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Let There Be Pixels

A project log for DEC Precision CRT Display Type 30 Reproduction

Obsolescence Guaranteed just released their new PiDP-1 Replica. While I wait for mine I thought I would make a 2:3 scale Type 30 Display.

michael-gardiMichael Gardi 09/20/2025 at 23:042 Comments

I modelled a "bridge" with a platform to mount the display electronics.

It bolts to existing tabs on the display frame. I attached an HDMI cable from the Pi 5 that I have with a fresh PiDP-1 image. I'm powering the display from one of the PI's USB ports. So far so good. Flicked the power switch and nothing happened. Figured out that the ribbon cable between the display and the electronics was reversed so I fixed that and voila. Well actually the screen was upside-down so I had to update the Pi's Windows Config, but then I saw the image shown below.

So far I'm happy with the way the screen looks. Since I just installed the PiDP-1 image I have not yet had time to figure out how to run a "full screen" demo. Stay tuned.

Discussions

jeremy.geppert wrote 09/22/2025 at 02:55 point

Looking GREAT!!! This brings me joy.

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Michael Gardi wrote 09/22/2025 at 03:15 point

Thanks Jeremy!

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