What to do with vintage computer equipment?
September 2, 2017 11:18 AM Subscribe
I have some vintage/historic computer equipment including an IMSAI 8080. What should I do with it?
I have an IMSAI 8080, a large (possibly handmade?) terminal with screen and built in keyboard, an external drive of some sort (possibly a punch card reader?) and some other smaller things. I have many of the original manuals for this equipment as well as notebooks from the 70s with handwritten programs and other notes from the original owner.
I have no idea whether any of it still works or not. It's been in a closet for at least 20 years. I'm reticent to turn it on because it might want some cleaning out and tuning up before running electricity through it and possibly blowing some component.
What should I do with this? I'm open to selling it, donating it, electronics recycling it (if it has no value) or probably anything else you can think of. I cannot keep it (so for example do not want to repurpose it into something I will use).
It belonged to someone important to me who was an early computer programmer, builder and tinkerer. When I think of what would make me/that person happy, I can picture it belonging to a budding computer person who was interested in computer history, tuning up an old machine, learning the basics of old school computer programming. Perhaps this would be at a school/university that I could donate this to? If it had historic value, I would consider donating it to a museum. I would also sell it for cash (as a lot or in parts) to someone who would buy it as is. I'm not in a rush to get rid of it, but wouldn't mind having it out of my possession within a year or so.
What do you think my options are and what would you do with this? If you think a museum, school or university would want it, do you have any specific recommendations? If you think it has resale value, how much do you think it might be worth and what would be the best way to find a buyer?
I have an IMSAI 8080, a large (possibly handmade?) terminal with screen and built in keyboard, an external drive of some sort (possibly a punch card reader?) and some other smaller things. I have many of the original manuals for this equipment as well as notebooks from the 70s with handwritten programs and other notes from the original owner.
I have no idea whether any of it still works or not. It's been in a closet for at least 20 years. I'm reticent to turn it on because it might want some cleaning out and tuning up before running electricity through it and possibly blowing some component.
What should I do with this? I'm open to selling it, donating it, electronics recycling it (if it has no value) or probably anything else you can think of. I cannot keep it (so for example do not want to repurpose it into something I will use).
It belonged to someone important to me who was an early computer programmer, builder and tinkerer. When I think of what would make me/that person happy, I can picture it belonging to a budding computer person who was interested in computer history, tuning up an old machine, learning the basics of old school computer programming. Perhaps this would be at a school/university that I could donate this to? If it had historic value, I would consider donating it to a museum. I would also sell it for cash (as a lot or in parts) to someone who would buy it as is. I'm not in a rush to get rid of it, but wouldn't mind having it out of my possession within a year or so.
What do you think my options are and what would you do with this? If you think a museum, school or university would want it, do you have any specific recommendations? If you think it has resale value, how much do you think it might be worth and what would be the best way to find a buyer?
The living computer museum in Seattle would love that stuff, give them a call.
posted by heathkit at 12:56 PM on September 2, 2017
posted by heathkit at 12:56 PM on September 2, 2017
I would absolutely love to take some of that equipment off your hands, especially the terminal, but I'm sure shipping from Australia to the US would be expensive. If you do decide to sell or otherwise let go of some of the equipment though, I still may be interested. Feel free to send me a private message or email.
posted by Venadium at 5:54 PM on September 2, 2017
posted by Venadium at 5:54 PM on September 2, 2017
I think the Melbourne Museum would be the first stop. I will pass this link on to someone associated with UniMelb who may have an idea.
If no other ideas are around, I'll dig up my accoustic coupler from the shed and make a small Wargames shrine...
posted by pompomtom at 5:18 AM on September 3, 2017
If no other ideas are around, I'll dig up my accoustic coupler from the shed and make a small Wargames shrine...
posted by pompomtom at 5:18 AM on September 3, 2017
Response by poster: This equipment is all located in the US, so US schools or museums would definitely be the first choice.
posted by mosessis at 8:37 AM on September 3, 2017
posted by mosessis at 8:37 AM on September 3, 2017
Jason Scott would probably be my first ping. There may be a local computer museum near where the equipment is, but depending on where it is in the US, Jason can probably point you in the right direction.
posted by jeffkramer at 2:34 PM on September 3, 2017
posted by jeffkramer at 2:34 PM on September 3, 2017
Vintage Computer Forum is the place I'd ask. They're all hopped up right now 'cos V C F M W 12 is next weekend.
These machines have an active user and collector base. I have friends who develop new cards and hardware for the platform. A working one (or complete, could-be working, one) has value.
posted by scruss at 4:35 PM on September 3, 2017
These machines have an active user and collector base. I have friends who develop new cards and hardware for the platform. A working one (or complete, could-be working, one) has value.
posted by scruss at 4:35 PM on September 3, 2017
Where is the equipment located in the US? There are several vintage computer museums, as well as vintage computer interest groups. Many would salivate and may throw money at you for this stuff.
posted by lhauser at 4:56 PM on September 3, 2017
posted by lhauser at 4:56 PM on September 3, 2017
Don't turn it on! There's a good chance some of the capacitors are too old, and will blow out. Someone who knows electronics will be able to spot and replace them.
posted by Harvey Kilobit at 10:21 PM on September 3, 2017
posted by Harvey Kilobit at 10:21 PM on September 3, 2017
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posted by Slinga at 11:46 AM on September 2, 2017 [1 favorite]