Building a PDP8 straight 8 and core memory from scratch

[rorypoole]

I have wanted a PDP8 straight 8 for over 10 years, resonantly I found a seller on ebay selling raw cores for core memory dated 1980~ this kicked off the PDP8 building project, I thought about what I would use the PDP8 for? I decided a CNC machine would be a good idea, the last PDP8/a had 128kw memory and was often used on CNC machine controller, so I decided to have the max ram that is 32kw of core memory, so I bought 9 boxed of 0.5mm dia. raw cores. I decided I also wanted the parity option for the memory that adds 8 more core memory planes!
I want my PDP8 to be 100% software comparable and take standard PDP8 flip chip modules, and look as close to a DEC PDP8 straight 8 as possible.

 

[rorypoole]

I have payed for a R111 flip chip and its in the post from the USA, and have ordered some diodes, transistors, and 1000 ceramic 0.01uf capacitors, to build a prototype copy of the R111.