- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF Sticker Ideas?
by David Riley 17 Jan '20

17 Jan '20

On Jan 17, 2020, at 11:07 AM, Sentry TV via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > From: Sentry TV <sentrytv(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF Sticker Ideas? > Date: January 17, 2020 at 11:07:58 AM EST > To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org>, Christian Liendo <cliendo(a)gmail.com> > > > You know, I have seen many people collecting the "States" magnets. > I AM NOT SUGGESTING MAGNETS! You could definitely do some floppy-shaped magnets just to mess with people.

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VCF T-shirt preview!
by Jeffrey Brace 16 Jan '20

16 Jan '20

What do you think? < https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_snLfoubrZUODRwNUVyRERXTXJMSVFoa1hTZ2hNMm… > -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member, VCF East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Continuing to lighten the collection in Pottstown...
by Douglas Crawford 15 Jan '20

15 Jan '20

Please inquire off list, thanks.

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Wanted: IT Entry Level position in Pittsburgh area
by Jeffrey Brace 15 Jan '20

15 Jan '20

Dan Roganti's daughter just graduated from college with an associates degree in software development. She is looking for an entry level help desk position or similar position in the Pittsburgh area. If you know of any positions available, then please email me privately and I will pass along the information to her. -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member, VCF East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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we need an endearing term for our computer pioneers/founders
by Herb Johnson 15 Jan '20

15 Jan '20

I've read the discussion to date on this subject. I am at an age where the subject has some personal meaning to me. Here's some thoughts I have. "log in" or "log out" by Web search, is about access on a computer, people know about that. It seems to be derived from maintaining a "log", a paper account such as a ship's logbook. That appears to be based on "logging" distance in a "chip log" - ledgers of distance sailed measured by a log on-a-rope dragging in the water for a period of time. This is not from an authoritative reference. So: "logged out" has some reference to time and completion and record; it's not an abbreviation, and people know the phrase. So it works for me in some way. But I don't think I need a vote on the matter. People will speak in grief, as they are moved (or not). Phrases come and go in popularity. I think shared discussion leading to some amount of reflection and consensus, is sufficient. And one other thing. Jeff started this as "honoring pioneers"; the presumption by all is to honor them after they are deceased. Why not honor them BEFORE? We are at a point of history, where the "pioneers" of microprocessors and their systems are starting to "leave the planet" (the phrase I learned to use in the 1970's). Paying attention to their work NOW, when they can account for it, give details, seems like a good idea to me. I try to prove accounts on my Web site, about companies or products or people, who pioneered in the computers of interest to me. Some are from those persons, some are about those persons. As I said, the subject in this thread has some meaning to me. 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

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF East Swag
by Glenn Roberts 15 Jan '20

15 Jan '20

Possibly coasters.? https://www.swagconnection.com/coasters.htm From: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic-bounces(a)lists.vcfed.org> On Behalf Of Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic Sent: Wednesday, January 15, 2020 8:08 AM To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> Cc: Sentrytv <sentrytv(a)yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF East Swag

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VCF East exhibit
by Mike Loewen 13 Jan '20

13 Jan '20

In light of this year's 6502 emphasis, I'll be exhibiting an HP 3000 Micro XE minicomputer from 1986, which of course has nothing to do with the 6502. :-) Different, larger system than last year, with monochrome and color graphics terminals and a 9-track tape drive. Classic 3000 architecture, running MPE/V. Mini collectors, who's with me? :-) Mike Loewen mloewen(a)cpumagic.scol.pa.us Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Low Key Approach
by jsalzman＠gmail.com 13 Jan '20

13 Jan '20

He's just zoomed in very, very close on his successfully retrobrighted case. On Mon, Jan 13, 2020, 1:47 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > I'm sure he's waiting for an offer > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > On Jan 13, 2020, at 1:27 PM, Bill Degnan via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > I like the low-key approach when selling on Ebay. This guy has a > > "Commodore Computer" for sale: > > > > https://www.ebay.com/itm/commodore-computer/283696540539 > > > > $500. $250 shipping. > > > > I am sure it's great no need for photos, I trust you. > > > > Bill > >

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Low Key Approach
by Bill Degnan 13 Jan '20

13 Jan '20

I like the low-key approach when selling on Ebay. This guy has a "Commodore Computer" for sale: https://www.ebay.com/itm/commodore-computer/283696540539 $500. $250 shipping. I am sure it's great no need for photos, I trust you. Bill

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Exhibitors VCF East 2020 - Start planning your exhibits!
by Jeffrey Brace 13 Jan '20

13 Jan '20

VCF East 2020 is coming soon (Friday, Saturday, Sunday April 24-26, 2020) so start planning your exhibits now! The overall theme this year is *The 6502 Processor* in remembrance of Chuck Peddle and the 45th anniversary of its creation. In addition to 6502 themed exhibits, we need a wide array of topics beyond the 6502, as always. In related news, we are no longer charging exhibitor table fees to acknowledge the significant effort exhibitors put forth in creating and presenting exhibits that are vital to the success of the event! We will release the online Exhibitor Submission Form and the Exhibitor FAQ within a week and alert everyone when they are available. Please send me any questions or comments and I will share them with the Steering Committee. -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President, VCF East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF East exhibit
by Jameel Akari 13 Jan '20

13 Jan '20

On 2020-01-12 22:41, Tony Bogan via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > While the underlying theme is 6502 this year for obvious reasons, I’m > looking forward to all of the “other” exhibits this year!! I love > seeing so many things I never knew about or had any real experience > with. It’s one of my favorite things about VCF East. Likewise, bring your weird stuff! I am not 100% decided yet but I think it's not going to be 6502-related. (just isn't a thing I really collect) >> On Jan 12, 2020, at 8:59 PM, Mike Loewen via vcf-midatlantic >> <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: >> In light of this year's 6502 emphasis, I'll be exhibiting an HP 3000 >> Micro XE minicomputer from 1986, which of course has nothing to do >> with the 6502. :-) Different, larger system than last year, with >> monochrome and color graphics terminals and a 9-track tape drive. >> Classic 3000 architecture, running MPE/V. >> >> Mini collectors, who's with me? :-) Mike, I have a random HP disk enclosure (SCSI, and I think HP hard drives) that look like that HP3000 which I'd be happy to rehome to you at some workshop. I've thought about doing one of my micro-sized RS/6000s but I've had enough of that between last VCF-East and UNIX50. I might do something that doesn't have vintage hardware at all. *gasp!* -- Jameel Akari

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] endearing term
by Jeffrey Jonas 12 Jan '20

12 Jan '20

I'm unsure a vote is required since we have essentially reached consensus. Evan is on the mark with "logged off" since that's a human action to end a computer session. Human interaction is implied. "signing off" might be a useful alternative, borrowing from the broadcast industry (and BBS?) "return from interrupt" or just plain return() is a wonderful TRON-like view of life as a subroutine. It implies that you've contributed something or performed some service to benefit others. "final exit" is also a good candidate, particularly with Unix/Linux process handling with process parent/child, process groups and the ever-loving zombie status. It kinda applies to actors too. ABORT or Program termination are just too close to euphemisms for death (or Bladerunners' "retirement" of replicants). ABEND means "abnormal end", more appropriate for a tragic or unexpected end. e.g. Robert Allen Pease abended, causing an industry double-panic with Jim Williams' simultaneous, umm, logging off. "EOL" (end of line) and "EOM" (end of message) are remnants of sync-terminals and TRON. It's more like "over", not "over and out". "offline"? I'm unsure about that. My perspective as a machine operator is that peripherals are put online/offline as needed. When I'm offline, I'm asleep or resting and might return later, not pining for the fjords. Perhaps there are other contexts where it feels appropriate. disconnected? Perhaps IRC users feel that way. link is permanently down? Only if you're a modem. "system shutdown" feels dehumanizing. I'm no Andy Rooney but that's my current state of mind on the matter -- jeff jonas

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] we need an endearing term for our computer pioneers/founders
by Christian Liendo 10 Jan '20

10 Jan '20

I agree with "logged off" because it is the most human. It is something humans do. where as the shutdown commands are more technical and cold. I think Evan's "logged off" is the best so far.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] we need an endearing term for our computer pioneers/founders
by Bill Degnan 10 Jan '20

10 Jan '20

> > I like "logged out" too

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] we need an endearing term for our computer pioneers/founders
by Peter Fletcher 10 Jan '20

10 Jan '20

I find most of these suggestions to be somewhat insensitive for the deceased’s loved ones to read. I get that being a public figure opens one up to outside commentary, but I think it best the group acknowledges the passing in the most respectful way possible. > On Jan 10, 2020, at 8:56 AM, Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > From: Evan Koblentz <evan(a)snarc.net> > Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] we need an endearing term for our computer pioneers/founders > Date: January 10, 2020 at 8:56:43 AM EST > To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> > > > EOL seems rude. > > I wrote "logged off" when Ragooman died. I didn't think about it too much; the words just came out: > > https://lists.vcfed.org/pipermail/vcf-midatlantic/2018-September/013346.html > > On Jan 10, 2020, Neil Cherry via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: >> On 1/9/20 10:40 PM, Mike Loewen via vcf-midatlantic wrote: >>> >>> I also vote for "EOL". >> >> Agreed - ++1 >> >> -- >> Linux Home Automation Neil Cherry ncherry(a)linuxha.com >> http://www.linuxha.com/ Main site >> http://linuxha.blogspot.com/ My HA Blog >> Author of: Linux Smart Homes For Dummies > >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] we need an endearing term for our computer pioneers/founders
by Dean Notarnicola 10 Jan '20

10 Jan '20

@SYS$SYSTEM: SHUTDOWN HALT On Fri, Jan 10, 2020 at 9:37 AM Ben Greenfield via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > has reached end of file > > > On Jan 10, 2020, at 9:34 AM, Brian Schenkenberger via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > Peter Cetinski via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> > writes: > > > >>> On Jan 10, 2020, at 9:28 AM, Peter Cetinski via vcf-midatlantic > >> <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >>> > >>> shutdown -h > >> > >> and for the reincarnation believers > >> > >> shutdown -r > >> > >> :) > > > > Again... TOO EUNUCHS. > > > > The VMS folks on this list will understand this... >>> > > > > > >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] we need an endearing term for our computer pioneers/founders
by Neil Cherry 10 Jan '20

10 Jan '20

On 1/10/20 10:06 AM, Tony Bogan via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > I like “John Doe has Logged Off” > > It was fitting for Dan when Evan wrote it, I think it’s appropriate and not uncaring (actually I think it’s the opposite!) > > I do like EOL or EOF and disagree about it seeming rude, but I like “Logged Off” better. Saw Evan's post after I posted and do agree that “Logged Off” sounds better, be a bit softer and would be know better know than EOL. PS, for Emacs users: Ctrl-X Ctrl-C ;-) -- 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

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] we need an endearing term for our computer pioneers/founders
by Chris Fala 10 Jan '20

10 Jan '20

That one actually choked me up a bit. On Fri, Jan 10, 2020 at 9:28 AM Peter Cetinski via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > shutdown -h >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] we need an endearing term for our computer pioneers/founders
by Chris Fala 10 Jan '20

10 Jan '20

I remember "logged out", it was very touching. I told my wife at the time and she agreed. On Fri, Jan 10, 2020 at 8:56 AM Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > EOL seems rude. > > I wrote "logged off" when Ragooman died. I didn't think about it too much; > the words just came out: > > > https://lists.vcfed.org/pipermail/vcf-midatlantic/2018-September/013346.html > > On Jan 10, 2020, Neil Cherry via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > >On 1/9/20 10:40 PM, Mike Loewen via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > >> > >> I also vote for "EOL". > > > >Agreed - ++1 > > > >-- > >Linux Home Automation Neil Cherry ncherry(a)linuxha.com > >http://www.linuxha.com/ Main site > >http://linuxha.blogspot.com/ My HA Blog > >Author of: Linux Smart Homes For Dummies >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] we need an endearing term for our computer pioneers/founders
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 10 Jan '20

10 Jan '20

Peter Cetinski via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> writes: >> On Jan 10, 2020, at 9:28 AM, Peter Cetinski via vcf-midatlantic ><vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: >> >> shutdown -h > >and for the reincarnation believers > >shutdown -r > >:) Again... TOO EUNUCHS. The VMS folks on this list will understand this... >>>

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] we need an endearing term for our computer pioneers/founders
by Peter Cetinski 10 Jan '20

10 Jan '20

> On Jan 10, 2020, at 9:28 AM, Peter Cetinski via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > shutdown -h > and for the reincarnation believers shutdown -r :)

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we need an endearing term for our computer pioneers/founders
by Jeffrey Jonas 10 Jan '20

10 Jan '20

re: the passing of Randy Suess (BBS) and Gary Starkweather (Laser Printer) "silent keys" are amateur radio operators who have passed away. https://silentkeys.org/ The term "Fallen Flags" describes those railroads whose corporate names have been dissolved through merger, bankruptcy, or liquidation. http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/ https://www.american-rails.com/fallen-flags.html We need something similar to honor computer/electronics pioneers. -- Jeff Jonas PS: analogous to the computer jargon list is RR lingo: http://www.catskillarchive.com/rrextra/glossry1.Html

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] we need an endearing term for our computer pioneers/founders
by VAXman＠tmesis.org 10 Jan '20

10 Jan '20

Jeffrey Jonas via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> writes: > >re: the passing of Randy Suess (BBS) and Gary Starkweather (Laser >Printer) > >"silent keys" are amateur radio operators who have passed away. >https://silentkeys.org/ > >The term "Fallen Flags" describes those railroads whose corporate names >have been dissolved through merger, bankruptcy, or liquidation. >http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/ >https://www.american-rails.com/fallen-flags.html > >We need something similar to honor computer/electronics pioneers. ASCII #4 EOT...

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] we need an endearing term for our computer pioneers/founders
by Bob Applegate 10 Jan '20

10 Jan '20

EOF seems more appropriate than EOL. Offline?

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New Commodore Keycaps on Indiegogo
by Chris Fala 10 Jan '20

10 Jan '20

Hey Commodore fans! This looks really nice. I am a backer. Eight days left. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/keycaps-for-your-commodore-computer/

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Brief Followup Kennett Classic Workshop 1/4/20
by Bill Degnan 08 Jan '20

08 Jan '20

I put up a quick blog post about the event: https://www.kennettclassic.com/january-workshop/ I regret not having more photos, I only took one picture because I was so busy...next time we're going to have to move into the green room, and forget doing any video. Here is a twitter post by atariorbit: https://twitter.com/atariorbit/status/1213696481061982208 After the workshop we all went to Grain and hung out. Our next workshop is going to be 3/28, which is a month before VCF East. We had 16 RSVPs, please sign up early if you want to be ensured a table: https://www.meetup.com/Kennett-Classic/events/267632933/ I want to thank everyone for coming, it means a lot to have had such a great turnout. Next event will be even better. Oh, and by then we'll have three new exhibits! If you still plan to see the Commodore rarities and history exhibit don't put it off too much longer. Bill

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Gary Starkweather - Inventor of the Laser Printer - has died
by Adam Michlin 08 Jan '20

08 Jan '20

Thus making three. So it goes... https://www.invent.org/inductees/gary-k-starkweather

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Looking for a VIC-20
by Jeffrey Brace 08 Jan '20

08 Jan '20

On Wed, Jan 8, 2020 at 6:23 PM Jonathan Sturges via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Hi everyone,I'm looking for a VIC-20 for a project. Does anyone have one > they would be willing to sell to me?(Tony/Adam/Dean: are there spares in > the warehouse that are sellable?) > Oh yes, there are spares in the warehouse that are available for purchase. Are you coming to the next repair workshop no Jan. 25/26? I will defer to Adam and Tony to arrange getting one from the warehouse. Let me know if you find one sooner or closer. > I'm in the D.C. area, if it matters. > Thanks!Jonathan > -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President, VCF East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation

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Looking for a VIC-20
by Jonathan Sturges 08 Jan '20

08 Jan '20

Hi everyone,I'm looking for a VIC-20 for a project. Does anyone have one they would be willing to sell to me?(Tony/Adam/Dean: are there spares in the warehouse that are sellable?) I'm in the D.C. area, if it matters. Thanks!Jonathan

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Randy Suess has died
by Andy Meyer 08 Jan '20

08 Jan '20

Sorry if you've seen this already. I'm still catching up after the holidays. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/20/technology/randy-suess-dead.html

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] January workshop call to arms
by Adam Michlin 07 Jan '20

07 Jan '20

I've been doing more research and we may or may not have one monitor, mouse, and keyboard for the 8010 (Star) In addition to the two 8010s, we also now have a Xerox Daybreak: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xerox_Daybreak We may have mixed parts for the Stars and the Daybreak. Perhaps they use the same keyboard, mouse, and monitor, but I don't know (anyone?). Either way, the rest of the parts should be coming real soon. We'll keep everyone updated. On 1/7/2020 8:26 AM, Tony Bogan via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > > Re: [vcf-midatlantic] January workshop call to arms.eml > > Subject: > Re: [vcf-midatlantic] January workshop call to arms > From: > Tony Bogan <thebogans(a)mac.com> > Date: > 1/7/2020, 8:26 AM > > To: > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> > > > David, thank you for that info! > We do have one monitor, mouse and keyboard, and Andy is heading down to DE this week to further assess the remainder of the rescue the Xerox machines were a part of, and potentially pick up the other peripherals for these machines in advance of completing the overall rescue. > > Tony > > Sent from my iPhone > >> On Jan 7, 2020, at 7:43 AM, Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic<vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: >> >> On Tue, Jan 7, 2020 at 7:32 AM David Gesswein via vcf-midatlantic < >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: >> >>> I have been in contact with Josh Dersch through my emulator project who >>> has working 8010's. Evan had expressed interest in getting one working so >>> I >>> had checked and he said: >>> >> I trust Josh Dersch from The Living Computer Museum & Labs because I have >> met him at VCF PNW and VCF West where he showed off his*working* Xerox >> 8010 Information System (better known as the “Star” workstation) alongside >> a microcode-level Star emulator developed at LCM+L named Darkstar. Come >> experience GUI history and early desktop metaphors with Viewpoint and Star >> OS, do some hacking in Mesa on XDE, or delve into AI on Interlisp-D! >> >> >>> I have finish the 3b1 which shouldn't take too long, possible Straight 8 >>> work, haven't heard if paper tape could be loaded. Assuming spare time >>> I can assist on this. >>> >> I'm sorry, I didn't have time to finish checking the PDP 8 paper tape >> loading last time I was docent. And now the museum is being renovated so I >> won't be able to get to it until the epoxy flooring part is finished within >> the next two weeks. I will update you, but if you need to prioritize, then >> please work on the Xerox machine before the PDP 8. >> >> >>> On Mon, Jan 06, 2020 at 10:37:30PM -0500, Tony Bogan via vcf-midatlantic >>> wrote: >>>> Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2020 22:37:30 -0500 >>>> From: Tony Bogan<thebogans(a)mac.com> >>>> To:vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org >>>> Subject: January workshop call to arms >>>> X-Mailer: iPhone Mail (16F203) >>>> >>>> All, VCF recently acquired two Xerox 8010 computers. We would like to >>> assess and repair (if needed) these machines, and are hoping to have one on >>> display in the very near future. >>>> We are looking for anyone with the expertise and experience needed to >>> assess these machines. We are hoping to begin the process of restoring >>> these machines at the upcoming January workshop on the 25th and 26th of >>> this month. >>>> So if you???re out there (and I???m sure you are!) and you can attend >>> the workshop, please let us know! While there will be lots going on at the >>> workshop, this is something we are hoping to be able to work on in >>> preparation for the museum remodeling (or as soon as is practical) >>>> Thanks, >>>> Tony Bogan >>>> >>>> Sent from my iPhone >> -- >> ========================================= >> Jeff Brace >> Vice President, VCF East Showrunner >> Vintage Computer Federation

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East Exhibitor Registration Open
by Jeffrey Brace 07 Jan '20

07 Jan '20

VCF EAST 2020 Exhibitor Registration is open, so submit your exhibits now! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScbf-yC0U4Vu0zhf_1sXCKEaU1bF7PVV3u… -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President, VCF East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation

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East Sunday Keynote - Michael Tomczyk
by Jeffrey Brace 07 Jan '20

07 Jan '20

I have confirmation of Michael Tomczyk doing the Sunday keynote at 9:30AM. About Michael Tomczyk: "Michael S. Tomczyk was responsible for guiding the development and launch of the Commodore VIC-20, the first microcomputer to sell one million units; and for his early role as a pioneer in telecomputing." -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President, VCF East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] January workshop call to arms
by Bill Degnan 07 Jan '20

07 Jan '20

Given it's close to my house, let me know when you're going. I used to have a 8010, sold it to Vulcan Electronics some years ago. I also used to work on other Xerox workstations in various places. Bill On Tue, Jan 7, 2020 at 8:26 AM Tony Bogan via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > David, thank you for that info! > We do have one monitor, mouse and keyboard, and Andy is heading down to DE > this week to further assess the remainder of the rescue the Xerox machines > were a part of, and potentially pick up the other peripherals for these > machines in advance of completing the overall rescue. > > Tony > > Sent from my iPhone > > > On Jan 7, 2020, at 7:43 AM, Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > On Tue, Jan 7, 2020 at 7:32 AM David Gesswein via vcf-midatlantic < > > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > >> I have been in contact with Josh Dersch through my emulator project who > >> has working 8010's. Evan had expressed interest in getting one working > so > >> I > >> had checked and he said: > >> > > > > I trust Josh Dersch from The Living Computer Museum & Labs because I have > > met him at VCF PNW and VCF West where he showed off his *working* Xerox > > 8010 Information System (better known as the “Star” workstation) > alongside > > a microcode-level Star emulator developed at LCM+L named Darkstar. Come > > experience GUI history and early desktop metaphors with Viewpoint and > Star > > OS, do some hacking in Mesa on XDE, or delve into AI on Interlisp-D! > > > > > >> I have finish the 3b1 which shouldn't take too long, possible Straight 8 > >> work, haven't heard if paper tape could be loaded. Assuming spare time > >> I can assist on this. > >> > > > > I'm sorry, I didn't have time to finish checking the PDP 8 paper tape > > loading last time I was docent. And now the museum is being renovated so > I > > won't be able to get to it until the epoxy flooring part is finished > within > > the next two weeks. I will update you, but if you need to prioritize, > then > > please work on the Xerox machine before the PDP 8. > > > > > >> On Mon, Jan 06, 2020 at 10:37:30PM -0500, Tony Bogan via vcf-midatlantic > >> wrote: > >>> Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2020 22:37:30 -0500 > >>> From: Tony Bogan <thebogans(a)mac.com> > >>> To: vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org > >>> Subject: January workshop call to arms > >>> X-Mailer: iPhone Mail (16F203) > >>> > >>> All, VCF recently acquired two Xerox 8010 computers. We would like to > >> assess and repair (if needed) these machines, and are hoping to have > one on > >> display in the very near future. > >>> > >>> We are looking for anyone with the expertise and experience needed to > >> assess these machines. We are hoping to begin the process of restoring > >> these machines at the upcoming January workshop on the 25th and 26th of > >> this month. > >>> > >>> So if you???re out there (and I???m sure you are!) and you can attend > >> the workshop, please let us know! While there will be lots going on at > the > >> workshop, this is something we are hoping to be able to work on in > >> preparation for the museum remodeling (or as soon as is practical) > >>> > >>> Thanks, > >>> Tony Bogan > >>> > >>> Sent from my iPhone > >> > > > > > > -- > > ========================================= > > Jeff Brace > > Vice President, VCF East Showrunner > > Vintage Computer Federation > >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] January workshop call to arms
by David Gesswein 07 Jan '20

07 Jan '20

I have been in contact with Josh Dersch through my emulator project who has working 8010's. Evan had expressed interest in getting one working so I had checked and he said: Honestly, they are pretty well-built machines with decent switching power supplies in them. The service manual on Bitsavers covers test points for the power supplies. Pull the boards out, clean the edge connectors, test the voltages under load. The monitors may be the weak point (apart from the stuck-heads problem on the Quantum drives) but we've had pretty good luck with them. The Quantum drive issue is here http://www.pdp8online.com/q2040/q2040.shtml I went to the warehouse with Evan at a previous workshop and we took a quick peek but didn't have time to start anything. At the time I think he said the monitor/keyboard wasn't their yet but was supposed to show up later. Do we have parts for a complete system now? I can bring my emulator so the disks can be backed up before we start working on the machine. I can also check if I can get a good image from the person in case the drives are dead. I have finish the 3b1 which shouldn't take too long, possible Straight 8 work, haven't heard if paper tape could be loaded. Assuming spare time I can assist on this. On Mon, Jan 06, 2020 at 10:37:30PM -0500, Tony Bogan via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2020 22:37:30 -0500 > From: Tony Bogan <thebogans(a)mac.com> > To: vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org > Subject: January workshop call to arms > X-Mailer: iPhone Mail (16F203) > > All, VCF recently acquired two Xerox 8010 computers. We would like to assess and repair (if needed) these machines, and are hoping to have one on display in the very near future. > > We are looking for anyone with the expertise and experience needed to assess these machines. We are hoping to begin the process of restoring these machines at the upcoming January workshop on the 25th and 26th of this month. > > So if you???re out there (and I???m sure you are!) and you can attend the workshop, please let us know! While there will be lots going on at the workshop, this is something we are hoping to be able to work on in preparation for the museum remodeling (or as soon as is practical) > > Thanks, > Tony Bogan > > Sent from my iPhone

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January workshop call to arms
by Tony Bogan 06 Jan '20

06 Jan '20

All, VCF recently acquired two Xerox 8010 computers. We would like to assess and repair (if needed) these machines, and are hoping to have one on display in the very near future. We are looking for anyone with the expertise and experience needed to assess these machines. We are hoping to begin the process of restoring these machines at the upcoming January workshop on the 25th and 26th of this month. So if you’re out there (and I’m sure you are!) and you can attend the workshop, please let us know! While there will be lots going on at the workshop, this is something we are hoping to be able to work on in preparation for the museum remodeling (or as soon as is practical) Thanks, Tony Bogan Sent from my iPhone

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Whiz Kids Computer Props
by Jeffrey Brace 06 Jan '20

06 Jan '20

Someone who is a documentary producer researching 1983 TV series Whiz Kids is asking us to identify the props used in the show. Can any of you identify them? Here are the four pictures: < https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1MdZWxwpVlBdIJq3QwiYbgNb799eCA7jS?us… > Also if you cannot identify them, then can you direct me someone to someone who can? -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President Vintage Computer Federation

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Chuck Peddle
by Glenn Roberts 05 Jan '20

05 Jan '20

Chuck Peddle obit is in the weekend Wall Street Journal. Unfortunately I can't share as their content requires subscription (which I don't have). Glenn

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VCF East 7 - Corvus Exhibit
by Andrew Diller 05 Jan '20

05 Jan '20

Mike Loewen --- You have a very nice collection of old VCF photos: thanks for taking and displaying them for us to enjoy. I have a question about: http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/VCF-East2011/VCF7L-IMG_2181.jpg <http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/VCF-East2011/VCF7L-IMG_2181.jpg> Do you (or any other list member) have any idea who presented the Corvus systems back in VCF 7 2011? I'm interested in tracking down info about these systems and would like to talk to that exhibitor. thanks, -andy

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VCF East 2020 Keynote speaker for Saturday 04/25/2020
by Jeffrey Brace 04 Jan '20

04 Jan '20

Announcing the first keynote speaker committed to VCF East 2020: Bill Mensch!!! -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President Vintage Computer Federation

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] several things
by Kenneth Seefried 03 Jan '20

03 Jan '20

- Do some research on bit-error rate on those large drives before you commit your data to one of them. Not pretty. - I have a stack of USB "backup drives" in the 500GB-10TB ranges that in relatively short periods of storage (2-3 years) cased to function. The Western Digital units seem to be particularly bad, but that's subjective. Redundancy, storage diversity and data integrity seems to be a big part being successful here.

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VCF EAST 2020 Classes
by Jeffrey Brace 03 Jan '20

03 Jan '20

It’s that time again ... Looking for people to teach classes on Friday, April 24. Please email me jeffrey(a)vcfed.org with your name, proposed topic and any A/V (or otherwise) requirements. -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President Vintage Computer Federation

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Repair Workshops January 2020
by Jeffrey Brace 02 Jan '20

02 Jan '20

Two repair workshops in January: One is at Bill Degan's site in Kennett Square, PA on January 4 The other is at InfoAge on January 25 & 26 in the CDL Hackerspace. There is a limit of 20 tables at one time, so be sure to sign up to guarantee a table. Signup Sheets: January 4, 2020 : Kennett Square, PA. at Bill Degnan's Kennett Classic Let him know that you are coming: Website: <https://www.kennettclassic.com/> January 25 & 26, 2020: InfoAge CDL Hackerspace building 9059 < https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1LmYNLLK6CEOLCeOQCClhe1J20gpmVlyzmSs… > -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President Vintage Computer Federation

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] several things
by Dave McGuire 01 Jan '20

01 Jan '20

On 1/1/20 3:23 PM, Jonathan Sturges via vcf-midatlantic wrote: >> I would augment that by making it a *set* of drives, stored in a >> block-checksumming filesystem like ZFS, and treat the set of drives as a >> unit. ZFS filesystems in particular can be "imported" and "exported" >> to/from a system as a unit, making this convenient. > > Dave, totally agree with you on both the bit error rate issue as well as this recommendation. ZFS' importing/exporting capability has always been a favorite of mine. Question, which ZFS implementations do you use and trust these days? I value the import/export functionality too. I think that's one of ZFS' greatest features. I'm currently using "zfsonlinux" distribution on my main desktop system, and the Solaris 10 implementation (patched to current) for "big storage" pools. >> I've noticed a decrease in M-DISC availability lately. Do you have >> any idea of what's going on with that? > > Thanks for the heads-up about M-Discs, I wasn't aware of their status. I too have an LG drive that supports them but have never really used them. Microcenter has always sold them, though not in great quantity or anything, but at least it's a bricks-and-mortar option: > https://www.microcenter.com/product/452157/verbatim-m-disc-dvdr-4x-47-gb-12… Cool. Everyone who has used them or evaluated them has been impressed by them, so I sure hope they remain available. -Dave -- Dave McGuire, AK4HZ New Kensington, PA

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Happy New Year
by Jeffrey Brace 01 Jan '20

01 Jan '20

On Tue, Dec 31, 2019 at 10:21 PM Bob Aviles via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Hi All, > I just want to say Happy New Year!!!!! > Happy New Year to you as well Bobby! I wish you a healthy, prosperous and happy New Year! > Bobby > -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President Vintage Computer Federation

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M-Disc (was: several things)
by Herb Johnson 01 Jan '20

01 Jan '20

While DVD's and Blu-Rays are not on topic, archiving files for the long term seems plausible to discuss. Here's what I found from Web search today. Wikipedia on M-Disc is not current. It appears from Web search, that yours.co (the Web site for the alleged owners of Millenniata intellectual property) is not accessible at least today. Neither is mdisc.com. Domain registration for yours.co was renewed Aug 2019 so it ought to be. There's some kind of kickstarter for yours.co about "transforming videos into a magical experience" for delivery Oct 2018. I conclude yours.co is dead; of course millenniata was already dead. But they sold licenses to produce and label M-DISC to several brands of drives and media. Those resources seem to be active and available. Web search seems to show that Verbatum currently offers M-DISC media in blueray and DVD. The Verbatum page notes that to write to M-DISC requires special drives; Wikipedia was not specific on brands and models but has a similar note. Verbatum says the DVD or BR drive may have a "M-DISC" brand or label. Playback should not be a problem on ordinary DVD or BR drives, both sites say. Verbatum wants about $2 per 4X DVDR M-DISC in 25 packs. I didn't price Blue-Ray media. Other sites have similar prices. Given the application I would not buy non-branded media. Sites selling DVD or BR drives may specify M-DISC models; but check the manufacturer's docs to confirm. newegg shows an LG Blue-ray M-disc drive for $60 or $100. Amazon of course shows several models but some may be "all hat and no cattle" (liars). Dig deep to confirm specific support. But apparent LG external DVD slim drives seem to be cheap ($30). Given the range of prices, it may make sense to get a Blue-Ray compatible drive even if one only writes DVD's. I searched for plausible technical or review articles on M-DISC. What I found was semi-tech blogger who talked but didn't have serious data or experience to provide. Some were incoherent, maybe they were machine-translated English. But the physical technology of M-DISC seems like sound physics; and one needs M-DISC compatible drives for their higher power during write to physically punch through the "stone" coatings. Dave McGuire's post in this thread, seems to offer similar considerations to mine and a similar experience of looking at DVD and drive technology; his views are a little sharper. He makes a fair call for saving to smaller few-TB drives and archiving physical drives, on cost and performance and reliability; and makes other considerations which one should read. This discussion suggests to me, I should look at my stored DVD's and see if they have degraded by year. I have some redundancy and hopefully a run of DVD's might provide a complete set of desired archived files. I continue to recover files from diskettes four DECADES old, with drives of similar (sometimes newer) vintage; and occasionally from ZIP disks and drives maybe two decades old. So I'm optimistic. Regards for another decade, 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

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Re: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] several things
by Jonathan Sturges 01 Jan '20

01 Jan '20

> I would augment that by making it a *set* of drives, stored in a > block-checksumming filesystem like ZFS, and treat the set of drives as a > unit. ZFS filesystems in particular can be "imported" and "exported" > to/from a system as a unit, making this convenient. Dave, totally agree with you on both the bit error rate issue as well as this recommendation. ZFS' importing/exporting capability has always been a favorite of mine. Question, which ZFS implementations do you use and trust these days? > I've noticed a decrease in M-DISC availability lately. Do you have > any idea of what's going on with that? Thanks for the heads-up about M-Discs, I wasn't aware of their status. I too have an LG drive that supports them but have never really used them. Microcenter has always sold them, though not in great quantity or anything, but at least it's a bricks-and-mortar option: https://www.microcenter.com/product/452157/verbatim-m-disc-dvdr-4x-47-gb-12… Happy New Year! -Jonathan

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Happy New Year!
by Jeffrey Brace 01 Jan '20

01 Jan '20

On behalf of the VCF board and steering committee, we wish all our members a very happy and prosperous new year! We appreciate all of our members, their contributions and camaraderie. Our members are what make us a great organization! We look forward to another fun, exciting and vintage year ahead of us as VCF goes into a new and improved, yet still vintage direction! :-D -- ========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President Vintage Computer Federation

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Happy New Year
by Bob Aviles 31 Dec '19

31 Dec '19

Hi All, I just want to say Happy New Year!!!!! Bobby

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several things
by Jeffrey Jonas 31 Dec '19

31 Dec '19

Happy New Year to all 1) My Microsoft Trackball Explorer Mouse 1.0 just shattered. Does anyone have a spare? 2) an interesting looking gadget: I don't want to sound like an advertisement but we all love gadgets and tools. At $16.90, this watchband-o-many-tools looks interesting but I'm unsure how practical it is vs.a multitool or Swiss Army knife: https://nanroucy.com/products/29-in-1-multi-tool-wearable-titanium-steel-br… 3) DVD-R are NOT archival. My spindle of "Playo" DVD-R fail verification immediately after burning. Others have bit-rot. I vaguely recall a file system format with error checking and redundancy to compensate for that, if one had the foresight to record in that format. What are the "best practices" other than making 2-3 copies on different brands? -- Jeff Jonas

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