Oscar Vermeulen
Published © CC BY-NC-ND

PiDP-11: A Pi-Based Replica of the PDP-11/70

Blinkenlights - that's missing from computers today. The PDP-11/70 was the last computer with a front panel, the first with Unix. Build one!

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PiDP-11: A Pi-Based Replica of the PDP-11/70

Things used in this project

Hardware components

Custom PCB
Custom PCB
Send the Gerbers (see further down) to any PCB manufacturer to make the PiDP-11 yourself. (Or buy the kit)
×1
5 mm LED: Red
5 mm LED: Red
×64
1N4148 – General Purpose Fast Switching
1N4148 – General Purpose Fast Switching
×37
Resistor 1k ohm
Resistor 1k ohm
×3
Resistor 390 ohm
×12
Rotary Encoder with Push-Button
Rotary Encoder with Push-Button
×2
Raspberry Pi 2*20 GPIO header
Make sure you get the 'extra tall' ones, normal headers do not give enough space to the Raspberry Pi.
×1
Switches
You need 26 Toggle and 4 Momentary switches. Any normal mini-switch (of the C&K variety) will fit.
×1

Software apps and online services

PiDP-11 Software Package

Hand tools and fabrication machines

Soldering iron (generic)
Soldering iron (generic)

Story

Read more

Schematics

Schematics

Best see the project web site: http://obsolescence.wixsite.com/obsolescence/pidp-11-technical-details

Gerbers (to make your own PCB)

Send it off to places like jlcpcb.com and you'll have 10 boards in your mailbox within a week or two!

Code

Manual & Software Download

C/C++
Manual with download links, install procedure and source code.
.odt format, best opened in MS Word.
https://www3.ispnet.net/pidp11/PiDP-11%20Manual%20v0.2.odt

Credits

Oscar Vermeulen

Oscar Vermeulen

3 projects • 26 followers
Vintage computing type, known to dive into homebrewing computers regularly

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