- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] vcf-midatlantic Digest, Vol 31, Issue 26
by Blatboy 29 Dec '20

29 Dec '20

On Tue, Dec 29, 2020 at 12:00 PM <vcf-midatlantic-request(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Date: Mon, 28 Dec 2020 13:00:00 -0500 > From: Jeffrey Brace <jeffrey(a)vcfed.org> > To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> > Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] What projects are you working on? > Message-ID: > <CALWfZAKGzJ1J2_-L02rb4C9k+n1BYp2ajhhTN7PzFNqncuG_Bw(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" > > During this time of year many of us are off work or inside for one reason > or another. > I'm curious what projects everyone is working on. > > -- Ha. Thanks for asking, Jeffrey. Who asks me this??? No one. haha. I am so happy to oblige: I'm still extremely underemployed, so I've been spending more time on my retrocomputing projects than ever. I have two PET 8016s that I'm restoring very slowly. At this stage I'm cleaning/repairing keyboards and trying to clean the very dirty and red markered-up cases. That's serious labor. I also have a pile of Amiga stuff I've been making progress on. Some stuff I'll keep, some I'll sell or whatever.: I'll be upgrading the SCSI chip on an Amiga 3000... hoping to get the voodoo out of the SCSI bus so I can more reliably test the myriad of SCSI accessories (some interesting stuff including a floptical drive and a bornoulli box) that I want to eventually clean up and sell. The A3000 needs a serious keyboard cleaning. I'm a little hesitant. I have a bad habit of making things worse when I "fix" them. Especially keyboards haha. I'm replacing the keyboard membrane on an Amiga 1200 (see earlier comment re:fixing keyboards). During the earlier part of the pandemic, I was able to get a Mac Classic II somewhat spiffied up, fully tricked out, and put on the network. I've been enjoying exploring the software on that, as I never had a Macintosh back in the day. I've also been doing some assembly coding for the PET... I've been eyeing my Micro-KIM as that may be next in line for some new code projects. I also did a serious repair on an old (late 1980's) Ensoniq SQ-80 synth. I learned a lot on that one... Otherwise, I've been making videos like this one: https://youtu.be/ii3ripsTF90 Hope you all are having a wonderful holiday season and I wish you all the absolute best in 2021. :) Walter ++++++++++++++++++++++ https://jwalterhawkes.com like to know where/when I'm playing? Click here to sign up for my list, and let the babble begin.

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] What projects are you working on? (Jeffrey Brace)
by Michael Thompson 29 Dec '20

29 Dec '20

> > I'm curious what projects everyone is working on. > > -- > Jeff Brace > Restoring a 1965 vintage Wang LOCI-2 Calculator. It will add and subtract, but nothing else works yet. Still working on the PDP-9. It will boot and run ADSS V5 from DECtape. I am trying to get earlier versions of ADSS to boot because they use less core. Need to add the Flipchips to enable the EAE option, and then add the Flipchips for the 34H graphics so we can play SpaceWar! Just finished restoring two MITS Altair systems, one boots BASIC from EPROMs and the other boots CP/M from Micropolis floppies. -- Michael Thompson

1 0

VCF Museum/Warehouse projects for last week of December
by Jeffrey Brace 29 Dec '20

29 Dec '20

Bill Inderrieden and I will be working on various projects during the last week of December. I have some time off work, so I intend to get some projects that have been on my to-do list. If anyone has time from December 28 to January 3, and is interested in helping out with some museum and/or warehouse projects, let me know. Bill and I will be making a schedule for that time period on Monday when we meet at 1PM.. Projects on our list include: New backdrops for museum artifact carts Folding, counting t-shirts, polos, etc Coco 3 demo setup Video recording some artifacts Finish setting up the Xerox demo. Setting up Laser Jet 4P for museum use Organizing, documenting and archiving VCF East videos from magnetic tape General cleanup of the museum floor and space. Anything else that we find that needs attention. Etc. -- ========================================= 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 cell: 732-759-1783

2 1

Selling Teletype Model 33
by Kelly Leavitt 29 Dec '20

29 Dec '20

I have a fairly complete Model 33 for sale. Looks exactly like the one in the wiki article. Asking $1,500 but willing to negotiate. Haven't powered it up in at least 5 years. Pics available on request. Pickup in Wantage, NJ or we can arrange delivery. Includes chad bucket and a bunch of paper. I don't think I have the reading stand. Here's the wiki link. Teletype Model 33 - Wikipedia<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teletype_Model_33> [https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/33/Teletype-IMG_7287…]<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teletype_Model_33> Teletype Model 33 - Wikipedia<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teletype_Model_33> The Teletype Model 33 is an electromechanical teleprinter designed for light-duty office use. It is less rugged and cost less than earlier Teletype machines. Teletype Corporation introduced the Model 33 as a commercial product in 1963 after being originally designed for the United States Navy. There are three versions of the Model 33: Model 33 ASR, (Automatic Send and Receive), which has a ... en.wikipedia.org Replies off list unless it's a general question. Thanks, Kelly PS I'm going to be selling off a lot of things. I just have too much to work on. Mostly XT and 286 clone stuff. A few Mac all-in-ones.

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] February Repair Workshop Date change
by Dean Notarnicola 28 Dec '20

28 Dec '20

Unless Green Bay makes the super bowl, I’ll be there. On Mon, Dec 28, 2020 at 3:09 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Keep > > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > On Dec 28, 2020, at 2:46 PM, Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > OK. Looks like everyone is OK with me keeping the date and not changing > it. > > > > Let me turn the question around. > > Who's OK with me *keeping* the date and not moving it? > > > > > > < > https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai… > > > > Virus-free. > > www.avast.com > > < > https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai… > > > > <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2> > > > >> On Sun, Dec 27, 2020 at 7:02 PM Jeff Salzman via vcf-midatlantic < > >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >> > >> I'm good for either weekend. > >> > >> On Sun, Dec 27, 2020, 6:58 PM Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic < > >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >> > >>> I'm thinking that I need to reschedule the February Repair workshop. I > >>> didn't realize that February 7 is Superbowl Sunday. > >>> > >>> Anyone have any problems with February 13 & 14? > >>> > >>> -- > >>> ========================================= > >>> 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 > >>> cell: 732-759-1783 > >>> > >> > > > > > > -- > > ========================================= > > 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 > > cell: 732-759-1783 > >

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] What projects are you working on?
by Richard Cini 28 Dec '20

28 Dec '20

For my workbench I bought from Grainger a metal instrument shelf that would go with an assembly bench, with outlets and I sat it on top of my workbench. Works well, but a little pricy as I recall (maybe $150). Rich http://www.classiccmp.org/cini Long Island S100 User’s Group Get Outlook<https://aka.ms/qtex0l> for iOS ________________________________ From: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic-bounces(a)lists.vcfed.org> on behalf of Alexander Pierson via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> Sent: Monday, December 28, 2020 4:15:16 PM To: Dave McGuire via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> Cc: Alexander Pierson <ajpierson1(a)yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] What projects are you working on?

1 0

OT: Looking for 35MM movies, projection equipment, etc
by Ethan O'Toole 28 Dec '20

28 Dec '20

Odd one, but I got a wild hair to try to bring home a 35mm movie projector if I can find one (Century, Simplex, Christie, Norelco, etc.) The 35MM movies can be hard to find. Anyone know any leads? I see a bunch of ebay with high asking prices and 0 sales ever. Then at commercial auctions the projectors go for $60ish and the platter systems for $40ish. I am aware of the explosion risk, high power usage, and insaity of my endevor. Any leads on projectors, sound hardware or 35MM movies?

1 0

Wonder Woman 1984 and vintage computers
by Jeffrey Brace 28 Dec '20

28 Dec '20

I saw the new Wonder Woman 1984 movie on HBO Max and there were some retro computers in the movie. I saw IBM PC, Commodore PET (chiclet) and possible a Commodore B500. Did anyone else see others in the movie? -- ========================================= 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 cell: 732-759-1783

2 2

New goodies?
by Jeffrey Brace 28 Dec '20

28 Dec '20

What new goodies has everyone gotten for themselves or as gifts from someone during this holiday season? I got: C64 Maxi Turbo Camelon V2 Backbit -- ========================================= 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 cell: 732-759-1783

11 13

IMSAI 8080 front panel board
by Bill Degnan 27 Dec '20

27 Dec '20

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-IMSAI-s-100-Front-Panel-Display-board/1938022… b

2 1

Revised, My take on "what is vintage computing"
by Herb Johnson 26 Dec '20

26 Dec '20

> Most computers built before 1980 have either been destroyed or lost, and of those that exist very few are still operational. ... It thus makes perfect sense that new hobbyists are gobbling up post-vintage (my term) machines such as Intel 386/486 computers, Macintosh II’s, SGI’s, NeXT and DEC VAX boxes, etc. They’re obtainable and more familiar. Well, Bill is right about the last point. 1990's computers are obtainable and more familiar to people who grew up in the 1980's and 90's. Some might be cheap because they are plentiful, or just underpriced. But here's the problem. Macs in particular, built with small surface mount components, are *failing left and right*. The capacitors weren't designed to last that long. Some of those components used inferior materials or methods. And - the components are more difficult to remove and replace on multilayer PC boards. Some of that applies to many PC-compatible boards too, depending on their era. And the Mac plastics? Crumbling. That's what plastics DO, otherwise the world would be covered with old plastics. They were not designed for 30 years use. Some pieces like reset buttons, lids, fasteners, bezels - like peanut brittle. Especially pieces around high voltage CRT's, it's the ozone. Fact. Bill - I *sell* vintage Macs. They are mostly falling apart. Some even are blasted from corroding batteries, or just moisture and rust. Sorry. Whereas (he he), those "destroyed" 1970's computers, were made in an era of owner-repair. They use large sized components on through-hole PC boards made for hand-soldering - because they were often built from kits by the owners. Translation - even "makers" that can solder Arduino kits, can figure out how to replace caps, pull IC's from boards. And the parts are STILL common, either old-stock or some new-stock. Also: no plastics. S-100 chassis are mostly metal and even wood. The toggle switches, they are plastic. $20 for an IMSAI paddle? Wow. S-100 boxes have been called "ugly boxes full of boards". Who's laughing now? "most destroyed or lost?" Better check eBay! I recently saw *well over one hundred* S-100 boards at auction. Several systems too. Thanks to the many grandpas who "hoarded" them, they have been preserved, and are now available for sale and restoration to use. Some good number of them, simply WORK. I sell those too, and that's my experience as well. They. are. repairable. and: There are STILL S-100 board kits - parts, boards, all new-stock obtained TODAY. Bill and I know people who offer them! It's its own thing! I'd never build a Pentium S-100 board, but some people have! Scares even me, Dr S-100 myself. Bill, he mentioned modern replicas too. You know, people have a right to do what's familiar, be wary of the unfamiliar. They don't know about the world before their childhood, unless they ask and look around. But ignorance can be a lost opportunity. And sticking with what you know, may get you stuck. It's all a matter of choices and opportunities, and the facts. There's enough for everyone's interests. But don't count out the 70's yet! I'm still hereeeeeee! 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

4 3

2020, Just one more week
by Sentrytv 26 Dec '20

26 Dec '20

2020 is like Windows Millennium Edition (Me). We would like to forget it and hopefully most people do. But because of the pandemic, you know it’s going to be in the history books forever. Mike Sent from: My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > On Dec 26, 2020, at 6:19 PM, Chris Fala via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > Windows 9? > > iPhone 9? > > > > >> On Sat, Dec 26, 2020 at 6:13 PM Jeffrey Jonas via vcf-midatlantic < >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: >> >> Niel Cherry: >>> Merry Christmas and let's never speak of this year again! ;-) >> >> 2020 is kinda like Unix 4 or DOS 4: >> the bastard child that nobody talks about :-) >> >> Or more like September 3-13, 1752 >> >> https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/Give-us-our-eleven-d… >> >> $ cal 9 1752 >> September 1752 >> S M Tu W Th F S >> 1 2 14 15 16 >> 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 >> 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 >>

1 0

There's Unix System III and System V but nothing in between :-)
by Jeffrey Jonas 26 Dec '20

26 Dec '20

Niel Cherry: > Merry Christmas and let's never speak of this year again! ;-) 2020 is kinda like Unix 4 or DOS 4: the bastard child that nobody talks about :-) Or more like September 3-13, 1752 https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/Give-us-our-eleven-d… $ cal 9 1752 September 1752 S M Tu W Th F S 1 2 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

2 1

Merry Christmas everyone!
by Jeffrey Brace 26 Dec '20

26 Dec '20

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. I hope that you and your family are safe, well and enjoy this time of year despite everything going on. -- ========================================= 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 cell: 732-759-1783

5 6

Happy Kwanzaa!
by Jeffrey Brace 26 Dec '20

26 Dec '20

I wish everyone a Happy Kwanzaa *Habari Gani!* As you explore the seven principles, may you and your family have a joyous celebration! -- ========================================= 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 cell: 732-759-1783 <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> Virus-free. www.avast.com <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Merry Christmas everyone!
by Jeffrey Golas 26 Dec '20

26 Dec '20

Merry Christmas to all! — Jeff aka Bags

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Merry Christmas everyone!
by Neil Cherry 25 Dec '20

25 Dec '20

On 12/25/20 8:07 PM, Sentry TV via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > Flush the cache, clear browser history, delete unused files, defragment,..... dedup, clear $TMP dir, Reboot +1 ;-) -- Linux Home Automation Neil Cherry ncherry(a)linuxha.com http://www.linuxha.com/ Main site http://linuxha.blogspot.com/ My HA Blog Author of: Linux Smart Homes For Dummies

1 0

YouTube Video on a New-old-stock Sun Ultra 5
by Alexander Jacocks 25 Dec '20

25 Dec '20

All, Depending on your definition of “vintage”, you could say this is off-topic, but I made an unboxing and basic overview video on the Sun Ultra 5 workstation: https://youtu.be/244-o7EVjiM Please excuse the crappy camera work; I’m no videographer, and without most of my equipment (due to the fire) this was shot sans-tripod, sans-DSLR, and sans-lighting. Thoughts are welcome! - Alex

3 2

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Merry Christmas everyone!
by jsalzman＠gmail.com 25 Dec '20

25 Dec '20

... and install anti-virus, DUH! 😁 On Fri, Dec 25, 2020, 8:07 PM Sentry TV via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Flush the cache, clear browser history, delete unused files, > defragment,..... > On Friday, December 25, 2020, 07:59:34 PM EST, Richard Cini via > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > Yes, Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all. Definitely need to flush > the cache on this year for sure. > > Time to play some Zelda. > > > http://www.classiccmp.org/cini > Long Island S100 User’s Group > > Get Outlook<https://aka.ms/qtex0l> for iOS > > ________________________________ > From: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic-bounces(a)lists.vcfed.org> on behalf > of Neil Cherry via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> > Sent: Friday, December 25, 2020 6:29:56 PM > To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> > Cc: Neil Cherry <ncherry(a)linuxha.com> > Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Merry Christmas everyone! > > Merry Christmas and let's never speak of this year again! ;-) > > -- > Linux Home Automation Neil Cherry ncherry(a)linuxha.com > http://www.linuxha.com/ Main site > http://linuxha.blogspot.com/ My HA Blog > Author of: Linux Smart Homes For Dummies >

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Merry Christmas everyone!
by Neil Cherry 25 Dec '20

25 Dec '20

Merry Christmas and let's never speak of this year again! ;-) -- Linux Home Automation Neil Cherry ncherry(a)linuxha.com http://www.linuxha.com/ Main site http://linuxha.blogspot.com/ My HA Blog Author of: Linux Smart Homes For Dummies

4 3

2mb and 4mb 85ns PS/2 SIMMs for Museum Model 70
by Alexander Jacocks 24 Dec '20

24 Dec '20

All, It turns out that the museum’s model 70 has no RAM. Does anyone know if we have some spare? I could also use a micro channel RAM expansion board, as well, if anyone has one. I’m trying to finish an OS/2 exhibit for display, and it’s proving hard to track down usable RAM. I’d steal some from my personal model 70, but that machine is stored away and inaccessible, due to the fire. - Alex

2 2

VIC20 Test Cartridge
by Richard Cini 24 Dec '20

24 Dec '20

First off, Happy Holidays to everyone on the list! I’m working on a VIC20 project and I know there is a Commodore-issued VIC20 diagnostics cartridge (I found the ROMs and instructions), but I haven’t found a schematic for the board, or blanks. I know Tynemouth Software in the UK used to make/sell them, but they no longer seem to have them. Does anyone have a schematic? I figure it’s probably similar to a RAM/ROM cartridge, but I didn’t know the addresses for the RAM. ROM I assume is the usual 8K blocks. Thanks! Rich -- Rich Cini http://www.classiccmp.org/cini http://www.classiccmp.org/altair32

2 2

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Revised, My take on "what is vintage computing"
by Herb Johnson 23 Dec '20

23 Dec '20

>> "Bit slicing is a technique for constructing a processor from modules of >> processors of smaller bit width, for the purpose of increasing the word length." > Okay bit processors were CPU construction sets. :-) In the late 70's, bit-slice processor sets were used for high-speed activities like floppy-drive and hard-drive controllers, maybe graphic boards, maybe fast-math boards. Microprocessors of the time were too slow. Chip-sets like Western Digital's for floppy or harddrive control (ie custom microcontrollers) weren't invented yet. Only mainframes and minis were a market for discrete-logic controllers. So bit slices filled a need at the time. Look for old bit-slice stuff among those controllers, on S-100 and Multibus boards, and on mini's like PDP-8's, 11's, Novas, etc. You'll also see non-CMOS high-speed processors, like Signetics 8X300. A kind of predecessor was ALU chips like the 74XX181 chips, with related carry and shift and register chips in the series. Again - minicomputer CPUs were often constructed from such chips. Some CPUs were made from bit slices too. They were all the bleeding edge at some point. David Gesswein mentioned the Tektronix graphic terminals as an example. 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

2 1

Revised, My take on "what is vintage computing"
by Herb Johnson 23 Dec '20

23 Dec '20

Bill writes in his Web article: > Some say the golden era of “vintage computers” occurred during mid-1970’s S-100 homebrew-era and lasted until about 1987. This is when the home appliance and small business computing markets emerged. Computers became practical to a wider population. I was in my 20's in the 1970's as a student and working electrical engineer on microprocessors. I"ve worked with some of those computers to the present day. So I'm qualified to speak about the period, express my informed opinions. But: it's Bill's Web site and article and thread. I won't compete by posting another article. I'll make a few points I think are important. From my experiences, I can say that a lot happened in the years Bill mentions. Too many kinds of things, to sum up with one phrase like "golden era". also: every generation has their early days which they retrospectively think of as "golden". For Millennials, it's playing video games in their bedroom - not building an IMSAI memory board. History is different, for people of different ages and experiences. He's right about emerging markets, because of course there WAS NO MARKET for personal or dedicated computing products and devices, until the microprocessor and related digital IC's were created; and then understood; and then became cheap. That created opportunities for the markets that emerged. What markets? Video-gaming computers. Single board computers for training and for hobbyist self-learning. Computers of many boards, for industrial control and the first home/business/scientific computers. Portable computers (lugable before laptop). And eventually: standardized desktop computers produced in quantity to reduce price. Each market has a history of its own, origins and consequences. Also: this idea of "homebrew" as a kind of distinction. I don't like the term, it makes the idea of home construction and modification as something like making illegal whiskey. This part, I'll have to explain, it's my history but not the history of people younger than I. The facts are: in the 1950's and 60's and 70's, lots of people built and repaired things at home, using shop tools of industrial quality. Many people had JOBS and businesses to repair and manufacture, small shops of a few or dozens of people. Trade schools, mail-order education, self-education - all ways to learn a trade, get a job, *start your own company*. This was common activity at the time - read any science or hobby magazine of the period for the advertisements, the how-to articles. Also: if you are going to talk about 1980's personal computing, there's a single, seismic event you cannot ignore. *The introduction of the IBM PC in 1981*. The world's foremost computer company, announced it was ENTIRELY ACCEPTABLE for a Fortune 500 company (definition of a big important international company) to purchase what was previously a toy, a pipe dream. Quoting from the era: "nobody was ever fired for recommending IBM". That's dramatic, but it also happens to be true. With the 1981 IBM PC, MS-DOS became the standard. The ISA bus became the standard. The 8088/86 became standard. And I assure you: the microcomputer world fractured into those who followed IBM - and those who were left behind (in the opinion of the winners who transitioned to the IBM PC). And once IBM PC's could outperform the old but useful CP/M machines - they went into the dumpster. (that's where I got part of my collection!) However: most of the early IBM PC MS-DOS software, was reassembled CP/M software. All that CP/M and S-100 and Z80 / 8080 work was not scrapped: it was retooled for the IBM PC. IBM's success was built on preceding technology and technologists. Another major event in the 80's, was the rise and fall of "home videogaming". Over several years, a bunch of companies produced video game computers. They all competed and drove each other's prices down. Then the market crashed because of those financial losses, and because home computers (IBM PC's among others) of growing availability could run games too, faster, with more graphics. Graphics became a thing. My point? History matters, your time in history matters, and what you value (or know about) matters to you and people you know. Too much happened in microprocessor computing in its first decade, to lump it all into one historic track. The period Bill describes, is so far back in time for most people, they don't know how to make sense of it - except from recent experiences which are very different from those of the time. So it comes down to: what you care about, because of what you know, generally from your own time and place. "History" is about learning the other stuff. 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

1 0

Slightly OT -
by Martin Flynn 22 Dec '20

22 Dec '20

With the last work weekend in the Building 9001, CDL now has static IP space available. To that end, we are spinning up a Citadel BBS on current HPE hardware. This a simple support decision as running 30+ year old kit in a production environment is more then we want to tackle. Going to throw this out to to the membership for naming options, here's a few contenders, would like to hear opinions * CampEvans * TheFort * ProjectDiana * CDL * Tiros * graybeard Dialup from off-site is not an option at this point, we can support it on-site if needed for VCFe (via a Cisco 2600 with a 24 port card) Martin Flynn

5 15

OT: 2 free Casio keyboards
by Jeffrey Jonas 22 Dec '20

22 Dec '20

I salvaged 2 Casio keyboards: free for the taking at the next workshop. But please reply ASAP: I cannot store them for long. [obligatory vintage computer link: electronic music is part of computer history] Casio CTK-551 midi in and out web says: 61 FULL-SIZE KEYS with TOUCH RESPONSE (ON/OFF) 100 SONG BANK TUNES SONG BANK CONTROLLER CHORD BOOK function PITCH BEND WHEEL Casio LK-230 Lighted Personal Keyboard, 61 Keys, with New Voice Pad Feature USB interface -- jeff jonas

1 0

Revised, My take on "what is vintage computing"
by Bill Degnan 21 Dec '20

21 Dec '20

I revised an article I wrote the other day to further define my take on "what is vintage computing" from the hobbyist perspective. https://www.kennettclassic.com/the-new-generation-of-classic-computing-hobb… Bill

5 5

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] OT: XP p to v
by mark＠markesystems.com 21 Dec '20

21 Dec '20

From: Kelly Leavitt <kelly(a)catcorner.org> > Good afternoon all, > This is Kelly from the vcfed. I was wondering if anyone had experience in > converting physical machines to run in a virtual environment. It just > seems like a skill I can find in this group. > > I'm trying to help a friend convert an old XP machine that runs custom USB > hardware into a virtual environment so he can keep using his equipment. > > I have it running under VMWare, but it's not 100% stable. I get BSOD on > shutdown about 50% of the time and about 10% of the time on system > startup. I've removed all drivers for old non-needed equipment, did a > repair XP install, installed the guest applications for XP and disabled > sound and graphics acceleration already. I've been using VirtualBox to host an XP machine for some time, including some limited USB pass-through (serial ports, but actually passing the USB through to the XP and installing the FTDI driver there). It has been unconditionally stable, and I find that the performance is fine also. In fact, when my ancient (2003) version of SolidWorks stopped working on Win-10 after a recent update, I installed it on the Virtual XP machine, and not only does it run fine there, it's also about 50% faster! So, you might give VirtualBox a try (install the "Guest Additions CD" too), and I'd definitely try to figure out how to do a clean install of XP. Perhaps you could run the current flawed version enough to extract the user's software and various drivers; here's a little batch file that should grab the drivers: %homedrive% cd “%homepath%\my documents” md DriverBackUp cd DriverBackUp xcopy %windir%\system32\Drivers /r /y xcopy %windir%\system32\DriverStore /r /y xcopy %windir%\inf /r /y pause In some cases drivers may need some registry tweaks or other dlls, and must be installed using the manufacturer's original installer, but very often just pointing Windows to the DriverBackUp (or whatever you called it) directory when installing the hardware on the new machine will work just fine. You can use Dependency Walker (dependencywalker.com) to find any referenced dlls; if you find any, you'll need to manually copy them to the right place on the new system, then use regsvr32 to register them so that XP can resolve any references to them. As far as moving the (presumably custom) software application to a new machine, that can range from easy (copy the executable) to impossible (the creator put things in non-standard places, and/or has a zillion widely scattered registry entries). I've had some success copying the executable and its whole directory (C:\Program Files\<whatever>), then using Dependency Walker to find dlls, ocxs, etc. it may have stashed in other places (like Windows\System32). Hopefully a search of the registry using the applications name (or a substring of it) will reveal at least some of the registry entries, and perhaps provide clues to where other might be lurking. Note that you'll need to register ocxs as well as dlls, if you find any. You mentioned that the budget didn't extend to a "new" XP machine; consider that you could easily spend a day tinkering with this, and how much your time is worth... ~~ Mark Moulding

1 0

OT: XP p to v
by Kelly Leavitt 20 Dec '20

20 Dec '20

Good afternoon all, This is Kelly from the vcfed. I was wondering if anyone had experience in converting physical machines to run in a virtual environment. It just seems like a skill I can find in this group. I'm trying to help a friend convert an old XP machine that runs custom USB hardware into a virtual environment so he can keep using his equipment. I have it running under VMWare, but it's not 100% stable. I get BSOD on shutdown about 50% of the time and about 10% of the time on system startup. I've removed all drivers for old non-needed equipment, did a repair XP install, installed the guest applications for XP and disabled sound and graphics acceleration already. Thanks, Kelly

3 3

Read or Reply to VCF mailing list from a BBS?
by John Heritage 20 Dec '20

20 Dec '20

Is there any sort of way to read and/or reply to this VCF mailing list from a BBS?

3 2

Commodore ECOs
by Richard Cini 20 Dec '20

20 Dec '20

All – I’m working on a VIC-20 project related to another project on 6502.org. I’m looking at two difference VIC-20 schematics for the “cost reduced” VIC-20 (with the drawing number 251027-01). One set is Revision C and the other D. Is there a list somewhere of the Commodore ECOs so I know what the changes are? Thanks! Rich -- Rich Cini http://www.classiccmp.org/cini http://www.classiccmp.org/altair32

1 0

IMSAI & Keyboard
by Bob Aviles 20 Dec '20

20 Dec '20

Hi all, I am working on TEI System S-100 the machine seems to be in great condition so far, Haven't put it on yet still need to check caps? I am looking for two items: 1. Front panel IMSAI panel for the TEI. 2. Amiga 2000 keyboard this is for my 2000 systems. Just in case you have one of these, how much? or trade. Happy Holidays to all! Bobby

1 0

Interesting ebay item, 16mm film on DisplayWriter
by Douglas Crawford 18 Dec '20

18 Dec '20

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Televideo Model 925
by Bill Degnan 18 Dec '20

18 Dec '20

An IMSAI front panel is not a common thi g :-) On Thu, Dec 17, 2020, 6:16 PM Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Ok, thanks Bill, and have a happy holiday. > Bobby > On Thursday, December 17, 2020, 05:26:39 PM EST, Bill Degnan via > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > I don't have these things for sale, sorry. > Bill > > On Thu, Dec 17, 2020 at 5:13 PM Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > Hi Bill, > > I am working on the machine seems to be in great condition so far, > > Haven't put it on yet still need to check caps? > > I am looking for two items: > > 1. Front panel IMSAI panel.2. Amiga 2000 keyboard this is for my 2000 > > systems. > > Just in case you have one of these, how much? or trade. > > I got the idea from the website DAVES OLD COMPUTERS - Various S-100 > > systems, I have the compact TEI chassis.it states that I can use the > > Front IMSAI panel. > > "Look carefully, and you will see that one S-100 slot extends outside the > > chassis front wall (but behind the separate front panel) - this chassis > can > > accept a front panel such as the IMSAI panel". > > ThanksBobby > > > > > > On Monday, November 23, 2020, 10:36:33 AM EST, Bill Degnan via > > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > gotcha > > > > On Mon, Nov 23, 2020 at 10:23 AM Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic < > > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > > Hi Bill, > > > Yes, I know you moved. I will probably make it next year, my wife not > > > letting go anywhere.Thanks for the invite and Happy Thanksgiving. > > > Bobby > > > On Monday, November 23, 2020, 07:32:43 AM EST, Bill Degnan via > > > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > > > Bobby, > > > Note back then that was the Wilmington Del. repair shop, now my > business > > is > > > located in Kennett Square, PA. Kennettclassic.com for hours and > location. > > > You'll need to make an appointment because I will need prep time to.set > > up > > > the Compupro and terminal. Do you have 8" drive(s), cables and boot > > media? > > > Bill > > > > > > On Sun, Nov 22, 2020, 10:28 PM Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic < > > > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > > > > Hi Bill, > > > > Just got the system need to check cards and other stuff, will get > back > > > > to you on the null modem?I once went up to your store to buy a radio > > > shack > > > > monitor years ago. > > > > ThanksBobby > > > > On Sunday, November 22, 2020, 04:27:53 PM EST, Bill Degnan via > > > > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > > > > > Any terminal will work, or a computer running comm software. If > > you're > > > > going the comm software router, to start, avoid using a usb to serial > > > > adapter and try to use a true serial port until you're sure the > > computer > > > is > > > > working with a serial terminal. I have used all kinds of things > with a > > > > Compupro; Zenith, > > > > > > > > Just a question whether you need a null modem or not, I dont recall. > > > Does > > > > it have the Interfacer card? > > > > > > > > On Sun, Nov 22, 2020, 3:40 PM Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic < > > > > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > > > > > > Hi, > > > > > > > > > > I am looking for a Televideo model 925 terminal with keyboard, > > 115/230V > > > > > for my CompuPro S100 that I just received or any other type that > > works > > > > with > > > > > the CompuPro S100 systems. Questions does anyone known if the > Zenith > > > > EasyPC > > > > > keyboard with work with the Compupro S100? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Thanks > > > > > Bobby > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

2 1

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Televideo Model 925
by Bill Degnan 17 Dec '20

17 Dec '20

I don't have these things for sale, sorry. Bill On Thu, Dec 17, 2020 at 5:13 PM Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Hi Bill, > I am working on the machine seems to be in great condition so far, > Haven't put it on yet still need to check caps? > I am looking for two items: > 1. Front panel IMSAI panel.2. Amiga 2000 keyboard this is for my 2000 > systems. > Just in case you have one of these, how much? or trade. > I got the idea from the website DAVES OLD COMPUTERS - Various S-100 > systems, I have the compact TEI chassis.it states that I can use the > Front IMSAI panel. > "Look carefully, and you will see that one S-100 slot extends outside the > chassis front wall (but behind the separate front panel) - this chassis can > accept a front panel such as the IMSAI panel". > ThanksBobby > > > On Monday, November 23, 2020, 10:36:33 AM EST, Bill Degnan via > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > gotcha > > On Mon, Nov 23, 2020 at 10:23 AM Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > Hi Bill, > > Yes, I know you moved. I will probably make it next year, my wife not > > letting go anywhere.Thanks for the invite and Happy Thanksgiving. > > Bobby > > On Monday, November 23, 2020, 07:32:43 AM EST, Bill Degnan via > > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > Bobby, > > Note back then that was the Wilmington Del. repair shop, now my business > is > > located in Kennett Square, PA. Kennettclassic.com for hours and location. > > You'll need to make an appointment because I will need prep time to.set > up > > the Compupro and terminal. Do you have 8" drive(s), cables and boot > media? > > Bill > > > > On Sun, Nov 22, 2020, 10:28 PM Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic < > > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > > Hi Bill, > > > Just got the system need to check cards and other stuff, will get back > > > to you on the null modem?I once went up to your store to buy a radio > > shack > > > monitor years ago. > > > ThanksBobby > > > On Sunday, November 22, 2020, 04:27:53 PM EST, Bill Degnan via > > > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > > > Any terminal will work, or a computer running comm software. If > you're > > > going the comm software router, to start, avoid using a usb to serial > > > adapter and try to use a true serial port until you're sure the > computer > > is > > > working with a serial terminal. I have used all kinds of things with a > > > Compupro; Zenith, > > > > > > Just a question whether you need a null modem or not, I dont recall. > > Does > > > it have the Interfacer card? > > > > > > On Sun, Nov 22, 2020, 3:40 PM Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic < > > > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > > > > Hi, > > > > > > > > I am looking for a Televideo model 925 terminal with keyboard, > 115/230V > > > > for my CompuPro S100 that I just received or any other type that > works > > > with > > > > the CompuPro S100 systems. Questions does anyone known if the Zenith > > > EasyPC > > > > keyboard with work with the Compupro S100? > > > > > > > > > > > > Thanks > > > > Bobby > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

2 1

O'scope went up in Smoke, I want to fix it.
by Neil Cherry 17 Dec '20

17 Dec '20

I posted this to the CDL list also, Jeff recommended I post here. Herb Johnson and Bruce Freeman gave a few useful ideas. Like don't discharge the big caps (or tube) with your fingers. :-) Here's the story so far: - I'm working on my Grant Searle 68B09 board & both weren't working (SBC now works) - Warmed up the scope and smelled burning part(s) but saw no smoke. - was able to get .2mv p-p signal and trace on scope was visible but weak - Eventually couldn't see the trace (not even with the finder) - unable to open the scope (tektronix 2336, 100Mhz, dual trace) - not even sure how - many funny screws (looking for appropriate tools or small vise grips) - On/Off switch sticks and the green flip indicator is broke. From what I've seen of other similar scopes on Youtube this thing is packed. My current guess is a video component or a power supply component. I'll be picking up the schematic next month from an online source ($15). The free stuff didn't have the scope's schematic. Any suggestions? -- Linux Home Automation Neil Cherry ncherry(a)linuxha.com http://www.linuxha.com/ Main site http://linuxha.blogspot.com/ My HA Blog Author of: Linux Smart Homes For Dummies

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Televideo Model 925
by Bill Degnan 17 Dec '20

17 Dec '20

gotcha On Mon, Nov 23, 2020 at 10:23 AM Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Hi Bill, > Yes, I know you moved. I will probably make it next year, my wife not > letting go anywhere.Thanks for the invite and Happy Thanksgiving. > Bobby > On Monday, November 23, 2020, 07:32:43 AM EST, Bill Degnan via > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > Bobby, > Note back then that was the Wilmington Del. repair shop, now my business is > located in Kennett Square, PA. Kennettclassic.com for hours and location. > You'll need to make an appointment because I will need prep time to.set up > the Compupro and terminal. Do you have 8" drive(s), cables and boot media? > Bill > > On Sun, Nov 22, 2020, 10:28 PM Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > Hi Bill, > > Just got the system need to check cards and other stuff, will get back > > to you on the null modem?I once went up to your store to buy a radio > shack > > monitor years ago. > > ThanksBobby > > On Sunday, November 22, 2020, 04:27:53 PM EST, Bill Degnan via > > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > Any terminal will work, or a computer running comm software. If you're > > going the comm software router, to start, avoid using a usb to serial > > adapter and try to use a true serial port until you're sure the computer > is > > working with a serial terminal. I have used all kinds of things with a > > Compupro; Zenith, > > > > Just a question whether you need a null modem or not, I dont recall. > Does > > it have the Interfacer card? > > > > On Sun, Nov 22, 2020, 3:40 PM Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic < > > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > > Hi, > > > > > > I am looking for a Televideo model 925 terminal with keyboard, 115/230V > > > for my CompuPro S100 that I just received or any other type that works > > with > > > the CompuPro S100 systems. Questions does anyone known if the Zenith > > EasyPC > > > keyboard with work with the Compupro S100? > > > > > > > > > Thanks > > > Bobby > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

2 1

Erik Klein's belated Festivus speech
by Jeffrey Brace 15 Dec '20

15 Dec '20

Here is Erik Klein's (VCF President) speech that we couldn't here at Virtual Festivus 2020: https://youtu.be/SlJaJm065F0 -- ========================================= 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 cell: 732-759-1783

1 0

January 2021 Repair Workshop (Jan 9 & 10)
by Jeffrey Brace 15 Dec '20

15 Dec '20

Starting in January we will be charging $15 per person per day. $10 goes to InfoAge and $5 will go to CDL. Signup for January Repair Workshop here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1NY5VMcNKIYeP3O9xuKBRtq7FHxpCaAp5-Uo… Remember the spaces are first come first serve to the CDL space. Limited space available. Overflow space in 9032-A building. The workshop is $15 *per* person, *per* day. $10 goes to InfoAge and $5 goes to CDL. Sign up to guarantee a table!!! DATE: January 9 & 10, 2021 LOCATION (two 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: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1NY5VMcNKIYeP3O9xuKBRtq7FHxpCaAp5-Uo… 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 ME (Jeff Brace) 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*: To be determined. *Sunday Morning*: Bagel order from Delicious Bagels ( https://www.deliciousbagelspointpleasant.com/) Fill out Order here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Tsuj7dnUtH-PkE0ITXD70dtJAc1XQki2K1Z… *Sunday Afternoon*: Wawa order 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 Jeff: 732-759-1783 jeffrey(a)vcfed.org Have fun everyone! -- ========================================= 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 cell: 732-759-1783

1 0

Project Diana 75th Anniversary Zoom event
by Jeffrey Brace 15 Dec '20

15 Dec '20

Here is the Google Drive Link to Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iUF4g858PWYxA8OoH9z6RB2WHk5-xmOK/view?usp=… The InfoAge Space Exploration Center PRESENTS A FREE ONLINE LIVE ZOOM Event Sign on to Zoom from 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM Meeting ID: 972 2218 5664 Attend All Events or Choose The Talk You are Interested in! JANUARY 10, 2021- 10:00 AM-4:00 PM on ZOOM THE 75th Anniversary Of The PROJECT DIANA MOON-BOUNCE! Hear The First Radio Signal Received on the Earth from Above the Ionosphere! Learn New Information by InfoAge Historians about Edwin Armstrong’s Contribution to Project Diana Speakers and Topics Scheduled: 10:00- Lori Lauber- Introduction to Project Diana 10:30- Dr. Daniel Marlow – Princeton University and The TLM 18 Radio Telescope 11:00- Ray Chase and Al Klase- Edwin Armstrong's Contribution to the Success of Project Diana 11:58- LIVE MOONBOUNCE from ISEC! FIRST TIME EVER ZOOM MOONBOUNCE. Bounce YOUR Voice off the Moon on Zoom. Hear Your Voice Travel 500,000 Miles! 12:15- Cindy Stodola Pomerleau- Daughter of E. King Stodola Debuting her New Book “To The Moon and Back: The Life and Times of Project Diana” 1:00- Fred Carl- Space Exploration after the Moon-Bounce: The Big Ear 2:00- Charles Cebula- Dr. Walter S. McAfee- Hidden Figure and Pioneer of Radar 3:00- Frank O’Brien- The James Webb Radio Telescope ________________________________ InfoAge is a non-profit organization whose mission it is to preserve Science and History and make it accessible to Everyone. Your Donation Keeps us Going. DONATE TODAY and be a part of history in the making! Donate at InfoAge.org or ISEC.space -- ========================================= 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 cell: 732-759-1783

1 1

VCF 2020 Live Presentations available on YouTube
by Andrew Diller 15 Dec '20

15 Dec '20

There are two of the Live presentations from VCFe2020 up on YouTube now (if you missed them on the stream). More are coming. AmigaBill "Internet Streaming with Vintage Computers" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2EhPI6xFCQ Jeff Salzman "Vic-20 Fully Loaded" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1r0BnxlifFY Enjoy! -andy

1 0

InfoAge closed Wednesday 12/16/20 due to impending snowstorm.
by Jeffrey Brace 14 Dec '20

14 Dec '20

*Message from Mike Ruane:* *"Due to the impending snow storm due to hit the Monmouth County area this Wednesday afternoon, InfoAge will be closed but will reopen on Saturday for our normal visiting hours.* *The closure is for the safety of our volunteers and docents, many of whom come from western and northern New Jersey, and for the safety of our visitors. Since the snow is scheduled to start around noon or a little later, our volunteers and visitors could possibly arrive at InfoAge in somewhat decent weather conditions but travelling home would be extremely unsafe.* *Stay home, get some hot chocolate or coffee and read a good book!! * *Be safe and don’t travel unless you have to do so. - Mike Ruane"* -- ========================================= 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 cell: 732-759-1783

1 0

Post Virtual Festivus workshop
by Jeffrey Brace 14 Dec '20

14 Dec '20

There were a few people that stayed after our Virtual Festivus to work on VCF stuff. Ian now has rigged a way to keep our Xerox on separate from the monitor so we can keep the computer on separately from the monitor. If we choose to keep the computer on for longer periods, then we don't have to worry about the long boot up and setup process each time. VCF also purchased a high end UPS to protect this equipement. We will be finishing up this process on Wednesday. Jeff Salzman got the Atari 1040ST and Amiga setup with some demos and will be getting more for the museum. He also tried to get a boot disk for the Zorba unsuccessfully, but will take them home to try to get them to boot from floppy. He is working on getting more demos for other museum machines. Jeff Jonas and Bill Inderrieden are working on getting signs for the CPU exhibit and slide rule exhibit. They also organized and searched for missing things in the warehouse. Some employees of Bob Roswell took pictures of their IBM 1130 because they are working on restoring it and wanted to see what ours looked like, etc. CDL donated LED track lighting to the museum which VCF plans on using for a future project in the museum. -- ========================================= 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 cell: 732-759-1783

1 0

Audio problems with Virtual Festivus
by Jeffrey Brace 13 Dec '20

13 Dec '20

Sorry everyone for the audio problems at the Virtual Festivus. Corey and Erik's audio didn't work for some reason. We had tested it before broadcast and it was working fine, but seems to have gone out and then back in at some point. So I'm going to try to get Corey and Erik to re-record what they said and then put it onto YouTube. Otherwise, what did everyone think about everything? -- ========================================= 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 cell: 732-759-1783

1 0

Tales from the lab
by Mike Loewen 13 Dec '20

13 Dec '20

Dave McGuire and I ran into a mysterious problem while working on the LSSM's HP 3000 Series 39 minicomputer last month. We moved the 2645A console over next to the CPU for convenience and turned it on. The display was too wide, and characters were being cut off on the left side. No problem, says I, we'll just pop the top and make a quick video adjustment. We moved the terminal on top of the CPU to make it easier to work on, and adjusted the horizontal width. Moved the terminal back over where it was. The display was too wide again. WTF? Leaving the terminal where it was, we raised the top again to find that as the top was going up, the width was decreasing. As the top was lowered, it increased. It was only then that Dave and I simultaneously realized that the terminal was sitting on top of a 79XX series disc drives, with a large magnet in it. Duh! :-) Mike Loewen mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/

3 3

History-of article on Heathkit, must-read
by Herb Johnson 12 Dec '20

12 Dec '20

https://www.electronicdesign.com/communiqu/article/21148923/electronic-desi… A senior executive of Heathkit, Chas Gilmore, is interviewed by Lou Frenzel of Electronics Design (a trade magazine). Lou himself is a former Heathkit executive. They both came up through engineering so this article is about technology development and sales. The article describes now-vintage computing history at Heath. This is familiar to those of us over 60; thus it's a must-read for our younger colleagues. For those who question why those "ugly boxes full of cards" were every popular, or why people built ever computers instead of just buying them, here's the answers. It also underscores the impact of the MITS Altair article and product in Jan 1975 - that broke the ice-jam at every company that previously said "nobody will buy a personal computer; there's no software; there's no use for it". It follows the history of why companies like Heath declined as computing became an industrial product and then a consumer product. And, it describes the process for the famous Heathkit manuals. A "manual" is a like a papery-bloggy kind of thing, that described how to build a kit and how it worked, before the Internet and email. People of the era, actually wanted to learn all that stuff. They had plenty of time to read manuals, because they didn't have smartphones or NetFlix. Components back then were large, simpler, and designed for hand-assembly, because robots hadn't taken over yet. And as electronics then were expensive, they were designed for long-life and human repair (and not just discarded when boring). So the manuals helped with diagnostics, the art of figuring out WHY something didn't work. Repair was a real industry and career, in that era. Many tech schools and universities used Heath products for both value and cost, and as part of their curriculum. In short, it's a window back in time, to answer those puzzling questions 21st century people have, about the era of now-vintage computers through one major company. It concurs with my experiences around Heath products in the 1980's. 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

6 7

Virtual Festivus Google Meet
by Jeffrey Brace 12 Dec '20

12 Dec '20

meet.google.com/gte-noys-jwn -- ========================================= 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 cell: 732-759-1783 <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> Virus-free. www.avast.com <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

1 0

Virtual Festivus 2020 Agenda
by Dean Notarnicola 12 Dec '20

12 Dec '20

Starting at 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 12th we will have a *Virtual Festivus* presentation Google Meet, streamed to YouTube. *The proposed agenda*: Steering Committee Annual Review - *DEAN NOTARNICOLA* Steering Committee Plans for the Future - *DEAN NOTARNICOLA* VCF National Board Update - *JEFF BRACE* VCF Financial Update - *COREY COHEN* Questions, concerns and comments from the membership - *DEAN NOTARNICOLA* Steering Committee Election Results - *DEAN NOTARNICOLA* Chat with the new VCF-MA Steering Committee members - *DEAN NOTARNICOLA* Annual Festivus Toast - *DEAN NOTARNICOLA* *Google Meet Link*: meet.google.com/gte-noys-jwn (*Do not share*) - Breakout rooms TBA *RULES FOR THE MEETING*: 1) Please mute yourself and raise your virtual hand to ask a question. 2) As this is an interactive event, *please do not share this meeting code* with anyone not on the VCF mailing list. 3) Feel free to share the YouTube streaming channel below! *Shareable link to the YouTube stream*: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDaSvAbhC-0 *OR look in our YouTube Channel*: http://www.youtube.com/c/VintageComputerFederation501c3 Thank you to everyone who participated in the Committee member election. We look forward to speaking to you on Saturday!

4 4

Happy Hanukkah!
by Jeffrey Brace 11 Dec '20

11 Dec '20

To all VCF members who celebrate it I wish you Chag Urim Sameach! May this be a happy time with your family. -- ========================================= 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 cell: 732-759-1783

2 1

TRS-80 Model 4 (working) $150 - Craigslist
by Alexander Jacocks 10 Dec '20

10 Dec '20

All, I saw this TRS-80 Model 4 on Craigslist, near me: https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/sys/d/bethesda-trs-80-model/7244872… If anyone would like it, I'd be happy to pick it up and bring it to InfoAge. Let me know, Alex

4 6