iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 27/09/2026

Finally landed a CMD FD-2000 3.5" floppy drive for my Commodore 64. It was a "grail" item for me for a long time but was out of reach in terms what these fetch on the market vs what I would be willing to pay. Love the original Creative Micro Design products. #Commodore #CMD #retrocomputing

Shown here is a Commodore 64 turned on and listing the Utilities disk for the attached original CMD FD-2000 3.5" disk drive.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 27/09/2026

Finally got an Amstrad PPC640 computer. It's a neat portable computer but the screen is not great. That, however, was to be expected. Interesting form factor and while it has a battery compartment ("C" cell), it's not practical as it doesn't last long . It's more of a "luggable". #retrocomputing

This is a picture of the Amstrad PPC640 computer opened up and running PPC Organizer software. Shown also are the two manuals that come with it, a brochure and a yellow plastic folder for the system software.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 23/09/2026

Had my IBM 7690 Nursing Workstations out today. Being a PS/2 (Model 30ish), both needed floppy drive recapping. Normally mounted on the wall with the cables connected from the bottom, I propped one up to run. These have a touch screen LCD screen. #vintagecomputer #retrocomputing #IBMPS2

Shown are two IBM 7690 Nursing Workstations. The one on the left is closed. The door on the left side is for floppy drive access. Power switch is on the bottom. The one on the right has booted up to MS-DOS and is started up with the touch screen LCD driver.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 22/09/2026

Had an HP 9830A calculator/computer for 10 years and it never worked. Found another and got it yesterday. It also didn't work but with board swapping, it had one bad board. After board swapping, the original had 4 bad boards. Further repairs in my future. #vintagecomputer #retrocomputing

Pictured are two Hewlett Packard 9830A calculator/computers side by side. The one on the left is broken with four bad boards in need of repair. The one on the right is working and showing "Hello World!" output from a one line BASIC program for testing.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 11/09/2026

Very excited about my latest acquisition. A Gravis Ultrasound ACE (Audio Card Enhancer) that I don't think has ever been used. Now I need to create a 486 era PC with some interesting audio/video cards in it :) #vintagecomputer #retrocomputing

This picture shows the Gravis Ultrasound ACE card on the left and the Gravis driver/software CD on the right. The ACE card is sitting on an ESD bag with the short audio cable meant for connection to the sound card of your choice.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 29/08/2026

Just got my MITS Altair 680. It's a little smaller than I thought. Next to the 8800, it looks tiny. Glad it works. Had to fix my LSI ADM-3A though. The contrast knob is very touchy. I'll need to replace that. #retrocomputing #vintagecomputer

This picture depicts a Lear Siegler ADM-3A terminal with a MITS Altair 680 connected and running. The 680 is sitting on top of it's older brother, the MITS Altair 8800 for size comparison. The 680 is quite small compared to the 8800.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 20/08/2026

BEWARE Vintage Computer buyers from outside US. Your stuff will be e-wasted! I bought an Epson PF-10 floppy drive from the US (I am in Canada) and as it travelled thru eBay Intl Shipping, it was "Liquidated" and I got a refund. Apparently a new US policy is the reason. kotaku.com/trumps-new-e...

This is tracking information informing me that my Epson PF-10 floppy drive "Did not pass Inspection" at the Ebay International Shipping hub and has been liquidated. Please see the news article link and pass this on so that at least some of this vintage computing equipment will not be e-wasted.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 25/07/2026

Recent acquisition. First ever CD-ROM drive was the Philips CM100. It had a proprietary LMSI interface. The Philips CM110 shown here is the SCSI counterpart. I believe this may be the first SCSI CD-ROM drive. Don't know is if they came out at the same time or if SCSI was later? #retrocomputing

This picture shows the Philips CM110 CD-ROM drive running. There is a dark bar you press to lift up the CD cover so you can carefully insert the CD-ROM. You click the "Run" button and it spins continuously and illuminates a "RUN" light. When you click "Run" again it stops the CD-ROM from spinning. There are no other front buttons.

On the back of the Philips CM100 is two SCSI connectors and a push button ID selector switch. There is a black button on the back that I don't know what it does. Maybe a Reset button? To the right of the power socket is an On/Off pushbutton switch. There is a large dark metal heat sink that protrudes from the back of the beige plastic case.

This picture shows the two halves of the unit once opened. The left side has two stacked card that differ from the CM100 that only has one card. The single card is used for the LMSI connection. These two stacked cards are used for the SCSI connection. To the right is the CD laser unit and circuitry along with the power supply. It has a large hidden from view transformer that makes the CM110 quite heavy.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 11/07/2026

I've had this NEC Trek PC-6001A computer for years but never took it out of the shipping box. I remember it having chicklet keys and the tape player but it turns out, it had the PC-6021A thermal printer. No cable though :( It's Centronics 14 pin to 36 pin. Will never find that. #retrocomputing

Pictured is an NEC PC-6001A computer with a PC-6021A thermal printer next to it both powered on. On the other side is an LCD monitor with a green screen showing the N60-BASIC loaded up and running.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 09/07/2026

Finally tracked down a Commodore VIC-1605 VicModem phone adapter used here in Canada. This came in the Viccessories package that included the 1600 VicModem and the original Commodore phone. Still on the hunt for one in a box but that is unlikely to find anymore. #retrocomputing #vintagecomputer

Pictured here is most of the contents of the Viccessories VicModem package exclusively for Canada. It includes the 1600 modem, the VIC-1605 VicModem Phone adapter and the Northern Telecom Commodore branded telephone.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 04/07/2026

Working on my Exidy Sorcerer's this week. I think they multiplied because I swear I only had two. So far 1 out of 4 is working properly. #retrocomputing #vintagecomputer

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 29/06/2026

With a small collection of "luggable" computers, I just acquired a Panasonic Sr Partner with dual 360K floppy drives running MS-DOS 2.11. I think this might be the heaviest luggable I own and I do have an IBM Portable Personal computer (Model 5155) too.

This is a picture of a Panasonic Sr Partner personal computer running a Sr Partner demo. The keyboard is removeable and there is a built-in thermal printer where part of a printed document is showing on top.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 16/06/2026

Got the BeBox out for a regular run to make sure everything is still okay. Love this thing. #retrocomputing #vintagecomputer

This picture shows a dual 133Mhz Power PC powered BeBox with BeOS 5.03 running. It's connected to a VGA monitor, IBM Model F keyboard and a mouse. Multiple windows are open on screen.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 15/06/2026

Needed to make a ribbon cable for connecting a floppy drive to a Lobos Max-80 I was testing. It's a bit strange. If it does not boot up, you get a beep but absolutely no video output. This is supposed to be a TRS-80 clone. #retrocomputing #vintagecomputer.

Pictured is a Lobos Max-80 computer booting up MaxDOS Six from a random 360K floppy drive.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 15/06/2026

I've been making my own ribbon cables for a while now and once I found this "ribbon cable tester" online, I LOVE it! No more multimeter continuity testing on each pin to troubleshoot. I had the edge connector ends already so I can test floppy ribbon cables. #retrocomputing #vintagecomputer

This is a picture of a Treedix JTAG Cable Tester Board testing a floppy ribbon cable. LEDs lit up mean the wires are connected properly.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 14/06/2026

Don't forget if you're interested. Today at 1PM Eastern.

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Reposted by Santo Nucifora

vcfederation.bsky.social @vcfederation.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Lee Felsenstein livestream Sun. June 14 at 1PM (Eastern): youtube.com/live/Js6R3OI... Before the laptop, before Apple took off, there was the Legendary moderator of the Homebrew Computer Club and designer of the Osborne 1. Don't miss our exclusive livestream with a true PC pioneer this Sunday!

youtube.com

Lee Felsenstein – A Look at Personal Computer History and its Future - VCF East 2026

YouTube video by Vintage Computer Federation

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 06/06/2026

Another project I have is a Spectavision Compumate add-on for the Atari 2600. I believe it may be a PAL model and I need to convert it to NTSC. From my research, the internal piggyback ROMs might have to be changed. Right now video rolls. Might be the last time this ever worked. #retrocomputer

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 06/06/2026

Dug out my two Kaypro 2000s last night. Plugged them in. The earlier vertically "narrow" screen model works fine even with long time dead batteries. The later "wide" screen model Kaypro 2000 does not work :( <sarcasm>I needed another project</sarcasm>. #retrocomputing #vintagecomputer

This picture shows two Kaypro 2000 portable laptop-like computers that are both black. The newer model on the left has a vertically wider screen. The original model on the right has a more narrow screen.

This picture shows a screen close-up of the earlier Kaypro 2000 on and booting up. The screen contrast is terrible but it's common in screens of this era.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 01/06/2026

Recently acquired an Olivetti M10 and PicDisc unit that turns the M10 into a CP/M computer. Had to replace the 12VDC lead acid battery and a bad diode. If anyone has any software or docs on the PicDisc system, please let me know. Still trying to figure this out. #retrocomputing #vintagecomputer

This is a picture of a black Samsonite briefcase of early 80's vintage with a PicDisc 3.5" single sided, double density disk drive attached to an Olivetti M10 computer. It is on with CP/M TRS2.2a booted up and ready.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 24/05/2026

Working with my MCM/70 and MCM/900 today. The '900 is two generations newer than the '70. Both run APL but have different displays. My dual 8" disk drive for the '900 needs work (blows fuses). After a week of messing around it's away until next time I take a shot. #retrocomputer #vintagecomputer

This picture shows the MCM/70 computer on the left and the MCM/900 computer on the right. To the left of the MCM/70 is a box of "new old stock" data tapes that work with it. A fortunate find.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 20/05/2026

It's not the most exciting find but I'm an Apple Lisa fan so these brochures (two of the Lisa 1) I acquired are pretty cool to me. #AppleLisa #retrocomputing #vintagecomputer

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 16/05/2026

A recent acquisition of mine is a Digital Equipment DECTalk DTC07B speech synthesis card. Works really well. This is the "shorter" newer surface mount version of the original DTC07 card and works much like the very original DECTalk DTC01 in PC ISA card format. #retrocomputing #vintagecomputing

This is a picture of the DECTalk DTC07B PC card sitting on a table. It's on the ESD bag sitting on the original DEC box. This was packaged as just the card with no other accessories.

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Reposted by Santo Nucifora

Sinclair Research @sinclairresearch.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

The Jupiter Ace 4000 - the rare North American version of a computer built by two ex-ZX Spectrum designers who chose Forth over BASIC. Stronger case, ROM-deselect feature, and a fascinating history. vintagecomputer.ca/jupiter-ace-4000/

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 03/05/2026

Finally got my DEC VT180 Robin working fully. Power supply issues and a badly needed refurbishment on the RX180AB dual floppy drive was done. This booted up in P/M 2.2 and is running the Select Word Processing System. #retrocomputing #vintagecomputer

This is a picture of a DEC VT180 computer system. It's essentially a VT100 terminal with additional hardware to make it a fully functional computer. There is a dual disk drive on top of the computer and a box of DEC software in a beige floppy box to the right.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 22/04/2026

One project is to further explore one of the top tier computers in my collection, the Canadian MCM/70. An Intel 8008 based personal computer with built-in APL from 1974. Here I am initializing special NOS data cassettes I found and bought new lead-acid batteries. #retrocomputing #vintagecomputer

Shown here is the MCM/70 computer from Micro Computer Machines released in 1974. This uses dual direct tape drives for storage of both data and programs AND additional virtual memory (workspace) up to the size of a data cassette (about 100KB). The batteries are for battery backup so that if there is service interruption, the batteries will allow the workspace to be saved to cassette. When power is restored, the workspace will automatically restore to when it was last shut down.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 20/04/2026

Waiting for parts for another project, I decided to give my DEC Digital VT180 Robin a look for the first time after acquiring it years ago. This is a CP/M personal computer based on the VT100 as a base. Looks like the CRT is messed up. Not an unexpected project :( #retrocomputing #vintagecomputer

This is the first testing of a DEC (Digital Equipment) VT180 known as the Robin. The CRT is showing a top half squiggly line and faint garbage of the lower half of the screen.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 13/04/2026

Finally found an F1 floppy drive for my Royal TA Alphatronics PC! Whoo hoo! Need to get RGB colour TO vga video going. After struggling with RGBHV output, I found @leadedsolder.com's NEC PC-8801mkII RGB to VGA project. It has the same 8 pin DIN pinout! Gonna give it a shot. #retrocomputing

This picture shows a Royal Alphatronics PC also known as the TA (Triumph Adler Alphatronics PC outside of North America). It has the beige PC in front with a composite monitor and newly found FI disk drive. It has booted up with CP/M 2.2. #vintagecomputer

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 09/04/2026

Someone recently posted on another site about their CPT 4200 and had some questions. The CPT 4200 was an early form of "word processing" system from CPT Corporation. It used a highly modified IBM Selectric typewriter as a printer and keyboard and cassettes for reading/writing text/documents.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 09/04/2026

Got my copy yesterday as well. Can't wait to dig in. #vintagecomputer #retrocomputing

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 23/03/2026

Listening to Episode 178 "The Programma 101". www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lpc... I listen while working on #vintagecomputer restoration. This Olivetti P101 still needs work. Being both digital logic and mechanical moving parts they are tough to work on. Thnx @adventofcomp.bsky.social #retrocomputing

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 20/03/2026

Did some restoration work on this Teletype Model 43 ASR and rarer companion paper tape punch/reader. I still have one issue with the punch in that it punches one bit always but the chips internally are rare enough that it's good enough for now. Next time. #retrocomputing #vintagecomputer

This is a picture of a Teletype model 43 ASR unit. The unit has a keyboard in front and prints it's output on paper instead of monitor. Some paper is shown. On the left is a matching Teletype Paper Tape reader/punch that allows for storage of information or programs for other computers. Both are matching as they are the same model.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 17/03/2026

Had to take a picture of "the boys" while they were out for #Marchintosh On the left is the Macintosh Quadra 950 running System 7.5.5 and on the right is the Macintosh Workgroup Server 95 running A/UX 3.1 #vintagecomputer #retrocomputing

This pictures shows two Macintoshes on either side with monitors and keyboards in the middle. We have the Macintosh Quadra 950 running System 7.5.5 and on the right is the Macintosh Workgroup Server 95 running A/UX 3.1.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 13/03/2026

I know, kinda "geeky" but I'm excited about finding this Teletype Model 43. I previously acquired the matching M43 paper tape punch/reader. This model, has the "Aux" port for the M43. Got the GNT 3601 paper punch in the deal. Like used together. Needs cleaning. #vintagecomputer #retrocomputer

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 12/03/2026

Trying to set up my hard diskless Macintosh Work Group Server 95 for #Marchintosh After a day of futzing with a Blue SCSI v1 and v2, upgrading firmware, all combos of termination etc with no luck, I plugged in a ZuluSCSI RP2040 and worked first try. Glad it works but disappointed at the same time.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 10/03/2026

As I go through some Macintoshes for #Marchintosh, these Sony Mac floppy drive gears are going to be the death of me. Ordered a 12 pack off of eBay. Let's hope I can get these back together again because the clips that hold on the back plate are super brittle. #vintagecomputer #retrocomputer.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 10/03/2026

Got my Radius Precision Color Pivot monitor working for #Marchintosh I had to recap four Macs before I could find one that would show color. Now I have to fix 2 of the 4 Macs and go through the rest of my Macs while I'm at it. Got two Portrait displays to check too. #vintagecomputer #retrocomputer

This is a picture of a Macintosh Quadra 700 with a Radius Precision Color Pivot displaying the Mac OS 7.1 desktop. It is in "portrait mode" which means I got the drivers working.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 26/02/2026

Got my #Commodore 500E calculator working after replacing one capacitor in the power supply so it would power up properly and one germanium capacitor one one of the boards so it could act like a working calculator. Here's a great video on history and workings here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSnO...

This is a picture of a Commodore 500E calculator from the early 1970s with it on a desk and it powered up showing random digits through the orange glow of the nixie tubes.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 25/02/2026

I was able to switch my #Commodore PET 8296-D from it's normal 80 column format to 40 columns to play my favourite PET game, Miner. Loved playing that in school back in the day. This model has dual disk drives built in and is a 240V model I converted to 120V. #vintagecomputer #retrocomputer

This is a picture of a Commodore PET 8296-D computer. It's one o the latest models of the Commodore PET line. In the background is an original Commodore PET poster. A simple black poster with a PET computer in the middle and the words, "PET UNLEASH ONE TODAY".

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 24/02/2026

Acquire a very cute Micon "The Miget" terminal initially out in 1977. This one is from 1980 and runs at 300 bps, 7 bit, no parity, 1 stop bit. #vintagecomputer #retrocomputer

This is a picture of a small blue terminal called "The Miget" from Micon that is very small and has a glowing red 32 character single line display. It runs at 300 bits per second with 7 data bits, no parity and 1 stop bit.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 23/02/2026

Had my #Commodore C900 out today to try something for a friend. More testing is needed (when I get the nerve) but it might have a medium resolution RGBI/VGA port when the stock Hi-Res ECL monitor goes. #vintagecomputer #retrocomputer

This is a picture of the Commodore 900 computer that was Commodore's first attempt at a Unix-like workstation. It used the Coherent Unix work-alike operating system. This computer never made it to production.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 21/02/2026

As a collector of single board computer trainers, I acquired this Heathkit ETW-3800 trainer complete with interchangeable ETC-6811 CPU module (replaceable with other CPUs), the ETC-128 memory module (program storage) and "8-bit Microprocessor Programming course cart. #vintagecomputer #retrocomputer

Pictured is the Heathkit ETW-3800 trainer powered on with ETC-6811 CPU module and ETC-128 memory cartridge for program storage. In addition, there is the "8-bit Microprocessor Programming" course cartridge next to it. It gets put into the memory cartridge slot. The CPU is replaceable with other CPU modules including the Intel 8085. I'd love to find one of those. Wish it had a 6502 option.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 20/02/2026

Got an IXO TC200 mini portable terminal working at a blazing 300bps. This one is branded with the "Digital" brand. I had to buy an expired Polaroid 600 Instant film pack for the battery. The RS232 adapter has it's own power. #vintagecomputer #retrocomputer

This picture has an IXO TC200 mini portable terminal with Digital branding connected to and RS232 add-on speaking to a PC with TerraTerm running. It has "Hello world!" on both screens as it was typed on the PC and transmitted to the IXO terminal.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 19/02/2026

As a #Commodore computer collector, I veer off into non-computing items occasionally. Finally got one of those "little blue" typewriters (right). It's next to an even older Commodore typewriter (left) and both are sitting on a Commodore typerwriter table/stand. Each with different Commodore logo.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 16/02/2026

I should probably just post the random pics I take on occasion. This one was to answer the question of where Microsoft BASIC is for the Apple III. Happens to be on the Softcard III CP/M Master diskette. #AppleIII #vintagecomputing #retrocomputing

This is a picture of some of the contents of the Apple Softcard III System box which has the two software diskettes in it. These "Apple Softcard III CP/M Master Diskette" and "Apple Softward III Utilities Diskette". The packing list is also shown noting that these two diskettes are the only ones that come with the package.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 10/02/2026

I'm going to give this a shot. Transplanting all of the components from an #Amiga A2386SX bridgeboard that had severe battery damage that I could not repair to a remake of the A2386SX board. The large square "million leg" ICs have me worried but worth a shot. #vintagecomputer #retrocomputer

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 09/02/2026

Happy to finally have found (at a reasonable price), an IBM PC Convertible model 5140 computer. I had the normal non-backlit display but this one has the backlight. Yes, it's not great but it was perfectly fine for the era. #vintagecomputer #retrocomputer #IBMPC

This is a picture of an IBM PC Convertible computer, model 5140 with optional backlight. It is running IBM PC Convertible introductory software that IBM put out to become familiar with your new purchase.

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 07/02/2026

Just watched this PC World video with Huxley from @retroroadshow.org showing the BeBox in action. I need to take my BeBox out soon. This shows the original dual 67MHz PPC model. I have the later dual 133Mhz model. Nice work Huxley! www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OHk... #vintgecomputer #retrocomputer

youtube.com

This rare BeBox still works!

YouTube video by PCWorld

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Santo Nucifora @vintagecomputer.ca · 02/02/2026

Working on one of my Victor 9000s just makes me happy. I love these. Got my floppy drive to work finally. Making a DOS diskette. I have a RASCSI device and would like to back up the hard drive. That's next if I can figure out this TM502 drive. #vintagecomputer #retrocomputer #victor9k

This is a picture of a Victor 9000 computer with a single floppy drive and a Tandon TM502 10MB hard drive. It's hood is opened up while I've been trying to sort out my floppy drive that now works! Whoohoo!

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