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101090 discussions

Wanted: Co-Proponent for RFD rec.collecting.computers.classic

by kaikal＠MICROSOFT.com

Hi all, Due to the shocking absence of a computer collecting newsgroup (alt.folklore.computers is used a bit, but doesn't really apply), I'm submitting an RFD for rec.collecting.computers.classic. If anyone would like to be listed as a co-proponent, let me know. This may entail some work in assisting/monitoring the RFD process. The RFD will be cross-posted to classiccmp when complete. thanks Kai

28 years, 6 months

Replies to stuff...

by foxnhare＠goldrush.com

From: hellige <jeffh(a)eleventh.com> To: classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu Subject: Re: Atari prob, etc. > One thing about Atari 8bit stuff is a lot of it tended to use it's own > power rating on the power supply, and not really interchangeable > between most of it, it seems. I'll check the ratings on the 1200 xl in the FAQ maybe that was the problem... :/ --------- From: Sam Ismail <dastar(a)crl.com> Subject: yo >First Annual Classic Computer Collector Conference >Why? BECAUSE! Does any hacker need a reason (well maybe the tried and true, "Because they say it's impossible.") > Next question... > Where? > Livermore, California (tentative...actual venue TBD) I could handle that. Hey that's were alot of the companies started. > When? > Late Summer 1997 (possibly August) > Who? > Organizer: Sam Ismail > Sponsors: Pending (targeted sponsors will be > Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories and > other computer manufacturers in the local area > and Silicon Valley). Apple could use a little more good P.R... (wink, wink, nudge, nudge) > What? > The Classic Computer Collector Convention is > slated to be the premier computer faire to > attend to meet with fellow classic computer > collector geeks, buy/sell/trade classic computer > stuff, exchange classic computer software and > classic computer hints and tips, attend > workshops on classic computer preservation and > restoration, and of course see classic > computers. > Some show features: > Classic Computer Spotlight - every year a > legendary system is chosen to be heralded as the > classic computer of the year (nominees for the > first show are Altair 8800; Apple ][; Commodore > PET; ???). Hey how about a demo contest too? Have you ever seen those european groups' parties, (search the web there are some good pages about them) looks pretty cool to me. Kinda like a hackerfest. > Classic Computer Pioneer - every year an > individual from the annals of computer lore will > be chosen as the Classic Computer Pioneer of the > year. This would be someone who had a lasting > legacy or made a historical impact on the > computer industry, but is not necessarily active > anymore (ie. this precludes Bill Gates from > qualifying). Nominees: Gary Kildall, creator of > CP/M; Steve Wozniak; ??? As I said Apple could use the P.R. (maybe get the Steves...) Unfortunately Gary Kildall (creator of CP/M) died a couple years back (but would be a kick to honor him), Chuck Peddle was the creator of the 6502 microprocessor and Commodore PET among other things. > Classic Computer Museum - A classic museum will > be set-up on-site to allow interested public to > see what classic computers are all about. > Attendees will be encouraged to submit their > favorite classics for display during the show. Better have tight security there if we bring our 'babies' to sow off. > The success of the show will depend on > attendance. Admission will be enough to cover > the costs of running the show (including lease > of the venue, advertising, etc). Although there > won't be much of a vending atmosphere (unless > people want to haul their stuff from all over > the country) space will be sold for such > purposes. That sounds reasonable. > More details as I come up with them. I would > really appreciate feedback from the patrons of > this discussion group. Any ideas, comments, > suggestions are welcome (please suggest a better > name!) The only computer show I attended was the World of Commodore in San Francisco in 1987, since then most of the shows have been feeding frenzies for developers and not at all interested in the computer classics. I would attend and I'm sure I could get others in the area interested. ---------- From: Doug Spence <ds_spenc(a)alcor.concordia.ca> Subject: Re: Old Computer Books (was Re: Pets & Silly Game) > ...But the only PET books this library has are things like > collections of type-in programs for the PET, and books on using the PET in > an educational environment. Nothing good and technical. The technical ones are some of the hardest to locate, some of mine came from a Commodore Group weeding out their library, I bought them via mail. The most PET books I've come across are old college and school textbooks (anyone see "Hands-On BASIC with the Commodore PET?" yuk.) --- Subject: BBSes on old hardware and SuperVIC > (re: VIC-20) I'd put at least 32K in it, with a memory > protection toggle on the RAM so that it could run images of cartridges > from disk. There is a file I think on funet.fi's FTP that describes and internal mod that does just that. :) --- Subject: PETs etc. > If only I could find such things. I suspect that if I took a trip to > Toronto I'd have much better luck in all of my searches for old computer > hardware, software, and books, but the chances of finding PET stuff in > particular would go up a hundred fold. (What with TPUG, the Toronto PET > Users Group, etc.) True, that was a very good Commodore region. > I have a feeling that computer ownership wasn't nearly as common in > Montreal in the early days as it was in most other major North American > cities... I would believe that, I think it depnds on what stores, groups were in the area as well as what computers were first brought in. (Keeping up with the Jones') > (re-piggybacking chips) > Uh... was he looking for data redundancy or something? ;) No he had some dead RAMS and got tired of swapping chips, and figured if he piggybacked two he would at least get one good one out of it. :/ > I intend to write the software on my own, but fast serial routines might > come in handy. I want to at least get 2400bps out of the thing. Most of the BASIC boards I have is up to 1200 baud, I know for 2400 you probably have to tweak the timing registers, cause the computer does not provide decent numbers. > I don't think that'll be a problem for the VIC-20, as it's faster at I/O than the > 64. I'll probably have to put in a lot of RAM, though, to act as buffers > for the slow disk drives. :) There have been a bunch of articles for adding 256k to 1 meg internally to the 64 and bank-switching, not sure if that's possible on the VIC though, they may be adaptable. > Do you mean the music teacher's programs, or the Cursor tapes? :) YES! YES! > I think I have copies of tapes #1 to #8, plus a couple of games from later tapes. > I wish I had the originals... but these were copies made from the high > school music teacher's subscription. :) Mine are also from High School and I can say I have programs from 13 to into the 20s I think. No originals here either *sniff* > Ouranos! is an awesome game, BTW. I had the PET print up the listing and I > intended to port it to the Amiga, but I never got around to it. I don't > think it'd be the same, though, on anything but another PET with glaring > white screen. Weather War II for the Commodore-64 is a re-write of Ouranos! nifty little character graphic castles, SID sound, sprites were used to add some foliage (just for looks) > What's the serial number on that machine? Gotta go to storage and read it... Not in the 'original documentation' envelope. > I have a feeling it's a lot older than this PET. Both of my PETs have quite > ordinary-looking ROMs. > (The one with the mini keyboard has the 1.0 BASIC ROMs, with the '*** > COMMODORE BASIC ***' message and the other one has upgrade ROMs.) My 'calculator keyboard' PET has 1.0 too. I have the schematics and diagnostics for it too... Has been modified with a reset switch has ability to use a skyles add-on keyboard (you have to load and run a program first), and of course, expandamem. > Um... hold it... how are the 4116's arranged? You probably said, but of > course I can't go back into my mailbox to read that while I'm replying to > this one (I knew there was a reason I should my system to do this > locally!). If they're 16K by 4, then that certainly WOULD be more than > 8K. :) I think those are only 8kx1. I did look at my expandamem board and the chips with the plates on them had (c)Mostek written. > (RE: Visible Memory Board deveoped for KIM-1 first.) > Wow, that's incredible. Not only did I not think that PETs that old could > do high-res graphics in any way, but to learn that one could do so on the > KIM-1! I'm flabberghasted. ;) > The KIM is something I'd really like to find somewhere. So would I. > I have this terrible fear, though, of coming across one in some electronic surplus > shop and not recognizing it. :) I had nightmares about coming across an incredible Commodore stash in some store and not having any money. *gasp!* > (re: MTU visible memory ad) > BTW, I'd love a copy of that ad. Send it to: > Doug Spence > 85 Devon Road > Baie d'Urfe, Que. > H9X 2X3 > CANADA Heck I'll toss in some disks full of other goodies too. But don't hold your breath I tend to froget doing things (like mailing stuff) for a spell. ---------- From: "Mr. Self Destruct" <more(a)camlaw.rutgers.edu> Subject: Re: weekend additions > The plus/4 could run *some* very simple basic programs from 64/vic-20 land > but even that was a chore if I remember correctly because of the different > ways the computers "tokenized" basic. I think the main difference was between the 128 and the Plus/4s extended BASIC, but was compatible with the 64. > There was also a "parallel" drive for this > computer (well I think there was) called an SFX-1??? something or other. The parallel one was the 1551; the SFX 1001 was a 1 meg floppy drive the the PET using an IEEE-488 interface (esentally an 8250 with only one disk drive.) ---------- From: "Mr. Self Destruct" <more(a)camlaw.rutgers.edu> Subject: Funky looking mouse and other TCF stuff... >1 CBM 8032 $5 > (this things got some kind of memory board that plugs into the CPU > socket and a parallel interface) Wait a minute here, are you sure it's not a RS-232 interface? It could be an 8032 upgraded to a SuperPET. If it is a SuperPET there would be a 6809 processor as well as the 6502 in there and you have 96k of RAM accessible (via bank switching). Keyboard my have some odd characters on it too (to support the languages it could run such as APL, Fortran, COBOL, etc.) Of course to run the languages you would need the disks and a drive. (I don't have them) Otherwise the daughterboard could be memory to bring it up to 96k (via bank switching) or as I mentioned a visible memory board - the indication for it is that the monitor will plug into the daughter board and then the daughterboard plugs into the motherboard's video output connector. - :) BTW REALLY GOOD PRICE! Larry Anderson P.S. I think I'm gonna start writing a FAQ about the Commodore PET. Will let you guys now when I get it on-line. -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+- Visit our web page at: http://www.goldrush.com/~foxnhare Call our BBS (Silicon Realms BBS 300-2400 baud) at: (209) 754-1363 -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

28 years, 6 months

by KFergason＠aol.com

In a message dated 97-04-29 11:22:24 EDT, you write: << Yes, I realized that. The PDP-8 and PDP-11 are definitely worthy of mention, but did they really make the impact and have significance equal to the Altair and the others? I'm sure you could argue to that effect. Care to? >> someone can correct me if necessary, but weren't the first PDP's pretty "important" in that respect? Suddenly, universities could have their own systems. or maybe I am dreaming, mixing stories from various books. Kelly

28 years, 6 months

by jeffh＠eleventh.com

On 29-Apr-97, classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu wrote: >I'll second his nomination, and with great trepidation add Jay Miner to >the list. :) I think Jay Miner is definately worthy of inclusion since he did much of the design of the Atari 8bit machines, such as the 400/800, and he is generally considered the father of the Amiga line. Out of curiosity, is anyone willing to nominate Jack Tremiel? <sp?> Jeff jeffh(a)eleventh.com -- --------------------------------------------------------------------- Sent from an Amiga 3000..the computer for the creative mind! --------------------------------------------------------------------- Collector of classic home computers: Amiga 1000, Atari 800, 800XL, and Mega-ST/2, Commodore C-128D, Plus/4 and VIC-20, IBM 5155, Kaypro 2X, Osbourne Executive Radofin Aquarius, Sinclair ZX-81, TI-99/4A, Timex-Sinclair 1000, TRS-80 Color Computer-3 and Model 4, plus Atari Superpong and 2600VCS game consoles.

28 years, 6 months

Wanted: Co-Proponent for RFD rec.collecting.computers.c

by idavis＠comland.com

>generate printed copies of the mag from it. PLus HTML is "free" wheras >printed copies would need a modest fee, means for collecting this, places >to print, etc. I agree with Les, start with an electronic form, then maybe move to print. I am on a limited computer budget to begin with, I would hate to reduce it any further, I might miss that big find I have been looking for. I would like to see some program listings for various machines and various languages included. I learned more from magazine program listings than I did from anywhere else. I still use program listings to divine tips and tricks. Besides, it is interesting to see program listings for other machines, and see if anything applies to a machine I am using. I am sure all of us have some programs for our machines that we could clean up and submit for inclusion, and no worries about copyright violations if we wrote them, not to mention just having some valuable information available for the taking. Plus as we add to our collections, finding program listings will give us a place to start with a new unknown machine. I actually tell people that we used to get programs in magazines, and typed them in sometimes for days at a time, and they laugh and me and think I am pulling their leg. Just be sure and include program listings. Isaac Davis idavis(a)comland.com indavis(a)juno.com

28 years, 6 months

CLASSICCMP digest 39

by classicjr＠juno.com

Is this list still active? I haven't received any digests for several days. Please continue my subscription.

28 years, 6 months

Australian computers...

by kevan＠motiv.co.uk

Hi, In mid June I will be travelling to Australia and while I am there it would be nice to pick up some classic computers. So my question is, are there any home computers that were mainly found in Australia? I know of the System-80, which I know as a Video Genie (a TRS-80 clone), and I think the Microbee also originates from Australia. All information will be gratefully recieved. -- Kevan Old Computer Collector: http://staff.motiv.co.uk/~kevan/ PS. I may be able to squeeze in some small UK items to trade so let me know if you are interested and are in Brisbane or Sydney.

28 years, 6 months

Weekend Finds

by idavis＠comland.com

I went on a little shopping spree this weekend, and actually managed to find some stuff this weekend. It seems every garage sale in the north Austin area is nothing but junk, but I finally managed to find a little place with some of everything. I asked the guy if they had any atari stuff, joysticks or games, and he told me to follow him to the back. He had a box full of joysticks, and other assorted junk. I picked up the box and some other carts for my 2600 for $40. When I got home, I dug every thing out, and this is what I found. 1) Odessey2 with joysticks attached. But no power supply. Anyone know the voltage and polarity for this old thing? Of course no cartridges either, but maybe next time. 2) Mattel Aquarius with box, manual, and cassette cables and software. 3) About 20 atari 2600 carts, most of them were ones I had been looking for like air/sea battle. I don't really want to collect rare carts, just the ones I had when I was a kid. 4) Coleco Gemini Video Game System. It plays atari 2600 cartridges, and it turns on, but the screen stays black. No clue, and I don't really have the electronic equipment or knowledge to fix it. I might let my dad check it out. He's a radar technician with a lot of equipment. Maybe I should get him to teach me. 5) An 8-track tape - Spotlight the greatest hits of Gene Pitney, Del Shannon, and Tommy Roe. I'm debating whether or not to dig out the 8-track player. 6) Assorted pile of power supplies. They look like they are for assorted answering machines. 7) An Atari 1010 cassette recorder. 8) A piece of telephone testing equipment I think. Has a switch (tone, off, pulse), a telephone plug, and two wires with alligator clips. I think it's for tracing telephone wires. 9) A pile of Atari joysticks, a coleco joystick, and a couple of various cartridges for assorted systems, none of which I own. Maybe that's the incentive I need. "I've got a cartridge honey, I could really use this old obsolete computer to make sure it works. You don't want to see this cartridge go to waste do you dear??" All in all it was a decent haul for me. This place is only open for 6 hours on the first saturday of the month, so I was lucky to even get in the place. I saw a ti-99/4a, but already spending $40 was pushing it for me. Maybe next month I will get to the back again and dig for more treasure. Isaac Davis idavis(a)comland.com indavis(a)juno.com

28 years, 6 months

Battery Leakage... Solution?

by starling＠umr.edu

Well... after a bit of searching, I've found a solution on www.flippers.com, a pinball homepage. The guy there says to remove all corrosion and then neutralize the alkali with a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and distilled water, scrub with toothbrush, rinse in distilled water, and then dry with a hairbrush. This sound feasible or is it a bad idea? thanks!

28 years, 6 months

PCB Corrosion?

by starling＠umr.edu

Last weekend I aquired an Apple Lisa 2/5 (finally!!), however the NiCad batteries that backed up the system clock have corroded and leaked all over the IO board and the backplane/motherboard (system uses a nifty CPU-on-card design like the OLD computers). Does anyone have any magic solutions to removing the green gunk from the printed circuit boards and components? I'm wanting to remove the stuff and preserve the system from further corrosion. (and yes, I am taking out those damn things) The green gunk has messed up one of the card slots so the IO card doesn't go. I plan to clean that out using one of those Nintendo cartridge slot cleaners (little card/pad thingy that you put stuff on and insert into slot). That'll get her running again for a while... but I really need all the gunk off and the corrosion STOPPED. any ideas that help save my Lisa would be greatly appreciated! chris starling

28 years, 6 months

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