Classic computers -- random shots

[monzamess]

I collected 80s computers in the early 90s, then sold almost all of them because emulators, and then decided I missed real hardware so I started again. I restarted the collection in 2010 with just a couple of computers that were impactful in my life (PCjr, Apple IIe) and it just exploded from there. Even looking for good deals, it's hard to pay $$$ for things that were basically e-waste in the 90s, but when I look at what I've spent over the last 12 years, it's still a pretty cheap hobby. It is fun playing with the modern devices people have created; that was the game-changer for me. For now, I think I'm done adding new platforms and slowing down on new gadgets for them. 

 

My classic computers:

• Commodore VIC-20 (w/PET keys), Penultimate+ cart, SD2IEC, color-matched (sort of) TV as a monitor
• TI-99/4A, Speech synth, FinalGROM, nanoPEB, color-matched (sort of) TV as a monitor
• Atari 600XL, 64K upgrade, UAV, Ultimate 1MB, SIDE3, FujiNet, SIO2SD, Panasonic video monitor w/S-Video 
• Commodore 64, Ultimate II+, WiFi modem, 1702 monitor
• Apple //e enhanced (white key print/started as unenhanced), Disk II, SDFloppy II, 80 col/64K, Super Serial, Classic IDE, Mockingboard replica, FASTChip 16mhz+512K, Uthernet II, Mouse card + mouse, No-slot clock, Color Monitor IIe
• IBM PCjr (128K + Floppy model), Gotek floppy emu, Speech attachment, two parallel sidecars (one modified to LPT2), Internal modem, Serial mouse, Keytronic numeric keypad, PCjr speedup board (switchable), Tandy mod (switchable), Xircom parallel ethernet, jrIDE w/1GB DOM, PCjr montior
• Apple IIgs, replaced battery, 3.5 drive (replaced eject gear), GGLABS 4MB RAM, BMOW FloppyEmu, Apple IIgs monitor
• Tandy Color Computer 3, 6309 CPU, 512k, mini-MPI, CocoSDC, CocoDAC-16, Magnavox 8CM515 monitor
• Atari 1040ST, Rainbow TOS 1.4, ASCI2STM, Gotek Floppy emu, Mouse master, SC1224 monitor
• Commodore Amiga 500, Gotek Floppy emu, 8MB+IDE+Kickstart 3.1 combo, 1084S monitor

• Timex Sinclair 2068, Twister board w/RGB out, MaxDuino, RGB-HDMI converter, LCD TV
• Timex Sinclair 1000, composite mod, Microswitch keyboard, vLA81, ZXPand+, WiFi modem, Sony PVM-97 monochrome monitor
• Sinclair ZX Spectrum 48k, composite mod, DivMMC
• Tandy MC-10, composite mod, MCX-32 SD

 

Partially pictured or not pictured:

• NABU PC, RS-422 adapter
• ZX Omni
• Various PCs and laptops from early 2000s-up
• Atari 130XE
• Atari 400
• Commodore VIC-20 (C64-like keys)
• Commodore 64 #2
• Timex Sinclair 2068 #2
• IBM PCjr w/jrIDE #2
• Timex Sinclair 1000, my first computer ever, barely clinging to life (disintegrating membrane flex cable + flaky ULA) -- I keep it in a display cabinet 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[monzamess]

A loaded IIe:

 

[Keir]

Nice setup! I also collected old computers in the late 90s/early 00s but the only ones I’ve kept are my VIC-20 and C128-D (I have an Amiga 500 too but I’m planning to get rid of it). I never had as many as you though, and never had them all hooked up in a row like that; I like that.

[monzamess]

Thanks! It's important to me to be able to see them on display (yay dopamine hits) but also that they are working and usable. I think they'd look better on a long white built-in desk-thingy with good lighting, shelving, etc. but I haven't wanted to commit to furniture beyond the folding tables so far--unfortunately they are starting to sag...

 

 

 

[Keir]

Yeah, that would be amazing but what you’ve got works. I know I would have enjoyed my collection a lot more if I’d had everything set up to use at any time.

[monzamess]

I'll keep posting random stuff whenever, kind of a half-assed blog. Next:

 

Before and after "sunbriting" my IIgs for a full day (rotating things to follow the sun). It wasn't badly yellowed to start, but it was very noticeable particularly on the left side of the main unit and monitor. The results are not 100% but it lightened up pretty evenly and looks OK now.