- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

Museum of Modern Art Event: Thinking Machines: Art and Design in the Computer Age, 1959–1989
by Christian Liendo 09 Nov '17

09 Nov '17

I am going to check this out, but I think it's rather interesting https://www.moma.org/calendar/exhibitions/3863?locale=en Drawn primarily from MoMA's collection, Thinking Machines: Art and Design in the Computer Age, 1959–1989 brings artworks produced using computers and computational thinking together with notable examples of computer and component design. The exhibition reveals how artists, architects, and designers operating at the vanguard of art and technology deployed computing as a means to reconsider artistic production. The artists featured in Thinking Machines exploited the potential of emerging technologies by inventing systems wholesale or by partnering with institutions and corporations that provided access to cutting-edge machines. They channeled the promise of computing into kinetic sculpture, plotter drawing, computer animation, and video installation. Photographers and architects likewise recognized these technologies' capacity to reconfigure human communities and the built environment. Thinking Machines includes works by John Cage and Lejaren Hiller, Waldemar Cordeiro, Charles Csuri, Richard Hamilton, Alison Knowles, Beryl Korot, Vera Molnár, Cedric Price, and Stan VanDerBeek, alongside computers designed by Tamiko Thiel and others at Thinking Machines Corporation, IBM, Olivetti, and Apple Computer. The exhibition combines artworks, design objects, and architectural proposals to trace how computers transformed aesthetics and hierarchies, revealing how these thinking machines reshaped art making, working life, and social connections. Organized by Sean Anderson, Associate Curator, Department of Architecture and Design, and Giampaolo Bianconi, Curatorial Assistant, Department of Media and Performance Art.

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Connor!
by Evan Koblentz 09 Nov '17

09 Nov '17

Our own Connor K. is becoming more famous by the clock cycle! IBM made a video about him. It's about 40 minutes so make some popcorn and enjoy. https://t.co/u qb4kyi09g6 Connor, we hope to see you at Festivus.

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relaying the news: Oregon Train revisited
by Herb Johnson 09 Nov '17

09 Nov '17

> a playable version of the classic Apple ][-era adventure game > Oregon Trail to promote Oregon tourism. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Oregon_Trail_(series) Over the decades, I kept stumbling over implementations of this game; so it's caught my attention (I don't "game".) Most recently, I accidentally watched an episode of "Teen Titans", a current cartoon about DC comics teen heroes (essentially slacker teens with a clubhouse). It apparently started as a BASIC time-shared program in 1971. The basis of the game is "some research in some diaries of people who actually made the trip on Oregon Trail", from a 2013 interview of the first developer, in Minnesota. http://yesterthenfornow.kinja.com/an-interview-with-the-teacher-turned-deve… HMH IP Company Unlimited (parent of The Learning Company) a company that produces educational gaming, appears to have a current trademark for "The Oregon Trail", from 2017. Their IPO (stock offering) of 2013 lists The Oregon Trail as one of their premier titles. There's a current card-game, produced by Pressman, that's available at Amazon and Target. The diaries themselves, are historic documents, accumulated by various people and organizations; some are still held by families. In the 1970's, they were researched by authors and scholars. A Web search for "Oregon trail diaries" finds a few online, and discussion about them. http://www.oregonpioneers.com/diaries.htm http://www.octa-trails.org/articles/oregon-trail-diaries Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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RE: Digest, Vol 25, Issue 8, Slide Rules
by SVCatITC＠aol.com 09 Nov '17

09 Nov '17

Still have my Post ' Versalog ' model. I also, (in my picking travels) have found a hardcover instruction manual for it. (it originally only came with a paper instruction, long gone) Lost all knowledge of how to use since 1972! I have, on the bucket list, to relearn my slide rule, now that I have proper instructions. Bill Inderrieden In a message dated 11/8/2017 12:01:51 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, vcf-midatlantic-request(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org writes: Message: 4 Date: Tue, 7 Nov 2017 19:10:20 -0500 From: systems_glitch <systems.glitch(a)gmail.com> To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Slide rules, lots and lots of 'em Message-ID: <CAA+dubJ6f3YVHtoZwmpDSi_a+jdR5bZ6bpCJj=swTFNHgtarEg(a)mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" Wonder if they'll have any of the classroom sized ones -- Amy had one in their graduate office at RPI that must've been a yard long! Thanks, Jonathan On Tue, Nov 7, 2017 at 5:25 PM, Brian Schenkenberger via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic writes: > > >Someone is donating 20 boxes of slide rules. He said some of common and > >some are rare/exotic. > > > >We'll keep the latter and probably sell many of the former at VCF East > >or whatever. > > Ooooo! I still have my K&E Log-Log Duplex Decitrig and case from my HS and > college days. I had a second one too (a short 8" SR) but I don't recall > the > make. I'll need to dig it out of the mothballs. ;) > ------------------------------ Message: 5 Date: Tue, 7 Nov 2017 19:41:20 -0500 From: David Gesswein <djg(a)pdp8online.com> To: Brian Schenkenberger via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Slide rules, lots and lots of 'em Message-ID: <20171108004119.GA25333(a)hugin2.pdp8online.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii On Tue, Nov 07, 2017 at 05:25:43PM -0500, Brian Schenkenberger via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > > Ooooo! I still have my K&E Log-Log Duplex Decitrig and case from my HS and > college days. I had a second one too (a short 8" SR) but I don't recall the > make. I'll need to dig it out of the mothballs. ;) > I just missed being taught them. Did have my relatives slide rules in my 2016 VCF display. http://www.pdp8online.com/shows/vcfe16/pics/P1090150.shtml?small

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Galaga Challenge at Festivus
by william degnan 09 Nov '17

09 Nov '17

Ok. I wrote a program that runs an arcade game olympics for the c64 once. Keeps track of scoreboard etc Bill Degnan twitter: billdeg vintagecomputer.net On Nov 8, 2017 11:03 PM, "Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic" < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: This will be the Namco Joystick version made by JAKKS Pacific: https://www.google.com/search?q=jakks+pacific+namco+ms.+ pacman&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiKkb6OzrDXAhWqzIMKHeP2D pQQ_AUICygC&biw=1097&bih=556#imgrc=wIrplMWXpRFImM : On Wed, Nov 8, 2017 at 10:36 PM, william degnan via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > The real game or a pc version? > > Bill Degnan > twitter: billdeg > vintagecomputer.net > On Nov 8, 2017 9:17 PM, "Dean Notarnicola via vcf-midatlantic" < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > > > I'm game > > > > On Wed, Nov 8, 2017 at 9:16 PM Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic < > > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > > > > > I challenge anyone to a three game battle on Galaga. We each play three > > > games and add up the scores. Highest score wins. I'm awesome at this > > game. > > > I can beat anyone! Who accepts? > > > > > >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Slide rules, lots and lots of 'em
by Michael Thompson 08 Nov '17

08 Nov '17

> > Date: Tue, 7 Nov 2017 16:15:08 -0500 > From: Evan Koblentz <evan(a)vcfed.org> > Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] Slide rules, lots and lots of 'em > Message-ID: <def00faf-b3c2-f7f9-9df8-2efd142534a1(a)vcfed.org> > > Someone is donating 20 boxes of slide rules. He said some of common and > some are rare/exotic. > > We'll keep the latter and probably sell many of the former at VCF East > or whatever. > > ________________________________ > Evan Koblentz, director > I have one that is about a yard long for calculating free oxygen in magnetic materials. -- Michael Thompson

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Slide rules, lots and lots of 'em
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 08 Nov '17

08 Nov '17

Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic writes: >Someone is donating 20 boxes of slide rules. He said some of common and >some are rare/exotic. > >We'll keep the latter and probably sell many of the former at VCF East >or whatever. Ooooo! I still have my K&E Log-Log Duplex Decitrig and case from my HS and college days. I had a second one too (a short 8" SR) but I don't recall the make. I'll need to dig it out of the mothballs. ;)

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TV alert
by Evan Koblentz 08 Nov '17

08 Nov '17

There's a show called "Young Sheldon" which is a spin-out of "The Big Bang Theory". I suggest watching the Thursday, Jan. 18 episode (8:30, CBS) to see some vintage computing. ________________________________ 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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Read all about it
by Evan Koblentz 07 Nov '17

07 Nov '17

....Because I'm donating most of my personal library of computer history books to the museum (see what I did in the subject line?) I'm moving soon and will have much less space. Today I packed four banker's boxes full of books about the history of computing. These will go in our museum for all members/docents to read. ________________________________ 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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Slide rules, lots and lots of 'em
by Evan Koblentz 07 Nov '17

07 Nov '17

Someone is donating 20 boxes of slide rules. He said some of common and some are rare/exotic. We'll keep the latter and probably sell many of the former at VCF East or whatever. ________________________________ 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] Vintage computer sighting...stranger things
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 07 Nov '17

07 Nov '17

william degnan via vcf-midatlantic writes: >Can you name the make and model of the hardware being used season 2 >episode 2 at 16:50 in? First one to get it wins a prize of no value but >sure to take the place of the mudshark in your mythology. Season 2 episode 2 of what?

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Vintage computer sighting...stranger things
by william degnan 06 Nov '17

06 Nov '17

Can you name the make and model of the hardware being used season 2 episode 2 at 16:50 in? First one to get it wins a prize of no value but sure to take the place of the mudshark in your mythology. Bill Degnan twitter: billdeg vintagecomputer.net

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LSSM visit
by Mike Loewen 06 Nov '17

06 Nov '17

We had a very productive hacking session yesterday at Dave McGuire's Large Scale Systems Museum. We managed to get his HP 2117F mini running, after finding some flaky DIP switches on one of the 64KW memory boards. I brought my HPDrive emulator and the requisite HP-IB boot loader PROMS for the 2117F, and we were able to load and run diagnostics from an emulated 9144 tape drive. Several of the front panel switch toggles on the 2117F were broken on one side, and one was completely broken. We pulled the switch assembly from a previously mouse-infested donor unit, and I showed Dave how to replace the switch toggles. The external Floating Point Processor unit I brought to complete the 2117F turned out to have an overload problem, tripping the internal breaker/switch. It would power up with either of the two internal boards installed, but not both. Dave thinks it may be just leaky caps. We also verified the operation of one of his 2645A terminals, and used it for running diagnostics. Matt and Chris cleaned up and evaluated a 7905A 15MB cartridge disc drive. It has the requisite 13037 controller and cables, and should connect right up to the interface card in the 2117F. Needs a good disc pack, tnough. Dave says he should be able to disassemble and clean the pack that was in the drive. Matt Patoray was there, along with Chris (?) and Dan Roganti. We accomplished a lot. Mike Loewen mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/

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IT stuff we need for the museum
by Evan Koblentz 06 Nov '17

06 Nov '17

Thought I'd ask here one more time before searching eBay and stuff. To improve our evolving museum network, we can use the following: - Fanless rack-mount switch. Martin recommended the Juniper EX2200 or a fanless version of the Cisco 3010. He said the Cisco 2960 series also has fanless versions, but they sacrifice PoE which we need for security cameras. We could get by with 12 ports but 24 would be ideal - Rack-mountable UPS with good batteries. I don't have exact figures for the required specs. Stuff we'd be running: a couple of PC-like machines, small LCD monitor, small analog PBX, and no more than two network switches. The rack's other contacts do not need emergency power (stereo, minifridge .... well maybe I should reconsider about the minifridge ... in an emergency we might want a cold drink!) - Rack-mountable keyboard/mouse tray. - A bunch of the proper nuts/bolts to mount 4 or 5 components. - Unrelated: we could also use two chairs and one stool. We have some but they're old, breaking down, and don't match our decor. I would like to get nice ones that are typical black/chrome office designs. ________________________________ 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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Looking for BR1951-L05 chips
by Richard Cini 06 Nov '17

06 Nov '17

All – Does anyone have a cache of these WD baud rate generator chips? I just mistakenly bought three of the L06 versions but it turns out I need the L05 version, the difference being the divisor (I think) and the crystal. I’m going to re-create a Seattle Computer board and it uses the L05 version, and the software relies on the right divisor. If anyone has spares, please let me know. Thanks! Rich -- Rich Cini http://www.classiccmp.org/cini http://www.classiccmp.org/altair32

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relaying the news: Oregon Train revisited
by Jeffrey Jonas 06 Nov '17

06 Nov '17

It's https://traveloregon.com/thegame/ from the boingboing random nooz generator: https://boingboing.net/2017/11/05/craft-coffee-and-dysentery.html A playable version of Oregon Trail to promote Oregon tourism The semi-independent Oregon Tourism Commission has created a playable version of the classic Apple ][-era adventure game Oregon Trail to promote Oregon tourism. I played for a while and didn't die of dysentery; instead I helped out at a Portland craft brewery, went skiing, threw out tees at a hockey game and bought kombucha in the general outfitters.

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Museum Report 2017-11-05 November 5, 2017
by Jeffrey Brace 05 Nov '17

05 Nov '17

About 7 or 8 today. Interest varied from the quick tour to the long tour. As per tradition, I made sure to leave on random computers and peripherals to keep them warm through the cool fall months.

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Museum Report 2017-11-04
by Jeffrey Brace 05 Nov '17

05 Nov '17

Bill Dromgoole was docent at the museum. About 7 or 8 people in 3 groups came. 2 were very interested, and the rest had casual interest. Andy Bodnar dropped off a Vax cooling fan.

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Vic 21
by william degnan 05 Nov '17

05 Nov '17

Anyone have a vic 21 ? They're pretty rare too. Wonder what a person could get for one of those today. Bill Degnan twitter: billdeg vintagecomputer.net

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Use smile.amazon.com to donate to VCF
by Jeffrey Brace 05 Nov '17

05 Nov '17

Yes of course that's what I meant and implied. Not literally VCF, but what the acronym represents. I figured that everyone could figure that out themselves, but I guess that I was wrong. I will go back to my literal self. The figurative one is too ambiguous! ;) On Sun, Nov 5, 2017 at 1:08 PM William Dromgoole via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > VCF is Victory Christian Fellowship. > Maybe we should use Vintage Computer Federation. > > Bill > > Sent from Mail for Windows 10 > > From: Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic > Sent: Sunday, November 5, 2017 1:13 AM > To: vcf-midatlantic > Cc: Jeffrey Brace > Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] Use smile.amazon.com to donate to VCF > > As a reminder when shopping on Amazon, please use smile.amazon.com and > specific VCF as the charity that will benefit. Amazon donates 0.5% of your > eligible orders to VCF. > >

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Use smile.amazon.com to donate to VCF
by Jeffrey Brace 05 Nov '17

05 Nov '17

As a reminder when shopping on Amazon, please use smile.amazon.com and specific VCF as the charity that will benefit. Amazon donates 0.5% of your eligible orders to VCF.

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Intel Drive Pack/Cart - Help Identify
by william degnan 05 Nov '17

05 Nov '17

What is this? http://vintagecomputer.net/pictures/2017/Intel_Drive-Pak/ It looks like an RK05 a little but it's not the same dimensions. I don't know what system this came from, or what kind of drive would use it..... Bill

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17" and 19" LCDs
by John Heritage 05 Nov '17

05 Nov '17

Would any of the museums have use for 17" or 19" LCDs? I have a small pile of them.. I believe they're all at least DVI capable, some have VGA and DVI, and some have USB hubs built in.. PM me ..

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Re:Digest, Vol 25, Issue 3: PET keyboard question
by SVCatITC＠aol.com 04 Nov '17

04 Nov '17

Hey Bill Degnan. and All; I will offer my $ 0.02 for what it's worth. Why not try the "sandpaper" trick. Before you all look at me like I used a "stupid rock" to beat my head with, consider the following, with a little latitude. This technique has worked for me with little to no invasive infrastructure intrusion. History... I have a Radio Shack Realistic universal TV remote I bought in the 80's, and over the course of it's life, I have had to open it up and service the keypad carbon pads about 3 times, when the keys don't work. I first cleaned with Isopropyl, but initially found that it did not cure the keypad failure when reassembled. Using regular 10# stock printer paper, (like "sandpaper", yeah now you're getting it) with medium pressure, I polished the carbon pads. This seems to remove a micro oxide crust (I call it) from the carbon crosspoints, thereby allowing contact when the rubber carbon pad key is depressed. I DO NOT recommend using a pencil eraser. Way too abrasive! The remote operates the widescreen 1080 DP TV to this day, every night, with no issues. Hopefully you are not laughing too hard! Bill Inderrieden In a message dated 11/3/2017 12:01:18 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, vcf-midatlantic-request(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org writes: Message: 18 Date: Thu, 2 Nov 2017 17:49:41 -0400 From: william degnan <billdegnan(a)gmail.com> To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] PET keyboard question Message-ID: <CABGJBucEUUDx5huBQ8EEjUMuoFs+M4cHO=oN1DWsUSFem_cjkg(a)mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" I could but I am looking for what someone who successfully restored a dead keyboard did. I never heard anyone putting colloidal silver on a pet keyboard before. Bill Degnan twitter: billdeg vintagecomputer.net On Nov 2, 2017 4:48 PM, "Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic" < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: How about putting silver on the contacts? On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 4:21 PM, william degnan via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > I used the 91% with qtip on both. I could try the eraser why not...but my > method should have worked > > Bill Degnan > twitter: billdeg > vintagecomputer.net

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Aaarrrrggghhhhh - list behavior
by Evan Koblentz 03 Nov '17

03 Nov '17

A few weeks ago we changed the hosting of VCFed.org email from our web hoster to Google. Problem is, now I don't get copies of my own messages to groups (even to non-Google-based groups such as this one). How do I fix that? Search indicates this may be * intended * behavior on Google's part, because they would rather you do everything via Gmail in a browser and use conversation views. I don't work that way and I don't want to work that way. I am using Thunderbird on my desktop and the default Android mail client on my phone. This is pissing me off because when viewing list messages I like to see all the context in one place. I can probably make a filter in Thunderbird to copy all my sent messages to list addresses into the relevant inboxes, but I shouldn't have to do that! Is there a way around this? ________________________________ 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] Aaarrrrggghhhhh - list behavior
by cns386 03 Nov '17

03 Nov '17

Basically, no. We use Gmail at work and it's a huge f'ing problem for me as well. --Jason Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device -------- Original message -------- From: Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> Date: 11/3/17 8:29 PM (GMT-08:00) To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> Cc: Evan Koblentz <evan(a)vcfed.org> Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] Aaarrrrggghhhhh - list behavior A few weeks ago we changed the hosting of VCFed.org email from our web hoster to Google. Problem is, now I don't get copies of my own messages to groups (even to non-Google-based groups such as this one). How do I fix that? Search indicates this may be * intended * behavior on Google's part, because they would rather you do everything via Gmail in a browser and use conversation views. I don't work that way and I don't want to work that way. I am using Thunderbird on my desktop and the default Android mail client on my phone. This is pissing me off because when viewing list messages I like to see all the context in one place. I can probably make a filter in Thunderbird to copy all my sent messages to list addresses into the relevant inboxes, but I shouldn't have to do that! Is there a way around this? ________________________________ 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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PET 2001 Keyboard Restoration Wrapup
by william degnan 03 Nov '17

03 Nov '17

http://vintagecomputer.net/browse_thread.cfm?id=703 So I went ahead and ordered the Keypad-Fix product but being impatient I thought I'd try a little graphite powder on the conductive pads. It's just the right sticky to lay onto the tips and it works perfectly. The issue with Silver is that it'll eventually tarnish. The graphite powder should hold steady longer. The problem with the Keypad-Fix is that I don't have it here right now :-) but I bet that would work too. I also extended the wire from the caps-lock switch to make it easier to work on the keyboard, should in the future I have to repeat the fix. To clean the motherboard I found this neat product called Cyber Clean, it's a slime compound that you smoosh over a motherboard. It's made to clean electronics. It picks up everything and you just wash it off. Yes it's a little moist, but it seems to take the moisture up as well, leaving the mother board dry (enough)...A little moisture is fine as long as the circuit board is dried with a fan or blow dryer. Bill

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Update on the pet keyboards
by Herb Johnson 03 Nov '17

03 Nov '17

http://www.6502.org/users/andre/petindex/repairs.html#keyboard A page with several keyboard-repair links that look plausible. I can't vouch for them myself. Search "commodore pet keyboard repair" found it. I'm an engineer, so I like results and methods that pretend to know how the actual keyswitch works (as Bill suggested); and have been used for specific brand/models of vintage computers. That would be my approach. There's no shortage of chemical products and materials for repair, or adaptable to repair. It's all about knowing the "right tool for the job". Bill was likely asking for actual results from someone on the list. - Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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C-65 on eBay
by Evan Koblentz 03 Nov '17

03 Nov '17

I almost never post eBay auctions, but check this out: https://www.ebay.es/itm/Ultra-rare-Commodore-65-RAM-Expansion-C65-DX64-C90-… ________________________________ 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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Update on the pet keyboards
by william degnan 03 Nov '17

03 Nov '17

I found that there are cheap products all over Ebay and Amazon for repairing carbon/rubber keypads for remotes, etc. Ordered one. Bill

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Funny story
by Evan Koblentz 03 Nov '17

03 Nov '17

About a year ago I tore apart my home looking for a binder containing some of my book research. Couldn't find it anywhere and thought I'd lost it forever! Tonight I found 100% of its contents -- neatly organized in my file cabinet -- sans the actual binder. Apparently being organized is so unusual that I forgot I did it! In my defense, this happened sometime last summer when I was on a ton of painkiller medicine.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] PET keyboard question
by william degnan 02 Nov '17

02 Nov '17

So Brace was correct, thanks guys I will investigate this angle. Bill Degnan twitter: billdeg vintagecomputer.net On Nov 2, 2017 6:02 PM, "Alexander via vcf-midatlantic" < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Alexander <ajpierson1(a)yahoo.com> > To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> > Cc: > Bcc: > Date: Thu, 02 Nov 2017 18:02:02 -0400 > Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] PET keyboard question > I saw the silver paint-on used in a PET keyboard repair for the first time > recently. It seems like it was an effective fix. However, I have only > seen that done to a single PET, so I don't think it's a common solution. > That would be my next choice, seeing as the isopropyl didn't help things. > > -Alexander 'Z' Pierson > > Sent from my pocket telephone. > > william degnan via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic@lists. > vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > > >I could but I am looking for what someone who successfully restored a > dead > >keyboard did. I never heard anyone putting colloidal silver on a pet > >keyboard before. > > > >Bill Degnan > >twitter: billdeg > >vintagecomputer.net > >On Nov 2, 2017 4:48 PM, "Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic" < > >vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > > > >How about putting silver on the contacts? > > > >On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 4:21 PM, william degnan via vcf-midatlantic < > >vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > > > >> I used the 91% with qtip on both. I could try the eraser why not...but > my > >> method should have worked > >> > >> Bill Degnan > >> twitter: billdeg > >> vintagecomputer.net > >> On Nov 2, 2017 3:53 PM, "Justin Jernigan via vcf-midatlantic" < > >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > >> > >> > > >> > >>I searched the web and did not find any specific best way to handle > >> keys > >> > >>that have no response at all given my described situation. Most > places > >> > say > >> > >>"clean everything"....OK tried that. What does one do specifically > >> > >>(materials and procedure) to clean the black carbon contact points > to > >> > >>ensure conductivity? This is not the same issue as the SOL/Tandy-II > >> > >>keyboard problem with the dried-out pads. The PET has springs, and > >this > >> > >>particular keyboard has no rust and very little crud. There must be > >> > >>something microscopic like a thin film that needs to be cleared. I > >> > believe > >> > >>the pads are extending and contacting the control board. I tried > using > >> > >>deoxit and isopropyl alcohol. Hope I did not ruin. I was able to > get a > >> > >>few keys to work but there are a lot more to fix. > >> > > >> > I use alcohol (91%) and a qtip on both the contact points and the > carbon > >> > pads. Have you tried using a pencil eraser on the board contact > points? > >> > Might be worth it on the carbon points as well (pencil eraser) and > then > >> > clean again with alcohol. > >> > > >> > >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] PET keyboard question
by Alexander 02 Nov '17

02 Nov '17

I saw the silver paint-on used in a PET keyboard repair for the first time recently. It seems like it was an effective fix. However, I have only seen that done to a single PET, so I don't think it's a common solution. That would be my next choice, seeing as the isopropyl didn't help things. -Alexander 'Z' Pierson Sent from my pocket telephone. william degnan via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: >I could but I am looking for what someone who successfully restored a dead >keyboard did. I never heard anyone putting colloidal silver on a pet >keyboard before. > >Bill Degnan >twitter: billdeg >vintagecomputer.net >On Nov 2, 2017 4:48 PM, "Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic" < >vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > >How about putting silver on the contacts? > >On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 4:21 PM, william degnan via vcf-midatlantic < >vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > >> I used the 91% with qtip on both. I could try the eraser why not...but my >> method should have worked >> >> Bill Degnan >> twitter: billdeg >> vintagecomputer.net >> On Nov 2, 2017 3:53 PM, "Justin Jernigan via vcf-midatlantic" < >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: >> >> > >> > >>I searched the web and did not find any specific best way to handle >> keys >> > >>that have no response at all given my described situation. Most places >> > say >> > >>"clean everything"....OK tried that. What does one do specifically >> > >>(materials and procedure) to clean the black carbon contact points to >> > >>ensure conductivity? This is not the same issue as the SOL/Tandy-II >> > >>keyboard problem with the dried-out pads. The PET has springs, and >this >> > >>particular keyboard has no rust and very little crud. There must be >> > >>something microscopic like a thin film that needs to be cleared. I >> > believe >> > >>the pads are extending and contacting the control board. I tried using >> > >>deoxit and isopropyl alcohol. Hope I did not ruin. I was able to get a >> > >>few keys to work but there are a lot more to fix. >> > >> > I use alcohol (91%) and a qtip on both the contact points and the carbon >> > pads. Have you tried using a pencil eraser on the board contact points? >> > Might be worth it on the carbon points as well (pencil eraser) and then >> > clean again with alcohol. >> > >>

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] PET keyboard question
by william degnan 02 Nov '17

02 Nov '17

I could but I am looking for what someone who successfully restored a dead keyboard did. I never heard anyone putting colloidal silver on a pet keyboard before. Bill Degnan twitter: billdeg vintagecomputer.net On Nov 2, 2017 4:48 PM, "Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic" < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: How about putting silver on the contacts? On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 4:21 PM, william degnan via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > I used the 91% with qtip on both. I could try the eraser why not...but my > method should have worked > > Bill Degnan > twitter: billdeg > vintagecomputer.net > On Nov 2, 2017 3:53 PM, "Justin Jernigan via vcf-midatlantic" < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > > > > > >>I searched the web and did not find any specific best way to handle > keys > > >>that have no response at all given my described situation. Most places > > say > > >>"clean everything"....OK tried that. What does one do specifically > > >>(materials and procedure) to clean the black carbon contact points to > > >>ensure conductivity? This is not the same issue as the SOL/Tandy-II > > >>keyboard problem with the dried-out pads. The PET has springs, and this > > >>particular keyboard has no rust and very little crud. There must be > > >>something microscopic like a thin film that needs to be cleared. I > > believe > > >>the pads are extending and contacting the control board. I tried using > > >>deoxit and isopropyl alcohol. Hope I did not ruin. I was able to get a > > >>few keys to work but there are a lot more to fix. > > > > I use alcohol (91%) and a qtip on both the contact points and the carbon > > pads. Have you tried using a pencil eraser on the board contact points? > > Might be worth it on the carbon points as well (pencil eraser) and then > > clean again with alcohol. > > >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Vic 21
by Alexander 02 Nov '17

02 Nov '17

Evan, I've got some good news for you. I just hope you can read Mandarin... -Alexander 'Z' Pierson Sent from my pocket telephone. Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: >I continue anxiously awaiting for Windows 3.2. > > >Evan Koblentz >Director, Vintage Computer Federation >evan(a)vcfed.org / (646) 546-9999 > >www.vcfed.org >@vcfederation > > >On Nov 2, 2017 4:40 PM, "Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic" < >vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > >> I may have one or two. I heard that they are more rare than C65. I heard >> one sold for big bucks. >> >> On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 4:30 PM, william degnan via vcf-midatlantic < >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: >> >> > Anyone have a vic 21 ? They're pretty rare too. Wonder what a person >> > could get for one of those today. >> > >> > Bill Degnan >> > twitter: billdeg >> > vintagecomputer.net >> > >>

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] PET keyboard question
by jaj＠totallyamused.com 02 Nov '17

02 Nov '17

>>I searched the web and did not find any specific best way to handle keys >>that have no response at all given my described situation. Most places say >>"clean everything"....OK tried that. What does one do specifically >>(materials and procedure) to clean the black carbon contact points to >>ensure conductivity? This is not the same issue as the SOL/Tandy-II >>keyboard problem with the dried-out pads. The PET has springs, and this >>particular keyboard has no rust and very little crud. There must be >>something microscopic like a thin film that needs to be cleared. I believe >>the pads are extending and contacting the control board. I tried using >>deoxit and isopropyl alcohol. Hope I did not ruin. I was able to get a >>few keys to work but there are a lot more to fix. I use alcohol (91%) and a qtip on both the contact points and the carbon pads. Have you tried using a pencil eraser on the board contact points? Might be worth it on the carbon points as well (pencil eraser) and then clean again with alcohol.

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PET keyboard question
by william degnan 02 Nov '17

02 Nov '17

People I have a PET non-chicklet 2001 (2001-B32) . I cleaned the inside of the keys where they contact the board, and the keyboard circuit board. The board works when I touch a target point directly with something conductive. I also can put in a different keyboard into the PET and that works. So I have eliminated the problem down to the keyboard keys not making contact. Very few actually work by using the keyboard. I searched the web and did not find any specific best way to handle keys that have no response at all given my described situation. Most places say "clean everything"....OK tried that. What does one do specifically (materials and procedure) to clean the black carbon contact points to ensure conductivity? This is not the same issue as the SOL/Tandy-II keyboard problem with the dried-out pads. The PET has springs, and this particular keyboard has no rust and very little crud. There must be something microscopic like a thin film that needs to be cleared. I believe the pads are extending and contacting the control board. I tried using deoxit and isopropyl alcohol. Hope I did not ruin. I was able to get a few keys to work but there are a lot more to fix. I thought I remember Doug Crawford had a page about it somewhere. Or someone else...Can anyone advise their experiences with restoring this or simlar keyboard. I would think the 4000 and 8000-series keyboards would be the same in this regard. Thanks Bill

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Festivus - important!
by Evan Koblentz 02 Nov '17

02 Nov '17

Everyone -- please sign up sooner rather than later for Festivus (Dec. 9-10) - it's vital that we know how many people are going so Jeff B. can get the right amount of food and stuff. Last year we ran out of burgers. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1odmPxfBK9BrR-NDZIx4_ c-V2lZpt_-vU-3fIBGiyrM4/edit#gid=0

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TRS-80 model 1, looking for good home
by mike willegal 02 Nov '17

02 Nov '17

I have a TRS-80 model 1, that needs to find a good home. I originally was going to get one of each of the original systems of the "big three" from 1977, but decided I really don't have the time or space for them. I never found a chiclet keyboard PET, at a bargain price, so I never completed that collection. This system was at VCF east a few years ago. It has the expansion chassis, level II basic, the CRT, and a single floppy drive. There are also some cassette tapes and manuals, but no Cassette Tape drive. Matching cassette drives are available on eBay from time to time, as they apparently were standard Radio Shack cassette tape products. I wasn't able to boot DOS from floppy, but the main system and CRT were operating when I had it at VCF east. It was a bit intermittent, I think due to the ribbon cable connections between the keyboard and the expansion chassis. If I had the time, I would replace that cable. I only spent about an hour investigating the boot problem with the floppy at VCF and haven't powered on, since. I don't want to risk shipping, but depending upon where you live on the eastern coast of US, may be able to arrange delivery before the end of the year or you can pick up north of Boston, MA. Best offer above $150 gets it. regards, Mike Willegal

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rigaku RSX-11M
by william degnan 01 Nov '17

01 Nov '17

Anyone work with the "Rigaku" version of RSX-llM on the PDP 11? What system is this compatible with? The web reveals no useful information. I have three RL02 diskpacks with this printed on the label. BIll

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IBM PC near-compatibles
by Herb Johnson 31 Oct '17

31 Oct '17

NEC APC, the 8-inch floppy 8086 machine. I have one too, not powered up in some years. "gasoline powered clothes iron" _ don't have that. Seems entirely reasonable to me. Many clothes irons were heated in fires, or one put coals in them. It's another discussion to talk about these. My point was, items that fell out of favor just at product introduction, become rare and potentially collectable; sometimes as contrary items. Various mechanical calculators? same considerations. It's been interesting, as people have mentioned their favorite MS-DOS non-IBM-PC's. Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Festivus - important!
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 30 Oct '17

30 Oct '17

Drew Notarnicola via vcf-midatlantic writes: >>I'll bring ribs again IF I can make it and some beer too. >What a hero. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdWHsaly-XU FWIW, I missed October's RR launch because I drove nearly all the way when I then realized I'd forgotten to pack my motor casings. I'll miss November's because an old DECUS friend is getting married and I've been invited to his ceremony. Therefore, December's launch is the last this year and I want to make that one. If the weather IS NOT conducive to a launch, I'll make ribs and attend sometime by the late afternoon/early evening.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Festivus - important!
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 30 Oct '17

30 Oct '17

Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic writes: >The reason I chose December 9 & 10 was because it originally conflicted >with World of Commodore, which was originally scheduled for December 2 & >3. I try to avoid conflicts with other events. I had asked back in June >for people to specify which dates they wanted. I had limited response, >so I chose a date. For some reason World of Commodore was rescheduled to >Dec. 9 & 10. The best laid plans of mice and men ... So, now you can move it up a week! :)

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Festivus planning
by Ian Primus 30 Oct '17

30 Oct '17

As usual, I am planning to attend Festivus, and bring my usual van full of televisions and assorted video game consoles. I'm trying to get things ready earlier this time, so, does anyone have anything in particular they would like me to bring, so I can try to plan better? -Ian

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Museum Report 2017-10-29 October 29, 2017
by Jeffrey Brace 29 Oct '17

29 Oct '17

A slow day at the museum due to pouring rain all day. We did get 6 visitors with mild interest. Mouse was at the InfoAge front desk. Thanks so much for filling in for VCF! It is much appreciated!

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Festivus - important!
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 29 Oct '17

29 Oct '17

Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic writes: >Dec. 9 in the morning until Dec. 10 in the evening. We don't really >advertise it to the public. This is the group holiday party. It's our >only purely social event of the year. I may and I may not be there. Moving the party a week closer to Christmas this year causes me some conflicts. It'll all depend on the weather on the 9th if I can make it. Inclement weather -- I can be there. Nice weather -- I'll be flying. I'll bring ribs again IF I can make it and some beer too.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] IBM PC near-compatibles
by Earl Baugh 29 Oct '17

29 Oct '17

Following up on two things. I have a NEC machine (nicknamed the "Herniator" because of it's weight) that came to me via Kyle that is a PC near compatible that has 8 inch drives. Runs MS-DOS. It at least, I'd say, is a little interesting. I don't know of many other MS-DOS compatible machines that ran off 8 inch floppy. And in theme with Herb's kerosene powered fan, I actually own a gasoline powered clothes iron. Looks like a regular small iron but is gasoline powered. Seriously. Earl

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FS: ADM-3A and ADM-5 Terminals at Festivus
by systems_glitch 28 Oct '17

28 Oct '17

All, Over the summer, I picked up a large lot (17) of ADM-3A and ADM-5 terminals, in various states of "probably not working." Most of them DO NOT have screen rot, and very few have bad burn-in. I paid $100 each, plus van rental to go get them, gas, etc. I'd like to sell some of the OK condition ones, for drop-off at Festivus, for $150 or trade. Contact me off-list if you're interested. Thanks, Jonathan

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Cyclops page (Popular Electronics and Cromemco)
by William Sudbrink 25 Oct '17

25 Oct '17

Hi, In case anyone is interested, I have finally cobbled together a web page that documents the construction of the Popular Electronics Cyclops camera that I exhibited at the 2016 VCF East. It also documents my work to produce a Cromemco S-100 Cyclops that I hope to exhibit at the 2018 VCF East. The page is here: http://wsudbrink.dyndns.org:8080/cyclops/index.html The Cromemco S-100 Cyclops starts down the page a bit. Bill S. --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] IBM PC near-compatibles
by Herb Johnson 25 Oct '17

25 Oct '17

Thanks to Joseph Oprysko & Alexander Pierson for their responses about PCJr and Sanyo MBC-550 respectively. also the posts on Tandy 2000. But their responses - and the lack of other responses about near-compatibles, spin-offs to other topics - kinda confirms my points. That's OK. I asked the question to get confirmation. The Sanyo video was interesting because it showed a game and some video modes. (Not my interest but other's interests.) The PCJr is a narrative about a failure for a notable brand. Tandy by brand, draws interest; and the 2000 has/had a base of owners or is at least known-to-be. So for "interest", these near-compatibles have to have a feature, a brand, a story. And they have to be owned by some number of people today, to become a collective interest. And old PC's are not-of-interest (or negative interest) among many classes of vintage computerists. Otherwise they are simply "not". Hard to establish an interest in a bunch of "not's". But one more thing. On an "Antiques Roadshow", I recall an item. It was a kerosene powered fan! A flame, provided hot-air flow, to rotate a fan. This was an actual product in the early 20th century. It makes no sense today, and stopped making sense when electricity became available, at the same time. Thus all those fans were scrapped, unsold. But now....they are so rare, they have a bit of value! And are a source of amusement, as I've described. So may go, some PC near-compatibles. Herb "not my technology" Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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