Show 148 - My Altair 8800 Adventure, Part I
In Show 148, I talk about my continuing adventure with a generous donation I received of MITS Altair equipment. It's been quite a ride!
Aug 21, 2022•36 min
The Retrobits Podcast
Join us for the Retrobits Podcast! We talk about computing like we did it "back in the day". If it's got 8 bits, paper tape, a cartridge slot, CP/M, BASIC in ROM, or if it's just plain old...the Retrobits Podcast is the place to hear about it. For more info, check our website at http://www.retrobits.com.
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Episodes
Special - Interview with Evan Koblentz for VCF East 10
See http://www.vintage.org/2015/east/ for more information!
Mar 20, 2015•51 min
Show 147 - Jeff Ledger and the Micromite Companion
See http://www.retrobits.com/2014/10/show-147-jeff-ledger-and-micromite.html for show notes!
Oct 04, 2014•1 hr 15 min
Show 146 - Building a Modern-Day Retrocomputer
See http://www.retrobits.com for show notes!
May 27, 2014•32 min
Show 145 - The Vintage Computer Festival East 9.1
This feed is NOT 404. Welcome to Show #145! This episode's topic: The Vintage Computer Festival East 9.1! The Vintage Computer Festival (VCF) East 9.1 information page ! Tune in to the sometimes rowdy Retro Computing Roundtable Podcast , Next Without For or Chicken Lips Radio for more retro goodness! Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to earl@retrobits.com . The Retrobits Podcast blog can be found at www.retrobits.com . You can follow the podcast on Twitter @RetroEarl . For onli...
Feb 17, 2014•59 min
Show 144: Raiders of the Lost Shrinkwrap
Old Computers. Me Likey. Welcome to Show #144! This episode's topic: Raiders of the Lost Shrinkwrap! Tune in to the sometimes rowdy Retro Computing Roundtable Podcast - http://rcrpodcast.com/ Next Without For and Chicken Lips Radio coming soon! Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to earl@retrobits.com . The Retrobits Podcast blog can be found at www.retrobits.com . You can follow the podcast on Twitter @RetroEarl . For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out the...
May 23, 2013•24 min
Show 143: An Interview with Bob Armstrong of Spare Time Gizmos
Show 143 Give us a listen. We don't byte. Welcome to Show #143! This episode's topic: An Interview with Bob Armstrong of Spare Time Gizmos! Links for Spare Time Gizmos and the SBC6120: Yahoo! Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Sparetimegizmos/ SBC6120 on the Spare Time Gizmos page: http://www.sparetimegizmos.com/Hardware/SBC6120-2.htm ELF2K on the Spare Time Gizmos page: http://www.sparetimegizmos.com/Hardware/Elf2K.htm Spare Time Gizmos Wiki documentation for recent things: http://www.spareti...
Apr 08, 2013•36 min
Show 142: An Interview with Kevin Savetz
And, We're Back. Again! Yoi otoshi o! Welcome to Show #142! This episode's topic: An Interview with Kevin Savetz! Here's the site for Kevin Savetz' new book, Terrible Nerd ! Tune in to the sometimes rowdy Retro Computing Roundtable Podcast - http://rcrpodcast.com/ Want to know more about Reversi? Check out the Wikipedia page - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reversi Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to earl@retrobits.com . The Retrobits Podcast blog can be found at www.retrobits.c...
Dec 30, 2012•39 min
Show 141: My Reversi Game Adventure, Part I
And, We're Back. Welcome to Show #141! This episode's topic: My Reversi Game Adventure, Part I! Tune in to the sometimes rowdy Retro Computing Roundtable Podcast - http://rcrpodcast.com/ Hang with us at the Vintage Computer Forums - http://www.vintage-computer.com/vcforum/forum.php Specifically, you can find us in the Retro Podcast section on that forum - http://www.vintage-computer.com/vcforum/forumdisplay.php?83-Retro-Podcasts-Discussion Apple2Online – the online resource for Apple II document...
May 01, 2012•25 min
Show 140: The Vintage Computer Festival East 7.0
Hooray, it's Tax Day... (for U.S. listeners...) Welcome to Show #140! This episode's topic: The Vintage Computer Festival (VCF) East 7.0! In this episode, I'm joined by Evan Koblentz of the Mid Atlantic Retro Computing Hobbyists , who talks about the upcoming VCF East 7.0. You can find information about the VCF East 7.0 here , and also on Facebook ! Also, you can contact Evan Koblentz at evan@snarc.net . MARCH has recently acquired an IBM 1130 mainframe - check out more info on the IBM 1130 at i...
Apr 19, 2011•38 min
Show 139: My SFD-1001 Drive Adventure
Happy New Year! Welcome to Show #139! This episode's topic: My SFD-1001 drive adventure! In this episode, I discuss the Commodore SFD-1001 disk drive, IEEE-488 interface technology, and my related Retrochallenge 2011 Winter Warmup entry! Find information on the rebuilding of EDSAC (CNET link) at the U.K. National Museum of Computing site... See a video tour from Robert Scoble of the new Revolution exhibit at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California! Visual 6502 - a transistor lev...
Jan 19, 2011•33 min
Show 138: The PDP-8 Minicomputer
Happy Holidays! Welcome to Show #138! This episode's topic: The PDP-8 Minicomputer! In this episode, I provide an introduction to the PDP-8 Minicomputer, released by Digital Equipment Corporation in 1965. The PDP-8 was the first commercially-produced and widely available minicomputer, and launched a new era in computing. The new generation of Commodore? Check out the new Commodore 64 - a modern PC in a C64 replica case... The Diamond operating system - the Atari 8-bit GUI OS! The Retro Computing...
Dec 30, 2010•26 min
Show 137: The Commodore 64, Part III
A personal computer with 64K of RAM for only $595???? Welcome to Show #137! This episode's topic: The Commodore 64, Part III! In this episode, I conclude our examination of the Commodore 64, covering the variants of the C64, some popular hardware and software add-ons, and of course, modern day fun. "The Woz" recently gave a preview tour of the Computer History Museum's upcoming permanent exhibit - "Revolution: The First 2000 Years of Computing". Check out the Retro Computing Roundtable podcast o...
Dec 09, 2010•32 min
Show 136: KansasFest 2010 with Ivan Drucker
Bits are bits. Welcome to Show #136! This episode's topic: KansasFest 2010 with Ivan Drucker! Ivan Drucker, attendee at this year's KansasFest 2010 event, gives us the scoop on sessions, activities, and related fun! (Part III of the Commodore 64 series coming soon!) For info on this and next year's KansasFest, visit www.kansasfest.org ! Also, check out KansasFest videos (search for "KansasFest") on vimeo.com . Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to earl@retrobits.com . The Retrob...
Oct 05, 2010•33 min
Show 135: The Commodore 64, Part II
3.2 GHz hexacore, and my GIGO goes faster! Welcome to Show #135! This episode's topic: The Commodore 64, Part II! In Part II of this series on the Commodore 64, I talk about two of the chips in the Commodore 64 that really set it apart from the competition - the VIC-II graphics chip, and the SID sound/synthesizer. 300 Baud Magazine - what a great title! Check it out at their website ... Linus Åkesson does some great stuff with chiptunes and demos! Results are in for Retrochallenge 2010! See them...
Aug 29, 2010•27 min
Show 134: An Interview with Stewart Cheifet, Part II
Five Year Anniversary coming up! Welcome to Show #134! This episode's topic: An Interview with Stewart Cheifet, Part II! In part II of this interview, Stewart Cheifet and I discuss more about the Net Café television program, the effort to bring Computer Chronicles to the Internet Archive, more about the Internet Archive including its work with NASA, and some parting shots on the computing industry in general. (Note: The Commodore 64 series will resume after this two-parter with Stewart Cheifet. ...
Jun 25, 2010•41 min
Show 133: An Interview with Stewart Cheifet, Part I
Run. Stop. Restore. Welcome to Show #133! This episode's topic: An Interview with Stewart Cheifet, Part I! In part I of this interview, Stewart Cheifet discusses the genesis and some favorite moments from the Computer Chronicles program, which he anchored for two decades. (Note: The Commodore 64 series will resume after this two-parter with Stewart Cheifet. Stay tuned...) Want a full-featured command-line based mail agent? Check out Heirloom Mailx ! Talk Geek to Me , an Internet Radio program by...
Jun 01, 2010•45 min
Show 132: The Commodore 64, Part I
Computers for the masses, not the classes... Welcome to Show #132! This episode's topic: The Commodore 64, Part I! In part I of this series on the Commodore 64, I cover my initial experiences with the machine (back in "the day"), and also provide an overview of the C64 hardware specifications. Have an old 680x0 based Mac? Interested in them? If so, be sure to visit the 68K Macintosh Liberation Army site! Commodore reborn, again? Have a look at the article on The Register , and the website itself...
Apr 25, 2010•31 min
Show 131: Ten Years Of Retrocomputing
Yay! We're BACK! Welcome to Show #131! This episode's topic: Ten Years Of Retrocomputing! In this episode, I discuss some observations on the time that I've spent in the retrocomputing hobby, which coincidentally turns out to be 10 years. It's been a fun ride, and more fun to come! The SIDStick is a portable SID chiptunes player. More information at the Gadget Gangster website... Old retro plastics yellowed with age? Take a look at Retr0bright to see if it might be a solution! Be sure to send an...
Mar 16, 2010•40 min
Show 130: Enhancing the TRS-80 Model 100
I found the Enter key. Where's the Exit key? Welcome to Show #130! This episode's topic: Enhancing the TRS-80 Model 100! In this episode, I cover two add-on products for the Tandy Model 100/102/200 computers - the REX flash module, and the NADSBox SD-card storage system. Both of the products discussed in this episode can be found at the Club100 site ! Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com . For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out the Ret...
Dec 04, 2009•23 min
Show 129: Connecting with the Atari 800
Have you hugged your retro computer today? Welcome to Show #129! This episode's topic: Connecting with the Atari 800! In this episode, I cover several of the Atari 8-bit add-on products from Atarimax, including the SIO2PC/ProSystem adapter, the Atari Peripheral Emulator for Windows software package, and the MaxFlash 8 Mbit flash memory cartridge! It's loads of 8-bit modern day fun. The full range of Atarimax products can be found here, at their website ... A new game for the Atari 8-bit systems,...
Nov 12, 2009•32 min
Quick Annoucement - More episodes coming soon!
Hi there Retrocomputing fans! I wanted to post a quick note and let everyone know that more episodes of Retrobits are on the way soon! I've had some challenges dragging on my heels the last few weeks, but things are getting back to normal. Thanks for staying tuned! Chat with you soon... - Earl
Nov 03, 2009•47 sec
Show 128: An Interview With Chuck Peddle, Part IV
Part IV! Welcome to Show #128! This episode's topic: An Interview With Chuck Peddle, Part IV! In this final, part IV of the interview series with Chuck Peddle, he discusses being among the first to bring hard drive technology to personal computing, portable hard drive systems, industry trends, and his current endeavors with flash memory. He ends with a tribute to many of the engineers and industry players that he worked with throughout the years. Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedba...
Sep 02, 2009•44 min
Show 127: An Interview With Chuck Peddle, Part III
This just in at the news desk - computers are cool! Welcome to Show #127! This episode's topic: An Interview With Chuck Peddle, Part III! In part III of this interview series, Chuck Peddle discusses further market considerations for the Commodore 8-bit machines, and leaving Commodore to produce business-class personal computers at Victor/Sirius. Look for Part IV, the conclusion, sometime around August 31st! Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com . For online d...
Aug 22, 2009•34 min
Show 126: The Vintage Computer Festival East 6.0
We will serve no bits before their time. Welcome to Show #126! This episode's topic: The Vintage Computer Festival East 6.0! In this episode of Retrobits, Evan Koblentz, producer of the Vintage Computer Festival East, and President and Co-Founder of MARCH (the Mid Atlantic Retro Computing Hobbyists), joins us to discuss the Vintage Computer Festival East 6.0 event! More information on the Vintage Computer Festival can be found at www.vintage.org ... And here is a flyer (PDF format) for this year...
Aug 18, 2009•23 min
Show 125: An Interview With Chuck Peddle, Part II
Hi again! Welcome to Show #125! This episode's topic: An Interview With Chuck Peddle, Part II! In this episode, Chuck Peddle, lead creator of the 6502 microprocessor and the Commodore PET, continues our conversation on the early history of the 6502 and Commodore computers, and the market dynamics of the day! It's a great conversation. A modern-day Commodore 64 laptop, created by the famous "Ben Heck", is auctioned for $6,000 for charity ! Juiced.GS , the last remaining print magazine for the App...
Aug 11, 2009•38 min
Show 124: KansasFest 2009 Special Report
Press Enter to exit... Welcome to Show #124! This episode's topic: KansasFest 2009 Special Report! In this installment of Retrobits, Ken Gagne, Editor-In-Chief of Juiced.GS and longtime KansasFest attendee joins us from KansasFest 2009, an annual Apple II convention event. For more information on KansasFest, head over to www.kansasfest.org ! Check out Sheppyware , home of much Apple goodness, including the Sweet16 Apple IIGS emulator... A Twitter client for the Apple IIGS? And more, at ryansappl...
Jul 29, 2009•34 min
Show 123: An Interview With Chuck Peddle, Part I
Hi there! Welcome to Show #123! This episode's topic: An Interview With Chuck Peddle, Part I! In this episode, I'm happy to bring you the first part of an interview with Chuck Peddle, lead designer of the 6502 microprocessor, Commodore PET, and many other innovations in the computing industry. In Part I, Chuck talks about his early history in computing, distributed intelligence, and the development and launch of the 6502. Enjoy! Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gm...
Jul 20, 2009•35 min
Show 122: A Brief History Of Programming
High level languages sold here. No assembly required. Welcome to Show #122! This episode's topic: A Brief History Of Programming! The Carte Blanche expansion card for the Apple II uses an FPGA chip and can have many personalities! For a brief history of Fortran , have a look at this document on the ibiblio.org site... Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com . For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out the Retrobits Podcast forum on the PETSCI...
Jun 09, 2009•30 min
Show 121: The Forth Programming Language, Part II
: podcast prepare record upload listen ; Welcome to Show #121! This episode's topic: The Forth Programming Language, Part II! Check out www.zophar.net , an interesting emulator resource! Don't miss out on the Commodore Vegas Expo (CommVEX) 5.0 , happening July 25-26 2009 at the Plaza Hotel, Las Vegas, NV... Looking for Atari retro resources and discussions? Then hop on over to AtariAge ! The book " Starting Forth " by Leo Brodie is a Forth language classic, and Thinking Forth is the excellent se...
May 21, 2009•30 min
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