- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

replying and elaborating to Herb Johnson's postings re: 4004 Based Microcomputer
by Jeffrey Jonas 12 Jan '24

12 Jan '24

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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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] HOPE XV (2024)
by Jeffrey Brace 12 Jan '24

12 Jan '24

On Sun, Dec 17, 2023 at 9:23 PM Jim Scheef via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Jeff, > I plan to go. Will VCFed have a table? > I'm mulling it over with the national board and steering committee. It would help us if we had volunteers that were already going to help us. > Jim > > > > > On Sat, 16 Dec 2023, Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > > > Date: Sat, 16 Dec 2023 12:52:46 -0500 > > From: Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org > > > > To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> > > Cc: Jeffrey Brace <jeffrey(a)vcfed.org> > > Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] HOPE XV (2024) > > > > Who is definitely going to HOPE in 2024 (July 12-14)? > > > > 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 > > > > js(a)sdf.org > SDF Public Access UNIX System - http://sdf.lonestar.org >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF East Update #1 = 1/13/2024 at 6:30PM EST
by Andrew Diller 12 Jan '24

12 Jan '24

So that is how you get free admission to the shows! Jeff, you are amazing. I have a few words to say about you: Jeffery Brace's tenure as the showrunner for the Vintage Computer Festival East has been nothing short of exemplary, solidifying his reputation as one of the best in the field. His deep understanding and appreciation for vintage computing have enabled him to curate events that not only showcase the technological marvels of the past but also illuminate their impact on the present and future of computing. Brace's meticulous attention to detail, combined with his ability to orchestrate complex events, ensures that each festival is a seamless blend of education, nostalgia, and entertainment. His leadership has consistently delivered a festival that resonates with enthusiasts and newcomers alike, creating an inclusive environment where the rich history of computing is celebrated. His commitment to preserving and sharing this history has made the Vintage Computer Festival East a must-attend event for anyone interested in the evolution of technology. Jeffery Brace's unparalleled expertise and passion make him an invaluable asset to the vintage computing community. > On Jan 11, 2024, at 8:29 PM, Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > From: Sentrytv <sentrytv(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF East Update #1 = 1/13/2024 at 6:30PM EST > > > Jeff, you do a great job every year and don’t let anybody tell you differently. > > Personally, I don’t mind the updates and the reminders. > It keeps me posted on what’s going on and the delete button is always handy. > > Mike R. >

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A 4004 Based Microcomputer the Comstar System 4
by Herbert Johnson 12 Jan '24

12 Jan '24

> Cc: Christian Liendo > > A number of years ago I got my hands on a Comstar Programmer, it programmed roms for a computer called the Comstar System 4. > > I was told both the programmer and the System 4 were intel 4004 based. > I asked around and kept getting told no computer was 4004 based. > > I really didn't do much due diligence just some searching here and there but I found enough to show that the computer did exist and was > 4004 based.[links to documents posted] > I'm still trying to get more info, but I think this is some decent evidence to show there was a 4004 based computer in 1972. This is good work, but I am reluctant to consider many early uses of microprocessors as "computers" without further explanation. The simple reasons are 1) many early implementations were for use as controllers, or logic-replacements; 2) the idea of a "computer" has changed many times from the era before microprocessor and during microprocessor developments in the early-to-mid 1970's. 3) The world of computing technology in the 2020's is so different from my world of them in the 1970's, calling something particularly early a computer obscures those changes. Fewer US people today are employed in US manufacturing or production. So "industrial" doesn't have a lot of personal context today. Apparently that Comstar 4, and certainly early use of the Intel 4004, are examples of industrialm controls. From Christian's documents, the Compstar System 4 was a replacement for ladder-logic or PLC (programmed logic) controllers for industrial control. The PLC program was cross-compiled on some mainframe or minicomputer running a FORTRAN program. That was a very common means of microprocessor programming in the early-mid 1970's. Gary Kildall (later of CP/M, Digital Research) produced FORTRAN assemblers and PL/M compilers for Intel's 8008 and 8080, for development of industrial applications. It's good to see this Comstar work become available. While I'm from the era, I certainly didn't see or know everything of the time, particularly the 4-bit era just before my engineering days. Intel's earliest 4004 literature, talks about use of 4004's to replace random logic, to produce controllers that could be manufacturer-reprogrammed. (Not by the way, user-reprogrammable, in fact 4001 ROMS were mask-programmed.) The 4004 and many other early microprocessors, were jammed into already-existing analog/digital logic instruments and even minicomputers. They replaced some user-interfacing logic for displays, keyboards, serial, data transfer. Later, they replaced the wired-up operating logic too. Microprocessor companies described and promoted their microprocessors in their application notes and press releases; early emphasis was to replace "hard-wired logic" for manufacturing and development convenience. The idea of "computers" evolved in many ways, to be brief about it. So calling something a computer begs the question of what computers were or were not at the times referenced. As far as what was produced when, and how early? Well, some company is chronologically first or second or third, in some way, of some kind of use of some microprocessor. I think it's all interesting, and since I am or was a digital engineer in the 1970's I have my own experiences of the period. The literature and media of the period, the artifacts themselves today, once found and referenced, provide first-person and empirical evidence. Those are my go-to's, so I have a lot of contexts to consider. Regards Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA https://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net preserve, recover, restore 1970's computing email: hjohnson AT retrotechnology DOT com or try later herbjohnson AT comcast DOT net

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF East Update #1 = 1/13/2024 at 6:30PM EST
by ☼ wil lindsay ☼ 11 Jan '24

11 Jan '24

Jeff -- Had to duplicate this so you hear it! "Jeff, you do a great job every year and don’t let anybody tell you differently." I can't agree more - and the redundancy in messaging is worth it. On Thu, Jan 11, 2024 at 8:30 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Jeff, you do a great job every year and don’t let anybody tell you > differently. > > Personally, I don’t mind the updates and the reminders. > It keeps me posted on what’s going on and the delete button is always > handy. > > Mike R. > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > On Jan 11, 2024, at 8:23 PM, Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > On Thu, Jan 11, 2024 at 8:12 PM David Gesswein via vcf-midatlantic < > > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > >> Will the important information also be posted somewhere? > >> > > > > The important information is already on the website: > > https://vcfed.org/events/vintage-computer-festival-east/ > > I'm updating it as fast as I can with the time that I have. I'm > > multitasking: locking in speakers, processing exhibits, organizing > > meetings, sending emails, organizing swag, etc. > > > > I find that many people don't read it and I have to repeat things and > post > > links again and again. > > A video seemed like a good way to explain stuff in an A/V way. > > > > The video is mostly for new people that are unfamiliar with the campus, > > like where to park, where the talks are, etc. > > Some of it is just to illustrate with video and audio what is already on > > the website. > > It is a good one stop place to get info. > > > > I do post stuff to social media, but somehow people still miss things. I > > post in as many places as I can. It never seems to be enough. > > > > I've already posted important links here: > > > https://vcfed.org/2023/12/31/vcf-east-2024-is-coming-april-12-13-14-infoage/ > > > > I've already told everyone that consignment is in a new location and will > > be twice the size. It's hard to explain where it is without a map. And > hard > > to show without a picture or video. It's hard to show where it is in > > relation to other buildings. > > > > > >> > >>> On Thu, Jan 11, 2024 at 07:38:05PM -0500, Jeffrey Brace via > >>> vcf-midatlantic wrote: > >>> I plan on doing a livestream to update everyone on VCF East: > >>> https://youtube.com/live/V93m5bFmTnk > >>> > >>> Some of this will be to inform people about the layout and > organization, > >>> etc. > >>> > >>> Jeff Brace > >>> Vintage Computer Festival East Showrunner > >> > >

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VCF East Update #1 = 1/13/2024 at 6:30PM EST
by Jeffrey Brace 11 Jan '24

11 Jan '24

I plan on doing a livestream to update everyone on VCF East: https://youtube.com/live/V93m5bFmTnk Some of this will be to inform people about the layout and organization, etc. Jeff Brace Vintage Computer Festival East Showrunner

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Person we know on TV
by David Gesswein 09 Jan '24

09 Jan '24

https://video.mpt.tv/video/episode-1101-bvg4go/ Bob Roswell with System Source Computer Museum's Apple 1 at 20 minutes.

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VCF East 2024 Hotel Blocks
by Jeffrey Brace 08 Jan '24

08 Jan '24

Reposting this in case anyone wants to take advantage of the low rates while they last! https://vcfed.org/vcf-east-hotel-blocks/ 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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System Source Workshop - Jan. 27th and 28th
by Ryan Burke 08 Jan '24

08 Jan '24

System Source is hosting another repair workshop in Hunt Valley, Maryland on January 27th and 28th, please check out the link below for more information and to register. https://ca.syssrc.com/wp/?page_id=85&civiwp=CiviCRM&q=civicrm%2Fevent%2Finf… We are also looking for volunteers! Either for the event, or in general to help out the museum. If you'd like to help out, please send an email to rburke(a)sysssrc.com

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2024 VCF Events: Repair Workshops, Swap Meets, Festivus
by Jeffrey Brace 07 Jan '24

07 Jan '24

I looked at all potential conflicts with events and InfoAge's schedule. I sent in dates to InfoAge and am awaiting confirmation. *CONFIRMED:* *REPAIR WORKSHOPS* *@SystemSource:* Jan 27 & 28 *@*KennettClassic: Feb. 17 *@InfoAge:* March 2 & 3 *FESTIVUS* December 14 & 15 *NOT CONFIRMED:* *REPAIR WORKSHOPS* @InfoAge: March 23 & 24, 2024 May 4 & 5, 2024 June 22 & 23, 2024 July 27 & 28, 2024 August 24 & 25, 2024 October 5, 6, 2024 November 9 & 10, 2024 *SWAP MEETS* @InfoAge: June 22 November 9 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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