The May 2026 Obsolescence Guaranteed newsletter highlights significant progress in recreating historical computing environments, most notably through the Arpanet Reconstruction project which now features a functional 35-node simulated network. Major software and hardware updates have arrived for the PiDP series, including new operating systems like Stanford's WAITS for the PiDP-10 and Unix v4 for the PiDP-11. The community continues to expand with enhanced peripheral support for the PiDP-1, new interactive museum concepts, and a growing library of "paleogaming" classics.
* Arpanet Reconstruction: A simulated 35-node network is now online, allowing users to experience the original topology via MIT and Stanford systems.
* PiDP-10 Update: The addition of Stanford's WAITS operating system brings 600MB of historical data and software for exploration.
* PiDP-1 Advancements: New community mods have introduced magnetic drum storage, light pen support, and a wide array of peripheral options.
* PiDP-11 Milestones: Unix v4 has been successfully recovered and is now bootable on the PiDP-11 platform.
* Enigma Touch: A new cased version featuring high-quality woodworking and historically accurate leather straps and metal clips is available.
* Arpanet Reconstruction: A simulated 35-node network is now online, allowing users to experience the original topology via MIT and Stanford systems.
* PiDP-10 Update: The addition of Stanford's WAITS operating system brings 600MB of historical data and software for exploration.
* PiDP-1 Advancements: New community mods have introduced magnetic drum storage, light pen support, and a wide array of peripheral options.
* PiDP-11 Milestones: Unix v4 has been successfully recovered and is now bootable on the PiDP-11 platform.
* Enigma Touch: A new cased version featuring high-quality woodworking and historically accurate leather straps and metal clips is available.
* **Enigma Touch:** Jürgen Müller’s Enigma replica is now available for order, featuring a unique all-electronic design and a focus on replicating the original user experience. A Google Group has been created for discussion and related activities.
* **PiDP-1:** The PiDP-1 kit is nearing completion and expected to ship at the end of July, with both console and rack-mounted versions available. A Google Group has been launched for the PiDP-1 community.
* **ARPANET Reconstruction:** Lars Brinkhoff has made significant progress in reconstructing the ARPANET, allowing for connections between emulated PDP-10s and modern Linux machines. The project seeks volunteers to expand the network.
* **LGP-30:** Work is underway on a replica of the LGP-30, with a focus on creating an authentic 1950s metal case.
* **PiDP-10 & Software:** Updates on software for the PiDP-8/11, and a note about running the original Micro-Soft BASIC on a PiDP-10.
* **Whirlwind:** Initial planning for a Whirlwind replica is underway.
* **PiDP-1:** The PiDP-1 kit is nearing completion and expected to ship at the end of July, with both console and rack-mounted versions available. A Google Group has been launched for the PiDP-1 community.
* **ARPANET Reconstruction:** Lars Brinkhoff has made significant progress in reconstructing the ARPANET, allowing for connections between emulated PDP-10s and modern Linux machines. The project seeks volunteers to expand the network.
* **LGP-30:** Work is underway on a replica of the LGP-30, with a focus on creating an authentic 1950s metal case.
* **PiDP-10 & Software:** Updates on software for the PiDP-8/11, and a note about running the original Micro-Soft BASIC on a PiDP-10.
* **Whirlwind:** Initial planning for a Whirlwind replica is underway.
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.
A brief article showcasing a replica of the historic PDP-10 minicomputer running on a modern Raspberry Pi, highlighting the contrast between the two systems' processing power and size
Detailed instructions and assembly guide for building the PiDP-10, a PDP-10 emulator built using a Raspberry Pi.
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.
