rewriting legacy OS for new iron

From: Zane H. Healy <healyzh_at_aracnet.com>
Date: Tue Sep 14 13:47:01 2004

> I wish I had some DEC hardware, what's the physically smallest PDP11 one
> could find? I am running RSTS/E on simh.

Personally I'd recommend a BA23 Chassis if space is a concern, a BA123 would
be better, but they take up about twice the space. Then add a CPU board
(/23+, /53, /73, /83, or /93 preferably with a bootstrap and console port
onboard), get the right memory, get a disk and tape controller, disks, tape
drive, a real terminal (I personally like VT420's), and plug it all
together.

If you can afford it I would recommend getting a SCSI disk/tape controller
rather than an RQDX3, if you do go with the RQDX3, stay away from the RD53
disks. For a good reason to spend the money on a SCSI controller, take a
look at what RD54's sell for these days!

Having said that, I find myself leaning towards SIMH or E11 running on a
Mini-ITX system. There is something about a PDP-11 that is virtually silent
and only uses about 40W that appeals to me.

                Zane
Received on Tue Sep 14 2004 - 13:47:01 BST