommended fanless versions of the Juniper EX2200 or Cisco 3010. We'd like at least 12 ports, 24 would be ideal, with PoE support. - Rack-mountable UPS with good batteries - Dark chocolate for Evan (thought I'd sneak that in!) - Rack-mountable sliding keyboard tray - Keyboard with built-in trackpad/trackball - Two matching office chairs -- black/chrome, cushioned, wheels, arm supports - One bench-height stool -- black/chrome, cushioned, wheels Perhaps some of next week's party attendees can bring us any of these items on behalf of Festivus Claus. Keep in mind it's all tax-deductible.

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Museum report
by Evan Koblentz 04 Dec '17

04 Dec '17

Adam and I were at the museum from 11:00-6:30 today. - Jason H., who used to live out here and was an active MARCH member, visited today from Seattle. He hadn't seen the museum. The first words out of his mouth upon entering were, "It looks professional!" vs. our old exhibit. He hung out with us until about 5:00 and even helped clean our workbench. - Adam counted our Commodore 128s .... FIFTEEN! That's a dozen more than we need. We'll test them all another time (probably at the next workshop in January) and then figure out how to get the surplus into collectors' hands. - Adam also sorted/organized some other Commodore accessories, joysticks, etc. which were cluttering our warehouse entrance area. - We checked out a donation of a TI Professional Computer (Osborne-esque) which arrived yesterday. It looks brand new except for the keycaps, most of which are yellowed although a few random ones seem pristine. Weird! - We put aside 50-something Pickett slide rules and a new-in-box Atari Flashback 2, which as Jeff B. posted will be given away at Festivus. - We put another Flashback 2 into the museum workshop and attached it to the big monitor on the wall. It works fine but there was no audio. We determined the wires from the monitor's side-mounted speakers were damaged. Chances are high that some of the more experienced members can fix this. I'd still rather connect one of our real 2600s, but first we need to acquire a modular (not a demodulator) because the monitor doesn't have a coax input. I think Dean said he has one. - We had a slow but steady stream of museum visitors. Maybe about 20 people total. Lots of parents/children due to the InfoAge holiday train show. The highlight was a precocious and extroverted 7-year-old girl who really got into it. - We stopped at Home Depot and got a 50-pack of contractor-grade trash bags. Our warehouse supply of these was done. ________________________________ Evan Koblentz, director Vintage Computer Federation a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit evan(a)vcfed.org (646) 546-9999 www.vcfed.org facebook.com/vcfederation twitter.com/vcfederation instagram.com/vcfederation

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January Workshop - Vote for your choice
by Jeffrey Brace 03 Dec '17

03 Dec '17

Choose a weekend: January 6/7 January 13/14 January 27/28 Voting ends Dec. 2 Don't complain if you didn't vote!

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NeXTstation
by Evan Koblentz 03 Dec '17

03 Dec '17

NeXTstation in the museum wouldn't turn on today. No idea why! This needs some TLC at the next workshop. ________________________________ Evan Koblentz, director Vintage Computer Federation a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit evan(a)vcfed.org (646) 546-9999 www.vcfed.org facebook.com/vcfederation twitter.com/vcfederation instagram.com/vcfederation

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Commodore in Trooper, PA??
by Christopher Gioconda 03 Dec '17

03 Dec '17

I work in Conshohocken so if I can help in any way, I can make myself available. Christopher Gioconda cgioconda(a)gmail.com On Dec 2, 2017 12:39 PM, "Chris Fala via vcf-midatlantic" < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: I am nearby and can probably go help with this. Please let me know when others are planning to go. Chris F. On Dec 1, 2017, at 6:12 PM, William Sudbrink via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: Did anybody else catch the odd post on the VCFed forums from a guy claiming to be disposing of the contents of a "gmt plant"? Talking about wafers, blueprints, sealed games, C64s? Someone close enough to take a look? Bill S. The posting is in the For Sale: spotted on Craigslist thread for some reason, by the way. --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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Stuff FS/FT at Festivus (or otherwise)
by Todd George 03 Dec '17

03 Dec '17

Hi all, My computer room and garage are bursting at the seams from the amount of vintage computing crap I've amassed of-late. I know I have more stuff than I'll ever find the time to work on and want to prioritize the process of offloading some of the excess. Problem is, I need motivation to dig into the stuff that doesn't personally interest me. In order to drive motivation, I'll list some of the things that I'm looking to get rid of. Here's the deal, the details are limited as generally I only know that I have these items, haven't documented them in-detail. If you are interested in something let me know (off list) and I'll dig whatever it is out and get more details over to you including pictures or whatnot. Alternatively, I can drag whatever it is to Festivus and you can poke at it in person, no pressure, no obligation. I'm trying to move some inventory so if you don't like a price, let me know or make an offer, maybe we can work something out or I'm just off my rocker and need some sense talked into me. Would also consider trades +/- cash for Amiga machines and accessories, Commodore stuff in general (although I'm up to my eyeballs in C64s and VIC-20s), an IBM 5140 Convertible or 5155 Portable (or other portable/transportable computing equipment), 100MB USB (or SCSI) Zip Drive, or PowerBooks/Apple Macintosh equipment. Here's the list: - Commodore 1541 Disk Drives - $25 to $35 depending on condition - Apple IIc w/Apple Monochrome Monitor IIc - Working, computer needs to be cleaned, monitor is gorgeous and has been Retrobrited, has monitor stand - $140 - Apple Monochrome Monitor IIc with stand new/unused in box, seal broken, tested - $80 - White TI 99-4/A - $35 - Commodore 64 retail boxes - $10 - TRS-80 Model III 48K - $150 - TRS-80 Model 4P (No lid!) - $175 - Tandy Color Computer 1 - $45 - Tandy Color Computer 2 ("melted keys" version) - $55 - iBook G3 (not working, video chip needs reflow/replacement) - $10 - 586 Small SBC/Single Board Computers - $50 - 13 and 19” CRT televisions - $10 each - Viewsonic E90fb 19" CRT Monitor - $40 - NEC XV17+ 17" CRT Monitor - $65 - Bondi Blue iMac - $40 - Various pizza box Macintosh LCII and LCIII computers - $30 to $60 - Apple StyleWriter 2500 - $40 - Various Star Micronics and other Dot Matrix Printers - XBox Classic TSOP Modded, no software installed - $30 For potential deals outside of Festivus, I'm located in Quakertown, PA and generally disinterested in shipping. I've got great eBay feedback, and quite a few people here know I'm a straight-shooter. Thanks all, -Todd

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FESTIVUS 2017 - README.TXT (PART 1)
by Jeffrey Brace 03 Dec '17

03 Dec '17

I think one big e-mail was too much for everyone. I'm breaking it into parts spread over many days. Here is the signup list: https://docs.google.com/ spreadsheets/d/1odmPxfBK9BrR-NDZIx4_c-V2lZpt_-vU- 3fIBGiyrM4/edit?usp=sharing <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1odmPxfBK9BrR-NDZIx4_c-V2lZpt_-vU-3f…> *DATE:* December 9 & 10. *TIME:* START - 10 A.M. on Saturday and goes late into the night until everyone sleeps. END - 5 P.M. on Sunday. (Re-starts around 10 A.M. Sunday morning) *LOCATION:* InfoAge Building 9010-D - (2201 Marconi Road, Wall Township, NJ) - It will be straight ahead once you enter through the gate. The door is marked Sandy Recovery and is up the steps. *PARKING:* InfoAge management wants us to park inside the campus, in a neat orderly row, between the Festivus building and the IXR MakerSpace building. Here's is my crude map: https://drive.google.com/ open?id=1ThrnNAnAWsCz30Am7IvG8GS50YFOziHK InfoAgeMap (Park behind Q/R/S) http://infoage.org/visiting/ The holiday train show is going on, so we are discouraged from parking in the main parking lot, since they will be reserved for guests of the model train show. Do not cost IA money by leaving it open to confuse paying guests. Always close it behind you when you enter/exit, EVEN IF IT WAS ALREADY OPEN! *COST:* *PAY ME! (Jeff Brace) - **http://vcfed.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/brace-1.jpg <http://vcfed.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/brace-1.jpg>* $10 for all members attending Festivus, which VCF pays to InfoAge to renting the space and buy food and supplies. $25 if you are staying overnight. See below for details. We can accept cash. If you want to pay via PayPal, I can have a machine available.

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Museum Report 2017-12-02 December 2, 2017
by Jeffrey Brace 02 Dec '17

02 Dec '17

Steve Anderson was docent today. His report: Slow to moderate day, two Marines in uniform were impressed. Two or three small families, and a couple dropped off a ti computer system Today was the first day of the holiday trains at Infoage. The museum will be busy with traffic from visitors as the month goes by.

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MOBIDIC replica project
by Evan Koblentz 02 Dec '17

02 Dec '17

I want us to build a MOBIDIC replica at the museum. Background for any newer list members who aren't aware: MOBIDIC -- Mobile Digital Computer -- was a first-gen (1956) transistor computer designed by the staff of Camp Evans, which is the Army Signal Corps secret electronics R&D facility that's now the InfoAge Science Center, which hosts the VCF museum among many other groups. MOBIDIC was not the "first" mobile computer. For example, the National Bureau of Standards (today called NIST) made DYSEAC in 1953. However DYSEAC was a one-time prototype, whereas Sylvania (in Massachusetts, under contract to Camp Evans) built six MOBIDIC computers all of which were successfully used in field operations for several years. Sylvania also made two 9400 computers which were faster versions of the MOBIDIC design. "Mobile" is relative. :) Each MOBIDIC was installed in two 30-ft. trailers. One for the computer itself, one for power, cooling, etc., with the trailers attached by cables/hoses when in use. None of the six MOBIDICs or two 9400s exist today. Our museum has a beat-up scale model of the computer trailer. Computer History Museum (our friends out in California) have a better model. There are various pictures on the Internet. There are large amounts of public/private documents from the Army/Sylvania about details of the electronic design, architecture, components, programming, etc., most of (all?) of which I obtained while writing my book "Abacus to smartphone: The evolution of mobile and portable computers" published in 2015 (www.abacustosmartphone.com) From this information, I believe a replica MOBIDIC could be constructed. At least, a fullish-scale model could be made, and we could let visitors walk inside to see it. At best, someone could emulate the software so the model could "work". (I can't fathom building a complete truly "working" exact clone.) Conveniently, there are two 50s/60s-era Army-green trailers parked at InfoAge. They're under control of the electronic warfare group, whose leader (John C.) is a super-nice guy. We get along well. A while ago I asked him if we could use one trailer for this purpose. We "just" need the know-how and money to do it. So if we do this, the replica would only be of the computer trailer, not of the support trailer. I envision plenty of signs explaining to visitors that this trailer is HALF an installation. I have some ideas about how to fund the project, but there's no point getting into that until we understand how much work is really involved and what it would cost. * I wrote "fullish-scale", not full-scale, because I haven't measured the length of the available trailers. It would be close. Online images: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MOBIDIC#/media/File:MOBIDIC_cutaway.jpg https://www.usarmygermany.com/Units/7th%20Army%20SUPCOM/Partials_7th%20ICC%…

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Commodore in Trooper, PA??
by William Sudbrink 02 Dec '17

02 Dec '17

Did anybody else catch the odd post on the VCFed forums from a guy claiming to be disposing of the contents of a "gmt plant"? Talking about wafers, blueprints, sealed games, C64s? Someone close enough to take a look? Bill S. The posting is in the For Sale: spotted on Craigslist thread for some reason, by the way. --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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¡IMPORTANTE! - README.TXT - Finale Festivus 2017 reminder
by Jeffrey Brace 02 Dec '17

02 Dec '17

Here is the detailed Festivus information. Here is the signup list: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1odmPxfBK9BrR-NDZIx4_c-V2lZpt_-vU-3f… <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1odmPxfBK9BrR-NDZIx4_c-V2lZpt_-vU-3f…> *DATE:* December 9 & 10. *TIME:* START - 10 A.M. on Saturday and goes late into the night until everyone sleeps. END - 5 P.M. on Sunday. (Re-starts around 10 A.M. Sunday morning) *LOCATION:* InfoAge Building 9010-D - (2201 Marconi Road, Wall Township, NJ) - It will be straight ahead once you enter through the gate. The door is marked Sandy Recovery and is up the steps. *PARKING:* InfoAge management wants us to park inside the campus, in a neat orderly row, between the Festivus building and the IXR MakerSpace building. Here's is my crude map: https://drive.google.com/ open?id=1ThrnNAnAWsCz30Am7IvG8GS50YFOziHK InfoAgeMap (Park behind Q/R/S) http://infoage.org/visiting/ The holiday train show is going on, so we are discouraged from parking in the main parking lot, since they will be reserved for guests of the model train show. Do not cost IA money by leaving it open to confuse paying guests. Always close it behind you when you enter/exit, EVEN IF IT WAS ALREADY OPEN! *COST:* *PAY ME! (Jeff Brace) - **http://vcfed.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/brace-1.jpg <http://vcfed.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/brace-1.jpg>* $10 for all members attending Festivus, which VCF pays to InfoAge to renting the space and buy food and supplies. $25 if you are staying overnight. See below for details. We can accept cash. If you want to pay via PayPal, I can have a machine available. *EQUIPMENT:* VCF will have tables setup for food and games. We will have two full sized refrigerators and one full sized freezer to temporarily store food and drinks. We will be borrowing *my* propane grill to cook hamburgers and hot dogs outside. *DRINKS:* Everyone is encouraged to bring their own drinks and enough to share with others. Bring your favorite and put what you are bringing on the list: *FOOD:* VCF will be supplying hamburgers, hot dogs, condiments, plates, forks, napkins, cups. I sent out a list of what we need. E-mail me if you want to bring. You are encouraged to bring your own favorite good and put what you are bringing on the list: *IMPORTANT TO KEEP FOOD AND DRINKS IN THE CAFETERIA! THIS IS THE RULE OF THE FACILITY OWNERS.* *ENTERTAINMENT?* Ian: Vintage video games and boob tubes. Jeff Brace: Namco Joystick games, C64 Jostick Games, Intellivision Joystick Games, C64 with Super CPU and Metal Dust with optional PS2 controller, Cards Against Humanity!, Vectrex Evan: Will be entertaining us bad jokes and stinky farts. Bill Degnan: Live action Terrance and Philip skit with Jeff Brace. Name the farter/burper: Throughout the night there will be a contest to identify who farted or burped. Difficulty will increase when we are all in bed and it is dark. *STAYING OVERNIGHT?* Let me know if you want to stay overnight. The cost is $25. You provide your own mattress cover, blankets, pillows. There is a shower area, lounge, bunk beds, hot water for tea, microwave oven, toaster oven, keurig, coffee pot, ice machine, sink, cable TV, wi-fi. Evan will be responsible for sorting the snoring people into the "snoring room" and the non-snoring people into the "non-storing" room. To get an accurate headcount, let me know as soon as possible that you are staying overnight and how many nights. There will be coffee, milk, cream, sugar and tea bags available as well. * BUYING, SELLING, FREEBIES :* You are allowed to bring items to sell and trade with specific individuals, but this isn't a hamfest where you get a table to sell your stuff. If you want to bring your stuff, you are encourage to post to the list what you want to sell/trade and set it up ahead of time with individuals. Anything you bring in and don't sell/trade, you bring home. We can set aside a freebie table as per traditional, but you *must* take your stuff home before leaving if no one takes it. *SIGN-UP LINK:* https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1odmPxfBK9BrR-NDZIx4_c-V2lZpt_-vU-3f…

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Festivus stuff already covered
by Jeffrey Brace 01 Dec '17

01 Dec '17

Some people are not looking at the list of stuff that is already covered on my Google sheet. There are certain things that are already covered and at the party site. Maybe I gotta copy and paste in e-mails? All of this is covered in my info doc as well as my shopping list etc. For example all of this is at the site already: Item Quantity Plates 130 Cups-styrofoam 10 Cups-hot 110 Solo 175 Solo-mini 15 Napkins 100 K-cups-coffee 40 K-Cups-chocolate 20 Sugar packets 300 Sucralose 500 Utensils 300 Tea 100 Coffee bags 50 Straws 50 Coffee Strainers 30 There is an ice machine there. There is a hot water dispenser. There is a "regular" coffee machine. We are bringing VCF's Keurig machine (dunkin coffee, hot chocolate, many other flavors) There is a big freezer, and two refrigerator/freezer combos. I'm bringing my grill with two propane tanks. I will send the Info doc out again and send another e-mail with what we need.

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Retro Related Metal Work
by Henry S. Courbis 01 Dec '17

01 Dec '17

Anyone here know of a cheap metal solution for a small U frame or thin walled tube for a chassis project? It would need to be something about 3.5" x 2.5" x 10". I will also need an end plate with some holes cut out that can mount to the chassis. Thin steel and a break would work also I believe however I don't want to do the work. If interested in the work let me know. Thanks! Henry S. Courbis Office Toll Free: (800) REACTIVE (732-2848) Office/Mobile Direct: (856) 779-1900 www.ReActiveMicro.com <http://www.ReactiveMicro.com> - Sales, Support, and News, Our Headquarters on the Internet ReActiveMicro.com/wiki - Support, Software, Manuals, and History. Create your own page today! Facebook.com/reactivemicrousa - Our Social Media Outlet and Support

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FESTIVUS: free stuff
by Jeffrey Jonas 30 Nov '17

30 Nov '17

free if anyone wants it: Panasonic R310 electronic typewriter. Stand-alone daisy wheel typewriter. NO floppy drive NO PC interface -- jeff jonas

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Festivus Games being brought - In case you missed it on the list
by Jeffrey Brace 29 Nov '17

29 Nov '17

Jeff Brace will bring: 4 C64 4 1702 Monitors 4 uIEC 4 1541 2 - C64 DTV 1 - Namco Ms. Pac-man joystick 1 - Namco Pac-man joystick 1 - C64 SuperCPU 1 - Playstation to C64 joystick port connector (fresh off the boat from GB) 1 - Vectrex with cartridges Lots of C64 games on SD card Maybe Shredz 64 (Guitar Hero for C64) Ian will bring: Nintendo Entertainment System Nintendo 64 Turbografx 16 Genesis Colecovision Jaguar Atari 2600 Many boob tubes

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test ignore
by Duane Craps 29 Nov '17

29 Nov '17

test -- DuaneCraps sdɐɹɔ ǝuɐnp

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TBA for Festivus 2017??? Drinks and Food
by Jeffrey Brace 29 Nov '17

29 Nov '17

Drinks 10 people = Beer 7 people = Soda or Water 8 people = TBA Food 7 people = Meal food 8 people = Snacks and Desserts 6 people = TBA There are also others that are blank. Please update your TBA. Please change blank to None. I want to know what I need to buy more of. Thanks, Jeff Brace

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Museum inventory
by Evan Koblentz 28 Nov '17

28 Nov '17

Mike L. posted: "It bothers me greatly that we don't have a record of our holdings. We should have pictures of each item, along with make, model, s/n and donor info, at the least. ... I urge people to move on this." The VCFed board and I completely agree. It's already underway. Adam has been our greatest asset on this project. For some sick, twisted reason that I don't understand :) he * enjoys * being alone in the warehouse and counting stuff. He already counted our different models of Apple, Atari, and Commodore gear. There are five major benefits to having a proper inventory. In no particular order: we can buy artifact insurance, better evaluate the value of our assets, know what we can deaccession as fundraising, know what we have for exhibits, and clear warehouse space. We also have to attack the library which is mostly boxed up in storage. Jeff and I would love to arrange an inventory weekend when several members show up to work on this and nothing else. It will be important that everyone follow directions :) and not waste time on the minutiae of tiny bits. Over-inventorying is a trap to avoid. We needn't count every joystick, floppy disk, and power cable. Trying to do so would be functionally impossible. Instead, we're counting computers, major peripherals, and "box of TRS-80 software" or whatever the case may be.

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A holiday message from VCF
by Evan Koblentz 28 Nov '17

28 Nov '17

Here's a special holiday-season message from VCFed to you! http://vcfed.org/wp/2017/11/28/a-holiday-message-from-vcf-to-you/ I'll add to it: VCFed is an amazing thing, and I never dreamed we'd get this big and successful. Please read the complete post linked above for a summary of what we accomplished in 2017, what we're thinking about for 2018, and how you can help us get there. Thanks, Evan

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FS: Cromemco D+7A I/O Box, Manual, and Some Kit Pieces
by systems_glitch 28 Nov '17

28 Nov '17

link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/272959758773 This is ONLY the box, manual, and some kit pieces for a Cromemco D+7A -- the S-100 board itself is NOT included! I got it this way, and I don't have a D+7A to go in it :) Thanks, Jonathan

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FS: Unused Processor Tech 2KRO 1702A ROM Board with Manual
by systems_glitch 28 Nov '17

28 Nov '17

link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/272959751915 This board came with a lot of other Processor Tech stuff, and appears to be completely unused. It includes what appears to be the original manual, in the Zip-Loc bag it came in, with the business card of Polyhedral Systems, most likely the company that sold the board. Happy to drop off in person at Festivus! Thanks, Jonathan

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Cray C90/J916 on Ebay
by william degnan 28 Nov '17

28 Nov '17

Be the first one on your block...(unless you live in Kensington, PA) Ebay https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-CRAY-C90-J916-Super-Computer-include-48-el… Bill

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Museum Report 2017-11-26 November 26, 2017
by Jeffrey Brace 28 Nov '17

28 Nov '17

Lots of visitors today about 2 dozen. I show the kids a Macintosh and tell them to run Paint. They try to touch the screen. They think it is a touch screen. Then I show them the mouse. They single click. The don't know double click that well. I have to explain to them how slow computers were and they have to wait. I show the kids BASIC, then Impossible Mission on the C64. They love it. I show them Windows 3.1 and they love Minesweeper and Solitaire. They all loved it and stayed for an hour as I showed them the different microcomputers. I actually did a lot of tours instead of the usual quick run through. Lots of interest and they learned a lot about the history of computers that they didn't know. The parents love the explanation of the progression of technology. I need to learn more about how vacuum tube computers work to give them a comparison. Spent the rest of the time inventorying supplies we have for Festivus that we have already.

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OT: InfoAge model trains show
by Evan Koblentz 27 Nov '17

27 Nov '17

InfoAge is having its annual model trains show, sponsored by Garden State Central Model Railroad Club, noon-5pm on December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, and 17. Bring the family! There will be plenty of hands-on playing opportunities for kids. I hear there's a computer museum too. :) ________________________________ Evan Koblentz, director Vintage Computer Federation a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit evan(a)vcfed.org (646) 546-9999 www.vcfed.org facebook.com/vcfederation twitter.com/vcfederation instagram.com/vcfederation

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