2014–2018

2018 136

December 2018

1. 29 DecKeyboard testing completed, waiting on 3D printed parts before final assembly
2. 28 DecPlastic honeycomb arrived and test fit done with keyboard stack of DSKY substitute
3. 26 DecAssembling keyboard PCB for DSKY substitute
4. 20 DecProgress completing the DSKY substitute to use with Apollo Guidance Computer
5. 18 DecWorking on restoration of erasable memory module for Apollo Guidance Computer
6. 17 DecIf a tree falls in the backyard in the dark, will anyone here it?
7. 16 DecRedesigning keyboard structure for DSKY Substitue
8. 15 DecFinished up display board for DSKY Substitute and did some cosmetic engineering
9. 14 DecAlmost completely done with display board for DSKY substitute
10. 12 DecDisplay PCB for DSKY Substitute is essentially complete and passing most tests
11. 10 DecContinuing populating DSKY display PCB and testing in stages
12. 9 DecWiring up display PCB for DSKY substitute, working on keyboard and chatting with DSKY wizard
13. 7 DecFinished CAD modeling of DSKY substitute keyboard
14. 6 DecContinuing work in preparation for the next round of Apollo Guidance Computer restoration
15. 1 DecDesigning the pushbutton keys for the DSKY keyboard substitute for Apollo Guidance Computer

November 2018

1. 29 NovPCBs sent to fab house and other work started for continued Apollo Guidance Computer restoration
2. 27 NovReadied PCB to build DSKY Substitute for Apollo Guidance Computer
3. 21 NovAll parts placed on PCB for DSKY substitute for AGC testing
4. 17 NovSome repair work or preparation far from the AGC
5. 15 NovMore planning for the Apollo Guidance Computer restoration
6. 12 NovRestoring an Apollo Guidance Computer, part V
7. 10 NovRestoring an Apollo Guidance Computer, part IV
8. 10 NovRestoring Apollo Guidance Computer, part III
9. 9 NovRestoring Apollo Guidance Computer, part II
10. 9 NovRestoring Apollo Guidance Computer, part I
11. 3 NovDSKY substitute as complete as I could get it before flying to work on AGC
12. 2 NovSoldering more secure connections for the DSKY substitute
13. 1 NovTesting Apollo Guidance Computer interface circuits to my DSKY substitute, other build/test activities

October 2018

1. 31 OctGood progress completing the DSKY substitute to use while restoring Apollo Guidance Computer
2. 30 OctMajor progress wiring and testing the DSKY substitute to use with the Apollo Guidance Computer restoration
3. 29 OctContinuing to construct and test the substitute DSKY for the Apollo Guidance Computer restoration
4. 28 OctBuilding DSKY substitute
5. 18 OctWorking on DSKY substitute to use with Apollo Guidance Computer; investigating the input-output methods of the AGC
6. 17 OctReviewing physical construction of Apollo Guidance Computer
7. 16 OctLooking at types of code execution in the AGC and designing a DSKY substitute to support testing
8. 16 OctLooking at power in the AGC and at the DSKY interface
9. 16 OctLooking at the AGC Block II core rope memory structure
10. 15 OctLooking at read/write core memory used in AGC Block II
11. 14 OctMiscellaneous notes on AGC design from my research
12. 13 OctStudying to assist in the restoration of an Apollo Guidance Computer
13. 8 OctTeletype model 19 restoration complete; Sherman Tank Bar lives another day

September 2018

1. 29 SepSherman Tank bar completed and ready for fundraiser tonight
2. 9 SepTeletype and Sherman Tank progress
3. 4 SepStarting on Sherman Tank bar construction

August 2018

1. 25 AugWork on model 14, 15 and 19 teletype parts
2. 15 AugSuccessful trip to RTTY Electronics for teletype parts
3. 11 AugProgress on model 14 Transmitter Distributor restoration and a motor investigation
4. 11 AugMy Model 14 paper tape reader is the wrong speed, but we make continuing restoration process on the Teletypes
5. 6 AugVCF West exhibition this past weekend was a success
6. 3 AugWrapping up and transporting teletypes to CHM for the Vintage Computer Festival West
7. 3 AugReadied everything for Vintage Computer Festival West, transporting to the site tomorrow
8. 2 AugASR 33 repaired and ready for show; testing all demos to be ready for exhibition
9. 1 AugPreparing for VCF West exhibition, disaster strikes on ASR 33, work continues on model 15

July 2018

1. 27 JulModification to allow use of ASR 33 paper tape reader with PDP 8 clone (SBC 6120)
2. 23 JulFixed SBC6120, made duplicate paper tapes, and know cause of linefeed issue on ASR 33 teletype
3. 23 JulBaudotRSS program fixed and ready to drive model 15; paper tapes punched to drive ASR 33 demos
4. 21 JulMy model 15 teletype working great, plus prep for VCF West exhibition
5. 20 JulFinished repair of ASR 33 punch, worked on model 15s, and prepared for exhibition at VCF West
6. 17 JulCosmetic items added to ASR 33 and some work done on model 15 teletype
7. 16 JulModified SBC 6120 to work correctly with ASR 33 teletype, as well as tested Altairduino to TTY link
8. 14 JulProgress on model 15 printer and other teletype news
9. 13 JulTesting out Altairduino and SBC 6120 with the ASR 33 teletype
10. 12 JulProgress of model 15/19 teletypes; modification done to SBC6120 (PDP8 clone)
11. 10 JulASR 33 input received perfectly, can't get PC to RS232 link to output anything
12. 9 JulPrepped the Altairduino to drive the ASR 33 teletype for VCF West exhibit
13. 8 JulFinishing up ASR 33, preparing for VCF West exhibition August 4-5
14. 7 JulASR 33 together and mostly working properly; progress on model 15 teletype keyboards
15. 5 JulFinished checkout of ASR 33 printer unit and punch
16. 4 JulContinued work restoring the ASR 33 printer unit
17. 2 JulPrinting unit of ASR 33 in fairly good shape after cleaning and lubrication; built RS232 to current loop adapter

June 2018

1. 30 JunGood progress with model 15/19 teletypes, plus restoration work on IBM 1401 card reader
2. 26 JunWorked out ASR33 modification, USB to TTY module working fine
3. 25 JunGood progress on the USB to teletype interface debugging, plus restoration work on TTY 15 and ASR33
4. 21 JunMainly debugging the CP2102 breakout boards, while the project itself seems to be functional
5. 20 JunCleaning up board, identifying bad USB module
6. 19 JunFixed ASR33 keyboard, built USB to teletype interface device but still debugging it
7. 16 JunTeletype stuff
8. 14 JunWorked on 1401 systems at CHM, two fun kits
9. 10 JunPicking up some teletypes
10. 9 JunWorking on teletypes, laptop and refrigerator repair
11. 7 JunRestoration of 1401, MacBook Pro, Mac IIci, and work on Documation USB interface
12. 2 JunMacBook Pro repair

May 2018

1. 31 MayThis and That
2. 29 MaySnail like progress finishing up the Documation card reader USB interface conversion
3. 28 MayDebugged and did more installation of the USB interface board into the Documation card reader.
4. 26 MayFound minor problems with Documation interface; started restoration of Teletype 19
5. 24 MayNearly finished with conversion of Documation 1000 card reader, now debugging
6. 23 MayWorking on Documation readers and interface installation
7. 22 MayBeginning to install USB interface into Documation card readers
8. 18 MaySoldering together my Documation card reader interface, plus diabolical soldering challenge kit
9. 17 MayCore memory Arduino shield progress; 1401 spurious card reader checks at CHM
10. 16 MayBuilt core memory Arduino shield, which isn't working correctly yet
11. 8 MayArchived 7000 punched cards of DNA sequencing
12. 4 MayBuilding card reader interfaces for Documation readers
13. 3 MayLabeled the 1053 emulator, looking into repair of IBM 2310 compatible disk drive heads
14. 1 MayLoaded two IBM 1130 oriented projects into Github

April 2018

1. 28 AprSeemingly possessed Diablo disk drive now working
2. 27 AprFinished assembly of the IBM 1130 Console Printer (1053) emulator box
3. 24 AprWIRING AND INSTALLING PARTS OF IBM 1130 CONSOLE PRINTER EMULATOR
4. 23 Apr1130 Console Printer emulator working to spec, waiting only to connect to real IBM 1130
5. 23 AprSteady debugging work on IBM 1130 support devices plus improvements and design ideas
6. 22 AprImproved version of IBM 1130 Console Printer emulator, plus work on possessed Diablo drive for Xerox Alto
7. 20 AprBuild of IBM 1130 console printer (1053) emulator along with testing
8. 17 AprPictures of the recent conversion of a 9 track tape drive to archive 7 track tapes
9. 17 AprEnhancements made to the 1053 Console Printer emulator for IBM 1130
10. 10 AprDeveloping 1053 console printer emulator for use with IBM 1130 systems
11. 7 AprOriginal FORTH from IBM 1130, meaning of pen markings on listings by Chuck Moore
12. 6 AprSet up tape drive to archive 7 track tape reels by recording flux transitions and decoding by software
13. 6 AprUnderstanding original FORTH
14. 4 AprSetting up a High Frequency ham radio station
15. 3 AprMaking substantial progress understanding original FORTH

March 2018

1. 29 MarExhaustive documentation and deconstruction of original FORTH
2. 24 MarVerifying 1130 FORTH is working properly, plus continued battle with the demon disk drive
3. 23 MarOriginal FORTH from IBM 1130 under the microscope
4. 22 MarOur Alto's Diablo disk drive is restored to working order
5. 19 MarDemon Diablo Disk Drive - attempted repair
6. 17 MarHistorical recreation/restoration of original FORTH on the IBM 1130
7. 6 MarVarious items - disk drives, ethernet tools and FORTH exploration
8. 2 MarRestoring the original source code for FORTH on the IBM 1130

February 2018

1. 28 FebBuilt battery for Roomba, discovered original FORTH software from 1130
2. 17 FebVCF and LCM in Seattle, plus work on a battery and terminal emulation
3. 7 FebLooking at conversion of HP 2622D (250 system console) to 2621A
4. 3 FebFinished archiving all known Xerox PARC disk cartridges
5. 1 FebComplication in rebuilding Roomba battery pack, digging into the 1402 design and operation

January 2018

1. 29 JanProducing replacement battery pack for original model Roomba vacuum
2. 28 JanHP 2621A terminal successfully connected to Altair 8800 replica (AltairArduino)
3. 27 JanProcessed more PARC cartridges, validated latest ethernet tool, and worked on Altair replica to HP terminal link
4. 25 JanIBM 1401 reader-print problem fixed; last batch of disc cartridges from Xerox PARC picked up for archiving
5. 24 JanBuilding connection from Altair replica to HP 2621A terminal, rebuilding original Roomba battery pack
6. 23 JanFinished batch of PARC disks, got stand for my HP 2621A terminal
7. 18 JanMore work on 1401 system read-print issue at Computer History Museum
8. 16 JanUsing HP 2621A terminal with Altair 8800 replica
9. 14 JanRetrieved more images from the Xerox PARC archives
10. 11 JanDiagnosing 1401 read-print issue, getting Fortran compiler running on 1401
11. 9 JanWorking on 1401 read-print issue, assisting a new IBM 1130 restoration effort
12. 4 JanCataloging the archived Xerox PARC cartridges, overcoming password protection, work on 1401

2017 190

December 2017

1. 31 DecRepaired Roomba wheel but have to deal with a dead battery pack
2. 31 DecWorked on Roomba, archived large batch of Xerox PARC disk cartridges
3. 28 DecWorking on reader stop problem on German 1401 at CHM
4. 23 DecRepairing a Roomba vacuum, aligned Diablo drive for Alto, demonstrated IBM 705 tube module function
5. 21 DecBoth IBM 1401 systems fully operational after work today
6. 16 DecMiscellaneous projects and tests
7. 14 DecHP 2645A tape units tested, IBM 1401 memory problem diagnosed
8. 12 DecDetailed diagnostic work on failing 1401 memory, not yet repaired
9. 11 DecPut the new disk image through its paces on the HP 1000 - real machine quite slow
10. 10 DecMore RTE IVB exploration and refinement, PASCAL made operational
11. 9 DecDisk prep for alignment, plus progress on RTE, terminals, and ethernet devices
12. 8 DecALGOL working, battling my way through RTE, setting up logic analyzer with defective 12966A card
13. 7 Dec1401 system down with failing bottom 4K of core
14. 6 DecMore checking of 12966A card, understanding dual terminal needs under simulator and installing Algol
15. 3 DecDual terminals active on real HP 1000; continued diagnosis of defective serial card
16. 2 DecSuccessfully created alternative character sets for 264x terminal, finished ethernet tool and cleaned alignment cartridges
17. 1 DecBattling RTE IVB and working on defective 12966A card

November 2017

1. 29 NovStill working to have two terminals active under RTE IV B
2. 28 NovNow have the 2621A terminal working with my HP 1000 F system
3. 27 NovStill working to get 2621A terminal working with HP 1000
4. 25 NovResolved copy and burn of 264x terminal character ROMs, fixing Diablo Alignment cartridges
5. 24 NovWorked out wiring for 2621A terminal
6. 23 NovStill diagnosing why my 2621A terminal is not communicating with HP 1000 system
7. 21 NovBuilding up some chops in RTE IVB, slowly and steadily
8. 20 NovClimbing up the RTE learning curve tailoring my system
9. 18 NovBuilt boot loader for HPdrive disks, installed it; starting RTE is much easier now
10. 17 NovAble to boot up RTE IVB on HP 1000 using emulated disk drive
11. 16 NovSlowly debugging the HPdrive emulation and bootup
12. 15 NovGot HPDrive up but not working, other HP1000 tinkering as well
13. 13 NovHP minicartridge tape drive successes
14. 13 NovUpdated HP 1000 memory to 512KW, have new cartridge for 7906 drive
15. 11 NovRepaired minicartridge tape drives in 2645A terminal, Marc repaired an HP85 tape drive
16. 10 NovBuilt PC side of the HPdrive disk emulator, watched Ken get the ethernet tool working well
17. 9 NovWorking on HPdrive emulation, 2262 terminal connector, 7906 alignment plan
18. 8 NovVarious HP 1000 restoration activities
19. 7 NovWorking on 7906, disk emulator alternative, and a discussion of my nonstandard board configuration
20. 6 NovWork on 7906 disc crashed head, preparing to wire 2262A terminal cable
21. 5 NovOdd disk drive failure, more debugging of ethernet tool and restoration of 7970B tape drive
22. 3 Nov7970 tape drive run through all diagnostics, plus a switch issue fixed
23. 1 NovCHM work day but did clean the faceplate to of HP 1000 to remove magic marker defacement
24. 1 NovBottom platter of 7906 not damaged, working on drive emulator and diagnostics all run fine

October 2017

1. 31 OctStill chasing phantom issues probably connector related in HP 1000, suffered disc head crash
2. 30 Oct7906 disk fault corrected, working on 2645A tape drive capstans and debugging some HP 1000 F processor faul
3. 28 OctEthernet tool final testing, disk head repair on two Diablo drives
4. 17 OctTape not booting and going 'off the air' for a week
5. 17 OctWorked on 7970E tape drive then successfully ran quite a few diagnostics on system
6. 16 Oct2262 terminals and 7970E tape drive for HP 1000 system working; pressing on processor and disk debug
7. 15 OctTried tape diagnostics for HP 1000 but tape drive not working well enough; terminal debugging
8. 14 OctFriday session at Marc's involving several machines
9. 13 OctDebugging work on terminal, disk and tape drives
10. 12 OctGood day at CHM with 1401, plus a wee bit of work on the HP 1000 peripherals
11. 11 OctWorking on HP 1000 peripherals - disk, tape and terminal keyboard cables
12. 9 OctHP 1000 9 track tape drive tested, work on two terminals to make them fully usable
13. 7 OctHP 1000 terminal (2645A) working, Alto work accomplished
14. 6 OctHP 1000 updated to 7970E drive, work on new terminals
15. 5 OctHP 1000 system restoration - memory now working, moving on to tape drive
16. 4 OctContinuing working on HP 1000 system restoration, starting on disk and tape
17. 3 OctSolid progress on the HP 1000F system
18. 2 OctPirate ship set sail, HP 1000F system delivered and restoration begins

September 2017

1. 27 SepPirate ship animatronic controller finished, 21/MX system delayed
2. 26 SepPirate ship controller almost totally complete; going to be restoring HP 21/MX system
3. 25 SepPirate ship animation wiring underway
4. 22 SepConstruction of the pirate ship and other props going well
5. 20 SepFinished masts, rolling cannon base, working on Jack Sparrow head actuator, other details
6. 16 SepPirate ship ready for detail painting, other props being completed
7. 11 SepDisk emulator interface card fully tested, ready for Alto test; work on pirate ship bar
8. 8 SepMaking progress on the disk emulator role and its interface board
9. 7 SepChanges made to disk emulator interface board
10. 2 SepProblems found in disk emulator and in Digibarn Alto; some corrected

August 2017

1. 31 AugShort hiatus attending to other tasks
2. 27 AugDisplay repaired for Digibarn Alto, first test of disk emulator tool
3. 25 AugSmall mod to the disk emulator board and work on the pirate ship bar
4. 24 AugCable and board completed for Diablo emulator disk tool for Alto
5. 23 AugDiablo disk emulator testing completed, plus pirate ship design and fabrication begins
6. 22 AugDebugging the update/write logic for the Diablo disk emulator for the Alto
7. 21 AugTest generator installed in disk emulator version of disk tool, starting to debug
8. 20 AugLogic complete for disk emulator version of Alto disk tool
9. 19 AugXerox Alto work, donated Hawley mouse, and work on some other components
10. 18 AugDisk emulator role of Alto tool now handling read operations, working on write/update
11. 17 AugMore code conversion and programming for the UofM card archiving task
12. 16 AugSeek logic proven out in disk emulator version of the Alto disk tool
13. 14 AugDebugging seek timing simulation
14. 14 AugDisk emulator testing and further design
15. 12 AugBuilding disk emulator functionality to replace disk drive on Alto
16. 10 AugReplaced my horizontal switching chip in Tek 7854, still not working (but different)
17. 9 AugExhibited Alto at VCF West, finished reading U of M card decks
18. 3 AugDive into the Telex tape drives to assess the restoration work ahead, plus prep for VCF-West exhibit
19. 2 AugArchiving more cards at CHM
20. 2 AugPicked up tape drives, read some old card decks for University of Michigan

July 2017

1. 30 JulFound bad custom chip part in 7854 scope and replacement part is amazingly available
2. 30 JulUps and downs with Alto demonstration, finished the Heath C-3 Condenser Checker restoration
3. 27 JulFixed triple power supply from a flea market
4. 27 JulRestoration work on Heath C-3 and on a 1401's card reader
5. 26 JulWrote demo disk cartridges, practiced VCF-W demo and continued archiving PARC cartridges
6. 23 JulFailed part discovered in C-3 Condenser Checker, improvements made
7. 23 JulFixing up an old Heath C-3 Condenser Tester
8. 21 JulDisk tool working, used to build images for demo at VCF West
9. 21 JulTesting complete for relay tester, ready to ship
10. 10 JulFinished construction of the permissive make relay tester
11. 9 JulBuilt RF amplifier to interface digital VFO to Heathkit HW-100 transceiver
12. 8 Jul1402 Permissive Relay Tester construction nearly completed
13. 7 JulDisk tool now working for both read and write; continued building the relay tester
14. 6 JulCore problem on 1401, progress on disk tool and in wiring up relay tester
15. 4 JulWasted day fighting the disk tool logic to produce dummy disk data bits
16. 3 Jul1130 light panel upgrade ready to install, 1402 relay tester relay sockets being wired
17. 1 JulAlmost done building bulb assemblies for 1130 light panel, beginning on 1402 relay tester

June 2017

1. 30 JunBuilding out 1130 bulb assemblies, begin construction of 1402 relay tester
2. 29 JunRepaired 1401 system at CHM, worked on 1130 lights and began relay tester for TechWorks!
3. 29 JunBuilding up self-testing generator inside disk tool, working on 1130 lights
4. 27 JunFixed some defects, cleaned up disk tool
5. 26 JunRefactoring and ruggedizing my fpga logic for the disk tool
6. 24 JunDisk tool wrote cartridge images that boot on Alto; work on CHM 1401 and Digibarn Alto continues
7. 21 JunSlogging along working on Digibarn Alto power supplies
8. 16 JunIBM 1130 light panel upgrade boards complete, working on Alto disk tool debugging
9. 15 JunAll boards working on IBM 1130 upgrade for light panel
10. 13 JunFinished all 1130 light panel boards, worked on 1401 system at CHM
11. 12 JunBuilding the IBM 1130 light panel upgrade
12. 11 JunMajor progress on 1401, 1311, 729 and 1402 restorations
13. 8 JunWorking on 1401 and other gear at museum in Binghamton, NY
14. 2 JunMaking good progress on disk cartridge writing but not there yet
15. 1 JunDigging into the disk tool writing function and building lamp holders for the 1130

May 2017

1. 31 MayResolved one anomaly and digging into the other, in the Alto disk tool
2. 30 MayGood progress on the disk tool debugging
3. 29 MayMore work on IBM 1130 display panel upgrade
4. 28 MayFinished designing PCBs for the 1130 display panel, ordered all remaining parts, boards to foundry
5. 27 MayAlto event planning, work on IBM 1130 panel upgrade and on disk tool
6. 26 MayBuilding PCB design for IBM 1130 light enhancement, plus working on disk tool debugging
7. 23 MayAdjustments made to disk tool
8. 19 MayMostly testing and data collection tasks on the Alto
9. 18 MayIssues found and hopefully fixed in disktool writing, plus good day with the 1401 computers
10. 14 MayIBM 1130 panel schematic, Alto restoration progress
11. 11 MayFinished up the upgrade of 026 keypunches, 1401 power sequencing, and built Digicomp I replica
12. 10 MayDigging into remaining Alto disk mysteries, prototype successful for IBM 1130 pedestal panel light enhancement
13. 9 MayIntroduced important fix to the Alto Disk Tool, began prototyping for 1130 panel upgrade and worked on CHM modifications
14. 6 MayWorking on Digibarn Alto, disk tool and ethernet bridge
15. 3 MayProgress on Alto disk tool, planning improvement to IBM 1130 display panel, and helping move a 4331 system

April 2017

1. 25 AprNot fully satisfied with the usability of my curve tracer, especially its 'quick test' function
2. 24 AprVacuum tube curve tracer completed and working perfectly
3. 23 AprWrapped up tube checker construction - 99% done
4. 22 AprFinished main wiring, tested by measuring a 6AU6
5. 21 AprConstruction continues on vacuum tube curve tracer
6. 20 Apr1401 restoration work and continued curve tracer construction
7. 19 AprBuilding curve tracer into case
8. 18 AprTube curve tracer board working and calibrating
9. 17 AprOp amp lab, vacuum tube curve tracer and disk tool work, plus vacation and other things
10. 3 AprBuilding tube curve tracer, new meter for TV-3 tester and progress on Alto ethernet gateway
11. 1 AprWork on Alto restoration, progress and a head crash

March 2017

1. 30 MarContinued work on the 1401 (DE) machine at CHM
2. 21 Mar1401 Computer and TV-3 Tube Tester progress
3. 17 MarMore tube tester restoration work
4. 16 MarWorking on 1401 computer, restoring tube tester
5. 16 MarPARC meeting picture, progress and not on the TV 3 tube tester
6. 14 MarTV 3A/U Navy tube tester restoration, still investigating disk tool issuing writing cartridges
7. 13 MarDetailed oscilloscope images comparing packs that boot and those that don't
8. 10 MarDigging into ALTO disk controller interaction with cartridges written by my disk tool
9. 4 MarArchived a number of Alto cartridges, attended a working session at Xerox PARC, and made good progress on ethernet tool
10. 3 MarSignal not getting through 3.395 MHz Crystal Filter on HW-100, then it is
11. 1 MarLooking for ALC level problems in HW-100

February 2017

1. 28 FebStill digging through HW-100 transceiver and debugging
2. 27 FebZeroing in on issue with transmit operation of HW-100
3. 26 FebFixed microphone, working way through the transmit side of HW-100 debugging and tuning
4. 25 FebDDS working in enclosure, now debugging the transmit issues of the HW-100
5. 24 FebC-3 and HW-100 work, construction of DDS box
6. 23 FebThis and that
7. 22 FebAligned receiver section, preparing to do transmitter alignment of HW-100
8. 21 FebCheckout of HW-100 transceiver and preparation to use DDS VFO in place of the heathkit supplied VFO
9. 20 Febpowered up HW-100 and fixed first problem
10. 19 FebHW-100 power supply restored, disk tool archiving packs correctly
11. 18 FebDid more Alto testing and fixed up the VTVM
12. 17 FebRandom work on restorations
13. 16 FebGot power supply for HW-100, replaced capacitors on VTVM
14. 15 FebWorking on HW-100 and V-7, build of Digital Direct Synthesizer oscillator
15. 14 FebMore restoration work on HW-100 and V-7 units
16. 13 FebHW-100 Transceiver modifications continue
17. 12 FebRestoration work V-7 VTVM, HW-100 SSB XCVR
18. 11 FebPreparing for modifications to HW-100 and testing key components
19. 9 FebWaiting for disk tool test time, meanwhile restoring a Heathkit HW-100 ham transceiver
20. 8 FebFound cause of errant data for first sector when writing an entire cartridge
21. 7 FebThis and that
22. 4 FebWorking on small flaw in disk tool, also repairing an old vacuum tube oscilloscope

January 2017

1. 20 JanSetting up emulator role testbed and building out test mechanisms
2. 19 JanBuilding out testbed to work on emulator role of Alto disk tool
3. 18 JanAll drive boards and cables working correctly, buffed up documentation
4. 17 JanDoing some cleanup of logic and chasing temporary cable issue
5. 15 JanTesting emulator role
6. 15 JanAppears I have significantly improved the disk tool reading capability, ready to begin archiving
7. 14 JanFinished emulator board and tested a replacement method for clocking in data bits from disk
8. 9 JanLogic changes and new microscope put to use
9. 3 JanGetting set up to test again
10. 1 JanMore holiday downtime

2016 253

December 2016

1. 31 DecTesting of disk tool on Alto system Diablo drive highlights remaining issues
2. 30 DecValidated new board and connectors, ready to be used on the Alto system to archive disk images tomorrow
3. 24 DecHoliday downtime
4. 23 DecChanged emulator board design and sent to fab
5. 21 DecConstruction progress on PCBs and cabling, plus more testing
6. 20 DecPowered on new driver PCB and tested its correct functioning, also mostly build emulator role board
7. 19 DecBuilt additional boards and tested them, ready to connect power and run the Diablo
8. 18 DecBuilding new driver board
9. 17 DecBuilt PLL, integrating it into the driver logic; PCBs shipped
10. 12 DecWaiting on PCBs, refining retry logic while reading cartridges
11. 12 DecWorking on the drive and fpga to further improve reading accuracy
12. 11 DecStill investigating the read error cases, plus working on the new PCBs
13. 9 DecContemplating replacing Diablo data separator circuit with fpga based phase locked loop
14. 8 DecEmulator board designed and fabbed out
15. 8 DecDriver board released to foundry, beginning on emulator board.
16. 7 DecDriver board PCB designed, prepping for manufacturing and components ordered
17. 6 DecWrite sector confirmed to work with new driver board, time to convert it to a PCB
18. 5 DecNew driver board seems to be working properly; built logic to write an entire cartridge in one transaction
19. 4 DecMaking progress on emulator role of disk tool
20. 3 DecEthernet board working in Alto, optical mouse working as well
21. 2 DecPrepping for next Alto restoration session, debugging emulator function of disk tool
22. 1 DecSwitched over the 1200K fpga board as the other board was unusable

November 2016

1. 30 NovBoard ready but USB cable issue, finished coding emulator role
2. 29 NovBoard checkout completed, ready to fire up test bed
3. 28 NovSet up to test again, checking out new board
4. 27 NovEmulator role built for reading every sector as it rotates under head
5. 24 NovFinishing read sector process for disk emulator role
6. 18 NovDeveloped logic for seeks and data separation during write to emulated disk drive
7. 16 NovOutline of the disk emulator role logic
8. 15 NovOn vacation in Kaua'i but doing design work from the cabana
9. 13 NovWorked on Alto II and prepared for vacation
10. 10 NovPreparing to study the circuit failure in the Diablo drive
11. 9 NovDiscovered cause of sectors with permanent checksum validation errors, working on possible solutions
12. 8 NovNew logic for handing incoming bit stream working, dropped sector error rate by half
13. 7 NovDeveloped new approach to handling the clock and data signals from the drive
14. 5 NovPossible situation causing misreads
15. 4 NovInconclusive investigation of one sector that receives checksum errors
16. 3 NovRestored the erased sectors on Cylinder 0, then began data analysis of the extracted disk image
17. 2 NovWriteSector working properly now
18. 1 NovDigging into what is on the disk surface, what I read and what I wrote

October 2016

1. 31 OctStill trying to find cause of failure to write
2. 30 OctContinuing work on Write Sector, now questioning operation of disk drive circuitry
3. 29 OctDebugging write operation to disk drive
4. 28 OctWrite Sector logic working properly yet drive not actually writing
5. 27 OctDebugging write sector function, almost done but timing is a bit too long to fit in sector
6. 26 OctWorking through the WriteSector transaction, step by step, first part of Header record
7. 25 OctPrepping for write function tests, debugging RAM load
8. 24 OctConnector built for new disk tool board, board looks good, also beginning tests of writing to disk
9. 23 OctMod made to Diablo disk, no change in error rate, board wiring completed
10. 22 OctDoing Alto modification to Diablo disk drive, working on Write logic and building up new driver board
11. 21 OctAdded automatic reread for sectors with checksum errors, discovered need for Diablo mod, working on new board
12. 20 OctWiring new board, creating checksum status upload function, issue with track 0
13. 19 OctRead entire cartridge works, file produced as desired
14. 18 OctDebugging of ReadEntireCartridge transaction of disk tool, beginning build of second disk tool
15. 17 OctRead Sector working well with data in (un)reversed order, working on reading entire cartridge
16. 16 OctRead sector functionality of the Alto-Diablo disk tool is working well, minor issues to address overall
17. 15 OctAll apps and diagnostics workign on Xerox Alto II, redesigning key component of disk tool
18. 14 OctVerified data and formating on disk cartridge, working through my logic to read the header field
19. 13 OctWorking carefully through entire read sector using logic analyser
20. 12 OctHave matching board sets for Alto, debugging read sector operation on real disk drive
21. 11 OctNew level shifting board appears sound, testing of read sector logic underway
22. 10 OctAnalog challenge addressed in Disk tool to Diablo interfacing
23. 9 OctChecking out new level shifter circuitry for disk tool
24. 8 OctProgress on Alto restoration and on disk tool
25. 7 OctUnsuccessful day testing with loaner Diablo drive
26. 6 OctWorking on disk emulator logic, plus picked up disk drive and cartridge for testing
27. 5 OctVGA display working and ready for use
28. 4 OctReading entire cartridge by command; working on VGA display
29. 3 OctWorked out method to read an entire disk cartridge into RAM, plus working on emulator logic
30. 2 OctRAM access fixed, ready to start using the tool to archive disks
31. 1 OctChasing RAM reading problem

September 2016

1. 30 SepDiablo tool now reading and writing RAM across USB, almost ready for testing and cartridge archiving
2. 28 SepReplaced logic to read/write RAM over USB link
3. 26 SepTesting on the Alto and Diablo successful, booted up today
4. 25 SepWorking during lucid moments, in some cases cleaning up fever distorted logic
5. 23 SepFlat on back with flu
6. 22 SepRAM problems due to Xilinx handling of tristates (again)
7. 21 SepProblem with driver board seems to be with RAM write and read
8. 20 SepTesting with built in pattern generator and logic analyzer
9. 19 SepBuilt in test generator to produce signals 'as if' real disk were being read
10. 18 SepDeveloping better testing and debugging functions
11. 17 SepTesting of disk tool with real Diablo drive
12. 16 SepTool ready for first test with Diablo 31 drive
13. 15 Sep1401 work, Alto Diablo tool work and a discovery about our Alto cartridge
14. 14 SepTesting new circuits to level shift signals for Diablo disk tool
15. 12 SepHigh frequency testing of the disk drive level shifting circuits
16. 12 SepContinuing work on disk driver tool
17. 11 SepFine tuning of plan for sector updates on the disk tool
18. 10 SepFound and fixed a bad chip in Xerox Alto II, writing sectors working in disk tool
19. 9 Sepwrite field working and write sector function seemingly works as well
20. 8 SepBuilding out and testing the write sector logic
21. 7 SepDiablo driver logic ready to read target sectors from live disk, working on write logic
22. 6 Sepprogress on RAM access logic for disk tool
23. 5 SepDebugging Diablo disk driver logic using Xilinx simulator, building out core functionality
24. 4 SepWorking on the core of the driver role logic
25. 3 SepDebugging work on Xerox Alto II with logic analyzer, bit of work on Diablo driver/emulator
26. 2 SepGot to bottom of most of the USB to memory issues, adding disk driver logic
27. 1 SepStruggling to get RAM function working

August 2016

1. 31 AugAddressing the frequency challenges in level shifting the disk head signals, building out disk driver logic
2. 30 AugDriver board tested okay, building driver logic now
3. 29 AugSteady work on building up board
4. 28 AugBuilding up disk tool foundational logic
5. 27 AugSetting up to test the disk driver role board and starting on the fpga implementation
6. 26 AugDone wiring the driver role extension board, digging into the design of the logic
7. 25 AugWork on Diablo disk driver/emulator tool
8. 24 AugSubstantial progress wiring up board for Diablo driver role, plus some Calcomp investigation
9. 23 AugBlocked on a couple of fronts with Diablo tool wiring and 3178 monitor repair
10. 21 AugFinishing design work and starting construction of Xerox Alto - Diablo disk tool
11. 21 AugGot some 3178 terminals, also parts for SCR module replacements
12. 18 AugLight display pedestal FINALLY completed and closed up.
13. 18 AugSCRs replaced on light panel, nearing end of bulb insertion; checking out repaired drum for plotter
14. 17 AugFinished cleaning and testing lamp assemblies, began reassembly of light panel; plotter drum much improved
15. 15 AugRestoring light display panel, gluing and oxidation removal
16. 14 AugBeginning restoration of light panel on 1131
17. 12 AugMemory jumper reconnected and system buttoned up
18. 11 AugUnder the weather, resting up
19. 10 AugCleanup after VCF West, fixing system and restoring to operation at home
20. 8 AugExhibited 1130 systems at VCF West, back home and recovering
21. 5 AugReplica completed, prepared to move to CHM tomorrow for VCF West
22. 4 AugReplica cosmetics completed, wiring and testing electronics, improvements to SAC USB robustness
23. 3 AugCorrected 0.1% data corruption rate on USB link, finished replica cosmetics, successfully tested demonstration tasks
24. 2 AugTesting demonstrations, completing replica cosmetic improvements
25. 1 Aug1132 power connector fixed, display panel fixed on replica, signage done for VCF West

July 2016

1. 31 JulPreparation for VCF, working to install missing jackscrew in 1132 power connector inside 1131
2. 30 JulWorking on Xerox Alto restoration, preparing for VCF exhibition
3. 28 JulVirtual 1403 printer working now, prepping for show, accidentally damaged replica display pedestal (!)
4. 28 JulCopied real disk cartridge to virtual drive, other preparations for VCF exhibition
5. 27 JulRunning DMS2 from virtual disk, prepping for show, more testing
6. 26 JulMemory defect repaired, full 16K words working on the 1130 again
7. 26 JulDebugging the defect in the core memory, progress on virtual 1403 and a bit of exhibition prep
8. 25 JulPainting covers for replica 1130, working on virtual 1403, other devices and defective memory card
9. 24 JulPrep for VCF West, testing, boot up and running DMS2 from virtual 2310, virtual 1422 and real 1132 peripherals, bad memory card
10. 23 JulVirtual 2310 disk drive working, plus preparation for VCF West exhibition of real and replica 1130 systems
11. 22 Julvirtual 1442 reader and punch working properly, moving on to other testing and work
12. 21 JulStill fighting 1442 copyover plus replacement 1403 printer chain created
13. 20 Jul1442 reading perfect, but still copyover problems
14. 19 JulContinuing to debug and improve 1442 device, also working on exhibit at VCF W
15. 18 JulCore reading is working in virtual 1442 device
16. 17 JulVirtual 1442 slogging along, cleaning up and improving
17. 16 JulGood progress on virtual 1442 card reader
18. 15 JulDebugging virtual 1442 reader/punch
19. 14 JulVirtual 2310 drive passes tests, just needs to run more comprehensive diagnostic to get 'signed off'
20. 13 JulSeek and read of virtual 2310 working, small issue with seek op complete, plus other progress
21. 12 JulSolid progress debugging virtual 2310 disk drives, plus other work
22. 11 JulSigns of life on v1403, v1442 and mirror CES - plenty of testing and debugging
23. 10 JulNew SAC Interface GUI ready for V1442, V2310, V1403 and bit switch testing
24. 9 JulSAC Interface new GUI - virtual 2501 and core memory load working so far
25. 8 JulNew GUI 2501 Card Reader testing going well, basic reading is solid
26. 7 JulShort day but cleared up a few SAC Interface issues
27. 6 JulNew GUI and SAC FPGA box communicating, 1053 Console Printer tweaks, and Xerox Alto Disk issues
28. 5 JulPrinter closed up, Xerox Alto restoration work and debugging new 1130 GUI

June 2016

1. 17 JunOverseas trip
2. 14 JunXerox Alto CRT driver tool completed and sent to team
3. 14 JunAlto II CRT test tool designed
4. 12 JunXerox Alto II restoration begins, some work on 1130
5. 9 JunBack to work on the new GUI for the 1130
6. 7 JunRecovered my GUI and fpga work of past month
7. 6 JunSetback getting my recovered data
8. 3 JunAdjusted the 1053 console printer for color ribbon shift, working on other quirks
9. 3 JunContinuing design for use of EMM 32K word memory module
10. 2 Jun1053 reassembly moving along, plus other activities

May 2016

1. 31 MayFixed several issues with 1053 console printer
2. 30 May1442 reads fine, cornering still not right; 1053 problems mitigated; starting on memory expansion
3. 29 MayAlmost there with cornering station on 1442 reader
4. 28 May1442 Card Reader/Punch is quite broken in the punch mechanism, but have hope for the reader side
5. 28 MayJam removed from punch, discovered one of 12 punches had fallen out
6. 26 MayAdjusted punch of 1442, lacing disappeared, now working on cornering station ejection
7. 25 MayInvestigating possible causes of 1442 punch lacing during NPRO
8. 25 May1442 back together, testing now, plus rebuilding laptop
9. 24 Maypunch unit assembled and partly installed in 1442 card reader/punch
10. 23 MayWheel finished and beginning reassembly in 1442 Card Reader/Punch
11. 21 MayMemory increase to 32K using EMM core card - design investigation complete
12. 21 MayContinuing 1442 card punch restoration of punch wheel, picking up core memory for upgrade of 1130 to 32K configuration
13. 19 MayNearly done restoring the broken grit wheel for the punch unit in the 1442 reader/punch, while waiting for plotter restoration answers
14. 19 MayMiscellaneous
15. 18 MayRecent work almost certainly lost, but soldiering on
16. 15 MayLaptop disk crisis, setback on plotter restoration and progress on SAC program (possibly lost however)
17. 12 MayDebugging started on 2501 function as GUI change nears completion
18. 10 MayBuilding mirror interfaces for console entry switches and 1053 console printer
19. 9 MayGreat progress rebuilding GUI for SAC Interface Box
20. 7 MayCompleting 2310 and 2501 device implementations
21. 4 MayRestoration work on 1442, plotter and more development of new GUI

April 2016

1. 30 AprIconized menus on the new GUI
2. 29 AprFinalizing GUI appearance for main 1131 screen, investigating Calcomp drum repair
3. 26 AprDead end with plotter drum fix, but moving ahead on GUI restructuring
4. 23 Aprplotter work on SAC Interface: new board, GUI enhancements
5. 19 AprHave new fpga board working correctly
6. 18 AprProgram on firmware for new fpga board, also working to restructure GUI program
7. 15 AprMore battles with toolchains for the new fpga board, along with work on the revamped GUI
8. 14 AprNew fpga board in place, still working on USB firmware to restore communications
9. 8 AprFixing design flaw in mirror 1442 mode, plus other things
10. 5 AprPlotter restoration preparation, other distractions and a few bits of progress
11. 2 AprWork on paper tape plotter and other things

March 2016

1. 28 MarConverting 1442 adapter for both mirror and virtual mode, plus plotter restoration start
2. 27 MarUp and running on Vivado toolchain, plus work on mirror 1442 mode
3. 24 MarVarious small bits of progress
4. 23 MarWorking on high speed link and physical peripheral functionality
5. 21 MarVirtual 1403 printer function completed, moving on to a Calcomp 565 plotter restoration to create a real 1627
6. 20 MarProblem with 1403 function isolated to 'write special data' transaction from PC
7. 19 MarOne nit and 1403 is complete
8. 18 MarDown to last few tests for virtual 1403 printer
9. 16 MarStill battling the virtual 1403 virtual carriage control tape for skip; 1401 display panel design work
10. 13 MarVirtual 1403 printer is printing lines, skipping and spacing, but not fully correct yet
11. 13 MarPlotter partially working, virtual 1403 printer progress
12. 12 MarProgress on virtual 1403 - testing spacing and skipping - plus work on 1627 plotter
13. 11 MarNow testing virtual 1403 printer, real 1627-substitute plotter
14. 10 MarHigh speed fpga to fpga link complete, virtual 1403 printer implementation 99% done
15. 6 MarFine tuning the resilient high speed fpga 2 fpga link, plus implementing virtual 1403 printer function
16. 6 Marmany improvements and more design work on peripherals
17. 2 MarVirtual 1442 booting now working and able to boot up and run diagnostics. Working on high speed link and slave peripherals
18. 1 MarVirtual 1442 card reader/punch functionality working to my spec, trying to run 1442 diagnostics now

February 2016

1. 29 FebFinally moving forward on 1442 card reader and other fronts
2. 28 Febtesting of rewritter 1442 buffer handling logic, 1800 and 1620 news, and work on high speed link resilience
3. 25 FebReimplemented buffer logic for 1442 card reader/punch, resolving 3d printer issue
4. 24 FebContinuing to slog painfully through the column corruption issue with the virtual 1442 driver
5. 22 FebWorking on 1627, 1134 and 1055 adapter functions, built 3D printer, but hitting a brick wall on 1442 buffer glitch
6. 19 FebVirtual 1442 stacker select working, still tweaking punch and boot
7. 18 FebV1442 card reading is complete, now focusing on punching and stacker select
8. 17 FebAlmost finished virtual 1442 card reader/punch testing, beginning testing of the physical 1627 plotter
9. 16 FebVirtual 1442 testing going well, beginning to wire up the 1627 plotter device
10. 15 FebImplementation of linkages for 1627 plotter, 1134 paper tape reader and 1055 paper tape punch, plus successful virtual 1442 debugging
11. 14 FebSAC Interface fan-out strategy change, more progress on 1442 function
12. 12 FebVirtual 1442 now loading pre-read buffer and triggering interrupts
13. 10 FebSolid progress debugging virtual 1442 card reader/punch function
14. 9 FebTesting underway for 1442 function, plus preparing my replica 1627 plotter for attachment
15. 8 FebFought space limit in FPGA and almost back to testing 1442
16. 5 FebNeed to upgrade to bigger FPGA to continue developing SAC Interface Unit
17. 4 FebMore work on virtual 1442 reader/punch functionality
18. 3 FebWorking on both virtual and real 1442 card reader/punch units
19. 2 FebVirtual 2501 card reader functionality tested and working well, building out 1442 implementation

January 2016

1. 31 JanDesign work for virtual 1403, virtual 1442, real paper tape and real plotter in SAC Interface Unit
2. 31 JanVirtual 2310 disk now almost at parity with real drive performance, plus another 1130 on its way to restoration
3. 30 JanSteadily working my way through the new SAC Interface transaction engine and functions that use it
4. 26 JanWorking on core load function - fpga logic debugging
5. 25 JanNow processing 12 word transactions, working on core load function
6. 24 JanLogic to return values from FPGA not working perfectly
7. 23 JanSolve problem with 12 word transactions to SAC Interface unit
8. 22 JanRead cards for 1401 music producing program, debugging my 12 word transaction engine on the SAC Interface
9. 21 JanWork at CHM, new lift cart and continued work on SAC Interface logic
10. 20 JanImproving fpga efficiency and improving the 1403 function
11. 19 JanModifying SAC Interface to use larger USB payload
12. 18 JanPerformance analysis of virtual disk drive and improvement plans
13. 16 JanWorking on other virtual peripheral functions of the SAC Interface Box
14. 15 JanFighting Visual Studio and other toolchains - hours frittered away attempt to compile a few minutes of changed code
15. 14 JanFaster core access working, 2310 virtual disk working, continuing to debug functionality
16. 12 JanDisk function appears to be working but slow - working on efficiency changes
17. 11 JanSolid progress on virtual 2310 functionality - reads well, but seeks still have a problem
18. 10 JanContinuing to debut 2310 function, plus news from Finland
19. 8 JanWorking on virtual 2310 disk function in SAC Interface Unit
20. 5 JanSeller shipped the wrong sized paper for the console printer
21. 4 JanFlaw in 2310 function organization between PC and FPGA, changed and now under testing
22. 3 JanChasing odd issue with virtual 2310 adapter in SAC Interface Box
23. 1 JanDebugging virtual 2310 disk adapter and working on real peripherals

2015 292

December 2015

1. 31 Dec1053 mirror adapter working correctly, good progress debugging virtual 2310 disk drive adapter
2. 30 DecDebugging work on 1053 and on SAC box mirror1053 and virtual 2310 functions
3. 29 DecWorking on a repair to the cracked ceramic feed wheel on the 1442 card reader punch
4. 28 DecWorking on FIFO code in SAC Interface Box
5. 27 DecRepaired the color shift tape for the 1053 console printer
6. 23 DecDone with System Load deck work
7. 21 DecLoad deck cleanup and a bit of work on 1053 restoration
8. 20 DecWork on 1130 simulator tools for system load deck
9. 16 DecDMS R2 V12 DECK AND CARTRIDGE WORKING, BEGAN ON V13 VERSION FROM PTF DECKS
10. 15 DecInitial system load of DMS R2 V11 and update process to V12 working properly
11. 15 DecNew System Load decks worked to build R2 V11 from scratch
12. 14 DecRead in lots of cards for system load decks, donated 1130 programs, as well as scanned several donated manuals
13. 11 Dec1800 in Finland now executing instructions, while my virtual card decks for system load are being completed
14. 7 DecWorking with DMS card decks and my utility program
15. 6 DecRead more of DMS R2 V11 decks, COBOL and RPG compilers, plus news of 1800 restoration in Finland
16. 4 DecVisited museum and returned home

November 2015

1. 30 NovIn London on business and pleasure
2. 28 NovScanning DMS V11 load decks
3. 26 NovFinding and reading in real decks to complete system load files
4. 25 NovSystem Load Deck utility working perfectly now
5. 24 NovMoving forward with system load deck and cartridge recreation
6. 23 NovRead in 1130 application deck, continued work on system load process
7. 22 NovDebugging decks from my utility with the System Load process for DMS2
8. 21 NovUtility to recreate phase decks from system cartridge working properly
9. 19 NovDebugging my utility to produce a distribution cartridge and card decks
10. 16 NovCode development for system distribution utility
11. 14 NovBuilding utility to recreate the system load deck and build a distribution cartridge image
12. 13 Nov1053 carrier return cord attached; working on DMS2 distribution deck recreation
13. 11 NovWork on DMS distribution project and mag tape interface
14. 10 NovWork on 1053, DMS2 system files and the mag tape support for 1130
15. 9 NovMag Tape routines and interface planning for SAC Interface Box
16. 7 NovNot much work time, but some research leading to potential to hook tape drives to 1130
17. 4 NovLooking for cause of hot bits on inbound data from SAC interface box
18. 3 NovDebugging activity on the SAC box and a bit of remote aid
19. 2 NovStarting in on string retrheading in 1053 and further debugging of the SAC Interface Box

October 2015

1. 27 OctKnocking down issues in the 2310 and 1053 device implementations
2. 26 OctSolid progress on the virtual 2310 and mirror 1053 adapter functions
3. 25 OctWorking on some peripherals
4. 23 OctStill debugging 2310 and 1053 virtual/mirror adapter operation
5. 21 OctDellivery and inspection of Diablo Model 31 disk drive
6. 20 OctSetting up IBM 9 track tape to use with P390 server
7. 19 OctConsole printer being exercised, more debugging for 1053 and 2310 PC drivers
8. 17 OctProgressing on debugging the virtual 2310 disk drive
9. 16 OctDebugging away on the virtual 2310 and mirror 1053 device adapters, plus some disk and tape device activity
10. 14 OctMinor progress on Python code and new disk drive coming
11. 12 OctBit of testing and cleanup accomplished on SAC Interface Box
12. 11 OctForced busy bit with mirror device adapters won't work. Restoration on PE disk drive. Other debugging on SAC Interface Box
13. 10 OctMaking progress with mirror 1053 driver testing
14. 9 OctMoving ahead debugging the 1053 mirror adapter
15. 8 OctDebugging and modifying mirror device logic in SAC Interface Box, plus new (!) disk drive arrives
16. 7 OctDebugging of virtual and mirror device adapters, plus new test tool
17. 6 OctTesting of SAC Interface box with Linux laptop hosting the Python program, 9 track tape drive arrives, and 1053 mumble mumble mumble
18. 3 OctWork on SAC box Python side, design investigations, little progress on 1053
19. 2 OctDesign choices for finishing SAC Interface Box and lots of research
20. 1 OctNew disk drive coming, plus thinking about tape and disk support for SAC Interface Box

September 2015

1. 30 SepSmall progress and ceasefire on the 1053 spring front, major coding and testing of the SAC Interface virtual and mirror devices
2. 29 SepSpring 99999, me 0 but continued building out SAC Interface Box functionality
3. 28 SepGetting camera visibility with the fiber optic camera, plus fpga touchup
4. 27 SepUsing fiber optic camera to work on 1053, plus continued SAC Interface enhancement work
5. 26 SepNot much free time, but accomplished a bit
6. 25 SepHunting errant spring in 1053, building out device support in SAC Interface Box
7. 24 SepConsole Printer (1053) improved again, working on SAC Box functionality
8. 23 SepMajor work SAC Interface Box device support, plus working on 1053 console printer
9. 22 SepWorked on 1053 a bit, mostly extended logic in SAC Interface Box
10. 21 Sep1131 repaired, SAC Interface box working, testing 1053 console printer
11. 20 SepDeveloping 'mirror' devices for the SAC Interface box; figuring out problem in the 1131 resistor panel
12. 19 SepImproved PC side program for SAC Interface box, 1130 not working
13. 18 SepProgress on 1053, keyboard and SAC Interface box, albeit measurable in microinches not normal strides
14. 17 SepStill fighting wiring on resistor panel, fixed keyboard/console switch, tuned up 1053 console printer
15. 16 SepSAC Interface Box fits and starts; 1053 console printer and keyboard progress
16. 15 SepSAC Interface Box still one signal failing, plus console printer and console switch issues
17. 14 SepSAC Interface Box new driver connectors debugging, 2 signals left to resolve
18. 12 SepFinished the new connectors for SAC Interface Box, tested and have a few minor issues to clean up
19. 12 SepSubstituting new driver boards in SAC Interface Box to improve connection reliability
20. 11 SepSAC enhancement to push 1130 buttons working, reworking SAC driver board to eliminate the unreliable wire connections
21. 10 SepDebugging the 1130 button activation by SAC Interface Box enhancement
22. 9 SepFinished all wiring for SAC Interface Box enhancement, ran console printer diagnostics fully
23. 8 SepConsole Printer looks very good and the enhanced functionality of the SAC Interface box is working well
24. 6 SepInterrupt enhancement to SAC box wired and ready for testing, attempting 1053 pivot screw replacement
25. 6 Sep1053 pull links done, connected SAC enhancement into 1130 backplanes
26. 5 SepConquered springs in 1053 console, more work on SAC interface enhancement
27. 4 SepTab interposer spring installed in 1053 printer, wiring and cabling work for SAC Interface enhancement
28. 3 SepLight day, some work on SAC expansion cable
29. 2 SepDiving into the console printer inability to trigger tab by program command, plus work on SAC interface box enhancement
30. 1 SepStill battling persnickety selectric typewriter mechanim. Wired up the board to emulate the Prog Load button for virtual 2501 reader

August 2015

1. 31 AugConsole Printer (1053) adjustment/testing and enhancement of the SAC Interface Box
2. 30 AugWorking through the 1053 Console Printer (IO Selectric) diagnostics and making adustments
3. 29 AugDesigning enhancement for SAC Interface Box and working on misadjustment of console printer shift mechanism
4. 28 AugPlanning an enhancement for SAC Interface Box, plus debugging the Console Printer operation
5. 27 AugProvided Program Load (boot) mode for the virtual 2501 card reader
6. 26 AugRunning diagnostic card decks on the 1130 - CPU completely validated, some issues with console typewriter
7. 25 AugTesting Paper Tape Reader for 1130, plus other news.
8. 24 AugHooking up Paper Tape reader to slave Arduino and linking it to the SAC Interface Box
9. 23 AugCompleted medium speed link logic for SAC box, implementing paper tape over the link, and thinking about 1442 reader/punch repair
10. 19 AugAway but making a bit of progress with FPGA design
11. 17 AugBuilding up the medium SPI link with an Arduino endpoint
12. 15 AugStill cleaning Pertec disk head before returning it to service; working on SAC Interface Box
13. 15 AugSAC Interface box fast SPI link debugged and working
14. 14 AugPertec head looks salvageable
15. 13 AugSAC Interface fast link error checking logic improvement
16. 12 AugCHM 1401 issue with group mark resolved, working on improved fast SPI link logic on SAC Interface Box
17. 11 AugMostly 1401 restoration today
18. 10 AugAdding CRC to the fast SPI link capability of the SAC Interface Box
19. 9 AugRemoved and began to clean the Pertec head, got SAC Interface fpga board back in operation to resume debugging of logic
20. 8 AugMaking progress on ztex fpga board issues; researching mystery logic in a 1401 at CHM
21. 7 AugWork resumes on SAC Interface box
22. 6 AugLooking into automated wiring discover for 1401 systems
23. 4 AugHead crash cuts short my testing of the Pertec controller
24. 4 AugWorking on Pertec drive CRC error checking logic; resolved perlexing validity check error on 1401 at CHM
25. 2 AugPertec drive fpga controller reading sectors properly, implementing CRC error checking. News from the 1800 restoration
26. 2 AugNow reading sectors into the FIFO on the fpga controller for the Pertec D3422 drive
27. 1 AugStill battling sector read logic in my controller for the Pertec D3422 disk drive

July 2015

1. 31 JulExtensive diagnostics working, seek transactions fully debugged on Pertec drive controller
2. 30 JulThis and that on 1401 and Pertec drive
3. 29 Julfpga controller for Pertec drive now communicates with PC; diagnosed problem with 5V timer board
4. 28 JulDebugging read/display logic in fpga based controller for Pertec D3422 disk
5. 27 JulReading headers for sector zero on all platters, heads and cylinders
6. 26 JulSeeking okay now verifying reading functionality of Pertec D3422 drive
7. 24 JulFPGA controller controlling arm on Pertec disk drive, but needed change to cabling for reliability
8. 23 JulMatching timing to needs of the Pertec drive and cleaning up my controller logic
9. 23 JulHooked up fpga controller to Pertec D3422 drive for testing
10. 22 JulFirst connection of my controller built to drive the Pertec drive
11. 21 JulPertec drive solenoid working, spins up to Ready status, now I build test controller to validate operation
12. 20 JulPertec ddrive issue appears to be simply a bad fuseholder
13. 19 JulDone with DOS/VS, digging through Pertec problems, and repairing Nixie/Dekatron clock
14. 18 JulP390 continued DOS sysgen, Pertec disk drive restoration continues
15. 17 JulPertec drive loading heads on disks successfully, DOS/VS sysgen proceeding
16. 15 JulChecking out Pertec startup functionality plus achieved DOS/VS generation (but using Hercules)
17. 14 JulWill never be able to run DOS/VS on P390, put crowbar circuits back into Pertec and worked on ztex board issue
18. 13 JulPertec power problems appear fixed, diagnosis of ztex fpga board issue and P390 DOS/VS work done
19. 12 JulPertec power issues - two steps forward, one step back, plus toying with P390
20. 11 JulP390 playing with DOS, Pertec power supply diagnosis and repair work
21. 10 JulBack and staring on the disk drive debugging
22. 7 JulHoliday interruption but some progress on P390 and activity on Pertec
23. 5 JulDesoldering station working, not so much the ztex board, and continued progress with the P390
24. 4 JulThis and that, mostly P390
25. 3 JulP390, SAC Interface ztex board and other work
26. 2 JulVM/370 up and running on P390, digging into the ztex fpga board issue for SAC Interface box
27. 1 JulWorking on install of VM/370 R6 and DOS/VS R34 on the P390 system, plus work on the ztex board problem

June 2015

1. 29 JunP390 System running several versions of MVS, OS/390 or Z/OS
2. 28 JunP390 checks out and runs MVS, replacement op amp commits suicide, 1442 card reader news of the world
3. 27 JunDoing well with Pertec power supply, plus checkout of a donated system
4. 26 JunBit of work after I return from biz trip - still a draw between Pertec and me
5. 21 JunA little puttering on Father's Day before the family assembles
6. 21 Jun1053 console printer assembled in covers, fully tested, not quite ready. Pertec power supply travails filled my remaining hours
7. 20 Jun1053 carrier return working well, continued work on Pertec drive
8. 18 JunReplaced ten tantalum capacitors, 100+ to go in the Pertec disk drive, plus fighting the Ztex/Xilinx toolchains and designs
9. 17 JunRepaired 1053 part, repaired Pertec drive board but more problems remain
10. 16 JunJeweler working on 1053 part, plus miscellaneous work on the Nixie/Dekatron clock and the Pertec drive
11. 15 JunFailed component found in Pertec drive, plus spent some time with 1053 and SAC Interface box issues
12. 14 JunNo luck with two different sources offering parts from 1053 consoles; some work on Dekatron/Nixie clock and on Pertec drive
13. 13 JunPossible spare part source, digging into Pertec drive problem
14. 12 JunWelder can't fix 1053 part but made some progress investigating problem with Pertec disk drive
15. 11 JunReverse engineered the disk interface and dug further into the restoration of the drive.
16. 10 JunDigging into the Pertec disk drive while sorting out the repair/replacement part for the 1053
17. 9 Jun1053 margin rack disassembled and old lube removed, diagnosed why Pertec drive won't load and go ready
18. 8 JunExtremely close, but now I have to fix a part that I broke before this endless restoration of the 1053 is done
19. 7 JunStill working to get the escapement and CR cords on the 1053 exactly right, plus checkout of the Pertec disk drive
20. 6 JunStudying how to set up escapement and carrier return cords on 1053, plus newly acquired Pertec cartridge disk drive
21. 5 JunJust about done with 1053 console printer
22. 3 JunDay of unexpected teeny setbacks lost me a few hours
23. 2 JunGetting very close to done with 1053 printer, meanwhile replacement fpga board arrived
24. 1 JunSpring 20 - me 1, but 1 is all I needed. Continuing with 1053 printer restoration

May 2015

1. 31 MaySpring 999, me 0
2. 30 MayTab problem identified, replacing part, and carrier return issue tentatively corrected on the 1053 console printer
3. 29 MayMore time dedicated to the typewriter space, tab and carrier return functioning
4. 27 MayMore work on console printer (1053)
5. 26 MayWorking on 1053 console printer, attempt to rescue fpga board, and checkout of a Tek 7854 scope
6. 25 MayReassembled 1052 console, working on carrier return issue, while fpga board in interface box is still fubar
7. 24 MayBegan reassembly of 1052 console printer mechanism, plus failed attempts to tack the jumper wire on the fpga board chip lead
8. 23 MayOne small step away from fixing the FPGA board and resuming testing of the SAC Interface
9. 22 MayIn the last inches before the completion line, defeat was snatched from the jaws of victory, with a big snag
10. 17 MaySAC Interface Box virtual 2501 card reader passes all tests, still chasing a minor problem
11. 16 MayStamping out bugs one by one
12. 15 MayVery good progress on the QA of the SAC Interface Box core functions
13. 14 MayLogic cleanup and micro-testing of the SAC Interface Box functionality
14. 13 MayVery little time to work on the 1130 until today
15. 9 MayStill working on SAC Interface Box
16. 8 MaySAC Interface logic testing/improvement plus disk cartridge cleaning machine
17. 7 MaySmall progress today on SAC Interface box
18. 6 MaySPI link operating at 12MHz, 2501 reader function getting more solid
19. 5 MayShort but unproductive day chasing problems in the SAC Interface Box
20. 4 MayStill working out kinks in the virtual 2501 card reader functionality.
21. 3 MayVirtual 2501 card reader from PC file through SAC Interface Box is working, nearly done with testing
22. 2 MayBeginning testing of virtual 2501 card reader through SAC Interface Box
23. 1 MayDebugging the virtual 2501 card reader implemented on SAC Interface Box plus PC

April 2015

1. 30 AprImplementing high speed SPI link from SAC Interface box to secondary fpga boards
2. 29 Apr1627 plotter replica working through SAC Interface box, working on paper tape reader/punch and virtual 2501 implementations
3. 28 AprBuilding out SAC Interface with paper tape, virtual card reader and plotter support
4. 27 AprTesting device adapter for replica of 1627 plotter
5. 25 AprSAC Interface loads IBM 1130 core from PC file
6. 25 AprSAC Interface fully functional, code added to load simulator files into 1130 core
7. 24 AprCycle Steal, Interrupt triggering and many virtual device capabilities working perfectly in SAC Interface Box
8. 23 AprNow handling cycle steal fetch requests and status inquiries from PC to the SAC Interface Box
9. 22 AprNo work today, ergo no progress. Somehow there is a correlation
10. 21 AprTransactional logic working and returning data, on the SAC Interface Box
11. 20 AprPC link to SAC Interface Box operating,. now working on validating the commands and responses
12. 19 AprSAC Interface Box working correctly for all XIO types - ready to support devices - now debugging the PC link
13. 17 AprSAC Interface Box working perfectly for cycle steal and Sense Device operations - testing continues
14. 17 AprSAC Interface wiring completed, minor snag to fix then back to testing
15. 16 AprWiring in newest driver board
16. 15 AprTwo steps forward, one step back - the motif of the SAC Interface box
17. 12 AprHoming in on last issues with cycle steal addressing and the basic bidirectional USB link from SAC Interface box to PC program
18. 12 AprSlogging away at SAC Interface unit
19. 9 AprSome changes made to SAC Interface fpga logic while on business trip
20. 7 AprSome work on the Channel Address In flakiness
21. 6 AprSAC Interface cycle stealing fetch and store work perfectly other than some address bit issues
22. 5 AprSAC Interface cycle stealing access to 1130 memory is functional
23. 4 AprSAC Interface testing and logic improvement
24. 3 AprChannel Data input for XIO instructions and cycle mirroring logic working on SAC Interface box
25. 2 AprValidated last of the lines for the SAC Interface box, ready to begin testing certain FSMs
26. 1 AprBreakthrough on SAC Interface

March 2015

1. 31 MarSAC Interface cleanup, a discovery and adjustments underway - coming along quite nicely
2. 30 MarSAC Interface box physical circuits and PC transport link getting near end of quality assurance testing
3. 29 MarSAC Interface (re)wiring finished and testing underway
4. 28 MarNew driver board installed in SAC Interface box, wiring almost complete
5. 27 MarIssue with SAC Interface driver circuits diagnosed, developing the fairly easy resolution
6. 26 MarFixed up lighting in data center shed
7. 25 MarSAC Interface debugging work, finding bad solder points on interface cards
8. 24 MarPartially reassembled 1442 punch, debugging on SAC interface and some datacenter progress
9. 23 MarSAC interface to PC link established
10. 22 MarLong day, little progress on the USB link to the fpga board
11. 21 MarSAC Interface PC link testing
12. 20 MarBattling new fpga card toolchain and building PC side program for first SAC interface debugging
13. 19 MarLooking at options to repair feed wheel of 1442 reader, while continuing SAC Interface construction
14. 17 MarRemoved stiffness in feed wheel roller pivot on 1442 reader, moved some equipment into the data center and worked on SAC interface programming
15. 16 MarTearing down the punch unit of the 1442, wrapped up construction of the SAC Interface box, on to programming and debugging
16. 15 MarMore work (and rework) on the SAC interface boards, plus continued work on the card reader.
17. 14 MarIdentified problem at root of the 1442 card reader/punch problems, meanwhile continued wiring SAC interface box
18. 13 MarPlodding through wiring and testing of SAC Interface cards, plus work on the 1442 read/punch
19. 12 MarPrinted first page from boot up of DMS2 on newly restored 1132 printer
20. 10 Mar1132 Printer restored and fully operational, more wiring of circuit interface cards for SAC interface box
21. 9 MarMajor progress on solenoid for print column 60 of 1132 printer
22. 9 MarAttempt to fix bad solenoid for column 60 of the 1132 printer, plus completing construction of boards for SAC interface
23. 8 MarSAC interface board construction underway, solid progress on 1132 printer and card deck punched for 1401
24. 7 MarFound cause of carriage restore issue with 1132 printer, plus began hand soldering a SAC interface card
25. 6 MarDigging into remaining printer problems plus successful build of reflow oven and arrival of the new FPGA board
26. 5 Mar1132 printer debugging and work on the new SAC interface hardware
27. 4 Mar'Punch list' of problems with the 1132 printer for further investigation, plus SAC Interface PCBs arrive
28. 3 MarDriving the printer and checking its operation while waiting for my SAC interface boards
29. 2 MarPrinter working fairly well in initial tests, also source code extracted from tape
30. 1 MarIBM 1132 Printer reassembled and testing underway

February 2015

1. 28 FebBeginning cleaning of final 1132 printer levers, nearly done with rehabilitation
2. 27 FebMore 1132 printer cleaning, rehabilitation and oiling
3. 26 FebContinued 1132 rehabilitation, SAC interface boards out to fab
4. 25 FebCreating SAC Interface boards
5. 24 FebDesigning SAC Interface custom PCBs
6. 23 FebSAC Interface diagnosis, data center construction and progress restoring the 1132 line printer
7. 22 FebProgress on 1442 reader/punch, 1132 printer, SAC interface circuits, and data center shed
8. 21 FebPut 1442 together, found issues with SAC Interface box, plus small tasks
9. 20 FebProgress on 1442 card reader reassembly and repair of Vectrex console
10. 17 FebTraveling until Thursday, sourcing option to replace SAC Interface fpga board
11. 17 FebWorked on shed, 1442 card reader, DMS card decks and SAC Interface debugging
12. 16 FebFinished internal wiring of data center shed, constructing 7000 lumen LED lights, plus work with card decks I recently read.
13. 15 Febcontinued work on the shed and reading card decks
14. 14 FebRead all damaged cards, continuing with good cards in DMS V2R12 deck
15. 13 FebUploading DMS V2R12 cards, starting shed wiring
16. 12 FebFinishing reading all COBOL related cards, picked up supplies for wiring the data center shed
17. 11 FebMost of COBOL compiler read and being organized for uploading, plus beginning to wire up the shed
18. 10 FebUploaded diagnostics, loaders, some utilities and began on the COBOL compiler
19. 9 FebShed dry during rains, read cards and tapes to upload, and published new beta of keypunch PC side software
20. 8 FebReading six boxes of cards and sharing all complete, usable files
21. 7 FebDocumation fix to read right cut cards
22. 6 FebUploaded more 1130 card decks, testing Documation machine fix, plus improvements to the keypunch interface PC software
23. 5 FebCard decks shared with 1130 enthusiasts, plus work on 1401 at CHM
24. 4 FebCleanup and verification of the ECAP program source files
25. 3 FebCard reader interface working, reading in decks
26. 2 FebTesting of card reader interface, plus minor work on other fronts
27. 1 FebCard reader interface construction almost totally complete

January 2015

1. 30 JanBack home, progress on KP SW, card reader interface and vectrex console fix
2. 27 JanHalfway through adding IBM 1130 Simulator support to keypunch interface
3. 26 JanDisassembled part of console printer, fixed vectrex game consoles, and moved forward on a few tasks
4. 25 JanFighting the shed alignment, hunting lost springs and building a card reader interface
5. 24 JanFinalized documentation of keypunch interface
6. 23 JanPolishing up the keypunch interface software and documentation
7. 21 JanProgram testing finished for PC side of new keypunch interface
8. 20 JanDebugging of completed PC software for controlling the keypunch interface box
9. 19 JanKeypunch interface PC side software coding almost complete, ready to start 029 testing
10. 18 JanMostly worked on the PC software for the keypunch interface
11. 17 JanDelays and distractions but continuing to add to PC software for new keypunch interface
12. 14 JanSubstantial work on keypunch interface PC program during my flights
13. 13 JanData Center shed fought me to a standstill getting the doors even
14. 12 JanFilling out the PC side software to drive the keypunch interface
15. 11 JanShed finished except for bolt-down to platform, keypunch interface PC software development and a bit of 1053 console searching for the fabled lost spring
16. 10 JanRoof installed on shed and user interface coding for keypunch PC software
17. 9 JanShed construction progress, now installing roof panels, plus software work on keypunch interface program for PC
18. 8 JanShed work, keypunch interface coding and 1401 restoration work
19. 7 Jankeypunch repair completed, shed construction continues as the base and flooring are installed
20. 6 JanData Center Shed construction day 3 plus some other work
21. 5 JanShed construction day two
22. 4 JanKeypunch rehabilitation work and start of construction of the 'data center' shed
23. 2 JanKeypunch mechanical issues addressed

2014 125

December 2014

1. 31 DecKeypunch interface testing wrapped up, keypunch itself needs work
2. 30 DecKeypunch interface testing almost done, but SAC Interface connection still dead
3. 29 DecFinding and fixing minor bugs in keypunch interface, problems crop up with SAC Interface
4. 28 DecSteady progress on SAC interface box and new keypunch interface
5. 27 DecGood progress on the SAC interface, clearing up assignments of incoming signals
6. 26 DecLimited time due to holidays but a bit of work on SAC Interface
7. 24 DecKeypunch interface problem fixed, more progress with SAC interface testing
8. 23 DecSAC Interface communicating both ways with 1130, debugging proceeds steadily
9. 22 DecConsole printer restoration creeps along plusb testing progress on SAC interface box
10. 21 DecFutile hunt for spring lost inside mechanism of console printer, plus prep to repair FPGA board
11. 20 DecRuined disk heads removed from Diablo drive (external drive, not primary 1130 disk), console printer adjustments
12. 18 DecFighting the last problems with the printer
13. 17 DecConsole printer adjustments and restoration almost complete
14. 16 Dec1053 Console Printer work
15. 15 DecSAC interface work and 1053 typewriter repair progress
16. 14 DecSAC interface final wiring, power on test and adjustments of the 1053 console
17. 12 DecSome coding and design work done while traveling to and from Shanghai
18. 8 DecWiring up power supply of the SAC Interface box
19. 7 DecPower supply and wiring work on SAC Interface Box
20. 1 DecInstalled new drive belt on 1053 console printer

November 2014

1. 30 NovBeginning console printer disassembly plus more wiring of the SAC Interface Box
2. 29 NovMore construction of SAC interface box
3. 28 NovCompleted SAC Interface 1130 side IO capability, working on PC side
4. 25 NovBasic IO functionality implemented for SAC interface
5. 23 NovVisits with 1130 and 360 restoration/replica building peers in the UK, plus development of fpga logic for the SAC interface
6. 20 NovMore design and development work on the SAC interface box
7. 18 Novbuying fpga boards and connectors for the SAC interface
8. 16 NovSteady progress wiring the SAC interface box
9. 15 NovAssembling SAC interface box
10. 14 NovWiring SAC socket into new enclosure, plus zeroing in on the keypunch interface reset issue
11. 13 NovRecoding to sharply reduce use of SRAM memory on Arduino for keypunch interface, plus beginning SAC socket assembly
12. 12 NovSAC interface circuits interact with 1131, plus keypunch debugging continues
13. 11 NovKeypunch able to read all eighty columns now, plus work on SAC interface
14. 10 NovKeypunch now reading except it misses column 1 of each card - more progress on SAC interface
15. 9 NovSAC interface and keypunch work proceeding well
16. 8 NovMethod to share SAC cable between CHI box and my interface, plus keypunch interface
17. 7 NovMore keypunch debugging, further assembly of the SAC interface box, and an interesting test tool
18. 6 NovKeypunch interface in final paces of checkout before release of beta code, with just a few minor issues with the card reading function
19. 5 NovMinor work done, keypunch debugging going very well
20. 4 NovVery little done other than root canal and bit of discomfort
21. 3 NovMostly keypunch interface testing and wiring of SAC interface cards today
22. 2 NovKeypunch interface moving ahead, more SAC interface assembly and some mechanical work on the 1442 card reader/punch
23. 1 NovStill battling the keypunch, stalemate tonight, plus more assembly of SAC interface boards

October 2014

1. 31 OctVery light day working on the system
2. 30 OctSuccessfully booted DMS2 from the internal disk drive and began building the SAC interface hardware.
3. 29 OctKeypunch interface stubborn issue, SAC receiver circuit working, and testing the CHI interface/disk
4. 28 OctTTL to SLT driver circuit working well, plus solid progress on the keypunch interface unit
5. 27 OctMemory addressing card repaired, all memory operational, console printer surprise, and more keypunch interface testing
6. 26 OctConsole printer working correctly, plus minor work on keypunch interface and card reader
7. 25 OctBits and pieces on other tasks plus strong progress on new keypunch interface
8. 24 OctInterface testing, some adjustments and improvements, but not yet done
9. 23 OctTesting new keypunch interface with IBM 029
10. 21 OctNew keypunch interface controller box tested extensively, ready to connect the 029 keypunch for final testing
11. 20 Oct1053 debugging, SAC interface circuit testing and good progress on keypunch interface controller
12. 19 OctDisk drive timer finished and installed, SAC interface circuits built, and debugging underway of the keypunch interface
13. 18 OctDisk drive timer final construction plus initial testing of keypunch interface controller
14. 17 OctA lot of Arduino coding, some hardware prototyping
15. 15 OctWorking the last vestiges of sludge out of the gummed up 1053 printer and continuing the software development for the keypunch interface
16. 14 OctConsole printer responding to 1130 program instructions, plus minor progress on other fronts
17. 13 OctMore progress restoring the 1053 console printer, plus continued coding of keypunch interface
18. 12 Oct1053 console printer restoration work, plus more coding on keypunch interface
19. 11 OctShort day but some accomplishments with 1053 restoration
20. 10 OctDesign work on new keypunch interface and on the interface of peripherals through the 1131 SAC
21. 7 OctTools to work on 1053 console printer of the 1130 - Selectric tools
22. 7 OctDesign work on interface to hook devices to 1130 through SAC
23. 3 OctThe circuits - TTL to SLT interfaces to 1130 SAC transmission lines (signal cables)
24. 3 OctWorking on receiver and driver circuits to interface to 1131 SAC
25. 2 OctDesigning interface to use 1130 Storage Access Channel to interface arbitrary modern peripherals to the system

September 2014

1. 30 SepRepaired the delay board and prepared to use it to replace the original time delay relay in the disk drive
2. 29 SepFinishing new keypunch interface unit, progress testing the 1132 and a bit of work on card reader and disk drive
3. 27 SepActivity, progress, minor complications but nothing completed today
4. 27 SepNew keypunch interface construction work and 1132 printer testing
5. 26 SepFinished keyboard, wired interface cables to keypunch, and prepared software for 1132 printer restoration work
6. 25 SepVery little time for 1130 today, but got into the shop for a bit
7. 24 SepCE Disk Cartridge inspected: not usable - surfaces too damaged
8. 24 SepKeyboard almost fully restored and working, progress on 1053 console printer and 360 channel emulator card
9. 23 SepBusy day, not too much time with 1130, but some diagnostic progress
10. 22 SepDisk drive seems to be working well now, plus working further on card reader
11. 21 SepTime with the card reader, running one card diagnostics and adjusting its operation
12. 20 SepBooted diagnostic card from card reader, diagnosing failure of disk drive to load heads, wiring work on new keypunch interface
13. 18 SepRelatively quiet until Friday 9/19 but a bit of progress on several fronts
14. 17 SepProgress on card reader, internal disk, keyboard, display panel lamps and keypunch interface design
15. 16 SepCore memory stuck bits fixed, work on card reader and miscellaneous other work
16. 15 SepExtensive diagnostic work on core memory stuck bit problem, work on console printer and keypunch interface designing
17. 14 SepSystem back to just the stuck memory bits, keypunch enhancements and miscellaneous repairs
18. 13 SepCore memory issue - methodical search for causes and some improvement - plus other progress on restoration project
19. 11 SepBringing back cosmetic items for my 029 keypunch
20. 10 SepFound a CE disk cartridge on ebay which is very helpful for disk drive restoration
21. 7 SepBrainstorming possible causes for 1131 memory problems, while traveling
22. 7 SepCore memory situation worsens, but 029 keypunch restoration fundamentally complete
23. 6 SepProgress made on core memory issues, more to do, plus keypunch restoration well along
24. 5 SepZeroing (and one-ing) in on the memory problems, plus 029 Keypunch arrives and is assembled
25. 4 SepWaiting on probes, supplies, and not much free time today
26. 3 SepStuck in neutral gear on core memory but made good progress on disk drive restoration
27. 2 SepMemory problems continue, some progress on other areas

August 2014

1. 31 AugProgress on memory but not done yet - also printer close to working
2. 31 AugFirst 8K of memory now working perfectly, plus other progress on 1132, 1442, and 1053 - Aug 30, 2014
3. 30 AugProcessor, typewriter, card reader and printer work - August 29, 2014
4. 29 AugPrinter and typewriter restoration underway, bit of work on the 1131 as well - August 28, 2014
5. 28 AugDisplay panel lamp replacements and typewriter work - Aug 27, 2014
6. 27 AugMore typewriter mechanism restoration plus card reader hookup
7. 26 AugBegin console printer (typewriter) mechanism and card reader restorations - Monday Aug 25
8. 25 AugContinuing on with restoration tasks Sunday Aug 24
9. 24 AugQuick update on team member Art Dieli
10. 23 AugDiagnosing the 1131 memory problems and progress on other restoration tasks
11. 23 AugFirst power up of the 1130, in excellent shape
12. 22 AugFinal power conversion checkout and first power testing of the 1131, plus miscellaneous tasks
13. 21 AugPower supply capacitor restoration, attachment of expanded storage frame, and completion of inlet voltage change
14. 20 AugCleanup of 1131 continues
15. 18 AugWill's journey and the journey of the blue 1130
16. 18 AugSimilar road trip moving historical computer equipment cross country -
17. 17 AugStarting restoration with cleaning and altering the voltage to match my home power
18. 14 AugDropping off blank cards and returning the rental truck - August 14, 2014
19. 14 AugContinued unloading of the truck Aug 13, 2014
20. 13 AugDelayed details of final loading day, Saturday August 9 - Part two
21. 13 Aug1130 and its retinue arrive safely in the bay area
22. 12 AugDelayed details on final loading day - Saturday August 9 - Part One
23. 12 AugStopping for night in Winnemucca, Nevada - August 11
24. 11 AugMade it to Laramie, Wyoming Sunday night
25. 10 AugEverything loaded on truck, ready to begin drive home Sunday morning
26. 9 AugFirst day at the archeologic dig - Aug 8, 2014
27. 8 AugArrived in Kansas City
28. 7 AugTeam Connecting to Final Flights In Dallas/Fort Worth and Phoenix
29. 7 AugMaking our way out to Kansas - Aug 7
30. 5 AugKickoff - the mission to rescue IBM 1130 systems and other vintage artifacts from being scrapped