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California Free Vintage Computers! Please rescue them! (Los Angeles)

Covers: California
Q

Quietlion79

Member
Joined
Dec 3, 2024
Messages
24
Delivery Options
Local Pickup Only
Hey all, new member but have loved old tech for decades and hate to see it get junked. I am in Los Angeles and helping someone clear out a recording studio that closed its doors about 25 years ago.

I am going to try to attach some photos I took of the old computers that are definitely free and hope to connect with someone who will make use of them, or distribute them to others on the forum.

There is not much time left. I may be able to hold them for a few days at my place but would rather someone meet me down there later this week or on the weekend.

I don't know what they are, but look to be late 70s to mid 80s from what I would guess. There are a bunch of cool old dot matrix printers and CRTs as well, including some huge old Ikegami models. There may be more, including some old electronic typewriters as well if anyone knows someone interested. So much other cool stuff as well.

Please reach out. You will need at least a mid sized car. Whatever doesn't get rescued apparently goes to the smash room.

Edit - Ok, looks like I can attach a maximum of 10 photos. You get the idea.
 

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Lots of interesting stuff. I only recognize one computer there. A couple of spectrum analyzers maybe.
 
Where abouts in LA? There doesn't seem to be much in terms of computers. Like it was already mentioned I see one computer and a couple of interesting monitors if working. The rest look like specialized equipment.
 
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If there are IBM Selectrics please don't smash them - I'm in the wrong part of the world, but spares for Selectrics are very useful if they've been ignored and don't get plugged in before they've been de-gunked! Most people find an old Selectric and plug it in with all the grease turned to glue, with predictable results.
 
Hello all, and thanks for the responses. I wasn't sure if these units were of any interest and appreciste the info. I did see some manuals and games for a C64. I will check around further next time. There is so much cool old tech. The location is Hollywood near Santa Monica Blvd and Vine.
 
Can you DM me your location? I work out of Orange County near South Coast Plaza, 405 and Harbor. Maybe I can come and save some of those computers. I have a truck so I can take quite a few.
Greg
 
I remind people in this thread that OP has specified local pickup only, please don't flood this thread with "Can you ship...." or "PM Sent" for that matter.

@Quietlion79 You're probably going to get a mountain of PMs on this, so you'll want to keep an eye on those messages. With VCF So Cal coming up in February I wonder if @The VintNerd would be able to help get some or all of this for the consignment for the show and/or for preservation.
 
CloudInMyHead said:
Can you DM me your location? I work out of Orange County near South Coast Plaza, 405 and Harbor. Maybe I can come and save some of those computers. I have a truck so I can take quite a few.
Greg
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Hi Greg, location is Hollywood near Santa Monica and Vine cross streets. Let me know when exactly you were thinking and I will see if the coordinator of the clean out will be there.
 
Lutiana said:
I remind people in this thread that OP has specified local pickup only, please don't flood this thread with "Can you ship...." or "PM Sent" for that matter.

@Quietlion79 You're probably going to get a mountain of PMs on this, so you'll want to keep an eye on those messages. With VCF So Cal coming up in February I wonder if @The VintNerd would be able to help get some or all of this for the consignment for the show and/or for preservation.
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Thanks! Yeah I have had a few, all very nice people. I think we have a solution. I am sure thst knowledge bases on this site extend farther than just vintage computers. Maybe Greg will find some more stuff as well.
 
Eudimorphodon said:
I would love to know more about those InfoCenter terminals, but their name is... quite unfortunate, when it comes to search engines. They're... very goofy. Like something off a desk in the movie RoboCop.
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Love that reference! Apparently the great google doesn't know everything!
 
Greg came and I think took a few things, but I took a quick look and the majority is left. I am looking for someone to take a lot more than just a couple things. I should have been more specific, but thank you for coming, Greg! It was nice to meet you.
 
It was a great visit. There were tons of audio equipment, some retro oscilloscopes, some software but not tons of it. A few computers left. Two DEC Rainbows in unknown condition but had good cases and looked OK.
If you live nearby, definitely take a look. If you are into retro audio, 100% go take a look. There were many records, I'm 62 and I would say 99% were before my time.
Lots of 8 track tapes. reel to reel.
Also - the staff were very nice, A++ in customer service.
 
Eudimorphodon said:
I would love to know more about those InfoCenter terminals, but their name is... quite unfortunate, when it comes to search engines. They're... very goofy. Like something off a desk in the movie RoboCop.
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Wanna see if we can bribe someone to forward a parcel to each of us? I'll pitch in some cash. ;)
 
I'm a bit north of LA. What hasn't been claimed yet?

Edit: looks like that cross street is a bit over an hour from my place and my wife rolled her eyes and said "ok maybe we can go down there on saturday". Think there will still be availability by then? I can see a really nice rack mount tape player, some monitors, and a compaq portable.
 
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hunterjwizzard said:
I'm a bit north of LA. What hasn't been claimed yet?

Edit: looks like that cross street is a bit over an hour from my place and my wife rolled her eyes and said "ok maybe we can go down there on saturday". Think there will still be availability by then? I can see a really nice rack mount tape player, some monitors, and a compaq portable.
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Yeah, that should be fine. Not sure what will be left but all the stuff I pictured really needs to go away. LMK
 
Eudimorphodon said:
I would love to know more about those InfoCenter terminals, but their name is... quite unfortunate, when it comes to search engines. They're... very goofy. Like something off a desk in the movie RoboCop.
Click to expand...
so it is knowledge you seek? Have I mentioned all the manuals there are?
 

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