It’s a family feast of vintage technology this weekend

A vintage computer

If you think kids these days are spoiled by computer games that don’t look like Lego blocks and phones that don’t weigh a ton, then an event this weekend run by the University of Salford gives you the chance to relive ‘the good old days’.

As part of National Science and Engineering Week, the University’s academics will be showing an extensive collection of vintage computers and other telecommunications devices at the Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester for people of all ages to play with and learn more about the history of technology that has led us to the modern, digital age.

Visitors to the free event can relive their glory days of programming their Commodore 64s or ZX Spectrum and (if they’re old enough) hark back to when they used semaphore and Morse code.

As well as the computers and retro phones, the University has secured permission from Ofcom for a radio licence which means that visitors can see a working radio station on the day.

All of the fun and games has a serious purpose behind it as the scientists are keen for people to learn about how developments in technology have influenced our culture and the way in which we interact.

Professor Nigel Linge is part of the team organising the event. “Some of the equipment we have assembled for this event isn’t available to use anywhere else,” he said. “So it really is one of the last chances people will have to get hands-on experience of some of the earliest computer and telephone technology.”

Also on show:

· Engineers from Openreach demonstrating how the Internet is delivered to your homes

· A display by local company Pennine Telecom (Bury) and Salford spin out company Salford Electronics

· Television special effects with an interactive green screen area

· Brush up on your programming skills with a range of vintage home computers from the 1980s

· A collection of vintage telephones that allow people to genuinely make a call by dialling someone.

‘Message Received Loud and Clear’ runs Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 March, 10:30-15:30 at the Museum of Science and Industry. Manchester.

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