The Mid-West TS Computer Fest

The Mid-West TS Computer Fest was held on May 3rd and 4th at the Ramada Inn in Cincinnati, Ohio. I believe I was the only attendee from Central PA. Bill and Gerry Russell were there from Russell Electronics but they are TS dealers.

The Computer Fest was a huge success with over 358 attendees and most of the Timex Sinclair dealers in the country. There was one large room where ali the dealers as well as TS publications and Mid-West user groups had tables. Another room was used for demonstrations and discussions. Of course what’s a computer gathering without door prizes? The GRAND PRIZE was a complete Sinclair GL system including a monitor and printer.

The dealers included Russell Electronics, Zebra Systems, Knighted Computers, Aerco, E. A. Brown, T/S Connection, Variety Sales, Damco Enterprises, WMJ Data Systems, Budget Robotics, Brice Road Pharmacy, Sharp’s, Damco Enterprises, J.R.C. Software, WMJ Data Systems, Peech II Software, Ham Helper Software, RMG Enterprises, and Curry Computer. I hope I did not forget anyone but I may have. It was a TS enthusiasts dream in one room!

The publications included Syncware News, Time Designs, TS Horizons, Sum Magazine, Quarters, Computer Shopper and Computer Trader Magazine. They were all giving away free copies of their publications.

There were twelve seminars and discussions held over the two days. I was able to attend six of them. These included Word Processors by Mark Fendrick; Machine Language. music Programs and a discussion of Loader V by the author, Kurt Casbyij Modems and Telecommunications and the Tinyboard BBS were demonstrated by Randy Gordon, the Author of Tinyboard. CP/M Systems by Jerry Champkis of Aerco who have just released their version of CP/M for the Aerco Disk System. There was also a T/S Clubs meetings; T/S 8068 Special Applications with Randy Gordon: T/S 2068 Applications with Mark Fendrick; QL Sinclair Computer by Gary Solomons and Computer Literacy by Jack Roberts of the T/S Connection. Jack is one of the organizers of the Computer Fest. Other seminars were: Forth Language by Gary Ganger and Filing Programs by Tom Woods, the author of Pro-File 2068.

There were many bargains to be had especially on Sunday when some of the prices were lower. 2068s could be bought for $99 and the Sinclair Pocket TV could be bought for $75. One dealer had a couple 1500s for $39.95. There was software everywhere for low prices. Nearly all the dealers displayed GLs. They could be bought for under $300.

You could also discuss your system with the dealers and other users. I had a problem with my 2050 modem not working with my Aerco FD-68 but found out that Aerco has a solution to my problem. I am also a member of CompuServe and I was able to meet face to face with people I have talked to but never seen before.

All in all it was a fantastic event for the users and the dealers. It demonstrates that Timex/Sinclair computers are still alive despite Timex being out of the business for over two years and the recent sale of Sinclair Computers to Amstrad. I drove over 9 hours to get to Cincinnati but it was well worth it. Now I hear rumors of another TS Computer Fest in the New York City area in October. This is much closer for most users in Central Pennsylvania. New York City is less than a 5 hour drive away. I am definitely planning on attending this event and I hope some of you will too.