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midatlanticretro · Mid-Atlantic Retro Computing Hobbyists

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  • Members: 380
  • Category: Computers
  • Founded: Jan 17, 2005
  • Language: English
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#29411 From: evan@...
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 12:23 am
Subject: Re: Museum report re: selling @ Trenton
ekoblentz
Send Email Send Email
 
>> Apple //e + monitor + 1 drive

Also -- each //e has an 80-column card and of course the disk controller card --
I removed other cards, for example one had the Microsoft Softcard in it. That's
a keeper for the museum. Also these will each include a DOS 3.3 disk.

#29412 From: evan@...
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 12:31 am
Subject: Note: Trenton exhibits
ekoblentz
Send Email Send Email
 
...Keep 'em simple!

No need to make Trenton exhibits all fancy as if they were VCF exhibits.

Details forthcoming re: setup times, parking, etc.

#29413 From: "Brian Schenkenberger, VAXman-" <VAXman@...>
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 1:02 am
Subject: RE: Re: Semi-OT: Preserve old cassette tape?
VAXman@...
Send Email Send Email
 
"PhillipP" <cooldude166861@...> writes:

>I don't consider myself an expert by any means on this topic, but assuming =
>that the tape is playable, wouldn't it be smarter to make a tape-to-tape co=
>py to allow for more precise digitization of that copy?

More noise!

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

Well I speak to machines with the voice of humanity.

#29414 From: Mike Loewen <mloewen@...>
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 2:02 am
Subject: Re: WiFi on vintage hardware
mloewen16823
Send Email Send Email
 
On Sun, 24 Feb 2013, Dan Roganti wrote:

> On Sun, Feb 24, 2013 at 5:49 PM, Dave <dave.g4ugm@...> wrote:
>
>> On 24/02/2013 22:17, David Gesswein wrote:
>>> On Sun, Feb 24, 2013 at 05:01:21PM -0500, Mike Loewen wrote:
>>>>      I would like to come up with a hardware/software scheme to connect
>> a
>>>> vintage computer's serial port to some sort of WiFi module which would
>>>> allow me to use SSH or Telnet over SSL to connect to a server.
>>>>      Suggestions?  Do any of you microcontroller wizards have something
>> on
>>>> the bench?
>>
>
> If you want to a self-contained solution - versus a homebrew project - look
> here
> WiFly RN-171 802.11b/g Serial to WiFi Module, $29.99
> The RN-171 is a small form factor, standalone, ultra-low power embedded
> module with a complete TCP/IP stack in a wireless networking module.
> https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11049

     That looks good, except for two things:

1. "We also currently do not support WPA2-Enterprise (radius server
authentication, EAP-TLS)"

     That, unfortunately is the mode used by our on-campus wireless
networks.

2. There's no SSH client or SSL connection capability.


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

#29415 From: "Mike Strange" <mjstrange@...>
Date: Mon Feb 18, 2013 7:25 pm
Subject: New UK Member - Announce
strange2uk
Send Email Send Email
 
Hi all,
I thought I would visit your Group and tell you about some of the work I am doing with early computers here in the UK.

I am an active member of the Bloodhound Missile Preservation Group and we are in the early phases of bringing the computer elements of a Launch Control Post that we have obtained back up to working condition. The objective is to be able to run the equipment in its full in-service simulator mode.  You can read more about us on www.BMPG.org.uk

The computer is a Ferranti Argus 700 that runs compiled Coral66; this particular machine has not been turned on since 1990 so we are treating everything very gently.  All of the power supplies have been tested after replacing electrolytic capacitors although much to our surprise the ones that did pop on the first two PSUs were RIFA paper capacitors; they have all been replaced and they are all now serviceable.  We were very cautious with the 5V units as they are rated at 150A; clearly switched-mode.

We are now working on the tape drive and 10MB Winchester disc drive which we hope contains the compiled code unless it was cleared when the Royal Air Force disposed of the equipment.  Fear not - we have managed to acquire source code files as well as tapes which we believe will contain the Coral compiler which runs on the host Argus.

You will see here that despite the stringent military requirement the Argus 700 is indeed of commercial pedigree. Design started around 1968/9 and the range was still in production in the mid 1980s achieving international success for industrial and military applications.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferranti_Argus (Note the M700 is an entirely different machine).

I am currently working on the computer terminal, an Ferranti FT81 which is close to being a VT100 clone.  This is Z80-based and has a fault that causes the video output to not be refreshed.  I have been fortunate to obtain the circuit diagrams but no source code, nor checksums, for the five EPROMs - but as one has to be in these matters I am hopeful of a positive outcome!

So far there are only three of the us who are actively working on the project despite over 120 having expressed an interest (anyone recognize this situation??). So the challenge to return the Bloodhound to exhibition standard, to enable the public to 'play' at being an Engagement Controller is, to say the least, quite a daunting one but we WILL succeed!

On a personal front, this work with with the Z80 has rekindled my fond memories of the Nascom2 computer that I constructed in 1980.  Unfortunately I disposed of it when I purchased my first PC; something I have much regretted since retiring from work.  So, not thinking I would have a chance, I placed a WANTED advert on our local Freecycle Group.  You can imagine my delight when a gentleman came back saying he had a Nascom2 that he wants to get rid of and I can collect in a week or so (when he has sorted it all out for me) PLUS he will give me a Tatung Einstein machine which uses 3inch floppy disk drives - yes 3inch not 3.5inch. Anyone heard of these before?

So who ever said retiring was supposed to be restful!!

I look forward to reading more about what you guys are up to across the pond. Anyone with a Nascom .. or an Argus 700 - possibly not?

Best regards from Biggleswade in England
Mike

#29416 From: joshbensadon
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 2:06 am
Subject: Paper punch tape
joshbensadon
 
Does anyone know where can I buy some 1" paper tape for a fair price?

Thanks
Josh

#29417 From: evan@...
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 2:09 am
Subject: Re: Paper punch tape
ekoblentz
Send Email Send Email
 
>> Does anyone know where can I buy some 1" paper tape for a fair price?

I think the club has extra. I defer to Jeff J. who knows the details.

#29418 From: Dan Roganti <ragooman@...>
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 2:39 am
Subject: Re: WiFi on vintage hardware
ragoo_sauce
Send Email Send Email
 


On Sun, Feb 24, 2013 at 9:02 PM, Mike Loewen <mloewen@...> wrote:

    That looks good, except for two things:

1. "We also currently do not support WPA2-Enterprise (radius server
authentication, EAP-TLS)"

    That, unfortunately is the mode used by our on-campus wireless
networks.

2. There's no SSH client or SSL connection capability.


I see, 
there's certainly no one size fits all in this category - even worse - they're all not created equal.
There are some other high end versions out there like these.

Dan



#29419 From: Matt Patoray <mspproductions@...>
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 2:48 am
Subject: Re: Re: Semi-OT: Preserve old cassette tape?
matt_patoray
Send Email Send Email
 
Direct to digital with a high quality cassette deck is best. Using an external ADC is also a good idea as most sound cards and mother board sound chips have a lot of noise. 

Is there any indication if the tape was recorded with Dolby NR? 

What brand is the tape? Any markings like "Normal" "Chrome", "Type I" "Type II" or "Type III"?

A cassette to cassette copy would lower the S/N by at least 3 dB and add wow and flutter to the copy.

Matt

Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 24, 2013, at 7:19 PM, "PhillipP" <cooldude166861@...> wrote:

 

I don't consider myself an expert by any means on this topic, but assuming that the tape is playable, wouldn't it be smarter to make a tape-to-tape copy to allow for more precise digitization of that copy?

-Phillip

--- In midatlanticretro@yahoogroups.com, evan@... wrote:
>
> Guys,
>
> One of the items I got from Stephen Gray's daughter last weekend is an audio tape of Stephen giving a lecture. I want to be sure the tape's in good condition before I dare to play it. (When I do play it, I'll make a recording at the same time.)
>
> The tape is from 1976. I don't know when it was last played.
>
> What should I do to ensure its integrity before playing it? I would freak out if I started playing it and it got "eaten" or otherwise damaged.
>


#29420 From: evan@...
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 2:48 am
Subject: Re: Re: Semi-OT: Preserve old cassette tape?
ekoblentz
Send Email Send Email
 
Thanks everyone for the helpful advice. Cory Sickles ("Burning Image") is going
to digitize the tape for us.

#29421 From: B Degnan <billdeg@...>
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 2:57 am
Subject: Re: Paper punch tape
billdeg
Send Email Send Email
 
evan@... wrote:

>>> Does anyone know where can I buy some 1" paper tape for a fair
>price?
>
>I think the club has extra. I defer to Jeff J. who knows the details.
>
>
>
>------------------------------------
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
Not a lot of 1 in.  Mostly badout
--
Sent from my PDP 8/e.

#29422 From: "J. Alexander Jacocks" <jjacocks@...>
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 3:34 am
Subject: Re: WiFi on vintage hardware
caliphalexander
Send Email Send Email
 
On Sun, Feb 24, 2013 at 9:39 PM, Dan Roganti <ragooman@...> wrote:
 



On Sun, Feb 24, 2013 at 9:02 PM, Mike Loewen <mloewen@...> wrote:

    That looks good, except for two things:

1. "We also currently do not support WPA2-Enterprise (radius server
authentication, EAP-TLS)"

    That, unfortunately is the mode used by our on-campus wireless
networks.

2. There's no SSH client or SSL connection capability.


I see, 
there's certainly no one size fits all in this category - even worse - they're all not created equal.
There are some other high end versions out there like these.

I think that the Raspberry Pi idea is awfully good:

The Rpi could either be a getty-based app host, or be a PPP server, if TCP/IP was desired on the serial-connected host, and has wifi/wpa2 support.  It's also awfully cheap, and fairly small, and thus could be hidden inside the case of most machines that it might help.

Probably the only knock on it is the fact that it's a very modern design, and significantly more powerful than the hosts that it'd be fronting for.  But, that wouldn't stop me.

- Alex

#29423 From: "Wesley Furr" <wesley@...>
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 3:59 am
Subject: RE: WiFi on vintage hardware
wesleyhfurr
Send Email Send Email
 
I think anything that supports 802.11 wifi is going to be "very modern"...  ;-)
 
Wesley
 


From: midatlanticretro@yahoogroups.com [mailto:midatlanticretro@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of J. Alexander Jacocks

I think that the Raspberry Pi idea is awfully good:


Probably the only knock on it is the fact that it's a very modern design, and significantly more powerful than the hosts that it'd be fronting for.  But, that wouldn't stop me.

- Alex

#29424 From: "Jeff Jonas" <jeff_s_jonas@...>
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 4:41 am
Subject: Re: Semi-OT: Preserve old cassette tape?
jeff_s_jonas
Send Email Send Email
 
> If it's a typical 'era' cassette tape (not metal or CrO2)
> using only FeO3 and this tape has been
> sitting for a long while, you're likely to encounter
> quite a bit of print-through when played
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Print-through

I remember that effect on most of my tapes: Maxell or TDK. I'd hear the next
song softly in the blank spot between tracks. That sure burst my bubble when I
realized that my memory was NOT really so perfect!

I probably still have several blank TDK audio cassettes: silver and gold.

For 1970s authenticity, we ought to use a Kor/Sonic audio cassette from E.J.
Korvettes, but I suspect my bar-mitzvah lessons are still on it! That would
match Evans' Apple ][ being such a gift!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E._J._Korvette
http://www.snopes.com/business/names/ejkorvette.asp

#29425 From: Kyle Owen <kylevowen@...>
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 6:59 am
Subject: [Semi-OT] Dot Matrix Printer Help
kylevowen
Send Email Send Email
 
After collecting computers for several years, I've accumulated a few printers as well. Just recently, I scored a Unisys-branded Mannesmann-Tally MT440 serial dot matrix printer. I actually see a Sperry sticker on the inside as well. It passes the self-test just fine, but doesn't give me much information for the serial port settings. The DB-25 connector on the back is actually part of a removable module. I traced the DIP switch back to an 8031 microcontroller, but I suppose it really won't do me much good knowing that now without having a dump of the ROM on the board. There seems to be little to no information regarding this printer online either. It's a huge and *very* heavy printer and will print green bar paper fed from the bottom, but can also handle smaller-width paper.

Assuming the printer does actually send data via serial (that is, not just receive it), how could I use my 'scope to get an idea of what connections to make, and what baud rate it is using? I've already tried to make a "serial printer adapter" as pictured here: http://www.lammertbies.nl/picture/db9_25_printer.png but the printer does not seem to respond whatsoever. I've been simply using `screen` to "talk" to the printer via every commonly used baud rate from 110 up to 19200. 

I can get some pictures uploaded in a bit, but visually, it's fairly similar to this one, with slightly different button placement. http://www.shakticom.com/images/saletally_big.jpg 

As if I need another printer to figure out, I also have an OKI Microline 80. Again, hardly any info online. This seems to be a parallel printer based on the Centronics connector (did they ever use serial protocol with a Centronics connector?). I have a USB-to-Centronics adapter that works great for a slightly newer Apple laser printer, but all I get is garbage on the printout with it connected to the ML80. 

My goal is to get at least one of these working to get some banners printed for the VCF SE 1.0, but I honestly didn't expect the printers to hold me back! I assumed it would be finding the paper that'd give me the most trouble. Green bar paper seems to be rather pricey

Any tips would be much appreciated.

Kyle

#29426 From: Dave <dave.g4ugm@...>
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 10:30 am
Subject: Re: Paper punch tape
g4ugm
Send Email Send Email
 
On 25/02/2013 02:06, joshbensadon wrote:
> Does anyone know where can I buy some 1" paper tape for a fair price?

It depends on what you think is fair. The going rate seems to be about
$10 to $15 a reel which is about what GNT quoted me in the UK. In the US
WestNC have it at the same price...

http://www.westnc.com/paper-tape-rolls.html

but if no one else has any to sell, then they can charge what they want.

http://sniff.numachi.com/pages/tiHAPNCEFT.html

or search "You Tube"

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Three+Ha%27Pence+a+Foot&oq=Three+Ha%\
27Pence+a+Foot

We seem to have got to the stage where random bits of tape with no
provenance or context are fetching stupid prices...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/290866896406


> Thanks
> Josh
>
>
>
Dave
G4UGM

#29427 From: "Brian Schenkenberger, VAXman-" <VAXman@...>
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 11:58 am
Subject: Re: Re: Semi-OT: Preserve old cassette tape?
VAXman@...
Send Email Send Email
 
Matt Patoray <mspproductions@...> writes:

>Direct to digital with a high quality cassette deck is best. Using an
>external ADC is also a good idea as most sound cards and mother board
>sound chips have a lot of noise.

Like my Apogee Duet or Symphony?



>Is there any indication if the tape was recorded with Dolby NR?=20
>
>What brand is the tape? Any markings like "Normal" "Chrome", "Type I"
>"Type II" or "Type III"?

I asked previously and I don't believe there was an answer.  Being a tape
lecture, I'd wager it was recorded on a low-quality Fe2O3 tape.  There's
likely to be print-through, dropout (from both print-through and adhesion
losses) and curl.



>A cassette to cassette copy would lower the S/N by at least 3 dB and
>add wow and flutter to the copy.

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

Well I speak to machines with the voice of humanity.

#29428 From: Dave Wade <dave.g4ugm@...>
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 12:10 pm
Subject: Re: Re: Semi-OT: Preserve old cassette tape?
g4ugm
Send Email Send Email
 
On 25/02/2013 11:58, Brian Schenkenberger, VAXman- wrote:
> Matt Patoray <mspproductions@...> writes:
>
>> Direct to digital with a high quality cassette deck is best. Using an
>> external ADC is also a good idea as most sound cards and mother board
>> sound chips have a lot of noise.
> Like my Apogee Duet or Symphony?
>
>
>
>> Is there any indication if the tape was recorded with Dolby NR?=20
>>
>> What brand is the tape? Any markings like "Normal" "Chrome", "Type I"
>> "Type II" or "Type III"?
> I asked previously and I don't believe there was an answer.
He is going to get it done elsewhere...

> Being a tape
> lecture, I'd wager it was recorded on a low-quality Fe2O3 tape.  There's
> likely to be print-through, dropout (from both print-through and adhesion
> losses) and curl.
>

I have had virtually no success in getting any thing that's even half
listen-able too off cassette tapes, even pro Dolby tapes. I have tried
reasonable quality tape players (there is a Sharp RT-100 connected into
this computer at the moment) and also dedicated external USB connected
dedicated archival devices. Frankly the quality I difference is so
dependant on the original material I don't think you could tell the
difference between my best efforts and for mono at least, playing the
sound back and recording into the Microphone built into my old M700
laptop. The degradation is minimal compared to the garbage that comes
off the tape. In fact the more you try and enhance them, often the worse
they sound. In this modern age of loss-less, noise free digital copying
we have forgotten how utterly appalling the quality of the "Compact
Cassette" was...

>
>> A cassette to cassette copy would lower the S/N by at least 3 dB and
>> add wow and flutter to the copy.
> At least!


--
Dave Wade G4UGM
Illegitimi Non Carborundum

#29429 From: Ray Sills <raysills3@...>
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 12:42 pm
Subject: Re: Re: Semi-OT: Preserve old cassette tape?
raysills
Send Email Send Email
 
On Feb 24, 2013, at 7:19 PM, PhillipP wrote:

> I don't consider myself an expert by any means on this topic, but
> assuming that the tape is playable, wouldn't it be smarter to make a
> tape-to-tape copy to allow for more precise digitization of that copy?
>
> -Phillip
>

In almost all cases, it's best to be able to digitize the original
tape, not an analog dub.  No dub is an exact clone in the analog
world, so there will be some form of degradation with the dubbed
copy.  High quality copying equipment can minimize the problems, but
the copy -will- be not as good as the original, other than being
recorded on new tape stock.  Sometimes, that trade-off is the better
choice, but usually not.  If the original is able to be played to make
an analog copy, then it can be played to make a digitized copy.

In the digital world, there are processes that can be used to improve
a not-so-good recording, like noise removal, and even peak distortion.

73 de Ray

#29430 From: David Gesswein <djg@...>
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 12:44 pm
Subject: Re: [Semi-OT] Dot Matrix Printer Help
dgesswein
Send Email Send Email
 
On Mon, Feb 25, 2013 at 12:59:33AM -0600, Kyle Owen wrote:
> The DB-25 connector on the back
> is actually part of a removable module.
>
I would pull the module and trace the wiring to the connector. Do one or
both of pins 2 & 3 go to some RS-232 interface chip? Is 7 ground? Does
the module have a UART on it?  Is this the only connector on the printer?

From which pin goes to the receiver you can tell if its wired DTE or DCE.
You might need a null modem.

#29431 From: "Wesley Furr" <wesley@...>
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 1:43 pm
Subject: RE: [Semi-OT] Dot Matrix Printer Help
wesleyhfurr
Send Email Send Email
 
Kyle,
 
I passed your message on to someone I work with now, and worked with two jobs back too.  "Back in the day" of the other job, they used to use Sperry/Unisys equipment...so I passed along your note in case he knew something about your printer.  I personally worked with some of the leftover big MT band printers...but nothing smaller that had that name on it.  Here's his response:
 
 
 
Well – up until I displayed the picture I thought I was familiar with the printer.   I have dealt with MT printers in the past – I don’t think they had the Unisys name on them though.  The picture and the MT printer I have in mind do not match.
 
The MT’s that I played with had a menu that would allow the print of the current and all possible settings – it printed quite a long list of configurable parameters.
 
If the printer has the Unisys name on it – it may have a butchered serial interface.  Depending on what the printer was connected to in its Unisys life, it may not be a typical serial connection.  Long ago we purchased an Epson printer to replace a Unisys (maybe even Sperry) printer and there was a slight change to the serial settings to get it to talk to a Unisys terminal.   But this slight change was made with a dip switch.
 
In the very last paragraph there is a statement…” but I honestly didn't expect the printers to hold me back!”
 
In my experience – printers ALWAYS hold you back.   I thought at one point that printers and modems would cause the end of life as we know it.
 
Sorry – a lot of words -  not much help…..
 
djp
 
Hope this is of some help...
 
Thanks,
 
Wesley
 


From: midatlanticretro@yahoogroups.com [mailto:midatlanticretro@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Kyle Owen
Sent: Monday, February 25, 2013 2:00 AM
To: midatlanticretro@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [midatlanticretro] [Semi-OT] Dot Matrix Printer Help

After collecting computers for several years, I've accumulated a few printers as well. Just recently, I scored a Unisys-branded Mannesmann-Tally MT440 serial dot matrix printer. I actually see a Sperry sticker on the inside as well. It passes the self-test just fine, but doesn't give me much information for the serial port settings. The DB-25 connector on the back is actually part of a removable module. I traced the DIP switch back to an 8031 microcontroller, but I suppose it really won't do me much good knowing that now without having a dump of the ROM on the board. There seems to be little to no information regarding this printer online either. It's a huge and *very* heavy printer and will print green bar paper fed from the bottom, but can also handle smaller-width paper.

Assuming the printer does actually send data via serial (that is, not just receive it), how could I use my 'scope to get an idea of what connections to make, and what baud rate it is using? I've already tried to make a "serial printer adapter" as pictured here: http://www.lammertbies.nl/picture/db9_25_printer.png but the printer does not seem to respond whatsoever. I've been simply using `screen` to "talk" to the printer via every commonly used baud rate from 110 up to 19200. 

I can get some pictures uploaded in a bit, but visually, it's fairly similar to this one, with slightly different button placement. http://www.shakticom.com/images/saletally_big.jpg 

As if I need another printer to figure out, I also have an OKI Microline 80. Again, hardly any info online. This seems to be a parallel printer based on the Centronics connector (did they ever use serial protocol with a Centronics connector?). I have a USB-to-Centronics adapter that works great for a slightly newer Apple laser printer, but all I get is garbage on the printout with it connected to the ML80. 

My goal is to get at least one of these working to get some banners printed for the VCF SE 1.0, but I honestly didn't expect the printers to hold me back! I assumed it would be finding the paper that'd give me the most trouble. Green bar paper seems to be rather pricey

Any tips would be much appreciated.

Kyle

#29432 From: Systems Glitch <systems.glitch@...>
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 3:07 pm
Subject: Re: A real Mark-8 for MARCH
systems.glitch
Send Email Send Email
 
> I have some of these Bugbooks, so do many here including Dan R if I remember
> correctly.

I've got a pile of them, very useful references. I used to find them in the
Blacksburg YMCA store's book section now and then, which is how I found out
about them. The 8080/8085 two-book series is excellent and what got me started
in 8080/8085 assembly programming and low-level design.

The Floyd museum is something I've been meaning to check out...my parents live
an hour away in southern WV so perhaps we can make a stop next time we're down
on vacation. I'd heard of the Floyd country store when I was in school at
Virginia Tech, but didn't know a computer museum existed!

Thanks,
Jonathan

#29433 From: Systems Glitch <systems.glitch@...>
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 3:11 pm
Subject: Re: Roll Call for VCF E
systems.glitch
Send Email Send Email
 
> Jon Chapman (? - do you want to bring your Altair 8800 instead and I can
> bring something else?)

I HAVE AN ALTAIR?! How'd I miss that?!

I was thinking about bringing my current long-term 8 bit
modern-homebrew-with-vintage-processors project, or my Intel SDK-85. I do have
the IMSAI up and going as well. Or I could bring the little 8085 SBC system I've
designed.

Thanks,
Jonathan

#29434 From: Systems Glitch <systems.glitch@...>
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 3:14 pm
Subject: Re: Tantalum Caps
systems.glitch
Send Email Send Email
 
> For small odd little things like that I've been turning to ebay...mainly
> because folks there don't charge $5-10 minimum shipping charges for $1 worth
> of components like the big online electronics places do...

Mouser isn't too bad with their shipping, as long as you're OK with with using
modern parts. I almost always have a couple of things on the parts "waiting
list" that get thrown on when I have real reason to place an order.

Thanks,
Jonathan

#29435 From: Mr Ian Primus <ian_primus@...>
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 3:16 pm
Subject: Re: Re: Semi-OT: Preserve old cassette tape?
ian_primus
Send Email Send Email
 
--- On Mon, 2/25/13, Dave Wade <dave.g4ugm@...> wrote:

> I have had virtually no success in getting any thing that's
> even half
> listen-able too off cassette tapes, even pro Dolby tapes.

You must be doing something wrong. I mean, sure, I've run across a few bad
recordings and damaged tapes, but by and large, cassettes sound quite good. I
use them regularly. A good recording on good tape can really sound fantastic.
Are you sure your cassette player is aligned properly? Do you live near a
massive power transformer or other source of magnetic interference? Indian
burial ground?

> In this modern age of loss-less, noise free
> digital copying
> we have forgotten how utterly appalling the quality of the
> "Compact
> Cassette" was...

Some low grade tape is truly bad. But, again, cassettes can sound very, very
good - don't dismiss the format entirely. It's not digital, no, but it's not
8-track either.

-Ian

#29436 From: Systems Glitch <systems.glitch@...>
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 3:19 pm
Subject: Re: Roll Call for VCF E
systems.glitch
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> Since this is smaller event I was planning to go with what will fit in my
> Golf. I might be able to remove the Teletype from the stand to be able to
> bring it.  That does cause problems for chad collection.

Does the back seat still come out? We were able to get a PDP-11/05 comfortably
in the back of the Rabbit with the seat just folded up.

Thanks,
Jonathan

#29437 From: Dave <dave.g4ugm@...>
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 3:46 pm
Subject: Re: Re: Semi-OT: Preserve old cassette tape?
g4ugm
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On 25/02/2013 15:16, Mr Ian Primus wrote:
> --- On Mon, 2/25/13, Dave Wade <dave.g4ugm@...> wrote:
>
>> I have had virtually no success in getting any thing that's
>> even half
>> listen-able too off cassette tapes, even pro Dolby tapes.
> You must be doing something wrong. I mean, sure, I've run across a few bad
recordings and damaged tapes, but by and large, cassettes sound quite good. I
use them regularly. A good recording on good tape can really sound fantastic.
Are you sure your cassette player is aligned properly? Do you live near a
massive power transformer or other source of magnetic interference? Indian
burial ground?
Nope the nearest thing is the local trams which are about 300yds (two
blocks) away.

http://www.altrincham.org.uk/PublicTransport.asp

I have tried a selection of cassette players, a selection of sound
cards, and it always sounds naff when I play back the resulting audio,
be it in the car, on a computer or via my Android phone....
>> In this modern age of loss-less, noise free
>> digital copying
>> we have forgotten how utterly appalling the quality of the
>> "Compact
>> Cassette" was...
> Some low grade tape is truly bad. But, again, cassettes can sound very, very
good - don't dismiss the format entirely. It's not digital, no, but it's not
8-track either.

No but compare to any reel to reel how can 1/16" tracks on  1/4" wide
tape at 1.75ips  ever sound "good". There were some less worse devices
that worked at double speed, but I still don't think they are/were
brilliant.

>
> -Ian
>
>
> ttp://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
Dave
G4UGM

#29438 From: "B. Degnan" <billdeg@...>
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 4:06 pm
Subject: Re: Roll Call for VCF E
billdeg
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-------- Original Message --------
> From: "Systems Glitch" <systems.glitch@...>
> Sent: Monday, February 25, 2013 10:38 AM
> To: midatlanticretro@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [midatlanticretro] Roll Call for VCF E
>
> > Jon Chapman (? - do you want to bring your Altair 8800 instead and I
can
> > bring something else?)
>
> I HAVE AN ALTAIR?! How'd I miss that?!
>
> I was thinking about bringing my current long-term 8 bit
modern-homebrew-with-vintage-processors project, or my Intel SDK-85. I do
have the IMSAI up and going as well. Or I could bring the little 8085 SBC
system I've designed.
>

Please bring something that would have primarily made up of stuff from
1974-1976 if you can.  that's why I was suggesting the Altair 8800.  The
target theme for TCF is "homebrew" era.
bd

#29439 From: Systems Glitch <systems.glitch@...>
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 4:38 pm
Subject: Re: Roll Call for VCF E
systems.glitch
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> Please bring something that would have primarily made up of stuff from
> 1974-1976 if you can.

Can I bring the Intel SDK-85? That's from 1977 and was popular as a hobbyist
controller board and educational tool. It'll talk to a teletype over current
loop too.

> that's why I was suggesting the Altair 8800

It would have to be someone else's Altair as I don't own one. If you want to
bring yours I can bring a bunch of the homebrew boards I've got. I can write a
program to scroll a message across the little LED display on one of my Solid
State Music IO-2 boards or control something else.

Thanks,
Jonathan

#29440 From: Kyle Owen <kylevowen@...>
Date: Mon Feb 25, 2013 4:52 pm
Subject: Re: [Semi-OT] Dot Matrix Printer Help
kylevowen
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On Mon, Feb 25, 2013 at 6:44 AM, David Gesswein <djg@...> wrote:
 

On Mon, Feb 25, 2013 at 12:59:33AM -0600, Kyle Owen wrote:
> The DB-25 connector on the back
> is actually part of a removable module.
>
I would pull the module and trace the wiring to the connector. Do one or
both of pins 2 & 3 go to some RS-232 interface chip? Is 7 ground? Does
the module have a UART on it? Is this the only connector on the printer?

From which pin goes to the receiver you can tell if its wired DTE or DCE.
You might need a null modem.

I can certainly check on that. It's definitely the only connector on the printer. I imagine it does have a UART, but I'll have to tear it apart again. 

RS-232 is still very confusing to me. I've got a Northstar Horizon that can use one type of cable to interface with a terminal or my USB-serial adapter, but my Data I/O EPROM programmer requires a null modem cable, as does my Tandy 200, if I recall. I've tried the null modem cable with the printer and was getting garbage characters, which tells me I'm on the right track, I suppose.

Kyle 

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