- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Bits & pieces: finding local collaborators for DIY, maker type stuff
by Dean Notarnicola 13 May '21

13 May '21

With the recent concerns about privacy on the internet, this may not fly too well these days. On Thu, May 13, 2021 at 1:23 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Yes but for a treasure hunt usually you have a map! > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > On May 13, 2021, at 12:42 PM, Tony Bogan via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > I’ve never seen nor heard of such a map until this conversation, but > I’m up for a treasure hunt ;-) > > > > Tony > > > > > >> Interesting; I wasn’t aware of that map. > >> > >> - Alex > >> > >>> On Thu, May 13, 2021 at 12:01 Bill Degnan via vcf-midatlantic < > >>> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >>> > >>> I don't remember what happened to that map, that was something I > *think* > >>> Evan managed > >>> Bill > >>> > >>> On Thu, May 13, 2021 at 11:48 AM m simons via vcf-midatlantic < > >>> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >>> > >>>> Greetings, > >>>> I'm looking for folks in the South Jersey (mostly Burlington & > >>> Camden > >>>> counties, but Glouchester and other nearby areas are good too) area > who > >>> may > >>>> be active DIY/maker hobbyists, and computer salvage folks, etc. If > >>> you're > >>>> involved in reuse or recycling in the area in any capacity, even art > or > >>>> crafts type stuff I'd love to connect. > >>>> > >>>> InfoAge/Wall is a little too far for me to drive to on a regular basis > >>> for > >>>> swap meets and the like, and I'd like to be able to find some local > >>>> collaborators who may be interested in various items that could be > >>>> repurposed for all manner of projects rather than having them sit > around > >>> my > >>>> place too long. > >>>> > >>>> I thought way back when, MARCH might have had a members location > map... > >>>> but that was.. quite a while ago. Not sure if such a thing still > exists. > >>>> > >>>> thanks, > >>>> Michael S. > >>>> > >>> > >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Bits & pieces: finding local collaborators for DIY, maker type stuff
by Bill Degnan 13 May '21

13 May '21

I don't remember what happened to that map, that was something I *think* Evan managed Bill On Thu, May 13, 2021 at 11:48 AM m simons via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Greetings, > I'm looking for folks in the South Jersey (mostly Burlington & Camden > counties, but Glouchester and other nearby areas are good too) area who may > be active DIY/maker hobbyists, and computer salvage folks, etc. If you're > involved in reuse or recycling in the area in any capacity, even art or > crafts type stuff I'd love to connect. > > InfoAge/Wall is a little too far for me to drive to on a regular basis for > swap meets and the like, and I'd like to be able to find some local > collaborators who may be interested in various items that could be > repurposed for all manner of projects rather than having them sit around my > place too long. > > I thought way back when, MARCH might have had a members location map... > but that was.. quite a while ago. Not sure if such a thing still exists. > > thanks, > Michael S. >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Bits & pieces: finding local collaborators for DIY, maker type stuff
by Jeffrey Brace 13 May '21

13 May '21

On Thu, May 13, 2021 at 11:49 AM m simons via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Greetings, > I'm looking for folks in the South Jersey (mostly Burlington & Camden > counties, but Glouchester and other nearby areas are good too) area who may > be active DIY/maker hobbyists, and computer salvage folks, etc. If you're > involved in reuse or recycling in the area in any capacity, even art or > crafts type stuff I'd love to connect. > > InfoAge/Wall is a little too far for me to drive to on a regular basis for > swap meets and the like, and I'd like to be able to find some local > collaborators who may be interested in various items that could be > repurposed for all manner of projects rather than having them sit around my > place too long. > > I thought way back when, MARCH might have had a members location map... > but that was.. quite a while ago. Not sure if such a thing still exists. I will consult the Magic 8 Ball when I get home and get back to you. If it says, "signs point to yes", then I will find it. I'm very good at finding things. > > > thanks, > Michael S. >

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Bits & pieces: finding local collaborators for DIY, maker type stuff
by m simons 13 May '21

13 May '21

Greetings, I'm looking for folks in the South Jersey (mostly Burlington & Camden counties, but Glouchester and other nearby areas are good too) area who may be active DIY/maker hobbyists, and computer salvage folks, etc. If you're involved in reuse or recycling in the area in any capacity, even art or crafts type stuff I'd love to connect. InfoAge/Wall is a little too far for me to drive to on a regular basis for swap meets and the like, and I'd like to be able to find some local collaborators who may be interested in various items that could be repurposed for all manner of projects rather than having them sit around my place too long. I thought way back when, MARCH might have had a members location map... but that was.. quite a while ago. Not sure if such a thing still exists. thanks, Michael S.

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May Repair Workshop Info
by Jeffrey Brace 13 May '21

13 May '21

Tony will be running the workshop Saturday until after noon, then Dean will be running it for the rest of the day. Not sure who will be running it Sunday. I will be there if no one else can make it. Signup for May 2021 Repair Workshop here: May 2021 Repair Workshop Signup Sheet <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/17n7rQol7xt3f0dnAwA8zrMHy4vHw163xjXQ…> Spaces are first come first serve to the CDL space. Limited space available. Overflow space in 9032-A building. Sign up to guarantee a table!!! *DATES*: May 15 & 16, 2021 *LOCATIONS:* InfoAge: 2201 Marconi Road, Wall Township, NJ 1) Building 9059 (CDL Hackerspace - Formerly IXR) AND 2) Building 9032-A (Old workshop area in main building) TIME: Saturday START time == 10 A.M. END time == 11PM. Sunday START time == 10 A.M. and END == 5 P.M. *SIGNUP HERE!*: Signup sheet Click HERE! <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/17n7rQol7xt3f0dnAwA8zrMHy4vHw163xjXQ…> Workshop area is limited to 10 people per room and facemasks are required. Hand sanitizer is available. *COST:*- $15 per person, PER day. This money goes to InfoAge and CDL. - $25 per night for those wanting to stay overnight (Money goes to InfoAge). Please pay TONY OR DEAN upon arrival. Cash or PayPal is acceptable as payment. Ask ahead of time if you need to use a credit card. *OVERNIGHT*: Bring your own pillow, blankets, soap etc. We provide a bed frame and an uncovered mattress. There are showers and a kitchen for your use. - You can pay via PayPal to paypal(a)vcfed.org. or to me via cash or credit card in person. *EQUIPMENT:* - VCF will provide a table and you can use any available electrical outlet. - Bring your own tools, power strips, power cords, and supplies etc. - If you need particular tools that you don't know or particular parts, please post to the list for those going. They may have what you need. Let them know ahead of time. - Let everyone know what project you are working on ahead of time to inspire collaboration. *DRINKS*: You should bring your own. We have a refrigerator in CDL to keep them cold. VCF will buy some water and soft drinks for member use. *FOOD*: *Saturday afternoon*: Pizza from Attilios (Tinton Falls) *Saturday Night Dinner at 7PM?*: Main Street Bar and Grill Address: 735 Route 35, Ocean Township, NJ Signup here for Saturday Dinner <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qB-o2QSjn9RrViIfU1ZozeEjsqyc4QyRoQ_…> *Sunday Morning*: Bagel order from Delicious Bagels Sign-up HERE <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ud8oFCS4KXF6aNSZHE8khaJoiJiqiPiS601…> *Sunday Afternoon*: Wawa GATE: Please close the gate behind you at all times. We want to discourage random strangers from wandering the campus as well as during museum hours. PARKING: Park in the main parking lot, unless you are unloading. Don't park on the lawn. QUESTIONS? Contact Dean PHONE: (908) 644-9275 EMAIL: dean AT vcfed.org Have fun everyone!

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VHS tapes for backup drives back in 80s/early 90s?
by Jeffrey Jonas 13 May '21

13 May '21

> Corvus had a Mirror option for their Winchester drives that allowed backup to VHS That's what I remember from the mid 80s. It used a regular VHS recorder and tape. No remote control or I-R blaster. You had to press play, record, stop just like using an audio cassette. I never used it since it was just too manual and unreliable. Even with recording everything 3x, the tape quality was not enough to guarantee error free operation. -- Jeff Jonas

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(no subject)
by Herb Johnson 12 May '21

12 May '21

>> "we need working 10 meg cartridge system >> can you help?" I got an inquiry of this sort recently. The person obtained a IoMEGA "Bernoulli" 10MB cartridge drive, previously for Apple/Macintosh use. The Bernoulli carts are flexible disk media in a black plastic cartridge. A predecessor of the IoMEGA 100MB/250MB ZIP carts and drives. None of these are "hard disks" literally, as I said they are flexible media. I have one of the 20MB drives and IBM PC ISA controllers and some media, described on my Web site. My colleague Caudle shows a model too in his post. There also were, many hard-disk media small cartridge drives in the era. But "10MB" suggests Bernoulli, unless it's Diablo/Pertec/etc. minicomputer class disk-pack drives from the 1970's which is unlikely. Regards, Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net preserve, recover, restore 1970's computing email: hjohnson AT retrotechnology DOT com or try later herbjohnson AT comcast DOT net

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vice.com: How the Personal Computer Broke the Human Body
by Christian Liendo 12 May '21

12 May '21

https://www.vice.com/en/article/y3dda7/how-the-personal-computer-broke-the-… I thought this was an interesting article and it discusses some history that we are all interested in. I figured it would interest some here.

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Tandy 10 mb (was:) 10 meg cartridge system
by Herb Johnson 12 May '21

12 May '21

https://www.thecomputerarchive.com/Catalogs%20and%20Price%20Lists/Retail/Ta… page 19 of this Radio Shack catalog shows what looks to me like a Bernoulli 10MB drive cabinet. The 20MB drive cabinet and drives look the same but the 20MB system can only read, not write, 10MB carts. Web search "Tandy 6000, 10 meg cartridge system" found this catalog. I imagine "Bernoulli 10 MB cartridge" will be informative. Who knows if a non-Tandy controller/software can read Tandy carts? Or if the Tandy drive system was compatible with non-Tandy models (IBM, Mac, ??). http://www.retrotechnology.com/aux/iomega10.html my 10MB drive and controller and such. These are available for sale, contact me privately. regards, Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net preserve, recover, restore 1970's computing email: hjohnson AT retrotechnology DOT com or try later herbjohnson AT comcast DOT net

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] (no subject)
by Bob Aviles 12 May '21

12 May '21

My version is for the Sun systems, one drive is Iomega Bernoulli removable. Bobby On Tuesday, May 11, 2021, 07:46:50 PM EDT, Peter Cetinski via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > On May 11, 2021, at 6:45 PM, Bill Degnan via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > This came in through the kennettclassic.com contact form: > > "we need working 10 meg cartridge system > can you help?" > > What do you think this person is referring to? > > Bill Iomega Bernoulli 10MB removable cartridge drive

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SEMI-OT: Samsung laptops
by Stephen A Edwards 12 May '21

12 May '21

Some colleagues of mine are looking for some very specific laptop models, in the 10-15 year-old range. If you or anybody you know has a line on any of these, please contact me off-list. There's some reasonable money involved, but the model numbers must be an exact match. Here's their wishlist: Samsung RF510-S01 Samsung RF510-S02 Samsung RF511-S02 Samsung RF511-S03 Samsung RF710-S02 Samsung RF711-S01 Samsung RF711-S02 Dell Latitude D410 (Samsung NP400B2B-A01)

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10 meg cartridge system
by Bill Degnan 11 May '21

11 May '21

This came in through the kennettclassic.com contact form: "we need working 10 meg cartridge system can you help?" What do you think this person is referring to? Tallgrass? Corvus? Alloy? Bill

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(no subject)
by Bill Degnan 11 May '21

11 May '21

This came in through the kennettclassic.com contact form: "we need working 10 meg cartridge system can you help?" What do you think this person is referring to? Bill

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] (no subject)
by W. Bryan Caudle 11 May '21

11 May '21

Something like this? We have one of these drives but it is untested at this time. Would be happy to loan it out or collaborate on a project if needed. Sent from my iPhone > On May 11, 2021, at 6:53 PM, Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > <mime-attachment>

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Value of Air Compressor in CDL workshop
by Martin Flynn 11 May '21

11 May '21

CDL has an offer on the table for the donation of a used 5HP air compressor. Grainger Model is 3Z724, needs work. Any value during workshops other than air for soldering stations?

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Mac IIci, dead after power on
by Ethan O'Toole 10 May '21

10 May '21

Working on IIci I picked up at swap meet. Ex-Cisco, it's gonna be sweet. I read that the battery doesn't matter. Pulled it. Zero leakage. Pre-recap, no life. Post-recap, no life. (Re-capped machine.) 5v 500ma line is fine from the PSU 12v line is fine from the PSU 5v line is fine from the PSU Not sure about -12, but probably just audio? No power on chime. Screen is black, monitor wakes up. Haven't used the DB-15 to VGA 6 switch converter in ages but it worked last time. Powers on from keyboard or rear panel switch. I guess the first things to check are the CPU reset circuit and the clock. Any other pointers from Mac geeks? :-) Recapped the A1200 motherboard I picked up and it booted! Now trying to decide on keyboard options. - Ethan

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The KENBAK is Back (Again)
by Chris Fala 10 May '21

10 May '21

I know there are already replicas of this computer, but it is nice to see renewed interest. https://www.instructables.com/25-Scale-KENBAK-1-Personal-Computer-Reproduct…

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H89 for museum; gotek?
by Herb Johnson 09 May '21

09 May '21

Just as a matter of courtesy: consider starting a new thread when the conversation changes greatly from the "subject" line. I am a user, I'm not in charge. But since I'm posting a response, I'll change the subject line. The subject of the thread "Needed SD card solutions for museum" was about SDcard adapters to replace floppy drives on 8-bit computers. But most of the thread now is entirely about an H89 acquired which may be donated to the VCFed museum; and/or about the utility of a "Gotek" hardware product for it that emulates various vintage floppy drives with file-storage. I would have ignored the thread, except by luck. I read this list online, after the fact; not by emails. And anyone looking backwards or search, would not find those H89 interests among the subject lines, until now. The H89 by Heath and Zenith is a great 8-bit Z80 system. It works fine with original hardware and software, and hard or soft sectored disks. One needs a controller for each, with drives dedicated for each. That's how it was done in the era. But people today do like putting modern widgets and new boards on it, some use modern mass storage. The H89 and support for it, or a system to restore or to pass to the Museum, are certainly worth their own discussion threads. As for modern SDcard or CompactFlash devices that emulate floppy drives, like GoTek. I don't follow them much. But it's unusual for them to support formats like Heath's hard-sectored USART based floppy controller. It's a technical challenge, not just "bugs" to fix. If GoTek supports that better over time, that's interesting and good news. Regards, Herb Johnson retrotechnology.com https://retrotechnology.com/herbs_stuff/s_zenith.html#h89 -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net preserve, recover, restore 1970's computing email: hjohnson AT retrotechnology DOT com or try later herbjohnson AT comcast DOT net

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vcf-midatlantic] Value of Air Compressor in CDL workshop
by Herb Johnson 09 May '21

09 May '21

> used 5HP air compressor, Grainger Model is 3Z724, needs work. > This unit is actually 208, 3 Phase. It's belt driven and only > turns 1800 RPM at the motor pulley. Just my opinions, following. This is tremendous overkill for blowing some dust off some electronics, that being any vintage-computing interest. Especially when considering it will be operated in another room, meaning running air lines to workbenches. Cans of compressed air (or a shop-vac) solve the dust-cleaning problem immediately, cleanly, no oil. Otherwise it seems to me, CDL is talking about labor and capital improvements - like running lines between rooms, housing noisy compressors, equipment maintenance, filters, etc. But CDL didn't ask for advice. They asked VCFed, what as customers of CDL what they might use at their bench. So I'll hold my tongue about advice to CDL. But if they decide against acquiring it: 1) this might be a capital equipment tool, better suited for working on cars, trucks, mowers, big mechanical stuff. Are there not other groups at InfoAge who do that stuff? Equipment Maintenance? or the military vehicle folks? they may find better use, make repairs, make/keep it portable. Then it would be available to CDL intermittently. 2) If the unit is really worn out or busted; there's that 1800RPM 5HP electric motor. That's pretty hefty, and a low rotation rate (most motors are 3600RPM). That sure would nicely feed some rotating equipment (I own a lathe myself). Or maybe a DC or AC generator, as a motor/generator set. and CDL is in the end a "maker" group, parts is part of making (seems to me). But if they don't want a motor like that, some other group at InfoAge might. regards, Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net preserve, recover, restore 1970's computing email: hjohnson AT retrotechnology DOT com or try later herbjohnson AT comcast DOT net

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POLF - a new Commodore PET game
by Crawford Griffith 09 May '21

09 May '21

Folks, For you Commodore PET fans, David Given has written a new 3D game: http://cowlark.com/polf/ In the game, you navigate a maze, find a ball and push it into a hole. Then you move to a new maze layout. So, it’s not exactly DOOM, monochrome block graphics can only do so much, but thought you might find it amusing. David has some other vintage related things on his site also, and some interesting youtube videos where he disassembles and/or fixes vintage stuff. -Crawford

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Museum Report 2021-05-08
by Jeffrey Brace 08 May '21

08 May '21

A rainy day, so more visitors than usual. Dylan was docent and got the following: A group of 3 who wanted to look around by themselves. A group of 8 who wanted a quick tour. A group of 2 who wanted the long tour. A group of 2 who were repeat visitors who stayed an hour to play with all of the computers. ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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[Not mine] [FS] IBM 5150 + 5151 Monitor + Epson Printer
by Alexander Jacocks 07 May '21

07 May '21

All, Here is a decent 5150 setup, located in Alexandria, VA: https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/sys/d/alexandria-ibm-ps2-computer/7… No connection to the seller. - Alex

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Needed SD card solutions for museum
by Jeffrey Brace 07 May '21

07 May '21

We have already had some people donate SD card solutions to the museum which makes doing demos much easier. I'm looking for people to donate an SD card solution for the machines in the museum. This list of machines that need them are here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1sfGEttaQZUwEH7bkvErH1Aey9AdvdwepWoo… Let me know if you want to donate any of these or if you have any questions. Thanks! ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Upcoming Repair Workshop May 15 & 16
by Jeffrey Brace 07 May '21

07 May '21

So I'm thinking I will try to make a reservation with Brick House Tavern + Tap this time. I will call many hours ahead of time. I love the Main Street Bar and Grill, but I'm thinking everyone wants to try something different if possible. Also for Sunday, how does everyone feel about continuing the Sunday morning bagel order versus going out to a diner? I was thinking that we can start going back to the OB diner. Signup for the repair workshop is here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/17n7rQol7xt3f0dnAwA8zrMHy4vHw163xjXQ… ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Big Tandy (TRS-80 style) line printer in Virginia Suburbs of Washington DC...
by William Sudbrink 07 May '21

07 May '21

I can't make it to this estate sale, but I saw this: https://www.estatesales.net/VA/Sterling/20164/2875140/100262554 look at picture number 11. Bill S. -- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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OT: UPS battery for sale (APC BE-750BB)
by Jeffrey Brace 07 May '21

07 May '21

Hello everyone, I accidentally got the wrong replacement battery for my brother's UPS. It is for the APC model ES-750. But the battery type is: BE750BB. They company refurbups.com wouldn't take it back because it wasn't worth their while because of the high cost of shipping, but they gave me a discount on the correct battery. I got it a month ago and never used it obviously. Asking for the original price I paid of $37. Local pickup. I live 10 minutes from InfoAge. Send me a private message if interested. ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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IMSAI 8080 front panel
by Bob Aviles 06 May '21

06 May '21

Hi All, I am looking for an IMSAI Front panel, I have a lot of things to trade for it. example Apple IIe computer & parts, SX-64 computer, Commodore 64 & parts, Amiga 2000 & parts, Atari computers & parts, all working. Comice Marvel & DC early 60's, & 70's & 80's & more. I have collected Star Wars, Star Trek, and Legos. Bobby

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Drone at the Swap Meet
by Jeffrey Brace 06 May '21

06 May '21

On Wed, May 5, 2021 at 8:11 PM Jeff G via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > The GNETIC86 Youtube account is mine (used to be for my car stuff), my > buddy Curt who was with me took the drone vids. He's fairly new to it > and trying to get into it as a hobby, and since a couple people asked > about getting drone footage he figured he'd bring it and get some > shots. > Great! Thanks for getting your friend to take those drone vids Bags! > Jeff G (aka Bags) >

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MODCOMP in Spokane, WA
by Douglas Crawford 05 May '21

05 May '21

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Items For Sale
by Jason Perkins 05 May '21

05 May '21

Conner helped me to a major clean over the weekend - and we found a bunch of items I would have brought to the swap meet if I'd known I had them... Here's the list: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11drIhCBIH6d6c0qaeM076TwuQpI6hyv2n74… I can bring items to the upcoming workshop if you're interested! Items in strikethrough have been sold. Thanks, -- Jason Perkins 313 355 0085

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Re: Drone at the Swap Meet
by Jeff G 05 May '21

05 May '21

The GNETIC86 Youtube account is mine (used to be for my car stuff), my buddy Curt who was with me took the drone vids. He's fairly new to it and trying to get into it as a hobby, and since a couple people asked about getting drone footage he figured he'd bring it and get some shots. Jeff G (aka Bags)

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Drone at the Swap Meet
by Herb Johnson 04 May '21

04 May '21

Christian Liendo posted some video links he found - thanks! Nice overhead view of the event. Funny videos, mostly about things obtained at the event and what happened at home with them. I recognize some of the stuff. The comps I bought there, all worked as claimed. And those in the videos who bought, were told what worked and what didn't, and that was mostly correct. So that's how these events work. By the way: someone I know among our VCFed crowd, selling at the event, wanted to show me another day some compact Macs he obtained recently. Unfortunately I didn't get the name of that masked man, to remind him of that offer today. All I have is this silver bullet .... Regards, Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net preserve, recover, restore 1970's computing email: hjohnson AT retrotechnology DOT com or try later herbjohnson AT comcast DOT net

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Drone at the Swap Meet
by Andrew Diller 04 May '21

04 May '21

Ok, who had the drone at the meet? I saw it hovering and taking awesome video. If you know who has that footage please ask them to contact me or better yet post for all of us to see. -andy

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Yep I bought it. Anyone with MODCOMP experience?
by Douglas Crawford 03 May '21

03 May '21

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] OT: UPS battery for sale (APC BE-750BB)
by Jeffrey Brace 03 May '21

03 May '21

On Mon, May 3, 2021 at 7:34 PM laurakid via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > i have to see which one I have but interested > OK. In any case if you don't need it, I can tell you where to buy good replacement batteries. > > On Monday, May 3, 2021, 04:56:39 PM EDT, Jeffrey Brace via > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > Hello everyone, > > I accidentally got the wrong replacement battery for my brother's UPS. It > is for the APC model ES-750. But the battery type is: BE750BB. > > They company refurbups.com wouldn't take it back because it wasn't worth > their while because of the high cost of shipping, but they gave me a > discount on the correct battery. > > I got it a month ago and never used it obviously. Asking for the original > price I paid of $37. > > Local pickup. > I live 10 minutes from InfoAge. > > Send me a private message if interested. > > ========================================= > Jeff Brace > Vice President & Board Member > Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner > Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity > http://www.vcfed.org/ > jeffrey(a)vcfed.org > >

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Commodore 64 in VR!
by Jeffrey Brace 03 May '21

03 May '21

Wow, sounds like a really cool idea! https://hackaday.com/2021/05/03/commodore-64-emulator-in-vr-delivers-a-full… ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Swap Meet Photos
by Jeffrey Jonas 02 May '21

02 May '21

Hear, hear, well spoken Herb! Thanks for the photos, commentary and humor. I had a grand day out too. My dance card was definitely full with meeting new folks and familiar faces. What can I say, I enjoy schmoozing and being the unofficial VCF tummler. I delivered some donations, picked up some to relay to others, even found a few useful *SMALL* items such as a Beaglebone black, USB flash drives, small NAS box. -- the "not tall" Jeff: Jeff Jonas

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OT - 120v to 240v step up recommendations
by John Heritage 02 May '21

02 May '21

Hey folks I have a new Amiga PSU coming on from icomp that is 240V only. I'm looking for recommendations for a 120 to 240V step up transformer rated for at least 100W (so it doesnt have to work hard). Preferably silent. Etc. Also what should I avoid in this space ? P.S. This PSU is the "CA PSU" from icomp - and not an original commodore unit (as they are hard to find and old) nor one of the meanwell based units on ebay that have problems with accelerated amigas. I do have a cheap one and while it can do my slightly expanded 1200 it's hard fail on an expanded 500. Thanks !

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] OT - 120v to 240v step up recommendations
by John Heritage 02 May '21

02 May '21

Sentry, here's the thread where I asked about the 120V option: https://forum.icomp.de/index.php?thread/1830-aca500-i-may-have-damaged-the-… He never directly said no to 120V input, but mentioned using either a 240V transformer or rewiring with a 12V/5A DC PSU. (Replies #5 and #6). The link for the item for sale also says 200-240V input source. I'll just order a $20 240V step up transformer and call it a day -- a little larger of a solution than I hoped (I'd prefer to have less equipment not more :) ) but enough to at least verify operation. Maybe later I'll go the DC wiring route.. On Sun, May 2, 2021 at 3:30 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > After looking at the picture on the website > It looks like the power supply is actually a standard switch mode power > supply brick which should be able to handle from something like 80 V to 240 > V most of them do if I am correct, if not please correct me. > > Mike > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > On May 2, 2021, at 3:09 PM, Ian Primus via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > I see a lot of very complicated explanations and responses, and a lot > > of very technical "what-if's" attempting to consider every single > > angle. After all, electronics is the passion of many, myself included. > > > > But at the end of the day, it's a power supply. For a home computer. > > It's been designed to work with ordinary household power - it's not > > going to be super picky about tiny differences in voltage, and > > basically nothing in this entire realm is going to have a problem with > > a difference in frequency. That really only affects AC synchronous > > motors like in a record player or something. > > > > A step-up transformer is more than sufficient, just get one that's > > beefy enough to handle whatever you intend to run. Being that this is > > an Amiga, it doesn't exactly pull a ton of power, so nearly anything > > should be fine. > > > > I have a whole bunch of equipment from foreign countries. For > > operating 240v hardware, I have a couple of step up transformers. One > > is simply the isolation transformer scavenged from an old arcade > > machine - one that had multiple input taps. I'm using it backwards, > > restrapped as 240v, operating it as a step-up. No idea what the > > wattage is, but it was meant to power an arcade monitor, so probably > > around 100W or so. Ish. It works fine, I've powered lots of British, > > Soviet, and other European machines on this thing, > > > > Another step-up I use is actually a travel converter meant to be used > > as a step-down, to power 120V stuff overseas, converting 240V to 120V. > > It's an autotransformer, so it does not isolate in any way, and this > > is likely how most transformers you see on Amazon are built, because > > it's cheaper. I've rewired it backwards so it converts the 120V up to > > 240V. This also works just fine and I've powered lots of foreign > > equipment off of it. > > > > Nearly every product on Amazon has some "scary reviews" thanks to > > people that simply don't know how to use it. My favorite being from > > some lithium batteries, two different people complained they caused > > their devices to catch fire and nearly burn down their house, with > > photo evidence. One of these photos shows the batteries, burnt and > > swollen, in the compartment of the device. One of which is installed > > backwards. So, huh. You take two 10,000mah batteries, and short them > > out with each other by installing one battery backwards in a device > > that uses two batteries in parallel, and it catches fire? Who knew? > > Silly physics. What will it think of next? It should have *known* what > > this user intended the batteries to do, and not allowed them to > > explode like that. So, yes. You have to take reviews with a grain of > > salt. While people may have had horrible experiences, there is a > > reasonable chance these experiences were self inflicted. > > > > And yes - precise US line voltage is technically 117V, and I'm pretty > > sure the UK is technically 230V, etc, etc. But the line voltage will > > vary from area to area, and sag during periods of high usage and on > > circuits that are heavily loaded. Any device designed for use in the > > home will be tolerant of these sorts of voltage drifts, and the > > voltage regulation in the power supply of any given home computer, TV > > set, or piece of stereo equipment will be able to handle a reasonable > > amount of deviation. > > > > In the end, it really doesn't matter - close enough is close enough - > > 220, 221, whatever it takes. It's fine. Any given step-up transformer > > should have no problem powering an Amiga, and any reasonably designed > > power supply is going to work just fine on either 50 or 60hz, and > > within any reasonable deviation of it's intended input voltage. Power > > in houses is FAR from perfect. > > > > -Ian > > > >> On Sun, May 2, 2021 at 8:56 AM John Heritage via vcf-midatlantic > >> <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >> > >> Ok so you recommend just getting a step up transformer and be done with > it ? > >> > >> Any brands you recommend that are UL or similar? (Or anyone else > >> recommend?) . The models on amazon almost all seem to have at least a > >> percentage of very scary reviews.. > >> > >>> On Sun, May 2, 2021, 8:03 AM <dave.g4ugm(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >>> > >>> John, > >>> > >>> I like to keep equipment original so would not be tempted to mess. In > >>> addition is the new supply accurate. I run my NTSC CoCo off a > transformer > >>> and its fine. > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> The AC does permeate a little past the transformer, so the diodes and > >>> smoothing capacitor will usually see 100Hz or 120Hz ripple. (a full > wave > >>> bridge rectifier acts as a frequency doubler.) > >>> > >>> In theory there could be components tuned to this frequency, but even > so > >>> they would usually not have a high enough “Q” for you to notice or to > >>> affect the operation. > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> Dave > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> *From:* John Heritage <john.heritage(a)gmail.com> > >>> *Sent:* 02 May 2021 12:14 > >>> *To:* dave.g4ugm(a)gmail.com > >>> *Cc:* vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org>; W2HX < > >>> w2hx(a)w2hx.com> > >>> *Subject:* Re: [vcf-midatlantic] OT - 120v to 240v step up > recommendations > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> Thanks Dave, Dave, and everyone - I reality do appreciate the comments > >>> and thoughts. > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> The computer in question is the Commodore Amiga 500 (Rev 5A / NTSC) > and is > >>> definitely working fine with my other (120VAC@60Hz to DC output) power > >>> supply. So I'm assuming the only 'risk' item here for 60 hz input > would > >>> be the (AC to DC) power supply created by the engineer and not > anything on > >>> the computer itself. > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> In this case I'm planning to run here in the US (= 60 hz AC) so worst > case > >>> it would be a '50 hz transformer running at 60hz'. > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> Does the frequency of the mains carry over to the DC side somehow? > One > >>> other option the guy mentioned was wiring a 12V/5A DC power supply > directly > >>> to the DC to DC converter within the new Amiga power supply, bypassing > the > >>> AC to DC conversion. This would have the benefit of being a smaller, > more > >>> power efficient (less conversions) and slightly cheaper solution. > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> Thanks! > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>>> On Sun, May 2, 2021 at 4:38 AM <dave.g4ugm(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >>> > >>> Even if the grid frequency is "not used for anything" it can still > matter. > >>> Some older, larger computers used resonant transformers and these > simply > >>> won't work. > >>> Going from the UK/EU 50Hz world to the US 60Hz world is not usually a > >>> problem. In general transformers are slightly more efficient at 60hz. > >>> Going the other way can be a problem and US transformers can run warm > and > >>> over heat. > >>> > >>> Dave > >>> G4UGM > >>> > >>>> -----Original Message----- > >>>> From: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic-bounces(a)lists.vcfed.org> On > >>> Behalf > >>>> Of John Heritage via vcf-midatlantic > >>>> Sent: 02 May 2021 00:45 > >>>> To: W2HX <w2hx(a)w2hx.com> > >>>> Cc: John Heritage <john.heritage(a)gmail.com>; vcf-midatlantic <vcf- > >>>> midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> > >>>> Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] OT - 120v to 240v step up > recommendations > >>>> > >>>> Per the guy who designed it (iComp.De - he makes tons of > >>>> amiga/commodore custom electronics) - the input frequency doesn't > matter: > >>>> > >>>> does 60 hz / 240V power vs 50 hz / 240V power matter for this power > >>> supply > >>>> if I go the transformer route? > >>>> > >>>> It shouldn't - it's a simple rectifier design where grid frequency is > >>> not used for > >>>> anything. > >>>> > >>>> On Wed, Apr 28, 2021 at 8:13 PM W2HX <w2hx(a)w2hx.com> wrote: > >>>> > >>>>> Are you sure the PS in the amiga is expecting 60 Hertz power? It > might > >>>>> be expecting 50 Hz depending on where it is from. This is a bigger > >>>>> problem that a transformer won't solve > >>>>> > >>>>> -----Original Message----- > >>>>> From: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic-bounces(a)lists.vcfed.org> On > >>>>> Behalf Of John Heritage via vcf-midatlantic > >>>>> Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2021 4:57 PM > >>>>> To: Ethan O'Toole <telmnstr(a)757.org> > >>>>> Cc: John Heritage <john.heritage(a)gmail.com>; John Heritage via > >>>>> vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> > >>>>> Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] OT - 120v to 240v step up > >>>>> recommendations > >>>>> > >>>>> Yep - that's exactly what i'm looking for advice on -- I think > >>>>> transformers are pretty standard/minimalist, but just looking for > some > >>>>> links or models of 'ready to use' step up transformers that will plug > >>>>> into my US 120V outlet and give me a 240V UK or EU style plug > output.. > >>>>> > >>>>> thanks! > >>>>> > >>>>> On Wed, Apr 28, 2021 at 4:49 PM Ethan O'Toole <telmnstr(a)757.org> > >>> wrote: > >>>>> > >>>>>>> Hey folks > >>>>>>> I have a new Amiga PSU coming on from icomp that is 240V only. > >>>>>>> I'm > >>>>>> looking > >>>>>>> for recommendations for a 120 to 240V step up transformer rated > >>>>>>> for at least 100W (so it doesnt have to work hard). Preferably > >>> silent. > >>>>> Etc. > >>>>>>> Also what should I avoid in this space ? > >>>>>> > >>>>>> I mean you can get a transformer that will take 110 and put out 220 > >>>>>> before the Amiga PSU. > >>>>>> > >>>>>> The Amiga runs on voltages that you could find on any ATX power > >>> supply. > >>>>>> You could make a cable that would go from the funky square DIN to a > >>>>>> PC motherboard ATX connector and use any old ATX Flex PSU. > >>>>>> > >>>>>> - Ethan > >>>>>> > >>>>>> > >>>>> > >>> > >>> > >

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OT - 120v to 240v step up recommendations
by Herb Johnson 02 May '21

02 May '21

OK, John, this discussion thread got my attention for some reason, although I'm not an Amiga 500 owner, maybe because I'm a decreed electrical engineer. But pardon me, your subject line really is distracting. Your real subject-line is "power supplies for Amiga 500" which is certainly on-topic. The real issue from reading your posts, is this. YOu have an Amiga 500 with some additions and accessories, which you want to power. Amiga 500's operate from an external AC to DC power supply, with a DC cable to the Amiga (this not being known to some of us). You are about to receive, an iCOMP brand power supply - but it's European with a 240V Euro style plug. Your question was/is: how do I run this in the USA? Turns out: you said you can contact the iCOMP producer - they have a WEb site, they have a forum - and you already asked them if the power supply cares about 60Hz versus 50Hz AC power. They said "no". So: you can ask them, about use of any common, AC step-up transformers to convert US AC power and AC outlets, to Euro AC power and AC outlets. But read on, you have other questions to ask (by my best guesses, I'm not an Amiga owner). Ask them about the "wattage", that being how those transformers and their power supply are rated. "wattage" is simply AC voltage (110, 240) times the desired current in Amps. If your Amiga consumes say 100 watts power, it needs about 1 Amp of 110V AC current through a transformer; or 1/2 Amp of 240V AC current (roughly). This is a *rating*, so you want transformers that can "deliver" more than 100 watts; not all of that will be necessary, that's OK. "100 watts" is an example, I don't know what you need. My own experience (and as posted) is that these step-up transformers are relatively cheap and common, available from eBay, Amazon, other online vendors; and from any shops that cater to foreign visitors to the United States. I see these in thrift stores sometimes (in New Jersey). They don't care about 50Hz or 60Hz, and your iCOMP vendor says his supplies also don't care. That's not totally correct but that's probably OK. The remaining issue is: does the iCOMP power supply, have sufficient DC power for your A500? (whatever other issues it may have as something you just bought). I ask because I did some homework, went to the iCOMP Web site, saw they had a forum, and saw this post: https://forum.icomp.de/index.php?thread/1444-ca-psu-won-t-power-up-my-a1200… The post says more or less: someone bought some new model of ICOMP's "CA-PSU", two units; they worked both in one Amiga 500 they have, but neither worked with an Amiga 1200 they have; they measure DC volts out at 4.85 on the failing units; but "My A500 PSU is pretty solid at 5.1V" (apparently a 3rd power supply). Hint: when DC power supplies can't deliver enough power, their voltage drops. just over 5 volts is what you want; under 5V is not desirable. So: this is where "wattage" comes in to play. With DC power, Plan A is you figure it out by measuring each DC voltage, each times the DC current consumed, and then add those wattages up. It's easy to measure DC current with a voltmeter; a little harder to measure current because you have to run power through your voltmeter (ammeter) to do so. But "plan B", would be to ask other Amiga 500 owners, if this wattage-stuff is a problem, what their Amiga 500's consume or their power-supply ratings, if they use this specific brand/model year supply (maybe in Europe?), ask icomp.de, etc. And so: pardon me, but your real post, is about "getting good power to your Amiga 500" - with whatever configuration you have, if it works or not right now - and whether this iCOMP unit combined with some AC step-up transformer will do the job or not. Of course it's your thread and your situation. Good luck. Regards, Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net preserve, recover, restore 1970's computing email: hjohnson AT retrotechnology DOT com or try later herbjohnson AT comcast DOT net

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Anyone Have any AT Mid-Tower or Desktop Cases?
by Alexander Jacocks 01 May '21

01 May '21

All, I’ve picked up a number of AT-style motherboards, and would like to find cases to put them in. Does anyone have spare AT cases that they’d be willing to part with? Thanks! - Alex Middletown, MD USA

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Swap Meet Photos
by Herb Johnson 30 Apr '21

30 Apr '21

https://www.retrotechnology.com/restore/vcf_apr21.html Regards, Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net preserve, recover, restore 1970's computing email: hjohnson AT retrotechnology DOT com or try later herbjohnson AT comcast DOT net

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Teletype ASR 33
by W2HX 30 Apr '21

30 Apr '21

For those of you interested, a well-priced one: https://fresno.craigslist.org/for/d/clovis-asr-33-teletype-machine/73029509… Maybe someone from VCF-west would be interested (I'm not on that mailing list) 73 Eugene W2HX

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Lot of Sun SS2 and SS1 Systems
by Alexander Jacocks 30 Apr '21

30 Apr '21

All, I have received an offer for 14 SPARCstation 2 and 1 SPARCstation 1 systems, in pretty good condition, for about $85 each, plus shipping. Would anyone like one (or more)? I'd need to buy the whole lot, and I don't need 15 more SS2/SS1s. Thanks! - Alex

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Workshop tool case
by jsalzman＠gmail.com 30 Apr '21

30 Apr '21

Someone at the April Workshop asked me about the stackable tool case I bring to the workshops. I forget who it was. It might have been Bill. This message is just an FYI. I realize we all have our personal preferences with these things. The one I have was a Christmas gift from a few years ago. I was shopping around for an additional stackable box for my "rolling tower" and I came across the item on the Home Depot website. If you are looking for a stackable tool case for hauling your gear around, you can find the entire three box set for only $130 at Home Depot. Weirdly enough, the same set is $170 at Amazon. RIDGID PRO Tool Storage System (3-Piece)-RIDGIDPRO3PCTSS - The Home Depot <https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-PRO-Tool-Storage-System-3-Piece-RIDGIDPR…> I highly recommend it if you are looking for a wheeled means to move your gear around that can also be easily broken down for vehicle transport. In mine, I carry (among other things) a reworking station, parts drawer kit, cleaning supplies, paper towels, screwdriver sets, Rigol oscilloscope, workbench tool supplies (pliers, etc.) cables, adapters, tabletop worklight, spare parts, and more. For me, I wanted to carry more small parts to the workshop. For that, more of the compartmentalized smaller top boxes would be suitable for that. Those I found on Amazon at 2 for $70, which are stackable on top of my existing set of cases. Again, this is just an FYI. This set has worked well for me for a long time. When I saw how relatively affordable it was, I just wanted to share the information to those who were looking for a similar solution. Jeff Salzman

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New Apple II Phasor Sound Card Build Video
by Alexander Jacocks 30 Apr '21

30 Apr '21

I just uploaded the first video in a new 2-part series on building and using the ReActiveMicro Phasor, an amazing 12-channel sound card, for the Apple ][: https://youtu.be/rKruhFEpX6E Please let me know what you think! - Alex

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Interested in donating to the museum? JrIDE
by Jeffrey Brace 29 Apr '21

29 Apr '21

Hello everyone, As you may know, we are looking to add more reliable "SD type" technology to our museum for demonstrations to visitors. We have found this one for the IBM PCjr: https://www.ebay.com/itm/SD-Cart-JR-Cartridge-PCB-w-Case-and-SD-Card-for-IB… If anyone is interested in buying for the museum, the please let me know! Thanks! ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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VCF Mid-West planning to have a show!
by Jeffrey Brace 29 Apr '21

29 Apr '21

They have a fun 90's style "under construction" place holder for now: http://vcfmw.org/ ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Pictures of free stuff at Kennett Classic
by Bill Degnan 29 Apr '21

29 Apr '21

Forgot the photos: https://www.kennettclassic.com/freestuff/ I think that this is where I will permanently house photos of free items. Check back regularly, I will delete photos as items are no longer available. Thanks Bill Degnan

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Need c128 psus
by Ethan O'Toole 29 Apr '21

29 Apr '21

Picked up a broken c128 at swapmeet as did a friend. Looking for two c128 psus... Rather mot build them nor aftermarket from overseas.

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