Electric Dreams, Sixth Edition – Jul 24, 25, 26, 2026, Rende (CS – Italy)

As you probably know by now, back in 2017 we recovered this big old machine that managed air traffic at the Zurich airport from roughly 1970 to 1984, and we are working to bring it back to life!

In the past 5 work sessions: we took a look at the documentation, which was later entirely scanned and published on archive.org; we tested and, where necessary, repaired all the logic boards that make up the system’s processor, restoring the original diagnostic console, which has also been replaced/integrated with a modern hardware device designed and built by us.

During the fourth edition, in 2024, we finally fired things up, turning on the processor! $\o$/

In the last edition, we dedicated ourselves to the diagnostics of clocks and signals, and we managed to execute a few CPU instructions, effectively verifying that the computer still works!

Additionally, we modified an old punch card reader to begin archiving the available software into a more modern digital format.

At the moment, there seems to be a writing issue on the old core memory (ferromagnetic core memory), which will require the restoration group to shift from logic restoration to memory diagnostics.

The next steps include studying and commissioning the RAM memory, whose operation can be verified through procedures starting from the manual.

Another scheduled activity will be reading and archiving the available software; thanks to the punch card reader hacked in the last edition, it will indeed be possible to digitalize all the original software saved on the available cards, which can later be loaded into the GE-120 memory once the restoration of the CPU and peripherals is completed.

As in past years, it is not essential to join the restoration group!

There are spaces that can be used for seminars, so bring your talk and maybe someone will be willing to listen to you.

Finally, Saturday evening is open to audiovisual improvisations and experimentations—anyone who wants to can join the jam session!

From Friday, July 24 to Sunday, July 26, 2026

The ex-CUD is located here: MAP LINK

By car: take the Rende exit (formerly “Cosenza Nord”) from the A2 SA-RC highway.

By train: the closest station (~2km / 1.2 miles) is Castiglione Cosentino.

By plane: the destination is Lamezia (SUF airport) and then a regional bus to Cosenza/Rende, or a city bus to Lamezia Terme Centrale (station) and then a train.

For a series of reasons, it is not possible to sleep on-site, so please announce your presence by writing to: info (at) verdebinario (dot) org. We will try to help you find an accommodation compatible with your budget …or you can arrange it on your own, the city is not expensive.

We are not equipped to cook and manage a kitchen. A small refreshment area has been set up inside MIAI to support daily needs, and nearby there are several supermarkets, grocery stores, bars, and diners, all quite inexpensive. We will organize meals together from time to time, evaluating the available options, the status of activities, and people’s general mood.

We have hot water available in two bathrooms with showers!

Of course you can! Just let us know a bit in advance (always by writing to: info (at) verdebinario (dot) org) so we can organize to do things together.

Yes! The place is favorably located to allow anyone who wants to combine the meeting with excursions to the sea or the mountains.

Pets are welcome: take care of them and make sure they do not disturb anyone else’s sensitivity.

The building is fully accessible to people with limited mobility. There is the possibility of having a timeout zone for neurodiverse individuals.

A kids’ area will be set up for the children present, as well as for breastfeeding and diaper changing.

Smoking is not allowed inside the building, including both regular and electronic cigarettes. There are outdoor spaces for smokers.

Don’t worry, come anyway and we’ll have fun!!!