xiphod @ voidstar.blog
Part of Vintage Computing is about remembering and respecting the ingenuity of how electronics and Boolean logic merged and led to the Information Age. Maintaining original hardware gives evidence to that history. We are the last generation to know the world “before computers” and are first-hand witnesses to that progress: from electromechanical data exchange systems, screaming dot matrix printers, to distinct chiptune audio and HD multimedia, advanced algorithm data processing and high-speed data indexing and retrieval systems – it’s been quite a journey!
Exploring Project Ahl Benchmark in 2024
The links below are to additional details about various Vintage Computer Systems that I’ve collected and kept operational:
- IBM SCAMP [1973] (reviewed, not owned)
- IBM 5100 [1975]
- Polymorphic Systems POLY-88 [1976]
- IBM 5110 [1978] (ESP32 keyboard mod)
- NEC PC-8001 [1979] (custom RS-232 cable)
- Commodore PET [1980, model 4016]
- IBM 5120 (5110-3) [1980]
- Tandy Color Computer 1 [1980]
- IBM PC 5150 [1981]
- Commodore 64 [1982]
- Sharp PC-5000 HERE [1983]
- Tandy Model 100 [1983] (with DVI kit)
- Tandy Color Computer 3 [1986]
- Apple ][e [1987]
- Atari Lynx [1990]
- IBM PC-Compatible 80386 HERE [1992]
- ThinkPad 385CD with OS/2 [1997]
- Commander X16 HERE [2023]
VCF Talks
Exploring IBM 5100 PALM (2023)
Domesticating the Computer (2024)
RS-232 Then and Now (2025)
My COMPUTE! Gazette Articles
- July 2025: Meteor Defender X16: An action game for Commander X16!
- August 2025: Commander X16 Origin Story: How it all began
- September 2025: Memory Match: A multi-platform game in BASIC
- October 2025: Tunnel Run: A fast paced action game for the Commander X16
- December 2025: Cracking the PALM IBM 5100 Side Scroller in PALM
- January 2026: Alternatives to C64 BASIC
Videos
- Domesticating the Computer [ “Director’s Discussion” ]
- Interact Home Computer (Message Center) (1978) [ HERE ]
- Photo Album of VCF Chicago 2025 – VCFMW20 [ HERE ]
- Sharp PC-5000 Usage w/ BUBBLE MEMORY [ HERE ]
- Upgrading an 8250 to 16550 UART [ HERE ]
- GRiD CASE 4 Usage Demonstration – retrocampus BBS [ HERE ]
- BASLOAD: A unique approach to BASIC exclusive to Commander X16 [ HERE ]
- Aquarius+ (Plus) Modern-Make Retro System [ HERE ]
- Example of RS-232 Serial Keyboard [ HERE ]
- Fixing AUDIO of NEC PC-8001 Mk II (plus Mario Special demo) [ HERE and ROMTERM HERE ]
Articles and Media
Tandy Computer Cassette Recorder (CCR) Series HERE
Serial Communication (WiModem232) Demo
VCCC2022 (Computer Christmas Challenge 2022)
Mural of Personal to Home Computers (old VERSION1)