Hi guys,

--- In midatlanticretro@yahoogroups.com, "B. Degnan" <billdeg@...> wrote:
> [Evan wrote]
>> * Just for kicks and grins, I might name the event VCF East 9.1.0.14
>> Maintenance Release 3 Beta Build 6.  :)

I about ruptured something laughing at this, and then…

> not a bad t shirt

…this set me off laughing again. Good exercise for the diaphragm, I guess. I
think it’s a great idea, BTW. If I lived closer than continental distances
from your event I’d definitely attend and buy one.

In any case, the reason I have temporarily delurked is to ask what is the most
egregious real-life version number of that kidney that people have encountered?
I vaguely recall finding mention of one about half that long when I was looking
for something else (I think it was a Microsoft service pack when I was searching
for something Mac-related), but unfortunately I didn’t really register the
details. The longest one I _can_ remember the details of was just something of
Knuth’s (TeX perhaps?), which got longer and longer, asymptotically
approaching pi, as bugs were fixed. That hardly even rates a mention, though â€"
not enough egregious verbiage involved.

Gordon Steemson

--
the world’s only gsteemso
Seattle Retro-Computing Society’s agitator-in-chief

There are a few other "science fair"-type of events this spring beside just
Trenton. I really enjoy demo'ing the MARCH gospel at these events, so I will
probably attend them all with (at least) a small booth, if not larger displays
based on regional interest among our members.

Here is what's coming up soon:

March 9 - Ridgewood, NJ - Super Science Saturday:
http://www.supersciencesaturday.org/index.php

April 20 - Philadelphia - Science Carnival:
http://www.philasciencefestival.org/carnival-listings

April 27 - Westport, CT - Mini-Maker Faire:
http://www.westportmakerfaire.org

Does anyone know of other events (not hamfests) where MARCH could exhibit?

As mentioned a while ago, we'll probably have some kind of MARCH event on the
weekend that was reserved for VCF East 9.0 (May 18/19). We'll also go back to
World Maker Faire this fall in NY. (What about the HOPE conference, you ask? It
only runs in even-numbered years.)

Everyone,

We can re-open real soon now ....

Says Fred:

  >>  The town has installed a generator that will power the hotel, all
of 9032 and 9059 <<

MARCH is in building 9032 so that covers us.

  >> On Saturday, the 2nd, at 1PM we will need all who can help get the
hotel and 9032 clean and organized <<

Unfortunately I am not available that day. Would any other MARCHins be
willing to go help with whatever's needed?

  >> Estimates are the generator may use $60.00 of fuel per hour.
Therefore we will need to schedule our work times to conserve fuel. We
need to create a committee to pick a date to reopen and plan for it. <<

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=tdF_XdVuO-o
Computer Critters #1
Meet the Critter Family -- Della, Hacker, Tabby, Stanley, Harold, Harriet and
Foxworthy. They're here to teach us all about computers! Computers are coming
your way!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qPpI6WfTcg
#2

A keyboard, how quaint.
And light pen!
And joystick!
And mouse (sigh) some things never change.

I have some comments about "homebrew" and what might be shown about that era in
microcomputing.

I"m someone who was THERE in the so-called "homebrew computer" era in
discussion. I'm not particularly comfortable with the phrase "homebrew
computers", as it suggests something less than professional, ad-hoc,
non-commercial - second class. Computers often shown from that era typically
look like a rat's nest of boards and wires; or are contrasted with production
designs in smooth custom fiberglass cases that play video games.

But "honmebrew" is a kind of reference to the now-iconic "Homebrew Computer
Club" in California, where several founders of vintage computer companies, or
principals in those companies, met and started.

The phrase also refers to what Bill Degnan is talking about. People - we - in
the era, were obliged to MAKE computers, and wire them up to things not meant
for "computer control". That's because computers of the mid-1970's were not
produced as ready-for-use, or for use by themselves, for applications alone -
that's a modern view.

The technology for a use, the need for an application, DID NOT EXIST YET, or was
too new. The price of much of existing technology was ENORMOUS in modern dollars
- costs greater than a running used car. Much of the affordable computing
technology, was second-hand, in the used MINIcomputer market, and still not that
cheap. and microcomputing technology was changing rapidly - standards we
consider obvious today, were in many cases established in that era; thus
surviving technology from the era is deemed "non standard" and therefore
second-class.

Regarding VCF, which is also a ham radio activity - radio amateurs also have a
proud legacy of "homebrew", as in construction, of not only radio-related items,
but of early microcomputers. 73 and QST contained many early digital and
computer construction articles. 73 publisher Wayne Green, cofounded BYTE and
founded Kilobaud, essential microcomputer magazines. Ham established digital
networks before the wired Internet.

I have a lot to say about the mid-1970's era of vintage computing, because in a
way I'm fighting the common (and well paid-for) view that IBM and Apple and
Microsoft "created" personal computing, and what came before was junky stuff
which didn't matter - the phrase "homebrew" does not help. But it's otherwise
forgotten, how hard it was to work with vintage computing, before you had
computers to help you! Or to adapt hardware and software, before there were
"standards" which later made transfer of prior work much easier. And before
computing power was sufficient; before whole classes of software were
established as familiar "apps"; before computer networks; before mass storage;
on and on.

Today, personal computing is so standardized, common, and cheap, that these
ideas sound like the Wild West to 21st century people today. I often consider
early vintage computing as "pioneer computing" because of that.

So I agree with Bill Degnan, that a serious exhibit of mid-1970's computers
should not be just a box or a board. It should show how it was tied to some
thing, to do some thing. But the facts are, that vintage computers are rarely
sold or traded, or shown that way. Even I have removed the "homebrew" wires and
parts, because frankly nobody cares to see that stuff, it means nothing for
people only interested in computer brands, models and dates.

I was asked to bring the TDL Xitan, and I can do that. But it won't be tied to a
particular use or original configuration. it wasn't when I got it. I appreciate
Bill's suggest to at least have a TOKEN application of a vintage microcomputer -
blink some lights at least. I'll see if I have something still intact of that
sort, but it's rare to get such assemblies intact. Harder still to KEEP them
that way, and to have something that looks "presentable", next to the Apple II's
and Atari, and other professionally-crafted packaged computers that look
"personal" by today's standards.

This is hardly my last word on the era or my best thoughts, it's simply a
response to a discussion. I'd welcome comments and considerations. Maybe at
another time-  there's only two weeks before TCF, people interested in showing
items should focus on that.

And of course, I'm not responsible for MARCH's exhibit or their interpretations
of the era. These are my words from me, I don't work for MARCH or vice versa.

Herb Johnson
retrotechnology.com

Can someone pick up a trunkload of artifacts for us in Scarsdale NY? It has to
be by Sunday night. I'm told there are some disk packs, documents, etc for an
IBM System 3 (no, there's not a /3 itself, although MARCH has one) and misc.
other things. ... Plus random PC/electronic stuff that we don't want but the
rescuer could help themselves to....

Disregard previous message, I am going tomorrow afternoon.

> But "honmebrew" is a kind of reference to the now-iconic "Homebrew
Computer Club" in California, where several founders of vintage computer
companies, or principals in those companies, met and started.
>
> The phrase also refers to what Bill Degnan is talking about. People - we
- in the era, were obliged to MAKE computers, and wire them up to things
not meant for "computer control". That's because computers of the
mid-1970's were not produced as ready-for-use, or for use by themselves,
for applications alone - that's a modern view.
>
> The technology for a use, the need for an application, DID NOT EXIST YET,
or was too new. The price of much of existing technology was ENORMOUS in
modern dollars - costs greater than a running used car. Much of the
affordable computing technology, was second-hand, in the used MINIcomputer
market, and still not that cheap. and microcomputing technology was
changing rapidly - standards we consider obvious today, were in many cases
established in that era; thus surviving technology from the era is deemed
"non standard" and therefore second-class.
>

  It might not matter to everyone the same way, but TCF is the perfect place
to help educate.

It says something if you can accurately answer the question "...what would
all this have cost in year x ...?"

bd

Bill Degnan wrote:
>
> > Two ideas if you bring an '8:
> > - Explain to visitors how big computers were often used to develop for
> > little ones
> > - Bring your Straight 8, and explain the connection to RESISTORS, Ted
> > Nelson, etc.

Just an annoying note: the actual RESISTORs straight-8 was already exhibited at
TCF.

Will Donzelli wrote:
>
> The PDP-8 line were certainly used in industry and academia
> "homebrewing", as a cheap processor for all sorts of custom
> installations (experiments, machine control, test rigs, etc.).
>

As I posted, what's being called "homebrewing", was normal practice in the era.
Most everyone was adapting whatever they could get, old or new, to do whatever
they were trying to do.

About PDP-8's. It's fair to say they were the period alternative to having a
microcomputer, until microcomputers became available. It's useful to see a PDP-8
or some other minicomputer to compare and contrast. Some kind of DEC computing
widget, should be at every VCF.

Um, there's actually a lot I could bring from around 1975. It's hard to decide
among single-boards like KIM, or systems like the Northstar Horizon. I've
committed to bring the Xitan TDL system, it's a "local" product, but it won't be
running. Its Z80 board was pretty early.

I've got a couple of thoughts about a running system. The Northstar Horizon is
pretty "clean" but age-appropriate - you guys won't call it "homebrew". But it
runs, CP/M at that. So does (or did) my Heath H-8. I suppose I could add an
ADM-3A to keep it all period. But it's not like I can run Spacewar, or even
Adventure, just not my thing to run games. I could at least show a papertape
system with it (the H-10 reader/punch), again not running. I did not expect this
event.

One of the more unusual computers in retrospect, is "the digital group", now
kind of scarce. the model I happen to have certainly LOOKS "homebrew" as it's
hot-wired up in various ways. Again, not running. It's in-theme by date and
appearance. But as I've posted I have mixed feelings about showing stuff that
looks wired up (in other words, NORMAL for 1977) just to be ridiculed as
hopelessly primitive.

I won't bring it all, I'm an old man not a pack mule. And I dont' want to crowd
other MARCHians out. If people have some particular preferences, I'll follow the
thread every few days, see what is said. I have some ideas and themes I'll
consider in the meantime, see what I can wake up.

Herb

Herb,

> >
>
> Um, there's actually a lot I could bring from around 1975. It's hard to
decide among single-boards like KIM, or systems like the Northstar Horizon.
I've committed to bring the Xitan TDL system, it's a "local" product, but
it won't be running. Its Z80 board was pretty early.
>

I had written earlier that it'd be better for this particular exhibit that
we try to bring one complete and functional "system" rather than a
hoge-podge of stuff.   Don't feel obligated to bring the XITAN, if it does
not work.

> I've got a couple of thoughts about a running system. The Northstar
Horizon is pretty "clean" but age-appropriate - you guys won't call it
"homebrew". But it runs, CP/M at that. So does (or did) my Heath H-8. I
suppose I could add an ADM-3A to keep it all period. But it's not like I
can run Spacewar, or even Adventure, just not my thing to run games. I
could at least show a papertape system with it (the H-10 reader/punch),
again not running. I did not expect this event.
>
> One of the more unusual computers in retrospect, is "the digital group",
now kind of scarce. the model I happen to have certainly LOOKS "homebrew"
as it's hot-wired up in various ways. Again, not running. It's in-theme by
date and appearance. But as I've posted I have mixed feelings about showing
stuff that looks wired up (in other words, NORMAL for 1977) just to be
ridiculed as hopelessly primitive.
>

If you want to keep it simple, an SBC that turns on a light when you change
the value of a memory location would be just fine and would demonstrate the
homebrew principles we discussed.  But a Horizon that works is fine too.  I
assume Evan will be bringing the Apple I, which is effectively an Apple II
without a case, not really homebrew in the traditional sense except that
you could buy the kit version.  But it's a crowd pleaser.

Please don't stress this.  We have a small classroom, not much space.
Choose a nice compact, labeled system.   I will be bringing (probably) my
Altair 680 with hacked SWTPc RAM cards.  Not sure what kind of terminal.

We'll do another roll call of items being exhibited in about a week.

Bill

Bill

TCF IS
March 16th, 2013 - 9:00am until 5:00pm

Sorry, The subject of the email thread says "VCF" in error.

We are talking about the Trenton Computer Festival.

That said - Herb can you do any mid 70's or earlier plotting?  I know you
have expertise in this area.  Analog computing?  Should I bring my EC-1?

Bill

-------- Original Message --------
> From: "B. Degnan" <billdeg@...>
> Sent: Saturday, March 02, 2013 9:05 AM
> To: midatlanticretro@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: re: [midatlanticretro] Re: Roll Call for VCF E
>
> Herb,
>
> > >
> >
> > Um, there's actually a lot I could bring from around 1975. It's hard to

> decide among single-boards like KIM, or systems like the Northstar
Horizon.
> I've committed to bring the Xitan TDL system, it's a "local" product, but

> it won't be running. Its Z80 board was pretty early.
> >
>
> I had written earlier that it'd be better for this particular exhibit
that
> we try to bring one complete and functional "system" rather than a
> hoge-podge of stuff.   Don't feel obligated to bring the XITAN, if it
does
> not work.
>
> > I've got a couple of thoughts about a running system. The Northstar
> Horizon is pretty "clean" but age-appropriate - you guys won't call it
> "homebrew". But it runs, CP/M at that. So does (or did) my Heath H-8. I
> suppose I could add an ADM-3A to keep it all period. But it's not like I

> can run Spacewar, or even Adventure, just not my thing to run games. I
> could at least show a papertape system with it (the H-10 reader/punch),
> again not running. I did not expect this event.
> >
> > One of the more unusual computers in retrospect, is "the digital
group",
> now kind of scarce. the model I happen to have certainly LOOKS "homebrew"

> as it's hot-wired up in various ways. Again, not running. It's in-theme
by
> date and appearance. But as I've posted I have mixed feelings about
showing
> stuff that looks wired up (in other words, NORMAL for 1977) just to be
> ridiculed as hopelessly primitive.
> >
>
> If you want to keep it simple, an SBC that turns on a light when you
change
> the value of a memory location would be just fine and would demonstrate
the
> homebrew principles we discussed.  But a Horizon that works is fine too.
I
> assume Evan will be bringing the Apple I, which is effectively an Apple
II
> without a case, not really homebrew in the traditional sense except that

> you could buy the kit version.  But it's a crowd pleaser.
>
> Please don't stress this.  We have a small classroom, not much space.
> Choose a nice compact, labeled system.   I will be bringing (probably) my

> Altair 680 with hacked SWTPc RAM cards.  Not sure what kind of terminal.

>
> We'll do another roll call of items being exhibited in about a week.
>
> Bill
>
> Bill
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

--- In midatlanticretro@yahoogroups.com, "B. Degnan" <billdeg@...> wrote:

> That said - Herb can you do any mid 70's or earlier plotting?  I know you
> have expertise in this area.  Analog computing?  Should I bring my EC-1?
>
> Bill

I have a plotter, but it's the same as MARCH's, and likewise not hooked up, but
MARCH has the pens for it! I have some HP X-Y plotters, but that's lab
equipment! In 1975, the question was "how do we get ahold of a computer?" or
"what do I hook to my computer?" not "how do I drive my plotter?".

Analog computers? I have some stuff but it's not homebrew, they were not in
vogue in the era, they were kind of leftovers from the 60's and earlier. some
Princeton professors designed some analog instrumentation for Heathkit - again,
lab equipment, for student labs in this case.

Herb

I was asked about lodging so I took time to look up some reasonably non-sleazy
non-pricy motels. There's some several miles away, and some about 20 miles away.
Here's my notes, check for specific rates as my quotes are not accurate.

March 2013

Hotels around The College of NJ

North of campus is the "greater Princeton area" and also areas for NYC employed.
That spells expensive, hotels above $100 a night.
South of campus is Trenton - that spells sleasy. But other
locations in a 25 mile radius, are working/middle class hotels, many from the
days before the Interstate system and/or part of the New Jersey Turnpike system
or US Route 1. Those are in the $60-$80 class. That includes Bordentown NJ, not
far from TCNJ.

$64 Red Roof Inn Princeton (Rt. 1)
$72 Howard Johnson - Princeton/Lawrenceville (Rt.1)
$76 Comfort Inn Near Princeton (Rt. 1)

$80 Comfort Inn, Morrisvlle, PA 19067 (Rt 1 in PA)
(about 6 miles from TCNJ, cross river into PA)

$70 Comfort Inn Bordentown
$67 Bordentown-Days Inn (Rt 206)
$79 Best Western Bordentown Inn (Rt. 206)
$59 Ramada Bordentown (rt. 206)
$49 Econo Lodge Inn Bordentown

The hotels around Bordentown, are on Route 206 where it meets
the New Jersey Turnpike, and near the I-295 entrance at Route 130
in Hamilton NJ. That's about 20 miles travel from TCNJ - get on I-295 - I-95,
loop around to Route 31/Pennington Road, then go south toward Trenton and past
the College, a simple route.

The hotels on "princeton" Route 1, are 7 miles from TCNJ, and mostly south of
I-95. Again, get on I-95/I-295 loop, to Route 31. Beware! The motels NORTH of
I-95 start cranking up costs!

There's also a cluster of hotels on the NJ Turnpike near East Windsor NJ, prices
in the $60-$80 and up. They are also 20 miles from TCNJ but  the route to/from
is local highways and harder to follow.

There are cheaper motels in the area, but some are kinda sleasy. Others are
below the Internet radar - privately owned, probably OK but not easy to get
rates for.

>> $64 Red Roof Inn Princeton (Rt. 1)
>> $76 Comfort Inn Near Princeton (Rt. 1)

I've stayed in both hotels; they were acceptable.

Alise and I drive to Scarsdale NY today. There were some things worth the trip,
but not a lot. We got a box of IBM System /3 disk packs, various manuals for IBM
360 / 1130 / 3 / 32, and a Toshiba T1200 laptop.

-------- Original Message --------
> From: "Evan Koblentz" <evan@...>
> Sent: Saturday, March 02, 2013 7:45 PM
> To: "MARCH Yahoo Midatlanticretro" <midatlanticretro@yahoogroups.com>
> Subject: [midatlanticretro] Small rescue report...
>
> Alise and I drive to Scarsdale NY today. There were some things worth the
trip, but not a lot. We got a box of IBM System /3 disk packs, various
manuals for IBM 360 / 1130 / 3 / 32, and a Toshiba T1200 laptop.
>

360 Manuals are nice, good job for that.  What is the copyright of the
manuals?
bd

What kind of packs are they?

--
Will

>> What is the copyright of the manuals?

You mean the publishing year? I haven't had a chance to look that close.

>> What kind of packs are they?

Not sure. Is there a label I should look for, or, how do I tell...?

> You mean the publishing year? I haven't had a chance to look that close.

Reading the document number is bttter than reading the year. These take the form (generally) of nn##-####-##. That last two (or sometimes just one) digits tell the revision level.

> Not sure. Is there a label I should look for, or, how do I tell...?

Any info, brand and model number. M Farris has a good cross index.

--
Will

Will see if I have time to look tomorrow. Right now it is all boxed up in the
car.

------ Original Message ------
From: "B. Degnan" <billdeg@...>
To: midatlanticretro@yahoogroups.com
Sent: 03/03/2013 01:19:01
Subject: re: [midatlanticretro] Small rescue report...
>
>
>-------- Original Message --------
>>  From: "Evan Koblentz" <evan@...>
>>  Sent: Saturday, March 02, 2013 7:45 PM
>>  To: "MARCH Yahoo Midatlanticretro" <midatlanticretro@yahoogroups.com>
>>  Subject: [midatlanticretro] Small rescue report...
>>
>>  Alise and I drive to Scarsdale NY today. There were some things worth
>>the
>trip, but not a lot. We got a box of IBM System /3 disk packs, various
>manuals for IBM 360 / 1130 / 3 / 32, and a Toshiba T1200 laptop.
>>
>
>360 Manuals are nice, good job for that. What is the copyright of the
>manuals?
>bd
>
1130 manuals can also be good...
>
>
>------------------------------------
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

If anybody wishes to comment on what they think will fit best with the
event I have listed what I can bring below. If you think you have enough
exhibits that fit better not exhibiting is fine also.

> B. Degnan
>
> Please feel free to bring any pdp 8 that would have been fully depreciated
> by 1979.  Lucky techs took home old pdp's after they were de-commissioned
> by the original company/institutions and given a new life for home use.
>
My guess is depreciation would be at least 10 years so only the Straight
8, 8/I, and 8/L would meet that.

The 8/I is a 6' rack and takes noticable power so was assuming based on
event description that wouldn't be the best choice. My 8/L isn't operational.

Next options is 8/E 1970-1978. Not sure when mine was made. This is
linear supply some still somewhat power hungry and somewhat a pain to
extract from the rack.

And last is my 8/M 1972-1978. Also don't known when mine made. Smallest and
lowest power. This is what I was planning to bring. Mine has a sticker
saying educomputer over the digital logo. Educomp sold rebadged systems
to schools.
You can sort of see it at the bottom of the blue rack on the right.
http://www.pdp8online.com/wall_big.jpg
Unmodified looked like
http://www.timefracture.org/PDP8.html

For storage I assume DECtape is the best option. I have 8" floppies
also but I assume some of the other systems will have them.
http://www.pdp8online.com/tu56/pics/front.shtml?small

> B. Degnan (to Herb)
>
> That said - Herb can you do any mid 70's or earlier plotting?
>
It sounded like Herb didn't have a functional plotter. I can bring the Calcomp
plotter I have brought before. Anybody else bringing one?
http://www.pdp8online.com/563/563.shtml

I was planning to bring VT10x terminal. Is someone bringing a teletype
or should I bring it instead? I can bring the high speed paper tape
reader/punch if desired.
http://www.pdp8online.com/pc04/pc04.shtml

I can bring a couple DEC wirewrap boards for them to show the homebrew
aspect. One is 8/E unwrapped. Other is double wide wrapped. Also can bring
some pictures showing PDP-8's embedded in equipment and info DEC provided
showing you how to design boards for the machine.

I've found some homebrew and industrial customization info that I can bring
some info on. For example
This ACS newsletter pg 58/76 etc shows people thinking about making
homemade computers from DEC designs/architecture.
http://archive.computerhistory.org/resources/access/text/2012/03/102654910-05-01\
-acc.pdf#page=1&zoom=auto,0,790

Also some DECUS stuff showing the user group/sharing of software that is
similar to that which grew up around the home computers also.

> Systems Glitch
>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.
>
They aren't intended to come out but fold up reasonable. All this fit in it
http://www.pdp8online.com/shows/vcfe11/vcfe11.shtml

>> And last is my 8/M 1972-1978. Also don't known when mine made. Smallest and
lowest power. This is what I was planning to bring. Mine has a sticker saying
educomputer over the digital logo. Educomp sold rebadged systems to schools.

That's perfect.

MARCH frequently asked questions -- updated Feb. 27, 2012

1. What is MARCH?

MARCH is a user group for people who enjoy collecting, restoring, using, and
exhibiting antique/vintage computers. Our name is an acronym for Mid-Atlantic
Retro Computing Hobbyists. Our club's legal name has an "Inc." on the end
because we're incorporated as a non-profit in New Jersey. However we do not yet
have 501(c)3 tax status.

2. Cool, I have some old-school Pentium IIs, and even a 486!

Sorry, but that's not what we do. By "antique/vintage" we mean things that are
far more historic. We start (with some exceptions) at the mid-1980s early GUI
systems, go into early-1980s/late-1970s 8-bit microcomputers, back into
mid-1970s homebrew kits and single-board computers, then find our way into
1970s/1960s minicomputers when "mini" meant as big as a desk or refrigerator.
Finally, we're into mainframes of the 1950s and 1960s. Of course, we also focus
on all sorts of books/magazines, cultural artifacts, I/O devices (teletypes,
terminals) peripherals, software, storage hardware (keypunches, magnetic/paper
tape, etc.), and everything from this realm. Not counting mathematical tools
such as a slide rule, our oldest computer artifact is an IBM 082 punch card
sorter, from 1948.

3. I'm a nerd and live somewhere between Connecticut and Virginia, yet I never
heard of you before.

Andy Meyer reiterated his idea for a regional user group in the second half of
2004. Evan Koblentz started the Yahoo discussion group
(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/midatlanticretro/) in the beginning of 2005.
MARCH became a legal entity later that year. Our expertise is technical, but
we're not so good at marketing. Please help!

4. So I have to live in the Mid-Atlantic part of the U.S. to join?

Nope. That description just conveys where most of our members and activities are
concentrated -- in the scalene triangle between Hartford, Pittsburgh, and D.C.
-- but people from beyond these areas are certainly welcome to join us.

5. What does MARCH actually do?

In addition to the busy discussion list at our Yahoo group (more than 20,000
messages over six years and virtually no spam!), we also operate a
bricks-and-mortar computer museum on the New Jersey shore. Currently our museum
occupies almost 1,500 sq. ft. in a wing of the InfoAge Science Center, located
in Wall Township, New Jersey

6. InfoAge Science Center? What's that?

7. InfoAge is a relatively new museum and 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Its
construction began in the late 1990s and it opened in a "beta" mode in the
mid-2000s. Its facility is a whole campus, not just one building. There is a
very rich history here. The campus was built by the Marconi America Wireless
Telegraphy Co. as a receiving station in 1912, was used as a communications
laboratory by the U.S. Navy during WWI, and then was in private hands. It became
a U.S. Army Signal Corps R&D lab just before WWII and remained so until
the 1990s. Congress decided to close the lab and sell the land. Instead, local
historians recognized its history and formed InfoAge. Now the campus is on the
National Parks Service's National Register of Historic Places. InfoAge is also a
Black History Site and had several other federal designations related to its
service before, during, and after WWII. Public hours are Sunday from 1pm to 5pm
and other times by appointment. For more about the museum and campus history
please visit www.infoage.org.

8. Okay, so back to this computer museum of yours. What's there?

Our museum has five exhibits: Mainframes, minicomputers, homebrew-era computers,
business microcomputers, and consumer microcomputers. We have many ideas for
more exhibits, and we plan to implement those ideas just as soon as we move from
our current space on campus into a larger building next door. That could happen
in another year or so.

9. Do the computers just sit there or can I use them?

We strive to restore our systems to operational condition. Some computers,
especially the microcomputers, are relatively easy to restore and easy to
replace if necessary. Others, such as our minicomputers, require a more serious
effort. We make every effort to have these computers available for our members'
use and to demonstrate them for visitors.

10. Can I help restore the computers?

Yes! Join our group, get to know us, and volunteer to help out.

11. What else does MARCH do?

Lots of fun stuff. In addition to our discussion list and our museum, we also
host special events. Our flagship event is the Vintage Computer Festival East.
Our first edition of this hobbyist convention was VCF East 3.0, in 2006, because
the first two editions were run by a different organization. VCF East 4.0 was in
June 2007; VCF East 5.0 was in Sept. 2008, VCF East 6.0 was in Sept. 2009, and
VCF East 7.0 was in May 2011. The next edition, VCF East 8.0, is scheduled for
May 5-6, 2012 -- details are frequently updated at
http://www.vintage.org/2012/east/ and at http://wwww.facebook.com/vcfeast8.

We also produce smaller exhibits at other events such HOPE (Hackers on Planet
Earth conference), NJ Science & Engineering Festival, Philadelphia Science
Carnival, Trenton Computer Festival, and World Maker Faire. In addition, we have
social events, tech days, museum days, a winter party, etc.

12. I still don't get it. Where can I learn more about what's antique/vintage?

Many places. Pick up a copy of the book "Collectible Microcomputers" by Michael
Nadeau. Or for non-micro aspects, go online. Heck, go online anyway. Check out
the classiccmp.org mailing lists; vintage-computer.com/vcforum,
old-computers.com; and many, many, many others.  (If you're interested in
specific machines, just post your question to our discussion list and we can
refer you to the best sites.)

13. What's behind the scenes of this wacky endeavor?

We have some de facto officers; an official set of bylaws and all that boring
stuff is being worked on... we're just so busy having fun that we keep
procrastinating. The officers are myself (Evan Koblentz - prez), Bill Degnan and
Andy Meyer (VPs), and Justin Jernigan (treasurer).

14. Members?  Is it like just you and two buddies?

We're much bigger than that!  We have dozens of members, and around 300 people
in our Yahoo group. Our youngest member is an 18-year-old college freshman who
was valedictorian of his high school and received a major university scholarship
to study computer science. Our oldest member is in his 80s and remains active in
robot hacking and computer programming.

15. What's it cost to join?

Nothing. MARCH membership is free (as in beer).

16. So how do you fund the club?

Our primary fundraiser is the Vintage Computer Festival East, during which we
sell tickets, exhibit space, and various items. We also have an annual donation
drive. Sometimes we also rent artifacts for use at film/television props.

17. Can I make a donation of artifacts or funds?

Yes! Contact us first, and we'll make arrangements. Info is in the very next
question of this FAQ.

17. I have a question.

Okay. Reach out to us! Do so by posting to our message boards or pinging me
(evan@... / phone: 646-546-9999) ... ask us anything, we're not shy! (And
moreover, unlike some computer clubs, we're not cliquey. All are welcome here!)

18. What else should I know before diving in to MARCH?

If you're a nerd who thinks really old computers and their related technologies
were cool, then give MARCH a chance. You'll be glad you did. Also, if you were
wondering, we're NOT a bunch of old farts who sit around and whine about how
much better things used to be. Quite the contrary: we're a bunch of young and
mid-life farts who ... ooooh maybe we said too much. :)

19. What is your web site?

We're at www.midatlanticretro.org.

20. Why does your web site suck?

Its simplicity is by design.

Dave

Anything with a front panel would be wonderful, the 8e would be just fine.
--
Sent from my PDP 8/e.

Or the 8m is perfect too, yes.
--
Sent from my PDP 8/e.

Anyone going?
Which ones?
How good have they been?

Jeff B. and I started with something fun today: we met at noon and then spent an
hour at the pinball joint in nearby Asbury Park. $10/hr for unlimited play. Then
we went to lunch.

We started working in the storage area around 2:30. We only built one shelving
unit, but we sorted several boxes of assorted books, hardware, magazines, and
software. A highlight discovered deep inside the Bryan Pope collection: a box of
great-condition Apple II education/school items such as workbooks and brochures.

Every week the MARCH storage area has slightly less chaos and slightly more
neat-and-organized floor space.

There still isn't a firm re-opening date for InfoAge. If it's next weekend
(3/10), then Jeff will go and I'll take a break. If it's the week after that
(3/17), then we'll both take off next weekend, and then I'll go on the 17th
while Jeff takes a break.

We couldn't find any identifying labels on the disk packs from the rescue
yesterday, and we didn't have time to look through the IBM manuals. That will
have to wait for another day.

I use Digikey for small orders of components. They recognize the hobbyist and
won't charge $7 shipping for something thats smaller than the stamp itself. I've
done a few small components orders where they only charged $2-3 for postage.

Jeff


--- In midatlanticretro@yahoogroups.com, "DanielB" <danlb_2000@...> wrote:
>
> I need to get some 33uf 25V tantalum caps to repair the IMSAI I am working on.
Does anyone have a recommendation of where to get these at a reasonable price?
>

The Sage System Training Program.

Lots of shots of retro nerds in white shirts and skinny black ties, but also computers and peripherals.