- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Looking for Windows/286; vintage windows setup question
by Richard Cini 02 Jul '16

02 Jul '16

One other thing to note…I just reinstalled 1.04 and ran it. Although the splash screen is somehow corrupted, it eventually gets to the Windows desktop. Not sure why it happens in 1.04 and not 2.03. Same source files are used to build working installation in a virtual machine so I know the disks are good. Rich -- Rich Cini http://www.classiccmp.org/cini http://www.classiccmp.org/altair32 On 7/2/16, 2:37 PM, "vcf-midatlantic on behalf of Richard Cini via vcf-midatlantic" <vcf-midatlantic-bounces(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org on behalf of vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: All – Lots of fun on a Saturday…I’m working on an AT/286 project and wondered if anyone had a copy of Windows/286. I have various versions from 1.00 to 3.11 (including 2.03) but not that version. Please let me know off-list if you have it. Thanks. As an aside, I was able to get Windows 2.03 running with the normal EGA driver but NOT Windows 1.04 even though I selected the same video driver. It bombs out on the splash screen while printing the copyright info (random characters and beeping). Not sure what to make of it…guessing video driver issue but not 100% sure because the same setting works in 2.03. My 2.03 disks also have a bad sector on the fonts disk so I’m missing the Times font. The video card is a Quadram EGA+. Thanks! Rich -- Rich Cini http://www.classiccmp.org/cini http://www.classiccmp.org/altair32

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Vintage (yes really) Cisco router/TS
by Herb Johnson 02 Jul '16

02 Jul '16

Neil Cherry initiated this discussion thread, about his Cisco router. At some point he posted: > Sorry about the trip down memory lane, those were some fun times. Neil, do not apologize for describing your experiences with now-vintage computing equipment. You've provided a valuable service. By your posting this item, and the discussions of it, there is now a year 2016 trail of what it was, how it was used, how it led to other products, and something of its content. When "multibus" was mentioned, that caught my attention - Multibus is an interest of mine, any Google search of my Web site will show my interests. Others of course were/are interested in "Ethernet" or "Sun Microsystems", and so on. Many people look to decades-old Usenet discussions of even older equipment and still-fresh memories, as posted at that time. Those discussions were preserved and made available much later and today. They have been resources I and others have used to restore and support that vintage equipment. Some number of those posters, are not active, or not around, today. "Sauce for the goose, is sauce for the gander". (Please, this is not a punch line, I'm making a point not a joke.) Thank you and your respondents, for preserving your knowledge of this part of early Multibus, Ethernet, and related technologies. Herb Johnson retrotechnology.com -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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OT: InMoov Robot Project
by Joseph Oprysko 02 Jul '16

02 Jul '16

I know this is WAY off topic for vintage computers, but I'd like to build an InMoov Robot. I think it would be an AWESOME "Guide" for the museum. Does anyone with a 3D Printer have any interest in building one? -- Normal Person: Hey, it seems that you know a lot. Geek: To be honest, it's due to all the surfing I do. Normal Person: So you go surfing? Normal Person: But I don't think that has anything to do with knowing a lot... Geek: I think that's wrong on a fundamental level. Normal Person: Huh? Huh? What?

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Capsela Commodore 64 Robotics parts wanted
by Jeffrey Brace 02 Jul '16

02 Jul '16

I'm doing the Commodore 64 robotics exhibit for HOPE and MakervFaire. The Commodore 64 robotics kit uses Capsela parts, but some parts are missing. Two of the three motors and worm drive are missing. Anyone have any that I can borrow? See attached photos. Thanks! Jeff Brace

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My HOPE project - update
by Evan Koblentz 01 Jul '16

01 Jul '16

Here's an update on my project for our HOPE exhibit next month. Ben G. loaned us his mid-1980s Lego robotics/Logo kit. I'm saving the Logo part (paired with an Apple II) for World Maker Faire in September. I am using the bare robot components (motors, light sensors) with the IBM PC card for HOPE. I started experimenting with this at our repair workshop a couple of weekends ago. Jon C. loaned me a Compaq (386, I think) lunchbox-style computer, since I'm stuck home while recovering from leg surgery. I set up a big table in my living room because I can't sit comfortably at my workbench. What I'm building, tailored for the HOPE audience, is a Lego game called that I'm calling "Smush the 'Softie". The premise: Microsoft employees are invading HOPE to install Windows 10 on your computer! Thus you must run them over with a New York City taxi cab before then enter the hotel. :) A cab (Lego car) is in a garage. You press a key in the software to aim the driveway side-to-side. Then press another key to release the car. The car travels down a track. There are two Microsoft employees crossing the road. The employees (Lego figures, of course) have holes in the ground behind them. If you hit one, then s/he falls into the hole, which blocks the light sensor, which increases the score by 1. One employee is closer and one is farther away. Hitting the second employee gives you two points. You get five cars. If you reach eight points then you win. The score will be displayed on a binary counter of Lego lights. If you lose the lights will all flash, a beeper will go crazy, and the compurer screen changes to resemble a Windows 10 logo. The game isn't finished but I am making good progress. Programmed in simple BASIC, just as it was meant to be 30 years ago. I am not using any non-Lego parts (but I did take two non-valuable pieces from my childhood huge box of Legos and drill holes in them because I needed a part that doesn't exist!) The game won't be hard. Its point is to demonstrate what could be done back then. Thinking ahead to Maker Faire: I'm going to make a robot arm that you use to pick up a ping-pong ball, drop it into a hole, and out pops a (previously hidden) Wiffle ball. I will tell children it's a ping-pong ball enlarging machine. :) Jeff B., how goes your own mad science experimenting with the C-64 robotics kit?

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Unknown Sperry Univac Display Boards
by Systems Glitch 01 Jul '16

01 Jul '16

I picked up three Sperry Univac boards in a lot of scrap the other day: http://imgur.com/a/9BBQ0 The first image is representative of two of the boards. They are heavily built, conformally coated, and the one in the second picture has an aerospace type connector in one place. The displays are HP LED hex displays (or a second source). The aluminum frame around the board appears to be a heatsink for the displays and a few of the ICs. Does anyone know what these are? I was going to remove the displays from the boards for use in other projects, but I don't want to destroy them if they're useful to someone else. Thanks, Jonathan

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] SOT 10base-5 LAN parts
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 30 Jun '16

30 Jun '16

Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic writes: >>> How do you envision it being installed in our current space? For >examp= le, would we need to hang a cable ladder from the ceiling so >wires can co= nnect the minicomputer area to where our router will be in >the workshop a= rea? (Looks will matter, given that we're a museum, not >a lab.) > >Another question is, what's the advantage to connecting some of the >minis= to the Internet? We can't keep that sort of equipment running >24/7. Power and process cooling woould be the major impediments; otherwise, just consideration for the wear and tear on the old kit. As for the cabling, I prefer to see the overhead cable conduit approach.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] SOT 10base-5 LAN parts
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 30 Jun '16

30 Jun '16

Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic writes: >>> Can't help with the install, but can contribute then to the Museum >cau= se. > >Hold off. There is no active project. It's only an idea. I know that I've told you that when Camp Evans was active there was etherpipe strung in most all of the buildings and I know who strung it. ;) Who=Me!

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Update - museum internet access
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 30 Jun '16

30 Jun '16

Dave McGuire via vcf-midatlantic writes: >On 06/30/2016 04:29 PM, Brian Schenkenberger via vcf-midatlantic wrote: >>> On 06/30/2016 03:38 PM, Joseph Oprysko via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > >But >> I thought SneakerNet was the primary network protocol when the >machines >>> were in their prime. >> >> Good heavens no. Even PDP-8s >had DECnet over serial lines. > > DDCMP! > > As God intended. I'd occasionally fire up DDCMP over a modem link to some clients to transfer files back in the day. Indexed files mostly which don't take kindly to being ZIPped and UNZIPped and FTPd; albeit, current version of ZIP/UNZIP do have a switch to maintain VMS file attributes making it possible now.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Need a couple AUI cables - building 10base-5 LAN
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 30 Jun '16

30 Jun '16

Jim Scheef via vcf-midatlantic writes: >Hello all, Please forgive my infrequent lurking. For those who do not >know me (most = of you) I'm the guy who helps Kelly in the consignment >room at VCF-E = each year.=20 I've decided to build a 10base-5 LAN >segment in my basement. Right now = I'm in the collecting the parts >stage and need 2 or 3 AUI cables no more = than 2 meters long. They must >have that arcane DB-15 connector with the = sliding clip.=20 I also need >two N-connector terminators (50 ohm, of course). So far I have a three >short lengths of real ether hose with N-connectors = and three Cabletron >ST-500 transceivers (2 more would be nice). = Unfortunately these have a >BNC connector where the vampire tap should = be, so I'm working on >that.=20 In the meantime, some short, good AUI cables would be a big >boost. I = will be happy to pay reasonable price plus shipping. Anyone? > >Longer term, would it not be cool if our museum had a working 10base-5 = >LAN hanging from the rafters providing connectivity between the Vaxen, = >PDPs and other period machines? Maybe even to the inter-tubes! And a large etherhose!

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Vintage (yes really) Cisco router/TS
by Neil Cherry 30 Jun '16

30 Jun '16

For the folks who know what this is ... I have a Cisco AGS 9.1 or 10.x IOS (technically a terminal server, that can route) that support the normal terminal services such as telnet and LAT. If you are interested please contact me. I'm not using it and this might be useful for a display or the museum. -- Linux Home Automation Neil Cherry ncherry(a)linuxha.com http://www.linuxha.com/ Main site http://linuxha.blogspot.com/ My HA Blog Author of: Linux Smart Homes For Dummies

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Update - museum internet access
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 30 Jun '16

30 Jun '16

Dave McGuire via vcf-midatlantic writes: >On 06/30/2016 03:38 PM, Joseph Oprysko via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > But >I thought SneakerNet was the primary network protocol when the machines >> were in their prime. > > Good heavens no. Even PDP-8s had DECnet over serial lines. DDCMP!

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IBM MLR3-25GB tape cartridges available
by Mike Loewen 30 Jun '16

30 Jun '16

A friend of mine has 9 NIB IBM MLR3-25GB (SLR50) data cartridges. They're labeled "Servo Written", "Compatible: QIC5210 DC, MLR3 SLR50 Drives)". I don't know what he wants for them, but it wouldn't be much. If you need any, let me know and I'll put you in touch with him. Mike Loewen mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/

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Anniversary of transistor day
by Jeffrey Brace 30 Jun '16

30 Jun '16

Was at InfoAge today and Fred mentioned this and said the transistor was developed at Camp Evans first (in secret). He mentioned a book: Crystal Fire Birth of the Information Age Book - p. 162, 201. - Jeff Brace

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Update - museum internet access
by Evan Koblentz 30 Jun '16

30 Jun '16

We ordered a modem/router gadget from a company called Mobile Citizen. They sell low-priced wireless Internet access exclusively to non-profits. We got a desktop version (still has wifi built in), not the mobile hotspot described on their web site. This means we don't have to rely on InfoAge for Internet access in the museum. Also, it is a very good deal: you buy the modem and then only pay ten bucks a month for service. The hardware arrived recently and we will install it soon.

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Capacitor list for Mac 128/512/plus Analog board (US Version)
by Matt Patoray 30 Jun '16

30 Jun '16

I thought this might be of help to some trying to do a bulk replacement of capacitors on the Analog boards form the early macs. Where possible i went with 105 degree rated capacitors and with a 25% higher voltage rating. The part numbers are from Mouser. -- Matt Patoray KD8AMG

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Need a couple AUI cables - building 10base-5 LAN
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 30 Jun '16

30 Jun '16

Jim Scheef via vcf-midatlantic writes: >Brian, As I'm sure you are aware, brand new Belden 9880 (genuine >etherhose) is available if not exactly cheap. Nevertheless, I'm willing >to donate 100 feet of the stuff to make the museum project work whenever >that might be. Jim I might have some AUI cables here but I'm rather busy with some *paying* me work to go rummaging through the cable cache looking for them.

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PDP 11/40 finally got it working better-er
by william degnan 29 Jun '16

29 Jun '16

For many years I have been working off and on to get my pdp 11/40 running. I was having trouble getting past "chase the lights" and simple tests. I was even able to load in a papertape. It was in memory ok but never ran .I got a lot of good advice but nothing seemed to work. I made sure everything was correct on the backplane and RAM was ok. Some important diagnostics simply would not run however. I was stuck. After a lot of spinning my wheels finally I discovered the CPU was wired for a KJ11 module (stack limit register) but I did not have one installed. I was having problems with code that included the stack so there you go makes sense now....but it took a while. Part of the problem is that I always thought the KJ11 and KW11-L (line time clock) were always paired up. This was not a logical reasoning, it was only because I always saw them paired that way and I assumed they were a set. I even had in the past tested the system with both installed but it froze things so I abandoned, never thought to try just one or the other alone. But apparently that would have been the ticket, my system CPU was wired for the KJ11 only. I tried just the M7237 and poing it worked. I finally was able to run complex diagnostics and I even downloaded BASIC from papertape and ran it (much faster than 11/05 btw) Here is the page with more info http://vintagecomputer.net/browse_thread.cfm?id=635 Next I can try to boot an RT11 RL02 pack from an RL11 controller (M7762). If anyone is going through the same thing how to troubleshoot a lot of the UNIBUS stuff let me know happy to try to help. Bill -- @ BillDeg: Web: vintagecomputer.net Twitter: @billdeg <https://twitter.com/billdeg> Youtube: @billdeg <https://www.youtube.com/user/billdeg> Unauthorized Bio <http://www.vintagecomputer.net/readme.cfm>

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Museum Report 6/29/16
by Jeffrey Brace 29 Jun '16

29 Jun '16

Gave a tour to campers age 6-11 today. Two groups of 10 each. It was a quick 10 minute tour because their time was limited. They were seeing all the museums. Later I gave general tours to about 20 people. Most were interested and loved everything there. I finally managed uninterrupted time to getting the Commodore 64 robotics kit working. Also took the Univac parts to the warehouse.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Need a couple AUI cables - building 10base-5 LAN
by Steven Michelsen 29 Jun '16

29 Jun '16

Jim, I believe I have a sack full of that stuff somewhere. I am unable to look for it until Sunday. If you don't hear from me by Tuesday or so write me direct at stevenm(a)optonline.net Steve Sent on the new Sprint Network from my Samsung Galaxy S®4 -------- Original message -------- From: Duane via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> Date: 06/29/2016 1:52 PM (GMT-07:00) To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> Cc: Duane <DBC1964(a)cox.net> Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Need a couple AUI cables - building 10base-5 LAN -----Original Message----- From: Jim Scheef via vcf-midatlantic Sent: Wednesday, June 29, 2016 4:30 PM To: 'vcf-midatlantic' Cc: Jim Scheef Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] Need a couple AUI cables - building 10base-5 LAN Hello all, Please forgive my infrequent lurking. For those who do not know me (most of you) I'm the guy who helps Kelly in the consignment room at VCF-E each year. I've decided to build a 10base-5 LAN segment in my basement. Right now I'm in the collecting the parts stage and need 2 or 3 AUI cables no more than 2 meters long. They must have that arcane DB-15 connector with the sliding clip. I also need two N-connector terminators (50 ohm, of course). So far I have a three short lengths of real ether hose with N-connectors and three Cabletron ST-500 transceivers (2 more would be nice). Unfortunately these have a BNC connector where the vampire tap should be, so I'm working on that. In the meantime, some short, good AUI cables would be a big boost. I will be happy to pay reasonable price plus shipping. Anyone? Longer term, would it not be cool if our museum had a working 10base-5 LAN hanging from the rafters providing connectivity between the Vaxen, PDPs and other period machines? Maybe even to the inter-tubes! Thanks, Jim

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Need a couple AUI cables - building 10base-5 LAN
by Jim Scheef 29 Jun '16

29 Jun '16

Hello all, Please forgive my infrequent lurking. For those who do not know me (most of you) I'm the guy who helps Kelly in the consignment room at VCF-E each year. I've decided to build a 10base-5 LAN segment in my basement. Right now I'm in the collecting the parts stage and need 2 or 3 AUI cables no more than 2 meters long. They must have that arcane DB-15 connector with the sliding clip. I also need two N-connector terminators (50 ohm, of course). So far I have a three short lengths of real ether hose with N-connectors and three Cabletron ST-500 transceivers (2 more would be nice). Unfortunately these have a BNC connector where the vampire tap should be, so I'm working on that. In the meantime, some short, good AUI cables would be a big boost. I will be happy to pay reasonable price plus shipping. Anyone? Longer term, would it not be cool if our museum had a working 10base-5 LAN hanging from the rafters providing connectivity between the Vaxen, PDPs and other period machines? Maybe even to the inter-tubes! Thanks, Jim

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] vcf-midatlantic Digest, Vol 8, Issue 28
by mark＠markesystems.com 29 Jun '16

29 Jun '16

>>I am in the SF Bay Area, until Thursday, for a conference, so I figured >>that I should check out the Computer History Museum, which I have never >>seen, >>to my shame. But then I found out that it is closed on Mondays and >>Tuesdays, which pretty much makes it impossible for me, as I have customer >>meetings all day Wednesday and Thursday. >> >>Does anyone else have suggestions of things worth doing, other than the >>standard Weird Stuff/Halted visits? Sorry I didn't see this earlier - hopefully you still have time for a couple more stops, both in Sunnyvale: First is Weird Stuff Warehouse - sort of a last stop before recycling for corporate cast-offs. You never know what you'll find there, and a lot of it is stuff at the bottom of the market (48-port managed Ethernet switches, etc.), but I saw an HP-2000 Access system go through there a few years ago, and there's frequently a least some bits and pieces from that era. Another fun place is Halted Specialties. Vintage test equipment, odd laboratory equipment, tons of components (new, surplus, and reclaimed) - and again, you'll never know what you'll find. I'm a lucky man in that my wife likes this place almost as much as I, so we've spent a lot of hours (and a bit of money, too) there over the years. They moved recently, after a gazillion years in the same location, and I'm not sure the new location has quite the _cachet_ of the old, but still a fun place. > FYI - My old band is playing at Slim's in San Fran the Thurs night before > VCF West, I will be there, but I have not played with the band in many > years, I will not know any of their songs to sit in unless they do some of > the oldies from my days with the band. It will be fun to pop in though, a > surprise. > > http://spindriftwest.com/wp/shows/ I'll definitely make a plan to see them - and you, if our paths cross. It would be great to meet you in person. ~~ Mark Moulding

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Bendix G-15 was Re: Univac, our first real work!
by Brian L. Stuart 29 Jun '16

29 Jun '16

On Sun, 6/26/16, David Riley <fraveydank(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Agreed on all points. I'd be highly interested in working on that, if > only I had more time... a drum emulator should be extremely simple > to make in principle, the interface will probably be the hardest > part. I've done a little thinking about that in a different context, and I think the best way to conceptualize the interface is to think in terms of two separate power domains with the interfacing being done with optoisolators. The timing aspects of the interface won't be as difficult as one might guess. The main clocking for the machine comes from the drum, so the whole machine is slaved to the drum for timing. As a result, we wouldn't have to worry about getting the data rates exact as long as simultaneity is preserved. _If_ such a restoration were to ever be attempted, I'd suggest approaching it as four tasks: 1) Develop a full emulation of the machine in such a way that the drum emulation and the rest of the machine are connected through the same interface used on the real machine. For example, using one Raspberry Pi to emulate the machine's logic and another to emulate the drum. That way the drum emulator can be developed against an emulation of the machine and the major functionality of it can be developed before attempting to tie to the real machine. 2) Restore the power supplies. Of course, we're mostly all familiar with that by now from other projects. The good news is that tube electronics of that era generally had relatively simple power supplies when compared with the complex switchers we've been using the last 40 years. 3) Set up a test bench with fixtures for testing all the tubes and all the plug-in modules. Then one-by-one go through every module in the machine, replacing tubes and repairing modules as needed. 4) Restore the original drum. Once Tasks 1, 2, and 3 are completed, we could integrate the drum emulator and would have a running G-15. I'd recommend doing Task 1 first as a proof of feasibility and competence. Then if the machine's owner were amenable, Tasks 2 and 3 could be undertaken concurrently with relatively little risk. Finally, only if it were decided to be worth the risk would any attempt be made to touch the drum. Of course, we'd want to carry out any such effort using the same level of preservation as the CHM PDP-1 project, documenting every step, preserving and labeling replaced components, etc. But I know what you mean about available time. I've been meaning to do an emulator anyway for some time, but other projects keep getting priority. What I should do is force myself to spend a Christmas break doing an emulator. Then if a restoration project were ever approved, I could try to spend most of a summer when I'm not teaching on it. Of course, the same thing applies to restoring George. BLS

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[OT] In the Bay Area...On the Wrong Day
by J. Alexander Jacocks 28 Jun '16

28 Jun '16

I am in the SF Bay Area, until Thursday, for a conference, so I figured that I should check out the Computer History Museum, which I have never seen, to my shame. But then I found out that it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, which pretty much makes it impossible for me, as I have customer meetings all day Wednesday and Thursday. Does anyone else have suggestions of things worth doing, other than the standard Weird Stuff/Halted visits? - Alex

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] [OT] In the Bay Area...On the Wrong Day
by Erik Klein 28 Jun '16

28 Jun '16

> > Date: Mon, 27 Jun 2016 13:34:52 -0400 > From: "J. Alexander Jacocks" <jjacocks(a)gmail.com> > To: vcf-midatlantic > <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> > Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] [OT] In the Bay Area...On the Wrong Day > Message-ID: > <CAF-r0Y0v3Ufh2FN1A8pke85FCL_=_BhBkrBvsgUk+5CNy4GG= > g(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > > I am in the SF Bay Area, until Thursday, for a conference, so I figured > that I should check out the Computer History Museum, which I have never > seen, to my shame. But then I found out that it is closed on Mondays and > Tuesdays, which pretty much makes it impossible for me, as I have customer > meetings all day Wednesday and Thursday. > > Does anyone else have suggestions of things worth doing, other than the > standard Weird Stuff/Halted visits? > > - Alex > The CHM has hours (10-5) on Tuesday's all summer long. You can get in and tour the place today. Enjoy! -- ----- Erik Klein www.vintage-computer.com - My personal collection www.vcfed.org - The Vintage Computer Federation www.vcfed.org/forum <http://www.vintage-computer.com/vcforum> - The Vintage Computer Forums marketplace.vintage-computer.com - The Vintage Computer and Gaming Marketplace

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] [OT] In the Bay Area...On the Wrong Day
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 28 Jun '16

28 Jun '16

william degnan via vcf-midatlantic writes: >*June 22, 1966The Jefferson Airplane at the Avalon Ballroom.* > > >*June 24, 1966 Lenny Bruce and the Mothers of Invention appeared in >concert at Fillmore Auditorium.* > >*KFRC Presents the Beach Boys Summer Spectacular at the Cow Palace. >Other acts included the Jefferson Airplane, Lovin' Spoonful, Chad and >Jeremy, Percy Sledge, The Byrds, and Sir Douglas Quintet,* > > >*June 26, 1966Sopwith Camel opened for the Rolling Stones in performance >at the Cow Palace. Jefferson Airplane also performed.* Camel, Stones and Airplane! If only I had a DeLorean with a flux capacitor.

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CEBOT (Camp Evans Base Of Terror) Volunteers needed
by Jeffrey Brace 27 Jun '16

27 Jun '16

For those that don't know InfoAge holds an annual event at Camp Evans every Friday and Saturday in the month of October. It is basically a haunted walk. This is the biggest money maker for InfoAge and helps to repair buildings, pay the electric bill and support the operations of InfoAge. They are looking for volunteers to help with crowd control. It is a very simple job where you hold off groups of people until the actors reset their area. All other groups have volunteers participating. It would be helpful if our group also had some volunteers. Our group really hasn't volunteered much for this event over the years and it always makes us look bad. The time needed would be 7PM to 11PM any Friday or Saturday in October. You can do one night or all nights. I will be there. So who can volunteer in October? Jeff Brace

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] [OT] In the Bay Area...On the Wrong Day
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 27 Jun '16

27 Jun '16

william degnan via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> writes: >On Mon, Jun 27, 2016 at 1:57 PM, Brian Schenkenberger via vcf-midatlantic < >vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > >> "J. Alexander Jacocks via vcf-midatlantic" writes: >> >> >I am in the SF Bay Area, until Thursday, for a conference, so I figured >> >that I should check out the Computer History Museum, which I have never >> >seen, to my shame. But then I found out that it is closed on Mondays >> >and Tuesdays, which pretty much makes it impossible for me, as I have >> >customer meetings all day Wednesday and Thursday. >> > >> >Does anyone else have suggestions of things worth doing, other than the >> >standard Weird Stuff/Halted visits? >> >> Put some flowers in your hair and stand around the neighborhood of Haight- >> Ashbury. >> >> >then he'd be two days and 50 years late for that, too. What happened then?

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VCF West XI August 6 & 7 - Who's Going?
by Jeffrey Brace 27 Jun '16

27 Jun '16

7 weeks to go. Corey, Evan and I are helping to organize. There are going to be great speakers and exhibitors! Check it out! http://vcfed.org/wp/festivals/vintage-computer-festival-west-xi/ Jeff Brace

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] [OT] In the Bay Area...On the Wrong Day
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 27 Jun '16

27 Jun '16

"J. Alexander Jacocks via vcf-midatlantic" writes: >I am in the SF Bay Area, until Thursday, for a conference, so I figured >that I should check out the Computer History Museum, which I have never >seen, to my shame. But then I found out that it is closed on Mondays >and Tuesdays, which pretty much makes it impossible for me, as I have >customer meetings all day Wednesday and Thursday. > >Does anyone else have suggestions of things worth doing, other than the >standard Weird Stuff/Halted visits? Put some flowers in your hair and stand around the neighborhood of Haight- Ashbury.

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Museum Report for Sunday, June 26th 2016
by Todd George 27 Jun '16

27 Jun '16

Slow day at the museum. One visitor today. He was a fellow InfoAge volunteer, came into the museum to chat, visit and soak up some A/C after mowing the lawns around an IA building or two. Worked on the Amiga monitor, no video/HV at all, all caps check out. Did not figure out the issue even after a nearly full tear-down of the monitor. Reassembled to leave it for next time. Also did a quick overall health check on the Amiga 500 power supply, all caps and voltages check out. All clear on that front, monitor is still dead though. :( The Macintosh was up and running early on, but developed a case of collapse part way through the day. Didn't get a chance to look into it, but it's only showing a vertical line now. I chose to just shut it down for the day. I also spent some time organizing the museum workbench. :) -Todd

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] K-Fest - who's going
by Todd George 27 Jun '16

27 Jun '16

> Date: Sun, 26 Jun 2016 12:39:58 -0400 > From: Jeffrey Brace <ark72axow(a)gmail.com> > Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] K-Fest - who's going > > Just wondering who's going so that others in our group might be interested > in meeting up etc. I'll be there. Driving so I can take/acquire mass quantities of stuff that would be difficult to transport via plane/convince TSA is not bomb materials. -Todd

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Bendix G-15 was Re: Univac, our first real work!
by Brian L. Stuart 26 Jun '16

26 Jun '16

On Thu, 6/16/16, David Riley via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > Our Bendix G-15, however, is tube-based (and drum-based, > which will probably be the bigger hurdle to getting it > running). True. The best bet for restoring the G-15 would be to construct a drum emulator that would interface with the rest of the machine using the same timing and signal levels as the original drum. Use that to get the rest of the machine running. Then if the original drum turns out to be unrestorable, we still have a running G-15, and if the original drum can be restored, the emulator can still be used to minimize any additional wear and tear on the original. I have no idea, however, how much of the original software still exists. I've got a few of the paper tape cartridges and I've seen some references online about software, so there is hope. Of course, writing software is a lot more fun than running old software, so even if nothing still exists, restoration would still be very interesting to consider. BLS

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FS: GR Electronics Type 8 Pocket Terminal (RS-232 serial terminal)
by Systems Glitch 26 Jun '16

26 Jun '16

link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/272287424144 I've had this little pocket terminal for a while, used to use it as a debug display when doing low-level debug on vintage systems. It's got a TI Graphing Calculator style keyboard and 8 character bubble magnified 16 segment display. Switch settable to work at 110 or 300 bps. +5V is supplied over the RS-232 cable (pin 9 +5V, pin 10 GND) and the terminal uses around 190 mA. The keypad seems a little stiff/insensitive, not sure if that's just how this particular keypad is, or if it could use a disassembly/cleaning. Thanks, Jonathan

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FS: Robot Research 800H RTTY/SSTV Unit (8085 based, parallel keyboard)
by Systems Glitch 26 Jun '16

26 Jun '16

link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/272287313991 Figured I'd post this here since this RTTY/SSTV unit is basically a vintage computer internally -- Intel 8085 based, composite video output, old Teletype layout keyboard, et c. Lots of good parts and a very heavy-duty keyboard enclosure if someone wants to roll their own computer into the chassis, repurpose the 8085 board inside, or just use the keyboard/enclosure with a vintage computer. It appears to be functional, but I don't have a receiver for RTTY/SSTV to actually tune in a station. Keyboard works with no stuck/dead keys that I noticed. This unit has RS-232 output, don't know about input, but I suspect it could be used with a composite monitor as a RS-232 terminal with a little modification. Price based on what similar RTTY gear has sold for recently, make an offer! Thanks, Jonathan

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K-Fest - who's going
by Jeffrey Brace 26 Jun '16

26 Jun '16

Just wondering who's going so that others in our group might be interested in meeting up etc.

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Upcoming: Apple II Prototype Card
by Systems Glitch 25 Jun '16

25 Jun '16

Apparently Ian is building an Apple II card for VCF, and doesn't like most of the current prototype card offerings -- either the layout is...deficient, or they're not regularly available. I laid out a simple pad-per-hole board: http://i.imgur.com/G5QOATi.png I have a small prototype quantity on order, but I'll probably be ordering 50 or 100 in the near future, if anyone is interested. Thanks, Jonathan

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FS: Solflower SBus to VME Converter Chassis
by Systems Glitch 25 Jun '16

25 Jun '16

link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/272286199075 Six-slot Solflower VME chassis with a converter board for hooking VME boards to a SBus Sun box. Unfortunately I don't have the SBus board that makes up the other side of the interface, so I was only able to power-on test it. No idea what it's worth, so I listed it for what I've seen similarly sized desktop VME boxes go for. Feel free to make an offer! Thanks, Jonathan

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] OT looking for an AT style case
by Connor Krukosky 24 Jun '16

24 Jun '16

Nice! That will be a fun little box. Unfortunately I don't really have anything kicking around other than an old rough PC XT chassis. I don't need it because the motherboard is shot in it. If you want that let me know. There is a PSU inside that should work too. But I am not 100% sure. Good luck! -Connor K On Jun 24, 2016 2:29 PM, Matt Patoray via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > > Hi All, > > In am looking for an AT style tesktop or mid tower case with power supply. > > I just gotr a 486DX4-100 board with ram and would like to make an OS/2 Warp > box out of it. > > Everything found on a quick ebay seasrch is over $100 with shipping and > does not have a power supply. > > -- > Matt Patoray > Owner, MSP Productions > (330)718-3064 (mobile) > mspproductions(a)gmail.com > KD8AMG Amateur Radio Call Sign

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OT looking for an AT style case
by Matt Patoray 24 Jun '16

24 Jun '16

Hi All, In am looking for an AT style tesktop or mid tower case with power supply. I just gotr a 486DX4-100 board with ram and would like to make an OS/2 Warp box out of it. Everything found on a quick ebay seasrch is over $100 with shipping and does not have a power supply. -- Matt Patoray Owner, MSP Productions (330)718-3064 (mobile) mspproductions(a)gmail.com KD8AMG Amateur Radio Call Sign

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Mac 128K needed in DC area, pronto!
by Evan Koblentz 23 Jun '16

23 Jun '16

The Smithsonian TV channel needs a Mac 128K this Friday for a one-day shoot. It doesn't have to work but it would be helpful if it does. They will pay a good rate. Contact me privately (evan(a)vcfed.org) if you have one and can make it available quickly.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] free printers - Dec Letterwriter 100 and HP Laserjet 4Pm
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 23 Jun '16

23 Jun '16

william degnan via vcf-midatlantic writes: >The Letterwriter 100 is for the Rainbow class machine. It's in the orig >box, with manuals. I did not check it out. Comes with a few font carts. >Seems complete. I might like that. I don't think I have a 100.

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free printers - Dec Letterwriter 100 and HP Laserjet 4Pm
by william degnan 22 Jun '16

22 Jun '16

The Letterwriter 100 is for the Rainbow class machine. It's in the orig box, with manuals. I did not check it out. Comes with a few font carts. Seems complete. The HP Laserjet 4Pm (for Macintosh) - This came with a Mac SE30 that works, the printer looks like it might work. I don't really need this. Both are in the shed, no room in the basement. If the museum wants either, they're all yours. I can deliver next time I come up. I will hold onto these no rush. First come first to get. Landenberg, PA. Contact me privately, vintagecomputer.net/contact.cfm b -- @ BillDeg: Web: vintagecomputer.net Twitter: @billdeg <https://twitter.com/billdeg> Youtube: @billdeg <https://www.youtube.com/user/billdeg> Unauthorized Bio <http://www.vintagecomputer.net/readme.cfm>

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Internet access for the museum
by Evan Koblentz 22 Jun '16

22 Jun '16

Good news! We're finally getting our own Internet access in the museum. No more trying to bridge off IA's cable modem or using personal hotspots. We ordered an LTE-grade desktop (not mobile) hotspot from a company called Mobile Citizen. They only sell to non-profits. They own spectrum and lease it to Sprint, which in exchange provides the underlying service. They have a 20-20-year contract for this. They give customers like us good service for ten bucks a months. BernieS from 2600/HOPE told us about it and brought his mobile version of their product to VCF East to demo it to me. We had to apply, etc. and were recently approved. Now we're waiting for the equipment to arrive. Desktop version of their modem has wired and wireless ports, so we'll be able to do whatever we need. I'm excited about this! Thank you to Bernie for the info and Corey for doing the paperwork (there was a lot).

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Univac, our first real work! - capstan fix
by Steven Michelsen 20 Jun '16

20 Jun '16

I have also used http://www.terrysrubberrollers.com/, to replace the rubber on the capstan on my Tascam 34B 4-track tape deck. I sent him the pile of mush that used to be the rubber in a ziplock bag, with the metal spindle embedded, and got back what looked a whole lot like a new capstan. You will have to specify the diameter and other pertinent dimensions, as he surely won't have the specs for this one on file! BTW http://www.terrysrubberrollers.com/ is just a guy named Terry, not a big factory or shop. Write him ahead of time with pictures and your needs, and he will tell you if it can be done. It shouldn't cost too much - if it's more than say $60 I would be surprised. Steve From: vcf-midatlantic [mailto:vcf-midatlantic-bounces@lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org] On Behalf Of Martin A Flynn via vcf-midatlantic Sent: Thursday, June 16, 2016 5:24 PM To: vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org Cc: Martin A Flynn <maflynn(a)theflynn.org> Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Univac, our first real work! On 6/16/2016 3:34 PM, Dave McGuire via vcf-midatlantic wrote: On 06/16/2016 03:34 PM, Herb Johnson via vcf-midatlantic wrote: The capstan problem is typical of any device that handles tape, either magnetic or paper. I have a number of devices with melted capstans. My casual knowledge of other's work, is to either find a similar rubber capstan and transfer the rubber (Bill Degnan suggested this also); or to mill out (as in milling machine) a chunk of rubber to fit. So I'd like to hear about any resolution for this rubber capstan problem. http://www.terrysrubberrollers.com/ They re-did the rollers and bail rollers for my Selectric: JJ Short and associates: http://www.jjshort.com

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OT: Recovering
by Evan Koblentz 20 Jun '16

20 Jun '16

Hey everyone. Was in surgery for three hours and now I'm recovering. They said lab results will take a week to be official but unofficially it was as expected, a benign cartilage tumor on my left femur. In some pain but mostly I feel okay after a sleeping an additional three hours and eating. Getting a room soon. Can't reiterate enough how much I appreciate all the friendship and support in this group. I can be a PITA sometimes ;) but you're all my kind of crazy.

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Maybe someone can help this guy and make a few bucks
by Herb Johnson 20 Jun '16

20 Jun '16

[a link posted to a Craigslist request for help with a Tandy 1000RL] http://www.rcsri.org/ The Retro-Computing Society of Rhode Island, Inc. http://www.ricomputermuseum.org/ Rhode island Computer Museum are organizations closer than VCFed to the New Haven CT Craigslist poster, who would have resources, and knowledge, and might appreciate a cash donation. I won't make the referral, I'll leave that to Christian Liendo who originated the request. Also: it happens I have a Tandy CDR-1000, which is a CD-reader drive; with 40-pin? flat cable to an ISA card with audio connectors which is the simple controller. I believe this is from a Tandy 1000 system. If anyone is interested, contact me privately and make cash offer plus shipping. It likely can be shipped by Priority medium flat-rate box for about $15 within the USA. No testing, no warranty. Herb Johnson in New Jersey -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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July Workshop who's going?
by Jeffrey Brace 20 Jun '16

20 Jun '16

OK. So someone told me that K-fest runs July 19 to July 24. Our workshop is July 16/17, but some people leave early to drive there. So that I can see if there is an adequate number of people going to the workshop. Who's going? 01. Jeff Brace 02. ? 03. ? 04. ? 05. ? 06. ? 07. ? 08. ? 09. ? 10. ?

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Museum Report
by Jeffrey Brace 19 Jun '16

19 Jun '16

So I was docent for the museum today and got about 20 visitors today. One guy said he worked on the AT&T machines that are on display. Many interested visitors. I also trained Todd George on being a docent and Mouse had a refresher since he didn't know about the new museum space yet.

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For sale: IBM 3581-H17 LTO1 autoloader
by Mike Loewen 19 Jun '16

19 Jun '16

I have an IBM 3581-H17 LTO1 autoloader (7-tape capacity) with a cleaning cartridge. HVD SCSI interface. Unable to test, but it was working when removed from service last year. Passes power-on self-test and loads cleaning tape. Make me an offer. Pickup in central PA preferable (it's heavy), or I could deliver at VCF Midwest. Mike Loewen mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/

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