COMPUTE!’s Gazette – Volume 1 – Issue 1 – July, 2025
The world of retro computing is built on more than just silicon and plastic; it’s built on community. The July issue of COMPUTE!’s Gazette shines a spotlight on the people and gatherings that form the backbone of this passionate hobby. From expert repair advice to global festivals and local meetups, this issue is your guide to getting connected.
Ask Ray Carlsen: Get Help from a Commodore Legend
For years, one name has stood out in the Commodore community for expert repairs and robust hardware solutions: Ray Carlsen. A seasoned electronics wizard, Carlsen is renowned for his in-depth knowledge and meticulous work. He is the creator of the essential “Computer Saver,” a device that protects beloved Commodore machines from the infamous power supply failures that can cause irreparable damage.
After a brief hiatus, Ray is back at his workbench, and COMPUTE!’s Gazette is thrilled to announce his new monthly column, “Ask Ray Carlsen.” Each month, he will answer your most challenging technical questions and help solve your Commodore problems. Have a question for Ray? Now’s your chance to get an answer from the definitive source.
Inside the Vintage Computer Festival
Get a personal, behind-the-scenes look at the world’s premier retro computing event from the man who started it all. Sellam Ismail, the founder of the Vintage Computer Festival (VCF), shares a candid history of the event’s 28-year journey.
From a modest but successful gathering of 150 people in 1997, the VCF has grown into a global phenomenon, with multiple events across the USA and Europe. Sellam recounts the simple process of starting a VCF, his desire to spread the good cheer of the vintage computing vibe, and his personal struggles and triumphs that led to a hiatus and eventual return to the scene in 2015.
He emphasizes that while the machines, speakers, and marketplace are key components, the VCF has always been about the people—from legends like Steve Wozniak to the everyday hobbyist. It’s a place to meet your heroes, delight in fantastic exhibitions, and share a passion with a vibrant community.
User Group Update: Finding Your Local Community
The landscape of retro computing user groups hasn’t declined; it has transformed. The spirit of the Homebrew Computer Club lives on in a rich ecosystem of traditional clubs, historical societies, and hackerspace meetups.
This month’s “User Group Update” provides a comprehensive directory of active groups across the United States that hold regular in-person meetings. It also offers actionable advice for enthusiasts looking to connect:
- Check for Recent Activity: When researching a group, look for posts or announcements from the last few months to ensure it’s not a “ghost group.”
- Contact and Confirm: Always email or message an organizer before attending your first meeting, as times and locations can change.
- Attend a Festival: Major events like VCF are an outstanding way to meet members from numerous local groups at once and find the best fit for you.
These groups are more than just social clubs; they are the physical archives of computing history, where old hardware is repaired, rare knowledge is preserved, and the passion for these incredible machines is passed down to a new generation.
Read the full story and discover more about the world of retro computing in the first issue of COMPUTE!’s Gazette in 35 years!
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