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Workshop Weekend News at the Museum
by Douglas Crawford 20 Nov '23

20 Nov '23

- We have an exhibit high on the wall with some 21 different ISA cards showing the breadth and depth of value that the IBM PC bus brought, and "nod" to Lew Eggebrecht, Chief Engineer on the PC development at IBM, who "wrote the book" on interfacing to the IBM PC. Bart Hirst designed the rack system and 3d printed clips to hold the cards. It is mounted high on the walls and tilts forward to make the view flat to the observer. - A V4 Grease Weasle was generously donated to VCF by Emma Bear Holdings at the last VCF East. I constructed a rig for it from a broken CD duplicator case. The case was nice because of the 5 drive openings and suitable power supply built in. Bart Hirst 3D printed a bracket to hold the grease weasle in the rear opening of the case. It has 5.25 DSDD and 3.5 drive. And room for three more half height drives if we care to expand it. We have cabling for an 8" drive support too, so that should be coming soon to support our S-100 systems. - I started capturing disk images from our only copies of Amiga disks and made some fresh working disks. I'm looking forward to making more great demo software media for PC, CP/M, TRS-80, and others that can be done on the types of drives we have. (We will also have an AppleSause operation soon, too). - There is an intention now to provide instructions at each exhibited computer regarding simplified operation so visitors can run the computers themselves in a more meaningful manor. They will be able to handle the media, do directories to examine the media content, and run programs off the real media. We are OK with this because we will be able to replace the media on demand if anything happens to it. Douglas Crawford VCF Mid-Atlantic Museum Mgr InfoAge Science & History Museums 2201 Marconi Road Wall, NJ 07719

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OT / Host site work supporting the TLM-18 Antenna
by Martin A. Flynn 20 Nov '23

20 Nov '23

Was on site yesterday with Bill D working on the Diana site technology "bucket list". * The new network switch is up and running (previous unit was damaged by running the UPS with bad batteries, CDL and Dan Marlow funded replacement batteries. * All four network cameras the Diana site are working. Link to screen shot: http://compdecon.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/diana_site_cams.jpg * Bill D installed the EMP / Lightning protectors for the exterior cameras in the furnace room, final cut over is pending. * The computers supporting the touch-screens were replaced with new units running W11, and mounted in the correct bracket on the back of the touchscreens. Link: http://compdecon.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_3840-scaled.jpg * The camera cables were cut (again) during landscaping activities by Wall Township. I was able to temporarily splice them, however they need to be re-run. InfoAge needs to purchase at least 100 meters of Belden/Mohawk M57622 outdoor network cable to effect permanent repair . Link to picture: http://compdecon.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_3876-scaled.jpg / http://compdecon.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_3877-scaled.jpg Wrap up (and hopefully close-out) is scheduled for Saturday, 12/02/2023 starting at 10:00 AM. Plan of the day is to wrap up the computer / camera / network tasks, along with installing the console brackets so the work surface can be fitted. If you are available and are interested in helping with the tech work, please contact me off-list. Martin Flynn

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Another great repair workshop! 2023-11-18 & 11-19
by Jeffrey Brace 19 Nov '23

19 Nov '23

A less attended repair workshop, but so much was accomplished that some people actually left early! Usually there are people there until late Sunday night. Lots of fun and learning going on. Seems like a lot of them were working on mechanical machines. Perhaps those who attended can chime in on what they got repaired. We went out to our new dinner hangout which is the MJ's in Tinton Falls, very good food and quiet atmosphere. Everyone enjoyed. I helped get some stuff done in the museum and enjoyed discussing in person with many people different issues. So much better to discuss in person! 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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Festivus Survey
by Jeffrey Brace 19 Nov '23

19 Nov '23

In order to better assess planning for Festivus, please fill out this Festivus Survey: https://bit.ly/vcfEoY2023pre 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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Festivus explained for new members
by Jeffrey Brace 19 Nov '23

19 Nov '23

For those who have become new member since last year's Festivus, this email explains what it's all about. *WHAT IS FESTIVUS?* Festivus is VCF's very casual holiday party. We hold it every December. Usually the 2nd weekend of the month. This year it will be on December 9 & 10. On Saturday we will start at 10AM and go late into the night. Saturday is usually the "main" day where most people show up and Sunday is the extra day for those who stayed overnight. We still hang out on Sunday, but there are less people and it is more subdued. It has always been a social event with other vintage computer friends. Usually about 50 people come. It is a great chance to reconnect with fellow members or make new friends. It is held at InfoAge in the Visitors Center building (A.K.A. Sandy area, the dorms, etc.) for the past few years and will be there again this year. *WHAT DO YOU DO AT FESTIVUS?* *FOOD* - In the past we would barbecue hamburgers, hot dogs on Saturday night and perogies for lunch Sunday afternoon. We are likely to do this again this year. - We would also bring potluck items where everyone brings a food and/or beverage item. This has lessened over the last few years. We may still do that this year. - The current idea is for VCF organizers to buy prepared food to supplement any potluck items that members bring. - Signup sheet for food that you are bringing is here <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1arqjLWO62XNKAKbbYMiEZQmlxlNn0R4teVX…> *VIDEO GAMES* - We have a game room setup for anyone to setup their video games for everyone to play: Sign up is here. <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jWjr4FwdX5dMeKR8BSlkvCJpOYa3y6OX-uA…> *SOCIAL* - Fellowship, fun and a time to catch up with friends. *SWAP MEET* - We have a mini indoor swap meet at no extra cost where members can buy and sell with each other. - Swap meet signup is here. <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1C0e0YwN-p_gl5i249rRBx9LYmyZMce3AqeC…> *COST* - We are likely to charge about $30 for the event which will cover everything. Unlimited food and drinks. We will be sending out a signup form and payment through our website very soon. Cash or credit card on site is also possible. Signing up ahead of time is preferred, but not required. *WHAT ELSE?* - The Steering committee which leads our Mid-Atlantic Chapter usually has a Town Hall where they review accomplishments from the past year and plans for the coming year. This is usually done around dinner time. Any other questions? Please feel free to ask! 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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Festivus 2023 Mini-Swap Meet signup
by Jeffrey Brace 19 Nov '23

19 Nov '23

This is the link for the Festivus Swap Meet Signup <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1C0e0YwN-p_gl5i249rRBx9LYmyZMce3AqeC…> 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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OT / Host site work supporting the TLM-18 Antenna
by Martin A. Flynn 19 Nov '23

19 Nov '23

Was on site yesterday with Bill D working on the Diana site technology "bucket list". * The new network switch is up and running (previous unit was damaged by running the UPS with bad batteries, CDL and Dan Marlow funded replacement batteries. * All four network cameras the Diana site are working. Link to screen shot: http://compdecon.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/diana_site_cams.jpg * Bill D installed the EMP / Lightning protectors for the exterior cameras in the furnace room, final cut over is pending. * The computers supporting the touch-screens were replaced with new units running W11, and mounted in the correct bracket on the back of the touchscreens. Link: http://compdecon.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_3840-scaled.jpg * The camera cables were cut (again) during landscaping activities by Wall Township. I was able to temporarily splice them, however they need to be re-run. InfoAge needs to purchase at least 100 meters of Belden/Mohawk M57622 outdoor network cable to effect permanent repair . Link to picture: http://compdecon.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_3876-scaled.jpg / http://compdecon.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_3877-scaled.jpg Wrap up (and hopefully close-out) is scheduled for Saturday, 12/02/2023 starting at 10:00 AM. Plan of the day is to wrap up the computer / camera / network tasks, along with installing the console brackets so the work surface can be fitted. If you are available and are interested in helping with the tech work, please contact me off-list. Martin Flynn

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Breakfast tomorrow
by Jeffrey Brace 18 Nov '23

18 Nov '23

At Blue Swan at 9AM.

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Festivus Update! Dec. 9. 2023
by Herbert Johnson 18 Nov '23

18 Nov '23

Jeff, in more than a few words: what changed? What happened? That VCFed can't use the *full kitchen* at InfoAge? Do people need to bring more food, better food? Does someone else need to volunteer to cook burgers and brauts outside in December? Do you need more money to pay for that stuff? If so - ASK. And explain. It's a month out, there's time. Let people know. 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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Data Recovery in Alexandria, VA
by Jeffrey Brace 18 Nov '23

18 Nov '23

Is there anyone close to Alexandria, VA that can help someone recover some data? *This is what they are looking to recover:* *Castlewood Orb 2.2GB - x2* *3M Travan TR-3 Minicartridge 1.6GB/3.2GB - x1* *3M XIMAT DC 2120 Mini Data Cartridge Tape 120MB - x2* *Additionally, some 3.5" floppies that his drive can't read - x10-15* If you are interested in helping him, then let me know and I will forward you his information. 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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