Computer History Archives Project (CHAP)
Computer History: 1966 PLATO Computer Aided Learning System Univ. Illinois (CDC education teaching)
updated
2k and 4k stock footage available from PeriscopeFilm
http://www.periscopefilm.com
CHAP
Special Thanks to Speakeasy Archives
for Digital scanning and restoration
laserfilmlab.com
Second half of the film, we see the Soviet URAL-2 Machine, a large vacuum tube computer. It was built in 1959 for scientific use and deployed to various parts of the Soviet Union during the 1960’s. About 139 of the Soviet machines were made. They were part of a large family of URAL computers made during the cold war era. The creator of the film was trying to predict the future use of AI. How close did he come?
2k and 4k Stock Footage available from
Periscope Film
http://www.periscopefilm.com
References for more information about each of these two machines are in the appendix,
and in the LINKS below.
ELLIOTT 803 References:
====================
803 - Wikipedia article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elliott_803
The Computer Conservation Society
http://www.ourcomputerheritage.org/Maincomp/Eli/E3_Elliott_803.htm
The National Museum of Computing:
http://www.tnmoc.org
http://www.Bitsavers.org
Gnome’s Computers (803): http://www.davidviner.com/gnome3.html
T.Baldwin, History 803: http://elliott803.sourceforge.net/docs/history.html
URAL-2 Computer References:
========================
Rand report: Defense Documentation Center
https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/AD0414793.pdf
YouTube VIDEO: 1965 SOVIET COMPUTER SCIENCE FILM URAL 2 ..(Periscope Film)
youtube.com/watch?v=KbDxnWxkjUI
Hungary: Computers Behind the Iron Curtain
https://itf.njszt.hu/wp-content/uploads/Computers-behind-the-Iron-Curtain.pdf
Oral History of Charles Simonyi (Computer History Museum)
http://archive.computerhistory.org/resources/access/text/2015/06/102702232-05-01-acc.pdf
Hint: The UNIVAC 1710 card punch shown at 02:30 dates from 1969, according to some viewers and seen at rcsri.org/collection/univac-1710 .
Some of the Career Jobs mentioned were:
-Avionics Communications Equipment Repair
-Avionics Mechanics Specialist
-Avionics Navigation Equipment Repair
-Central Office Telephone and Switchboard Repair
-Communications Security Equipment Repair
-Data Communication Switching Center Specialist
-Dial Telephone Systems Repair
-Encryption and Decryption Device Repair
-Field Lineman and Telephone Installation
-Field Radio Multi Channel Communications Repair
-Ground Control Radar Repair
-Manual Telephone Switchboard Repair
-Multichannel Communications Equipment Repair
-Satellite Communication Ground Station Equipment Repair
-Tactical Communications Security Equipment Repair
-Telecommunications Center Specialist Repair
-Telephone Switchboard Operator
The film shows a wide variety of Radar antennas, several helicopters and an aircraft landing under ground control assistance.
Special Thanks to Speakeasy Archives
for Digital scanning and restoration
laserfilmlab.com
2k and 4k stock footage available from Periscope Film
Periscopefilm.com
IBM film and photos courtesy of International Business Machines Corporation.
For more more information, visit
IBM Archives
IBM.com
Computer History Museum
computerhistory.org
What equipment can you recognize?
HAM CALL SIGNS: The original Ham Radio Field Day film mentioned the following six CALL SIGNS-- perhaps someone recognizes one or more of them: WH8LD/8, K8RKZ, W8CJZ, K8ZAK, K8 I I N, K8YFO.
(uploaded by Computer History Archives Project)
Special Thanks to Speakeasy Archives
for Digital scanning and restoration
laserfilmlab.com
Additional Recommended Videos:
Vintage Amateur Radio HAM MEMORIES 1960s-1970 history a film restoration
youtu.be/DLjrr8Mgu5A
Radio History: Signal Corps 1860-1976 Communications (Technology, Radar, Electronics, Training)
youtube.com/watch?v=0F9AX1kmHCE
1965 What are the PRINCIPLES OF ELECTRICITY?
General Electric Co.
youtube.com/watch?v=xXj7_cH2ryI
RCA Tube Manufacturing In Lancaster PA (1966)
youtube.com/watch?v=FUMIPvBi8Sk
Computer History 1949 -1960 Early Vacuum Tube Computers Overview
youtube.com/watch?v=WnNm_uJYWhA
1968 HOW VACUUM TUBES are Made: English Electric Valve Co.
(Television Radio Radar CRT Cameras)
youtube.com/watch?v=Ycr8EJUpKw0
Appendix B shows a 1944 HAM operator using a vintage Hallicrafters set of that era. References are provided at the end and below. We hope you enjoy this historical walk down memory lane of early HAM radio technologies. Comments are welcome! ~ Thank you. CHAP (Computer History Archives Project)
Digital scanning and restoration
Courtesy of Speakeasy Archives
laserfilmlab.com
2k and 4k Stock Footage of original film available
from Periscope Film
http://www.periscopefilm.com
RECOMMENDED REFERENCES:
American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the National Association for Amateur Radio, connecting HAMS around the U.S. with news, information and resources
http://www.arrl.org
HAM Radio Glossary and Terms (ARRL):
arrl.org/ham-radio-glossary
arrl.org/files/file/EC-016-Course/Glossary.pdf
Electric Radio Magazine: For those interested in vintage radio communications equipment and the history of radio
ermag.com
eHam.net
A well organized community web site for HAM radio operators around the world
eham.net
World Radio History, a vast informative database of publications
worldradiohistory.com/index.htm
The Museum of Yesteryear (wireless, radio, and more)
http://www.museumofyesterday.org/museum/page7.htm
- - -
Additional Background: Amateur radio has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century, when early experiments with wireless telegraphy began. While the term "amateur radio" didn't emerge until later, the practice of individuals using radio technology for non-commercial purposes has been around for well over a century. The development of amateur radio was significantly advanced during the early 20th century as vacuum tube technology and electronics technologies became more refined for use in Radar, emergency and commercial broadcasting, early television and related fields.
Over the past four or five decades, computers have revolutionized amateur radio, transforming the way HAMs communicate and engage with the hobby. One of the most significant advancements has been the development of computer-based radio transceivers. These devices combine the functionality of traditional radios with powerful computing capabilities, allowing HAMs to access and transmit signals across a wide range of frequencies with greater precision and control. Moreover, computers have enabled the creation of specialized software applications that enhance the amateur radio experience.
This educational presentation presents an visual look back at some of the early developments in HAM equipment, focusing mainly on the 1960’s through the carefully restored film “This is HAM RADIO” originally made in 1970. That film shows the many uses of HAM radio through the narration of a young teenage HAM operator. Followed by Appendix A which provides a glimpse of HAM systems from the 1940’s up to 1990s, again, focusing on the earlier years.
Please see the references above for more information about the fascinating field of HAM Radio.
(Unofficial, historical introduction, opinion and research, not affiliated with UK Government or its agencies)
For more information:
About ERNIE
ernie.virtualcolossus.co.uk/ernie.html
Bletchley Park Museum
bletchleypark.org.uk/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzva1BhD3ARIsADQuPnUIoYJ_ctJZXAnEX3zcSYGVUJ83nzroW8gtpgHEtOMl7FlfgSWHtEcaAsocEALw_wcB
For review and discussion, an excellent historical documentary from National Office Management Association provides the foundation for this look back into the mid-20th century electric and electronic office systems for FINANCE, BANKING, TELECOMMUNICATIONS, DATA TRANSMISSION and more. Hope you enjoy! Comments are welcome. (Computer History Archives Project)
2k and 4k Stock Footage available from Periscope Film
http://www.periscopefilm.com
Additional Information Sources:
IBM History at IBM Media Center
mediacenter.ibm.com/media/IBM+History/1_nxr4qzrt
The IBM Punch Card (Tabulating Card history)
ibm.com/history/punched-card
Historical Timeline of Burroughs Adding Machine Company (and Computers)
http://www.burroughsinfo.com/historical-timeline.html
Oral History of Evelyn Berezin (ELECOM, Redactron, Teleregister, Digitronics)
The Computer History Museum, Mountain View, CA
computerhistory.org
archive.computerhistory.org/resources/access/text/2015/04/102746876-05-01-acc.pdf
Bell System Memorial Home Page
memorial.bellsystem.com/indexnew.html
YouTube Video: Office Automation & Business Machines 1947
(Computer History Archives Project)
youtube.com/watch?v=xYhmv8fDL_Q
2k and 4K stock footage available from Periscope Film
stock.periscopefilm.com
For More Information about GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPUTERS, visit:
Ed Thelen's General Electric Computers page
"General Electric Computer Department from the bottom up 1961 through 1965"
ed-thelen.org/EarlyGE-Computers.html
-- VIDEO: GE 210 Computer 1961 MICR - Banking Finance Data Processing
youtube.com/watch?v=QfHMu75cfjg
Computer History Museum
Http://www.computerhistory.org
Southwest Museum of Engineering, Communications and Computation (GE Computers)
smecc.org/general_electric_computers.htm
DATANET-30 Systems Manual 1963
http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/ge/DATANET-30/CPB-289A_DATANET-30_Systems_Manual_196602.pdf
Film Restoration
Courtesy of Speakeasy Archives
laserfilmlab.com
Mego Figures
megofigures.com
the Mego Museum
megomuseum.com
Memory Alpha – Fandom STAR TREK
memory-alpha.fandom.com › wiki › Portal:Main
Among Us, Stars Background
Courtesy of @OlackSariyan
Comments are welcome!
(uploaded by Computer History Archives Project, for historical review and comments)
Reference Web Sites of Interest, Calculators, Star Trek, Mego, etc.
The Calculator Reference
vcalc.net
CALCUSEUM (Vintage Electronic Calculators)
http://www.calcuseum.com
National Museum of American History (Calculators)
https://www.americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object-groups/handheld-electronic-calculators
Vintage Calculators Web Museum
http://www.vintagecalculators.com/html/calculator_articles.html
Mego Figures
megofigures.com
the Mego Museum
megomuseum.com
Memory Alpha – Fandom STAR TREK
memory-alpha.fandom.com › wiki › Portal:Main
(With thanks to IBM Archives) Comments are welcome.
In 1986, IBM introduced the 9370, a family of mid-range computers marketed as "baby mainframes." These systems were designed to bridge the gap between mainframes and minicomputers, offering a smaller, more affordable alternative for businesses with growing computing needs. The 9370 was compatible with IBM's System/370 architecture, allowing for seamless integration with existing mainframe environments.
The 9370 family offered a range of models with varying levels of performance and storage capacity, allowing businesses to choose the system that best suited their specific requirements. Additionally, the 9370 could run a variety of operating systems, including VM/CMS, VSE/ESA, and AIX, providing flexibility in software choices. These baby mainframes were praised for their compact size, affordability, and ease of use, making them popular among small and medium-sized businesses. While the 9370 may not have achieved the widespread adoption of larger mainframe systems, it played a significant role in the evolution of mid-range computing and helped pave the way for the development of more powerful and versatile systems in the years to come.
By 1990 the 9370 line had around 6,300 installed systems, less than IBM anticipated.
By contrast, in 1988, the much more successful A.S. four-hundred was introduced and sold over one-half million units by 1997.
Many 9370 machines are still in use today.
With special thanks to IBM Archives and Max Campbell for vintage IBM film and images, and to U.S. Navy Archives, Charles Babbage Institute, Computer History Museum, Bitsavers archive and others. see acknowledgments pages 11:06
For educational and historical review and comment only.
Films © International Business Machines Corporation
Uploaded by Computer History Archives Project (CHAP), an independent educational research activity.
For more information on the IBM STRETCH computer (IBM 7030), several good sources are available online, in particular, the following book by Werner Buchholz.
Title: “Planning a Computer System—The STRETCH” edited by Werner Buchholz is available in full text online here:
archive.org/details/bitsavers_ibm7030Plam_46781927
IBM Heritage
ibm.com/history
Charles Babbage Institute (Oral Histories)
(University of Minnesota)
https://conservancy.umn.edu/items/6634fcfd-bee5-4b8a-8074-78ab0344cad6
Computer History Museum
http://www.computerhistory.org
NOTE: STRETCH System Physical Size and Electrical Power Requirements:
The Stretch CPU (Central Processing Unit) contained approximately 169,000 transistors, and had a power consumption of 21.6 KW. The CPU dimensions were approximately 31 feet long by 7 feet deep by 6 feet tall, or about 1,300 square feet.
The total system covered over 2,500 square feet. Overall power consumption was listed as 100 KW at 110 volts (but that number depends on which auxiliary modules are included in the total.) The system weighed approximately 40,000 Ibs.
Only Nine machines were ultimately produced and sold for about $7.78 million each in 1961. (Equivalent to $81,585,400 in 2024 dollars). (This is a reduction from the $13.5 million each that IBM had intended to sell them for, but reduced the price when the machine fell short of promised calculation speeds. However, it was still the fastest in the world at the time it was delivered in 1961.)
--
--
Of particular mention here are some of the achievements made by Lt. Grace Hopper (Dec. 9, 1906 – January 1, 1992), who worked with Howard Aiken on the Mark I, II and III computers. Hopper went on to work on more advanced systems after her time at Harvard.
This presentation explores some of the background of the four Aiken machines and the people who were instrumental in their construction. Locations include Harvard University, Cruft Laboratory, Cambridge, Mass., Endicott, New York, Dahlgren, Virginia. (The old Aiken Computation Laboratory of 1948 was demolished in 1997, and replaced with the modern Maxwell-Dworking Laboratory in 1999, which was funded by Bill Gates and Steven A. Ballmer.)
Runs 12 mins. Provided for educational purposes and historical comment only. - Computer History Archives Project (CHAP) (Not affiliated with Harvard Univ.)
Original films and material, courtesy of
IBM Archives
National Archives & Records Administration
Harvard University Archives
Computer History Museum
American Natural History Museum/Smithsonian
Naval History and Heritage Command
See Also Video: Harvard moves the Mark 1 Computer (Aiken's Calculator, IBM Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator (ASCC), in 2021:
https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2021/07/harvards-mark-1-finds-its-new-home/
Additional References:
A Survey Of Automatic Digital Computers 1953,
Office of Naval Research, Washington D.C.
Digital Computer Newsletter, Office of Naval Research, Physical Sciences Division, 1949
"Makin’ Numbers: Howard Aiken and the Computer,” edited by I. Bernard Cohen and Gregory W. Welch, with Robert V.D. Campbell, MIT Press, 1999
"Grace Hopper and the Invention of the Information Age," MIT Press, 2009, Kurt W. Beyer
Fair Harvard, Samuel Chamberlain, Donald Moffat, Harvard Univ. Press, 1949
Oral History Collection, Grace Hopper, Smithsonian
Oral History Transcript of Grace Hopper, Computer History Museum
Oral History Robert D. Campbell, Charles Babbage Institute
Oral History Richard Milton Bloch, Computer History Museum
The Annals of the Computation Laboratory of Harvard University, Vol XXVI, Proceedings of a Second Symposium on Large-Scale Digital Calculating Machinery, Cambridge, Mass. 1951
New York Times article, August 8, 1944
Popular Mechanics Magazine, March, 1949, “Brains that Click,”
“The American Weekly” magazine, October 15, 1944, “Harvard’s Robot Super Brain”
TIME Magazine, January 20, 1947, pg. 48, “A Robot’s Job”
Compiled for educational and historical purposes. Computer History Archives Project (CHAP)
For more information about the Link Trainer and Edwin Link, see:
NAVAL AIR STATION FORT LAUDERDALE MUSEUM
nasflmuseum.com/link-trainer.html
National Museum of U.S. Air Force
https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196852/link-trainer/
The Life of Edwin Link
https://digitalprojects.binghamton.edu/s/edwin-link-exhibit/page/blue-box
* * Restoration of WW2 film "Instrumentation Flying and Landing" film (WWII 1-531)
Courtesy of Speakeasy Archives
laserfilmlab.com
SSEC was a was a technological hybrid combination 12,500 tubes and 21,400 electromechanical relays, punch cards and punched tape readers and high speed printers.
Edited and uploaded for educational and historical value by Computer History Archives Project.
Film and Photos © by IBM, used with permission.
Courtesy of IBM Archives.
IBM ARCHIVES
ibm.com/history/selective-sequence-calculator
The Computer History Museum, Mountain View, California
http://www.computerhistory.org
“THE IBM SELECTIVE SEQUENCE ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR” by Arup K. Bhattacharya, Columbia University, N.Y, 1982
http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/ibm/ssec/Bhattacharya_The_IBM_Selective_Sequence_Electronic_Calculator_Jan82.pdf
IBM’s Early Computers, Charles J. Bashe, Lyle R. Johson, John H. Palmer, Emerson W. Pugh, 1986, MIT Press (716 pages)
The IT History Society
ithistory.org/blog/ssec-first-electronic-machine-silver-screen
YouTube:
John Backus describes the IBM SSEC, first computer he programmed. Turing Awardee Clips.
youtube.com/watch?v=_F2dRtK5oJM&t=1s
“A Third Survey of Domestic Electronic Digital Computing Systems.” Weik, Martin H. (March 1961) ed-thelen.org.
Your comments and thoughts on this time period are welcome. If you had family who had worked at either of these plants, we would love your input as well.
Runtime: 5 mins.
Uploaded by the Computer History Archives Project.
Thank you very much!
Some historic installation firsts for the 650:
The first IBM 650 was installed on December 8, 1954 in the controller's department of the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company in Boston, Massachusetts.
Two IBM 650s were installed at IBM Watson Scientific Computing Laboratory at Columbia University, starting in 1955.
Manulife (Toronto, Ontario) was the first insurance company in Canada to embrace mainframe computer technology with the installation of its IBM 650 in 1956.
The first IBM computer in Australia was a Model 650, installed in IBM's new Sydney Data Centre in 1958. (ACS Heritage Project)
For more information see the following:
-- Bitsavers.org
IBM 650
http://bitsavers.org/pdf/ibm/650
IBM 705
http://bitsavers.org/pdf/ibm/705
IBM 608
http://bitsavers.org/pdf/ibm/608/22-6666-0_608prelim_Nov55.pdf
Ken Shirriff's blog
righto.com/2018/01/examining-1954-ibm-mainframes-pluggable.html
IBM Archives ibm.com/history
Internet search for:
“IBM history at Poughkeepsie” and “IBM history at ENDICOTT”
Book: “IBM'S EARLY COMPUTERS,” John H. Palmer, Emerson w. Pugh, Lyle R. Johnson, Charles Bashe, MIT Press, 1985
“14K Days: A History of the Poughkeepsie Laboratory,” the IBM Data Systems Division, 1984, Poughkeepsie, NY
Book: “IBM in Endicott,” Ed Aswas and Suzanne Meredith, Acadia Publishing, 2005 (covers very early IBM history, mostly pre 1955)
For information on how it was physically constructed, see:
theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/10/dc-metro-from-construction-to-operation/452016
and
architectofthecapital.org/posts/2016/6/22/metro-under-construction
Restoration film excerpt courtesy of Speakeasy Archives
laserfilmlab.com
In memory of British reporter Bernard Falk (1943–1990)
Background from WMATA web site:
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) was created by an interstate compact in 1967 to plan, develop, build, finance, and operate a balanced regional transportation system in the national capital area.
Metro began building its rail system in 1969, acquired four regional bus systems in 1973, and began operating the first phase of Metrorail in 1976.
Today, Metrorail serves 98 stations and has 128 miles of track. Metrobus serves the nation's capital 24 hours a day, seven days a week with 1,500 buses. Metrorail and Metrobus serve a population of approximately 4 million within a 1,500-square mile jurisdiction. Metro began its paratransit service, MetroAccess, in 1994; it provides about 2.3 million trips per year.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
wmata.com/about/history
EDPM = "Electronic Data Processing Machine" this term was used by IBM for many of its very early computers, until the terms "computer" and "mainframe" became synonymous with the early giant "big iron" computers from IBM and others.
Interesting elements in the 701 history, include:
High speed electrostatic memory
Magnetic drum and magnetic tape storage
Punch card reader/recorder and line printer
4,000 vacuum tubes, 13,000 germanium diodes
Monthly lease cost $12,000 to $15,00
Total system weight: 20,000 to 28,000 pounds
First computer of this kind to be produced in quantity. 19 systems were made. First in the IBM 700 series of large electronic computers.
Power requirements 208 volt, 3-phase, 4 wire, 60 cycle using 88 kva. System is air-cooled.
Modular design permits easy installation and maintenance.
05:10 Note: the photo at 05:10 of Thomas J. Watson, Sr., the man standing behind Mr. Watson is
Cuthbert C. Hurd, IBM’s first Director of Applied Science, who toured around the USA with Jim Birkenstock drumming orders for the IBM 701.
Edited and uploaded by the Computer History Archives Project (CHAP) for historical review and comment only. CHAP is an independent educational research project.
Courtesy of IBM Archives
For more information on the IBM701 computer see:
bitsavers.org/pdf/ibm/701/Buchholz_IBM_701_System_Design_Oct53.pdf
and
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/computinghistory/701.html
ENIAC was the brainchild of Dr. John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert, built under a secret contract started in1943, and finished in 1946.
The goal of colorization technology is to augment and enhance the visual details to create a stronger connection with images of people and things of the past. Colorized images are shown side by side with the original film.
Eckert and Mauchly went on to incorporate the world’s first computer company in 1947, producing the BINAC for Northrop Aircraft, and later the UNIVAC 1, after being purchased by Remington Rand. ENIAC is the “great grandfather” of many computers that came later.
Related Video and References:
1946 ENIAC Computer History Remastered Film
youtube.com/watch?v=bGk9W65vXNA
Girl figures out how to program giant computer: Kay Mauchly and ENIAC
youtube.com/watch?v=9Jh5SCM75Xg
National Museum of the United States Army (ENIAC)
thenmusa.org/armyinnovations/innovationeniaccomputer
Jean Bartik and the ENIAC Women
youtube.com/watch?v=aPweFhhXFvY
The ENIAC by J. Presper Eckert and John W. Mauchly
youtube.com/watch?v=7GuXDCMfGfA
BOOK: “Proving Ground”: A biography and history of the six women who invented programming for ENIAC, by Kathy Kleiman
eejournal.com/article/proving-ground-a-biography-and-history-of-the-six-women-who-invented-programming-for-eniac
John Mauchly Autobiography Part 1
youtube.com/watch?v=O27BmRe2R48
Colorization Software:
AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI (Win)
avclabs.net
The more versatile IBM PC introduced in 1982, was less expensive and more successful, and could run IBM’s “Displaywrite” software. IBM PC sales completely overtook the Displaywriter, which was eventually discontinued by IBM in 1986.
In 1984, IBM announced "DisplayWrite/3" software for the IBM PC, with similar functions to the Displaywriter’s software, making the more expensive Displaywriter non-competitive in the market.
This color promo film (C) IBM shows some of the other IBM office products being used and promoted during the early 1980's. Mentioned are the IBM 8100, IBM Laser Printer/Copier, IBM PC, and others.
Restoration film excerpt courtesy of Speakeasy Archives
laserfilmlab.com
And thanks to
IBM ARCHIVES
Uploaded for educational review and comment, Computer History Archives Project (CHAP)
- Provided here for educational interest and historical review.
Thoughts and comments are welcome.
Run time 13 minutes.
This presentation shows the AXXA terminals in use at Citibank, and is followed by a 5 minute promotional video explaining the benefits of the AXXA System 90.
In April 1980, Axxa Corporation was formed as a spin off from Citicorp’s Lexar unit, to offer the “Axxa System 90” electronic office system as a commercial product. The initial configuration included two workstations, a central processor, and printer, and sold for about $42,000 in 1980 (over $155,000 in 2024).
This presentation is for educational purposes and not affiliated with Citigroup, Citibank or the BBC.
Restoration of the film excerpt courtesy of Speakeasy Archives
laserfilmlab.com
PLEASE HELP US in Preserving Technology History with a small contribution to our channel. paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=LCNS584PPN28E Your contribution greatly helps us continue to bring you educational, historical, vintage computing topics. Thank you! ~ Computer History Archives Project
The United States Naval Observatory (USNO) is a United States scientific and military facility that produces geopositioning, navigation and timekeeping data used by many military and civilian entities. The observatory is located in Northwest Washington, D.C.
Internet Resources:
U.S. Naval Observatory Official Web Site
https://www.cnmoc.usff.navy.mil/usno/
A Graphical U.S. Time Zone Map, by NIST
time.gov
NIST TIME FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
nist.gov/pml/time-and-frequency-division/nist-time-frequently-asked-questions-faq#usno
International Time Zone Map
timeanddate.com/time/map
The BIPM (international organization)
bipm.org/en/home
This video film courtesy of Speakeasy Archives
laserfilmlab.com
From the excellent UCE film “ACCESS” by John Nutt, we visit scenes from Stanford University and Berkeley, California. The structure of computer based DATABASE systems is discussed and the “future” of online systems, from the perspective of the mid 1970’s users. A fun and informative romp through the mid 1970's online computer access options. (Uploaded for review and comment only. Computer History Archives Project - CHAP)
-----
The film also shows a number of terminals, including Hazeltine, IBM, etc., and a computerized ticket office in California (1975) with a Control Data Corporation “TICKETRON” terminal, and a prototype computerized information retrieval system at a bookstore in Berkeley, California. "TICKETRON" was a forerunner of Ticketmaster. Original color film from 1974. Run time about 14 mins.
* * 2K and 4K stock footage available from Periscope Film
stock.periscopefilm.com
Background:
The Lockheed DIALOG system, was developed at Palo Alto Research Laboratory in 1966, , and available commercially in 1972.
AQUARIUS, used by the U.S. Legislative Information Center, was part of the STAIRS “Storage and Information Retrieval System,” developed by IBM.
SPIRES, was the Stanford Public Information REtrieval System, developed in the late 1960's at Stanford University.
“LEADER,” stood for “Lehigh Automatic Device for Efficient Retrieval,” It was conceived by Professor Donald Hillman, a pioneer in online information services in the 1960’s. LEADER allowed the end-user to search the online information system based on retrieving the full text of documents.
LEADER was operational by 1965, and ran on the IBM model 1800 Data Acquisition and Control System, introduced of 1964.
( Provided for review and comment by the Computer History Archives Project (CHAP)).
The Clearwater operations were taken over later by Lockheed, who has a large presence in the area.
If you worked in this factory, please let us know! Thanks very much! ~ CHAP
The AN/UYK computer became the most widely used minicomputer in the world in the 1970’s.
The computer was designed by Sperry Univac in Minnesota and build in its Clearwater, Florida manufacturing facility. Over 2,800 of these specialized machines were eventually made.
References:
Hagley Museum and Library, Delaware
http://www.hagley.org
Univac Defense Systems Division Product Information manual, September 1974
archive.org/details/bitsavers_univacmilistemsDivisionProductInformationSep1974_16374844/page/n5/mode/2up
History of the AN/UYK-20(V) Data Processing System Acquisition…, Robert Richardson Joyce (Thesis 1976)
http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/univac/military/an_uyk-20/Joyce_History_of_the_AN_UYK-20_Sep76.pdf
VIP Club MN, Information Technology (IT) Pioneers
Retirees and former employees of Unisys, Lockheed Martin, and their heritage companies
vipclubmn.org/aboutus.html
IBM PC Server Enterprise Racks
public.dhe.ibm.com/systems/support/system_x_pdf/10k2658.pdf
IBM PS/3 95 server
http://www.ibmfiles.com/pages/ps2model95.htm
With thanks to IBM Archives
ibm.com/ibm/history
A Brief History of Data Centers:
digitalrealty.com/resources/articles/a-brief-history-of-data-centers
Types of Data Centers
maysteel.com/blog/types-of-data-centers-how-do-you-choose-the-right-data-center
Background:
The IBM Advanced 36 was a midrange computer, introduced in 1994. It was designed to provide IBM System 36 users a more advanced processing platform at a smaller price and footprint than the larger AS 400 computer of 1988. In 1988, IBM introduced the "Application System 400," known as the AS 400. a high-performance, integrated server for complex business applications.
It also provided an upgrade path for the IBM System 36, which had been introduced in 1983, and the earlier system 38, which IBM had introduced back in 1978. As reported in COMPUTERWORLD Magazine's October 31st, 1994 issue, the “IBM Advanced 36” was built around a prototype version of the 64-bit Power PC microprocessor, and was the first system to implement IBM’s object oriented microcode. This film shows the A/S 400 Advanced 36 Model 9402.
The entry level system was priced at a low $12,000 (or about $25,000 today), and was available in three different configurations.
The AS 400 family in its various forms has greatly evolved over time, and although the original hardware is no longer produced, many systems are still in use by companies and organizations around the world.
Film copyright 1994 IBM, IBM presenter is Mr. Ed Neitg, A/S 400 Division, Programming Development.
For more information, see IBM Archives online:
ibm.com/ibm/history/exhibits/vintage/vintage_4506VV1004.html
and
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_Advanced/36
This unique vintage film from the 1959 to early 1960's, shows rare footage of the staff using the 501 as the narrator describes its functions and advantages. Full color, runs about 18 mins.
{RCA was the "Radio Corporation of America," an American company in existence from 1919 to 1986. At one time, it was the largest radio communications firm in the United States. RCA also produced the BIZMAC large scale vacuum tube computer, the RCA 301 and RCA 601 computers, and the later "Spectra" line. RCA sold its large computer division to Sperry Rand in 1971, due to competition from IBM.}
The 501 was designed by industrial designer John Vassos, who employed a modular design strategy, framing the computer and its components as a system and not as individual units. This design became highly successful. The 501 used high-speed magnetic-core memory, expandable from 16k to 260k characters. An optional drum memory unit could provide up to 1.5 million characters of storage. Up to 63 magnetic tape units could be installed.
RCA 501 COMPUTER INSTALLATIONS included the following by 1961:
U. S. Naval Propellant Plant, Indian Head, Maryland
Scott Air Force Base, Illinois
Air Reserve Records Center, York Street Denver, Colorado
Ordnance Weapons Command Rock Island, Illinois
Ordnance Ammunition Command Joliet, Illinois
Atlantic City Electric Company, New Jersey, EDPD
New York Electronics System Center, Wall Street New York
Fidelity-Philadelphia Trust Co., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
General Tire and Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio
Raytheon Company Missile Systems Division, Andover, Mass.
RCA Astro Electronics Division, Princeton, New Jersey
RCA Electronic Data Processing Division, Camden, New Jersey
RCA Electronic Systems Ctr, Cherry Hill Plant, Merchantville, N J
RCA Service Company, Camden 8, New Jersey
RCA Service Co. Electronic Data Proc. Sales Dept, Camden, NJ
State Farm Life Insurance Company, Bloomington, Illinois
Bureau of Naval Weapons, Constitution Ave, N W., Wash D. C.
Chase Manhattan Bank, New York, N. Y.
Educational Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey
---- Source: BRL Report 1961 (courtesy of Ed Thelen)
ed-thelen.org/comp-hist/BRL61.html
This partially restored film is a re-upload of one of several in our vintage television technology series. It provides a great behind the scenes look at factory manufacturing of SONY's famous Trinitron Television screens. Flat screen, CRT (cathode ray tube), high resolution screens. Trinitron screens were used for desktop computers as well as home television sets. SONY's Trinitron was a very successful product, and many are still in use today. Sony Technology Center Pittsburgh.
2K and 4K stock footage available from
PeriscopeFilm
http://www.periscopefilm.com
For more information on History of Sperry Corporation & related companies, visit:
VIP Club Eagan, MN
Information Technology (IT) Pioneers
Retirees and former employees of Unisys, Lockheed Martin, and their heritage companies
http://www.vipclubmn.org
UNISYS Corporation
http://www.unisys.com
Charles Babbage Institute
http://www.lib.umn.edu
PLEASE JOIN US in Preserving Computer History with a small contribution to our channel. paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=LCNS584PPN28E Your contribution greatly helps us continue to bring you educational, historical, vintage computing topics. Thank you! ~ Computer History Archives Project
* * *Can you Help identify these desktop computers? Please leave your ideas and info in the comment section below. Thank you.
Please Join us in preserving Computer History with a contribution to our Channel. - paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=LCNS584PPN28E
Thank you! ~ Computer History Archives Project
PLEASE NOTE: The majority of the last half of this film excerpt is SILENT, with very brief English commentary. We hope to make the entire film available in its original language at a future date.
This film is provided solely for educational and historical review and comment.
For 2k and 4K stock footage, visit:
http://www.periscopefilm.com
Eratta: The price of a new Sigma 9 was about $1.76 million in 1970, per a NY Times article:
NYT article: nytimes.com/1970/11/05/archives/xerox-corp-introduces-sigma-9-computer-unit.html
Xerox Corporation background at Bitsavers.org
archive.org/details/bitsavers_xerox?tab=about&sort=downloads
Announcement for the Xerox 550 and 560 systems.
http://bitsavers.informatik.uni-stuttgart.de/pdf/sds/sigma/5xx/550_560_Announcement_Feb74.pdf
In the 1950s, Seymour Cray (1925-1996) worked for Sperry Rand, playing a key role in the invention and design of the UNIVAC 1103. The 1103 was a general-purpose digital computing system for applications requiring large storage capacity, high operating speed, and programming versatility. Its internal memory consisted of up to 12,288 of 36-bit words of magnetic core storage, and about 17,000 words of magnetic drum storage. The 1103 contained 4,700 vacuum tubes, 6,000 crystal diodes, and 150 relays. It consisted of six large air-cooled cabinets containing electronic circuits, a photoelectric tape reader, an electric -typewriter, a high-speed tape punch, and its own air conditioning cabinet.
In terms of the time line of UNIVAC products, this computer was released several years after the UNIVAC 1 of 1951, and before the UNIVAC 2 of 1958.
An upgraded version called the 1103A, or "UNIVAC SCIENTIFIC COMPUTER" was announced in March of 1956, which utilized core memory in place of the Williams-Kilburn Tube memory, used in the 1953 version. The 1103A also added floating-point math capability. Although it was considered very successful, only about 20 of the 1103 and 1103A machines were ever made, compared with 46 of the UNIVAC 1, and about 27 of the UNIVAC 2 machines. This module from our collection, appears to be fully intact, with the original tubes and components, which is a very fortunate find in terms of preserving a bit of history.
Additional Technical Specifications:
The UNIVAC's tape servos used metallic tape, 1/2 inch wide, typically on 8 inch reels, in lengths of 1,500 feet or less. Six inch reels were used with the Unityper. A fifteen hundred foot tape reel at the highest density recording, can hold 1.4 million characters, or about 25,000 punch cards worth of data. A single 8 inch reel weighed about 4 pounds, so a large size UNIVAC tape library would require some serious floor space planning.
The Tape units themselves weigh about 475 pounds each. Optional non-metalic mylar compatible tape units were available to make the 1103 system compatible with non-UNIVAC Computer systems. A Remington-Rand Electric typewriter provided the basis for the Unityper attached to the UNIVAC Scientific. The UNIPRINTER output rate was 10 characters per second.
The High Speed printer could print at up to 600 lines per minute, but the recommended speed for best quality was 400 lines per minute. Tape-to-punch card converter, and card-to-tape converters, and punched paper tape readers and punch machines were also available peripheral devices.
A tape speed of 100 inches per second was standard, which equated to a data transfer rate of 1,810 computer words per second. The tapes could be read forward or backward. The tape drives used an eight channel recording method, with six channels for data, one for parity and one was a sprocket channel. Up to ten Uniservo magnetic tape units could be attached to one UNIVAC SCIENTIFIC computer.
Sales History: Only 20 of the UNIVAC 1103 and 1103A Computers were sold,
here is a nearly complete list of the Customers:
U.S. Navy Bureau of SHIPS
Vultee Aircraft, Los Angeles
Elgin Air Force Base, Florida
White Sands Proving Ground, New Mexico
Ramo-Wooldridge Corporation
Westinghouse, Inc.
Operations Research Office of Johns Hopkins University
Wright Air Development Center
Lewis Flight Propulsion lab, National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (later NASA)
Remington Rand Univac, St. Paul, Minnesota
Numerical Analysis Center, University of Minnesota
Computing Laboratory, Southern Methodist Univ., Dallas, Texas
Missile Systems Division of Lockheed Aircraft Company, Palo Alto, CA
Boeing Airplane Company
Holoman Air Force Base
Applied Physics Laboratory of Johns Hopkins University, Maryland
National Security Agency
Recommended References include:
Information Technology (IT) Pioneers, Retirees and former employees of Unisys, Lockheed Martin, and their heritage companies (Univac, ERA, …)
vipclubmn.org/index.html
PLEASE JOIN US in Preserving Computer History with a small contribution to our channel. paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=LCNS584PPN28E Your contribution greatly helps us continue to bring you educational, historical, vintage computing topics. Thank you! ~ Computer History Archives Project
We look at the external connectors and the internal workings of the UNIVAC FASTRAND Analyzer.
FAST RAND was designed for use with UNIVAC's eleven hundred series computer, and the 418, 490 and 494 series Computers.
We obtained a vintage test unit in excellent condition, with some rare Sperry Univac training documentation. We explore the inner workings of this rare testing unit. Runs 7 mins, includes photo gallery.
More information on the UNIVAC FASTRAND Mass Storage machines can also be found in this video:
1963 Sperry Rand UNIVAC FASTRAND Magnetic Drum
youtube.com/watch?v=luPM6XaKZuU&t=457s
With special thanks to UNISYS Corporation.
Uploaded by Computer History Archives Project
Original content created for educational purposes, discussion and comment.
Uploaded by Computer History Archives Project.
Xerox purchased Scientific Data Systems company in 1969 and rebranded their mainframe systems (the Sigma line) as Xerox Data Systems (XDS) computers. However, Xerox was not able to grow their market share and suffered from competition from IBM and others. Xerox left the mainframe computer manufacturing business in 1975, selling their interest to Honeywell. Honeywell supported the XDS Sigma line until around 1991, when Honeywell also left the mainframe computer business, due to competition from IBM.
The Xerox footage is undated, but we calculate it is from about 1973 or 1974.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York is one of the 12 Federal Reserve Banks of the United States. It is responsible for the Second District of the Federal Reserve System, which encompasses the State of New York, the 12 northern counties of New Jersey, Fairfield County in Connecticut, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Located at 33 Liberty Street in Lower Manhattan, it is the largest (by assets), the most active (by volume), and the most influential of the Reserve Banks.
If you recognize any of the individuals in this film, please let us know in the comments section below. Thank you!
PLEASE JOIN US in Preserving Computer History with a small contribution to our channel. paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=LCNS584PPN28E Your contribution greatly helps us continue to bring you educational, historical, vintage computing topics. Thank you! ~ Computer History Archives Project
PLEASE JOIN US in Preserving Computer History with a small contribution to our channel. paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=LCNS584PPN28E Your contribution greatly helps us continue to bring you educational, historical, vintage computing topics. Thank you! ~ Computer History Archives Project
For more information on NCR history and its business today, see
http://www.ncr.com
For NCR computer info, see also, Bitsavers.org
http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/ncr
Also, see Dayton Codebreakers
daytoncodebreakers.org/brief/jrd
NCR Dundee Scotland
thecourier.co.uk/fp/business-environment/2756403/ncr-75-years-in-dundee-told-in-75-incredible-pictures
Dayton, Ohio history
daytonohio.gov/DocumentCenter/View/290/Time-Line-Dayton-PDF?bidId=
NCR Class 2000 machine video:
youtu.be/wFI0vRTI8ko
NCR Century Computer Family, promo film
youtube.com/watch?v=-QFZIHzmsS0&t=21s
RCA created the BIZMAC from 1956 to 1962. A unique feature of the BIZMAC was the use of hundreds of permanently mounted tape drives. This meant that tape data could be accessed immediately without constant mounting and dismounting individual tapes. This video includes formerly classified photos and film that show the control panels and operations of this giant machine. "RCA" was founded as the "Radio Corporation of America."
* The US AF SAGE computer system was larger in scope, but not available commercially. The BIZMAC was available commercially, if you could afford it.
Only 5 BIZMAC computers were made from 1956 to 1957.
With special thanks to the following:
U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
RCA Archives, David Sarnoff Library, Hagley Museum
U.S. Army SECOM Archives, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD
Www.PhotoResponse.com, Gaithersburg, MD
David Melvin (professional narration)
Ted Hurewitz (former RCA engineer)
youtube.com/watch?v=maIa6kO-yJg
Vintage Computer Festival
Ed Thelen, Computer Historian
Internet Archive.org
and others...
IBM's PS/2 product family was eventually phased out in 1995. IBM sold its PC business to the Chinese firm Lenovo Group in 2005, who started selling "Lenovo" branded PCs in 2006.
Runs 3 mins.
The IBM System/390 was announced in 1990 as the most current upgrade to the System/360 and System/370 family. Available in various sizes, the lowest cost models under $100,000, and the highest water-cooled giant systems in the $20 million dollar range. The Operating System "OS/390" was introduced in late 1995 to help fully utilize the MVS operating system package.
An additional benefit of the OS/390 packaging concept was to improve reliability, availability and serviceability (RAS) for the operating system. This "packaging" reduced the overall time required for customers to test and deploy the operating system in their environments.
In December 2001 IBM extended OS/390 to include support for 64-bit zSeries processors and added various other improvements, and the resulting OS was named z/OS. IBM ended support for the older OS/390-branded versions in 2004.
This film is part of the IBM "System/390 Magazine" series of news and updates from IBM.
Provided as educational and historical information only.
The IBM System/390 was announced in 1990 as the most current upgrade to the System/360 and System/370 family. Available in various sizes, the lowest cost models under $100,000, and the highest water-cooled giant systems in the $20 million dollar range. The Operating System "OS/390" was introduced in late 1995 to help fully utilize the MVS operating system package.
An additional benefit of the OS/390 packaging concept was to improve reliability, availability and serviceability (RAS) for the operating system. This "packaging" reduced the overall time required for customers to test and deploy the operating system in their environments. Film also mentions IBM's plans in the area of Enterprise Client-Server architectures.
In December 2001 IBM extended OS/390 to include support for 64-bit zSeries processors and added various other improvements, and the resulting OS was named z/OS. IBM ended support for the older OS/390-branded versions in 2004.
This film is part of the IBM "System/390 Magazine" series of news and updates from IBM.
Provided as educational and historical information only. Courtesy of IBM Archives.
Restoration by Computer History Archives Project