Sharp EL-515 Solar-Powered Pocket Calculator (1980)

My first calculator, purchased around 1980, for my Electronics class. Has more functions than I ever learned to use. Still works like new, after 35 years !!! Paid around $40.00 (US) for this solar powered pocket calculator around 1980.

Microscopes - Loupes .....

One of my favorite gadgets, and cost less than $10. This is a tiny, yet powerful 60x (that's 60x magnification !), and focuses clearly. Great for inspecting coins, rocks, minerals, crystals, bugs, flowers, dirt, fingerprints, hair, small electronics, circuit boards, etc. .....

Jim's Headphones .....

Rockin' with my Bludios ......

Early Personal Computers .....

This was my first brand new computer! Paid around $2500.00 (US) in 1990, for this Macintosh SE/SuperDrive. This is not the SE/30, which I also have. This SE SuperDrive came stock with 1MB of RAM and a huge 20MB Hard Drive. I upgraded to 4MB of RAM (cost me $300 !!!), and a 360MB Hard Drive for an additonal $300. I never did fill that hard drive. I mostly used System 6.0.8, sometimes 7.1.

Wax Cylinder - High Tech

Going back further in time ... Probably not many people who find my blog will even now what this device is. This was "High-tech" back in the days. I think this device I have was manufactured in 1903 (?). This is a Wax Cylinder Recorder and Player ! I need to get to get his fixed. The motor still seems to work just fine. If you know of anyone who might be able to fix this, let me know ... Still in very good condition.

Jim's Gadget Collection

Some people will know what this is. I remember watching slides in the classroom with these ancient slide projectors. Sometimes we had audio cassettes to go with the slides, sometimes not. Do you remember these old dinosaurs ... ???