PPP server on ESP32

I spent some time working on my Wimos Lolin ESP32 this weekend. I recently wrote up a simple how-to about the ESP32 device on my other blog. Since I am pretty familiar with lwIP and PPP based on my work on the Macintosh 128k webserver, I also previously contributed a small amount of code to enable the PPP server in the lwip network stack that the ESP32 uses. But, without an interface to access the PPP server code, it was useless. So, I decided to integrate access to the PPP server into the ESP32's standard AT command interpreter. With a small amount of code, I think I have it working! My MacBook can connect to itself using PPP now. I need to get one of my classic macs set up to further test the connection. I should get code posted in the next few days.

Update!

Source and instructions are now on github!

Apple II "The Keyboard Company" Keyboard Repair

During my recent move, one of my Apple II+ computers didn't fare so well and broke 2 key posts. I really don't like the keyboard in this particular computer: it sticks, it often misses key strokes, and the feel is not very good. I didn't know how different the keyboard was until I took it apart and found... no Alps key switches! But, since Apple II+ keyboards are not cheap, I paid a few bucks for replacement key posts instead of replacing the keyboard. Process:

1. Unscrew and remove the base plate of the computer
2. Unscrew and remove keyboard
3. Unscrew a bunch of tiny screws to remove the circuit board from the keyboard
4. Push the broken post out the back
5. Push in the new post
6. Reassemble
7. Continue hating how the keyboard feels

One repair completed!

Weird spring / contact matrix

I tried to repair the posts, and the one on the left worked OK, but I ended up replacing both of them.

6 and T are fixed!

Retro Loft Progress

One of my big RetroChallenge goals was to get my office organized after recently moving. However, I decided to just move everything to a storage loft in the house and add a workstation to get everything out of the way.

I spent last week working on a sketch of what it would look like and this past weekend doing some construction:

RetroLoft - Desk Area SketchUp

RetroLoft - SketchUp

RetroLoft - Before

RetroLoft - During

RetroLoft - Desk Area

I installed a hand rail, moved the storage shelves over, installed a desk support, and more storage shelves. I used some old shelf standards I had on-hand and discovered that shelf standards are not 'standard'. The two sets had slots that were not quite aligned the same way. I still need to install the desk surface (an old interior slab door), then run a new power line, and set up some old computers. Its a little warm up there, but a large fan in the garage keeps the air moving now.

Parts!

Lots of parts have come in for RetroChallenge.