This discussion focuses on the technical efforts to emulate and potentially hardware-reimplement Marvin Minsky’s 2500 computer. Users share resources including a GitHub emulator (`simh/tt2500`) capable of running SITS (Small Incompatible Timesharing System), as well as schematics and SUDS drawings that have been cleared for public viewing. The conversation explores the complexities of recreating the hardware, such as the difficult vector display components, and notes how modern simulation software like "Digital" can be used to model the original design using its existing component libraries.
**Facts Uncovered:**
* **Emulator Availability:** A `simh/tt2500` emulator is available on GitHub for running SITS (Small Incompatible Timesharing System).
* **Documentation:** Schematics and SUDS drawings have been made available to the public following permission requests.
* **Hardware Challenges:** Replicating the vector display is identified as one of the most complicated aspects of a hardware implementation.
* **Obscure Components:** Original parts mentioned include 2507 flip-flops (with shared register enable), an AOI gate (7464), and six-bit 3-state buffer chips.
* **Simulation Tools:** "Digital," a Java-based simulator, is being used to assist in reimplementing the design's components.
**Facts Uncovered:**
* **Emulator Availability:** A `simh/tt2500` emulator is available on GitHub for running SITS (Small Incompatible Timesharing System).
* **Documentation:** Schematics and SUDS drawings have been made available to the public following permission requests.
* **Hardware Challenges:** Replicating the vector display is identified as one of the most complicated aspects of a hardware implementation.
* **Obscure Components:** Original parts mentioned include 2507 flip-flops (with shared register enable), an AOI gate (7464), and six-bit 3-state buffer chips.
* **Simulation Tools:** "Digital," a Java-based simulator, is being used to assist in reimplementing the design's components.
A resource guide for TOPS-20AN, providing essential information and links for researchers or enthusiasts interested in this historical operating system. The page outlines effective search terms, recommended hunting grounds like bitsavers.org, and specific instructions for running various versions of TOPS-20 on KS10 or KL10 hardware.
Main topics include:
- Recommended search queries (tops20an, netwrk.mac, etc.)
- Documentation and information sources
- Links to historical code and installation/distribution tapes
Main topics include:
- Recommended search queries (tops20an, netwrk.mac, etc.)
- Documentation and information sources
- Links to historical code and installation/distribution tapes
The December 2024 newsletter from Obsolescence Guaranteed covers updates on new projects such as PiDP-10 and PiDP-1, news about existing projects like PiDP-8 and PiDP-11, and upcoming plans for 2025 including a PiDP-1 replica and an annual programming competition.
The PiDP-10 is a modern reproduction of the PDP-10, powered by a Raspberry Pi and featuring a front panel with tons of LEDs and switches. It's designed for those who want to experience the computing power of the 1960s, but with a modern twist.
CEDS is a retrocomputing micro-factory, producing and shipping PiDP-10 replica kits. They also offer assembled PiDP-11 units, with the option of selecting assembled or unassembled kits in the order form. For placing an order, fill in the required information and submit the order form.
A large team of tech nostalgia enthusiasts have made a PiDP-10, a replica of the PDP-10 mainframe computer first launched by the Digital Equipment Corporation in 1966.
