Tue Jan 12 08:45:32 EDT 2010
SBC-6120:
What some, though mostly none, of you know. The PDP-8 was the first successful
commercial minicomputer. Inspired by the CDC-600 and released by DEC on March
22nd, 1964. The machine was the first affordable machine that was assembled in
assembly line fashion, and is often called the Model-T of the computer industry.
It was relatively affordable at $18,000 for universities and companies looking for
a machine that preformed well in educational and production environments. It was
a 12 bit machine, with 2 registers, and essentially 8 op-codes.
The beauty of this machine and the elegance of it's designed can only truly
be experienced first hand. However, such a machine is expensive and hard to come
by these days. Because it is such a simple machine by todays standards, it can
easily (and quite accurately) be emulated on todays hardware through simulators
such as SIMH. One can learn a great deal about the machine using one of these,
but a great deal more could be learned on an actual machine. High hopes given
the information above.. But heres the thing..
For a limited run, and quite possible the very last. One can once again get
a replica of said machine in the form of Bob Armstrong's SBC-6120. Theres way
to much information about this beautiful machine. I own one, without a front
panel and happily jumped on this chance and placed an order for the complete
set when the orders where being taken. There is a vast amount of information
about this machine at Bob's site SpareTimeGizmos, and at Steve Gibson's site GRC
where the orders are currently being taken. Steve has expressed that he will
order a couple extra boards to have on hand, so people who miss this chance
and who really want one, can obtain one.
I missed the first run in 2003 and was devastated. But Bob did another run
stating he didn't plan on doing another and I was able to get a board then but
was to late to get the Front Panel. Thanks to Mr. Gibson's efforts, one final
run will be done. If you are interested - don't miss this chance.
Being my longest post yet, I best stop here. I could fill a book with info
but honestly everything I know I learned on-line, so as of now there isn't much
point. (Maybe in 50 years when everyone else who knows about this is dead..)
Here are some great sources: