Tandy Tech Track
Tandy Tech Track is our special Friday event which consists of a set of highly-technical and informative classes taught by some of the leading figures in the vintage Tandy Radio Shack TRS-80 community. The Tech Track classes will be held in the speakers room. There is an additional cost to attend Tandy Tech Track on Friday.
The Classes
TTT101
Title: Designing and Building a 512K RAM Extension for the TRS-80 Model II.
Instructor: Ruud Broers
Home: Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Abstract: The process of creating the schematic, designing the PCB board, designing the GALs and preparing the files for ordering board from a PCB factory. Also assembling and finally testing the board in a computer without system RAM will be addressed. Of course I will have the real board with me.
TTT102
Title: Cosmetic and Physical Restoration of Vintage Computers
Instructor: Jeff Birt (Hey Birt!)
Home: Rolla, Missouri, USA
Abstract: This presentation will cover the techniques and tools used in the physical and cosmetic restoration of vintage computers. The passage of time, normal wear and tear as well as shipping damage are some of the things that contribute to the need for physical restoration of our old systems. We can divide these types of repairs into three categories: mechanical, electro- mechanical, and cosmetic. Mechanical repairs include such things as stripped threads, cracked screw posts, and broken cases. Electro-mechanical repairs encompass those problems which have both mechanical and electrical aspects such as circuit board corrosion, damaged FFCs, switches and connectors. Cosmetic repairs generally enhance the aesthetics of a device but not its utility. Topics covered will include cleaning chemicals and methods, Retr0Brite, painting and polishing clear and opaque plastics.
TTT103
Title: TRS-80 Accessories Which Fell Short of the Mark
Instructor: Ian Mavric & Eric Dittman
Home: Melbourne, Australia
Abstract: Did you ever buy something, eagerly get it home, set it up only to quickly realize "This thing is crap"? Ian and Eric take a look at 10 of Tandy's "What were they thinking?" products in this irreverent and at times funny discussion. Not to be missed if you bought any of these products at the time!
TTT104
Title: TRS-IO++: One Card to Rule Them All
Instructor: Matt Boytim & Arno Puder
Home: Kokomo, Indiana, USA & San Francisco, California, USA
Abstract: TRS-IO++ combines different projects in one solution: it can serve as a TRS-IO card for either the Model 1 or the Model III and it also integrates PocketTRS functionality. It features a PMOD connector to allow external modules such as the LightBright-80. TRS-IO++ combines the ESP microcontroller and a powerful Nano Tang 20K FPGA. In this presentation we will first demo TRS-IO++ capabilities and then deep dive on some of its technical aspects.
TTT105
Title: Using MULTIDOS: An Introduction for Today's TRS-80 Enthusiast
Instructor: Tim Halloran
Home: Pittsburgh, PA
Abstract: This talk will cover how to get started using MULTIDOS for today's TRS-80 enthusiast. If you are new to the TRS-80 community or just interested in trying out MULTIDOS, which is now available for FreHD, this is the introduction for you. If you want to work on a TRS-80 writing BASIC or assembler this talk will introduce the excellent MULTIDOS tools. We'll even explain why ESOTERIC might be the right choice for you.