Troubleshooting Techniques

2013-04-29T15:46:30Z

Steve Gemeny: Created page with "In response to an request from Management… This page will cover some techniques useful in verifying the correct functioning of SBC6120-RC, stage by stage as it is populated. ..."

In response to an request from Management…

This page will cover some techniques useful in verifying the correct functioning of SBC6120-RC, stage by stage as it is populated. These steps were used to verify the proper operation of the various sections of the SBC6120-RC as it was being assembled and should prove useful to others who;
A) are assembling a system for the first time or,
B) who find it necessary to debug an SBC6120-RC that has failed for some reason.

I hope to be collecting my notes from my January 2013 assembly activities sometime during May 2013.

Email me if I miss this self-imposed deadline and you need the information.

--[[User:Steve Gemeny|Steve Gemeny]] 08:46, 29 April 2013 (PDT)Steve Gemeny

SBC6120-RC User Manual

2013-04-29T15:32:57Z

Steve Gemeny:

[[File:Jim Loos SBC6120-RC Front.JPG|thumb||||300px|||Jim Loos' SBC6120-RC (Front)]]
[[File:Jim Loos SBC6120-RC Back.JPG|thumb||||300px|||Jim Loos' SBC6120-RC (Rear)]]
[[File:RC2 (Back).jpg|thumb||||300px|||SBC6120-RC with VT6 installed]]

The SBC6120-RC ("''Reduced Cost''") is a simplified version of the combined [http://www.sparetimegizmos.com/Hardware/SBC6120-2.htm SBC6120 PDP-8/E replica] and the [http://www.sparetimegizmos.com/Hardware/SBC6120_Front_Panel.htm FP6120 front panel] . The -RC model reduces the total part count of the SBC6120/FP6120 combination, eliminates some of the parts which had become difficult to find, uses a simplified front panel construction with commonly available switches, and is both significantly cheaper and easier to assemble than the original SBC6120/FP6120. The -RC version has a functionally identical front panel to the FP6120, uses the same firmware (and indeed the same EPROMs) as the SBC6120, is still able to run OS/8 and any other software that would have run on the SBC6120. The -RC also has a dedicated spot for attaching a [http://www.sparetimegizmos.com/Hardware/VT.htm VT6 terminal] board which allows it to connect directly to a VGA monitor and PS/2 keyboard.

There are already extensive PDF manuals online for the original SBC6120 and FP6120 front panel and much of the -RC functions, including the operation of the front panel and the built firmware reference, will be the same. This collection of wiki pages documents the aspects of the -RC which are unique to that model. It is Spare Time Gizmos first foray into user supplied community documentation, and it will be what you make it. Although I have a soft spot for the PDP-8 and sympathy for those who do too, the SBC6120, especially a reduced cost version, doesn't pay the bills and I simply do not have the time to provide the documentation that it deserves.

== Contents ==
* [[Overview]]
* [[Assembling with or without the VT6]]
* [[Assembling the PC Board]]
* [[Assembling the Faceplate]]
* [[Attaching the Decal]]
* [[Final Assembly and Checkout]]
* [[Troubleshooting Techniques]]
* [[Using the Front Panel]]
* [[Hardware Description]]
* [[Firmware Description]]
* [[Detailed Parts List]]
* [[Drawings, Schematics and Firmware]]
* [[FAQ]]

Spare Time Gizmos' Wiki - User contributions [en]

Troubleshooting Techniques

SBC6120-RC User Manual