[TUHS] Vintage Unix on NS32016 board homebrew projects

Andrew Lynch via TUHS tuhs at tuhs.org
Fri May 22 22:38:37 AEST 2026


Several years ago, I started a couple of NS32016 homebrew projects based on recreations of late 1980's amateur Unix computers.  However, I've run out of time and energy to complete them, and a practical retirement is years away.  I don't see any path to get to finish these projects myself barring some miracle, so I am offering them up in case someone wants to take them on.
The PCB designs are KiCAD recreations of the original projects.  No attempt at building and debugging them yet however since they were working for the original authors, I think it is feasible with some effort they will run.  I advise if you are considering taking on one or both of these projects to start gathering parts soonest since the NS32016 and associated support chips were never particularly common and supply is fading away with time.
Please note, I am not suggesting these would be easy projects or "turnkey" because a lot of effort would be required to build, test, debug, and ultimately get software running.  Definitely a hobby project for someone or someone(s) with plenty of time and skill to finish. 

PD32 (Micro Cornicopia article claims System V capable, but I am skeptical) 
https://hackaday.io/project/189965-isa-bus-slave-ns32016-processor-board


Bruce Culbertson (documentation claims there is a Minix or at least a start) 
GitHub - lynchaj/NS32016-BC: Bruce Culbertson NS32016 Single Board Computer


More information about the TUHS mailing list