How To: Formatting the Ancient Hard Drive in a PDP-11

Summary

In this video, the host demonstrates the process of replacing a failed hard drive in an old PDP-11/83 computer. Highlighting the machine's weight, he navigates the complexities of hardware handling, including carefully disassembling and installing the new drive. After configuring jumpers and troubleshooting initial power issues, he successfully formats the drive using both RT-11 and RSX-11M operating systems. Throughout the tutorial, viewers learn about low-level formatting, bad block management, and the intricacies of using legacy computing systems, all while enjoying a hands-on, technical experience in a vintage computing workshop.

Takeaways

• 😀 The PDP-11/83 is heavy and requires careful handling during maintenance.
• 🛠️ Replacing the hard drive involves removing the back plate and sliding the internal components out.
• 🔌 It's crucial to ensure all connections, like the power cable, are properly inserted before powering up the machine.
• 💾 The new hard drive requires jumper settings for proper configuration before installation.
• 🖥️ The machine runs various operating systems, including RT-11 and RSX-11M, each with its own formatting and management procedures.
• 🧪 The format process includes low-level formatting, which can reveal any bad blocks on the drive.
• 🔍 Diagnostic tools are essential for verifying the health of the hard drive post-installation.
• 🚀 The video demonstrates using commands to interact with the drive and ensure it is functioning correctly.
• 📂 The successful formatting allows access to the drive for file operations and system initialization.
• 👍 Engaging with community resources, such as the PDP-11 Facebook group, can provide valuable troubleshooting insights.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The video demonstrates how to replace and format a hard drive in a PDP-11/83 computer.

Why does the presenter need help lifting the PDP-11/83?

The machine is described as very heavy, making it difficult to lift alone.

What components are involved in replacing the hard drive?

The components include the old hard drive, a new drive, power cables, and ribbon cables.

What formatting processes are discussed in the video?

The video covers both low-level formatting and file system formatting under RT-11 and RSX-11M.

What issue does the presenter encounter when powering up the machine?

Initially, the machine does not light up because the power cable was not fully inserted.

What diagnostic tool is used for the hard drive formatting?

The XX DP Diagnostics package is used to format the hard drive.

What was the outcome of the first formatting attempt?

The first attempt at formatting fails due to issues with the file control table.

How does the presenter resolve the formatting issues?

After researching and consulting with others, the presenter specifies additional options for the format command.

What does the presenter do after successfully formatting the drive?

The presenter reboots the PDP-11 and initializes the drive to write the file system structures.

What command does the presenter use to copy files onto the newly formatted drive?

The presenter uses the PIP command to copy files from one drive to another.