- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Never seen this before
by Dean Notarnicola 18 Sep '25

18 Sep '25

Sure, usually only on commercial sets. This is used to remotely control the settings and operation of the set. Sony referred to it as “Control-C”. On Thu, Sep 18, 2025 at 11:03 AM Hopkins, Justin via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > RS-232 on a TV??? > > > https://imgur.com/a/le9sVhA > > This message and any attachments are intended only for the use of the > addressee and may contain information that is privileged and confidential. > If the reader of the message is not the intended recipient or an authorized > representative of the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any > dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have > received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by > e-mail and delete the message and any attachments from your system. >

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Never seen this before
by Hopkins, Justin 18 Sep '25

18 Sep '25

RS-232 on a TV??? https://imgur.com/a/le9sVhA This message and any attachments are intended only for the use of the addressee and may contain information that is privileged and confidential. If the reader of the message is not the intended recipient or an authorized representative of the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by e-mail and delete the message and any attachments from your system.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] SDFVM on HNET!
by Bill Degnan 15 Sep '25

15 Sep '25

that's awesome to do for the community. I don't have a VMS system up and running but I know Dave McGuire will on the other end of PA. Bill On Mon, Sep 15, 2025 at 3:38 PM Dan FitzGerald via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > I'm pleased to announce that SDFVM, the Interim Computer Museum's VM/IS > (VM/SP 5) system, is now available to connect to over HNET, the > mainframe hobbyist NJE network! This means that any systems connected > to HNET can send files and mail to SDFVM. > > In practice, that means you can: > > * Use VM SENDFILE to send files over RSCS to SDFVM users, or if you > are on SDFVM, to use RSCS to send files to users on other HNET systems > * Use PROFS or OfficeVision to send mail to users enrolled on PROFS on > SDFVM > * Install the TOOLS/TOOLSRUN packages on your VM system and mirror the > tools and conferencing disks hosted on SDFVM. And SDFVM can mirror > any tools/conferencing disks hosted on yours! > > If you have a system on HNET, you can set your default route to DEARN > and should then be able to connect to SDFVM. Write to Evie Cooper at > wec(a)bam.moe (on copy) and she'll do her best to get you hooked into us. > > Here's how we're connected into the network: > > DEARN -> HSNET -> EVIEVM -> SDFVM > > > -- > Regards, > > Dan FitzGerald > Classical Computing Laboratory at IBM Poughkeepse > http://www.vm.ibm.com/devpages/DFITZGER > VM/SP Systems Programming Team, Interim Computer Museum > HNET: SDFVM(DFITZGER) >

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SDFVM on HNET!
by Dan FitzGerald 15 Sep '25

15 Sep '25

I'm pleased to announce that SDFVM, the Interim Computer Museum's VM/IS (VM/SP 5) system, is now available to connect to over HNET, the mainframe hobbyist NJE network! This means that any systems connected to HNET can send files and mail to SDFVM. In practice, that means you can: * Use VM SENDFILE to send files over RSCS to SDFVM users, or if you are on SDFVM, to use RSCS to send files to users on other HNET systems * Use PROFS or OfficeVision to send mail to users enrolled on PROFS on SDFVM * Install the TOOLS/TOOLSRUN packages on your VM system and mirror the tools and conferencing disks hosted on SDFVM. And SDFVM can mirror any tools/conferencing disks hosted on yours! If you have a system on HNET, you can set your default route to DEARN and should then be able to connect to SDFVM. Write to Evie Cooper at wec(a)bam.moe (on copy) and she'll do her best to get you hooked into us. Here's how we're connected into the network: DEARN -> HSNET -> EVIEVM -> SDFVM -- Regards, Dan FitzGerald Classical Computing Laboratory at IBM Poughkeepse http://www.vm.ibm.com/devpages/DFITZGER VM/SP Systems Programming Team, Interim Computer Museum HNET: SDFVM(DFITZGER)

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MARCH Workshop Hack-a-Thon - Official Rules
by Jeff Salzman 15 Sep '25

15 Sep '25

The official rules and detailed information about the October Hack-a-Thon are posted at this link: https://vcfed.org/2025/09/15/march-hack-a-thon-free-pile-fabrication/ Looking forward to seeing you there! Jeff Salzman VCF Steering Committee member MARCH Workshop Manager

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OT - Camp Evans Specific - Firewall cluster upgrade
by Martin A Flynn 14 Sep '25

14 Sep '25

As a reminder, activation of the new firewall cluster supporting Camp Evans (the home of the MARCH / VCF museum) is scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 2025 * While the majority of the work has been done in advance, please expect the downtime window to run from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM * The the network, Wi-Fi, and telephones will be out of service, personal cellphones will not be impacted * All network connected computers and appliances should be rebooted once the work is done. To give credit where due, the work is funded and executed by the Camp Evans volunteers (AKA the usual suspect) Cheers! Martin Martin A Flynn / W2RWJ Computer Deconstruction Laboratory 2201 Marconi Road Wall Township, NJ 07719 Tel: +1 732-456-5001 Email: martin.flynn(a)compdecon.org Online: www.compdecon.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/compdecon/

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TRS-80 Model II unusual?
by W2HX 14 Sep '25

14 Sep '25

Anyone know the story behind these units? They look like some 3rd party enclosure, but it says Tandy Radio Shack https://www.ebay.com/itm/267391404094 Well, the seller also had a Model II CPU/display unit for sale with this same color scheme/design, but I can't find it now. 73 Eugene W2HX My Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@w2hx/videos

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MARCH Workshop Hack-a-Thon - Prize Announcement
by Jeff Salzman 13 Sep '25

13 Sep '25

For the upcoming Hack-a-Thon, "Free Pile Fabrication!", a prize has been picked out and will be presented to the winner of the contest. The prize is an Apple II+, Disk II card and drive, and Language card. Obviously, it's not a brand new system. However, it has been curated and tested to run a copy of Oregon Trail. And just like things were back in the day... Monitor not included! Official rules and details for the Hack-a-Thon are expected to be posted in a few days. We'll try to make the rules as simple as possible, mainly to define the time frame to be provided to work on the contest. When it starts, when it ends, along with who and how will be involved with judging the fabrications. Keep in mind that the goal is to repurpose or reimagine unwanted vintage computer items. After all, if they are on the Free Pile, they were put there because the original owner did not want them in their current condition. How you repurpose them, that's all up to you. Work your creativity! Jeff Salzman VCF Steering Committee member MARCH Workshop Manager

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] vcf-midatlantic] MARCH Workshop Hack-a-Thon
by Jeff Salzman 12 Sep '25

12 Sep '25

Still determining IF the junk after the Hack-a-Thon event will be a big issue or not. The Swapmeet rules state that anybody putting items on the Free Pile will be expected to remove those items before the end of the Swapmeet. So basically, if someone wants to participate in the Hack-a-Thon, they should attend the Swapmeet and gather what they think they will need for a project. There are no guarantees that any Free Pile stuff will be available after the Swapmeet. Nor are there any guarantees over what would still be available on the Free Pile any time during the Swapmeet. We do know from past experience that stuff is always ending up on the Free Pile all day long. There may be good stuff at the beginning of the Swapmeet, but then there might also be some good stuff at the end if Vendors decide to give stuff away instead of taking it home. There is a 99.9% chance there will be a prize for the winner of the Hack-a-Thon. I'm still waiting for official approval as to what prize will be offered. Jeff Salzman VCF Steering Committee member MARCH Workshop Manager On Sat, Sep 6, 2025 at 2:44 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > So here’s a question > At 6 PM or there after > What is to be done with all of the “ junk “ > That was used for this “contest” > Are you telling the people who entered the contest with all this junk > junk? They have to take it all home. > Which is not a bad thing > However Will you have enough stuff left from the free pile at the end of > the swap meet? > Or will there not be enough for others during the swap meet? > > To make it short > If everybody else takes the junk, then there won’t be anything left for > the contest > And if people take everything for the contest that there won’t be anything > for the people at the swapmeet > > Just curious to see if anybody thought > Or maybe I’m just analyzing it too much > >

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“ Maybe not OT”. GSARA Hamfest - Swapmeet Sept. 27th - vintage stuff
by Sentrytv 08 Sep '25

08 Sep '25

This Hamfest - Swapmeet is not too far from InfoAge in wall Township. I will have vintage Computer stuff there for sale, along with some radio equipment. https://gsara.club/ Mike Sent from: My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device.

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MARCH Workshop Hack-a-Thon
by Jeff Salzman 07 Sep '25

07 Sep '25

OK... we're trying this again. Setting up a Hack-a-Thon event at the next VCF/MARCH Workshop. Some of the feedback from the last attempt fell on the lines of the last Hack-a-Thon proposal being too complicated. So... this one will be simple. Since the October Workshop coincides with the VCF Swapmeet, the Hack-a-Thon challenge is: "Free Pile Fabrication!" Should you accept the challenge, grab stuff from the free pile at the VCF Swapmeet on October 18, 2025. Bring it to the Workshop at InfoAge in the 9032A room by 2PM on that Saturday, then make something useful out of that stuff. The contest will run until 6PM on that Saturday. The rules are simple... release your creativity! You can't bring something and simply turn it on and expect a win. You should do your best to renew or repurpose everything you grab from the free pile and make something better from it. We know the kind of stuff that ends up on the free pile, so we will be scrutinizing the end results. based on creativity and purpose. Sometimes "junk" can be made into something better. This is your chance to prove it. Don't worry, there will be a winner. The judges so far are ME. Other judges may volunteer, but the Judges will not be allowed to participate in the Hack-a-Thon challenge. So if you want to win, you must impress ME and any other volunteer judge. I (we) cannot be paid off in beer, but I (we) will certainly accept any that you give me (us). :) We're still working on a suitable prize. For now, the only prize is bragging rights. But there is a high degree of probability that the winner will receive a working Commodore VIC-20. I know, that's not a precious prize, but the prize correlates to the contest difficulty. I did say this contest would be simple, right? No matter. The contest is designed to invoke fun and camaraderie. Please consider and enjoy the spirit of the event for what it is... a chance to make something new from something old. Let your imagination shine! Jeff Salzman VCF Steering Committee member MARCH Workshop Manager

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RE: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF MidWest 2025
by danjfitzgerald 06 Sep '25

06 Sep '25

Case and I will be going. I'm eager to see if we can get any S/390 gear for DARE (our startup retrocomp group in Connecticut) as I'm getting very jealous of my friend who just got her own Multiprise/3000. I also am looking forward to a proper chat with the SDF/ICM guys about their S/370 and if they will let us migrate SDFVM back onto it.Regards,Dan FitzGeraldAdministrator, Classical Computing Laboratory at IBM Poughkeepsie -------- Original message --------From: Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> Date: 9/2/25 18:17 (GMT-05:00) To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> Cc: Jeffrey Brace <jeffrey(a)vcfed.org> Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF MidWest 2025 So who's going to VCF Midwest next week?I will be there running VCF's 3 tables.Take care!Jeff Brace

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] vcf-midatlantic] MARCH Workshop Hack-a-Thon
by Dean Notarnicola 06 Sep '25

06 Sep '25

If I have to choose, I’d rather see the free pile go to the Hackathon. On Sat, Sep 6, 2025 at 2:44 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > So here’s a question > At 6 PM or there after > What is to be done with all of the “ junk “ > That was used for this “contest” > Are you telling the people who entered the contest with all this junk > junk? They have to take it all home. > Which is not a bad thing > However Will you have enough stuff left from the free pile at the end of > the swap meet? > Or will there not be enough for others during the swap meet? > > To make it short > If everybody else takes the junk, then there won’t be anything left for > the contest > And if people take everything for the contest that there won’t be anything > for the people at the swapmeet > > Just curious to see if anybody thought > Or maybe I’m just analyzing it too much > > > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > On Sep 6, 2025, at 2:03 PM, Bill Degnan via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > that's a good plan :-) > > they used to do this at the HOPE festivals a long time ago, and there was > > even a guy there to sell basic IC's so you could get parts. > > Bill > > > >> On Sat, Sep 6, 2025 at 11:31 AM Jeff Salzman via vcf-midatlantic < > >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >> > >> OK... we're trying this again. Setting up a Hack-a-Thon event at the > next > >> VCF/MARCH Workshop. > >> > >> Some of the feedback from the last attempt fell on the lines of the last > >> Hack-a-Thon proposal being too complicated. So... this one will be > simple. > >> > >> Since the October Workshop coincides with the VCF Swapmeet, the > Hack-a-Thon > >> challenge is: > >> > >> "Free Pile Fabrication!" > >> > >> Should you accept the challenge, grab stuff from the free pile at the > VCF > >> Swapmeet on October 18, 2025. Bring it to the Workshop at InfoAge in the > >> 9032A room by 2PM on that Saturday, then make something useful out of > that > >> stuff. The contest will run until 6PM on that Saturday. > >> > >> The rules are simple... release your creativity! You can't bring > something > >> and simply turn it on and expect a win. You should do your best to > renew or > >> repurpose everything you grab from the free pile and make something > better > >> from it. > >> > >> We know the kind of stuff that ends up on the free pile, so we will be > >> scrutinizing the end results. based on creativity and purpose. Sometimes > >> "junk" can be made into something better. This is your chance to prove > it. > >> > >> Don't worry, there will be a winner. The judges so far are ME. Other > judges > >> may volunteer, but the Judges will not be allowed to participate in the > >> Hack-a-Thon challenge. So if you want to win, you must impress ME and > any > >> other volunteer judge. I (we) cannot be paid off in beer, but I (we) > will > >> certainly accept any that you give me (us). :) > >> > >> We're still working on a suitable prize. For now, the only prize is > >> bragging rights. But there is a high degree of probability that the > winner > >> will receive a working Commodore VIC-20. I know, that's not a precious > >> prize, but the prize correlates to the contest difficulty. I did say > this > >> contest would be simple, right? > >> > >> No matter. The contest is designed to invoke fun and camaraderie. Please > >> consider and enjoy the spirit of the event for what it is... a chance to > >> make something new from something old. Let your imagination shine! > >> > >> Jeff Salzman > >> VCF Steering Committee member > >> MARCH Workshop Manager > >> > >

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VCF MidWest 2025
by Jeffrey Brace 04 Sep '25

04 Sep '25

So who's going to VCF Midwest next week? I will be there running VCF's 3 tables. Take care! Jeff Brace

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF MidWest 2025
by Bill Degnan 04 Sep '25

04 Sep '25

Looking forward to seeing everyone at VCF MW this year. I will be arriving Friday night and will be making a b-line to the space to watch the setup. Bill On Thu, Sep 4, 2025 at 9:26 AM Ryan Stapleton via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > I will be there for my first VCF Midwest! I am looking forward to the > experience. > > I am not taking anything but a little space if I find something to bring > back. > > Thanks > -Ryan > > > On Sep 2, 2025, at 6:17 PM, Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > So who's going to VCF Midwest next week? > > I will be there running VCF's 3 tables. > > > > Take care! > > > > Jeff Brace > >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] vcf-midatlantic Digest, Vol 88, Issue 3
by Bill Degnan 04 Sep '25

04 Sep '25

I wish people qualified their "greatest computer of all time" responses to "greatest home computer" or "greatest personal computer" of all time. But it's a good interview. Thanks for sharing. Bill On Thu, Sep 4, 2025 at 9:17 AM Steve Lagotte via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > If I never see Lex Fridman again it won’t be soon enough. > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > > From: Christian Liendo <cliendo(a)gmail.com> > > To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> > > Cc: > > Bcc: > > Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2025 13:23:11 -0400 > > Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] LexClips Greatest computer ever made | Dave > > Plummer and Lex Fridman > > I know a few here would appreciate this. > > > > https://youtu.be/VIQ7tLuYJYk?si=ZhNkrm2bPXsw8XmS > > > > > > > > >

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Re: vcf-midatlantic Digest, Vol 88, Issue 3
by Steve Lagotte 04 Sep '25

04 Sep '25

If I never see Lex Fridman again it won’t be soon enough. > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Christian Liendo <cliendo(a)gmail.com> > To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> > Cc: > Bcc: > Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2025 13:23:11 -0400 > Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] LexClips Greatest computer ever made | Dave > Plummer and Lex Fridman > I know a few here would appreciate this. > > https://youtu.be/VIQ7tLuYJYk?si=ZhNkrm2bPXsw8XmS > > > >

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IBM Punched Card Equipment
by Brian L. Stuart 03 Sep '25

03 Sep '25

Apologies in advance to anyone who gets this multiple times. I know a number of you are on more that one of these lists. I'm looking for some information on a couple of the early IBM unit record devices, in particular the Type 512A and the Type 518. Ideally, I'd like to get the mechanical dimensions in enough detail to create a CAD model. The background is that I'd like to improve the model that I'm using in my ENIAC simulator and I'm involved with a school in Arizona that's working on a project to build a full-scale model of the ENIAC. There's a letter from IBM in the ENIAC archives that suggest the use of the 512A and the 518. So I'm pretty sure those are the ones they used, but I haven't really been able to find any details about them. We've found a fair amount of information on the Type 513, and from photographs, the punch used on the machine seems similar to the 513, but is smaller. Thanks in advance, BLS

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LexClips Greatest computer ever made | Dave Plummer and Lex Fridman
by Christian Liendo 03 Sep '25

03 Sep '25

I know a few here would appreciate this. https://youtu.be/VIQ7tLuYJYk?si=ZhNkrm2bPXsw8XmS

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] OT: time to downsize
by Bob Shuster 03 Sep '25

03 Sep '25

I’ve finally gone through all the old Apple “i“-devices I’ve accumulated, but I haven’t listed them on the website as they definitely don’t fit the “vintage” moniker. That being said, perhaps some of you might also collect these or want them for parts/nostalgia? There are a couple of 1st gen iPads, a 1st gen iPad mini, various iPods, and a handful of iPhone 5 and 6 phones. Drop me an email if you want any more details. And still plenty of other stuff left - although I’ve been slowly selling off bits and pieces on eBay. - Bob Shuster > I've been regularly marking the sold and sale pending items, thank you guys so much! And once again - many thanks to those who have adopted some of my babies so far. Please let me know if I can clarify anything or if any more photos are needed. > > The link: http://www.theshusters.com/bobvintage.html > > Please don't share without asking me. Currently just open to this group - my contact info is intentionally missing from the webpages. If you can read this, you have my email. > > Email me with questions or offers! Please don't make offers on the list, but if you want to discuss my process and feel the group would benefit, then by all means knock yourself out! :) > > Bob Shuster > > (Original message below) > ---- > Well, folks, I've gotten to the age where I need to seriously downsize my hobbies and collections, not wanting to leave it to my children to have to deal with in later years. (I had to do that recently for a relative.) On the electronics side, I've decided to concentrate on my vintage video game systems - and therefore sell off most of my vintage computer stuff. My collection includes mostly 8-bit stuff: TRS-80 Models I, IV, M100, etc. - Atari 400, 800, Portfolio, ST, etc. - C64/VIC20 - T/S1000 (including an unbuilt kit), Apple II, II+, IIe, IIe Platinum, IIgs - Wang WLTC - Mattel Aquarius - TI-99/4A - many others that I still have to dig out - plus lots of peripherals, disks, manuals, etc. Also have some newer Macs starting with a Mac Plus in an Apple carrying bag. > > I'm starting with you guys before trying to list elsewhere, although I may hit some of the dedicated FaceBorg pages (such as for Aquarius and Apple II.) I'm willing to ship some of the smaller items, but in general systems or monitors will need to be picked up here (near the Fort Washington exit of the PA Turnpike) or nearby, and cash or PayPal for payment. I may also consider trades for some of the video game stuff I'm looking for. > > It pains me to do this, but the clutter is getting out of hand, and I haven't touched most of these in years. It's time for someone else to enjoy. > > Bob Shuster > > > > > > > > > > > > >

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Help with older HP LaserJet printers
by Herbert Johnson 02 Sep '25

02 Sep '25

> I have two HP LaserJet 4P printers, both in decent condition, and both > exhibiting the same exact problem - the printer passes all self tests > and everything works perfectly EXCEPT printer output pages are > completely blank or have only the slightest sheen of gray toner > background. [on first read] I think you have a high-voltage problem. High voltage is needed to charge the drum, to accept toner where the laser scanner would be charging the drum. Electrostatic voltage is the "charge" that picks up toner. The toner is mechanically transferred to the paper, the fuser fuses the toner onto the paper. Here's my reasoning which suggests diagnostics. Caution: proceed at your own risk, I am not responsible for loss injury or damages. If the output is blank, then toner is not being deposited on the drum, and/or the drum is not transferring toner to the paper. If you stop the printer mid-cycle by opening the access to the toner cart, you might be able to pull the toner cart and examine the drum visually, see if there's toner on it, in the pattern of whatever you are printing. You might have to manually rotate the (toner cart) drum, rotate it in the direction it normally turns. My guess however, is that toner is NOT getting deposited on the drum. If it were and was not transferred, then the drum would get full of toner and eventually it would dump it on the paper. So my guess is, you won't see a toner pattern. Of course, make sure your fuser is hot. But if it wasn't, the printer would issue a fuser failure. The lack of printer error codes, suggests something that is not monitored by HP printing diagostics (not reported as an error). > The service manual suggests final step would be replacing the > high voltage board ... (possibly age > related?) failure. I saw that on second reading. Makes sense to me. Also another person posted the same conclusion, read as I was about to post this reply. age related? Maybe. Maybe, the humidity at your printer is so high, it shorts out the high-voltage "corona wire" which in most ancient HP printers the means by which the high voltage charge is put onto the drum. Maybe there's a mechanical fault that keeps high voltage from contacting the coronal wire. Maybe the wire is shorted to ground. Why both printers would have the same error might be apparent when you find the error. I suggest you stare hard at the 4P service manuals, stare hard at the printer mechs, track down the path of the high-voltage to the drum from the high voltage board. I do not know how lethal the high-voltage is, I suggest you determine that from HP documentation. I suggest you Web search for repairs on HP 4P printers around "high voltage" issues or other keywords like corona wire or whatever words HP uses. Someone will have discovered means to measure the high voltage. Don't just put your DVM on the line and expect the meter to magically tell you "1500 volts" or whatever it is - it's very LIKELY your DVM won't expect very high voltage and you'll blow it up! Don't blow up your meter. ----- Looking on eBay for HP LJ 4P thingies, I saw a scanner board for sale. I suspect if your scanner failed you'd get an error message. (the scanner includes a rotating mirror to scan the drum.) But listen for the scanner motor spinning up. See if you actually have an IR laser signal getting to the toner cart. - You know, if some piece of paper jammed in around the laser scanner or laser path, it might *block the laser* from shining on the toner drum. And you might have the same sort of jam on *both* printers. See if you can figure out how to confirm the laser is actually getting to the drum. You can't see the IR laser of course, but any *digital camera* is likely to be able to see it. And of course any smartphone camera. Use them in real time (camera viewfinder, phone screen) to observe IR light. I do that all the time when checking (ancient) TV cable IR remotes for operation/live batteries. Regards Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA https://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] vcf-midatlantic Digest, Vol 88, Issue 1
by bernieS 02 Sep '25

02 Sep '25

At 08:00 AM 9/2/2025, vcf-midatlantic-request(a)lists.vcfed.org wrote: >Message: 1 >Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2025 01:01:04 -0400 >From: Anthony Iannone <aiannone(a)nis.gs> >To: vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org >Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] Help with older HP LaserJet printers > >[...] > >I have two HP LaserJet 4P printers, both in decent condition, and both >exhibiting the same exact problem - the printer passes all self tests >and everything works perfectly EXCEPT printer output pages are >completely blank or have only the slightest sheen of gray toner >background. Forcing an engine test with the formatter board disconnected >yields the same results. > >I have swapped parts between printers, tried a brand new-old-stock toner >cartridge in both units, and even tried replacing the laser scanner with >a supposedly known good laser scanner assembly. None of these steps have >worked. The service manual suggests final step would be replacing the >high voltage board, but short of finding another donor printer, I >haven't been able to locate one. Having troubleshooted hundreds of HP LaserJet printers back in the day (including the HP LJ 4P) I suspect this issue is a failed high-voltage power supply. There are several vendors of new/used/refurbished HP LJ parts that you can find online, and I'd be surprised if you couldn't find that part from any of them. You could also try reseating that assy, and try yet another NOS toner cartridge. Two printers with that same HVPS issue seems unlikely. -bernieS

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Help with older HP LaserJet printers
by Anthony Iannone 02 Sep '25

02 Sep '25

Hello all, Long time lurker and reader here who has enjoyed visiting many VCF East and swap meet events. I am hoping the hive mind can assist me with solving a tricky problem I am having repairing a pair of HP LaserJet 4P printers. I have two HP LaserJet 4P printers, both in decent condition, and both exhibiting the same exact problem - the printer passes all self tests and everything works perfectly EXCEPT printer output pages are completely blank or have only the slightest sheen of gray toner background. Forcing an engine test with the formatter board disconnected yields the same results. I have swapped parts between printers, tried a brand new-old-stock toner cartridge in both units, and even tried replacing the laser scanner with a supposedly known good laser scanner assembly. None of these steps have worked. The service manual suggests final step would be replacing the high voltage board, but short of finding another donor printer, I haven't been able to locate one. I've reached the end of my ability to troubleshoot these units, and am perplexed that both appear to be suffering from the same (possibly age related?) failure. Can anyone here on the list offer any suggestions or help? I'd be happy to haul the printers to the next repair session if anyone here thinks they can further diagnose or troubleshoot the issue. Thanks in advance for any help! Warmest Regards, Anthony Iannone aiannone(a)nis.gs

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Jerryco/American Science and Surplus is closing
by Jeffrey Jonas 28 Aug '25

28 Aug '25

Their catalogues were always a fun read with such silly writeups. https://sciplus.com/important-information/ It is with a very heavy heart that we are writing to tell you that it's time to say goodbye. The next two weeks, up until September 7th

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OT: Software Freedom Day.
by murph 26 Aug '25

26 Aug '25

We're having an event for Software Freedom Day. It is a world-wide educational event, and we are having one right here at Montclair State University. We'll have talks about what free software is, and why it's important for everyone. What kind of software is available for your existing computer, and how you can use Free Software to use your computer past the date that the manufacturer wants to keep updating it. There will be a talk on self hosting, so that you can run services that reduce or replace your reliance on outside big tech companies, and keep better control of your data. There will also be a talk on Social Networking with free software called "Mastodon and the Fediverse" that will show how you can network with people without giving your data to big tech, and without the algorithms that don't work in your best interest. --- For a general computer user -- You might be thinking. "I get software for free all the time, it come with my computer, and there are lots of free services that I can get over the internet. We're talking about software that is free as in Freedom. Free to use, improve and share, and software that does not require a subscription or ads from an outside source. --- For an aspiring developer --- What is the point of worrying about licensing my software, does it matter? If you choose a Free Software license for your software can get community help in developing it, you can get wider acceptance in community projects without losing control of it, and contribute to the community of computer users. There is a huge variety of software out there, and we'd like to take some time to tell people about it. This is a community event, and we'd love to see people from all over come out! Here are some links for more information: https://softwarefreedom.neocities.org/ also, the foundation site https://digitalfreedoms.org/en/software-freedom-day/events/software-freedom… If you have any questions, please email myself at: sfd(a)murph.info Or my colleague Mars at: mxu(a)uribe.cc We'll be happy to discuss any details.

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VCF on the Road: Game Con Live
by Jeffrey Brace 26 Aug '25

26 Aug '25

The next event VCF will have an "on the road" exhibit will be Oct. 11 & 12 in Oaks, PA. Four of us are going to do vintage computer game exhibits. Here is more info: https://gameconlive.com/ Has anyone been to this event? Take care! Jeff Brace VCF Evangelist

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OT: Maker Faire Sussex County
by Jeffrey Brace 26 Aug '25

26 Aug '25

Has anyone been to or know anything about how big an event this is? https://sussexcounty.makerfaire.com/ Jeff Brace

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My Apple I reproduction is working!
by Neil Cherry 19 Aug '25

19 Aug '25

Manage to get myself somehow dragged into building Apple Is because I wanted a 6800 version. That was the start of trouble! So I bought 2 bare PCBs and planned to build a 6502 and 6800 version. Had I done some research before hand I would have found I could have bought many vintage computers for the price of the various parts of the Apple I and we're not talking date correct parts just the necessary parts. But at the same time I happened on an unloved more than complet Apple I reproduction that wasn't running. So I bid and won at a more than reasonable price, half as much as a working complete reproduction and less than buying the parts. Well I diagnosed the bad chip, a 2519 ($70+). I used a replacement board with parts that are available and I now can program like it was 1976. :-) I threw some quick photos up on: https://ushomeautomation.com/Projects/Vintage/Apple1/index.html Yes, the Commodore monitor needs a bit of TLC. I'll get to it ... eventually. ;-) -- 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 KD2ZRQ

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HOPE_16 (2025)
by Jeffrey Brace 19 Aug '25

19 Aug '25

Hope took place this past weekend. There were four volunteers: Doug Crawford Jeff Brace Jeff Jonas Joe Giliberti We had spent many weeks preparing for this event. We were there all three days (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) and felt that we were successful in connecting with our existing fans as well as letting many others learn about our organization and events. The trainers that we had set up were a hit with this audience. There were some that sat down and spent the 10 to 15 minutes to code the program into the HeathKit. We shared one of our tables with Lee Felsenstein. He was promoting his book, t-shirts and posters. He spent a lot of time talking to fans who stopped by our table. There were people of all shapes, sizes, ages and genders. It was a diverse audience of hackers. I was able to catch one or two talks as well as participate in the "Hackers Got Talent" competition. (I got 2nd place). I will share pictures later after I've decompressed a bit. It was a good weekend, but very exhausting. Take care! Jeff Brace VCF Evangelist

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Wanted: FD1791
by Mike Loewen 17 Aug '25

17 Aug '25

Does anyone have a spare FD1791 FDC for sale? Please reply off-list. Mike Loewen mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/

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VCF/MARCH At HOPE this weekend Aug 15-17
by Jeffrey Brace 14 Aug '25

14 Aug '25

VCF/MARCH will have 5 tables this weekend at HOPE (hope.net) in Jamaica, Queens at St. John's University. Please stop by if you are in the area! *Volunteers*: Doug Crawford, Jeff Jonas, Joe Giliberti, Jeff Brace. *List of artifacts on display:* Lawrence Livermore (in a briefcase), 8080 processor. Heathkit trainer ET 3400. TTL Trainer Devry Trainer 555 Timer HP 5036-A TRS-80 Model III or IV Commodore PET IBM P-70 - Luggage IBM Portable - 5140 Pong! Atari 5200 Bally Astrocade Fairchild Channel F We will be promoting our events and local group. Jeff Brace

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Fox In WinSocks
by Jeffrey Jonas 09 Aug '25

09 Aug '25

I found a printout of this. Most is online: http://holyjoe.org/poetry/anonE.htm by Gene Ziegler What If Dr. Seuss Wrote Technical Manuals? (original title: A Grandchild's Guide to Using Grandpa's Computer) Fox In WinSocks Here's an easy game to play. Here's an easy thing to say: If a packet hits a pocket on a socket on a port, And the bus is interrupted as a very last resort, And the address of the memory makes your floppy disk abort, Then the socket packet pocket has an error to report! If your cursor finds a menu item followed by a dash, And the double-clicking icons put your window in the trash, And your data is corrupted 'cause the index doesn't hash, Then your situation's hopeless, and your system's gonna crash! You can't say this? What a shame, sir! We'll find you another game, sir. If the label on your cable on the table at your house, Says the network is connected to the button on your mouse, But your packets want to tunnel by another protocol That's repeatedly rejected by the printer down the hall, And your screen is all distorted by the side effects of gauss, So your icons in the window are as wavy as a souse, Then you may as well reboot and go out with a bang, 'Cause as sure as I'm a poet, the sucker's gonna hang! When the copy of your floppy's getting sloppy on the disk, And the microcode instructions cause unnecessary RISC, Then you have to flash your memory and you'll want to RAM your ROM: Quickly turn off your computer and be sure to tell your mom!

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VCF WEST 2025 videos
by Jeffrey Brace 09 Aug '25

09 Aug '25

https://vcfed.org/vcf-west-2025-videos/ We were on the local news in the first two videos. Pictures coming soon! Enjoy! Jeff Brace

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VCF Montreal Exhibit Registration - 2nd Call
by Jeffrey Brace 08 Aug '25

08 Aug '25

Register your exhibit with VCF Montreal! There's still spaces left: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc4dnGLg9Ubt3gSxNNcOukTIhTNZZK2dQB… VCF Montreal is Jan 24-25, 2026 More Info here: https://vcfed.org/vcf-montreal/ Take care! Jeff Brace

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Workshop Weekend @ InfoAge - August 9-10
by Jeff Salzman 07 Aug '25

07 Aug '25

The MARCH/VCF Workshop will be starting at 10AM on Saturday, August 9, 2025. It will run to 7PM on Saturday, then restart 10AM on Sunday, August 10, 2025. You will have to make your own arrangements for local lodging if you need it for Saturday overnight. The Workshop weekend event will end at 5PM on Sunday, at which time, the InfoAge campus will be closing for the day. If you plan on attending, please add your name to this online spreadsheet so we may have an idea of how we can allocate the space. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hT8BFEpNLZLa5ibWOG7sGZDzkd5S6Mmd13I… More information can be found on the VCFed.org website, but here are some additional details: https://vcfed.org/repair-workshops-at-infoage/ COST $15 per person, per day. The $15/day Workshop fee can be made directly in cash to the person in charge of Workshop operations (varies), or electronically using the following payment services: - PayPal: @vintagecomputerfed - Venmo: @VintageComputerFederation - Cash (in person) - Credit card (in person on Square). EQUIPMENT - VCF will provide a table and chair, and you can use any available electrical outlet. - It is recommended to bring your own tools, power strips, power cords, and supplies, etc. We have a limited supply of basic tools and test equipment that you may freely use at the Workshop. It's also not uncommon to ask other attendees if you could borrow their tools, but they are not obligated to loan them out to you. Please be courteous in that regard. - If you need particular specialized tools that you don't own, or specialized parts, please let others know that you may need something when you put your name on the sign-up sheet linked above. Other attendees are able to read your requests, and may be able to help you. No guarantees. - Let everyone know what project you are working on ahead of time to inspire collaboration. You can make a note of your projects on the sign-up sheet (listed above) for the month you plan on attending. Other attendees do read those notes. FOOD and DRINKS You should bring your own, but there are several restaurants nearby if you wish to go out and pick up a meal. It's not unheard of for attendees to plan combined runs to restaurants for sit-in meals or group orders. Plan such meal arrangements amongst yourselves. PARKING Please view the Workshop web page to find out the InfoAge address, how to get on campus, and where parking is allowed. We look forward to seeing you at the Workshop! Jeff Salzman Steering Committee Member Workshop Manager

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Nice Quasar TV
by Herbert Johnson 06 Aug '25

06 Aug '25

"SentryTV" posted an apparently private message from Bill Degnan, as the message itself was not distributed in the list. Bill gave some cautionary private advice about respecting views of someone with long history in VCFed-Mid AKA March. And Bill affirmed that the topic of a Quasar TV was in Bill's view, reasonably on-topic. Bill was right on all counts. And as I'm also a person with "long history", his point about due consideration strikes home with me. Curious, that someone with "TV" in their pseudonym would complain that TV's are off-topic. Broadcast TV's including CRT TV's continue to be part of vintage computing, particularly in the home video game/computer domain. They are present at every VCF event. They are an allied interest on their own. Plus, Bill was doing "Sentry" a favor by keeping his comments as a *private* response. By broadcasting them in reply, you dismissed his courtesy and discouraged others from making private contacts to express such cautions. This kind of discourse, in my opinion, is not good for friendly and sometimes challenging public discussion. I'm not a moderator but when lines are crossed without dissent, those lines go away. This is my dissent. If I have a vote, I vote for courtesy. If courtesy ends, I will go away. Regards, Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA https://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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NBC Bay Area Segment on VCF West
by Jeffrey Brace 05 Aug '25

05 Aug '25

https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/vintage-computer-festival/3927470/ Enjoy! Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President

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August Workshop @ InfoAge, Aug 9-10, 2025
by Jeff Salzman 03 Aug '25

03 Aug '25

One week left before the next M.A.R.C.H. Workshop. If you plan on attending one or both days, please add your name to the attached form. Knowing how many people are expected to be there greatly helps us properly plan for the resources needed (tables, power, parking, etc.) to operate the Workshop. 2025-08-09 August 9-10, 2025 - Google Sheets <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hT8BFEpNLZLa5ibWOG7sGZDzkd5S6Mmd13I…> Thank you, Jeff Salzman M.A.R.C.H. Steering Committee Member M.A.R.C.H. Workshop Manager

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Re: WAY OT. Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Nice Quasar TV
by Sentrytv 02 Aug '25

02 Aug '25

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Nice Quasar TV
by Bill Degnan 02 Aug '25

02 Aug '25

Not sure if pictures can be sent through the thing but I am going to try to attach a tv someone wants to find a museum or collector to use for vintage use

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VCF EAST 2025 Documentary
by Jeffrey Brace 01 Aug '25

01 Aug '25

A documentarist created a documentary of VCF East 2025: https://youtu.be/4vv29PyixMo Jeff Brace

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF EAST 2025 Documentary
by wb2srf＠juno.com 30 Jul '25

30 Jul '25

Good video, Thanks for sharing Bob Johansen

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UNIVAC plug board on FB Marketplace
by Joseph Giliberti 30 Jul '25

30 Jul '25

We should grab this for the museum. I might be able to get it on Saturday if no one else can, if it fits in my car. https://www.facebook.com/share/1FNuEM3n1V/ Regards, Joe Giliberti

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Free trs 80 model 1, boxed
by Bill Degnan 30 Jul '25

30 Jul '25

Saw this in FB Marketplace, in NJ https://www.facebook.com/share/1PFp7Rf3yr/?mibextid=wwXIfr Bill

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MARCH Workshop, InfoAge Campus, August 9-10, 2025
by Jeff Salzman 29 Jul '25

29 Jul '25

Just a reminder about the upcoming August 9-10, 2025 MARCH Repair Workshop. For those who weren't aware, the Workshop now takes place exclusively in the 9032A room attached to the back side of the InfoAge "Hotel" building. CDL will not be opened for Workshop activity. For those who attended VCF-East, 9032A is where the lower exhibit hall was located. A large room at ground level with plenty of windows and cement floor. The entrance to 9032A is via a door near where the airplane is located on the InfoAge campus. See the MAP tab in the signup spreadsheet linked below for visual reference. Please add your name to the spreadsheet below so we can have an idea of the number of tables to reserve for attendees: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hT8BFEpNLZLa5ibWOG7sGZDzkd5S6Mmd13I… Any questions, please reply to this email. Use REPLY ALL if your question could be useful to others on this mailing list. Additional information can be found on the website: https://vcfed.org/repair-workshops-at-infoage/ Jeff Salzman MARCH Steering Committee Workshop Manager

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iMacs (27-inch, Late 2013 and Late 2009) in NoVA looking for a good home
by Maki Kato 29 Jul '25

29 Jul '25

I'm posting for two separate friends. One has an iMac (27-inch, Late 2013) that he needs to get rid of. The other has a 27" iMac Late 2009 that needs to go. Both are in Arlington VA. Please let me know and I can share contact info. Thanks. ....maki.... PS. I could possibly be talked into transporting this to the August System Source Repair Workshop.

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Identify magnetic cartridge
by Herbert Johnson 29 Jul '25

29 Jul '25

> An InfoAge member is looking for help to identify this: > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Es783xJSARU photo 1 "RCS Mobile" plastic cartridge "retention cassette" label says "US Coast Guard segments JKL" voice says "fifty of these tapes ... from Kennedy [?]" "never seen before... can't find..." Photo 2 has end of cart, looks like 1/4" mag tape. voice says "little mirror" and Photo 4 B&W shows youngster with headphones, watching image, cartridge apparently plugged into a player about a cubic foot in size. YOutube video by Halligan142 promotes general metal machining tooling. *"RCS mobile" audio cartridges* on Google search by me Herb Johnson second Web link given is https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-BC-Engineering/Radio-World-Mo… brochure from "Radio World" NAB product preview, "the worlds largest electronic media show" april 2004 Las Vegas. Link content is "Tools from RCS Mobile integrate with other RCS products including Selector music scheduling and Master Control " studio automation." Page 15 of document "New Services from RCS" RCS of White Plains NY www.rcsworks.com RCS Web site suggests RCS produces Radio Automation software and playout. Under "company" and "about us", text says "RCS invented music scheduling on computers, opening its doors in 1979 with the very first version of the legendary Selector." Herb Johnson concludes: these cartridges are some kind of proprietary audio playback product that plays back audio messages probably minutes in length on a closed-loop audio track. Possibly video information is encoded also, an image of a player suggests this. All kinds of audio cartridge technology was produced for radio stations in the mid-20th century, for quick DJ access and automated platy of messages and music. Some were used for educational purposes, or kiosk type commercial displays. Later in the era, people often used VHS video tapes and automated players. Simply: these carts are like old 8-track audio tapes for automated audio play. Some looped to avoid manual rewind. Here's another example of that technology. https://www.retrotechnology.com/restore/rca_cart_history.html If the tape is 1/4 inch wide "standard" Mylar plasic with a magnetic coated surface, I suggest dismantling one of the carts to extract a tape and play it on some mono or stereo 1/4-inch reel-to-reel tape recorder. To see the actual tracks: You may be able to find some kind of "magnetic viewer" technology like this: https://store.arnoldmagnetics.com/product/284/magnetic-viewer-b-1022 that uses tiny iron filings in a fluid. Put upon magtapes, it visually shows the magnetic recording tracks under magnification. People who worked with 7 or 9 track 1/2-inch computer magtapes will know that tech. Regards, you're welcome Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA https://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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Identify magnetic cartridge
by Jeffrey Brace 29 Jul '25

29 Jul '25

An InfoAge member is looking for help to identify this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Es783xJSARU Can anyone help? Thanks! Jeff Brace

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Interesting Amiga Blog
by Jeffrey Brace 28 Jul '25

28 Jul '25

Found this posted on the TPUG mailing list: https://celso.io/posts/2025/01/26/the-first-perfect-computer/ Enjoy! Jeff Brace

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Amiga Repair Blog by Andy Davis
by Jeffrey Brace 25 Jul '25

25 Jul '25

I read this and it was interesting: https://celso.io/posts/2025/01/26/the-first-perfect-computer/ Jeff Brace

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