- vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

Re: [vcf-midatlantic] slightly OT: Collector vs. Hoarder
by Bart Hirst 05 Sep '24

05 Sep '24

One bad scenario I can think of is an individual who isn't at all interested in estate planning, and has no close friends or relatives with knowledge of their collection at hand when they move on, and thus things could go off the rails when put in the hands of someone who is not prepared and/or equipped to do anything other than call 1-800-junk. On Wed, Aug 28, 2024 at 12:03 PM Hopkins, Justin via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > And I am pretty sure everyone remembers this. > https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-19665632.amp > ________________________________ > From: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic-bounces(a)lists.vcfed.org> on behalf > of Dean Notarnicola via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> > Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2024 3:40:32 PM > To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> > Cc: Dean Notarnicola <dnotarnicola(a)gmail.com> > Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] slightly OT: Collector vs. Hoarder > > This discussion has come up several times in the past year. I'm wondering > if I should expand/update and repeat my VCF talk from a few years ago on > the lifecycle of collections; establishing, maintaining and final > disposition. Thoughts? - Dean > ZjQcmQRYFpfptBannerStart > This Message Is From an External Sender > This message came from outside your organization. > > ZjQcmQRYFpfptBannerEnd > > This discussion has come up several times in the past year. I'm wondering > if I should expand/update and repeat my VCF talk from a few years ago on > the lifecycle of collections; establishing, maintaining and > final disposition. Thoughts? > > - Dean > > On Wed, Aug 28, 2024 at 9:29 AM Chris Fala via vcf-midatlantic < > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > Yes, I do know the distinction between you personally and the > organization. > > I thought of that as I was typing, but figured it would still get the > point > > across. Sorry if my phrasing distorted the situation. > > > > On Wed, Aug 28, 2024 at 9:05 AM Dave McGuire via vcf-midatlantic < > > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > > > > > Thanks for the props, but remember that LSSM is not "Dave's stuff". > > > I have my own computers at home. Nearly all of my (computer) stuff > will > > > go to LSSM when I kick the bucket. > > > > > > -Dave > > > > > > On 8/28/24 08:53, Chris Fala via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > > > > Don't forget about exhibiting/presenting/sharing stuff now so people > > can > > > > enjoy our collections while we are still alive. McGuire is a perfect > > > > example of this, and I am not. Someone want to come over and help me > > > > organize my storage unit(s)? ;-) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > On Wed, Aug 28, 2024 at 8:48 AM Bob Shuster via vcf-midatlantic < > > > > vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > > > > > >> My bad, Dave! It was Mike Rosen (Sentrytv) responding to your > message > > > who > > > >> pointed this out, and I mixed up who said what! - Bob > > > >> > > > >>> From: Dave McGuire <mcguire(a)neurotica.com> > > > >>> Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] slightly OT: Collector vs. Hoarder > > > >>> On 8/27/24 10:32, Bob Shuster via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > > > >>>> This is precisely why I started to sell off my collection, and as > > > >>>> Dave McGuire pointed out it?s the people who come after we?re gone > > > >>>> that will have to deal with it! As I stated on the front page of > my > > > >>>> sales page: "There comes a time when one's collection overwhelms > the > > > >>>> ability to store or maintain it ... I imagine the pain of my > family > > > >>>> in having to do this after I'm gone!" > > > >>> > > > >>> I certainly wasn't the one who pointed that out. I was the one > > > >>> advocating for finding a compatible spouse to begin with. > > > >>> > > > >>> If fat, funny-looking, high-maintenance "me" can do it, any guy > > can. > > > >>> > > > >>> -Dave > > > >> > > > >> > > > > > > > > > -- > > > Dave McGuire, AK4HZ > > > New Kensington, PA > > > > > > > > This message and any attachments are intended only for the use of the > addressee and may contain information that is privileged and confidential. > If the reader of the message is not the intended recipient or an authorized > representative of the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any > dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have > received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by > e-mail and delete the message and any attachments from your system. > -- Bart Hirst "This signature will now be eaten up and spit out by Velociraptors."

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WANTED: Morrow Disk Jockey DMA
by William Sudbrink 05 Sep '24

05 Sep '24

Hi, Subject pretty much says it all. Working or non-working. I _think_ I will be exhibiting at VCF East next year and I have an idea that requires it. Plus, I've played with one in the past and would like to again. Bill S. -- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. www.avast.com

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New acquisition at CDL
by Martin A. Flynn 03 Sep '24

03 Sep '24

New acquisition at CDL! We just picked up a 3 kVA transformer to convert the Camp Evans 120/208 volt three phase service to single phase 120/240 volt. Part number is Square D 3S1F Will be available for workshops, fitting with twist-lock and straight-blade receptacles on the output side. Martin Flynn

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] restoring PDP-8/L
by David Gesswein 02 Sep '24

02 Sep '24

On Mon, Sep 02, 2024 at 01:45:22PM -0400, Mike Rieker via vcf-midatlantic wrote: > > I'm restoring a PDP-8/L. I got it mostly working, had to replace a couple > chips. > Not bad for what people have reported for restoring other 8/L's. > I have checked the supply voltages and there is a timing diagram in the > PDP-8/L maint volume 1 book that seems ok. This one seems a little slow > (like 600nS instead of 500nS), but the stuff seems to be in place, > relative to each other. The manual shows some current waveforms to check > but I don't have a current probe (one is on order). Anyone have > experience getting this stuff to work? > Haven't had much problems with my 8/I or 8/L memory but have spent time with straight 8 memory. For 8/L people have reported bad diodes on the core modules. If bad people normally cut the body out and solder a new one to the leads. I think the diodes can be tested with meter diode check function. On these core modules when they broke a wire making them they would twist the wire together then put some coating over it. Some people have reported those connections going high resistance. If suspect you can check that with ohm meter comparing to other wires. There is a strobe alignment to make sure you are sampling the core in the middle of the pulse and adjustment for memory voltage/current. If you think failures change with temperature check the thermistor. What current probe did you order? I have an old Tektronix one since that was the only reasonable cost option to have the 10 MHz bandwidth needed when I was looking. I was having issues where I would adjust the straight 8 memory to pass diags but would stop working later. With the current probe I could see that the current varied with address. I found bad steering diodes and high resistance backplane contacts. After fixing that the memory has been pretty stable. Would also be good to see what memory locations are good and bad and see if you can find a pattern in address or data bit. That may point to particular areas to check. If you figure out suspect addresses you can try swapping driver cards and see if problem moves.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] restoring PDP-8/L
by Bill Degnan 02 Sep '24

02 Sep '24

If possible, bring to a workshop? BIll On Mon, Sep 2, 2024 at 1:45 PM Mike Rieker via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Hi All, > > I'm restoring a PDP-8/L. I got it mostly working, had to replace a couple > chips. > > Anyway so of course, the memory isn't reliable. I can deposit to some > locations and they read back ok, but other locations do not. And which > locations are good seems change from day to day though I'm not sure about > that yet. > > It is able to run a small loop (IAC / JMP .-1) seemingly for hours on end > after hunting for some good memory locations, so the memory isn't a > complete basket case. After all it is doing read/write cycles just to > fetch instructions. > > I have checked the supply voltages and there is a timing diagram in the > PDP-8/L maint volume 1 book that seems ok. This one seems a little slow > (like 600nS instead of 500nS), but the stuff seems to be in place, > relative to each other. The manual shows some current waveforms to check > but I don't have a current probe (one is on order). Anyone have > experience getting this stuff to work? > > Thanks, > Mike Rieker > > >

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restoring PDP-8/L
by wmrieker＠nii.net 02 Sep '24

02 Sep '24

Hi All, I'm restoring a PDP-8/L. I got it mostly working, had to replace a couple chips. Anyway so of course, the memory isn't reliable. I can deposit to some locations and they read back ok, but other locations do not. And which locations are good seems change from day to day though I'm not sure about that yet. It is able to run a small loop (IAC / JMP .-1) seemingly for hours on end after hunting for some good memory locations, so the memory isn't a complete basket case. After all it is doing read/write cycles just to fetch instructions. I have checked the supply voltages and there is a timing diagram in the PDP-8/L maint volume 1 book that seems ok. This one seems a little slow (like 600nS instead of 500nS), but the stuff seems to be in place, relative to each other. The manual shows some current waveforms to check but I don't have a current probe (one is on order). Anyone have experience getting this stuff to work? Thanks, Mike Rieker

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Receive only Teletype 33 in Marlboro NJ for $75
by Joseph Giliberti 01 Sep '24

01 Sep '24

Not exactly common to see https://www.facebook.com/share/EG9y1gDnxQDQPAKY/?mibextid=kL3p88

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] slightly OT: Collector vs. Hoarder
by Michael Thompson 29 Aug '24

29 Aug '24

We have an executor and an alternate executor. I made a list of the major parts of my hoard collection and where the items should go. My wife, executor, and an alternate executor know my wishes. Hopefully everything won't go for gold scrap. -- Michael Thompson

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Corvus Omninet , curious 'fact'
by Herbert Johnson 28 Aug '24

28 Aug '24

> I have no idea what qualifies as the first commercially successful network. Well, telegraph lines? that's electrical transmission along wires among many-to-many nodes. The trouble with chasing "firsts" is defining the "first what?". Because, there's always a prior case, that's almost but not quite like the "first-of". It's a judgement call. I gave up the practice of calling out firsts. Early personal-computer networking has many origins. Generally, it's about sharing a precious at-the-time resource (say, a database, a hard drive, a cable or transciever to a remote location, and so on). Current loop allowed sharing of Teletypes and use over distance. Where to start? But most of your post, was about Corvus technology, and then about ThickNet Ethernet falling down and hurting people. I can't speak to Corvus stuff, Web search will work that for you, library research if you need period pre-Internet magazines. Even with ThickNet, thick coax had/has prior use in high frequency radio communications. The point about properly mounting heavy cables and taps, is that later networking used *lighter* cabling and taps, so installation safety wasn't an issue. Thus it *seems* to be an issue in uninformed retrospect - who uses big cables today? At the time, mounting heavy cables and associated equipment was part of normal practices, unremarkable. In 1980 or so I ran a network of a hundred plus terminals to a DecSystem-20. Directly at first, later via a terminal server. The terminals were wired on wired-telephone twisted pairs, 50-pair cables of size, between punch-down terminal blocks. We had also ThickNet orange coax cable among several PDP-11 computers between various buildings and the DEC-20 system. Buildings of the era has all kinds of cabling runs, for AC power and phone-lines, pipes for plumbing, etc. Cables were installed following best-practices, other than the fact we ran RS-232 / EIA voltage levels for over 100 feet on twisted pair telephone cables. That's when I learned that bandwidth was related to signal/noise. Baud rates at 9600 baud worked, except for the very longest runs, failing due to distributed capacitance. Local lightning strikes, tended to take out our DEC terminal interface boards when they were directly connected. The later intervening terminal server resolved that. Regards, Herb -- 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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Corvus Omninet , curious 'fact'
by Neil Cherry 28 Aug '24

28 Aug '24

Came across this while poking around ebay: Corvus Concept Systems Computer Didn't know anything about to off to the wiki and: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corvus_Systems In 1980 Corvus came out with the first commercially successful local area network (LAN), called Omninet.[17] Most Ethernet deployments of the time ran at 3 Mbit/s and cost one or two thousand dollars per computer. Ethernet also used a thick and heavy cable that felt like a lead pipe when bent,[citation needed] which was run in proximity to each computer, often in the ceiling plenum. The weight of the cable was such that injury to workers from ceiling failure and falling cables was a real danger. A transceiver unit was spliced or tapped into the cable for each computer, with an additional AUI cable running from the transceiver to the computer itself. I had actually heard about the Corvus network stuff in the 80 but as a noob wasn't going to dig into it with the cost. I do like the injury claim. I don't recall ever hearing about that but I do recall the bends like a lead pipe part. I have no idea what qualifies as the first commercially successful network. -- Linux Home Automation Neil Cherry kd2zrq(a)linuxha.com http://www.linuxha.com/ Main site http://linuxha.blogspot.com/ My HA Blog Author of: Linux Smart Homes For Dummies KD2ZRQ

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