KICKI is a dual PDP-10 model KI10 sn 522 and 606. While KICKI is current in preservation, we hope one day to have it running again. As of June 2025 former DEC LCG FE Gary Solomon has confirmed that both 522 and 606 CPUs have a complete module complement with the UML.
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September 2026 – KICKI gets some MEMORIES
In deciding what main memory to provide to KICKI we had three choices:
- Create our own semiconductor memory box
- Small, reliable, power efficient but likely hidden
- Ampex ARM10L
- Large, Foonlyesque LED indicator lamps, up to 4MW but not aesthetically beautiful
- 2 or MC’s 6 MH10 cabinets
- Correct option, beautiful lamps, decent switching supplies 512KW (a double moby)
While MIT-MC.ARPA, a DEC KL-10 1090 system, remains unrestored we decided that making an effort to restore its memory would be fitting in KICKI’s operation. At MIT MC had a few iterations concerning its memory: Initially sold with MF10s, upgraded to MH10s and then replaced with an Ampex ARM10. In addition MC’s DF10C Data Channel, which provides DMA between memory and the RH10 for disk, will also be restored for use with KICKI.
MC’s Memory Cabinets will be used with KICKI and are littered with MOON’s ITS notes.
The back side of the MH10s – 14 DC power supply modules each
The MH10s stock supplies require 18A at 115v each using the original DEC H744 and H754 which operate at around 60% efficiency. Based on previous work on an MG10 memory cabinet for a DEC PDP-10 model KA10 we believe we can bring these units up to 85% – 90% efficiency using modern components.
August 2026
Gary Solomon, former DEC FE out of Chicago and sponsor of ICM, came out to work on KICKI for two weeks. During this time considerable progress was made from getting Fast Memory accessible to console teletype output. This journey is best show in videos where you can find a series of at https://www.youtube.com/@icm.museum
June 2026
In June we were able to complete the power modifications to Bay 3 which allowed us to power up the complete KI10 CPU for the first time in many years. When the machine first came up we had a number of challenges with the first one being the “Power On Reset” circuit which was not fully initializing the machine on power up. Examine/Deposits of the Fast Memory or ACs was also not initial possible until after work on the DEC 857 and 858 power control models, InterBay Cable flakiness and tracing across the backplane searching for failed components.
September 2025
The power supply updates to bays 1 and 2 of the CPU have been completed and we have performed the first power up of those two bays together. Current draw is considerably much lower using the xcelsys modular switching supplies than the old DEC linear supplies. We completely by pass the old transformers, capacitors and full bridge rectifiers while leaving them in place and intact. https://toobnix.org/w/mZUSMmT9hGqWXXVWcSYptb
https://toobnix.org/videos/embed/mZUSMmT9hGqWXXVWcSYptb
August 2025
Modern high efficiency switching supplies are bypassing the original 8 linear supplies in the CPU. This modification is completely reversible and makes use of original wiring and mounting points. Here you can see two supplies being mounted and wring in progress. With this modification the KI10 will take significantly less power to run.
May 2025
3 of some of the bespoke integrated circuits in the KI.