March 31st Meeting – Computing in World War II

Published on Wednesday, 21 March 2012 20:46

Written by Brad Arnold

Photo of the British machine, Colossus

From predicting trajectories of artillery shells, bombs, and ballistic missiles to code breaking to atomic bomb design, the second World War provided more impetus for the development of computing machinery than any other event in human history. In this presentation by Dr. Brian Stuart, we will look at the convergence of a century of mathematical, mechanical, and electronic work to set the stage for the computer as we know it today.

Surface Mount Soldering Demonstration

Published on Saturday, 18 February 2012 14:00

Written by Brad Arnold

On March 3rd, we get to experience a realtime “Surface Mount Soldering Demonstration” by Alan Hightower. These days, it’s getting harder to find the old through-hole components, like the ones we saw in the 1980’s. Projects often require that surface mount parts be used.

They are ubiquitous in modern computers, are found in some vintage computers and are often essential in new boards to support vintage computers. Alan will be demonstrating surface mount soldering techniques which you can use at home to get results much like the modern boards you see today. The presentation will include:

An overview of surface mount packages and tools.
Demo of stencil solder paste application to a surface mount board.
Reflow soldering of the whole board, using hot-air and a pre-heater.
Soldering iron techniques for cleanup and rework.
Drag soldering of components, which can’t take reflow heat.

Whether you’re a DIY builder or a vintage computer enthusiast, you’re sure to be intrigued by seeing what goes on behind the curtain to make electronic boards today.

Mimms Tour

Published on Friday, 17 February 2012 15:19

Written by Brad Arnold

A Private Tour of the Mimms Vintage Computer Collection

Published on Friday, 17 February 2012 12:00

Written by Brad Arnold

Join us on Saturday, February 18th at 2pm, for a tour of Lonnie Mimms’ vintage computer collection. This may be the largest such collection in the Southeast. With literally hundreds of museum pieces, it will be a truly spectacular event. The collection includes some very rare pieces. A tour of Lonnie Mimms’ vintage computer collection, which just may be the largest such personal collection not only in our area, but the world! With literally hundreds of museum pieces, many that are very rare.

Vintage Computing on Modern Hardware – Feb 4 Meeting

Published on Saturday, 04 February 2012 17:34

Written by Brad Arnold

The meeting Saturday, February 4th looks to be lots of fun, with several members demonstrating software emulators which run on a modern hardware but simulate historic computers.

These will include:

Amiga by Brad Arnold
Commodore by Raj Wurttemberg
SIMH (an emulator which does many historic machines) by Dr. Brian Stuart
UNIVAC Simulator Presentation by Steve Lafferty

While few of us can afford to own many vintage machines, the emulators are generally free, so we can all enjoy interacting with history this way. The presenters will do demos, talk a little about the emulators and represented machines and tell us how to get them.

One thing I found from preparing my part (UNIVAC), is that getting these running and doing interesting things isn‚t as easy as one might imagine. The folks presenting will give us the tips we need to have fun with these critters, easily. Should be a hoot!

Directions to Christ the Lord Lutheran Church

Hope to see you there!

Steve L.

Program Coordinator