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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteYes: a Raspberry Pi can act as a tiny dial-up ISP for one vintage computer. Jeff Geerling’s project connects a Pi-side USB modem and an old computer’s modem through a two-way line simulator, then configures the Pi to answer the call. It is a retrocomputing demonstration—not a multi-line service for a household or a replacement for a commercial ISP.
What the Raspberry Pi dial-up ISP does
A dial-up modem expects to call another modem over a telephone connection. In this build, a Viking line simulator stands in for that connection: one side links to the modem attached to the Raspberry Pi, and the other to the modem in the old computer. The Pi runs server software that answers the incoming call and provides internet access.
The Pi ISP project README describes the goal as connecting one retrocomputer, not building a conventional ISP with a PBX and multiple phone lines. An Ansible playbook configures the Pi. The project is therefore best understood as a way to get a vintage machine online in a controlled, small-scale setup.
Hardware you need
The project README names these core components:
- A Raspberry Pi 3, 4, or 5, or an equivalent device.
- A StarTech.com 56K USB dial-up modem for the Pi.
- A Viking DLE-200B two-way line simulator.
- A dial-up modem in the retrocomputer.
Connect the Pi’s USB modem to one phone jack on the simulator and the old computer’s modem to the other. The simulator creates the connection between them; it is not a real phone-network line. Follow the project’s setup instructions to configure the Pi with its Ansible playbook.
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- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (8GB RAM)
- Includes 128GB Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
- CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- Mega Heat Sink - Black Anodized
How fast is it?
Do not expect the “56K” in the USB modem’s name to describe the speed you will get. The connection rate depends on the line simulator, modems, and configuration. Hackaday reported 36 kbps for the featured G3 MacBook setup in its April 4, 2026 article, while noting that the voice-oriented simulation equipment constrains throughput (Hackaday’s project coverage).
| Simulator option | Rate documented by the project README | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Viking DLE-200B | Maximum 28.8K with the specified switch setting | The README warns that some setups are unstable at higher speeds; reducing the modem’s configured maximum may help. |
| Viking DLE-300 | May handle up to 33.6K | An optional alternative named by the README; actual results still depend on the setup. |
The 36 kbps figure is a report of one featured setup, not a guaranteed rate for every build. The README says a more elaborate setup is needed to reach 56K. Treat all these figures as project-specific guidance, not independent benchmarks.
Rank #2
- Includes Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Model B with 1.5GHz 64-bit quad-core CPU (4GB RAM)
- Includes Pre-Loaded 32GB EVO+ Micro SD Card (Class 10), USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Premium High-Gloss Raspberry Pi 4 Case with Integrated Fan Mount, CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- CanaKit 3.5A USB-C Raspberry Pi 4 Power Supply (US Plug) with Noise Filter, Set of Heat Sinks, Display Cable - 6 foot (Supports up to 4K60p)
- CanaKit USB-C PiSwitch (On/Off Power Switch for Raspberry Pi 4)
Will a vintage browser work on modern websites?
Some pages may load, but old browsers and dial-up face two separate obstacles: modern sites can be heavy, and legacy browsers may not understand current web content. The Pi ISP installs MacProxy Classic by default, according to its README. The proxy adapts requests for early browsers by stripping incompatible tags and content.
MacProxy Classic describes itself as an HTTP proxy for early computers, including Netscape 4 and MacWeb. It can make some sites more usable, but it does not make every modern site compatible or quick. You can compare direct access for lightweight sites with proxy-assisted browsing for sites that need adaptation; the documentation does not establish a reliable speed difference between those modes.
Rank #3
- Not including the Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB), the Crowpi advanced version comes with the Raspberry Pi 5
- ELECROW Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5, CrowPi is equipped with a 9-inch HD touchscreen along with a camera; All the regular components used in DIY electronics are packed into the CrowPi development board, such as LCD, LED matrix, buzzer, light sensor, PIR sensor, ultrasonic sensor, IR sensor, etc
- Raspberry Pi Sensors: The Crowpi raspberry pi 5 programming kit is jam-packed with lots of buttons such as 19 different sensors in a tidy easy to use package; You don't have to wait and wire things
- Build Quality: Solid ABS shell and well made components in one place make it strong and convenient to travel
- Programming Lessons: This raspberry pi 5 learning kit ships with step by step instructions and provides 21 lessons to take you through identifying components reading code and running it in the terminal
Try archived pages for a more period-friendly experience
MacProxy Classic also includes a Wayback Machine extension, noted in both the proxy and Pi ISP project documentation. It lets you browse archived pages from a chosen date, which can be a better match for a vintage browser. An archive is an option, not a guarantee that every page will display correctly.
What the experience is—and is not—good for
This setup is useful for connecting a retrocomputer to the internet and exploring how dial-up access worked. It is not a practical substitute for broadband or a way to serve multiple callers. Even with a proxy, today’s web can be frustrating over a narrowband connection.
Rank #4
- Fully assembled for plug-and-play operation
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 with 8GB RAM
- 256 GB PCIe Pi NVMe SSD (Pre-loaded with Pi 64-Bit OS)
- M.2 HAT+
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Pi 5
Hackaday’s April 4, 2026 article used an approximately 4 MB front page and an estimated 15-minute load at the reported connection rate to illustrate the mismatch. Those were the article’s estimates at the time, not a current measurement of the page or a promise about what your setup will achieve.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Use an old internet-connected computer cautiously
The Pi ISP README advises against leaving old computers connected to the internet for long periods, especially when browsing arbitrary sites. A vintage operating system and browser may lack modern security protections. Keep sessions limited and be selective about what you visit.
Quick Recap
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- 【What you Get】You will get 1*Pi 5 8GB Single Board,1*RasTech Case,1*Active Cooler,1*Screwdriver,1*Installation instructions,12-month free warranty, lifetime service, 24-hour prompt and friendly response.
- 【More Connectors】There are two USB 3.0 ports(5Gbps simultaneously) and two USB 2.0 ports, which triple total bandwidth ,support any combination of up to two cameras or displays. Peak SD card performance is doubled through support for the SDR104 high-speed mode. It provides a smooth desktop experience for you. Offer Gigabit Ethernet and a PCIe interface, along with dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0/BLE wireless capability. The RasTech Pi 5 Kit use the new 27W 5.1V 5A USB-C power connector.
- 【 Support Dual 4Kp60 Display 】Each of the two microHDMI sockets can control a 4K display at 60 Hertz, now support HDR, offering super HD video for media streaming projects. RPi 5 is the first RPi model that comes with a PCI Express port (PCIe 2.0 x1 with 500 MB/s) to attach SSDs (requires separate M.2 HAT).
- 【 Excellent Chips And Applications】Pi 5 is a full-size Pi computer using silicon built in-house at Pi. The RP1 “southbridge” provides the bulk of the I/O capabilities for Pi 5. Pi 5 is more friendly and convenient in the development of Internet of Things, Web development, machine identification, automatic control and other electronic equipment applications and network.
- 【 Faster CPU, Better GPU 】 Pi 5 features a Broadcom BCM2712 64-bit quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 processor running at 2.4GHz, it delivers a 2–3× increase in CPU performance relative to RaspberryPi 4. The 800MHz VideoCore VII GPU is compatible to OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.2, substantial uplift in graphics performance. Pi 5 Offers lightning-fast CPU speed, a PCI Express interface, a Real Time Clock (RTC) and a power button and runs significantly cooler than Pi 4.
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