Usagi Electric Revives Vintage DEC PDP-11/44 with Modern Upgrades
Usagi Electric has revitalized a vintage DEC PDP-11/44 minicomputer, equipping it with modern components and a restored DEC TU50 tape drive. This machine, previously featured, now boasts a period 8′′ hard drive and a unique tape drive setup.
The original DEC TU50 tape drive, designed for VAX systems and featuring a second mechanism for microcode tapes, has been meticulously restored by Usagi Electric and installed behind a custom front panel. Despite the absence of useful data on the available tapes, the drive appears to be functioning smoothly.
The DECTape II cartridge, with its own capstan and internal drive belt for moving tape reels, has also been upgraded. All rubber parts in both tapes and drive have been replaced with modern polymer alternatives. The machine now has two co-processors and a meager 3U of rack space left.
Usagi Electric's video, available below, showcases the impressive upgrade process. The company has successfully transformed a vintage minicomputer into a functional, modern machine, preserving its historical significance while enhancing its capabilities.
