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A Thrift Store Haul
May 6, 2023
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   Hit up a thrift store and scored some decent stuff, today.

   A Texas Instrument TI-83 Plus programmable graphing calculator for
three bucks.  Barring some tape or sticker goop on the cover, it
looks to be rarely used and in great shape.  The battery compartment
was empty but contaminated by a leaky cell.  The acid did not have
time to crystralize or rust the battery contacst and brushed out
easily.  Four fresh AAA batteries and it fired right up to the last
few equations the previous owner had calculated.  No stored programs
but two graphs running; Y=X and Y=-X.  No dead pixels or colums in
the display.  Function confirmed, I pulled the insert from my Zippo
lighter and rubbed the felt tab on the gummy cover to wet it with
naptha and wiped it down with a rag.  Cleaned right up and no damage
to the mint rubber feet.  Now to dig out a link cable and transfer
somehandy programs I've written from my other calculators.  Then
decide if it is being kept as a beater or designated for gifting.

   The bin of assorted USB cables provided a type A to B cable.  This
cost a whopping 50 cents and allows a recently procured AlphaSmart
3000 to connect to a computer.  The SpEd typing machine can now be
pressed into service after a cleaning and felt lining.  Some future
posts will be drafted on the fool thing.

   Two matching service bells were spotted on a shelf in mint
condition for $3 a piece.  Testing the tone and checking for adequate
metal construction, one wlked out with me.  

   The haul was topped off with a wood block mounted rubber stamp and
still serviceable red ink pad for $2 and 50 cents, respectively.
Nothing interesting of note with either.

   One item was noted for future reference.  A old, cloth-covered book
about oxy-acetylene torches.  Time precluded flipping through for
consideration.  If it is still there on my next trip, I'll thumb
through and buy it if any good.

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kimek
[gopher://sdf.org/1/users/kimek]