- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

Does anyone know the substitute germanium transistor for a B1182
by corey cohen 17 Jan '24

17 Jan '24

Hi, Working on my dead ADM3a video, I realized I may need some spare parts before I start working on it. I tried to find a cross-reference to B1182 transistor which is Q106 on the video board. This is a Germanium transistor in what seems to be a TO-66 case. Spent an hour Googling and can’t find a cross reference and no one seems to have them available in the correct Germanium. Thanks, Cheers, Corey

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A 4004 Based Microcomputer the Comstar System 4
by Herbert Johnson 16 Jan '24

16 Jan '24

On Fri, Jan 12, 2024 at 1:47 PM Jeffrey Jonas: > Herb touches upon how our expectations of "computers" have evolved. > To folks outside the engineering profession, > "embedded processors", "industrial controllers" and other special- > purpose machines > don't look-and-feel like that's now accepted as a "computer". > Yet the Arduino has made such embedded processing more accessible than > ever to the hobbyist, experimenter, artist, etc. > > Perhaps that applies here: what were once called "computers" > are now considered embedded processors, > IoT (Internet of Things) or Internet appliances. > > I was about to say how cellphones [or desktop computers] are more > of an appliance than a computer by the way most folks just > download apps. > > [list of late 1970's microprocessors used for embedded controllers]. I'm not entirely happy that a thread that has drifted to Asimov's Laws of Robotics, has my name in it. I'll respond to the original points, on the original subject line. Those people interested in robotics, maybe can start a new thread subject? Those interested in Christian's Comstar might reply to his thread. I did not mean to hijack Christian's thread, just to embellish it, underscore his challenges in finding information and referencing the Compstar as various kinds of computer. Jeff acknowledges my point and adds modern context, other devices. Yeah, there's a long history about logical mechanisms as some kind of computing or analytical thing or even a kind-of person. If I'm not mistaken, Christian has/had in hand physically, at least the "compiler" Comstar product, maybe also the "controller" product? Not quite clear what he owns. I hope he puts it up on some kind of Web page or other editable Web-accessable thingy, that has stability and can be edited and refined. Too hard to do that in threaded discussions (this a case in point). It's not all nuts and bolts, the chips and a few words don't define the objects. I find this research, or curation, as much fun as restoration and repair. For those who have lost interest in those considerations and simply think "it's a computer, move on!"? Well, these things matter to some of us (oldies) who have seen a lot of change in the computing we have experienced. Those who look back decades and before their time, might get a richer experience by becoming aware of the expectations then, versus expectations at other times. As Christian describes, there's still discoveries to be made in vintage computing. 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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FWD from the 'The Embedded Muse' newsletter ...
by Herbert Johnson 16 Jan '24

16 Jan '24

> Neil Cherry wrote: I subscribe to 'The Embedded Muse' (Jack Gassle), one of his subscribers is looking > to restore a vintage computer. Request follows: > I’m restoring some old intel microcomputer kit. > ... but I'm still missing the original paper tape software. > You can contact Sid here:jones**** ***.co.uk I've been in touch with Sid Jones for some time, about his Intel intellec 4/40 development system. That's the "microcomputer kit", the British refer to many objects as "kit". Somehow, the model was lost in this copy of the request. He's looking for paper tapes or contents-of which Intel distributed or provided for it. He's contacted a number of Intel vintage owners. He's looked at known online archives. If someone has Intel 4040 or 4004 software that isn't available in various online archives, please consider offering it to those archives. Bitsavers.org and also archives of members of Google Groups intel-devsys (Multibus and prior Intel development systems). regards Herb -- 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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Speakers VCF East 2024
by Jeffrey Brace 16 Jan '24

16 Jan '24

I have approved all the currently registered speakers. Update talk descriptions are here: https://vcfed.org/vcf-east-talks/ There are still some spots left and some speakers that need to commit, etc. so more updates coming soon! Thanks! Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Showrunner VCF Mid-Atlantic Event Manager Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity https://vcfed.org/ <http://www.vcfed.org/> jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Exhibitors approve and website updated VCF East 2024
by Jeffrey Brace 15 Jan '24

15 Jan '24

I sent out emails approving all of the exhibits. They are on the website now: https://vcfed.org/events/vintage-computer-festival-east/vcf-east-exhibits/ So that is 16 exhibitors with 34 tables total. There are 36 tables left! Thanks! Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Showrunner VCF Mid-Atlantic Event Manager Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity https://vcfed.org/ <http://www.vcfed.org/> jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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FWD from the 'The Embedded Muse' newsletter ...
by Neil Cherry 15 Jan '24

15 Jan '24

I subscribe to 'The Embedded Muse' (Jack Gassle), one of his subscribers is looking to restore a vintage computer. Request follows: I’m restoring some old intel microcomputer kit. I've got it back together, refreshed the 1702A EPROMS with a home-brew programmer, build a 20mA 100 baud to USB serial interface, but I'm still missing the original paper tape software. Might it be possible for you to put a notice in your missive, requesting anybody who might have access to said paper tapes or any source code, or further info to get in contact, please? You can contact Sid here:jonesthechip@logicmagic.co.uk -- Linux Home Automation Neil Cherry kd2zrq(a)linuxha.com http://www.linuxha.com/ Main site http://linuxha.blogspot.com/ My HA Blog Author of: Linux Smart Homes For Dummies KD2ZRQ

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ReGIS files?
by Dave Shevett 14 Jan '24

14 Jan '24

I'm trying to locate a set of files that were distributed on DEC Pro 350's with graphics cards - mid 80's. They were ReGIS graphics files that had some pretty amazing artwork. I don't suppose anyone has a copy lying around, or knows where I can grab them? The art was super-nice, i'm considering a ReGIS exhibit at the next VCF. -d -- Dave Shevett shevett(a)pobox.com

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Looking for help at March 2 Repair Workshop
by Brian Schmult 13 Jan '24

13 Jan '24

I am planning on attending the next InfoAge repair workshop on 2 March 2024 and hope to narrow the causes of video problems I'm having with a 1992 386 ISA-bus PC. The PC motherboard is compromised from previous battery leakage but was mostly working until recently. I have an apparently now dead original VGA card and a possibly flaky generic VGA card. I'm hoping to test the VGA cards in a known good similar PC and known good VGA cards in my box. Any assistance at the workshop, or other advice, would be greatly appreciated. Best regards, Brian Schmult

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] replying and elaborating to Herb Johnson's postings re: 4004 Based Microcomputer
by Dean Notarnicola 13 Jan '24

13 Jan '24

I would suggest that point would be where the AI is a general, and not utilitarian, construct. Anything purpose built should not be treated as sentient and vice-versa. On Fri, Jan 12, 2024 at 9:30 PM Brian Marstella via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > At what point is an AI no longer a robot, or a robot no longer fits the > assumed description of a device that performs programmed tasks? At what > point would you consider them an engineered intelligence? > > On Fri, Jan 12, 2024 at 3:22 PM Dean Notarnicola via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > You forgot the 0th law: A robot may not harm humanity, or, by inaction, > > allow humanity to come to harm. > > And with the advent of AI we may need to add Dilov's 5th law: A robot > must > > establish its identity as a robot in all cases. > > > > On Fri, Jan 12, 2024 at 1:47 PM Jeffrey Jonas via vcf-midatlantic < > > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > > This touches upon several of my pet peeves, > > > so please pardon the way my reply drones on and on and on > > > until I start foaming at the mouth and falling over backwards ... Oh! > > > https://youtu.be/DO7VkEFZ7B8 [Monty Python skit] > > > > > > > > > Herb touches upon how our expectations of "computers" have evolved. > > > To folks outside the engineering profession, > > > "embedded processors", "industrial controllers" and other > special-purpose > > > machines > > > don't look-and-feel like that's now accepted as a "computer". > > > Yet the Arduino has made such embedded processing more accessible than > > ever > > > to the hobbyist, experimenter, artist, etc. > > > > > > Perhaps that applies here: what were once called "computers" > > > are now considered embedded processors, > > > IoT (Internet of Things) or Internet appliances. > > > > > > I was about to say how cellphones are more of an appliance than a > > computer > > > by the way most folks just download apps. > > > They're not self-hosting, requiring a host system to compile the code. > > > But then again, even I am using my home PC as an appliance. > > > I rarely program or even customize it. > > > I'm running the web browser, text editor, moving files, etc. > > > > > > > > > Having salvaged lotsa vintage electronics, I've seen the insides of > lotsa > > > equipment. > > > I've subscribed to Circuit Cellar from the beginning. > > > They were an early advocate of single chip microcontrollers. > > > These chips come to mind when thinking of embedded processors > > > (in chronological order) > > > > > > > > > 1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_4004 > > > 1971: the Intel 4004. > > > I encountered one deep inside a Calcomp DS12 hard drive controller. > > > See page 55 http://www.bitsavers.org/magazines/Datamation/19710801.pdf > > > > > > [AND FOR THE RECORD: > > > the 4004 was the first _commercially_available_ microprocessor. > > > The military was first with the MP944 chip set for the > > > US Navy's F-14 Tomcat fighter's CADC: completed June 1970. > > > > > > https://firstmicroprocessor.com/ > > > > > > > > > https://www.computerhistory.org/siliconengine/microprocessor-integrates-cpu… > > > https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-14_CADC > > > > > > > > > https://www.wired.com/story/secret-history-of-the-first-microprocessor-f-14/ > > > ] > > > > > > > > > 2) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_MCS-48 > > > This family of single chip microcontrollers was released in 1976. > > > The IBM PC used them as the keyboard controller > > > (allowing a thin coiled cord and serial link instead of ribbon cable > and > > > parallel interface). > > > > > > > > > 3) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zilog_Z8 > > > 1979: the Zilog Z8. > > > Very popular with hobbyists for the piggyback ROM socket. > > > Circuit Cellar / Micromint made many Z8 systems such as FORTH in ROM. > > > http://cini.classiccmp.org/pdf/MicroMint/Micromint_Z8_Forth.pdf > > > > > > > > > 4) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PIC_microcontrollers > > > 1976: General Instruments' PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller) > > > evolved from ROM only to flash memory, so they're easily reprogrammed > and > > > re-purposed. > > > PIC, like PDP, is a name to avoid saying "computer" or > "microprocessor". > > > > > > > > > 5) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AVR_microcontrollers > > > 1996: Atmel AVR series of single chip microcontrollers. > > > Similar to the PIC, popularized by the Arduino. > > > > > > The Arduino ecosystem is no longer just for experimenters and > hobbyists. > > > It's now used for Industrial automation and machine controllers, > > > replacing embedded processors such as the Z80 and STD bus. > > > See: https://www.automationdirect.com/open-source/home > > > > > > What scares me is NOT the tool but how you use it. > > > Just as everything looks like a nail if you have only a hammer, > > > and screwdrivers have been abused as pry bars, wedges, > paint-can-openers, > > > etc. > > > The Arduino is just a tool. > > > My fear is the lack of disciplined programming, proper safety > engineering > > > practices > > > and peer review of mission critical devices that risk injury or death. > > > I remember the horror of the Therac-25. Do you? > > > https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Therac-25 > > > > > > Even Google knows to throw me relevant ads: > > > https://www.onlogic.com/ > > > "Ideal for IoT, Edge and AI Inferencing applications" > > > Just like the movie Westworld, what could possibly go wrong ... go > wrong > > > ... go wrong > > > https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westworld_(film) > > > https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westworld_(TV_series) > > > > > > That's what happens when robots/androids violate Isaac Asimov's "Three > > Laws > > > of Robotics" > > > > > > 1) A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a > > human > > > being to come to harm. > > > 2) A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such > > > orders would conflict with the First Law. > > > 3) A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection > does > > > not conflict with the First or Second Law. > > > > > > > > > and that's the way it is. > > > > > > -- jeff jonas > > > > > >

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Fw: [Premium-Rx] HP-64000 System - FREE
by W2HX 13 Jan '24

13 Jan '24

Just forwarding. Just the messenger, don't shoot. Sent from Nine<http://www.9folders.com/> ________________________________ From: Michael Riley via Premium-Rx <premium-rx(a)mailman.qth.net> Sent: Saturday, January 13, 2024 11:07 AM To: premium-rx(a)mailman.qth.net Subject: [Premium-Rx] HP-64000 System - FREE Greetings. This posting is closely related to some old WJ receivers. But it is not a premium receiver. Sorry. I have the following available for FREE: A complete and working HP-64000 Development System. It was used to develop the embedded software in some WJ receivers and equipment. Model numbers I was able to extract are listed below. The HP-64000 System consists of the following: HP-64000 terminal (qty. 1). HP-7912 disk drive, 65.6 MBytes (qty. 2). (One disk drive includes an internal tape back-up unit.) HP-9144 tape back-up unit (qty. 1). HP-64224A '80186' Emulator Probe (in-circuit emulator). HP-64516A EPROM programming module (supports: 27512, 27513, and possibly others). A number of back-up tapes. Some cables. Misc. other related 'stuff'. Note: I do not have any manuals. An HP museum in Australia (and at least one other website) have scanned and posted many manuals related to this system. The system is quite large and heavy. (The manual states that one HP-7912 disk drive weighs 148 pounds. As a guess - the terminal weighs about 50 pounds.) I can provide dimensions, photos, detailed module numbers, etc. - on request. If you're within a "reasonable" distance of Annapolis, Maryland (USA), I'll even consider delivering it, help set it up, and a quick demo on using it. (Assuming I can get it loaded into my truck.) I compiled a list of equipment and acronyms from the disk (user) listings. I'm pretty sure the WJ8718 is complete. In other words all the embedded software is there. I believe at least one of the controllers in the WJ9195C is complete. It would appear that the WJ8628 is complete. Specifically which sub-models, I do not know. Many models and acronyms are unknown to me. If you look at the source files, you could possibly figure it out. Also available, FREE, is a Printronix P300 large format high speed line printer on rolling stand. It connects to the HP64000 terminal. It worked the last time I tested it. (It's RS-232, so any computer can use it; not just the HP64000.) Let me know if you want this system or have any questions. Happy New Year and best regards, Mike. ---------- DISK0 ---------- WJ9477 WJ9644 WJ9195 WJ99 (TSU) WJ28 WJ8718 WJ8709 DBP DCU900 GDC900 IOC MRU MRU108 SSU W8999 ---------- DISK1 ---------- WJ8628 WJ28b WJ9478 WJ9520 WJ9644 DDF102 GES28 GES_4a GOI_4a ICE_4a IFD121 IOC IOMGES IOMOCT IOMSIN IOMc IOMd IOMe ISC MANKEY NDF SIM_IO -- << My contact information is below. >> *************************** Michael Riley 1509 Manor View Road Davidsonville, MD 21035-2159 USA +1-410-798-4038 (voice only) ----- ______________________________________________________________ Premium-RX Mailing List Information Home: https://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/premium-rx Help Page: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post to Group eMail: premium-rx(a)mailman.qth.net Help Contact eMail: 73(a)73.am Web Home Page: http://www.premium-rx.org/

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