23 Apr
2026
23 Apr
'26
9:03 a.m.
On Thu, Apr 23, 2026 at 11:08 AM Chris Zach via cctalk
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote:
Running a "modern" SMD drive that plugs into
the SMD-ish side of the
MASSBUS controller on an RM02/03/05/80 would be the simplest (it's SMD
with some signals inverted because DEC is stupid).
I worked for a guy in the late 80s and we tried to convert an RM03
drive back into a 9762 (he had Unibus SMD controllers and at the time,
RM02/RM03 drives were practically free). We never did figure out all
the changes, and we had a real 9762 right there to compare.
I have several systems with Systems Industries SMD adapters (that
largely go back to SI interfaces in system busses on their hosts).
I'd _love_ some real SMD drive emulators vs spinning up 45-year-old
rust.
-ethan