Anyone want a functional VT100?

[Erick Matsen]

Hello there retro computing enthusiasts!

I have a DEC VT100-AA terminal from 1982. I just turned it on and it works great. At one point I had it hooked up to a Raspberry Pi and could use it for SSH, etc, though a system update mucked up the way I was connecting through USB.

Is anyone interested? I paid over $1K for it, but would be happy to just hand it over to someone who loves vintage gear, including the Pi and associated cableage. There are two keyboards-- one was kinda sticky. Also, I have some manuals.

Let me know. If a few folks are interested we can choose randomly.

Erick

[Meadhbh Hamrick]

Yes! Give me your address. I will come pick it up (assuming you're on
Planet Seattle.)

On 9/28/23 13:47, Erick Matsen wrote:
> Hello there retro computing enthusiasts!
>
>
> I have a DEC VT100-AA terminal from 1982. I just turned it on and it
> works great. At one point I had it hooked up to a Raspberry Pi and could
> use it for SSH, etc, though a system update mucked up the way I was
> connecting through USB.
>

> Image
>
> Is anyone interested? I paid over $1K for it, but would be happy to just
> hand it over to someone who loves vintage gear, including the Pi and
> associated cableage. There are two keyboards-- one was kinda sticky.
> Also, I have some manuals.
>
> Let me know. If a few folks are interested we can choose randomly.
>
>
> Erick
>

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[Meadhbh Hamrick]

Also. I insist on at least buying you a coffee / beer / dinner sometime.

On 9/28/23 13:48, 'Meadhbh Hamrick' via Seattle Retro-Computing Society
wrote:

[Meadhbh Hamrick]

Actually, I'll buy you coffee / beer / dinner even if you give it to
someone else. Making a bit of vintage kit available to someone who
would appreciate it instead of throwing it in the eWaste pile (even if
I'm not the one getting it) is the behaviour I think is laudable.

On 9/28/23 13:50, 'Meadhbh Hamrick' via Seattle Retro-Computing Society

[Jason Howe]

I've been after a VT100 for a number of years.  I'd be happy to part of a random drawing :)

Regardless, this is a very generous offer!

--Jason

On 9/28/23 13:47, Erick Matsen wrote:

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[Ian Finder]

I would like to throw my hat in the ring here.

I have TWO running VAX 11/750 computers, and this is the contemporary interactive terminal for them-- of which, I own zero and would really like one.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/seattle-retrocomp/a15df97c-70af-2791-da3b-fee06554452e%40smbfc.net.

[Ian Finder]

Here is proof-- my VAX running with a sad linux box as a terminal -- This is sort of the opposite of what most people do.

Most folks have a VT100 hooked up to Linux :) I have the 11/750 hooked up to a linux box as a terminal emulator for lack of a more suitable option.

I am local and could pick up whenever of course.

[Alan Perry]

I can't believe that Ian doesn't have a VT100.

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[Michael Brutman]

I'd love to give it a home too ...

(This is going to be a very popular thread ...)

--

[Jason Howe]

Yes, this is more surprising than someone giving one away!

--Jason

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/seattle-retrocomp/236b2f72-5f15-da97-cced-ee418686b07d%40snowmoose.com.

[Kent Sullivan]

One thing I will offer is that if a bunch of people want it, and if enough of them are regular SRCS attendees, I would be willing to keep it here in the meeting space so that round-robin use was possible.

 

Thanks.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/seattle-retrocomp/a15df97c-70af-2791-da3b-fee06554452e%40smbfc.net.

[Meadhbh Hamrick]

Looks like you don't have a terminal at all, just wired into a Linux or Irix box running a terminal emulator.  I mean... that's probably more convenient, but it does lack the period aesthetic.  I grok why you would want the terminal.

[Ian Finder]

Believe it. 

I have always expected to come across one to de-orphan my VAXes, and never have. The only real terminals I have are the AT&T ones that go with my 3B2 stuff, and I have a 220 (quite a bit newer than the 11/750) which I got from eBay which got wrecked in shipping.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/seattle-retrocomp/236b2f72-5f15-da97-cced-ee418686b07d%40snowmoose.com.

[Meadhbh Hamrick]

ATT 5620 terminals are nothing to sneeze at either. (assuming that's
what you have that goes with your 3B2.)

On 9/28/23 17:52, Ian Finder wrote:
> Believe it.
>
> I have always expected to come across one to de-orphan my VAXes, and
> never have. The only real terminals I have are the AT&T ones that go
> with my 3B2 stuff, and I have a 220 (quite a bit newer than the 11/750)
> which I got from eBay which got wrecked in shipping.
>
> On Thu, Sep 28, 2023 at 2:57 PM Alan Perry <al...@snowmoose.com
> <mailto:al...@snowmoose.com>> wrote:
>
> I can't believe that Ian doesn't have a VT100.
>
> On 9/28/23 2:46 PM, Ian Finder wrote:
>> I would like to throw my hat in the ring here.
>> I have TWO running VAX 11/750 computers, and this is the
>> contemporary interactive terminal for them-- of which, I own zero
>> and would really like one.
>>
>> On Thu, Sep 28, 2023 at 2:30 PM 'Jason Howe' via Seattle
>> Retro-Computing Society <seattle-...@googlegroups.com

>> <mailto:seattle-...@googlegroups.com>> wrote:
>>
>> I've been after a VT100 for a number of years.  I'd be happy
>> to part of a random drawing :)
>>
>> Regardless, this is a very generous offer!
>>
>> --Jason
>>
>> On 9/28/23 13:47, Erick Matsen wrote:
>>> Hello there retro computing enthusiasts!
>>>
>>>
>>> I have a DEC VT100-AA terminal from 1982. I just turned it on
>>> and it works great. At one point I had it hooked up to a
>>> Raspberry Pi and could use it for SSH, etc, though a system
>>> update mucked up the way I was connecting through USB.
>>>

>>> Image
>>>
>>> Is anyone interested? I paid over $1K for it, but would be
>>> happy to just hand it over to someone who loves vintage gear,
>>> including the Pi and associated cableage. There are two
>>> keyboards-- one was kinda sticky. Also, I have some manuals.
>>>
>>> Let me know. If a few folks are interested we can choose
>>> randomly.
>>>
>>>
>>> Erick
>>> --
>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the
>>> Google Groups "Seattle Retro-Computing Society" group.
>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from
>>> it, send an email to
>>> seattle-retroc...@googlegroups.com

>>> <mailto:seattle-retroc...@googlegroups.com>.

>>> To view this discussion on the web visit

>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/seattle-retrocomp/3f0308b9-dc13-4fe2-a396-3fa16f0f1dbdn%40googlegroups.com <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/seattle-retrocomp/3f0308b9-dc13-4fe2-a396-3fa16f0f1dbdn%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>.

>> --
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>> it, send an email to
>> seattle-retroc...@googlegroups.com

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>>
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>
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>
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[Clay Erickson]

Lucky guys!  All I have is a Wyse 150+ terminal from the Timberline
Regional Library's used computer sale in Tumwater long ago; it was in
the free pile with other 150+ units.  Pity I only snagged one at the
time...  ;-)

I also have a Wyse terminal appliance (replaced Windows CE with OpenBSD)
with both serial ports configured for tty sessions.  I can run two
terminals and connect via ssh to legacy systems from The Living
Computers Museum and SDF.  Attached my Atari 800, Kaypro 4 and a ragtag
assortment of machines from Debian to DOS (and even Haiku OS) from time
to time to use as terminals.

Still, it does not beat real DEC or AT&T terminal hardware...

Clay

P.S.  Vetco Electronics in Bellevue has a few interesting terminals in
their used miscellaneous section in the back.  There could be a DEC
VT100 keyboard in the pile for key replacements, perhaps.  Just a
though...  ;-)

On 9/28/23 17:55, 'Meadhbh Hamrick' via Seattle Retro-Computing Society
wrote:

[Erick Matsen]

Wow, this is tough! I did originally propose a random draw but I do think that Ian has made the strongest case. I like the idea of period equipment getting re-united.

Does anyone want to make a counter-proposal? I'll wait 24 hours from the original post.

[Stephen Jones]

Ian kind of wins by weight, but I really like Kent's suggestion of adding it (as well as the CBM PET?) to a "lending library"

tradition where members can reserve or checkout an artifact for use for a particular event or a period of time.

Wouldn't that be cool (for the interim).

Technical things such as breakage, you fix-it or we all fix-it can be hashed out, but I'd really like to see a 

vintage lending library and would help facilitate that.

smj

[Ian Finder]

It won't go into a complete black-hole if it goes here. I do tend to drag things out to places like Toorcamp or SRCS and demonstrate them.

In fact, we are bringing the 11/750 to toorcamp next year: ToorCamp | the five day, open air, tech camping event (toorcon.net) - and trying to do a surrealist datacenter in the wilderness. :) I would also be happy to contribute some fun things to a vintage lending library, but I would really like to complete this VAX as well. I get and understand both.

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[Clay Erickson]

I've never heard of ToorCamp before.  I learn something new everyday - that is what makes meeting and collaborating with fellow enthusiasts like all of you lots of fun!  Thank you!  :-)

I like Kent and Stephen's suggestion of a lending library and I might have an item or two to add to that collection. That being said, if Ian is up to bring in the 750 from time to time with the VT100 for SRCS, I have no objection to seeing both items banded together.  So I confess I am teetering 'on the fence' over these options for the VT100.

If we decide to have a lending library, I would humbly suggest SRCS procures a good cabinet capable of holding artifacts for members to check out, as well as a couple of shelves to store and organize free stuff.  Just a thought...

Clay.

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[Erick Matsen]

It seems like there's a critical mass of interest for having it go to the club directly (here on the forum but also people emailing me directly). That's awesome. Ian, hopefully you get some satisfaction out of that arrangement as well.

Can some club representative email me directly to arrange handoff? It would have to be a Monday or Thursday during the workday available at j.mp/matsencal . The address is on Eastlake in SLU https://goo.gl/maps/VW1xMsRRFxEe777P9 .

Y'all are awesome! Have fun.

[Mike Begley]

I love the concept of a lending library, but I’ve seen somewhat similar things in other communities that just turn into massive junk dumping grounds.  If there were to be such a thing, it would need to be very carefully curated.

 

I do have a VT101 and a VT180, both currently nonfunctioning, but one keyboard is missing 4 keycaps.  If the spare keyboard could become a community parts source, I would certainly be interested in having a go at it when I bring my VTs back online this winter.

 

-mike

 

From: seattle-...@googlegroups.com <seattle-...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Stephen Jones
Sent: Friday, September 29, 2023 11:56 AM
To: Seattle Retro-Computing Society <seattle-...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [SRCS] Anyone want a functional VT100?

 

Ian kind of wins by weight, but I really like Kent's suggestion of adding it (as well as the CBM PET?) to a "lending library"

--

[Clay Erickson]

This is a good point, one that could turn into a burden for our generous host Kent.

Mike, if you live close to the Bellevue area, have you considered checking out VetCo Electronics?  In the back aisle, they have a lot of used equipment and components for sale.  In my last visit, I've seen a stack of various terminal keyboards from that era; it is possible a keyboard could be in that stack with suitable keycaps.  On my last visit, they had a Zenith Data Systems terminal and a Heathkit H89 computer (looking strangely identical except for the labels and the 5.25 floppy drive on the front of Heathkit...

 

There is also the two RE-PC stores, but I don't often run into terminal equipment earlier than the WYSE-60s or DEC VT-420s, if they have any at all (I did see two Wyse terminals at the Tukwila store).  Still, one can never tell.

Just a thought...  ;-)

Clay.

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[Meadhbh Hamrick]

Hunh.  People are making these 65% size C64s and Atari VCSes.  I wonder
if there's a market for an LCD screen'ed / RP2040 based VT241 (or VT340+
or VT525) along the same lines.

On 9/28/23 15:02, 'Jason Howe' via Seattle Retro-Computing Society wrote:
>
> Yes, this is more surprising than someone giving one away!
>
> --Jason
>
>
> On 9/28/23 14:57, Alan Perry wrote:
>>
>> I can't believe that Ian doesn't have a VT100.
>>
>> On 9/28/23 2:46 PM, Ian Finder wrote:
>>> I would like to throw my hat in the ring here.
>>> I have TWO running VAX 11/750 computers, and this is the
>>> contemporary interactive terminal for them-- of which, I own zero
>>> and would really like one.
>>>
>>> On Thu, Sep 28, 2023 at 2:30 PM 'Jason Howe' via Seattle
>>> Retro-Computing Society <seattle-...@googlegroups.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> I've been after a VT100 for a number of years.  I'd be happy to
>>> part of a random drawing :)
>>>
>>> Regardless, this is a very generous offer!
>>>
>>> --Jason
>>>
>>> On 9/28/23 13:47, Erick Matsen wrote:
>>>> Hello there retro computing enthusiasts!
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I have a DEC VT100-AA terminal from 1982. I just turned it on
>>>> and it works great. At one point I had it hooked up to a
>>>> Raspberry Pi and could use it for SSH, etc, though a system
>>>> update mucked up the way I was connecting through USB.
>>>>

>>>> Image
>>>>
>>>> Is anyone interested? I paid over $1K for it, but would be
>>>> happy to just hand it over to someone who loves vintage gear,
>>>> including the Pi and associated cableage. There are two
>>>> keyboards-- one was kinda sticky. Also, I have some manuals.
>>>>
>>>> Let me know. If a few folks are interested we can choose randomly.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Erick
>>>> --
>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the
>>>> Google Groups "Seattle Retro-Computing Society" group.
>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from
>>>> it, send an email to
>>>> seattle-retroc...@googlegroups.com.
>>>> To view this discussion on the web visit
>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/seattle-retrocomp/3f0308b9-dc13-4fe2-a396-3fa16f0f1dbdn%40googlegroups.com

>>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/seattle-retrocomp/3f0308b9-dc13-4fe2-a396-3fa16f0f1dbdn%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>.

>>> --
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>>>
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