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KennettClassic 1 Year Anniv / Swap 9/26
by Bill Degnan 15 Sep '20

15 Sep '20

1 year anniversary new exhibits and swap It will be 73 degrees and sunny Spaces still available. 484 732 7041 Please help support this project, COVID has been rough we can use a boost from the vcf community to help build the local hobby community. Benefits all. https://www.kennettclassic.com/kennett-classic-in-two-weeks-sept-26-2020/ Thanks Bill

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Mac SE PRAM battery - replace with a holder
by Richard Cini 15 Sep '20

15 Sep '20

I just dug out my old Mac SE to check the battery and it needs replacing. In the SE, it’s soldered to the motherboard. I have replacements, both with leads (the original) and without (to be used with a holder). Other than not being original, any concerns or pitfalls with this approach? I couldn’t think of any but I thought I’d throw it to the group. I still need to check the clearance on the cage, though. Rich http://www.classiccmp.org/cini Long Island S100 User’s Group Get Outlook<https://aka.ms/qtex0l> for iOS

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Not quite so linked lists (of books)
by Adam Michlin 14 Sep '20

14 Sep '20

Hi Everyone, I'm embarking on a, hopefully fun, project to create lists of books for various vintage computer related projects. The first one is as broad as them come: What five books would you recommend to someone completely new to the hobby? Parameters: Let us assume the people are adults (children's books will be a separate discussion). Books can be currently published or vintage.. physical or digital... Let us also assume the readers have a basic understanding of how to use a standard (say Windows 10 or macOS) computer. If possible, please include why you think the book should be on the list. I'll be buying (the ones I do not own) the most (quantity and quality) recommended books, reading them, compiling my recommendation for the final list, posting it here for people to tear apart, and then ultimately posting it publicly in an appropriate space. Please post to the list so that other people can see your recommendations (and maybe even find a book they want to buy!). Oh, and feel free to recommend even just one book. The more information the merrier! Thanks! -Adam

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Not quite so linked lists (of books)
by Ken 14 Sep '20

14 Sep '20

At 9/13/2020 06:44 PM, Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic wrote: >Racing the Beam by Ian Bogost and Nick Montfort: About Atari a great game >making company. Also shows how hard it was to program games back then. Racing the Beam was a fantastic book. It wasn't about Atari the company. It was about the Atari 2600/VCS as a technical platform, and was a really compelling technical study about the interplay between a platform and what's created for it. It focused on the machine's architecture, and then on a few titles written for it, each highlighting something fascinating about platforms. While technical, it was also accessible. It's one of my top-favorite technical studies of all time. And, if you're not already familiar with the 2600's design, it does really heighten one's appreciation for how intensely challenging programming for it was, and how impressive those developers were. It looks like this is my second-ever message to this listserv responding to Jeffrey on the subject of this book. Five years ago, I wrote this: Jeffrey, I strongly second Adam's recommendation of "Racing the Beam: The Atari Video Computer System," written in 2009 by Nick Montfort and Ian Bogost. https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/racing-beam I found it well written and well researched. It gets technical enough to be interesting, without getting too technical to scare anyone off. I would love to read another book as similarly compelling. (It didn't read like a dissertation to me!) There have been many books like "The Soul of a New Machine" ("Dreaming in Code," etc.) which are all about the people and politics behind the development of a system. But "Racing the Beam" was primarily about the system itself, and it focused brilliantly on the most compelling and instructive moments in the evolution of 1977's Atari 2600 platform. You will learn just how stupendously hard it was to program for that platform. And, to the authors' goal, you will learn how significant a platform itself is, and what kind of heroics it takes to move beyond the constraints and intended capabilities of a platform. Here are a couple of excerpts, which illustrate what it was like to work on a system that had no operating system, nor even a concept of a 2-dimensional screen grid to write to: ...the VCS programmer must draw each frame of a programs display manually to the screen, synchronizing the 6507 processor instruc- tions to the televisions electron gun via the TIA. The program has a small amount of time to change the TIA settings via its numerous addressable registers. This can happen when the electron beam resets to draw a new line (this period is called horizontal blank), or when it moves back up to the top to draw a new screen (a period called vertical blank). The program must also explicitly instruct the TIA to wait for the horizontal blank or to initiate the vertical blank, which involves keeping track of how much time the instructions take to execute on a single line, between lines, and between frames. Programming the Atari VCS means drawing every line of the television display individually, making decisions about how to change the display on a line-by-line basis rather than setting up a screen- ful of pixels all at once. This task requires that the programmer write carefully timed code that fits the motion of the televisions electron beam. Some graphical effects demand changes to the TIAs registers in the middle of a single scan line. In these cases, the programmer must care- fully cycle count processor instructions so they execute at the right time. While racing the beam is a catchier name, pacing the beam is more apt, since the program might have to be sped up or slowed down. [...] The basic flow of Combat follows the progress of the TVs electron beam, busily preparing each line that is to be drawn while the current one is appearing on the screen. During the vertical blanking interval, as the beam moves from the bottom of the screen to the top, the VCS running Combat does the computation necessary to process input, deal with game logic, and update the score if necessary. The first routine in Combats main loop checks the position of the VCS console switches. A game can be reset at any time, so it is necessary to check these controls each frame. This routine allows different game variations to be selectedif a game is not already in progressand, if a game is in progress, it also checks to see whether time is almost up and the score should be blinking. This routine also underscores the fact that the programmer is responsible for handling every interaction on the machine. The Atari VCS has no operating system to intercept inputs and respond to common ones. Thus, even though the reset switch is clearly labeled reset on the console cabinet, it is up to each cartridge programmer to write a program that responds to the switch being pressed. The programmer can choose to have a cartridge do something other than reset the game when the reset switch is closed, just as different games might use the joystick button for different actions. Although this was rare, there are examples of games that override the function of the console switches as printed on the console. - Ken

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF East Swap Meet - Save the Date - Saturday November 7 (Rain: Sunday November 8)
by Evan Koblentz 13 Sep '20

13 Sep '20

>> you can’t Poopoo the idea, since this is the first time we actually are going to have it. I didn't poopoo the concept, I replied to the comment that accused me of being against all swap meets, because that was out of context. I was against a swap meet * during VCF East * because it would have hurt the main attraction of the show.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF East Swap Meet - Save the Date - Saturday November 7 (Rain: Sunday November 8)
by Andrew Diller 13 Sep '20

13 Sep '20

I thought the swap meet in the big room was an awesome addition to Festivus. It was very popular as a lot of things moved and the light show was really cool. There is room for a triad of yearly 'big' events at InfoAge for VCF: 1. Festival 2. Festivus 3. Swapmeet -andy > On Sep 13, 2020, at 3:48 PM, Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > I would like people who participated in that event to weigh in and voice their opinion, > if that mini-swap meet was good or not? >

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF East Swap Meet - Save the Date - Saturday November 7 (Rain: Sunday November 8)
by Alexander Pierson 13 Sep '20

13 Sep '20

I'm going to have to concur with Evan's concern of swapmeets taking precedence over established VCF activities should they coincide with one another, in that I would not like to see that element overshadow the show aspect. I would be most disappointed to see the event's focus shift to sales of items. However, for quite a few years now, I've seen many exchanges of equipment already happen at a VCF outside of the scope of the consignment room. Pre-arranged private exchanges are commonplace at our events, and they're an inescapable element of what we do as a hobby. Heck, an open swap meet was even sanctioned at Festivus, but that's not in the middle of a Festival. Seeing as we are in the middle of a pandemic, I don't imagine the turnout for such a swapmeet is going to be all that much different from a workshop. You'll have your few dedicated folks who can take the time to haul some stuff over, but that's about it. The draw of a large yearly event (Festival or Festivus) brings people from far and wide to visit with their fellow hobbyists, so people feel if they're making the trip for that, might as well load up the car with spare goodies and find a better home for some of it. Don't treat the turnout for such an event as a litmus test of a normal year. Cautious folks such as myself will simply wait it out for fairer health climates (you're welcome to call me overly cautious, I don't care). tl;dr: bigger events are great, but not if they're changing why we meet in the first place. -Alexander 'Z' Pierson On Sunday, September 13, 2020, 03:30:50 PM EDT, Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: Evan There is no doubt that everybody has a right to their opinion. You and I had this conversation as well. I believe that a swap meet is a good thing and besides you can’t Poopoo the idea, since this is the first time we actually are going to have it. We’ll give it a try and if it doesn’t work out we don’t have it again. Certainly can’t hurt to try. Besides because everybody’s been locked up inside, no Hamfest, no swapmeets, people are Jonesin’ for a swap meet! Mike Rosen Sent from: My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > On Sep 13, 2020, at 2:28 PM, Evan Koblentz <evan(a)snarc.net> wrote: > > >>> In years past, I pushed for a swap meet with previous management but the response was "It would be too much like a hamfest and hamfests are dying". > > That's out of context. > > Several people in the group asked for a swap meet * during * VCF East. I declined, because many of these people wanted to have a swap meet table instead of exhibiting. That would have damaged the exhibit hall and replaced much of it with something attractive only to people who are already in the hobby. > > It would have contributed to shrinking the hobby. My goal was to grow the hobby by introducing it to the public. > > Consignment was a (very successful) compromise. It let everyone sell stuff without taking away from the exhibit hall and also making some extra money for the group. > > I was right about that, and I was right about hamfests. How many families and kids excitedly go to a hamfest? Swapmeets are incestuous, and that makes communities wither and go extinct. > > You're able to have a swapmeet this year only because management is not bogged down running the real show. > > VCF's success is because of my earlier decisions, not in spite of them. > > > > > > >>> On Sep 13, 2020, Jeff Galinat via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: >> Hi Adam, >> Excellent! Even though I am a little bummed as I live in AZ now instead >> of NJ, this is great news! Swap meets have been a large part of the >> vintage >> computer and ham radio communities for years. I still find occasional >> vintage computer items at hamfests but a vintage computer swap meet >> would >> be great for the hobby. In years past, I pushed for a swap meet with >> previous management but the response was "It would be too much like a >> hamfest and hamfests are dying". >> One of the largest draws for TCF was the flea market and I had many >> great >> finds over the years but they effectively killed the flea market by >> moving >> it in to a small room. >> I still have a good amount of vintage equipment in NJ so maybe I can >> participate in a future event if it happens next year. >> Best of luck with the event, >> Jeff >> On Sun, Sep 13, 2020, 9:32 AM Adam Michlin via vcf-midatlantic < >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: >>> Hi Everyone, >>> Alas, there will be no consignment at our hybrid VCF East coming up, >> but >>> we have decided to try something new and have an *outdoor* Swap Meet. >>> Vendors (which can be individuals) will be able to rent space and >> people >>> will be able to attend the event for the very modest fee of $5. All >> VCF >>> surplus will also be on sale at this event. >>> DATE: Saturday, November 7, with Rain Date Sunday, November 8 >>> TIME: 9AM TO 6PM >>> Location: InfoAge, 2201 Marconi Road Wall, NJ 07719 >>> $20 for vendors for first space, $10 for each additional space. 4 >> spaces >>> max - BRING YOUR OWN TABLES/BLANKETS/WHATEVER >>> $5 for admissions for general public >>> We want to emphasize this will be an *outdoor* event >> I'm particulary excited about this because, back in the 1990s, my first >>> stint (habit, if you prefer) of vintage computer collecting was >>> supported by attending regular computer swap meets in Silicon Valley >> at >>> De Anza College and Lawrence Livermore Labs. The enthusiam at >>> consignment each year tells me we are ripe to bring something like >> this >>> back on a regular basis, but, of course, COVID make things trickier >> than >>> usual. >>> Best wishes, >>> -Adam

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF East Swap Meet - Save the Date - Saturday November 7 (Rain: Sunday November 8)
by Sentrytv 13 Sep '20

13 Sep '20

Evan There is no doubt that everybody has a right to their opinion. You and I had this conversation as well. I believe that a swap meet is a good thing and besides you can’t Poopoo the idea, since this is the first time we actually are going to have it. We’ll give it a try and if it doesn’t work out we don’t have it again. Certainly can’t hurt to try. Besides because everybody’s been locked up inside, no Hamfest, no swapmeets, people are Jonesin’ for a swap meet! Mike Rosen Sent from: My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > On Sep 13, 2020, at 2:28 PM, Evan Koblentz <evan(a)snarc.net> wrote: > > >>> In years past, I pushed for a swap meet with previous management but the response was "It would be too much like a hamfest and hamfests are dying". > > That's out of context. > > Several people in the group asked for a swap meet * during * VCF East. I declined, because many of these people wanted to have a swap meet table instead of exhibiting. That would have damaged the exhibit hall and replaced much of it with something attractive only to people who are already in the hobby. > > It would have contributed to shrinking the hobby. My goal was to grow the hobby by introducing it to the public. > > Consignment was a (very successful) compromise. It let everyone sell stuff without taking away from the exhibit hall and also making some extra money for the group. > > I was right about that, and I was right about hamfests. How many families and kids excitedly go to a hamfest? Swapmeets are incestuous, and that makes communities wither and go extinct. > > You're able to have a swapmeet this year only because management is not bogged down running the real show. > > VCF's success is because of my earlier decisions, not in spite of them. > > > > > > >>> On Sep 13, 2020, Jeff Galinat via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: >> Hi Adam, >> Excellent! Even though I am a little bummed as I live in AZ now instead >> of NJ, this is great news! Swap meets have been a large part of the >> vintage >> computer and ham radio communities for years. I still find occasional >> vintage computer items at hamfests but a vintage computer swap meet >> would >> be great for the hobby. In years past, I pushed for a swap meet with >> previous management but the response was "It would be too much like a >> hamfest and hamfests are dying". >> One of the largest draws for TCF was the flea market and I had many >> great >> finds over the years but they effectively killed the flea market by >> moving >> it in to a small room. >> I still have a good amount of vintage equipment in NJ so maybe I can >> participate in a future event if it happens next year. >> Best of luck with the event, >> Jeff >> On Sun, Sep 13, 2020, 9:32 AM Adam Michlin via vcf-midatlantic < >> vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: >>> Hi Everyone, >>> Alas, there will be no consignment at our hybrid VCF East coming up, >> but >>> we have decided to try something new and have an *outdoor* Swap Meet. >>> Vendors (which can be individuals) will be able to rent space and >> people >>> will be able to attend the event for the very modest fee of $5. All >> VCF >>> surplus will also be on sale at this event. >>> DATE: Saturday, November 7, with Rain Date Sunday, November 8 >>> TIME: 9AM TO 6PM >>> Location: InfoAge, 2201 Marconi Road Wall, NJ 07719 >>> $20 for vendors for first space, $10 for each additional space. 4 >> spaces >>> max - BRING YOUR OWN TABLES/BLANKETS/WHATEVER >>> $5 for admissions for general public >>> We want to emphasize this will be an *outdoor* event >> I'm particulary excited about this because, back in the 1990s, my first >>> stint (habit, if you prefer) of vintage computer collecting was >>> supported by attending regular computer swap meets in Silicon Valley >> at >>> De Anza College and Lawrence Livermore Labs. The enthusiam at >>> consignment each year tells me we are ripe to bring something like >> this >>> back on a regular basis, but, of course, COVID make things trickier >> than >>> usual. >>> Best wishes, >>> -Adam

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] VCF East Swap Meet - Save the Date - Saturday November 7 (Rain: Sunday November 8)
by Adam Michlin 13 Sep '20

13 Sep '20

Rather that directly respond to the thread, I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that if you feel the Steering Committee is going in a good direction, or a bad direction, now is the time to think about running for the two open Steering Committee positions that will very soon be up for election (Tony Bogan's and mine. I'm not running because I now live in South Carolina. If Tony doesn't run, I'm going to fly up and dump all his Apple IIs off his boat - don't think I'm joking and, yes, I know I'll be forcibly joining them in the ocean!). Details of the Steering Committee By Laws and election logistics are literally being worked on right now and will be posted as soon as possible. Please consider being a candidate if you think Swap Meets are a good idea! Please consider being a candidate if you think Swap Meets are a bad idea! Heck, consider being a candidate if you don't care one bit either way about Swap Meets! -Adam On 9/13/2020 3:30 PM, Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > Evan > There is no doubt that everybody has a right to their opinion. > > You and I had this conversation as well. > > I believe that a swap meet is a good thing and besides you can’t Poopoo the idea, > since this is the first time we actually are going to have it. > We’ll give it a try and if it doesn’t work out we don’t have it again. > Certainly can’t hurt to try. > > Besides because everybody’s been locked up inside, no Hamfest, no swapmeets, people are Jonesin’ for a swap meet! > > Mike Rosen

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Even our Xerox Star hates 2020
by Adam Michlin 13 Sep '20

13 Sep '20

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFE2PegnExs/ And, BTW, it lives! Thanks to David Gesswein, Ian Primus, an anonymous mouse donor found with the help of CHM, DigiBarn's scanned pdfs of the required *custom mouse pad* (which you can print... *phew*), and a whole bunch of other people. Federation! Lots more content on the way.

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