- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

Roger Amidon, RIP....
by Evan Koblentz 17 May '16

17 May '16

Very sad news to report. Our good friend Roger Amidon died a few days ago. I found out just now. http://www.hopewellmemorial.com/obituaries/Roger-Amidon/#!/Obituary Roger was a founding member of ACGNJ, had the idea for the Trenton Computer Festival (implemented by Sol Libes and Al Katz), and founded Technical Design Labs which made the Xitan computer -- probably the first machine to put a Z-80 in an S-100 system. TDL spun out the people/company that turned in Epson USA. They designed Valdocs for the QX-10, etc. .... but more important than all of that is this: Roger was a great guy. I only knew him for 10 years, but he was always friendly and in a good mood. He cared a lot about groups like MARCH/VCF and always treated us very well. Here's a video of a panel from VCF East 7.0 including Roger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P_I5H_9uvU Herb knew Roger better and for a much longer time than I. I'm sure others here also knew him pretty well, especially the long-time Trenton veterans such as Jeff G. and Andy Meyer. Further information is here: http://www.hopewellmemorial.com/obituaries/Roger-Amidon/#!/Obituary I will go to his memorial service this Friday. - Evan

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German Nixdorf 820 Brochure
by Ben Greenfield 17 May '16

17 May '16

Hey All, I just got a 65 page pdf brochure from the Nixdorf Museum in Germany. http://www.hnf.de/en/museum.html the problem is that I don’t speak or read german. I’m wondering if this group has connections to people that translate old computer docs. I would think that a normal german translator could be overwhelmed by technical explanations. Any thoughts? Thanks, Ben

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Commodore Mid-Atlantic Connection Article
by william degnan 16 May '16

16 May '16

Talks about my county; Chester, PA *http://tinyurl.com/zxywcpb <http://tinyurl.com/zxywcpb>* -- @ 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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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Cromemco Dazzler 40th birthday presents...
by Douglas Crawford 16 May '16

16 May '16

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Museum Report
by Jeffrey Brace 15 May '16

15 May '16

About 20 visitors came today. Most of them looking for the model trains museum. A few that were really interested. One that had graduated from Stanford recently so I told him about the VCF West that was nearby where he went to school. It was good that the Model train guys had advertising for the official open house. It will get more people drifting over from the main museum building to the new satellite museums. Jeff Brace

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Great day @ museum
by Evan Koblentz 14 May '16

14 May '16

The model trains group had a big event today with about 100 people. Around half of them made it across the hallway to see our museum, plus there were several ordinary InfoAge visitors. Herb stopped by too. A very good day.

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OT: Helpers needed to prepare InfoAge satellite dish exhibit
by Evan Koblentz 13 May '16

13 May '16

Everyone, InfoAge is looking for helpers at the satellite dish campus on May 21 and June 18. They're looking for people who are ready to do real labor, from painting to gardening to raking (and that sort of thing). RSVP privately to Jim Kudrick: jimkudrick(a)gmail.com / 908-278-4850.

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Belated group pic from last Saturday
by Evan Koblentz 13 May '16

13 May '16

A few of us met at a bar in Philadelphia last weekend: http://www.vcfed.org/evan/philly_5-7-16.jpg Right to left (because I like to be different): me taking the selfie, Jonathan G., David Rys., David's brother Phil, and Bill Deg. In related news: I highly recommend the chicken tenders at Misconduct Tavern, they're delicious.

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You should really have a redirect from vintage.org to vcfed.org
by Christian Liendo 13 May '16

13 May '16

I couldn't remember vcfed.org and if you google vintage computer fest it still links to vintage.org

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Oklahoma City?
by Dave McGuire 13 May '16

13 May '16

Hey folks, is there anyone near Oklahoma City who might be able to pick up a biggish oscilloscope for me (Tektronix 500 series, one-man lift but big as oscilloscopes go) anytime soon? It came from a friend of mine who needed it gone, and it's trying to make its way up here to me. The fellow who has it now will be moving soon and it needs to be gotten out of his way. Thanks, -Dave -- Dave McGuire, AK4HZ New Kensington, PA

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Festivus 2016 - Dec. 3 & 4
by Jeffrey Brace 13 May '16

13 May '16

I know that this is *real* early, but some people coming from long distance need to plan ahead. Festivus will be December 3 & 4. We will be having it in the 9010-A classroom. It's a nicely renovated area. More details will be forthcoming in the coming months. Hope to see lots of you there! -- Jeff Brace

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Steve Dompier's coding...
by Herb Johnson 13 May '16

13 May '16

> [Cromemco Dazzler Dazzlemation...] > .... Mr. Dompier hand wrote that program > LITERALLY (hand, pencil, paper), no editor, no assembler. > He then toggled it in (or maybe raw keyed it in with a > primitive ROM monitor) and [used paper tape to save/restore it] I agree, it's informative to look at such code, to see methods of coding. But that's normal activity, given the era. When you don't have a computer with disk drives, an assembler program, a text editor...that's what you did, that's what we did in the era. Much of the earliest 8080 code (6502, 6800, 8008, 4004, 4040...) was hand coded. MOst of the early single-boards, didn't have resident assemblers. There was no choice, but this is how one understood the operation and programming of these processors. They were little logic engines; the code is the logic. It would be a lecture, to explain that further, and the history behind it. Some people today, still code by hand. Many 1802 COSMAC computer owners do that - I support some of that work. Example: I spent a few days recently, disassembling an 1802 FORTH implementation. About 1/3 of it was 1802 assembler; I used a disassembler for that part. The rest was just words - 16 bit addresses, one after another - which represented FORTH definitions. Those, I hand-aligned, determined the dictionary location, and "decoded" which FORTH word was represented. I learned a lot about setting up FORTH with an 1802. Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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The June Workshop will be June 11 & 12
by Jeffrey Brace 11 May '16

11 May '16

The next workshop will be June 11 starting at 10 AM. June 4/5 and 25/26 are unavailable. June 18/19 is Father's Day weekend. So this is the only weekend available. So mark your calendars and I hope to see all of you there! Jeff Brace

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Testing....
by Evan Koblentz 11 May '16

11 May '16

No list messages since Monday night. Making sure this is still working...

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Testing....
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 11 May '16

11 May '16

Dean Notarnicola via vcf-midatlantic writes: >Ack https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YklZBA9UBjc

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Testing....
by Brian L. Stuart 11 May '16

11 May '16

> > > > No list messages since Monday night. Making sure this is still > > > > working... > > > > > > Arp > > > > Moog > > HA !! VCF-N-LISTPASS: List working normally BLS

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Bar in Philly tonight
by Evan Koblentz 09 May '16

09 May '16

A few of us are arranging to meet at a bar someplace in central Philly at 9pm tonight. Details to be determined. Open to all.

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ReallyPopular<tm> movie
by Evan Koblentz 09 May '16

09 May '16

>> Without giving out any spoilers, there's a shout out to our favorite hobby in the ReallyPopular<tm> movie released today. I think several people here became osmosisly aware :) of our involvement with such a movie. Presumably the NDA is moot now...

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Lo-Tech Z-80 Test Board
by william degnan 09 May '16

09 May '16

On May 8, 2016 9:26 PM, "Jeffrey Jonas via vcf-midatlantic" < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > > replying to "Lo-tech_Z80_CPU_Test_Adapter > > It's an excuse for making and selling a PC board. > A 40 pin DIP CLIP does that and more: > for probing with a scope or logic analyzer. > Most system boards don't have the space or clearance for daughterboards. > > A stand alone Z80 CPU tester is just a clock source, > 5V and pull-up resistors, feeding the Z80 NO-OPS. > Then watch the CPU go thru its paces > > -- jeffj I know in the past people used a Sinclair zx81 or timex 1000 for this kind of thing. Easy to work with Bill Degnan twitter: billdeg vintagecomputer.net

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Lo-Tech Z-80 Test Board
by Jeffrey Jonas 08 May '16

08 May '16

replying to "Lo-tech_Z80_CPU_Test_Adapter It's an excuse for making and selling a PC board. A 40 pin DIP CLIP does that and more: for probing with a scope or logic analyzer. Most system boards don't have the space or clearance for daughterboards. A stand alone Z80 CPU tester is just a clock source, 5V and pull-up resistors, feeding the Z80 NO-OPS. Then watch the CPU go thru its paces -- jeffj

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Calling for [Point 4] IRIS programmers
by Microtech Dart 08 May '16

08 May '16

Hi, all. It's been a while since I've discussed anything here. We've made a lot of progress re-constructing a couple of Point 4 machines (as much as one can without the actual hardware), yet still need some help from a few knowledgeable folks in this 35+ year old OS. It was built on the DG Nova foundation, but made by Educational Data Systems, which became Point 4, for their Point 4 machines. So, it doesn't exactly "just run" on SimH Nova. We've been in regular contact with Bruce Ray, who is a true expert in all Data General and related systems. He has already helped us TREMENDOUSLY. http://NovasAreForever.org But other than Bruce Ray, are there any other folks here on this forum who may have had any IRIS programming, either on the Point 4, or another system of similarity in the late '70s to early '80s? I've hunted down a handful of people so far on LinkedIn and scouring the internet, and only a few of those have responded. But I just thought I'd make a shout out here. A small handful have kindly responded, with either limited recollection or availability, or both. In addition to Bruce, those who have contributed so far include David Takle, and one of the original Point 4 IRIS designers, Dan Paymar. We've added a LOT of new content and progress to our restoration/re-creation of what is turning out to be TWO distinct Point 4 IRIS systems. Stop by our site if you like, and especially review the directory page "Understranding IRIS": http://microtechm1.blogspot.com/p/understanding-iris.html Does anyone here have anything to add, or IRIS/Point 4 documentation that could be helpful here (other than what we have at http://microtechm1.blogspot.com/p/manuals.html ). Thanks all, I always appreciate the fantastic feedback here. -AJ http://MightyFrame.com http://MicrotechM1.blogspot.com

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] (Semi-off topic) Looking for a place in NJ that does in-place expandable foam packing.
by Corey Cohen 07 May '16

07 May '16

Maybe I should keep looking for a professional shop for this. One item is an irreplaceable 1973 TV. corey cohen uǝɥoɔ ʎǝɹoɔ > On May 7, 2016, at 9:30 AM, Garrett Nievin <gnievin(a)silvaire.org> wrote: > > You can get this stuff in spray cans at your local hardware store as an expanding foam insulation: > > http://www.homedepot.com/p/GREAT-STUFF-16-oz-Gaps-and-Cracks-Insulating-Foa… > > One can expands to a surprisingly large volume. May or may not be up to your task, though. > > Cheers, > Garrett > > > On Sat, 07 May 2016 07:13:57 -0400 > Corey Cohen via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > >> I have to ship a vintage monitor, Keyboard and some other stuff overseas. What to make sure it not only gets there in one piece, but has reusable boxes that the items can be shipped back in the future. >> >> When I got my ADM-5, the shipper used an expanding foam that made a perfect shape around the terminal. >> >> Anyone have a place in NJ, preferably in Middlesex, Monmouth or ocean counties that does this for individual who are shipping stuff. >> >> Thanks, >> Corey >> >> corey cohen >> uǝɥoɔ ʎǝɹoɔ > > >

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Cory - options for shipping your monitor, etc.
by Steven Michelsen 07 May '16

07 May '16

Cory, I have a "vintage" ATA road case that you can have, that was used to carry a 12" monitor. It’s one of several cases that I have no use for any longer, and doubt I could sell even on ebay. It is made of very solid stuff and is lined with foam. Unfortunately, that also means that it is heavy, which means the price to ship will be higher. If you are interested I will fish it out of my garage and take measurements. Here's a picture: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/65762317/forums/road_case_for_monitor.j… Also, not sure how to get it to you – I will be out of town the next two weeks. I am hoping to be at the June workshop. Not sure what your schedule is for shipping your stuff. OR, another option is something like this… http://bensonbox.com/. Not as bulletproof as my steel-edged cases, but decent, and lightweight. Steve -----Original Message----- From: vcf-midatlantic [mailto:vcf-midatlantic-bounces@lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org] On Behalf Of Corey Cohen via vcf-midatlantic Sent: Saturday, May 07, 2016 9:37 AM To: Garrett Nievin <gnievin(a)silvaire.org> Cc: Corey Cohen <applecorey(a)optonline.net>; Corey Cohen via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] (Semi-off topic) Looking for a place in NJ that does in-place expandable foam packing. Maybe I should keep looking for a professional shop for this. One item is an irreplaceable 1973 TV. corey cohen uǝɥoɔ ʎǝɹoɔ > On May 7, 2016, at 9:30 AM, Garrett Nievin <gnievin(a)silvaire.org> wrote: > > You can get this stuff in spray cans at your local hardware store as an expanding foam insulation: > > http://www.homedepot.com/p/GREAT-STUFF-16-oz-Gaps-and-Cracks-Insulating-Foa… > > One can expands to a surprisingly large volume. May or may not be up to your task, though. > > Cheers, > Garrett > > > On Sat, 07 May 2016 07:13:57 -0400 > Corey Cohen via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > >> I have to ship a vintage monitor, Keyboard and some other stuff overseas. What to make sure it not only gets there in one piece, but has reusable boxes that the items can be shipped back in the future. >> >> When I got my ADM-5, the shipper used an expanding foam that made a perfect shape around the terminal. >> >> Anyone have a place in NJ, preferably in Middlesex, Monmouth or ocean counties that does this for individual who are shipping stuff. >> >> Thanks, >> Corey >> >> corey cohen >> uǝɥoɔ ʎǝɹoɔ > > >

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(Semi-off topic) Looking for a place in NJ that does in-place expandable foam packing.
by Herb Johnson 07 May '16

07 May '16

I've noticed that FedEx offers some fancier boxes that amount to more elaborate travel cabinets, with reinforced corners and edges, but are still made of cardboard. They call them "Kubox" and they aren't cheap (over $100) but they are light and sturdy. reduced weight may save shipping cost. FedEx Office of course, also does packing and offers a variety of boxes. Let's not have a comparative discussion of shipping services, please. The question was on boxes and packing. The alternative, for a one-off shipment, might be to visit some thrift stores and look at *luggage*. Some piece of luggage or cabinet or footlocker may fit the item. Military surplus stores, maybe there's cheap cabinetry at Ikeo, I dunno. Also, I have some professional carrying cases which are intended for both shipping and for travel. Corey, contact me 1) if you have the time and this isn't ship-yesterday and 2) if you have some dimensions for the items in question, so I can determine fit for what I have around. But what I generally do, is cut up styrofoam sheets to fit the space in my shipping box, fill the rest with soft stuff or styro peanuts; double boxing if necessary. YOu can get sheets from big-box hardware stores. The white stuff simply takes up air space, doesn't absorb impacts well. The pink stuff is pretty stiff and provides structure, you can build an "inner box" from it. You'll generate some styrofoam "sawdust". The price of these sheets compares to buying the peanuts, which you should ONLY buy in as large a bag as possible. UPS-type shipping stores sell the big bags (10 cubic feet or more), but shop around for best price. Yes, Uline sells them too. If someone asked *me* to use spray insulation inside a shipping box, I'd mock up the item, pack the mock-up with the spray, then cut out the mock-up and repack the actual item wrapped in styro sheet or bubble wrap to fill the void. I'd hate to risk ruining some valuable item with sticky foam or fumes from the spray, or from scratches while extracting it with a knife. Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] (Semi-off topic) Looking for a place in NJ that does in-place expandable foam packing.
by william degnan 07 May '16

07 May '16

> > > > >I've used Insta-Pak RT for shipping very delicate/expensive electronics > and lab equipment in the past -- I'm currently out and need to order more. > It's excellent packing material, a little expensive, but not so expensive > if you consider the risk it avoids! I buy mine through ULINE. Make sure to > get the Insta-Pak *RT* variety -- RT indicates "Room Temperature," the > cheaper Insta-Pak requires a heating plate or it won't activate. > > > >Thanks, > >Jonathan > > I shipped a TRS 80 model 3 by filling the box that chocolate syrup that hardens when it cools. Makes a perfect mold. I have not yet heard back from the guy but I bet it worked perfectly. If you're going to do that with an Apple 1, you should probably shrink wrap it first, it might be hard to spray off all of that chocolate. -- @ 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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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] (Semi-off topic) Looking for a place in NJ that does in-place expandable foam packing.
by Alexander 07 May '16

07 May '16

I've used the self-contained Instapak stuff, and it works wonders. We packaged up delicate electronic gear using three packs of the stuff in stages. Just be warned, the reaction of the foam expanding creates alot of heat and that's normal. It also only gives you a short window to fit your item to be packed, so you may need more than pair of hands to get it right. -Alexander 'Z' Pierson Sent from my pocket telephone. Systems Glitch via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: >I've used Insta-Pak RT for shipping very delicate/expensive electronics and lab equipment in the past -- I'm currently out and need to order more. It's excellent packing material, a little expensive, but not so expensive if you consider the risk it avoids! I buy mine through ULINE. Make sure to get the Insta-Pak *RT* variety -- RT indicates "Room Temperature," the cheaper Insta-Pak requires a heating plate or it won't activate. > >Thanks, >Jonathan

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] (Semi-off topic) Looking for a place in NJ that does in-place expandable foam packing.
by Corey Cohen 07 May '16

07 May '16

So what do I do, just bag the item, start spraying it in he bottom, put it in the box while it's still expanding and keep spraying till the box is full? Thanks, Corey corey cohen uǝɥoɔ ʎǝɹoɔ > On May 7, 2016, at 8:33 AM, gnievin(a)comcast.net wrote: > > > You can get a can of that stuff at Home Depot. It is used as a space filling insulation. Good for sealing small spaces against mice and whatnot. > > ------ Original Message ------ > > From: Corey Cohen via vcf-midatlantic > To: vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org > Cc: Corey Cohen > Sent: May 7, 2016 at 7:14 AM > Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] (Semi-off topic) Looking for a place in NJ that does in-place expandable foam packing. > > I have to ship a vintage monitor, Keyboard and some other stuff overseas. What to make sure it not only gets there in one piece, but has reusable boxes that the items can be shipped back in the future. > > When I got my ADM-5, the shipper used an expanding foam that made a perfect shape around the terminal. > > Anyone have a place in NJ, preferably in Middlesex, Monmouth or ocean counties that does this for individual who are shipping stuff. > > Thanks, > Corey > > corey cohen > uǝɥoɔ ʎǝɹoɔ

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DEC Pathworks licenses?
by David Riley 07 May '16

07 May '16

Hi VMS folks (you know who you are), I'm looking to get DEC Pathworks for OpenVMS (Macintosh) installed on my MicroVAX in preparation for what I hope will be a VCF exhibit next year. I've acquired the layered product kit and can install it, but I don't have the licenses and they're not provided by the hobbyist PAK kit. What's the best way to get a license (license PAK names are described at the bottom)? It's been a retired product for quite some time, so I assume it would be quite difficult to buy them from HPE at this point (and would cost me an arm and a leg anyway even if available); are there second-hand licenses for this sort of thing? Licenses required are at least one of the following: Product: PWXXMACAT01.03 Producer: DEC Version: V1.3A Release Date: 31-JAN-1995 Product: PWASMACCC01.03 Producer: DEC Version: V1.3A Release Date: 31-JAN-1995 Product: PWASXXXFP01.03 Producer: DEC Version: V1.3A Release Date: 31-JAN-1995 - Dave

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(Semi-off topic) Looking for a place in NJ that does in-place expandable foam packing.
by Corey Cohen 07 May '16

07 May '16

I have to ship a vintage monitor, Keyboard and some other stuff overseas. What to make sure it not only gets there in one piece, but has reusable boxes that the items can be shipped back in the future. When I got my ADM-5, the shipper used an expanding foam that made a perfect shape around the terminal. Anyone have a place in NJ, preferably in Middlesex, Monmouth or ocean counties that does this for individual who are shipping stuff. Thanks, Corey corey cohen uǝɥoɔ ʎǝɹoɔ

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Apple 1 demo @ VCF East: video
by Evan Koblentz 06 May '16

06 May '16

https://youtu.be/IDkGHYK1cd8

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VCF East XI....pics
by Herb Johnson 06 May '16

06 May '16

> > http://www.pdp8online.com/shows/vcfe16/vcfe16.shtml > > Specifically > http://www.pdp8online.com/shows/vcfe16/display.shtml David has done nice work on describing his own history with computers. This is how people "got into" computers, when computers were uncommon. On my own VCF-E Web page, I'll be glad to carry other exhibitor's descriptions of their own exhibits. http://www.retrotechnology.com/vcfe11/vcfe_11.html Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net preservation of 1970's computing email: hjohnson AAT retrotechnology DOTT com alternate: herbjohnson ATT retrotechnology DOTT info

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VCF East XI....pics
by Dan Roganti 06 May '16

06 May '16

I posted a few pics It's still a rough cut, no title, no descriptions I was going to add these later, using the info from the exhibitors page on VCFed I didn't get pics of the classes since they were in parallel tracks oddly enough, a lot of the exhibitor pics don't include the exhibitor don't tell Evan you weren't at your booth :) http://www.rogtronics.net/blog/?page_id=688 Dan

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Black Apple
by Evan Koblentz 06 May '16

06 May '16

The floppy drive arrived today, computer was shipped separately and should arrive in a day or two. Drive is super clean and in original Apple (not B&H) shipping box.

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ENIAC Video ... and some 1130s
by Bob Flanders 06 May '16

06 May '16

On YouTube, there are some interesting videos in the "Computer History Archives". This one is about ENIAC. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGk9W65vXNA If you look carefully, there are four IBM 1130s in this film starting at about the 7:33 mark https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb0cRL2mnbA Bob

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Steve Dompier's coding...
by Dan Roganti 05 May '16

05 May '16

On Thu, May 5, 2016 at 8:56 PM, Bill Sudbrink via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > How about a quiz? > > See if you can answer before Herb (who can probably answer > without even looking...) > > 1) What 8080 instruction did Mr. Dompier use as a debugging > "breakpoint"? > > 2) How could he tell that the code reached his "breakpoint"? > > 3) What secret (or at least undocumented) keystroke did he > implement to facilitate punching his work to paper tape? > > 4) What drawback did his method have? > > > dude, I did too much lsd and pot in those days to worry about trivia if you want to talk about how to debug code then that's another story But lately , I'm knee deep in 6502 code every night I would be very glad to read about this as a history article on your website Dan

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Steve Dompier's coding...
by Dan Roganti 05 May '16

05 May '16

On Thu, May 5, 2016 at 4:50 PM, Bill Sudbrink via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > Herb Johnson wrote: > > > [Cromemco Dazzler Dazzlemation...] > > > .... Mr. Dompier hand wrote that program > > > LITERALLY (hand, pencil, paper), no editor, no assembler. > > > He then toggled it in (or maybe raw keyed it in with a > > > primitive ROM monitor) and [used paper tape to save/restore it] > > > > I agree, it's informative to look at such code, to see methods of > > coding. But that's normal activity, given the era. > > And I agree with you. I did some myself. I was trying to interest > some of the people who might not be aware. I've exhibited my IMSAIs > and Altairs a number of times. On numerous occasions, I've heard > comments like "those front panels are pretty but you couldn't really > do anything with them". I'm pretty sure now that Mr. Dompier > toggled Dazzlemation into the machine. The recollection is that he > didn't get a 4FDC until later, so he probably didn't have a monitor > in ROM. > > Bill S. > > > yes, I still kept most of my programming code and notes here in my Altair and Imsai manuals using the obligatory yellow legal pads from the 70s. It was not just common practice, but *required* Dan

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Steve Dompier's coding...
by Dave McGuire 05 May '16

05 May '16

On 05/05/2016 04:50 PM, Bill Sudbrink via vcf-midatlantic wrote: >>> .... Mr. Dompier hand wrote that program >>> LITERALLY (hand, pencil, paper), no editor, no assembler. >>> He then toggled it in (or maybe raw keyed it in with a >>> primitive ROM monitor) and [used paper tape to save/restore it] >> >> I agree, it's informative to look at such code, to see methods of >> coding. But that's normal activity, given the era. > > And I agree with you. I did some myself. I was trying to interest > some of the people who might not be aware. I've exhibited my IMSAIs > and Altairs a number of times. On numerous occasions, I've heard > comments like "those front panels are pretty but you couldn't really > do anything with them". I'm pretty sure now that Mr. Dompier > toggled Dazzlemation into the machine. The recollection is that he > didn't get a 4FDC until later, so he probably didn't have a monitor > in ROM. Many years ago, in the mid-1970s, there was a construction article in, I think, Popular Electronics magazine, for basically a blinking light panel. It had a field of LEDs that blinked randomly, nothing more. The article stated that the blinking lights on large computers of the day were simply there to impress their owners, and that "a painted metal panel would convey the same amount of useful information". Since such machines were prohibitively expensive for the hobbyist, there should be a way for the average hobbyist to "get a decent set of blinking lights", hence that construction project. The article's author was clearly completely (and dismissively!) clueless about what computer front panels are really all about. -Dave -- Dave McGuire, AK4HZ New Kensington, PA

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black Apple arrived
by Evan Koblentz 05 May '16

05 May '16

Needs a cleaning, but otherwise it looks good. Have not done any functional testing: http://vcfed.org/evan/darth.jpg Also came with this stand/port consolidator thingamajig: http://vcfed.org/evan/ports.jpg We have one floppy drive as well.

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Lo-Tech Z-80 Test Board
by Al Hartman 04 May '16

04 May '16

Thought people on the list might find this useful... https://www.lo-tech.co.uk/wiki/Lo-tech_Z80_CPU_Test_Adapter -[ Al ]-

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Steve Dompier's coding...
by Bill Sudbrink 04 May '16

04 May '16

I took a peek at the access logs for the Cromemco Dazzler files that I recently put up on my web server. I'm gratified to see that a lot of people are taking advantage of the availability of these documents, that have not recently (if ever) been easily available on the web. I also see that a lot of people took the Dazzlemation HEX file and the Magenta Martini paper tape image, presumably to run on Udo Monk's great Windows Cromemco Z1 simulator. Also, thanks to everyone that generated pdf files for me! One thing I noticed is that not many people looked at the disassembly of Dazzlemation. If you are an 8080 or Z80 programmer (or any 8-bitter for that matter) I really recommend that you take a look, it's a real treat. I'm reliably informed that Mr. Dompier hand wrote that program LITERALLY (hand, pencil, paper), no editor, no assembler. He then toggled it in (or maybe raw keyed it in with a primitive ROM monitor) and went through a few iterations of: 1) store to paper tape 2) modify in memory 3) test 4) go to 1 It's neat to see some of the "tricks" he used and also the level of sophistication of the code. It does a lot of stuff in not a lot of bytes. Also, here and there, in "dead" areas, you can also see the debris of ideas that he started and then abandoned. Bill S.

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Anyone live in/near Center City Philadelphia?
by Evan Koblentz 04 May '16

04 May '16

If so, then email me privately.

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XT-IDE rev 3 Preorder
by Systems Glitch 03 May '16

03 May '16

All, As discussed on the forums ( http://www.vcfed.org/forum/showthread.php?52343-Anyone-Selling-XT-IDE-Cards ) I'm doing a revision 3 of the XT-IDE board. The design is simplified and the routing is completely redone, and much cleaner! To gauge interest and try and guess at what size of initial order I need to do, I've put together a preorder form: http://www.glitchwrks.com/xt-ide/preorder This allows you to specify how many bare boards, kits, and/or assembled+tested units you're interested in. You'll get a confirmation email with a link to validate your preorder. If you don't validate within 48 hours, the preorder will be dropped. Thanks, Jonathan

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VT320 CRT replacement?
by David Riley 03 May '16

03 May '16

I have a VT320 with a pretty bad case of Being Old. The screen is so dim that even with all the lights off in the basement, it's difficult to read (and if it gets switched to 132-character mode, next to impossible). I know surplus caches of these CRTs pop up every once in a while, and I know other mono CRTs of the same size are often mechanically and electrically compatible, but I'm a bit at sea. Does anyone have pointers for acquiring such things? The current tube is amber, but I really don't care what color it is as long as it's legible. Failing that, how well do rejuvenators really work on these? My understanding is that it's usually a pretty temporary fix at best (like Retr0Brite). - Dave

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Lego LOGO: My childhood dream came true today!
by Evan Koblentz 02 May '16

02 May '16

This is awesome. In response to last week's call for vintage computer robotics help, Ben G. sent us his new-in-box Lego LOGO kit from 1986. I was 13 in 1987. My two favorite things were Legos and my Apple //e. I distinctly remember wishing for a way to combine them. We were learning BASIC in school, we'd already learned LOGO turtle graphics, and nobody ever told us that Lego ** DID ** have a kit for this. In adulthood I learned about Mindstorms but never bought any. My childhood dream had already been squashed. Today the package arrived from Ben. I opened it and turned 13 again. Thank you, Ben!!!!! This is an incredible setup and I can't wait to start playing wi... errr "testing" :) it ahead of HOPE. Check out these pictures: http://vcfed.org/evan/lego_logo/logo_manuals.jpg http://vcfed.org/evan/lego_logo/technic.jpg http://vcfed.org/evan/lego_logo/technic_inside.jpg http://vcfed.org/evan/lego_logo/technic_manual.jpg http://vcfed.org/evan/lego_logo/logo_disks.jpg It also has an IBM PC card (with printed instructions for interfacing to it), all the sensors/cables, and even the warranty card.... truly new-in-box. The actual Lego parts are in their original sealed plastic bags. I almost hate to open it! Obviously going to be extremely careful, unlike when I was child and ripped it all open. :)

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Cromemco Dazzler 40th birthday presents...
by Bill Sudbrink 02 May '16

02 May '16

Check it out: http://wsudbrink.dyndns.org:8080/dazzler.html More to come. Bill S.

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September Workshop will be 9/17 & 9/18
by Jeffrey Brace 02 May '16

02 May '16

The September workshop will be Sept. 17 & 18. -- Jeff Brace

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Video release order?
by Evan Koblentz 02 May '16

02 May '16

In what order should we post the East XI keynotes? Stick with the Fri-Sat-Sun order, maybe one every couple of weeks?

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TechRepublic Covers VCF East XI (2016)!!
by Todd George 02 May '16

02 May '16

I get the daily e-mails from TechRepublic. Today's featured the VCF East XI event! http://www.techrepublic.com/pictures/images-from-the-vintage-computer-festi… Nice job Evan!!

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Museum report
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 02 May '16

02 May '16

Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic writes: >Corey texted to say he acquired a toolkit for our workshop. There's been some mention on this list about DEC MMJ cables, connectors and the crimping tool. Does VCF -- the group formerly known as MARCH -- have a crimping tool? I have a Paladin set with interchangeable dies for crimping all sort of connectors but I also have another MMJ crimper that, I believe, I acquired from a client that believed they no longer needed it. If it can be of benefit to VCF, I'd lend/loan it to the group to include in the tools kit.

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Funny moment @ VCF East last weekend
by Evan Koblentz 01 May '16

01 May '16

Watch this video clip: https://youtu.be/SoGFFXbpsfI

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