19 Apr
2005
19 Apr
'05
3:56 p.m.
I am considering using two modern +5v at 25A switching
power supplies to
replace the +5V source ( leaving the original -5V at 2A,+15 at 2A,-15 at 2A,and
+20 at 4A as original) in a PDP-8A.
My intent is to increase the reliability of the system. I have had trouble
with keeping the G8018's operating. I occasionally trip the breakers on
startup. I am thinking bad filter Caps. Perhaps someone could give some
opinions on this (Crazy) idea.
OK, being tactful : BLETCH!
To me, the power supply is as much a part of the original design as the
CPU, the I/O boards, the peripherals, etc. If you don't care about
keeping the hardware as original as possible, then you might as well run
an emulator on a PC.
The PDP8/A power supply schematics exist (are they on bitsavers?). Why
don't you work out what's wrong with it and repair it properly.
-tony