This Web page last updated June 24 2009. It is a WORK IN PROGRESS.
This Web page discusses hardware "replicas" of vintage computers of the 1970's. Some are exact copies of boards or systems; some are updated or reduced-scale revisions; and some are modern redesigns using vintage chip sets (microprocessors and support chips). Most are done by individuals or garage companies of one or two individuals, often funding from their own pockets, often selling at costs. This page does NOT discuss software emulators of vintage computers, a well-established area of development by many individuals and groups.
Here's some considerations about this page, and about money. Items discussed here must have been produced and provided to several other people. Projects which did not produce more than a prototype or a few boards are not what I have in mind here. Prototypes and one-off's are a reasonable personal activity however; I discuss them on other pages. Ask about what is current and available, especially before sending anyone money to anyone Look for a wiki or a discussion group, review history and current activity BY DATE. "Now" may be two years ago. Developers generally welcome a show of interest, and most are careful about other people's money. Discussion on this page is not a recommendation, guarantee, or endorsement of any sort.
This page is one of a series of Web pages which have a home page at this link. That page and linked Web pages collectively describe repairing, restoring or displaying computer hardware of the 1970's and earlier. They support why people should bother to do that. I suggest it's a valuable activity, and I discuss and show how restoration can be learned, organized and supported. All physical locations listed are in the United States unless noted.
Of course my "retrotechnology.com" Web site provides general support for the use of old technology, such as the technologies I've mentioned here.
Over time, I'll consider these points and this page may change. I welcome comments and contacts from organizations with these interests. - Herb Johnson
Altair 8800 and MITS 680 kits of Grant Stockley
microKIM and Apple I of Vince Briel Les Bird's H8 boards BTS6120 replica of PDP-8 by Bob Armstrong, offered through his Spare Time Gizmos company. Armstrong's and STG's ELF 2000 version of the RCA 1802 microcomputer
N8VEM Euro-card bus (ECB) 8-bit circuit boards begun by Andrew Lynch
Copyright © 2009 Herb Johnson