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Sunday, 29 August 2010 |
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I've recently acquired a collection of interesting classic PC related items. Among those items was a computer I have never heard about. It's a Panasonic brand computer called JR-200U. Built like a smaller (and more solid feeling) Commodre 64, this all-in-one unit has a built-in RF modulator to connect directly to a TV. It comes with 32K of RAM, which is unexpandable. Other ports it has are for a cassette interface, RGB monitor, RS-232, audio out, and Atari compatible joystick ports. Along with the computer, I received eight different applications for it (on cassette), a demo program cassette, custom printer cable, custom RGB cable, cassette cable, aftermarket learning guide, and an official factory service manual. As of this writing, I have not turned on the JR-200U. Although it has previously been used, many of the extras it came with are still in the original unopened condition. All of the software except the demo tape and one game is still shrinkwrapped. The RGB and printer cable are still stapled in their packaging. I would sure like to try those cables out, but the entire kit is in such pristine condition that the "collector" in me wants to leave it alone. I'll continue to research the item. Reading the service manual might reveal some hidden secrets about it. I will certainly post whatever information I discover in a future article.  Panasonic JR-200U
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 29 August 2010 )
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Holy Cow! I've been plugged! |
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Wednesday, 25 August 2010 |
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I usually listen to podcasts passively. Then again, most people do the same, right? By passively, I mean I generally listen to them as they are released, eagerly wait for the next episode, and do not typically submit or suggest information to the podcast host(s). Well, I decided to post a link to one of the podcasts I subscribe to for an upcoming pinball show near my home. I used an e-mail account that I rarely send mail with. I didn't realize that the e-mail account still had the Vintage Volts website in the automatic signature line. To my pleasant surprise, I was plugged on RetroGamingRoundup http://www.retrogamingroundup.com. The plug was favorable (Thanks SoCal!)It's not that I don't welcome the plug. I certainly appreciate it, but now I'm compelled to keep the blog up to date. No problem (I tell myself). This is something I should be doing anyway. I created this site because I wanted to blog on classic electronic gear. I have plenty of stories to write and no real excuse NOT to write anything. All I really need to do is switch into "old man mode" and type out, nearly verbatim, everything I tell my kids about the stuff I grew up with. It can't be that hard, can it? So, I apologize for the "tens" of followers I have on this site at this time who were expecting more posts from me. Now it's time for me to dig through my basement and reminisce about the stuff I find and share those memories with all of the other "vintage gear" buffs out there. Thanks for visiting!!
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 26 August 2010 )
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Tuesday, 23 February 2010 |
 Well, "Lil Herc" is the name my Science teacher gave his TI-57 back in 1979. At that time, the name sort of fit. This handheld device was a marvel for the price. It was a fully programmable calculator which did a lot of trig and statistical calculations. He handed his calculator and 100+ page instruction book to me during study hall one day and I had a field day with the thing. This was my first introduction to a calculator which such power. Small games and repetitive formulas could be programmed into it. It was such a marvelous device in 1979 that I saved up for more than six months to buy one of my own. I had long since lost my original TI-57. However, I managed to find a replacement after all these years. The replacement is in wonderful shape and the battery still holds a charge. I used to be able to program a rudimentary blackjack program into it for fun. I had the entire program memorized and could enter it quickly. The program would be erased when the power was turned off. I had forgotten the program steps by now, but I'm sure if I tried, I could recreate them. It fit just within the 50 program steps available.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 23 February 2010 )
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