RADARC members had a wander down “kilobyte memory lane” at their October 15th meeting, which was “Vintage Computer Night”. Not strictly radio back then but inextricably linked to amateur radio now.
Club members brought 1980s computers which they had as geeky teenagers and kept for old time’s sake. Some of those keepsakes are now collectors’ pieces.
A few highlights to mention; James with part of his ZX81 and Spectrum collection, including games, magazine features and reviews, from when these models were first launched by Sinclair Research.
Ian, G8NXJ showed his Amstrad PPC512 aka Personal Portable Computer 512. A rare beast today and the forerunner of the laptop. Ian’s example is still up and running.
Ted, G6IJK was involved in computer production in this period and showed a Ferranti FM1600B bootstrap loading panel, which he built as an apprentice. He said that the system was part of the weapons firing and control system for many Royal Navy warships from the 1970s to the late 1980s.
Ted showed the back of the panel to reveal the wiring was hand wrapped by him as an apprentice and a complete work of art!
Ted G6IJK with the Ferranti FM1600B bootstrap loading panel which he built as an apprentice.
Another interesting piece was Dave, G6AWF’s Pong game. Built by Dave, this was a one chip wonder and many will remember the version which formed one of the first pub computer games. I remember one version which resembled a coffee table with the screen inset into the table surface.
This event was extremely popular and sadly, there isn’t space here to mention everyone’s exhibit but an honourable mention goes to Simon, M0ZSU’s Creed teleprinter. This machine was the deposed by the advent of computerised, digital equipment and it was interesting to see it displayed against the kit which made it redundant.
Simon’s version is now controlled by an ESP32 module which he jokingly described as the “only Creed printer on the internet”!
This was the first time RADARC had run a vintage computer night and it was so popular, I think it may become a regular event in the calendar.
Words & Photographs: Ace G0ACE
Simon Watson