Show Break - October 29, 2006
Hi there, Retrobits is taking a break this week. Be sure to tune in next week for more retrocomputing goodness! Coming up next week - The C Programming Language! - Earl
Oct 31, 2006•14 sec
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.
Last refreshed: ⓘ
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
Episodes
Show 063: The Joystick
What if computers programmed us? Welcome to Show 063! This week's Topic: The Joystick! Topics and links discussed in the podcast... Want to take your retro hobby into your virtual reality world? Now you can buy retro computer models for Second Life . No, really. The DECWriter printing terminal. Whether it's black and white or color , it's prettay. It's so prettay... Now you can play Centipedes anywhere you've got Java and a web browser. Check out Atari's Games site! If you need a CompactFlash ca...
Oct 23, 2006•29 min
Show 062: The PDP-11 Minicomputer
RSTS PDP - find out what it means to me Welcome to Show 062! This week's Topic: The PDP-11 Minicomputer! Topics and links discussed in the podcast... It's not retro, but you can hook it up to retro stuff (that's one of my main purposes)... the Propeller 32-bit 8 core microcontroller! Electronics super-fun... Another interactive fiction environment - have a look at Eamon , and the many games available for it! The Wikipedia page on the PDP-11 - a good starting point. And one for RSTS as well... He...
Oct 16, 2006•31 min
Show 061: Retro Mix
1 cup retro, 2 tbsp computer nostalgia. Stir and enjoy. Welcome to Show 061! This week's Topic: Retro Mix (A Variety Episode) Topics and links discussed in the podcast... Play Zork online? Sure! The Emergency Chicagoland Commodore Convention was held Sep 30, 2006. Pictures and descriptions are here and here ... A self aware computer that doesn't take over the world or threaten global thermonuclear war? KITT is just such a hero! If you look over, and the car next to you doesn't have a driver, may...
Oct 09, 2006•22 min
Show 060: Zork - The Great Underground Empire
You are standing in a thick forest. There is a podcast playing. Welcome to Show 060! This week's Topic: Zork - The Great Underground Empire! Topics and links discussed in the podcast... Wikipedia link list - Zork , Infocom , and Interactive Fiction . Check it out! The American Radio Relay League - find out about hamfests (where you might find some cool retro computers), and the ham radio hobby in general... An Apple I, for only $666.66? Not any more. But have a look at the vintage ad, it's great...
Oct 02, 2006•31 min
Show Break: September 24, 2006
Hi there, I'm still under the weather, so I will be taking a break this week from the show. Thanks for listening, and please do check back next week. Chat with you soon, - Earl
Sep 25, 2006•14 sec
Show 059: Colossus - The Forbin Project
ASR33s and Global Domination. It's all here on Retrobits. Welcome to Show 059! This week's Topic: The movie - Colossus, The Forbin Project! Topics and links discussed in the podcast... See the Wikipedia page for the movie "Colossus - The Forbin Project" ... Also, have a look at their page for the IBM 1620 , the panels of which were used extensively in the film! Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com . For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check o...
Sep 18, 2006•21 min
Show 058: The Oric Atmos
PRESS PLAY ON RETROBITS Welcome to Show 058! This week's Topic: The Oric Atmos! Topics and links discussed in the podcast... Want to learn TI 99/4 BASIC? How about a series of videos of the TI 99/4 running the BASIC tutorial ? See it now at Google Video... MMM, tasty, Mac on a Stick. Wait, no, it's not food, it's a classic Mac emulator and OS small enough to fit on a USB memory stick! Yum! (It's not food I said!) Here's a video podcast of Amiga demos, and links to the software also! Check out th...
Sep 11, 2006•25 min
Show Break - August 27, 2006
August 27, 2006... Hi there... Retrobits is taking a break this week. Be sure to tune in next week for more retrocomputing goodness! And as always - thanks for listening!
Aug 28, 2006•14 sec
Show 057: The Future of Vintage Computing
Retro in the future. That's a time twister for ya. Welcome to Show 057! This week's Topic: The Future of Vintage Computing! Topics and links discussed in the podcast... Here's a video containing an interview with Jack Tramiel - this is during his Atari (post-Commodore) days, promoting the new Atari ST line. Interesting. Stoic. (Note - link is to Google Video - it will start playing immediately after clicking...) Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com . For onl...
Aug 21, 2006•26 min
Show 056: Paper Tape and Punch Cards
We used to program computers by punching them out. Welcome to Show 056! This week's Topic: Paper Tape and Punch Cards! Topics and links discussed in the podcast... Two Apple II podcasts! Woo hoo! Check out the maiden voyage of A2Unplugged , and don't miss 1 Mhz, the Apple II Podcast , now with four monthly episodes to catch up on! Good stuff... Bought a PX-8, and wish you could word process? New in box Portable Wordstar, Calc and Scheduler can now be purchased from Star Technology . I don't know...
Aug 14, 2006•28 min
Show 055: Retro Mix
Add mixed retro. Stir and Serve. Welcome to Show 055! This week's Topic: Retro Mix (A Variety Episode)! Topics and links discussed in the podcast... Check out A2Central for info on the recent KansasFest 2006, and all your Apple II needs! Also check out the official KFest site - it's never too early to plan for 2007... Here's a presentation on SymbOS by the creator (Google Video - note that the intro is in Spanish, but the presentation is in English). The History Of Computing project - from 30,00...
Aug 09, 2006•31 min
Show 054: The Tandy Model 100 Portable Computer
Your retro computer runs on 4 AA batteries? Cool! Welcome to Show 054! This week's Topic: The Tandy 100 Portable Computer! Topics and links discussed in the podcast... Here's a Bill Gates interview on the Smithsonian Institution website , very interesting reading! The Model 100 BASIC and ROM are some of the last products that Bill Gates programmed himself... Wikipedia's page on the TRS-80 Model 100 line is a good place to start... Follow that up with the old-computer.com page for the Model 100 ....
Jul 30, 2006•36 min
Show 053: The 6502 Microprocessor, Part II
65,536 memory locations - it's like a dream come true. Welcome to Show 053! This week's Topic: The 6502 Microprocessor, Part II. Topics and links discussed in the podcast... Want to see a cool prototype? Here's the Commodore 65 page at the Secret Weapons of Commodore... The Atari Archives site has a few books on Atari 8 bit (w/6502 of course) assembly language programming! Check out Issue #1 of the C=Hacking magazine - more 6502 info that you can shake a stick at. 6502 cross-compilation (write i...
Jul 24, 2006•35 min
Show 052: The 6502 Microprocessor, Part I
Special bonus feature today! Don't touch that dial... Welcome to Show 052! This week's Topic: The 6502 Microprocessor, Part I. Topics and links discussed in the podcast... Once again, Wikipedia doesn't dissapoint - check out their info on the 6502 Microprocessor ... ClassicCmp is a resource for enthusiasts of classic computer hardware, software, and documentation! New stuff for your CoCo? Have a look at Cloud-9 ! Sample chapters on MOS Technology and the TIM/KIM systems (under the bonus section)...
Jul 17, 2006•28 min
Show 051: My PX-8 Virtual Disk Drive Adventure!
Another retro adventure. It's a fun hobby! Welcome to Show 051! This week's Topic: My PX-8 Virtual Disk Drive Adventure! This week I cover the trials and tribulations of setting up a floppy disk emulator program for the Epson PX-8 laptop. It involves soldering and creative software trickery. What more could you ask for in a retro computing project? Topics and links discussed in the podcast... A while back I did a book review on Digital Retro. It's a great book, and here's the webpage for the aut...
Jul 10, 2006•35 min
Show 050: The 2006 State of the Podcast
I can tell you - time flies when you're having fun! Welcome to Show 050! This week's Topic: The 2006 State of the Podcast! Topics and links discussed in the podcast... A new PX-8? Sweet! Check out the PX-8 page on Star Technology ... Are you an Apple II extreme coder? Need a challenge - a contest, perhaps? Have a look at the Call A.P.P.L.E. 2006 Apple II Programming Contest ! Thanks to all of you for a great podcast year! Looking forward to lots more fun to come! Be sure to send any comments, qu...
Jul 03, 2006•32 min
Show 049: The Epson PX-8 Laptop Computer
CP/M in a laptop? And they said it couldn't be done... Welcome to Show 049! This week's Topic: The Epson PX-8 Laptop Computer! Topics and links discussed in the podcast... Programmable calculators are fun! I loved mine way back when. Here's a website for TI calculator enthusiasts - programs, connectivity, and more! Intellivision Lives! Indeed it does. I can't wait to play Sea Battle again... Want a review on the latest retro computer game? Oldschool Gaming may have what you need... Here's the ol...
Jun 26, 2006•29 min
Show 048: Book Review - Digital Retro
I can't run Linux on my Atari 800. But it plays a mean game of Missile Command. 'Nuff said... Welcome to Show 048! This week's Topic: Book Review: Digital Retro! Topics and links discussed in the podcast... Here's the site for the book Digital Retro ! Pictures from the C4 Expo - you missed the fun? Here are some pictures. Read 'em and weep... And this is a direct link to the Z80 inside - whoa, they popped the top off that chip! The Apple II Game Server is being actively worked on - stay tuned! M...
Jun 19, 2006•23 min
Show 047: The Z80 Microprocessor
This witty comment intentionally left blank. Welcome to Show 047! This week's Topic: The Z80 Microprocessor! Topics and links discussed in the podcast... Apple history abounds, courtesy of The Apple Computer History Weblog , and the Apple II History site! Obsolete Technology? We love it! Check out the Obsolete Technology Website at oldcomputers.net . Computer Collector Newsletter is now Technology Rewind . Congratulations on the new site! How many computers used the Z80? Well, at least more than...
Jun 14, 2006•26 min
Show 046: Live from the C4 Expo in Cincinnati, Ohio
My other computer is a Commodore :-) Welcome to Show 046! This week's Topic: Live from the C4 Expo in Cincinnati, Ohio! Topics and links discussed in the podcast... Need more retrocomputing listening goodness? Well, then, head over to the Boring Beige Box ! Issue #25 of Retrogaming Times - hot off the presses! Commvex v2 is coming up in July , and - it's Vegas, Baby! And, the World of Commodore 2006 is this December in Toronto! Alas, so much retrocomputing, so little time... Have a look at T he ...
Jun 05, 2006•24 min
Show 045: The IBM PC Junior
It would take about 250 Atari 800s to hold this podcast MP3 file.(Honestly, I compressed it as much as I could.) Welcome to Show 045! This week's Topic: The IBM PC Junior! Topics and links discussed in the podcast... The Apple Game Server - load software onto your Apple II with just a serial connection to your PC! The Cincinnati Commodore Computer Club is having their C4 Expo on June 3rd and 4th, 2006 . Better hurry and make those reservations! SymbOS, a multitasking operating system for the Ams...
May 29, 2006•26 min
Show 044: Retro Assortment
LOAD "RETROBITS",8,1 RUN Welcome to Show 044! This week's Topic: Retro Assortment (Variety Show)! Topics and links discussed in the podcast... Do kids still program? Join in on this discussion forum topic at the PETSCII Forums, and let us know! Speaking of which, here's a programming environment designed for kids - the Kids Programming Language . The Commodore16.com site revived my excitement for one of my favorite computers, the Commodore 16. What do you do with that old, non-functional Commodo...
May 22, 2006•26 min
Show 043: The Floppy Disk Drive
This week, take your favorite floppy drive out for a spin. Welcome to Show 043! This week's Topic: The Floppy Disk Drive! Topics and links discussed in the podcast... Do you know what types of computers these are ? If so, please drop a line to the e-mail address below - we'd like to find out! Wikipedia - did I mention to check them out? And this week, have a look at their page on the Floppy Disk . Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com . For online discussions...
May 14, 2006•34 min
Show 042: The TRS-80 Model I
Ever wonder what the "TRS" in "TRS-80" stands for? Tune in, you'll find out here! Welcome to Show 042! This week's Topic: The TRS-80 Model I microcomputer! Topics and links discussed in the podcast... Do you know what types of computers these are ? If so, please drop a line to the e-mail address below - we'd like to find out! Here's Peter Jenning's site , with info on his creation Microchess, and also great history on VisiCalc. Want to know more about Microchess? Well, go straight to the source ...
May 08, 2006•31 min
Show 041: The Logo programming language
The past is a wonderful present. Welcome to Show 041! This week's Topic: The Logo programming language! Topics and links discussed in the podcast... The Arpanet documentary on Google Video is back! This is retro about retro. Sweet! Another retrocomputing podcast! Check out the Boring Beige Box , it's a great listen! Wikipedia to the rescue again - here's their article on the Logo Programming Language . There are magazine reviews of Logo for the Commodore and Atari at the Atari Magazines site - h...
May 01, 2006•25 min
Show 040: My Classic Mac Adventure
To Mac, or not to Mac. That is the question. Welcome to Show 040! This week's Topic: My Classic Mac Adventure! Topics and links discussed in the podcast... A PICAXE - what's that ? It's a microcontroller - a programmable single-chip processor with cool inputs and outputs. Have a look! Information on the Macintosh SE/30 from old-computers.com. Watch out for classic Macintosh CRTs - if you open your Mac Plus, SE, SE/30, etc. up, there are high voltages! Luckily, there are ways to discharge the CRT...
Apr 24, 2006•32 min
Spring Break this week - be back in a week! Stay tuned!
Spring Break! Hi! I'm celebrating the Easter holiday with my family today, and taking a one-week spring break from the podcast. But stay tuned, as I'll be back next week with more retrocomputing goodness. I'd like to take the opportunity to thank all of you who listen to Retrobits. It's a lot of fun to connect with so many people who have an interest in the bits and bytes of ye olde. In the meantime, jump on over to the forum (link below) and join in! See you soon, and have a GREAT week. Be sure...
Apr 17, 2006•40 sec
Show 039: Random Access
Variety is the spice of life! Welcome to Show 039! This week's Topic: Random Access (A Variety Show). Topics and links discussed in the podcast... Check out the home page for The Woz himself! Great information and links, plus answers to frequently asked questions! Man, the videos just keep on coming. Here's one from the 1984 Apple Shareholder's Meeting . This video is hosted on the Mac Essentials site (note, mostly German language). See Sculley and Jobs on the same stage, and hear about their ex...
Apr 10, 2006•32 min
Show 038: The Apple III
The Apple /// Personal Computer System. The Most Powerful Professional Computer System In Its Class. Welcome to Show 038! This week's Topic - you guessed it: The Apple III personal computer! Topics and links discussed in the podcast... The Amstrad CPC 6128, reborn in new hardware, and with a cool new OS ? Oh yeah! That's some modern day fun! Keep those (Atari) XL's/XE's humming , with these fine utilities... Oscar's Vintage Computer Collection has some great stuff on CP/M computers, including on...
Apr 03, 2006•26 min
Hosted on Libsyn
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android