IMSAI Score update/Spare BYTEs/Got an Altair too

[Tony Duell]

> The problem has been in assuming that by making or not making
> modifications to something that you are doing the right thing.  I doubt
> many if any people here are trained in conservation practices, and I'm not

I would equally doubt if conservation practices really apply to a machine 
you're going to use.

> claiming I am, but I do understand the issues.  Suggesting the use of
> solvents on any material has long term effects that, if not understood,
> can do permanent damage.  Rich's solution of deciding to purchase a

I would love to know what permanent damage propan-2-ol does to a 
photographic image. It's one of the solvents normally used for cleaning 
film, etc.

> separate face panel was in fact the correct and proper solution in this
> case.

Why is replacing better than restoring? 

> > Just recently, a thread went by where opinions were given as to the merit
> > of keeping original screws in machine - I don't recall anyone bashing the
> > person with that option
> 
> Do you have a filter on Tony's messages?  He completely lambasted Jules
> for replacing the screws on a power supply, which I did not consider to be

And I haev not changed my opinion on this....

It was a monitor and not a PSU (not that that makes any difference).

I still feel there are about 3 reasons to put non-original screws in a 
machines. 1) You've not got the originals (the machine arrived in bits, 
or somethign). 2), the origiinals are damaged (striped threads, mangled 
slots in the heads, etc). 3) You really can't get the right tool to 
remove/replace them. 

None of those apply here. The right tool is easily available. 

I don't pretend to follow 'conservation principles', and I certainly make 
modifications to machines that I own -- because I use those machines, and 
often I need to do the mod to make the machine more useable. But I don't 
replace parts for no good reason.

> seemed a bit overwhelming.  My must everything be open to argument all the
> time here?  Especially when we're debating issues that have already been

This is a discussion list. That should answer your question.

> argued and resolved many times over?
> 

-tony