More soldering on the front panel and then some....

Various References on the 8008

Good stuff on the 8008, and building a rig right here.

Original Power Supply?

This is the only image I've found so far... via thepcmuseum.net  

Slightly different

Complete System ?

Origin of image - google images.

Another 8H Front Image

Lifted without permission -- google images.  For build reference only.

Completed Backplane Card

704 solder points and a few hours later.  I took a 15 minute break to sit with my x GF, other than that it was some seriously dizzy soldering, for a few hours.  I will give the backplane the red-pencil check tomorrow under a magnifying glass to make sure I didn't miss any points.

BTW, I am using 63/37 Rosin Core solder - .020    This is the same that I used on all 3 Apple-1 clones.
This stuff is poisonous, (lead) so make sure you have a window open or a fan or something for adequate ventilation.  I prefer it because it's easier to work with than the "safe" stuff.... but that's up to you.

As you can see below, I've inserted the Front Card into the BackPlane Card.  Nice fit, but as Mike Willegal mentioned, there is some play, so you will probably need PCB Guides (I am shopping for mine now, or may make my own).

Front Panel

Because I haven't soldered in about 2 years, I decided the backplane might need to be the second component to work on.  So I went with the Front Panel sockets.  I tinned the tip of my iron for the first time in ages, cleaned the PCB with rubbing alcohol, and went to work.

I've started work on the backplane.  I've taped my connectors with masking tape, alternating each row.  8 in the first pass, do some soldering, then clean it up, and finish up 8 more on the 2nd pass.

I was out in the Bay Area back in mid Feb 2013 ... here are a few pics of the SCELBI 8B (Business) on display at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California.

I've ID'd and marked all of the boards.  Found that the cinch connectors I had from my Apple-1 clone projects fit the backplane so I'll use these.

Chassis

The manual recommends the BUD #413
Approx. Dimensions = >


"THE LAY-OUT OF A STANDARD SCELBI PROVIDED CHASSIS WHICH IS BASED ON A READILY AVAILABLE 10 X 12 X 3 INCH
ALUMINUM CHASSIS SUCH AS THE BUD #413 CHASSIS. "

AC-413

My SCELBI 8H

Alright, let's get crackin' on this puppy.  So, my initial BLOG has been stomped on so I'm starting a new one.  Let's review -

1. I bought the PCBs from Mike Willegal (willegal.net).  Mike has his own build blog as he is the guy who reverse engineered and created a working clone.  Mike is still making killer progress, so keep an eye on his blog.  Contact Mike for your own set of PCBs  !

You can also find very good docs and pics at Cameron Cooper's SCELBI site, which has great history info as well.  

I will attempt to focus on my own build experience, blood, sweat, tears, frustration and all that goes with it.  For parts I'll do my best to track where I found them and cost.


2. I have been studying the schematics when I have time

3. I don't know much about this computer, but it's going to be a very fun, educational, and at times excruciating punishment

4. It appears that some parts are going to be a bit expensive (e.g. the RAM)

5. A similar chassis to the original can still be purchased, I will post as soon as I find the info I had received from the other guys working on this project: UPDATE - BUD #413 10"x12"x3"

6. This computer uses 2 voltages, +5 and -9 so a power supply will need to be constructed.  Luckily, I have a book on homebrew power supplies, so I'm hoping to locate some goodies in that book.