[cctalk] Re: Damage to CD-R from CD Sleeve

[Ryan de Laplante via cctalk]

What about M-DISC DVDs and BluRays?  Archival grade, not susceptible to 
magnetism or EMP.  I think BluRay discs are made of a harder material than DVDs 
and don’t scratch as easily.


> On Jan 16, 2023, at 8:11 PM, Chris via cctalk  wrote:
> 
> Been there. Seen it. It seems paper or tyvek is the way to store these things.
> 
> But the question is in 2023 why are you still committing data to optical 
> media? I dumped all my cds and dvds on to magnetic storage years ago. I got 
> burned waiting as long as I did even.
> 
> Some of the old spinning cd cleaner/restorers used an abrasive slurry. The 
> last one I bought (Onn) only has a cleaner afaik. You'll want to clean the 
> disks thoroughly. Then try a "cleaning" solution that's more aggressive. My 
> old cd cleaner would leave circular scratches on the disk. But it was 
> readable after that. In 1 instance (then I lost it). Such an approach should 
> be a last resort though.
> 
> Don't just rely on Mac/Windoze facilities for reading stubborn disks. There 
> are programs that work better if you search.  

[cctalk] Re: DEC LINC Eight auction

[Ryan de Laplante via cctalk]

I’ve used Craters & Freighters and also Pakmail to pick up large machines like 
this, crate them professionally, and ship them to me in the past.  Sellers love 
that they have to do nothing. 

I wish I had more space to house machines like this, but will have to pass.   I 
have a Straight-8 that appears to have all the cards but needs some serious 
restoration work.  The front panel glass has had all of the paint flaked off, 
the glass is broken, and the plexiglass covers also got smashed.  I plan to 
make reproductions someday when I have the time.  I’d love to get it fully 
restored.  I have working VT05 and ASR33 terminals to go with it.  

While I have your attention.. I’m in the market for a VT52 and TU56 + 
controller.   I already know they aren’t easy to find or cheap.


- obsol33t



> On Jan 10, 2023, at 4:01 PM, Wayne S via cctalk  wrote:
> 
> Yep. But they offer to do the legwork for you so there’s that.
> The Linc machine would cost a bit but the box of linc tapes not too much.
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Jan 10, 2023, at 12:54, Bill Degnan via cctalk  
>> wrote:
>> 
>> Totally, but to have a LINC shipped would be quite a project, expensive
>> 
>>> On Tue, Jan 10, 2023 at 3:39 PM Wayne S via cctalk 
>>> wrote:
>>> 
>>> It says “shipping available” on the ad. I’ve had a lot of experience with
>>> hibid sellers and when  they say shipping available it either means they
>>> will package and ship themselves or drop it off at the ups store and let
>>> ups contact you for payment. When i bid I usually write need shipping to
>>> wherever in the comments field.
>>> 
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>> 
 On Jan 10, 2023, at 12:19, Mike Katz via cctalk 
>>> wrote:
 
 Where did you see them offering shipping?
 
 All I could see was a paragraph stating that anything not picked up at
>>> the designated time would be consider abandoned and charged to your credit
>>> card anyway.
 
> On 1/10/2023 11:36 AM, ED SHARPE via cctalk wrote:
> Absolutely gorgeous!Ed#
> 
> Sent from the all new AOL app for Android
>   On Tue, Jan 10, 2023 at 10:01 AM, steve shumaker via cctalk<
>>> cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:   Popped up in a search:   A DEC LINC Eight
>>> up for auction in Friedens, PA.
> 
> 
>>> https://hibid.com/lot/143159802/digital-equipment-corp-linc-eight-vintage
> Currently has a single bid for $1.00  They are even offering
>>> shipping!
> 
> 
> 
> Visually looks to be in excellent shape
> 
> 
>>> https://cdn.hibid.com/img.axd?id=7750162854==false===0=0===true=false=MAX=dXJczRVCwWW3aM2jOohA14P%2ful8pCw%2bs
> 
> 
> Steve
> 
 
>>> 

[cctalk] Toronto CompuFest ads

[Ryan de Laplante via cctalk]

I remember seeing full page CompuFest ads in the Toronto Star back around 
1996-1997.  CompuFest was one of the highlights of the year for me and I tried 
to go every year with friends.   Has anyone ever seen one of those old ads 
online anywhere?  Or maybe you have a newspaper or magazine with the ad that I 
might be able to buy from you?

obsol33t

[cctalk] Re: Great Vintage Computer Heist of 2012

[Ryan de Laplante via cctalk]

I didn’t know you were able to recover 20% of the collection before being 
locked out again.  I know losing any of it is terrible, but I’m guessing you 
prioritized the very best pieces of the collection when recovering the 20%, 
such as your Lisa 1?

I kept my collection in storage lockers for years.  I kept moving to larger and 
larger lockers, then eventually two large lockers, because my collecting got 
out of control.  Prices kept going up every year and it was a nightmare having 
to pay what I did just to store the collection.   Fortunately I was able to 
move to a house and relocated the collection to the basement.  Not everything 
could come home with me, so I sold the remaining lower priority pieces to the 
first person who could clear the locker over a weekend.  I didn’t get much for 
it, but at least it didn’t go to a recycler. 




> On Oct 17, 2022, at 4:54 AM, Sellam Abraham via cctalk 
>  wrote:
> 
> Long story very short:
> 
> Landlords evicted me from their warehouse where my collection was stored
> and wouldn't let me back in.  Had to go to court.  Regained access and was
> able to pull out 20% of the collection before they locked me out again for
> good.  Then sold the rest to computer recyclers, who proceeded to scatter
> it to the wind.
> 
> Sellam
> 
> On Mon, Oct 17, 2022 at 1:43 AM Ali via cctalk 
> wrote:
> 
>> You had to ask..I was there 3000 years ago (or about 10 years ago in
>> non Tolkien meme terms) and it wasn't pretty
>>  Original message From: Tom Hunter via cctalk <
>> cctalk@classiccmp.org> Date: 10/17/22  1:31 AM  (GMT-08:00) To: "General
>> Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts"  Cc: Tom
>> Hunter  Subject: [cctalk] Great Vintage Computer
>> Heist of 2012 Sellam Abraham referred to a "Great VintageComputer Heist of
>> 2012". What was that about? Who stole what and where andwhy?

[cctalk] Re: You have Apple Lisa 1 "twiggy" system to trade for my IBM 5100 Portable PC?

[Ryan de Laplante via cctalk]

There is an IBM 5100 on eBay right now:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/314137209812 

In 2018 I saw a BASIC model sell for $2500.  I’ve seen a working APL model sell 
for $6150 in 2021.   


I’ve been keeping track of Lisa 1 sales on eBay for some years.  I take a 
screenshot of the finished auction and also save all of the photos.  They sell 
for a lot, and I wonder if  they will one day be priced like Apple 1 computers? 
 I remember when Apple 1 computers were going for $10K - $20K, and now they go 
for the price of a house. 

Twiggy drives only:

Mar 14, 2017 : $32,100.52

Face plate only : 

Mar 14, 2017 : $4,602

Complete Lisa 1 system:

Apr 25, 2017 : $99,500
May 11, 2017 : $55,300
Jan 14, 208 : $56,100
Mar 25, 2018 : $55,300
Nov 11, 2018 : $65,000 (did not sell, later marked as “no longer available”)
Sep 7, 2019 : $43,900


obsol33t



> On Sep 3, 2022, at 7:16 PM, Sellam Abraham via cctalk  
> wrote:
> 
> I think there's a rather large disparity in value between the two systems.
> I'm not sure what an IBM 5100 would go for these days, but a Lisa 1 will
> generally sell in the $10K+ range minimum these days.
> 
> I had two Lisa's with Twiggy drives: one I sold for $9,600, and the other
> for $14,500.  That was over 8 years ago.
> 
> Sellam
> 
> On Sat, Sep 3, 2022 at 4:12 PM steven stengel via cctalk <
> cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:
> 
>> This seems like a good place to ask this question - I'd like an Apple Lisa
>> 1 "twiggy" system for my collection, and can trade a working IBM 5100
>> Portable PC. We'd probably have to meet in person to make the transaction.
>> I'm in So CA.
>> Thanks-
>> Steven Stengel
>> http://oldcomputers.net
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 

[cctalk] PDP Straight-8 front panel

[Ryan de Laplante via cctalk]

I have a DEC PDP Straight-8 in very poor condition.  The paint behind the panel 
glass has mostly flecked off, the glass is broken and it is missing some switch 
covers/toggles. The plexiglass covers were also destroyed during shipment.  The 
seller very carefully built a wooden crate and pallet to protect the machine 
during transport, but United Cargo laid the whole wooden crate on its side!!  
>(   

Does anyone know of any front panel collector who has a Straight-8 front panel 
that they might be willing to sell?  I’d love to restore this machine.   I’ve 
been looking for local plexiglass manufacturers but none of them answer my 
email when I show pictures of the project.   I guess they don’t need the 
business.

[cctalk] Re: Dec rl02 disk pack shelf design

[Ryan de Laplante via cctalk]

I know this is not exactly what you are talking about, but attached is a 
picture of an RK05 with a storage unit for holding platters just above.  I’m 
still hoping one will show up on eBay someday.




- obsol33t



> On Aug 9, 2022, at 6:26 AM, Joshua Rice via cctalk  
> wrote:
> 
> 
> I have definitely seen pictures of them stacked edge-on. Since they were 
> essentially identical physically to the IBM 5440 disk packs (though 
> formatting would be wildly different), i imagine that might be a good place 
> to start in regards to existing designs. Alternatively, it should be trivial 
> to knock one together with some ply and dowels.
> 
> https://collection.motat.nz/records/images/xlarge/35979/3a9db5d799ac1fe3783402cbe0e8a525fcd10503.jpg
> 
> 
> Cheers, Josh
> 
> -- Original Message --
> From: "devin davison via cctalk" 
> To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" 
> Cc: "devin davison" 
> Sent: Monday, 8 Aug, 2022 At 21:21
> Subject: [cctalk] Dec rl02 disk pack shelf design
> Hello,
> I have many rl02 disk packs for my pdp 11/34 and 11/05. I have just been
> stacking them upright, but that has not been the safest or the most space
> efficient. Were any kinds of shelves made for these disk packs, perhaps
> similar to 9 track hanging tape racks? Trying to make things look more
> organized too.
> Hoping someone here has one and can share a pic, perhaps it is a design i
> can duplicate and make with some woodworking tools.
> Thanks,
> Devin D.
> 

[cctalk] Re: Dec rl02 disk pack shelf design

[Ryan de Laplante via cctalk]

I’d buy one or two



> On Aug 9, 2022, at 10:11 AM, Jonathan Chapman via cctalk 
>  wrote:
> 
> I have a friend who has one of the wire rack RL style pack racks, which looks 
> a lot like the one pictured. I've thought about having a wireform 
> manufacturer do a run of them. Aforementioned friend is willing to loan it 
> for dimensional capture/reproduction. Is this something people would be 
> interested in? If so I can set up a preorder information-gatherer and get 
> interest numbers.
> 
> Final form would probably be stainless wire to avoid having to chrome it. I'd 
> try very hard to have it made in the USA, but would consider offshore 
> manufacturing if the price was too high (as is the case with circuit boards, 
> for most of our products/projects).
> 
> Thanks,
> Jonathan
> 
> --- Original Message ---
> On Tuesday, August 9th, 2022 at 06:26, Joshua Rice via cctalk 
>  wrote:
> 
> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> I have definitely seen pictures of them stacked edge-on. Since they were
>> essentially identical physically to the IBM 5440 disk packs (though
>> formatting would be wildly different), i imagine that might be a good
>> place to start in regards to existing designs. Alternatively, it should
>> be trivial to knock one together with some ply and dowels.
>> 
>> https://collection.motat.nz/records/images/xlarge/35979/3a9db5d799ac1fe3783402cbe0e8a525fcd10503.jpg
>> 
>> 
>> Cheers, Josh
>> 
>> -- Original Message --
>> From: "devin davison via cctalk" cctalk@classiccmp.org
>> 
>> To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts"
>> cctalk@classiccmp.org
>> 
>> Cc: "devin davison" lyokob...@gmail.com
>> 
>> Sent: Monday, 8 Aug, 2022 At 21:21
>> Subject: [cctalk] Dec rl02 disk pack shelf design
>> Hello,
>> I have many rl02 disk packs for my pdp 11/34 and 11/05. I have just been
>> stacking them upright, but that has not been the safest or the most
>> space
>> efficient. Were any kinds of shelves made for these disk packs, perhaps
>> similar to 9 track hanging tape racks? Trying to make things look more
>> organized too.
>> Hoping someone here has one and can share a pic, perhaps it is a design
>> i
>> can duplicate and make with some woodworking tools.
>> Thanks,
>> Devin D.

[cctalk] Re: BBS memorabilia

[Ryan de Laplante via cctalk]

> On Aug 1, 2022, at 11:49 AM, Chuck Guzis via cctalk  
> wrote:
> 
> On 8/1/22 06:26, Ryan de Laplante via cctalk wrote:
>> Over the years I have been collecting BBS related memorabilia such as Night 
>> Owl shareware CDs, Boardwatch magazine, BBS magazine, books, manuals, 
>> original disks, etc.  Does anyone have any BBS memorabilia they might be 
>> willing to sell to me?   I’m particularly interested in PCBoard 
>> box/disks/manuals.  I know the software can be downloaded from the 
>> Internet.. I’m interested in the original box set.  I’m also interested in 
>> CRS Online pamphlets, receipts, catalogues, etc.  
>> 
>> Has anyone ever seen promotional videos showing Prodigy, Compuserv, Delphi, 
>> GENie, AOL?  I've collected disks, but the systems are long gone so archived 
>> video is all we have to remember them by.  When I was young, I remember 
>> seeing disks and pamphlets for these services in the box when upgrading 
>> modems. They had serious brand recognition. By the time the Internet was 
>> becoming available to the public, I remember being more interested in 
>> getting a Compuserv account lol.  After getting our first Internet account 
>> in 1994, I was confused because I didn’t know where the “file areas”, 
>> “message areas” and “chat” were after being so used to BBS menus. Eventually 
>> I learned about FTP, USENET, and IRC.  We even had a “yellow pages” paper 
>> book where you could look up topic specific FTP, USENET, and Gopher sites.  
>> 
> I have a couple of the more obscure BBS packages, such as Auntie--are
> you interested in the disks for those?
> 
> —Chuck

Thank you Chuck.   You’re right, I’ve never heard of Auntie.   Thanks for 
letting me know about it, but I’m mainly interested in the more mainstream 
ones.  I had no idea how many BBS software packages existed until looking at 
Jason Scott’s list:

http://software.bbsdocumentary.com/ <http://software.bbsdocumentary.com/>

Unbelievable!   The ones that I can remember being used locally were Remote 
Access, RBBS, Renegade, Telegard, PCBoard, Maximus, Wildcat, Worldgroup, 
Illusion, MajorBBS, maybe Mystic BBS.   I did all of my BBSing in the 1990s 
using IBM PC / DOS / Windows / OS2 and ran a Maximus BBS.I never used 
Commodore or Apple BBSes and wasn’t aware of any in my local calling area. 
Actually I remember the librarian at school had a B Macintosh and showed me 
an Apple BBS for schools (I think).  If I remember correctly it was called 
Global Village.

The terminal software I used to use was QuickLink Fax III, Procomm Plus 2.x for 
Windows, TELIX then later Hyper Terminal.  TELIX was my favourite because it 
was full screen. SyncTerm is the modern day equivalent, but it’s not the 
same experience on massive wide screen monitors. To get the proper experience I 
think you need to be using a 15” or smaller curved CRT in a full screen DOS 
window.  


Ryan

[cctalk] Re: BBS memorabilia (fwd)

[Ryan de Laplante via cctalk]

> On Aug 1, 2022, at 8:21 PM, Fred Cisin via cctalk  
> wrote:
> 
> The greatest ever video about pre-WWW internet was "Hyperland".
> a 1991 BBC documentary by Douglas Adams and Ted Nelson, and also starring Tom 
> Baker.
> A few years BEFORE WWW, it predicted the future of the internet.
> 
> https://archive.org/details/DouglasAdams-Hyperland
> 
> 
> If you want subtitles/captions, 5 years ago, I created an .SRT (camptions 
> file of it!
> 
> https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4hCJm9ZEADCblVSVlBxdmZyREU/view?usp=drive_web
> (400MB video with subtitles burned in)
> .SRT file:
> http://www.xenosoft.com/HyperlandCAPS_En_US_0_77.srt
> 


Wow great find, thank you!

[cctalk] BBS memorabilia

[Ryan de Laplante via cctalk]

Over the years I have been collecting BBS related memorabilia such as Night Owl 
shareware CDs, Boardwatch magazine, BBS magazine, books, manuals, original 
disks, etc.  Does anyone have any BBS memorabilia they might be willing to sell 
to me?   I’m particularly interested in PCBoard box/disks/manuals.  I know the 
software can be downloaded from the Internet.. I’m interested in the original 
box set.  I’m also interested in CRS Online pamphlets, receipts, catalogues, 
etc.  

Has anyone ever seen promotional videos showing Prodigy, Compuserv, Delphi, 
GENie, AOL?  I've collected disks, but the systems are long gone so archived 
video is all we have to remember them by.  When I was young, I remember seeing 
disks and pamphlets for these services in the box when upgrading modems. They 
had serious brand recognition. By the time the Internet was becoming available 
to the public, I remember being more interested in getting a Compuserv account 
lol.  After getting our first Internet account in 1994, I was confused because 
I didn’t know where the “file areas”, “message areas” and “chat” were after 
being so used to BBS menus. Eventually I learned about FTP, USENET, and IRC.  
We even had a “yellow pages” paper book where you could look up topic specific 
FTP, USENET, and Gopher sites.  

WTB: DEC VT52, TU56

[Ryan de Laplante via cctalk]

I’m looking to buy a VT52 to go with my PDP 11/45.   I know these are hard to 
find and won’t be cheap to buy or ship.  I have a VT05 and VT100, just need the 
VT52 now. 

I have a working ASR/33 in nice working condition that I can trade if 
interested.

Also looking to buy a TU56 tape drive and controller for the PDP 11/45.


- obsol33t