2019–2026

2026 169

October 2026

1. 26 OctAssembled and tested the Teletype ASR-33 paper tape reader power supplies
2. 23 OctBuilt my signal sledgehammer for the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility and gave it a test
3. 23 OctParts arriving and work begins on both Schmitt Trigger Conditioner and the ASR-33 Reader Power Supply
4. 19 OctQuick side project - power supply for ASR-33 Teletype automatic tape reader
5. 15 OctBringing out the signal sledgehammer - dealing with the signal quality issues for the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility
6. 10 OctResults of latest logic analyzer capture of write on Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility
7. 7 OctDebugging the double increment of addresses during a write by the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility
8. 7 OctInvestigating the early end of a write on the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility
9. 6 OctAll Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility utility programs now using Qt graphical user interface
10. 3 OctWrote more utility programs to use with the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility
11. 1 OctMore debugging of write functionality of Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility

September 2026

1. 30 SepStill working on write errors in the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility
2. 28 SepTesting Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility capturing data written from the IBM 1130 to the virtual disk
3. 28 SepIdentifying issue capturing data on write to Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility
4. 27 SepAnother write test of Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility after correcting FPGA logic
5. 21 SepInstalled prototype enclosure and attempted testing of Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility
6. 20 SepTest build of Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility enclosure and mini disk drive
7. 18 SepDebugging write of Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - ensuring data is captured correctly
8. 15 SepDeglitching the write output of the 1130 for Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 2
9. 14 SepFinal wiring of Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility into the VCF - Infoage Museum IBM 1130
10. 13 SepDeglitching the write output of the 1130 for Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 1
11. 9 SepDebugging 1130 disk controller logic concerning -write gate malfunction part 2
12. 8 SepDebugging 1130 disk controller logic concerning -write gate malfunction
13. 6 SepTesting my new seek logic for the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 17
14. 6 SepCompleted my EDUC-8 computer based on Electronics Australia articles starting August 1974
15. 4 SepFurther research into the issue logging commands in one of the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility boxes
16. 4 SepChecking signals and termination resistors on the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 2
17. 3 SepTesting my new seek logic for the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - virtual mode
18. 3 SepTroubleshooting the logging function of the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility

August 2026

1. 31 AugTesting my new seek logic for the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - 16 and now works correctly in real mode
2. 30 AugTesting my new seek logic for the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - 15
3. 28 AugChecking signals and termination resistors on the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 1
4. 25 AugWorking hard on making seek shadowing state machine impervious to glitches for Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility
5. 24 AugSwitching over to electronic switch version of 2310 Interface Board for Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility
6. 21 AugTesting my new seek logic for the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 14
7. 19 AugWork on the internal disk drive of IBM 1130 - part 3
8. 19 AugWork on the internal disk drive of IBM 1130 - part 2
9. 16 AugWork on the internal disk drive of IBM 1130 - part 1
10. 16 AugTesting my new seek logic for the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 13
11. 10 AugTesting my new seek logic for the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 12
12. 4 AugTesting my new seek logic for the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 11
13. 3 AugTesting my new seek logic for the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 10
14. 3 AugTesting my new seek logic for the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 9 - Fixed cylinder 202 issue
15. 2 AugTesting my new seek logic for the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 8
16. 2 AugTesting my new seek logic for the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 7
17. 1 AugImproved Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility behavior when drive powered down then back up

July 2026

1. 31 JulTesting my new seek logic for the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 6
2. 30 JulTesting my new seek logic for the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 5
3. 29 JulTesting my new seek logic for the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 4
4. 29 JulChanging the terminator to improve impedance matching for the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility
5. 28 JulAdjusting my Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility design to increase signal integrity between 1130 and disk drive
6. 28 JulTesting my new seek logic for the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 3
7. 27 JulTesting my new seek logic for the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 2
8. 25 JulHuman 1, AI 0 - 40 minutes of debugging and my PICO tool projects microSD card as USB thumb drive to PC
9. 25 JulGrok joins Claude, Copilot and Gemini in my hall of shame; pleased to hear my 1627 Plotter card was built successfully for another 1130
10. 23 JulTesting my new seek logic for the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 1
11. 22 JulWhiling away the hours waiting for Visual Studio to install
12. 22 JulMore experimenting with AI for USB microSD PICO project
13. 21 JulMore experimenting with AI to assist in simple tool to use Raspberry Pi PICO to present microSD card as disk drive over USB
14. 18 JulWrapping up the successful 1130 memory substitute project
15. 18 JulFailed testing of mechanism to read virtual 2315 cartridges conveniently from a PC
16. 14 JulNeeded to wait for Lattice Semi to send the hobbyist license file
17. 13 JulMore this and that, while waiting
18. 12 JulThis and that - waiting while moving several projects along
19. 12 JulReturning to testing for the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility
20. 11 JulDebugging work on the multiply-divide issue with the 1130 MRAM board - memory fixed and working flawlessly!!!!!
21. 11 JulUnexpected results when digging into the Multiply-Divide error in the CPU diagnostic program
22. 8 JulUpdated memory substitute board, chasing down two failures
23. 6 JulBuilding the Diablo 2315 Archiver circuit board
24. 5 JulBetter chat with Copilot led me to an important issue with the 1130 MRAM board - and it appears to be the root cause of my issues!
25. 4 JulI have a loose lower head cable clamp in the Diablo 31 drive that must be reattached before heads can be installed
26. 4 JulPrepared the power supplies and cable for the Diablo model 31 drive I am using with the Archiver - powers on
27. 3 JulFighting to install the heads in the Diablo 31 drive
28. 3 JulGetting insight into what is happening during failure of 1130 MRAM doing reads - no more quantum effects
29. 2 JulStarted master file list from all 2315 cartridges and stored on Google workspace
30. 2 JulWork progressing on Diablo Archiver project

June 2026

1. 30 JunSent Head Adapter Tool off to fab; supports aligning heads in standard density Diablo 31 drive
2. 29 JunCreating the Head Adapter Tool for aligning the Diablo drive
3. 29 JunThinking about auto-aligning mechanism for the Diablo drive when archiving 2315 cartridges from an IBM 1130
4. 28 JunTrying to understand 1130 MRAM sporadic failures using Active FET Probe
5. 26 JunVerified configuration of Diablo drive for use with the archiver
6. 25 JunBuilding the cable for the 2315 cartridge archiver using the Diablo disk drive
7. 23 JunOrders placed for interface PCB for the Diablo drive archiver for 1130 based 2315 disk cartridges
8. 18 JunGiven some pricy advice to make progress debugging the 1130 MRAM memory infrequent bit failures
9. 17 JunInvested time simulating and correcting code to archive IBM 2315 cartridges on a Diablo model 31 disk drive
10. 14 JunUsing new hysteresis technique to protect against noisy signals in some of my FPGA designs
11. 14 JunFound substitute spring for the Calcomp 565 plotter and verified it works properly
12. 11 JunWhipped up a 1053 Emulator log file display and print program
13. 10 JunImplementing and testing the overtyping behavior in the 1052 Emulator - part 3
14. 10 JunCreated an SMS signal socket to connect to a paddle card for the 1052 Emulator
15. 10 JunImplementing and testing the overtyping behavior in the 1052 Emulator - part 2
16. 8 JunImplementing and testing the overtyping behavior in the 1052 Emulator - part 1
17. 7 JunFinished debugging the 1053 Emulator - part 6
18. 6 JunSuitable spring found for the Calcomp 565 (IBM 1627 equivalent) plotter restoration
19. 6 JunContinued debugging of the 1053 Emulator - part 5
20. 5 JunContinued debugging of the 1053 Emulator - part 4
21. 4 JunContinued debugging of the 1053 Emulator - part 3
22. 4 JunExperimenting with method to support overtyped APL characters using the 1053 Emulator
23. 3 JunBuilding the new MOSFET switching board for the 1053 Emulator - almost done
24. 3 JunRepaired Calcomp 565 power supply and pen up/down circuit

May 2026

1. 31 MayRefining the 1053 Emulator code in the Arduino
2. 25 MayPower supply failure and debugging on the Calcomp 565 plotter
3. 25 MayDesigned SMS socket and having it manufactured
4. 24 MayContinued debugging of the 1053 Emulator - part 2
5. 24 MayDeveloping SMS socket to connect to paddle cards
6. 23 MayReplaced transistor to restore Calcomp 565 plotter carriage movement
7. 23 MayContinued debugging of the 1053 Emulator - part 1
8. 22 MayAttempting to make the 1053 Emulator usable for SSM in time for their pickup of typewriter tomorrow
9. 22 MayDebugging my 1053 printer emulator box
10. 21 MayConquered 1053 rotate turnbuckle adjustment problems, wrapped up the printer
11. 21 MayRan SSM 1053 to stretch tilt/rotate tapes, making final adjustments
12. 19 MayFinished work on System Source Museum 1053 console printer
13. 19 MayDiagnosed failure point of Calcomp 565 plotter carriage stepper circuit
14. 18 MayAdjusting System Source Museum 1053 console printer (typewriter)
15. 17 MayReplaced rotate and tilt tapes on System Source Museum 1053 console
16. 17 MayDebugging failure of carriage to move on Calcomp 565 plotter
17. 16 MayRestoring a Calcomp 565 plotter for use with my IBM 1130 system
18. 16 MayTesting with a Calcomp 535 - part 2
19. 16 MayProject to support a 1627 plotter on an IBM 1130 is a success!
20. 14 MayTesting with a Calcomp 535 (equivalent of IBM 1627 model 1) - part 1
21. 11 MayTesting the plotter controller card in the IBM 1130, without a plotter hooked up - part 2
22. 10 MayTesting the plotter controller card in the IBM 1130, without a plotter hooked up - part 1
23. 9 MayMore bench testing of 1627 controller card
24. 7 MayTroubleshooting bench testing setup for the 1627 controller card
25. 6 MayModified plotter controller card
26. 6 MayTesting the new controller card for the 1627 plotter on the bench
27. 3 MayFinished building 1627 controller card
28. 2 MayTied up preparing for a major celebration at the Space Force Museum
29. 2 MayAssembling the new 1627 controller card

April 2026

1. 25 AprDon't waste your time, spammers. Comments are moderated and spam deleted
2. 21 AprRevision PCB being built for the 1627 Plotter substitute controller card
3. 18 AprBack to the need to load the 1130 SBR card pins the same as my oscilloscope probe
4. 17 AprFighting with the SLT contacts to solder them onto my 1627 plotter controller card
5. 16 AprShowing redundant wirewrap connection for Sense Bit 14 entering the SBR card
6. 15 AprAdding functionality to 1627 Plotter controller card project
7. 14 AprWorking on the connectors for the substitute 1627 plotter controller card
8. 14 Apr1130 MRAM board effort continues - not quite there yet
9. 13 AprContinued confusion over analog issue with the 1130 MRAM board BUT progress made
10. 9 AprCollecting data with logic analyzer on 1130 MRAM parity stops - tantalizing hints
11. 7 AprFinishing the build of the substitute controller card to hook a 1627 plotter to an IBM 1130
12. 7 AprChasing down 1130 MRAM memory issues
13. 5 AprOdd error detected with memory, possible issue on the 1130 MRAM board
14. 2 AprTrying to track down the parity stop failure using my 1130 MRAM board while running IBM's core memory diagnostics
15. 2 AprMore work building 1627 plotter controller card for IBM 1130
16. 1 AprConstructing the 1627 plotter controller card for the IBM 1130

March 2026

1. 31 MarHoning the FPGA logic for the 1130 MRAM board and testing results
2. 29 MarFinding remaining issues on my MRAM board
3. 24 Mar1627 Plotter controller card redesign - printed circuit board arrives from PCBWAY.COM
4. 22 MarThe advantage of leveraging FPGA for 1130 related designs - 1627 Plotter behavior discovery
5. 20 MarHoping to finish the testing of the 1130 MRAM core memory replacement board
6. 19 MarTesting the 1130 MRAM board on the IBM 1130
7. 17 MarFinished construction of the new 1130 MRAM board, part 3
8. 16 MarConstructing the new 1130 MRAM board, part 2
9. 15 MarConstructing the new 1130 MRAM board today, part 1
10. 14 MarRedesigned 1627 Plotter controller card while waiting for my MRAM board and parts
11. 11 Mar1130 MRAM testing observations while I wait for the new board for the updated design
12. 11 MarLooking at 6V regulator SMS card to resolve 1130 power issues - part 3
13. 10 MarWatched pot syndrome - can't get the 1130 6V power regulator to trip now that it is instrumented
14. 10 MarNew rotate and tilt tapes for the 1053 typewriter of the System Source Museum's 1130
15. 8 MarCode written and simulated for FPGA in new 1130 MRAM core memory replacement design
16. 2 MarTesting 1130 MRAM board - defect in design identified
17. 1 MarSlowly improving ability to use LTspice to model circuits with germanium components
18. 1 MarReplacing parts on 6V regulator SMS card to resolve 1130 power issues - part 2

February 2026

1. 28 FebReplacing parts on 6V regulator SMS card to resolve 1130 power issues - part 1
2. 23 FebDeconstructing the +6V regulator SMS card schematic to isolate functions
3. 22 FebFurther dive into the 6V regulator circuit breaker spurious tripping
4. 20 FebOrdered new components for 6V regulator SMS card for IBM 1130
5. 15 FebDealing with power supply breaker trips in IBM 1130 6V regulator

January 2026

1. 5 JanTesting fully assembled new 1130 MRAM board - read retriggering solved!

2025 236

December 2025

1. 31 DecTesting attempt on new 1130MRAM board
2. 31 DecInterim method won't work; assembling new PCB
3. 23 DecAttempting to test the discrete transistor method of resolving the 1130 MRAM retriggering
4. 23 DecOrdered new PCB with my original fab to reduce delays
5. 20 DecRevised design and producing a new board for 1130 MRAM project
6. 15 DecChecking out the low ESR cause for the 1130 MRAM ringing
7. 15 DecOscillation in LD1117 voltage regulator appears to be the root cause
8. 14 DecSame problem with 1130 MRAM in spite of new board
9. 7 DecBeginning testing of new PCB for 1130 MRAM board

November 2025

1. 30 NovReplacing some chips on 1130MRAM board based on testing
2. 25 NovFinishing new PCB for 1130 MRAM, waiting on memory chip
3. 23 NovBuilding new version of the PCB for 1130 MRAM
4. 12 NovMore work on retriggering issue with 1130MRAM

October 2025

1. 30 Oct1130 MRAM - quick check after removing large buffer capacitors
2. 28 Oct1130MRAM smoking gun found
3. 25 Oct1130MRAM spurious retrigger - what it can not be then musings
4. 22 OctOutput of Schmidt Trigger after a bit more massaging
5. 22 OctInvestigations for 1130 MRAM board - ways to block retriggering of the timer chip
6. 20 OctContinued testing of 1130 MRAM board - results of probed points and added power wires
7. 20 OctContinued testing of 1130 MRAM board - more probes added to zoom in on problem area causing retriggering
8. 20 OctContinued testing 1130MRAM board - retrigger problem continues to bedevil me
9. 19 OctRetrigger of 1130MRAM likely due to slight wobble on trigger signal
10. 19 OctSide project - MV864A meter restoration - converting manual calibration/test instructions to the version I own
11. 19 OctContinued testing 1130MRAM board - retrigger redux
12. 16 OctContinued testing 1130 MRAM board - working on the retriggering
13. 14 OctContinued testing 1130 MRAM board - dealing with the signal bounce and retriggering
14. 14 OctSide project - MV864A meter restoration - almost complete schematic produced
15. 14 OctContinuing testing of the 1130 MRAM board
16. 13 OctSide project - MV864a meter restoration - simulations and look at the non-board wiring
17. 13 OctIBM 1130 MRAM memory board - root cause of the unwanted stream of pulses from the board being corrected
18. 12 OctIBM 1130 MRAM memory replacement - investigating Parity Check and random data occurrences
19. 11 OctIBM 1130 MRAM memory replacement - continuity test, then testing on the IBM 1130
20. 11 OctSide project - MV864A meter restoration - blocking out entire schematic
21. 11 OctSide project - MV864A meter restoration - simulating the DC Modulator Driver that produces 94Hz chopper signal
22. 10 OctConstruction of new 1130 MRAM memory board completed
23. 9 OctPCBs and parts are on hand - beginning construction of new 1130MRAM board
24. 9 OctSide project - MV864A restoration - substantial progress in reverse engineering
25. 7 OctSide project - MV864A restoration - reverse engineering power supply section
26. 5 OctSide project - MV864A restoration - reverse engineering challenge
27. 3 OctTesting the 1130 MRAM core memory replacement on the IBM 1130 system - part 4

September 2025

1. 30 SepTesting the 1130 MRAM core memory replacement on the IBM 1130 system - part 3
2. 25 SepTesting the 1130 MRAM core memory replacement on the IBM 1130 system - part 2
3. 24 SepTesting the 1130 MRAM core memory replacement on the IBM 1130 system - part 1
4. 24 Sepside project - IBM 3278 terminal restoration - planning for keyboard substitution
5. 22 SepSide project - IBM 3278 terminal restoration - looking into the high voltage power supply
6. 22 SepSuccess with the bench testing of the 1130 MRAM memory board finally
7. 22 Sepside project - restoration of IBM 3278 terminal - some debugging
8. 20 Sepside project - restoration of IBM 3278 terminal - inspect, mechanical fixes, first power on
9. 20 SepMore work on bench testing for the 1130 MRAM core memory board
10. 20 SepUsing LT SPICE to study back feed voltages from digital inputs when power supply not operating
11. 18 SepSide project - restoration of IBM 3278 terminal - shipment arrives
12. 18 SepBench testing of the 1130 MRAM core memory board still not successful
13. 17 SepRestoring IBM 2501 card reader - more focus on the stacker side of the mechanism
14. 14 Sep1130 MRAM board - failed chips identified and replaced
15. 14 SepRestoring 2501 reader - linear bearing repair, still one roller bearing to resolve
16. 13 SepRestoration work on 2501 card reader - card path and stacker
17. 11 SepSide project foiled - restoration of an IBM 3278 terminal
18. 10 SepSide project - restoration of Sony VP-5000 U-Matic tape deck for Space Force Museum
19. 9 SepSide project - restoration work on Millivac MV-864A meter, part 3
20. 6 SepSide project - restoration work on Millivac MV-864A meter, part 2
21. 6 SepMore Bench Testing of the 1130 MRAM memory board
22. 5 SepBench testing strange power supply behavior testing MRAM board - followup
23. 4 SepContinued testing of the 1130 MRAM Core Memory Replacement board
24. 3 SepRestoration of top cover glass for IBM 1132 printer
25. 2 SepReassembly of the 1132 printer - part 9
26. 2 SepDealing with the broken clutch fork on the 1132 printer carriage mechanism
27. 2 SepSide Project - Restoring an HP 4261A LCR (inductance, capacitance and resistance) meter
28. 2 SepSide project - repairing a Sony VP-5000 U-Matic video tape deck for the Space Force Museum
29. 2 SepInstallation of new rubber drive belts for IBM 1132 printer

August 2025

1. 27 AugReassembly of the 1132 printer - part 8
2. 24 AugReassembly of the 1132 printer - part 7
3. 23 AugReassembly of the 1132 printer - part 6
4. 23 AugReassembly of the 1132 printer - part 5
5. 22 AugReassembly of the 1132 printer - part 4
6. 22 AugRestoration of the 1132 printer carriage mechanism - part 2
7. 20 AugReassembly of the 1132 printer - part 3
8. 20 AugRestoration of the 1132 printer carriage mechanism - part 1
9. 20 AugReassembly of the 1132 printer - part 2
10. 18 AugReassembly of the 1132 printer - part 1
11. 18 AugFinal tweaks to the 1130 core memory replacement (MRAM) board
12. 17 AugFreeing up 1132 printer components - part 8
13. 16 AugFreeing up 1132 printer components - part 7
14. 15 AugFreeing up 1132 printer components - part 6
15. 13 AugAlmost done building 1130 core memory replacement MRAM board
16. 13 AugFreeing up 1132 printer components - part 5
17. 12 AugDesigning relay replacement for IBM 1132 printer carriage control channel PCB
18. 11 AugWrapping up build and bench testing of the 1130 MRAM memory replacement board
19. 11 Aug1132 printer motor is spinning freely with almost zero resistance
20. 10 AugMore testing of the 1130 MRAM memory replacement board - part 2
21. 10 AugFreeing up 1132 printer components - part 4
22. 9 AugFreeing up 1132 printer components - part 3
23. 9 AugMore testing of the 1130 MRAM memory replacement board - part 1
24. 9 AugBegan assembly and test of the core memory replacement for the 1130
25. 9 AugFreeing up 1132 printer components - part 2
26. 8 AugFreeing up 1132 printer components - part 1
27. 6 AugDisassembling 1132 printer mechanism to free up thousands of stuck parts
28. 6 AugCompleted rewiring of power supply into the IBM 1132 printer
29. 5 AugBench test of usage meter power supply, control circuitry and meter; began reinstallation of PS into 1132
30. 5 AugAlternatives to replace reed relay in 1132 printer carriage control tape PCB
31. 5 AugChecking the 1132 Carriage Control brush latch circuits
32. 4 AugChecked out magnet firing board in 1132 printer
33. 3 AugBench test of 1132 printer power box - part 3
34. 3 AugBench test of 1132 printer power box - part 2
35. 2 AugBench test of 1132 printer power box - part 1

July 2025

1. 31 JulRemoving and testing power supply box from 1132 line printer
2. 30 JulFinished trace by trace and datasheet by datasheet examination; one issue arose that must be pondered
3. 29 JulExtensive desk checking of PCB and final design for core memory replacement for 1130 system
4. 25 JulHigh level design of replacement for 1130 core memory
5. 24 JulMore parity error instances - new fault in the core memory stack
6. 24 JulMore restoration work on 2501 Card Reader - buttons, lights, cable repair, short circuit check
7. 23 JulReinstalled the power box inside the 2501 card reader
8. 22 JulDiscrepancy in logic diagrams and theory of operations documentation
9. 22 JulRunning IBM disk diagnostic 309 against the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 11
10. 22 JulReplaced circuit breaker on IBM 1130 +6V power regulator
11. 17 JulRunning IBM disk diagnostic 309 against the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 9
12. 14 JulRunning IBM disk diagnostic 309 against the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 8
13. 7 JulVery sporadic parity errors - need to capture evidence to find and fix
14. 6 JulIBM 1130 typewriter (console printer) repair and adjustment - part 12 - completed!
15. 6 JulIBM 1130 typewriter (console printer) repair and adjustment - part 11
16. 6 JulScope on typewriter feedback signals to verify timings and adjustments of the typewriter

June 2025

1. 19 JunFinished checking and fixing up the diagnostic load file
2. 17 JunMore on the errors with the console printer (typewriter) diagnostic
3. 17 JunSubstitute relay arrived for 2501 card reader, tested and installed
4. 16 JunOops - error in test code thus troubleshooting the wrong problem
5. 14 JunDebugging issue with XIO Sense DSW - part 2
6. 14 JunDebugging issue with XIO Sense DSW - part 1
7. 12 JunIBM 1130 typewriter (console printer) repair and adjustment - part 10
8. 8 JunWrapping up testing of 2501 card reader power supply box - one bad component discovered
9. 8 JunMore on differences between US and European versions of 2501 card reader (model A1/A2) power supply
10. 8 JunPower supply out on bench and partially restored so far
11. 7 JunReceived scan of 2501 card reader logic diagrams and wiring schematics
12. 5 JunDisconnecting wiring to remove power supply box from 2501 card reader
13. 1 JunCleaning up the acrylic cover for the 1053 console printer and identifying another issue
14. 1 JunVarious fixes to the IBM 2501 card reader and inspection of lower cabinet circuitry

May 2025

1. 30 MayPreparing bumper parts for replacement foam in 2501 card reader
2. 30 MayRepairing acrylic typewriter cover lid for VCF 1130
3. 30 MayRestoration work on IBM 2501 card reader
4. 26 MayIBM 1130 typewriter (console printer) repair and adjustment - part 9
5. 26 MayIBM 1130 typewriter (console printer) repair and adjustment - part 8
6. 20 MayCleaning and waxing of stacker mechanism for 2501 card reader
7. 19 MayIBM 1130 typewriter (console printer) repair and adjustment - part 7
8. 19 MayCleaning up the stacker mechanism
9. 18 MayAlerted to another plastic item on 2501 card reader that has failed with age
10. 17 May2501 Restoration - mainly working on stacker section
11. 14 MayDetermined how to mesh geartrains in 2501 card reader
12. 7 MayTrying gears on 2501 reader; narrowing down failure point on typewriter tab interlock switch
13. 4 MayGlued gears for 2501 and worked on 1053 typewriter adjustments

April 2025

1. 25 AprNew gears arrived for the 2501 card reader restoration
2. 21 AprWorking on a way to run DMS-2 on an 1130 without a working card reader and line printer
3. 19 AprIBM 1130 typewriter (console printer) repair and adjustment - part 6
4. 17 AprIBM 1130 typewriter (console printer) repair and adjustment - part 5
5. 17 AprHiatus as I recover from a total knee replacement
6. 16 AprIBM 1130 typewriter (console printer) repair and adjustment - part 4
7. 15 AprIBM 1130 typewriter (console printer) repair and adjustment - part 3
8. 14 AprIBM 1130 typewriter (console printer) repair and adjustment - part 2
9. 13 AprUsing CE Cartridge to align heads on IBM 1130 internal disk (13SD factor name, 2310 when in external cabinet)
10. 13 AprIBM 1130 typewriter (console printer) repair and adjustment - part 1
11. 11 AprRunning IBM disk diagnostic 309 against the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 7
12. 11 AprDebugging work on the seek issue with Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility in real mode
13. 10 AprFound and corrected reason that magic smoke was released
14. 10 AprMystery smoke when testing second V2315CF main unit
15. 9 AprRunning IBM disk diagnostic 309 against the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 6
16. 8 AprFound a solution to building the code for the PICO processor - Google Colab
17. 5 AprRunning IBM disk diagnostic 309 against the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 5
18. 5 AprNew Power Distribution Board built; battles with toolchains to build Pico code
19. 5 AprFirst of two new gears for 2501 card reader arrived
20. 4 AprRunning IBM disk diagnostic 309 against the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 4
21. 4 AprRunning IBM disk diagnostic 309 against the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 3
22. 1 AprRunning IBM disk diagnostic 309 against the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 2
23. 1 AprFeeling a bit more confident in the IBM 1130 core memory

March 2025

1. 31 MarRunning IBM disk diagnostic 309 against the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 1
2. 31 MarFinal parts arrived so I could finish up the Power Distribution Board and second 2310 Interface Board
3. 31 MarRepair of IBM 1130 core memory with failure of bit 13 inhibit in lower 4K
4. 30 MarMore 'whack a mole' - memory issues crop up; did fix a few things
5. 29 MarLaptop parts swap completed; fault in V2315CF power distribution board
6. 29 MarConsole printer ready and diagnostic program now running
7. 28 Mar1053 Console Printer has capacitor replaced - motor now working well - one small issue to debug
8. 27 MarIBM 1130 Console Printer - 1053 Selectric typewriter - it was the Run capacitor! Waiting for replacement part
9. 26 MarUpdate on console printer, testing and other issues or activities
10. 22 MarReady to run disk functionality diagnostic (309) but 1130 console printer not working
11. 21 MarNew PCBs arrived, building them for two Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facilities in final form
12. 20 MarTesting Real mode for Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 2 - Success
13. 20 MarCore memory issue resolved by reseating a card
14. 20 MarOrdered 3D printed gears to replace disintegrated parts in IBM 2501 card reader
15. 19 MarDiscovered a blown out GPIO pin 5 on the two PICO processors due to a test bench error
16. 19 MarCorrected the stuck bit problem in the IBM 1130, but have a core memory issue to resolve
17. 18 MarTesting Real mode for Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - part 1
18. 16 MarContinued testing Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility in real mode, using the IBM 1130 internal disk drive
19. 15 MarStarting restoration of an IBM 2501 card reader for VCF 1130 system
20. 15 MarTesting mini 2315 cartridges for use with Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility
21. 14 MarStart of testing Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility in real mode, using the IBM 1130 internal disk drive
22. 13 MarBlank virtual 2315 disk cartridges arrived
23. 13 MarGetting IBM 1130 internal disk drive wiring correct to power on drive
24. 12 MarSmall complications preparing to run the disk diagnostic program
25. 11 MarFinal verification of Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility in virtual mode
26. 11 MarTried to build a DIMAL (disk diagnostic) pack using simulators - however not successful
27. 10 MarSet up instrumented version of Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility for further virtual mode testing
28. 9 MarFirst round of virtual mode testing of the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility mostly successful
29. 9 MarResult of debugging the initial issues found testing the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility in virtual mode on the IBM 1130
30. 9 MarDesign changes for Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility
31. 9 MarInitial testing of Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility working on the IBM 1130
32. 7 MarVirtual 2315 Cartridge Facility connected to IBM 1130 for testing
33. 5 MarEnhanced Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility to gracefully handle abrupt power down of the 1130 system
34. 5 MarHolder for virtual cartridge image SD card - shaped like a 2315 cartridge
35. 4 MarPassed final tests on Arduino testbed for Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility
36. 3 MarTesting access operations of Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility using Arduino testbed
37. 2 MarArduino to drive signals into the box to further test the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility
38. 1 MarReplacing bad heads on Diablo 31 to use for archiving IBM 1130 disk cartridges - part 2

February 2025

1. 28 FebFPGA programmer arrived; updated FPGA in Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility
2. 26 FebReplacing bad heads on Diablo 31 to use for archiving IBM 1130 disk cartridges - part 1
3. 25 FebMatching the data read from virtual 2315 image file to the 1130 disk file - more validation of the functionality
4. 25 FebContinuing Pico code debug - everything looking good with the Pico code, moving on to load FPGA and test
5. 24 FebPico code testing of Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - started up properly now
6. 24 FebFirst debugging of Pico code for Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility
7. 22 FebQuicker first tests of Pico code for Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility
8. 21 FebReview of code for Pico in Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility and preparation of testbench for it
9. 20 FebUpdating my Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility to use the latest version of RK-05 Emulator code as a base
10. 15 FebSimulating capturing a write to the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility
11. 15 FebSimulating the download of a sector from the PICO to the SDRAM
12. 15 FebSimulating Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility doing a read
13. 15 FebSimulating Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - modeling disk and 1130 controller to do seeks
14. 14 FebBuilding simulation of entire Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility - FPGA side
15. 12 FebFinished simulation of sector write for Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility
16. 12 FebDRAM simulation shortcut for Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility testing of sector read
17. 7 FebNew stock of 1130 disk heads (probably) and working to try to simulate DRAM on RK05 board
18. 4 FebHardening the Cape Canaveral Museum display controllers

January 2025

1. 25 JanBuilt newest version of 5806223 SLT card for 1627 plotter support on IBM 1130
2. 25 JanKick off simulation at correct point to observe one sector being read and archived
3. 22 JanA few hours invested to get the disk simulated signals working on testbench
4. 19 JanSlow debugging of entire Diablo Archiver under simulation
5. 16 JanUploader function of Diablo Archiver fully debugged
6. 15 JanWorking with integrated logic analyzer to debug Diablo Archiver; found the issue blocking memory controller
7. 15 JanWorking with real hardware to test DRAM controller operation
8. 14 JanContinuing to test logic of the Diablo 2315 Archiver - RAM initializing but still battling with Vivado toolchain
9. 11 JanFinally have the memory controller IP simulating in Vivado - trying to verify my dram controller again
10. 5 JanSetting up new display stations for Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum

2024 316

December 2024

1. 30 DecDram Controller module verified by simulation. Memory controller not working on real hardware
2. 29 DecSimulating my dram controller logic but not using Xilinx memory controller nor clock wizard
3. 28 DecOscilloscope test of clock wizard inconclusive, but new test proves the IP works on actual hardware
4. 28 DecSimulation challenges since Vivado not correctly simulating its IP components
5. 24 DecFinished simulation of the uploader function of Diablo 2315 archiver; building up DDR RAM controller
6. 21 DecFinalizing and simulating the Diablo disk archiver tool design
7. 19 DecDisk drive and Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility accomplishments
8. 19 DecDuring illness recovery time, building archiver logic to read 2315 cartridges on a Diablo drive and upload
9. 18 DecFighting to get time in the shop; replacement light bulb arrived for Unlock lamp on 1130 console
10. 16 DecFound narrower contacts for producing SLT cards, updated design and ordered new PCBs
11. 16 DecVirtual 2315 Cartridge Facility interface board connected and a number of tests performed
12. 12 Dec2310 Disk power SMS card inserted into 1130; FPGA bitstream Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility ready for testing
13. 10 DecSynthesized FPGA logic after cutting back on usage to fit within the device for the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility
14. 6 DecSoldered components on the new version of the 2315 interface board
15. 6 DecReplaced power paddle card for disk drive in IBM 1130
16. 5 DecAll simulations completed satisfactorily for the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility
17. 1 DecRotation, sector and index pulse timings good, as is reading a sector; working on capturing a write to a sector now

November 2024

1. 29 NovBelieve the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility FPGA design is done, undertaking thorough simulations now
2. 24 NovDrat - error in my new PCB for 1627 controller card
3. 24 NovVarious parts for recreation cards
4. 23 NovDisk drive reconnection and one issue
5. 20 NovAssessing a location for the Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility interface board
6. 19 NovParts arrived to build Virtual 2315 Cartridge Facility interface board
7. 16 NovStill testing substitute 5806223 card to support 1627 plotter on the IBM 1130
8. 14 NovMore testing of 5806223 replacement card and redesign to eliminate donor card requirement
9. 14 NovDisk drive bolted back inside IBM 1130 - without additional people
10. 11 NovAnother possibility for eliminating need for donor SLT cards when making substitute cards
11. 11 NovWrapping up disk drive work, ready to install back in the IBM 1130
12. 10 NovEvaluating possible SLT card socket to eliminate need for donor cards
13. 10 NovReplacing the head connector required excavation to determine the coil wiring; successful conclusion
14. 9 NovReplacement 5806223 card finished and being tested in the 1130
15. 9 NovDisk heads cleaned and reinstalled on the IBM 1130 internal disk drive, but too rough to be used
16. 7 NovParts arrived, finally got drive startup and arm seeking to work
17. 7 NovWorking on drive speed detection circuit issue
18. 6 NovFailure to try to load heads as drive comes to speed narrowed to defect in one card
19. 4 NovTime delay relay for disk drive is bad - bought generic replacement
20. 4 NovBreadboarding the interface from Arduinos to the 1130's 2501 reader controller logic
21. 3 NovFound issue with the voltage regulator, repaired it and began more debugging
22. 3 NovWrote two Arduino sketches to jointly emulate a 2501 card reader in order to test out 1130 controller logic
23. 3 NovA long day working on the 1130 internal disk drive
24. 1 NovCard now passes tests on bench. Final tests to be done, then ready for installation in my machine
25. 1 NovBench testing the replacement 5806223 card for correct functionality - found error

October 2024

1. 31 OctStart capacitor and air filter arrived and put into the 1130's internal disk drive; began building 1627 card
2. 30 OctInstalled 2501 controller cards in 1130, beginning debugging
3. 29 OctMore cleaning and checkout of 1130's disk drive; preparing to build my 1627 plotter controller card
4. 29 OctLast controller logic to debug in VCF 1130 is the 2501 card reader circuitry - but no card reader here
5. 28 OctCleaning disk drive heads and checking arm movement; repaired 5800000 spare card
6. 28 OctPossible to bench test the 2310 disk drive (inside 1130 system)
7. 27 OctBlower air volume is excellent once I removed the nearly completely blocked old filter
8. 26 OctNew motor start relay arrived, tested with the blower motor
9. 26 OctAdjusting the RK-05 Emulator to my design to emulate a 2310 disk (virtual 2315 disk cartridge)
10. 24 OctFinished breadboard testing of 5806223 card replacement for controlling 1627 plotter on IBM 1130
11. 22 OctContinued breadboard testing of the logic for the replacement controller card for the 1627 plotter connected to an IBM 1130
12. 22 OctBuilt the RK-05 emulator, hardware basis for the virtual 2315 cartridge facility
13. 21 OctRepaired an SLT card (5603819) that had known faults
14. 21 OctInvestigated blower motor startup - start relay is defective
15. 20 OctReceived replacement motor, installed it on the disk drive for the VCF 1130 system
16. 20 OctUnplanned three day trip to visit the System Source Museum for their IBM 360 exhibit grand opening
17. 15 OctDesigned replacement 5806223 card - device controller logic for the 1627 plotter attached to an IBM 1130
18. 14 OctFixed pins on backplane allowing card insertion; working with another museum on a replacement card for 1627 plotters
19. 14 OctMechanical work on VCF 1130 today
20. 12 Oct2310 emulation write module rewritten and successfully simulated
21. 10 Octno hurricane damage at workshop and home
22. 10 OctRedesigned the sector and index pulse generator module - either uses real drive pulses or generates emulated pulses
23. 9 OctSeek logic simulated for 2310 emulation, modified version of George Wiley's RK-05 emulator
24. 7 OctDesign decisions for 2310 disk emulator concerning sector and index pulses
25. 6 OctCapturing disk writes with emulator easier than expected
26. 6 OctConsole printer set in place on the 1130 - found I need to adjust the pushbuttons
27. 5 OctModifying George Wiley's RK-05 emulator to emulate IBM 1130's 2310 disk drive and 2315 disk cartridge
28. 3 OctVCF 1130 system is missing two SLT cards to support the full complement of configured peripherals
29. 3 OctFinding and fixing the space issue with 1052 console printer
30. 2 OctWorking on my 1442 card reader/punch
31. 2 OctLoaded and ran hand loop to test out the 1052 console printer (typewriter)
32. 2 OctRepaired typewriter now working; ran 1132 diagnostics to finish off that controller logic testing
33. 1 OctFinished up typewriter installation and attempted to run the 1132 printer diagnostics
34. 1 Oct1052 Console Printer restoration completed, reinstalling on the 1130

September 2024

1. 30 SepDiagnostic monitor requires console printer; pivoting to restoration of the 1052
2. 29 SepRan CPU and 1132 printer diagnostics; built another loader to install on SSM machine
3. 29 SepTested cycle steal/DMA memory loader and used it to run some diagnostics
4. 29 SepFinished assembly of loader and installed it on the IBM 1130
5. 27 SepFinished ICs and discrete components on DMA/Cycle Steal memory loader
6. 27 SepManaged to get a couple of hours in the workshop today - soldered all the front side ICs on the loader PCB
7. 24 SepNew PCBs arrived for cycle steal (DMA) memory loader - will build and test when I get to the shop next
8. 22 SepNoodling over ideas for how to simulate a 2501 card reader in order to test the controller logic
9. 21 SepPowered up 1442 card reader and did some debugging the controller logic
10. 19 Sep1132 Printer controller logic appears to be working properly. Installed 1442 reader/punch SLT cards to begin testing that logic
11. 19 SepMassive time waste - circuit different than ALDs - but made significant progress
12. 18 SepPreparing for backplane testing after wirewrap repairs
13. 18 SepTried out demo monitor I originally built for SSM
14. 17 SepTroubleshooting the B2 card connections causing the 1132 printer line spacing issue
15. 16 SepPulling one card stops the runaway line spacing behavior - mystery short discovered on backplane
16. 16 SepCPU Functional Test (diagnostic) runs to completion
17. 16 SepUpdated PCBs on order for the Cycle Steal (DMA) Core Loader
18. 15 SepCycle Steal (DMA) Core Loader works - CPU function test being run
19. 12 SepPrinter spacing issue little bit of further testing
20. 11 SepPrinter controller debugging continues
21. 11 SepBelieve I have a rework possible on the existing PCB for the loader
22. 10 SepFound another broken trace on A A1 backplane
23. 10 SepDebugging Cycle Steal (DMA) core memory loader
24. 9 SepSolved issue with line space latch, but still spacing repeatedly
25. 9 SepCore memory repaired, operational again
26. 8 SepCore memory issue crops up again; new break in continuity on core module backplane
27. 8 SepChecked signals from printer, voltages, still troubleshooting a continually spacing carriage
28. 7 SepDebugging the cycle steal (DMA) loader - the plan when I get to the workshop
29. 7 SepCables arrived and hooked to the cycle steal (DMA) core loader
30. 5 SepBeginning debugging of the 1132 printer controller logic; hooked up my printer
31. 5 SepFinished wiring header blocks and verified operation of address and data connections
32. 5 SepWiring up the header blocks for my Cycle Steal Memory Loader
33. 4 SepSpurious parity error problem fixed! Installed entire 1132 controller logic at same time
34. 4 SepNarrowing my focus to the 3022 cards that produce 9 bit odd parity; might have found an issue
35. 2 SepWasted a few hours debugging a non-issue
36. 2 SepRepaired 509 card
37. 2 SepAn afternoon of capturing signals and bench testing SLT cards - still chasing the spurious keyboard errors

August 2024

1. 31 AugFurther digging into the cause of the spurious parity checks doesn't get me to an answer yet
2. 30 AugFurther testing of CPU instructions - 2
3. 29 AugThoughts on leveraging George Wiley's RK-05 Emulator and Tester for the IBM 1130 disk emulation
4. 29 AugMore thoughts on the cause of the parity checks on certain keystrokes
5. 28 AugFurther testing of CPU instructions 1
6. 28 AugNarrowing in on keyboard issue causing false parity checks
7. 26 AugTraced back to problem in the keyboard! Meanwhile CPU seems flawless
8. 25 AugNot the XOR card, moving on to investigate setting of parity bit 2
9. 25 AugDebugging failure during Branch and Store IAR instruction execution
10. 24 AugMaking the repair on the core stack - part 5
11. 24 AugNew mainspring for typewriter, more adjustments and lubrication, motor power testing
12. 24 AugMaking the repair on the core stack - part 4
13. 23 AugMaking the repair on the core stack - part 3
14. 22 AugMaking the repair on the core stack - part 2
15. 21 AugMaking the repair on the core stack - part 1
16. 21 AugSwitched gears after finding second continuity fault, removed core stack for repairs
17. 20 AugLeaning to use of spare top board connector to bring sense bit 7 signals from core stack to the SLT backplane side
18. 19 AugBit 7 connectivity issue for 1130 memory appears to be on base board of core stack
19. 19 AugConfirmation of the broken mainspring in the 1130 console printer
20. 19 AugBit 7 has failed again, as I feared
21. 19 AugTypewriter work - adjusted front pushbuttons, freed stuck parts, diagnosed broken mainspring
22. 18 AugMemory fixed! Beginning general CPU debugging
23. 18 AugLoose card found, memory now reading/writing, back to addressing bit 7 issues
24. 16 AugStill haven't gotten to the bottom of the failure to push read current through the X wires
25. 16 AugSome good news about the 1130 core memory but not yet functional
26. 14 AugRepaired card, noticed additional clues
27. 13 AugFound specs for the capacitor knocked off the 3475 SLT card
28. 12 AugBack in workshop and narrowing in on memory parity issue
29. 10 AugNew approach allowed me to complete two music demo programs
30. 9 AugWorking on music program - improving note frequencies
31. 9 AugStarting on the music playing demonstration program
32. 8 AugTicTacToe demonstration debugged and added to the demo monitor
33. 6 AugMiscellaneous comments on porting 1130 Fortran to Assembler
34. 5 AugDelivered Craps game, now porting TicTacToe from Fortran to assembler in demo system
35. 4 AugFinishing up 'seven-eleven' game for the IBM 1130 demo system
36. 4 AugChanged my toolchain for the demo programs
37. 2 AugKnee issue has restricted my mobility and cut down on my shop time

July 2024

1. 30 JulHad fun building demo programs - particularly the ones that calculated Pi
2. 30 JulCobbled together toolchain to build and test the demo programs and monitor
3. 24 JulDemo monitor completed and tested; working on various demos to run under the monitor
4. 23 JulStill have an issue with bit 7 inhibit
5. 22 JulFound one cause of flaky memory operation and finished reconfiguration without two CRs, LP and PT
6. 21 JulWrote demo monitor program for use by museums without reader, printer and disk
7. 19 JulAll but three lamps are lighting on the display; possibility that device controller logic is stepping on memory access
8. 18 JulMinor tweak needed for pushbuttons; tab working well; display panel continues to earn my hatred
9. 18 JulShort visit to shop: replaced transport pulley, working on tab mechanism
10. 18 JulUnable to get to workshop today, but key parts arrived
11. 16 JulGreat progress loosening up the 1053, also working on display panel
12. 16 JulMore defective solder joints on 1130 display panel
13. 15 JulDiagnosing core memory issues now that I have a full display to watch
14. 15 Jul1053 Operational Unit restoration work
15. 15 JulRepaired broken SCR pin, SBR row of display panel fully operational on LED bulbs, making more LED bulbs
16. 15 JulManufactured more LED bulb replacements; still hate display panel design with a passion
17. 13 JulReplacing bulbs that are out - three steps forward, one step back
18. 13 JulStill on the fence about LED bulbs, but can move ahead for now
19. 12 JulBegan restoration of 1053 typewriter for VCF IBM 1130; might need brighter LEDs for the console
20. 11 JulBuilding incandescent lamp replacements using LEDs
21. 11 JulRepaired the Carry/Overflow lamp PCB and tested its operation with the LED replacement 'bulbs'
22. 10 JulWorking on light display panel of 1130, developing non-incandescent replacement bulb, discovering bad workmanship
23. 8 JulParity light working correctly now
24. 7 JulRepaired 3817 card that accomplishes parity checks; still have dim light
25. 7 JulTracing down the annoying dimly lit Parity Check lamp anomaly
26. 7 JulSlightly frustrated that I can't imagine a fault in core memory that fits the observed symptoms
27. 6 JulCompleted documentation for 3467 SLT card - drives read and write coincident current lines

June 2024

1. 30 JunUsing downtime to create SLT card schematics that I did not already have
2. 25 JunSolved first problem but new persistent issue in memory
3. 23 JunWill be testing the 3132 SLT card as I troubleshoot the memory parity error issue
4. 22 JunPut instructions through their paces and the 1130 and CPU appears very health; one annoyance returns
5. 22 JunResolution of Run lamp issues
6. 22 JunDealing with the parity lamp dimness issue
7. 16 JunVerifying all circuits driven by the repaired 3819 SLT card; still a couple of issues
8. 16 JunOvervoltage Protection Card failure - temp repair waiting on parts - machine working fine again
9. 16 JunSudden power issue on the VCF 1130; hoping the damage is localized to the Overvoltage Protection card
10. 16 JunSSM 1053 prepared to go home
11. 13 JunRepaired the Console/Keyboard toggle switch function
12. 13 JunDiagnosing memory parity error on VCF 1130 - fixed and working well
13. 12 JunKeyboard working properly, plus reasonable DSWs from all device controllers configured on VCF 1130
14. 12 JunDeoxidizing contacts, looking into dim/missing lights with the 3819 card, verifying cycle steal behavior
15. 11 JunDigging into the VCF 1130 and identifying issues to resolve
16. 11 JunTesting repaired 3819 card in the machine
17. 11 JunPleased to report the machine is functioning fairly well
18. 10 JunReplacing bulbs in display and debugging the machine's behavior
19. 10 Jun3819 card repaired, tested and ready to reinstall; another card found with a failing tantalum capacitor
20. 10 JunSigns that this won't be a quick restoration but the difficulty level is not yet obvious
21. 8 JunMore failures found and repaired on card; almost ready to put back into the machine
22. 8 JunFound two failed components on the 3819 card
23. 8 JunFinding commonality in the two 1130 misbehaving lights
24. 7 JunSSM 1053 Repairs complete
25. 7 JunVCF 1130 early testing shows substantial portions working well
26. 5 JunToying with idea suggested by another restorer; plug in peripheral replacements for 1130 systems
27. 2 JunMore testing of the cycle steal (DMA) core memory loader

May 2024

1. 26 MayFinalizing work on SSM 1053 console typewriter
2. 24 MayRestoration work to resume and ramp up over the coming weeks
3. 16 MayDMA based memory loader circuit boards have arrived
4. 16 MayPower sequencing problem found and repaired
5. 14 MayTested regulator under load; working on power sequencing issue
6. 8 MayValidated design for 1130 core loader (DMA version) sent to fab after testing session
7. 6 MaySlowly digging through boxes and setting up the shop; testing the DMA loader logic uncovered an issue
8. 5 MayQuick update; regulator is indeed working properly
9. 5 MayProgress on voltage regulator for VCF 1130; made plexiglass cover for SSM console printer
10. 4 MayDMA Core Loader PCB has issues - gambled and lost; intrigued by 360 voltage regulator card I bought
11. 2 MayThe workshop is moved! Faster than I thought and a bit more casual
12. 1 MayOrdered components for DMA based core loader; arrived home today

April 2024

1. 28 AprOrdered PCBs for DMA version of core memory loader; shop almost completely prepped for move
2. 27 AprRotate tape installed on SSM 1053, curve tracer images of two transistors
3. 26 AprBurned again with transistor substitution chart for IBM house numbered transistors
4. 25 AprWorking on the disk drive, breadboarding new loader, repairing SSM 1053 and other tasks
5. 24 AprDisk cleaning, mode switch plate, and paddle card repair
6. 24 AprSpent a few days working on a new memory loader for 1130 systems where Arduino uses DMA to core
7. 21 AprBack from trip and visitors, worked on relays, regulator and a 1053
8. 9 AprCleaning the disk drive, a disgusting and labor intensive task, which is best done on the workbench
9. 8 AprReplaced two capacitors in the +3V regulator card due to high leakage
10. 8 AprCosmetic adjustments, door repair, some reassembly of 1130 system prior to shop move
11. 8 AprHigher accuracy reading of zener diode; preparing system for movement to new shop
12. 7 AprTested blower motors and power rail voltage regulators; the +3V regulator is bad
13. 5 AprRepaired contactor and finished testing out sequencer box and some power supplies
14. 5 AprRepaired Prog Load button, cleaned contacts of Power switch and tested up to energizing the contactor
15. 4 AprFinished rewiring and initial testing of power sequencer and related circuits; a few minor faults found
16. 3 AprLast lacing and start of reinstallation in sequencer box
17. 3 AprBeginning restoration of 1053 console printer
18. 2 AprPrepared demonstrations to use when 1130 lacks peripherals
19. 2 AprRepairing remainder of wiring bundle and preparation for reinstallation
20. 2 AprDisconnecting wiring bundles from sequencer box - part 3 - and commencing repairs
21. 2 AprSet all seven transformers for 230V main supply

March 2024

1. 30 MarDisk drive cleaning and restoration efforts - part 1
2. 30 MarNew cord installed, line filter closed up, almost done unwiring the sequencer box
3. 29 MarWorking on disk drive, first giving it a good cleaning
4. 29 MarFinished cleaning raw DC supply, assembled and tested it; partially reinstalled line filter
5. 27 MarDisconnecting wiring bundles from sequencer box - part 2
6. 26 MarDisconnecting wiring bundles from sequencer box - part 1 disconnecting TB3 and TB2
7. 26 MarFinished disassembly and did more cleaning of the raw DC power supply
8. 26 MarReplacing severed power cord - part 1, the removal of the line filter
9. 25 MarDisk drive on bench, raw DC power supply on bench, no new issues found
10. 24 MarMissing main power cord and a few small issues spotted but generally the system is in good shape
11. 24 MarPower before all else
12. 24 MarBeginning restoration of main power box in Infoage IBM 1130
13. 22 MarFirst look at new 1130 system coming in for restoration
14. 20 MarNow we wait for this system to be picked up and the next restoration 1130 to arrive
15. 19 MarCompleted some minor cosmetic adjustments in preparation for returning this to its owner
16. 19 MarSuccessfully ran keyboard/1053 diagnostic program and did some additional testing - console printer in perfect condition now
17. 19 MarFinal resolution of the keyboard Space bar problem
18. 18 MarBattling the diagnostic program until I can run it on the physical 1130
19. 18 MarMaking the keyboard Space bar work properly is continuing to be a challenge
20. 18 MarAdjusting 1053 printer and achieving excellent results
21. 17 MarSome diagnostic runs - successes and minor setbacks
22. 16 MarRan core memory diagnostics and adjusted various items on the IBM 1130
23. 15 MarVerification of 1053 Console Printer - final testing
24. 12 MarLoaded fresh bicolor ribbon in the Selectric cartridge
25. 12 MarConsole Loader working properly and ready to load diagnostics
26. 11 MarNew console loader - issue encountered and a design change made
27. 10 MarVerification of 1053 Console Printer - part 6 (done with typewriter repair)
28. 10 MarNye Clock Oil - accept no substitutes!
29. 9 MarVerification of 1053 Console Printer controller electronics - part 5
30. 9 MarBuilt another Console Loader for the incoming IBM 1130 I will restore next
31. 8 MarVerification of 1053 Console Printer controller electronics - part 4
32. 7 MarVerification of 1053 Console Printer controller electronics - part 3
33. 6 MarDiscovered interesting RPQ on the IBM 1130 I am restoring
34. 6 MarVerification of 1053 Console Printer controller electronics - part 2
35. 5 MarVerification of 1053 Console Printer controller electronics - part 1
36. 5 MarQuick test of new Console Loader implementation
37. 4 Mar1053 Return button working, installation complete; did some cosmetic work on the 1130
38. 3 MarInstalling 1053 on the IBM 1130, with unforseen snags
39. 3 MarLoading new dual color ribbon in the cartridges
40. 2 MarMotor power test of the 1053 functionality - everything works properly
41. 2 MarAdjusting the rotate character selection on the 1053 - success!
42. 1 MarAdjusting the rotate character selection on the 1053 - final round part 3
43. 1 MarAdjusting the rotate character selection on the 1053 - final round part 2

February 2024

1. 28 FebAdjusting the rotate character selection on the 1053 - final part 1
2. 27 FebSucceeded with print escapement and space function adjustments!
3. 27 FebStill battling print escapement adjustments
4. 23 FebChallenges with adjustment of the space mechanism
5. 20 FebSuccessfully adjusted carrier return, tab, current line pointer and print escapement
6. 20 FebDone adjusting the paper feed mechanism, adjusted cycle clutch as well
7. 17 FebAdjusting the paper feed mechanism - part 6 and continuing
8. 16 FebAdjusting the paper feed mechanism - part 5
9. 16 FebAdjusting the paper feed mechanism - part 4
10. 11 FebAdjusting the paper feed mechanism - part 3
11. 7 FebAdjusting the paper feed mechanism - part 2
12. 6 FebAdjusting the paper feed mechanism - part 1
13. 4 FebFinished installing the missing paper feed parts and levers - part 5
14. 3 FebInstalling the missing paper feed parts and levers - part 4
15. 2 FebInstalling the missing paper feed parts and levers - part 3

January 2024

1. 29 JanReplacement current column pointer installed
2. 25 JanProper donor typewriter identified and bought - should arrive in a week or so
3. 25 JanInstalling the missing paper feed parts and levers - part 2
4. 24 JanInstalling the missing paper feed parts and levers - part 1
5. 23 JanInvestigation into replacement of missing feed roller parts on 1053
6. 22 JanRepair of the right margin lever and reattachment to the 1053 - part 2
7. 21 JanSubstitute ribbon color control tape installed and adjusted on 1053; discovered missing parts
8. 20 JanRepair of the right margin lever and reattachment to the 1053 - part 1
9. 18 JanFixing carrier return and shift operations
10. 16 JanMotor power test of the 1053 functionality - first session
11. 15 JanAdjusting the rotate character selection on the 1053 - part 5
12. 13 JanAdjusting the rotate character selection on the 1053 - part 4
13. 11 JanTweaking the spacing (escapement) for the 1053 and testing solutions to fix other issues
14. 10 JanReplacement punch unit for 1442 Card Reader/Punch arrives
15. 10 JanAdjusting the character rotate selection on the 1053 - part 3
16. 9 JanAdjusting the rotate character selection on the 1053 - part 2
17. 7 JanAdjusting the rotate character selection on the 1053 - part 1
18. 7 JanPursuing an option for the missing ribbon color selection tape on the 1053
19. 7 JanCarriage return adjusted and works perfectly
20. 6 JanState of the projects - a new years summary
21. 6 JanUnderstand the issue with the 1053 not fully moving to rotate 5 positions; dealing with carrier return tweaking

2023 172

December 2023

1. 31 DecFixed backspace, fine tuned carrier return operation, verified solenoids will trigger functions
2. 31 DecOperational clutch trigger work on the 1053 console printer
3. 21 DecCords installed and holding; moving on to adjusting other functions of the 1053
4. 21 DecCause of escapement drum 'skipping' discovered and corrected, back to setting up cord tension
5. 14 DecTab and return cords installed again but something still wrong, not holding tension
6. 6 DecContinuing with tab/return cord installation and adjustments; resolving the missing ribbon color shift tape
7. 5 DecSwapped again to put new CR drum; fighting to reinstall a small spring
8. 2 DecInstallation of new console loader on museum's 1130 system

November 2023

1. 30 NovContinued battle with tab/return cords on the 1053 console printer; installing new console loader
2. 19 NovTypewriter 'whack a mole' getting the carrier return/tab/escapement cords set up
3. 18 NovSelection latch restoration and rotate selection adjustment work
4. 17 NovRotate work continues on 1053; new version of console loader modification tested
5. 13 NovAdjusting rotate mechanism to properly select characters on typeball; performing a transplant
6. 9 NovWorking on tab/CR cord tension adjustment

October 2023

1. 31 OctAdjusted backspace function on 1053, built testbed to check out the printer under power
2. 28 OctOops on 1053 adjustment but fixed several others plus read another two boxes of 1620 cards for a different collector
3. 26 OctReading and archiving a box of cards for an IBM 1620
4. 25 Oct1053 has many adjustments quite far from correct, working through each section of the machine
5. 23 OctRotate spring tension set correctly, tab setting sliders loosened as I continue to work on the 1053 console printer
6. 22 OctTab and carrier return cords installed at proper tension
7. 22 OctSome success with tab and carrier return cord installation
8. 20 OctFound a new approach to get the tab/return cord tension adjusted
9. 18 OctGetting close on tab cord and rotate spring tasks
10. 16 OctDiscovered broken mainspring during the Tab and Carrier Return cord work
11. 15 OctDrama and defeat in the battle of the tab cord attachment
12. 13 OctThe tricky installation of the tab and carrier return cords, as well as challenges loosening the rotate spring tension
13. 12 OctCover in place - could fine tune the mounting hardware but acceptable already
14. 11 OctPut together two designs and sent the boards off to be fabbed; challenge removing typeball from 1053 for more adjustments
15. 6 OctStill working on 1053 character selection after a busy day at Cape Canaveral
16. 6 OctConfession - being too reliant on black box components, my uTracer Vacuum Tube Curve Tracer heater regulation board project didn't work
17. 5 OctSuccess with 3D printing of door hardware; continuing on 1053 typewriter restoration
18. 5 Oct3D printing mounting hardware for door, continued tweaking typewriter (1053 Console)

September 2023

1. 30 SepNew rear cover built for the IBM 1130
2. 24 SepNot sure what is happening with the rear cover I ordered for the 1130
3. 24 SepQuick work while waiting on parts or other items needed for 1130 restoration tasks plus a bit of 1130 work
4. 22 SepPlan for partial verification of disk drive controller logic; 1053 Console Printer frozen linkage found and fixed
5. 20 SepDonor IBM Selectric 1 purchased; rear cover on its way here
6. 13 SepRear cover fabrication for IBM 1130 display pedestal
7. 10 SepFinishing up restoration of museum 1130, can install the virtual cartridge facility later at its home
8. 7 SepUser interface test verification part 28

August 2023

1. 30 AugUser interface test verification part 27
2. 24 AugUser interface test verification part 26
3. 24 AugDid some cleanup on the System Source 1130 system
4. 22 AugQuick feasibility investigation for emulating all devices on an 1130 for machines without the Storage Access Channel feature
5. 21 AugUser interface test verification part 25
6. 16 AugUser interface test verification part 24
7. 13 AugUser interface test verification part 23
8. 11 AugUser interface test verification part 22
9. 11 AugUser interface test verification part 21
10. 8 AugUser interface test verification part 20
11. 1 AugUser interface test verification part 19 - still slogging through the mire

July 2023

1. 24 JulUser interface test verification part 18
2. 18 JulUser interface test verification part 17 - one step backward
3. 17 JulUser interface test verification part 16
4. 14 JulBattle with toolchain software part 15 - Linux now starting with modern loader and U-boot
5. 14 JulBattle with toolchain software part 14
6. 12 JulBattle with toolchain software part 13
7. 11 JulBattle with toolchain software part 12
8. 10 JulBattle with toolchain software part 11
9. 9 JulUser interface test verification part 10 - death battle with everybody else's software in order to run mine
10. 7 JulUser interface test verification slog part 9
11. 5 JulUser interface test verification failures part 8
12. 2 JulUser interface test verification part 7 (this one not actually testing but refactoring)

June 2023

1. 30 JunUser interface test verification part 6
2. 27 JunUser interface test verification part 5
3. 26 JunUser interface test verification part 4
4. 25 JunUser interface test verification part 3
5. 25 JunUser interface test verification part 2
6. 24 JunUser interface test verification part 1
7. 23 JunSetting up testbed to exercise the user interface for debugging
8. 22 JunRevamping the screen layout now that touch interface is out of the design
9. 22 JunMore tests with the touch controller to understand why it isn't working, until I declared it a dead end
10. 21 JunStill unable to 'touch' the touch controller chip
11. 21 JunStill can't get an answer back from the touch controller chip
12. 20 JunTesting the touch screen interface and dual speed SPI logic
13. 20 JunDrawing on the LCD screen to test functions I need - part 10
14. 20 JunDual speed SPI link needed
15. 19 JunDrawing on the LCD screen to test functions I need - part 9
16. 19 JunDrawing on the LCD screen to test functions I need - part 8
17. 19 JunDrawing on the LCD screen to test functions I need - part 7
18. 16 JunReorganization of signals to improve cabling signal integrity
19. 11 JunDrawing on the LCD screen to test functions I need - part 6
20. 11 JunDrawing on the LCD screen to test functions I need - part 5
21. 11 JunDrawing on the LCD screen to test functions I need - part 4
22. 10 JunMusings on the LCD Module I am using - missing capability
23. 8 JunDebugging the small BMP display routine - used for up and down arrows
24. 7 JunI now understand why I couldn't access or control the HPS_LTC_GPIO signal on LTC pin 14 - vendor buffoonery
25. 7 JunBMP arrow code completed and SPI not being controlled by Linux driver
26. 7 JunBuilding BMP images for the user interface
27. 7 JunReshuffle of pin assignments and very minor hitch
28. 6 JunDrawing on the LCD screen to test functions I need - part 3
29. 5 JunPlan G to deal with the SPI complications communicating with the LCD and touch screen
30. 4 JunMore complications of the nonstandard pretend SPI used with the LCD Module
31. 4 JunDrawing on the LCD screen to test functions I need - part 2
32. 3 JunVerified that my plan F connectivity will work using small focused test
33. 3 JunOn to plan F - abandoning LTC connector, abandoning GPIO links, leveraging an HPS to FPGA bridge
34. 1 JunReassigning signals to pins on LTC connector and verifying they can be used - and they cannot

May 2023

1. 31 MayDigging deeper on the porting challenges of Raspberry Pi Nano based code to ARM Intel system
2. 30 MayDrawing on the LCD screen to test functions I need - part 1
3. 28 MayTested module to extract and list the virtual 2315 cartridge files on the SD Card
4. 26 MayVerifying key functionality with small focused test programs, part 5
5. 26 MayVerifying key functionality with small focused test programs, part 4
6. 25 MayVerifying key functionality with small focused test programs, part 3
7. 24 MayVerifying key functionality with small focused test programs, part 2
8. 23 MayI have my Linux and FPGA logic environment running on the DE10-Nano board
9. 23 MayVerifying key functionality with small focused test programs, part 1
10. 22 MayCross compiling working well now, on to testing on the DE10-Nano
11. 22 MaySnags getting the FPGA image loaded and my cross compile producing wrong ARM architecture
12. 18 MaySetting up the Terasic DE10-Nano environment for testing and eventual attachment to IBM 1130
13. 12 MayWorking on user interface code and dealing with non portable example code

April 2023

1. 27 AprA bit diverted training for volunteer work with the Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum
2. 22 AprBack from trip and cleaning up all the C code to run on the HPS side
3. 16 AprFinalized and purchased components for supporting time for orderly shutdown of DE10-Nano
4. 12 AprPlanning orderly shutdown at power removal
5. 10 AprRestructured the signal connections for the LCD module and the pick/hold to the HPS
6. 9 AprModifying the Waveshare demo code to use for my GUI
7. 9 AprControlling the SPI link on the Cyclone V is fairly different from Arduino, Raspberry Pi and others
8. 8 AprCrawling through documentation to discover the SPI link settings
9. 7 AprStarting to build the user interface code to control the LCD panel and touch screen
10. 6 AprCoded up quite a bit of the Linux app, ignoring the User Interface for now
11. 3 AprARM TOOLCHAIN WORKING PROPERLY AND CODE COMPILING
12. 2 AprC CODE FOR FIRST BOARD TESTS IS ALMOST READY
13. 1 AprPoring over the compile messages and cleaning up my FPGA logic

March 2023

1. 30 MarClean build again, time to move onward to Linux side development and testing of the board
2. 27 MarMinor issue with Quartus build of my SoC design - damned toolchains again
3. 27 MarSuccess - full build of the logic for the SoC with my new Linux image
4. 25 MarWhile fighting the USB drive access by VMWare, the virtual machine came back!
5. 23 MarPreparing USB bootable Ubuntu to attempt to recover the VMWare disk image
6. 22 MarClose, too close for the fates to allow, thus . . .
7. 21 MarDebugging and repairing the Quartus software on Ubuntu Linux
8. 20 MarMore on the installation software for Quartus on Linux
9. 19 MarHail Mary, attempt 2 - install toolchain on Ubuntu Linux under VMWare on my laptop
10. 18 MarFixed one issue but still have problems with Quartus
11. 18 MarMore toolchain hell
12. 18 MarUse of HPS peripheral mux to GPIO, plus another toolchain whacks me in the head
13. 15 MarWell, almost correct solution
14. 14 MarGreat discovery solving my IO pin shortage
15. 14 MarUpdate on LCD module connection ideas
16. 13 MarWiring, pin assignments, and new LCD screen for user interface
17. 11 MarDesigning C code to write over the HPS to FPGA bridges
18. 10 MarSimulation testing of the new logic I constructed
19. 5 MarBuilding up the next level of logic in order to begin tests on the physical hardware
20. 4 MarSimulation of the load/unload logic completed
21. 1 MarSimulating getdata and getcommands modules complete

February 2023

1. 26 FebBuilding up and testing the logic to swap virtual cartridge file between HPS and SDRAM - first module
2. 23 FebDiscovered that I may not need the onchip RAM approach at all
3. 22 FebREFINING THE DESIGN FURTHER
4. 22 FebEvolving design as I learn more about SoC communications
5. 19 FebHWLIB is for bare metal, i.e. not running under Linux; barking up the wrong tree
6. 18 FebCompiled program, now ready to set up the test on the DE10-Nano board
7. 18 FebBuilt header after sorting out issues and wrote program - issue in compilation
8. 17 FebTweaking toolchain to compile code for HPS system
9. 16 FebLinux side test set up
10. 16 FebCreating my first testbed - transfer of virtual address in Linux to the FPGA side
11. 15 FebRegressed toolchain to old version of Quartus - back on track since this works properly
12. 14 FebSecond laptop also cannot generate the 'golden reference design'
13. 14 FebSetting up to pass address to FPGA and display that word - but gremlins pop up
14. 12 FebGradually determining the names of the interface IP necessary in Qsys for my SOC
15. 11 FebMaking headway on Qsys, understanding the issue with uneven depths of required knowledge
16. 11 FebWorking my way down through the toolchain and identifying areas for further study
17. 6 FebWorkflow for the Intel/Altera based Terasic DE10-Nano board
18. 4 FebComplications in using the Linux side to hold the virtual disk cartridge file
19. 4 FebDeveloping the HPS to FPGA lite signaling path
20. 3 FebDeveloped address computation module to generate RAM address for read or write of a word
21. 2 FebFinished verification of write data capture logic
22. 2 FebData capture during disk write is working, next to explore pathological cases
23. 1 FebSetting up for verification of capture of data written by 1130 disk controller

January 2023

1. 31 JanSimulation of the disk reading and modeling logic to validate that portion of the design
2. 23 JanSeparated disk side logic from the memory, cartridge image and user interface logic
3. 19 JanNarrowing down design after a bit of exploration of the DE10-Nano
4. 13 JanMore on the new DE10-Nano board approach
5. 12 JanTime to shift to entirely new board and toolchain for the virtual 2315 project

2022 251

December 2022

1. 10 DecFound the source of the erratic behavior and improved it
2. 8 DecCan't trust the DRAM memory interface - considering radical restructuring to use on chip static ram

November 2022

1. 20 NovUpdate on debugging the SPI link between Virtual 2315 FPGA and Arduino sides
2. 12 NovHurricane Nicole now in the rear view mirror; tweaking simulation and nailing the reset and startup sequences with refactored design
3. 7 NovCompletely refactoring the SPI link logic

October 2022

1. 30 OctErratic results cast suspicion towards testbed itself or subtle issue
2. 29 OctRAM retrieving data but not yet transferred up SPI link - good progress
3. 25 OctBizarre clock domain discovered by logic analyzer core - digging deep
4. 24 OctData returned from the response FIFO correctly, not getting up to Arduino properly
5. 24 OctRAM writing and reading good, data not getting back to SPI link state machine correctly
6. 20 OctStripped down ram verify logic is working! Now to back port the changes to my main design
7. 19 OctBattle on two fronts but still bashing away at memory controller on FPGA board
8. 15 OctWading through error messages trying to resolve memory interface issue
9. 15 OctFPGA issues are in the clocking setup for the DDR3 RAM memory interface - once again not in my logic
10. 13 OctSpent time in the shop working on 1053 typewriter and Virtual 2315 build
11. 3 OctMany hours spent fighting with debug cores
12. 1 OctFinally back into shop for testing; fighting with the internal logic analyzer process

September 2022

1. 10 SepTriumphed over toolchain
2. 7 SepDopey toolchain design blocks any progress today
3. 6 SepShort debugging run highlights design flaws - signals changed in the wrong clock domain; some Selectric work done
4. 5 SepRAM access working, but slightly erratic operation of the link still needs some debugging
5. 4 SepDebugging tools working well - just need time to work with them
6. 3 SepInvested time in learning the integrated logic analyzer and other debug capability of Vivado toolchain
7. 2 SepImplemented LED panels plus added diagnostic output pins to debug FPGA
8. 1 SepHaving to debug and fix the Neopixel logic I leveraged to drive the panels from the FPGA

August 2022

1. 27 AugAdding diagnostic output from FPGA via Neopixel arrays
2. 26 AugAha - spotted a defect in my logic that was stalling the SPI link state machine
3. 24 AugWatching state machines and hunting for defects
4. 23 AugDigging into stall in state machines driving RAM access; switch cover mounted; header for backplane wiring prepped
5. 21 AugSPI link debugged, transactions working; next up is testing whether RAM is properly written and read back
6. 21 AugMore battles with SPI link debugging; built bracket to hold the Virtual/Real mode switch for the disk drive
7. 19 AugSPI link testing continues with some success; Wiring the Virtual/Real switch into the IBM 1130
8. 18 AugHead loading modification installed and tested
9. 18 AugNew SPI logic installed, testing the link again
10. 18 AugSPI link testing, designed interface PCB and sent to fab
11. 15 AugCapacitor removed from Arduino and secondary SPI clock is clearly working properly
12. 15 AugOf all the pins I could have chosen to repurpose for the secondary SPI channel clock . . .
13. 14 AugFirst testing of SPI link between the Arduino and the FPGA - SPI is not trying
14. 12 AugModified Arduino Mega 2560 to enable second SPI channel
15. 12 AugFeedback and diagnostic information brought to LEDs on the Virtual 2315 Cartridge FPGA board
16. 10 AugFinished the debugging of the Arduino link on the FPGA side using Vivado simulation
17. 10 AugArduino link state machine written and in debug
18. 9 AugSuccessfully pushing words back into RAM from the write stream coming from 1130 CPU - in simulation
19. 8 AugDebugging my way through the capture of writes to the disk drive and proper storage onto the virtual cartridge image
20. 7 AugAdding logic to snag words being written to the drive from the IBM 1130
21. 7 AugLocking down the read bit stream performance for the Virtual 2315 Cartridge system
22. 6 AugFeeling good about generating a read head stream of pulses but not done yet
23. 5 AugSubstituted fake memory module for the real memory interface - speeding debugging
24. 4 AugQuick update on simulating DDR3 memory interface
25. 4 AugMore learning curve - memory interface generator, DDR3 memory and FIFO startup requirements
26. 4 AugBitstream generation and disk modelling verified through simulation
27. 2 AugFinishing the drive modeling and simulating as I go
28. 2 AugValidation of drive modeling in FPGA by simulation is well underway

July 2022

1. 30 JulFPGA coding continues, some testing, as the Virtual 2315 Cartridge facility is being built
2. 25 JulRear cover for 1130 light panel designed to be laser cut at nearby Maker Space
3. 24 JulLatch handle finished and installed - rear door works properly
4. 23 JulValidating the wiring in the 1130 disk drive prior to making the virtual 2315 cartridge modification
5. 22 JulMachined latch handle arrives, ready for tapping, painting and installation; FPGA fun
6. 20 JulVerifying head load interruption on real drive, building VHDL for the FPGA
7. 18 JulTested all but the FPGA link on the Arduino for the Virtual 2315 Cartridge system
8. 17 JulDesign of the Virtual 2315 Cartridge system requires some Arduino workarounds
9. 13 JulAn important question is how the museum can best use and demonstrate this 1130
10. 12 JulYoutube video of the light panel upgrade installation and test
11. 12 JulDesigning method to use SD card disk images in the 1130 disk drive, while it spins and seeks
12. 11 JulLight panel mounting completed, installed and tested
13. 9 JulMissing handle for rear door latch - modeled in Fusion 360 and sent out to fab
14. 8 JulLight panel glued together, once fully hardened the panel will go back into the 1130
15. 7 JulAccelerating the sludge removal from the 1053 Console Printer
16. 6 JulTaking advantage of cleaning process to handle all my Selectric printer mechanisms
17. 6 Jul1053 Console Printer - not an ordinary typewriter Selectric element (ball)
18. 4 JulDouble checked the 1053 emulator before attachment to IBM 1130
19. 4 JulWork on securing light panel with new mounting hardware
20. 1 JulWorked on some mechanical/structural details of the IBM 1130 under restoration

June 2022

1. 30 JunFirst session removing grease and oil from the 1053
2. 30 JunResults of reloading the hi core diagnostic section for routine 2 - address testing
3. 30 JunBeginning the de-gunking of the IBM 1130 console typewriter
4. 29 JunRepaired bit flipping error in memory, running core diagnostics; one anomaly to check into
5. 28 JunPrepared Console/Keyboard test diagnostic to be ready as I restore the 1053
6. 24 JunSet up core tests to run on the machine next
7. 21 JunTest with the spare 3475 card in the memory module - parity errors shifting to other bits
8. 20 JunNarrowing in on the two failures after verifying they are consistent, likely both are resolved
9. 19 JunAdding stops to the CPU Test to figure out how far it gets successfully
10. 18 JunContinuing the load of the CPU Test diagnostics into the 1130 core memory and ran them, not successfully
11. 17 JunDumping the cpu test diagnostic from simulator and loading on the real 1130
12. 17 JunMore testing of the console printer controller logic in the IBM 1130
13. 16 JunQuick and simple test of console printer device controller successful
14. 16 JunChecking instructions and edge cases by hand - everything worked as it should
15. 16 JunWill begin debugging of the console printer device controller, although the typewriter not yet working
16. 15 JunKeyboard controller now fully working on IBM 1130
17. 14 JunHunting down the problem causing the Keyboard to not reset its request for IL4
18. 14 JunBack to troubleshooting the keyboard device controller circuits in IBM 1130
19. 13 JunBackplane apparent issue was a loose cable!
20. 13 JunInstalled SQL Server, imported signals into database, preparing for my debugging session today
21. 13 JunMore backplane failure issues - sigh
22. 12 JunLooking at possible failure in flip flop circuit on SLT card -
23. 12 JunDigging into failure to reset request for interrupt
24. 11 JunContinued checkout of the keyboard device controller logic - issues and progress
25. 11 JunPossible defects in the IBM 1130 based on some hand entered code
26. 10 JunAlmost finished with successful testing of the 1130 keyboard device controller logic; tested more instructions by hand
27. 9 JunBit 0 flip with parity stop has gone away
28. 9 JunMore cleanup of the database, I deem it ready for use
29. 9 JunRemoved direct duplicates in the spreadsheet of IBM 1130 signal pins
30. 8 JunCompleted second pass entering signals to 1130 database
31. 6 JunSecond pass at 90%, finishing up 1442 Reader/Punch and then doing 2501 Reader
32. 6 JunAt 80% finishing Vol 3 of ALDs, remaining are 1053, 1132, 1442 and 2501 device controllers
33. 5 JunFinishing up the memory load function for the IBM 1130
34. 5 JunCompleted all 1130 registers for phase 2 of database, next up are the device controller pages
35. 4 JunPass 2 at 1/3 point already
36. 3 Jun20% through the second pass building the signals database
37. 2 JunEarly in second pass of database entry for IBM 1130 signals
38. 1 JunFinal pages of ALD entry into database, start of second pass to capture input pins

May 2022

1. 30 MayDone with all but 1132, 1442 and 2501 device controllers
2. 29 MayFinished with volume 3 of 4 ALDs, entering remaining device controller signals
3. 27 MayCompleted all of central processing unit, now entering device controller ALD pages
4. 26 MayHalfway through entering signals into IBM 1130 database
5. 23 MayReached 1/3 point entering all IBM 1130 output signals and cable connections into database
6. 21 MayCompleted wire wrap fixes to replace temporary jumpers,
7. 20 MayBuilding looms and connectors for Memory Load tool, continuing to build database of 1130 signals
8. 19 MayContinued build of Memory Load tool, continued entry into database of signals on backplanes
9. 19 MayProgress report on signal mapping project
10. 17 MayBeginning project that is possibly too large to be feasible - full netlist and locations of the IBM 1130
11. 16 MayMore work building the memory loading tool,
12. 15 MayMore restoration of keyboard, building and installing the tool to load memory
13. 14 MayDiagnosing the keyboard device controller, finding a second backplane trace fault, other work
14. 13 MayHave the Usage Meter running, repaired the rotary Mode switch, investigated the three lights that don't illuminate on display pedestal
15. 12 MayStill attempting to fix the backup 6213 Run card with its Reset key oscillations
16. 12 MayAssessing more of the functionality of the 1130 processor; looking good so far
17. 11 MayPower sequencing fixed, traced down the root cause of the machines bad behavior, majority of it is working properly
18. 11 MayTraced all card pins to points inside the card, worked on issue with power sequencing relays
19. 9 MayPlanning diagnostic indicators for the power sequencing relays, ready to start again Tuesday morning
20. 8 MayImproved comprehensive circuit diagram for DC Reset signal on 6213 card in IBM 1130
21. 8 MayFully vetted original card at full speed using rig to diagnose backup card and working on power sequencing problem
22. 6 MayPower problems ironed out, continuing both system and card debugging
23. 5 MayDid some testing of two cards with the newly built test rig, continued slowly chasing signals to pins for reverse engineering the cards
24. 4 MayInstalled T3 transformer, continued on reverse engineering card, setting up testing rig to validate SLT cards
25. 3 MaySlow progress reverse engineering the card, wiring in T2 stepdown transformer and replacement transformer for usage meter
26. 3 MayDetailed tracing of DC Reset logic, different defects in the two 6213 cards
27. 2 MayWorking on sheet to document the destinations of card pins on the SLT modules and other components
28. 1 MayTracing SLT card pins to components, part 2

April 2022

1. 30 AprTracing card pins to components on the board, part 1
2. 30 AprDive into an IBM Single Shot (SS) gate from an IBM 1130 SLT card
3. 30 AprOverview of SLT and cans used on the 6213 card in the IBM 1130
4. 29 AprReverse engineering the SLT card prior to debugging, finalizing setup of test rig
5. 28 AprSwitches/buttons in good shape, Diving into debugging of the machine state
6. 27 AprMy plan for the next day or two will focus on validating that switches are working, not oxidized
7. 27 AprDiscovered fault in 6V Power Supply, system powers up; beginning of logic debug
8. 26 Apr+6V Power supply passes with flying colors, but something is still off here
9. 25 AprTesting rig for voltage regulator card being set up, believe I found and fixed the problem
10. 24 Apr+6V Regulated Power Supply in more depth
11. 24 AprOvervoltage protection is essential with rare vintage computers
12. 23 Apr108 Transistors arrived, power supply back together but still not working correctly
13. 22 AprFound and corrected miswiring of 1130 metering power supply, adding Console Loading Automaton
14. 22 AprGoing to replace the stepdown transformers in the IBM 1130 being restored
15. 21 AprFinishing wiring of the console panel lighting power, tested and closed up fpga extender box for other 1130
16. 20 AprFinished AC rewiring, had an issue with the console light power supply that needed addressing
17. 19 AprRewiring of transformers completed, rewiring of all AC connections underway, load tester prepared, blower voltage verified
18. 18 AprShort work session, finalized configuration check, unwired AC terminal block and put together resistors for load testing
19. 17 AprNailing down configuration of IBM 1130 I am restoring, ordering new fuses
20. 17 AprPrepared diagrams to rewire the AC terminal strips of the IBM 1130 I am restoring
21. 16 AprIdentified bad power transistors, determined AC wiring of the IBM 1130 is scrambled and needs rewiring
22. 15 AprWorking on power supply, discovering more issues with the power system of the IBM 1130
23. 14 AprPreemptive purchases to continue repair of IBM 1130 +6V supply
24. 14 AprPower testing on IBM 1130 System under restoration, part 2
25. 13 AprPower tests of the IBM 1130 system under restoration - part 1
26. 13 AprInitial checkout of the second IBM 1130 system
27. 10 AprSecond 1130 system arrives, to be restored and returned to its museum
28. 8 Apr1130 Expander closeup and static validation
29. 1 AprUnderstand the flash chip process better, restructuring the program

March 2022

1. 31 MarCollecting data to debug IOB6120, testing of flash chip load process, rubber sleeve complete for IBM 1130 Expander box
2. 30 MarWiring the logic analyzer to IOB6120, working on flashing the rom chip for IOB6120
3. 30 MarDebugging my flash loading apparatus, gluing rubber sleeve to 1130 Expander chassis, hooking IOB6120 to logic analyzer
4. 30 MarGave up on finding Windows serial terminal to upload file with prompts; writing Python code to handle the job
5. 29 MarInvestigating Arduino rig to write flash contents, completing IOB6120 probing cable
6. 27 MarBuilding cable to probe IOB6120, testing eBay 28F400 chip, testing Arduino flash loader device
7. 25 MarTesting code to load the flash chip without having an Arduino handy
8. 21 MarCode written to write a PC file to the flash chip for the IOB6120 board
9. 19 Mar29F400 Chip installed on the DIP-48 adapter board, planning out the breadboard and arduino setup to write data to the chip
10. 19 MarProgramming requirements for 29F400 flash memory chip
11. 18 MarWill install a 29F400 flash chip on a breakout board and attempt to program it with an Arduino Mega 2560
12. 17 MarRepaired 160 pin connector for 1130 extender, adding cable wiring protection
13. 16 MarSolder reflow plate project working, still working to hook up logic analyzer to the IOB6120
14. 16 MarI will prevail over the flash memory issues with the IOB6120
15. 15 MarReplaced parts in solder reflow plate, tested and modified flash on IOB6120
16. 14 MarDecoded the I/O error trying to load the flash of the IOB6120
17. 14 MarIOB6120 is alive and talking to the flash, debugging continues
18. 14 MarStarting the debugging of IOB6120 add on to the SBC6120 PDP-8 replica
19. 13 MarGot to the bottom of the serial port issue with SBC6120, added air vents to 1130 Expander box
20. 12 MarCheckout of IOB6120 and SBC6120 slowed by serial terminal hiccups
21. 12 MarModification to SBC6120 sorted out, additional cable signals to 1130 Extender box wired up
22. 12 MarProgress on IOB6120, 1130 Extender and a few small disasters
23. 10 MarInterim projects while waiting on parts and supplies
24. 9 MarWorking on diode-resistor modifications to IOB6120
25. 8 MarFinalizing changes to IOB6120 board for parts substitution and correction of known defect
26. 7 MarSet up connector for additional interrupt levels on 1130 Expander Box, tested my IOB6120 board for shorts, continuity, errors
27. 6 MarAnother teletype weekend, time off from my projects
28. 4 MarAll receive and send circuits of 1130 Expander tested, LEDs fixed, finished assembling IOB6120
29. 4 MarDesigned power supply mounting, did some wiring, finished 160 pin connector wire extenders and now testing
30. 2 MarMounting PCB in 1130 Extender and preparing connector cabling for wiring to the board; IOB6120 board has arrived
31. 1 MarCareful checking and validation for the 1130 Extender project

February 2022

1. 28 FebFinished soldering the circuit board for the IBM 1130 Extender
2. 28 FebIOB6120 parts have all arrived and the PCB is waiting for DHL pickup at the factory
3. 25 FebGot a bit more done before relatives arrive for multi day visit, during which no work will get accomplished at shop
4. 24 FebAssembly day one - ICs, capacitors, power check, transistors installed, beginning on resistors
5. 24 FebFinally have board and can begin to work on the project
6. 22 FebMy 1130 Extender PCB intended to arrive today (early!) - due to idiocy it may be tomorrow or never
7. 22 FebFabricated back level version of IOB6120 board, need to apply corrections
8. 21 FebSome incompatibilities, appears I can resolve them to use 32M flash in place of 4M flash chip
9. 21 FebSourcing parts for IOB6120 build, including obsolete and unobtainium components
10. 21 FebTeletype restorations partially completed, plus preparing to build two interesting projects
11. 19 FebPCB delivery scheduled for Feb 24th per DHL, began work on TTY ASR/33 restorations
12. 17 FebPCB finished and waiting DHL pickup, case connector holes completed, preparing for ASR 33 Teletype restoration
13. 16 FebWill the 'paint ever dry?', meanwhile I worked on cutting the openings in the case and began code refactoring of the PC side software
14. 15 FebSlow 'paint drying', prepped case and LED board, found spring for 1053 tab latch and partly reassembled M600 reader
15. 14 FebWorked out LED equivalent circuit and finished deconstruction of the old FPGA 1130 extender box
16. 14 Feb'Paint still wet' but preparing for construction of the new 1130 FPGA extender box
17. 12 FebWatching paint dry, or the wait for a PCB to complete fabrication over a weekend in China
18. 10 FebAnother save, final verification complete, board at the fab being manufactured
19. 9 FebVerification saves my bacon - conflicting numbering for ATX-24 power supply socket
20. 9 FebFinished routing the PCB for the IBM 1130 Extender Box; now verifying carefully
21. 8 FebFinding and fixing errors, routing manually since KiCAD has no autorouter function
22. 7 FebFinished placement of all components and beginning hand routing of traces
23. 7 FebI like KiCAD very much; great experience switching over and building my 1130 extender box PCB
24. 5 FebWorking on schematic for new PCB for the 1130 extender box; investing time to learn KiCad; sourcing parts
25. 5 FebVerified correct typing of all 88 characters on the type ball of the 1053; design decisions and study for the FPGA box rebuild
26. 2 FebPlanning to rebuild the 1130 Extender Box
27. 2 FebThink I found the cause of the flaky Load function on the IBM 1130 console
28. 2 FebWorking on 1053 printer, making progress

January 2022

1. 31 JanOrganized the diagnostic card decks that come with the IBM 1130 and archived them online
2. 31 JanRestoration of 1053 Console Printer of the IBM 1130 system is nearly complete
3. 25 JanFixed hot interrupt issue with FPGA box unplugged, testing 1130 instructions by hand, anomaly spotted, plus typewriter work
4. 24 JanCOBOL issue resolved, able to load the compiler on DMS
5. 23 JanVerified cause of interrupts on IBM 1130, more indications it is in great shape, plus removed console typewriter for restoration
6. 22 JanOrganizing my various DMS load decks, ready to do restoration work on 1053 console of 1130 while using my 1053 emulator box
7. 20 JanIBM 1130 light panel wired up, powered up and okay at first cut; my DMS load deck isn't complete (yet)
8. 19 JanIBM 1130 powers up on new 240 service, first group of cards prepared for sale, IBM 1130 Simulator issue is not a flaw in DMS
9. 18 JanTape drive talks to my P390, preparing cards for sale, and getting 240V outlet to run my IBM 1130 and Telex tape drives
10. 17 Jan9 Track Tape Drive passes self tests and loads tape; Continuing post processing of 1130 card decks; awaiting cards to read for someone else
11. 16 JanExample of the post-processing work for the archived card decks
12. 15 JanStarting on Diablo disk and DEC tape drive restorations
13. 14 JanDug into the erratic contact in Documation reader, tested need for column 81 modification, stowed away
14. 14 JanWrapped up last of the cards and an interesting small challenge
15. 13 JanFuture projects now that card archiving is almost complete
16. 12 JanContinued archiving decks, only 1000 cards remain to read
17. 11 JanVery good day in spite of the remaining gremlin
18. 11 JanMaking great headway archiving card decks, but at least one more demon resides in the card reader
19. 9 JanFlakiness multiplies but I hunted the cause down; reader working excellently now; debugging of my cardread.exe commences
20. 9 JanObservations from analyzer trace leads to verification of logic on Clock card
21. 8 JanGremlin found and exterminated; M1000 card reader still not working
22. 6 JanFound undocumented modifications to both Documation readers that cause problems
23. 4 JanMore erratic behavior from M1000 reader
24. 1 JanAdjusted M1000, now operational, but right side notch fix not working

2021 107

December 2021

1. 31 DecVaried tasks at shop while waiting for scale and drive belt
2. 30 DecCardread.exe successfully recompiled, now introducing my modifications
3. 30 DecThrew away MS Visual Studio as it seems broken, installed Pelles C, working to compile cardread.exe
4. 30 DecUnsuccessfully trying to wrestle MS VS into submission, just to make the unmodified version of Cardread.exe
5. 29 DecHad to whip up a card reversing program for decks read prior to my right hand notch modification
6. 29 DecDocumation belt replacement done, adjustments must await arrival of a spring scale
7. 29 DecBuilt open collector inverter to modify Documation M1000 to read cards with right side notches
8. 29 DecArchived a few boxes of cards as the M1000 reader gets closer to full working status
9. 26 DecEnhancing Brian Knittel's Cardread.exe to improve productivity archiving old decks of cards
10. 23 DecCompleted testing 74182N chips, diagnosing the M1000 card reader moves forward
11. 22 DecCause discovered for failure to test 74182 with chip tester
12. 21 DecNarrowed list of causes for chip tester failure, instrumented M1000 card reader and looking at problems
13. 20 DecInvestigating anomaly testing SN74182N chips with Retro Chip Pro tester
14. 16 DecArchiving steadily with pauses to battle Documation card reader isI asues
15. 7 DecPartially adjusted M600 card reader and resuming archiving decks
16. 5 DecArchived cards, M600 reader now out of adjustment and misfeeding, but M1000 reader nearly ready to take over

November 2021

1. 29 NovM1000 reader magnetic pickup fails again, verifying more of my chips, continuing archiving of decks
2. 27 NovSpent hours organizing DMS files and testing all the COMMON programs I have archived
3. 25 NovRead almost four boxes more, plus started testing of the internal controller on the M1000 reader
4. 23 NovFixed retro chip tester and archived more card decks
5. 21 NovContinuing the card archiving, finished retro chip tester pro, wiring internal Documation controller
6. 19 NovCard reader interface fully working, beginning the archiving of all my decks
7. 17 NovExisting CARDREAD.EXE drives Documation reader properly, formatting mistake in returned data; P390 minor issues
8. 17 NovExisting CARDREAD.EXE can communicate to Arduino interface with bootloader removed
9. 17 NovVisitors gone - back in the workshop
10. 13 NovMore wrinkles with Arduino and windows serial over USB; making CARDREAD.EXE connect to Arduino
11. 8 NovDiscovered why CARDREAD.EXE is not communicating with Arduino
12. 7 NovDealing with spurious input with first read on Arduino
13. 6 NovDigging into the serial link challenges with my Documation card reader interface
14. 6 NovSetting up to investigate the failure to communicate by cardread.exe to interfaces
15. 4 NovIssue found with my card reader interface; can't get existing program to connect
16. 1 NovDebugging continues for new Documation card reader controller

October 2021

1. 30 OctP390 is working! Two small issues to chase down with the new Documation interface
2. 30 OctDebugging new Documation card reader controller, also debugging P390 system
3. 28 OctFinally getting back to the shop

September 2021

1. 28 SepValidated and corrected interface polarities,
2. 27 SepRearranged shop, building new card reader interface
3. 24 SepHunting the elusive motherboard for x235 server
4. 22 SepSome disquieting signs with the x235 server
5. 21 SepBuilding Arduino code as new controller for Documation card readers
6. 20 SepStill working to test the interface to the card reader; P390 server partially boots OS/2 and stalls
7. 16 SepM1000 appears to be working correctly now; x235 P390 server assembled and looking good so far
8. 16 SepResumed testing of M1000 card reader, reassembly of P390's x235 server
9. 14 SepMagnetic pickup cable repaired and connected, beginning reassembly of x235 server for P390 system
10. 13 SepJoined local Makerspace and used it to straighten out the P390 bent sheetmetal
11. 10 SepBuilt the extender board, spliced the replacement cable for magnetic pickup
12. 9 SepMiscellaneous work mostly for the Documation card reader tasks
13. 7 SepWorking on the chassis of the x235 server that houses the P390, plus extender cards are nearby
14. 6 SepBegan work on bent up P390 server chassis
15. 6 SepWire close to pickup has connectivity, just need to splice new cable I hope; erratic behavior of card reader interface
16. 4 SepMore furniture purchases but did find sources for magnetic pickup if necessary
17. 4 SepTracked down issue with stalled M1000 card reader - no connectivity to magnetic pickup for toothed wheel
18. 3 SepDay spent buying furnishings and televisions for new home
19. 1 SepResolved OneDark signal issues, moving forward with diagnosis of M1000 card reader

August 2021

1. 31 AugProbing further into the OneDark signal mystery
2. 29 AugRestored power to M1000 Documation reader, working on the OneDark signal flakiness
3. 27 AugDetailed study of logic analyzer trace, one signal issue spotted, then OneDark failure returns
4. 25 AugExtender card coming to me thanks to a gift from the Datamuseum of Denmark
5. 24 AugDeep dive into phototransistor/LED and related circuitry in M1000
6. 23 AugClosing in on one defect in the M1000 reader
7. 23 AugDigging into why card data isn't being returned
8. 20 AugDetailed test of the M1000 reader with the internal interface
9. 19 AugRetrofitting Error board with pullup resistors and investigating additipnal circuits
10. 19 AugWhole lot of "nope" today
11. 18 AugContinuing to work on the Documation readers
12. 15 AugFirst faults found on Documation readers
13. 14 AugFirst projects in the new workshop
14. 12 AugEquipment moved into the new workshop
15. 10 AugGave up on U-Haul, going to plan B with them
16. 6 AugStill waiting on U-haul to schedule drop off of my equipment pods

July 2021

1. 30 JulArrived! Housekeeping tasks in advance of receiving my gear
2. 24 JulHeading cross country
3. 11 JulWrapping up the packing while the first six pods head eastward
4. 8 JulArchiving projects when I am settled into my workshop in Florida
5. 6 JulLoading is underway

June 2021

1. 17 JunI have been quiet because I am moving cross country

May 2021

1. 31 MaySuccess on third attempt at creating an aligner mask for the lamp holders on PCB
2. 8 MayAligner board strike two - back to the drawing board

April 2021

1. 30 AprAligner board not quite right, but should get it on the next revision
2. 26 AprCreated design for the aligner board and sent to fab
3. 23 AprAlmost there! Fix one position and move two bulbs
4. 22 AprMissing a handful of bulbs to complete all 164 positions of the 1130 Console Panel
5. 21 AprMore than halfway done building lamps into holders
6. 19 AprReceived lamp holders, beginning to build lamps for the IBM 1130 control panel
7. 15 AprGlacial movement of supplies while I bide my time
8. 10 AprExperimenting with the 3D printed lamp holder prototype
9. 8 AprTested brighter 8610 bulb against 2114 - noticeably brighter but 4X the current
10. 7 AprMinor issue spotted and corrected
11. 7 AprAlmost fully populated board tested with adequate transformer I received today
12. 5 AprMeasured bulb current draw, pleasant surprise, but purchased junk ammeter
13. 4 AprFinished first version of bulb holder design for 3D printing
14. 3 AprDifficulties having a full Lamp Test verification of the board
15. 2 AprThinking about improvements for lamp holder for the incandescent control panel upgrade
16. 2 AprPowered tests of the functionality of the board - everything working very well
17. 1 AprAnomaly tracked down to failed triac
18. 1 AprFinished build of the incandescent light upgrade to the IBM 1130 control panel
19. 1 AprPlaced 164 sockets on the backside of the PCB into which the lamps will be plugged

March 2021

1. 31 MarInstalled 164 Triacs and 164 resistors onto the IBM 1130 incandescent lamp upgrade board
2. 30 MarPCB arrived, ready to begin component installation and checkout
3. 28 MarPCB box approaches, on target for Tuesday arrival
4. 26 MarPCB jumps from 63% done and target of April 2, suddenly complete and waiting shipment
5. 25 MarComponents arrived as I wait for a seeming eternity for the PCBs to be completed
6. 17 MarPrep work while waiting three or more weeks for the new PCBs to arrive
7. 16 MarIncandescent driver board now in fabrication at PCBWay with extended build time of 16-17 days
8. 14 MarDesign of the new PCB for a better incandescent lamp mounting in the IBM 1130 display panel
9. 14 MarPerforming checkout of incandescent lamp improvement to IBM 1130 display panel
10. 11 MarBack home and starting on projects

2020 118

October 2020

1. 3 OctSide project while waiting for outdoor air to become fit for human life - restore a Power Designs 2005P Power Supply - Part III
2. 3 OctPower Designs 2005P power supply schematic
3. 3 OctSide project while waiting for outdoor air to become fit for human life - restore a Power Designs 2005P Power Supply - Part II

September 2020

1. 30 SepQuick verification of communication between CISCO 2911 router and my laptop
2. 30 SepSide project while waiting for outdoor air to become fit for human life - restore a Power Designs 2005P Power Supply - Part I
3. 2 SepSetting up laptop for private ethernet link to Cisco router

August 2020

1. 31 AugRPF working well now
2. 31 AugDigging into the TCAM TSO problem running RPF correctly
3. 28 AugInvestigating issue with TSO operation under TCAM, showcased by failure of RPF to display menus
4. 28 AugChanging the TCAM configuration and MCP to support the BSC link to the SyncDongle
5. 27 AugLoading code into the SyncDongle
6. 27 AugBuilding the MVS version to support BSC links to my 3174 using SyncDongle - second time is the charm
7. 27 AugConstructing an MVS 3.8 with 2703 controller and TCAM configuration for my remote 3174 - try 1
8. 26 AugBuilding a Hercules version known to work with BSC and the SyncDongle
9. 26 AugSuccessfully configuring Hercules for the SDLC links to the terminals
10. 26 AugAdding in ZLIB and other support functions to Hercules
11. 26 AugDone building Hercules for SDLC, readying it for use
12. 24 AugCalifornia fires, horrible air quality and terminal workbench outside of my home - not making much progress
13. 22 AugLooking into the overly dim 3179 monitors
14. 21 AugFighting to compile SDL Hercules
15. 18 AugImages from IBM 3179 terminal in operation
16. 18 AugBuilding the cable and preparing to test the SDLC link from 3174 to Hercules via SDLC
17. 18 AugBuilding Hercules with the DLSw 3705 and BSC 2703 modifications
18. 17 AugKeyboard arrives and my 3179 color terminal is working!
19. 16 AugSetting up my DLSw link with a Cisco 2811 router and the IBM 3174 controller
20. 13 AugAdjusting the repaired 3178 terminal monitor - now have three viewable monochrome monitors
21. 12 AugTerminal monitor electrical inspection and repair work
22. 11 AugRestored floppy drive, made diskette copies of my images, IMLed the 3174 from floppy
23. 10 AugTerminal miscellany
24. 9 AugStarting to put together the BSC approach based on Mattis Lind's SyncDongle
25. 9 AugFixed my wrap plug so that it works properly with the 3174
26. 9 AugI am lucky with the cable I bought on eBay to connect my 3174
27. 9 AugLooking into implementation of Binary Synchronous Communications link to the 3174
28. 7 AugWorking on the 3174 EIA wrap test plug until the diagnostic runs clean, controller tests out good
29. 6 AugMystery of the IBM floppy drive cabling in the 3174 Controller
30. 6 AugConnectivity option being pursued between 3174 and PC running Hercules
31. 4 AugFlexible wrap-test connector platform for use with the IBM 3174 Communications Adapter
32. 3 AugLocated cable wiring diagrams for cable from 3174 communications adapter to modem or other comm facility
33. 3 AugRepaired my original Gotek thus will have a dual emulated floppy 3174 system
34. 3 AugIBM FRU identification built into the sync communications cable
35. 2 AugFighting with the IBM 3174 Controller - a tale of keyboards and cables
36. 2 AugResolved problem with Gotek floppy drive emulator - you won't believe the cause of the issue
37. 1 AugInvestigating the floppy drive interface of the IBM 3174

July 2020

1. 31 JulBuilt program to list contents of the floppy diskette images, in hex and EBCDIC
2. 29 JulAt least one cause of the failure to IML - insufficient RAM
3. 29 JulStill failing IML of the IBM 3174 with the replaced Gotek/FlashFloppy
4. 27 JulAdding in or improving terminal behaviors for oec 3174 substitute
5. 26 JulDebugging underway for the 3174 substitute TEST mode feature
6. 25 JulFound the problem with the power-down of my 3174
7. 25 JulFirst try doing IML with the Gotek/FlashFloppy emulator
8. 24 JulPeering inside my 3179 terminal monitor to find the CRT part number
9. 24 JulAlmost ready to attempt IML (boot up) of my IBM 3174 controller
10. 24 JulStudying IBM Binary Synchronous Communications (BSC) in case I need it to drive my 3174 controller
11. 23 JulProgress on 3174 restoration, beginning check out of my TEST mode for 3174 substitute, and fighting Hercules weirdness
12. 21 JulPreparation work for bringing up a physical IBM 3174-51R control unit for testing
13. 19 JulImplementing part of TEST mode for 3174 controller replacement - because I was bored
14. 17 JulAnother take on the status line data
15. 16 JulAnswers to "how does it know"
16. 16 JulInvestigating a "how does it know" question concerning the status characters on the last line of a 3278/3178 etc terminal
17. 15 JulIPL and Operation of MVS 3.8 under Hercules using my 3178 terminal and the OEC package
18. 13 JulFirst connection between Hercules (370 MVS 3.8 emulator) and the 3178 terminal using 3174 replacement
19. 13 JulChallenges running 3174 substitute under Windows
20. 9 JulQuick demonstration of the functionality of the 3178 terminal
21. 7 JulYouTube video of the project to animate the Apollo DSKY panel
22. 5 JulImplemented the Num Lock feature on my terminal
23. 5 JulAdded auto-skip behavior to my 3178 terminal
24. 4 JulImplementing Cursor Select key functionality
25. 4 JulContinuing to test my 3174 substitute functionality and fix bugs
26. 3 JulWired second Relay Module to animate the R1 digits on the Apollo DSKY panel
27. 1 JulStarting point for my substitute keyboard for the IBM 3179 terminal
28. 1 JulFirst test of 3179 terminal in darkness
29. 1 JulThe 3179 terminal has arrived! Some bad news as well
30. 1 JulSimple solution to the wrap around buffer problem

June 2020

1. 30 Jun3178 terminal code fleshed out including shadow buffer
2. 29 JunContinuing to update my terminal code to better emulate the 3174-3178 behavior
3. 28 JunNew Apollo items loaned to me including a late model EL panel
4. 26 JunA session playing with the quick and dirty 3174 connected to the 3178 terminal
5. 26 JunA tale of two buffers - 3178 terminal and the 3174 control unit
6. 26 JunMy quick and dirty 3174 control unit brings the 3178 terminal to life
7. 25 JunKeyboard and character set of my 3178 terminal
8. 25 JunDeveloping my scan code functionality for the 3178 terminal and keyboard
9. 24 JunSerial link bug in 3174 substitute system is corrected!
10. 24 JunWorking on the issues with second digit of VERB display on DSKY panel
11. 23 JunFinished testing DSKY project
12. 22 JunExperimenting with my 3178 terminal using Andrew Kay's 3174 control unit replacement
13. 21 JunIBM 3174 Control Unit replacement is working after long painful debugging
14. 20 JunMore than 3/4 done verifying segment patterns for various codes sent to DSKY Relay Module
15. 19 JunUsing Arduino to switch the DSKY Relay Module and some QA testing
16. 19 JunEL Panel wired to Relay module, Relay Module wired to transistor driver breadboard, breadboard hooked to Arduino
17. 18 JunLong slow trek building and wiring up connectors for the Apollo DSKY display project
18. 16 JunNarrowing in on the communications error serial USB between Arduino and Windows virtual COM port
19. 15 JunBuilding control system for the DSKY, based on an Arduino
20. 15 JunTested 3174 interface communications with new genuine Arduino Mega 2560, same failures
21. 13 Jun3174 interface issue narrows down to either my Arduino board or some serial communications issue
22. 13 JunMore debugging of the 3174 interface system to drive IBM 3178 terminal
23. 12 JunPlates arrived to construct the connectors for the DSKY components
24. 11 JunScoping the 3174 interface board to verify its operation
25. 11 JunDiscovered problems in my interface board to the 3178 terminal but still not working
26. 10 JunTesting out Andrew Kay's 3270 interface and control unit software - first unsuccessful try
27. 8 JunAdding a 1202 in register 1
28. 7 JunCommence landing - wiring up a couple of digits to indicate Program 63
29. 6 JunTesting mini-WASP in and wirewrap method while waiting for my plates to arrive
30. 5 JunChecking out my 3178 terminal components
31. 5 JunDisappointing news after unboxing - my terminal is a 3178 rather than the color 3179
32. 4 JunNew project - experimenting with my IBM 3179 color terminals
33. 4 JunMaking plates to hold the mini-WASP pins
34. 2 JunDesigning test setup using DSKY modules and EL panel
35. 1 JunFurther testing of power supply shows it healthier than originally thought

May 2020

1. 27 MayAttempt 2 at an alternative driver for 800 Hz to the power supply module of the DSKY

March 2020

1. 28 MarAn attempt to improve the output of the DSKY power supply module, attempt 1
2. 12 MarInvestigating recreation of DSKY power supply circuit
3. 10 MarThe EL panel has a variant color, different from later production DSKY panels
4. 9 MarTesting additional segments for operation after tweaking power supply
5. 9 MarImproving connections and first testing of the EL panel
6. 8 MarResults of DSKY power supply testing and power-up
7. 3 MarComplications during DSKY module testing and power up
8. 1 MarPreparation to light up an Apollo DSKY electroluminescent panel

February 2020

1. 10 FebPlease be patient - back to blogging soon

2019 100

December 2019

1. 26 DecMethodical testing of Control Logic board - part I - movements
2. 16 DecBad chip that I had already replaced - 74LS08PC
3. 15 DecSingle shot chip takes a dive - not so amusing distraction
4. 13 DecPutting the correct 74LS08PC chips onto the board
5. 11 DecBeeping out the rest of the Control Logic board to verify traces and schematic, found a big problem
6. 8 DecSeventh chip replaced, testing resumes at a snail's pace
7. 6 DecContinuing debug of control logic board
8. 4 DecReplacing defective chips on the drive B Control Logic board
9. 3 DecCheck all ICs on Control Logic board for irrational combinations
10. 3 DecChasing faults in second drive Control Logic board
11. 2 DecStudying Control Logic to allow me to debug loading and repair second PCB

November 2019

1. 22 NovCollecting data on the failure to autoload tapes or dump into the vacuum columns
2. 15 NovDrilling down into failure of drive A 'dump' of tape into the vacuum columns
3. 14 NovGleaning hints for what is transpiring behind the metal cover of the Telex 8020 tape path
4. 11 NovStarting repairing Control Logic Board for drive B
5. 11 NovBuilding clear cover for vacuum columns to assist in debugging
6. 8 NovAttempting manual load of tape on drive in Cabinet A of Telex 8020
7. 8 NovUpdating channel specification for 370 features
8. 8 NovBeginning design of an FPGA based 370 channel, needed to drive my Telex tape drives
9. 7 NovRestoration of power supply and bring-up of integrated 3803 equivalent control unit for Telex 8020 tape system
10. 5 NovDebugging of Telex 8020 cabinet B drive
11. 5 NovDigging into load failure on Telex 8020 drive A
12. 4 NovRepair work on logic circuits for drive B
13. 4 NovSwitching back to power supply in cabinet A for drive 1
14. 4 NovRestoring operation of Power Window on Telex 8020 drive A
15. 2 NovOngoing diagnosis of load function for Telex 8020 drive A
16. 1 NovContinuing diagnosis and repair of tape load on drive A of my Telex 8020 system

October 2019

1. 29 OctDiagnosing failure in tape load operation in Telex 8020 drive cabinet A
2. 28 OctStart testing logic and power amplifiers in drive A
3. 28 OctMore work on the operator control panel of drive B
4. 28 OctStarting testing of logic and amplifiers in drive B
5. 27 OctConverting the Telex drives to different speeds
6. 26 OctStart repair of operator control panel & finish repair of dump card from cabinet B of Telex 8020 tape system
7. 26 OctFinal repair of power supply in Telex 8020 tape drive cabinet A, except for replacement fuse holder
8. 22 OctEvaluating restoration of integrated control unit from Telex 8020 cabinet A
9. 22 OctBegin restore of power supply in Telex 8020 drive A
10. 22 OctConnecting vacuum/blower in cabinet B to drive in cabinet A
11. 22 OctFinal repair of Telex 8020 drive B power supply
12. 21 OctPower supply testing results for Telex 8020 tape drive system - almost ready
13. 19 OctBeginning restoration of Telex 8020-2X 9 track tape drives (IBM 3420 compatible)

September 2019

1. 3 SepRepairing Telequipment CT-71 Curve Tracer - part III
2. 1 SepRepairing Telequipment CT-71 Curve Tracer - part II

August 2019

1. 26 AugRepairing Telequipment CT-71 Transistor Curve Tracer - part I
2. 1 AugWill perform lunar landings and show some of the AGC support gear at Vintage Computer Festival West

July 2019

1. 30 JulApollo Guidance Computer ancillary gear - testing, testing and more testing
2. 25 JulTaking the AGC on a tour and demonstrating Apollo 11 landings
3. 25 JulPrepared to process telemetry downlink data from the Apollo Guidance Computer running Luminary 99
4. 14 JulFinal preparations for 50th anniversary demonstration tour with AGC
5. 12 JulProgramming Arduino to drive LEDs on LEGO LM model based on signals from AGC flying mission
6. 11 JulImproving the interface board and patch panels for demos, plus LM Model set up to display jet firings
7. 5 JulFinal preparations for public display and demonstrations for the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11

June 2019

1. 25 JunAnother diode bites the dust in the AGC Current Switch Module
2. 24 JunFinal upgrade to our AGC and working on simulating missions such as lunar landing
3. 19 JunInteracting with the running Apollo Guidance Computer using DSKY
4. 17 JunErasable (core memory RAM) of Apollo Guidance Computer repaired and working properly
5. 17 JunMain spacecraft connector and patch panel finished, accelerometer simulator plugged in
6. 17 JunRetrieving previously lost Apollo programs from a museum's core rope modules
7. 10 JunFinishing equipment to read core rope programs and drive the AGC with real Apollo software
8. 8 JunContinuing the restoration of the Apollo Guidance Computer
9. 2 JunThe DSKY substitute is completed and ready to attach to the AGC

May 2019

1. 31 MayWrapping up 'acceptance testing' of the DSKY substitute and working on AGC patch panel
2. 28 MayReadying the DSKY substitute and preparing to interface to the Apollo Guidance Computer
3. 21 MayAGC connectors and chance to use Applied Science EL panel
4. 11 MayRestoring and testing the Core Rope Simulator boxes for the Apollo Guidance Computer
5. 6 MayDSKY closed up and ready for testing with a purpose built test rig
6. 5 MayRefining the incandescent simulation: measuring the real bulb behavior
7. 1 MayWorking on installation of the IBM 1130 light panel using LEDs to simulate incandescent bulbs

April 2019

1. 24 AprPhysical construction work for IBM 1130 console display panel alternative lighting
2. 24 AprLight profile tweaking for IBM 1130 console replacement display
3. 20 Aprmore refinements of the replacement console panel lighting for the IBM 1130 - bitstream, PS test, fidelity test
4. 18 AprFinishing the 1130 console display board
5. 13 AprDesigning and testing the FPGA logic for the 1130 control panel
6. 3 Aprbuilding the IBM 1130 console display main PCB

March 2019

1. 27 MarNearing the finish line on the physical assembly of the DSKY substitute
2. 26 MarDesigning the light panel for the IBM 1130 (LED replacing incandescent display lamps)
3. 18 MarPreparing DSKY keyboard for final assembly
4. 17 MarFinally completed all decal work for the DSKY substitute
5. 17 MarMore futile attempts to produce the last few decals for the DSKY panel
6. 16 MarModeling incandescent panel light turn-on and turn-off optical characteristics for computer consoles
7. 10 MarAnother day of DSKY decal process fails, with some incremental improvement
8. 10 MarDoing much better with applying text to panels for DSKY
9. 9 MarBattling with labeling system for DSKY panel
10. 7 Marcut cable entries in DSKY enclosure and started on the text/graphics installation on acrylic panels
11. 5 MarBuilding test tool to put the DSKY substitute through its paces
12. 4 MarDSKY substitute EL wire power choice and other work

February 2019

1. 28 FebDebugging a Core Memory Shield for an Arduino
2. 23 FebBuilding cables, steady progress on the display, fixing the core rope simulator module
3. 20 FebSuffered minor failures in display PCB, requiring exhaustive testing, rework and wasting time
4. 19 FebImproving the display for the DSKY substitute
5. 18 FebGluing work on DSKY substitute
6. 13 FebPreparing to add text decals and glue up the DSKY display, still working on keyboard
7. 9 FebPaint, light blocking materials and other cosmetic work on DSKY substitue
8. 3 FebCreating masks and text for DSKY substitute display panels

January 2019

1. 29 JanGreat blog entry covering the erasable (core) memory from the Apollo Guidance Computer
2. 29 JanWorking on cosmetics of the DSKY substitute
3. 24 JanTesting light dams and EL wire for use with DSKY substitute
4. 22 JanWorking on improved fidelity of lights on DSKY substitute
5. 17 JanDSKY substitute laser cutting and 3D printing sent to manufacturing
6. 12 JanAssembling keyboard for DSKY substitute, resolving issues, and more checking on the memory module
7. 1 JanPlanning out keyboard stack installation in DSKY substitute; work on repairing AGC memory module