Kicki: A DECsystem1060 – Interim Computer Museum

KICKI is a dual PDP-10 KI10 (serials 522 and 606) undergoing active preservation with the goal of a future restoration to running condition. A major recent decision focused on which main memory to supply: building a modern semiconductor memory box (small and efficient), reusing an Ampex ARM10L (very large with prominent indicator lamps and up to 4 MW capacity), or restoring two MH10 memory cabinets (period-correct, attractive lamps, and substantial capacity). The team selected MH10 cabinets salvaged from a MIT KL-10 installation, and will also refurbish the DF10C data channel to provide DMA between memory and RH10 disk subsystems. Each MH10 contains 14 DC power modules; the original DEC H744/H754 modules run at about 60% efficiency and are slated to be rebuilt or replaced with modern components to reach roughly 85-90% efficiency.

Restoration work emphasizes reversible modernization and detailed fault-finding. Linear DEC power supplies in the CPU have been bypassed with high-efficiency modular switching supplies, cutting current draw while leaving original wiring and hardware intact. Bays 1 and 2 were powered up together after supply upgrades in 2025; Bay 3 followed in 2026, revealing issues like an incomplete Power-On-Reset, flaky interbay cabling, and failed backplane parts that required tracing. Former DEC field engineer Gary Solomon spent two weeks on-site making significant progress getting Fast Memory visible to console output. Progress and diagnostics are documented in a video series, and the collection includes DECtapes and bespoke KI10 ICs relevant to restoration.