Toni Westbrook

@Megaboz@oldbytes.space
31 Followers
54 Following
195 Posts

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 JobDep Director Research Computing & AI @ UNH
Githubhttps://github.com/ToniWestbrook
Research Publicationshttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-5398-6916
Websitehttps://www.toniwestbrook.com

Trip to Funspot today! I definitely feel lucky being an hour away from the largest arcade in the world!

#arcade #retrogaming #funspot

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.

#retrocomputing #tandy #commodore #VGA #CGA #necroware

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!

#devterm #FlipperZero #cyberdecks

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.

#retrocomputing #commodore #c128 #electronics

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!

#3dprinting #prusa

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!

#indianajones #hieroglyphics #egyptology #videogames

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!

#3dprinting

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!

#retrocomputing #trs80 #electronics

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!

#retrocomputing #trs80 #electronics

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!

#BBS #ansiart #indiegames #adventuregames #RPG

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Trip to Funspot today! I definitely feel lucky being an hour away from the largest arcade in the world!

#arcade #retrogaming #funspot

@Megaboz what did you play? What's your go-to?
@zorrobandito Q*Bert is definitely my fav, but my wife doesn't let me play when we go as my games last too long! Also love Crystal Castles, Mario Bros (though this was out of order), and Lady Bug. Also played some Moon Patrol, Kung Fu, Mr Do, and TMNT. Tried The Pit for the first time, enjoyed it quite a bit, need to practice at home. I try my best to always try a new cab. What are your fav arcade games?
@Megaboz This looks amazing. What was the best pinball table?
@adamsdesk They had a ton of new ones this time, for years they've had the same collection of 70s-90s tables (Addams Family, BK2000, Funhouse, Pinbot, etc) but now they have Stranger Things, Alien, D&D, etc. All great but I am absolutely trash at the new tables!
@Megaboz Still sounds like endless fun.
@adamsdesk oh it definitely was! And they do still have the old favorites too which is great. Just means I need to practice more! 😄
@Megaboz What is a game of pinball worth?
@jellycrystals They range, I think some of the older ones there are still at 25/50 cents, but then some of the new ones they had set to $1.25. Not a huge fan when they go above a buck, but I do understand they need to recoup their costs given how crazy expensive they are.
@Megaboz Actual money, tokens or a swipe card? Most places here (Australia) are swipe cards. $1 up to $3 a game!
@jellycrystals At Funspot they use tokens, but we do have a bunch of places around here that use card swipes too. Some places will also do an entry fee for free-play kind of deal. Wow though, $3 is definitely a little pricey, you have to really think about whether it's a table you want to play at that cost!
@Megaboz AUD to USD means almost 2 USD a game.. Yeah, it does mean some games are just a one play only. As a family of 3 we tend to all play the same game as it makes the credits last longer..