PiDP11 Kit Build - Part 2 (of 4)

This is the second in a series of four videos showing how to build a PiDP-11 kit. The PiDP-11 emulates the experience of running a 1970s mini-computer. The second video walks through soldering the kits small components.
- Part 1 covered the original PDP-11/70 this kit emulates. We'll also start the preparation work for the project.
- Part 3 will cover the switches and active components.
- Part 4 finishes the assembly and tests it all out.
We reference a number of web pages in this video:
- Getting the kit:
obsolescence.wixsite.com/obso...
- Kit building instructions:
obsolescence.wixsite.com/obso...
- The manual:
www3.ispnet.net/pidp11/PiDP-1...
- The PiDP11 Forum
groups.google.com/forum/#!for...
- Some links to safe soldering practices
safety.eng.cam.ac.uk/procedur...
learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/...
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- Instagram feed at / beigeovision
- Facebook feed at / beigeovision

[@MotownBatman]

PART II! I've got 1 RPi3b+ that I just reflash with a new project over. My stash is all gone.... This is cool

[@molivil]

Great video again! Thank you!

[@capnrob97]

I am building mine now, it seems to be working from the tests I have done while building, unfortunately my kit is missing one of the purple toggle switches, hoping Oscar will send me one.

[@grantcarter9789]

Great video. But I have to tell you, the most important thing is to put the GPIO connector on the OPPOSITE side to the diodes! Sadly, I missed this and then had to go through the pain of removing the GPIO connector. Its worth a note at the very least......

[@wayne606]

I made the same mistake :( any suggestions about how to remove it? I tried using one of those suction pen solder removers and it's not really working

[@grantcarter9789]

@@wayne606 easy mistake to make. I ended up cutting the connector’s plastic and separating it from the pins. Once this is done it’s easier to remove the pins. You’ll need another connector of course. These are easy to obtain on line for a couple of dollars. Amazingly everything worked ok following this rework. The rocker switches are also tricky. Check and recheck if you’ve not done this step yet. These are easier to remove if you make an error here however.

[@wayne606]

@@grantcarter9789 Thanks - I'm going to try using a solder wick instead of the sucker but I have a feeling I'm eventually going to have to remove the connector as you describe..

[@grantcarter9789]

@@wayne606 I am pretty adept with my sucker. But the holes are through plated and the the sucker couldn’t free up every pin. So you really need to apply heat to every pin at once to ensure removal. I figured with the tools I had, if I kept trying I would damage the board. I felt dumb making the mistake, but cutting the plastic did work and I did no further damage. Good luck.

[@CleoKawisha-sy5xt]

@grantcarter9789 that's what she said

[@tibfulv]

"Do not try any of this at home." Too late. :D

[@marchoward1864]

Where did you get that plastic assembly parts tray?

[@beige-o-vision6936]

Do a search for "anti-static soldering mat" on Amazon, eBay, Google or similar. They're not too expensive. When not in use they roll up and stow easily.

[@marchoward1864]

@@beige-o-vision6936 Thanks! I didn't realize that was a silicone mat.

[@markohara5146]

Is anyone selling the SD card already to go and formatted with the available software and configured to plug n play in the PDP-11 repro? I would like to purchase it for the Raspberry Pie 4. Please let me know.

[@beige-o-vision6936]

Not aware of anyone.