- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

MARCH Hack-a-Thon on March 8-9, 2025 CANCELLED. Please Read.
by Jeff Salzman 06 Mar '25

06 Mar '25

We regret that the MARCH Hack-a-Thon scheduled to take place on March 8 & 9, 2025, at the InfoAge Science and History Museums, Wall, NJ, has been cancelled due to a lack of participation. Despite our best efforts to promote this event, we have only received one registration over the past month and a half. The regularly scheduled MARCH Workshop, occurring on the same dates, is still ongoing. Details for the Workshop can be found here: Repair Workshops @ InfoAge – Vintage Computer Federation <https://vcfed.org/repair-workshops-at-infoage/> While we believe the Hack-a-Thon has great merit and received numerous responses from individuals interested in participating, many were unable to attend on the scheduled dates for various reasons. As this is the first event of its kind that MARCH has decided to host, we are particularly disappointed by this outcome, but we understand the challenges involved in coordinating schedules. We also understand this may be disappointing news, especially for those who were looking forward to showcasing their programming skills and creativity in the world of vintage computing. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Additionally, we recognize that some of you may have been looking forward to the outcomes of this event, even if you weren't directly participating. Your enthusiasm and support mean a lot to us. Based on the feedback we received, here are some reasons in the form of feedback that we believe led to the lack of participation, and subsequently, our decision to cancel the event, along with our thoughts: Don't feel they are good enough to compete. We understand that some of you may feel hesitant to compete, thinking you might not be good enough. However, the MARCH Hack-a-Thon is designed to be a friendly and inclusive event where everyone, from beginners to experienced programmers, can participate. The spirit of the event is about learning, sharing, and celebrating our shared passion for vintage computing. Even if you don't have extensive programming experience, your unique perspective and creativity are valuable. We encourage everyone to join in, have fun, and gain new skills in a supportive environment. Remember, every expert was once a beginner! Wish the contest was open to more computer systems. We acknowledge that our initial focus on specific 8-bit systems may have excluded some of you who are passionate about other validly classified vintage computing platforms. Your feedback is valuable to us, and we are considering opening future events to a wider range of computer systems to ensure more enthusiasts can participate. Since even systems that technically qualify as "8-bit" have a disparate array of capabilities and features, we felt that we could effectively grade submissions if we drew a line somewhere along the architecture aspect to provide a level of fairness. The grading rubric preview previously distributed reflects that notion. Future all-systems contests may consider a qualification cutoff based on the system's introduction year, allowing for a broader range of participation while still maintaining the spirit of vintage computing. Didn't like that the contest was two days, possibly requiring the expense of an overnight stay for those out of town. We understand that a two-day contest may not be feasible for everyone, particularly those who would need to incur additional expenses for overnight stays. The contest was initially considered to be a two-day event because we felt it provided a suitable amount of time for the nature of the task, as programming efforts of any kind often require more than a single day to complete. In the future, we will consider adjusting the event duration to better accommodate participants' schedules and reduce potential costs. We are exploring options such as single-day events to ensure a more accessible and convenient experience for all participants. Wish they could compete in the event from home. We recognize that attending an in-person event may not be feasible for everyone due to distance, time, or other constraints. While we have always valued the importance of on-site participation for promoting a sense of community and the collaborative nature of group events, we are exploring ways to incorporate remote participation in future events. This approach will help us reach a broader audience and ensure that more people can engage with and contribute to the retro computing community, without sacrificing the sense of community and collaboration that makes these events special. The contest was scheduled too soon. We get it—some of you felt the contest was announced a bit last-minute, making it tough to prepare. One reason for the short timing was due to the first serious consideration back in December 2024 for MARCH to even host a Hack-a-Thon, our collective excitement to go for it, planning the concept, and then deciding that suitable prizes could include free tickets to the VCF-East 2025 event in April, making timing a bit of a constraint for the prizes to remain useful and valid. Going forward, we'll make sure to announce events well in advance, giving you (and us) plenty of time to plan, prepare, and clear any personal schedules. Prizes for future Hack-a-Thons will vary. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Since this event coincides with one of our regular MARCH Repair Workshop events, we are allowing the now cancelled Hack-a-Thon to proceed in an informal capacity. Attendees are welcome to participate as though the contest were still on. There will be no grading, no strict adherence to the contest rules, nor any defined challenges. But I'm sure if you are looking for some ideas, any of our staff might be able to suggest a challenging idea for you to practice. Although no prizes will be awarded, this event provides a great opportunity to bring your vintage computer systems and practice your vintage computing skills in a friendly environment. If you wish to participate in an informal capacity, we would still appreciate the opportunity to gather a headcount. Please add your name to the linked spreadsheet below, and indicate in the second column that you're attending the Hack-a-Thon only. Should enough informal participants attend, we may ask the attendees if they want us to reinstate the formal contest on the spot, including prizes, subject to a consensus of those in attendance who wish to continue under the original contest rules. 2025-03-8 March 8-9, 2025 - Google Sheets <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jvaA37o4wLwCxzC-jvn0umQDYXsdJ_27YQN…> Please note that Hack-a-Thon only participants will not receive a wristband granting access to MARCH Repair Workshop resources or other InfoAge museums and activities on campus, a benefit regularly granted to Workshop attendees through the standard $15 daily Workshop fee. This proposed informal Hack-a-Thon alternative is a unique opportunity to have a space to test your skills and enjoy the company of fellow enthusiasts without any fees or admission charges. We are committed to fostering a vibrant and engaging community for retro computing enthusiasts and are exploring alternative dates or formats for future events. We will keep you updated with any further developments. We are also pleased to announce that the next official in-person Hack-a-Thon event is projected to be on October 18 & 19, during the scheduled MARCH Workshop the same weekend. This new date takes into consideration many understood issues so far, such as not having enough time to be ready for the event, schedule conflicts (October 18 & 19 are not scheduled near any other major vintage computing events), lodging considerations (lodging near InfoAge is far cheaper after Labor Day than during Summer months), and provides more time for MARCH to refine the Hack-a-Thon concept as a whole. Future MARCH Hack-a-Thons will not just be programming contests. We plan to cover a wide range of computing skills as event themes, as long as they relate to the spirit of vintage computing. Also note that all future Hack-a-Thons are not going to only be programming contests. Themes will vary, and may vary greatly between programming challenges, hardware challenges, both, or even something completely off-the-wall. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact the MARCH Events Manager at jeff.salzman(a)vcfed.org. Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We ask, whether you plan, or don't plan, on attending any MARCH Hack-a-Thons now or in the future, that you fill out the survey linked below to provide feedback on how MARCH can make Hack-a-Thons a worthy event for the vintage computing community. MARCH Hack-a-Thon Survey <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf_npzGahVGxwoGuoDICfnUO1Qp2H_IZW5…> Sincerely, Jeff Salzman Events Manager Steering Committee Member Mid-Atlantic Retro Computing Hobbyists (MARCH)

4 8

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] OT HAM TICKET
by David Riley 05 Mar '25

05 Mar '25

A reminder that the General is the second-tier ham license, and that if you do not already have the Technician level, you probably want to get that first. Nothing that says you can't do both in one go, but the General exam gets into a LOT more detail on policy that you probably want to study well in advance (plus lots more EE which you may already be okay with). I'm hoping to get my General when I have time to take the exam some time this year! The Technician level was much easier than I had thought it was going to be, so anyone who has been thinking about it should definitely give it a go (and try out the ARRL's practice test generator, which is great for establishing confidence level). - Dave > On Mar 5, 2025, at 2:48 PM, Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > From: Sentrytv <sentrytv(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: OT HAM TICKET > Date: March 5, 2025 at 2:48:13 PM EST > To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> > > > Found this Link on Facebook. > Free JUST A FRIENDLY REMINDER..... > SIGN UP FOR THE FREE - ONLINE-GENERAL LICENSE COURSE!! WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU NEXT WEEK! > For anyone who wants to check it out?

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] OT HAM TICKET
by Joseph Giliberti 05 Mar '25

05 Mar '25

Mmm, free ham On Wed, Mar 5, 2025, 2:49 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Found this Link on Facebook. > Free JUST A FRIENDLY REMINDER..... > SIGN UP FOR THE FREE - ONLINE-GENERAL LICENSE COURSE!! WE ARE LOOKING > FORWARD TO SEEING YOU NEXT WEEK! > For anyone who wants to check it out? > [image: 468650034_10163026103737214_4362231708123326532_n.jpg] > > New Jersey CB & Ham Radio > <https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AGkUynucG/?mibextid=wwXIfr> > facebook.com > <https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AGkUynucG/?mibextid=wwXIfr> > <https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AGkUynucG/?mibextid=wwXIfr> > > JEFF? > > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. >

1 0

OT HAM TICKET
by Sentrytv 05 Mar '25

05 Mar '25

1 0

... IBM MT/ST magnetic tapes
by Herbert Johnson 04 Mar '25

04 Mar '25

> Spotted on the "code4lib" mailing list, forwarding here because,I'm hoping someone can/will help this grad student out. ---rsk ] The forwarded message, was from a grad-student, attempting to read/recover/preserve some IBM MT/ST magnetic tapes, from an academic business museum. Their message included a Web link to the RICM, the Rhode Island Computer Museum. The link the student found, shows recent work on restoring an IBM MT/ST with its Selectric typewriter and magtape console. The physical format of the tape makes it unlikely that any other apparatus could recover the tape's content. I suggested privately to the person, that they follow up on RICM and make good contacts there. That's a great group which has preserved vintage computers for decades. They provide public access to their works. I think there would be mutual benefit from that contact. I also provided contact links to a data recovery service, and to a Selectric repair service. They may have leads to some recovery services. 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

1 0

Only a few days left! First ever MARCH Hack-a-Thon
by Jeff Salzman 03 Mar '25

03 Mar '25

⏳ *Only ONE WEEK left to sign up—don’t miss your chance to be part of the first ever MARCH Hack-a-Thon!* The number of days left to sign up can be counted in four-bits, or one nybble. 🙂 🎉 *Join Us for the MARCH Hack-a-Thon!* 🎉 Step into the golden age of computing and unleash your creativity as you tackle unique programming challenges designed for 8-bit systems. This event is all about exploring the incredible possibilities of retro hardware, celebrating ingenuity, and connecting with a vibrant community of enthusiasts. 📅 *Event Date:* March 8–9, 2025 📍 *Location:* The InfoAge Science Center, 2201 Marconi Rd., Wall, New Jersey, 07719 ⏳ *Only ONE WEEK left to sign up—don’t miss your chance to be part of the MARCH Hack-a-Thon!* 💡 *Think you’re not up for the challenge? Think again!* This event is for everyone, whether you're a retro programming pro or just starting out. Bring along your own vintage computer system and show off what it can do—your creativity, effort, and resourcefulness will absolutely be celebrated. You might just surprise yourself with what you’re capable of! 🌟 *Our judges are eager to see how contestants push the boundaries of vintage hardware and create something truly unique.* Your contributions could spark inspiration across the entire retro computing community. 🎁 *Admission is free, and there are prizes to be won!* Come for the fun, stay for the rewards, and let’s make programming history together. 🖋 *Sign Up Here:* [Registration Form]( https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfM4GE40lGEfo2t_6FVLL_xJc2ojJ1T_aK…) ℹ️ *More Details:* [Event Web Page]( https://vcfed.org/2025/02/13/march-hack-a-thon/) Act fast, secure your spot, and let’s make programming history together at the MARCH Hack-a-Thon. The countdown is on! 🚀

3 4

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Only a few days left! First ever MARCH Hack-a-Thon
by Jeffrey Brace 03 Mar '25

03 Mar '25

Mike, The Interim Computer Festival is in the Seattle area. I don't know why their link isn't working. It has been held for the past 2 or 3 years I think. I have never gone, but Jason Perkins has. Jeff Brace On Mon, Mar 3, 2025 at 12:50 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Jeff, I guess my confusion with the workshop dates was because the > Hackathon was the same day weekend! > > Now I’m trying to figure out what the > “interim Computer festival” is? > > The link seems to be broken > “service unavailable”. > > Mike Rosen > > > Sent from: > My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device. > > > On Mar 3, 2025, at 12:09 PM, Jeff Salzman via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > ⏳ *Only ONE WEEK left to sign up—don’t miss your chance to be part of > the > > first ever MARCH Hack-a-Thon!* The number of days left to sign up can be > > counted in four-bits, or one nybble. 🙂 > > > > 🎉 *Join Us for the MARCH Hack-a-Thon!* 🎉 > > > > Step into the golden age of computing and unleash your creativity as you > > tackle unique programming challenges designed for 8-bit systems. This > event > > is all about exploring the incredible possibilities of retro hardware, > > celebrating ingenuity, and connecting with a vibrant community of > > enthusiasts. > > > > 📅 *Event Date:* March 8–9, 2025 > > 📍 *Location:* The InfoAge Science Center, 2201 Marconi Rd., Wall, New > > Jersey, 07719 > > > > ⏳ *Only ONE WEEK left to sign up—don’t miss your chance to be part of the > > MARCH Hack-a-Thon!* > > > > 💡 *Think you’re not up for the challenge? Think again!* This event is > for > > everyone, whether you're a retro programming pro or just starting out. > > Bring along your own vintage computer system and show off what it can > > do—your creativity, effort, and resourcefulness will absolutely be > > celebrated. You might just surprise yourself with what you’re capable of! > > > > 🌟 *Our judges are eager to see how contestants push the boundaries of > > vintage hardware and create something truly unique.* Your contributions > > could spark inspiration across the entire retro computing community. > > > > 🎁 *Admission is free, and there are prizes to be won!* Come for the fun, > > stay for the rewards, and let’s make programming history together. > > > > 🖋 *Sign Up Here:* [Registration Form]( > > > https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfM4GE40lGEfo2t_6FVLL_xJc2ojJ1T_aK… > ) > > > > ℹ️ *More Details:* [Event Web Page]( > > https://vcfed.org/2025/02/13/march-hack-a-thon/) > > > > Act fast, secure your spot, and let’s make programming history together > at > > the MARCH Hack-a-Thon. The countdown is on! 🚀 > >

1 0

Fwd: [onadebanjo@UALR.EDU: [CODE4LIB] Seeking advice on preserving and processing IBM MT/ST magnetic tapes (first first word processor)]
by Rich Kulawiec 03 Mar '25

03 Mar '25

[ Spotted on the "code4lib" mailing list, forwarding here because I'm hoping someone can/will help this grad student out. ---rsk ] ----- Forwarded message from Noah Adebanjo <onadebanjo(a)UALR.EDU> ----- > From: Noah Adebanjo <onadebanjo(a)UALR.EDU> > Date: Mon, 3 Mar 2025 09:21:41 -0600 > Subject: [CODE4LIB] Seeking advice on preserving and processing IBM MT/ST > magnetic tapes (first first word processor) > Reply-To: Code for Libraries <CODE4LIB(a)LISTS.CLIR.ORG> > > Dear Code4Lib Community, > > I'm a graduate assistant working at the Center for Arkansas History and > Culture archives, currently processing the born-digital materials from the > Winthrop Rockefeller Institute collection. Among these materials, I've > discovered several IBM MT/ST (Magnetic Tape/Selectric Typewriter) tapes > that date from the late 1960s/early 1970s. > > As these are relatively uncommon media formats now, I'm reaching out for > advice on a couple of things; > > 1. Best practices for preserving these magnetic tapes > 2. Recommendations for recovering/accessing the data they contain > 3. Whether any institutions have experience with similar materials and > would be willing to share their workflows > 4. References to vendors or specialists who might be able to assist with > data recovery > 5. or any documentation about the IBM MT/ST file formats and technical > specifications > > Although, when I did my research I found the following resources ( here > <https://archive.org/details/IBM-MTST-OneTapeStation-OperatingInstructions/p…>, > here > <https://www.ricomputermuseum.org/collections-gallery/small-systems-at-ricm/…>and > here <https://blog.bruchez.name/posts/ibm-mt-sc-1/>) written by some > computer gurus, but it doesn't necessarily answer how to get the content on > the tapes - it only talks about the complete machine so I still don't know > the best practice for the archival field. My goal is to properly document > and potentially recover the content if possible from these tapes as part of > my processing work. > > Any insights, suggestions, or resources the community could share would be > greatly appreciated. > > Thank you so much y'all. > -- > > Noah Adebanjo | Graduate Assistant > Center for Arkansas History and Culture > University of Arkansas at Little Rock > > *onadebanjo(a)ualr.edu <onadebanjo(a)ualr.edu>* > > He/His/Him ----- End forwarded message -----

1 0

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Signup Sheet for MARCH Repair Workshop - March 8-9, 2025
by Jeff Salzman 03 Mar '25

03 Mar '25

Yes it is. Local events that were under the name VCF for many years, and are/were regularly scheduled at InfoAge, are now being referenced by the former name of MARCH (Mid-Atlantic Retro Computing Hobbyists). One of the reasons for this is that VCF is a global organization. MARCH is local to InfoAge as its headquarters. So the more frequent local vintage computing events, other than VCF-East, like the Workshops and the new Hack-a-Thons, will carry the MARCH name. Jeff Salzman On Sun, Mar 2, 2025 at 7:55 PM Sentry TV via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > This workshop is at VCF InfoAge? > Mike Rosen > On Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 06:33:12 PM EST, Jeff Salzman via > vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > Very late on this. I apologize. > > Here is the signup sheet for the upcoming MARCH Repair Workshop for next > Saturday and Sunday, March 8-9, 2025 > > > https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jvaA37o4wLwCxzC-jvn0umQDYXsdJ_27YQN… > >

1 0

Signup Sheet for MARCH Repair Workshop - March 8-9, 2025
by Jeff Salzman 03 Mar '25

03 Mar '25

Very late on this. I apologize. Here is the signup sheet for the upcoming MARCH Repair Workshop for next Saturday and Sunday, March 8-9, 2025 https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jvaA37o4wLwCxzC-jvn0umQDYXsdJ_27YQN…

2 1