The Seequa Computer Corporation: A Forgotten Founder of Modern Computing

History - Loose Ends

While having so many answers to the history of Seequa, I have unfortunately run into some loose ends or things that may very likely never be answered. This is also a landing space for information that I am currently expounding upon to add to the main history page, but in its current state is not notable enough on its own.

Seequa Computer Corporation - The People and the Company

Different events held by Seequa for its employees:

  • 13 January 1984: Blood Drive
  • 21 July 1984: First Annual Company Picnic at Jessup and Dorsey Recreation Area
  • 3 August 1984: Baltimore Orioles vs Toronto Blue Jays - "Seequa Night" at Baltimore Memorial Stadium

Seequa held a blood drive in January of 1984, having more than 50% of their employees donate blood. David Gardner issued a challenge to other tech firms to meet or beat that number, saying "This is a good way for us to demonstrate that our industry is more than just microchips and disk drives. This is our way of showing that we’re human.

Seequa Chameleons: Softball Team

First season started in May 1984, and concluded in July.

Roster:

  • Debbie White - Manager
  • Chris Ridgely - Assistant Manager
  • Dale Higgins - Coaching Staff
  • Rob Fuggetta - Coaching Staff
  • Dale Spencer - Coaching Staff
  • Gail Gardner
  • Kriss Welsh
  • Christine Longo
  • Audrey Quinn
  • Sharon Coleman
  • Cynthia Pinkney
  • Rena Lutynski
  • Brenda Shepp
  • Alfreida Moore
  • Patricia Aliff
  • Phyllis Kisser
  • Denise Brower
  • Lis Parsons
  • Jeanne Ringenbach
  • Mary Kay Altman
  • Sue Christiansen
  • Nancy Curry
  • Theresa Berry

Maryland Department of Economic and Community Development - Seequa Commercial

From Inside Seequa, Vol 1. Number 3:

The synthesized keyboard music begins to fade out. Seconds later, Seequa President David M. Gardner appears on the screen, discussing the company’s background. Employees are then shown developing, producing and shipping Seequa computers. A Hollywood movie production? A scene from a television news program? Not quite.

Actually, the videotape is a six-minute production about Seequa and its products. The Maryland Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) produced the videotape as part of a state-funded program for new companies. Dave Peeler, an employee of DECD, did the camera-work and editing which was completed May 22.

The main purpose of the videotape is to inform new employees of Seequa. “We believe it is important for anew employee to have as much information as possible about Seequa. We want new employees to know that they are part of a dynamic, growing company,” said Rob Fuggetta, Director of Advertising and Public Relations.

Narration was done by Seequa’s own Tony DiGirolamo of the Software Packaging Department. The narrative gives a product description of the Chameleon, Chameleon Plus and the Seequa XT. “High-tech” music in the background adds character and an upbeat touch throughout.

The videotape had a “Hollywood preview” at the dealer reception on May 23 during Comdex in Atlanta, Georgia. Dealers crowded around the television set to watch the tape and many positive comments were made about its quality, style and music.

After a FOIA request to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (What the DECD became), there are no surviving copies of this tape known.

The Chameleon Plus in the Product Brief

Seequa Chameleon Plus Product Brief

The Chameleon Plus pictured on the Seequa Product Brief and also apparently sent to press has a weird front panel connector for the keyboard, along with half height drives. The product brief even said there is room for a THIRD floppy drive in there, and THREE INTERNAL IBM EXPANSION SLOTS. What? How?

I can actually gather a guess. The power supplies on the original Chameleon (and the Chameleon Pluses I have) mounted in the back of the chassis, directly behind the CRT. This meant that Seequa had to get creative and mounted the CRT board to the neck of the CRT. In this photo, there are vent fins on the front of the unit. My guess is that the three IBM expansion ports are where the power supplies used to be, and a beefier power supply (possibly 85W Boschert found in later Kaypros) is mounted in the front, much like how Eagle mounted the PSU in the Spirit.

Seequa Technicians Courses

It was briefly mentioned to me at VCFMW 2025 that Seequa apparently offered courses to dealers to become certified in Chameleon repair. Does this mean that there are repair manuals somewhere out there?