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JOHNNIAC
JOHNNIAC
John Von Neuman
Integrator and Automatic Computer
MANUFACTURER
The RAND Corporation
Santa Monica, California
OPERATING AGENCY
The RAND Corporation
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE Mircosec
Application Scientific and engineering; data Media Words Access
processing problems. Magnetic Core 4096 15
Timing Asynchronous Magnetic Drum 12,000 18,000
Operation Sequential 40 binary digits per word. Information from
storage is available in 8 microseconds to the
NUMERICAL SYSTEM first address; 50 microsec per word thereafter.
Internal number system Binary
Binary digits per word 40 INPUT
Binary digits per instruction 20 Media Speed
Binary digits per instruction not decoded 1 Card Reader (IBM Collator) 240 cards/min
Instructions per word 2 Reads all 80 columns. Either card feed of
Total no. of instructions decoded 128 the collator may be used.
Total no. of instructions used Approx. 85
Arithmetic system Fixed-point OUTPUT
Instruction type One-address code Media Speed
Number range Numerically less than unity; Card Punch (IBM523) 100 cards/min
negative numbers as complements. Printer (Analex) 900 lines/min
Punches all 80 columns on cards.
ARITHMETIC UNIT Printer has 40 columns of numeric information.
Add time(excluding storage access) 15 microsec
Multiply time(" " ") 500 microsec(Avg.) NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS
Divide time (" " ") 1000 microsec(Approx.) Tubes 5000
Construction Vacuum-tubes Tube types 8
Number of rapid access word registers 4 Crystal diodes 200
Basic pulse repetition rate Asynchronous Magnetic elements 165,840 storage cores
Arithmetic Mode Parallel 5,120 switch cores
Add time runs concurrent with a store cycle.
Multiply time varies with -ier digit content.
Registers are Accumulator, MQ, Memory Register,
and Instruction Register.
CHECKING FEATURES PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Marginal checking only Two engineers are on call. One operator is
required. Operators are machine operators who
PHYSICAL FACTORS process the problems through the machine. The
Power consumption, Computer 35 K.W. engineers are electronic technicians who have
Space occupied, Computer 12 ft x 3 ft s 8 ft been trained in the maintenance and repair of
Total weight, Computer 5000 lbs. the machine.
Capacity, Air Cond. 25T for Computer - 5T for room
RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE
MANUFACTURING RECORD Date unit passed acceptance test March 1954
Average error free running period 15 hours
Number produced 7 including all IAS types. Operating ratio 0.95
Number in current operation 7
The RAND Corporation builds computing machines The system has been shut down from Aug 54 to
use only. Feb 55 awaiting the delivery and converting
for its own, internal use only. from a 256-word Selectron (Electrostatic)
storage to the 4096 word core storage.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Drum storage to be increased to 100,000
words; Magnetic tapes and B-boxes are to be
added during A9SS-S6. Pictures furnished by
the Rand Corporation and the International
Telemeter Corporation.
LARC
LARC
Livermore Automatic
Research Calculator
MANUFACTURER
Sperry Rand Corporation
515 Fourth Avenue
New York, N.Y.
OPERATING AGENCY
Radiation Laboratory
University of California
Livermore, California
GENERAL SYSTEM ARITHMETIC UNIT
Application Scientific, general purpose Add time 14 microsec
Operation Concurrent Multiply time 8 microsec
Computer to be built for the Atomic Energy Divide time 28 microsec
Commission. Number of rapid access word registers 100 B-registers.
Basic pulse repetition rate 2.50 megacycles/sec
NUMERICAL SYSTEM Arithmetic mode Parallel.
Internal number system Decimal All arithmetic operations are complete floating..or
Decimal digits per word 12 fixed.point. An add time may involve two shifts, two
Total no. of instructions decoded 1000 additions, and an adjustment of a B-box all within
Total no. of instructions used 1000 the allowed 4 microseconds. Times above include
Arithmetic system Floating-and fixed-point fixed and floating~point operation.
Instruction type One-address
Floating point characteristic base 50. STORAGE
Media Words
Magnetic Core 97,500
Magnetic Drum or Disc 1,000,000/unit drum
2,000,000/unit disc
Basic computer will have 20,000 words of high speed
storage capacity.
A storage cabinet will contain 10,000 words of
coincident current ferrite core storage arranged in
blocks of 2500 words. Each 2500 word section is
complete with its own storage switches, read amplifiers,
and storage register and may be addressed independently
of, and concurrently with, any other section.
The drum (cylinders) are in pairs on two vertical
shafts.
INPUT NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS
Media Speed Modular construction throughout.
Punched Cards 600 cards/min Solid state devices are used throughout.
Magnetic Tape 20,000 char/sec
Keyboard Manual CHECKING FEATURES
Fixed Check of all input-output operations.
OUTPUT Storage and transfer of all information is
Media Speed checked via a self-correcting (one error per
Magnetic Tape 20,000 char/sec word) check and an odd-even code.
Punched Cards 600 cards/min All arithmetic operations are checked by
High Speed Printer 600 lines/min either duplication or use of an active "zero"
130 char/line circuit.
Input-Output controlled by one input-output Drum and disc storage utilize five bits/dec dig.
processor and buffer registers.
PHYSICAL FACTORS ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
All modular units will employ self-contained The basic computing system consists of one
power supplies operating from a central 400 cycle input-output processor, two disc files or drum
motor-generator set with a stand by spare. equivalents, four tape units, one printer at
Heat exchangers will be provided in all units to each console, one keyboard at each console and
provide reliable operation independent of room one computing unit. Provision will be made for
air conditioning. adding four computing units, each with control
Maximum system requires a 55 ft by ~6 ft room. consoles. These may be used separately or in
association. Online keyboards will be provided
MANUFACTURING RECORD at each operators and engineer's station.
Number produced 0 Operator may interlace the running of two
Number on order 1 problems on one or more computing units and
assign relative priorities.
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS Solid state components will be used throughout
8 Engineers will be trained to operate and the main computing system.
maintain the computer. Marginal checking in the form of volt-second
20 programmers will be trained to code for clock pulse control will be provided.
the computer.
LGP-30
LGP-30
Librascope General
Purpose Computer
MANUFACTURER
Librascope, Incorporated
Glendale, California
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE Microsec
Application Engineering and scientific computation Media Words Access
Timing Synchronous Magnetic Drum 4096 8500
Operation Sequential Drum rotates at 5500 RPM.
Total storage is 151,072 binary digits.
NUMERICAL SYSTEM A special sector numbering system on the
Internal number system Binary drum facilitates optimum coding. Hence, the
Binary digits per word 30 operating access time is materially reduced
[editor's note: 29 bits per word read from drum] from the average value.
Binary digits per instruction 16
Instructions per word 1
Total no. of instructions decoded 16 INPUT
Total no. of instructions used 16 Media Speed
Arithmetic system Fixed-point Paper Tape (Flexowriter) 10 char/sec
Instruction type One-address code Keyboard
Negative numbers representation by complement. The 10 char/sec are coded decimal or sexadecimal
digits.
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Add time(excluding storage access) 260 microsec OUTPUT
Multiply time(" " ") 17,000 microsec Media Speed
Divide time (" " ") 17,000 microsec Typewriter (Flexowriter) 10 char/sec
Construction Vacuum-tubes Paper Tape 10 char/sec
Basic pulse repetition rate 120 kilocycles/sec
Arithmetic Mode Serial NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS
The control counter, order register, and Tubes 100
accumulator are recirculating registers on the Tube types 7
magnetic drum. Crystal diodes 1200
PHYSICAL FACTORS PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Power consumption, Computer 1.5 K.W. 115v 60 cycle One operator required during operation.
Space occupied,Computer 5.25 ft x 1.83 ft 15 cu ft
Total weight, Computer 400 - 500 lbs. RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE
The computer is cooled by a forced air system of No. of different kinds of plug-in units 10
400 cu. ft. per mm. This new machine has been in development for
2 1/2 years. Demonstrations are available
MANUFACTURING RECORD upon request.
Number produced 3
Number in current operation 3 ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Delivery time 6 months The computer is designed to handle large scale
engineering and scientific calculations at medium
COST speed.
Approximate cost of basic system $30,000 Subroutines available.
LOG
LOG
The Logistics Computer
MANUFACTURER
Engineering Research Associates
Division of Remington Rand
Minneapolis, Minnesota
OPERATING AGENCY
Logistics Research Project
George Washington University
Washington 7, D.C.
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE Microsec
Application Data handling; shot, simple routines Media Access
repeated many tines. Magnetic Drum 17,400
Timing Synchronous The number of words of storage obtainable on
Operation Sequential the drum varies from 57,200 words at 4 decimal
The computer is plugboard controlled, digits per word to 14,200 words at 12 decimal
digits per word. The recording method is non-
NUMERICAL SYSTEM return to zero.
Internal number system Decimal
Decimal digits per word Variable 4-12 INPUT
Arithmetic system Fixed-point Media Speed
The "excess 3" system is used. Plugboard control Paper Tape Reader (Photoelectric) 525 or 162.5 ch/sec
provides operations of Add, Subtract, and Multiply, Magnetic Tape Reader 525 or 162.5 ch/sec
Input and Output, and various logical operations. A Ferranti photoelectric reader will soon be
Drum word length is variable from 4 to 12 decimal installed with a speed of 200 characters/sec
digits inclusive, but is fixed during any single
program (plugboard) OUTPUT
Media
ARITHMETIC UNIT Paper Tape Punch (Teletype) 60 char/sec
Add time(excluding storage access)(95 + 52d) nicrosec Magnetic Tape 600 char/sec
Multiply time( " " ")1685 min to 10487 max Typewriter 10 char/sec
Divide time ( " " ")oot available except by
subroutine NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS
Construction Vacuum tubes Tubes 4100
Number of rapid access word registers 5 Tube types 3 (General use)
Basic pulse repetition rate 220 kilocycles/sec Crystal diodes 2600
Arithmetic Mode Serio-parallel: Each decimal digit Magnetic elements 246 cores
is serial; the four binary digits expressing the decimal 200 relays are utilized.
digit are parallel. The multiply time depends upon word
length. The letter "d' under "add time" above stands
for number of digits in the word: 4-12.
CHECKING FEATURES PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Fixed "Excess 3" false code detector Daily Operation No. of Eng. No. of Tech.
Arithmetic fault overload. One 8-hour shift 2 4
Optional Address overload, product overload,
tape-fast overload RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE
Date unit passed acceptance test March 1953
PHYSICAL FACTORS No. of different kinds of plug-in units 90
Power consumption, Computer 45 K.W., max. No. of separate cabinets(excluding power and
Space occupied, 190 sq ft air cond.) 5
Capacity, Air Cond. 11 tons 5% of time is devoted to unscheduled maintenance
15% of time is devoted to scheduled maintenance
MANUFACTURING RECORD 80% of time is good time
Number produced 1
Number in current operation 1 ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
A complete programmer's manual for the Logistics
COST Computer should be available late in 1955.
Approximate cost of basic system $35O,OOO
Additional equipment $5O,000 for magnetic tape
units.
MAGNEFILE-B
MAGNEFILE-B
Magnefile System B
MANUFACTURER
Electronics Corporation of America
Business Machines Division
Cambridge 42, Mass.
OPERATING AGENCY
B. Altman and Company
Fifth Avenue,
New York, New York
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE Microsec
Media Words Access
Activity of organization Retail Sales Department Magnetic Drum 4040 3 x l05
Stores
Application Inventory Control 8 decimal digits per word.
Timing Asynchronous INPUT
Operation Sequential Media Speed
NUMERICAL SYSTEM Full Keyboard 4 char/sec
Internal number system Decimal OUTPUT
Decimal digits per word 8 Media Speed
Instructions per word Instructions are wired in Electric Typewriter 7 char/sec
Total no. of instructions used 7
Arithmetic system Fixed-point NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS
Instruction type One-address Tubes 130
Three addresses are entered at once. Tube types 6
ARITHMETIC UNIT Crystal diodes 40
Add time(excluding storage access )l.5x105 microsec
Construction Vacuum-tubes
Basic pulse repetition rate 30 kilocycle/sec
Arithmetic Mode Serial
CHECKING FEATURES PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
One operator required during operation.
Fixed Continuous Checking Total Serviceman called when needed. No engineer
required in attendance.
PHYSICAL FACTORS
Power consumption, Computer 0.6 K.W. RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE
Space occupied, Computer 3.5 ft x 2.5 ft Date unit passed acceptance test 15 Feb 1954
Total veight, Computer 400 lbs No. of different kinds of plug-in units 10
COST No. of separate cabinets (excluding power and
Approximate cost of basic system $20,000. air cond.) 1
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Magnefile systems are special purpose digital
systems utilizing drum storage and wired in
prograimning. The Harvard Business School has a
similar system.
MAGNEFILE-D
MAGNEFILE-D
Magnefile System D
MANUFACTURER
Electronics Corporation
of America
Business Machines Division
Cambridge 42, Mass.
OPERATING AGENCY
B. Altman and Company
Fifth Avenue
New York
GENERAL SYSTEM
Application Inventory control
Timing Asynchronous
Operation Sequential
NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Decimal
Decimal digits per word. 142
Instructions per word All instructions are
wired in.
Total no. of instructions used 77
Arithmetic system Fixed-point
Instruction type One-address code
Three one-address co~ands are entered
at once.
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Add time(excluding storage access) 10 microsec
Construction Vacuum-tubes
Basic pulse repetition rate 40 kilocycles/sec
Arithmetic Mode Serial
STORAGE Microsec
Media Words Access
Magnetic Drum 8000 5 x l0~
Magnetic Drum 500 5 x l0~
The larger drum stores 8,000 21 dec dig words
The smaller drum stores 500 142 dec dig words.
STORAGE Microsec
Media Words Access
Magnetic Drum 8000 5 x 104
Magnetic Drum 400 5 x 104
INPUT
Media Speed
Pull Keyboard Manual (Approx 14 cbar/sec)
Remote keyboards may be added
OUTPUT
Media Speed
Electric Typewriter 10 char/sec
NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS
Tubes 1140
Tube types 14
Crystal diodes 2140
PHYSICAL FACTORS PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Power consumption, Computer 1 K.W. Daily Operation No. of Tech.
Space occupied, Computer 5 ft x 3 ft one 8-hour shift 1
Total weight 700 lbs No engineers are used. A serviceman is on
call when needed.
MANUFACTURING RECORD
Number produced 1 RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE
Number in current operation 1 Date unit passed acceptance test 5 Aug 53
Delivery time 7 months No. of different kinds of plug-in units 12
No. of separate cabinets(excluding power and
COST air cond.) 1
Approximate cost of basic system $50,000
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Large magnetic drum storage; wired (fixed)
programming; special purpose machine.
MAGNETRONIC RESERVISOR
MAGNETRONIC
RESERVISOR
Nagnetronic Reservisor
MANUFACTURER
Teleregister Corporation
Stanford, Connecticut
OPERATING AGENCY
American Airlines, Inc.
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE Microsec
Activity of Organization Airline Transportation Media Words Access
Application Reservation inventory control and Magnetic Drum 15,000 50,000 Random
flight status information. 45,000 digits total storage capacity
This is a special purpose digital computer The drum is designed with a conservative
operated at the New York Reservations office of packing factor of 20 to the inch, and an
American Airlines situtated at La Guardia Field axial spacing of 8 tracks to the inch and
serving many sales outlets in metropolitan New a timing frequency of 20 kilocycles/sec.
York. When a ticket is returned or a reservation
cancelled, there must be a fast and accurate pro- INPUT
cessing of that fact. A valuable item of stock Media
has been returned, it is available for resale, 120 Hand Operated Key-sets
and it must be sold, because if unoccupied at Approximately 17 seconds are required to
airplane departure tine it suffers a 100% mark insert coded plate and set up key-board-
down. System is currently operating at a rate 100 millisec delay clearing through seeker
of 7.5 million transactions per year. equipment.
OUTPUT
Media
Illuminating Matrix on Key Set
NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS
The components were selected for long life
characteristics. The principal vacuum-tubes
employed are rendering 20,000 to 30,000
hours of useful life.
CHECKING FEATURES RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE
Fixed 2 Storage Drums and 2 Computers Date unit passed acceptance test July 1952
operating in parallel,cross-checks between Average error free running period 22 hrs/day
computers. Comparison of pulse polarity Operating ratio 0.998 Good tine 21.9 hours
and timing at 4 points in The fixed program. Attempted to run 22 hours
Optional Specially designed test plates Scheduled 22 hours, 7 days/week; 2 hours/day
introducing test patterns, marginal checks. down for marginal checks. In 1955, system
Parity check to be added in near future. operated 99.8% of scheduled up-time.
COST ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Approximate cost of basic system $70,000 The metallic serrated plate contains a
Additional equipment $180,000 (Key sets, gummed label on which is recorded plain English
transceivers, remote power supplies) inscriptions such as flight number, city served,
etc. Insertion of the plate into the key set,
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS sets up a 9 element binary code representing a
Daily operation No. of Eng. No. of Tech. psuedo address.
5-8 hour shifts 1 3 This psuedo address terminates in a section
The system requires full time attendance of memory wherein is stored the precise addresses
since the entire inventory of available for these data. Up to 8 storage locations are
airline space is contained in the storage of read out to the key set simultaneously.
the machine and a paper inventory could not This system permits the operator to scan
be reconstructed without 12 to 24 hours work, groups of information and later select a precise
Majority of technicians' time is spent on storage address in which inventory changes will
routine preventive maintenance for the input- be reflected. The cross referencing feature of
output key sets. this inventory address selector permits multiple
appearance of like data upon different metallic
plates. In this way the stock can be grouped.
according to a variety of its characteristics,
and yet only occupy one position of storage in
the memory.
The reliability of this system is outstanding.
It can be operated on a single drum/single
computer combination in the event of failure in
the parallel equipment.
By the end of this year experiments will be
completed with remote control of the computer.
Several key sets will be placed at locations
700 to 1000 miles away and function normally
over long line teletype grade networks.
MANIAC
MANIAC
MANUFACTURER
Los Alamos Scientific laboratory
Univ. of California
Los Alamos, New Mexico
OPERATING AGENCY
Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE Microsec
Activity of organization Scientific Research Media Words Access
Application Physical, mathematical, chemical, Electrostatic tubes (Williams) 1024 8-16
astronomical and biological research. Magnetic Drum 10,000 85,000 for
Timing Asynchronous 50 words
Operation Concurrent Electrostatic storage utilizes 2BP1 tubes.
NUMERICAL SYSTEM INPUT
Internal number system Binary Media Speed
Binary digits per word 40 Paper Tape 48 sec/1024 words
Binary digits per instruction 8 Magnetic Tape 45sec/1024 words
Binary digits per instruction not decoded 2
Instructions per word 2 OUTPUT
Total no. of instructions decoded 36 Media Speed
Total no. of instructions used 35 Printer (Teletype) 56 words/min
Arithmetic system Fixed-point Printer (Anelex) 3600 words/min
Instruction type One-address Code Paper Tape 81 words/min
Number range -l <= x < 1 Magnetic Tape 45 sec/1024 words
ARITHMETIC UNIT NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS
Add time (excluding storage access )80 microsec Tubes 2400
Multiply time(" " ")l000 microsec Tube types 7
Divide time (" " ")l000 microsec Crystal diodes 500
Construction Vacuum-tubes
Number of rapid access word registers 0
Arithmetic Mode Parallel
CHECKING FEATURES PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Fixed Check sum on loading paper tape and magnetic Daily Operation No. of Eng.
tape Two 8-hour shifts 4
Optional Check sum on loading, drum. A total of 12 technicians and operators are
used. All the operators are programmers.
PHYSICAL FACTORS
Power consumption, Computer 55 K.W. RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE
Space occupied, Computer 128 cu ft 20 sq ft Date unit passed acceptance test March 1952
Capacity, Air Cond. 10 tons Average error free running period 5 hours
Operating ratio 0.93 Good tine 11,493 hr
MANUFACTURING RECORD Attempted to run 12,399 hr
Number produced 1 No. of different kinds of plug-in units
Number in current operation 1 1 Electrostatic; 6 drum
Machine not made for comuercial marketing. No. of separate cabinets(excluding power and
air cond.) 4
COST
Approximate cost of basic system $250,000 ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Additional equipment $48,000 for fast printer Maniac II is being designed and constructed.
and drum Anticipated completion date is 1 Jan 1956. Three
years of engineering and mathematical experience
Price for basic system includes development, will be embodied on Maniac II.
construction, and overhead.
MANIAC-II
MANIAC-II
MANUFACTURER
University of California
Los Alamos Scientific Lab.
Los Alamos, New Mexico
OPERATING AGENCY
Los Alamos Scientific Lab.
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE Microsec
Application Physical research Media Words Access
Timing Asynchronous Electrostatic tubes 12,288 8
Operation Sequential Magnetic Tape 106 5,000/word
Total electrostatic storage is 589,824 digits.
NUMERICAL SYSTEM Barrier grid type tubes are used.
Internal number system Binary Magnetic tape will search while machine is computing.
Binary digits per word 48
Binary digits per instruction 24 INPUT
Binary digits per instruction not decoded 17 Media Speed
Instructions per word 2 Paper Tape (Photoelectric) 40 words/sec
Total no. of instructions decoded 55 Magnetic Tape 200 words/sec
Total no. of instructions used 48 Flexowriter Keyboard Manual
Arithmetic system Floating and fixed point
Instruction type One-address code OUTPUT
Number range Floating 2-155 <= |x| < 2112 Media Speed
Fixed -1 <= x < 1 Typewriter (Flexowriter) 1 word/sec
Base of floating point is 216 Paper Tape (Flexowriter) 1 word/sec
Punch 4.5 words/sec
ARITHMETIC UNIT Synchroprinter 60 words/sec
Add time(excluding storage access) 17 microsec Synchroprinter operates at 15 lines/sec
Multiply time(" " " ) 280 nicrosec
Divide time (" " ") 460 microsec NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS
Construction Vacuum-tubes Tubes 2550
Number of rapid access word registers 3 Tube types 6
Basic pulse repetition rate 1 megacycle/sec Crystal diodes 380
Arithmetic mode Parallel. 95% of the tubes are type 5965.
5% are primarily high power drivers.
CHECKING FEATURES PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS Oper.
Fixed Parity check on electrostatic storage and Daily Operation Engr Tech.
magnetic tape. Two to Three 8-hour shifts 4 20
Load sums.
Magnetic tape sums RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE
Optional Overflow No. of different kinds of plug-in units 1
Exponent spill No. of separate cabinets(excluding power
and air cond.) 3
PHYSICAL FACTORS The plug-in units are storage units.
Power consumption, Computer 25 K.W.
Space occupied, Computer 580 ca ft 77 sq ft ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Capacity, Air Cond. 20 tons One B-register for simplified indexing
Semi-automatic return at control from sub-
MANUFAC TURING RECORD routine.
Currently being fabricated. Big base for floating point operation.
Two dimensional construction, contrasted
COST with MANIAC I, which is a three-dimensional
Approximate cost of basic system $225,000 construction.
Cost includes fast printer and 2 magnetic
tape units.
MDP-MSI-5014
MDP-MSI-5014
Mountain Data
Processor MSI-5014
MANUFACTURER
Mountain Systems Incorporated
Thornwood, N.Y.
OPERATING AGENCY
Hickok Manufacturing Co.,Inc.
Rochester, N.Y.
GENERAL SYSTEM INPUT
Activity of organization Manufacturer of men's Media Speed
belts, buckles, jewelry and accessories. Paper Tape 600 char/min
Pictures furnished by Mountain Systems Inc. Tape is prepared by an IBM 063 Card-to-Tape
Machine or Flexowriter.
NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Decimal digits per word 5 OUTPUT
Media Speed
STORAGE Paper Tape 600 char/min
Media Words Digits Paper tape is prepared from the system through
Magnetic Drum 10,000 50,000 the Flexowriter.
Vac Tube Shift Reg 1 5
Paper Tape
Random access storage on drum.
Paper tape is a means of permament storage
while using magnetic drum for other purposes.
COST RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE
Approximate price of basic system $85,000 Date unit passed acceptance test July 1954
Additional equipment Commercial Controls Average error free running period 30.25 hours
Flexowriter. Operating ratio 0.75 Attempted to Run 957.25 hrs
Rental rates for additional equipment IBM 063 Average Good time 30.25 hours
Card-to-Tape Machine is rented at $65 per month Average Down Time 10.50 hours
plus $6.50 tax.
The MSI 5014 is owned by Hickok Manufacturing ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Company, Inc. Address numbers used to locate head number
and position on drum.
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS Approximate size of magnetic drum is 8 inches
Daily Operation Eng. Oper or Tech, long and 7 inches in diameter. The drum has 66
One 8-hour shift 0 1 recording heads. The address system is composed
One technician and 1 clerk service and operate of a relay pyramid and a vacuum tube counting
the machine. One methods engineer is utilized system (flip-flop).
to develop applications. The programming and use Basic operations are addition, subtraction and
of equipment is not completed. "reading out" a balance.
MELLON INST-DIG
108
MELLON INST
DIG
Mellon Institute
Digital Computer
MANUFACTURER
Mellon Institute of
Industrial Research
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pa.
OPERATING AGENCY
Mellon Institute
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE Microsec
Application Research and development Media Words Access
Tining Synchronous Magnetic Drum 16,384 50,000
Operation Sequential Total drum storage is 1,048,576 binary
digits.
NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Binary INPUT
Binary digits per word 64 Media Speed
Binary digits per instruction 16 Flexowriter 10 dec dig/sec
Instructions per word 4 Motorized Tape 25 dec dig/sec
Total no. of instructions used 35
Arithmetic system Fixed-point OUTPUT
Instruction type One-address code Media Speed
The Justify Instruction is used to simplify Flexowriter 10 dec dig/sec
the programuing of floating-point operation. Motorized Tape 25 dec dig/sec
ARITHMETIC UNIT NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS
Add time(including storage access) 50,000 microsec Tubes 400
Multiply time ( " " ") 50,000 microsec Tube types 9
Divide time ( " " " ) 100,000 microsec Crystal diodes 1500
Construction Vacuum-tubes and magnetic elements Magnetic elements 198
Number of rapid access word registers 3 Approximately 80% of tubes are of one type.
Basic pulse repetition rate 100 kilocycle/sec
Arithmetic Mode Serial
CHECKING FEATURES PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Fixed Sign check in addition and subtraction Daily Operation No. of Tech. or Operators
operations. One 8-hour shift 2
Number-size check in divide operation.
RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE
No. of different kinds of plug-in units 21
PHYSICAL FACTORS
Power consumption, Computer 3.5 K.W. No. of separate cabinets(excluding power and
Space occupied, Computer 120 cu ft 18 sq ft air cond.) 2
Space occupied, Air Cond. 30 cu ft 5 sq ft
Capacity, Air Cond. 3 tons ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
The system used in writing numbers on the
MANUFACTURING RECORD drum allows the drum to be used for holding the
Number produced 1 multiplier in the multiply instruction. Therefore,
Number in current operation 1 only two arithmetic registers are needed in the
computer.
MIDAC
MIDAC
Michigan Digital
Automatic Computer
MANUFACTURER
Univ. of Michigan
Engineering Research Institute
Willow Run Research Center
Ypsilanti, Michigan
OPERATING AGENCY
Univ. of Michigan
Engineering Research Institute
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE Microsec
Application Scientific calculation; simulation; Media Words Access
mathematical research by numerical solution of Mercury Delay Line (Technitrol) 512 192 (Avg.)
equations involving simultaneity, complex roots, Magnetic Drum (ERA) 6144 536
high order differentials, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, The drum is used as an auxiliary storage. Average
partials, boundary values, calcalus of variations, access to the first word on a track is 5400 microsec,
Timing Synchronous and access to the next 51 words is 556 microsec.
Operation Sequential The drum storage capacity will be increased to
24,576 words of 48 bits each.
NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Binary INPUT
Binary digits per word 44 plus sign Media Speed
Binary digits per instruction 45 Paper Tape (Flexowriter) 10 char/sec
Instructions per word 1
Total no. of instructions decoded 19 Keyboard (Flexowriter) Manual
Paper Tape (Ferranti) 200 char/sec
Total no. of instructions used 17 Magnetic Tape at 480 char/sec will be added.
Arithmetic system Fixed-point One character requires 4 bits for decimal or sexa-
Instruction type Three-address Code decimal input and 6 bits for alpha-numeric input.
Number range 0, +- (2-44 <= x <= 1-2-44
A standard machine word contains a sign and 11 OUTPUT
decimal or sexadecimal characters. Media Speed
Paper Tape (Flexowriter) 10 dec dig/sec
ARITHMETIC UNIT Printed Page (Flexowriter)lO dec dig/sec
Add time(excluding storage access) 48 microsec Oscilloscope 1 dot/432 microsec
Multiply time ( ") 2208 microsec Magnetic Tape will be added.
Divide time ( " ") 2208 microsec
Construction Diode-Vacuum-tubes NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS
Basic pulse repetition rate 1 megacycle/sec Tubes 900
Arithmetic Mode Serial Tube types 10
Crystal diodes 20,000
Two types of tubes are used in the central computer;
other types are used in the drum system, tape units, and
input-output stations.
CHECKING FEATURES PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Fixed Odd-even parity on Mercury Storage and Daily operation No. of Eng. No. of Tech.
Drum Three 8-hour shifts 3 6
Optional Odd-even parity on tapes. Engineers and technicians also do development
Automatic transfer summing for drum and tapes. work.
PHYSICAL FACTORS RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE
Power consumption, Computer 25 K.W. Average error free running period 16 hours
Space occupied, Computer 260 cu ft 65 sq ft Operating ratio 0.75
Power consumption, Air cond. 10 K.W. No. of different kinds of plug-in units 50
Space occupied, Air cond. 96 cu ft 12 sq ft No. of separate cabinets (excluding power and
Capacity 10 tons air cond.) 8
The operating ratio is defined as Good Time/
MANUFACTURING RECORD Scheduled Time.
Number produced 1 The average error free running period is
Number in current operation 1 estimated and is based on the longest problem
Not purchasable on commercial market. performed.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
MACIC system of automatic programming (utility
programs, translation and conversions.)
Present-address relative instructions
Base counter (B-box)
Built for possible expansion of operation.
MINIAC
MINIAC
Marchant System
MANUFACTURER
Marchant Research, Inc.
Oakland 8, California
OPERATING AGENCIES
Marchant Research, Inc.
Oakland 8, California
Atlantic Refining Company
Philadelphia 1, Pennsylvania
Atlantic Refining Co.
Dallas, Texas
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE Microsec
Application General Purpose and Information Media Words Access
Processing,Scientific and Engineering Problems Magnetic Drum (Main) 3,840 5,000 (Avg.)
at Atlantic Refining Company, Dallas and Magnetic Drum (Fast Access) 256 1,250 (Avg.)
Philadelphia, particularly mass spectrometer 10 decimal digits/stored word in the Oakland
analysis. Computer.
Timing Synchronous 10 decimal digits/word in the Dallas computer.
Operation Sequential 26 binary digits/word in the Phila. computer.
NUMERICAL SYSTEM INPUT
Internal number system Decimal and Sexdec Media Speed
Decimal digits per word 10 Typewriter (Flexo'writer) 10 char/sec
Decimal digits per instruction 10 Magnetic Tape 1000 dec dig/sec
Decimal digits per instruction not decoded 3
Instructions per word 1 OUTPUT
Total no. of instructions decoded 71 Media Speed
Total no. of instructions used 71 Typewriter (Flexowriter) 10 char/sec
Arithmetic system Fixed-point Magnetic Tape 1000 dec dig/sec
Instruction type One-address code
Number range -l to +1 NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS
Tubes 700
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Add time(excluding storage access) 300 microsec
Multiply time(" " ") 13,600 microsec
Divide time( " " ") 14,800 microsec
Construction Vacuum-tubes
Basic pulse repetition rate 300 Kilocycles/sec
Arithmetic Mode Serial
CHECKING FEATURES PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Fixed Odd-even check of each word in drum storage Daily operation No. of Eng. No. of Tech.
and each digit on magnetic tape. One 8-hour shift 1/2 1
Two 8-hour shifts 1 2
PHYSICAL FACTORS Three 8-hour shifts 2 3
Power consumption, Computer 5 K.W.
Space occupied, Computer 4 ft x 4 ft x 4 ft RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE
Total weight, Computer 2,000 lbs Date unit passed acceptance test Dec. 1953
Water cooled internally. Average error free running period 3 hrs(estimated)
Operating ratio 0.52
MANUFACTURING RECORD No. of different kinds of plug-in units 100
Number produced 3 No. of separate cabinets(excluding power and air
Number in current operation 3 cond.) 1
Number on order 2 Above figures given by Atlantic Refining Company.
Delivery time 6 months
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
COST Atlantic Refining Company reports that all
Approximate cost of basic system $85,000 computing backlog prior to computer installation
Additional equipment "B" Register $l0,OQO has been completed. Miniac No. 1 is at the R & D
Fast Access Storage $20,000. Department at Point Breeze Philadelphia and Miniac
Price of basic system does not include "B" No. 2 is at Dallas, Texas laboratory. Miniac No. 2
Register, Fast Access Storage, or Input-Output is a binary coded decimal computer.
equipment. Pictures supplied by Atlantic Refining Co.
MODAC-404
MODAC-404
Mountain Digital
Automatic Computer 404
Mountain Systems, Inc.
Thornwood, New York
Condensed Book Club
Readers Digest Association
Pleasantville, New York
Bickok Manufacturing Company
Rochester, New York
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE Microsec
Application Business Data Processing, Accounting Media Words Access
and Statistical distribution, Coding and Controls. Magnetic Drum 20,000 15,000
Timing Asynchronous 120,000 digits of storage.
Operation Sequential Pleasantville computer stores 500,000
binary digits at 0.05 sec access.
NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Decimal - Excess 3 INPUT
Decimal digits per word 6 Media Speed
Arithmetic system Fixed-point Punched Tape 200 char/sec
Instruction type One-address Code Pleasantville computer also has R.R. Tab
Number range 0 to 999,999. cards input at 0.25 sec/card.
Programming system is designed for special
application. System includes addition, subtraction, OUTPUT
unit entry, bulk entry and transfer. Media Speed
ARITHMETIC UNIT Punched Tape 20 char/sec
Add time(excluding storage access) 1800 microsec
Pleasantville computer also has R.R. Tab
Construction Vacuum-tubes and Diodes Cards output at 0.25 sec/card.
Basic pulse repetition rate 150 kilocycles/sec NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS
Arithmetic Mode Serial. Tubes 600
Tube types 3
Crystal diodes 1000
CHECKING FEATURES PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Fixed Number checks One technician or operator is required during
Address checks operation.
Pleasantville computer has automatic stop when
data does not conform. RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE
Date first init passed acceptance test Sept 1954.
PHYSICAL FACTORS Attempted to run 9814
Power consumption, Computer 5 K.W. No. of different kinds of plug-in units 5
Space occupied, Computer 32 cu ft 16 sq ft No. of separate cabinets (excluding power and air
Total weight, Computer 750 lbs cond.) 2
MANUFACTURING RECORD ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Number produced 2 Anticipated rate of entry to machine is 2,400,000 per
Number in current operation 1 month.
Delivery time 6 months Any one of 300 catagories of transactions (further
divided into 20 sections) may be placed in appropriate
COST register, out of a total of 6,000 storage registers
Approximate cost of basic system $85,000 by means of 4 keystrokes per transaction.
Price for basic system includes input and output
equipment described. Other equipment is dependent
upon specñfic application.
Pleasantville computer cost $100,000 and the
Tab Card input additional cost is $40,000. This
computing installation utilizes 2 operators and was
placed in operation in July, 1955. The computer is
a special purpose type, can add, subtract and tally,
and is externally programmed by paper tape for format.
Normal operating programs are built-in.
MODAC-410
MODAC-410
Mountain Digital Automatic Computer
MANUFACTURER
Mountain Systems, Inc.
Thorawood, New York
OPERATING AGENCY
Condensed Book Club of
Readers Digest Association
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE Microsec
Application Business Data Processing Media Words Access
Timing Asynchronous Magnetic Drum 5000 7,500
Operation Sequential 50,000 decimal digits stored.
Computer is serial with buffer storage. Buffer storage in magnetic cores.
NUMERICAL SYSTEM INPUT
Internal number system Decimal - Excess 3 Media Speed
Decimal digits per word 10 Punched Tape 400 char/sec
Arithmetic system Fixed-point Punched Cards 600 cards/min
Instruction type One-address Code
Number range 0 to 10 Decimal digits OUTPUT
Program is stored internally and on tape Media Speed
especially for this application. Punched Tape 60 char/sec
Punched Cards 600 cards/mn
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Add time(excluding storage access) 600 microsec NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS
Multiply time (" " ") 7000 microsec Tubes 600
Divide tine (" " ") 7000 microsec Tube types 3
Construction Vacuum-tubes, Magnetic elements Crystal diodes 3000
and Diodes
Number of rapid access word registers 50 Magnetic elements l000
Basic pulse repetition rate 150 kilocycles/sec
Arithmetic Mode Serial
CHECKING FEATURES PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Fixed Number Checks One operator required during operation.
Address Check
Odd number check RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPERLE NCE
No. of different kinds of plug-in units 5
PHYSICAL FACTORS No. of separate cabinets(excluding power and
Power consumption, Computer 4 K.W. air cond.) 2
Space occupied, Computer 40 cu ft 20 sq ft This system is to be installed in 1955
Total weight, Computer 1000 lbs at Readers Digest Condensed Book Club.
MANUFACTURING RECORD ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Number on order 1 Special translator or converter feature to
Delivery time 10 months read an abbreviation on a punched card, look up
corresponding code from a list of 5000, and punch
COST code number into sane card at reading and punching
Approximate cost of basic system $120,000 rate of 500 per minute.
Price includes input and output equipment High speed tallying feature for 1,440,000 unit
described. Other equipment dependent upon additions per hour into selected registers.
specific application. Transactions, from a total of 4000 categories, are
read at random and added to appropriate one of
4000 registers.
MONROBOT-III
MONROBOT-III
Monroe Computer III
MANUFACTURER
Monrobot Laboratory
Monroe Calculating
Machine Company
Morris Plains, N.J.
OPERATING AGENCY
Computing Laboratory
Air Force Cambridge Research Center
Cambridge 59, Mass.
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE Microsec
Application Scientific calculation Media Words Access
Timing Synchronous Magnetic Drum 100 numbers 15,000
Operation Sequential Magnetic Drum 100 instructions l5,000
NUMERICAL SYSTEM INPUT
Internal number system Binary-coded decimal Media Speed
Decimal digits per word 20 Keyboard Manual
Decimal digits per instruction 10 Paper Tape 10 dig/sec
Instructions per word 1
Total no. of instructions decoded 11 OUTPUT
Total no. of instructions used 11 Media Speed
Arithmetic system Fixed-point Typewriter (Flexowriter) 10 dig/sec
Instruction type Four-address code Paper Tape (Flexowriter)
Number range (l010-l) x 10-10
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Add tine (including storage access) 120 millisec
Multiply time ( " " " ) 540 millisec
Divide time ( " " " ) 540 millisec
Construction Vacuum-tubes
Basic pulse repetition rate 10 kilocycles/sec
Arithmetic Mode Serial
NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Tubes 800 One technician or mathematician is required
Tube types 4 to operate.
Crystal diodes 100
RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE
PHYSICAL FACTORS Since 1 Feb. 1955 average good time has been
Power consumption, Computer 2.5 K.W. approximately 28 hours. Allowing 1 hour/day for
Space occupied, Computer Desk Size maintenance, this is approximately 75% good time.
Total weight 1000 lbs
MONROBOT-V
MONROBOT-V
Electronic Survey Computer
MANUFACTURER
MONROBOT Laboratory
Monroe Calculating Machine Co.
Morris Plains, New Jersey
OPERATING AGENCY
Surveying Branch
Engineer Research and Development Labs
Fort Belvoir, Virginia
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE Microsec
Application Computing problems normally Media Words Access
encountered on surveying operations Magnetic Drum 300 18,000
Timing Synchronous Paper Tape
Operation Sequential Access time on drum is for 100 twenty digit
numbers.
NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Binary-coded decimal INPUT
Decimal digits per word 20 Media Speed
Decimal ~iigits per instruction 10 Keyboard Manual
Arithmetic system Fixed-point Paper Tape(Reader) 570 char/min
Instruction type Four-address code
OUTPUT
Media Speed
ARITHMETIC UNIT Typewriter (Flexowriter)Reader 570 char/min
Add time(including storage access) 120 microsec(approx) Printer 400 char/min
Multiply (" " ") 540 microsec (approx)
Divide time(" " ") 540 microsec (approx)
Construction Vacuum-tubes
Basic pulse repetition rate 10 Kilocycles/sec
CHECKING FEATURES PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Fixed Storage selection lights. One person required for operating and servicing.
PHYSICAL FACTORS RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE
Power consumption, Computer 5 K.W. Date unit passed acceptance test March 1955
Space occupied, Computer 44" x 72" x 31" Desk Average error free running period 7.2 hours
Total weight 1,686 lbs Operating ratio 0.90 Good time 850 hours
Attempted to run 936 hours
COST Computer has operated for several days without
Approximate cost of basic system $86,074 any down time; however the only actual figure
is the 936 hours taken from the running time
meter.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Pre-addressed tapes
Single cycle operation where program is checked
line for line.
Pre-determined automatic sequencing.
Shock-mounted for van installation; mobile.
MONROBOT-VI-MU
MONROBOT-VI-MU
Monrobot VI and Multiple Unit
MANUFACTURER
Monrobot Laboratory
Monroe Calculating Machine Company
Morris Plains, New Jersey
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE Microsec
Timing Synchronous Media Words Access
Operation Sequential Magnetic Drum 200 16,670 max
4000 digits of magnetic drum storage.
NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Binary coded Decimal INPUT
Decimal digits per word 20 Media Speed
Decimal digits per instruction 10 Keyboard Manual
Instructions per word 2 Punched Tape 10/sec
Total no. of instructions used 200 Punched Card 17/sec
Arithmetic system Fixed-point Punched Tape is optional to 60/sec
Instruction type Four address code Standard Teletype or Kleinscbmidt units for
Number range +~xxxxx xxxxx . xxxxx xxxxx tape processing.
Fixed point is centrally located.
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Add time(including storage access) 135 millisec
Multiply time( " " " ) 600 m.illisec
Divide time ( " " " ) 600 millisec
Construction Vacuum-tubes and Crystal Diodes
Basic pulse repetition rate 10 Kilocycles/sec
Arithmetic Mode Serial
Automatic positioning of numerical results
about the decimal point.
OUTPUT ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Media Speed The Monrobot Laboratory has desi~aed and is
Printed Copy 10/sec building calculators in accordance with the
Punched Tape 10/sec M0R0B0T-MU (Multiple Unit) concept. This
Punched Card 17/sec permits almost any combination of storage and
Standard Teletype or Kleinschmidt units. 60/sec input-output units to be appended to a basic
Punched Tape and Punched Card is optional. calculating unit. The MONROBOT-Mu is a stored
program, general purpose calculator using two
CHECKING FEATURES complete and independent arithmetic and control
Fixed Parity checks units, operating serially on coded decimal
Optional MAID (Monrobot Automatic
Internal Diagnosis) information. Storage is magnetic drums of
and dual units. various capacities with saturable reactor magnetic
selection. Input-output is by Flexo~-iters, Klein-
schmidt and Teletype units, punched card, magnetic
tape, photoelectric paper tape readers, and line-at
a-time printers. MAID (Monrobot Automatic Internal
Diagnosis) system is used for malfunction detection
Parity checking is used. The MONROBOT-MU word
(instruction, number, or alpha-numeric group)
contains 100 bits. A decimal digit is represented
by a tetrad and an alphabetic or punctuation
character by a pair of tetrads. In a number word
24 tetrads represent 24 decimal digits. An instruc.
tion word contains two instructions coded in a
modified one-address system. Fifteen instructions
are used.
A MONROBOT-MU for automatic inventory control and
analysis is currently under construction for the
USAF under Contract No. AF33 (616)-2158.
NAREC
NAREC
Naval Research
Electronic Computer
MANUFACTURER
Naval Research Laboratory
Washington 25, D.C.
OPERATING AGENCY
Naval Research Laboratory
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE Microsec
Application Scientific problems Media Words Access
Timing Asynchronous Electrostatic tubes 1024 10
Operation Sequential, with concurrent recording Magnetic Drum 1536 8,340 (Avg.)
A total of 115,200 binary digits of storage.
NUMERICAL SYSTEM A new 30 rps magnetic drum of 8192 word
Internal number system Binary capacity will be installed.
Binary digits per word 45 1 to 256 word blocks may be transferred from
Binary digits per instruction 21 drum to CRT and vice versa.
Instructions per word 2
Total no. of instructions used 31 INPUT
Arithmetic system Fixed-point Media Speed
Instruction type One-address code Paper Tape 200 char/sec
Number range -l x 1 Magnetic Tape 300 char/sec
The paper tape reader is a Ferranti Reader
ARITHMETIC UNIT MK-II
Add time(excluding storage access) 3 microsec
Multiply time( " " " )520-790 microsec OUTPUT
Divide time ( " " )660-790 microsec Media Speed
Construction Vacuum-tubes Paper Tape 60 char/sec
Number of rapid access word registers 6 Magnetic Tape 300 char/sec
Basic pulse repetition rate Asynchronous Typewriter (Flexowriter) 10 char/sec
Arithmetic Mode Parallel
NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS
Tubes 2,000
Tube types 4
Crystal diodes 20,000
CHECKING FEATURES RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPER1ENCE
Fixed Automatic comparison of all transfers between No. of different kinds of plug-in units B
registers. No. of separate cabinets(excluding power and
Optional Automatic comparison of all transfers between air cond.) 4
the arithmetic section and the storage section Until the NABEC is completed in July 1956,
half of the time is spent in engineering develop-
PHYSICAL FACTORS ment and the other half in computing. Machine
Power consumption, Computer 25 K.W. efficiency has averaged approximately 70 per cent.
Space occupied, Computer 800 cu ft 100 sq ft
Power consumption, Air cond. 15 K.W. ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Capacity 20 tons Flexowriters are used in parallel, each printer
Air conditioning is for computer and working area, giving the results of a separate problem sizmaltaneously.
Centralized operating area by pLacing photoelectric
MANUFACTURING RECORD tape reader, high speed punch, and Flexowriter
Number produced 1 adjacent to control console.
Number in current operation 1 M-G set to replace electronic power supply.
Detailed reports will be prepared on engineering
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS and mathematical aspects of NAREC project.
Two technicians are required for one 8-hour shift.
NCR-CRC-102A
NCR-CRC-102A
Computer Research
Corporation 102A
MANUFACTURER
National Cash
Register Corporation
Dayton 9, Ohio
OPERATING AGENCIES
Gulf Research and
Development Company
Pittsburgh 30, Pa.
U.S. Naval Post Graduate
School Monterey, Cal.
Chemical and Radiological
Laboratories
Army Chemical Center, Md.
U.S. Naval Ordnance Test Station
Inyokern, China Lake, California
GENERAL SYSTEM ARITHMETIC UNIT
Application General purpose, scientific, education Add time(excluding storage access) 4,000 microsec
Timing Synchronous Multiply time ( " " " ) 15,000 miccrosec
Operation Sequential Divide time ( " " " ) 15,500 microsec
Pictures supplied by ACC and USN. Construction Vacuum-tubes and Condenser-diode
Number of rapid access word registers 8
NUMERICAL SYSTEM Basic pulse repetition rate 100 kilocycles
Internal number system Binary Arithmetic Mode Serial
Binary digits per word 42 (one for timing) Double precision multiplication, division and
Binary digits per instruction 41 save remainder, automatic scale commands included.
Binary digits per instruction not decoded 1 Numbers have overflow digit and can be distinguished
Instructions per word 1 from commands.
Total no. of instructions decoded 27 The Pittsburgh Computer has 28 instructions
Total no. of instructions used 27 decoded, automatic conversion and automatic editing.
Arithmetic Fixed-point
Instruction type Three-address code STORAGE
Number range -l +2-36 to l-2-36 Media Words Digfts Microsec Access
Magnetic Drum 1024 41984 12,500
Magnetic Tape 102,000/reel
Up to 7 tape units may be used with one Computer.
INPUT NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS
Media Speed Tubes 400
Flexowriter Typing Tube types 12
Paper Tape 10 char/sec Crystal diodes 8000
Magnetic Tape 1.6 char/millisec Gulf H & D Corporation
l000 Additional diodes
OUTPUT 60 Extra vacuum-tubes
Media Speed 5 KVA regulator instead of previous 2.5 KVA.
Magnetic Tape 600 char/sec CHECKING FEATURES
Elec Typewriter 10 char/sec
Paper tape 10 char/sec Fixed Duplicate recording on magnetic tape
USN P-G School. "Overflow" alarm
Digital point plotter operates independent of "No Command" alarm
Computer. No conversion is necessary for plot.
Plotter is manufactured by California Computer PHYSICAL FACTORS
Products Company. Power consumption, Computer 7.7 K.W.
Space occupied, Computer 250 sq ft.
Total weight, Computer 2,700 lbs.
MANUFACTURING RECORD PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Gulf R & D Corporation Daily Operation Engr Oper or Tech.
Basic installation, delivered in May of 1954, One 8-hour shift 1 1
required 17 months for delivery after receipt of Two 8-hour shifts 1 2
order. Three 8-hour shifts 1 3
U.S. Army Chemical Center Gulf R&D Corporation:
System placed in operation Sept. 15, 1954. Their personnel includes an engineer and an
U.S.N.O.T.S. China Lake operator, both employees of the company. The
System placed in operation July 23, 1954. remainder of the staff consists of three persons,
U.S.N.O.T.S. reports approx. 23 systems produced. who handle administration, numerical analysis,
programming and coding.
COST In addition a number of other employees of the
Approximate cost of basic system $89,500. company have been made familiar with the programm-
Additional equipment Tape Units $19,500 Flexo. $3,185 ing techniques and some of these have progra~mned
Rental rates of basic system $3750 per mo on one year problems. They are currently operating on one
lease. eight-hour shift. This will probably have to be
Tape unit $725 per month increased to a twelve-hour operation.
Flexowriter $150 per month U.S.N. P-G School:
Maintenance contracts available. Computer operated by other govt. agencies in
Rental includes maintenance. Monterey area. Computer is maintained by service
USN P-G School contract with NCR (one man). Operated and pro-
Price paid was $57,000 in 1952, incl educational grammed by students, faculty and staff.
discount and $143 per month for IBM card units. U.S. Army Chemical Center:
Magnetic Tape units, CCP7Ol Plotter and Flexowriters Service contract calls for 8 hours preventive
cost $22,000. maintenance per week.
U.S. Army Chemical Center
Price paid was $100,000 for basic system.
U.S. N.O.T.S.
Price paid for basic system was approx. $100,000.
The magnetic Tape Unit cost $20,000.
[converter's note - several pages of exhaustive detail
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NCR-CRC-102D
NCR-CRC-102D
National Cash
Register 102-D
MANUFACTURER
National Cash Register Corp.
Dayton 9, Ohio
OPERATING AGENCY
Rich Electronic Computer Center
Engineering Experiment Station
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, Georgia
GENERAL SYSTEM
Application Educational, industrial, commercial
governmental
Timing Synchronous
Operation Sequential
RECC Ga. Tech. reports that timing for
magnetic tape storage is asynchronous. Pictures
contributed by NCR and Ga. Tech. RECC.
NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Binary coded decimal
Decimal digits per word 9 plus 6 Binary
Decimal digits per instruction 9 plus 6 Binary
Decimal digits per instruction not decoded 1
Instructions per word 1
Total no. of instructions decoded 27
Total no. of instructions used 27
Arithmetic system Fixed-point
Instruction type Three-address
Number range -236 to 236
EECC EES Ga. TECH.reports:
Add time 7,800 microsec including access
Multiply time 21,100 to 49,100 microsec
including access
Divide time 21,100 to 55,200 microsec including
access.
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Add time(excluding storage access) 4000 microsec
Multiply time(" " " ) 15,000 "
Divide time (" " ") 15,500 "
Construction Vacuum-tubes and Condenser-diodes
Number of rapid access word registers 8
Basic pulse repetition rate 100 kilocycles/sec
Arithmetic mode Serial.
STORAGE Microsec
Media Words Digits Access
Magnetic Drum 1024 41984 12,500
Magnetic Tape 102,000/reel 918,000/reel
Up to 8 tape units can be used with one computer
at one time.
INPUT
Media Speed
Paper Tape (H/S Reader) 200 char/sec
Paper Tape (Flexowriter) 10 char/sec
Magnetic Tape 600 char/sec
Typewriter Manual
RECC EES Ga. Tech.
Punched card is used at 100 cards/min
Punched Paper Tape is used at 3600 char/mm
OUTPUT COST
Media Speed Approximate price of basic system $99,500
Magnetic Tape 600 char/sec Approximate price of tape units $19,500
Paper Tape 10 char/sec Approximate price of High Speed Paper Tape
Paper Tape (H/S Punch) 60 char/sec Reader $9,500
Approximate price of High Speed Paper Tape
NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS Punch $5,000
Tubes 425 Maintenance contracts available on purchased
Tube types 15 equipment.
Crystal diodes 8500 Rental rate for basic system $4100/month
Rental rate for tape unit $ 725/month
CHECKING FEATURES Rental rate for H/S Paper Tape Reader $500/month
Fixed Duplicate recording on magnetic tape Rental rate for H/S Paper Tape Punch $400/month
Optional "Overflow" alarm Rental rate for H/S Paper Tape Flexowriter $150
"No command" alarm Rental includes mintenance.
PHYSICAL FACTORS PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Power consumption, Computer 7.7 K.W. Daily Operation Engr Oper or Tech.
Space occupied, Computer 250 sq ft One 8-hour shift 1 1
Total weight 2700 lbs Two 8-hour shifts 1 2
Three 8-hour shifts 2 3
RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE
Users include:
Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
The National Cash Register Company, Dayton, Ohio
The National Cash Register Company, Hawthorne, Cal.
NCR-303
NCR-303
Electronic Data Brocessor
MANUFACTURER
National Cash Register Company
Electronics Division
Hawthorne, California
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE Microsec
Application General Purpose Computer Media Words Access
Timing Synchronous Magnetic Drum 1,024 12,500
Operation Sequential Buffer 8 1,500
Magnetic Tape 115,000
NUMERICAL SYSTEM All words are stored as 9D plus 6B digits.
Internal number system Decimal 8 tape units with 115,000 word storage each
Digits per word 9 Dec plus 6 Binary may be used.
Digits per instruction 9 Dec plus 6 Binary 0.14 seconds for reading or writing a block of
Digits per instruction not decoded 1 8 words. Magnetic tape searching is over 720 words/sec.
Instructions per word 1
Total no. of instructions decoded 27 INPUT
Total no. of instructions used 27 Media Speed
Arithmetic system Fixed-point Paper Tape 200 char/sec
Instruction type Three-address code Special Paper Tape 130 char/sec
Number range Integers less than 1011 or Special tape reading includes handling of
fractions less than one information.
ARITHMETIC UNIT OUTPUT
Add time(excluding storage access) 7.8 millisec Media Speed
Multiply tine( " " ")20.7to 48.8 millisec Paper Tape 60 char/sec
Divide time( " " ")23.4 to 54.6 millisec Printed Page 10 char/sec
Construction Vacuum-tubes and Condenser-diodes Magnetic tape may be used for input and output
Number of rapid access word registers 3 of information at the rate of 60 words/sec.
Basic pulse repeition rate 100 kilocycles/sec
Arithmetic Mode Serial NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS
Constants, zero, and all binary ones can be Tubes 350
obtained with 0.39 millisec access. Tube types 3
Crystal diodes 6,500
CHECKING FEATURES PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Fixed "No Command" and "Overflow" alarm, duplicate Daily Operation No. of Eng.
recording on tape. One 8-hour shift 1/2
Two 8-hour shifts 1
PHYSICAL FACTORS Three 8-hour shifts 1
Power consumption, Computer 11 KVA at 0.7 pp One supervisor, one programmer and 1
Space occupied, Computer 30" x 59" x 73" plus operator is also required.
60" x 33" x 36"
Total weight, Computer 2,000 lbs. ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Capacity Air Cond. 25,000 New magnetic tape commands
BTU/hour Sorting and merging commands
Automatic output editing.
PURCHASE: PURCHASE PRICE
NCR 303 Computer $ 140,000
NCR 138 Magnetic Tape Handling Unit $25,000
NCR 160 High Speed Paper Tape Reader $ 9,500
NCR 170 High Speed Paper Tape Punch $ 5,000
Model 378 Flexowriter $ 2,900
LEASE MONTHLY RATE
NCR 303 Computer $4,250
NCR 138 Magnetic Tape Handling Unit $ 800
NCR 160 High Speed Paper Tape Reader $ 500
NCR 170 High Speed Paper Tape Punch $ 400
Model 378 Flexowriter $ 150
(Prices shown are for Single Shift Operation.
Add 25% of Single Shift Rental for each additional
shift.)
NORC
NORC
Naval Ordnance Research Calculator
MANUFACTURER
International Business Machines Corporation
OPERATING AGENCY
U.S. Naval Proving Ground
Dahlgren, Virginia
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE Microsec
Application General scientific calculation Media Words Access
Timing Asynchronous Electrostatic Tubes (CRT) 2,000 8
Operation Concurrent Magnetic Tape 4,000,000 Variable
16 decimal digits/stored word
NUMERICAL SYSTEM Storage may be visually inspected by numerals
Internal number system Decimal on the faces of Cathode Ray Tubes.
Decimal digits per worn 16
Decimal digits per instruction 16 INPUT
Total no. of instructions decoded 64 Media Speed
Total no. of instructions used 64 Magnetic Tape 4000 words/sec maximum
Arithmetic system Floating-point and Fixed-point Full reading speed in 8 millisec.
Instruction type Three-address code 8 Tape Units; 500 char/inch; 140 inches/sec
Number range 10-43 to 10+31
OUTPUT
ARITHMETIC UNIT Media Speed
Add time(excluding storage access) 15 microsec Magnetic Tape 4000 words/sec maximum
Multiply time ( " " ") 31 microsec Printer (Two) 18,000 char/min
Divide time ( " " ")227 microsec Printing is con-current with calculating.
Construction Vacuum-tuoes Characters are delivered to printers at the
Number of rapid access word registers 2,000 rate of 10,000 per second.
Basic pulse repetition rate One megacycle/sec
Arithmetic Mode Serial and Parallel NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS
Tubes 9800
Tube types 20
Crystal diodes 30,000
CHECKING FEATURES PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS No. of Tech
Fixed Bit count modulo-4 associated with each Daily Operation No. of Eng. and Operators
word Tbree 8-hour shifts 1 25
Modulo-9 arithmetic check.
RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE
PHYSICAL FACTORS Date unit passed acceptance test 25 Feb 1955
Power consumption, Computer 168 K.W. No. of different kinds of plug-in units 60
Space occupied, Computer 3,000 sq ft. No. of separate cabinets(excluding power and
Power consumption, Air cond. 72 K.W. air cond. ) 4
Space occupied, Air cond. 600 sq. ft.
Capacity 66 tons ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Provisions for addition, subtraction, and
MANUFACTURING RECORD shifting of instruction words make possible pro-
Number produced 1 grammed synthesis of instructions. A large
Number in current operation 1 variety of conditional program transfer instruc-
tions are available. Three address-modifier
COST registers make possible the modification of operand
Approximate cost of basic system $2,500,000 addresses without changing the stored instruction.
Card-tape card conversion is used.
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