PDP-8/e: Reconstruction of a PDP-8/e from original schematics
I have some idea what it takes to reconstruct a retro computer like the LC80 from schematics. Much of the Verilog/VHDL CPU work (for example for a Z80) can be reused, but Andreas went further and rebuilt a PDP-8/e, including the front panel and switches. Thanks, Andreas, for presenting your great project to me!
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The Sorbus Computer
I’ve seldom experienced such an elegant computer design as the Sorbus Computer by Svobi(?) (Sven). Yes - just a 6502 CPU and an RP2040 running 6502 code on the original CPU. Ah wait - I forgot to list the 7 resistors. Or are those just for decoration purposes ;-). Was a pleasure to talk to you, Sven.
The picture shows fridge magnets printed by the organizer Hans Franke on his UV printer. It’s one magnet for each exhibitor with a photo of his exhibition. We gave away those magnets at the closing ceremony as a surprise for the exhibitors.
The VCFe is German based (Munich), hence most of our information is in German. We used #vcfe and #VCFe25 for postings on our Mastodon and Bluesky accounts. You might check the Mastowall for related posts/pictures.
All talks (mostly in German) were recorded and will show up throughout the next weeks on the Computeum Youtube channel. Computeum is a privately run computer museum by Hans Franke in Vilshofen (south eastern Bavaria). We’re also planning distribution via Peertube.
On all three days we had two filmmakers at the venue, recording footage and interviews for their upcoming documentation movie “Werkzeug Computer” (translates to “Tool Computer”). There is no release date yet, estimations are several months up to a year. The movie is planned to be shown on documentary film festivals throughout the world.
One thing about that: you need to use one of the AliExpress Raspberry Pi Pico clones, as the real boards are short exactly one data line to be able to keep a 6502 happy.
It would be fun to see what could be done with an RP2350B: lots of pins on that.
