how to clean a PDP8/A, dishwasher?

From: ajp166 <ajp166_at_bellatlantic.net>
Date: Sat Dec 15 14:39:05 2001

From: Gunther Schadow <gunther_at_aurora.regenstrief.org>


>I have that itching to start up my new PDP8/A even without
>disks attached. Have a programmers console, so that's enough
>to enter a few programs. It's intriguing to see a machine


Congrats!

>But first I need to give this thing a good cleaning. A friend
>has assured me that there's nothing better than the dishwasher,
>with the exception of big capacitors and, what about magnetic
>core memory? So, how should I clean the RAM cards? How the
>DC power supply units?


The PS do by hand and CORE planes never goes in the dishwasher.
The core IO boards can be dishwashed.

>If I put the other stuff in the dishwasher, I know there should
>be no detergent and no heat dry. But what about the rinsing
>aid, do I have to pump this out of the reservoir?


No problem. I use minimal detergent as most of the dreg on the boards
is water soluable.

>I heard of another method using hand-washing first, then drying
>and finally a bath in Isopropanol. Is that what I should do
>with the core memory cards?


Core planes are very fragile and usually covered enough to prevent
much muck inside. the driver boards usually get nasty dirty.

>Finally, finally, I noticed that the cards are all slightly
>bent from being kept in a horizontal position. They are sagging
>a little, like a hammock. Would that be a cause of concern
>in the long run? Should I mount the chassis in an upright
>position in the future?


Not an issue, dont try to straighten.

>PS: I am probably going to make one "portable" PDP-8, where
>the console is mounted on the chassis and the rest of the
>opening covered plus a handle on the top. That would be neat
>for bringing into the classroom to teach fundamentals of
>computer programming, wouldn't it?


yes it would PDP-8 is still a good minimalist model to work from.

Allison
Received on Sat Dec 15 2001 - 14:39:05 GMT