- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

Lack Of Windows 3.1 Technicians Causes Traffic Backup At French Airport
by Kelly Leavitt 17 Nov '15

17 Nov '15

A little OT for this group: http://consumerist.com/2015/11/13/lack-of-windows-3-1-technicians-causes-tr…

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Floppy Days Podcast #49 on the TI-99/4A
by Randall Kindig 16 Nov '15

16 Nov '15

Floppy Days Episode 49 http://floppydays.libsyn.com/floppy-days-49-ti99-interview-with-jim-fetzner… <http://floppydays.libsyn.com/floppy-days-49-ti99-interview-with-jim-fetzner…> The TI-99/4A - History, Interview with Jim Fetzner and Mark Wills In the home computer timeline, I’m currently covering computers released in the era from 1979 to 1980. Next up is the TI-99/4A. When I went to research the TI-99 I found an incredible amount of information about the machine and an involved, vibrant community surrounding it. As a result, I pulled in as many experts as I could find to be involved in providing information about this very interesting machine. I got so much involvement, and found so much information, that I will be covering the TI-99 for the next several shows. That will include the typical topics, such as history, tech specs, modern upgrades, emulation, Web sites and much more, as well as interviews with some TI luminaries. As I typically like to cover the history of the machine first, that will be the topic of the first couple of shows. For the history segment, I was lucky enough to find a couple of people who have an incredible history with the TI-99, Jim Fetzner and Mark Wills. Jim has an extensive, multilingual library of all things TI and possesses some very interesting hardware items related to the TI-99, as you will hear. Mark is the author of TurboForth for the TI-99/4A and has been involved in the TI-99/4A scene pretty much since 1983. He’s also English, living in the UK, so he has a rather British take on the home computer wars. Since the interview piece I typically do with the co-hosts before covering the main topic took so long and turned out to be so interesting in it’s own right, I decided to break out the interview into its own show and the next show will then cover just the TI-99 history with the help of these two gentlemen. Randy Kindig host Floppy Days Podcast floppydays.com <http://floppydays.com/>

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Festivus food thread: Who's bringing what?
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 16 Nov '15

16 Nov '15

Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic writes: >Please reply with what you're bringing. Ask if you are unsure about >anything. I will, as they've already been requested in another Festivus thread, bring my homemade pork ribs as I have for the past few Festivus. If Corey's Penn Brewery will be supplying us with zymurlogical libations, I'll likely leave the Guinness kit home.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Roland MT-32 equivalent?
by Mike Loewen 16 Nov '15

16 Nov '15

On Mon, 16 Nov 2015, John Heritage john.heritage(a)gmail.com [midatlanticretro] wrote: > I have a few Atari ST's (including a Mega STE) and I'd like to get > something like a Roland MT-32 for it to decode MIDI from games/demos that > support it to my stereo receiver.. They're a little hard to find these > days, or at least seem to be for a reasonable price. Does anyone have any > alternative classic MIDI synthesizers they'd recommend? > > I also have a MIDI port box for Amiga I have not tried yet so hoping I can > use this synth for that too. > > Thanks so much! > John H If you want an FM synth module rather than a LA module, you might look for a Yamaha FB-01. Similar vintage to the MT-32, and a lot cheaper. Mike Loewen mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/

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Worst-kept secret: VCF East, April 15-17, 2016
by Evan Koblentz 16 Nov '15

16 Nov '15

I think a lot of people know this already, but VCF East XI (yeah, I'm using Roman numerals for now) is April 15-17, 2016. Friday -- classes + some kind of primitive software hackathon Saturday/Sunday -- morning keynotes + the usual daytime stuff As previously announced, Saturday's keynoter is Stewart Chiefet. :) Still working on a keynoter for Sunday. We had Dave Walden of BBN and ARPAnet renown, but he backed out due to health concerns.

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Simpson 262 Series E
by Paul Birkel 16 Nov '15

16 Nov '15

As long as we're talking about Simpson 260 multimeters ... I have a Simpson 262 Series E that suffered battery-failure (x2) in its former life. I'd like to put it back into service (for the reasons that Dave states, below), and aside from fixing the corrosion at the battery contacts (pointers anyone?) I've been "put off" by the problem of finding affordable modern substitutes for the pair of 15v batteries used in the higher resistance ranges. Any suggestions for a suitable substitute for the 30v (total) battery requirement? -----Original Message----- From: vcf-midatlantic [mailto:vcf-midatlantic-bounces@lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org] On Behalf Of David Riley via vcf-midatlantic Sent: Monday, November 16, 2015 10:46 AM To: vcf-midatlantic Cc: David Riley Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Apple IIe Voltmeter On Nov 13, 2015, at 11:59 AM, Herb Johnson via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > > I prefer analog meters when making "runs" of comparative measurements. It's easy to see if one reading is "more" or "less" than another, the needle is literally in different positions. I prefer them for that and, for diagnosing intermediate or "wandering" problems (or quickly checking continuity), it's MUCH easier to see a needle moving than wait for the update of an LCD. > I've found variations in current measurements among several Simpson 260 meters (and among their scales) I've acquired. My guess is that some of the shunts were "cooked" by excessive current, or corroded by time and tide. I have not yet gone to the trouble of diagnosing them, I simply use the meters that have the best readings through the procedures noted. They are cheap today. I've definitely cooked current shunts in both digital and analog meters. Nothing is immune, even the fused ones (those fuses do have a finite blow time, which is more than enough to damage something if you accidentally touch mains). > Why? Given the "digital is better" bias these days, only a few people call out the Simpson 260 as a valued instrument - Dave McGuire for instance, in that email list we used to use. Digital is marginally better in situations where you need to record a number, but that's really just laziness. They can actually be more precise where that matters, but it seldom does. And I like the autoranging of digital meters, but that goes back to laziness. I have a very nice Fluke 87-V that I use for just about everything, but there are a lot of times I wish I had a dependable and portable analog meter as a counterpart. - Dave

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Current Loop Converter Update -- Modularizing
by Systems Glitch 16 Nov '15

16 Nov '15

Continuing the saga of designing a "tries to meet all requirements" current loop converter, I've decided to redo it as a modular design with separate modules for: - Loop supply - Receive converter - Transmit converter This will make the board smaller, plus you won't have to populate the modules you don't need. They'll also be available for inclusion in other projects. The edge connector spacing is intended to mate with Digi-Klips or have 0.1" pin headers soldered on. It's a single-inline connector, so it's breadboard friendly too. Here's some pictures of the 24V isolated loop supply module: http://imgur.com/a/U9RMK I'll probably end up using that module in projects not related to the current loop project, too! Thanks, Jonathan

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Festivus food thread: Who's bringing what?
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 16 Nov '15

16 Nov '15

Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic writes: >>> I'll be bringing some homebrew; I have a winter warmer that's come >out = >> pretty well that I can bring at least 12 of (maybe a case). >Probably = >> not enough to stave off Brian bringing the good black >stuff. :-) Evan, > > I wasn't planning to lug the Guinness to Festivus. > I won't be staying the > evening which would not be a problem because >I've left the kit there in the > past and I retrieved it the next day. >However, there's a rocket launch on > that Sunday, so I won't be able to >pick up the kit on Sunday. > >No problem, there will be plenty to drink between Corey L.'s beer + >David's + whatever anyone else brings + Neil's apple cider. I may bring some beer, just not the whole keg/kegerator.

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[midatlanticretro] New York Historical Society : Silicon City: Computer History Made in New York
by Herb Johnson 16 Nov '15

16 Nov '15

> Christian Liendo wrote: > I went the previous Sat to see it only to find out it > was this past Sat. The museum Web page says it's an ongoing exhibit. What did you see on exhibit? The Web page shows only four photos. And by the way: those "New York" history photos represent Bell Labs (NJ) and Eniac (PA). So the exhibit likely represents work done in in the region. Wonder how far north they'll go? Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Festivus food thread: Who's bringing what?
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 16 Nov '15

16 Nov '15

David Riley via vcf-midatlantic writes: >On Nov 12, 2015, at 4:41 PM, Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic = ><vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > >> Ps. OMARC is loaning us their grill. Someone should bring a full = >propane tank. > >I'll do that. I'll also be glad to bring pre-cooked pasta and a camp = >stove if someone else does the sauce; that worked well last year despite >= the spill. > >I'll be bringing some homebrew; I have a winter warmer that's come out = >pretty well that I can bring at least 12 of (maybe a case). Probably = >not enough to stave off Brian bringing the good black stuff. :-) Evan, I wasn't planning to lug the Guinness to Festivus. I won't be staying the evening which would not be a problem because I've left the kit there in the past and I retrieved it the next day. However, there's a rocket launch on that Sunday, so I won't be able to pick up the kit on Sunday.

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Apple IIe Voltmeter
by Herb Johnson 16 Nov '15

16 Nov '15

> [I had no way] to precisely measure current. My other bench meters are analog, > lowish impedance, and not precise enough to measure voltage drop > across a small-value resistor. Additionally, my Simpson 260 and > Simpson 160 meters don't agree on the 100 mA scales -- > I believe the Simpson 160 is correct, but needed a way to figure out. My experience is that digital voltmeters put too much current load on a circuit, when measuring DC current at tens of mA. Put another way: they have significant series resistance and change the circuit, and so change the current. Your A/D technology also puts a load on the circuit, you can read off the schematic or parts to determine that. But I found my Simpson 260 and other analog meters, put LESS load because they generally use 50uA movements (hence 20,000 ohms per volt, do the math). As to "figuring out the accuracy".....create a 10mA circuit from an accurately-measured battery and an accurately-measured resistor. Say 5V and 500 ohms, or whatever - the DVM can measure those fine, other resistors give other current sources, and math gives you the exact current. Many batteries can generally supply 10mA stable for minutes and hours or more, and your DVM can monitor their voltage anyway. Then make those circuits with the Simpsons and recalibrate the scales, and create conversion factors (or fitness for use choice) for each meter AND for each scale. YOu can use the same apparatus to calibrate your Apple II "meter". I prefer analog meters when making "runs" of comparative measurements. It's easy to see if one reading is "more" or "less" than another, the needle is literally in different positions. I've found variations in current measurements among several Simpson 260 meters (and among their scales) I've acquired. My guess is that some of the shunts were "cooked" by excessive current, or corroded by time and tide. I have not yet gone to the trouble of diagnosing them, I simply use the meters that have the best readings through the procedures noted. They are cheap today. Why? Given the "digital is better" bias these days, only a few people call out the Simpson 260 as a valued instrument - Dave McGuire for instance, in that email list we used to use. Jonathan, if you determine a cause for your analog meter's apparent errors, let me know. Herb Johnson old-school -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] [midatlanticretro] New York Historical Society : Silicon City: Computer History Made in New York
by Evan Koblentz 16 Nov '15

16 Nov '15

> https://www.nyhistory.org/exhibitions/silicon-city-computer-history-made-ne… > > They sent me an invitation to represent our group. Crap. I forgot to attend the ceremony last week.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Festivus food thread: Who's bringing what?
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 16 Nov '15

16 Nov '15

Tony Bogan via vcf-midatlantic writes: >I thought the same thing! But I don't have a jolt cola or Mountain Dew >dispe= nser and also figured some might bring some family members during >the day :-= )= Start 'em young! ;) FWIW, when I did a computer security gig for M&M Mars many years back, one of the M&Ms remarked that he was surprised that my lunch didn't consist of Jolt cola and Twinkies. Yet another stupid Hollywood induced stereotyping of computer hackers.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Festivus food thread: Who's bringing what?
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 16 Nov '15

16 Nov '15

Tony Bogan via vcf-midatlantic writes: >M > >Sent from my iPhone > >On Nov 15, 2015, at 9:36 PM, Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic ><vcf-midatlan= tic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > >>>>> VCF will provide: burgers, beef hot dogs, rolls, common toppings, >commo= n >>>> snacks (chips, pretzels, etc), soft drinks, bottled water >>>>>=20 >>>> Guesstimated attendance is three dozen nerds... >>> Evan: >tray of soft pretzels >>> Corey L., via Kelly: beer >>> Vaxman: pork >ribs >>> Neil: Fudge Nut Brownies, Apple Cider Doughnuts > >> Tony: >Brownies, cookies, cupcakes, etc. > >> Chris F. Plastic utensils, >napkins >=20 >=20 > We still need volunteers to bring: > - paper or >plastic plates > - cold drink cups, styrofoam coffee cups > - coffee, >machine, cream, sugar, stir-ers, etc. > - any other appetizers / sides / >entrees beside red meat > - any other desserts / snacks > - Be creative: >anything else??? > >I can bring styrofoam plates, coffee, machines, (2 - 55 cup machines, >one fo= r regular and one for decaf) styrofoam cups for coffee too. Have >those in sp= ades for the boats. Coffee fixins' can be someone else's >domain :-) (especia= lly since I don't drink coffee!) Tony= Decaf? For computer geeks? :)

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Apple IIe Voltmeter
by tom.hornberger＠verizon.net 15 Nov '15

15 Nov '15

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Museum Report
by Jeffrey Brace 15 Nov '15

15 Nov '15

Doug Crawford was docent today at the museum. 4 pairs of adults came through today.

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hoodie order is placed
by Evan Koblentz 15 Nov '15

15 Nov '15

Thanks for playing. :)

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When exactly is the Festivus celebration?
by William Dudley 15 Nov '15

15 Nov '15

for those of use new to this. Thanks, Bill Dudley www.dudley.nu This email is free of malware because (to a first approximation) I run Linux.

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PDP 11/35 in Mahwah NJ on EBay
by Kelly Leavitt 13 Nov '15

13 Nov '15

Not what I collect, but some may be interested. I can probably arrange pickup and short term storage if needed. http://www.ebay.com/itm/191737673720 Kelly

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Apple IIe on eBay - I can pick up locally if anyone is interested.
by Chris Fala 13 Nov '15

13 Nov '15

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151877421051

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] PDP 11/35 in Mahwah NJ on EBay
by Brian L. Stuart 13 Nov '15

13 Nov '15

On Fri, 11/13/15, william degnan wrote: > On Fri, Nov 13, 2015 at 1:43 PM, Kelly Leavitt wrote: > >> Not what I collect, but some may be interested. >> >> I can probably arrange pickup and short term storage if needed. >> >> http://www.ebay.com/itm/191737673720 > > Looks complete! 32K Core Parity RAM I'm pretty sure it'll end up going for more than I can justify, but just in case, I've got it in my watch list. Not to worry though, I certainly don't intend to get into a bidding war with any of you fine folks. BLS

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Apple IIe Voltmeter
by Systems Glitch 13 Nov '15

13 Nov '15

VC Forums thread: http://www.vintage-computer.com/vcforum/showthread.php?49958-Big-Voltmeter-… I discovered my Fluke 8000A no longer measures current (fuse is fine) and realized that meant I had no way to precisely measure current. My other bench meters are analog, lowish impedance, and not precise enough to measure voltage drop across a small-value resistor. Additionally, my Simpson 260 and Simpson 160 meters don't agree on the 100 mA scales -- I believe the Simpson 160 is correct, but needed a way to figure out. I thought about using the ADC on a PIC to do the conversion, but my PIC dev stuff is still packed from the move. My Apple IIe isn't though, and I do have an ADC card for it -- the Interactive Microware ADALAB. Someone recently uploaded a manual for it! The IIe also has floating point BASIC, which makes converting ADC to voltage easy with no lookup table, and lets me adjust parameters on the fly -- switching sense resistor values, for example. Anyway, I had fun getting the ADALAB tested, and ended up calibrating it with a quick n dirty BASIC program (listing in the VC Forums post) and a LM103 2.7V reference. Good enough to show it works! After getting that BASIC extension typed in and making sure it worked, I made extra-sure to SAVE it to disk and avoid having to type it again! Thanks, Jonathan

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OT: Guy has his son play though video games in chrnological order.
by Kelly Leavitt 13 Nov '15

13 Nov '15

A fun read. A guy has his son play through some of the classic games. Don't recall seeing this before, but it is from a year ago. Probably some errors and oversights but a fun read. https://medium.com/message/playing-with-my-son-e5226ff0a7c3 Now I must... ...mambo dogface to the banana patch. Kelly

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Last chance: Hoodie deadline 5pm ET today
by Evan Koblentz 13 Nov '15

13 Nov '15

Final reminder. ========================== We are ready to take orders for the Federation hoodies. They'll be black with front pockets and (obviously) hoods. Design will be our new logo on the front. Only change is the keys won't have the gray shadow, because that would be a third color and too expensive. Speaking of prices: Small through XL = $20, 2XL = $25, 3XL = $30. All are men's sizes. Kids/womens/or anything bigger than 3XL not available at this time. ***** VERY IMPORTANT: ***** - All orders MUST be placed by next Friday (Nov. 13) at 5PM ET. At that point I'll email our order to the shirt company. Procrastinators will have to wait for another batch some other time. - You must prepay. Hoodies are too expensive for us to lay out the money and chase you down for it later. Acceptable methods of payment are through PayPal (hoodies(a)vintagecomputerfederation.org) or send a check to Vintage Computer Federation. Our address is P.O. Box 417, Eatontown, NJ, 07724. - Put the sizes and quantities you want into the PayPal comments box or the check memo field. - DO NOT say "I'll take size XYZ" in email (to me, the list, or wherever) and expect us to fill that order. Follow instructions above.

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Festivus: big sale on old VCF/club shirts
by Evan Koblentz 13 Nov '15

13 Nov '15

All of the old shirts (VCF East, blue club polos) need to go. $5/each donations to the Federation per item. We'll have a big box at Festivus.

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Semi-OT: interviewing SSH inventor
by Evan Koblentz 12 Nov '15

12 Nov '15

I'm interviewing the guy who invented SSH. It will probably be tomorrow or Monday. This is for work so it's forward-looking, but I definitely will ask him some history questions. Feel free to make useful suggestions.

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RIP, Gene Amdahl
by Evan Koblentz 12 Nov '15

12 Nov '15

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/13/technology/gene-amdahl-pioneer-of-mainfra…

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OT: CS books for kids
by Evan Koblentz 12 Nov '15

12 Nov '15

Here is a good article about CS books for children. http://www.supercs.net/2015/11/13/computer-science-childrens-reading-list/

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Hoodie
by Bill Dromgoole 12 Nov '15

12 Nov '15

Just sent a paypal payment for VCF hoodie. BillDrom

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Hoodies again...
by Evan Koblentz 12 Nov '15

12 Nov '15

Only 12 people placed orders so far (I'll be 13). Doesn't anyone else want a new Federation hooded sweatshirt? I will keep posting until the deadline this Friday at 5pm, because I don’t want to get a bunch of guilt trips when people at Festivus ask, "Isn't there one for me?" :)

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PDP-8/E Simulator
by Al Hartman 11 Nov '15

11 Nov '15

Not my interest, but thought others on the list would like it: PDP-8/E Simulator, from Bernhard Baehr, emulates the classic Digital Equipment PDP-8/E minicomputer with software that runs on a Mac. Features include a "comfortable user interface" for running, writing and debugging PDP-8 software; viewing and editing memory; breakpoints, single step execution, and a trace mode; a plug-in API; a programmer's console; a virtual TSC8-75 board to run the ETOS time sharing OS; an ASR 33 Console Teletype, ASR 33 Auxiliary Teletype, PC8-E High Speed Paper Tape Reader and Punch, a RK8-E Disk Cartridge System and more. PDP-8/E Simulator is free, open-source software for PowerPC and Intel Macs running Mac OS X 10.4 and up. Benchmarks show that the PDP-8/E Simulator outperforms a hardware PDP-8/E in orders of magnitude when running on reasonable current Macs. There are options to slow down the CPU and the I/O devices to the speed of the real hardware. http://www.bernhard-baehr.de/pdp8e/pdp8e.html

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Altair Parts for 8800b On Ebay Will Deliver to Festivus
by Kyle Owen 11 Nov '15

11 Nov '15

On Wed, Nov 11, 2015 at 12:58 PM, Bill Sudbrink via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > > I need a lid if someone is planning to buy one of those > and part it out but I don't have the cash or time to > do it myself right now. I need a transformer, and I'm in the same boat...too little cash, too little time. Thanks, Kyle

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Altair Parts for 8800b On Ebay Will Deliver to Festivus
by william degnan 11 Nov '15

11 Nov '15

Avert your eyes if you can't handle buying things on Ebay, but here it comes...... I just put up two parts lots and already have one working CPU card, all from various MITS Altair 8800b systems that might be useful to someone looking to replace a rusty chassis etc MITS Altair 8800b CPU BD - Tested Working (Ebay 272036053088 ) MITS Altair 8800b Turnkey Parts Lot 1 - MITS branded (Ebay 272043253388 ) MITS Altair 8800b Turnkey Parts Lot 2 Pertec Serial Number #17... (Ebay 272043278392 ) I will deliver to Festivus!!!! Bill

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FS: IBM Simon
by Evan Koblentz 11 Nov '15

11 Nov '15

Selling my beloved IBM Simon because I'm strapped for funds. Found out my latest freelance work payment won't arrive in time to cover overdue bills. @&#%=!!! .... so this is urgent. For those not familiar with it, Simon is (apparently) the "first" smartphone. I hate the word "first" for computer history.... anyway this one is fully working, has a brand new battery (thanks to modern BatteriesPlus store -- they custom built it for me), two chargers, PC connection kit, original manual, and is generally in great condition. It needs a little bit of paint touch-up on the sealed battery case from where I had to open it and then epoxy it closed a couple of workshops ago (not meant to be user serviceable and the original batteries are no longer available.) Someday, this will be worth a LOT of money, when people realize how historic it is...... Please email me PRIVATELY with any offers. Not planning to eBay this because I don’t want to wait a week for payment and, honestly, I'd rather see it go to a good home. I was going to donate it to our museum one day. Reality intervened. :(

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new desktop/micro exhibit -- pick 32 now
by Al Hartman 10 Nov '15

10 Nov '15

The one computer I wish the museum had and could display is a BeBox. That was a very innovative computer. BeOS can be shown on a PPC Mac (7200 - 7600, or a Power Computing/Motorola Clone), but the BeBox hardware is pretty snazzy looking. If I ever spot one for sale at a price I can afford, I'm grabbing one. -[ Al ]-

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Timex/Sinclair 2068 Cartridge Boards
by Al Hartman 10 Nov '15

10 Nov '15

Mark Blair (NF6X) designed Cartridge boards for both the Tandy Color Computer, and the TS-2068 Computer. I ordered some of each. The bare PC boards from OSHPark arrived yesterday. I built one of the TS-2068 up today, and will be testing it with a Spectrum Emulator EPROM and an OS-64 EPROM (I have ten of these chips from Zebra Systems, and have permission to make more. OS-64 give a TS-2068 a 64 column screen.) I had to order a bunch of boards to get a decent price. You have to buy three at a time from OSHPark. In that quantity, they come out to a little under $19.00 each board. So, I have a few extras. If anyone on the list is interested in a TS-2068 Cartridge board, I can offer single bare boards for $20.00 including shipping in the Continental U.S. Only. Add $5.00 more for a kit of all the parts to build one up. I haven't determined the price for a board built-up with OS-64 or a Spectrum ROM yet. But it looks like it will be around $35.00 shipped. You might want to build your own, as my soldering skills are far from expert and I'm sure there are many on the list who do cleaner work. I can ship bare boards, and kits now. Built up boards will take me a little time to make and test. https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/6ihON5Uq CoCo Cartridge Board: https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/aMK1Ekos I'm using the Coco Cartridge board to make an HDBDOS cartridge to boot Drivewire (use a PC/Mac/Linux as a disk server over serial cable) without needing to CLOADM a wave file with the software. Eventually, I'll dig up my Coco Disk Controller that can switch between two ROMS, and have one be a standard Coco Disk Extended BASIC, and the other HDBDOS. Since there are separate versions for the Coco 2 and 3, Mark helped me make up a file with both versions so I can bank switch between them using a 27128 EPROM. -[ Al ]-

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Reminder: hoodie orders
by Evan Koblentz 10 Nov '15

10 Nov '15

Repeating the original message... ---------------------------- We are ready to take orders for the Federation hoodies. They'll be black with front pockets and (obviously) hoods. Design will be our new logo on the front. Only change is the keys won't have the gray shadow, because that would be a third color and too expensive. Speaking of prices: Small through XL = $20, 2XL = $25, 3XL = $30. All are men's sizes. Kids/womens/or anything bigger than 3XL not available at this time. ***** VERY IMPORTANT: ***** - All orders MUST be placed by next Friday (Nov. 13) at 5PM ET. At that point I'll email our order to the shirt company. Procrastinators will have to wait for another batch some other time. - You must prepay. Hoodies are too expensive for us to lay out the money and chase you down for it later. Acceptable methods of payment are through PayPal (hoodies(a)vintagecomputerfederation.org) or send a check to Vintage Computer Federation. Our address is P.O. Box 417, Eatontown, NJ, 07724. - Put the sizes and quantities you want into the PayPal comments box or the check memo field. - DO NOT say "I'll take size XYZ" in email (to me, the list, or wherever) and expect us to fill that order. Follow instructions above.

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our Youtube account
by Evan Koblentz 10 Nov '15

10 Nov '15

Everyone, I need to change the custom URL of our YouTube account. They're saying we need 100 account subscribers to do that. We have 41. So, please visit https://www.youtube.com/user/MidAtlanticRetroComp and subscribe to the account. :)

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FS: Interest Check: Tarbell Rebel S100 System
by Systems Glitch 10 Nov '15

10 Nov '15

I've got a late-to-the-game S100 system I'm going to part with. It's a Tarbell Rebel -- made by *that* Tarbell, the guys who made the well-known cassette and floppy interfaces for the S100 bus. This is a much later system sporting an IEEE-696 compatible multi-CPU processor board. The CPU board includes an Intel 80186 (one of those ceramic leadless packages in a Textool ZIF) and an 8 MHz Z80, as well as a few K of static RAM, a WD2793 floppy controller, 2681 UART, 8259 interrupt controller, and boot ROM. I've got the dual serial port breakout cable for the CPU board. Other boards include a Morrow HDC/DMA MFM hard disk controller and several static RAM boards. It's in a generic-looking S100 chassis with 8-slot terminated motherboard, linear power supply, and space for 2x full height 5.25 drive/ 4x half height. There are two half-height floppies installed. The case looks pretty generic, but does have "TARBELL REBEL" stickers on the front (not even silkscreened!). I have two full-height MFM hard drives for it, in an external disk box, which is also labeled as being Tarbell equipment. The thing is, there is *no* documentation on the CPU board. I can barely find mention of this system in old magazine ads. I feel that, in that sense, it's probably worth more parted out. The S100 chassis is generic, but the power supply is good and the motherboard is terminated. I've used it as a test system with a Vector Graphic ZCB. The CPU board does *something* -- it'll seek a floppy drive to track 0 on reset, but I don't get a monitor prompt on either serial port. So, is anyone interested in the whole system, with hard drives and all? Shipping will be a pain -- expensive, and has the potential to wreck the old MFM drives. I'll be at Festivus this year, so I could drop it off there. Thanks, Jonathan

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] CPUs was Re: new desktop/micro exhibit
by Evan Koblentz 09 Nov '15

09 Nov '15

> I think there should be a section for important processors. There are lots of exhibits that we should have, but we will weigh space vs resources. I agree with the wall-mount ideas.

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FS: National Instruments LAB-NB NuBus Analog/Digital IO Cards
by Systems Glitch 09 Nov '15

09 Nov '15

I've got two of these: www.ebay.com/itm/272041267556 I don't have any NuBus Macs, so I'm unable to test them. They're in good condition, a little bit dusty. These will work with LabVIEW 5, the last 68k version of LabVIEW, which is available through several popular Mac abandonware sites. Thanks, Jonathan

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] CPUs was Re: new desktop/micro exhibit
by Tony Bogan 09 Nov '15

09 Nov '15

Christian and Christopher's messages also came through with the body text as mime attachments. However, opening the mime attachments revealed their messages. Tony Sent from my iPhone > On Nov 9, 2015, at 10:49 AM, Christian Liendo via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: > > <mime-attachment>

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] CPUs was Re: new desktop/micro exhibit
by Dean Notarnicola 09 Nov '15

09 Nov '15

Christian and Christopher's message Jodie's both blank. On Monday, November 9, 2015, Christopher Blackmon via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote: >

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10 PRINT "STOP POSTING TO THE OLD LIST"
by Evan Koblentz 09 Nov '15

09 Nov '15

20 GOTO 10 :)

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] CPUs was Re: new desktop/micro exhibit
by Christopher Blackmon 09 Nov '15

09 Nov '15

I don't think anyone is. But like I told Evan. I think there should be a section for important processors. The museum should have a section with important CPUs such as the Cosmac. ------ Perhaps a wall-mounted picture frame type display with various processors in it?Just a suggestion. Christopher.

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new desktop/micro exhibit -- pick 32 now
by Herb Johnson 09 Nov '15

09 Nov '15

New entry: RCA COSMAC Microtutor with 1801 COSMAC chipset (became 1802 microprocessor). It's small and rare. The museum has one. Dates to 1974 probably. Other reasons: First CMOS microprocessor, which matters because many subsequent microprocessor used CMOS to reduce power. RCA created the CMOS process for digital logic chips and then for the COSMAC. One of the first microprocessor development products from RCA. The COSMAC microprocessor was developed here in New Jersey. Likely the first microprocessor in space. May be the first microprocessor for emissions controls in cars (Chrysler). Direct predecessor of the "COSMAC ELF", a popular you-wire-it COSMAC design by the lead COSMAC developer Joseph Weisbecker; published in Popular Electronics. Many many versions of the ELF have been created and produced every decade since, to the present day. Used in RCA video game and video terminal products (not that popular but known to collectors of early video game computers). Those who argue the 1802 "was a loser so forgetit" might explain why a computing museum should show only "the winners", and set a dollar or production count for "winning". To make space: If space is needed, I suggest choosing between the Commodore 64 and the Commodore VIC-20. I'm sure they are very different but I'm not sure many people would know the difference. The Commodore brand is well-represented among the choices given. The VIC-20 and C-64 could take turns on display. Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com

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My test with a new e-mail address
by Jeffrey Brace 09 Nov '15

09 Nov '15

Apparently the new list doesn't work with MSN, so I have missed many posts. So I changed it to my gmail address. Let's hope that this is working.

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Museum report
by Evan Koblentz 08 Nov '15

08 Nov '15

Went to the museum yesterday. There were three large groups visiting -- NJIT alumni (including our own Jeff J.), Air Force Association, and I forget the name of the third group. Each group had about a dozen people who were interested in our exhibits. There were also a decent amount of regular museum visitors, so it was a good day. Was going to do a few things in the warehouse but I forgot to bring the key! Anyway, I stayed and helped with the Halloween event (final night). InfoAge bought pizza for everyone afterward.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Place your hoodie orders
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 07 Nov '15

07 Nov '15

Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic writes: >>> Sending this message to the old list in addition to new list, so >nobody >> claims "I didn't get it" later.... >> >> We are ready to take >orders for the Federation hoodies. They'll be black >> with front >pockets and (obviously) hoods. Design will be our new logo on >> the >front. Only change is the keys won't have the gray shadow, because >> >that would be a third color and too expensive. > > Logo? > >Posted a while back: http://www.snarc.net/vcf-logo-preview.png > >Only change for the sweatshirts is the keycap shadow will be gone, in >favor of an altered version with line-drawn keycaps. How large will it be on the hoodie and where?

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our new museum -- micro exhibit -- pick 28!
by Evan Koblentz 07 Nov '15

07 Nov '15

Everyone, This is going to be a fun thread. PLEASE DON'T FORK IT. :) Tentatively, we'll have space for 28 microcomputers in that section of our new museum exhibit. This begs the question: which ones? I made a preliminary list. Some ground rules: - Do we have the system and does it work or can realistically be made to work? - What is *** MOST *** historically important? (Thus some of our personal favorites may be initially excluded... examples: Atari 800, Commodore VIC-20, DEC Rainbow, Epson QX-10, and many others) - Exhibits aren't permanent, so some could be rotated in/out. ---------------------- That being said, here's my list of 28. We will probably display them chronologically. Pardon anything obvious that I forgot. Very important: Don't just reply with lists of other notable microcomputers, or make a huge fuss that the CyberBlahBlah-25 was the first with the XYTTTGH 8081 chip, etc. .... I want to hear solid arguments for/against the historical importance of whatever systems you think we should include/exclude. 1. Our homebrewed "Dudley" PDP-8 clone 2. Apple 1 (Mimeo) 3. Apple 2 4. Apple Lisa (2/10) 5. Apple Mac 128K 6. Apple Mac Portable 7. AT&T (but which one? 6300, 7300, or 3B2?) 8. Commodore PET 2001 9. Commodore 64 10. Commodore Amiga (500?) 11. Compaq Portable 12. HP-85B 13. IBM 5100 14. IBM 5150 15. IBM PC Jr. 16. IBM (or generic) Windows 3.1 17. IMSAI 8080 18. Mark-8 19. MITS Altair 8800 20. MOS Tech KIM-1 21. Osborne 1 22. Processor Tech SOL-20 23. Scelbi-8H (repro) 24. Sinclair ZX-80 25. SWTPC 6800 26. TRS-80 Model 1 27. TRS-80 Model 100 28. Xerox 860 And ..... go!

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