VintageComputer.ca Blog
The Canadian Bell Alextel terminal. It can still do graphics!
Some time back, I acquired a Canadian Bell Alextel terminal. It’s very similar to Minitel terminals that are very common in France but the Alextel terminals here are not so easy to find. Below...
The Burroughs ICON computer
I was overjoyed to learn of a Burroughs ICON that a friend had that was not in working condition but was offered to me… and I jumped on it! It’s one of those Canadian...
The MIL Mod-8
Just recently, I was contacted by Lytle Johnson about a Microsystems International Limited, more commonly referred to as MIL, Mod-8 computer. I was thrilled to learn that he had one and even though I...
Gifts from Bil Herd
Further to my post about returning Bil Herd’s Commodore 128D sample computer, Bil mentioned that he would send me something as a token of appreciation. I had let him know that I didn’t want...
Bil Herd’s Commodore 128D
I recently learned that a Commodore 128D I acquired in early 2019 was confirmed to be Bil Herd’s. For Commodore enthusiasts, everyone knows Bil was the lead hardware engineer and case designer for the...
Educator 64 Video board info
This is information for the Educator 64 video board. Here are some small pictures: Large pictures are in this zip file. Parts list for things that had numbers on them. Note: Pots have...
The 100,000th TRS-80 Model 1 computer
As I check eBay once in a while for interesting vintage computer finds, I came upon a Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 1 computer that seemed a little odd. Looking through the pictures, the serial...
Nabu PC Floppy Disk Controller Reproduction
Several people have asked me about reproducing the Nabu PC Floppy disk controller board even though, at this point, I do NOT have the only original I know of yet working. If you happen...
Olivetti Programma 101 – restoration
As I go through the process of restoration for a second Olivetti Programma 101 I was able to acquire, I will post pictures of some of the things I have to deal with. First...
Total Microcomputer Model 4000
Some time back I acquired a Total Microcomputer Model 4000 computer. It was stated to be similar to a Sphere 1 computer when I got it but I could not be sure. As noted...
Atari Three Button Mouse?
I just acquired this interesting mouse. I have no idea if it’s actually an Atari product or a prototype or whatever it is. It’s definitely a three-button mouse and it has some Atari emblems...
S100 Card Collection
I was doing some “spring cleaning” and decided to consolidate the loose S100 cards I had and take some pictures to help document them. Below are the pictures. Artec Electronics Bob Mullen California Computer...
Mysterious Acquisition
In December, 2021, I saw an auction for a “Vintage Portable Monitor Keyboard Cables/Cords and Carrying Case *Parts/Repair*”. The pictures in the eBay auction were plentiful but the description was vague. It was one...
Olivetti Programma 101: First look
Yesterday, i received a computer that has been on my “want list” for a very long time. I do searches for certain historical computers on an almost daily basis and the Olivetti Programma 101...
Nabu PC and Development Server
I recently acquired a Nabu PC and Nabu 1100 server.. These were reported to be used for development of software for the Nabu Network. More information to follow but for now, here are pictures...
Intecolor 3600 series computer
I recently acquired an Intelligent Systems Corp (ISC) Intecolor 3600 Series desktop computer recently from someone who used to work at ISC. Wikipedia calls it the successor to the COMPUCOLOR II. Unfortunately, it is...
Using Kermit on the Commodore 900
Running Kermit on the Commodore 900 is a bit awkward but it works. I have used it to send and receive files between a PC laptop and the C900. For my scenario, I use...
MFM Emulator on the Commodore 900
These are my notes on using David Gesswein’s MFM emulator with the Commodore 900. At present, I do not have it set up to use the emulator on a regular basis but I was...
GRiD GRiDPad 2260
The GRiDPad model 2260 is an early pen-based personal computer that has a very distinction convertible action from pen-based slab to laptop configuration with full keyboard. Below are some pictures.
An early Commodore PET
On October 17, 1977 the Commodore PET started shipping. There was an initial run of 100 units and this unit may have been one of them. This PET 2001-8 model is serial number 10051...