KK8E, KK8A and front panel questions

So I've got this PDP-8/e OMNIBUS box, a pile of cards and want to see what's working. Here's my parts list: 2 x KK8A CPU cards 1 x KK8E board set 1 x MS8-C Hex MOS memory card 2 x KM8 "option 2" cards 2 x DKC8AA "option 1" cards 1 x PDP-8/e OMNIBUS box w/front panel When I load the KK8E into the box, I can set addresses, examine data in the MS8, toggle in small programs (NOP, NOP, JMP 0) that appear to work. One odd thing - when I load an address then deposit data, if I'm reading this thing correctly, it seems that the data is going one location higher in memory than I think I'm at. I'm not certain if this is operator error or something wrong with a card. When I load a KK8A board into the box instead of the KK8E, it runs blank memory OK, but when I attempt to set the load address, pressing the key increments the MA register from what ever it is. I can single step, but not easily set or inspect memory if I can't reset the address. Now the questions: I know you can stick a KK8E in a hex ONMIBUS box (-8/a-620, etc.). What happens if you try to put hex cards in a quad box? (I have the PSU set off to the side for clearance, in case anyone is wondering how I did it.) Does the hex MOS memory _need_ to be in a hex slot to have power/grounds/term on the fifth slot? Is the front panel from a PDP-8/e *compatible* with the KK8A? I do not own a programmer's panel for the DKC8AA, nor do I currently have a hex chassis where the cards are, limiting my options. Eventually, I can get a hex box and all these cards together, but for now I'm trying to work with what I've got. One last side question: has anyone ever used the parallel port on the DKC8-AA? Drivers aside, it seems like you could do quite a lot with it. The handbook suggests that it's possible to use it to run a LA-180, but with the data inverted and with different IOTs. Thanks, -ethan ===== Infinet has been sold. The domain is going away in February. Please send all replies to erd(a)iname.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com