There was a time when those looking for tech bargains had to either try their luck at the local flea market, or make the pilgrimage out to a dedicated swap meet. But with the rise of websites like eBay and Craigslist these parking lot meetups started to fall out of favor, to the point that they became all but extinct over the last couple decades.
So there was some risk involved when the Vintage Computer Federation decided to dust off the concept as a way of sidestepping New Jersey’s COVID-era limitations on indoor meetups. But as VCF Vice President [Jeffrey Brace] explained during our visit earlier this month, the experiment has more than paid off. Each swap meet has brought in buyers and sellers from all over the Mid–Atlantic region, helping to not only raise money for the VCF’s ongoing preservation efforts, but spread awareness of the organization and their goals.
During our chat, [Jeffrey] goes over the origins and growth of the VCF swap meet, and how it compares to their annual Vintage Computer Festival. He also speaks about the Federation’s desire to expand their already impressive museum space into a far larger climate-controlled area that will allow for even more classic computer hardware to be put on display.
We visited the VCF swap meet back in 2021, and came away with the distinct impression that [Jeffrey] and the rest of the team had a winning idea on their hands. We’re happy to report that as of 2023 the areas where we saw room for improvement — namely the lack of on-site refreshment and a somewhat overly narrow focus on vintage hardware — have both been addressed. In its current form, this is truly a must-see event for anyone with an interest in computers, radio, or even just general electronics who happens to live within driving distance of the Jersey shore.
While eBay certainly makes it easy to bid on a piece of gear, you’re unlikely to make a new friend while doing so. Events like this are more than just a way to buy and sell hardware, but provide a chance for like-minded individuals to connect and build a community. We’re glad to see the event grow larger each year, and hope it inspires similar revivals elsewhere.
I wish there was one close to me.
Wall, South Dakota is a lot closer to me than Wall, New Jersey.
And we bumped into each other at this one.
Are these events furry friendly?
I dare say you’ll probably be sweating your fuzzy mule off in the sun. :-)
Well there’s inclusion for you. I say let your freak flag fly!
I wish I could have attended but on Saturday I was leading a different event. But since the same VCF folks also had a repair weekend the same weekend (and this is a very good thing) in my Makerspace (Computer Deconstruction Lab) @ InfoAge in Wall NJ, I had a very good time when I opened up the Makerspace on Sunday (12-5PM) and got to see all the vintage stuff (it was more than just computers). I also got to work with everyone of various projects. Still can’t believe Thomas managed to get that Harris typewriter working! I thought it was a solid rusted mess.
I visited the Vintage Computer trunk sale, InfoAge and the Makerspace.
The maker space was pretty great and busy.
Nice setup!
I think it would actually be of a bigger benefit to do a tour of the old computers lab AND THEN go to computer parking lot sale, AND THEN go to the makerspace to fix what you bought. It’s like a gift shop after a tour.
Oh trust me most of the folks at the repair workshop had raided the parking lot. Most of them also helped established and currently maintain the museum. :-)
Has anyone seen any Alpha’s at the VCF Swap Meet?
Yeah, there was one – my buddy grabbed it, can’t remember the specs.
There was a pair of PDP 11/73s there, but the kid was asking higher-than-eBay-pricing for them.
I picked up a televideo 950 terminal for an agreeable sum.
You didn’t do the “secret tail-shake”. There’s a ferret roaming around at all times :”>
There were plenty of furries at VCF-east. You didn’t know to say hello to the friendly ferret :”0