PDP8 power supply G8018

[Tony Duell]

> I am considering using two modern +5v at 25A switching power supplies to
> replace  the +5V source ( leaving the original -5V at 2A,+15 at 2A,-15 at 2A,and
> +20 at 4A as original) in a PDP-8A.
> My intent is to increase the reliability of the system. I have had trouble
> with keeping the G8018's operating. I occasionally trip the breakers on
> startup. I am thinking bad filter Caps. Perhaps someone could give some
> opinions on this (Crazy) idea.

OK, being tactful : BLETCH!

To me, the power supply is as much a part of the original design as the 
CPU, the I/O boards, the peripherals, etc. If you don't care about 
keeping the hardware as original as possible, then you might as well run 
an emulator on a PC.

The PDP8/A power supply schematics exist (are they on bitsavers?). Why 
don't you work out what's wrong with it and repair it properly.

-tony