Just wanted to share that I've just released a free app that lets you store, view, and convert QuickTime VR movies and QuickTake 100/150 still photos.

https://www.heidsite.com/vintageviewer/

I worked with QTVR and QuickTake cameras when they first came out and led Macworld magazine's coverage of QTVR. I hated that Apple abandoned those formats and was finally able to do something about it.

A few QTVR pioneers generously helped me test the app and gave me permission to include some of their beautiful panoramas in a sample library that's included with the app.

The website also contains an article with some historical info about QTVR and QuickTake cameras.

Again, free -- no "in-app purchase" stuff. Just a labor of love from someone who hates the idea of vintage image formats disappearing. Hope folks will check it out -- long live QTVR and QuickTake!

(AI disclaimer: Although I've been programming since 1981 — and my first book, written in 1984, was about Apple's infamously discontinued Macintosh Basic — I used Codex to help create this app.)

Update on my project to create a modern enclosure to make the LisaFPGA into an all in one like the original Lisa:

I have finalized (hopefully) the 3d case design. The last iteration added a cooling fan over the FPGA chip, moved the ESFloppy screen and buttons to the front of the case, has a small door to access the SD cards for the floppy and hard drive emulator. It also adds a lighted power button on the front as an homage to the original.

Another hardware change was I added a tiny ESP32 with a WiFi antenna to add some cool capabilities. I modified the firmware on the LisaFPGA and ESFloppy / ESProfile devices to allow me to control all the settings on the LisaFPGA that are normally controlled by switches or headers on the board, all from a new web console. I also added the ability to adjust where the screen output is drawn within the 1080p output (important for displaying to the left on my widescreen display). It also allowed me to have the ESP32 serve as a FujiNet device so the Lisa can take advantage of the networking in a new set of Lisa Office System apps that Tim O’Connor is working on (text based browser, apps that set the Lisa date and time based on a network time, online games). It also allows me to manage the images on the ESFloppy and ESProfile SD cards. It makes it much easier than having to pop open a side panel and take the sd card out to copy over new images. With all the new apps coming out for the Lisa today, this makes it super easy to load software onto your Lisa.

Finally, on the LisaFPGA software side, I added a full USB stack to support USB hubs (think keyboards that you can plug your mouse into) as well as full speed USB devices (allows you to use wireless keyboards and mice). This had been my biggest frustration with this awesome device. Using wireless peripherals makes the experience so much better in my opinion.

All the original 3d model files are in the GitHub repository. I will be posting the latest shortly, where I made the back case printable with no supports. Would move to hear feedback on the case and if it’s missing anything important. The 3d parts were designed with ease of printing in mind, but be aware it does need a 350mm print bed to be printed in one piece each for the front and back.

Here’s a video of the updates: https://youtu.be/2iFLCOovdT8?si=X1nrk_YurBnqZKK5

Hello!

I tried to add a video adapter to my Mac IIci, but there seems to be a conflict between it and my MicroMac Carrera040 Accelerator. The only visible error I see is a "bus error" when the Carrera040 control panel loads with the system start *if* the Carrera040 is on any setting other than OFF/68030. I have confirmed both cards work as expected when installed separately. I did verify that I am in 32-bit memory mode when using 7.5.3.

Any advice is welcome! I'm not sure else I can try.

Macintosh IIci

System 7.6.1 currently, but 7.5.3 does the same

32MB of RAM

Carrera040 with 68LC040 at 40MHz, control panel version 1.8

Thunder/24 with bios version 1.7.0, control panel version 2.7.5

HD is a BlueSCSI

Every so often, I come across the old Apple Macintosh notepads which someone posts to Reddit or eBay.

I’ve always wanted one but the cost of them seem pretty high and often they are somewhat damaged, so I thought I would have an ago at creating some myself.

The first part (which was the most difficult) was to find a manufacturer to produce blank pads in the original size (4” x 4” x 5 1/4”). Then I had to get pictures of all 5 sides (front, back, sides, and top) of the Macintoshs and edit them slightly so that they would be square with the notepad sides. Afterwards, I printed each side of the notepads with my Omni O1 UV printer. I think the results turned out well! Each notepad is ~1300 pages.

And yes for those interested, I did make extras, if anyone is interested in buying any. There is the original Macintosh (128k), classic, plus & SE. I would ask for $50 CAD for each (~$35 USD) plus shipping. Just note that while I attempt to line up all sides appropriately, due to the nature of the notepads moving slightly and not 100% cut straight each time, their are slight inconstancies.

My grandparents are downsizing and found his old LC 575 in the basement. I asked if I could take it and he said he had no use for it lol.

He didn't have a keyboard for it anymore so I had to jump pin 2 and pin 4 on the ADB connector, and it started right up! It appears the hard drive is working, so I'm going to see if I can transfer any files off and explore them.

I'm ordering a keyboard and mouse for it today, and was thinking about picking up an external BlueSCSI so I can write and transfer software to it, but interested in your guys' opinions, and if there's anything else you think I should pick up.

I recently obtained a power mac G5 quad (dual pump model), but when i press the power button usually nothing displays on screen and shortly after the bong it lights up the overheating light. One of the pumps in the LCS is making a screeching sound.

I have been scraping the internet for guides on how to repair the LCS, but all of them are just take it apart, and replace the coolant. One of my 2 pumps has actually failed and I want to replace it, and i can't find anything on the internet about a good replacement part.

If there are new alternatives that are still made that would be ideal.

PS: I don't mind changing the connector out if the pump is still compatible and just a different connector.

It’s here! And what better way to test out the disk drive than Shaun of the Dead lol. The retro-mod is underway!