PiDP-8: A PDP-8 Minicomputer on Raspberry Pi

Project goal: to create a faithful, low-cost replica of the PDP-8/I minicomputer (1968). Operated through a Blinkenlights front panel, it should bring back the user experience from the past. Replicating all stages in its development: from 1968 to 1979, from teletype & paper tape all the way through to hard disks and multi-user systems.

See the PiDP-8 web site (https://obsolescence.dev/pdp8.html) for full details on the kit.

Why?

Why not? To illustrate how utterly unique the PDP-8 was in the evolution of computing. Born in the era of paper tape chewing, front panel programmed dinosaurs, it evolved all the way to running a proper operating system (even multi-user virtual machines!) from 10MB disk cartridges. It was pretty much the prototype of a personal computer.

How?

There's 3 stages to this project:

• Software-Only: just boot the SD card image on your Pi. Note: only for the Pi 3, install the tarball on a standard Raspbian image. The Pi will boot up in 10 seconds as a PDP-8 terminal. Read the simh manual on how to operate it without physical front panel. Software download: https://obsolescence.dev/pidp-8-quick-install.html. Please note that you don't need the hardware to run the simulator.
• Low-cost hardware hack: insert the Pi to the "Blinkenlights" front panel PCB and you have a fully functional hardware replica. Board can be made from the Gerbers by OSHpark, Seeedstudio, Elecrow or anyone else.
• Fancy version: I made this into a $180 kit, with pretty acrylic front panel, custom switches and bamboo case. See https://obsolescence.dev/pdp8.html to get one.

What to do with it?

See https://obsolescence.dev/pidp-8-how-to-use.html for details. In summary: control the world, or play the very first video game (spacewar), or hook up 8 terminal sessions to run your company. It's a minicomputer... The PDP-8 is also an incredibly good way to learn about how a computer works at the lowest level. Because it is a very simple machine, yet has loads of good software.

Details:

Because a Raspberry Pi is rather more powerful than you need to replicate a PDP-8, it's dual-mode. Whilst the PDP-8 is running and blinking its front panel, you're free to use the Pi Inside to do whatever else you want to do with a Pi. Use it as a file server, VPN access point, or whatever. Just with a very blinky front end.

The PiDP will accept a classic serial terminal, or ssh terminal sessions from a modern PC. puTTY is fine, but a CRT emulator (cool-retro-term) is recommended to recreate the proper vintage atmosphere:

See https://obsolescence.dev/pdp8.html for full details.