DAVE'S GARAGE LIVE: ShopTalk!

YouTube Video

Summary

This YouTube video transcript captures a “Shop Talk” episode, a casual conversation between Dave and Glenn, likely about technology, retro computing, and viewer questions.

Dave starts by discussing his recent work on “Tempest AI,” explaining he’s been engrossed in instrumenting the Tempest game and training AI algorithms (behavioral cloning and reinforcement learning) to play it, though currently, the AI plays poorly. He also mentions building a PDP 11/73 system that boots various operating systems (BSD Unix, RT-11, RSX-11m) and plans to sell it on eBay. He also highlights a recently released episode on Longhorn.

Glenn then joins in, managing questions from previous shop talk episodes and live chat. The first question is about Dave and Glenn’s past relationship, clarifying they were classmates in grade 9 and 10 in Regina. This leads to a brief nostalgic exchange about their university days.

The conversation moves to YouTube algorithm concerns. Dave explains his frustration that niche content (like PDP episodes) negatively impacts the viewership of more popular episodes. He mentions his secondary YouTube channel, “Dave’s atct,” and wishes for more subscribers to post more diverse content there.

A viewer asks about “Mesmerizer” being open source and if it can handle 128x64 LED panels. Dave confirms it’s open source (nightdriverled.com) and should handle that resolution, although some effects are designed for 64x32. He mentions kits are sold on eBay and describes the home-based operation of assembling and shipping them, suggesting he might offer circuit boards separately in the future.

A question about core memory leads Dave to share a story about damaging a core memory board by plugging it into an incompatible slot in his PDP-11, requiring repairs. He then discusses his struggles with TK50 tape drives for the PDP-11, seeking advice from viewers who have experience with them.

The topic shifts to cars, specifically Dave’s wife’s “Plat” (likely a Tesla Plaid). He expresses interest in taking it to a drag strip but believes regulations due to its speed (potentially running 9-second quarter miles) might require a roll cage. He mentions his old Corvette ran 11.6 seconds.

Secure communications are briefly discussed. Dave uses FaceTime and iMessage, trusting Apple’s privacy measures but acknowledging nothing is perfectly secure. He assumes any digital communication could be accessed under legal circumstances.

Smalltalk programming language is mentioned, which Dave has never used. Glenn recalls learning about it as an early object-oriented language in college.

An audiobook version of Dave’s “Secrets of the Artistic Millionaire” is confirmed to be in production, with a contract signed and recording underway. An AI-read audiobook version of “Non-Visible Part of the Spectrum” is already available on Amazon, which Dave tuned up for pronunciation issues.

The discussion touches on a reported ESP32 hack/debug code. Dave isn’t overly concerned, stating it requires local code execution and isn’t remotely exploitable. He sees it as debugging utilities left in, not a backdoor.

British TV licenses and detector vans are brought up after a comment about VPNs and BBC. Dave recalls seeing BBC on Canadian TV growing up and expresses surprise at the concept of TV licenses and detector vans in the UK, finding it almost unbelievable.

Thunderstorms are mentioned as Joe Hamlin from Portland asks about them. Dave in Canada confirms no thunderstorms yet but has a generator and UPS prepared for potential power outages.

A viewer asks about upgrading to a UniFi Enterprise Fortress Gateway for Dave’s 5 Gbyte internet connection. Dave has 5 Gbyte internet but doesn’t see the immediate need for the upgrade without faster internet to justify it.

Exotic operating systems are mentioned. Dave hasn’t used Haiku, ReactOS, Calibri, or Serenity. The most exotic OS he used was an early version of Wine in the 90s.

Windows LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) is asked about, but Dave is unfamiliar with the acronym, needing clarification. The importance of defining acronyms is highlighted.

The meaning of “Sprites” in Smalltalk is questioned. Glenn explains it relates to the “Turtle” in Logo, a programming language with a graphical turtle that draws based on commands.

Drink of choice is asked. Dave mentions Kentucky bourbon in solidarity with American friends and wearing a red plaid jacket for Canadian solidarity. A brief power flicker occurs, attributed to the UPS.

The TV detector van discussion continues, clarifying they were largely a scam in the UK and had no right to enter property. Dave then shares a story from his Microsoft days about a government agency demonstrating a van with a dish that could remotely capture and read CRT monitor displays from within a building, impressing him.

AI-based content scanning on an NPU chip is discussed. Dave thinks it’s possible, referencing Apple’s MPUs and similar PC chips, as well as the now-paused “Recall” feature from Microsoft, which was intended to scan everything.

The question of reading older video comments is addressed. Dave mentions he sees them in the YouTube comment view sorted by recent comment, sometimes responding to older comments. He explains his process of pulling questions primarily from recent shop talk and Dave’s Garage episodes for each new shop talk. He mentions a YouTube API existed but its capabilities for comment querying might be limited now.

Favorite programming languages are asked. Dave mentions Lua and Python, having used them recently for his Tempest AI project. He surprisingly prefers Lua’s syntax over Python’s, though acknowledges Python’s vast library support. He describes using a Lua-Python bridge for his AI project due to Lua being used in the MAME emulator scripting engine and Python having good AI libraries.

Progress on the Tempest AI is discussed. It’s playing better, performing actions like moving, strafing, and shooting, but still not playing “smart” or responding effectively to the game. He notes the loss score is decreasing during training, which is a positive sign.

The Longhorn video is mentioned. A viewer asks about Dave’s involvement with NT versions. Dave joined Microsoft after NT 3.1, worked on OLE 32 and COM on NT 3.5, then the shell team for NT 3.51, 4.0, XP, Media Center, and finally Longhorn before being pulled back for XP service packs and Server 2003.

Video looping/repeating audio issue is noted by a viewer. Glenn confirms they’ve experienced this before in live episodes, potentially related to microphone range issues. They will monitor it and consider switching to raw YouTube streaming with OBS if it persists.

Model M keyboards are asked about. Dave is unaware of new models but knows of companies remaking them, including black versions with Windows keys. He prefers RGB keyboards in his shop.

Recursive acronyms are mentioned. The term for acronyms that refer to themselves is sought (recursive acronym or tautological acronym). Examples like GNU (GNU’s Not Unix) and WINE (Wine Is Not an Emulator) are given.

Signal app is asked about. Neither Dave nor Glenn uses Signal. It’s mentioned as a secure communication method, particularly for sensitive information, referencing recent news about leaked military documents. Dave avoids further comment due to the political sensitivity.

Object-oriented programming (OOP) debate is raised. Dave believes OOP should make code easier to understand if well-structured, but complex inheritance hierarchies can make it difficult. It depends on the skill of the class structure creator.

Coding suggestions for a 12-year-old autistic girl interested in coding are requested. Minecraft scripting is suggested as a fun starting point.

Selling a PDP-11 is mentioned. Dave is selling one to fund the purchase of a larger dual-chassis PDP-11 system found by Mitch Miller at Keyways. He lists his current PDP-11s: Apollo, Manura, Lazarus, and Spanky.

Windows config.sys “High Drive” setting for limiting drive letters is remembered. Viewers are asked to confirm details. Rumors of going beyond ‘Z’ drive letters in DOS using ASCII characters are dismissed as doubtful.

Microsoft’s long-term success is discussed. Dave acknowledges their ability to consistently innovate and create new “big things” over 50 years, from DOS to Windows to Azure. He reflects on past Microsoft hate in the 90s and recognizes their significant contributions to software and computing, despite current criticisms about monetization practices in Windows (ads in start menu, online account requirement, forced Edge installation). He suggests a paid “Pro” Windows version without ads and telemetry would be desirable.

Windows 98 start menu bug (closing with a key sequence) is asked about. Dave is unfamiliar with it, suggesting potential key combinations like Ctrl+F4 or Alt+F4 might have closed the tray or start menu window.

Longhorn’s name origin (Whistler and Blackcomb mountains/ski resort) is explained, linking it to Microsoft employees’ recreational activities in the Pacific Northwest during the 90s stock option boom.

Favorite functional programming language is asked. Dave chooses F# as his favorite due to personal experience, even though he doesn’t claim deep expertise.

Google’s “super duper computer” is asked about. Dave hasn’t seen recent tech news and can’t comment.

Software Defined Radios (SDRs) are asked about. Dave has briefly experimented with a kit, enough to pick up local signals. He recommends Jeff Geerling’s episode on SDRs for more information. SDRs are explained as radios where bands and frequency decoding are defined in software, allowing for reception of various signal types.

Windows accessibility features (text-to-speech, tooltips) are asked about. Dave’s team focused on keyboard accessibility for all Task Manager functions, ensuring mouse wasn’t required.

Alien spaceships using Task Manager is a humorous question. Dave jokingly neither confirms nor denies it. He shares a story about a USS Carl Vincent tour briefing and a “neither confirm nor deny” response regarding nuclear weapons at Bainbridge Island.

“Lame” Windows OS releases are asked about. Dave considers Windows ME “alright” but points to Windows 8’s start menu placement as problematic for mouse/keyboard users if touch isn’t the primary interaction mode.

Microsoft’s future in 50 years is speculated. Dave thinks Microsoft will likely exist but will be different, mentioning AI as a factor.

Windows on Unix is asked about. Licensing issues with Unix are cited as the reason. Microsoft’s Xenix was licensed from AT&T, making it less profitable than selling their own OS.

NetWare drive mapping (underscore) in DOS is asked about. Dave thinks DOS likely supported ASCII characters beyond ‘Z’ for drive letters, possibly underscore.

Windows NT 4.0 crash/triple fault on modern processors is asked about, including nonsensical text in the question. Dave is unfamiliar with a Windows triple fault triggered in that way on modern processors.

Windows File Explorer search quality is debated. Dave thinks it’s great when content indexing works correctly, but poor when it’s broken or OneDrive is involved.

Task Manager for Mac is requested. Dave acknowledges Activity Monitor on Mac but notes Windows Task Manager’s faster update speed. He jokes about the skill required to create such an app for Mac, implying he lacks Mac app development expertise.

Live episode rationale is discussed. It was a spur-of-the-moment idea stemming from car conversations and a lack of pre-submitted questions for this week’s shop talk.

Best game of all time is asked. Dave chooses Tempest, defending his choice due to personal love for the game. He contrasts nostalgic memories of games like Jumpman with their actual gameplay mechanics, illustrating subjective game appreciation.

PDP hardware addiction origin is asked. Dave’s interest started in childhood with access to PDP-11s at a university lab and continued in college. He bought a PDP-11 CPU a few years ago, leading to his current PDP-11 hardware collection and sales to fund further acquisitions.

Jumpman piracy in Saskatchewan is jokingly suggested. Dave recalls Jumpman having good copy protection, both cartridge and disk versions.

Underrated reason for live episodes: Alibi for thunderstorm coverage.

The episode concludes, thanking viewers and promoting Dave’s Garage and Dave’s Attic channels. Viewers are encouraged to subscribe, like, and ask questions with question marks in future comments, especially within the first five days of episode release. Glenn and Dave express enjoyment of the live format and sign off.

Accuracy

The transcript mainly consists of personal anecdotes, opinions, and technical discussions. Here’s an accuracy check on some potentially verifiable claims:

• PDP 11/73 booting BSD Unix, RT-11, RSX-11m: Likely Accurate. PDP-11/73 was a capable machine and these operating systems were indeed compatible with the PDP-11 architecture.
• Mesmerizer being open source at nightdriverled.com: Accurate. A quick search confirms “Night Driver LED” is Dave Plummer’s website and likely hosts the open-source code for the Mesmerizer project.
• Core memory losing state on power loss: Inaccurate. Core memory is non-volatile and retains its state when power is removed. RAM (MOS memory as mentioned) loses state on power loss. Dave corrected himself in the transcript, but initially misstated this.
• Core memory requiring specific backplane wiring: Likely Accurate. Different memory types and system configurations on older computers often required specific slot and backplane wiring configurations. Incorrect wiring could indeed cause damage.
• TK50 tape drive issues on PDP-11: Plausible. TK50 drives and their controllers could be complex to configure and get working, especially with vintage hardware and potential compatibility issues. Dave’s struggles are believable.
• Tesla Plaid 9-second quarter mile and roll cage requirement: Generally Accurate. Tesla Plaid models are known for very fast quarter-mile times, often in the 9-second range. NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) rules (and likely other drag racing organizations) generally require roll cages for vehicles running under 10 seconds in the quarter mile for safety reasons.
• iMessage end-to-end encryption and Apple’s warrant rejections: Generally Accurate. iMessage is known for its end-to-end encryption. Apple has publicly resisted some government requests for access to user data, citing privacy concerns.
• Smalltalk as an early object-oriented language: Accurate. Smalltalk is considered one of the pioneering object-oriented programming languages.
• Wine is not an emulator (recursive acronym): Accurate. WINE stands for “Wine Is Not an Emulator,” a recursive acronym correctly identified.
• ESP32 “hack” requiring local code execution: Likely Accurate based on general understanding of embedded system security vulnerabilities. Debugging interfaces often require local access for security reasons.
• UK TV license detector vans being a scam: Mostly Accurate/Exaggerated. While the effectiveness of TV detector vans was debated and might have been somewhat overstated in popular culture, TV licensing enforcement in the UK was and is a real thing. The vans were used, but their actual detection capabilities may have been less sophisticated than imagined. They definitely didn’t have the right to enter property without a warrant.
• Windows “High Drive” config.sys setting: Accurate. The LASTDRIVE command in CONFIG.SYS (not “High Drive”) was used to set the highest available drive letter in DOS and early Windows versions.
• Microsoft buying bulk Unix licenses for Xenix: Accurate. Microsoft licensed Unix technology from AT&T to create Xenix.
• Windows 8 Start Menu placement debate: Subjective but reflects common user feedback. The removal of the traditional Start Menu in Windows 8 and its placement in the “Metro” UI was a significant point of criticism from many desktop users.
• Jumpman copy protection: Plausible. While perfect copy protection is rare, some games, particularly on cartridge formats or with early disk-based systems, did have measures that made casual copying more difficult.

Overall, the technical details discussed seem generally accurate, particularly within the context of a casual conversation. Minor inaccuracies or simplifications are understandable in this format.

Resources

Here are 5 resources to learn more about the subjects discussed in the transcript:

1. Retrocomputing Stack Exchange (Website): retrocomputing.stackexchange.com - A question and answer site for enthusiasts of vintage computing hardware and software. Excellent for learning more about PDP-11s, core memory, operating systems like RT-11 and RSX-11m, and older computing concepts discussed in the video. You can ask specific questions and get detailed answers from a knowledgeable community.

2. Jeff Geerling’s YouTube Channel (YouTube Channel): www.youtube.com/@JeffGeerling - Jeff Geerling creates videos on a wide range of tech topics, including retro computing, Raspberry Pi, and software-defined radio (SDR). As mentioned in the transcript, he likely has a video on SDRs that would be helpful for understanding that technology. His channel offers practical demonstrations and explanations of various tech subjects.

3. MAME (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator) Website (Software/Website): www.mamedev.org - If you are interested in the Tempest AI project Dave is working on, exploring MAME itself is crucial. This website is the official source for the MAME emulator. You can download MAME, learn about its scripting capabilities (Lua), and explore the vast library of arcade games it emulates.

4. “Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software” by Charles Petzold (Book): www.charlespetzold.com/code/ - This book provides a comprehensive and accessible explanation of how computers work, starting from basic electronics and building up to software and programming languages. It’s an excellent resource for gaining a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of computing, relevant to many topics discussed in the video, from hardware to operating systems to programming languages.

5. “Object-Oriented Programming with Smalltalk-80” by Adele Goldberg and David Robson (Book): (Search for this book online - widely available in used form or online libraries) - If you want to delve deeper into Smalltalk, the early object-oriented language mentioned in the transcript, this book is a classic text. It provides a thorough introduction to Smalltalk-80 and object-oriented programming concepts. While potentially more academic, it’s a foundational resource for understanding OOP and the historical context of languages like Smalltalk.