- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

Wang Writer 5503
by Jeffrey Brace 28 Nov '22

28 Nov '22

Some of you may have seen Usagi Electric try to get his Wang Writer 5503 working: https://www.youtube.com/c/Nakazoto So VCF had a donation about a year ago from someone. It isn't working, but we have the system disks. If anyone is interested in getting this system working, then let me know. A good chance to do this is at the next repair workshop. I'm also looking to archive and copy these disks for Usagi Electric to get his system working. ========================================= Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity https://vcfed.org/ <http://www.vcfed.org/> jeffrey(a)vcfed.org

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Steering Committee Voting is in Progress!
by Chris Fala 27 Nov '22

27 Nov '22

After less than two days, I was told that we have already had a good response from the voters. Many thanks to all of you who have already participated! If you haven't voted yet, I encourage you to take an active role in selecting the leadership of our great organization. Help decide who will direct the growth of our museum. Voting will close at 11:59pm on December 7th. Get to know your candidates here: https://vcfed.org/steering-committee-nominee-position-statements/ Vote at the link below. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdqnOZddYcoHTc59HLVn4QxWaEAdNehGL3… Thank you for your participation and support of VCF-MA! Chris Fala

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Steering Committee
by Bill Degnan 27 Nov '22

27 Nov '22

Hi all, I have made it a policy for the past year to keep a low profile when it comes to matters related to Kennett Classic on this mailing list, but I thought I'd comment on the upcoming Steering Committee election because I think there's important work being done there. Although I have good relationships with all Steering Committee members and candidates, I wish to endorse Adam Michlin's candidacy for the Steering Committee in particular. In addition to his partnership with Kennett Classic, Adam fosters collaborative relationships with a number of other groups and individuals to the benefit of the VCFed. I think that this is good for the overall hobby and it puts the VCFed into a leadership position. Adam also has a good eye for building a positive social media presence and he consistently promotes both internal and external hobby events and activity. Electing Adam to the Steering Committee will help bring to fruition the goals you have set for this group. I look forward to strengthening the relationship between Kennett Classic and the VCFed by working with the new Steering Committee on projects and events over the next year. Good luck to you all and I see great things coming in 2023. Best Regards, Bill Degnan Current President Kennett Classic Co-founder of MARCH / original VCFed VP @billdeg / kennettclassic.com vintagecomputer.net

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"RARE interview that has remained hidden for 40 years Roberta Williams talks Colossal Cave"
by Adam Michlin 27 Nov '22

27 Nov '22

Hi All, Just made avaiable, but recorded decades ago! "RARE interview that has remained hidden for 40 years Roberta Williams talks Colossal Cave" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePthFD-3X9Q -Adam

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Ethan's Steering Committee statement
by Ethan O'Toole 27 Nov '22

27 Nov '22

Hello, I probably know most people by now but figured I should write out a bit. Background wise I have been involved in events for a number of years. Helped with the HOPE conference in NYC doing streaming and special projects for a number of years. Helped in the early launch times of a sci-fi con called ROFCon in Virginia Beach. Helped heavily with a video game music and video gaming event called MAGFest (peak attendence 23,500.) Have done AV work (With help of others!) more recently for VCF and some other events. Co-ran a few mini Makerfaires in Norfolk Virginia and a number of other events. I also ran a hackerspace in Norfolk for a few years (it's a makerspace with a different name.) I have seen the back ends of a number of events. Helped with marketing, some slight fundraising and other bits. Good chance this could be useful to VCF as we look to grow! Of course I am involved in the hobby and have been for many years. Also have hobbies that involve lighting, power control, AMX automation, and a bunch of other things that could be useful for the museum. I tend to be pretty creative. Fun times, have a good one! - Ethan

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VOTING NOW OPEN - Steering Committee Election is Live
by Chris Fala 26 Nov '22

26 Nov '22

Cast your vote now! Please remember there are three seats to fill, so you may vote for up to three candidates. For identification on the voting form, use the e-mail address that you are subscribed to this mailing list with. Voting will close at 11:59pm on December 7th. Get to know your candidates here: https://vcfed.org/steering-committee-nominee-position-statements/ Vote at the link below. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdqnOZddYcoHTc59HLVn4QxWaEAdNehGL3… Thank you for your participation!

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Position Statement, Steering Committee
by Douglas Crawford 26 Nov '22

26 Nov '22

Greeting VCF members. This is Doug Crawford coming to you regarding nomination for the 2022 Steering Committee elections. I have been serving as an appointed member to the committee since last spring when Tony Bogan had to step out for personal reasons. I have learned a lot getting thrust into the organization. Allow me a moment to tell you what I have experienced, and done, and hope to accomplish if I remain on the committee. Here’s my primer on what being a Steering Committee members means. The Steering Committee is a governmental body concept, one that is credited to Adam Michin for proposing, and designed to bring our best minds to bear on all of the activities of the Mid-Atlantic chapter of VCF. As such the committee’s decisions often have to do with the museum, the warehouse, and relations with InfoAge. This was an innovation that has led to a lot of healthy direction since its inception. Steering Committee candidates mainly serve to lend their minds, and don’t have to be the most talented technically or most available. They are lending their practical judgment, passion, and interest. It seems to me these are some important attributes for Steering Committee members: caring about the health of the hobby, caring about the artifacts, caring about effective relationship with InfoAge, caring that projects in progress, and a vision for the future of what VCF Mid Atlantic can accomplish. Here’s an example. It had always been a working assumption that the only way to run the Mid-Atlantic VCF efforts was having one person in charge of managing all the aspects. Chris Fala was the first to suggest that this wasn’t necessarily the case. This turned into a proposal by me defining a set of manager roles under the direction of the Steering Committee. Behind the scenes interested parties refined the plan and then it was presented to the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee like the idea, refined it further, and passed it. Things are running pretty well like this now, and the burdens are distributed. And the "jobs" are transferable in the future. Its sustainable. Perhaps some of this background info will help in framing what you are voting for and your expectations. Now having been deeper inside “the machine” than ever before, and additionally serving under the new manager roles as Museum Manager and Warehouse manager, I began forming an assessment of where we have been and where we might go. In short I see a whole host of yet-to-be-realized potential created by all the effort that has come before. I think we are not yet capitalizing enough on the retro craze and making it count on our campus. Chiefly, we do not get as much of the general public coming to see the exhibits of VCF East, not near enough traffic coming to the museum, and too little growth to the membership. In a response to these observations, I crafted an expanded Mission Statement with details that I believe will inspire action to make practical improvements in these areas. The Steering Committee recently reviewed, refined and voted to adopt it. Working this mission statement in earnest should lead to some good results. My primary focus with the museum is to grow the Museum‘s stature to become a well-known, “must see” destination. *** the very health of InfoAge and our continued presence there, it turns out, depends on our development of traffic to the complex *** As such we must cultivate visitor in categories like these and more: - general public curious about computer history - students that might need inspiration to develop an interest in technology - budding STEM students that will would be encouraged by an infusion computer tech and concepts that build upon what they know. I believe our crew of “veterans of the computer revolution” can provide a thoroughly excellent experience to visitors. And it would be great if we could have a program that encourages visitor that we inspire to have a continuing relationship with VCF. And last, here are some of my technical background and vintage computer work: - https://abitoutofplace.wordpress.com/ - some restorations and my “about me” - The Spreadsheet "Killer App" VCF exhibit - Kermit Exhibit - with the Superbrain building an early executable of CP/M Kermit VCF Exhibit - Computers with multiple personalities Exhibit with Chris Fala and Todd George - C64 assembly language introduction VCF class - A docent going back to the MARCH days. - Taking vintage computer exhibits to science fairs with Chris Fala and Todd George. So if elected to a set I will be in a position to keep the integrity of the initiatives spawning from the new Mission Statement. I look forward to carrying the torch! -DC

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VCF-MA UPDATES - Museum News and Steering Committee Report
by Chris Fala 26 Nov '22

26 Nov '22

Dear VCF Members, I am very pleased to share with you that there have been amazing improvements in our museum recently. Since joining the Steering Committee, and subsequently being voted as the Museum Manager, Doug Crawford has been unstoppable! He is regularly at the museum, both to perform docent duties, and to work on various projects/improvements. Here are just some of the many recent accomplishments that have resulted from his actions and leadership. - A testimonial video for our Wang 4000 was made with Ramsey Mahadeen and published on YouTube. - The HP 1000 power has been wired, the machine repaired, documented, and is now operable by docents. - Our PDP-8 was repaired by David G. at the last workshop. - A Microvax II is installed in the museum and is usable. It is attached to the DEC Robin as an AUX terminal. - Detailed museum opening and closing procedure checklists have been written and are in use. This ensures consistent handling of artifacts and makes it easier for new docents to perform these duties correctly. - A better description of the museum, updated and approved by the Steering Committee, has been provided to InfoAge for inclusion in their new handouts. - Unused floor space under computer exhibit racks were fitted with curtains to allow that area to be used for storage, in conditioned space, for some artifacts previously housed in the warehouse, as well as to clear space in the docent area to provide more workspace. - Doug acquired three, good quality, used medical carts. They will be outfitted with tools, and have wheels so they can be easily moved where needed to assist in working on equipment in the museum and warehouse. _____________________________ In other exciting news, the Steering Committee has voted to approve an official Mission/Vision Statement for our Wall, NJ museum. Inspired by our host, InfoAge, and in partnership with them as a learning center, we believe it is important to have a clear goal, mission, and vision for our museum. This Mission Statement will be incorporated into the Steering Committee's by-laws, will be proudly displayed in our museum, and will be used (as appropriate) in publications and advertisements. Until we have the opportunity to post it on our website, the content is provided below. I hope you agree with me that this is a very meaningful addition to our charter. Since becoming affiliated with VCF several years ago, I have witnessed exceptional growth in all aspects of the organization. Between the museum, VCF-East, events like workshops and swap-meets, member participation, artifacts, organizational structure, etc., I feel that we have grown and improved far from where we started, while still holding onto the things that make us great, foremost of which is our awesome community. I have high hopes that we can continue this trend with the help of all our brilliant members. Sincerely, Chris Fala Chairman of the Mid-Atlantic Steering Committee of the Vintage Computer Federation _____________________________ *The Mission and Vision of* *the Vintage Computer Federation Museum in Wall, NJ* *A Computer History Learning Center* *MISSION* To honor and propagate the history of computer innovation by preserving and exhibiting artifacts in a uniquely hands-on experience for the education of the public, edification of our membership, and inspiration of a new generation of thinkers, dreamers, and visionaries. *VISION* *Develop* a growing museum and knowledgeable docent staff. Rescue, preserve, and restore artifacts. Create interesting, educational, functional, and interactive exhibits. *Establish* educational tours, demonstrations, talks, and hands-on learning opportunities around the multi-faceted technological evolutions in computer subjects. These include hardware, operating systems, programming languages, applications/software, user interfaces, communications and networking, and gaming. *Instill* an appreciation of the evolution of technology by connecting tech of the past to tech of today. *Illuminate* our artifacts with information about the people, events, culture, and trivia in computer history. *Inspire* youth to continue the quest; help them realize that they are the future and give them a vision for that future. Provide avenues for them to get started learning electronics and programming. *Cultivate* a community of vintage technology enthusiasts by engaging them with the VCF in its mission, and provide opportunities to get involved. *Grow *the museum by promoting far and wide its value and educational experience. Increase attendance and revenue to InfoAge, encourage the increase in donations to the VCF. Establish that we are worthy of being the beneficiaries of significant, notable, or important artifact donations and monetary support, in particular from industry and influential entities. *ASPIRATIONS* ● To be regarded as a premier computer history learning center and museum ● To be regarded as a must-see destination for all levels of interest, from those casually intrigued with computer history to students studying technology to technology industry veterans to vintage computer hobbyists ● To embody these goals both in our current museum even more so in our future expanded museum

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Steering Committee Position Statement for Jeff Salzman
by Jeff S 26 Nov '22

26 Nov '22

My own personal history, experiences, curiosity, and affinity toward vintage computing has set me firmly in a hobby that I enjoy. I believe in the goals of the Vintage Computer Federation (VCF), not only for the preservation of vintage computer systems, but for the opportunities the organization provides to the public for those who want to discover and learn about the history of computing. It would be an honor to be a committee member, putting forth an effort as part of the process that helps to define the operation and future vision of the VCF. I have been an aficionado of vintage computing systems, even long before they were ever classified as vintage. My personal experiences since my childhood and young adulthood have always been along the home computing line, 8-bit and above. VCF introduced me to other forms of computing that had an impact throughout the world over the ages. Sometime around 2004, I learned about M.A.R.C.H. and what the organization was all about. I was even asked to design the organization’s logo. It was then that I discovered I wasn’t the only one who (even secretly) held a fondness for vintage computing, thus re-energizing my hobby from simply collecting vintage computing systems, toward the appreciation and preservation of vintage computing in general. I eventually found myself attending the VCF East event as an exhibitor so I could show off what I had in my collection and demonstrate to others, young and old, what computing was like for my generation. Since that time, I have been doing a completely different exhibit each year to show a variety of vintage computers, along with examples of how they were used back in the day. I also started engaging in behind-the-scenes activity of the organization’s events and general operations. I became increasingly involved with events like the Workshops and Festivus. You would (and still could) find me at almost every Workshop, if not working on my own stuff, I’m generally working through items on behalf of the warehouse and museum to meet their respective needs. I hate to see broken vintage computer systems. The Workshops give us an opportunity to do our part in keeping these systems alive, and even more so, allow us to share that experience with others bearing the same interests. Those are just a few of the many reasons VCF exists for the avid hobbyist, or for the piqued interest of a museum visitor, or with whatever insight the organization discovers can be used to promote the knowledge and history of computing to the public. That is a primary goal of mine if elected to the Steering Committee. To put a finger on the pulse of the hobby and help to find ways to effectively and thoroughly promote the intent of the Vintage Computer Federation, defined by the “Corporate Purpose” as written in the organization’s by-laws. Needless to say, I frequently and deeply engage in VCF activities. I shall engage in my duties as a member of the VCF Steering Committee with no less effort than I already put in for the good of the organization. On behalf of the other candidates and myself, I thank you for your fair consideration of everyone’s Position Statement before you vote for the Steering Committee members you feel will properly support and advise the VCF on its operations and charter. Jeff Salzman

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*** VOTING STARTS TOMORROW!!! *** - YOU Will Select the Next Steering Committee Members
by Chris Fala 25 Nov '22

25 Nov '22

Hello VCF Members! Nominations closed on Wednesday night. The candidates are set. Voting opens tomorrow morning! Cast your vote using the link that will be provided at that time. Remember, there are three vacancies, so you can vote for up to three candidates. Be an informed voter. Follow the link below to learn more about the candidates. Also, feel free to reach out and ask questions. https://vcfed.org/steering-committee-nominee-position-statements/ Candidate nominees are: Doug Crawford - nominated by Chris Fala Chris Fala - nominated by Tony Bogan Alexander Jacocks - nominated by Jeff Salzman Adam Michlin - nominated by Dean Notarnicola Dean Notarnicola - nominated by Doug Crawford Ethan O'Toole - nominated by Alexander Jacocks Jeff Salzman - nominated by Jeff Brace Your participation is appreciated! VCF *IS* ITS MEMBERS! Sincerely, Chris Fala Chairman of the Mid-Atlantic Steering Committee of the Vintage Computer Federation

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