[Coco] Re: "Tandys Little Wonder" book

farna at att.net farna at att.net
Wed May 3 23:08:52 EDT 2006


Just a reminder -- I'll be leaving in a few days and won't be able to send any copies out after Friday. If anyone wants a PDF copy before I leave PayPal $12 to farna at att.net and I'll send the 5MB PDF file on it's way! I've sent 5-6 out in the last few days. You can also use a credit card by going to http://farna.home.att.net/purchase.html then scrolling down and hitting the PayPal button. In that case PP is just acting as a credit card processor, you don't need (and won't have) a PP account, and PP won't be contacting you later! I pay a fee for the service. You will be able to put in the amount. 

For those who didn't get the earlier message, TLW is a 200+ page book with as much info as I could gather on all models of the CoCo. There is a nice history, peripheral info, mod info, schematics, and interviews with a few people like Frank Hogg. I updated the information sources pages and a few other things before re-issuing. The first edition of the book sold around 500 copies back in 1991. I self published and sold it for about three years. 300 were sold the first year, the other 200 took 2-3 years to sell. You won't find a more complete single source. 

I plan on offering the book on CD-ROM when I get back from a four month deployment overseas. I'm active duty USAF, and will be retiring about this time next year after 24 years (when I retire -- 23 right now). 

--
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Independent 
Magazine" (AIM)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AIM.html
(free download available!)

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
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> Today's Topics:
> 
>    1. Re: CoCo Fest video and chat (Rod Barnhart)
>    2. CoCo Fest video and chat (Nickolas Marentes)
>    3. Re: CoCo Fest video and chat (Brian Blake)
>    4. RE: Modifications (Chester A Patterson)
>    5. Monitor on Ebay (Chester A Patterson)
>    6. Re: CoCo Fest video and chat (Alan Jones)
>    7. Re: Short Sunday CoCoFest WebCam (Boisy Pitre)
> 
> 
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> Message: 1
> Date: Wed, 3 May 2006 16:19:42 -0400
> From: "Rod Barnhart" <rod.barnhart at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [Coco] CoCo Fest video and chat
> To: "CoCoList for Color Computer Enthusiasts" <coco at maltedmedia.com>
> Message-ID:
> 	<6cd9b02e0605031319l708fd565mac9a910244f4c946 at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
> 
> The number one way to increase the attendance is to get more people
> interested in the CoCo community in general - and for those who are
> interested but not aware that a fest still happens every year, we need to
> make them aware. As such, I am going to place a banner on my website once
> the plans for next years fest are known. It's not a lot of eyes looking at
> it, but every person who sees it will be a potential attendee.
> 
> Rod
> 
> 
> On 5/3/06, Nickolas Marentes <nickma at optusnet.com.au> wrote:
> >
> > Now that the personality clashes are aside, can we get back onto the
> > serious topic of why attendance at the CoCoFest is declining and how we
> > can improve it?
> >
> > Nick Marentes
> >
> > --
> > Coco mailing list
> > Coco at maltedmedia.com
> > http://five.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/coco
> >
> 
> 
> 
> --
> Rod Barnhart aka Wintermute (http://www.nitemarecafe.com)
> 
> NOTICE: Due to Presidential Executive Orders, the National Security Agency
> may have read this email without warning, warrant, or notice. They may do
> this without any judicial or legislative oversight. You have no recourse nor
> protection save to call for the impeachment of the current President.
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 2
> Date: Thu, 04 May 2006 06:59:59 +1000
> From: Nickolas Marentes <nickma at optusnet.com.au>
> Subject: [Coco] CoCo Fest video and chat
> To: coco at maltedmedia.com
> Message-ID: <445919CF.3020102 at optusnet.com.au>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
> 
> Ron Barnhart wrote:
> 
> The number one way to increase the attendance is to get more people
> interested in the CoCo community in general - and for those who are
> interested but not aware that a fest still happens every year, we need to
> make them aware. 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Nick Replies:
> 
> 
> I am thinking more along the lines of how do we get more of the 
> remaining/existing CoCo users to attend.
> 
> What if we imagine that the CoCoFest is a shop front and we want to 
> attract more customers into our store. What would we do?
> 
> First thing that comes to my mind is to offer product that people are 
> interested in. We must also bare in mind that not everyone is a diehard 
> CoCo user. I suspect many are/would be interested in the CoCo for 
> nostalgia reasons. And as for ex-CoCo users who haven't even seen or 
> heard of a CoCo for over 10 years, what can we offer to get their interest?
> 
> - What does that current CoCoFest offer to attract people to attend?
> 
> - Does the CoCofest offer enough to satisfy the desire for nostalgia?
> 
> - What age group is the CoCofest targeting in its current format?
> 
> - Is news and details of the CoCofest getting out to enough people?
> 
> - Should we expand the fest to include TRS-80 Model 1/3 and MC-10?
> 
> 
> That last line would mean that the Fest is no longer a *CoCo*fest but 
> rather, a Classic Tandy Computers Fest. Maybe in that format, we may get 
> some support from Radio Shack?  (a VERY long shot I know!)   :)
> 
> I think the location of Chicago is good. Central to the US and close to 
> Canada. It has a major airport. Glenside seem to have the hotel pinned 
> down quite well also so I don't think there is anything that can really 
> be improved here unless there is an army of CoCo users in cold storage 
> in the LA area.   :)
> 
> Nick Marentes
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 3
> Date: Wed, 3 May 2006 14:20:31 -0700 (PDT)
> From: Brian Blake <random_rodder at yahoo.com>
> Subject: Re: [Coco] CoCo Fest video and chat
> To: CoCoList for Color Computer Enthusiasts <coco at maltedmedia.com>
> Message-ID: <20060503212031.97231.qmail at web30306.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
> 
> One thing would be to get info out on what the Fest and the Coco in general can 
> still do for people. Most people (myself included) look at a Coco and a PC side 
> by side and sometimes wonder what the fascination with the Coco is. For me, 
> right now, it is mostly nostalgia since it was my first computer.
> 
> I know I would like to get into some projects in the future but those are time 
> and money permitting. One of mine is a repack of my Coco3 into a Model 3/4 case, 
> still need to find a case, with an MPI, floppies and an IDE or SCSI hard disk, 
> all powered with a PC power supply. Cramming it all in the M3/4 case should be 
> fun...
> 
> Ideas is another area. Not being a hardware guru with the Coco, just coming up 
> with ideas of what to do with it is like beating a dead horse. I see all kinds 
> of things on other websites (repacks, DC powered Coco, video convertors, 
> etc...), but, have no earthly idea how to get from point A to B. I know, much of 
> this knowledge comes from other backgrounds and education so maybe this isn't a 
> good example...
> 
> Roger's IDE's are wonderful tools. Someday I'd like to put them to use doing 
> something worthwhile. However, studying, work, my three kids, house repairs, 
> yardwork, etc... all take up my time and money. 
> 
> Basically, what some of us newer old folks just arriving back on the scene need 
> is an education of what the old girl can still do. Without some type of info on 
> that, people are gonna just say "wow, I remember that!!!" and go about their 
> merry way. I guess another way to put the question is "how can the group go 
> about drumming up interest in a 25 year old computer not only for people who are 
> already here but others who might pop in to say hi, like I did."
> 
> Sorry, I doubt this is much help, this is just what came to mind after 12 hours 
> at work...
> 
> Brian
> 
> Nickolas Marentes <nickma at optusnet.com.au> wrote:Nick Replies:
> 
> 
> I am thinking more along the lines of how do we get more of the 
> remaining/existing CoCo users to attend.
> 
> What if we imagine that the CoCoFest is a shop front and we want to 
> attract more customers into our store. What would we do?
> 
> First thing that comes to my mind is to offer product that people are 
> interested in. We must also bare in mind that not everyone is a diehard 
> CoCo user. I suspect many are/would be interested in the CoCo for 
> nostalgia reasons. And as for ex-CoCo users who haven't even seen or 
> heard of a CoCo for over 10 years, what can we offer to get their interest?
> 
> - What does that current CoCoFest offer to attract people to attend?
> 
> - Does the CoCofest offer enough to satisfy the desire for nostalgia?
> 
> - What age group is the CoCofest targeting in its current format?
> 
> - Is news and details of the CoCofest getting out to enough people?
> 
> - Should we expand the fest to include TRS-80 Model 1/3 and MC-10?
> 
> 
> That last line would mean that the Fest is no longer a *CoCo*fest but 
> rather, a Classic Tandy Computers Fest. Maybe in that format, we may get 
> some support from Radio Shack?  (a VERY long shot I know!)   :)
> 
> I think the location of Chicago is good. Central to the US and close to 
> Canada. It has a major airport. Glenside seem to have the hotel pinned 
> down quite well also so I don't think there is anything that can really 
> be improved here unless there is an army of CoCo users in cold storage 
> in the LA area.   :)
> 
> Nick Marentes
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> Coco mailing list
> Coco at maltedmedia.com
> http://five.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/coco
> 
> 
> 		
> ---------------------------------
> New Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. Call regular phones from your PC and save big.
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 4
> Date: Wed, 3 May 2006 16:22:22 -0600
> From: "Chester A Patterson" <vchester at setec-cr.com>
> Subject: RE: [Coco] Modifications
> To: "'CoCoList for Color Computer Enthusiasts'" <coco at maltedmedia.com>
> Message-ID: <007501c66f00$0d045a30$120aa8c0 at SETEC.COM>
> Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="iso-8859-1"
> 
> TV modulator removal. Just for fun. Yeah, I know, if it ain't busted, don't
> mess with it. But I can't resist. Well, maybe I can.
> 
> Yep, found it. Thanks.
> 
> Thanks for the tips!
> 
> /Chet
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Robert Emery [mailto:theother_bob at yahoo.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, May 03, 2006 10:05 AM
> To: CoCoList for Color Computer Enthusiasts
> Subject: Re: [Coco] Modifications
> --- Chester A Patterson <vchester at setec-cr.com> wrote:
> > Hi,
> >
> > I'm going to go whole hog on my CC3. I have excellent soldering
> > skills but am no digital electronics expert. I have no Coco
> > (2 or 3) service manual (but I DO have my MPI service manual)
> > I would like to start by removing the TV modulator from the
> > main board. Any tips? Suggestions? Things to look out for?
> 
> Just curious why you want to remove the modulator? The only advantage I see
> there is a slight reduction in power draw, which is kind of moot if you plan
> to
> repack it in a PC case.
> 
> 
> > After that, I want to put her in a PC box, so I'll want to feed the CC3
> > +/- 5 & 12V. I imagine there's stuff on the www about this but I don't
> find
> > it.
> 
> There is an article on CoCo3.com that tells how to do it. Go to the Articles
> section and look for "Putting it all in one box". Also look at my Portable
> CoCo3 writeup, where I show how to run the whole thing off of +12V.
> http://www.geocities.com/theother_bob
> 
> 
> > After that is the video adapters (hopefully both S-Vid AND VGA), a
> > keyboard adapter and what-not. Years (MANY!) ago there was much talk about
> > NOT putting the MPI on a flat cable extension no matter how short (timing
> > issues) What's the dope on that finally? I can't see putting CC3 in a PC
> box
> > without at least a short extension.
> 
> Main thing I've heard is to make sure you have a good ground between them. I
> use a Y-cable in my repack, running to Floppy and IDE controllers. So far it
> works really great, several years now.
> 
> Bob
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 5
> Date: Wed, 3 May 2006 17:39:19 -0600
> From: "Chester A Patterson" <vchester at setec-cr.com>
> Subject: [Coco] Monitor on Ebay
> To: <coco at maltedmedia.com>
> Message-ID: <007601c66f0a$cd556680$120aa8c0 at SETEC.COM>
> Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="us-ascii"
> 
> Hi,
> 
> Check out ebay for one Commodore 1084S
> It's actually a Magnavox 8CM515!
> Wish I could buy it. Shipping to Costa Rica is prohibitive.
> 
> /Chester
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 6
> Date: Wed, 03 May 2006 18:35:15 -0600
> From: Alan Jones <ojones at elp.rr.com>
> Subject: Re: [Coco] CoCo Fest video and chat
> To: CoCoList for Color Computer Enthusiasts <coco at maltedmedia.com>
> Message-ID: <44594C43.6070104 at elp.rr.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
> 
> I subscribe to this mailing list mainly because of the excellent 
> technical, historical, and creative advice/help/resources posted by it's 
> subsribers. All of my CoCo hardware is back in Ohio in storage until I 
> return. For now I have to be content with an emulator. There is 
> something about the CoCo that is in my blood and I can't get rid of it! 
> Part of my attraction to this hobby is the nice people I have gotten to 
> know on this list just by reading the email. I don't have a lot to say 
> but I do listen. I don't see how the CoCo Fest is going to attract more 
> people to this hobby, however it is an additional tool to network us 
> together for those who can attend. The main reason I am still using the 
> CoCo is because of this mailing list and the "old one" on the Princeton 
> server. All of the various personalities on this list is what makes this 
> list so unique. This mailing list is our main way of networking our 
> ideas and collaborating on new projects. What is wrong with that? That 
> is why I liked Roger Taylor's web cam idea at the fest. It was another 
> great way of networking us together. I hope you are all having a great 
> day and thanks for making this hobby so enjoyable!
> 
> Alan
> in hot, dry, beautiful Fort Bliss, TX
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 7
> Date: Wed, 3 May 2006 21:44:35 -0500
> From: Boisy Pitre <boisy at boisypitre.com>
> Subject: Re: [Coco] Short Sunday CoCoFest WebCam
> To: CoCoList for Color Computer Enthusiasts <coco at maltedmedia.com>
> Message-ID: <C0704302-9384-40B9-A576-78B13FAEDB68 at boisypitre.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
> 
> A lot of traffic has flowed through the list on this topic, and I,  
> being one of the principals of this thread, have read everything that  
> everyone has had to say.  Those who know me can attest that I do not  
> shy away from controversy; I speak my mind (to a fault perhaps) and I  
> call them as I see them.  My delivery may not be agreeable and my  
> poignancy may be uncomfortable, but I believe that the message is  
> correct.
> 
> The bottom line is this:  you DO NOT have to be rich or well off to  
> attend a fest.  You do have to have the desire to go.  Then, you have  
> to have the ingenuity to make it happen.  I am not going to get into  
> the details of my financial situation like others on here have.   
> Honestly, I do quite well for myself, but when I attended my first  
> Chicago Fest in 1992, I was a 21 years old "poor as a church mouse"  
> college student with no job.  Up until that time, I could only DREAM  
> of going to a Fest.  For years as a teenager, I would get the Rainbow  
> in my mailbox every month, and every so often, the RainbowFest Report  
> would be featured, along with pictures of the notable and famous.   
> Believe me, I would have given my right arm and leg to go to the  
> fests back then, but the truth was my family didn't have much money,  
> and there was no way that they could pay for me to go.
> 
> So in 1992, I scrounged up enough money (and it was a paltry sum) to  
> buy a Greyhound ticket from Brookhaven, Mississippi to Chicago,  
> Illinois and rode in a crowded, uncomfortable bus for 24 hours  
> straight.  When I finally got to Chicago, I met up with Scott McGee,  
> who had agreed to share a room with me prior to my arrival.  We went  
> dutch on the cost of the hotel, then ate sandwiches and drank cheap  
> cola from the local supermarket in Schaumburg.  I had the best time  
> of my life that weekend.
> 
> Very shortly after that fest, I was lucky enough to land a job at  
> Microware, and from then on, I was more easily able to afford the  
> cost of flying to fests and forego the sandwiches and cheap cola for  
> something a little more substantial.  With the exception of the 2000,  
> 2001 and 2002 Chicago CoCoFests, and the 2000 PennFest, I have made  
> every fest from 1992 until the present, including the Atlanta ones.   
> By attending these fests, I have met some of the smartest, most  
> talented people that I have had the privilege of knowing.  One of the  
> fruits of attending these fests has been the collaboration that Mark  
> Marlette and I do, and the subsequent creation and growth of Cloud-9.
> 
> This is my story.  If you don't want to come to the fest, that's your  
> prerogative.  I personally think that attending the fest should be  
> the goal of every CoCo-loving individual on this list, because it is  
> a rich and rewarding experience.  I think even more so, those that  
> consider themselves the leaders, or movers and shakers, should be  
> there because it shows their commitment to the community.  And  
> because of my own personal experience and hardship, I simply have no  
> sympathy for those who give excuses year after year.
> 
> Boisy
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> _______________________________________________
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> 
> End of Coco Digest, Vol 33, Issue 19
> ************************************





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