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What do we know about "functionally replica kits"?

A

Aaron Teeling

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Joined
Apr 18, 2007
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26
Location
Virginia Beach, VA
...A title I apparently am coining to describe a niche in the vintage computer circles.

After my visit to VCF East, I noticed a few I haven't seen before but I haven't been able to find much on a Google search. I like constructing the hardware, and for me, the computer's hardware emulation of orginial software makes it a valued part of my collection.

We are familair with Vince Briel Replica 1 and Micro-Kim projects. I just found a link to a Kenbank-1 reproduction. Spare Time Gizmo had produced an ELF 2000. SVD was a disk emulator tool and there is of course the CF drives for both the Apple 1 and Apple II computers.

I need help and I solicit your collective input for the following:

1. What are some of the other kit computers out there?
2. Does anybody build kits to support existing vintage hardware?
3. Is anyone expecting to be producting a XYZ in the near future?

Aaron Teeling
 
Are you just looking for computer kits? I don't think you should put compact flash or flash memory adapters in there, as there are a on ton of those available for a variety of computer and videogame platforms. I also don't get question number 2. Do you mean, kit add-ons for classic computers? The closest I can think of are the "8-bit baby" prototyping boards. Try to clarify what you're really after...
 
Don't forget the Altair 8800! :)

I built that kit because when I did a google search for computer kit I came up with nothing. The Replica 1 as well as the Obtronix Apple-1 were available but they weren't big enough. ;)

The biggest difference between Vince's modern replicas and my vintage ones is that mine are replicas of hardware down to resistors and capacitors. They are functionally and hardware identical to the vintage one. This has both advantages and disadvantages. If you have a bug in my kit you'll wish you had one like Vince. ;)

I personally like having the old boards and knowning "this" was how it was done. That method does come with a higher price...

Oh, and if I told you what "may" be in the works it wouldn't be a surprise!
 
Grant:
Yes, Andrew Lynch PM'ed me about your Altair 8800 kit. Wow, it's quite the work of art. I completely understand you point of view; in the end it's not just about the blinking lights. I'm interested in aquiring one of your units, but I'll have to work some more overtime first.:) The fact you are building additional cards for the machine is fabulous.

Obtronix Apple-1... I think I remember seeing one on eBay but haven't found a link to a website. Is he still producing them?

As for future developements, I ask only because it was my understanding that a S-100/CP-M type kit was being developed that had the capability to be socketed to an ATX board. I'm interested in aquiring one.

BTW, was that your Altair at VCF East this year?

Bill:

Hmmm....

Everyone:

Andrew Lynch e-mailed me links to Grant Stockly site (again, outstanding work Grant): www.altairkit.com, Tod Fischer's IMSAI Series 2, www.IMSAI.net, and Mr. Roganti S-100 board reproductions at http://ragooman.home.comcast.net/rog_s-100.html. Thanks again Andrew.

It hasn't been a easy search for hardware and peripherals and hence why I ask. A google search hasn't been very fruitful and if it wasn't for an a thread in Applefritter two years ago, I wouldn't have know about Vince Briel's Replica 1 (which I enjoyed so much I sold it and built another one). Has anyone seen or heard of any European computer kits? BBC Micro or Apricot?

So... with the collective subject authority we have in this forum, please post what you know about available kits here.

COSMAC Elf Reproduction: www.sparetimegizmos.com

Apple-1 and KIM-1 Replicas: http://www.brielcomputers.com/

ZX-81 Kits from England: www.ZX81kit.com

ZX-81 Kits in New York: www.ZebraSystems.com

CF Drives for Apple-1 and Apple II: www.dreher.net

A-One, Apple-1 kit with accessories, Europe: www.achatz.nl

Semi-Virtual Disk (SVD) drive interface, various 80's computers: www.theSVD.com,
(appears as he has stopped shipping units but unclear if he is producing a newer version)

Aaron Teeling
 
Last edited:
Well, It's been 6 months....

Well, It's been 6 months....

.. during which time I have purchased another Replica 1, 2 Micro-Kim's, the complete line-up of add-ons from Briel Computers, all the parts for the STG COSMAC ELF 2000 (with hex keypad option) and of course a fine reproduction of Grants Altair 680.

I'm waiting to hear back about the Engima-E kits from Europe.

So... Once again, does anyone have any leads on new or future functional replica kits?

Aaron
 
To kinda add to what's been said above...

As a fairly hardcore Altair and MITS collector, I really appreciate the work Grant has gone to in recreating the Altair. Not only has he accurately reproduced all of the PC boards, using original-as-possible components, but he has also duplicated the cabinets (from the original manufacturer, no less) and even uses reproductions of the original MITS manuals for assembly and operation. I doubt that the other computer replicas out there are as historically correct.

Steve
 
Grant has done a Kenbak-1 kit in the same fashion as the Altairkit. The other news (hopefully) is the upcoming SVD ][ device.
 
True.... Grant has a lot of time on his hands. He must to recreate such remarkable kits.

That being said, I still believe there is room in the vintage computer circles for computers like the Micro-Kim and the Replica 1. I know I enjoy building them enough to build multiple copies.

I lack the talent to construct a computer from scratch, but many of the members here do. If any of you think you can pull off a modern version of an 80's 8-bit machine, I encourage you to do so.

... I have an engineer on here right now who was born in 1986. Computers have always been GUI and 5-1/4 disks are something he saw in a book once. Wouldn't it be nice to keep the technology alive for future minds?
 
While reviewing Grant's website, I came across this posting from one of the forum members. I have cut/pasted it here for others to enjoy:
Aaron Teeling

I compiled a short list of replica projects. Unlike Grant's remarkable kits, most of these are using new hardware to mimic the look and feel of the old times:

PDP-1 replica:
http://www.vintage.org/gallery.php?grouptag=PDP1REPLICA
PDP-8 replica:
http://www.vintage.org/gallery.php?grouptag=PDP-8
PDP-8 replica single board computer and front panel replica:
http://www.sparetimegizmos.com/Hardware/SBC6120-2.htm
Apollo Guidance Computer replica:
http://agcreplica.outel.org/
Apple 1, Kim 1 and Altair front panel replicas:
http://www.brielcomputers.com/
Apple 1 replica:
http://www.achatz.nl/catalog/product...&products_id=5
Apple 1 replica:
http://www.bytecollector.com/apple1/
Apple II motherboard replica:
http://www.willegal.net/appleii/appleii-first_page.htm
Apple II on an FPGA:
http://www.mirrow.com/FPGApple/
Altair emulator and front panel replica:
http://www.altair32.com/Altair32FrontPanel.htm
IMSAI front panel version 2:
http://www.imsai.net/products/imsai_series_two.htm
ZALTAIR Z-80 single board computer running CP/M http://www.zaltair.net/:
http://www.ez80sbc.com/index.htm

I'm sure there are many more out there.
 
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