- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

Web site maintenance
by Evan Koblentz 16 Feb '17

16 Feb '17

Don't panic! Our web site is down (and may be up-and-down again) for maintenance this afternoon. Someone on Facebook asked if we're replacing the vacuum tubes. :) ________________________________ 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

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Three history talks at Trenton
by Evan Koblentz 16 Feb '17

16 Feb '17

This year's Trenton show is Saturday, March 18, as Jeff B. already posted. Our little group here is giving back-to-back-to-back history talks in room ED-207. 12:25-1:20 - Brian Stuart, "ENIAC Then and Now" 1:30-2:25 - Frank O'Brien, "Flying to the Moon / The Apollo Guidance Computer" 2:35-3:30 - Jeff B. & me, 8-Bit 'Bots (Capsella, Lego) ________________________________ 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

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SPITBOL Manual Scan
by william degnan 16 Feb '17

16 Feb '17

For those of you who wanted a copy of Bill Dudley's SPITBOL 2.0 manual that he gave me at the workshop this past weekend, I found a copy here. His copy starts at page 7 of the document: http://www.snobol4.com/spitbol360/spitbol_360_manual.pdf Note this is an IBM OS/360 implementation of SNOBOL-4 computer language for IBM 360 and 370's. SPITBOL is smaller. I posted a few photos from the workshop on my site, nothing exciting. Bill

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Late-night BASIC support
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 16 Feb '17

16 Feb '17

Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic writes: >There's no ELSE in Applesoft. In that case, you need to use the COMEFROM. :P

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Dallas TOD replacement (was: Feb 2017 workshop)
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 16 Feb '17

16 Feb '17

Herb Johnson via vcf-midatlantic writes: >There is a literal "mod" of Dallas chips: > >http://www.retrotechnology.com/herbs_stuff/sgi_battery.html > >wherein you slice into the epoxy package and splice in a watch battery. >if this is the mod you are doing, I'd be glad to reference any Web page >you have about doing it. > >There are likely some old versions of the Dallas time-of-day chip and >RAM which have no modern version. That said: > >VAXman posted: > >> The DS1287A was fairly common TOY clock back then. You can replace it >with > the newer DS12887A. Goggle it, there are ample sources. > >...one has to replace it with a compatible device, and it's a bit of >work and luck to determine if any replacement is likely to work. >Whereas, you have the chip-in-hand, that only has a dead battery. Well, the DS12887A has worked well for *all* of my VAX and or Alpha systems that were equipped with the DS1287A. That "slicing into the chip" hack to add a battery has seen serveral re-incarnations over the years whenever the topic of replacement arises.

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Dallas TOD replacement (was: Feb 2017 workshop)
by Herb Johnson 16 Feb '17

16 Feb '17

>> "J. Alexander Jacocks writes: >> >>> Alex J. worked on the Commodore PC-III, and the Emerson 286, from >>> the storage area. Both need batteries, and I took the Emerson >>> with me, for modding of the Dallas chip. There is a literal "mod" of Dallas chips: http://www.retrotechnology.com/herbs_stuff/sgi_battery.html wherein you slice into the epoxy package and splice in a watch battery. if this is the mod you are doing, I'd be glad to reference any Web page you have about doing it. There are likely some old versions of the Dallas time-of-day chip and RAM which have no modern version. That said: VAXman posted: > The DS1287A was fairly common TOY clock back then. You can replace it with > the newer DS12887A. Goggle it, there are ample sources. ...one has to replace it with a compatible device, and it's a bit of work and luck to determine if any replacement is likely to work. Whereas, you have the chip-in-hand, that only has a dead battery. Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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OT: Windows Resource Kits available
by Kelly Leavitt 16 Feb '17

16 Feb '17

At least the manuals. One Windows NT, one Windows 2000 server. I believe the CD is there for the 2000 server. Anyone want them? Can bring to VCF or you come get them. Will not ship because I'm lazy and they are heavy/bulky. Thanks, Kelly

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EEWeb did something nice for us
by Evan Koblentz 15 Feb '17

15 Feb '17

EEWeb selected us as their "Engineering Site of the Day". It's midway down their homepage in the center, you'll see the VCF logo, which links to https://www.eeweb.com/websites/vintage-computer-federation. ________________________________ 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

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] 6300 stuff to donate
by William Dudley 15 Feb '17

15 Feb '17

I need ONE of the persons interested in the 6300 stuff to step up and say that they will handle the duplicating/scanning, etc of the materials, and also the disbursal of the copies to the others. I do not need another project, and this is turning into one. I just want to get rid of this stuff and have it not go into a landfill. Once one of you has volunteered, we can arrange your getting the material from me, and I'll be on to the next thing. Thanks, Bill Dudley This email is free of malware because I run Linux. On Tue, Feb 14, 2017 at 1:05 PM, Jonathan Gevaryahu via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > I can handle floppies here. > > > On 2/14/2017 10:42 AM, William Dudley via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > >> Jason, thanks for the offer. >> >> Let us try to arrange the scanning at the next workshop, or at VCF East. >> >> Then, Douglas Crawford, Jonathan Gevaryahu, and Kyle Owen can all get >> copies of the 6300 stuff. >> >> Who can image the floppies to digital files? >> >> Bill Dudley >> >> >> This email is free of malware because I run Linux. >> >> On Mon, Feb 13, 2017 at 10:21 AM, Jason Perkins via vcf-midatlantic < >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: >> >> I have a nice Fujitsu sheet fed scanner I'd be happy to bring with me >>> to VCF, or if I can make it out to a workshop. It can do color, duplex >>> scanning. >>> >>> -J >>> >>> On Mon, Feb 13, 2017 at 8:45 AM, William Dudley via vcf-midatlantic >>> <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: >>> >>>> Jonathan, >>>> >>>> I have no means to do the copying but am open to the idea. >>>> >>>> Does anyone have the means to copy those annoying little >>>> 5" x 8" loose leaf pages, and to copy 5" diskettes? >>>> >>>> Bill Dudley >>>> >>>> This email is free of malware because I run Linux. >>>> >>>> On Mon, Feb 13, 2017 at 12:45 AM, Jonathan Gevaryahu via vcf-midatlantic >>>> >>> < >>> >>>> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: >>>> >>>> On 2/12/2017 8:24 PM, Douglas Crawford via vcf-midatlantic wrote: >>>>> >>>>> 8. AT&T 6300 Plus Service Manual and Hardware Reference Manual. >>>>>> Two hard cover binders in slip cases, including several different >>>>>> diagnostic >>>>>> diskettes (5 1/4"). >>>>>> >>>>>> Any chances of getting scans of that manual and dumps of the >>>>> diskettes? >>>>> The existing olivetti M24 (the machine the 6300 is a rebadge of) >>>>> documentation is incomplete, particularly for the z8000 (olivetti m20 >>>>> backwards compatibility related stuff, which also handles the hi res >>>>> >>>> video >>> >>>> mode in m24/6300 mode) which is entirely missing from existing >>>>> >>>> schematics >>> >>>> online! >>>>> The diskettes could be very useful for testing machines as well. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> Jonathan Gevaryahu >>>>> jgevaryahu(a)gmail.com >>>>> jgevaryahu(a)hotmail.com >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>> >>> -- >>> Jason Perkins >>> 313 355 0085 >>> >>> > > -- > Jonathan Gevaryahu > jgevaryahu(a)gmail.com > jgevaryahu(a)hotmail.com > >

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Slightly off topic (retro telephony)
by Martin A Flynn 15 Feb '17

15 Feb '17

Anyone have resources to duplicate / copy a 16 MB PCMCIA memory card to fresh media? It's from a vintage AT&T Definity telephone system Underlying operating system is ORYX, applications are written in PECOS.

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Xenix and micnet networking
by Kelly Leavitt 14 Feb '17

14 Feb '17

There were some questions about Xenix and Micnet. I've found some online documentation from the Intel Xenix 286 Communication manual that duplicates the Tandy Xenix functionality. See chapter 3 (PDF Page 45) of http://tenox.net/docs/xenix/Intel_XENIX_286_Communications_Guide.pdf In general, there's a lot of Xenix stuff on Tenox's site. Kelly

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Trenton Computer Festival 2017
by Jeffrey Brace 14 Feb '17

14 Feb '17

The annual Trenton Computer Festival will be March 18 from 9AM to 5PM. Evan and myself will be there to demonstrate our vintage computer robotics as well as give a lecture explaining them. Who else plans on being there this year? This is the website with more information: http://tcf.pages.tcnj.edu/ -- Jeff Brace - ark72axow(a)gmail.com

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stuff to donate
by William Dudley 14 Feb '17

14 Feb '17

I found some more stuff that may be of interest to the museum or to the members of this list. I would like Evan to weigh in on the museum's interest. Should Evan pass on something, the rest of you can figure out who ends up with an item. 1. US Robotics USR330 modem. This is a very early 300 baud consumer/hobbyist modem. It's in a vacuum-formed case, along with a comically large "data access arrangement" (DAA) as required by telecom rules back in the day. 2. An AT&T Dataphone II 2224B modem, with power supply. This was hot-shit in it's day. It would do 2400 bits/second. 3. A Digital Equipment Corp h312a null modem. It is also comically large, considering what it is. 4. New, in the shrink-wrap, manuals for AT&T 6386 computer: "Service Manual" and "Hardware Reference Manual" 5. IBM "APL/1130 Primer - Student Text" copyright 1968. This was one of my texts in high school. I have TWO pristine copies of this. 6. SPITBOL Version 2.0 manual, Feb 12 1971. This is stapled together, not a bound book, but is never the less early documentation for the language. 7. A full, four volume set of manuals AND 5 1/4" disks for STSC APL PLUS/PC, copyright 1987. Hardcover binders in slip cases. 8. AT&T 6300 Plus Service Manual and Hardware Reference Manual. Two hard cover binders in slip cases, including several different diagnostic diskettes (5 1/4"). I plan on bringing this stuff to the VCF workshop this weekend, unless we're snowed/cancelled due to weather. Pictures of items 1,2, 3, and 4 are here: http://www.dudley.nu/vcf-donations/ Bill Dudley whose house looks like an episode of "Hoarders". This email is free of malware because I run Linux.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Workshop February 11&12, 2017 Wrap-up
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 13 Feb '17

13 Feb '17

Douglas Crawford via vcf-midatlantic writes: {deleted much HTML shite} >Where do u get them!? The DS1287A was fairly common TOY clock back then. You can replace it with the newer DS12887A. Goggle it, there are ample sources.

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Volunteer hours
by Jeffrey Brace 13 Feb '17

13 Feb '17

For anyone that volunteers hours for VCF or InfoAge or any of its member groups, it would be helpful to track these hours on this website: http://www.trackitforward.com/. Look for InfoAge Learning Center and then from the dropdown choose VCF. This benefits InfoAge to show that they have volunteers doing work there. You can use it for being docent, working in the warehouse, repairing VCF machines etc. It used to be called OurVolts. -- Jeff Brace - ark72axow(a)gmail.com

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Workshop February 11&12, 2017 Wrap-up
by Evan Koblentz 13 Feb '17

13 Feb '17

>> The other place is a memory address that Dan R. determined and >> explained to me a few weeks ago. There's a very simple equation to >> change it for different slots, which I completely forgot to do until >> another hour went by. It dawned on me while I took a bathroom break. :) > > Is that what's called a "memory dump"? :-) Something like that. :) The equation is reeeeeeeeeal simple: (provided 5-digit number) + S * 16. Dan previously reminded me to do the multiplication first. I ran back from the bathroom to the workshop area CERTAIN that it would work. Made the change and it still didn't work ... then I realized that when I'd stepped away from the table to go pee, I'd accidentally knocked the power cord loose for the Lego interface box. Re-attached that and NOW it worked.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Workshop February 11&12, 2017 Wrap-up
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 13 Feb '17

13 Feb '17

"J. Alexander Jacocks via vcf-midatlantic" writes: >Alex J. worked on the Commodore PC-III, and the Emerson 286, from the >storage area. Both need batteries, and I took the Emerson with me, for >modding of the Dallas chip. Which Dallaas chip? Are you aware that there are new replacements?

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Workshop February 11&12, 2017 Wrap-up
by Jeffrey Brace 13 Feb '17

13 Feb '17

So we had a good turnout for this workshop. Some highlights: Evan worked on his Lego/Apple BASIC robot as he prepares for TCF. I worked on my Capsella C64 robot for TCF as well. Ian helped to repair the original Mac and the Commodore PET that are displayed in the museum. Bill Degnan also spent a great deal of time repairing the Commodore PET that is displayed in the museum. Todd George worked on his Commodore 4032 PET and diagnosed the problem to two ROMS. He used a diagnostic chip to test it. Bill Inderriden worked on getting the TR-20 up and running. I forget what others were working on exactly, so please chime in to explain to others what you were working on. -- Jeff Brace - ark72axow(a)gmail.com

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SX64 for sale in New Rochelle
by Blatboy 13 Feb '17

13 Feb '17

Saw this... thought I'd post in case anyone might be interested... in box... looks like decent shape... https://newyork.craigslist.org/wch/sys/5994058569.html http://www.jwalterhawkes.com http://www.blatboy.com like to know where/when I'm playing? Click here <http://www.blatomaster.com/mlist.php> to sign up for my list, and let the babble begin.

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stuff to donate
by Herb Johnson 13 Feb '17

13 Feb '17

4. New, in the shrink-wrap, manuals for AT&T 6386 computer: "Service Manual" and "Hardware Reference Manual" I did not attend the workshop, read the posted list today. If anyone obtains these manuals, and is willing to ship/sell, contact me. Thank you. herb johnson in Ewing NJ Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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Ideas needed: attaching our tablets to shelf poles
by Herb Johnson 12 Feb '17

12 Feb '17

I read today this thread, about attaching tablets near the exhibits. My impressions of Evan's requirements are: ASAP, keep tablet secure from theft, "look slick", zero to a few tens of dollars to mount, provide visitor access to screen/touch. I also suggest: tablet access to people of varying height or physical access. Vision limited people may need to hold it close. Youngsters are often short. Persons in wheelchairs. I have a plan B for these. The simplest ASAP means to secure the tablets, is a plastic-covered metal rope, looped or locked at the tablet, bolted at the display shelf. Most tablets have a loop for this purpose, or one could be epoxied on. This is not "slick" but can at least look professional. I own institutional Macs from the 90's which were secured in this way. it's relatively cheap. And, if a better solution is found, these can be removed and discarded. Wire rope is at Home Depot, Lowes, etc. by the foot, in various colors and clear. Plan B for more a accessible solution: a loaner tablet, with all the exhibit apps, and a means of navigating them. Not "secure"? Ask to hold a driver's license, a standard request for loaned items. Need I explain this? Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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FS: RCA DR2010 Numitron NOS in Box
by Systems Glitch 12 Feb '17

12 Feb '17

link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/272553929278 Numitrons are a 7-segment incandescent display technology, from the same era as Nixie tubes. This one is in a box labeled KD2126, which was a RCA kit that included the Numitron and a driver IC. Going through some of my old displays and clearing out stuff I know I won't use! Thanks, Jonathan

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Didn't someone need a computer to show off a terminal at VCF?
by Corey Cohen 12 Feb '17

12 Feb '17

I can't seem to find the thread they asked it on or am I mistaken. If yes, please chime back as I have something. Cheers, Corey corey cohen uǝɥoɔ ʎǝɹoɔ

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Workshop Breakfast tomorrow at diner 2/12 9am
by Jeffrey Brace 11 Feb '17

11 Feb '17

We are meeting at the Princess Maria Diner tomorrow at 9am. Let me know that you are coming, if you haven't told me already. -- Jeff Brace - ark72axow(a)gmail.com

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VAX console cable for workshop?
by Jonathan Sturges 11 Feb '17

11 Feb '17

> I have managed to leave behind the console cable for my VS2k. If anyone headed to the workshop might have such a beast, i'd love to borrow it this weekend. > > TIA, > Jonathan

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Advice on Xenix VCF exhibit
by Jason Perkins 11 Feb '17

11 Feb '17

VCFers, I'm working on planning my exhibit for this year. To keep things not identical to last year I was thinking of showing Xenix on my Lisa. However I'm worried the exhibit won't be interesting enough to the general public (Oh look, it runs. Oh look, it's Unix. Oh look, there's a clunky menu interface you can bring up.) Of course games are always interesting... however as far as I know none were made. The system does have a Pascal compiler, so perhaps that's an option to get something new into the system? Failing that, perhaps showing off Michael Brutman's MTCP suite would be better? I'm open to suggestions. Thanks! -- Jason Perkins

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Non-urgent thing for workshop tomorrow
by Evan Koblentz 11 Feb '17

11 Feb '17

I could use a travel-size 5.25 disk case (the kind that only holds 5-10 disks).

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Urgent - Needed for workshop tomorrow
by Evan Koblentz 11 Feb '17

11 Feb '17

Can someone bring a USB-serial adapter that I can borrow? I may need one to move files between my laptop and the Laser 128.

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Rock Salt for workshop
by Jeffrey Brace 11 Feb '17

11 Feb '17

If anyone has a chance, please pick up some rock salt to the workshop. There are some areas that need attention. Thanks! -- Jeff Brace - ark72axow(a)gmail.com

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Small microwave
by Evan Koblentz 10 Feb '17

10 Feb '17

I figured we already have a mini-fridge in the bottom of our rack, so why not put a microwave on top of it .... hey we might want popcorn or something! But my extra microwave is an inch or two too wide to fit inside and open its door. Anybody have a spare nuker that's narrow enough to fit into a standard 19" rack?

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Important Workshop Info - February 11 & 12, 2017
by Jeffrey Brace 10 Feb '17

10 Feb '17

Extra power cords is always a good idea. People seem to forget those yet have dozens of them at home but forget to bring them. On Fri, Feb 10, 2017 at 4:28 PM Jonathan Sturges via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > Glad to see the workshop is on! Alex J. & I are driving up tomorrow AM > from the greater DC area. > I was wondering if anyone coming this weekend might have a working Seagate > ST225 I might purchase/trade/etc. for my VAXstation 2000?And separately, is > there anything someone thinks they might need for the workshop (or > otherwise) but don't have? I'm trying to head off > "oh-I-have-that-item-but-it's-at-home" syndrome. Could be a component, > board, adapter, tool, etc. I don't have as much as others, for sure, but > you never know what obscure sh*t someone might have laying around. > > -Jonathan S. > > -- Jeff Brace - ark72axow(a)gmail.com

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IBM model 29 keypunch for sale in Ohio
by Mike Loewen 10 Feb '17

10 Feb '17

I'm just passing this along to the list. If anyone is interested, contact Phil directly. Mike Loewen mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/ ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2017 16:51:07 -0500 From: Phil Masturzo <pmasturzo(a)neo.rr.com> To: mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us Subject: Re: ibm 29 I'm not sure on the operating condition or the value. I have seen them on eBay asking for $7,500 to $16,000. However you can ask for the moon, but what people will pay is different. PHiL On Feb 10, 2017, at 4:40 PM, Mike Loewen wrote: > > I already have one, but I can send your note out to our collectors group. > Can you give me an idea of its operating condition, and how much you're > asking? Thanks. > > On Fri, 10 Feb 2017, Phil Masturzo wrote: > > > > > > > > My name is PHiL and I live in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. I got your email > > > > > from > a computer museum who thought you may be interested in > > > > > purchasing my IBM > 29 computer. If so, email me back or call me on > > > > > my cell > > > > phone at 330-329-6639, if I can answer any questions you may have. > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > Phil > > > > > Begin forwarded message: > > > > > > From: "Phil Masturzo" <pmasturzo(a)thebeaconjournal.com> > > > > > Date: February 6, 2017 10:53:10 AM EST > > > > > To: <pmasturzo(a)neo.rr.com> > > > > > Subject: ibm 29 > > > > > > > > > > Mike Loewen mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us > Old Technology > http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Important Workshop Info - February 11 & 12, 2017
by Jonathan Sturges 10 Feb '17

10 Feb '17

Glad to see the workshop is on! Alex J. & I are driving up tomorrow AM from the greater DC area. I was wondering if anyone coming this weekend might have a working Seagate ST225 I might purchase/trade/etc. for my VAXstation 2000?And separately, is there anything someone thinks they might need for the workshop (or otherwise) but don't have? I'm trying to head off "oh-I-have-that-item-but-it's-at-home" syndrome. Could be a component, board, adapter, tool, etc. I don't have as much as others, for sure, but you never know what obscure sh*t someone might have laying around. -Jonathan S.

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Last few things for modern history exhibit
by Evan Koblentz 10 Feb '17

10 Feb '17

Everyone, Here are the final items that we still need for the modern history exhibit: - Nintendo GameBoy (because that brand/model is widely recognizable; it doesn't have to work) - pocket dictionary - pocket thesaurus - someone please bring in a general-interest magazine (NOT a computer magazine) - someone please bring in a general-interest fiction book (ideally something famous -- Huck Finn, To Kill a Mockingbird, anything by Steinbeck, etc.) - We own a box full of calculators, but I must've misplaced it in the warehouse. It was not where I thought it would be. So, until I find that box, we need ANY simple pocket calculator, it need not work. - A camera: I'm 99% sure we have one, might even be in the museum workshop already If you're attending the workshop this weekend and you can bring any of these items, then post a reply here so others know not to bring the same things. Or go ahead and bring the same things; I'll pick which one I like best. :) ________________________________ 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

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Important Workshop Info - February 11 & 12, 2017
by Jeffrey Brace 09 Feb '17

09 Feb '17

The workshop is 100% on! The snow was trivial and the roads are clear now. If you have signed up, then you are guaranteed a table otherwise you will literally be left out in the cold with a cardboard box as a table while you see everyone inside enjoying the warmth of vintage computers. DATE: February 11 & 12, 2017 LOCATION: InfoAge Building 9032A - (2201 Marconi Road, Wall Township, NJ) TIME: Start about 10 A.M. on Saturday and ends whenever we go to sleep. End about 5 P.M. on Sunday. (Starts around 10 A.M. Sunday morning) SIGNUP: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13GnWX3AajJRMede2N7BrVht2j26hy t4lQoOXIKcjL_M/edit?usp=sharing COST: - $10 for all members attending the workshop, which VCF donates to InfoAge as thanks for providing the space for us. - $25 for those wanting to stay overnight. Please pay me when you get there so that I don't forget. OVERNIGHT: Bring your own pillow, blankets, soap etc. We provide a bed frame and an uncovered mattress. There are showers and a kitchen for your use. - We will have PayPal credit card swipes available. EQUIPMENT: - VCF will provide a table and you can use any available electrical outlet. - Bring your own tools, power strips, power cords, and supplies etc. - Please bring an extra one or two power cords as these are often forgotten by people. DRINKS: You should bring your own. I would recommend bringing a cooler of some type. FOOD: You provide your own. We usually order pizza, subs or go out to a dinner and everyone pays their own way. Usually, we make a decision when everyone gets hungry. GATE: During the hours from 1 pm to 5 pm close the front gate behind you. We want museum visitors to go to the front lobby and not wander through the middle of the campus. Outside of those times, you can feel free to leave the gate open. PARKING: Park across from 9032A on the grass area. QUESTIONS? Please ask me (Jeff Brace) or Evan. My cell is 732-759-1783 and Evan’s is 646-546-9999 in case you need to contact us. See everyone there! And have fun! -- Jeff Brace - ark72axow(a)gmail.com

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workshop weekend
by Blatboy 09 Feb '17

09 Feb '17

Alas, I have not one, but two memorial services I must be at on Saturday. I'm afraid that bars me from being able to come to the workshop this weekend. I'll try again. That's a threat. Walter http://www.jwalterhawkes.com http://www.blatboy.com like to know where/when I'm playing? Click here <http://www.blatomaster.com/mlist.php> to sign up for my list, and let the babble begin.

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FS: Special "Mil-Spec" XT-IDE rev 3 Build, with 128 MB DOM
by Systems Glitch 09 Feb '17

09 Feb '17

link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/272551697618 I sort of collect milspec ICs and parts -- I think they're neat, and that they look good, so I build a lot of my personal projects with them. I've decided to build up an XT-IDE rev 3 board with them, and I'm selling it to help support further open-source projects! Starting at $1 USD, we'll see where it goes! Thanks, Jonathan

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Altair 680 Prototype Boards
by Systems Glitch 09 Feb '17

09 Feb '17

All, I've been working with some of the people on the Altair Club listserv on a prodution Altair 680 RAM board. Phase one in that process has been to build a prototyping board -- the 680 uses the same physical connector as S-100, but the board is a different shape, and the bus is electrically different. Just sent the following design to be fabricated: http://imgur.com/JD9JGQv Bunch of largeish plated through holes, just like the Apple 2 protoboard -- I size the holes so that you can stuff a 2 Watt carbon comp resistor in there with no drilling, which also makes it easy to stick multiple wires in when doing a point-to-point soldered prototype. There's a regulator area in the top corner since it looks like you shouldn't draw much power from the regulated +5V rails on the bus. I used a large axial electrolytic for a main filter capacitor (bottom left of board) since that's what the original MITS 16K RAM board does -- presumably, like other MITS power supplies, this one is also lacking somewhat in primary filter capacitance. I'll send out a preorder for the finished version, which will have proper hard gold plated edge connector fingers, once I've gotten the design verified. Thanks, Jonathan

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OT test a site yoseminite X10
by william degnan 09 Feb '17

09 Feb '17

Anyone have yoseminite X10 that can test a web page, ngflorist.com? Does it work? Thanks Bill

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] stuff to donate
by William Dudley 09 Feb '17

09 Feb '17

Kyle, So noted. I'll be at VCF E, and if Evan turns those items down, they're yours. Bill Dudley This email is free of malware because I run Linux. On Thu, Feb 9, 2017 at 11:48 AM, Kyle Owen <kylevowen(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Hi Bill, > > I imagine Evan/the museum will want it, but I am very interested in the > U.S. Robotics modem if they turn it down. What a neat piece! Alas, I won't > be at the workshop...but I'll be there for VCF E. Also the AT&T 6300 > manuals. > > Thanks, and hope you're doing well! > > Kyle > > On Thu, Feb 9, 2017 at 10:40 AM, William Dudley via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > >> I found some more stuff that may be of interest to the >> museum or to the members of this list. >> >> I would like Evan to weigh in on the museum's interest. >> Should Evan pass on something, the rest of you can >> figure out who ends up with an item. >> >> 1. US Robotics USR330 modem. This is a very early >> 300 baud consumer/hobbyist modem. It's in a vacuum-formed >> case, along with a comically large "data access arrangement" (DAA) >> as required by telecom rules back in the day. >> >> 2. An AT&T Dataphone II 2224B modem, with power supply. This was >> hot-shit in it's day. It would do 2400 bits/second. >> >> 3. A Digital Equipment Corp h312a null modem. It is also >> comically large, considering what it is. >> >> 4. New, in the shrink-wrap, manuals for AT&T 6386 computer: >> "Service Manual" and "Hardware Reference Manual" >> >> 5. IBM "APL/1130 Primer - Student Text" copyright 1968. This was >> one of my texts in high school. I have TWO pristine copies of this. >> >> 6. SPITBOL Version 2.0 manual, Feb 12 1971. This is stapled together, not >> a bound book, but is never the less early documentation for the language. >> >> 7. A full, four volume set of manuals AND 5 1/4" disks for STSC APL >> PLUS/PC, >> copyright 1987. Hardcover binders in slip cases. >> >> 8. AT&T 6300 Plus Service Manual and Hardware Reference Manual. >> Two hard cover binders in slip cases, including several different >> diagnostic >> diskettes (5 1/4"). >> >> I plan on bringing this stuff to the VCF workshop this weekend, unless >> we're snowed/cancelled due to weather. >> >> Pictures of items 1,2, 3, and 4 are here: >> http://www.dudley.nu/vcf-donations/ >> >> Bill Dudley >> whose house looks like an episode of "Hoarders". >> >> This email is free of malware because I run Linux. >> > >

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Workshop and snow
by Jeffrey Brace 08 Feb '17

08 Feb '17

So the weather looks like there will be as much as 12 inches of snow in New Jersey starting in the morning and ending in the afternoon/evening on Thursday. The roads should be cleared up by Friday evening. As of now the workshop is still on. We will re-evaluate the condition of the roads early Friday evening and make a call as to whether it is still on or off. This is just on the off chance that we have a super snowstorm like we did 4 years ago with three feet of snow and it took two to three days to plow. Also if you have not signed up by midnight, then you are not guaranteed a table. I will send the workshop info out one more time tomorrow for those that missed it from previous e-mails. -- Jeff Brace - ark72axow(a)gmail.com

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QIC 20/40 cartridge drive
by Jack Rubin 08 Feb '17

08 Feb '17

Does anybody have a QIC 20/40 cartridge drive (preferably with a SCSI interface) that they can spare? This drive takes DC2000 cartridges. I'm hoping to adapt my HP 9825 and HP 85 to take these cartridges and would like an external drive for transfers. Thanks, Jack

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Using simH to make a real bootable RSX11/M 3.2 RL02 disk
by william degnan 07 Feb '17

07 Feb '17

Now that I have my PDP 11/40 running with twin RL02's I have been having fun with it by using simH to make disks and then porting them to an actual disk using PDPGUI program. Here's a good example, if you're looking to run RSX11/M on a PDP 11, I worked through a way to get it onto an RL02 drive. Version 3.2 will run on any PDP 11 with 64K, even 11/20. http://vintagecomputer.net/browse_thread.cfm?id=668 I skimmed the web for a week, plus got some ideas and suggestions from simH users. The hard part was to find a way to get an operating system only found on RL01 drives to an actual RL02 drive. Most people believe RSX11/M is better than RT-11 I don't know yet, I was more interested in the process of making disks using simH. There is a lot of potential to do disk and tape operations with simH that would be impractical with actual hardware as very few of us have the real things. I would love to run UNIX 6, but I have a bad extended instruction set card (EIS M7238) so I have to wait for that to get fixed before I can run UNIX :-( Bill

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Ideas needed: attaching our tablets to shelf poles
by Evan Koblentz 07 Feb '17

07 Feb '17

Everyone, None of my ideas for attaching a tablet to our shelving units have yet panned out. Following are * specific requirements *. - We need to install tablets vertically against the metal upright poles of our shelving units in the museum. (Poles are this style: http://tinyurl.com/zzz9rch but the tablets need to be against the vertical pole, not involving the actual shelves.) - The tablets (Insignia Flex 8) only cost $50. So we do not want an industrial mounting system that costs just as much or more. - The tablets need to be flush (more or less) to the poles, not sticking out. They do not need to be adjustable; in fact I'd prefer they are not adjustable. - The mounts don't need to lock, but they do need to be basically secure -- goal is to stop a visitors from casually walking away with one, not stop a determined criminal. - Must be non-ugly. This is a museum, not your workshop. My first plan was to buy hard-shell tablet cases and put pipe/conduit-style U-clamps on the back of them. But I wasn't able to find hard-shell cases that fit the dimensions of these tablets. Second plan was to use locks like the kind atop this stand: http://tinyurl.com/zfqx6yl (you only get the horizontal part on top and the locking mechanism). Figured we could adapt those to be installed on top of a piece of plexi or sheet metal, in the shape of a tablet, with the bottom bent up like capital J. But the lock thingamajigs do not fit our tablets. Third idea was to use something like this (http://tinyurl.com/zs6nkea) but they are too big for our tablets. Also they're ugly. I need new ideas. Some folks suggested attaching U-clamps directly to the back of the tablets, but that is permanent-ish. I don't want to do that. We need to solve this ASAP. I want to install the tablets in time for VCF East. ________________________________ 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

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Ideas needed: attaching our tablets to shelf poles
by William Dudley 06 Feb '17

06 Feb '17

Did no one look at the tablet mounts I built? http://www.dudley.nu/projects/tablet_holder/ They're easy to make from pvc pipe. Two "C" shaped ones could be used to hold each tablet, so that the tablets can't be removed. The mounts attach to the shelf verticals using hose clamps. A screwdriver (or nutdriver) would be needed to move or remove a tablet. Bill Dudley This email is free of malware because I run Linux.

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Android tablet drive imaging
by Evan Koblentz 06 Feb '17

06 Feb '17

It takes about 30 minutes to set up the tablets exactly as needed. Is there an Evan-proof tool to image the drive of the first device and copy it exactly onto the other ones (probably around 10 total).

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Free Atari 2600 Carts at Sunday's Workshop
by Adam Michlin 06 Feb '17

06 Feb '17

Hi Everyone, As Evan has mentioned, I'm working on inventorying the video game section of the warehouse and reducing redundancies. Rest assured we already have at least 3 copies of the below cartridges in the warehouse and we really don't need to have any more than that. It seemed best to offer the extra cartridges to the membership at large and I'll be at the workshop (I don't need a table, hi Jeff!) and we are happy to give them to a good home with a member free of charge. Here is what we have (all cleaned and tested): Empire Strikes Back (qty 2) (both w/label) Frogger (qty 3) (none w/label) Qbert (qty 1) (no label) I'm thinking first come first serve by sending me an email *privately* (please don't clog the list!). One cart per person for now, to be re-evaluated if there is sparse interest. First priority will be for people who can pickup on Sunday, but I'll try to figure something out if you can't make it and no one who can has claimed a remaining cartridge, so let me know if you are interested. Best wishes, -Adam

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Babylon 5 and the Amiga
by william degnan 06 Feb '17

06 Feb '17

Yup, Amiga toaster and related tools. I have a video about the making of...will post on you tube, or it may already be there, let me know if it's not. Bill Bill Degnan twitter: billdeg vintagecomputer.net On Feb 5, 2017 2:43 PM, "Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic" < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: I decided to create a separate thread from the one about the workshop. Babylon 5 is off topic, but the Amiga is on topic. I wanted to explore how the Amiga was used to create the computer generated graphics on Babylon 5. The creator of Babylon 5 called it CGI (Computer Generated Imagery). The show used Amigas because it was really advanced graphics at a much lower price than a Silicon Graphics workstation or whatever was available at the time. Deep Space Nine was also on the air at the same time, but they must have used something much more expensive. Does anyone know which software was used? Do the computer models used still exist from the TV show or were they lost? -- Jeff Brace - ark72axow(a)gmail.com

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[OT] Stuff I'm Bringing, This Weekend
by J. Alexander Jacocks 06 Feb '17

06 Feb '17

All, I've got some things that are surplus to me, and I'll be bringing them with me, this weekend. I'm open to trade or sales, if anyone is interested: ZX Spectrum +3, fully working 1366x768 LCD panel, CCFL PowerBook 100 Series batteries PowerBook 500 Series RAM modules Sony VGN-SZ110 Laptop 3GB/160GB - https://esupport.sony.com/US/p/model-home.pl?mdl=VGNSZ110&LOC=3#/manualsTab IBM ThinkPad x230 Maybe some other stuff, I'll update the list if I find more items. I'm looking for a ZX Spectrum + 128, prefer non-working. Thanks! - Alex

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XT-IDE Slot 8 Support Writeups
by Systems Glitch 05 Feb '17

05 Feb '17

Two related writeups on adding IBM PC/XT 5160 Slot 8 Support to the XT-IDE cards: Building + rev 3 install: http://www.glitchwrks.com/2017/02/03/slot-8-support Rev 2 install + K3 hack: http://www.glitchwrks.com/2017/02/05/slot-8-xt-ide-rev2 This works on all XT-IDEs with ISA pin B8 present, which is all Rev 3 boards, I think all of the Rev 2 boards (with serial port), and some of the early rev 1 boards. Most of the production Rev 1 boards have ISA pin B8 removed to save on plating costs, so it's not applicable there. I still have one or two of the prototype boards left, if anyone wants a kit or assembled mod board. I'll be ordering more in the near future, so they're available for the VCF East XT-IDE workshop. Files haven't been uploaded to GitHub just yet, I need to go through them, should be up within an hour or so. Thanks, Jonathan

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