bk99.de entertain the web since 1997

bk99.de
Hackaday · Retro computingCurated

An HP-95LX gets modern Linux technology

Summary

Hackaday shows a palmtop conversion that combines the case and keyboard of the HP-95LX with a Raspberry Pi Zero, colour display and modern interfaces. The model is an HP-95LX. The new computer is based on a Raspberry Pi Zero W.

Ideas

  • The original calculator keyboard is kept as the input device.
  • A Raspberry Pi Zero W replaces the old mainboard.
  • A 4.3 inch colour display uses the existing space in the case.
  • Ethernet, USB, RS-232 and HDMI extend the palmtop.

Insights

  • Successful retro conversions preserve special qualities of use, not just the case.
  • Mechanical integration limits projects more than computing power.
  • A later custom PCB can considerably improve makeshift wiring.

Facts

  • The model is an HP-95LX.
  • The display offers 800 by 480 pixels.

Recommendations

  • Document the keyboard matrix before removing it.
  • In the second design, replace hot glue with secure mounts.

References

Read the original article

Search the Web Archive

Hackaday · 2023

An authentic Linux installation like in the nineties

Action Retro installs Red Hat 5.2 on a period Pentium computer and experiences media, drivers and setup without modern aids. Red Hat Linux 5.2 was used. The target computer had a Pentium processor.

Hackaday · 2012

Linux controls a real 6502 processor

Hackaday shows how a BeagleBone loads, starts and operates a discrete 6502 as a remote processor from Linux via GPIO. The project uses a discrete 6502. An ARM-based BeagleBone serves as the host.

hanez.org · 2020

A chess computer from 1988 as a winter project

Johannes puts a Fidelity Designer 2000 Display that had been unused for decades back into operation and sets himself the goal of beating it. The processor runs at three megahertz. The device dates from around 1988.