Kicki: A DECsystem1060 – Interim Computer Museum
The Interim Computer Museum is meticulously bringing a legendary DECsystem1060, dubbed KICKI, back to life, piece by painstaking piece. This detailed chronicle of hardware restoration, spanning CPU power-ups to memory cabinet revivals, captivates HN's vintage tech enthusiasts. It's a loving tribute to a bygone era of computing, showcasing the incredible dedication required to preserve digital history.
The Lowdown
The Interim Computer Museum (ICM) is undertaking an ambitious project to restore KICKI, a dual DECsystem1060 (specifically, two PDP-10 model KI10 CPUs, serial numbers 522 and 606). The project aims to eventually bring this historical computing marvel back into a running state, detailing significant progress and challenges encountered along the way. This restoration effort highlights the intricate work involved in preserving vintage hardware, from power systems to memory units, with a clear focus on authenticity and efficiency.
- Initial Assessment & Goal: KICKI comprises two KI10 CPUs, currently in preservation with all modules confirmed complete. The ultimate objective is to restore it to operational status.
- Memory Restoration: The team opted for two historically correct 6 MH10 memory cabinets from the MIT-MC.ARPA DEC KL-10 system, providing 512KW (a "double moby"). This choice prioritized aesthetics and historical significance, along with restoring MIT MC's DF10C Data Channel.
- Power System Overhaul: The original MH10 power supplies are highly inefficient (60%). The restoration involves upgrading them with modern components to achieve 85-90% efficiency, using reversible modifications that bypass the old linear supplies while keeping them intact.
- Progress Milestones:
- August 2026: Former DEC field engineer Gary Solomon made significant progress, including enabling Fast Memory access and console teletype output.
- June 2026: Successfully powered up the complete KI10 CPU (Bay 3) for the first time in years, overcoming initial challenges with the "Power On Reset" circuit and component failures.
- September 2025: Completed power supply updates for Bays 1 and 2, achieving their first combined power-up with significantly reduced current draw due to modern switching supplies.
- August 2025: Detailed the installation of modern high-efficiency switching supplies to replace the original linear units, dramatically cutting power consumption.
- Component Documentation: The blog post includes numerous images showcasing the restoration process, bespoke integrated circuits, and even vintage DECtapes, providing a visual journey through the hardware's inner workings.
The ongoing restoration of KICKI serves as a testament to the dedication required to revive and preserve significant pieces of computing history, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the origins of modern technology.