- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

OT: All-In-One Color Laser Printer
by Herb Johnson 11 Jun '20

11 Jun '20

about OT: Color Laser Printer Recommendation Dave McGuire posts: > Very nearly universally, ink jet printers are garbage. I concur, conditionally. I'd call them disposable. I buy one every few years, half price when that model is superceeded. I use them to scan 11 X 17 documents. Not for printing, the heads clog up! They die, plastic parts break. I replace it, long after it stops printing. I haven't replaced ANY inkcarts, which cost HALF the sale price of the printer. And the new printer has more features than the old. Thus: disposable printers. I have an Epson WF-7520 to dispose of now; it's busted and clogged of course but still scans. My average inkjet-printer+ink costs as a result: about $50/year. New strategy: print once/twice a week, see if I can stretch out the printing. This will cost me a set of $70 inkcarts to continue; I'm several months in. > my main color printer is an HP Color Laserjet 5550DTN, > Either way, I would not recommend buying one new. I concur, on practice and brand. Thrift stores or surplus sales or maybe recyclers provide laser printers cheaply, tens of dollars. Maybe Craigslist? Freecycle? HP supplies abound on eBay. HP printers work for DECADES. I've used HP Laserjet II's and III's until the scanner motors die; that's 1990's tech, last used in *2018*. Those, I can fix. Hey: vintage tech! We are back on topic! ;) My daily B&W laser printer (and my wife's) are both HP LJ 4300's. I bought a new old stock toner cart on ebay for $18 *delivered*. My funny story: my winning bid on a cheaper toner-cart was canceled, when the seller realized their shipping cost was more than their selling price. > [story of outrage about high costs of toner carts] The inkjet-producer strategy used to be referred to as "give away the razor, sell the blades". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Razor_and_blades_model includes a reference to "printers". Re: Advice on All-in-One color Laser Printer I have two color laser AIO's which I never use. Paid several tens of dollars, used, years ago. HP CM2320blahblah, HP CM1312blahblah. Only 8 X 11 flatbed scanner. But nice color. Used color carts abound on eBay. I print in color when needed, not often in 2020. Caution: there's a hundred slightly different brands of HP color laser printers, with dozens of different toner carts. Some carts are quite small, you need four of them for color. And the carts (like the inkjet ink tubs) have smart-chips in them which tell the printer "throw this cartridge out when it's half empty". Solution: buy copied chips that say "I'm full, use me up!". Change the chips, not the toner cart. And I have some refilling supplies too. This is what it takes these days, to keep from throwing money at computer-printer companies. Inkjet ink, they say, is the most expensive liquid in the world. I have to jam microcontrollers *into toner carts* to get full use of them. And use decades-old tech, to save money and get reliability and repairability. Surprisingly, this doesn't bother me much. again: we are back on topic. 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 retrotechnology DOT info

7 6

looking for the user manual for the Compulogic Tutor 1970
by Bill Degnan 11 Jun '20

11 Jun '20

looking for the user manual for the Compulogic Tutor 1970 http://vintagecomputer.net/compusad/Complogical-tutor-guide_800pxW.jpg I know the Simsonian has one, but they're not taking my calls :-) Thanks Bill Degnan

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] OT: All-In-One Color Laser Printer
by Jeffrey Brace 11 Jun '20

11 Jun '20

On Thu, Jun 11, 2020 at 5:56 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > I have had very good luck with my HP 950c printer (could be used with > parallel or USB) > I find ink cartridges at yard & estate sales for a few dollars each. > Yes I know taking a chance on a “new” cartridge that may be 10 or more > years old is a “gamble” but usually works out for the best. > I do very little printing and always in black-and-white (greyscale) So if > the cartridges don’t dry up first they last me for years. > I was advised against using old ink cartridges, especially ones that are opened. They tend to dry up and clog up the printer heads I'm told. I had success with ink jet printers for years, but the current one that I have went kaput. Like many things, the quality has gone down and there is no support after the warranty is done. And it was two of the same identical model (HP PhotoSmart 6520). So it's clogged and I couldn't unclog using a particular method. So I asked someone who repairs printers and they recommended laser printers. They said that inkjet have the problem with clogged printer heads. So I'm not really looking for inkjet anymore as I can see that the printer head gets clogged and repairing isn't worth it. I'm not going to buy inkjet anymore as repairing isn't worth it and it seems weird to keep buying new ones when the ink runs out. Gonna try laser printers now. > The only problem I ever had was with my G45 all in one printer from HP. > > It worked well for quite a while several years use the same cartridges as > my 950c. > But recently died was making a hell of a racket. > One thing I liked about those old HP is they worked with the current > operating system. > Of course I installed a brand new Brother all in one that I had new in box > for years, > “OH BROTHER” what a pain in the .... > > Mike R. > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > On Jun 11, 2020, at 5:31 PM, Herb Johnson via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > about OT: Color Laser Printer Recommendation > > > > Dave McGuire posts: > > > >> Very nearly universally, ink jet printers are garbage. > > > > I concur, conditionally. I'd call them disposable. I buy one every few > years, half price when that model is superceeded. I use them to scan 11 X > 17 documents. Not for printing, the heads clog up! > > > > They die, plastic parts break. I replace it, long after it stops > printing. I haven't replaced ANY inkcarts, which cost HALF the sale price > of the printer. And the new printer has more features than the old. Thus: > disposable printers. I have an Epson WF-7520 to dispose of now; it's busted > and clogged of course but still scans. > > > > My average inkjet-printer+ink costs as a result: about $50/year. New > strategy: print once/twice a week, see if I can stretch out the printing. > This will cost me a set of $70 inkcarts to continue; I'm several months in. > > > >> my main color printer is an HP Color Laserjet 5550DTN, > Either way, > I would not recommend buying one new. > > > > I concur, on practice and brand. Thrift stores or surplus sales or maybe > recyclers provide laser printers cheaply, tens of dollars. Maybe > Craigslist? Freecycle? > > > > HP supplies abound on eBay. HP printers work for DECADES. I've used HP > Laserjet II's and III's until the scanner motors die; that's 1990's tech, > last used in *2018*. Those, I can fix. Hey: vintage tech! We are back on > topic! ;) > > > > My daily B&W laser printer (and my wife's) are both HP LJ 4300's. I > bought a new old stock toner cart on ebay for $18 *delivered*. My funny > story: my winning bid on a cheaper toner-cart was canceled, when the seller > realized their shipping cost was more than their selling price. > > > > > [story of outrage about high costs of toner carts] > > > > The inkjet-producer strategy used to be referred to as "give away the > razor, sell the blades". > > > > https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Razor_and_blades_model > > > > includes a reference to "printers". > > > > Re: Advice on All-in-One color Laser Printer > > > > I have two color laser AIO's which I never use. Paid several tens of > dollars, used, years ago. HP CM2320blahblah, HP CM1312blahblah. Only 8 X 11 > flatbed scanner. But nice color. Used color carts abound on eBay. I print > in color when needed, not often in 2020. > > > > Caution: there's a hundred slightly different brands of HP color laser > printers, with dozens of different toner carts. Some carts are quite small, > you need four of them for color. And the carts (like the inkjet ink tubs) > have smart-chips in them which tell the printer "throw this cartridge out > when it's half empty". Solution: buy copied chips that say "I'm full, use > me up!". Change the chips, not the toner cart. And I have some refilling > supplies too. > > > > This is what it takes these days, to keep from throwing money at > computer-printer companies. Inkjet ink, they say, is the most expensive > liquid in the world. I have to jam microcontrollers *into toner carts* to > get full use of them. And use decades-old tech, to save money and get > reliability and repairability. > > > > Surprisingly, this doesn't bother me much. again: we are back on topic. > > > > 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 retrotechnology DOT info > > -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member, VCF East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

1 0

Debugging with NMI on the PC
by Richard Cini 11 Jun '20

11 Jun '20

All – I’m working on an S100 project with my Gazelle (a VGA board) which is based on a standard Trident VGA chip. The BIOS on the video board relies on a PC BIOS (which doesn’t exist for the Gazelle) so I’ve had to hack something together for it to make it work. The BIOS is barfing somewhere in the initialization, but it’s a hard crash so resetting it to regain control destroys the context. I’m running under MSDOS 2.01. I remember that there were debuggers like Periscope or SoftICE that could trap NMI, but I need it to be pure character-based like MS-DOS debug. Does anyone know of any debuggers like this? There was one by Paul Vojta, which I have the code for, but that doesn’t trap NMI. I wonder if I could just have the NMI call INT 03H (debug break) since they all trap that. Any thoughts or help appreciated. Thanks! Rich -- Rich Cini http://www.classiccmp.org/cini http://www.classiccmp.org/altair32

4 5

OT: Video cards for small form factor PCS
by Jeffrey Brace 10 Jun '20

10 Jun '20

I have 3 or 4 PCs that I bought used for $20 each that have no GPU (video card). They are small form factor so the video cards from my old desktops don't work (too big). So I'm looking for used GPUs that I can put in them. The main use is for number crunching for Folding At Home & Covid-19 research. If anyone has some that will work with Windows 10 and HP Elite 8300 i5 machines, please let me know. I prefer free, but would pay like $20 each for them as long as they are known working. Or if you know of a reputable source for them. Let me know as well. -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member, VCF East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

1 0

Virutual VCF West 2020 - call for exhibitors, instructor, speakers
by Jeffrey Brace 09 Jun '20

09 Jun '20

Anyone interested in exhibiting, being a class instructor or being a speaker can send a message to erik(a)vcfed.org. This is open to anyone in the world. If you have any suggestions for speakers, etc. please let Erik or myself know. Feel free to ask me any questions, make comments or give me suggestions: jeffrey(a)vcfed.org. Here is Erik Klein's blurb about the show: Since it appears that we won’t be allowed to host “large gatherings” in the state of California for the foreseeable future, it is time to plan for keeping the spirit of VCF West alive without the physical gathering. To do that we want to host the same basic format. Exhibits, speakers and classes along with the “social” aspects of getting hobbyists together. The only way to effectively do that is to put as much of the effort in advance as possible. That means that contributors are being asked to “virtualize” their contributions with shareable videos, slide shows, etc. Speakers and class trainers as well as any exhibitors willing will be asked to allow for an online Q&A session after the video is aired. We will also host virtual meetups throughout the day, hopefully with special guests encouraged to visit at predetermined times. The entire event will be scheduled for 6-8 hours on Saturday August 1st with all of the videos due by July 1. What we will need: Committed exhibitors to produce 5 minute (+/-) videos of the systems(s) they would have liked to exhibit. These should be submitted to the VCF West team by early July, at the latest. Sooner is always better! At least a couple of keynote speakers willing to do 30 minute recorded talks and willing to host a Q&A Hangouts/Meetings call. Hopefully a classroom teacher or two to do a training video of 15-30 minutes and willing to host a Q&A Hangouts/Meetings call. Again if you would like to participate in one of the above categories (exhibitor, presenter, educator) please let me (erik(a)vcfed.org) know as early as possible and please get your video done as quickly as possible. Some video suggestions: Please have your recording device in Landscape mode. Introduce yourself and your exhibit to start. Please ensure that you have appropriate lighting for your video. Remember that different parts of the video may need different lighting. Filming screens is usually done in a darker environment while speakers should find as much light as possible. Audio is just as important as video. Consider an external microphone, if possible. Find a suitable space to do the recording with a minimum of ambient noise, echo, etc. If you are speaking while in the video please speak into the camera rather than while looking away, if at all possible. Play back your work and make sure you like it before submitting it! Our editors will clean up some stuff, but we can’t add things that aren’t there, etc. I created a sample video. My raw one is here: https://youtu.be/amSyI3t6JWk The cleaned up version is here: https://youtu.be/_1GKSVyuLRk -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member, VCF East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

1 0

HP 85 on eBay
by Chris Fala 09 Jun '20

09 Jun '20

In case someone is interested. Looks potentially nice. No personal connection, just random find. https://www.ebay.com/itm/333594125770

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Upcoming workshops
by Jeffrey Brace 08 Jun '20

08 Jun '20

On Mon, Jun 8, 2020 at 2:01 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Jeff > > Just checking if workshops may possibly starting up again next month? > This is something I'm considering. The current restriction (as far as I can tell) is about 10 people indoors, but that may change soon with stage 2 as well as InfoAge reopening at the end of June. > > The Antique radio club @ InfoAge is having a hamfest / tailgating sale on > July 25th > Is was told by el Presidente Rich. > Seems things may start getting back to “normal” soon. > > Mike R. > > > On Jun 7, 2020, at 3:05 PM, RICHARD LEE <radiorich(a)prodigy.net> wrote: > > > > Hi Mike...we are going to have our annual Hamfest/tailgate swap meet on > July 25thon the grounds of InFo Age..I think you attended > once?..anyway..join us reserve a space and sell that radio along with your > other stuff...regards..Rich > -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member, VCF East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Upcoming workshops
by Chris Fala 08 Jun '20

08 Jun '20

Only with a doctor's note. ;-) On Mon, Jun 8, 2020 at 2:01 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Jeff > > Just checking if workshops may possibly starting up again next month? > > The Antique radio club @ InfoAge is having a hamfest / tailgating sale on > July 25th > Is was told by el Presidente Rich. > Seems things may start getting back to “normal” soon. > > Mike R. > > > On Jun 7, 2020, at 3:05 PM, RICHARD LEE <radiorich(a)prodigy.net> wrote: > > > > Hi Mike...we are going to have our annual Hamfest/tailgate swap meet on > July 25thon the grounds of InFo Age..I think you attended > once?..anyway..join us reserve a space and sell that radio along with your > other stuff...regards..Rich >

1 0

Upcoming workshops
by Sentrytv 08 Jun '20

08 Jun '20

Jeff Just checking if workshops may possibly starting up again next month? The Antique radio club @ InfoAge is having a hamfest / tailgating sale on July 25th Is was told by el Presidente Rich. Seems things may start getting back to “normal” soon. Mike R. > On Jun 7, 2020, at 3:05 PM, RICHARD LEE <radiorich(a)prodigy.net> wrote: > > Hi Mike...we are going to have our annual Hamfest/tailgate swap meet on July 25thon the grounds of InFo Age..I think you attended once?..anyway..join us reserve a space and sell that radio along with your other stuff...regards..Rich

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] vcf-midatlantic Digest, Vol 25, Issue 7
by Bill Degnan 07 Jun '20

07 Jun '20

I have had one of these (slightly older model) for 15 years. It does not work as well as it once did, but for home use it's good enough. I had to replace the developer a few years ago, but it was never quite the same since. BIll On Sun, Jun 7, 2020 at 10:51 PM Jeffrey Golas via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > I literally Just got the Brother MFC-3770cdw. Prints fine so far, and > scanner works fairly fast. Also have it hooked up scanning to a nas. It did > seem to take a while printing via airprint, but I had a power outage that I > think goofed up something on my wifi, so not sure if it was the printer or > my wifi. > > Downside is the firmware looks like it was written by a first year comp > sci student, very crude compared to an HP, but it works. > > Jeff > > > > On Jun 7, 2020, at 12:09 PM, vcf-midatlantic-request(a)lists.vcfed.org > wrote: > > > > Send vcf-midatlantic mailing list submissions to > > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org > > > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > > https://lists.vcfed.org/mailman/listinfo/vcf-midatlantic > > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > > vcf-midatlantic-request(a)lists.vcfed.org > > > > You can reach the person managing the list at > > vcf-midatlantic-owner(a)lists.vcfed.org > > > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > > than "Re: Contents of vcf-midatlantic digest..." > > > > > > Today's Topics: > > > > 1. OT: All-In-One Color Laser Printer (Jeffrey Brace) > > 2. Re: OT: Color Laser Printer Recommendation (Dave McGuire) > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > > > Message: 1 > > Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2020 12:19:13 -0400 > > From: Jeffrey Brace <jeffrey(a)vcfed.org> > > To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> > > Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] OT: All-In-One Color Laser Printer > > Message-ID: > > <CALWfZAK38QTuwM6KbCPt=+om3tFNR5YnHKEabRyA9bB92p5DyA(a)mail.gmail.com> > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" > > > > I appreciate everyone's advice, experience and suggestions on a color > laser > > printer. Because of the higher cost I decided to split the cost with my > > brother and sister. So now we all want an all-in-one printer, scanner, > > copier and not just a printer-only. So I need suggestions on a color > laser > > all-in-one. It seems those who responded to my last e-mail recommended > HP, > > Brother, or Samsung. I didn't hear an opinion about Canon. > > > > Consumer reports recommend HP, Brother and Canon. > > Here is the list that Consumer Reports rates highly: > > Brother MFC-L8900CDW > > Canon Color imageCLASS MF644Cdw > > Canon imageCLASS MF642Cdw > > Brother MFC-L3750CDW > > HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw > > Brother MFC-L3710CW > > HP Color Laser MFP 178nw > > Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw > > Canon imageCLASS MF733Cdw > > HP Color LaserJet Pro M283fdw > > HP Color laserJet Pro MFP M180nw > > > > Any recommendations on any of these? > > > > -- > > ========================================= > > Jeff Brace > > Vice President & Board Member, VCF East Showrunner > > Vintage Computer Federation > > http://www.vcfed.org/ > > jeffrey(a)vcfed.org > > > > > > ------------------------------ > > > > Message: 2 > > Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2020 12:24:59 -0400 > > From: Dave McGuire <mcguire(a)neurotica.com> > > To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> > > Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] OT: Color Laser Printer Recommendation > > Message-ID: <4d40eef7-8a4d-08b0-1f53-54001e53eb53(a)neurotica.com> > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 > > > >> On 6/6/20 1:09 AM, Matt Patoray via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > >> I will throw in a recommendation for Samsung printers. I bought a small > cheap B&W laser in 2010, still going strong and consumables are cheap if > you go for the non Samsung replacements. > >> My test for the printer when I first got it was to print the manuals > for a Tektronix 7854. > >> The only gripe I have is the paper tray is smaller then I would like > but for less then $70 new, can?t complain. > > > > Wow, can't complain about that at all! I've always been impressed by > > most of Samsung's products. There are exceptions, but they generally > > make good stuff. > > > >> But you can?t go wrong with a big HP either, especially one with 11x17 > capability, great for printing out schematics. > > > > That's very handy indeed. :) > > > > -Dave > > > > -- > > Dave McGuire, AK4HZ > > New Kensington, PA > > > > > > End of vcf-midatlantic Digest, Vol 25, Issue 7 > > ********************************************** >

1 0

Re: vcf-midatlantic Digest, Vol 25, Issue 7
by Jeffrey Golas 07 Jun '20

07 Jun '20

I literally Just got the Brother MFC-3770cdw. Prints fine so far, and scanner works fairly fast. Also have it hooked up scanning to a nas. It did seem to take a while printing via airprint, but I had a power outage that I think goofed up something on my wifi, so not sure if it was the printer or my wifi. Downside is the firmware looks like it was written by a first year comp sci student, very crude compared to an HP, but it works. Jeff > On Jun 7, 2020, at 12:09 PM, vcf-midatlantic-request(a)lists.vcfed.org wrote: > > Send vcf-midatlantic mailing list submissions to > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > https://lists.vcfed.org/mailman/listinfo/vcf-midatlantic > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > vcf-midatlantic-request(a)lists.vcfed.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > vcf-midatlantic-owner(a)lists.vcfed.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of vcf-midatlantic digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. OT: All-In-One Color Laser Printer (Jeffrey Brace) > 2. Re: OT: Color Laser Printer Recommendation (Dave McGuire) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2020 12:19:13 -0400 > From: Jeffrey Brace <jeffrey(a)vcfed.org> > To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> > Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] OT: All-In-One Color Laser Printer > Message-ID: > <CALWfZAK38QTuwM6KbCPt=+om3tFNR5YnHKEabRyA9bB92p5DyA(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" > > I appreciate everyone's advice, experience and suggestions on a color laser > printer. Because of the higher cost I decided to split the cost with my > brother and sister. So now we all want an all-in-one printer, scanner, > copier and not just a printer-only. So I need suggestions on a color laser > all-in-one. It seems those who responded to my last e-mail recommended HP, > Brother, or Samsung. I didn't hear an opinion about Canon. > > Consumer reports recommend HP, Brother and Canon. > Here is the list that Consumer Reports rates highly: > Brother MFC-L8900CDW > Canon Color imageCLASS MF644Cdw > Canon imageCLASS MF642Cdw > Brother MFC-L3750CDW > HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw > Brother MFC-L3710CW > HP Color Laser MFP 178nw > Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw > Canon imageCLASS MF733Cdw > HP Color LaserJet Pro M283fdw > HP Color laserJet Pro MFP M180nw > > Any recommendations on any of these? > > -- > ========================================= > Jeff Brace > Vice President & Board Member, VCF East Showrunner > Vintage Computer Federation > http://www.vcfed.org/ > jeffrey(a)vcfed.org > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2020 12:24:59 -0400 > From: Dave McGuire <mcguire(a)neurotica.com> > To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> > Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] OT: Color Laser Printer Recommendation > Message-ID: <4d40eef7-8a4d-08b0-1f53-54001e53eb53(a)neurotica.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 > >> On 6/6/20 1:09 AM, Matt Patoray via vcf-midatlantic wrote: >> I will throw in a recommendation for Samsung printers. I bought a small cheap B&W laser in 2010, still going strong and consumables are cheap if you go for the non Samsung replacements. >> My test for the printer when I first got it was to print the manuals for a Tektronix 7854. >> The only gripe I have is the paper tray is smaller then I would like but for less then $70 new, can?t complain. > > Wow, can't complain about that at all! I've always been impressed by > most of Samsung's products. There are exceptions, but they generally > make good stuff. > >> But you can?t go wrong with a big HP either, especially one with 11x17 capability, great for printing out schematics. > > That's very handy indeed. :) > > -Dave > > -- > Dave McGuire, AK4HZ > New Kensington, PA > > > End of vcf-midatlantic Digest, Vol 25, Issue 7 > **********************************************

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] OT: Color Laser Printer Recommendation
by Matt Patoray 06 Jun '20

06 Jun '20

I will throw in a recommendation for Samsung printers. I bought a small cheap B&W laser in 2010, still going strong and consumables are cheap if you go for the non Samsung replacements. My test for the printer when I first got it was to print the manuals for a Tektronix 7854. The only gripe I have is the paper tray is smaller then I would like but for less then $70 new, can’t complain. But you can’t go wrong with a big HP either, especially one with 11x17 capability, great for printing out schematics. Matt Sent from my iPhone > On Jun 5, 2020, at 3:52 PM, Tony Bogan via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > <mime-attachment>

2 1

OT: All-In-One Color Laser Printer
by Jeffrey Brace 06 Jun '20

06 Jun '20

I appreciate everyone's advice, experience and suggestions on a color laser printer. Because of the higher cost I decided to split the cost with my brother and sister. So now we all want an all-in-one printer, scanner, copier and not just a printer-only. So I need suggestions on a color laser all-in-one. It seems those who responded to my last e-mail recommended HP, Brother, or Samsung. I didn't hear an opinion about Canon. Consumer reports recommend HP, Brother and Canon. Here is the list that Consumer Reports rates highly: Brother MFC-L8900CDW Canon Color imageCLASS MF644Cdw Canon imageCLASS MF642Cdw Brother MFC-L3750CDW HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw Brother MFC-L3710CW HP Color Laser MFP 178nw Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw Canon imageCLASS MF733Cdw HP Color LaserJet Pro M283fdw HP Color laserJet Pro MFP M180nw Any recommendations on any of these? -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member, VCF East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

1 0

OT: Color Laser Printer Recommendation
by Jeffrey Brace 05 Jun '20

05 Jun '20

So I've been using HP inkjet printers for years. I haven't had any big problems with these until recently, but it seems the quality of inkjets has steadily declined over the years. I haven't had problems like I have now. I have two HP Photosmart 6520s and now the black ink is clogged. I followed some procedures to unclog it with no success. I will continue working on it. It is likely I will keep these printers for the document scanning feature, but it is likely that I will go get a color laser printer. Ian Primus who fixes printers for a living recommended laser printers over inkjet even though they tend to be more expensive. Inkjets tend to get clogged and have issues. Here are a few that Consumer Reports rates highly: HP Color LaserJet Pro M452nw printer Brother HL-L3230CDW printer Canon Color imageCLASS LBP622Cdw printer Does anyone recommend any particular models or brands? -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member, VCF East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

6 7

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Live Video Tour of VCF museum via Facebook Live for New Jersey School Board Association
by Jeffrey Brace 05 Jun '20

05 Jun '20

My contact at NJSBA is looking into posting it onto YouTube. On Thu, Jun 4, 2020 at 2:34 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Oh you are correct > I was viewing it, that’s why I said it was a good video, > and I was going to try and save it. > but I asked my daughter who has Facebook to save it . > > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > On Jun 4, 2020, at 10:30 AM, Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > On Thu, Jun 4, 2020 at 9:57 AM Andy Meyer <ysgdhio(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > >> +1 YouTube please > >> > > > > I asked them and await a reply, but someone else pointed out that you > don’t > > need a Facebook account to view it. > > > > > >> > >>> On Thu, Jun 4, 2020 at 12:24 AM Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic < > >>> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >>> > >>> On Wed, Jun 3, 2020 at 7:29 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < > >>> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >>> > >>>> Jeff are you going to post this on YouTube and allow YouTube visitors > to > >>>> possibly download it? > >>>> I think it’s a very nice video > >>>> > >>> > >>> I hadn't thought about it. It was recorded on the NJSBA Facebook page. > >>> They > >>> do have a YouTube page. Let me ask them if they will post it there too. > >>> > >>> > >>>> Sent from: > >>>> My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > >>>> > >>>>> On Jun 3, 2020, at 12:07 PM, Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic < > >>>> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >>>>> > >>>>> Here is the link to the video: > >>>>> https://www.facebook.com/njsba/videos/180980823302843/ > >>>>> > >>>>>> On Tue, Jun 2, 2020 at 1:05 PM Alexander Jacocks < > jjacocks(a)gmail.com > >>>> > >>>> wrote: > >>>>>> > >>>>>> That's really cool! It'll be great marketing for the museum, to > boot. > >>>>>> > >>>>>> - Alex > >>>>>> > >>>>>> On Tue, Jun 2, 2020 at 1:11 AM Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic < > >>>>>> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >>>>>> > >>>>>>> I will be giving a live virtual tour of our Vintage Computer > >>> Federation > >>>>>>> Museum. Someone from the New Jersey School Board Association > >>> contacted > >>>> me > >>>>>>> to do a virtual tour as students can’t do field trips due to > >>> Covid-19 > >>>> and > >>>>>>> schools subsequently being shutdown. > >>>>>>> > >>>>>>> The link should be posted here soon: > http://wwww.facebook.com/njsba > >>>>>>> > >>>>>>> I will be doing the tour on Wednesday, June 3 at 10AM, but they > will > >>>> post > >>>>>>> the video when they are finished. > >>>>>>> > >>>>>> > >>>>> > >>>>> -- > >>>>> ========================================= > >>>>> Jeff Brace > >>>>> Vice President & Board Member, VCF East Showrunner > >>>>> Vintage Computer Federation > >>>>> http://www.vcfed.org/ > >>>>> jeffrey(a)vcfed.org > >>>> > >>>> > >>> > >>> -- > >>> ========================================= > >>> Jeff Brace > >>> Vice President & Board Member, VCF East Showrunner > >>> Vintage Computer Federation > >>> http://www.vcfed.org/ > >>> jeffrey(a)vcfed.org > >>> > >> -- > > ========================================= > > Jeff Brace > > Vice President & Board Member, VCF East Showrunner > > Vintage Computer Federation > > http://www.vcfed.org/ > > jeffrey(a)vcfed.org > > -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member, VCF East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

1 0

THANKS - Trip to Brooklyn to the Gowanus eReycling warehouse + questions
by David K 05 Jun '20

05 Jun '20

Thanks to the many who responded to my initial email. I initially tried a phone cord to connect the keyboard and computer on the KayPro and it did not work but I noticed it only had 2 wires. I found one with 4 wires and WOW - it works. So thank you for the advice! The only issue is the screen jumps a bit and after playing with a program for a bit the screen went to static. I have turned it off to let it "cool" but will have to see if there is some sort of fix for that. Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks for the info about the C64 Petspeed Dongle. I will most likely not need this so if someone is interested in it let me know. Thanks for the comments about the video of our trip to Brooklyn. It was a fantastic time for sure and I was very happy with our finds. David K.

1 0

are these the vintage card guides?
by mike＠willegal.net 05 Jun '20

05 Jun '20

Not exactly - the originals were extruded and then bent to shape. Sometime in the last 40 or 50 years Vector changed this particular mode overl to a casting process. I’ve heard from one source that they have had issues with the castings breaking, but I haven’t had that issue. That said, the price is good. -Mike Willegal > Are these the card guides used on some homebrews? > The price looks good (unless you have better deals?) > > Vector Electronics BR27D Connector Mounted Card Guides > https://skycraftsurplus.com/connector-mounted-card-guides-sk3683.html > $4.25 > (Mouser price: $14.20) > (Digikey price $15.38) > 4.5" Wide Plugbords with Centered Contacts > Vector Plugbord Series 3677, 3682 and 3662 > Rugged support of 0.062" thick > Free standing circuit boards > For application in which space is premium > Aluminium alloy construction > Mounting hardware included { HD55 Hardware Kit } > > > Happy hunting! > Jeff Jonas > > > End of vcf-midatlantic Digest, Vol 25, Issue 5 > **********************************************

1 0

are these the vintage card guides?
by Jeffrey Jonas 04 Jun '20

04 Jun '20

Are these the card guides used on some homebrews? The price looks good (unless you have better deals?) Vector Electronics BR27D Connector Mounted Card Guides https://skycraftsurplus.com/connector-mounted-card-guides-sk3683.html $4.25 (Mouser price: $14.20) (Digikey price $15.38) 4.5" Wide Plugbords with Centered Contacts Vector Plugbord Series 3677, 3682 and 3662 Rugged support of 0.062" thick Free standing circuit boards For application in which space is premium Aluminium alloy construction Mounting hardware included { HD55 Hardware Kit } Happy hunting! Jeff Jonas

1 0

Trip to Brooklyn to the Gowanus eReycling warehouse + questions
by David K 04 Jun '20

04 Jun '20

I watch the list with little to contribute because unfortunately my background is not in IT or similar. I'm really just a fan a of vintage computers and learn a good amount from this listserve. I recently traveled to Brooklyn to the Gowanus eReycling center that is closing. This was the place mentioned in previous posts. It was an excellent experience for my son and I. I have a few question I hope someone might be able to help with. 1. I got a working KayPro 2x but I did not get the phone-like cable that connects the keyboard to the main unit. I see I can buy one on eBay for $15 but wanted to know if there were any other work arounds or if someone is selling one. 2. I got a small piece (picture attached) that apparently plugs into the C64 port 2. It is labeled "Petspeed" which is apparently some sort of BASIC assembler. I am hesitant to plug it in without knowing more. Any help with understanding what this is and how it works? 3. If you want to check out the video of our trip to Brooklyn and see what we found go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogZhSaOk-Cs&t=1s David K.

6 5

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Live Video Tour of VCF museum via Facebook Live for New Jersey School Board Association
by Jeffrey Brace 04 Jun '20

04 Jun '20

On Thu, Jun 4, 2020 at 9:57 AM Andy Meyer <ysgdhio(a)gmail.com> wrote: > +1 YouTube please > I asked them and await a reply, but someone else pointed out that you don’t need a Facebook account to view it. > > On Thu, Jun 4, 2020 at 12:24 AM Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >> On Wed, Jun 3, 2020 at 7:29 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: >> >> > Jeff are you going to post this on YouTube and allow YouTube visitors to >> > possibly download it? >> > I think it’s a very nice video >> > >> >> I hadn't thought about it. It was recorded on the NJSBA Facebook page. >> They >> do have a YouTube page. Let me ask them if they will post it there too. >> >> >> > Sent from: >> > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. >> > >> > > On Jun 3, 2020, at 12:07 PM, Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic < >> > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: >> > > >> > > Here is the link to the video: >> > > https://www.facebook.com/njsba/videos/180980823302843/ >> > > >> > >> On Tue, Jun 2, 2020 at 1:05 PM Alexander Jacocks <jjacocks(a)gmail.com >> > >> > wrote: >> > >> >> > >> That's really cool! It'll be great marketing for the museum, to boot. >> > >> >> > >> - Alex >> > >> >> > >> On Tue, Jun 2, 2020 at 1:11 AM Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic < >> > >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: >> > >> >> > >>> I will be giving a live virtual tour of our Vintage Computer >> Federation >> > >>> Museum. Someone from the New Jersey School Board Association >> contacted >> > me >> > >>> to do a virtual tour as students can’t do field trips due to >> Covid-19 >> > and >> > >>> schools subsequently being shutdown. >> > >>> >> > >>> The link should be posted here soon: http://wwww.facebook.com/njsba >> > >>> >> > >>> I will be doing the tour on Wednesday, June 3 at 10AM, but they will >> > post >> > >>> the video when they are finished. >> > >>> >> > >> >> > > >> > > -- >> > > ========================================= >> > > Jeff Brace >> > > Vice President & Board Member, VCF East Showrunner >> > > Vintage Computer Federation >> > > http://www.vcfed.org/ >> > > jeffrey(a)vcfed.org >> > >> > >> >> -- >> ========================================= >> Jeff Brace >> Vice President & Board Member, VCF East Showrunner >> Vintage Computer Federation >> http://www.vcfed.org/ >> jeffrey(a)vcfed.org >> > -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member, VCF East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

3 2

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Live Video Tour of VCF museum via Facebook Live for New Jersey School Board Association
by Jeffrey Brace 03 Jun '20

03 Jun '20

On Wed, Jun 3, 2020 at 7:29 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Jeff are you going to post this on YouTube and allow YouTube visitors to > possibly download it? > I think it’s a very nice video > I hadn't thought about it. It was recorded on the NJSBA Facebook page. They do have a YouTube page. Let me ask them if they will post it there too. > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > On Jun 3, 2020, at 12:07 PM, Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > Here is the link to the video: > > https://www.facebook.com/njsba/videos/180980823302843/ > > > >> On Tue, Jun 2, 2020 at 1:05 PM Alexander Jacocks <jjacocks(a)gmail.com> > wrote: > >> > >> That's really cool! It'll be great marketing for the museum, to boot. > >> > >> - Alex > >> > >> On Tue, Jun 2, 2020 at 1:11 AM Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic < > >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >> > >>> I will be giving a live virtual tour of our Vintage Computer Federation > >>> Museum. Someone from the New Jersey School Board Association contacted > me > >>> to do a virtual tour as students can’t do field trips due to Covid-19 > and > >>> schools subsequently being shutdown. > >>> > >>> The link should be posted here soon: http://wwww.facebook.com/njsba > >>> > >>> I will be doing the tour on Wednesday, June 3 at 10AM, but they will > post > >>> the video when they are finished. > >>> > >> > > > > -- > > ========================================= > > Jeff Brace > > Vice President & Board Member, VCF East Showrunner > > Vintage Computer Federation > > http://www.vcfed.org/ > > jeffrey(a)vcfed.org > > -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member, VCF East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

1 0

Live Video Tour of VCF museum via Facebook Live for New Jersey School Board Association
by Jeffrey Brace 03 Jun '20

03 Jun '20

I will be giving a live virtual tour of our Vintage Computer Federation Museum. Someone from the New Jersey School Board Association contacted me to do a virtual tour as students can’t do field trips due to Covid-19 and schools subsequently being shutdown. The link should be posted here soon: http://wwww.facebook.com/njsba I will be doing the tour on Wednesday, June 3 at 10AM, but they will post the video when they are finished.

3 4

OT: Space Exploration Camp at InfoAge: Ages 11-14, Aug. 17-21
by Jeffrey Brace 01 Jun '20

01 Jun '20

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic signups have slowed down for ISEC (Infoage Space Exploration Center). *Website *is: isec.space *INFO:* *Space Exploration Week is a five day space science program for children ages 11- 14 about The Earth, The Solar System, The Galaxy, The Universe, Rocketry, and Outer Space Observation and Exploration. Each day is divided into two 3 hour sessions of fun filled model making, rocket launching, demonstrations and games. On the final day of Space Exploration Week everyone will learn how to move the TLM18 Space Sentry Radio Dish Antenna and use it to explore the Milky Way Galaxy. Parents can take a video of their child at the controls! We expect to have speakers from NASA and Princeton University.* *Activities are indoor and outdoor and include a visit to the InfoAge Radio Museum, The Original Marconi Tower and a trip to **Mobile Radar Units.* *Learn about the history of NASA’s Space Programs and the exciting events that took place right here at the Diana Site in Wall Township that launched Space Exploration.* *Travel through Space using the TLM18 Radio Dish Antenna to send your voice to the moon and hear it bounce back in 2.5 seconds!* *Registration is limited, Register Now for Summer 2020!* Learn about: The Earth and its Atmosphere Make a model of the Earth’s Atmosphere The Solar System Make a model of the Solar System Rocketry Make and Launch Rock Vanguard and Tiros satellites Build your own Satellite The Radio Telescope Dish Make a model of a Radio Dish Antenna The Moon and other Earth Satellites Add these to our Earth Model The Milky Way Galaxy Make a Star Finder Comets and Asteroids Make your own Comet or Asteroid Outer Space Observation: Telescopes Make your own Telescope See through Alien Eyes Using radio waves to study planets Bounce your voice off the Moon using a radio telescope ___ Space Exploration Week Camp is a 5 day, 7 hour program from 8:30-3:30 Program Costs: $199. per child. $175 for additional Children in the same household. Participants receive a packet to keep all of their materials as well as a keepsake box for all their models and a Certificate of Completion. A Deposit of $50 per child is required at time of registration. Full payment is required on the first day of Space Exploration Week. Dates TBA for Space Exploration Week 2020 Please return this form by mail or in person with a $50. deposit to register for Summer 2020 InfoAge 2201 Marconi Rd. Wall, NJ 07719 c/o Lori Lauber Walk in hours are 1-5 on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday For more information call: 732-322-4823 / 732-280-3000 or email: lorilauber(a)gmail.com -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member, VCF East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

1 0

Wed the 3rd: final auction of Mendelsons :-(
by Jeffrey Jonas 01 Jun '20

01 Jun '20

Mendelsons surplus of Dayton, OH is no more :-( https://www.cia-auction.com/home/upcoming_auctions/mendelsons-liquidation-o… Webcast Only Auction 6/3/2020 - 10:00 AM Location: 340 E. First St Dayton, OH 45402 Inspection: June 1st and 2nd From 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM or by Appointment Summary: Webcast Only Auction of One of the Nation's Largest Outlets for Used Electrical Components, Approx. 100,000 Sq. Ft. of Rack and Shelving Loaded on 3rd Floor of Mendelsons Outlet Store, Motors, Wire, Transformers, Disconnect Switches, Breakers, Panels, Semi-Conductors and Related

2 1

OT: Folding at Home for Covid-19 research and team JMP$FCE2
by Jeffrey Brace 01 Jun '20

01 Jun '20

I have been using Folding at Home for years to support research for treatments for various diseases. They have just added Covid-19 research and I have three computers crunching numbers to help find a treatment. This client works on Windows, MacOS, Linux. Here is the info: https://foldingathome.org/covid19/ Here is where you can download: https://foldingathome.org/alternative-downloads/ If you want to join my team, the number is: 145304 My team name is JMP$FCE2. If you are a Commodore 64 fan, then you know that is the assembly instruction to perform a warm reboot of the computer. -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member, VCF East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

2 1

VCF West 2020 is going virtual - call for class instructors
by Jeffrey Brace 31 May '20

31 May '20

VCF West has decided to go virtual due to the uncertainty of being able to have large gatherings at the Computer History Museum where the show normally takes place. We are looking for class instructors to submit a 30 minute video on a how-to subject which will be shown to the virtual audience and be followed by a live Q&A session. Deadline for the video will be July 1. The virtual show will be August 1 from 10AM to 6PM Pacific Time. You can send me a private message with questions. Or you can send an e-mail to Erik Klein with your idea for a class: erik(a)vcfed.org -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member, VCF East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

1 1

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] First PS/2 style IBM display
by Bill Degnan 30 May '20

30 May '20

Rare items get more $$ On Sat, May 30, 2020, 1:07 PM Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Wow! that's seem a lot? > On Friday, May 29, 2020, 12:30:23 AM EDT, Bill Degnan via > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > https://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-5144-Monochrome-Monitor-greenscreen/3033093690… > > not easy to find these. If you have an IBM Convertible (LCD 8086 laptop), > this was the rare external monitor that went with it. Kind of like the > Apple IIc of IBMs. > b > >

1 1

First PS/2 style IBM display
by Bill Degnan 30 May '20

30 May '20

https://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-5144-Monochrome-Monitor-greenscreen/3033093690… not easy to find these. If you have an IBM Convertible (LCD 8086 laptop), this was the rare external monitor that went with it. Kind of like the Apple IIc of IBMs. b

2 1

Two old CRTs to retire ..
by John Heritage 28 May '20

28 May '20

Hey folks, I have two old CRTs I want to 'get rid of'. Before I figure out how to recycle these properly, I just wanted to see if anyone here wanted them. I can send pics, but they are: Hitachi CT1396VM - Composite input (and passthrough) output only. Has some screen burnin - not visible on brighter screens, but definitely visible on darker screens. A RCA/Thomson Consumer Electronics T09082 small color TV and VCR combo. has Composite and Audio in on the side (+ a "ear" jack), and RF on the back. No burn-in, and the last time I tested the VCR (decade ago) it worked. The outside cases are in good shape for their age .. Let me know if you want pics or want the screens.. John

1 0

TI DS990/1 OS - Request from VCF Italia
by Jeffrey Brace 27 May '20

27 May '20

A member from VCF Italia is looking for an operating system for the Texas Instruments DS990/1 with 8" FD1000 floppy drive. Can anyone tell me where I might be able to find it for him? -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member, VCF East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

3 8

Rediscovering Raymond Scott
by Jeffrey Jonas 26 May '20

26 May '20

Everyone knows Raymond Scott music. It's in our DNA because Carl Stalling wove it into so many cartoons. But Raymond Scott was an electronic music pioneer who worked with Moog and others on analog computers and some digital techniques. Here's a recent 3 hour retrospective about Raymond featuring his son and many key musicians: https://www.facebook.com/asmac.org/videos/3072223136194116/ Here's a free PDF book for download: https://www.raymondscott.net/artifacts/ To hear more, there's "Raymond Scott Radio" on Pandora

1 0

RetroMagazine - New Online Vintage Computer Magazine
by Jeffrey Brace 25 May '20

25 May '20

Just heard about this new online Retro Computer Magazine. At first glance it seems that it has been written in Italian for many months and this is the first English language version. Looks pretty good: https://www.retromagazine.net/download/RetroMagazine_00_eng.pdf -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member, VCF East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org <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>

2 1

FANUC A860-0056-T020 Powering and Industrial Papertape Reader Component Independently
by Bill Degnan 25 May '20

25 May '20

More detail to earlier post. https://www.vintagecomputer.net/FANUC/ Reader Part number A860-0056-T020 http://vintagecomputer.net/FANUC/FANUC%20A20B-0004_pwr-connect1.jpg http://vintagecomputer.net/FANUC/FANUC%20A20B-0004_250WV-AC-cap.jpg Here is the control board on the reader which has 50-pin tape in and punch out ports: http://vintagecomputer.net/FANUC/FANUC%20A20B-0004_IO-board.jpg http://vintagecomputer.net/FANUC/DOSTEK-440a-BTR.jpg The 50pin rainbow cable coming off the punch port is connected to a behind the tape reader (or "BTR"). The BTR converts the signals and sends them to a computer's serial port so they can be captured into a tape image. This is what they made when indudstrial processes converted from using actual tape readers and tapes to saved tape images. The BTR was the gateway between the reader and a computer. This FANUC 6 hardware manual, which includes this model of tape reader as part of a larger system, references the part numbers found on the reader, which is how I learned what I learned about it. http://cncmanual.com/download/1646/ I am working to safely power it up. Not in a rush to fry it.

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Paper Tape readers from CNC machines
by W2HX 23 May '20

23 May '20

If it doesnt know which way it wants to start, then it might be an AC motor in need of a starting capacitor. http://www.capacitorguide.com/motor-starting-capacitor/? 73 Eugene W2HX ________________________________ From: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic-bounces(a)lists.vcfed.org> on behalf of Jeff G via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> Sent: Saturday, May 23, 2020 7:28 PM To: VCF Cc: Jeff G Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Paper Tape readers from CNC machines

1 0

Re: Paper Tape readers from CNC machines
by Jeff G 23 May '20

23 May '20

So update on my end, it seems I got my tape reader (at least the reader itself) mostly working. Turns out it was defective; had 2 bad 4049 ICs; one had dead outputs so only 4 bits were working, the second seemed to be noisy/flaky, so replacing both got me solid data output. So I have solid confirmation of the strobe pins (one inverted) and the data pins. I still don't have solid motor control, I know Duane and others mentioned 24v, but the motor sounds much happier around 15v, yet its flaky in that while it mostly runs fine, the motor seems to not know what direction it wants to go in. On occasion the motor doesn't want to start, and using what I think is a reverse pin only "usually" works. I'm really half tempted to believe this really wants 24 volts AC, but not sure I want to try that just yet.Theres 4 diodes in the motor control section. Theres 2, maybe 3 pins on the IDC plug, and 2 pins on the power connector that seem to be for motor control. One seems to slow it down (although it just stops instead, almost like a "hold", one seems to "usually" reverse the motor, and the last seems to be a step pulse. This all sounds to me like half the waveform it would get from a 24v AC input is missing. I cannot find datasheets for the stepper control ICs anywhere, seems they are Fujitsu MB14275 and MB14276. Anyhow...since it mostly works I can see if I can actually get this thing to read some data! Also if I can verify the motor control wiring, I'll post up a full pinout. BTW This is a Sanyo Denki 2401C-1 tape reader, likely from a Yasnac 2000G CNC controlled somethin rather, likely a Mori lathe. Jeff aka Bags

1 0

Do something useful with your C64
by William Dudley 22 May '20

22 May '20

https://www.crowdsupply.com/amigastyle/zeus-lt CrowdSupply is an interesting platform -- they make and sell all kinds of interesting computers for developers. Bill Dudley This email is free of malware because I run Linux.

1 0

TPUG Toronto PET Users Group on Zoom tonight 7:30PM Eastern
by Jeffrey Brace 21 May '20

21 May '20

The Toronto PET Users Group meets online now for their monthly meeting. They usually meet the third Thursday of the month at 7:30PM. They are using Zoom due to Covid-19, so this is an opportunity for us from far away to join their meeting. Here is the info: ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Leif Bloomquist <leif(a)schemafactor.com> Date: Wed, May 20, 2020 at 12:36 AM Subject: [torontocbm] Toronto PET Users Group May 21st 2020 *Online* To: torontocbm(a)freelists.org <torontocbm(a)freelists.org> Hi all, We are going to try another online virtual meeting for this month. Thursday May 21st 2020 at 7:30 PM. Open to any topic, though there may be some C64-based music happening. The video link will be posted at this page, as well as Discord and on TorontoCBM soon before the meeting starts. https://www.tpug.ca/2020/05/may-2020-meeting-online/ Of course, Discord chat is always open, see you there! https://discord.gg/V5DHgR3 -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member, VCF East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org <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

LINC-EIGHT pictures
by Herb Johnson 20 May '20

20 May '20

Congrats on acquiring the LINC/8 system. I saw it go by on eBay and I thought: who had these machines? I'm sorry to hear it was Charles Lasner, who passed a month ago from CoVid. Two years ago in September, he contacted me and other LINC and DEC owners, about reviving his last version of P?S/8, and reading off his old backups. Whatever tapes and notes remain, I hope you and the subsequent LINC owners can recover. We will not see the likes of people like him again. And we won't see old tech like this again, either, in surprisingly good condition even as it delaminates! Regards, Herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net preserve, recover, restore 1970's computing email: hjohnson AT retrotechnology DOT com or try later herbjohnson AT retrotechnology DOT info

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] How To Geek article on floppy data recovery
by Herb Johnson 20 May '20

20 May '20

Reply to David Gesswein: Sorry for the delay in reply, I work offline from this discussion group, and don't read it daily as most do. I always appreciate the informed views of my good friend David. Especially so in this case because, as he points out, he is a producer of similar tech, for MFM hard drive data recovery *and* emulation. He knows more than I. I acknowledge the value of lower cost. But it creates a market where more costly solutions are discouraged. He discusses cost AND time, as user issues. Some people give up their time, to save costs; some give up costs to save their time. But more buy cheap, and sometimes audience matters. A consequence of inexpensive items is that most do not stick around long. that's why I brought it up! But others can try to recreate them when they aren't available (reliably). Thus the "blue pill" Greaseweasel saga, seems to be, to either build a more reliable one (use the proper CPU chip); or to build one on a better CPU (to move forward). My thanks to Jeff Jonas for passing along some Facebook/greaseweasel info, that is where they congregate. "the projects don't cooperate" is a problem, as David describes. I agree. Developers tend to redevelop rather than rework. Also, old stuff gets lost, or may be hard to recover for redevelopment. This is true in most technology; it's ironically true in vintage computing, but thankfully not always. "most of the value is in the decoding code". The value is split, between the enabling hardware to do the read; and the enabling software to decode the sampled flux-patterns. The historic example of the Catweasel series, is that the hardware producers did not make popular decoding software; others did. I did not determine if the FOUR or FIVE developers of Catweasel decoders, cooperated much or not. Each grabbed some piece of vintage computing disks by brand & model (TRS-80 for instance). http://www.retrotechnology.com/herbs_stuff/s_drives_howto.html#catweasel "I image with real hardware when I have it". Yes, that was the ultimate solution for Intel M2FM disks, which at one point were imaged by Catweasel. The images were reproduced as floppies, and read again on Intel systems! I'll contact David privately for more information about his imaged disks, to route his results to active INtel Multibus owners. http://www.retrotechnology.com/herbs_stuff/m2fm.html Of course, we in vintage computing are generally interested in "real hardware". But I get pushback often, in advocating use of period PC-compatibles to image conventional diskettes (made with Intel/NEC/WD floppy disk controller ICs) with Dunfield IMAGEDSK tools. "I hate old PC's!" is the most terse way to describe that. Thus the value of microcontroller based floppy drive emulators and floppy recovery hardware. Well, each of us chooses our areas of vintage interest. ---------------- I had private discussions of the topic, with "Gordon S." AKA gsteemso. He was of a mind, that some kind of vintage-hardware solution for floppy recovery had some merits. I think it will be a challenge to make such a thing at the price of a few tens of dollars, like the other microcontroller solutions. But a solution like the Greaseweasel is a $200 built-for-you solution; some floppy emulators sell for that price. So: a re-vintaged solution is conceivable, but I don't think it would be simple. At this point, the discussion is a matter of specifics and techie details. A little too much so, for general email discussion lists like this, I believe, and the thread seems to have died down. If that's because I didn't reply and took some discussion privately, my apologies. I hope those participating were informed as I was, and those interested can find more information as they see fit. 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 retrotechnology DOT info

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Paper Tape readers from CNC machines
by Bill Degnan 20 May '20

20 May '20

On Tue, May 19, 2020 at 6:47 PM Jeffrey Golas via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Bill, let me know how you make out but it looks like Duane gave you the > info on the Fanuc model. > > Duane I saw one of those cases on ebay and thought it was cool! If you > have notes/info on the 2702 please pass them along, as its likely the same > as the 2701. > > On the 2701, one side of the ribbon connector is almost completely ground, > on the other side pins 1-5 appear to be control (possibly outputs like > strobe), the next 8 pins are bits, the next 3 may be Fwd/reverse control, > one after that is ground and not sure about the last 3-4. This is a 40 pin > connector. > > Mine has a seperate screw terminal on the opposite side for power, > although it may take 3 voltages, not sure. Motor is 12v but judging by the > MASSIVE ceramic resistor it may be set up for 24v. > > Jeff > > Jeff, I have everything I need now to get started but I still need to look up how to power the reader hardware definitively. I see where the +5V power input goes. The two power input leads labeled "100B" and"100A". Here is a pic of the board I need to power: https://www.ebay.com/itm/GE-FANUC-Tape-Recorder-Board-A20B-0004-0280-Used-2… Who here specifically has worked with the FANUC A20B-0004 reader or something FANUc from the early 80's? This FANUC 6 manual, which includes this model of tape reader as part of a larger system, references the part numbers found on the reader http://cncmanual.com/download/1646/ >From the manual (starting from page 320 or so) it looks like inputs 100A and 100B are both/shared (?) 24V inbound, and the 24V DC is brought down to 18V (?). 1Amp. I will document the process onto vintagecomputer.net once I have some progress reading tapes. I am thinking I should attach a 24VDC and 5V DC to the board. Bill

1 0

Re: Okuma Reader
by Jeffrey Golas 19 May '20

19 May '20

Interesting, so thats a slightly different design with mostly the same stuff. I’m working on mine and it seems to function with ~18v and 5v, but the motor control seems to be scatterbrained, sometimes it powers up stuck, other times it picks a direction and runs. I also notice only one led in the array is lit up, but since they seem to be in series im suspecting theyre all infrared. Just brought in the oscope to confirm signals. Attaching a pic of mine. Jeff > On May 19, 2020, at 8:11 PM, Duane Craps <duaneb.craps(a)cox.net> wrote: > > Jeff, > > Attached is Photos of my reader project. I can control it from the Arduino serial monitor or the front panel switches. The data scrolls into the serial monitor's input window, and I cut and paste it into a file. There is a similar unit on ebay that has a metal case vice the nice plastic on on my unit. Either it was an earlier model or someone made a replacement after the plastic one was broken. They were used in machine shops and the case looks home made.. > > MY notes: > > PIN 1-8 -- Bits 0-7 > > Pin 11 -- strobe > > pin 20 -- run > > Pin 13 -- reverse > > I put a mean well +24/+5 volt supply And A Teensy micro controler in the case. Thought it might have been too much to run the logic from the USB > > -- > Duane Craps > sdɐɹɔ ǝuɐnp > > <20180912_105647.jpg> > <20181012_115146.jpg>

1 0

Re: Paper Tape readers from CNC machines
by Jeffrey Golas 19 May '20

19 May '20

Bill, let me know how you make out but it looks like Duane gave you the info on the Fanuc model. Duane I saw one of those cases on ebay and thought it was cool! If you have notes/info on the 2702 please pass them along, as its likely the same as the 2701. On the 2701, one side of the ribbon connector is almost completely ground, on the other side pins 1-5 appear to be control (possibly outputs like strobe), the next 8 pins are bits, the next 3 may be Fwd/reverse control, one after that is ground and not sure about the last 3-4. This is a 40 pin connector. Mine has a seperate screw terminal on the opposite side for power, although it may take 3 voltages, not sure. Motor is 12v but judging by the MASSIVE ceramic resistor it may be set up for 24v. Jeff

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Paper Tape readers from CNC machines
by Neil Cherry 18 May '20

18 May '20

Not yet, I have one but I haven't found the time to figure it out. -- 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] Paper Tape readers from CNC machines
by Duane Craps 18 May '20

18 May '20

Jeff, The Fanuc unit I have is an old pinch roller unit with a 50 pin connector. It Uses +24 V0lts and +5 for logic 24 volts seems to be standard for machine tool servos. Pins 23-24 are +24 Volts 22-21 are +5 Volts Pins 1-8 are Bits 0-7 Pin 9 is the Data strobe I think pin 10 is the run/stop but It had a manual switch on the unit and used that I have pin 12 written as ground but am not sure as I jumpered to a capacitor on the board The control signal is high-active so it should take off running with the supplies energizes The other UNIT is an sanyo demki 2702 in an OKUMA case that had a round connector to plug into the machine tool. I put in power supplies and aTeency Arduino clont to convert it to USB It has a standard 44 pin edge connector on the logic board. It was on EBAY and I noticed that no one was bidding so I got it for $4.50 I have some pictures but I dont think the list allows. If you want the signals on the 2702 board let me know. Good luck. On 5/18/2020 12:44 PM, Jeff G via vcf-midatlantic wrote: -- Duane Craps sdɐɹɔ ǝuɐnp On 5/18/2020 12:44 PM, Jeff G via vcf-midatlantic wrote: -- DuaneCraps sdɐɹɔ ǝuɐnp

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Paper Tape readers from CNC machines
by Bill Degnan 18 May '20

18 May '20

Jeff, I have one coming to me in the mail today...FANUC A860 with a A20B-0004-0270 controller, so I am right there with you. I have found that what you need to dump tapes from one of these is a "behind the tape reader" (BTR) that attaches to the punch / OUT port of the reader. You can buy a used BTR compatible with the reader or create your own with an arduino. In my case the DOSTEK-440A appears to be the ticket, but there are others out there. New ones are pricey so I can see why people make them with Arduino's. Reader --> punch port--> BTR --> PC RS232 port. There are a few vendors out there but they're not too helpful to the vintage computing enthusiast IMHO....so I learned everything I needed to through a few hours of Google. DOSTEK is a program that runs on the PC that can manipulate tape images, but I am sure TeraTerm and a HEX editor would also work. Bill On Mon, May 18, 2020 at 12:45 PM Jeff G via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Hey all, some of you may have grabbed one (or more) of the paper tape > readers readily available on ebay that likely have come from CNC machines. > I was just wondering if anyone has actually made these work? > > It seems many of these have a standard pinout/spec depending on what CNC > controller they were connected to.I had one I bought some time ago, a > Sanyo-Denki 2401 model, and it seems this was often used on a Yasnac 2000G > controller, and has a 40pin ribbon cable connection, whereas others use a > 50pin ribbon cable (on Fanuc controllers). > > Just wondering if anyone has ever gotten one of these running, or perhaps > knows anything about them? I spent a couple hours with mine yesterday and > determined most of the pinout, but I don't know what voltages the power > input should be. > > I have a bunch of notes and the data side is relatively simple, its the > control side I'm struggling to sort out. > > Jeff aka Bags >

1 2

Paper Tape readers from CNC machines
by Jeff G 18 May '20

18 May '20

Hey all, some of you may have grabbed one (or more) of the paper tape readers readily available on ebay that likely have come from CNC machines. I was just wondering if anyone has actually made these work? It seems many of these have a standard pinout/spec depending on what CNC controller they were connected to.I had one I bought some time ago, a Sanyo-Denki 2401 model, and it seems this was often used on a Yasnac 2000G controller, and has a 40pin ribbon cable connection, whereas others use a 50pin ribbon cable (on Fanuc controllers). Just wondering if anyone has ever gotten one of these running, or perhaps knows anything about them? I spent a couple hours with mine yesterday and determined most of the pinout, but I don't know what voltages the power input should be. I have a bunch of notes and the data side is relatively simple, its the control side I'm struggling to sort out. Jeff aka Bags

1 0

OSI Floppy diagnostics
by David Gesswein 17 May '20

17 May '20

At the last workshop my machine was having problems with B drive and two other OSI machines people brought the floppy drives weren't working at all. I didn't find any floppy diagnostics for the OSI so I wrote on. http://www.pdp8online.com/osi/osi-floppy-test.shtml With some floppy testing info here http://www.pdp8online.com/osi/floppy-repair.shtml If you try it let me know how it goes. Bill got his machine working before I finished this. Jeff, hows your machine doing?

2 2

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] LINC-EIGHT pictures
by Michael Thompson 17 May '20

17 May '20

> > > From: David Gesswein <djg(a)pdp8online.com> > Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] LINC-EIGHT pictures > Some pictures are here. > > http://www.pdp8online.com/linc-eight/linc-eight.shtml > > Nothing I have seen looks too bad but will still take a lot of time to > go through and get working. > The foam between the FlipChip handles keeps the air from the cooling fans flowing between the FlipChips. Our PDP-9 has the same. We had one flexprint cable to the front panel of the PDP-9 that looked like your flexprint cables. I replaced the cable with modern ribbon cable and it works fine. -- Michael Thompson

1 0

OSI floppy diagnostics
by Crawford Griffith 17 May '20

17 May '20

David, First, congrats on the Linc-8, I look forward to helping you load it for VCFE if you ever decide to do that. Second, thanks for the OSI disk diagnostics. My 8” drives are giving me issues, and Bill Dromgoole has been coaching me via email on them. We both want to get our 8” drives working with a data separator (Klyball D-13). Bill got his working with a Gotek/Flashfloppy emulator also. Hope all is well with everyone, and you stay safe! -Cr

1 0