Here's the latest on the museum power situation, based on Fred's report at the
InfoAge staff meeting tonight. (For list newbs: Fred is the director of InfoAge,
where our computer museum co-resides along with several other groups' museums.)

He expects the transformer that we need to cost around 40-50K installed. More
assessments are still arriving.

This might be covered under the town's insurance because they own the facility.

InfoAge's board may have other ways to get the money quickly.

FEMA, the power company, and local pols (and possibly our state/federal-level
pols) may be involved.

A major NJ university is seeing if it has an appropriate transformer that it
could just give to InfoAge.

The actual work would only take a week or two by licensed professionals.

While we're at it, InfoAge will eliminate some of obsolete electrical
infrastructure on campus that's been sucking money.

So that is all that I know. There is no timeline. Some people are expressing
confidence that it'll be solved and back to normal within a few weeks or maybe a
month or two. Others are more pessimistic, or realistic, depending on who's
asked.  :)  Nobody truly knows.

Someone suggested InfoAge build a windmill, or get wave/tidal power from the
adjacent river, so that we'd have a compelling energy exhibit and be more
self-sufficient......

Meanwhile we in MARCH will continue spending most Sundays working in our storage
area. We're making good use of the downtime.

Other groups such as IXR are lucky because they're in standalone buildings that
are easily powered by small generators. MARCH's museum is in a large building
that cannot be simply converted.

Oh, that reminds me of another thing. A suggestion was made that while InfoAge
is changing transformers anyhow, it might as well invest in switches (I forget
the technical term for what kind of switches) which would allow easy conversion
to generators during any future power outages. Everyone liked that idea.

MARCH officers are considering VCF East backup plans, because we don't know if
the power situation will impact us at that time. We will probably make an
announcement about that in the next few days. Stay tuned....

On 01/10/2013 12:53 AM, evan@... wrote:
...
> So that is all that I know. There is no timeline. Some people are
> expressing confidence that it'll be solved and back to normal within
> a few weeks or maybe a month or two. Others are more pessimistic, or
> realistic, depending on who's asked.  :)  Nobody truly knows.

    Wow.  I cannot even quantify the suckage. :-(

> Oh, that reminds me of another thing. A suggestion was made that
> while InfoAge is changing transformers anyhow, it might as well
> invest in switches (I forget the technical term for what kind of
> switches) which would allow easy conversion to generators during any
> future power outages. Everyone liked that idea.

    These are called "transfer switches".  They are expensive.

    My generator is still available here, should you want more wattage.

                   -Dave

--
Dave McGuire, AK4HZ
New Kensington, PA

>> I have not heard one thing from anyone about the new show, The Americans on
FX. Our stuff is supposed to be on there, right? I don’t watch much TV I have to
check it on the web.

Debut is Jan. 30 in primetime. I think 10pm. Google it.

It has MARCH terminals for the KGB office, Jeff B.'s PET (among other PETs) in
the spy's travel agency (that's their disguise), and InfoAge desks but I don't
know where. They bought computers elsewhere for the FBI set.

Those of you who are in New England and know a little LISP..

http://vintagecomputer.net/browse_thread.cfm?id=501

Bill

> So that is all that I know. There is no timeline. Some people are
> expressing confidence that it'll be solved and back to normal within a few
> weeks or maybe a month or two. Others are more pessimistic, or realistic,
> depending on who's asked. :) Nobody truly knows.
>

I would err on the pessimistic side, and plan on moving VCFeast
further into the year (just keep in mind other major events, like MIT
Flea, the Sussex hamfest, various other big days).

It may take a long time to get a new transformer. I was just at a
storage place in Changebridge, next to a utility storage yard - and
the place has been raped of every transformer and gizmo, and is now a
big parking lot. I bet this is a common site all over the Northeast,
probably well into the Midwest. I would also bet that the companies
that make transformers are completely slammed with backorders. A small
museum probably does not have the pull that a power-sucking warehouse
or factory has, and they may make Infoage wait. Keep in ming that
transformers will continue to fail over the next year or so, as the
ones weakened by the storm give up.

You may want to call up some of the transformer companies and ask what
a realistic leadtime might be for the product Infoage needs.

--
Will

>> I would err on the pessimistic side

I know you would. :)

>> and plan on moving VCFeast further into the year

That is an option we're considering, among others; please stay tuned...

>> It may take a long time to get a new transformer.

Fred & co. are on that.

> >> It may take a long time to get a new transformer.
>
> Fred & co. are on that.

Make sure they actually *get* this information.

--
Will

>> Make sure they actually *get* this information.

He's working with professional power engineers, FEMA, and JCP&L. He doesn't need
me to point out the obvious.

> He's working with professional power engineers, FEMA, and JCP&L. He
> doesn't need me to point out the obvious.

OK, thanks.

--
Will

William Donzelli <wdonzelli@...> writes:

>> He's working with professional power engineers, FEMA, and JCP&L. He >
>doesn't need me to point out the obvious.
>
>OK, thanks.

FWIW, the transformer outside my home which blew up during Sandy has not
yet been replaced as well as others in the area.  I think we are all run-
ning on borrowed time.

--
VAXman- A Bored Certified VMS Kernel Mode Hacker    VAXman(at)TMESIS(dot)ORG

Well I speak to machines with the voice of humanity.

I'm soliciting opinions from the group about my choice of exhibit for this
year's VCF-E.  I had initially been talking to Dave McGuire and some others
about bringing a VAX 4000/300 and participating in a VAX cluster, but I'm
considering other options.  For instance, I've had at least two people request
that I bring my HP mini again.  While I dislike the idea of rehashing an
exhibit, the HP 2109E system is now more fully configured, with a second 264x
terminal and a 9-track tape drive and cabinet.  Maybe I can get the 8" floppy
drives working.

    The real reason I'm leaning away from the VAX is that I'm not very familiar
with it, and I'm not sure I have enough time between now and VCF to get up to
speed.  At least with the HP, most of the work is done.  Yes, I realize the
amount of DEC brainpower that will be present to assist, but I like to feel
useful, too. :-)

    Of course, there are always the Kaypros, TRS-80s, Morrow and NorthStar
systems yet to be exhibited.  I like to be different, though.

    So, what do you think?

Mike Loewen 		 mloewen@...
Old Technology       http://sturgeon.css.psu.edu/~mloewen/Oldtech/

"mloewen16823" <mloewen@...> writes:

>   I'm soliciting opinions from the group about my choice of exhibit for
>th= is year's VCF-E.  I had initially been talking to Dave McGuire and
>some oth= ers about bringing a VAX 4000/300 and participating in a VAX
>cluster, but I= 'm considering other options.  For instance, I've had at
>least two people r= equest that I bring my HP mini again.  While I
>dislike the idea of rehashin= g an exhibit, the HP 2109E system is now
>more fully configured, with a seco= nd 264x terminal and a 9-track tape
>drive and cabinet.  Maybe I can get the=  8" floppy drives working.
>
>   The real reason I'm leaning away from the VAX is that I'm not very
>famil= iar with it, and I'm not sure I have enough time between now and
>VCF to get=  up to speed.  At least with the HP, most of the work is
>done.  Yes, I real= ize the amount of DEC brainpower that will be
>present to assist, but I like=  to feel useful, too. :-)
>
>   Of course, there are always the Kaypros, TRS-80s, Morrow and
>NorthStar s= ystems yet to be exhibited.  I like to be different,
>though.
>
>   So, what do you think?

Bring both! :)

--
VAXman- A Bored Certified VMS Kernel Mode Hacker    VAXman(at)TMESIS(dot)ORG

Well I speak to machines with the voice of humanity.

On Thu, 10 Jan 2013, Brian Schenkenberger, VAXman- wrote:

> "mloewen16823" <mloewen@...> writes:
>
>> ...
>>   The real reason I'm leaning away from the VAX is that I'm not very
>> famil= iar with it, and I'm not sure I have enough time between now and
>> VCF to get=  up to speed.  At least with the HP, most of the work is
>> done.  Yes, I real= ize the amount of DEC brainpower that will be
>> present to assist, but I like=  to feel useful, too. :-)
>>
>> ...
>>   So, what do you think?
>
> Bring both! :)

     Available transportation is limitied to a single minicomputer.


Mike Loewen 		 mloewen@...
Old Technology       http://sturgeon.css.psu.edu/~mloewen/Oldtech/

> So, what do you think?

If you are going to bring a DEC machine, better make it a HiNote.

--
Will

On 01/10/2013 02:37 PM, Mike Loewen wrote:
>>>   The real reason I'm leaning away from the VAX is that I'm not very
>>> famil= iar with it, and I'm not sure I have enough time between now and
>>> VCF to get=  up to speed.  At least with the HP, most of the work is
>>> done.  Yes, I real= ize the amount of DEC brainpower that will be
>>> present to assist, but I like=  to feel useful, too. :-)
>>>
>>> ...
>>>   So, what do you think?
>>
>> Bring both! :)
>
>     Available transportation is limitied to a single minicomputer.

   Then I'll bring an additional VAX, similar to yours, and set it up in
your exhibit area.  That way, you can have the best of both worlds and
won't miss out on any of the fun.  I'll be in a truck anyway.  What do
you think?

                   -Dave

--
Dave McGuire, AK4HZ
New Kensington, PA

On 01/10/2013 02:26 PM, mloewen16823 wrote:
> I'm soliciting opinions from the group about my choice of exhibit for
> this year's VCF-E.  I had initially been talking to Dave McGuire and
> some others about bringing a VAX 4000/300 and participating in a VAX
> cluster, but I'm considering other options.  For instance, I've had
> at least two people request that I bring my HP mini again.  While I
> dislike the idea of rehashing an exhibit, the HP 2109E system is now
> more fully configured, with a second 264x terminal and a 9-track tape
> drive and cabinet.  Maybe I can get the 8" floppy drives working.
>
> The real reason I'm leaning away from the VAX is that I'm not very
> familiar with it, and I'm not sure I have enough time between now and
> VCF to get up to speed.  At least with the HP, most of the work is
> done.  Yes, I realize the amount of DEC brainpower that will be
> present to assist, but I like to feel useful, too. :-)
>
> Of course, there are always the Kaypros, TRS-80s, Morrow and
> NorthStar systems yet to be exhibited.  I like to be different,
> though.
>
> So, what do you think?

   I'd welcome the 2109E, and wouldn't consider it a rehash due to its
recent expansion.  Multiple terminals and the 9-track drive make it a
VERY different system, exhibit-wise, and I think showing the evolution
of the system as you build it up is also good.

                -Dave

--
Dave McGuire, AK4HZ
New Kensington, PA

William Donzelli <wdonzelli@...> writes:

>--EpKxBtrGaGRPawJBIri7ZJlrZfsdq9aiSpPWGdq Content-Type: text/plain;
>charset=ISO-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
>
>> So, what do you think?
>
>If you are going to bring a DEC machine, better make it a HiNote.

Why???  I have a d|i|g|i|t|a|l HiNote VP with the complete docking station
(VP765) if you would like to see one.  It is, of course, running Linux! ;)

--
VAXman- A Bored Certified VMS Kernel Mode Hacker    VAXman(at)TMESIS(dot)ORG

Well I speak to machines with the voice of humanity.

I think the Vintage Computer Museum needs a nice steam powered generator.

How many MIPs can you get from 1 cord of wood?

:) J

Does anyone have NCR chip databooks?

1) I have a NCR panel with fluorescent displays
http://ferretronix.com/tech/vfd/
the NCR chips:
NCR 6-51146
NCR 6-51055
NCR 6-51056
NCR 6-51057

2) 34c227 is a 48 pin DIP. Some sort of microcontroller.
Of course, Google only finds the parts-pimps,
no real specs.

thanks!
-- jeffj

--- In midatlanticretro@yahoogroups.com, joshbensadon  wrote:
> I think the Vintage Computer Museum needs a nice
> steam powered generator.

We'll have to collaborate with Dan Lieb for that:
the shipwreck museum collabortes with the
Pine Creek Railroad, so a steam locomotive is POSSIBLE
but we'd have to put it on a treadmill to generate electricity.

> How many MIPs can you get from 1 cord of wood?

Ack! The smoke and ash and soot!
Check vintage-ads for the clear advantages of
clean burning ANTHRICITE coal!
I'm unusure if we can get samples from the
Anthricite Museum in PA.

Even then, a cluster of new low-power microcontrollers
will beat big-iron for MIPS-per-watt :-/

*shudders* at the thought of a heap-o-Arduinos
powered by 9v batteries.

I'd like to see that tape drive spinning. I think I still have pieces for one of
the hinges for the cabinet.

Jack

--- In midatlanticretro@yahoogroups.com, "mloewen16823"  wrote:
>
>    I'm soliciting opinions from the group about my choice of exhibit for this
year's VCF-E.  I had initially been talking to Dave McGuire and some others
about bringing a VAX 4000/300 and participating in a VAX cluster, but I'm
considering other options.  For instance, I've had at least two people request
that I bring my HP mini again.  While I dislike the idea of rehashing an
exhibit, the HP 2109E system is now more fully configured, with a second 264x
terminal and a 9-track tape drive and cabinet.  Maybe I can get the 8" floppy
drives working.
>
>    The real reason I'm leaning away from the VAX is that I'm not very familiar
with it, and I'm not sure I have enough time between now and VCF to get up to
speed.  At least with the HP, most of the work is done.  Yes, I realize the
amount of DEC brainpower that will be present to assist, but I like to feel
useful, too. :-)
>
>    Of course, there are always the Kaypros, TRS-80s, Morrow and NorthStar
systems yet to be exhibited.  I like to be different, though.
>
>    So, what do you think?
>
> Mike Loewen 		 mloewen@...
> Old Technology       http://sturgeon.css.psu.edu/~mloewen/Oldtech/
>

I have three.

MOS integrated circuits 7/76
linear integrated circuits 1973
TTL Databook 1976

Most National chips start with LM or DM (AH, AM, MM, ... etc)

Not one chip in the three databooks (mid 70's) has any chips that start
with "NCR".  What else is on the chips?
Bill

-------- Original Message --------
> From: "Jeff Jonas" <jeff_s_jonas@...>
> Sent: Thursday, January 10, 2013 5:12 PM
> To: midatlanticretro@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [midatlanticretro] NCR chips?
>
> Does anyone have NCR chip databooks?
>
> 1) I have a NCR panel with fluorescent displays
> http://ferretronix.com/tech/vfd/
> the NCR chips:
> NCR 6-51146
> NCR 6-51055
> NCR 6-51056
> NCR 6-51057
>
> 2) 34c227 is a 48 pin DIP. Some sort of microcontroller.
> Of course, Google only finds the parts-pimps,
> no real specs.
>
> thanks!
> -- jeffj
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

> Not one chip in the three databooks (mid 70's) has any chips that start
> with "NCR". What else is on the chips?

NCR is National Cash Register. The purple chips look very mid-1970s
Motorola. They probably made them for NCR.

--
Will

-------- Original Message --------
> From: "William Donzelli" <wdonzelli@...>
> Sent: Thursday, January 10, 2013 10:45 PM
> To: midatlanticretro@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [midatlanticretro] NCR chips?
>
> > Not one chip in the three databooks (mid 70's) has any chips that
start
> > with "NCR". What else is on the chips?
>
> NCR is National Cash Register. The purple chips look very mid-1970s
> Motorola. They probably made them for NCR.
>

Whoa I totally missed that one.  I will check the Motorola books.  Duh me.

Bill

> 1) I have a NCR panel with fluorescent displays
> http://ferretronix.com/tech/vfd/
> the NCR chips:
> NCR 6-51146
> NCR 6-51055
> NCR 6-51056
> NCR 6-51057
>
> 2) 34c227 is a 48 pin DIP. Some sort of microcontroller.
> Of course, Google only finds the parts-pimps,
> no real specs.
> >
> > > Not one chip in the three databooks (mid 70's) has any chips that
> start
> > > with "NCR". What else is on the chips?
> >
> > NCR is National Cash Register. The purple chips look very mid-1970s
> > Motorola. They probably made them for NCR.
> >
>
> Whoa I totally missed that one.  I will check the Motorola books.  Duh
me.
>
> Bill
>

Replying to myself.  I could not find anything in the Motorola books, but I
am guessing now that these are equivalent part numbers, not original
Motorola part numbers.  Sorry I can't help.
bd

--- In midatlanticretro@yahoogroups.com, "Jeff Jonas"  wrote:
>
> --- In midatlanticretro@yahoogroups.com, joshbensadon  wrote:
> > I think the Vintage Computer Museum needs a nice
> > steam powered generator.
>
> Pine Creek Railroad, so a steam locomotive is POSSIBLE
> but we'd have to put it on a treadmill to generate electricity.

A treadmill for a steam locomotive will cost more than a power transformer. 
Perhaps someone can find an old steam tractor?

> Check vintage-ads for the clear advantages of
> clean burning ANTHRICITE coal!

*vintage* ads rule.

> Even then, a cluster of new low-power microcontrollers
> will beat big-iron for MIPS-per-watt :-/
>
> *shudders* at the thought of a heap-o-Arduinos
> powered by 9v batteries.

LoL, perhaps the group will accept a bunch of COSMAC 1802 Membership cards being
ran from batteries?

PS. The only draw back to steam power is that there will need to be a fireman to
keep shoveling the coal.  I guess that's what the "new guy" is for?  Consider it
an initiation rite of passage.

I excited to announce that I've ordered a batch of reproduction SCELBI PCBs. 
This will enable  building of a batch of reproduction SCELBI 8Hs.  There is
still a lot of work to do before a basic system is operational,  but this is a
major milestone in an effort that was started in earnest about 15 months ago.

Once the basic 8H is working there is untold opportunities for follow on
projects, including;

1) reproduction chassis - although it looks bare bones, I'm pretty sure the
original production chassis were custom built to SCELBI specifications and not
modified off the shelf chassis.
2) cassette interface
3) TTY interface
4) oscilloscope interface
5) SCELBI 8B (4 additional/different PCBs required)
6) 2 varieties of power supplies

regards,
Mike Willegal

--- In midatlanticretro@yahoogroups.com, joshbensadon  wrote:
>
> --- In midatlanticretro@yahoogroups.com, "Jeff Jonas"  wrote:
> >
> > --- In midatlanticretro@yahoogroups.com, joshbensadon  wrote:
> > > I think the Vintage Computer Museum needs a nice
> > > steam powered generator.
> >
> > Pine Creek Railroad, so a steam locomotive is POSSIBLE
> > but we'd have to put it on a treadmill to generate electricity.
>
> A treadmill for a steam locomotive will cost more than a power transformer. 
Perhaps someone can find an old steam tractor?

stationary steam engines with power take offs (PTO) have been around since long
before the American Civil War  - too bad there isn't a steam group at info age 
:-)

Mike W.

>
> > Check vintage-ads for the clear advantages of
> > clean burning ANTHRICITE coal!
>
> *vintage* ads rule.
>
> > Even then, a cluster of new low-power microcontrollers
> > will beat big-iron for MIPS-per-watt :-/
> >
> > *shudders* at the thought of a heap-o-Arduinos
> > powered by 9v batteries.
>
> LoL, perhaps the group will accept a bunch of COSMAC 1802 Membership cards
being ran from batteries?
>
> PS. The only draw back to steam power is that there will need to be a fireman
to keep shoveling the coal.  I guess that's what the "new guy" is for?  Consider
it an initiation rite of passage.
>

Sounds great.  I can't wait to see one.

-------- Original Message --------
> From: "Mike" <mike@...>
> Sent: Friday, January 11, 2013 9:34 AM
> To: midatlanticretro@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [midatlanticretro] SCELBI PCBs on order
>
> I excited to announce that I've ordered a batch of reproduction SCELBI
PCBs.  This will enable  building of a batch of reproduction SCELBI 8Hs.
There is still a lot of work to do before a basic system is operational,
but this is a major milestone in an effort that was started in earnest
about 15 months ago.
>
> Once the basic 8H is working there is untold opportunities for follow on
projects, including;
>
> 1) reproduction chassis - although it looks bare bones, I'm pretty sure
the original production chassis were custom built to SCELBI specifications
and not modified off the shelf chassis.
> 2) cassette interface
> 3) TTY interface
> 4) oscilloscope interface
> 5) SCELBI 8B (4 additional/different PCBs required)
> 6) 2 varieties of power supplies
>
> regards,
> Mike Willegal
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>