CoCo Costume!

With the Fall computer shows now behind us and the temperature dropping, it’s time to warm ourselves by the CoCo power supply and ponder the upcoming holidays. Halloween is almost upon us (anyone considering CoCo Cat as their costume?), and the Winter is when many mid-westerners are kept indoors enjoying their CoCo, Dragon, or MC10. Whatever your plans, I hope you continue to make CoCo connections.

September was nominations, and our current leadership team was nominated for the 2026-27 offices. Tony (our Treasurer) is desiring to step away, so if there are others who’d like to help, let us know.

Please join us this Thursday. As is standard, we will open the call a bit early at 7PM for some discussion and to help anyone with “technical difficulties”.

To join the Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82797367585?pwd=OUxibkJaR2N1SUtSOU9EUUlYeXBJQT09

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: GCCC

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,82797367585#,,,,*686821# (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: 686821
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kdIAqFZbZR

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYqfu6rqDwvEtGPAHF62Rhv1v5lakjdaO9W/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGqqTItGdKStRGCRpwQB4r4KOnwpmZYj7d6rD7NJXYBUAvgZ_QXPrN0GtzR

For those unable to join us on Zoom or have prior commitments, we will livestream and have a replay available on our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFk2dMxcjJcX2qbSqFHQMbA).

It’s Fall Classic Computer Show Time!

As the leaves start their downward journey, the Fall brings us the 2026 Vintage Computer Festival Midwest, it’s 21st showing, as well as Tandy Assembly 2026, now in a new location (Cincinnati area). I don’t know much about the TA location yet (I’m just glad it’s in a more metropolitan location), but VCF-MW is back at the Schaumburg Convention Center for the 3rd year. Year 1 was 50K square feet, year 2 was 66K, and rumor has it 2026 will take over the entire 100K venue. There’s a dedicated CoCo set of tables, as well as spots for the Z-80-based TRS-80 units, but there’s probably a dedicated area for pretty much every brand known to exist. Just like there’s a TA “Meetup” at VCF-SW each year, I think we should call CoCoFEST!’s VCF-MW presence a meetup as well. Regardless, consider these shows in your travel plans.

This week’s meeting will be a “calm before the storm” chat, no doubt, as the things get hectic during the show months. We’d love to have you join us for CoCo conversation!

Please join us this Thursday. As is standard, we will open the call a bit early at 7PM for some discussion and to help anyone with “technical difficulties”.

To join the Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82797367585?pwd=OUxibkJaR2N1SUtSOU9EUUlYeXBJQT09

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: GCCC

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,82797367585#,,,,*686821# (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: 686821
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kdIAqFZbZR

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYqfu6rqDwvEtGPAHF62Rhv1v5lakjdaO9W/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGqqTItGdKStRGCRpwQB4r4KOnwpmZYj7d6rD7NJXYBUAvgZ_QXPrN0GtzR

For those unable to join us on Zoom or have prior commitments, we will livestream and have a replay available on our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFk2dMxcjJcX2qbSqFHQMbA).

Don’t forget your CoCo during the Summer

I know July is a slow month for CoCo efforts, as folks are enjoying the nice weather (and CoCo systems are not generally portable, though PortaCoCo is trying to fix that). The outdoors beckon, but don’t forget about your CoCo during the Summer! Make sure to keep your disks and systems from getting too humid, unplug them if you’re not using them for a bit (electrical storms and such), and keep them cool (no one and no machine likes to get too hot).

Our July meeting will be a quick informal affair, given the season. I invite folks to join via a mobile device on a deck, patio, the woods, anywhere but your computer cave :-). Extra points if you drag your CoCo out to a pool or a coffee shop and have it set up for use 🙂

Please join us this Thursday. As is standard, we will open the call a bit early at 7PM for some discussion and to help anyone with “technical difficulties”.

To join the Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82797367585?pwd=OUxibkJaR2N1SUtSOU9EUUlYeXBJQT09

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: GCCC

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,82797367585#,,,,*686821# (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: 686821
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kdIAqFZbZR

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYqfu6rqDwvEtGPAHF62Rhv1v5lakjdaO9W/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGqqTItGdKStRGCRpwQB4r4KOnwpmZYj7d6rD7NJXYBUAvgZ_QXPrN0GtzR

For those unable to join us on Zoom or have prior commitments, we will livestream and have a replay available on our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFk2dMxcjJcX2qbSqFHQMbA).

Continuing the CoCo 3 40th Birthday Celebration

Firstly, a belated thanks to those who attended (physically or virtually), presented, exhibited, and/or volunteered to help with The 34th Annual “Last” Chicago CoCoFEST! The 2026 outing is in the bag and we now set our sights on both the Fall shows schedule and our 35th outing in 2027. Once again, many thanks to Grant Leighty for helping organize the fest. If you missed the show, or just want to revisit some of the material, we have a YouTube playlist for your viewing pleasure. The auction (with the new-in-box-never-used CoCo 3s that raised quite a bit for the club treasury) saw some serious bidding action.

Although it’s a bit unfair life intruded on some folks’ travel plans to the show this year, we hope circumstances improve and we’ll catch up with familiar faces later in the year. Chicago will once again host the Vintage Computer Festival Midwest in September this year, where the CoCo will be well represented. And, as I’ve stated before, if you’re a CoCo owner, we always hope you will attend our fest, but you really should consider attending a VCF-MW show. Starting as a side event to a Chicago area Commodore show years back, it has grown into what I believe is the largest (by far) classic computer show in the world. Closer to home (computer wise), Tandy Assembly arrives just a few weeks later in a new venue in the Cincinnati area. New location, new venue, but familiar faces (and computers).

I know I’m not the only one who’s enjoying the warmer days (and not because I am holding my hands over the CoCo inefficient power supply), but don’t completely neglect your CoCo. There’s 11 months until the next CoCoFEST! and thre’s no better time to start thinking about a presentation or exhibit for 2027 🙂

This month’s meeting should be low key. As always, comments and constructive concerns about the 2026 show are welcome. Tony, Grant, and I will hopefully be able to share some financial details about the show. But, yes, Virginia, there will be a 2027 show. Grant informs me we’ll be back at our home-away-from-home in Wheaton in mid-May next year.

Please join us this Thursday. As is standard, we will open the call a bit early at 7PM for some discussion and to help anyone with “technical difficulties”.

To join the Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82797367585?pwd=OUxibkJaR2N1SUtSOU9EUUlYeXBJQT09

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: GCCC

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,82797367585#,,,,*686821# (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: 686821
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kdIAqFZbZR

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYqfu6rqDwvEtGPAHF62Rhv1v5lakjdaO9W/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGqqTItGdKStRGCRpwQB4r4KOnwpmZYj7d6rD7NJXYBUAvgZ_QXPrN0GtzR

For those unable to join us on Zoom or have prior commitments, we will livestream and have a replay available on our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFk2dMxcjJcX2qbSqFHQMbA).

2 Weeks ’til the FEST!

I can’t wait to step foot in the hotel in a few weeks and see everyone again for 2026! While I’m thankful we have technology to keep us virtually connected throughout the year, there’s nothing better than seeing everyone face to face. I look forward to the setup on Thursday, the No Minimum Bid Auction (and Jason Timmons as auctioneer), the musical jam sessions in the evening, and the late night talks with all of you. Whether you’re an attendee, an exhibitor, or a presenter, thanks in advance for making the trek to IL for the show.

During our April meeting, we’ll discuss last minute prep for the show and any other show-related topics of interest.

Please join us this Thursday. As is standard, we will open the call a bit early at 7PM for some discussion and to help anyone with “technical difficulties”.

To join the Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82797367585?pwd=OUxibkJaR2N1SUtSOU9EUUlYeXBJQT09

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: GCCC

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,82797367585#,,,,*686821# (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: 686821
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kdIAqFZbZR

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYqfu6rqDwvEtGPAHF62Rhv1v5lakjdaO9W/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGqqTItGdKStRGCRpwQB4r4KOnwpmZYj7d6rD7NJXYBUAvgZ_QXPrN0GtzR

For those unable to join us on Zoom or have prior commitments, we will livestream and have a replay available on our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFk2dMxcjJcX2qbSqFHQMbA).

11 Main Hall tables left at the 34rd Annual “Last” CoCoFEST!

Time is growing short! If you have not reserved a table for our upcoming show, and/or not reserved your hotel room, what are you waiting for? It’s the 40th Anniversary of the Color Computer 3, and you don’t want to miss the festivities! CocoFEST Coordinator Grant Leighty is hard at work putting finishing touches on the show and lining up the slate of presenters. If you’re exhibiting, you’ve got a bit over a month to finish your project, no pressure!

Please join us this Thursday. As is standard, we will open the call a bit early at 7PM for some discussion and to help anyone with “technical difficulties”.

To join the Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82797367585?pwd=OUxibkJaR2N1SUtSOU9EUUlYeXBJQT09

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: GCCC

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,82797367585#,,,,*686821# (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: 686821
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kdIAqFZbZR

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYqfu6rqDwvEtGPAHF62Rhv1v5lakjdaO9W/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGqqTItGdKStRGCRpwQB4r4KOnwpmZYj7d6rD7NJXYBUAvgZ_QXPrN0GtzR

For those unable to join us on Zoom or have prior commitments, we will livestream and have a replay available on our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFk2dMxcjJcX2qbSqFHQMbA).

72 Days until the 34rd Annual “Last” CoCoFEST!

I hope you’ve all read CoCoFEST! Coordinator Grant Leighty’s announcement that tables for our 2026 show will be up for purchase on February 15, but if not, be sure to stop over to our registration page that afternoon to grab your table(s). Prices are unchanged from last year, and we’re once again enjoying a Friday/Saturday show, with teardown on Sunday, to help those needing some extra time to get back home for work the next day (or just to rest after what will undoubtedly be a fast paced event.

I’ve been remiss, but I appreciate Mark Overholser’s assistance in emceeing the Tandy Retro Show 2026 a few weeks ago. Thanks also to all of our Saturday presenters and their material. We appreciate you sharing your projects with us

Please join us this Thursday. As is standard, We will open the call a bit early at 7PM for some discussion and to help anyone with “technical difficulties”.

To join the Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82797367585?pwd=OUxibkJaR2N1SUtSOU9EUUlYeXBJQT09

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: GCCC

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,82797367585#,,,,*686821# (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: 686821
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kdIAqFZbZR

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYqfu6rqDwvEtGPAHF62Rhv1v5lakjdaO9W/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGqqTItGdKStRGCRpwQB4r4KOnwpmZYj7d6rD7NJXYBUAvgZ_QXPrN0GtzR

For those unable to join us on Zoom or have prior commitments, we will livestream and have a replay available on our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFk2dMxcjJcX2qbSqFHQMbA).