Sentimental Sundays

 

Acoustic Modem

The acoustic modem, an ingenious relic of early computing, represents a fascinating chapter in the history of data communication. Developed in the mid-20th century, it was designed to transmit digital information over telephone lines by converting electrical signals into sound waves. The device typically featured a pair of rubber cups that cradled a standard telephone handset—one cup for the speaker to send data and another for the microphone to receive it. By modulating binary data into audible tones, often using frequency-shift keying (FSK), the acoustic modem allowed computers to "talk" to each other through the existing telephone infrastructure, a groundbreaking concept at a time when dedicated data networks were virtually nonexistent.

In its heyday, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s, the acoustic modem was a cornerstone of early internet precursors like ARPANET and the burgeoning world of personal computing. Speeds were modest by today’s standards, ranging from 110 to 300 baud (roughly equivalent to bits per second), though later models pushed into the 1200 baud range. Users would dial a remote system, wait for a carrier tone, and then physically place the handset into the modem’s cups—a process that demanded patience and a quiet room, as background noise could easily disrupt the connection. This clunky yet effective technology bridged the gap between isolated machines, enabling everything from academic research to the first online bulletin board systems (BBS), laying the groundwork for the connected world we know today.

While acoustic modems have largely faded into obscurity, replaced by faster, more reliable direct-connection modems and broadband technologies, their legacy endures. They symbolize a time of ingenuity and experimentation, when engineers and hobbyists alike worked within the constraints of analog systems to forge digital pathways. Collectors and retrocomputing enthusiasts still cherish these devices, occasionally firing them up to hear the nostalgic screeches and warbles of data transmission. In an era of fiber optics and 5G, the acoustic modem stands as a testament to how far communication technology has come—and a reminder of the creative solutions that once turned telephone lines into conduits for the information age.

Linux IPTABLES cheetsheet

 

Learn Your Recovery Processes - Ubiquiti Router Example

 You should always be familiar with the reset or recovery process of your equipment.

Sometimes you need to reset some equipment so you can configure it from scratch, or no one knows the password.

Then there are those moments when a firmware upgrade fails, the equipment reports random system errors, or acts ‘strange’ after a power outage.

I ran into an issue where a router was constantly reporting processes crashing 24/7. This router was in my lab with no interface facing the internet and no traffic running through it, so 

it was pretty idle and still spat out errors constantly.  Of course, I tried setting it back to factory with no change.

The first thing I did was compare it against other similar model routers with the same firmware to ensure that these messages were somehow normal.  Whew, no other router was reporting any of these messages.

I tried unsuccessfully to upgrade the firmware via UISP management console, the router's web interface, and via the CLI/SSH session.

I then contacted Ubiquiti to get the latest firmware upgrade instructions since the only instructions I found online were 5 years or older. Even though it looked like what I just did, I started by resetting the router to factory and tried multiple times with no luck.

I reported my results back to Ubiquiti along with screen shots and detailed notes. Ubiquiti responded with the router recovery procedure.

Here’s the weird part: I must have tried the procedure a dozen times with no luck and firmware error messages. Every time I reset the router back to factory, I powered it off and back on.

This morning, I thought why don’t I make a video on the process since I couldn’t find anything current and had to set up a DHCP server for the router to get an IP address since the documented IP address was incorrect.

Murphy's law kicked in, and it worked this morning. 

Good thing I was recording the whole thing.

Here is the Ubiquiti support document link 

https://help.uisp.com/hc/en-us/articles/22591244564887-EdgeRouter-TFTP-Recovery

Sentimental Sundays - Sampo 9519

 

The Sampo 9519 is a rare and fascinating piece of television history, introduced in 1981 by the Sampo Corporation of America, a Taiwanese-based company known for its innovative electronics. This unique tri-screen color TV features a 19-inch main color screen flanked by two smaller 5-inch black-and-white screens, each equipped with its own independent tuner and controls. Marketed as a cutting-edge consumer product, the Sampo 9519 allowed viewers to watch three different channels simultaneously or even monitor external inputs like security cameras, making it a standout in an era when picture-in-picture technology was still emerging. Its bold design and functionality reflect the early 1980s’ appetite for ambitious, over-the-top gadgets, blending practicality with a touch of extravagance.

Despite its innovative concept, the Sampo 9519 was not a commercial success, likely due to its high cost, substantial weight—reportedly around 200 pounds—and niche appeal. The television’s main color screen delivered a standard NTSC picture, while the smaller monochrome screens offered a more limited but still functional viewing experience, with one capable of accepting composite video input. This setup could have been a dream for multitaskers, such as sports enthusiasts or stockbrokers, but its bulky size and the lack of sound output from the smaller screens may have deterred widespread adoption. Today, the Sampo 9519 is celebrated as a quirky relic of retro technology, often popping up in thrift stores, online auctions like eBay, or as a showcase prize on vintage episodes of The Price Is Right, where its novelty surely turned heads.

The Sampo 9519’s construction and aesthetic are quintessentially 1980s, with a wood-grain veneer finish and a hefty CRT (cathode ray tube) design that housed its three screens. Manufactured in Taiwan, it was imported to the U.S. by Sampo Corporation of America, based in Elk Grove, Illinois, and retailed as a premium product with a power consumption of 135 watts. Enthusiasts and collectors now prize it for its rarity and oddball charm, though surviving units often show signs of wear, such as peeling veneer or missing knobs, as seen in various listings. Its appeal lies not just in its functionality but in its embodiment of an era when manufacturers weren’t afraid to experiment with bold, unconventional ideas, even if they didn’t always resonate with the masses.

Trivia : Did you know the Sampo 9519 has a surprising pop culture connection? It appeared as a prize on The Price Is Right in 1984, delighting audiences with its futuristic tri-screen setup—viewers have spotted it in reruns as recently as 2024! The TV’s name, “Sampo,” might also hint at a nod to Finnish mythology, where the Sampo is a magical artifact, though the company itself was Taiwanese. Despite its three screens, only the main one had sound, leaving the smaller screens silent, and its remote—when included—often no longer works in surviving units, adding to its quirky legacy. At one point, a unit listed on eBay for $2,800 garnered over 200 watchers, proving its cult status among retro tech aficionados.

Treasure Thursday - Motorola DynaTAC 8000x

 In 1984, the first commercial cell phone (Motorola DynaTAC 8000x) went on sale for $3,995. and $5/min