IMSAI 8080 - Reproduction CP-A (Control Panel) LED assembly
In this video we solder the LEDs to the CP-A PCB
You can purchase the kit here:
https://imsai.store/boards/cp-a-ims.aspx
For sales inquiries, question etc. please use the contact form at:
https://www.parastream.com/feedback.aspx
The CP-A is one part of a complete IMSAI 8080 reproduction kit.
The CP-A can be used to replace an original CP-A or can be used in the assembly of a reproduction kit. It's designed to be compatible with original IMSAI 8080 systems.
The goal of the "IMSAI 8080 Reproduction Project" is to provide both full kits and to support existing systems with replacement subsections and components.
The components in the kit in are reproductions of an original IMSAI kit with the following changes:
The PCB layout is the same as the original PCB with minor changes for the 4 ECOs released over the life of the CP-A. These ECOs correct issues in the original design that address stability and compatibility issues.
The PCB maintains the same hand-taped appearance and follows closely the original design.
The LED footprints are the proper spacing. You won't need to flay out the LED leads to install them.
The switch support bracket has been reproduced and is supplied with the kit.
Details matter:
A large effort went into measuring an original NOS IMSAI CP-A PCB. The locations of the LEDs and switches matches the original NOS PCB. The positioning and sizes of the mounting holes match the original NOS PCB and have been test fit on several original IMSAI cases to verify the fit.
The clear acrylic faceplate is cast acrylic (not extruded) and is router cut as the original panels were, it is not laser cut. Being cast it is crystal clear and more resistant to scratches.
The graphics sheet is produced using a photographic process and film as IMSAI did with the originals. It is not a printed sheet. Careful attention has gone into it's manufacture all the way down to the grain size in the original film. Reproducing this graphics sheet has been perhaps the hardest part of the project to lock down.
The switches used are reproduction switches. The paddles are proper plastic injection molded. Unlike the original switches IMSAI used these are sealed switches and are properly plated (gold or silver) for the intended application.
The supplied switch support bracket is newly manufactured. It is accurate down to the bend radiuses, screw hole sizes and locations etc. The included hardware set includes new screws that are the same size as the originals.
The entire kit can be assembled using an original IMSAI CP-A manual. With the exception of using LED spacers the steps in the original manual result in a complete working CP-A.
A lot of efforts has gone into cleaning up the manual that is included in the kit. The process started with high quality scans of original manuals then a long multi-step process to clean up each page.
Additional pages have been added to the manual. An easier to follow component placement diagram and a full schematic set are included. The original IMSAI component placement diagram and schematic are also included.
We are actively working on the chassis components and other PCBs required to build a full reproduction kit. All of the mechanical drawings of the chassis are complete and these are currently (Nov 2024)) being send out for RFQ from various fabricators. The core PCB set (CP=A, MPU-A and EXP-22) are completed. Additional PCBs such as the SIO-2 and PIO-4 are being worked on. We plan to release the full kit in 2025.
Suggested tools:
A lead forming tool will help with the install of the resistors and diodes.
https://www.amazon.com/CANADUINO-Bend...
An IC lead forming tool will make it easier to insert the ICs into the sockets.
https://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/sto...
You can also search AMAZON for "dip IC chip lead straightener"
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=dip+ic+chi...
An inexpensive IC removal tool can be found here:
https://www.jameco.com/z/08-609-HT103...
An IC insertion tool kit can be found here. This makes it easier to insert the ICs directly into the PCB.
https://unicornelectronics.com/toolsa...
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