PDP 8A Limited Function Front panel

Limited function panel

 

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Data General Eclipse front panel

This is a nice buy off of Ebay.  It happens to use the same plastic casting as the Nova 3 front panel bezel (of which there are three in stock).

It didn't say which model, but I'm suspecting S-120 or such unless corrected.

Also the seller nicely left the key with it, or didn't notice it, so there is a genuine (I'm guessing) DG key.  I had just gotten a replacement Ace for the Nova 1200s, so now have keys for all of the ones with key on / off.

Key is in this bag

Datum MDP/1-MPU

Front panel for Datum mini computer.  Seems to have been microprogrammed, judging by the front panel display / switch to examine or display control store.

16 bits, has a switch for selecting display or examine of 4 registers.

Also, nicely, it has hexadecimal display with the switches grouped by 4 bits.

Nova 3 Front panel

Ebay purchase of a somewhat abused Nova 3 front panel.

It was harvested for most all of its light bulbs, and took a shot to 4 switches., of which 2 fell off.

The bezel is in good shape.  The selector switch knob is missing.

Here are links to some restoration / repair efforts by others.  Luckily there seem to have been a few.

Video of live one:   https://youtu.be/mjXLGLQJi6Y

foxdata.com restoreation page:  http://www.foxdata.com/blog/tag/nova-312/

This shot here pretty much matches mine:  http://www.foxdata.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/nova_3_console_lamp_driver_dg_113-7748.jpg

This is some sort of chip with Nova 3 in the name of the jpg
http://archive.computerhistory.org/resources/still-image/Data_general/Data_general.Nova_3.102635449.lg.jpg

Eclipse uses same plastic, different sticker.
http://simh.trailing-edge.com/photos/eclipse-s130.jpg

Nova 4 and another Eclipse shared this style plastic
http://www.ithistory.org/sites/default/files/hardware/Nova4.jpg

http://www.ithistory.org/sites/default/files/hardware/EclipseS140.jpg

Our buddies at so much stuff have an STL file for switches:
http://svn.so-much-stuff.com/svn/trunk/3D/DataGeneral/Nova3Handle.stl
http://svn.so-much-stuff.com/svn/trunk/3D/DataGeneral/Nova3Handle.skp
http://svn.so-much-stuff.com/svn/trunk/3D/DataGeneral/Nova3Handle.jpg
   finally all their stl files, etc.
http://so-much-stuff.com/pdp8/cad/3d.php

Component Guide for DG parts referenced below courtesy of Vincent Slyngstad

015-000028-03_DG_Components_Guide_Oct75.pdf

End of panel, holes for selector and power switch.  P/N 002-004544

One of two indicators not removed

IC needs to be ID'ed.  The 7651 is probably the date code.  Need the manufacturer and what a 630 chip is.

The Fox restoration pages seem to have chips with the 3/4 circle log, and nothing wrong.  My board has all 7400 series, some DG components, and the ITT ceramic chips.

DG 040 Dual 4 input nand gate
DG 630 Quaduple 2 input Positive NAND Buffer W/Open Collector outputs.
DG 004 Triple 3 input NAND Gate

Probably roms, need to look ITT 9004-5D

Other remaining bulb

quick shot of panel from right end

Selector switch, and power switch