- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

Northern VA Swap meet - 24 August 2025
by Ryan Stapleton 23 Jul '25

23 Jul '25

Hello All a fellow Northern VA member is hosting a swap meet here in northern VA on 24 August 2025 - 1:30 to 6:00. I am just posting here for visibility. I am not the one running it but do want to get the visibility out there. Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1445728786752675?acontext=%7B%22event_actio… Including text here for those that do not have or use Facebook. I do think you can see the page without an account though. Location: Dulles South Recreation and Community Center 24950 Riding Center Dr, South Riding, VA 20152 Date: August 24 Time: Event 1:30pm-6:00pm Event will be indoors ... So its a go rain or shine ... No suffering in heat and no fending off bugs !!! General Admission: $5, includes a beverage and a raffle ticket for a chance at winning a SONY VAIO Vintage System; this includes matching keyboard, mouse and speakers !!! This is a CASH ONLY event, however vendors may accept alternative forms of payments; please note this is not implied. The intent is to bring together those with the same passion for vintage computing, open access to difficult to find items, have some fun, and hopefully attract younger generations to the hobby. IMPORTANT VENDOR INFORMATION: *** Added a little more time for setup *** Vendor setup will be @ 12:30-1:30 Vendor tear down 6:00-6:30 *** No vintage tech to sell or trade? Vintage computing themed Artisans or repair services welcomed. *** 1) Table Availability: Table numbers depend on demand, availability is limited. I will provide frequent updates to table availability. 2) Pricing: A flat fee applies for each 5’ round table and a couple of chairs. There is no commission on sales. Currently 1 table per vendor. 3) Refund Policy: Since tables are limited, reserved tables immediately decrease available inventory. Once reserved (except in the event of a cancellation), no refunds will be issued. 4) Everything that is brought must be taken away, no exceptions. Any vendor leaving behind anything will be barred from participating in future events. 5) Despite being indoors, power availability to vendor tables is not implied. Please send me any questions you may have. Thank you -Ryan

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DMV VCM - 7 Sept 2025 Meetup!
by Ryan Stapleton 23 Jul '25

23 Jul '25

Hello All, I have scheduled the DMV VCM next meetup! Where: Chantilly Regional Library 4000 Stringfellow Rd Chantilly, VA, 20151-2628 We have the larger room. When: 7 September 2025 01:00 PM to 06:00 PM (Room needs to be cleaned up and returned to library by a little before 6) A flyer can be found at: https://www.bluewizard.net/dmvvcm/vintagecomputermeetup/Vintage_Computer_Me… See ya there! Thanks -Ryan

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NeXT Cubes Available
by Bill Degnan 22 Jul '25

22 Jul '25

Hello I have been in my spare time messing around with NeXT hardware and I have built three extra working NeXT cube systems (mouse keyboard, computer, display) that I would be willing to let go for less than Ebay prices (look on Ebay for sold status complete systems). Two of them have SCSI2SD hard drives and I have one that still has a working original drive. I don't have any optical disks available, but the optical drives come with the system, untested. There are always caveats to define "works", but basically these are working computer systems that could be connected to a network and they come with a basic Next OS installed. I don't want to ship these if possible. So if you're willing to pick up the system (Landenberg, PA), you can try before you buy and pick the one you want at a discount to Ebay price. Contact me through kennettclassic.com/contact.cfm with your offer/timeline. FIrst come first served. Shipping is available if you want to pay a shipping charge, plus postage. I have shipping boxes. I am going to VCFMW this year, but I am flying there and won't be able to bring them. If you want the cube system delivered to VCFMW, you'd have to find someone to deliver it for you, or have it shipped. I am willing to deliver a system a reasonable distance from the Phila/Baltimore area. Cash, CC, Paypal, check accepted. Bill Degnan 484 732 7041 kennettclassic.com

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OT: Save Murry Hill (Bell Labs)
by Jeffrey Brace 19 Jul '25

19 Jul '25

The future of the site is unknown. Help share your input to help preserve this historic site! Survey: https://www.berkeleyheights.gov/BellLabsSurvey Article: https://www.berkeleyheights.gov/1589/11-Nokia-Bell-Labs#:~:text=With%20Noki… . Jeff Brace

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Exhibitor Registration: VCF Montréal 2026
by Jeffrey Brace 17 Jul '25

17 Jul '25

Yes. The Vintage Computer Federation is having a new show in Montréal, Canada, Jan 24-25. Our first show in Canada! It's only a 6 hour drive from InfoAge! *Committed speakers:* LGR Adrian Black Curious Marc Jeri Elsworth Action Retro Peter Cherna DJ Sures Leo Binkowski Here is the info: https://vcfed.org/vcf-montreal/ This is the exhibitor registration form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc4dnGLg9Ubt3gSxNNcOukTIhTNZZK2dQB… And don't worry, I will bring the good weather with me as always. So no need to worry about snow! Jeff Brace

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REPAIRING IBM 386 PS/2 PC
by Herbert Johnson 11 Jul '25

11 Jul '25

Just to be clear: Jesus A. Diaz of Elizabeth, reports he has an "IBM 386 PS/2 PC" that isn't booting up, and he describes the limited operations it performs on power up. Namely, the fan runs but nothing else, no LED lights no sounds. There's also something he calls "a screen" - maybe a CRT monitor? - that shows the literal words "NO SIGNAL". I have some suggestions to diagnose things further. Warning: proceed at your own risk on these suggestions. Also: I don't know everything, and I'm not an "official" in any way of VCFed or MARCH. But I think it's possible the "motherboard" has failed in some way, rather than the power supply. 1) I don't know if this model computer has its own internal CRT and monitor circuits; and if they are powered by the same DC power supply as the 368 computer. If "the screen" is an external and modern LCD monitor, those are perfectly capable of showing text messages with no computer inputs at all. If "the screen" is an integrated 1990 CRT monitor on a 1990 IBM computer, my guess is "it's not smart enough". Jesus should search the Web for IBM documentation for his exact PC model and see if it offers more diagnostic information, and if operation of the monitor to show *that message* suggests his AC to DC power supply is operating on the computer side. The IBM brand of 386 PS/2 PCs had some pretty good documentation about diagnosing problems. It would be good for Jesus to confirm the exact model and IBM model number of his PC, for anyone wishing to help him. 2) Same deal with that fan. Maybe something else powers that fan. See what documentation says. 3) A simple means to test some of the computer's DC power operation, is to pull the DC power connector from the floppy drive or the hard drive, and use a voltmeter to measure the 5 volts and 12 volts. The connector has four pins, two are ground and one each for 5 and 12 volts. Documentation for these devices will describe the connectors and where the voltages are. Typically the center two pins are "ground", the pins at either end are power. It's harder work, to measure voltages on the PC motherboard, or on the DC power cable. I don't suggest pulling the DC power cable from the motherboard. Without a connected power load on that supply, it may *cause damage*. I'm not sure. Be careful inside your PC, anything you do is at your own risk. 4) related to 3) maybe he can hear the hard-drive spin up when power is applied. He may have to work hard to listen for that. Possibly the floppy drives will spin, but that's not always true if the computer is not functional and or there's no floppy in the drive. Point being: if the DC power supply appears to function, then it's the motherboard. Not much else is left. After Jesus does some of this testing and work, and gets familiar with some of the inner features of this PC, another Web search on that model *and* specific problems, may yield more discussions on the Web about repairing one. Possibly it will lead him to some online sale of a motherboard, power supply or matching computer. Also: Jesus might look at archived previous messages in this vcf-midatlantic list, about the occasional workshops offered at InfoAge (in Wall NJ). Possibly he'd like to bring his PC for *his own work* to test and repair. Read prior discussions to see how that works. They are not "we will fix your PC" workshops, please be clear about that. https://lists.vcfed.org/pipermail/vcf-midatlantic/ Good luck with resolving the IBM 386 PC issues. 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] rsx-11m v4.2
by Dave McGuire 10 Jul '25

10 Jul '25

On 7/10/25 16:35, Mike Rieker via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > Thank you so much Dave, I will check them out. You're welcome Mike. Good luck. -Dave -- Dave McGuire, AK4HZ New Kensington, PA

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] rsx-11m v4.2
by Dave Shevett 10 Jul '25

10 Jul '25

Dave McG (have to specify here) - can you share the download dirs? I'd love to pull modern versions of RSX for my PiDP, and then put them on my /73 also. (I also have a Pro/380 sitting in the wings I wonder if I could do this with) On Thu, Jul 10, 2025 at 1:18 PM Mike Rieker via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > On 7/9/25 17:09, wmrieker(a)nii.net wrote: > >>> > Does anyone have a distribution of RSX-11M V4.2? I'm installing on > >>> > an 11/34 and looking for a version that has both TM-11 tape drive > >>> > and DEUNA support. > >>> > >>> I have the 4.1 RL distribution kit, and the 4.8 "big disk" kit. I > >> > >> Hi Dave, > >> I'm pretty sure 4.1 does not have DEUNA support. > >> The SPD for 4.2 says it does. Are there files for that 4.8 somewhere I > >> can get hold of? > > > > Yes, I'll put it up for you to download tomorrow. (later today) > > Also, I just noticed that I have the 4.3 kit here, as a tape image. Can > > you wrangle that on your end? That'll be a bit smaller than 4.8; what > > is your target system disk type? > > Hi Dave, > Yes I could try the 4.3 stuff. I'm using RL02s. > Thank you. > Mike > > > > > -Dave > > > > -- > > Dave McGuire, AK4HZ > > New Kensington, PA > > > > > -- Dave Shevett shevett(a)pobox.com

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] REPAIRING IBM 386 PS/2 PC
by Bill Degnan 10 Jul '25

10 Jul '25

not battery. On Thu, Jul 10, 2025 at 1:15 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > I realized just now that you did see my email I was questioning whether > you did or not > But I did not see a reply to it at all maybe I need to check my filters. > > Mike Rosen > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > On Jul 10, 2025, at 1:04 PM, "cuesnj(a)aim.com" <cuesnj(a)aim.com> wrote: > > > > If by "battery" you mean CMOS battery, that will display diagnostic > codes on the screen. No such codes appear now. In 2008 I replaced the CMOS > battery; the screen codes told me exactly what was wrong. A that time I > could do the repair myself, but I know my limits. The present repair is > beyond my ability. > > On Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 12:25:33 PM EDT, Bill Degnan via > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > Battery. > > B > > > > > > > >> On Thu, Jul 10, 2025 at 11:46 AM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < > >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >> > >> Hello and welcome to the group > >> Just a quick question or two and a couple of pointers on what to check. > >> > >> You say the fan comes on so you know it has power. > >> Do you see any other lights on including keyboard lights? > >> > >> If you see no other lights and no signs of life other than the power > >> fan,it seems to me as if you have AC power only and you don’t have any > DC > >> power. > >> > >> Which means the power supply is not functioning properly, probably a > blown > >> fuse. > >> > >> With the storms we’ve been having lately I wouldn’t be surprised. > >> > >> Because of its age, the power supply needs to be tested completely and > to > >> be made sure that it has parts that are 100% reliable. > >> > >> This, I am sure, can be done at any of the up upcoming repair workshops > at > >> InfoAge wall Township nj. > >> > >> While we do not have all of the parts to fix everything, we can > certainly > >> help you test it out and see if the power supply is working properly. > >> > >> Other things can be tested as well if the power supply works, sometimes > a > >> deep dive can be done, depending on how much time there is. > >> If you’re handy with a multimeter, > >> > >> You can do a quick test checking for 12 V and 5 v @ the connectors for > the > >> floppy drive or hard drive or even the motherboard. > >> I personally have not been to attend any of the workshops recently and > >> this weekend has a big swap meet up in North Jersey, so I will not be > there > >> at a workshop on Sunday for sure. > >> So I figured this might get you started ! > >> > >> Mike Rosen > >> > >> > >> Sent from: > >> My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > >> > >>> On Jul 10, 2025, at 11:33 AM, cuesnj--- via vcf-midatlantic < > >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >>> > >>> > >> > >> > >> ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > >> From: "cuesnj(a)aim.com" <cuesnj(a)aim.com> > >> To: "vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org" <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> > >> Cc: > >> Bcc: > >> Date: Thu, 10 Jul 2025 15:01:37 +0000 (UTC) > >> Subject: REPAIRING IBM 386 PS/2 PC > >> Jeff Brace (see below) referred me to your groups as ones that might > help > >> me with the issue I described in my Jul. 8 email to him. Would be > delighted > >> to hear from you. > >> Jesus A. DiazElizabeth, NJ > >> > >> Hello Jesus, > >> Our local chapter (MARCH) which operates out of InfoAge Science and > >> History Museums in Wall, NJ has a discussion list where you might be > able > >> to get local members to help you: > >> https://lists.vcfed.org/mailman/listinfo/vcf-midatlanticWe also have a > >> repair workshop once a month: > >> https://vcfed.org/repair-workshops-at-infoage/. The next one is this > >> weekend. There are lots of people that can help.There is also our online > >> Forum: forum.vcfed.org where you can post your questions to the world > and > >> get answers. > >> Please let me know if I can be of further assistance. > >> Jeff Brace > >> > >> On Tue, Jul 8, 2025 at 12:02 PM cuesnj(a)aim.com <cuesnj(a)aim.com> wrote: > >> > >> I have an IBM 386 PS/2 PC that has served me well since I bought it > years > >> ago. It's having a problem now: When I press the power switch, I hear > the > >> fan (if I put my hand in front of the fan, feel the air coming out of > the > >> machine). On the screen I get the words NO SIGNAL. The normal > DOS-loading > >> screens do not show. The floppy drive light does not light up. Because > A - > >> - - > C is the boot sequence, that the floppy light does not come on > >> suggests the boot sequence does not begin. > >> All data are backed up; I'm at no risk of losing anything. I'm > considering > >> repairing the unit, if that's possible, for the reason I go on to > describe. > >> I taught college for 30+ years, so many files in the PC are formatted in > >> Word Perfect 5.1 & an early version of Microsoft Word. Though I retired > >> from f/t work I adjunct regularly. Occasionally, an old file, in its > >> original version or edited, is what I need for a class or another > project. > >> On my Windows 11 machine I have recent versions of Word Perfect & Word, > >> where I can open these files. But this requires substantial > reformatting, > >> which takes time. In other words, in my Windows 11 PC I can open & print > >> the fifes archived in the 386, but have to devote a lot of time to > >> reformatting. I would like to print files directly from the 386, where > >> conversion and reformatting are not necessary. Basic documents make it > >> through the conversion process better than those that are heavily > >> formatted. Most of my documents are heavily formatted. > >> I know that recent versions of Windows claim they run DOS programs. In > the > >> Windows Search function, look for "open an MS-DOS program from a command > >> prompt window" and/or ""allocating system resources for an MS-DOS based > >> programs." I have not tried these options but, even if they work, I > would > >> rather spend my time on things other than learning the tricks to run > this > >> option. > >> Repairing a 386 doesn't make financial sense, but it makes > time-efficiency > >> sense. > >> Taking the machine to a repair shop would probably not work; these shops > >> work on newer machines. Among the members of your organization, are > there > >> people who might take the challenge? > >> > >> Jesus A. DiazElizabeth, NJ > >> > >> > >> > >> > > > >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] rsx-11m v4.2
by Dave McGuire 10 Jul '25

10 Jul '25

On 7/9/25 08:33, Mike Rieker via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > Does anyone have a distribution of RSX-11M V4.2? I'm installing on > an 11/34 and looking for a version that has both TM-11 tape drive > and DEUNA support. I have the 4.1 RL distribution kit, and the 4.8 "big disk" kit. I don't recall if 4.1 has DEUNA support; you'd have to check the SPD. You could do a sysgen of 4.8 under simh from the "big disk" kit and then copy to your target media. -Dave -- Dave McGuire, AK4HZ New Kensington, PA

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] REPAIRING IBM 386 PS/2 PC
by Bill Degnan 10 Jul '25

10 Jul '25

Battery. B On Thu, Jul 10, 2025 at 11:46 AM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Hello and welcome to the group > Just a quick question or two and a couple of pointers on what to check. > > You say the fan comes on so you know it has power. > Do you see any other lights on including keyboard lights? > > If you see no other lights and no signs of life other than the power > fan,it seems to me as if you have AC power only and you don’t have any DC > power. > > Which means the power supply is not functioning properly, probably a blown > fuse. > > With the storms we’ve been having lately I wouldn’t be surprised. > > Because of its age, the power supply needs to be tested completely and to > be made sure that it has parts that are 100% reliable. > > This, I am sure, can be done at any of the up upcoming repair workshops at > InfoAge wall Township nj. > > While we do not have all of the parts to fix everything, we can certainly > help you test it out and see if the power supply is working properly. > > Other things can be tested as well if the power supply works, sometimes a > deep dive can be done, depending on how much time there is. > If you’re handy with a multimeter, > > You can do a quick test checking for 12 V and 5 v @ the connectors for the > floppy drive or hard drive or even the motherboard. > I personally have not been to attend any of the workshops recently and > this weekend has a big swap meet up in North Jersey, so I will not be there > at a workshop on Sunday for sure. > So I figured this might get you started ! > > Mike Rosen > > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > On Jul 10, 2025, at 11:33 AM, cuesnj--- via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: "cuesnj(a)aim.com" <cuesnj(a)aim.com> > To: "vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org" <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> > Cc: > Bcc: > Date: Thu, 10 Jul 2025 15:01:37 +0000 (UTC) > Subject: REPAIRING IBM 386 PS/2 PC > Jeff Brace (see below) referred me to your groups as ones that might help > me with the issue I described in my Jul. 8 email to him. Would be delighted > to hear from you. > Jesus A. DiazElizabeth, NJ > > Hello Jesus, > Our local chapter (MARCH) which operates out of InfoAge Science and > History Museums in Wall, NJ has a discussion list where you might be able > to get local members to help you: > https://lists.vcfed.org/mailman/listinfo/vcf-midatlanticWe also have a > repair workshop once a month: > https://vcfed.org/repair-workshops-at-infoage/. The next one is this > weekend. There are lots of people that can help.There is also our online > Forum: forum.vcfed.org where you can post your questions to the world and > get answers. > Please let me know if I can be of further assistance. > Jeff Brace > > On Tue, Jul 8, 2025 at 12:02 PM cuesnj(a)aim.com <cuesnj(a)aim.com> wrote: > > I have an IBM 386 PS/2 PC that has served me well since I bought it years > ago. It's having a problem now: When I press the power switch, I hear the > fan (if I put my hand in front of the fan, feel the air coming out of the > machine). On the screen I get the words NO SIGNAL. The normal DOS-loading > screens do not show. The floppy drive light does not light up. Because A - > - - > C is the boot sequence, that the floppy light does not come on > suggests the boot sequence does not begin. > All data are backed up; I'm at no risk of losing anything. I'm considering > repairing the unit, if that's possible, for the reason I go on to describe. > I taught college for 30+ years, so many files in the PC are formatted in > Word Perfect 5.1 & an early version of Microsoft Word. Though I retired > from f/t work I adjunct regularly. Occasionally, an old file, in its > original version or edited, is what I need for a class or another project. > On my Windows 11 machine I have recent versions of Word Perfect & Word, > where I can open these files. But this requires substantial reformatting, > which takes time. In other words, in my Windows 11 PC I can open & print > the fifes archived in the 386, but have to devote a lot of time to > reformatting. I would like to print files directly from the 386, where > conversion and reformatting are not necessary. Basic documents make it > through the conversion process better than those that are heavily > formatted. Most of my documents are heavily formatted. > I know that recent versions of Windows claim they run DOS programs. In the > Windows Search function, look for "open an MS-DOS program from a command > prompt window" and/or ""allocating system resources for an MS-DOS based > programs." I have not tried these options but, even if they work, I would > rather spend my time on things other than learning the tricks to run this > option. > Repairing a 386 doesn't make financial sense, but it makes time-efficiency > sense. > Taking the machine to a repair shop would probably not work; these shops > work on newer machines. Among the members of your organization, are there > people who might take the challenge? > > Jesus A. DiazElizabeth, NJ > > > >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] REPAIRING IBM 386 PS/2 PC
by Sentrytv 10 Jul '25

10 Jul '25

Hello and welcome to the group Just a quick question or two and a couple of pointers on what to check. You say the fan comes on so you know it has power. Do you see any other lights on including keyboard lights? If you see no other lights and no signs of life other than the power fan,it seems to me as if you have AC power only and you don’t have any DC power. Which means the power supply is not functioning properly, probably a blown fuse. With the storms we’ve been having lately I wouldn’t be surprised. Because of its age, the power supply needs to be tested completely and to be made sure that it has parts that are 100% reliable. This, I am sure, can be done at any of the up upcoming repair workshops at InfoAge wall Township nj. While we do not have all of the parts to fix everything, we can certainly help you test it out and see if the power supply is working properly. Other things can be tested as well if the power supply works, sometimes a deep dive can be done, depending on how much time there is. If you’re handy with a multimeter, You can do a quick test checking for 12 V and 5 v @ the connectors for the floppy drive or hard drive or even the motherboard. I personally have not been to attend any of the workshops recently and this weekend has a big swap meet up in North Jersey, so I will not be there at a workshop on Sunday for sure. So I figured this might get you started ! Mike Rosen Sent from: My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > On Jul 10, 2025, at 11:33 AM, cuesnj--- via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >

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REPAIRING IBM 386 PS/2 PC
by cuesnj＠aim.com 10 Jul '25

10 Jul '25

Jeff Brace (see below) referred me to your groups as ones that might help me with the issue I described in my Jul. 8 email to him. Would be delighted to hear from you. Jesus A. DiazElizabeth, NJ Hello Jesus, Our local chapter (MARCH) which operates out of InfoAge Science and History Museums in Wall, NJ has a discussion list where you might be able to get local members to help you: https://lists.vcfed.org/mailman/listinfo/vcf-midatlanticWe also have a repair workshop once a month: https://vcfed.org/repair-workshops-at-infoage/. The next one is this weekend. There are lots of people that can help.There is also our online Forum: forum.vcfed.org where you can post your questions to the world and get answers. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance. Jeff Brace On Tue, Jul 8, 2025 at 12:02 PM cuesnj(a)aim.com <cuesnj(a)aim.com> wrote: I have an IBM 386 PS/2 PC that has served me well since I bought it years ago. It's having a problem now: When I press the power switch, I hear the fan (if I put my hand in front of the fan, feel the air coming out of the machine). On the screen I get the words NO SIGNAL. The normal DOS-loading screens do not show. The floppy drive light does not light up. Because A - - - > C is the boot sequence, that the floppy light does not come on suggests the boot sequence does not begin. All data are backed up; I'm at no risk of losing anything. I'm considering repairing the unit, if that's possible, for the reason I go on to describe. I taught college for 30+ years, so many files in the PC are formatted in Word Perfect 5.1 & an early version of Microsoft Word. Though I retired from f/t work I adjunct regularly. Occasionally, an old file, in its original version or edited, is what I need for a class or another project. On my Windows 11 machine I have recent versions of Word Perfect & Word, where I can open these files. But this requires substantial reformatting, which takes time. In other words, in my Windows 11 PC I can open & print the fifes archived in the 386, but have to devote a lot of time to reformatting. I would like to print files directly from the 386, where conversion and reformatting are not necessary. Basic documents make it through the conversion process better than those that are heavily formatted. Most of my documents are heavily formatted. I know that recent versions of Windows claim they run DOS programs. In the Windows Search function, look for "open an MS-DOS program from a command prompt window" and/or ""allocating system resources for an MS-DOS based programs." I have not tried these options but, even if they work, I would rather spend my time on things other than learning the tricks to run this option. Repairing a 386 doesn't make financial sense, but it makes time-efficiency sense. Taking the machine to a repair shop would probably not work; these shops work on newer machines. Among the members of your organization, are there people who might take the challenge? Jesus A. DiazElizabeth, NJ

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] rsx-11m v4.2
by Dave Shevett 09 Jul '25

09 Jul '25

I have a weird take on this. I needed RSX-11 for my /73 project, and what I did was take the disk image from my PiDP/11 SIMH directories and image that onto the SD card for the SCSI drive in the 11. Worked like a champ. https://wfjm.github.io/home/w11/inst/systems.html On Wed, Jul 9, 2025 at 8:33 AM Mike Rieker via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Hi All, > Does anyone have a distribution of RSX-11M V4.2? I'm installing on an > 11/34 and looking for a version that has both TM-11 tape drive and DEUNA > support. > Thanks, > Mike Rieker > > > -- Dave Shevett shevett(a)pobox.com

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rsx-11m v4.2
by wmrieker＠nii.net 09 Jul '25

09 Jul '25

Hi All, Does anyone have a distribution of RSX-11M V4.2? I'm installing on an 11/34 and looking for a version that has both TM-11 tape drive and DEUNA support. Thanks, Mike Rieker

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Wanted: Laser Printer
by Mike Loewen 07 Jul '25

07 Jul '25

I'm looking for a monochrome laser printer with at least 2 trays, one of which must support 11x17" (ledger) paper. Duplex printing and network interfaces required. Preferably within reasonable driving distance of Central PA. Please reply off-list if you know of one. Mike Loewen mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Sotheby's Apple I Auction
by Andrew Mattera 04 Jul '25

04 Jul '25

Corey worked on this? eh, I've heard some rumors through the grapevine. perhaps a professional pre-purchase inspection is in order before bidding..... After all, aside from The Woz himself (who I believe is still alive), he is the Apple I expert! Thanks, Andrew Mattera > On Jul 4, 2025, at 16:23, Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > <mime-attachment>

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Sotheby's Apple I Auction
by Christian Liendo 04 Jul '25

04 Jul '25

I figured Corey worked on this. https://youtu.be/XdBKuBhdZwg?si=oWV7zmYZYGVp29aM The Apple-1, the first pre-assembled personal computer to come to market, was the debut product of Apple Computer, the company that would grow to become one of the world’s largest. The Steve Wozniak-designed computer was one of the first to integrate video display terminal circuitry into its circuit board: a revolutionary step at a time when most computers used blinking lights and switches as an interface. The Apple-1 with a television screen and keyboard was a computer that was accessible to an audience well beyond hobbyists. The founders, Wozniak and Steve Jobs were friends steeped in the counterculture of the late 1960s and early ‘70s. They exemplified the next generation of Silicon Valley entrepreneurial spirit where government research, psychedelic experience, creative cooperation and an openness to unexplored possibility came together. The Apple-1 will be part of Sotheby’s Geek Week History of Science & Technology Sale in New York on 2 July 2025. Still haven’t subscribed to Sotheby’s on YouTube? ►► / @sothebys Want more information on the sale? ►► https://www.sothebys.c...

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August Workshop in Hunt Valley, Maryland at System Source
by Ryan Burke 01 Jul '25

01 Jul '25

System Source is hosting a computer and electronics repair workshop on the weekend of August 16th and 17th. The workshop will be from 9:00AM until 9:00PM, and on Sunday it will be from 9:00AM until 5:00PM. It will be located at 338 Clubhouse Road, Hunt Valley, MD. At the System Source repair workshop weekend, you can bring in your computers to work on, receive help from other enthusiasts, and tour our museum. There will be tables set up, all complete with power, just bring your tools and supplies, and there will be plenty of help from other hobbyists. Don't have anything to work on? Come by and offer expertise or chat with other hobbyists working on their projects. Please find more information and register at the link below: *https://ca.syssrc.com/wp/?page_id=105&civiwp=CiviCRM&q=civicrm%2Fevent%2Finfo&reset=1&id=124 <https://ca.syssrc.com/wp/?page_id=105&civiwp=CiviCRM&q=civicrm%2Fevent%2Fin…>*

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MARCH Workshop - July 12-13, 2025
by Jeff Salzman 18 Jun '25

18 Jun '25

In less than one month, the next MARCH organization Workshop at InfoAge will be running again. Come join us on July 12 and 13, either or both days in building 9032A at the InfoAge campus in Wall Township, NJ. Details can be found here: https://vcfed.org/repair-workshops-at-infoage/ The signup sheet is here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Q0gBzeCUCYCjWWvyDh_2BqHSfl6ADPFO_EK… If you plan on coming, please add your name to the spreadsheet linked above. This will help us plan for space and table usage. Thank you, Jeff Salzman MARCH Workshop Manager

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] OT? Old PC
by Sentrytv 13 Jun '25

13 Jun '25

And if the beeps sound like this, ▄ ▄ ▄ ▄▄▄ ▄▄▄ ▄▄▄ ▄ ▄ ▄ then your sunk, :o My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > On Jun 13, 2025, at 9:10 AM, Burning Image via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >

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Re: OT? Old PC
by Burning Image 13 Jun '25

13 Jun '25

If the "beep code" sounds like "dah dit dit". them that is a Morse Code D, which signifies a display error. Best regards,Cory Sickles

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OT? Old PC
by David Gesswein 12 Jun '25

12 Jun '25

Date codes seem to be 1998. Relative asked me to help dispose of this computer. Is this of interest to anybody who can pick up at a Baltimore or NJ workshop or Bethesda MD? Its in a generic white case. Couldn't see any identifier on the motherboard. Chips dated 98. I powered it on and got beeps but no video though using VGA to HDMI adapter that I don't know if works. I can do better testing and if it runs enough find out what processor etc it has if someone is interested. I will either need to wipe the drives or remove them. Somewhat dirty but I can remove the worst of it. Didn't see any obvious cap/battery damage but didn't do that much inspection. Email me directly if of interest.

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Classic macOS (68K/PPC) questions
by John Heritage 10 Jun '25

10 Jun '25

When Apple released macOS 8.5 for classic Macs, Apple "no longer supported 680x0 processors". Would 8.5 run on any 68K Macs that had a PPC accelerator card? If yes, what was the latest macOS tht would support this configuration? And would any native 68K apps "run" under this config on the original 68K hardware? Thanks! John

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF/March swap meet
by Jeffrey Brace 10 Jun '25

10 Jun '25

On Mon, Jun 9, 2025 at 9:33 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Let me be the first one to say thank you to all for the swap meet, it > turned out to be very good. Hello Mike, Yes. Indeed it was very good! > > A lot of vendors maybe didn’t show because of the possibility of rain, but > you know what, many did show and at 10am to 1030 am I was so busy, I was > so overwhelmed and sold out a lot of stuff. > I'm glad that overall the swap meet turned out good in many ways. There were about 5 vendors registered that didn't show up, but there were 19 unregistered (paid at the gate) that took their place. Vendors: We had more than last time. Attendees: About the same as last time. Volunteers: Overall I had enough, but could have used a few more volunteers so that I could give volunteers more breaks and at least one more on Friday loading. Food Truck: They cancelled at the last minute, so Corey's idea of buying pizza worked out well. We would have just paid Wake $400 anyway (Food truck from October). So it worked out well for everyone. Vendors: Many reported lots of sales on their items. VCF/MARCH sold lots of surplus which benefits funding repairs and improvements in the warehouse. > So I guess Jeff Brace was right in a way, > the rain held off just long enough to have a successful event. > But I was a little annoyed that it rained anyway just when I was packing > up. > Yes. The rain was annoying for all of us. I had to go with my gut about the weather based on being a local and knowing the quirks of the local weather patterns. I guessed that it would be light on and off rain with no lightning. So everyone that took my advice to bring a tent benefitted. The heavier rain didn't come until the show was already winding down. > And thank you for the pizza! > You're welcome! I'm glad that you enjoyed it! THANKS TO ALL THE VOLUNTEERS WHO MADE THIS EVENT A SUCCESS! *Joe Giliberti*: For helping with Friday loading, driving and unloading the truck at 5:30AM and doing 3 loads, helping with breakdown as well. The hardest working volunteer who helped me in the weeks leading up to the event. *Rick*: For putting out and taking up signs, helping with canopy setup. *"Truck" Doug*: for his truck, setting up canopy, setup and breakdown. *Bill I*: For setting up and taking down the canopy. *August *for selecting surplus items and pricing them, monitoring the surplus items. *Thomas *for pricing surplus items and running the bull horn *Ian Litchfield* for monitoring the surplus items and running the bull horn *Keith *for helping with setup, admissions, breakdown. *Drew *for taking admissions. *Maki *for watching the exit. *Doug C*. for helping with admissions. *Corey, Ben, Liz and Bill D *for helping with admissions and swag sales. *David G, Crawford G, Maki, Andrew, Nick, Joe* etc who helped with breakdown. *Rich B & Andy B *for directing parking. I'm sure that I'm forgetting others just remind me. Thanks to all the vendors who came despite the unpredictable weather. You keep the buyers coming back again and again to this event. The next swap meet is Oct. 18! Same place and time. Hopefully we will get the Fire Museum to bring the portable kitchen truck this time! > Mike Rosen > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF/March swap meet
by Gregg Levine 09 Jun '25

09 Jun '25

Hello! And let me be the next one to say so in public about the swap meet. It was very good. Actually Mike the rain held off as much as that because I was there as long as I was able. The brief burst was unplanned. ----- Gregg C Levine gregg.drwho8(a)gmail.com "This signature was still fighting the timewars, Time and again." On Mon, Jun 9, 2025 at 9:34 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > Let me be the first one to say thank you to all for the swap meet, it turned out to be very good. > A lot of vendors maybe didn’t show because of the possibility of rain, but you know what, many did show and at 10am to 1030 am I was so busy, I was so overwhelmed and sold out a lot of stuff. > > So I guess Jeff Brace was right in a way, > the rain held off just long enough to have a successful event. > But I was a little annoyed that it rained anyway just when I was packing up. > > And thank you for the pizza! > > Mike Rosen > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device.

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VCF/March swap meet
by Sentrytv 09 Jun '25

09 Jun '25

Let me be the first one to say thank you to all for the swap meet, it turned out to be very good. A lot of vendors maybe didn’t show because of the possibility of rain, but you know what, many did show and at 10am to 1030 am I was so busy, I was so overwhelmed and sold out a lot of stuff. So I guess Jeff Brace was right in a way, the rain held off just long enough to have a successful event. But I was a little annoyed that it rained anyway just when I was packing up. And thank you for the pizza! Mike Rosen Sent from: My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device.

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SWAP MEET IS ON! - UPDATE 6/5/25
by Jeffrey Brace 09 Jun '25

09 Jun '25

Swap Meet Update 6/5/25 So the negotiations with the weather gods have been successful! The latest weather forecast shows a 57% chance of rain around 8AM and thunderstorms 5PM or later. So with this, I'm going ahead with the swap meet as planned. Everyone is encouraged to use their best judgment as to their safety in coming to the event. My highest recommendation is to bring a tent that can be anchored with sandbags. Generally a good idea regardless of rain. Also bring waterproof clothing (i.e. raincoats, etc.) If any vendor should feel uncomfortable and needs to cancel, we will refund you, but once you show up, there is no refund. Vendor setup is 7AM General Admission is 8AM

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Repair workshop June 8?
by Jeffrey Brace 08 Jun '25

08 Jun '25

On Sun, Jun 8, 2025 at 12:43 PM Hopkins, Justin via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Actually, on a related note, there is a forum post on VCF Forums from > months ago from VCF New England of someone looking for a CRT repair person > in New England from around Boston or points north. To date, there was no > response to that posting. > So I was wondering, is there some kind of business directory for this? > No business directory. Just word of mouth and posting to the VCF Forum. > Someone like Chris Edwards for Amigas, but that services vintage CRT’s and > are also located in the Northeastern US > There are some that make a business out of this and there are some that just do it as a hobby. Jeff Brace

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Repair workshop June 8?
by Jeff Salzman 08 Jun '25

08 Jun '25

There is a Sunday Workshop day. I did not see our usual "resident" CRT experts there on Saturday, so I don't know if any will be there on Sunday. That doesn't mean there aren't others in attendance who may have good CRT skills, but I'm not personally aware that the other attendees are or are not. I did see a few new faces, so there is a possibility some of them are good with CRT repair. But that's the cool thing about the Workshops. You can find a surprising array of knowledge and talent in this hobby. CRT component excluded, you may find others who could help you with the other circuitry in your 3153 terminal. It may be possible to "blindly" test the communications aspect of the device... talking to another terminal with the other connection responding to what you type. Maybe others who are attending the Workshop today will respond. Jeff Salzman VCF Steering Committee MARCH Workshop Manager On Sat, Jun 7, 2025 at 5:06 PM Hopkins, Justin via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Is it still on for tomorrow? > If it is, is anyone going that is versed on old CRT's? > > I have an IBM 3153 that is completely dead, that I picked up today and I > am wondering if it is salvageable. > > 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] Repair workshop June 8?
by Bill Degnan 07 Jun '25

07 Jun '25

Hopefully whatever is wrong with it isn’t terminal. On Sat, Jun 7, 2025 at 5:08 PM Hopkins, Justin via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Is it still on for tomorrow? > If it is, is anyone going that is versed on old CRT's? > > I have an IBM 3153 that is completely dead, that I picked up today and I > am wondering if it is salvageable. > > 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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Repair workshop June 8?
by Hopkins, Justin 07 Jun '25

07 Jun '25

Is it still on for tomorrow? If it is, is anyone going that is versed on old CRT's? I have an IBM 3153 that is completely dead, that I picked up today and I am wondering if it is salvageable. 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] SWAP MEET IS ON! - UPDATE 6/5/25
by Mick Sybal 07 Jun '25

07 Jun '25

Im already enroute. On June 7, 2025 4:49:13 AM EDT, Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] SWAP MEET IS ON! - UPDATE 6/5/25
by Jeff S 07 Jun '25

07 Jun '25

I'm on the road at this moment to get my table all set up. Continuing my travel after this short rest area visit in Valley Forge. Jeff Salzman On Sat, Jun 7, 2025, 4:50 AM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Here’s a question for everyone that’s going to the swap meet this morning > if you happen to be up > How many of you are going despite the fact that it’s going to start > raining most likely at around 11 AM > Inquiring minds would love to know > > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > On Jun 6, 2025, at 10:53 PM, Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > On Fri, Jun 6, 2025 at 4:38 PM Dmitry _ via vcf-midatlantic < > > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > >> The Weather God's see all your cards, game pieces, and every iteration > of > >> which they are aligned. > >> They're taking notes of whose unjustly impacted and for which cause. > >> IMHO I wouldn't bother them too much... > >> > > > > You don't seem to understand that my family has a long standing mystical > > relationship with "the other side" and we are connected with nature like > no > > others. We understand the balance needed to rectify any requests. We are > > very polite and never ask for anything that is unfair or will cause an > > unnatural balance in this world. > > > > > >> > >> ---------------- > >> To: vcf-midatlantic (vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org) > >> Cc: Jeffrey Brace (jeffrey(a)vcfed.org) > >> Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] SWAP MEET IS ON! - UPDATE 6/5/25; > >> 05.06.2025, 23:51, "Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic" < > >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org>: > >> > >> Swap Meet Update 6/5/25 > >> > >> So the negotiations with the weather gods have been successful! > >> The latest weather forecast shows a 57% chance of rain around 8AM and > >> thunderstorms 5PM or later. > >> > >> So with this, I'm going ahead with the swap meet as planned. > >> Everyone is encouraged to use their best judgment as to their safety in > >> coming to the event. > >> > >> My highest recommendation is to bring a tent that can be anchored with > >> sandbags. Generally a good idea regardless of rain. > >> > >> Also bring waterproof clothing (i.e. raincoats, etc.) > >> > >> If any vendor should feel uncomfortable and needs to cancel, we will > refund > >> you, but once you show up, there is no refund. > >> > >> Vendor setup is 7AM > >> General Admission is 8AM > >> > >> > >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] SWAP MEET IS ON! - UPDATE 6/5/25
by Joseph Giliberti 07 Jun '25

07 Jun '25

If it's going to start raining at 11:00 a.m., that would mean that we have 3 hours to sell. 3 hours is better than zero On Sat, Jun 7, 2025, 4:50 AM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Here’s a question for everyone that’s going to the swap meet this morning > if you happen to be up > How many of you are going despite the fact that it’s going to start > raining most likely at around 11 AM > Inquiring minds would love to know > > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > On Jun 6, 2025, at 10:53 PM, Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > On Fri, Jun 6, 2025 at 4:38 PM Dmitry _ via vcf-midatlantic < > > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > >> The Weather God's see all your cards, game pieces, and every iteration > of > >> which they are aligned. > >> They're taking notes of whose unjustly impacted and for which cause. > >> IMHO I wouldn't bother them too much... > >> > > > > You don't seem to understand that my family has a long standing mystical > > relationship with "the other side" and we are connected with nature like > no > > others. We understand the balance needed to rectify any requests. We are > > very polite and never ask for anything that is unfair or will cause an > > unnatural balance in this world. > > > > > >> > >> ---------------- > >> To: vcf-midatlantic (vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org) > >> Cc: Jeffrey Brace (jeffrey(a)vcfed.org) > >> Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] SWAP MEET IS ON! - UPDATE 6/5/25; > >> 05.06.2025, 23:51, "Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic" < > >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org>: > >> > >> Swap Meet Update 6/5/25 > >> > >> So the negotiations with the weather gods have been successful! > >> The latest weather forecast shows a 57% chance of rain around 8AM and > >> thunderstorms 5PM or later. > >> > >> So with this, I'm going ahead with the swap meet as planned. > >> Everyone is encouraged to use their best judgment as to their safety in > >> coming to the event. > >> > >> My highest recommendation is to bring a tent that can be anchored with > >> sandbags. Generally a good idea regardless of rain. > >> > >> Also bring waterproof clothing (i.e. raincoats, etc.) > >> > >> If any vendor should feel uncomfortable and needs to cancel, we will > refund > >> you, but once you show up, there is no refund. > >> > >> Vendor setup is 7AM > >> General Admission is 8AM > >> > >> > >

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Repair Workshop / Jun 7
by Martin A. Flynn 06 Jun '25

06 Jun '25

Furnace room in Building 9032A should be open if anyone want to take a look at the Channel banks and patch panels in the rack Rest of the kit is in the Makerspace: http://compdecon.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/IMG_0557.jpeg * Digium TE420 PCIe Quad with the hardware echo canceller * Pair of ADIT 600 channel banks * Straight and crossover T1 cables This is for the asterisk box to provide analog phones line....

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Need some higher voltage electrolytic caps for the weekend
by Joseph Giliberti 06 Jun '25

06 Jun '25

Hey Everyone, I plan on working on an old Pioneer SX-800 integrated amplifier during this work weekend. I've already got all of the film capacitors I need, but my electrolytic caps won't arrive on time. I was wondering if anyone who is going can spare a few. I can compensate you for them. I need: (2) 100uf 300v (3) 40uf 450v (7) 20uf 350v (1) 500uf 50v (1) 200uf 50v (1) 100uf 50v (2) 10uf 150v (1) 3uf 150v (2) 50uf 6v (2) 30uf 6v (1) 5uf 25v If you have smaller ones that I can gang together to make the correct rating, that would work too. Appreciate any help in advance! Regards, Joe Giliberti

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MARCH Workshop, InfoAge Campus, June 7-8, 2025
by Jeff Salzman 05 Jun '25

05 Jun '25

Just a reminder about this weekend's MARCH Repair Workshop. Workshops have resumed for the MARCH (VCF) organization at InfoAge Science Center in Wall Township, NJ after a short hiatus following the VCF-East event. Starting June 2025, the Workshop will take 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/1LnfIzE2RH6EAPVMhQwnYPIyqi5mOL9BCSjZ… Also note, that since this month's Workshop coincides with the VCF Swapmeet, the Workshop may not officially open until 2PM on Saturday, June 7, when the Swapmeet ends. Any questions, please reply to this email. Use REPLY ALL if your question could be useful to others on this mailing list. Jeff Salzman MARCH Steering Committee Workshop Manager

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June 7, 2025 Swap Meet Status
by Jeffrey Brace 05 Jun '25

05 Jun '25

I know that everyone is looking at the weather for the swap meet this coming Saturday, June 7. We have been watching the weather forcast very closely. A little rain is not concerning, but the thunderstorms are concerning. We will make a final call on Thursday at 10PM about what we will do. We will post here: https://vcfed.org/vcf-swap-meet/ so that there is one spot for current status information. A second issue is the food truck. The food truck cancelled a few days ago because the head chef died suddenly. We couldn't find a replacement at the last minute since it is a summer weekend and everyone is booked. We *may* have some solution to support at least the vendors and volunteers. The general public are on their own. Otherwise we have plenty of vendors signed up lots of interest. We have been daily out posts on Facebook & Instagram to tell everyone about the event. Lots of engagement, interest and excitement. Any questions? Please email: swapmeet(a)vcfed.org. Take care! Jeff Brace VCF/MARCH Fundraising Manager

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IBM 4224 Printer: How easy is it to repair?
by Dan FitzGerald 05 Jun '25

05 Jun '25

Good morning! On Tuesday night I (drunk) purchased an IBM 4224 line printer from a scrapper and the associated service documentation from another ebay seller. The scrapper has a few available, half of which have a similar problem with the display momentarily showing power and then going out. I have no idea how broken this thing is because the service documentation isn't available on the internet. My hope is that I can repair this and get it running so that the Classical Computing Laboratory can have a 3270 line printer connected to "CCLVM1", our VM/ESA 2.4.0 installation. I like the 4224 because it seems to be more common than a 3287 and will also run off of 120v power (our 6262 requires 240v, so it is now a static exhibit installed in front of a cafeteria entrance). Does anybody here have any experience working with repairing IBM 4224 printers, and if so do you have any tips/tricks/advice that you could share with me? Regards, Dan FitzGerald She/Her or They/Them Classical Computing Laboratory at IBM Poughkeepsie http://www.vm.ibm.com/devpages/dfitzger

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the Kenbak-1 MEGA
by Jeffrey Jonas 05 Jun '25

05 Jun '25

At first, I thought the Arduino was just a toy. The KIM Uno changed my mind, the "a-ha! moment" when I realized that the Arduino is the jello-instant-pudding of embedded processors. The magic ingredient that makes everything easier. The Kenbak-1 MEGA takes that to 11. It's an Arduino shield that looks and acts like the Kembak's front panel. Would you like to learn more? The KIM and SYM were the original 6502 trainers:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KIM-1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S… The KIM Uno is the modern replica: https://obsolescence.wixsite.com/obsolescence/kim-uno-summary-c1uuh The KIM Uno is a very simple "open-source hardware" project that started out as a replica of the classic 1976 KIM-1 computer. Later, Apple-1 compatibility and a 6502 programmable calculator mode were added, plus a built-in 'early 6502 software gems' collection. We just keep tweaking and adding. It costs about $10 in commonly available parts (board & parts without case or power supply), but provides a faithful KIM-1 'experience'. An Arduino Pro Mini mounted on the back contains all the logic and memory. *** https://www.kenbak.com/ Everything you ever wanted to know about the KENBAK-1 but were afraid to ask https://www.facebook.com/groups/352054786710322/ The place for lovers of the Kenbak-1 and its recent replicas! Share your machines and programs here. https://youtu.be/OUCJXyThSXI video: VCF East XI - John Blankenbaker and the Kenbak https://youtu.be/PDCKNDitH38 video: VCF East XI - Kenbak 1 Tech Support at the Vintage Computer Federation's Vintage Computer Festival Kenbak inventor John Blankenbaker provided tech support for his namesake computer! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenbak-1 The Kenbak-1 is considered by the Computer History Museum, the Mimms Museum of Technology and Art and the American Computer Museum to be the world's first "personal computer", invented by John Blankenbaker of Kenbak Corporation in 1970 and first sold in early 1971. By 1974, several other "first" computers appeared: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SCELBI https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark-8 Featured in the July 1974 issue of Radio-Electronics https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EDUC-8 The EDUC-8, pronounced "educate", is an early microcomputer kit published by Electronics Australia in a series of articles starting in August 1974 and continuing to August 1975. Electronics Australia initially believed that it was the first such kit, but later discovered that Radio-Electronics had just beaten it with their Mark-8 by one month.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] June 7, 2025 Swap Meet Status
by Mick Sybal 05 Jun '25

05 Jun '25

Its not like its powered. It can all be dried. On June 4, 2025 3:32:56 PM EDT, Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] June 7, 2025 Swap Meet Status
by Dean Notarnicola 04 Jun '25

04 Jun '25

Who’s going to want to put their gear out in the rain? On Wed, Jun 4, 2025 at 3:05 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > I do realize that it is too early to tell and Friday would probably be the > day you guys will call this. > But , > Jeff, I realized that the website said “rain or shine. “ > So if it does rain or if there is thunderstorms as you may be anticipating, > Is the group going to make a rain date for Sunday or > Cancel completely? > If they do cancel, is there a refund policy? > > Mike > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > On Jun 4, 2025, at 9:01 AM, Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > I know that everyone is looking at the weather for the swap meet this > > coming Saturday, June 7. > > We have been watching the weather forcast very closely. A little rain is > > not concerning, but the thunderstorms are concerning. We will make a > final > > call on Thursday at 10PM about what we will do. > > We will post here: https://vcfed.org/vcf-swap-meet/ so that there is one > > spot for current status information. > > > > A second issue is the food truck. > > The food truck cancelled a few days ago because the head chef died > > suddenly. > > We couldn't find a replacement at the last minute since it is a summer > > weekend and everyone is booked. We *may* have some solution to support at > > least the vendors and volunteers. The general public are on their own. > > > > Otherwise we have plenty of vendors signed up lots of interest. We have > > been daily out posts on Facebook & Instagram to tell everyone about the > > event. Lots of engagement, interest and excitement. > > > > Any questions? Please email: swapmeet(a)vcfed.org. > > > > Take care! > > > > Jeff Brace > > VCF/MARCH Fundraising Manager > >

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Upcoming Video Game event at System Source
by Ryan Burke 03 Jun '25

03 Jun '25

The Computer Museum at System Source is hosting a video game open house at the museum on June 28th from 9 AM to 10 PM. Visitors will be able to tour the museum, play classic games on CRT TVs. Relive your childhood or experience classic video games. At the museum we will have many retro game consoles, from the Atari 2600 to the Nintendo Wii, set up on CRTs with controllers and games out for people to play. Admission is $30, and includes pizza and drinks served for lunch. Please email rburke(a)syssrc.com if you have any dietary restrictions. Register at the link below: https://ca.syssrc.com/wp/?page_id=105&civiwp=CiviCRM&q=civicrm%2Fevent%2Fin…

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FYI Bunch of COSMAC stuff just showed up on Ebay
by Hopkins, Justin 03 Jun '25

03 Jun '25

All from the same estate, but for some reason, the seller listed some of it almost 6 months ago, but never found a buyer. 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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Victor 9000 Questions
by Hopkins, Justin 02 Jun '25

02 Jun '25

Just bought one of these at an online estate sale, condition unknown, I am picking it up this week. I don't know what software comes with it, or if it even works. I plan on using it as a dumb terminal, so as long as it can run Kermit, that is all I will need. And I guess the keyboards need to be refurbished with new foam and foil sets because they wear out. Does anyone have a set of new pads that they could bring to the swap meet that I could buy off you? If I order some from texelec, they won't arrive in time. 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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Kelly's great garage sale
by Kelly Leavitt 31 May '25

31 May '25

Well, basement sale. I have a basement full of old computers. Way more than I will ever have the opportunity to work with. If anyone wants to stop by Wantage, NJ and take a car load let me know. If you're in the market for XT up to P4 computers, please ask. I'm not looking for eBay prices either. I'm very reasonable. I also have a lot of the early AIO macs and more Tandy/TRS-80 stuff than you can shake a stick at. The TRS-80 stuff is what I mostly want to keep, but if you're looking for something let me know. Dean can attest to the sheer quantity of stuff in my basement. I will take some pictures this weekend and post them somewhere public. I do not have the time to inventory everything at the moment, but I have a LOT of stuff. I'm trying to reduce the pile so I can make some sense of it. I will take many pictures and answer any questions. At the moment, I do not want to deal with shipping. Thanks, Kelly

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the other other VCF
by Jeffrey Jonas 30 May '25

30 May '25

Be aware that VCF 9 refers to a VMWare product: VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) 9 is a significant upgrade to VMware's private cloud platform, offering enhanced features, streamlined management, and improved security

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Kelly's great garage sale
by Dean Notarnicola 30 May '25

30 May '25

Completely agree! Absolutely worth a trip. Kelly’s got a lot of great stuff there and he’s been awesome about it getting to good homes rather then dumping it on the open market. On Fri, May 30, 2025 at 9:02 AM Peter Cetinski via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > I will also attest to the quantity of stuff in that basement. It’s like > going shopping at a vintage computer store. :) > > > On May 30, 2025, at 8:58 AM, Kelly Leavitt via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > Well, basement sale. > > > > I have a basement full of old computers. Way more than I will ever have > the opportunity to work with. If anyone wants to stop by Wantage, NJ and > take a car load let me know. > > If you're in the market for XT up to P4 computers, please ask. I'm not > looking for eBay prices either. I'm very reasonable. > > > > I also have a lot of the early AIO macs and more Tandy/TRS-80 stuff than > you can shake a stick at. The TRS-80 stuff is what I mostly want to keep, > but if you're looking for something let me know. > > > > Dean can attest to the sheer quantity of stuff in my basement. I will > take some pictures this weekend and post them somewhere public. > > > > I do not have the time to inventory everything at the moment, but I have > a LOT of stuff. I'm trying to reduce the pile so I can make some sense of > it. > > > > I will take many pictures and answer any questions. At the moment, I do > not want to deal with shipping. > > > > Thanks, > > Kelly > >

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Basement stuff
by Sentrytv 30 May '25

30 May '25

Kelly I am always looking for older computer cases Ones that would fit full size 286 386 and 486 motherboards including an XT that I have 8088. Let me know what you have along those lines Please Mike Rosen Sent from: My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device.

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