Project:
A full PiDP-11 rack with RK05 drives
We're planning to make pdp11.nl's project into a kit!
In short: time to see if there is enough interest for a one-off batch of these. Below are images and videos of the prototype. We'll build this into a replica rack with proper Digital 'Masthead'. The rack as planned will have room for the PiDP-11 front panel, plus three units above it. A table-top rack, in other words. Although an extension to add another two units below the front panel is possible.
Prototype pictures so far:
So - imagine the PiDP-11 and RK-05j below are mounted in a replica rack, with (not shown, planned) an added RK05f fixed-disk unit, a half-height blank panel and a RK11-C blinkenlight panel. Topped with a replica Digital PDP-11 masthead panel. That is the "PiDP-11 Rack Extension that we plan to make as a kit.
Details of the RK05 replica prototype can be found on the PiDP-11 Google Group.
Time for a hidden disclaimer: built into the disk pack is a USB stick, which connects through a magnetic USB connector to its counterpart in the RK05 drive mechanism. So you are, indeed, looking at a glorified USB stick. We think this is perfectly acceptable - much better, in fact, than crash-prone heads etc. A magnetic USB connector on the disk pack finds its way into the drive mechanism just as smoothly (smoother, actually) than was the case in the real machine.
The simulation adds realistic delays and timing to the PiDP-11. And fan whirr will deliver appropriately timed disk whirr simulation. The clunk of the RK05 door, and the click of the locking solenoid will add the audio experience.
Add your email address to our mailing list (top-left of the page) if you are interested.
Please only do so if you are quite sure you'll buy one once we have them ready. We're going to take some financial risk to the projects budget with this...
The project will take a year or more - this is no small undertaking for us. And to keep costs under control, we'll have to piggy-back the manufacturing an shipping of the metal parts must be timed to coincide with some other projects.
