Category: Fun Stuff

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I’m Still Here!

It’s been a long time since I posted anything, but I am definitely still here and doing stuff quietly in the background.

My “real” job is taking more and more time so at the end of the day I often gladly head back upstairs to be with the family or go outside for some yard work.  We’ve had a nice stretch of weather that is perfect for outdoor work, but now we are starting to get the hot, humid weather which is pretty normal for New Jersey.  Ie, everyone spends less time doing work outside.

Computer wise, I have been working on learning Swift and doing some coding for a MacOS app and also playing a bit with the Apple Watch.  No real plans for a watch app, just getting the basics down.

In terms of vintage software, I did a lot of work on the Flex LIFE program which I use as a demo.  It now supports both a Wyse-30 and VT-100 terminal, the editor works so it is possible to set up patterns to run, etc.  Lots of little bug fixes too.  I’ll post the source code on-line soon.

Another project is a program for the KIM Clone to set the time/date on the SD card.

My other many-year effort was to have a common memory test for the KIM and SYM.  Same source code, but the target is set with a couple of flags.  It also knows what regions of memory to test for each machine.  Certainly not an amazing piece of software but it bothered me not to have a consistent memory tester on all the systems.  The SYM does not like the Intel records from my cross assembler so I wrote a small C program to convert to the right format.

Orders continue to come in, boards are built, orders are shipped.  Not much new on the horizon in terms of hardware but more and more prototyping boards are being sold so it looks like people are building a lot of their own projects!

Speaking of projects, if you develop something and are thinking of turning it into a small business, go for it!  The more people making boards for these vintage systems, the better!  Feel free to ask for help or advice if you need it.

 

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Upcoming Events

If you look at the “Upcoming Events” menu bar to the right, you’ll notice two new events: Trenton Computer Fest (better known as just TCF), which is a virtual event this year, and the VCF Swap Meet.

My plan is to attend the swap meet but I’m not sure if I’ll be displaying much Corsham Tech stuff or just trying to sell off some excess test equipment, a CRT or two, etc.  It is an outdoor event and everyone will be wearing masks so the risk should be minimal.  If there is something you’d like to see, play with and/or purchase, let me know in advance so I can bring it.  My generator should be along as well so equipment can be demonstrated.

 

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First VCF Swap Meet – November 7th, Wall NJ

The Vintage Computer Federation, like many organizations, was unable to have their VCF East event in New Jersey (USA) this year due to COVID-19.  Instead, they are having a one day outdoor swap meet.  For us hams, this will be very much like a good old hamfest!  If this goes well it might become a yearly event.  It is outdoors and sellers are being socially distanced, so even in these uncertain times the organizers are doing a good job to keep everyone safe.  Wear a mask, obviously.

Details can be found on the first entry on this page:

http://vcfed.org/wp/

The event is in a parking lot between a couple of other buildings so the GPS coordinates on that page will direct you to the exact spot.

My plan was to have a small Corsham Tech exhibit but my doctors want me to avoid being around crowds still, so I’ll be there in spirit but not in person.