RetroViator

RetroViator, 25 days ago to random

I'm trying to identify a 386sx motherboard. It has an unusual ISA slot arrangement, and it is using Chips & Technology's CS8221 NEAT chipset. The markings on the top of the board "PCC-77AT05E" have me thinking it might have been made by PC-Calc, and perhaps its a modified 286 board. I'd really like to know its jumper settings.

RetroViator, 1 month ago to random

This is handy little USB cable tester I picked up on AliExpress. I have now labeled my power-only cables.

RetroViator, 2 months ago to random

I am blown away by the quality and comprehensive nature of the eXo projects--especially eXoDOS with its related books, magazines, and soundtracks. Why did it take me so long to pay attention to this resource?

Granted, it takes a commitment to download ~2TB of data but what a preservation accomplishment. With projects for DOS, Windows 3.x, edutainment titles, Scumm-based games, LucasArts-games, and the Apple IIGS, this project focuses on playability, and it delivers.

https://www.retro-exo.com/

RetroViator, 2 months ago to random

I finally have one of the hardest things to find at a reasonable price in vintage computing.

billgoats, 2 months ago to random

Throughout February I was trying to get this AppleTalk VPN thing to work: https://github.com/AceHusky12/atalkvpn

But it's far beyond my skillz (maybe one of you clever folk can get it going!)

Then @vga256 found the IP extension to Apple's AppleTalk Internet Router. Mildly perplexing software, but seemed to be figureable-out.

#MARCHintosh #LiveLaughLocalTalk

1/2

ActionRetro, 2 months ago to random

Hah neat!

RetroViator, 2 months ago to random

Working on restoring two floppy drives and both are giving me fits. I think I was using a test disk that is shedding or moldy or something and it contaminated both drives.

Here is a clean disk before and after inserting into the drive and lowering the mechanism. I didn’t let it spin this time to verify the problem. Odd thing is I’ve cleaned the daylights out of these heads, but the problem remains. I think it’s time for a full disassembly to really get up close.

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RetroViator, 3 months ago to random

I think I got to this one just in the nick of time!

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RetroViator, 3 months ago to retrocomputing

(1/2) I went to my local e-waste for the first time this week. I’d been avoiding it because I assumed it would simple dumpster, but I was surprised to find a staffed drive-thru building with stacks of gear being prepped for recycling.

I asked the guys working there if they ever see any old computers come through, and I was disappointed to hear that a pallet of boxed Apple IIs, with CRTs, has been there the week before, but were gone now.

#retrocomputing
#ewaste

RetroViator, 3 months ago to retrocomputing

Time to repair this Tandon drive thanks to a 3-D printed part and a new dowel.
#retrocomputing

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RetroViator, 5 months ago to random

Now I just need a an early Pentium INTERGRAPH workstation to go with this unique keyboard.

RetroViator, 5 months ago to random

It’s a small thing, but this is the vintage Apple keyboard I’ve been missing. Now to clean it up and use it with my Mac SE.

RetroViator, 6 months ago to random

Getting this Hayes 2400 SmartModem back in business. Thanks to https://tempestfpga.com/.

(audio)

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RetroViator, 6 months ago to random

Sadly, another Macintosh will not rise again due to a failed Egret IC. RIP little Performa 400.

RetroViator, 6 months ago to random

It’s a nice afternoon to recap my Mac IIci cache cards.

RetroViator, 7 months ago to random

I know it’s not pretty, but there were so many lifted pads and troubled traces, I take it if it works… but so far all I get is boot chimes and a gray screen. Onward to victory!

RetroViator, 7 months ago to random

This workhorse followed me home today. This was peak performance in 1994. I’m thinking about a sweet Windows NT build.

RetroViator, 8 months ago to random

This Performa 400 (LC II) may be a challenge.

RetroViator, 8 months ago to random

Sometimes it’s the simple things, like getting things figured out so a modernish display works the first time with vintage systems.

RetroViator, 8 months ago to random

I enjoyed @kenshirriff’s interesting deep dive into the system that laid the early foundation for Intel’s x86 architecture.

https://www.righto.com/2023/08/datapoint-to-8086.html

RetroViator, 9 months ago to random

I’m still updating my website, but the 2021 post on my iMac G3 is cleaned up in time for the iMac’s 25th anniversary.

https://www.retroviator.com/2021/05/29/apple-imac-dv/

RetroViator, 9 months ago to retrocomputing

Typing with style!

#AppleII
#retrocomputing

RetroViator, 2 months ago to random

Maybe it’s a fluke, but it seems PC-DOS 3.1 will not properly format a drive if the system is using a current date. It proceeds with the format, but the drive is not accessible. Move to a vintage date, and it works.