On 02/09/2014 10:56 PM, o1bigtenor wrote:
This is an inspiring read. I picked up a metalization system
recently, and hope to dig into it soon. I have a basic familiarity with
high vacuum systems and techniques, but only basic...I'm certain I will
need a lot of assistance. The system is somewhat beat-up, but it seems
to be complete.
I am located in the Pittsburgh area. Is there anyone nearby who might
be interested in hanging out and rendering some experienced assistance?
There's pizza and beer, and a large building full of really cool stuff.
Your mention of 'really cool stuff' is a real teaser. You might get more
responses if you mention what that stuff is - - - YMMV!
You make a very good point! ;) I almost always associate with people
who are into the same sort of stuff I'm into, so I'm accustomed to that
consistency.
In a nutshell, I have a 14,000 square foot building containing my
electronic design lab and prototyping facilities (I do embedded systems
and RF design as a consultant), and my collection of upwards of 200
vintage computers.
By "vintage computers" I don't mean "last year's Windows box"...think
multiple tons, blinking lights, spinning tapes, and magnetic core
memory. That floor of the building will eventually become a public
museum. Most of the machines are functional and demonstrable, and will
be running on a rotating basis once the museum is open. Right now, I
fire them up on a regular basis just to heal my soul, or when I have
guests, which happens frequently. (my collection is somewhat well-known
in those circles)
The big blue PDP-11/70 on the Wikipedia "PDP-11" page is mine, for
example.
There's laser stuff, optics, lots of RF-related test equipment, etc.
If I do say so myself, and I work hard not to take this for granted,
this place is Geek Heaven.
Really appreciated the report too!!
:-)
-Dave
--
Dave McGuire, AK4HZ
New Kensington, PA
Dave McGuire