Retrochallenge 2010

July 31st, 2010: And that's a wrap!

Didn't have any time this week to properly wrap up this summer's RC, thanks in part to my usually hectic personal life. Ah well, I still made time to update fairly regularily in the previous weeks.

So, I created no art, had no bananas, and my favourite retro-computer finally gave up the ghost. But I did have a lot of fun, and a little bit of luck where other projects were concerned.

To recap, here's what I accomplished:

• After many RCs-worth of trying, I finally repaired Sigrid, my TRS-80 Model 4P. Upgraded her, too.
• Repaired my old Gameboy.
• Used a few spare Gameboy and camera parts to make a tripod-mountable Gameboy Camera setup.
• Briefly enjoyed USB 2.0 on my Amiga 2000.
• Using my USB 2.0 card, I was able to back up all the data on my Amiga 2000 before she died.
• Upgraded the ROMs and Operating System in my Amiga 1200.
• Got my Amiga 1200 online via wifi, downloaded a bunch of internet apps and games.
• Repeatedly ran Kylie Minogue's Neighbours character, Charlene, into obstacles while laughing maniacally.
• Played with other obsolete-but-still-functional technology (shortwave radio and over-the-air TV).
• Cleaned my basement and found a shitload of Unix stuff (etc) I forgot I had.
• Went on my inaugural Retro Road Trip (and mobile blogging excursion), and am training for longer trips.
• Managed to kill three perfectly good Amigas (1200, 2000, 4000)!
• Drank lots of beer before, during, and after the World Cup.

And here's what I didn't accomplish:

• Did not create ART! apart from taking a bunch of pictures.
• Did not get USB 2.0 working on Amiga 1200 due to relatively anemic PSU.
• Did not write HOW-TO guides, although one could replicate some of my work by following along with the pictures I took.
• Did not write hardware reviews for Model 100 upgrades, as I'm donating the reviews to 300 Baud Magazine instead!
• Did not celebrate Germany's winning the World Cup... because Spain won instead.
• Did not get my Model 100's T-Base report program TB-RPT to work with my shortwave log database.
• Did not do any research into Sustainable Retrocomputing owing to lack of funding. Hopefully by October...

Honourable Mentions:

• Made several references to arcane (dare I say retro?!) methods of divination and meteorology.
• Mixed several metaphors.
• Founded the Church of Nigel (Scottish Rite), dedicated to the worship of the Canadian God of Rain, who showed His appreciation by flooding us out. Bastard!
• Proved yet again that I am thoroughly mad!

And there you have it! Actually accomplished more this time than not. I'm gonna call this Retrochallenge a SUCCESS!

Now, I'm off to enjoy a homemade Banana Smoothie. See you in January!

-CJ