I'm a computer scientist who absolutely loves #retrocomputing and #retrogaming!
Some of my software & hardware creations: Shredz64 (#C64 Guitar Hero), ZISA-X (ISA compatible #Z80 computer), Whirlwind (NES FPGA).
I'm currently working on a #BBS themed adventure RPG, Cloudburst Connection.
Recent repairs & mods: IMSAI 8080, TRS-80 Model III, C128DCR.
Research interests: Bioinformatics, genomics, file systems, HPC, and scientific reproducibility. Check out my ORCID page for my publications!
| Day Job | Dep Director Research Computing & AI @ UNH |
| Github | https://github.com/ToniWestbrook |
| Research Publications | https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5398-6916 |
| Website | https://www.toniwestbrook.com |
Another recent repair, this time my NES. This one was also simple luckily. The controller was sending the wrong button presses due to a bad shift register, so replaced that. Also replaced the cartridge connector which no longer made good contact. Also apparently there was a Snickers bar wrapper mashed into the bottom of it!
Trip to Funspot today! I definitely feel lucky being an hour away from the largest arcade in the world!
Been loving necroware's board for converting MDA/CGA/EGA to VGA! Quick to solder, compact, and has worked like a champ on everything I've tried: Tandy 1000, Laser 128, C128DCR, etc.
Two of my favorite mobile devices, the DevTerm and Flipper Zero, having a nice "chat" with each other. I would love to use my DevTerm more, I need suggestions of things I can print on the thermal printer!
From a recent C128 mod - drilled and added two switches to case for turning on/off JiffyDOS and changing internal floppy from device 8 to 9. First switch is wired up to highest address line of a ROM that contains both JiffyDOS and stock image. For second switch, I cut the trace that keeps the device selection at gnd for ID 8 and instead wired it into the switch.
Got my 3D printer camera mounted in the enclosure! Now I have a top down view of my prints that I can monitor without having to walk over to the printer. Next up is an air filter!
Wowww, noticed incredible attention to detail in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle last night! According to the game, this is supposed to read "The _guardians_ vowed to protect the gift of the _gods_ and the legacy of _king Khufu_". I used to be into the Egyptian Book of the Dead and learning hieroglyphs when I was younger, and though I've forgotten almost all of it, I remember: 3 flags is gods (neteru), a seated man with a stick is guard (mnjw), and the big circle things are of course cartouches. I looked up the cartouche and it's indeed the one for the pharaoh Khufu. Not sure about the rest but it seems like they did an accurate job with the hieroglyphs - so cool!
Not sure why it took me so long, but I finally bought an enclosure for my 3D printer. It dampens the noise and I love not having to smell PLA anymore. Just need to mount my camera inside now. What printers are folks out there using out of curiosity? I love my #prusa mk3s, it's been a workhorse!
Having to desolder 60+ keys, cracking open each switch, and polishing the tarnish/dust from the contact points is probably one of my least favorite parts of vintage computer repair, but sometimes you gotta do it!
More from my repaired/modded TRS-80 Model III. After getting everything done, I added the FreHD ROM (https://www.vecoven.com/trs80/trs80.html) and have it booting off an SD card. So many games available to me now!
Been working on the title screen for "Cloudburst Connection", my BBS themed adventure RPG (build your BBS, call others, talk with your callers - even solve a mystery!). Obviously lots of in-game ANSI screens when calling boards, but decided to also go the ANSI route for the title screen too! Still needs some tweaks but getting there!