- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

OT: free stuff
by Jeffrey Jonas 16 Nov '16

16 Nov '16

I'm downsizing my heap-o-PCs. Free. Pick up at Festivus, or earlier if possible. bling modder's ATX tower-case with huge side window Dell Optiplex GX260 Pentium 4 2.26 GHz, 1 Gig RAM

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Bernoulli cartridges/disks vs SyQuest
by Herb Johnson 15 Nov '16

15 Nov '16

I have a few Bernoulli (90MB) or SyQuest (44/88MB) 5-something-inch removable cartridge SCSI (external) disk drives. While they look similar, I doubt they are cross compatible - comments? There's a recent thread in vcfed.org about the 90's. herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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FS: Heap of Crappy Vintage Sockets
by Systems Glitch 15 Nov '16

15 Nov '16

http://www.vcfed.org/forum/showthread.php?54954-FS-Huge-Pile-of-Old-IC-Sock… I know some of you like to use old single-wipe sockets for building replica boards and doing repairs on valuable vintage boards. Here's a huge heap of them. *** THESE ARE NOT HIGH QUALITY SOCKETS *** Don't buy these for general use, they were inferior when they were new and age hasn't helped them. I was going to throw them out but figured maybe someone wants them. $20 + shipping for the whole pile. I can drop it off at Festivus if you like. Thanks, Jonathan

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Museum Report for 11/12/16
by Jeffrey Brace 15 Nov '16

15 Nov '16

A sporadic day with busy periods and slow periods. About a dozen or so visitors with all of them with moderate to high interest. Also we received a donation of some Altos (Not Xerox) equipment this past Wednesday. And the week before or two there was some RCA equipment donated. -- Jeff Brace - ark72axow(a)gmail.com

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update: "modern history" exhibit
by Evan Koblentz 14 Nov '16

14 Nov '16

Here are the items we have for the modern history exhibit ("everything on this wall is now in your phone"): - alarm clock - notepad - newspaper - flashlight - pedometer - stopwatch - TV Guide - digital voice recorder (somehow we got two of these) - protractor - wristwatch - book - camera - calculator - scanner (but we may omit this due to size) Here is what we still need: - small calendar - address book - stand-alone radio - pocket dictionary - directional compass - ipod (doesn't have to work -- we have one but we're using it for another purpose) - roadmap - Gameboy - photo album - credit card (how do we get one with a fake number?) - remote control for a TV - small portable TV (we may have one in the warehouse, I'm not sure) - answering machine - thermal-paper fax machine

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ebay prices
by william degnan 14 Nov '16

14 Nov '16

ebay prices go up and down, at the moment the trend is for lower prices. This could be a good week for pre-holiday present for yourself. I track broadly Ebay selling prices, nothing fancy, but this is where I am getting my info, not simply conjecture. b

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] update: "modern history" exhibit
by Evan Koblentz 14 Nov '16

14 Nov '16

>> I’m not trying to compete but I have a Sony IPS-360 from 1991 which is very early for consumer GPS .... I couldn’t give it to the museum but I could loan for the exhibit. Thanks, but in this context a generic one is fine. >> I think one of those small radio shack weather radio wood grain cubes would be nice it covers both radio and current weather. We're looking to keep things separate, but adding a standalone weather gadget to the list is a good idea.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] update: "modern history" exhibit
by Evan Koblentz 14 Nov '16

14 Nov '16

Someone pointed out that we should have a standalone GPS, not paper road maps. I agree. They also pointed me to a web site for making demo credit cards. Neat!

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MS-DOS for Hyperion?
by Herb Johnson 13 Nov '16

13 Nov '16

Some school-teacher, asked me about an MS-DOS "boot disk" and BASIC for a brand "Hyperion" computer they obtained, from around 1983. They believe the OS was called "H-DOS". Anyone have a source for more Hyperion information, and for the software for this computer? Is this computer particularly noteworthy among early MS-DOS machines? - Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] MS-DOS for Hyperion?
by stevenm 12 Nov '16

12 Nov '16

Looking at wikipedia, I would speculate that a regular MS-DOS boot disk might at least get that machine running. Here is a bit of what Wikipedia says... "...It included a version of MS-DOS called H-DOS and bundled word processor, database, and modem software." Steve Sent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy S7. -------- Original message --------From: Herb Johnson via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> Date: 11/12/16 11:32 AM (GMT-05:00) To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> Cc: Herb Johnson <hjohnson(a)retrotechnology.info> Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] MS-DOS for Hyperion? Some school-teacher, asked me about an MS-DOS "boot disk" and BASIC for a brand "Hyperion" computer they obtained, from around 1983. They believe the OS was called "H-DOS". Anyone have a source for more Hyperion information, and for the software for this computer? Is this computer particularly noteworthy among early MS-DOS machines? - Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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Does anyone have a physical copy of Apple Writer 1.0 or 1.1
by Corey Cohen 12 Nov '16

12 Nov '16

I need a photograph for someone of the physical disk/label. If you have the manual front page that would be cool also. Thanks, Corey corey cohen uǝɥoɔ ʎǝɹoɔ

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VAXstations in NJ
by akb+lists.vcfmid＠mirror.to 11 Nov '16

11 Nov '16

A friend of mine in central NJ got ill over the summer and needs to clear some space at home. He has a bunch of VMS-capable hardware, serial terminals, and some other DEC gear to re-home. If you'd be interested in any of: VAXstation 2000, 3100, 4000 mod 60 microVAX 3800, uVAX II in a BA123 DECserver 300 DECstation 3100 several VT320 ttys, possibly also a VT240 and a VT420 two Wyse ttys LA50 printer VR260, VR319 monitors let me know, and I'll see what's still available. Pick-up would be in Plainfield, NJ.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] pickup: old Macs in Manhattan?
by Brian L. Stuart 11 Nov '16

11 Nov '16

On Thu, 11/10/16, Dave McGuire via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: >> On 11/10/2016 05:43 PM, Herb Johnson via vcf-midatlantic wrote: >> Someone has contacted me, who has three-four nonworking >> SE/30 Macs and a few accessories; and ... > > Crap, I was there three days ago. :-( Probably just as well. If SE/30s found themselves in the midst of the rest of your collection, they'd probably develop an inferiority complex. BLS

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New room for Festivus which is on Dec. 3 & 4 and here is the sign up list
by Jeffrey Brace 11 Nov '16

11 Nov '16

I will send out a more detailed e-mail later, but we have a new room for Festivus. It is in 9010 C/D which is on the other end of the building where the museum resides (9010-A). This new location is multiple rooms and will accommodate our larger Festivus group. It has a cafeteria with tables, refrigerators, microwave, coffee maker, ice maker, cable tv. I plan on putting Ian's games in the game room with my C64 Space Command room. All the rooms are nice, very comfy and roomy. I will be firming up the signup list in the next week or so. Here is the list in case you missed it: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1flOzpjh4Wdd3Gn6B3DqWHpQmxYSQGrtFo20… -- Jeff Brace - ark72axow(a)gmail.com

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question on vcfed and lists
by W2HX 11 Nov '16

11 Nov '16

Hi all, pretty new to the VCF stuff. Question about the various means of communications available to us. So I see a lot of infoage/camp evans/club related discussion here. But not a lot of technical q&a. On the VCFED website, there are various forums. Is that the right/best place for technical discussion and this is more for club-related activities? Do I have this right? In case everything is welcome everywhere, I am looking for the following DEC PDP-8/e related items: M8650(YA) or preferably M8655 (async interface) M8357 RX02 interface card Thanks 73 Eugene W2HX

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Vintage mac repair parts looking to buy
by Adam Michlin 11 Nov '16

11 Nov '16

Hi Everyone, I have a friend who is looking for a reasonable price on the following: Flyback transformer for a Mac 128/512/Plus Motherboard for a Mac LC575 or LC550 (but preferably 575) He's not on the group (yet, I'm working on that!), so send me an email and I'll get you in touch. Thanks, -Adam

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Welcoming new board members
by Evan Koblentz 10 Nov '16

10 Nov '16

VCFed (nationally) has two new board members: Bill Degnan, who you all know, and Michael Brutman, who's been very involved as a moderator on VC Forum and a leader in the IBM PCjr community. They join Corey, Jeff B., and Erik. Locally, we added Dean to the chapter leadership, joining Corey and Jeff. My role remains the same: chief cat-herder. :)

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pickup: old Macs in Manhattan?
by Herb Johnson 10 Nov '16

10 Nov '16

Someone has contacted me, who has three-four nonworking SE/30 Macs and a few accessories; and an eMac, and possibly other such items. He lives in Manhattan. Probably available within the next 30 days or so. If anyone is in that area, contact me directly. I live in central NJ and I'd like part of this deal. I'm not driving there, however. Herb Johnson retrotechnology.com -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Festivus is Dec. 3 & 4 - Party like it's 1976!
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 10 Nov '16

10 Nov '16

william degnan via vcf-midatlantic writes: >don't forget the coke and Quaaludes Most everything was Bi-Centennial themed that year. Perhaps, the 714s could be red, white and blue?

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Last chance: Amiga 1200, TRS80 Model II, Mac Quicksilver
by David Hoelzer 09 Nov '16

09 Nov '16

Just a last-chance-before-eBay on these…If you’re interested, please let me know ASAP. If it helps, I’m going to be driving from New York down to Washington, DC next Tuesday and would be willing to consider a side trip of a reasonable distance to help these systems find a new home. ------------------------ Amiga 1200 with ACA-1233 accelerator fully populated + an FPU. Also has CF card installed, PCMCIA Ethernet adapter and Indivision ECS ScanDoubler with DVI output. Includes mouse, joystick, a stack of 3.5” floppies, A500 PSU (works fine with 1200) and an internal floppy drive (which is not in the case at the moment). Fully functional system. Tell me if I’m crazy with where I am numbers wise: System: $170 Accelerator + FPU: $180 Indivision ECS: $75 + CF card adapter/CF card/100 3.5” floppies… Let’s call it $400 for the entire thing which seems like a great deal to me.. Certainly more than I put into them! :) This system also comes with a stack of Amiga and Commodore assembly and related books. C64 programmer’s ref is in there too. ------------------------ TRS-80 Model II Fully functional, no significant damage anywhere. Internal Shugart works, includes another Shugart that was known to be working last it was powered up. Comes with original owners manual in the original binder. P&T CPM and about 80-100 8” floppies. The original PSU had failed and has been scrapped. It has a modern switching PSU in it with a new fan, making it very quiet. Also includes bare boards for the HANS-01 IDE to TRS80 Model II adapter so you can attach a modern IDE/PATA drive to it. It’s harder to put a number on this one… The spare Shugart on its own can be valuable, as can the floppies. Let’s say something north of $300? Also comes with a set of P&T CPM manuals. ------------------------ Just in case anyone would want a non-8-but system, I also have a Quicksilver G4 with OS 9.2 installed and working. Original keyboard, mouse and 20” cinema display. The display is bright and clean with no dead pixels. The Quicksilver case is a bit beat up; the zip drive is in unknown condition (whines when you put a zip disk in it) and someone swiped the airport card out of it at some point. Any reasonable offer that doesn’t involve me putting it into a big box and paying UPS to carry it away. :)

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Festivus is Dec. 3 & 4 - Party like it's 1976!
by Jeffrey Brace 09 Nov '16

09 Nov '16

I was just informed by many helpful VCF members that Festivus is happening Dec. 3 & 4 at Camp Evans, A.K.A. InfoAge, A.K.A. 2201 Marconi Road. This is such a fun event. Be there or be a Rubix Cube! -- Jeff Brace - ark72axow(a)gmail.com

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When and where is Festivus this year?
by Jeffrey Brace 09 Nov '16

09 Nov '16

I'm interested in going and would like do know the dates, times, locations, etc. Where can I find this information? Who do I ask about it? -- Jeff Brace - ark72axow(a)gmail.com

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Altair etc f/s near Philly
by Evan Koblentz 08 Nov '16

08 Nov '16

Just noticed this on cctalk: http://www.classiccmp.org/pipermail/cctalk/2016-October/028561.html

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Baynesville Electronics
by Mike Loewen 08 Nov '16

08 Nov '16

You folks in the MD area will be disappointed to hear the Baynesville Electronics is closing its doors: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/towson/ph-tt-bay… I only visited there once, but it's the kind of that we fixer-uppers needed to have around. Mike Loewen mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/

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OT: RIMAGE CD/DVD Everest duplicator and printer FTGH
by Kelly Leavitt 07 Nov '16

07 Nov '16

Similar to: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/311724503890?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true [http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTYwMFgxNjAw/z/N58AAOSwAuNW7C~~/$_57.JPG?set_id=8…]<http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/311724503890?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true> Rimage Everest (RAS15E) Disc Publisher Duplicator & Color DVD Printer (CDPR21) | eBay<http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/311724503890?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true> www.ebay.com Rimage Everest (RAS15E) Disc Publisher Duplicator & Color DVD Printer (CDPR21) in Business & Industrial, Healthcare, Lab & Life Science, Medical Equipment | eBay The thing is, you have to come to Sparta, NJ to pick it up, and it has to be gone soon. Contact off list. Kelly

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ram card identification?
by Steven Michelsen 07 Nov '16

07 Nov '16

Can anyone identify this 640k expansion card? I need to test the memory in each bank, but don't know it's make and model, and therefore can't learn what the dipswitches do! This card is apparently the troublemaker in my recent IBM 5150 boot problem. It appears to have some replacement chips in it, so who knows "where it's been". https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/65762317/forums/ram_card_for_IBM_5150.jp g If there's no way to identify it, is there a generic expectation of what the six dipswitches do on these cards? Best, Steve

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Museum report
by Evan Koblentz 07 Nov '16

07 Nov '16

I was at the museum Saturday. Three groups of visitors. First was a family who contacted me a while ago to ask if they could come early. Their 9-year-old son was VERY excited and talked the whole time. :) Second was a father and three kids (one young, one 13ish, one older teen) and none of those kids talked at all, even when I asked them things. I finally learned how to install the rack side panels now that Martin got us the missing clips. Next he's getting us the key for the middle panels; can't put those on until then because they would fall off. Couple of years ago there was a group at IA about the history of surfing. They started making an exhibit in the room across from ours. For various reasons (some known to me, some not), they stopped working on it. Their stuff is gone now. The room is being temporarily rented out by IA as a private art studio. I'm told that is for six months or so. I met the artist (Roddy). Seems like a nice person.

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wanted: CP/M for Heath/Zenith H-89
by Herb Johnson 07 Nov '16

07 Nov '16

Alex Bodnar kindly posted that he could provide a copy, from his H89's. Bill Degnan offered to make a copy from images - I directed him to SEBHC's archive of disk images. So I'll pursue this with these good friends of mine, thanks to both. - Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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wanted: CP/M for Heath/Zenith H-89
by Herb Johnson 07 Nov '16

07 Nov '16

I need a set of CP/M diskettes for the H-89 (Z-89), soft sectored, standard H-37 floppy controller. The standard Zenith distributions were CP/M 2.203 or 2.204; 5.25-inch, 40 track, single-sided, single density. This comes down to someone making a set of disks and postal-mailing them to me. Someone who is able to do this, please contact me with terms. I'm aware of alternatives, I'm asking for diskettes not pointers. Thank you. Herb Johnson retrotechnology.com -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net preservation of 1970's computing email: hjohnson AAT retrotechnology DOTT com alternate: herbjohnson ATT retrotechnology DOTT info

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VAXstations in NJ
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 07 Nov '16

07 Nov '16

David Riley via vcf-midatlantic writes: >On Nov 7, 2016, at 1:44 AM, Andrew K. Bressen via vcf-midatlantic = ><vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: >=20 >=20 > >Does the museum have any running VMS or VAX BSD systems, > and if so, >what's the hardware? > >None currently running, but there are a few nice VAXen available for = >restoration: > >- 1 VAX 11/750 (condition mostly unknown), in the warehouse - 1 VAX >11/785 (missing CPU boards and probably others), on display in = the >museum > >There may be a MicroVAX or two in the warehouse, possibly more than I = >remember. There was definitely an AlphaServer 2100, but while that can >= run VMS, I suspect you were more interested in VAXen. Andy Goldstein's MicroVAX-II is there and was on display running VMS at one time.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Suggestions? East XII keynoters
by Dave Wade 07 Nov '16

07 Nov '16

> -----Original Message----- > From: vcf-midatlantic [mailto:vcf-midatlantic- > bounces(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org] On Behalf Of Ken via vcf- > midatlantic > Sent: 06 November 2016 23:33 > To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> > Cc: Ken <kenzolist(a)lastever.org> > Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Suggestions? East XII keynoters > > At 11/6/2016 06:11 PM, Mike Loewen via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > >Sam [Harbison] was one of the ASCII overstrike art pioneers. His name is on > several of the large prints, such as Buzz Aldrin on the moon, and Spock > holding the Enterprise. He was at Princeton in 1973. See my ASCII Art page > for details: > > > >http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/ASCII/ > > Fantastic! I'd merely appreciated and speculated on these printouts back on > the day, and had never gotten to read the history/tech before this. > > Not really "ASCII Artwork," though...as he mentions in the interview, it was > EBCDIC! > > - Ken If you get Sam I will have to come again. Always fascinated me. I remember when they had a purge of such files on the 360/67 at Newcastle Uni a little note, written on a Punch Card was pinned on the notice board, it think it read.. "Due to a lack of Reindeer this Christmas will not be directing an output stream down Roger Broughton's Chimney, Signed S Claus" Roger was I think Ops Manager at the time.. http://archive.michigan-terminal-system.org/images#TOC-Photos-from-Roger-Bro ughton-s-Home-Page Dave Wade

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Suggestions? East XII keynoters
by william degnan 06 Nov '16

06 Nov '16

On Nov 1, 2016 9:43 PM, "Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic" < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > > I found the Elstart Co.'s old address. 1523 Delaware Ave., Wilmington, DE. .... Bill isn't that your neck of the woods? Maybe you could look them up. Maybe I will. Wonder where that address cane from

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Suggestions? East XII keynoters
by Duane 06 Nov '16

06 Nov '16

Mike, Thanks for the link to your page. I did something similar , though not as good, with a radio shack color computer and a teletype. I mounted a light bulb and a photo cell to the teletype carriage. then taped a photograph to the TTY paper and spaced over the picture reading the reflections via the joystick port. I divided the readings into about 7 bins and used various characters from . to $ to print out the picture. From across the room they looked pretty good. Someone with a TTY machine might like to do it for VCF. Duane -----Original Message----- From: Mike Loewen via vcf-midatlantic Sent: Sunday, November 06, 2016 6:11 PM To: vcf-midatlantic Cc: Mike Loewen Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Suggestions? East XII keynoters On Sun, 6 Nov 2016, Evan Koblentz wrote: >>> While I've seen much discussion about suggested speakers, I've seen > ZERO feedback on my suggestion of Sam Harbison. Was there a silent vote > taken? > > Not at my main email right now; what was it that he did again? Sam was one of the ASCII overstrike art pioneers. His name is on several of the large prints, such as Buzz Aldrin on the moon, and Spock holding the Enterprise. He was at Princeton in 1973. See my ASCII Art page for details: http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/ASCII/ The last time I corresponded with him (2009), he was in Pittsburgh. Here's a link to his C.V.: http://www.harbison.org/sph3/sph-cv-Feb11.htm Mike Loewen mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Suggestions? East XII keynoters
by Ken 06 Nov '16

06 Nov '16

At 11/6/2016 06:11 PM, Mike Loewen via vcf-midatlantic wrote: >Sam [Harbison] was one of the ASCII overstrike art pioneers. His name is on several of the large prints, such as Buzz Aldrin on the moon, and Spock holding the Enterprise. He was at Princeton in 1973. See my ASCII Art page for details: > >http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/ASCII/ Fantastic! I'd merely appreciated and speculated on these printouts back on the day, and had never gotten to read the history/tech before this. Not really "ASCII Artwork," though...as he mentions in the interview, it was EBCDIC! - Ken

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Considering a sale: Amiga 1200 / TRS-80 Model II
by David Hoelzer 06 Nov '16

06 Nov '16

I am seriously thinking about further reducing my collection here. These are not rescues… I need to recoup some of my investment in them. What sort of interest is there in: Amiga 1200: Wonderful condition. Includes an Indivision ECS for DVI output and a PATA->CF adapter with a CF card already built and installed. It further has an ACA1233 accelerator running at 40 MHz (with a 68030 processor) that has been modded to include a 68882 co-processor and a stack of RAM… I’d have to fire it up to let you know how much; I honestly don’t remember. Does not currently have a floppy drive in it but I’m confident that I have a drive floating around here. I seem to remember that the floppy bracket is missing, which is why I don’t have one in there right now. Includes an Amiga mouse, of course. TRS-80 Model II I have put a *lot* of time and effort into restoring and getting this beast working. It is now working just fine. The Shugart drive in it is (or was, last I fired it up last year) fully functional. Comes with a spare Shugart drive which I had repaired and which was functioning, but I haven’t powered that up in at least two years. Also comes with a stack (Looking at the shelf where they sit, so I’m just guessing here, but it looks to be at least 100) 8” floppies, some of which are fine, others are likely not, given their age. I also have the original owner’s manual for it still in the original big brown binder. The only things inside of the chassis that isn’t original (aside from replaced SRAM chips and such) are the power supply and the cooling fan. The original would have been way too difficult to repair, so I worked out the connector and installed a modern power supply inside. As for the fan, if you’ve ever owned one of these, you will think that it doesn’t work when you power it on if there’s no floppy in it because the thing is so quiet. :) Made life in my office a much happier place when it still lived in here. Keyboard is fully functional. While the case is in excellent condition (don’t remember any cracks and certainly no missing bits), Tandy did skimp on the construction of these cases. Lifting the thing up will almost always dislodge some element of the case. I found that, whenever I moved it, it was necessary to loosen up the case screws and reseat everything to make it fit properly.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] cranky 5150 - settled for now!
by Steven Michelsen 06 Nov '16

06 Nov '16

Bill, THANK YOU very much for all your help here! Regarding the possibly "marginal" floppy controller, I will leave the PC off for several hours to let it cool down entirely, then turn it on and see how it responds. After that I will test the RAM card as you suggested. Best, Steve -----Original Message----- From: vcf-midatlantic [mailto:vcf-midatlantic-bounces@lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org] On Behalf Of william degnan via vcf-midatlantic Sent: Sunday, November 06, 2016 1:16 PM To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> Cc: william degnan <billdegnan(a)gmail.com> Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] cranky 5150 - first test results 601 means bad drive controller, right? If it goes away it may simply be that you have a marginal controller that improves with heat. If you put the ram card back into the system and leave the MOBO switches as is AND the systrm still boots that indicates the RAM card is ok at the card level (volt regulators etc). See if you can pull ram from the card and add One bank at a time matching with the motherboard switches. If you get a failure, swap in different ram. You may be able to id the bad ram and settle on 384k, 512k if you can't get a full 640k. Note that the computer will ignore any Ram that isn't assigned from the switch settings. Bill Degnan twitter: billdeg vintagecomputer.net On Nov 6, 2016 1:02 PM, "Steven Michelsen via vcf-midatlantic" < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > Bill, > > Here's what I just tried... > > I set SW1 to 00000001 for my current 2 floppy setup, and to turn on > all RAM banks (figured I would go for it). In this way both SW1 and > SW2 agree that there's 256K in place, and in use. > > I got a 601 code, then boot to basic. > > Next I replaced the floppy controller card and put a boot disk in drive A. > > The floppy spun and read for a moment and then stopped. > I got a floppy failure error. > > After a couple of Ctrl/Alt/Del's, the machine booted to an A prompt. > > Then, a couple of warm boots and one cold boot all got me to an A prompt. > > Except for that one error I am feeling much better about this thing now. > I guess I could put the RAM card back in and restore SW2 to 10110 for > 640k, but I don't know quite why I need 640k anyway, and it's asking for trouble! > > By the way, I did take the mobo out at one point to inspect the solder > joints on the keyboard port. It all "looked" fine. > > Am I done here? What should I make of that one error? > > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: vcf-midatlantic [mailto:vcf-midatlantic-bounces@lists. > vintagecomputerfederation.org] On Behalf Of william degnan via > vcf-midatlantic > Sent: Sunday, November 06, 2016 12:39 PM > To: vcf-midatlantic > <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> > Cc: william degnan <billdegnan(a)gmail.com> > Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] cranky 5150 - first test results > > this is good, after you turn off the floppy controller switches (your > card may be bad anyway), you probably have a base 256K machine OK. > You then should switch back in with 64K or 128K tincrements until you > find the bad bank. Or the entire RAM card is bad, if you can't add > another bit past 256K. Then you can deal with the drive controller > and RAM cards, check caps, etc. Your ROMS are probably ok is my guess. > b > > On Sun, Nov 6, 2016 at 12:13 PM, Steven Michelsen via vcf-midatlantic > < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > > > Bill, > > > > Before I got you email just now I wrote this: > > > > Realizing that block SW2 was still set to 640k (to account for the > > ram > > card) I set SW2 from 10110 to 10011, which represents 256k in place. > > > > Turning on the PC resulted in a 601 code (only), then booted to Basic. > > > > > > > > As you suggest, I will look for loose ROMs > > > > I see that the 601 code refers to the floppy controller, so my > > response there is "yes I know, thank you". > > > > Are you suggesting that the next step would be that I physically > > pull all the socketed RAM, leaving just the 64k soldered on (at > > least to > start)? > > > > > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: vcf-midatlantic [mailto:vcf-midatlantic-bounces@lists. > > vintagecomputerfederation.org] On Behalf Of william degnan via > > vcf-midatlantic > > Sent: Sunday, November 06, 2016 12:09 PM > > To: vcf-midatlantic > > <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> > > Cc: william degnan <billdegnan(a)gmail.com> > > Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] cranky 5150 - first test results > > > > You have a short in the motherboard, the roms are loose, stuff like that. > > Reduce to minimum RAM by removing from my all except what you need. > > Verify jumpers, if you remove drive controller you have to change > > jumpers to no drives setting. > > > > Bill Degnan > > twitter: billdeg > > vintagecomputer.net > > On Nov 6, 2016 11:25 AM, "Steven Michelsen via vcf-midatlantic" < > > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > > > > > FYI my mobo is a 64k-256k board, and the PC serial # is 11483445150. > > > > > > > > > OK I did the test as outlined below: > > > > > > - I pulled the ram card and floppy controller card, leaving only > > > the video card. > > > - I changed switch 3 and 4 on block SW1 to ON, for "bank 0 only" > > > > > > I did the test twice, and got different results: > > > > > > TRY #1: > > > Got a "4090" code, and the PC produced long beeps that did not stop. > > > > > > TRY #2 > > > Got the following codes, AND THEN the PC booted to Basic. > > > > > > 4098 201 > > > 601 > > > > > > What do you make of all this? And, why would the same test yield > > > different results? > > > > > > Thanks much, > > > Steve > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > > From: vcf-midatlantic [mailto:vcf-midatlantic-bounces@lists. > > > vintagecomputerfederation.org] On Behalf Of william degnan via > > > vcf-midatlantic > > > Sent: Sunday, November 06, 2016 6:32 AM > > > To: vcf-midatlantic > > > <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> > > > Cc: william degnan <billdegnan(a)gmail.com> > > > Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] cranky 5150 - PART 2 > > > > > > Set the MOBO to minimum RAM, remove all but video controller > > > report result > > > > > > Bill Degnan > > > twitter: billdeg > > > vintagecomputer.net > > > On Nov 5, 2016 5:05 PM, "Steven Michelsen via vcf-midatlantic" < > > > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > > > > > > > Uh oh. After writing the post below I read the appropriate > > > > minuszerodegrees page, that suggested among other things, > > > > "Faulty motherboard - bad solder joint on keyboard connector". > > > > So I took a look - here's what I found. Not promising. But > > > > fixable! Does this look like the culprit? But what about the memory errors? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3A9uULoyJgk > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > From: Steven Michelsen [mailto:stevenm@optonline.net] > > > > Sent: Saturday, November 05, 2016 4:55 PM > > > > To: 'vcf-midatlantic' > > > > <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org > > > > > > > > > Subject: cranky 5150 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I thought for once I could get a new IBM 5150 and NOT have to > > > > come crawling to the group for advice, but noooo.. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Just got an ebay 5150. I couldn't resist - it was relatively > > > > local, and included a 5151 monitor (but no keyboard), for a > > > > decent > price. > > > > I have a keyboard, so no worries. Took the top off to peek > > > > inside to confirm everything was seated, etc. I started it > > > > (with the top > > > > off) and got a keyboard error (301). I discovered that my > > > > keyboard was set on AT instead of XT. Flipped that switch and > > > > viola, the > > > > 5150 booted with a Dos 2.11 disk. > > > > Poked around the disk, ran a Basic file that happened to be on > > > > it, tested the "B" drive, formatted a disk - it's all good. I > > > > even booted a few times with no issue. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I put the lid back on and started it again. This time I get this. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 40FF > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > . and the PC is beeping away, long beeps that do not stop! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I restart again and get this. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 40FF > > > > > > > > 201 301 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This time there's no beeping, it just displays the msg. The > > > > disk drive was read from briefly, then nothing. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I pull out what appears to be a memory expansion card. Here > > > > <https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/65762317/forums/IBM_5150_RA > > > > M_ > > > > board.jpg> > > > > 's a picture of it. I started it without the card and get this. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 40D0 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I took another look at that RAM card and found THIS on the back > > > > <https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/65762317/forums/5150_bug.jpg> ! > > > > My PC had a bug. Anyway, cleaning that up didn't help. I > > > > replaced the card, started it and got yet another, different > > > > 40xx > error. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > OK, where do I go from here? The darn thing worked at one point > > > > today; why not all the time? I have looked for unseated chips, > > > > cards and cables, as least as far as I could without pulling a > > > > floppy drive, and found that everything is secure. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Thanks as always, > > > > > > > > Steve > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] cranky 5150 - first test results
by Steven Michelsen 06 Nov '16

06 Nov '16

FYI my mobo is a 64k-256k board, and the PC serial # is 11483445150. OK I did the test as outlined below: - I pulled the ram card and floppy controller card, leaving only the video card. - I changed switch 3 and 4 on block SW1 to ON, for "bank 0 only" I did the test twice, and got different results: TRY #1: Got a "4090" code, and the PC produced long beeps that did not stop. TRY #2 Got the following codes, AND THEN the PC booted to Basic. 4098 201 601 What do you make of all this? And, why would the same test yield different results? Thanks much, Steve -----Original Message----- From: vcf-midatlantic [mailto:vcf-midatlantic-bounces@lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org] On Behalf Of william degnan via vcf-midatlantic Sent: Sunday, November 06, 2016 6:32 AM To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> Cc: william degnan <billdegnan(a)gmail.com> Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] cranky 5150 - PART 2 Set the MOBO to minimum RAM, remove all but video controller report result Bill Degnan twitter: billdeg vintagecomputer.net On Nov 5, 2016 5:05 PM, "Steven Michelsen via vcf-midatlantic" < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > Uh oh. After writing the post below I read the appropriate > minuszerodegrees page, that suggested among other things, "Faulty > motherboard - bad solder joint on keyboard connector". So I took a > look - here's what I found. Not promising. But fixable! Does this > look like the culprit? But what about the memory errors? > > > > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3A9uULoyJgk > > > > > > > > From: Steven Michelsen [mailto:stevenm@optonline.net] > Sent: Saturday, November 05, 2016 4:55 PM > To: 'vcf-midatlantic' > <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org > > > Subject: cranky 5150 > > > > I thought for once I could get a new IBM 5150 and NOT have to come > crawling to the group for advice, but noooo.. > > > > Just got an ebay 5150. I couldn't resist - it was relatively local, > and included a 5151 monitor (but no keyboard), for a decent price. I > have a keyboard, so no worries. Took the top off to peek inside to > confirm everything was seated, etc. I started it (with the top off) > and got a keyboard error (301). I discovered that my keyboard was set > on AT instead of XT. Flipped that switch and viola, the 5150 booted > with a Dos 2.11 disk. > Poked around the disk, ran a Basic file that happened to be on it, > tested the "B" drive, formatted a disk - it's all good. I even booted > a few times with no issue. > > > > I put the lid back on and started it again. This time I get this. > > > > 40FF > > > > . and the PC is beeping away, long beeps that do not stop! > > > > I restart again and get this. > > > > 40FF > > 201 301 > > > > This time there's no beeping, it just displays the msg. The disk > drive was read from briefly, then nothing. > > > > I pull out what appears to be a memory expansion card. Here > <https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/65762317/forums/IBM_5150_RAM_ > board.jpg> > 's a picture of it. I started it without the card and get this. > > > > 40D0 > > > > I took another look at that RAM card and found THIS on the back > <https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/65762317/forums/5150_bug.jpg> ! > My PC had a bug. Anyway, cleaning that up didn't help. I replaced > the card, started it and got yet another, different 40xx error. > > > > OK, where do I go from here? The darn thing worked at one point > today; why not all the time? I have looked for unseated chips, cards > and cables, as least as far as I could without pulling a floppy drive, > and found that everything is secure. > > > > Thanks as always, > > Steve > >

2 5

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] getting to Philly
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 06 Nov '16

06 Nov '16

Jeffrey Jonas via vcf-midatlantic writes: >> It's about a 2-hour drive from NYC, but that's a much longer trip if >you don't have a car. > >I found it took about 2 hours to get from Elizabeth NJ to center city >Philly regardless of vehicle. > >1) NJ transit's Trenton train links to SEPTA's R7 at the same platform. >Or has the train designation changed? Does not matter during the SEPTA >strike. > >2) drive to PATCO for free parking, take train into Philly. No tolls, no >parking fees. > >3) drive into Philly, pay bridge toll, make wrong turn, get into maze of >one way streets with stop signs at every corner, bla bla bla I go to Philly often and, in fact, I'll be going there this Sunday evening. I never pay any tolls -- bridge or otherwise. I-195/I-95. If discussing getting to InfoAge from Philly, I-195 leads to Rt. 18 and then, it's only a couple (2) miles north on Rt. 18. Fairly direct IMO.

2 1

corrections to computer history
by Herb Johnson 06 Nov '16

06 Nov '16

>> xkcd.com/1755 > > I verify all this to be factually true. I verify all this to be ironic. Extra credit: I evoke Russell's paradox. Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

3 2

cranky 5150 - PART 2
by Steven Michelsen 06 Nov '16

06 Nov '16

Uh oh. After writing the post below I read the appropriate minuszerodegrees page, that suggested among other things, "Faulty motherboard - bad solder joint on keyboard connector". So I took a look - here's what I found. Not promising. But fixable! Does this look like the culprit? But what about the memory errors? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3A9uULoyJgk From: Steven Michelsen [mailto:stevenm@optonline.net] Sent: Saturday, November 05, 2016 4:55 PM To: 'vcf-midatlantic' <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> Subject: cranky 5150 I thought for once I could get a new IBM 5150 and NOT have to come crawling to the group for advice, but noooo.. Just got an ebay 5150. I couldn't resist - it was relatively local, and included a 5151 monitor (but no keyboard), for a decent price. I have a keyboard, so no worries. Took the top off to peek inside to confirm everything was seated, etc. I started it (with the top off) and got a keyboard error (301). I discovered that my keyboard was set on AT instead of XT. Flipped that switch and viola, the 5150 booted with a Dos 2.11 disk. Poked around the disk, ran a Basic file that happened to be on it, tested the "B" drive, formatted a disk - it's all good. I even booted a few times with no issue. I put the lid back on and started it again. This time I get this. 40FF . and the PC is beeping away, long beeps that do not stop! I restart again and get this. 40FF 201 301 This time there's no beeping, it just displays the msg. The disk drive was read from briefly, then nothing. I pull out what appears to be a memory expansion card. Here <https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/65762317/forums/IBM_5150_RAM_board.jpg> 's a picture of it. I started it without the card and get this. 40D0 I took another look at that RAM card and found THIS on the back <https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/65762317/forums/5150_bug.jpg> ! My PC had a bug. Anyway, cleaning that up didn't help. I replaced the card, started it and got yet another, different 40xx error. OK, where do I go from here? The darn thing worked at one point today; why not all the time? I have looked for unseated chips, cards and cables, as least as far as I could without pulling a floppy drive, and found that everything is secure. Thanks as always, Steve

2 1

getting to Philly
by Jeffrey Jonas 05 Nov '16

05 Nov '16

> It's about a 2-hour drive from NYC, but that's a much longer trip if you don't have a car. I found it took about 2 hours to get from Elizabeth NJ to center city Philly regardless of vehicle. 1) NJ transit's Trenton train links to SEPTA's R7 at the same platform. Or has the train designation changed? Does not matter during the SEPTA strike. 2) drive to PATCO for free parking, take train into Philly. No tolls, no parking fees. 3) drive into Philly, pay bridge toll, make wrong turn, get into maze of one way streets with stop signs at every corner, bla bla bla -- jeff jonas

2 1

cranky 5150
by Steven Michelsen 05 Nov '16

05 Nov '16

I thought for once I could get a new IBM 5150 and NOT have to come crawling to the group for advice, but noooo.. Just got an ebay 5150. I couldn't resist - it was relatively local, and included a 5151 monitor (but no keyboard), for a decent price. I have a keyboard, so no worries. Took the top off to peek inside to confirm everything was seated, etc. I started it (with the top off) and got a keyboard error (301). I discovered that my keyboard was set on AT instead of XT. Flipped that switch and viola, the 5150 booted with a Dos 2.11 disk. Poked around the disk, ran a Basic file that happened to be on it, tested the "B" drive, formatted a disk - it's all good. I even booted a few times with no issue. I put the lid back on and started it again. This time I get this. 40FF . and the PC is beeping away, long beeps that do not stop! I restart again and get this. 40FF 201 301 This time there's no beeping, it just displays the msg. The disk drive was read from briefly, then nothing. I pull out what appears to be a memory expansion card. Here <https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/65762317/forums/IBM_5150_RAM_board.jpg> 's a picture of it. I started it without the card and get this. 40D0 I took another look at that RAM card and found THIS on the back <https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/65762317/forums/5150_bug.jpg> ! My PC had a bug. Anyway, cleaning that up didn't help. I replaced the card, started it and got yet another, different 40xx error. OK, where do I go from here? The darn thing worked at one point today; why not all the time? I have looked for unseated chips, cards and cables, as least as far as I could without pulling a floppy drive, and found that everything is secure. Thanks as always, Steve

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Urgent -- Festivus update
by Evan Koblentz 04 Nov '16

04 Nov '16

> There are 29 people who added themselves to Jeff B.'s spreadsheet Correction, 28 people.

2 3

corrections to computer history
by William Dudley 04 Nov '16

04 Nov '16

xkcd.com/1755 Bill Dudley This email is free of malware because I run Linux.

3 2

Floppy Days #66 - VCFMW 11 Post-Show Diary
by Randall Kindig 03 Nov '16

03 Nov '16

Welcome to Episode 66 of the Floppy Days Podcast, where we try to relive our youth by talking about computers nearly as old as we are. Vintage Computer Festival Midwest #11 recently happened on Sep. 10 and 11, 2016 in Elk Grove Village, IL and I managed to find my way there again this year. Once again, I had an incredible time at the event and thought I’d share some of it with you. I managed to get a few interviews, meet several people I had never met before, catch up with old friends, and come home with far more items than I left with. So, I plan to give you a quick run-down of the event through my eyes and I hope you find this interesting. Interviews with: - Peter Bartlett (MISE for TRS-80 Model I) - Simon Wells (Atari 8-bit Exhibit) - Evan Wright (CoCo game and cartridge) http://floppydays.libsyn.com/floppy-days-66-vcfmw-11-live-event-diary <http://floppydays.libsyn.com/floppy-days-66-vcfmw-11-live-event-diary> Randy Kindig

1 0

WTB: PDP-11/10 or 11/05 Key or Copy
by Systems Glitch 03 Nov '16

03 Nov '16

Does anyone have a spare PDP-11/10 or 11/05 front panel key, or one they can make a copy of for me? Happy to pay for it + shipping. Thanks, Jonathan

2 1

other museum TV options: Roku box
by Jeffrey Jonas 03 Nov '16

03 Nov '16

I have a pair of Roku N1000 boxes that MIGHT be helpful for the museum televisions. They're small Internet television boxes with - Ethernet or WiFi (802.11 b/g/n) connectivity - HDMI and composite TV link - IR remote control Just one obstacle: it's locked into Roku channels. I'll need help modding/jailbreaking them to play from a local server. If anyone knows such stuff, please speak up and we'll have a quick solution. -- jeff jonas

13 25

identify some PC-bus cards?
by Herb Johnson 02 Nov '16

02 Nov '16

http://www.retrotechnology.com/y/zenith_pickup.html Thanks to all for the ID's. I've updated my Web page, it may move in the future. I don't deal in PS/2 stuff so I won't keep these indefinitely. Anyone interested in these PS/2 cards can contact me c/o my Web page. - Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

1 0

TRS80 Model 4 D on craigs list
by Kelly Leavitt 02 Nov '16

02 Nov '16

I was going to make an offer, but I already have 2... http://newjersey.craigslist.org/sys/5836818556.html [https://images.craigslist.org/00B0B_6C6rSwdwwiD_600x450.jpg]<http://newjersey.craigslist.org/sys/5836818556.html> Vintage Tandy TRS 80 Model 4 Computor<http://newjersey.craigslist.org/sys/5836818556.html> newjersey.craigslist.org Tandy TRS 80 Model 4 microcomputer system 128 K RAM Tandy software library Two boxes of 5 1/4 floppy discs TRS disk system owners manual Heads and screens cleaning kit See pics of all items... Real close to me too.

4 4

Ohio Scientific 560Z Clone?
by Systems Glitch 02 Nov '16

02 Nov '16

All, Does anyone know if someone has already cloned the Ohio Scienfific 560Z? That's the CPU Expander that includes the Intersil IM-6100 (PDP-8 on a chip). There's one in a lot of boards coming up soon, I was thinking about buying it and reproducing the 560Z just like I did with the OSI 495 prototyping board. Also, if you're currently looking at said lot, I plan on reselling most of the boards from it, including the 560Z once it has been scanned by Mile High Test. No need to drive the price up to get what you want :) Thanks, Jonathan

1 0