When MITS introduced the Altair 8800–about 43 years ago–it spawned the very first personal computer clone: the IMSAI 8080. The clone had a number of enhancements as well as MITS had problem filling orders for genuine Altairs, so they offered quite well. [IMSAI Guy] has one of these vintage computers that has been in storage for over 30 years. He’s restoring the thing as well as there are 26 (and counting) videos of his progress. You can see the second video below, however be sure to inspect out the others, too.
The IMSAI is famous for being in the movie Wargames. We miss computers with switches as well as LEDs on a working front panel.
As you may expect, with over two lots videos, there’s a great deal of detail. The computer has rather a few boards.[IMSAI Guy] has to break out the scope, however he ultimately gets CP/M as well as experience running.
Although IMSAI went bankrupt in 1979, the name was bought as well as there is still a existence on the internet today. There is talk of a “series two” that appears like a combination entertainment as well as PC case, however the last update was a few years ago, so we question these ever really shipped.
The IMSAI was more or less an Altair as well as if you want the flavor of having your own without the expense, you can terminate up a browser. We’ve seen other vintage computers made into PC situations before, too.