- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

Who's that guy at HOPE XV (2024): Hackers Got Talent?
by Jeffrey Brace 22 Nov '24

22 Nov '24

Three places: https://youtu.be/rcc6iwTQaMw?t=223 https://youtu.be/rcc6iwTQaMw?t=1045 https://youtu.be/rcc6iwTQaMw?t=4269 Warning! Cursing in this video! Enjoy! Jeff Brace <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> Virus-free.www.avast.com <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] interesting computer history books
by Devin Heitmueller 22 Nov '24

22 Nov '24

On Thu, Nov 21, 2024 at 7:48 PM Steve Lagotte via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Idea: piggybacking off Dustin’s suggestion of maintaining a book list - > imagine if we had a MARCH library! Lots of books and magazines and manuals > in the warehouse, wouldn’t it be fabulous if once we get them catalogued, > we could actually get some use out of them? Many years ago (before the Museum moved to the new space), I believe there was a "library" in the museum itself - at least there were bookshelves in the different rooms with books on display. I don't know how much usage it ever got, if there was any sort of catalog/index, or if the books were available to borrow as opposed to reading on-site. It might very well be a good idea, but I would be interested to hear from some of the people who had been around long enough to comment on how (or if) the books were being taken advantage of at the time. They might just say, "Yeah, we tried that for years and it just wasn't worth the effort..." Devin

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Re: interesting computer history books
by Steve Lagotte 21 Nov '24

21 Nov '24

Oops, Devin, not Dustin! Sorry about that!

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Re: interesting computer history books
by Steve Lagotte 21 Nov '24

21 Nov '24

Thanks for sharing those book recommendations, both have definitely piqued my interest. I’ll add them to the list, just have to get through “The Power Broker” and “Infinite Jest” first - but that’ll only take a day or two, right? XD Idea: piggybacking off Dustin’s suggestion of maintaining a book list - imagine if we had a MARCH library! Lots of books and magazines and manuals in the warehouse, wouldn’t it be fabulous if once we get them catalogued, we could actually get some use out of them? Oof, did I just volunteer for this? ;P

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Basement Sale End of Year
by Andrew Diller 21 Nov '24

21 Nov '24

I missed the swap meet and want to clean up my basement so I'm listing some things I'm just not ever going to use and I want to sell and get out of here... https://dillernet.com/forsale/ I have the listed items there but don't try and put them in the cart and checkout lol. To Purchase: email me and we'll do a PP or Venmo. Then the item is yours. Obviously not holding anything, first person to pay me get the stuff. Delivery: I'm not shipping- but I will bring to any System Source (this sat?) or InfoAge VCF meetup and give to you. There is a caveat- it has to be at least $100 or more to do this. I'm not going to do it for the $10 modem. Bundle or check with me. A few events are coming up and once this is gone I'll add some more things - it's just getting too crazy. If the item is listed there on the web it's available I will remove things as they are sold. -andy

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Reminder - Repair Workshop and Lee Felsenstein at System Source this weekend.
by Bob Roswell 20 Nov '24

20 Nov '24

You are invited to the Vintage Computer Repair Workshop at the System Source Computer Museum during the weekend of November 23 and 24 featuring: [cid:image003.jpg@01DB3B5C.6756BF90] Lee is a pioneer of personal computing. He was the force behind the original Homebrew Computing Club. Lee designed one of the earliest personal computers (the Sol) and earliest portable computer (the Osborne). He also founded the Community Memory Project. His work has been making personal computers into populist tools for over 50 years. As a designer, he made them affordable and easy to use. As a high-profile personal computing pioneer, he advocates computer use for the good of society, rather than for personal profit. As an activist, he promotes projects employing computers to encourage community-building. Lee will speak on Saturday at 10AM about his new book "Me and My Big Ideas - Counterculture, Social Media and the Future". Workshop Hours: Saturday, 11/23 from 9 - 9 and Sunday, 11/24 from 9 - 5 Lee Felsenstein Talk: Saturday, 11/23, 10AM Location: 338 Clubhouse Road, Hunt Valley MD Registration: Vintage Computer Repair Workshop<https://ca.syssrc.com/wp/?page_id=85&civiwp=CiviCRM&q=civicrm%2Fevent%2Finf…> Repair workshops are free events for hobbyists of all technical abilities. You can work on your old electronics including computers, ham radios, vintage radios/TVs and receive help from or assist other enthusiasts. Tables and power are provided. Please bring tools and supplies. Registration is limited to 100 people. Bob Roswell Curator Computer Museum @ System Source

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] 0livetti M380 /XPx computer (AT$T 6386WGS)
by Ian Litchfield 20 Nov '24

20 Nov '24

I have the service Manual for a similar model I only recently picked up a 6386E/WGS tower but this interface should be identical. Dug out the pinout it’s a standard AT Keyboard port. https://imgur.com/a/7ExrJyl Here are the photos on Imgur since the mailing list doesn’t support MIME or images. Hope this helps! -Ian L. On Wed, Nov 20, 2024 at 13:29 Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Well, it’s obvious that the person is working on an M 24 or an XT computer > and mine is a 386. The lines for the keyboard may be different. Not sure I > have not been able to find schematics for my computer computer > unfortunately, that’s where the problem lies. > But I will continue my search > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > On Nov 20, 2024, at 12:01 PM, Hopkins, Justin < > Justin.Hopkins(a)broadridge.com> wrote: > > > > > > Good luck on that adapter… > > This guy did it, but it is not for the faint of heart. > > > https://forum.vcfed.org/index.php?threads/olivetti-m24-at-t-6300-keyboard-e… > > > > > > From: Sentrytv <sentrytv(a)yahoo.com> > > Sent: Wednesday, November 20, 2024 6:22 AM > > To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org>; vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> > > Subject: 0livetti M380 /XPx computer (AT$T 6386WGS) > > > > Good morning I am looking to find people in the group who have > experience with the Olivetti M380 series computers and/or the AT&T 6386WGS. > First off, I am looking for power supply schematics and have questions on > the keyboard wiring. The > > ZjQcmQRYFpfptBannerStart > > This Message Is From an External Sender > > This message came from outside your organization. > > ZjQcmQRYFpfptBannerEnd > > Good morning > > > > I am looking to find people in the group who have experience with the > Olivetti M380 series computers and/or the AT&T 6386WGS. > > > > First off, > > I am looking for power supply schematics and have questions on the > keyboard wiring. > > The computers have a DE9 keyboard input and I am looking to make an > adapter for a standard XT/AT or PS2 keyboard, if it will work. > > > > The usual internet searches came up with all kinds of info, but nothing > on the keyboard input, conversion, adapter or power supply schematics. > > > > If there is someone knowledgeable on these computers, please don’t > hesitate to get back to me. > > By the way, > > > > The is some ok YOUTUBE videos on Olivetti models, but no real details or > sources for schematics that I’m aware of. > > > > Thank you > > > > Mike Rosen > > > > > > Sent from: > > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > This message and any attachments are intended only for the use of the > addressee and may contain information that is privileged and confidential. > If the reader of the message is not the intended recipient or an authorized > representative of the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any > dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have > received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by > e-mail and delete the message and any attachments from your system. >

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interesting computer history books
by Jeffrey Jonas 20 Nov '24

20 Nov '24

2 more books for my Tsundoku (stack of unread books) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsundoku https://www.amazon.com/Turings-Cathedral-Origins-Digital-Universe/dp/140007… Turing's Cathedral: The Origins of the Digital Universe by George Dyson In this revealing account of how the digital universe exploded in the aftermath of World War II, George Dyson illuminates the nature of digital computers, the lives of those who brought them into existence, and how code took over the world. In the 1940s and ‘50s, a small group of men and women—led by John von Neumann—gathered in Princeton, New Jersey, to begin building one of the first computers to realize Alan Turing’s vision of a Universal Machine. The codes unleashed within this embryonic, 5-kilobyte universe—less memory than is allocated to displaying a single icon on a computer screen today—broke the distinction between numbers that mean things and numbers that do things, and our universe would never be the same. Turing’s Cathedral is the story of how the most constructive and most destructive of twentieth-century inventions—the digital computer and the hydrogen bomb—emerged at the same time. https://www.amazon.com/MANIAC-Benjamin-Labatut/dp/0593654471/136-3995004-72… The MANIAC by Benjamin Labatut A prodigy whose gifts terrified the people around him, John von Neumann transformed every field he touched, inventing game theory and the first programmable computer, and pioneering AI, digital life, and cellular automata. Through a chorus of family members, friends, colleagues, and rivals, Labatut shows us the evolution of a mind unmatched and of a body of work that has unmoored the world in its wake. The MANIAC places von Neumann at the center of a literary triptych that begins with Paul Ehrenfest, an Austrian physicist and friend of Einstein, who fell into despair when he saw science and technology become tyrannical forces; it ends a hundred years later, in the showdown between the South Korean Go Master Lee Sedol and the AI program AlphaGo, an encounter embodying the central question of von Neumann's most ambitious unfinished project: the creation of a self-reproducing machine, an intelligence able to evolve beyond human understanding or control.

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Anyone Coming to the DC Area Meetup Today Have Spare ICs?
by Alexander Jacocks 17 Nov '24

17 Nov '24

Hello, folks. Does anyone going to the event at the Chantilly, VA library, today, happen to have any 1488 and 1489 RS232 line driver ICs? My order showed up missing one of each. I could also use one 74ls08 and one 74ls174, if anyone has them. Thanks! - Alex

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Repair Workshop Tomorrow! (11/16 & 11/17), 2024
by Jeffrey Brace 15 Nov '24

15 Nov '24

Our repair workshop is this weekend! Click here to signup <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EcPexWNHTWBHdWOA9o5sZgWd7QV1Ni445rg…> . *WHERE:* 1) Building 9059 (CDL side and Classroom side) 2) Building 9032-A - NOT AVAILABLE THIS MONTH! *TIME:*Saturday START time == 10 A.M. END time == 11PM. Sunday START time == 10 A.M. and END == 5 P.M. *COST:* $15 per person, per day. NO OVERNIGHT STAYS ALLOWED When you arrive, find Thomas or Andrew. I will be there by 10:30AM so then you can pay me and get a blue wristband. - *Payments* - PayPal: @vintagecomputerfed (or paypal(a)vcfed.org) - Venmo: @VintageComputerFederation - Cash (in person) - Credit card (in person). *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. - If you need particular tools that you don't own or particular parts, please let others know that you need something. They may have what you need. Let them know ahead of time. - Let everyone know what project you are working on ahead of time to inspire collaboration. *DRINKS*: You should bring your own. We have a refrigerator in CDL to keep them cold. VCF will buy some water and soft drinks for member use. *FOOD*: *Saturday afternoon*: Everyone is on their own. *Saturday Night Dinner at 7PM?*: We often go out to dinner together. *Sunday Morning*: We usually meet at a diner around 9AM *Sunday Afternoon*: Everyone is on their own. *Address:* InfoAge Science and History Museums 2201 Marconi Road Wall, NJ 07719 *PARKING:* Park in the main parking lot, unless you are unloading. Don't park on the lawn. Also park on one side of the road for fire safety. *PHONE:* (732) 722 - 5015 *EMAIL: *repairworkshops(a)vcfed.org Have fun everyone! :-D Repair workshops are events which are open to the general public where members of all levels technical abilities and experience get together to help each other repair vintage computer hardware. Repair workshops are a chance to work with other VCF members to help repair your vintage artifact. *We are not there to do repairs for you*, *only to allow you the facilities and partnership to help you figure out how to repair it*. Repair workshops are held about 9 times per year at the InfoAge location in Wall. Take care! Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Showrunner VCF Mid-Atlantic Event Manager Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity https://vcfed.org/ <http://www.vcfed.org/> jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Thomas Kurtz, Co-Creator of Computer Language Basic, Dies at 96
by Christian Liendo 15 Nov '24

15 Nov '24

I know some people here don't read cctalk https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/vnews/name/thomas-kurtz-obituary?id=56… https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/company-news/2024/11/14/thomas-kurtz-c… https://boingboing.net/2024/11/15/thomas-eugene-kurtz-co-inventor-of-basic-…

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Somebody who needs help with Yamaha floppy disks
by David Ryskalczyk 15 Nov '24

15 Nov '24

For Yamaha organs with MDR drives, this software together with a PC type (or USB 720k-capable) drive will do: https://mdreliminator.yolasite.com/ David > On Nov 15, 2024, at 1:23 PM, Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >

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For those seeking a 5ESS...
by Martin A. Flynn 15 Nov '24

15 Nov '24

https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-407362A1.pdf Verizon intends to retire and remove the Bedminster NJ 5ESS switch (BDMNNJ01DS5) from the network after all traffic served by this switch is migrated to the Verizon New Brunswick NJ C20 switch (NBWKNJNBPS2).

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Somebody who needs help with Yamaha floppy disks
by Sentrytv 15 Nov '24

15 Nov '24

Good afternoon I met somebody today who has an issue with making backups of his Yamaha or floppy disks 3.5 inch. I am putting this out there on the group. Maybe somebody can help him out he has most of the details. Peter Paris Yamaha EL 90 organ (May need help with grease Weasle) Needs help Backing up Yamaha 3.5” floppy disks (maybe 800 K) If someone out there is familiar with this particular organ and it’s floppy disks to load files from, please contact me and I’ll send you his email. Thank you Mike Rosen Sent from: My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device.

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Hotel blocks for VCF East 2025
by Jeffrey Brace 14 Nov '24

14 Nov '24

*Hotel Block #1 - Residence Inn Neptune at Gateway Centre <https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=17316110…> (Neptune Township, NJ)* *Available now! 11/14/2024 until February 21, 2025.* Click here to book! <https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=17316110…> =============== *Hotel Block # 2 - Holiday Inn Express <https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/find-hotels/select-roomr…> (Neptune Township, NJ)* *Available now! :11/14/2024 starting at $134 per night* *Last day to book: March 3, 2025.* Click here to book! <https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/find-hotels/select-roomr…> ===================== *Hotel Block # 3 * *Coming soon!* Enjoy! Jeff Brace

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Micromint RTC-HC11 Documentation Requested
by Neil Cherry 14 Nov '24

14 Nov '24

On 11/14/24 10:00, Burning Image via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > ... However, I am lacking documentation on these, Circuit Cellar magazine might be a source of documentation. Steve liked to use his Micromint projects in the magazine. Sorry I have no software or hardware for the RTC-HC11. -- Linux Home Automation Neil Cherry kd2zrq(a)linuxha.com http://www.linuxha.com/ Main site http://linuxha.blogspot.com/ My HA Blog Author of: Linux Smart Homes For Dummies KD2ZRQ

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Micromint RTC-HC11 Documentation Requested
by Burning Image 14 Nov '24

14 Nov '24

I recently expanded my SBC collection to include a Micromint RTC-HC11 board. It included the Assembly Development Pak and a BASIC11 ROM. However, I am lacking documentation on these, as well as the hardware itself. Might someone on the list have copies of manuals, notes, cave etchings that they could share? I contacted Micromint and they have nothing available, as apparently this board was discontinued 15 years ago. Thanks in advaance,Cory Sickles

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Brian Kernigan Unix: A History and a Memoir
by Christian Liendo 14 Nov '24

14 Nov '24

So, I embarrassed to say I didn't know about this book. Before I run out to get it, should we consider asking him to come and speak and he can bring and sign books? https://www.cs.princeton.edu/~bwk/memoir.html https://youtu.be/VloimYuCxBs?si=3TZzpGE9W7gVBh0d

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UPDATE: VCF Mid-Atlantic Steering Committee Nominations
by Jeff Salzman 13 Nov '24

13 Nov '24

Members of the VCF MidAtlantic Mailing List, The following members have been nominated so far for the upcoming Steering Committee election: CJ Reha (accepted nomination) Dean Notarnicola (has not accepted nomination yet) Jeff Salzman (accepted nomination) There is no 30-day restriction to mailing list membership to be nominated as a candidate. Current members of the mailing list in good standing are eligible to submit nominations for Committee member candidates. Nominations can be made by simply communicating the nomination via e-mail to a current Committee member: Thomas Gilinsky - thomas.gilinsky(a)vcfed.org, Dave McGuire - dave.mcguire(a)vcfed.org, Douglas Crawford - douglas.crawford(a)vcfed.org, Ian Litchfield - ian.litchfield(a)vcfed.org, or Jeff Salzman - jeff.salzman(a)vcf.org) Members of the mailing list may also self-nominate. To be eligible for the election, the prospective nominee must then accept the nomination by replying in the affirmative to the nomination email. One nomination per member can be made. Nominations will close on November 23nd at 11:59PM. An updated list of eligible nominees will be published regularly. Nominees are also encouraged to provide a position statement, which will be posted to the VCF-MA website for prospective voters to read. Voting will commence on November 30th, and will close at 11:59pm on December 13. Winners will be announced on December 14 during the Town hall event at our annual VCF Holiday celebration. Thank you, Jeff Salzman Chairman - VCF-MA Steering Committee

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Vintage Computer Repair Workshop with Special Guest: Lee Felsenstein - 11/23 and 11/24 (System Source)
by Bob Roswell 12 Nov '24

12 Nov '24

Our Special Guest on Saturday is Lee Felsenstein [cid:image001.jpg@01DB3511.88B9DD80] Lee is a pioneer of personal computing. He was the force behind the original Homebrew Computing Club. Lee designed one of the earliest personal computers (the Sol) and earliest portable computer (the Osborne). He also founded the Community Memory Project. His work has been making personal computers into populist tools for over 50 years. As a designer, he made them affordable and easy to use. As a high-profile personal computing pioneer, he advocates computer use for the good of society, rather than for personal profit. As an activist, he promotes projects employing computers to encourage community-building. Lee will speak on Saturday at 10AM about his new book "Me and My Big Ideas - Counterculture, Social Media and the Future". Workshop Hours: Saturday, 11/23 from 9 - 9 and Sunday, 11/24 from 9 - 5 Lee Felsenstein Talk: Saturday, 11/23, 10AM Location: 338 Clubhouse Road, Hunt Valley MD Registration: Vintage Computer Repair Workshop<https://ca.syssrc.com/wp/?page_id=85&civiwp=CiviCRM&q=civicrm%2Fevent%2Finf…> Repair workshops are free events for hobbyists of all technical abilities. You can work on your old electronics including computers, ham radios, vintage radios/TVs and receive help from or assist other enthusiasts. Tables and power are provided. Please bring tools and supplies. Registration is limited to 100 people. Bob Roswell Curator Computer Museum @ System Source

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Additional VCF-MA Steering Committee Election Information
by Jeff Salzman 11 Nov '24

11 Nov '24

If you don't have your real name associated with this mailing list, any vote you cast for a Steering Committee nominee may not be counted. Please verify that you have your name associated with your account. *To check and/or add your name to your e-mail address:* Go to: https://lists.vcfed.org/mailman/listinfo/vcf-midatlantic *Scroll to the bottom of the page where you see the "Unsubscribe or Edit Options" button.* *Enter your email address and click "Unsubscribe or Edit Options".* *You will now be asked for your password. If you don't remember your password, click the "Remind" button at the bottom of the page to have your password sent to you via email.* *Enter your password.* *On the next screen, you will see a "Your Name" field. Enter your real name here and click the "Change My Address and Name" button to save the changes.* The Name field is optional, but only for the purposes of receiving email from the message list. Not having a name associated with your account may disqualify you from voting for the VCF-MA Steering Committee. Thank you, Jeff Salzman Chairman VCF Mid-Atlantic Steering Committee

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6264 ram tester?
by Ethan O'Toole 11 Nov '24

11 Nov '24

Anyone have one of the simple 6264 ram checkers they would be willing to sell? I know there is a fancier one that is modular but don't care about all that. The one I am looking for was a $40 kit, or something like it. Ethan

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VCF Mid-Atlantic Steering Committee Nominations
by Jeff Salzman 11 Nov '24

11 Nov '24

Members of the VCF MidAtlantic Mailing List, Another year has passed by, and it's time for the VCF-MA annual Steering Committee elections There are currently four seats becoming vacant. Jeff Salzman, Dave McGuire, Doug Crawford, and Ian Litchfield have either reached the end of their appointed terms or have resigned. Nominations to fill those positions are now open. The election will be held according to sections 4 and 5 of our published by-laws, listed at the end of this email and linked below. https://vcfed.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/VCFMA-Charter-Jul2022.pdf) Anyone who directly receives this message and has been a member of the VCF Mailing List for at least 30 days is eligible to vote. There is no 30-day restriction to mailing list membership to be nominated as a candidate. Current members of the mailing list in good standing are eligible to submit nominations for Committee member candidates. Nominations can be made by simply communicating the nomination via e-mail to a current Committee member: Thomas Gilinsky - thomas.gilinsky(a)vcfed.org, Dave McGuire - dave.mcguire(a)vcfed.org, Douglas Crawford - douglas.crawford(a)vcfed.org, Ian Litchfield - ian.litchfield(a)vcfed.org, or Jeff Salzman - jeff.salzman(a)vcf.org) Members of the mailing list may also self-nominate. To be eligible for the election, the prospective nominee must then accept the nomination by replying in the affirmative to the nomination email. One nomination per member can be made. Nominations will close on November 23nd at 11:59PM. An updated list of eligible nominees will be published regularly. Nominees are also encouraged to provide a position statement, which will be posted to the VCF-MA website for prospective voters to read. Voting will commence on November 30th, and will close at 11:59pm on December 13. Winners will be announced on December 14 during the Town hall event at our annual VCF Holiday celebration. Thank you, Jeff Salzman Chairman - VCF-MA Steering Committee ---------------------------------------- 4. COMMITTEE ELECTIONS Steering committee membership includes representation of VCF membership, as determined by the VCF governing board and VCF-MA sponsored elections. - The committee membership will be determined by elections to be held on a yearly basis (currently November). - Committee membership is ideally comprised of five people but may vary due to changing circumstances. Any committee vote to determine an increase in committee members shall be held within six months after a new election cycle. - A minimum of one seat will be up for election in every cycle, unless additional vacancies create the need for additional seats to be filled, in which case all vacant seats will be up for election in that cycle. - In the event of a tie, a two-week runoff election will be held. - If a tie still exists after the runoff, the non-running committee members will determine a winner. - In the event of a committee tie, the current chairperson or chair delegate will determine the winner. - Nominations for committee members can be made by current members in good standing simply by communicating the nomination to a committee member. One nomination per member can be made. Said members may also self-nominate. - In the case of off-cycle vacancies, the committee may move, without a public election, to appoint by simple majority vote new committee members to fill the seats until the next scheduled election. - A committee chairperson will be appointed by the committee members within 30 days of each completed election cycle. At that time a recording secretary will be selected. - Prospective committee members should be knowledgeable in some aspect of computing, preferably vintage computers, and show a demonstrated interest in vintage computing, computing history, and museum management and governance. - In order to be sufficiently aware and have proper perspective of museum and warehouse issues, prospective committee members should be able to physically attend VCF events at least quarterly and attend meetings regularly. 5. VCF MEMBERSHIP VCF general membership is open and granted to anyone who joins the mailing list. Voting rights will be granted to active list members who join no less than 30 days before an election.

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recent obits and amusement
by Jeffrey Jonas 09 Nov '24

09 Nov '24

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_E._Sporck Charles E. Sporck (November 15, 1927 - October 16, 2024) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duMUvoKP-pk Oral History of Charlie Sporck Computer History Museum https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/news/remembering-charles-sporck-the-johnny… Remembering Charles Sporck, the Johnny Appleseed of Fabs It takes more than physicists and electrical engineers to advance the semiconductor industry. Charles Sporck, ME, helped drive the early days of the tech industry with production, operations, and management expertise. Charles Edward Sporck, former CEO of National Semiconductor and key founding father of Silicon Valley, passed away at 96 on October 12. Sporck was at the helm of National Semiconductor as president and CEO from 1967 to 1991, but his journey to the heart of the tech industry started long before that. ____________________________________________________________________________________ The voice of Jane Barbe lives on as voice mail & automated telephone recordings: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Barbe Jane Barbe (July 29, 1928 - July 18, 2003) was an American voice actress and singer. She was known as the "Time Lady" for the recordings she made for the Bell System and other phone companies. She's joined by Elwood Hughes Edwards Jr. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elwood_Edwards Elwood Hughes Edwards Jr. (November 6, 1949 - November 5, 2024) was an American voice actor. His greetings include "Welcome", "You've got mail", "You've got pictures", "You've got voicemail", "File's done", and "Goodbye" https://youtu.be/JQ7EkDFl_3s 'You've Got Mail' Voice Elwood Edwards Dies at 74 ____________________________________________________________________________________ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcGREw84lu4 The Windows XP shutdown music played on different instruments.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Verizon contacts, Lucent 5ESS-2000 VCDX?
by Neil Cherry 08 Nov '24

08 Nov '24

On 11/4/24 17:37, N. Albert via vcf-midatlantic wrote: Nice pictures. I'm guessing that our lab had older batteries. They were huge beasts, one 2v per cell and fit the 4x4 description. I think the bottle of acid was in the case. Oh and for whomever is looking to get this thing. Don't go leaving it in the CDL for someone to pick up! ;-) Yike that's a huge beast. -- Linux Home Automation Neil Cherry kd2zrq(a)linuxha.com http://www.linuxha.com/ Main site http://linuxha.blogspot.com/ My HA Blog Author of: Linux Smart Homes For Dummies KD2ZRQ

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SAVE THE DATE FOR FESTIVUS! Saturday, December 14, from 10AM to 1AM
by Jeffrey Brace 08 Nov '24

08 Nov '24

*DATE AND TIME: * Saturday, December 14 from 10AM until 1AM. *LOCATION:* At InfoAge: 2201 Marconi Rd, Wall Township, NJ 07719 *BUILDING:* *9010-D*, A.K.A. *The Visitors Center*, A.K.A. *The Sandy Dorms*, A.K.A. *The bunkrooms* *THERE IS NO OVERNIGHT STAY AVAILABLE! * Sorry, Wall Township no longer allows anyone to stay overnight in The Visitor's Center please use our discount hotel option or any other hotels in the area. *Atlantic Inn & Suites:* $80 per night and you must call the number directly: (732) 974-8400 AND mention Vintage Computer Federation More info to follow shortly! I'm finalizing all the other information and setup Google Sheets.

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Festivus, Saturday Dec. 14 @InfoAge
by Jeffrey Brace 05 Nov '24

05 Nov '24

I have successfully reserved Festivus on Saturday, Dec. 14 at InfoAge in the Sandy area (9010-D). There are no overnight stays available. So I would expect that we have to be out of there by a certain time. We can still resume in the morning. I was able to get a special rate at Atlantic Inn & Suites for Festivus for $80 per night. You have to mention Vintage Computer Federation and call directly to get the discount. We will have a mini-swap meet, food like last year, a game room. I will be sending out more information about tickets and signups for Festivus soon! For those of you new to our group read on: WHAT IS FESTIVUS? Festivus started out as a party years ago and took place 6 months after VCF East. At some point, it was officially called "Festivus" as recommended by Bernie S. It refers to the Seinfeld episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HX55AzGku5Y. It is a make believe holiday around the same time as many other December holidays, but for us it is not religious, but simply Pure Vintage Computer Fun. WHAT DO YOU DO AT FESTIVUS? We barbecue hamburgers, hot dogs, perogies, etc. It is a Potluck, everyone brings a food and/or beverage item. It is vintage video game fun. We have a game room setup for Ian and others to set up their video games for everyone to play. It is a fellowship to catch up with members that we haven't seen for a while. Take care! Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Showrunner VCF Mid-Atlantic Event Manager Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity https://vcfed.org/ <http://www.vcfed.org/> jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Next Repair Workshop(s)
by Jeffrey Brace 05 Nov '24

05 Nov '24

*@InfoAge* Nov. 16-17: https://vcfed.org/repair-workshops-at-infoage/ If you are looking for an inexpensive place to stay overnight, then try The Atlantic Inn & Suites: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YK1N6WorCYnZUZ7F9 *@System Source* Nov. 23-23: https://ca.syssrc.com/wp/?page_id=85&civiwp=CiviCRM&q=civicrm%2Fevent%2Finf… Take care! Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Showrunner VCF Mid-Atlantic Event Manager Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity https://vcfed.org/ <http://www.vcfed.org/> jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Verizon contacts, Lucent 5ESS-2000 VCDX?
by Ethan O'Toole 04 Nov '24

04 Nov '24

Not to change the subject, but I've heard that Verizon is retiring all of their 5ESS hardware. Anyone have any contacts at Verizon regarding surplus equipment / scrap? I think it would be cool to try to build a running 5ESS VCDX system with a minimum amount of POTS circuits (64?) and trunks and all that. Compact -48v DC power supplies, Sun 1u for the emulator thing... A home sized build that can be connected to shadytel or one of the online hobbyist phone networks. Also, I don't really know that much about them. I've been reading some of the manuals that Nokia (who bought Alcatel who bought Lucent who was AT&T or whatever) has online. The facebook Class 5 group -- someone said the switch mdoule itself will take nearly a full rack, so that is interesting. Wikipedia said 3 racks. The place I worked that I think had one, it was 11 or 12racks but I never saw inside them -- no one seemed to know anything about it. Any leads appreciated. - Ethan

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Commodore 64 floppy disk exerciser
by Jeffrey Jonas 04 Nov '24

04 Nov '24

Someone brought a Commodore 64 diagnostic cartridge to a VCF workshop, long long ago, that did thorough floppy diagnostics: formatted a disk, checked RPM, seek times, etc. What was the cartridge and would you please bring it to an upcoming event? I need to qualify some drives I have. Thanks. -- jeff jonas

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clean old antistatic foam off IC pins?
by Matt Reynolds 01 Nov '24

01 Nov '24

Hi, Do any of you have any information on what is considered the best/most appropriate way to clean off petrified antistatic foam off of IC pins? I have come across some vintage ICs I want to save and try to sell to finance other parts of my hobby. These particular ones are gold plated, but that said, some of them have been corroded through regardless, while some are just ugly looking. I've been using IPA, drafting eraser, and Xacto knife to clean the majority of the crud off, but very few of the pins are looking particularly shiny. I don't want to get too aggressive and break more pins off, but they don't look all that great at the moment. Matt R

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] clean old antistatic foam off IC pins?
by Matt Reynolds 01 Nov '24

01 Nov '24

ooh, good idea. I'll give that a shot. Thanks, Matt On Fri, Nov 1, 2024 at 3:49 PM Tony Bogan via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > I’ve used a fiberglass pencil to clean the pins on ICs. Have not dealt > with gold plated ones myself so I cannot speak to them. > > Tony Bogan > > > > On Nov 1, 2024, at 3:45 PM, Matt Reynolds via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > Hi, > > > > Do any of you have any information on what is considered the best/most > > appropriate way to clean off petrified antistatic foam off of IC pins? I > > have come across some vintage ICs I want to save and try to sell to > finance > > other parts of my hobby. These particular ones are gold plated, but that > > said, some of them have been corroded through regardless, while some are > > just ugly looking. > > > > I've been using IPA, drafting eraser, and Xacto knife to clean the > majority > > of the crud off, but very few of the pins are looking particularly shiny. > > I don't want to get too aggressive and break more pins off, but they > don't > > look all that great at the moment. > > > > Matt R >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] we ARE a club, a group of really good friends
by Jeffrey Jonas 31 Oct '24

31 Oct '24

Ian Litchfield: > We have not really acted as a club in a long time I am active with MARCH/VCF/Infoage because of all the good people I consider friends. The camaraderie of every workshop should be proof enough, particularly Ian Primus giving each and every CRT the TLC they richly deserve, Jeff Salzman's tower-of-power toolkit and traveling Radio Shack (ever since Jeff Galinat moved away), and others I cannot remember fast enough. I traded gifts at the Swap Meet, and folks were extremely generous with helping me with spare PCs to help my neighbors. We're an effective and focused bunch of folks, and mighty friendly to boot! -- Jeffrey Jonas

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Announcement: Administrative and Policy Changes
by Bill Degnan 30 Oct '24

30 Oct '24

Originally we said "Mid-Atlantic", our loose focus was NY, NJ, PA, DE, NJ, MD, Washington DC, VA. But we excluded no one, and invited everyone to all events. Statistically, you're going to get people who live closer. We had events in State College PA, Trenton, Wilmington and wherever it was Bryan lived in South Jersey before we moved into the Wall NJ location. We would advertise on our yahoo mailing list and the volume of messages there was huge. I remember we had over 10,000 messages before we moved the mailing list to the current format. Lots of history there if anyone has this. Bill

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Announcement: Administrative and Policy Changes
by Thomas G 30 Oct '24

30 Oct '24

If we're talking legal ownership... a significant portion of the collection has been 'tainted' by artifacts owned by Infoage (namely the Grabbe collection, or a *portion of* the Grabbe collection) which have mingled with the MARCH/VCFed collection for years. Many details regarding this have only resurfaced recently (as in the past year, though several long-time members have always known some portion of the details) and it's been something of a massive headache to untangle, especially given the lack of a unified inventory for the past 19 years of acquisitions - I've found a few spreadsheets with no more than a few dozen items each, at most, which is nowhere near the thousands of individual artifacts which are now (or were in the past) within the warehouse/collection. It has taken me many, many hours of research, digging, and questioning to identify as much of the Grabbe collection as I have thus far - which could be anywhere between 15% and 75% of the total. There are other Infoage artifacts and collections mixed in - for instance, an entire "ready-to-run" Amdahl mainframe was donated to Infoage by AT&T in 1997. Aside from the 4705 communications processor, which was scrapped over a decade ago, much of the system is still present - but I have no way of knowing just *how* *much* of it is still here because I have no list of items, no photographs of the system as donated, and wide gaps in the admittedly threadbare timeline I have been able to put together for the machine's life since it was donated. Until recently, a number of long-time members believed the entire system to have been scrapped! Until all of these details can be worked out, it is potentially dangerous to assume that everything belongs to VCFed. We are a chapter of VCF, meaning that anything that we own is by extension owned by VCF anyways - but without a formal accessioning policy, the line between 'inventory' and 'collection' doesn't exist, and ownership can remain up in the air. Many recent acquisitions were collected using money from Mid-Atlantic's budget that was itself obtained directly through Mid-Atlantic's own fundraising - an argument can be made that, for such artifacts, VCFed may own them *through* us, but not directly, for whatever difference that even makes. These things need to be defined in writing, not in verbal agreements. Trying to hammer out a formal collections policy - which I have taken on as my personal responsibility - has been severely complicated by the fact that there is no simple answer to the question "what is the collection?" as I've described above, but I'm slowly getting there. And, frankly, the blaring priority as of late has been to address the physical maintenance of the warehouse itself, which we are unquestionably responsible for... alongside Infoage... and Wall township... and, apparently, the Army. Many strange revelations as of late. Feel free to contact me off-list (thomas.gilinsky(a)vcfed.org) if you'd like to directly clarify anything to me regarding how the details of the collection have been argued - I can always use the info! On Tue, Oct 29, 2024 at 1:06 PM Tony Bogan via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Functionally doesn’t change the fact that VCF MA (did we suddenly decide > now it’s MARCH without any further discussion? I want MACE seriously > considered :-) does not own or have any rights to the collection. This was > made abundantly clear to those of us that created the 501c in the first > place almost 10 years ago. > > Additionally, what was originally intended doesn’t change the fact you > just stated. Namely that most of the money comes from National and has > since the start. > > Just trying to keep the discussion real and on point as a lack of > information has been a problem since the start as vid ever by this very > discussion. > > There have been numerous discussions over the years about the collection, > who owns it, what is to be done with it, how it should be managed etc etc. > as well as questions raised by those who have donated or who reached out to > us for a rescue. > > Knowing the potential legal issues that could arise if ever there was an > issue, these are important things to not o ly keep in the discussion but > accurately disseminate to the membership. > > The computers and artifacts are not the property of VCF MA, MARCH or even > MAACE :-) :-) > > Functionality not withstanding. > > I’ve deleted the rest of my response. > > Tony Bogan > > > > > On Oct 29, 2024, at 12:54 PM, RETRO Innovations via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > > > <mime-attachment> >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Announcement: Administrative and Policy Changes
by Jeff Salzman 30 Oct '24

30 Oct '24

December 14 and 15 at InfoAge On Tue, Oct 29, 2024 at 11:44 PM bob jeffway.com via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Well, some good points! > Reminds me, when is Festivus?? I want to come this year! > >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Announcement: Administrative and Policy Changes
by Ian Litchfield 29 Oct '24

29 Oct '24

Regardless of what we call ourselves. The elephant in the room here is still apparent, and this is my opinion (I am sure many have seen it as well.) We have not really acted as a club in a long time. Besides Festivus, when is the last time we did anything club like? People show up to the Swap and leave immediately after many ignoring our post event workshops. The same 5 or so people show up to workshops monthly, barring the one right before VCF East which always has a higher turnout. Very few newcomers appear to stick around, and if they do they just lurk. How many are registered in the list again? Hell it took me about a year to figure out how to even “join” the club because no information was out about how to get involved. I was told to talk to someone and wait for a phone call, which took over 6 months to come in. >From what I have gathered, we have always regarded it as “If you are on the list, you are in” but that is a terrible way, especially for an organization that has grown to our size, as people have put it to keep a member log. We want to grow the local community here, do some outreach, fund fixing the warehouse to protect our artifacts, and eventually expand our museum and assist the other local groups on campus at InfoAge. All of which requires having an active and informed local membership. We are not renaming the organization here, not even the list. Specifically it is proposed to rename and restructure the local chapter that handles the local events, local fund raising, local museum, local warehouse, local artifacts, local workshops, etc.. Did I mention Local? -Ian L. On Tue, Oct 29, 2024 at 09:04 Tony Bogan via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > We are, or were created as one in 2015, an extension/chapter/whathaveyou > of VCF National. > > We don’t necessarily need to remain that, but that is what we are at the > moment. > > Tony Bogan > > > > On Oct 29, 2024, at 8:39 AM, Tony Bogan via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > > > <mime-attachment> >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Announcement: Administrative and Policy Changes
by John Heritage 29 Oct '24

29 Oct '24

Central Region Old Timer Computer Hobbyists? On Tue, Oct 29, 2024, 1:40 PM RETRO Innovations via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > On 10/29/2024 12:14 PM, Andrew Diller wrote: > > I read this and also thought "he's asking for an announcement only list" > -- which does not exist. But could be created (but I'm guessing it would be > occasionally forgotten about). > > Sorry, that was not my intent. I actually like the discussion, at least > some of the time, since I work in other related groups and seeing how > you all process things helps other groups. And, yes, the announce list > would suffer from being yet another thing to deal with. > > No, just wanted to make sure it was OK to be on here and if it's OK, > noting that those like me necessarily can only watch and add bit of > value from afar, please don't hate that we didn't sign up to volunteer > at all the cool things you do. > > Jim > >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Announcement: Administrative and Policy Changes
by Chris Fala 29 Oct '24

29 Oct '24

Tony makes a good point, communication seems to be the actual issue. And I agree with his MACE suggestion, Mid Atlantic Commodore Enthusiasts! On Tue, Oct 29, 2024 at 12:30 PM Tony Bogan via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > As mentioned in my first response, I’m fine with whatever the group wants, > I don’t have any feelings either way. > My goal was to point out the pertinent facts revolving around the > discussion. > > Forgetting all the conversations I’ve had with people over the years, just > the responses in this thread show me that the perceived “confusion” > revolves far more around how information is disseminated to the public and > how things are organized as opposed to what the group is called. > > Changing the name won’t fix that, but at the same time changing the name > is not a problem or something I like or dislike. It is what it is. > > My vote is for MAACE (or MACE) > > Mid-Atlantic Apple Computer Enthusiasts > ;-)

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Announcement: Administrative and Policy Changes
by Jeff Salzman 29 Oct '24

29 Oct '24

Seems the definition of "local" needs to be addressed. (And I'm betting as I type this, someone else is, or has already defined the term.) Local, in the context of this long-running faction of an organization is loosely defined as an area as big as it needs to be for many to reasonably and regularly attend the organization's events. Special events like VCF-East have certainly been an exception to that, but VCF-E is a Vintage Computer Federation event, run by volunteers and members of the local organization in Wall Township, NJ. It was already discussed by many, and nearly officially by Tony B., that Mid-Atlantic covers a VERY large swath on the Eastern seaboard and nearby inland states. Unless anybody has an issue with the use of "local" to define that, then let's stick with using the term local as having such a broad reference. While we won't kick anybody from Nebraska away who comes to one of our Workshops or Festivus, or a future hackathon, that Nebraskan would probably not make regular trips to Wall Township, NJ on a near monthly basis. As such, we probably wouldn't consider Nebraska "local", but they are more than welcome to join the group and/or mailing list if they wish. So Bill, you ARE local in the broadest sensible sense of the term. You're certainly far more local to this area than to the sister group in California's Bay Area. I live further from Wall Township, NJ than you, but I would call MARCH (sticking with that name for now) my local retro computer club. We have members in Virginia who think the same way. As for the same 7 people. That's just because those people choose on their own to attend these events on a regular basis, or even a volunteer, or docent. It is not a defining requirement for membership and never has been. Any group or organization will have its "regular" members, but as far as attendance at our regular Workshop events, the invitation is always there. The simple rules are: - Sign up on the Google Sheet that's sent via announcement to this message list - Pay the daily Workshop fee of $15 - Understand that attendees will not (always) fix your stuff for you, but many help as much as they can. This is an opportunity to learn how to restore your own stuff. - Be kind and courteous - ENJOY YOURSELF! - Clean up before you leave As "MARCH" defines more suitable ways to get the word out to the retro hobbyist about these regular events, there is hope that more people would learn about our volunteer opportunities, and not feel that they are not welcome to participate in anything "MARCH" does. Jeff Salzman On Tue, Oct 29, 2024 at 1:38 PM RETRO Innovations via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > On 10/29/2024 12:08 PM, David Gesswein via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > > My point was more of "should folks like myself be on the list at all, > since we are not local"? I asked because one of the most recent list > emails was about "the same 7 people come to events, few help out..." and > I think there was an implication that the list members should be take a > more active role in the org. I'd love to assist, and I do for other > VCF-like orgs closer to home, but I can't help be a docent or set up for > the swap meet, and neither can the others on the list who are far > flung. That was my intent. > > Jim > > >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Announcement: Administrative and Policy Changes
by Andrew Diller 29 Oct '24

29 Oct '24

Nice glue you got there. The United Federation of Plants meets every 3d Wednesday at the Morris Horticultural Society back deck, on Pine Ridge. -andy https://imgur.com/a/on5tjuH > On Oct 29, 2024, at 1:45 PM, Tony Bogan via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > logo of the United Federation of Plants,

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Announcement: Administrative and Policy Changes
by Tony Bogan 29 Oct '24

29 Oct '24

I’d like to bring this conversation back to what Christian mentioned earlier about the logo…… I’m having trouble finding for comparison the logo of the United Federation of Plants, but im interested in learning more about them!!! (Sorry, at drydock and this is my only break time today and I’m getting loopy from the paint fumes) Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue. Tony Bogan > On Oct 29, 2024, at 1:40 PM, RETRO Innovations via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > <mime-attachment>

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Announcement: Administrative and Policy Changes
by Dean Notarnicola 29 Oct '24

29 Oct '24

All are welcome on the list, regardless of level of participation. We are better together. On Tue, Oct 29, 2024 at 1:39 PM RETRO Innovations via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > On 10/29/2024 12:14 PM, Andrew Diller wrote: > > I read this and also thought "he's asking for an announcement only list" > -- which does not exist. But could be created (but I'm guessing it would be > occasionally forgotten about). > > Sorry, that was not my intent. I actually like the discussion, at least > some of the time, since I work in other related groups and seeing how > you all process things helps other groups. And, yes, the announce list > would suffer from being yet another thing to deal with. > > No, just wanted to make sure it was OK to be on here and if it's OK, > noting that those like me necessarily can only watch and add bit of > value from afar, please don't hate that we didn't sign up to volunteer > at all the cool things you do. > > Jim > >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Announcement: Administrative and Policy Changes
by David Gesswein 29 Oct '24

29 Oct '24

Nobody is going to say you shouldn't be on the list. If people are getting overwelmed by emails of no intrest speak up. If so it may make sense to have an announce only list. Will then require sending announcements to both lists since not everybody will sign up for the announce list so one list makes it simpler. On Tue, Oct 29, 2024 at 11:54:10AM -0500, RETRO Innovations via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2024 11:54:10 -0500 > From: RETRO Innovations <go4retro(a)go4retro.com> > To: vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org > Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Announcement: Administrative and Policy > Changes > User-Agent: Mozilla Thunderbird > > With all of this discussion, I'm concerned that I should not be on the > list.. I joined many moons ago as this list seems to have good > information on the VCF-E event and other related VCF events. > > But, I am not local, and I doubt I will ever be able to attend events > outside of the VCF-E show. > > If I'm here erroneously, let me know. If not, I'd ask you keep in mind > I am probably not the only non Mid-Atlantic person on-list. I'm not > saying the discussions should deviate from Mid-Atlantic, or even > NJ-focused, discussions, just wanted to remind folks that there's > probably a small segment of subscribers who look in from afar. > > Jim

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Announcement: Administrative and Policy Changes
by Andrew Diller 29 Oct '24

29 Oct '24

Ha I was thinking the same thing. Someone already decided it's MARCH. Did I miss the announcement? > On Oct 29, 2024, at 1:04 PM, Tony Bogan via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > Functionally doesn’t change the fact that VCF MA (did we suddenly decide now it’s MARCH without any further discussion? I want MACE seriously considered :-) -andy

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Announcement: Administrative and Policy Changes
by Neil Cherry 29 Oct '24

29 Oct '24

On 10/29/24 12:30, Tony Bogan via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > My vote is for MAACE (or MACE) > > Mid-Atlantic Apple Computer Enthusiasts > 😉 Yeah, go eat a burger. ;-) (Folks that's not meant as an insult). And I like the name MARCH (still have the Polo). I liked being a MARCHian. ;-) No, I don't have anything more constructive. -- Linux Home Automation Neil Cherry kd2zrq(a)linuxha.com http://www.linuxha.com/ Main site http://linuxha.blogspot.com/ My HA Blog Author of: Linux Smart Homes For Dummies KD2ZRQ

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Announcement: Administrative and Policy Changes
by Tony Bogan 29 Oct '24

29 Oct '24

Functionally doesn’t change the fact that VCF MA (did we suddenly decide now it’s MARCH without any further discussion? I want MACE seriously considered :-) does not own or have any rights to the collection. This was made abundantly clear to those of us that created the 501c in the first place almost 10 years ago. Additionally, what was originally intended doesn’t change the fact you just stated. Namely that most of the money comes from National and has since the start. Just trying to keep the discussion real and on point as a lack of information has been a problem since the start as vid ever by this very discussion. There have been numerous discussions over the years about the collection, who owns it, what is to be done with it, how it should be managed etc etc. as well as questions raised by those who have donated or who reached out to us for a rescue. Knowing the potential legal issues that could arise if ever there was an issue, these are important things to not o ly keep in the discussion but accurately disseminate to the membership. The computers and artifacts are not the property of VCF MA, MARCH or even MAACE :-) :-) Functionality not withstanding. I’ve deleted the rest of my response. Tony Bogan > On Oct 29, 2024, at 12:54 PM, RETRO Innovations via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > <mime-attachment>

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Announcement: Administrative and Policy Changes
by Andrew Diller 29 Oct '24

29 Oct '24

Mmmmm.... • MACRO • Mid-Atlantic Computing Retro Organization • MATRIX • Mid-Atlantic Technology Restoration & Information eXhibition • VACUUM • Vintage Artifacts & Computing Universal Museum -andy > On Oct 29, 2024, at 12:30 PM, Tony Bogan via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > My vote is for MAACE (or MACE) > > Mid-Atlantic Apple Computer Enthusiasts > ;-) >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Announcement: Administrative and Policy Changes
by Andrew Diller 29 Oct '24

29 Oct '24

This is an interesting facet of the discussion that even I didn't think about- so first, thanks Tony for bringing it up. Second lets talk about this... Since VCFederation owns all the physical devices/artifacts/dollars in the warehouse and museum and bank accounts, and I'm sure it's VCFederation's 503 name/corp entity on all the agreements with InfoAge- to me that does two things: 1. Frees up the 'club' to name itself however it wants. There seem to be zero assets for VCF-MA or MARCH or whatever it renames itself. So go to town and make a new name. If that is what the membership is asking for, deliver it! 2. Does nothing to remove the confusion between VCFederation, the Festivals, the people that maintain stuff and have keys to access the artifacts, bank and museum. And that is ok. I've never felt like this was a bad thing- it causes conversation to be had, and people to talk about things and explain. That is a great thing to happen IMHO. So what if people have to explain these nuances? The fact that someone is asking is showing an interest and that motivation is worth more than some re-branding that resolves the confusion (at what level? People will still be confused no matter what you do). And this reflects on the comments from Ian and Ben re: joining and 'activities.' I've always felt the real club is what you make it. You make it by showing up and doing things- talking, helping, donating. Helping with forum, docent, cleaning etc etc etc. There are no hidden meetings (save the SteerCo- and not hidden just not open to general pop) or things going on- anyone can start something if they are willing to put in the time to do it. Not many orgs are like this. Cherish it. I gave a lot for a few years and have backed off due to other things to do, I will come back with more time at some point. I hope by then it hasn't turned into an empty club with paperwork and procedures on how everything must be done. To me the learning and exploring was 80% of the fun of the Federation at InfoAge. I hope this helped express an alternative view on things and encouraged people think about things before making a bunch of changes and the impact those changes may have. -andy PS: Case in point: i've enjoyed 2 VCFMW shows - they are incredible and fun and I don't know a friggin thing about the 'club' that runs them! > On Oct 29, 2024, at 8:39 AM, Tony Bogan via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > From: Tony Bogan <thebogans(a)mac.com> > Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Announcement: Administrative and Policy Changes > Date: October 29, 2024 at 8:39:20 AM EDT > To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> > > > One thing that has yet to be brought up, at least that I spotted and I apologize if I missed it, is that part of the reason our group is called VCF is we manage and curate the Federations collection. None of the comparisons in Thomas G’s post are true comparisons because of that one (and in my mind significant) fact. > > The warehouse and museum contents do NOT belong to VCF-MA (or MARCH or whatever else you wish to call it) they belong > To VCF. > > That doesn’t mean our group couldn’t have a different name and continue curating VCFs collection of course, but it does set us apart from every and any other group that exists in this country. And for that reason, several others and one other major reason the name change was made to what it currently is. The other major reason? two VCF National Board members being part of VCF MA and in charge of its creation as a 501c and its daily and financial operations. > > Again, these points don’t preclude changing the name, but I believe this is important information for everyone to know and it does make our group unique and in the same > Ocean but not in the same boat (sorry, couldn’t help myself) as everyone else. > > Tony Bogan > >> On Oct 29, 2024, at 8:19 AM, Bill Degnan via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: >> >> You could bring a device that produces a mild electric shock, and when >> people ask you can shock them until they change the subject. I have a >> portable shock stick that I use in every day life when needed, really >> reduces the stress. >> >>> On Mon, Oct 28, 2024 at 9:44 AM Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic < >>> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: >>> >>> On Sun, Oct 27, 2024 at 18:11 Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < >>> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: >>> >>>> I’m here. I thought VCF was chosen to compete with TCF. >>> >>> >>> It was definitely not to compete with TCF. I was part of the founding. TCF >>> is the Trenton Computer Festival and a once a year event started in 1976? >>> in NJ. Vintage Computer *Festival* was started in 1997 in California. >>> Vintage Computer *Federation* was started in 2016. I can’t recall the exact >>> reason, but likely to match the acronym VCF which was the *Festival *as >>> well as be global sounding and nature with Festivals around the world. >>> >>> The biggest problem as I see it is that people have trouble distinguishing >>> between the *Festival* and the *Federation*. I have to explain to many >>> people the difference between them. Vintage Computer Festival West and >>> Vintage Computer Festival East are run by the Vintage Computer Federation. >>> The other Festivals are independent. I have been to VCF West, VCF East, VCF >>> MidWest, VCF SouthWest, VCF Pacific Northwest, World of Commodore, Trenton >>> Computer Festival, HOPE, World Maker Faire and have had to explain the >>> differences at each event. There are even people that confuse Trenton >>> Computer Festival and Vintage Computer Festival. >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>> >>>> Sent from: >>>> My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. >>>> >>>>> On Oct 27, 2024, at 5:33 PM, Jeff Salzman via vcf-midatlantic < >>>> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: >>>>> >>>>> The name MARCH was suggested because of its prior familiarity, and >>> that >>>>> there is already a BARCH for the Bay Area Retro Computing Hobbyists, >>>> which >>>>> is technically VCF Bay Area. >>>>> >>>>> BARCH and MARCH >>>>> >>>>> Another reason to stick with the naming convention is that it rolls off >>>> the >>>>> tongue better than saying a bunch of consonants, yet still maintaining >>> a >>>>> meaning as an acronym. >>>>> >>>>> Jeff Salzman >>>>> >>>>>> On Sun, Oct 27, 2024, 3:57 PM W2HX via vcf-midatlantic < >>>>>> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>> How about just VCFED-NJ people will generally know where New Jersey is >>>>>> located. If, someday, another chapter is opened in, say North >>> Carolina, >>>>>> they can just call themselves VCFED-NC >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> 73 Eugene W2HX >>>>>> My Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@w2hx/videos >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>>> From: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic-bounces(a)lists.vcfed.org> On >>>> Behalf >>>>>> Of Joshua Abraham via vcf-midatlantic >>>>>> Sent: Friday, October 25, 2024 6:16 PM >>>>>> To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> >>>>>> Cc: Joshua Abraham <jarvideo(a)gmail.com> >>>>>> Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Announcement: Administrative and Policy >>>>>> Changes >>>>>> >>>>>> Just my two cents, but I feel like Mid-Atlantic should be retired for >>> a >>>>>> more defined region name such as North East or New England to better >>>> define >>>>>> the center of the chapter's operations. >>>>>> >>>>>> The term "Mid- Atlantic" I have seen in other circles to be very >>> broadly >>>>>> defined at times from as far south as the Carolinas and as far north >>> as >>>> New >>>>>> York State. >>>>>> >>>>>> That being said I think there would be a benefit in selecting a name >>>> that >>>>>> better aligns with many of the other regional groups official or >>>> otherwise >>>>>> for the sake of consistency to the layman. >>>>>> >>>>>> I know that technically Vcf does live within the mid Atlantic >>> boundary, >>>>>> but being on the outer edge, it may be best to focus on a more central >>>> name. >>>>>> >>>>>> Who knows, another group could pop up between new Jersey and Georgia >>> one >>>>>> day. May as well plan for the future. >>>>>> >>>>>> Respectfully, Joshua. >>>>>> >>>>>> On Fri, Oct 25, 2024, 5:09 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < >>>>>> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> Thomas and to all >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Are the items that you mentioned here (and others pending) going to >>> be >>>>>>> brought up at the Festivus meeting that we usually have in December >>>>>>> and VCF members allowed to vote on it?( or sooner) I am sure that you >>>>>>> and the others will keep us Informed. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Mike Rosen >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Sent from: >>>>>>> My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On Oct 25, 2024, at 2:40 PM, Thomas G via vcf-midatlantic < >>>>>>> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> We in the steering committee have been considering making a number >>>>>>>> of changes to our operation, role, and focus for the past few weeks. >>>>>>>> We feel that our operation and communication has not been as >>>>>>>> effective as it >>>>>>> could >>>>>>>> be, given our stated goals, and are also considering certain changes >>>>>>>> to >>>>>>> the >>>>>>>> broader aspects of VCF Mid-Atlantic, such as membership, elections, >>>>>>>> and defining our role in relation to VCF National, largely in >>>>>>>> response to feedback from VCF Mid-Atlantic members. One of the >>>>>>>> changes we are considering, while largely inconsequential, is to >>>>>> revive the name 'MARCH' >>>>>>>> (short for 'Mid Atlantic Retro Computing Hobbyists') to replace the >>>>>>> clunky >>>>>>>> 'VCF Mid-Atlantic'. We are still in the deliberating process, but >>>>>>>> one change worth reporting has already occurred - Jeff Salzman has >>>>>>>> delegated the role of Steering Committee Chairman to Thomas >>>>>>>> Gilinsky. The >>>>>>> composition >>>>>>>> of the steering committee has not changed aside from this. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Further information will be made available as we finalize our >>>>>> decisions. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>> >>>> >>> > >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] vcf-midatlantic Digest, Vol 77, Issue 24
by Michael Thompson 29 Oct '24

29 Oct '24

David, We are having similar issues with the newly acquired Straight 8 at the RICM. It is part of the first 50 built so there are some differences from later systems. FlipChips were physically damaged and some missing, the fragile plastic pivots on about 20 front panel switches were broken, and it hasn't been powered on for 50 years. We fixed the switch pivots, the power supply, replaced the missing FlipChips and started debugging. We actually got it to the point where it would run programs, but it has now deteriorated to the point where we can't load a RIM paper tape. I am happy that no one is hounding us to get it back in production. We are getting lots of help from PDP-8 experts like you, so we will eventually get it demonstrable. Like you, we have found many failed diodes that don't seem to affect operation. Robust design? On Tue, Oct 29, 2024 at 8:03 AM <vcf-midatlantic-request(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Date: Mon, 28 Oct 2024 21:58:17 -0400 > From: David Gesswein <djg(a)pdp8online.com> > Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF straight 8 work at workshop > > Worked on the VCF straight 8 that was acting up again. It would load the > first instruction to execute when you hit the start key but didn't load > the > next instruction after updating the program counter. Kept reexecuting the > first instruction. > > TLDR: Found some signals that weren't quite right but fixing them didn't > help. Found actual bad diode that was causing the failure but then > diagnostics found another fault. Whike working on that memory stopped > working > when machine on for a while. Ran out of time to determine why so still not > usable. -- Michael Thompson

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