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BRL 1961, RASTAC, start page 0766
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RASTAC
Random Access Storage and Control
MANUFACTURER
Laboratory for Electronics
Photo by Photo International for Laboratory for
Electronics, Inc.
APPLICATIONS
System is designed for mass information handling, providing
integrated random access computer storage. RASTAC was
developed to provide large scale digital computers with a
random high speed data retrieval capability. Generally speaking,
the storage media of most computers is not geared to the
requirement for frequent access to segments of its file - the
queueing problem tends to reduce the systems usage to that of
an electronic file clerk. RASTAC permits considerably more
access to information by the computer of an updating station
and at the same time, leaves the computer free to perform its
prime data processing functions.
PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Optional
Digits per word Variable
Digits per instruction 12
Instructions per word Variable
Instructions decoded Two
Instruction type One address, specifying
beginning of transfer point
Instruction word format
12 Character Instruction
+----+--------+---------+--------+---------------+----+----+
| IM | TRACK | ADDRESS | SECTOR | NO OF SECTORS | OF | IM |
+----+--------+---------+--------+---------------+----+----+
IM = Instruction marker
OP = read or write operation
There are three registers, viz the I/0 Register, the instruction
register, and the track address register. The RASTAC System is
designed to be operated with any large computer installation and
therefore the choice of the number system or digits per word is
entirely up to the option or the machine characteristics of the
user. The only fixed word is this system is the 12 character
instruction word.
This instruction word is coded in excess 3 decimal notation.
ARITHMETIC UNIT
No arithmetic unit as such
Timing Synchronous
OperationSequential
STORAGE
No. of No. of Access
Medium Words Digits Microsec
HD File Drum Variable 1875 to 62 197,000 av.
million
Up to 33 file drums can be included in the standar system giving a
maximum of approximately 62 million characters. The access times given above
include drum switching. The file drum rotates at 3 rps and recording is serial.
Each file drum has a capacity of 15 x 10 bits. The average random access time
to any part of the file remains constant, independent of the total number of
drums. Each file drum unit contains its own reading and writing mechanism
and track selection devices.
INPUT
Media Speed
Keyboard (Alphanumeric) Manual
Paper Tape 330 char/sec
From any Computer 20 kc character
The system is designed to work as an input-output device connected to a
large computer; as such, its information transfer rate is 20 kc character rate.
OUTPUT
Medium Speed
To any Computer 20 kc
CIRCUIT ELEMENTS OF ENTIRE SYSTEM
Type Quantity Use
Tubes 150 DC and pulse power drivers
Diodes 8,000 Primarily for logic
Transistors 100 Flip-flops and inverter
switches
Magnetic Cores 2,000 Logical amplifiers and
inverters
The system is composed of nine basic types of highly reliable magnetic
modular building blocks, plus a small number of special plug-in counter
packages. All packages are readily accessible as well as completely
interchangeable within a given type.
CHECKING FEATURES
Operational errors which may occur during a read or write routine and parity
errors of the paper tape input are detected. Errors are classified internally as
critical or non-critical depending on their effect on information in the storage.
Critical errors stop reading or writing instantly. Non-critical errors allow
reading to continue to the end of the addressed information.
POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND SITE. PREPARATION
Power, computer 13.3 Kw 15.3 KVA
Vole, Central System 300 cu ft
Volume, File Drums (ea) 35 cu ft
Area, Central System 48 sq ft
Area, File Drums (ea) 9 sq ft
Room size 25 x 30 ft
Floor loading 200 lbs/sq ft
200 lbs concen max
Weight, computer3,200 lbs, total
Weight, File Drums 800 lbs, each
Clean atmosphere is desirable but not essential,
inter-cabinet cables may be run in void beneath
floor or in conduits as may be dictated by the site.
3 phase, 110-120v AC power is required.
PRODUCTION RECORD
Time required for delivery from receipt of order
8 months
COST, PRICE AND RENTAL RATES
Central System Controller $100,000 to $300,000
File Drums $ 34,000 to $ 38,000
Maintenance and service contracts are available
and arecustomarily negotiated under separate con-
tracts.
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Training is available to the users by the manufacturer. Since the RASTAC
System is normally incorporated into a large computer complex the problem of
deciding the typical personnel requirements are integrated with those of the
large computer installation with maintenance and engineering service on a
shared basis with the computer. The actual system users themselves are of many
and varied types and need little instruction or operational abilities.
RELIABILITY, OPERATING EXPERIENCE,
AND TIME AVAILABILITY
A similar system, RASTAD has been in operation for a period of
approximately 8 months. During this time, the reliability figures have
shown a meantime-to-failure of approximately 200 hours. The previously
established reliability figures of the component board types used in the
RASTAC System in conjunction with the circuitry technique, etc., have
shown this to be a conservative figure.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
High capacity bulk storage with low access-time, make the RASTAC
System suited for integrated operation with a computer.
The unique advantage of the RASTAC System is the flexibility of the storage
device. The storage capacity can be raised from the basic 15 million bits to 500
million bits with no change in random access time.
FUTURE PLANS
New developments at Laboratory for Electronics, are concentrated in two main
fields with regard to the RASTAC System, that of additional output devices
and of newer and better storage devices. In storage development, a new flexible
Bernoulli Disk is being used to decrease the cost per list stored and the access
times.
BRL 1961, RASTAD, start page 0768
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RASTAD
Random Access Storage and Display
MANUFACTURER
Laboratory for Electronics, Inc.
APPLICATIONS
System is designed for mass information handling. It can
function as an integrated random access computer storage and
display system and as an information storage and display unit
for reference library techniques, such as management sales
reports, status of operations, and inventory and production
control. RASTAD was developed to provide large scale digital
computers with a random, high speed, data retrieval capability.
Generally speaking, the storage media of most computers is not
geared to the requirement for frequent access to segments of its
file - the queueing problem tends to reduce the systems usage to
that of an electronic file clerk. RASTAD permits considerably
more access to information by either the computer or the
output display devices and at the same time, leaves the
computer free to perform its prime data processing functions.
Additionally, the output rate of the display devices provides data
availability rate far in excess of that provided by the usual
output devices.
PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Optional
Digits per word Variable
Digits per instruction 12
Instructions per word Variable
Instructions decoded Two
Instruction type One address, specifying
beginning of transfer point
Instruction word format
12 Character Instruction
+----+--------+---------+--------+---------------+----+----+
| IM | TRACK | ADDRESS | SECTOR | NO OF SECTORS | OF | IM |
+----+--------+---------+--------+---------------+----+----+
IM = instruction marker
OP = Read or write operation
The RASTAD System is designed to be operated with any
large computer installation and therefore the choice of the
number system or digits per word is entirely up to the option
or the machine characteristics of the user. The only fixed word
in this system is the 12 character instruction word. This
instruction word is coded in excess 3 decimal notation. There
are three registers, the I/0 register, the instruction register, and
the track address register.
ARITHMETIC UNIT
No arithmetic unit as such
Timing Synchronous
Operation Sequential
Drums are asynchronous.
STORAGE
No. of No. of Access
Medium Words Digits Microsec
HD File Drum Variable 1875 to 62 197,000 avg
million
Up to 33 file drums can be included in the standard system,
giving a maximum of approximately 62 million characters. The
access times given above include drum switching. The file drum
rotates at 3 cps and recording is serial. Each file drum has s
capability of 15 x 106 bits. The average random access time to
any part of the file remains constant, independent of the total
number of drums. Each file drum unit contains its own reading
and writing mechanism and track election devices.
INPUT
Media Speed
Keyboard (Alphanumeric) Manual
Paper Tape 330 char/sec
From any computer 20 kc char
The system is designed to work as an input-output device
connected to a large computer; as such, its information
transfer rate is 20 kc character rate.
OUTPUT
Medium Speed Remarks
SM-II Viewer System 20 kc Direct View Storage Tube
Device with instruction
keyboard
The SM-II is a completely flexible output display device. The
information displayed is stored on the face of the tube. This
display may consist of a page of information or may take the
form of a map, chart, graph or any abstract display desired. The
total display capacity for the 21" Viewer is 13,000 characters.
Storage time for a display is up to 20 minutes. This retention
capability permits the superimposition of the pertinent data
over an original display for a more complete evaluation at a
single viewing.
Data retrieval and display is accomplished by
pressing keys on a keyboard similar to an office
calculator. The desired information is retrieved
and displayed in less than 2 seconds after the start
key is ressed (this occurs where only one viewer
is used. Under more severe conditions where ten
viewers were requesting information at the same
moment, the waiting time for display of information
on the lowest priority viewer would be less than 20
seconds.
BRL 1961, RASTAD, start page 0769
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CIRCUIT ELEMENTS OF ENTIRE SYSTEM
Type Quantity Use
Tubes 150 DC and pulse power drivers
Diodes 8,000 Primarily for logic
Transistors 100 Flip-flops and inverter
switches
Magnetic Cores 2,000 Logical amplifiers and
inverters
The system is composed of nine basic types of highly reliable magnetic
modular building blocks, plus a small number of special plug-in counter
packages. All packages are readily accessible as well as completely
interchangeable within a given type.
CHECKING FEATURES
Operational errors which may occur during a read or write routine and parity
errors of the paper tape input are detected. Errors are classified internally as
critical or non-critical depending on their effect on information in the storage.
Critical errors stop reading or writing instantly. Non-critical errors allow
reading to continue to the end of the addressed information.
POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND SITE. PREPARATION
Power, computer 13.3 Kw 15.3 KVA
Volume, Central System 300 cu ft
Vole, File Drums (ea) 35 cu ft
Area, Central System 48 sq ft
Area, File Drums (ea) 9 sq ft
Room size 25 x 30 ft
Floor loading 200 lbs/sq ft
200 lbs concen max
Weight, computer 3,200 lbs, total
Weight, File Drums 800 lbs, each
Clean atmosphere is desirable but not essential, inter-cabinet cables may
be run in void beneath floor or in conduits as may be dictated by the site. 3
phase, 110-120v AC power is required.
PRODUCTION RECORD
Number produced to date 1
Number in current operation 1
Number in current production 1
Time required for delivery 8 months
COST, PRICE AND RENTAL RATES
Central system controller $100 000 to $300,000
File Drums $ 34,000 to 38,000
Viewers, displays 20,000 to 30,000
Additional equipment
Viewers 20,000 to 30,000
File Drums 34,000 to 38,000
Maintenance and service contracts are available and are customarily
negotiated under separate contract. Rental is negotiable.
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Training is available to the users by the manufacturer.
Since the RASTAD System is normally incorporated into a large computer
complex the problem of deciding the typical personnel requirements are
integrated with those of the large computer installation with maintenance and
engineering service on a shared basis with the computer. The actual system
users themselves are of many and varied types and need little instruction or
operational abilities. The display units simply require a request and location
of information and proceed from there automatically.
RELIABILITY, OPERATING EXPERIENCE,
AND TIME AVAILABILITY
The RASTAD System has been in operation for a period of approximately 8
months. During this time, the reliability figures have shown a mean-time-to-
failure of approximately 200 hours. The previously established reliability
figures of the component board types used in the RASTAD System in
conjunction with the circuitry techniques, etc., have shown this to be a
conservative figure.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Outstanding features include high capacity bulk storage with very low
access time, coupled with the ability to display large sections of information for
long periods with minimum access to the files. The RASTAD System is suited for
integrated operation with a computer.
The unique advantages of the RASTAD System is the extreme flexibility of
the storage and display devices. The storage capacity can be raised from the
basic 15 million bits to 500 million bits with no change in random access time.
The display generation equipment allows an unlimited number of viewers to be
driven from one symbol generator at speeds an order of magnitude greater than
the fastest mechanical output devices. The characters displayed can be either
alphanumeric or abstract synbols and can be changed in a matter of minutes.
The high output speeds of the display devices coupled with the access
times of the central storage enable up to 100 output devices to be coupled
with the RASTAD System before queueing times become a serious problem.
FUTURE PLANS
New developments at Laboratory for Electronics, are concentrated in two main
fields with regard to the RASTAD System, that of additional output devices
and of newer and better storage devices. With regard to the output of display
devices, systems are being developed to enable wall displays for the briefing
room applications of the integration of access systems for microfilm archival
storage and systems for hard copy read out devices. In storage development a
new flexible Bernoulli Disk is being used to decrease the cost per list stored
and the access times. The access times of these disks will allow many hundred
viewers to be coupled into one system without overload. New low cost types
of viewers are being developed using stored video techniques for display
recirculation.
BRL 1961, RCA 110, start page 0770
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RCA 110
RCA 110 Electronic Industrial Computer System
MANUFACTURER
Radio Corporation of America
Industrial Computer Systems Department
APPLICATIONS
The system is designed to perform industrial control
functions, on-line in real-time. The RCA 110 was
designed not as a "package" but as a total system -
which can be tailored to the exact data control needs
of each user.
PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Binary or binary coded
decimal
Binary digits/word 24
Arithmetic system Fixed point
Instruction type One address
There is a limited two address feature. There are
71 wired-in instructions.
Registers include 7 indexable address modifier reg-
isters and 8 high speed input-output registers.
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Incl Stor Access
Microsec
Add 56
Mult 728
Div 868
Timing Synchronous
Word time is 28.89 microseconds. Clock frequency
is 936 kilocycles/sec.
STORAGE
Media No. of Words Access Microsec
Magnetic Core 256 to 4,096
Magnetic Drum 4,096 to 51,200 8,300 avg.
Drum transfer rate is 200 kilocycles/sec. Up to
12 buffer tracks are available for input-output.
INPUT OUTPUT
Industrial control
CHECKING FEATURES
Computer free time is automatically assigned to
self checking routines.
POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND SITE PREPARATION
Power, computer 5.0 KVA220 Volts
Size, computer 82 x 34 x 105 inches
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
The system automatically responds to off-limit or
emergency situations and handles them on a priority
basis with a complete analysis of priority after
each instruction. This eliminates the delay be-
tween the occurrence and the recognition of an
emergency condition. The system will correct the
most urgent situation first, but if more than one
trouble-spot should occur at the same time, it
automatically appraises the urgency of each and
handles it in turn.
INSTALLATIONS
Radio Corporation of America
Industrial Computer Systems Department
Electronic Data Processing Division
21 Strathmore Road
Natick, Massachusetts
BRL 1961, RCA 200, start page 0772
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RCA 200
RCA Series 200 Guidance Computer
MANUFACTURER
Radio Corporation of America
Missile Electronics and Controls Division
APPLICATIONS
Interial navigation and guidance digital differential analyzer.
PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Binary
Binary digits/word 20
Arithmetic system Twos complement
Instruction type
Single instruction - integrate; coding specifies
integrator interconnections.
Number range - 1 < N < + 1
Instruction word format
+------------------+------------+--------------+
| | | Mem. Plane 0 |
+ [delta]Y Address + Y Register +--------------+
| | | Mem. Plane 1 |
+------------------+------------+--------------+
| | | Mem. Plane 2 |
+ [delta]X Address + R Register +--------------+
| | | Mem. Plane 3 |
+------------------+------------+--------------+
Programming capability consists of selecting up to 12[delta]Z's as
components of Z[delta]Y, selecting a [delta]Z to be used as [delta]X, and
specifying lengths of Y and R registers.
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Time for processing one integrator is 850 microseconds
Construction (Arithmetic unit only)
Transistors 1,500
Diodes 300
Magnetic cores 1,024
Other components 2,100
Arithmetic mode Serial
Timing Asynchronous
Operation Arithmetic unit is serial,
operating on 2 bits at a time. Com-
puter is a digital differential ana-
lyzer.
STORAGE
No. of
Medium No. of Words Digits
Coincident Current 16 integrators 20 bits
Core Memory integrators
INPUT OUTPUT
Input consists of error signal in accelerometer control loop;
computer converts this signal to digital form in conjunction
with a digital velocity meter. The computer is part of the
accelerometer control loop.
Core memory is loaded with a photoelectric reading head,
through which a 25" length paper tape is pulled by hand.
Output consists of increments of desired quantities, which are
used to drive stepping motors.
CIRCUIT ELEMENTS OF ENTIRE SYSTEM
Type Quantity
Diodes 300 Zener diodes
Zener diodes to be replaced by resistors in sub-
sequent models.
Transistors 1,500
Types 2N404 and 2N357
Magnetic cores 1,024
CHECKING FEATURES
All checking is performed through programming. A pluggable
checkout panel is used to display all important computer
signals as an aid to programmed checkout.
POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND SITE. PREPARATION
Power, computer 0.02 Kw
Volume, computer 0.06 cu ft
Weight, computer 4.5 lbs
Power, space and weight specifications are for
micromodular version.
RELIABILITY, OPERATING EXPERIENCE,
AND TIME AVAILABILITY
System has been operating for over 3 months and is about to
go on flight test.
FUTURE PLANS
System to be micromodularized in early 1961. Present operating
version contains "mini-modules", having the two base dimensions
the same as those of RCA's micromodule, but with a height of 1
to 2 inches, depending on the module.
BRL 1961, RCA 300, start page 0773
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RCA 300
RCA Series 300 Central Computer
MANUFACTURER
Radio Corporation of America
Missile Electronics and Controls Division
APPLICATIONS
Real time control, airborne and shipboard applications
(guidance, navigation, fire control, etc.); sensor signal data
processing, air or shipboard (trajectory analysis, target
keeping, etc.); and missile-space applications - guidance, on-
board checkout, data reduction, etc.
PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Binary
Binary digits/word 13
Binary digits/instruction 13
Instructions/word 1
Instructions decoded 33
Arithmetic system Fixed point
Instruction type One address
Instruction word format
+------+-----------+-------+---------------------+
| Sign | 1 3 | 4 | 5 12 |
+------+-----------+-------+---------------------+
| | Command | B Box | Operand Address |
+------+-----------+-------+---------------------+
All input and all output proceeds automatically upon
recognition of "Start Input/Output" instruction. There is one B-
Box of 8 bits. Modular nature of parallel machine permits word
length to suit problem.
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Incl Stor Access Exclud Stor Access
Microsec Microsec
Add 24 12
Mutt 96 86
Div 168 156
Construction (Arithmetic unit only)
Transistors 1,418
Diodes 518
Arithmetic mode Parallel
Timing Synchronous
Operation Concurrent
STORAGE
No. of No. of Access
Media Words Digits Microsec
Transfluxors 8,192 max. 106,300 3
Cores 1,024 max. 13,330 4
Transfluxors are used in non-destructive read-out mode for
program storage; cores axe used for data
storage.
INPUT
Media Speed
Tape Reader 20 char/sec
Voltage Analog-to-Digital Con 50,000 bits; sec
Direct Digital 41,667 words/sec
The tape reader loads programs only. There are
3 A-D converter channels in prototype. Up to 32
are available. Up to 32 words of direct digital
inputs (from shaft of A-73 converters, etc.) can be
accepted.
OUTPUT
Media Speed
Flexowriter 10 char/sec
Analog/Digital Conversion41,667 words/sec
Direct Digital 41,667 words/sec
Up to 32 channels of A-D conversion are available. 5 channels
are operative in the prototype. The direct digital output is used
for discrete control of external devices.
CIRCUIT ELEMENTS OF ENTIRE SYSTEM
Type Quantity
Diodes
54096 1,346
650C3 64
651CO 670
653C9 212
Transistors
2N357 1,692
2N404 3,708
Above counts are for a configuration consisting of 1,024 words
transfluxor memory, 1,024 words core memory, 18 analog input
words, and 18 analog output words.
CHECKING FEATURES
Checking is accomplished by repeat programming.
POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND SITE. PREPARATION
Power, computer 0.135 Kw
Volume, computer 3.0 cu ft
Weight, computer 100 lbs
PRODUCTION RECORD
Number produced to date 1
Number in current operation 1
Time required for delivery 12 months
RELIABILITY, OPERATING EXPERIENCE,
AND TIME AVAILABILITY
Computer operating in laboratory for over twelve months.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Outstanding feature is the transfluxor memory.
INSTALLATIONS
Radio Corporation of America
Missile Electronics and Controls Division
Burlington, Massachusetts
BRL 1961, RCA 301, start page 0774
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RCA 301
Radio Corporation of America 301
MANUFACTURER
Radio Corporation of America
Electronic Data Processing Division
Picture by Radio Corporation of America
APPLICATIONS
The computer is a general purpose, digital, stored program,
transistorized machine consisting of high speed storage,
program control, a control panel, and a power supply.
The program control unit contains circuitry for the
interpretation and execution of the instructions. The high-speed
storage unit is a magnetic core, decimally addressed, random-
access device which provides the storage for data and programs.
Memory cycle time is 7 microseconds. The basic unit contains
10,000 or 20,000 alphanumeric characters. The control panel
contains the controls and indicators necessary for the operation
and maintenance of the computer.
The power supply unit supplies power for operation of the
control panel, the high-speed storage, and the program
control, and standard voltages for the control of the input-
output equipment. Transistor and diode logic techniques are
employed throughout the system.
PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Binary coded decimal
Number of binary coded decimal Variable
digits per word
Number of characters per 10 RCA 301 characters
instruction
Number of instructions per word Variable
Number of instructions decoded 40
Arithmetic System Fixed point
Programmed Floating point
Instruction type Two-address
Number range Limited by size of memory
Instruction word format
+-----------+-------------+-----------+-----------+
| 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 |
+-----------+-------------+-----------+-----------+
| Operation | N Character | A Address | B Address |
| Code | | | |
+-----------+-------------+-----------+-----------+
Automatic coding RCA Narrator - COBOL (COmmon
Business Oriented Language)
BRL 1961, RCA 301, start page 0775
|
A variety of general-purpose service programs are provided.
These include distribution-sorting, trace, memory dump, on-
line input-output service routines, the RCA 301 Interpretar
and the RCA 301
COBOL Narrator.
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Microseconds
Add time (decimal), including 210
instruction acquisition
Programmed multiply time, average 7,800
Transfer instruction 126
Compare 56 to 161
Basic cycle time 7
Arithmetic mode Serial
Timing Synchronous
Operation Concurrent
Above times assumes 6-character fields.
Multiply time assumes average multiplier digit is 5.
STORAGE
No. of Access
Media Char. Microsec
Magnetic Core 20,000 7
Record File Over 4.6 x 106, each 4.25 x 106
The number of words of storage is variable due to variable word
length. The Record File is random access. Up to 5 files may be
used. Access to files is simultaneous.
Magnetic Tape Hi Data tape
Type 580 Tape Station, with Tape Adaptor, records 222
char/inch at 100 inches/sec. The type 581 Tape Station, with
Tape Adaptor, records at 333 char/inch at 100 inches/sec.
No. of units that can be connected 12 Units
No. of chars per linear inch of tape 250 Chars/in
Channels or tracks on the tape 1 Track/tape
Blank tape separating each Inter-Block gaps =
record approx. one inch
Tape speed 30 Inch/sec
Transfer rate 7,500 Chars/sec
Start timeUp to 20 Millisec
Stop time Not exactly established
(overlaps computation)
Average time for experienced 45 Seconds
operator to change reel
Physical properties of tape
Width 1/2 Inches
Length of reel 1,200 Feet
Composition Mylar
INPUT
Media Speed
Punched Paper Tape 100 chars/sec
Punched Cards 600 cards/min
Magnetic Tape See Magnetic Tape
Record File 2,500 char/sec (transfer rate)
OUTPUT
Media Speed
Punched Paper Tape 100 char/sec
Punched Cards 100 cards/min
Magnetic Tape See Magnetic Tape
Record File 2,500 char/sec (transfer rate)
Hi-Speed Printer 600 lines/min (120 char/line)
CIRCUIT ELEMENTS OF ENTIRE SYSTEM
Types
Transistors
3656
3680
Diodes
8510674-D3
Quantity depends on system.
CHECKING FEATURES
Accuracy control is accomplished on the RCA 301 system
by the following methods:
Processor, Models No. 303 and No. 304
Program Control
The following conditions will stop computer operations:
Incorrect parity in memory address register Incorrect
parity in memory register Incorrect parity in
operation register Incorrect parity in N register
Incorrect parity in N R (repeat) register
Input/Output
Any of the following conditions will stop computer operation:
Device not operable or not responding to applicable
computer command Parity error in data received from
input device Non-verification of data sent to an output
device
Paper Tape Reader - Punch Control - Model No. all
The computer is caused to stop whenever any of the following
conditions occur:
Failure to receive the write-verify pulse Incorrect
parity of information being read Characters in a gap
space Reader not following command Punch not
following command
Card Reader Control - Model No. 314
The card is read at two stations and a hole count check
is made. An error will stop the computer, and the Card
Reader.
Punch Card Control - Model No. 315
The cards are automatically read after punching.
On-Line Printer Control - Model No. 316
Signals are returned to the printer control module from the
On-Line Printer, so that corrective measures can be taken
whenever any of the following conditions occur:
BRL 1961, RCA 301, start page 0776
|
Low paper supply
Ribbon failure Printer
motors off Power
supply off
Record File Control - Model No. 317
Any of the following conditions will cause the computer
to stop:
Incorrect parity of address sent to Record File Non-
verified write information Record file not following
command Incorrect parity of information being read
Hi-Data Tape Group Control - Models No. 318 and No.
319
Monitors the write-verify check, the addressverify
parity check, the operability, and the response to commands
of the Hi-Data Tape Group.
Paper Tape Reader-Punch - Model No. 321
The information received at the punch is checked; and when
parity is correct, a write verify pulse is returned to the Paper
Tape Reader-Punch Control.
Card Reader - Model No. 323
Each card is read twice to permit an accuracy check.
On-Line Printer - Model No. 333
Signals are sent to the Computer so that corrective
measures may be taken which cause the Printeroperation to stop
whenever any of the following conditions occur:
Low paper supply Ribbon failure Printer
motor off Printer in non-operable
condition
Card Punch - Model No. 334
The cards are read after punching to permit an accuracy
check of the punched data.
Record File - Model No. 361
Parity check is performed on the information to be
written and on the address received from the Record File
Control for the selection of records.
Hi-Data Tape Group - Model No. 381
Automatic stop of tape at end of reel Write
lockout Write verify Address verify Operable
indication
Record File Mode Control - Model No. 391
Parity checks of data and address are performed.
Simultaneous Mode Control - Model No. 392
Parity checks are performed on SOR and M registers. An
error will stop the computer. However, the other modes will
complete their operation before they stop.
580/581 Adaptor - Model No. 393
The write-verify pulse is received when the headwrite current
is of correct parity. Operability and response to commands are
also checked.
POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND SITE PREPARATION
Estimated Area (Average System)
Data Processing Equipment Area 825 sq ft
Additional Area Consumed by Aisles,
Exits, structural columns and
unusable corners 425 sq ft
Engineering Service 300 sq ft
1,550 sq ft
Above estimate does not include any space for Analysis,
Programming Personnel, Magnetic Tape Reel Library,
Operating Supplies, Air Distribution or Power Equipment.
Estimated Power KW KVA
Data Processing Equipment 25.9 32.2
Engineering Service Requirement 3-55 4.5
----- -----
29.4 36.7
Above power requirement should be 208V, 4-wire system at a
constant voltage to insure proper power for the equipment, and
does not include any power requirements for the computer
system and engineering service area.
Estimated Cooling Tons
Data Processing Equipment Requirement 8.4
Engineering Service Equipment
Requirement 1.0
----
9.4
The above cooling is based on the requirement to remove the
heat dissipated by the equipment. This equipment will give
satisfactory operation in an environment of 72 degrees F
temp. and 50'%, relative humidity.
Estimated Floor Loading
The installed RCA equipment can be placed on a floor which
will support a loading of 100 lbs/sq ft. Most office buildings have
floors that meet this loading requirement.
It must be understood that above estimates are not to be
considered complete or final in any respect. Final
specifications on power, cooling and floor loading will be
issued.
Site Preparation
The layout and installation are very flexible. Site preparation
is a customer responsibility normally accomplished by electrical,
mechanical and structural contractors employed by the
customer in arrangements that are not part of the EDP
equipment purchase lease or service.
State and local laws and regulations require that a professional
engineer or architect take responsibility for preparation of the
site and procurement of necessary permits.
PRODUCTION RECORD
Prototype under construction
Time required for delivery from receipt of order
18 months
BRL 1961, RCA 301, start page 0777
|
COST, PRICE AND RENTAL RATES
RCA 301 Card System
Basic
Selling Price Monthly Rental
1 623 Card Reader 15, 50 350
1 314 Card Reader Control 6,900 130
1 634 Card Punch 8,900 200
1 315 Card Punch Control 13,750 275
1 361 Record File 14,900 300
1 317 Record File Control 6,250 125
1 632 On-Line Printer 32,200 700
1 316 On-Line Printer Control 7,850 150
1 303 Basic Processor (10,000 char.) 89,400 1,750
-------- ------
Total $196,000 $ 3,980
RCA 301 System and Components
1 301 Basic Processor with 20,000 $112,900 $ 2,350
characters of core storage
1 321 Paper Tape Reader/Punch (100 char/sec) 7,800 170
1 311 Paper Tape Control 5,900 120
1 381 HiData Tape Group (6 tape stations 74,900 1,520
7,500 char/sec)
1 318 Hi Data Control 17,900 375
1 391 Record File Mode Control (Permits 32,800 690
simultaneous operation of up to five
Record Files)
1 329 Simultaneous Mode Control (Permits 27,900 590
simultaneous read-write and under some
conditions read-write-compute)
1 393 Tape Station Adaptor Permits use of 15,900 320
22,222 or 33,333 char/sec tape stations)
Equipment lease and service agreements available
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Typical Personnel Required per Shift
One 8-Hour Two 8-Hour Three 8-Hour
Shift Shift Shift
Supervisors 1 1 1
Analysts * * *
Programmers * * *
Coders * * *
Clerks 0.5 0.5 0.5
Librarians 0.5 0.5 0.5
Operators 2 1 1
Engineers 0 0 0
Technicians 0 0 0
In-Output Oper 0.5 0.5 0.5
Tape Handlers 0.5-1.5 0.5-1.5 0.5-1.5
----- ----- -----
Totals 10 7 6
The number of persons working in an RCA 301 EDP
center is dependent upon the work and complexity activity
of the system.
*If it is desired to accelerate the system development and
programming, this area should be augmented until the initial peak
is overcome.
Training made available by manufacturer to users:
RCA offers, without charge, courses in the application and use
of the RCA 301 Transistorized EDP System equipment. RCA will
provide training of personnel or representatives of the users in the
analysis of data processing tasks to be assigned to the equipment,
in the development of procedural systems and of computer
programs, and in the revision and correction of the procedures and
programs developed by trainees.
This training of analysts will be performed at mutually agreed
upon locations beginning 15 days after selection of equipment.
A continuous education program is also available to prospective
users.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Features include:
a. Variable item and record length
b. Building block concept
c. Large internal magnetic core storage for its
size
d. Random access file
e. Low installation cost
System advantages are:
In addition to the library, RCA provides the customer with
an Automatic Assembly System designed to simplify and
therefore expedite the writing of programs.
The system is "machine oriented", i.e., its format is
designed to accept instructions closely analogous to actual
machine instructions.
English language programming (COBOL) will be
available to users of this equipment.
FUTURE PLANS
RCA continues electronic research in support of this system.
INSTALLATIONS
U. S. Navy Administrative Office, EXOS AO, EAD,
EDPB, Washington 25, D. C.
BRL 1961, RCA 501, start page 0778
|
RCA 501
Radio Corporation of America 501
MANUFACTURER
Radio Corporation of America
Electronic Data Processing Division
Photo by Radio Corporation of America
APPLICATIONS
Manufacturer
A general purpose, self checking, readily expandable system in the
intermediate and large-scale performance class. The system design uses the
"building-block" philosophy which results in an expandable, flexible integrated
data processing operation, which can be tailored to the customer's needs at the
time of delivery and expanded whenever future needs require it. The system may
include both on-line and off-line input and output devices in addition to the
Computer with High-Speed Storage. On-line equipments are electrically
connected to the Computer and are controlled by the Computer Program. Off-line
equipments are not electrically connected to the Computer and they are operated
independently of the latter. Both on-line and batch data-processing are available
in the System.
U.S. Naval Propellant Plant
The NPP system located in slag. 749 (JATO Test Area), Naval Propellant
Plant will be an ordinary five-tape digital computer system which will be used
with an Automatic Data Acquisition System on-line to monitor firings of solid
propellant rocket motors and to calculate immediate quick-look parameters to
indicate to monitoring personnel corrective action required. All applications
of the computer will be strictly scientific. It will be used to compute
theoretical specific impulse, experimental specific impulse from ballistic
firings, heat transfer, and burning rate. The tapes to be used in on-line
firings are non-gap type.
Scott Air Force Base
Located in Building 1604 at Scott AFB, Illinois, the system is used for
traffic control, personnel, traffic analysis, manpower authorization accounting,
programmed communications, unit authorization list, and circuit directory.
Air Reserve Records Center
Located at 3800 York Street, Denver 5, Colorado, the system is used for
maintenance of personnel data on USAF reservists, preparing statistical reports
reflecting the reserve military personnel strengths and skills, controlling
military reserve manpower requirements and allocation of skills in the event of
mobilization, preparation and control of questionnaires sent to individual
reservists and to the Selective Service Boards, control of the Reserve Officer
Promotion Act promotion program, preparation of mailing labels for periodicals,
preparation of rosters for personnel assignment control, and determination of
those eligible for discharge and preparation of applicable discharge certificates.
Fidelity-Philadelphia Trust Company
Located at 135 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, the system is now processing
42,000 Special Checking Accounts. On July 1, 1960 accounting for 30,000
Personal Loans will begin. Cut-over of 50,000 Regular Checking Accounts
will begin late this year with completion planned during the first half of 1961.
General Tire and Rubber Company
Located in Akron, Ohio, the system is used for
BRL 1961, RCA 501, start page 0779
|
Photo by Fidelity-Philadelphia Trust Company
billing, inventory control, sales analysis, and accounts
receivable within the Tire Division.
State Farm Life Insurance Company
Located on the 9th Floor at 112 East Washington Street,
Bloomington, I11., the system is used for consolidated records
of life insurance policyholders for purposes of premium billing
and accounting, policy reserve and dividend liability, policy
termination benefits, policy loans, summary accounting and
statistics, agents' compensation and production statistics, budget
setting and compliance reports, unit costs, and actuarial studies.
Electronic Data Processing Division, RCA
Located at Camden, N. J., the computer is used for
justification of engineering change notices, providing technical
information for changes in the field, customer reliability studies,
testing of special features resulting from configuration
modifications, develop long term maintenance techniques,
procedures and techniques, analysis of methods costs, and
debugging service routines, diagnostic routines, and customer
reliability routines.
RCA Electronic Systems Center
Located at the Cherry Hill Plant, RCA Electronic Systems
Center, Merchantville, N. J., the system is used for customer
program testing (preparatory to customers receipt of leased or
purchased system), presentations (demonstration for potential
customers) training (RCA and customer personnel in
programming and operation), and revenue work (data processing for
customers not presently in the market for data processing
equipment of their own).
RCA Service Company-Electronic Data Processing
Sales Department
Located at 1725 "K" Street, N.W., Washington 6, D.C., the
system is used for sales demonstrations, debugging, and
computing and calculating operations for governmental
agencies, commercial and industrial business organizations.
EDPD-New York Electronics System Center
Located at 45 Wall Street, New York, N.Y., the system is
used for a complete back office data processing system for
brokerage firms, national election predictions, and investment
analysis for investment advisory firms.
RCA Astro Electronics Division
Located at Locust Corners, N. J., the system is used for
scientific and engineering investigations, information retrieval,
intelligence processing studies, and electronic production
schedules.
RCA Service Company, EDP Administration
Located at Cherry Hill, Camden S, N. J., the system is used to
conduct theoretical and practical courses in the site utilization of
electronic test equipment for the maintenance of computer
installations, devise special methods whereby sub-moduals are
tested in order for instructors and trainees to develop new test
methods for the computer and peripheral
BRL 1961, RCA 501, start page 0780
|
Two RCA 501 Systems Photo by New York Electronic Systems Center
equipment, and conduct computer courses of instruction to develop trainees
ability to interrogate the logic of the equipment.
Ordnance Weapons Command
Located at the Headquarters, Ordnance Weapons Command, Rock Island, Ill.,
the system is used by the National Inventory Control Point for supply
management of Ordnance materiel, major weapon components and spare parts,
by the Production Equipment Agency for inventory management of Army
owned production equipment, by the Rock Island Ordnance Depot for stock
accounting, by the Rock Island Arsenal for production, planning, scheduling,
and control and the performance of reporting and comptroller activities and by
the NICP for cataloging.
Atlantic City Electric Company
The system, located at Accounting and Data Processing Center, Egg
Harbor Township, N. J., is used for Customers Accounting - includes
preparation of bills and centralized receivable operation, Payrollincludes all
normal payroll functions and labor and automotive cost distribution, and
Stores Accountingincludes maintenance of master files of material and
supplies, pricing of material used, application of overheads and cost
distribution of material and supplies consumed. Other applications will
follow.
Ordnance Ammunition Command
Located at the Ordnance Ammunition Command, Joliet,
I11., the system is used for scientific and engineer-
ing applications pertinent to the reliability assur-
ance program for ammunition and special weapons.
Raytheon Company - Missile Systems Division
Located at the Raytheon Company, Andover Plant, Andover, Mass., the
system is used for engineering documentation, generation breakdown and
parts list, with changes, and for major item repair parts list provisioning.
PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Manufacturer
Internal number system Binary
Binary digits/word Variable
Characters/instruction 8 (Octal equivalent)
Instructions/word Variable
Instructions decoded 49
Arithmetic system Fixed point (Programming tech-
niques make floating point fea-
tures available
Instruction type Two address
Number range No limit (Depends on number of
characters in the memory)
Instruction word format
+------+---------+------+---------+
| X | XXX | X | XXX |
+------+---------+------+---------+
| Op | "A" | N | "B" |
| Code | Address | Char | Address |
+------+---------+------+---------+
Automatic codingAutomatic Assembler
RCA Narrator (COBOL)
Registers and B-boxesIncluded
Decimal. information is automatically decoded during input to its octal
equivalent. It is stored in memory in binary form.
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Manufacturer
Due to variable word length feature, time depends on "n". Storage access
is 15 microseconds for characters.
All time is in microseconds.
Addition Time
Decimal 15n1 + 45n2 + 30n3 + 90
Binary 45n
where
nl =total number of spaces and/or minus characters
found to the right of both operands
n2 = number of digits in the shorter operand
n3 = difference in number of digits of the operands
Fornegative sums, add 30(n + 1) + 15 where n =
number of digits in the sum.
n =number of characters in augend for binary
addition
Multiplication Time (Microseconds)
Decimal 15 [110 + (12n1 + 32) n2 ] + 15n3, for
nl > 0 and n2 > 0
BRL 1961, RCA 501, start page 0781
|
Photo by Atlantic City Electric Company
15 (n2+n3+3), for
nl = 0 and n2 > 0
15 (nl + n3 + 3), for
n2 = 0 and nl > 0
15 (n3 + 3), for
nl = 0 and n2 = 0 (Item Separator
Symbol alone or all spaces plus I.S.S.) where
nl = number of digits in multiplicand
n2 = number of digits in multiplier
n3 = total number of spaces (including sign)
and/or minuses to the right of
the least significant digits of the operands
Division Time (Microseconds)
Decimal 15 [ 261 - 7n2 + 15n2(nl-n2)+41] +15n3
for nl > n2
15 (3n1+ n2+ 12) + 15n3 for
nl < n2
15 (n2 + 7) + 15n3, for
nl = 0 (i.e ., the dividend
where missing)
nl = number of digits in the dividend
n2 --number of digits in the divisor
n3 = total number of spaces (including sign) and or minuses to
the right of the least significant digits of the operands
The figures below serve to indicate general relative speed. For a
specific case the formulas can be applied (Microseconds).
Add 240 to 420
Multiply 1,900 to 9,600
Divide 1,300 to 2,400
BRL 1961, RCA 501, start page 0782
|
Photo by U.S. Army Ordnance Ammunition Command
Construction
Transistors 135
Diodes 400
Magnetic Cores 4,096 one matrix)
Magnetic Cores 114,688 one module)
No tubes are used
Arithmetic mode Serial
Timing Synchronous
Operation Concurrent
Operands may be any length that does not exceed
memory size.
STORAGE
Manufacturer
No. of No. of Access
Media Words Digits Microsec
Magnetic Core Variable 262,144 (max) 15 (4-char)
Magnetic Tape
No. of units that can be connected 62 Units
No. of chars/linear inch 333.33 ms's/inch
Channels or tracks on the tape 16 Tracks/tape
Blank tape separating each record 0.34 Inches
Tape speed Approx 100 Inches/sec
Transfer rate 22,222 33,333 66,666 Chars/sec
Start time 3.5 Millisec
Stop time 2.5 Millisec
Average time for experienced
operator to change reel 45 sec or less
Physical properties of tape
Width 3/4 Inches
Length of reel 2,400 Feet
Composition Mylar Base
U.S. Naval Propellant Plant
Access
Medium No. of Chars Microsec
Magnetic Core32,768 chars or15 microsec/
65,536 octal digitschar
The magnetic core memory can be expanded to
262,144 locations. A random access drum with 1.5
million characters is optional equipment. In certain
instructions, four characters may be brought out in
parallel with a total access time of 15 microseconds,
i.e. 15/4 microseconds per character. There is no
"word" concept in this computer. It is a variable
word length computer.
Scott Air Force Base
No. of Access
Medium Chars Microsec
Magnetic Core 16,384 15
BRL 1961, RCA 501, start page 0783
|
Photo by Raytheon Manufacturing Company
Mitchel Air Force Base
Medium No. of Chars Access Microsec
Magnetic Core 32,768 15
Expandable from 16,384 to 65,536 character loca-
tions in steps of 16,384 character locations.
Fidelity-Philadelphia Trust Company
Media No. of Char Access Microsec
Magnetic Core 16,384 15
Magnetic Tapes 9,000,000 per reel 30
General Tire and Rubber Company
Medium No. of Char Access Microsec
Magnetic Core 65,152 15
State Farm Life Insurance Company
Medium No. of Char Access Microsec
Magnetic Core 49,152 15
Electronic Data Processing Division, RCA
MediumNo. of CharAccess Microsec
Magnetic Core 65,536 15
EDPD - New York Electronics System Center
Medium No. of Char Access Microsec
Core 65,536 15
RCA Astro Electronics Division
Media Random Access File High Speed
Storage (Core Memory)
RCA Service Company, EDP Administration
Medium No. of Char
Magnetic Core Variable
Ordnance Weapons Command
Media No. of CharAccess Microsec
Magnetic Tape 65,536 15
Magnetic tape for bulk storage.
Atlantic City Electric Company
Media No. of Char Access Microsec
Magnetic Core 16,384 15
Magnetic Tape 9,400,000 30
Reading from tape potentially simultaneous opera
tion
Ordnance Ammunition Command
MediumNo. of CharAccess Microsec
Magnetic Core Type 32,768 15
Raytheon Company - Missile Systems Division
Medium No. of CharAccess Microsec
Magnetic Core Dory 32,968 15
Octal numbering system makes this memory comparable to systems with
much larger memory capacities.
BRL 1961, RCA 501, start page 0784
|
Photo by Air Reserve Records Center
INPUT
Manufacturer
Media Speed
Paper Tape (Read) Approx 1,000 char/sec
Magnetic Tape 22,222 33,333 66,666 char/sec
File Control Approx 18,700 char/sec
On-Line Card Buffer Up to 33,333 char/sec
U. S. Naval Propellant Plant
Paper Tape 1,000 char/sec
Magnetic Tape 33,333 char/sec
Speeds of 22 KC or 66KC are other options.
Magnetic tape start-stop time is 3.5 milliseconds.
Up to 62 magnetic tape stations can be connected on-
line. Information is recorded twice on the magnetic
tape for accuracy control purposes.
Scott Air Force Base
Paper Tape 1,000 char/sec
Magnetic Tape 33,000 char/sec
Mitchel Air Force Base
Paper Tape (7 channel) 1,000 char/sec
On-line equipment
Magnetic Tape 33,000 char/sec
2300' usable tape per reel
Cards 400 cards/min
Off-line transcription
Punched paper tape density is 10 char/in.
Magnetic tape density is 333 1/3 char/in.
Fidelity-Philadelphia Trust Company
Media Speed
Punched Paper Tape1,000 char/sec
Add Punches have been greatly improved by refine
ments made recently by the manufacturer (Friden).
General Tire and Rubber Company
Paper Tape 1,000 char/sec
Speed excludes time required to pass gaps.
State Farm Life Insurance Company
Magnetic Tar (8)33,333 cue'/sec
Paper Tape ) 1,000 char/sec
Electronic Data Processing Division, RCA
Paper Tape 1,000 char/sec
Magnetic Tape 33 KC
RCA Electronic Systems Center
Paper Tape 1,000 char/sec
7 level code variable word length
Magnetic Tape 33,333 cue'/sec
3/4" mylar 7 level code w/parity parallel dual
recording.
RCA Service Company - E D P Sales Dept.
Magnetic Tape
7 channel Paper Ta
EAM Cards (80 Cole
EDPD - New York Electronics System Center
Paper Tape 1,000 char/sec
Magnetic Tape 33 KC
BRL 1961, RCA 501, start page 0785
|
High Speed Magnetic Core Storage Photo by Air Reserve Records Center
RCA Astro Electronics Division
Media Speed
Cards
Paper Tape
Magnetic Tape
RCA Service Company, EDP Administration
Magnetic Tape
7 channel Paper Tape
EAM Cards (80 Col.)
Ordnance Weapons Command
Magnetic Tape 33,333 cue'/sec
Completed variable item of record length
Paper Tape 1,000 char/sec
On-line
Punch Cards 400 cards/min
Off-line
Magnetic tape speed - 100 inches/sec, packing at
333 1/3 chars/inch. Dual recording. Approximately
2400 ft per reel. Read reverse.
Atlantic City Electric Company
Punched Paper Tape1,000 char/sec
Magnetic Tape 33,000 char/sec
7 level code (even parity) on 1 inch paper tape
Ordnance Ammunition Command
Paper Tape 1,000 char/sec
Magnetic Tape 33,000 char/sec
Raytheon Company - Missile Systems Division
Magnetic Tape 33,000 char/sec
3.5 mil sec start - stop time
Paper Tape Reader 1,000 char/sec
On-line
Card Reader 400 cards/min
Off-line
OUTPUT
Manufacturer
Media Speed
Magnetic Tape Approx 16,667 22,222 33,333 66,666
char/sec
File Control Unit Approx 18,700 char/sec
On-line Printing Up to 900 lines/min (120 chars)
Monitor Printing Up to 10 char/sec
On-line Card Buffer up to 33,333 char/sec
Paper Tape (Punch) Up to 100 char/sec
U.S. Naval Propellant Plant
Paper Tape 10 char/sec
Monitor Printer 10char/sec
Magnetic Tape 33,000char/sec
Scott Air Force Base
High Speed Printer600 lines/min
Magnetic Tape 33,000char/sec
Card Punch 150 cards/min
Mitchel Air Force Base
High Speed Printer600 lines/min
Off-line equipment. 120 characters per line.
Computer Monitor Printer10 char/sec
On-line electric typewriter
Magnetic Tape 33,000 char/sec
Used with EMP off line or subsequent operation
Punched paper tape can be produced with simultan
eous operation of Monitor Printer.
BRL 1961, RCA 501, start page 0786
|
Random Access Drum Storage Photo by Air Reserve Records Center
Fidelity-Philadelphia Trust Company
Media Speed
High Speed Printer600 lines/min
Dorm time bas been negligible
General Tire and Rubber Company
High Speed Printer600 lines/min
On-line
Magnetic Tape 33-3 KC
Monitor Printer 10 char/sec
State Farm Life Insurance Company
Magnetic Tape (8)33,333 cue'/sec
On Line Printer 600 lines/min
120 char/line
Monitor Typewriter 10 char/sec
Paper Tape 10 char/sec
Electronic Data Processing Division, RCA
Card. 150 cards/min
Magnetic Tape 33 KC
Monitor Printer (Flexowriter) 600 char/min
RCA Electronic Systems Center
Magnetic Tape
ELectro-Mechanical Printer
Monitor Printer
RCA Service Company - EDP Sales Dept.
Magnetic Tape
Paper Tape - (7) channel
FAN Cards
Monitor Printer
High Speed Printer
EDPD - New York Electronics System Center
Media Speed
Magnetic Tape 33 KC
Electro Mechanical Printer -600 lines/min
On Line
Electro Mechanical Printer -600-900 lines/min
Off Line
RCA Astro Electronics Division
Card
Magnetic Tape
On Line Printer
RCA Service Company, EDP Administration
Magnetic Tape
Paper Tape ) Channel
EM Cards
Monitor Printer (Flexowriter)
High Speed Printer
Ordnance Weapons Command
Magnetic Tape 33,333 char/sec
Punch Cards 150 cards/min
Off-Line
Hard Copy 600 lines/min
Off-Line 120 char/line
Tape speed is 16,667 char/sec if destined for the
Transcribing Card Punch.
Atlantic City Electric Company
Magnetic Tape 30 microsec/char
Printer (off line)600 lines/min-Alpha Numeric
900 lines/min-Numeric only
Punched Paper Tape100 char/sec
BRL 1961, RCA 501, start page 0787
|
Magnetic Tape Storage Photo by Air Reserve Records Center
Ordnance Ammunition Command
Media Speed
Monitor Printer 10 char/sec
On-Line Printer 600 lines/min
Magnetic Tape 33,000 char/sec
A printer line consists of 120 characters.
Raytheon Company - Missile Systems Division
On-line Printer600 lines/min
Card Punch (Off-line) 150 cards/min
Magnetic Tape33,000 char/sec
Monitor Printer10 char/sec
(Part of Console)
CIRCUIT ELEMENTS OF ENTIRE SYSTEM
Type
Transistors
2N583
2N269
2N585
2N270
2N579
2N301
2N586
2N581
2N247
2N301
2N277
2N469
Diodes
1N97
1N270
1N91
Quantity depends on System.
CHECKING FEATURES
Accuracy Control is assured in the RCA 501 System by the
following methods:
Computer - Model No. 503
Program Control The following Program Control
conditions cause the Computer to stop:
Incorrect parity in memory address register (3
characters)
Incorrect parity in memory register (4 characters)
Arithmetic unit malfunction
Incorrect parity in output of bus adder
Incorrect parity in normal operation register
Incorrect transfer of operation from normal to
simultaneous mode
Time pulse generator malfunction
Malfunction of previous result indication
Illegal operand in decimal operation
Automatic Rerun
When selected, incorrect parity detected on reading from
magnetic tape will automatically cause entrance to a routine
which will back up the tape and re-read it. The computer will
stop if incorrect parity is detected on re-reading.
Input-Output
The following input-output conditions cause the computer
to stop:
Tape station reading extra bits in the gap
Missing timing bit when reading a character from the tape
station
Tape station does not obey control signals
Odd number of characters from paper tape block read
Incorrect parity from tape read (see automatic re-run)
Incorrectly selected tape
Incorrect start message - end message sequence
Incorrect parity at the output of computer write buffer or
absence of Write-Verify signal from tape station
Incorrect paper tape parity
On-line printer not operable
On-line Printer paper supply low
Tape Station - Model No. 581
Remote lockout
Local lockout
Inoperable indication
Automatic stopping of tape at end of reel
Write lockout
Write verify
Write-to-read switching time
Dual Recording
BRL 1961, RCA 501, start page 0788
|
Punched Card Input Photo by Air Reserve Records Center
On-Line Printer - Model No. 533
The printer operation stops automatically under the
following conditions, and signals are sent to the computer in
order that corrective measures may be taken:
Low paper
supply
Printer Unit inoperative (Motor switch is off or ribbon
is inoperative)
A visual indication is given of the number of lines
printed
Off-Line Printer - Model No. 535
Provisions are made for corrective measures to be taken
when the following conditions occur:
Failure to print in a selected colon or printing in an un-
selected column (Print Error)
Low paper
supply
Line
overflow
Incorrect parity
Tape station inoperative
Printer unit inoperative
A visible indication is given of the number of lines printed
or the number of messages printed depending on the plugboard
connections.
Card Transcriber - Model No. 527
The following conditions initiate stopping of the
equipment:
Incorrect parity at the input or output of the
Card Editor or at the output of the Card Reader Incorrect
SM, EM sequence Tape station inoperable Failure of write-
verify check Failure of comparison check Failure of multi-
punch check Input hopper empty or output hopper full E
T W (End Tape Warning)
Card Reader - Model No. 528 The following conditions initiate
stopping of the equipment: Incorrect parity at the output of
the Card Reader Tape station inoperable Failure of "Write
Verify" check Failure of comparison check Input hopper
empty or output hopper full E T W (End Tape Warning)
Transcribing Card Punch - Model No. 537 The following
conditions cause stopping of the equipment: Incorrect
parity at the input or output of the Electronic Unit Storage
Incorrect SM - EM sequence Incorrect punching check
Input hopper empty or output hopper full Tape station
inoperable
BRL 1961, RCA 501, start page 0789
|
Punched Card Output Photo by Air Reserve Records Center
Card Punch - Model No. 538
The following conditions cause the machine to stop:
Incorrect punching
End file
End
data
Feed failure
Output hopper full
Tape station inoperable
Tapewriter - Model No. 523
A parity check is included, which assures correct parity of all characters
punched into the paper tape.
Detection of incorrect parity by. the parity check mechanism will lock the
keyboard and the Check Indicator will be illuminated until the Code Delete
Key is depressed.
Simultaneous depression of two keys will neither print nor punch
either character.
Tapewriter-Verifier - Model No. 525
Same as above.
Computer Punch - Yodel No. 512-5 and No. 512-7 Computer Punch -
Model No. 513-5 and No. 513-7
Information and control signals required to control the computer punch are
derived from the computer. The required electrical returns from the computer
punch to the computer are produced by the computer punch. Parity is checked at
the computer punch; if
incorrect parity is detected, the computer will stop and an indicator lamp on
the computer console will light.
POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND SITE PREPARATION
Manufacturer
Power, system 5.6 Kw 230v 8.O KVA 24,200 Btu/hr
Power, computer 1.5 Kw 115-120v 2.1 KVA
(excl high speed stor)
Volume occupied 300 cu ft
Area occupied 64 sq ft
Room size 375 sq ft
Floor loading 13 lbs/sq ft, distributed
78 lbs/sq ft, concentrated
Weight, computer 5,000 lbs, total
Site preparation
The layout and installation criteria are flexible for the RCA 501 EDP System.
Site preparation is a customer responsibility normally accomplished by
electrical, mechanical and structural contractors employed by the customer in
arrangements that are not part of the EDP equipment purchase lease or service.
State and local laws and regulations require that a professional engineer or
architect take responsibility for preparation of the site and procurement of
necessary permits. RCA engineers are avail
BRL 1961, RCA 501, start page 0790
|
On-line Printer Photo by Air Reserve Records Center
able to assist the customer in the installation p8.
U.S. Naval Propellant Plant
Power, computer 13.6 Kw 15.6 KVA, including tape
stations and other peripheral equipment
Power, air conditioner 22 Kw 27.5 KVA
Volume, computer system 770 cu ft
Volume, air conditioner1,000 cu ft
Area, computer system 98 sq ft
Area, air conditioner 100 sq ft
Rom size, computer 27 ft x 27 ft
Room size, maintenance 17 ft x 13 ft
Room size, sir conditioner 13 ft x 8 ft
Capacity, air conditioner 20 Tons
Air conditioner includes ADA system
Weight, system 10,000 lbs
Weight, air conditioner 2,000 lbs
Raised floor for cable runs, false ceilings, sir conditioning
through ducts in ceiling; existing build
ing is earth-covered reinforced concrete; modifications required
removing existing partitions, some electrical and other utility
services but essentially no external modifications; power
distribution new: 37-5 KVA single phase 2400/4160, 120/24ov
transformer.
Scott Air Force Base
Power, entire system 32.5 Kw 42.5 KVA
Volume, computer11,664 cu ft
Volume, sir conditioner6,048 cu ft
Area, computer1,296 sq ft
Area, air conditioner504 sq ft
Room size, computer 36 ft x 36 ft x 9 ft
Room size, sir conditioner 28 ft x 18 ft x 12 ft
Capacity, air conditioner40 Tons; 10 Tons re-
quired for computer system
Weight, computer 13,300 lbs, total comput-
er and components
Installed false ceiling, raised floor, and power requirements
used existing room.
Mitchel Air Force Base
Model Equipment Recommended Weight Concentrated Distributed Opera- Max Prop BTU/Hr
No. Description Area Facility Area Lbs. Loading Loading tional Kw KVA KVA
Sq Ft Sq Ft Lbs/Sq FtLbs/Sq Ft 208/120
503 Computer 64.0 3755,000 78 13 7.1 10.1 8.0/2.1 24,200
523 Tapewriter & 22.0 50 185 8.4 3.7 0.2 0.25 685
Table
581 Tape Station 6.2 25 900 145 36 1.1 1.3 3,750
561-2 High Speed 23.6 110 1,500 127 27 3.0 4.32.9/1.4 10,240
Storage
(The above items are located in the computer area)
535 Electro-Mech- 20.4 125 1,500 73 12 4.9 6.15.6/.5 16,750
anical Printer
527 Card Transcriber 21.6 140 1,500 7011. 5.6 7.1 6.3/.8 19,800
(The printer and card equipment are located in 800 sq ft area adjacent to computer)
BRL 1961, RCA 501, start page 0791
|
Assembly of Miniature Components Photo by Air Reserve Records Center
The building type is brick construction, cement floors with
asphalt tile. The ceiling is acoustical panel suspended from
wooden roof trusses. The basic modifications made for the
computer included a raised all metal floor with 1/8" vinyl covering
(Modular 4' x 2' floor panels), an inclosure of the entire computer
area with movable steel partitions (Type "CC Accoustiwall" by E.
F. Hauserman Company), and an addition of a separate air
conditioner for the computer area (27 linear diffusers each 48" x
12" 195 cfm with 4" throw.) (Unit is Carrier type 39u11. Electro
static air cleaner is Minneapolis Honeywell Model F22, No. 208
(Type C washing). Two condensing units, each with 325,000
BTU/hr at 105OF capacity (Carrier type 5H40 compressors.).
Installation of electrical circuits of data processing
equipment included a new main power distribution panel board
with main feeders No. 4 350 MCM type RH and No. 1 1/0
ground wire, 3 1/2" conduit to trans. vault. Additional wiring
circuits for air conditioning equipment and office lighting were
also installed.
The original ceilings in the computer area were removed and
installation of AMC metal pan (perforated) acoustic ceiling
with metal attenuation pan was made. The suspension system
was "Kemp" and the material was glass fiber sound insulating
pads with minimum NRC of 0.85. The ceiling in the input-
output area has the plenum above the whole area. The
entire ceiling acts as a diffuser. This ceiling has no insulation and
no attenuation pan. The raised floor serves as air return to air
conditioner. The air conditioning equipment was placed on
raised concrete floor (5000 No., 2 1/2" min over ribbed steel
deck.)
Fidelity-Philadelphia Trust Company
Power, computer26.6 Kw 34.3 KVA 0.77 Pf
Power, air conditioner42.53 Kw 49.48 KVA 0.862 pf
Volume, computer 13,016 cu ft
Volume, sir conditioner 4,933 cu ft
Area, computer 1,62T sq ft
Area, sir conditioner 592 sq ft
Floor loading 200 lbs/sq ft
1,000 concen max
Capacity, air conditioner30 Tons
Weight, computer 2,000 lbs
Weight, sir conditioner11,600 lbs
Weight, total 15,200 lbs
Plenum chambers, perforated metal ceiling, Belair flooring,
storm windows, stainless steel framed viewing window, special
power lines.
General Tire and Rubber Company
Volume, computing system12,800 cu ft
Area, computing system1,600 sq ft
Capacity, air conditioner 20 Tons
False ceiling, raised floor, wall insulation, wiring installation of
two 10-Ton air conditioning units, partitioning, painting, etc.
BRL 1961, RCA 501, start page 0792
|
Modular Assembly of Miniature Components Photo by Air Reserve Records Center
State Farm Life Insurance Company
Power, computer 28.5 Kw 33.5 KVA
Area, computer 1,496 sq ft
Room size Irregular
Weight, air conditioner16,200 lbs
Capacity, air conditioner Two 5 Ton units
One 10 Ton unit
Conventional wall to "room off" area. 20 Tons of
supplementary air conditioning. Cables run between
floor and dropped ceiling (already there) of rooms
below. Necessary ducting was added for air condition-
ing.
Electronic Data Processing Division, RCA
Power, computer only 7.1 Kw 10.1 KVA, max
Area, computer 220 sq ft
Room size required 2,000 sq ft
Weight, computer and all peripheral 20,110 lbs
Capacity, air conditioner 30 Tons
Air conditioning is chilled water system. False
flooring is used.
RCA Electronic Systems Center
Power, computer 7.1 Kw 10.1 KVA 0.7 Pf
Power, sir conditioner 100 Kw 50 KVA
Area, computer 64 sq ft
Area, air conditioner 360 sq ft
Room size, computer 375 sq ft
Room size, air conditioner 400 sq ft
Floor loading 13 lbs/sq ft
78 lbs concen max
Capacity, air conditioner 70 Tons
Weight, computer 5,000 lbs
Weight, sir conditioner 90 lbs/sq ft
Site preparation requirements include false floor
raceways for cable, carpeting, building brick - fire-
proof, and false ceiling plenum chamber for forced
air system.
RCA Service Company - E D P Sales Dept.
Power, computer 65 Kw 85 KVA 0.77 Pf
Set up for 2 system - only one now in use
Power, air conditioner 60 Kw78 KVA 0.77 pf
Set up for 2 system - only one now in use
Vole, computer 2,430 cu ft
Volume, air conditioner13,500 cu ft
Area, computer 441 sq ft
Area, air conditioner1,350 sq ft
Room size, computer 38 ft x 100 ft
Room size, air conditioner 20 ft x 75 ft
Floor loading 13 lbs/sq ft
900 lbs concen max
145 lbs/sq ft max
Capacity, air conditioner 60 Tons + 30 Tons standby
Weight, computer 43,500 lbs
Weight, air conditioner 13,620 lbs
Site preparation requirements include seven (7)
inch raised floor for cable distribution, acoustical
tile false ceiling and complete automatic C02 fire
extinguishing system with central control panel in-
dication.
RCA Astro Electronics Division
Power, sir conditioner20 HP
Volume, computer 15,000 cu ft
Volume, air conditioner1,350cu ft
(with plenum)
Area, computer 90 sq ft
Area, sir conditioner 90 sq ft
Room size 1,000sq ft
Capacity, air conditioner 20 Tons
Weight 20 Ton Worthington Unit
RCA Service Company, EDP Administration
Power, computer 7.1 Kw10.1 KVA
Area, computer 64 sq ft
Room size 375 sq ft
Floor loading 13 lbs/sq ft
BRL 1961, RCA 501, start page 0793
|
Automatically Printed Wiring Photo by Air Reserve Records Center
Floor loading 78 lbs concen max
Weight, computer 5,000 lbs
Site preparation requirements include raised floor, increased air
conditioning, ceiling to floor partitioning for classrooms, and
acoustical tile false ceiling. Air conditioning is an extension of
the building air conditioner.
Ordnance Weapons Command
Power, computer 31.9 Kw 40.25 KVA
230V ¤ 10'%, 60 cycle
Power, air conditioner 6o.5 Kw
Volume, computer 1,082 cu ft
Vole, air conditioner 5,600 cu ft
Area, computer 209 sq ft
Area, air conditioner 800 sq ft
Room size, computer 3,652 sq ft
Room size, air conditioner 1,600 sq ft
80 x 20 x 10 ft
Floor loading 113 lbs/sq ft
200 lbs concen max
Capacity, air conditioner84 Tons
Weight, computer 23,500 lbs
Weight, air conditioner12,000 lbs
Space can accommodate twice the complement now
installed. Figures are for full complement, including off line
equipment.
Converted loft type warehouse, reinforced concrete
construction. False floor installed to permit all cabling under the
floor. Concrete block interior walls except Tape Library which
has semi-permanent steel walls. False ceiling, metal, sound
absorbing, under concrete ceiling. Extension of bus ducts from
4th floor to 1st floor (¤ 65 ft). Equipment itself requires 24
tons of air-conditioning. Balance is for latent and ambient heat
for a total of 24,000 sq ft area.
Atlantic City Electric Company
Power, computer 7.1 Kw 10.1 KVA
Volume, computer 320 cu ft
Area, computer 64 sq ft
Room size, computer 375 sq ft
Floor loading 13 lbs/sq ft
78 lbs concen max
Weight, computer 5,000 lbs
Air conditioner is part of general conditioning
system for entire building.
Computer installed in new buildings whose design in-
cluded necessary structural considerations.
Ordnance Ammunition Command
Power, computer 74.1 Kw 90.5 KVA
Power, air conditioner 71.9 Kw
Vole, computer 8,160 cu ft
Vole, air conditioner 907 cu ft
(includ condensers, cooling tower & air filter)
Area, computer 280.20 sq ft
Area, air conditioner 120 sq ft
Room size, computer 1,600 sq ft
Room size, air conditioner343 sq ft
Floor loading 513.60 lbs/sq ft
3,112.20 lbs concen max
Capacity, sir conditioner50 Tons
Weight, computer 17,600 lbs
Weight, air conditioner 12,162 lbs
Required installation of pedestal type floor painted
combustible walls with fire retardant paintmodified air
conditioner ducts to channel return air thru electro dust filter.
BRL 1961, RCA 501, start page 0794
|
Standardized Modules Photo by Air Reserve Records Center
Raytheon Company - Missile Systems Division
Power, computer 30.25 Kw 38.9 KVA (Complete System)
Power, air conditioner 23 Kw
Volume, computer 21,600 cu ft
Volume, air conditioner12,480 cu ft
Area, computer2,160 sq ft
Area, air conditioner1,060 sq ft
Room size, computer40 ft x 54 ft
Room size, air conditioner (47 ft 4 in) x (22 ft 4 in)
Floor loading100 lbs/sq ft
100,000 lbs concen max
Capacity, air conditioner 20 Tons
450 cfm per ton
Weight, computer 16,200 lbs
Weight, air conditioner 5,000 lbs
Exterior walls are filled concrete blocks, plastered and covered
with "Kalistron".
Interior partition is floor to ceiling metal and glass
partitions.
Windows are existing metal frame windows removed and
space filled with glass blocks.
Ceilings are hung metal pan type with glass wool insulation.
Also included flush type fluorescent lighting, supply and return
air diffusers.
Floors are aluminum and tile raised floor as manufactured by
"Lisky".
Protection of tape library is accomplished by an automatic CO
flooding system. Remainder of area is protected-by a combustion
sensitive "pyralarm" which opens power circuit to computer
equipment and air conditioning system and signals alarm adjacent
to the room and in Main Guard House.
Power distribution is by main feed panel in computer room
through cables under raised floor to each piece of equipment.
The air conditioning equipment is housed in a room built into
a monitor centered over the main floor, outside and to the north
of the computer area. Exterior walls and flooring are made up of
metal partitions as manufactured by "Mahon". Interior flooring
is made up of 2" x 6" matched boards. All construction is for a four
hour fire protection as requested by F. I. A.
PRODUCTION RECORD
Number produced to date 24
Number in current operation 16
Time required for delivery12 months
COST, PRICE AND RENTAL RATES
Basic System Sales Price
1 503 Computer $ 257,000
1 561-1 Hi-Speed Storage (16,384 char) 120,000
6 581 Tape Stations (33,333 char'/sec) 29,700 ea
1 523 Tapewriter 3,300 ea
1 525 Tapewriter-Verifier 4,500 ea
1 533 On-Line Printer 60,000 ea
1 580 Tape Station (22,222 char/sec $ 25,190
1 582 Tape Station (66,666 char/sec;
1 535 Off-Line Printer (600 lines/sec
1 561-2 High-Speed Storage (32,768 char
1 561-3 High-Speed Storage (49,152 char
1 561-4 High-Speed Storage (65,536 char
1 543 Tape Selecting Unit (additional 8 sta)
1 595 Tape Selecting Unit (additional 16 sta)
1 527 Card Transcriber (400 cards/min)
1 528 Card Reader (400 cards/min)
1 537 Transcribing Card Punch (150 cards/min)
1 538 Card Punch (150 cards/min)
1 567 Random Access File (1,500,000 char)
1 560/597 File Control & Power Units $ 110,000
1 512-5/7 On-Line Paper Tape Punch
(100 char/sec) 17,200
1 513-5/7 On-Line Paper Tape Punch
(300 char/sec) 38,700
1 551 On-Line Card Buffer
1 523 Tapewriter
1 525 Tapewriter-Verifier
547-6 Tape Switching Unit 11,800
BRL 1961, RCA 501, start page 0795
|
Quan Model Basic System Monthly Rental
1 503 Computer $ 5,400
1 561-1 Hi-Speed Storage (16,384 char) 2,400
6 581 Tape Stations3,333 char/sec) 550 ea
1 523 Tapewriter 110 ea
1 525 Tapewriter-Verifier 150 ea
1 533 On-Line Printer 1,300 ea
1 580 Tape Station (22,222char/sec $ 465
1 582 Tape Station (66,666char/sec)
1 535 Off-Line Printer (600 lines/min
1 561-2 High-Speed Storage(32,768 char
1 561-3 High-Speed Storage49,152 char
1 561-4 High-Speed Storage65,536 char)
1 543 Tape Selecting Unitadditional 8 stations)
1 545 Tape Selecting Unitadditional 16 stations)
1 527 Card Transcriber(400 cards/min)
1 528 Card Reader (400 cards/min)
1 537 Transcribin Card Punch (150 cards/min)
1 538 Card Punch ?150 cards/min)
1 567 Random Access File (1,500,000 char)
1 560/597 File Control & Power Units 1,525
1 512-5/7 On-Line Paper Tape Punch (100 char/sec 400
1 513-5/7 On-Line Paper Tape Punch (300 char/sec) 900
1 551 On-Line Card Buffer
1 523 Tapewriter
1 525 Tapewriter-Verifier
1 547-6 Tape Switching Unit 300
Maintenance and service contracting benefits:
Industrial Specialists
Debugging Time Allowed
Standard Programs
General Backup
Executive Orientation
U. S. Naval Propellant Plant Monthly
Price Rental
One 503Computer$257,000 $ 5,400
One 561-2High Speed Storage 177,000 3,400
Five 581Magnetic Tape 14$,500 2,750
Stations
One Tapewriter Verifier 4.500 150
Total $587,000 $11,700
Scott Air Force Base One 503 Computer, one 561-1
High speed storage, five 581 Tape stations, one 533 On-line
printer, and one 538 Card punch rents for a total of $13,850
per month. A 5 to 7 channel tape to tape converter and a
PCAM card to 7 channel tape converter caused a one-time cost
of $6,790. Maintenance and service is included in rental.
Mitchel Air Force Base
The Air Reserve Records Center system consists of
Model Description
1 503 Computer, less High Speed Storage Unit
(Includes Program Control, Console, Paper
Tape Reader, Monitor Printer, Tape Select-
ing and Buffer Unit - A (eight trunks and
Power Supply).
1 561-2High Speed Storage (32,768 characters)
10 581 Tape Station, 33,333 char/sec
1 535Electro-Mechanical Printer (Off line 600
lines/min)
1 527Card Transcriber
For sales and rental prices, see page 16 of GSA Contract
No. GS-OOS-23296.
Fidelity-Philadelphia Trust Company System rents at
$16,150 per month, including maintenance.
General Tire and Rubber Company Computer, console, 8
tape stations, paper tape reader, on-line printer and 2
tapewriters rent at approx $16,ooo.
State Farm Life Insurance Company 503 Computer, 561-
3 High Speed Storage, eight 581 tape stations, 533 High speed
printer, six 523 Tapewriters, twenty-four 525 Tapewriter-
Verifier, rents at $19,760 per month. Two 527 Card
Transcribers and a 5971 Tapewriter Reader, temporary for
conversion period, rent at $4,550 and $160 per month. Rental
includes maintenance.
Electronic Data Processing Division, RCA System
configuration is as follows:
503 Computer
561-4 High Speed Memory
Paper Tape Reader
Monitor Printer
581 (8 Tape Stations
547-6 (6)Tape Switching Unit
537Transcribing Card Punch
527 Card Transcriber
RCA Electronic Systems
Center
Cost of basic system $586,000
Cost of additional equipment$1,359,800
Rental rate for basic system$11,850 per month
Rental rate for additional
equipment $26,570 per month
Maintenance and service contracting is included in
rental.
RCA Service Company - E D P Sales Dept. System
includes one 503 Computer, one 543 Tape Selector, one 561-4
High Speed Storage, twelve 581 Tape Stations, one 533 E. M.
Printer, one 547-6 Tape Switching Panel, one 513-7 Hi Speed
Paper Tape Punch and at a total rental of $21,100 per month.
System includes three 581 Tape Stations, one 535 Printer, one 527
Card Transcriber, one 537 Transcribing Card Punch, two 523 Tape
Writers, and two 525 Tape Writer-Verifiers at a total rental of
$10,700 per month. Maintenance is performed by our technicians,
who are a combination of operators and maintenance technicians..
BRL 1961, RCA 501, start page 0796
|
EDPD - New York Electronics System Center - System Configuration
Model No. Quantity DescriptionSales Price Monthly Rental
503 2 Computer $ 257,000 $ 5,400
561-4 2High Speed Storage 291,000 5,400
543 2 Tape Sel. B-1 56,700 1,200
581 27 Tape Stations 29,700 550
533 2 Electro Mechanical Printer 60,500 1,300
(On Line)
535 2 Electro Mechanical Printer 170,000 3,400
(Off Line)
527 2 Card Transcriber103,000 2,275
537 2 Transcriber Card Punch 148,300 2,965
523 2 Tape Writer 3,300 110
525 2 Tape Writer Verifier 4,500 150
547-6 2Tape Switching Unit 11,800 300
513-5 2Paper Tape Punch38,700 900
513-7 2Paper Tape Punch38,700 900
All sales and monthly rentals are for a quantity of one.
RCA Astro Electronics Division
Rental contracting and rates for system Monthly
Model Description Rental
503 Computer, less High Speed Storage $5,400
Unit
561-1 High Speed Storage (16,384 char) 2,400
581 Tape Stations, 33 KC (4) 2,200
533 On Line Printer (600 lines/min) 1,300
567 Random Access File 500
568 File Control Unit 1,375
597 Power Supply 150
538 Card Punch 1,700
591 Card Reader Punch 1,500
525 Tapevriter Verifier 150
RCA Service Company, EDP Administration
System, composed of Tape Stations (12), Computer,
High Speed Storage, Tape Selector B-1, Card Trans-
criber, Transcribing Card Punch, Printer Off-line,
and Tapewriter-Verifier, sells at a total sales
price of $1,215,900.
Rental for above equipment on an 8 hour shift, 5 days
per week for 1 month is $24,390.
Ordnance Weapons Command
5 Tape Stations, On-Line Printer, Computer, Paper
Tape Reader, Monitor Printer, and one Module Memory, rents
at $11,800 per month.
5 Tape Stations, 3 Modules Memory, Off-Line Card
Transcriber, Transcribin Card Punch & Electro- Mechanical
Printer rents at 16,510.
Maintenance is included in basic rental.
Atlantic City Electric Company Main frame rents at
$7,800 per month. 7 Tape Stations, Off-line Printer,
computer punch, 4 tapewriters, 4 tapewriter-verifiers, and 4
addpunches rents at $9,285 per month.
Ordnance Ammunition Command
Total rental is $17,585 per month.
Raytheon Company - Missile Systems Division
8 tape stations, 1 503 computer, 2 Modules (Hi-speed memory 1
On-line Hi-speed printer, and rents at
$14,500 per month.
7 tapewriters, 6 tapewriter verifiers, 1 card transcriber, 1 card
punch, and 1 tape switching unit rents at $5,945 per month.
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Manufacturer'srecommendation for a "typical" system
one 8-Hour Two 8-Hour Three 8-Hour
Shift Shifts Shifts
Supervisors 1 2 3
Analysts
Programmers
Coders
Clerks
Librarians 1 2 3
Operators 3 5 7
Technicians 2 4 5
In-Output Oper 1 2 3
Tape Handlers 1 2 3
*Variable depending on problem. Training made available by
Manufacturer to Users as required. Analyst Training, Technical
Training, Automatic Programming Training, Pre-Installation
Training of Operators, Coders, clerks, etc, and Operator
Training are made available. The figures on personnel
requirements are approximate and depend on the size of the
system.
U. S. Naval PropellantPlant
One 8-Hour Shift
Used Recommended
Supervisors 1 1
Analysts 2* 2
Programmers 1 4
Coders 0 1
Clerks 1 1
Librarians 1 1
Operators 2 2
Engineers
Technicians
Operation tends toward closed shop.
RCA-supplied training course. Accelerated course given
mathematicians at NPP.
*Analysts do programming and coding because of present
personnel shortage. Because of a lack of operators for the
machine being utilized, they also have acquired the ability to
operate the machine.
Engineers and Technicians are RCA personnel.
BRL 1961, RCA 501, start page 0797
|
Scott Air Force Base
one 8-RourTwo 8-HourThree 8-Hour
Shift Shifts Shifts
Used Recom UsedRecomRecommended
Supervisors 2 2 2 2 2
Analysts 4 4 4 4 4
Programmers 10 10 10 10 10
Clerks 1 1 1 1 1
Operators 1 1 3 3 8
Tape Handlersl 1 3 3 8
Operation tends toward open shop (USAF).
Personnel were selected within this command for computer
training on the basis of computer aptitude and speciality
background. We attempted to select personnel with background
training in each of the applications scheduled for the computer,
e.g., based upon our expected requirement for analysts and
programmers for the personnel application, we selected
personnel with high computer aptitude and previous
personnel experience.
Mitchel Air Force Base
one 8-Hour shiftTwo 8-Rour Shifts
Used RecommendedUsed Recommended
Supervisors 2 11 1112
Analysts 4 6 - -
Programmers 15 1T1T
Coders 0 0 0
Clerks 3 3 4
Librarians 1 1 2
Operators 1 6 3
Engineers 3 1010
Technicians 0 0 0
In-Output Oper 0 0 0
Tape Handlers 2 0 3
Methods of training used Programmers - Five weeks formal
classroom and on-the-job training - total 12 months Operators -
Two weeks classroom and 5 1/2 months onthe-job training - total
6 months
Organization consists of Data Development Division
(Programming and Operations) and System Analysis Division.
One position in System Analysis Division is concerned with ADP
equipment and use in our system.
"Used" personnel are in Systems Analysis Division.
"Recommended" is combination of both Divisions.
Programmers at this installation are analyst trained. Analysts
in Systems Analysis Division are former programmers.
This installation operates 20 hours per day and 9 hours on
Saturday. Overtime is not normally required in the operating
area.
Engineers are furnished by the contractor.
Operators presently perform all operating functions, i.e.,
peripheral equipment operation, tape handling, and console
operation.
Fidelity-Philadelphia Trust Company
One 8-Hour Two 8-Hour Three 8-Hour
Shift Shifts Shifts
Supervisors 2
Programmers 6
Librarians 1
Operators 1
Engineers 2 1 1
Technicians 2 2
In-Output Oper 1
Tape Handlers 1
Operation tends toward open shop.
Methods of training used include RCA Schools plus on-the-
job training.
General Tire and Rubber Company
One 8-Hour Shift
Supervisors 1
Programmers 1
Clerks 1/2
Librarians 1/2
Operators 2
Engineers 2
Technicians 1
Operation tends toward closed shop.
Methods of training used are RCA personnel-conducted
courses.
State Farm Life Insurance Company
One 8-Hour Shift
Supervisors 3
Analysts 3
Programmers 10
Clerks 6
Librarians 1
Operators 4
In-Output Oper 29
Not in production as yet. These are anticipated
figures.
Operation tends toward open shop.
RCA for programmer and operator training.
Electronic Data Processing Division, RCA
Operation tends toward closed shop.
Methods of training used are RCA training schools, plus on-
the-job training.
RCA Electronic Systems Center
One 8-Hour Two 8-Hour Three 8-Hour
Shift Shifts Shifts
Used Recomm Used Recomm Used Recomm
Supervisors 1 1 2 2 3 3
Librarians 1 1 1 1 1 1
Operators 1 1 2 2 3 3
In-Output Oper 1 1 2 2 3 3
Tape Handlers 1 1 2 2 3 3
Operation tends toward open shop.
Methods of training used includes 5 weeks program training
and on-the-job training in operations.
The shift supervisor, operator, and tape handler rotate
between jobs - actually use three men per shift on all equipments.
Programmers, analysts, etc. are not part of Operations group.
Support in this area comes from another group.
RCA Service Company - E D P Sales Dept.
One 8-Hour Shift
Supervisors 5
Analysts 5
Programmers & Coders Z
Clerks 10
Operators* *8
Technicians*
Tape Handlers*
Salesman 5
Personnel shown are for one shift operation on one system
with maintenance on a 24-hour 7-day basis. Approximately 12
additional operator technicians and programmers will be required
upon installation of 2nd system. Operators, technicians and tape
handlers also perform demand and preventive maintenance.
Supervisors consist of Center Manager, Sales Manager, Systems
and Programming Manager, Operations Manager and Office
Manager. Clerical personnel include Office Administrative, Sales
and Accounting functions in addition to data preparation
operations.
Operation tends toward closed shop.
Operator technicians trained for 6 months at school and
thereafter on the job.
Experienced Systems Analysts and Programmers attend 4
week programming ccurse and untrained employees receive an
8 week basic training course plus on-the-job training.
BRL 1961, RCA 501, start page 0798
|
EPDP - New York Electronics System Center
Operation tends toward closed shop.
Programmers given formal school training and onthe-,job
training.
RCA Astro Electronics Division
one 8-Hour Shift
Supervisors 1
Analysts 2
Operators 2
Operation tends toward open shop.
We use our own training program for computer center
personnel and personnel who submit problems to the
Computer Center.
A three tier approach is used for personnel requirements for the
Computer Center.
1. Professional programmers are attached to the Computer
Center. (2 + a supervisor)
2. Project programmers, who are considered professional
programmers, are attached to the Engineering Sections that are
developing projects. They work in concert with competent line
engineers in developing programs.
3. Open Shop Engineer Personnel. These are engineers
who are trained by us to develop and program the less
complicated problems.
RCA Service Company, EDP Administration
This system is used for training of service personnel to
support EDP Operations in the Field.
Ordnance Weapons Command
Two 8-Hour Shifts
Used Recommended
Supervisors 6 10
Analysts 21 21
Programmers 21 26
Clerks 6 7
Librarians 1 2
Operators 4 4
In-output Oper 6 6
Personnel were selected from within the installation with
emphasis on obtaining some from each of the application areas
(subject matter specialists). Others had specific backgrounds
desirable, i.e. Management Analysts, Accountants,
Mathematicians/ Statisticians and Tab Equipment Planners.
There is no job as Coder, per se. When using object or machine
coding, each programmer codes his own. On large program, he
may have assistance. There are no tape handlers. Equipment
operators perform the function when set-ups are required.
Input-output operators include 4 tapewriter and tapewriter
verifier operators. Initially operation is on a closed shop basis,
but as each application becomes operational, analysts are
placed in "customer" organization.
United States Civil Service Commission training agreement
calls for six month program; a 1 week orientation -classroom, 4
weeks programmer training by RCA - classroom, 4 weeks applied
problems -half classroom, half on-the-,job training, 1 week
advanced analysis - classroom, and on-the-job training.
Atlantic City Electric Company
one 8-Hour Shift
Recommended
Supervisors 4
Analysts 1
Programmers 2
Clerks 3
Librarians 1
Operators 3
In-Output Oper 12
Operation tends toward open shop.
Training is performed on site and at manufacturer's schools.
Computer is in process of being shaken down during system
testing and parallel production runs. Recommended organization
shown above is the anticipated requirement. The manufacturer
will have a maintenance staff of 8 employees on site.
Ordnance Ammunition Command
One 8-Hour shift
Supervisors 6
Analysts 7
Programmers 15
Clerks 2
Librarians 2
Operators 4
In-output Oper 3
Tape Handlers 2
Operation tends toward open shop.
Methods of training used includes manufacturer's training
courses, specialized OMETA courses, guided applications and
on-the-,job training.
Raytheon Company -Missile Systems Division
One 8-Hour Shift
Used Recommended
Supervisors 2 Depends on projects
Analysts 9 Depends on projects
Programmers 15 Depends on projects
Librarians 1 1
Operators 1 1
Engineers 2 3
Technicians 1 1
In-output Oper 1 1
Tape Handlers 1 1
Operation tends toward closed shop.
Methods of training used include programming and technical
training given on-site by RCA instructors. RCA maintains several
full time on-site representatives for methods assistance. Classes,
case problems and on-job training is also given.
RELIABILITY, OPERATING EXPERIENCE,
AND TIME AVAILABILITY
Manufacturer
Reliability is obtained by dual recording on tape, simultaneous
operation, automatic accuracy checks, lockout features of the
Input-output equipment, and tape. flow sensing.
U.S. Naval Propellant Plant
Installation date for NPP equipment was 1 June 1960. At
present, Bureau of Weapons equipment is being utilized.
Scott Air Force Base
Good time145 bra 45 min Hours/Week (Average)
Operating ratio (Good/Attempted to run time) 95%
Above figures based on period 1 Apr 6o to 3o Apr 6o
Date system passed
9 Mar 60 Time is
available for rent to outside organizations.
We are currently preparing programs for the support of Hqs
Air Weather Service. We expect to utilize approximately 30
hours of computer time for these applications.
Mitchel Air Force Base
Goad time 78 Hours/Week (Average
Attempted to run time98 Hours/Week (Average
Operating ratio (Good/Attempted to run time) 0.795
Above figures based on period1 Jan 6o to 1 May 6o
Date this system passed 9 Nov 59
Time is not available for rent to outside organiza-
tions.
Fidelity-Philadelphia Trust Company
Good time 15 Hours/Week Average)
Attempted to run time 15-16 Hours/Week Average)
Operating ratio (Good/Attempted to run time) 0.984
Above figures based on period 2 Jun 6o to 18 Jun 6o
BRL 1961, RCA 501, start page 0799
|
Date this system passed11 Jan 60
Time is available for rent to outside organizations.
Have had no down time 9 Jun 60 to 18 Jun 60, inclusive.
Rent 8 hours per day to R.C.A.
General Tire and Rubber Companyy
Good time39 Hours/Week (Average)
Attempted to run time35 Hours/Week (Aver e)
Operating ratio (Good/Attempted to run time 0.90
Above figures based on period 11 Apr 60 to 6 May 60
Date this system passed11 Apr 60
Time is available for rent to outside organizations.
State Farm Life Insurance Company
Date this system passed1 Mar 60 to 28 Mar 6o
Time is available for rent to qualified outside
organizations.
Experience to date limited to system and program
testing. Progress is satisfactory and improving.
Electronic Data Processing Division, RCA
Good time110 Hours/Week Average
Attempted to run time 112 Hours/Week (Aver e;
Operating ratio (Good/Attempted to run time 0.98
Above figures based on period Jan 59 to 16 Jun 60
Time is not available for rent to outside organiza-
tions.
RCA Electronic Systems Center
Good time118.3 Hours/Week (Average
Attempted to run time 120Hours/Week (Average
Operating ratio (Good/Attempted to run time) 0.985
Above figures based on period Dee 59 to May 60
Date this system passed 15 May 59
Time is available for rent to outside organizations.
RCA Service Company- E D P Sales Dept.
Date this system passed16 May 60
Time is available for rent to outside organizations.
RCA Astro Electronics Division Operating ratio
(Good/Attempted to run time) 100 Above figure based on
period from 6 weeks to date Date this system passed Initial
system 1 Jan 60 Time is available for rent to outside qualified
organizations.
Due to short length of time since installation we cannot make
a definitive statement as to our running time. However our
experience has been good. After acceptance test we started at
80% running time and have improved to 100% for the past six
weeks.
RCA Service Companyy, EDP Administration Time is
not available for rent to outside organizations.
Ordnance Weapons Command
Average error-free running period 48 Hours
Good time82.7 Hours/Week (Average)
Attempted to run time83.5 Hours/Week (Average)
Operating ratio (Good/Attempted to run time) 0.99
Above figures based on period 1 Jul 60 to 30 Jul 6o
Time is available for rent to outside organizations
on a limited basis.
RCA Maintenance requires minimum of 90 minutes daily.
Time is available from midnight until 0530. Computer good
time is over 99'% over a six month period. Down time
accumulated is primarily due to tape station malfunction and
secondarily due to the paper tape reader. (Electro-Mechanical
devices).
Raytheon Company - Missile Systems Division
System passed Customer Acceptance Test 26 Jul 60
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Manufacturer The RCA 501 System can be tailored to fit
the needs of the user. It takes advantage of the latest
programming techniques and can be expanded to suit future needs.
The design concept, using completely transistorized circuit
modules, saves power and space. Reliability and savings in
maintenance costs have been realized by actual field operational
data. Records (word) lengths are completely variable both on tape
and in memory. Unique symbology on tape tells the computer
where messages and items begin and end. Thus, artificial fixed word
or fixed maximum word lengths do not have to be resorted to i.e.,
each item and message occupies on tape only the exact space that
it requires. Blocks of several messages may also be variable in
length. The system handles all of this automatically.
U.S. Naval Propellant Plant
Outstanding features: Completely variable recording of data;
building block or modular expansion principle; transistorized;
fast speed (microsecond access simultaneous tape read-
compute, write-compute, read-write operations.
Unique system advantages: Ability to perform realtime
operations with modification; fast tape speeds; ability to
perform binary operations through its special binary instruction
codes.
The RCA 501 Computer System is the only one in its price class
and currently available which satisfies the on-line, real-time
requirements of the NPP workload. The tape speeds can
accommodate 15,000 data points per second for NPP's real-time
applications.
Scott Air Force Base
Adopted procedures for magnetic tape labelling, storage,
shipping, and protection from humidity, temperature and
physical, electrical, fire, or other damage. All magnetic tapes are
assigned an inventory number and are labeled with its content. A
current inventory card is maintained reflecting current and
previous content, reuseable date and labeling information. Each
program is so designed to check the label of each tape used to
insure that proper tapes are mounted for use. Tapes are stored in
a separate room, under the same temperature and humidity
controls as the computer.
Mitchel Air Force Base
Outstanding features include transistor design, plug-in
assemblies, printed wiring, modularized components, building-
block construction, simplified automatic control, complete
variable data recording, and tape reading/writing is possible in
both forward and reverse directions.
Unique system advantages include four-character parallel
transfer, increased data transfer rates, and addressable registers.
Built-in and programmed accuracy controls, checking correct
transfer of data in peripheral devices, into and out of the
computer, and within the computer proper; additional controls
ascertain correct arithmetic operations. Time-shared electronics,
permitting simultaneous operation of input-output devices with
computer functions. Complete range of computer instructions; 47
basic, wired-in, two-address instructions for input-output (12) data
- handling (13), arithmetic (11) sad decision and control (11 .
BRL 1961, RCA 501, start page 0800
|
Magnetic tape labelling is done. Storage for magnetic tapes is
provided in the computer room and each tape is in a dust proof
clear plastic container. The containers are stored in metal
cabinets. In addition, Master Personnel tapes (The 2 most recent
"as of" dates) are maintained in a separate vault (approximately
3001 and 2 firewalls away from computer, but in same building).
Because of presence of operating personnel and technicians on
24 hours basis, no special warning devices or controls to indicate
humidity, temperatures, electrical or other damage. We have not
shipped magnetic tapes but are studying means of protection for
use at later date when we will be shipping tapes to other
installations.
Fidelity-Philadelphia Trust Company
Outstanding features include building block principle,
transistorized, and low unit cost.
Unique system advantages include a completely variable word
length.
Adopted procedures for magnetic tape labelling, storage,
shipping, and protection from humidity, temperature and
physical, electrical, fire, or other damage include duplicate tapes
stored in vaults, tapes labelled internally as well as externally,
and a 40-Ton air conditioner serves as back up.
General Tire and Rubber Company Outstanding features
include variability of field size. Adopted procedures for magnetic
tape labelling, storage, shipping, and protection from humidity,
temperature and physical, electrical, fire, or other damage,
include normal computer room procedures and restrictions.
State Farm Life Insurance Company Unique system
advantages include daily cycle policy record updating. Adopted
procedures for magnetic tape labelling, storage, shipping, and
protection from humidity, temperature and physical., electrical,
fire, or other damage, all. of these procedures considered as
"normal" for e.d.p.
Electronic Data Processing Division, RCA
Outstanding features include reading magnetic tape in both
directions, complete flexibility of the console, and easy
matching color decor.
RCA Electronic Systems
Center
Other outstanding features include complete
transistorization throughout system. Expandability in core
memory-tape stations and configuration of peripheral
equipment.
Unique system advantages include complete service routine
package-memory serial (re-programming not necessary with
additional memory).
Adopted procedures for magnetic tape labelling, storage,
shipping, and protection from humidity, temperature and
physical, electrical, fire, or other damage include blank label for
customer preference, metal cabinet in air conditioned room for
storage, and no special fireproofing or protection.
RCA Service Company - E D P Sales Dept.
Outstanding features include completely transistorized; high
processing speeds at low costs; operates with completely variable
length data items automatically controls up to 62 magnetic tape
trunks; automatically controls random access drum storage
(expansible in steps of 1 1/2 million characters); simultaneous on
line print/read, write or compute; simultaneous magnetic tape
read-compute, writecompute, read-write; reads magnetic tape in
forward or backward motion; permits programming methods
which can save 30'% to 50%, program storage space; and
transfers 1 or 4 alpha-numeric characters in 15
microseconds.
The RCA 501 Electronic Data Processing System is a general-
purpose system using transistor logic. The design employs the
"building-blocko principle which results in an expandable, highly
flexible, integrated data processing system. Because of this
"building-block" principle, the System can be tailored to present
needs and can be expanded to meet future requirements.
Adopted procedures for magnetic tape labelling, storage,
shipping, and protection from humidity, temperature and
physical, electrical, fire, or other damage are separately zoned
air conditioning for computer room with temperature of 720 -
80o with variance of only t 20 over 6 hour period. Humidity
control maintained at 20% - 65'% with variation of only ¤ 5'%
over 6 hours. Dew point maintained at 54oF. Complete
automatic fire alarm and extinguishing system for all areas with
central control panel indicators.
RCA Astro Electronics Division
Truly variable processing. Equipment is ideally suited for
intelligence type data processing. The Random Access File is
well suited for scientific problems. The Random Access File is
EXTREMELY useful due to its independent searching
capabilities in language translation, general non numeric
information retrieval. system, and engineering table look up
work.
Procedures have been adopted for magnetic tape labelling,
storage, shipping, and protection from humidity, temperature
and pbysical, electrical, fire, or other damage.
Initial experience in using this equipment for scientific
research has been eminently successful.
Ordnance Weapons Command
Adopted procedures for magnetic tape labelling, storage,
shipping, and protection from humidity, temperature and
pbysical, electrical, fire, or other damage includes putting visible
labels on reels and tape labels at beginning of tape. An alarm
bell set for 4 degree rise in temperature. An alternate storage site
is used for one previous generation of reference, transaction and
program library tapes.
Tape station substitution between Off & On-Line is a few
minutes, which minimizes down time due to tape station
malfunction.
Air-conditioning is for the area with no direct ductwork to
the equipment.
Alarm permits sufficient time to dump memory prior to
shutting down equipment. An eight degree rise in temperature
over a brief period will cause the computer to malfunction.
Atlantic City Electric Company
Outstanding features include fast memory access time,
solid state construction, variable format, punched paper tape
output, high speed paper tape input, dual recording in
magnetic tape and self checking circuits.
Unique system advantages include complete elimination of
punched cards, printing of address side of utility bill
simultaneously with billing information side, after which bill is
folded and heat-sealed into postcard weight form. Automative
reentry of cash through optical scanning of heat-sealed stubs
with results punched into paper tape.
Adopted procedures for magnetic tape labelling and storage
include tapes stored vertically in racks in partitioned area with
n,33 humidity and temperature control. Self-adhesive color-
coded labels for identification.
BRL 1961, RCA 501, start page 0801
|
Raytheon Company - Missile Systems Division
Outstanding features include true variable item length, which
decreases tape passing time, low startatop time (3.5 mil sec)
which decreases tape passing time, dual recording which
eliminates r/w errors, an octal numbering system, which conserves
memory, and forward/backward read on tape.
Unique system advantages include a fully transistorized system,
built-in modifiers (T), building block concept allowing future
expansion of system, read/write and read or write/compute
simultaneously feature, built-in controls (parity checks,
arithmetic checks, etc), and forward/backward read.
Adopted procedures for magnetic tape labelling, storage,
shipping, and protection from humidity, temperature and
physical, electrical, fire, or other damage include a C02 foam
automatic fire detection
and extinguishing system, a humidity control with sir conditioner,
and all magnetic tape storage in a separate "tape room".
FUTURE PLANS
U. S. Naval Propellant Plant It is proposed that when the
cost of overtime operations exceeds the rental fee of an on-line
high-speed printer, a printer will be rented. Additional tape
stations may be added to accommodate additional applications.
Scott Air Force Base At the present time, we plan to
put the reporting and accounting system for Commercial
Service Authorizations on this system by 15 June 1960.
Mitchel Air Force Base
Short Range Plans.
Acquisition of tape switching unit Model 547-6. This is a
manually controlled switching device. It is capable of switching
from one to six predetermined tape station trunks to from one to
six predetermined machine trunks by means of relay switching.
Re-engineering of systems design and programs for greater
machine efficiency.
New applications.
Using the data in the Master Personnel Tape, qualitative
selection of personnel for specific assignments is being studied. As
a corollary to a computer selection would also be determination as
to type of military order required and production of the order via
computer.
Possible acquisition of a small computer which would
replace present off line printer as well as provide for faster
data input to 501 System via magnetic tape.
Elimination of card transcriber and reliance upon paper tape
input for all transactions against the Master Personnel File.
Long Range Plans.
Possible acquisition of character recognition equipment.
This equipment would "read" documents and the data would be
placed on magnetic tape ready for processing by the computer.
Increased use of the computer to act as a personnel clerk
making determination as to personnel actions (orders,
reassignments, discharges, etc.) to a larger extent than is
presently being done.
Use of the computer as an aid in performing operations
research programs for management decisions. We envision the
computer to be used in the areas of work measurement and the
establishment of work standards, the analysis of present and
projected personnel actions, particularly in the area of manpower
requirements and assignments, etc.
Inclusion of our data processing system into the USAF
combat logistics network (COMLOGNET).
Fidelity-Philadelphia Trust Company
On 1 February 1961, we will add 2 Burroughs MICR Sorters plus a
converter from the sorters to the computer. After the Regular
Checking Accounts are fully converted, plans will be made to
convert Trust Department Accounting, Savings Accounts, Payroll,
Commercial and Collateral Loans and Mortgages from Punched
Card Systems to the Computer.
State Farm Life Insurance Company
Programming of all printing being arranged for ease in
moving to off-line printer.
"System" designed for "bi-product" production of input paper
tape in remote regional offices--but will be pioneered with all
input tapes produced in Home Office.
Ultimately plan to move all present punched card work to
RCA 501 eliminating all punched card equipment.
RCA Service Company - E D P Sales Dept.
Present plans call for installation within one year of a 2nd
basic RCA 501 or advanced system together with additional off-
line equipment.
There will also be available complete system design and
programming services available on a contract basis, with and
without computer operation.
RCA Astro Electronics Division
Additional tape stations and verification equipment, and
additional modules of memory equipment for expanded
applications will be required.
Ordnance Weapons Command
Investigating possibility of substituting an RCA301 for off-line
equipment. Complement to include a card reader, card punch,
printer and two (2) tape stations. This should result in a rental
savings of approximately $1+,000 per month. This would serve
to reduce main computer time since sorting could be done on the
301. It would also provide random access for special
interrogations, precluding interruption of main frame production
operations to satisfy the interrogations. No conclusive decisions
have yet been reached, however.
Additional tape stations (T) will be added when production
requires. (Approximately 1 year)
A modification of the paper tape reader will permit reading of
eight (8) channel paper tape in addition to the present seven (T)
channel.
Future applications to be programmed using RCA's
Common Business Oriented Language. This will materially
reduce both programming and debugging time.
Atlantic City Electric Company
It is anticipated that the RCA 501 equipment will be
adequate for present applications and expected growth for at
least the next ten years. Future applications may be continuing
Property Records, Meter and Pole History Records, Personnel
History Records and Engineering Studies.
Raytheon Company - Missile Systems Division
Planned applications include:
Inventory control for raw material, finished parts, max-min
items and peculiar parts, covering initial inventory, cycle counts,
required orders, and P. 0. receipts, S. 0. receipts, issues,
adjustments, and transfers in order to provide transaction costs,
in-process cost, stock status, and order analysis.
Shop order system covering process sheet preparation,
material and labor explosion, and shop order initiation in order to
provide S. 0. progress reports and labor and material status
reports.
BRL 1961, RCA 501, start page 0802
|
Financial control of labor, material, and overhead in order
to provide payroll and labor distribution, contract status
reports, indirect labor expense, cost of work in process, and
miscellaneous accounting reports.
When capacity is reached, the on-line printer will be changed
for off-line equipment.
New equipment for future growth might include a 301
system for off-line card and tab effort.
INSTALLATIONS
U. S. Naval Propellant Plant
Indian Head, Maryland
AACS DCS/Compt/Stat Services Division
Scott Air Force Base, Illinois
Air Reserve Records Center 3800
York Street Denver 5, Colorado
Ordnance Weapons
Command Rock Island, Illinois
Ordnance Ammunition
Command Joliet, Illinois
Atlantic City Electric Company
1600 Pacific Avenue Atlantic City,
New Jersey
EDPD - New York Electronics System Center 45
Wall Street New York, N. Y.
Fidelity-Philadelphia Trust Company 135 S.
Broad Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
General Tire and Rubber Company
1708 Englewood Avenue Akron 9, Ohio
Raytheon Company
Missile Systems Division
Haverhill Street
Andover, Massachusetts
RCA Astro Electronics Division
P. 0. Box 800
Princeton, New Jersey
RCA Electronic Data Processing Division
Camden, New Jersey
RCA Electronic Systems Center
Cherry Hill Plant
Rte 38 & Haddonfield Road
Merchantville, New Jersey
RCA Service Company
EDP Administration, Cherry Hill
Camden 8, New Jersey
RCA Service Company
Electronic Data Processing Sales Department
Cherry Hill, Camden 8, New Jersey
State Farm Life Insurance Company
112 East Washington Street
Bloomington, Illinois
Bureau of Naval Weapons 18th &
Constitution Avenue, N. W.
Washington 25, D. C.
Chase Manhattan Bank 57
William Street, Room 200 New
York, N. Y.
Educational Testing Service
20 Nassau Street
Princeton, New Jersey
(Installation Rosedale)
BRL 1961, RCA 501, start page 0803
|
BRL 1961, RCA 601, start page 0804
|
RCA 601
Radio Corporation of America 601
MANUFACTURER
Radio Corporation of America
Electronic Data Processing Division
APPLICATIONS
The computer is a general-purpose, stored program, digital
device utilizing transistor and diode circuitry. It provides high-
speed storage, processing, and on-line input-output device
control capabilities.
The 601 System is able to handle simultaneous routines. The
number of such routines is not fixed but is a function of the speed-
weight of any peripheral devices involved and the complexity of
the individual routines.
In general, minimum storage capacity and complexity is
required in external buffers due to maximum use of the internal
memory under control of programmed routines. This permits
flexible and economical input-output buffering to be achieved.
Computers may also be coupled together. This permits
various multi-computer configurations to be obtained. Each
computer may be oriented to some particular function, such as
input-output processing, or may be completely general purpose
in nature.
PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Binary, Binary Coded Decimal
Alphanumeric
Binary digits/word 6, 8, 12, 16 or Variable
Binary digits/instruc- Variable 24 to 144
tion
Instructions per word Variable size instructions
from 1/2 word to 3 words each
Instructions decoded Variable over 120
Arithmetic system Flo point dec and bin
(optional)
Fix point dec and bin
(optional)
Variable word length
Operands limited by memory
size
Instruction type Number of address is variable.
One, two, three address at
programmer's option.
Number range Depends on memory size
Instruction word format Binary digit count
+---+---+------+---------+---------+--------+----+---+-----+-------+---+-------+-------+
| 1 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 16 | 3 |
+---+---+------+---------+---------+--------+----+---+-----+-------+---+-------+-------+
| P | T | Op | D In- | ACD As- | Count | C1 | P | T | Ad- | I | Half | Char |
| A | A | Code | terrupt | sumed | Sym | | A | A | dress | N | Word | Add |
| R | G | | Set- | Address | Regis- | | R | G | Mod. | D | Add. | |
| | | | Sense | | ter No | | | | | | | |
| | | | Tags | | | | | | | | | |
+---+---+------+---------+---------+--------+----+---+-----+-------+---+-------+-------+
Automatic built-in subroutines are available. For example,
automatic servicing of que table for inputoutput instructions.
Calculation of weight-load of input-output devices. Sortable
preparation of criteria address list as data is read in. Several
operation codes have the effect of a subroutine, i.e., code
convert provides conversion from one bit structure to another.
Automatic coding includes Automatic Assembler, RCA Narrator
(COBOL), and RCA ALGOL.
Registers and B-boxes include 8 address modifiers.
1/2 word 1/2 word
Address Modifier This modifies the
Address Modifier
Additional op codes can be added by the programmer since the
elemental operations of the op code are available to him.
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Incl Stor Access Exclud Stor Access
Operation Microsec Microsec
Add 9.75 6 (fixed word 11+11 char)
Mult 13.75 10 (fixed word 11x11 char)
Div 28.75 25 (fixed word 11=11 char)
Arithmetic speed is variable depending on arith-
metic unit andinstruction control units ordered.
Construction Quantities of transistors, diodes,
and magnetic cores used in the arith-
metic unit depend on particular unit
used. No vacuum tubes are used.
Arithmetic mode Serial for variable length arithmetic
Parallel for fixed length arithmetic
Timing Asynchronous
Operation Concurrent
STORAGE
No. of No. of Access
Media Words Digits Microsec
Magnetic Core 32,768 523,288-3 bit digit 0.9-1.5
Variable 393,216-4 bit digit
262,144-6 bit digit
196,608-8 bit digit
Number of bits per
digit is optional
with programmer
(3, 4, 6 or 8 )
Memory is in modules of 8,192 words. Use of more
than one module permits overlap reducing access time
to 0.9 microsec.
Word length is also completely variable if desired.
All magnetic tape units (2210, 33K, 66K) available
with the 501 System are also available with the 601
in addition to that described here.
Eight bit code is Field at a 3.
Magnetic Tape
No. of units that can be connected 64 Units
No. of characters/linear inch 800 Chars/inch
Channels or tracks on the tape 10 Tracks/tape
Blank tape separating each record 0.9 Inches
Tape speed 150 Inches/sec
Transfer rate 120,000/180,000 Chars/sec
Start time 6 Millisec
Stop time 6 Millisec
Average time for experienced
operator to change reel of tape 45 Seconds
BRL 1961, RCA 601, start page 0805
|
Physical properties of tape
Width 3/4 Inches
Length of reel 2,400 Feet
Composition Mylar
Hamming code check bits provide data reconstruction on
each character on magnetic tape.
INPUT
Media Speed
Paper Tape 1000 char/sec
Cards 600 cards/min
Magnetic Tape 120,000/180,000 22,222; 33,333; 66,666
char/sec
Teletype line Up to 50 lines/min
Optional time scanning unit available.
Same magnetic tapes available on the RCA 501 are also
available on the RCA 601. 22K and 33K tapes are interchangeable
between RCA 601, 501, 301.. 66K
tapes are interchangeable between RCA 601 and 501.
OUTPUT
Media Speed
Paper Tape 100 or 300 char/sec
Cards 100 cards/min
Magnetic Tape 120,000/180,000 22,222; 33,333; 66,666
char/sec
Printer 600 lines/min
Up to 6 magnetic tapes may be read simultaneously and up to
8 magnetic tapes may be written out Simultaneously.
Up to 8 card readers may be operated simultaneously.
Up to 8 card punches may be operated simultaneously.
Up to 6 printers may be operated simultaneously.
On-line card readers, card punches and printers may be
operated independently of program being run.
CIRCUIT ELEMENTS OF ENTIRE SYSTEM
Type
Transistors
3696 2N1495
3696A 2N1289
3697 2N581
3697A
Diodes
8945076-B1 8512070-A5
8989190-B2
Quantity depends on system.
The system consists of modules which are assembled in
accordance with the requirements of the operation. For example
the instruction control unit for floating point calculations and
the high speed arithmetic unit are not normally included in a data
processing configuration but could be if the customer required the
additional speed.
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Personnel requirements vary in accordance with the
complexity of the problem and the configuration of equipment.
Training courses made available by the manufacturer include
systems analysis courses, programming courses, special purpose
courses, and operators training.
CHECKING FEATURES
Accuracy control is accomplished in the RCA 601 system
by the following methods:
General
Provision is made for utilization of error correcting code
at points of higher error probability.
Extensive checking and indicating equipment is utilized
at key points in the system to detect and facilitate rapid
diagnosis of system error.
Error indication is made available to the program to permit
self diagnosis and attempted correction of alarm conditions.
A large variety of programmed checking procedures are
facilitated with features such as data tagging and real-time clock
interruption.
Use of Error Correcting Code
It is generally recognized that electro-mechanical equipment
is inherently more prone to error than completely electronic
equipment. For this reason RCA 601 high-performance magnetic
tapes are provided with the option of an error correcting code.
An alpha-numeric character is then represented on tape by ten
parallel bits. Six of these define a character. The remaining four
bits are utilized to provide automatic correction of an error
detected while reading a character from tape.
In the computer it is possible to utilize the two tag digits
associated with each word as a six-bit word correction digit.
This feature is particularly effective when applied to micro-
instruction routines stored in the highspeed memory.
Error Correction
An automatic half-word parity check is made at key points in
the RCA 601 Computer during each data transfer. Some of the
points checked are the input and output paths of the high-speed
memory, arithmetic operand registers, output buffers, etc. The
check points are selected to facilitate error diagnosis either
manually or by program.
In addition to the above, a number of special error
detecting circuits have been incorporated. These circuits
may be divided into three classes.
Circuits which detect alarm conditions caused by the
program.
Those which detect an error condition which may have
been caused by either program or component malfunction.
Circuits that detect an error which could only be due to a
component failure.
Alarm Indication
An alarm condition may be detected by the above checking
circuits or by the program itself. In either case, an appropriate
indicator is set upon detection of the alarm condition. Three
alternatives are available when an indicator is set:
An immediate shut-down can occur
The indicator can be ignored
Automatic transfer of control to an auxiliary routine
can be initiated.
In the latter case, the auxiliary routine can be used to
analyze the alarm condition and:
Attempt correction by re-running the portion of the
program in error, or
Bypass the alarm condition by means of an alternative
program path, if available, or
BRL 1961, RCA 601, start page 0806
|
Initiate a shut down if the alarm condition can neither be
alleviated nor by-passed.
On-Line Considerations
Operating equipment on-line results in several advantages
regarding system accuracy control:
More powerful, automatic, diagnostic techniques may be
utilized by the computer than by most test equipment.
Time sharing the computer electronics results in less
special-purpose hardware in which a failure can occur.
Alternate program paths can often be provided to
permit equipment which is malfunctioning to be
automatically by-passed.
Full advantage can be taken of the above on-line system
characteristics in the RCA 601 System. If, for example, an
operable alarm occurs upon connection to an on-line device,
control can be automatically transferred to an auxiliary
program.
Sufficient information is supplied to this routine so that an
existent alternative path may be determined.
Accuracy control on specific components include:
Computer - Model No. 603 and No. 604
Special error detecting circuits provide machine malfunction
alarms. In addition, a real-time clock, memory lock-out
facilities, and other checking features permit the detection of a
wide range of programming errors.
Magnetic Tape Transfer Channel - Model No. 610
Parity is checked or generated on all data which is received
by or transmitted from the buffers. The 22K and 33K tape
stations have dual track reading and recording. The 66K tape
station has dual track reading and recording plus read after
write. The 120/180K tape station has data reconstruction with
6 data bits and 4 check bits for each "character" position.
Magnetic Tape Transfer Channel - Model No. 611
Six bit characters in the write buffer are converted to 10 bit
self-correcting code for recording on tape. When reading from
tape, the 10 bit characters are converted back into six bit code
for accumulation in the buffer storage. Special circuits provide
automaatic error correction for characters read from tape. A
read-after write check is automatically executed when writing
data into tape.
Parity is checked or generated on all data which is received
or transmitted by the sub units.
Card Transfer Channel - Model No. 613
Read -- Each column of the card is read by two sensing
stations, and the outputs of these stations are transmitted to
the Card Transfer Channel where they are compared.
Punch -- Read after punch returns are checked against the
information previously transmitted to the Card Punch.
Inquire Transfer Channel - Model No. 617
Parity is checked or generated on all half words received
from or transmitted to the computer. Parity is checked on all
characters received from the Inquiry Console.
Inquiry Console - Model No. 607
Indicators on the control panel indicate when criteria may
be introduced-4sto the system, when the computer is
searching for the data, and when all the data has been typed.
Card Reader - Model No. 623
Each column on a card is read twice thereby facilitating a
check of the reading operation by the computer. The Card
Reader stops upon sensing a card jam, empty input hopper, f1,71
output hopper, or full reject hopper.
Card Punch - Model No. 634
Each card is read after it is punched, thereby facilitating a
check by the computer on the punching operation. The Card
Punch automatically halts when either the card supply is
exhausted on the output hopper capacity is exceeded.
Magnetic Tape Station - Model No. 681
Remote lockout Local lockout Inoperable
indication to user equipment
Tape station in local status
Power off
Servo off
Capstan motor off
Any transport mechanism interlock open
Improper amount of tape in bins
Automatic stopping of tape at end of reel Write
lockout ' Read after write parity check.
POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND SITE. PREPARATION
Power, computer Approx. 45 Kw Approx. 58 KVA
Power, air conditioner Depends on air conditioner
used Approx. 13 Tons
Volume, computer 275 cu ft
Area, computer 60 sq ft
Room size 1,000 sq ft, computer
400 sq ft, service area
------
1,400 sq ft, Total
Floor loading 100 lbs/sq ft
Capacity, air conditioner,
computer 13 Tons
Weight, computer Approx 1,900 lbs
System input must be supplied from a Y connected
grounded neutral 3-phase source of 208 volts +_ 10% at 60
cycles + 1/2 cycle/sec.
False flooring is desirable for cable connections only.
All power, cooling and space requirements are subject to
change and will vary from system to system due to the highly
modular concept of the equipment.
PRODUCTION RECORD
A prototype is under construction.
Time required for delivery 18 Months
First deliveries will be in July 1961
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Flexibility of configuration and application by options in
speed, size and op code.
Data and program security are enhanced when multiple
programs are run.
Multiple computer systems can share memory.
COST, PRICE AND RENTAL RATES
Components of basic system
Model Quantity Data Processing System Cost Monthly Rental
603 1 Computer with 8,192 words of memory $ 839,700 $ 19,500
(65,536 alpha or 98,304 numeric Char),
console and power supply
610 1 Tape Transfer Channel 26,100 580
640 2 Tape Switch 31,800 700
582 10 Tape station (66,666 char/sec) 432,600 8,750
632 1 On-Line Printer 32,200 700
612 1 Print Transfer Channel 23,600 515
623 1 Card Reader 15,850 350
613 1 Card Transfer Channel 11,300 250
TOTAL $ 1,443,150 $31,345
Scientific System
604 1 Computer with 8,192 words (98 304 $ 998,600 $ 22,300
numeric or 65,536 alpha chars] high
speed arithmetic, console and power supply
661 1 Additional high speed storage (8192 words 314,200 6,980
610 1 Tape Transfer Channel 26,100 580
640 1 Tape Switch 15,900 350
580 6 Tape stations (22,222 char/sec) 151,140 2,790
632 1 One-Line Printer (600 lines/min) 32,200 700
612 1 Print Transfer Channel 23,600 515
621 1 Paper Tape Reader 11,200 260
TOTAL 1,573,640 $ 34,475
Additional components
Model
681 Tape Station 120,000/180,000 char/sec $ 56,300 $ 1,080
580 Tape Station 22,222 char/sec 25,190 465
581 Tape Station 33,333 char/sec 29,700 550
611 Tape Transfer Channel for 681 (mar. of 48 76,800 1,670
tape stations per channel)
641 Electronic Tape Switch (mar. of 6 Tape 36,100 785
stations per switch) for 681
614 DaSpan Coupler 13,200 290
615 Extensor scanner 25,500 565
616 Extensor 1,580 35
607 Inquiry Console 12,600 280
617 Inquiry Transfer Channel 11,700 260
634 Card Punch (100 cards/min) 8,900 200
Photo by Radio Corporation of America
BRL 1961, READIX, start page 0808
|
READIX
Readix General Purpose Computer
MANUFACTURER
Idaho Maryland Mines Corporation
Magnetics Division
Photo by Magnetics Division, Idaho Maryland Mines Corporation
APPLICATIONS
Manufacturer System is designed and used for scientific
computation, commercial data processing, record keeping, and
data reduction.
USAF Aerospace Technical Intelligence Center
Located in Building 828, Area A, at W-PAFB, Ohio, the
system is used for performance calculations for aircraft and
guided missiles.
U.S.-Air Force Flight Test Center Located at 125 South
Grand Avenue, Pasadena, California, the system is used for the
calibration of bombing range instrumentation including Askania
Cinetheodolites, Mitchel and Bowen-Knapp Cameras, Fairchild
Ballistic Cameras, and impact geophones and sound microphones;
for the space positioning of military aircraft for performance
studies and evasive tactics studies; and for the space positioning
of bombs, and air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles; and for
ballistic studies.
Science Research Associates, Inc. Located at 104 Pearl
Street, McHenry, Illinois, the system is used for score
conversions and statistical correlations.
Universal Research and Testing Laboratories Located at
1733 Flower Street, Glendale, California, the READIX II is used
for engineering applications, including control and timing of
test set-up's (with the use of an Analog-Digital Converter), for
scientific and engineering problems, and for numberical analysis.
The business applications include anticipated usage for
accounting problems, production control, and for a Service
Bureau.
Applications include digital techniques in statistical analysis of
experiments, feedback control system design considerations, and
selection of method of synthesis for feedback controls. Feedback
system compensation applications include design criteria and
techniques, compensating components: D-C Systems,
compensating networks: A-C Systems, and open-closed loop
control. Studies of measurement of noise, system response to
noise, system design in the presence of noise, and random
variable concepts have also been made. Applications also include
general nonlinear system problems, control and timing of test
net-ups, analysis of general sys
BRL 1961, READIX, start page 0809
|
Photo by Universal Research and Testing Laboratories
tems, designing for reliability, component characteristics, and
transistor circuits.
Other applications include
Facility Requirements
Physical Installation
Personal Requirements
Accounting Applications
Design of Business Systems
Inventory and Scheduling Application
Inventory Control Aircraft Production
Scheduling
Scientific and Engineering Applications
Simultaneous Linear Algebraic Equations
Characteristic Roots and Vectors Linear
Programming . Differential Equations Statistical
Analysis
Techniques for Reliability Summary of Operating and
Design Techniques System Design Circuit Design
Maintenance
Logical Design Algebraic Techniques of Logical
Design Preliminary Design Considerations
Detailed Logical Design
Arithmetic and Control Elements
System Considerations
Binary Operations
Decimal. Operations
Control Elements
Random Variables and Distribution
Operations Research
Operations Research and Mathematical Mod is
Data for Testing
Controlling the Solution
Numerical Analysis
Interpolation, Curve Fitting, Differentiation, and
Integration
Inversion and Simultaneous Linear Equations
Digital Techniques in Statistical Analysis of
Experiments
Ordinary Differential Equations
Partial Differential Equations
PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Binary Coded Decimal
Decimal digits/word Ten plus sign
Decimal digits/instruction 5
Arithmetic system Floating point
Add, subtract, multiply and divide
Fixed point
Add, subtract, multiply, divide, and square root
BRL 1961, READIX, start page 0810
|
Photo by U. S. Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards AFB
Instruction type One address Stored Program
Number range Fixed +- (1010 - 1)
Floating +- (10+49|-50 - 1)
Instruction word format
1 2 -3 5 6 7 8 10
Operation AddressOperation Address
Automatic built-in subroutines include square root.
Registers and B-boxes include 4 One-word arithmetic
registers (S, T, U, and V) and a B-box with automatic address
modification.
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Operation Incl Stor Access Exclud Stor Access
Microsec Microsec
Add 440 440
Mult 25,000 16,000
DIV 40,000 24,000
Construction (Arithmetic unit only)
Vacuum-Tubes 80 (5687)
Condenser-Diodes 1200 (1N116 Hughes) Germanium
Arithmetic mode Serial
Timing Asynchronous
Operation Sequential
BRL 1961, READIX, start page 0811
|
Photo by U.S. Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards AFB
STORAGE
Manufacturer
No. of No. of Access
Media Words Digits Microsec
Magnetic Drum 4,000 40,000 8,000 avg
Magnetic Drum 160 1,600 4,000 avg
Register 5 50 220 avg
Magnetic Tape
No. of units that can be connected 10 Units
No. of chars/linear inch of tape 500 Chars/inch
Channels or tracks on the tape 5 Tracks/tape
Blank tape separating each record 1 Inch
Tape speed 60 Inches/sec
Transfer rate 1,000 Chars/sec
Start time 7 Millisec
Stop time 7 Millisec
Average time for experienced operator
to change reel of tape 30 Seconds
Physical properties of tape
Width 0.5 Inches
Length of reel 2,400 Feet
Composition Red oxide
USAF ATIC
No. of No. of Access
Medium Words Digits Microsec
Drum 4,000 x+0,000 17,000
Access time to working storage (160 words) is
1,700 microsec.
USAF AFFTC
Magnetic Drum 4,000 10 decimal 4,250
Quick Access
Magnetic Drum 160 10 decimal 1,063
Science Research Associates, Inc.
Magnetic Drum 4,000 40,000 440
There are 40 words/channel and 100 channels.
Universal Research and Testing Laboratories
Magnetic Drum 4,160. 41,600 ' 4,000
Magnetic Tape
There are 150,,000 words/reel or 1,500,000 digits reel.
The magnetic tape is used as intermediate storage of digitized
information from the analog to digital converter to the
READIX computer.
BRL 1961, READIX, start page 0812
|
INPUT
Manufacturer
Media Speed
Flexowriter 10 char/sec
Paper Tape 60 char/sec
Cards (IBM) 100 cards/min
Magnetic Tape 1,000 char/sec
USAF ATIC
IBM Card Reader 100 cards/min
Flexowriter 10 digits/sec
USAF AFFTC
Keyboard (Flexowriter) Manual
Paper Tape (Flexowriter) 10 char/sec
Paper Tape Teletype) 60 char/sec
Science Research Associates, Inc.
Cards- 100 or 33.3 cards/min
Paper Tape (Flexowriter)75 10-digit words/min
Universal Research and Testing Laboratories
Keyboard (Flexowriter) Manual
Paper Tape (Flexowriter)12 char/sec
Cards (IBM) 100 cards/min
OUTPUT
Manufacturer
Media Speed
Flexowriter Keyboard 10 char/sec
Paper Tape 60 char/sec
Cards (IBM) 100 cards/min
Magnetic Tape 1,000 char/sec
USAF ATIC
IBM Card Punch100 cards/min
Flexowriter10 digits/sec
USAF AFFTC
Printed Page (Flexowriter) 10 char/sec
Paper Tape (Flexowriter)10 char/sec
Paper Tape (Teletype)60 chars/sec
Science Research Associates, Inc.
Cards 100 or 33.3 cards/min
Paper Tape (Flexowriter)75 10-digit words/min
Universal Research and Testing Laboratories
Paper Tape (Flexowriter)12 char/sec
Cards (IBM) 100 cards/min
CIRCUIT ELEMENTS OF ENTIRE SYSTEM
Manufacturer
Type Quantity
Tubes
5687 200
5963 38
6U8 14
6350 11
Diodes (Germanium)
IN116 3,050
849 1,010
1N100 15
CHECKING FEATURES
Manufacturer Checking features include overflow, non-
existent number (all decimal), non-existent instruction,
nonexistent address, and double decision.
POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND SITE. PREPARATION
Manufacturer
Power, computer 8 Kw
Volume, computer 68 cu ft
Area, computer 14 sq ft
Room size 14 ft x 14 ft
Weight, computer 1,750 lbs
Site requirements include a 100V, AC, 100 AMP Line.
Ambient temperature should be no higher than 800 F.
USAF ATIC
Power, computer 5 Kw
Power, air conditioner 3 Kw
Volume, computer 180 cu ft
Volume, air conditioner65 cu ft
Area, computer 40 sq ft
Area, air conditioner8 sq ft
Room size 650 sq ft
Capacity, air conditioner5 Tons
Weight, computer 1,750 lbs
Weight, air conditioner400 lbs
System is mounted on a false floor. A central power box is
installed. No special ducting for air
conditioner is required.
USAF AFFTC
Power, computer 3.2 Kw 3.0 KVA 0.88 pf
Power, air condition 3.8 Kw
2 - 1 1/2 ton window type
Volume, computer 1,373 cu ft
Volume, air conditioner 12 cu ft
Area, computer 78 sq ft
Area, air conditioner 12 sq ft
Room size 14 ft x 22 ft
Floor loading 18 lbs/sq ft
Weight, computer 1,400 lbs
Weight, air conditioner 250 lbs
The ceiling has been sound proofed with acoustical tile and a 7
1/2 KVA 3 phase and single phase power line was installed. No
structural modifications were made.
Universal Research and Testing Laboratories
Power, computer 7.5 Kw
Volume, computer 156 cu ft
Area, computer 22 sq ft
Room size 14 ft x 14 ft
Floor loading 100 lbs/sq ft
300 lbs concen max
Weight, computer 2,200 lbs
100 Amps at 115 Volts, AC, single phase line required. No
other modifications were required.
PRODUCTION RECORD
Manufacturer
Number produced to date 6
Number in current operation 6
Number in current production 1
Number on order 1
Anticipated production rates One/month
Time required for delivery 3 Months
BRL 1961, READIX, start page 0813
|
COST, PRICE AND RENTAL RATES
Manufacturer
Monthly
Cost Rental
READIX Computer (all decimal $70,000 $2,400
w/both fixed and floating point);
4,000 word drum; 107 instructions;
desk console; Flexowriter, power
supply; ventilation system; compo-
nent tester.
IBM Converter 20,000 600
Magnetic Tape 25,000 800
Service Costs
Engineer at Installation $12,000 per year
On Call Service $100 per call plus traveling
expenses
USAF ATIC
Basic machine (power, logic, console) cost $55,000.
A Punch Card Converter cost $17,500.
$12,500 per annum for a full time maintenance man. USAF
AFFTC
Computer main frame, console including in t-output units,
and power supply, total cost is 80,000.
In shop maintenance and service contract back-up, total
approximate cost is $7,900 per annum.
Universal Research and Testing Laboratories
Basic system $70,000
Punched card converter at $20,000
Rental contracting and rates for basic system
$50 per hour, including engineering assistance.
Rental rates for additional equipment
$30 per hour, including engineering assistance.
Maintenance is by on call service from manufacturer.
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Manufacturer
Training made available by manufacturer to user includes
programming and maintenance.
USAF ATIC
One 8-Hour Shift
Supervisors 1
Analysts 1
Programmers 2
Coders 0
Clerks 0
Librarians 0
Operators 1
Engineers 1
Technicians 0
In-Out Oper 0
Tape Handlers 0
Operation tends toward open shop.
Methods of training includes on-the-job training.
READIX is used in support of a BURROUGHS 205.
USAF AFFTC
one 8-Hour shift
Used Recommended.
Supervisors 1 1
Analysts 1
Programmers 1 1
Coders 1
Clerks 1 1
Technicians 1 2
One supervisor and one technician is assigned exclusively to
the computer. Other personnel used are drawn from other areas
as necessary.
Operation tends toward open shop.
Methods of training used includes classroom lectures and
individual training in programming and operation.
Science Research Associates, Inc.
TWO 8-Hour shifts
Supervisors 2
Programmers 2
Operators 2
Technicians 1
Operation tends toward open shop..
Universal Research and Testing Laboratories
One 8-Hour Shift
UsedRecommended
Analysts 1 1
Programmers 1 1
Operators 1
Methods of training used included a normal two week
course from manufacturer.
RELIABILITY, OPERATING EXPERIENCE,
AND TIME AVAILABILITY
Manufacturer
All perishable components are mounted on plug-in boards
(ease of replacement). As standard equipment the REA=
contains two internal test panels which check the only six
types of plug-in boards used in the logic and arithmetic
sections.
Average uptime in the field is over 90'%.
Two READIX computers have been in the field for over five
years and are still computing successfully.
USAF ATIC
Good time30 Hours /Week (Averaged
Attempted to run time35 Hours/Week Average;
Operating ratio (Good/Attempted to run time) o.85
Above figures based on period Jul 59 to Mar 60
Passed Customer Acceptance Test Feb 56
Tim is not available for rent to outside organiza-
tions.
USAF AFFTC
Average error-free running period 6.0 Hours
Good time35.0 Hours/Week (Average
Attempted to run time41.9 Hours/Week (Average)
Operating ratio (Good/Attempted to rim time) 0.835
Above figures based on period1 May 59 to 27 Apr 60
Passed Customer Acceptance Test 15 Feb 57
Time is not available for rent to outside organiza-
tions.
Science Research Associates, Ins. Operating ratio
(Good/Attempted to rim time) 0.95 Time is available for rent
to qualified outside organizations.
Universal Research and Testing Laboratories
Good time32 HOurs/Week (Average)
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Manufacturer
The READIX medium general purpose computer, with 107
commands, is easy to learn and to program.
Unique system advantages include ease of maintenance. The
READIX is most suited for scientific problems.
USAF ATIC
System is considered to be an excellent machine for small
problems.
USAF AFFTC
Outstanding features include built-in floating point arithmetic,
9 external switches, program checked, and static and dynamic
test equipment built into the computer. Manual procedures
only for temperature, humidity and fire control have been
adopted for the safeguarding of magnetic tapes.
BRL 1961, READIX, start page 0814
|
Maintenance and spare parts provided locally.
Science Research Associates, Inc.
Outstanding features include large capacity memory. Universal
Research and Testing Laboratories
Outstanding features include floating point and fixed point, all
decimal, large memory and large command list. Unique system
advantages include ease of programming, operating, and
maintaining.
FUTURE PLANS
Manufacturer
Transistorizing flip flops and memory plug-ins would make
the READIX a solid state machine. Changing the working
storage (160 words) to core would speed the READIX 2 to 5
times. 600 cards/minute input. Condense the size of READIX to
the size of a desk.
USAF ATIC
By December 1960 ATIC will be operating a large 7090
system for both engineering and information storage
problems and the READIX system will be phased out.
USAF AFFTC
Additional components planned are a punched card
converter and associated card handling equipment.
INSTALLATIONS
United States Air Force
Air Technical. Intelligence Center
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio
Data Reduction Section
Air Force Flight Test Center
125 South Grand Avenue
Pasadena, California
General Electric Cater
13430 No. Black Canyon Highway
Phoenix, Arizona
Science Research Associates, Inc..
104 Pearl Street
McHenry, Illinois
Universal Research and Testing Laboratories
4310 San Fernando Road
Glendale 4, California
BRL 1961, READIX, start page 0815
|
BRL 1961, RECOMP I CP 266, start page 0816
|
RECOMP I CP 266
Recomp Model I
(Formerly designated CP 266)
MANUFACTURER
Autonetics Division
North American Aviation, Incorporated
Photo by Autonetics Division, North American Aviation, Inc.
APPLICATIONS
Scientific computing and data processing for laboratory, field or
mobile use.
PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Binary
Binary digits per word 40
Binary digits per instruction 20
Instructions per word 2
Instructions decoded 34
Arithmetic system Fixed point
Instruction type One address
Number range - (2-39 - 1) to + (239 - 1)
Three commands are provided in order to simplify "floating
point" operation.
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Incl Stor Access Exclud Stor Access
Microsec Microsec
Add 2,000 1,000
Milt 21,000 20,000
Div 21,500 20, 500
Construction Transistors
Rapid access word registers 4
Arithmetic mode Serial
Timing Synchronous
Computer clock pulses are recorded on magnetic
memory disc.
Operation Sequential
Access time above is based on minimum access time. Transistors
are used throughout. No vacuum tubes or magnetic amplifiers
are employed.
BRL 1961, RECOMP I CP 266, start page 0817
|
Photo by Autonetics Division, North American Aviation, Inc.
STORAGE
No. of No. of Access
Media Words Digits Microsec
Magnetic Disk 2,048 40 1,000-32,500
Magnetic Disk 16 40 1,000- 2,500
The 2,500 microsecond maximum access time for the high
speed loop occurs on a read operation. The computer memory
is of the rotating magnetic disk. A special air bearing maintains
an extremely close spacing between the rotating disc and the
optically precise headplate. The air gap sensed by the magnetic
circuit is about 100 microinches wide. This highly efficient
recording system has permitted pulse densities of 300 pulses
per inch with write currents of 15 milliamperes.
INPUT
Media Speed
Paper Tape Reader 37 char/sec
Decimal. Keyboard Manual
Electric Typewriter Manual
Conversion of decimal mixed numbers to binary is wired in.
Input process is automatically checked when the "verify"
feature of computer is used.
OUTPUT
Media Speed
Paper Tape Punch 10 char/sec
Decimal Readout Panel 66 millisec/dig
Electric Typewriter Manual
All output errors are automatically detected using "echo"
checking feature of computer.
Up to 15 decimal digits plus sign may be displayed on the
Decimal Read-Out Panel.
CIRCUIT ELEMENTS OF ENTIRE SYSTEM
Type Quantity
Crystal diodes 7,000
Transistors 1,600
Standardized etched (printed) circuit cards.
CHECKING FEATURES
Fixed System contains self-checking features designed to
eliminate input-output errors. System has an "inputverify"
feature and an "output-echo" checking feature.
BRL 1961, RECOMP I CP 266, start page 0818
|
Photo by Autonetics Division, North American Aviation, Inc.
POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND SITE. PREPARATION
Power, computer 0.3 Kw 0.3 KVA
Power, air conditioner 0.3 Kw 0.3 KVA
Volume, computer 5.7 cu ft, including air
conditioner
Size, computer 19.5 in x 23.5 in x 21.5 in,
excluding typewriter and paper tape units
Weight, computer 200 lbs
Power requirement figures exclude typewriter and paper
tape units. Air conditioner is built into computer package.
Voltage regulated power supply is included.
PRODUCTION RECORD
Number produced to date 1
Number in current operation 1
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
One operator per shift is required. Computer is designed for
simple operation. Inherent reliability and test equipment make
computer easy to checkout and maintain.
RELIABILITY. OPERATING EXPERIENCE,
AND TIME AVAILABILITY
All circuits and components used are designed to meet
environmental conditions of the field, including continuous
operation in 1200 F ambient, vibration, humidity, etc.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
A checkout console is plugged into the computer, which makes it
possible to rapidly check the complete computer system and its
plug-in components. Outstanding features include small size,
weight and power requirements for efficient use in office,
laboratory or field. It is compact and rugged. System was
developed by Reconnaissance Charting Branch, Intelligence
Laboratory, Rome Air Development Center, under contract with
Autonetics Division of North American Aviation, Incorporated.
BRL 1961, RECOMP I CP 266, start page 0819
|
BRL 1961, RECOMP II, start page 0820
|
RECOMP II
Autonetics Recomp Computer
MANUFACTURER
North American Aviation, Incorporated
Autonetics Division
Photo by Autometric Corporation, Operations Division
APPLICATIONS
Manufacturer RECOMP II is an all-transistorized general-
purpose digital computer. This desk size computer does
computations in mathematics, data reduction and analyses,
optical engineering, photogrammetric calculations, operations
research, and other civil engineering and scientific applications.
U.S.A. Combat Development Experimentation Center Located
in Building 2871, Fort Ord, California, the system is used for the
analysis of field data from Combat Development
Experimentation Center experiments and for the calculation of
fire effects.
USASS ADDS OD Located in Building 621, Fort
Monmouth, New Jersey, the system is used by the Officers
Department, ADPS Committee, U.S. Army Signal School, for the
preparation of demonstration programs to illustrate the military
applications of computer systems. These demonstrations include
logistics and personnel accounting, radioactive decay calculations
and fire control calculations. It is also used for the train
ing of programmers.
USASS CO NARC Briefing Team
On tour, the system is used by the USCONARC ADDS
Briefing Team, U.S. Army Signal School, to demon-
strate military applications of a digital computer
to military audiences throughout the United States.
USASS Special Training Department Located at Myer Hall,
Dept. of Special Training, U.S. Arrmyy Signal School, Fort
Monmouth, New Jersey, the RECOMP II in many respects is
similar to the BASICPAC, a member of Army's FIELDATA
family. For this reason, it can be and is being used for simulation
for programmer training. It also demonstrates capabilities,
limitations and applications during FIELDATA programmer,
operator and maintenance training.
Offutt AFB Located at the Offutt AFB, 544th
Reconnaissance Technical Group, Analysis Center, the system is
used for Geodesy (datum conversions; coordinate transformations
range and azimuths; geodetic position computations and
Photogrammetry (analytical triangulation; photo orientation and
rectification).
BRL 1961, RECOMP II, start page 0821
|
Photo by North American Aviation, Inc., Autonetics Division
Turner AFB System is used in Geodetic Positioning, and
Hiran distance computations. It is presently used to inverse, and
position points and adjust these points to a most probable
position. It is being programmed to do Hiran distance reduction
computations.
W - P AFB
Located at the Institute of Technology (Air
University), Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, the
system is used for training USAF officers in use of computers.
It is used also for student and faculty research on problems of
interest to the U.S. Air Force.
Autometric Corporation
System is used primarily to
solve geodetic equations in aerial mapping and other branches of
photogrammetry.
Melpar, Inc.
Located at 11 Galen Street, Watertown,
Massachusetts, the system is used for radar calculations,
information theory problems, character recognition, and
considerable matrix work (eigenvalues, etc).
PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Manufacturer
Internal number system Binary
For output Binary Coded Decimal
Binary digits/word 39 + sign
Binary digits/instruction 20
Instructions per word 2
Instructions decoded Will hold over 8,000 at
onetime (49 different plus
5 input-output variants
Arithmetic system Floating point
Fixed point
Instruction type One address (Single)
Number range Fixed 2(239- 1); Floating (1 - 239).
2 (237- 1) or 10+-Forty billion
BRL 1961, RECOMP II, start page 0822
|
Photo by North American Aviation Inc., Autonetics Division
Instruction word format
+------+----+---------+------+----+---------+------+
| Sign | OP | Address | Sign | OP | Address | |
+------+----+---------+------+----+---------+------+
| 1 | 6 | 13 | 1 | 6 | 13 | Bits |
+------+----+---------+------+----+---------+------+
Automatic built-in subroutines include trapping on negative
instructions, floating point operations, and fixed and floating
square root. Assemblies and compilers are available.
There are four registers, designated A, R, C and B.
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Manufacturer
Exclud Stor Access
Microsec
Fixed point Fixed point
Add 540 1,350
Mult 10,800 12,400
Div 11,300 12,700
Arithmetic unit is constructed of transistors.
Arithmetic mode Serial
Timing Synchronous
Operation Sequential
STORAGE
Manufacturer
Medium No. of Words No. of Decimal Digits
Magnetic Disk 4,096 49,000
Average access time'is 9,000 microseconds for main
memory and 900 microseconds for high speed memory.
There are two high speed loops of 8 words each.
Melpar, Inc.
High-speed storage can hold 32 commands or 4 floating
point numbers and 16 commands, etc. An additional
16 or 32 words of high-speed storage would be help-
ful in allowing more data to be contained in the
high-speed loops at one time.
INPUT
Manufacturer
Media Speed
Paper Tape (Photoelectric) 400 char/sec
Control Console Keyboard
Electric Typewriter
Other methods are under development. Melpar, Inc. An off-line
paper tape preparation unit should be used to avoid wasting
computer time during keying operations. An off-line
Flexowriter, with compatible code for this purpose, has been
ordered.
BRL 1961, RECOMP II, start page 0823
|
Photo by North American Aviation, Inc., Autonetics Division
OUTPUT
Manufacturer
Media Speed
Paper Tape Punch20 char/sec
Electric Typewriter10 char/sec
Console Visual Readout (Nixie)
Other methods are under development.
Machine operates in binary, but accepts decimal or
alphanumeric input. Melpar, Inc. High-speed punch to be
added in order to speed up output operations.
CIRCUIT ELEMENTS OF ENTIRE SYSTEM
Manufacturer
Type Approximate Quantity
Diodes 10,000
Transistors 2,000
CHECKING FEATURES
Manufacturer
All output is checked by echo signal
to ensure accuracy.
POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND SITE PREPARATION
Manufacturer
Power, computer 0.5 Kw
Volume, computer 4.7 cu ft
Area, computer 45 sq ft
Floor loading 80 lbs/sq ft
Weight, computer 197 lbs
115V, AC, outlet is required.
USA CDEC
Voltage regulation installed on 110V line.
USASS ADDS OD
Power, computer 0.4 Kw
Excluding typewriter and paper tape unit
Room size 3 ft x 5 ft
Weight, computer, includ- 400 lbs
ing Input-Output
No special site preparation is required. Power
source may need a constant voltage regulator installed
BRL 1961, RECOMP II, start page 0824
|
Photo by U.S. Army Combat Development and Experimental Center, Fort Ord
to minimize line transients effect on computer.
USASS Special Training Dept.
Room size 25 ft a 29 ft
Capacity, air conditioner Approx 5 Tons
No special site preparation required.
Offutt AFB
Room size 10 ft x 10 ft including
filing & maint equip
AC Voltage Regulator is the only necessary prep"
tion.
Turner AFB
Power, computer 0.5 Kw Approx 0.5 KVA > 0,95 Pf
Roam size 10 ft x 10 ft
Floor loading 45 lbs/sq ft
45 lbs concen --
Weight, computerApprox 400 lbs
No site preparation is required. Machine operates on standard
115V outlet. Installation time is approx. 2 hours. Air conditioner
is not required..
W - P AFB Air conditioner is not necessary. Desk
size computer-loading etc., is negligible. No site
preparation is required.
Autometric Corporation
Room size 45 sq ft
No special site preparation or air conditioner is required.
Power outlet is 115V, 60 cycle, single
phase.
Melpar, Inc.
Room size 7 ft x 10 ft
Normal building sir conditioner is used.
PRODUCTION RECORD
Manufacturer
Time required for delivery 3 months
COST, PRICE AND RENTAL RATES
Manufacturer
Monthly
Price Rental
Computer and memory, photo- $95,000 $3,000
electric tape reader, type-
writer, tape punch, and. console
Maintenance service included in rental. Purchaser service
contract at 5,000 per year.
USA CDEC
Total cost of computing system $85,000.
2 Off-line Flexowriters cost $2,400 each. Total additional
is $4,800.
Maintenance/service contract is $6,000 per year.
BRL 1961, RECOMP II, start page 0825
|
Photo by U.S. Army Signal School, Fort Monmouth
USASS ADPS OD
Rental is $3,000 per month,
including maintenance service.
USASS Special paining Dept. Annual maintenance
contract with manufacturer is approximately $5,000.
Offutt AFB Computer and input-output devices -
$92,000. Two magnetic tape unit' price is undetermined.
Maintenance service contract is approximately $20,000
per year plus parts.
Turner AFB System
cost is $92,000.
Autometric Corporation Maintenance contract is at
rate of $5,000 per year for one shift operation. Additional
shifts are 50% of first shift.
Melpar,
Inc.
Off-line Flexowriter and high speed. punch cost $2,200.
Computer, typewriter, console, paper-tape reader and punch
rent at $3,000/month including maintenance service.
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Manufacturer
One supervisor and one programmer per 8 hour shift. System
can be used by persons desiring a solution to a problem even if
they have little or no computer experience.
Complete operation training consisting of any or all of a 1
week familiarization course, a 2 week programming course, and/or
a 1 week assembly and compiler course is made available by the
manufacturer to the user. Maintenance course also available.
USA CDEC
One 8-Hour Shift
Supervisors 1
Programmers 3
Clerks 1
Operation tends toward closed shop.
Methods of training used includes individual
instruction.
USASS ADPS OD
A machine supervisor is recommended.
Ho formal operating procedures are necessary. Personnel
familiar with the computer and programming may use the
computer whenever they have the need on a first came basis.
Operation tends toward open shop.
Methods of training used includes manufacturer conducted
on site courses lasting for periods of 1
BRL 1961, RECOMP II, start page 0826
|
Photo by U.S. Air Force 544th Reconnaissance Group, Offutt AFB
week to 1 month.
USASS CONARC Briefing Team
One 8-Hour Shift
Used Recommended
Supervisors 1 1
Technicians 1 1
Operation tends toward open shop.
Manufacturer conducted on site courses lasting for periods of
1 week to 1 month.
Ho formal operating procedures are necessary. Personnel
familiar with the computer and programming my use the
computer whenever they have the need on a first come basis.
USASS Special Training Dept.
Programming and operating are performed by instructor
personnel to meet their specific training requirements.
Methods of training used includes training provided by
manufacturer and on-the-job training
Turner AFB
One 8-Hour Shift
Used Recommended
Supervisors 1 1
Programmers 2
Operators 2 1
W - P APR
Operation tends toward open shop.
A 110-hour course, spread over ten weeks, is given. Each
student has, in addition, 20 or more hours of machine time, and
he carries a problem of appreciable magnitude through all its
stages.
Autometric Corporation
One programmer, who usually does own operating, is used
and recommended.
Operation tends toward open shop.
Manufacturer of system offers a three week
programming/operating course free with purchase of system. A
programmer so trained may in turn instruct others at the home
installation in the use of the equipment.
Offutt AFB
One 8-Hour Shift
Used Recommended
Supervisors 1 1
Programmers 3 3
Technicians 1 1
Operation tends toward open shop.
Methods of training used include Computer Programmers
School (2 weeks), frequent classes conducted by the Field
Engineer, and on-the-job training.
BRL 1961, RECOMP II, start page 0827
|
Melpar, Inc.
One 8-Hour Shift
Used Recommended
Supervisors 1 1
Analysts 0 2
Programers 3 4
Coders 0.5 2
Operators 0.5 1
In-Output Oper 0.5 1
Operation tends toward open shop.
Engineers were trained to use algebraic translator. (Some
were trained to use machine code.) Programmers (all familiar
with at least one other computer) taught themselves from the
manual.
RELIABILITY, OPERATING EXPERIENCE,
AND TIME AVAILABILITY
USA CDEC
Good time 33 Hours/Week Average
Attempted to run time40 Hours/Week (Average)
Operating ratio (Good/Attempted to run time) 0.82
Above figures based on period 1 Jan 60 to 1 Jul 60 Passed
Customer Acceptance Test 1 Oct 59
Time is not available for rent to outside organizations.
USASS ADDS OD
Good time 38 Hours/Week Average
Attempted to run time40 Hours/Week (Average
Operating ratio (Good/Attempted to run time) 0.95
Above figures based on period 1 Jul 59 to 1 Jul 60 Time is not
available for rent to outside organizations.
2 hours/week required for preventive maintenance.
USASS CONARC Briefing Team
Good time 38 Hours/Week Average
Attempted to run time40 Hours/Week (Average
Operating ratio (Good/Attempted to run time) 0.95
Above figures based on period 1 Jul 59 to 1 Jul 60
Time is not available for rent to outside organiza-
tions.
2 hours/week required for preventive maintenance.
USASS Special Training Dept.
Average error-free running period 129.3 Hours
Good time 38 Hours/Week Average
Attempted to run time40 Hours/Week (Average)
Operating ratio (Good/Attempted to run time) 0.95
Above figures based on period 28 Jun 60 to 10 Aug 60 Passed
Customer Acceptance Test 28 Jun 60
Time is not available for rent to outside organizations
Turner AFB
Good time 30 Hours/Week Average
Attempted to run time30 Hours/Week (Average)
Operating ratio (Good/Attempted to run time) 1.0
Above figures based on period 26 Jun 60 to 10 Aug 60 Passed
Customer Acceptance Test 20 Jun 60
Time is not available for rent to outside organizations.
Autometric Corporation
Good time 29 Hours/Week Average
Attempted to run time30 Hours/Week (Average)
Operating ratio (Good/Attempted to run time) 0-9T
Above figures based on period May 59 to Aug 60
Passed Customer Acceptance Test May 59
Time is not available for rent to outside organizations.
Melpar, Inc.
Average error-free running time 60-90 Hours
Good time 60 Hours/Week (Average)
Operating ratio (Good/Attempted to run time) 44 out of 45
starts
Above figures based on period 8 Mar 60 to 8 May 60
Time is available for rent to outside organizations.
There has been only one computer failure to date: two burned
out diodes in the power supply. There was difficulty with the
typewriter and punch during the first month but they are both
highly reliable now. The RECOMP II system replaced a larger
system, and is far more reliable, with only 2 hours maintenance
per week instead of 10-15.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Manufacturer
Outstanding features - Rugged solid-state construc-
tion; simplified programing; built-in floating
point arithmetic and square root; fingertip control
console with digital readout; hi -a r photoelec-
tric tape reader (400 characters/sec); 49 commands;
magnetic disk memory with 4,096 words, each of 40-bit
length,. including 16 words in high-speed loops.
USA CDEC Outstanding features includes built in
floating point commands, and Baudot (teletype) input. Tape
is stored in a fire proof safe file cabinet. System is input-
output limited.
USASS ADDS OD Outstanding features include compact
large family of instructions, easy to use and understand, and
console. It is more rugged than most commercial computers and
may be moved easily with only normal household goods type
care.
USASS CONARC Briefing Team Shipment between
presentations done by commercial movers or in a specially
constructed shelter which has modified shock mountings and
built in recesses and tie-down straps for fast packing.
USASS Special Training
Dept.
Unique system advantage is that the RECOMP paper
tape code andDATA 5 chan cods are the same.
Transistorized, serial, binary, single address, internally stored
program, general purpose, digital computer, with 49 instructions
including 15 arithmetic instructions; 25 logical and transfer
instructions; 9 input/output instructions. Among these are 9 built-
in floating point instructions.
Offutt AFB Outstanding features include two high speed
rapid access loops, floating point arithmetic, completely
transistorized, mall computer compactness, and economy of
power.
Turner AFB Outstanding features include small
physical size, no site preparation, reliability, and ease of
programming.
W - P AFB Outstanding features include ease of
communication with the system and simplicity of coding.
Automeetric Corporation
Outstanding features include Arabic numeric display under
manual or program control and trapping mode (negative
command actuated) .Following built-in advantages include preset
stop mode, checking features, verification mode for input,
decimal to binary. conversion on input, floating point, and three
sense switches.
Unique system advantages include no special site.
preparation, no sir conditioning, the system is
portable, and ease of programming and debugging.
BRL 1961, RECOMP II, start page 0828
|
Melpar, Inc. Outstanding features include reliability,
automatic floating point, square root commands, and full. word
floating point exponent.
FUTURE PLANS
Manufacturer Magnetic tape will be available in the
near future, as soon as testing is completed.
USASS Special Training Dept. As other equipment and
components far this system became available and as they
increase the effectiveness of the training offered, they will be
added.
Offutt AFB Two magnetic tape input-output units are
to be installed in the near future. The computer will be sent
back to Autonetics for modification. Anticipated time
necessary for modification is between 30 and 90 days.
Turner AFB Plan to add magnetic tape input-
output system.
Melpar, Inc. Modifications include off-line Flexowriter
for input preparation and printing of results, a highspeed punch,
a Melpar-built plotter using paper tape input, and a large-scale
open shop training program. New applications expected are
interference studies, satellite tracking, operations research and
missile trajectories.
INSTALLATIONS
U. S. Army Combat Development Experimentation Center
Fort Ord, California
U. S. Army Signal School
ADPS, Officers' Department
Fort Monmouth, New Jersey
U. S. Army Signal School
CONARC Briefing Team
Fort Monmouth, New Jersey
U. S. Army Signal School
Special Training Department
Fort Monmouth, New Jersey
544-th Reconnaissance Technical Group
Analysis Center
Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska
1370th P. M. V.
Turner Air Force Base, Georgia
Institute of Technology (Air University)
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio
Autometric Corporation
337- W. 44th Street New
York 36, A. Y.
Melpar, Inc.
11 Galen Street
Watertown, Massachusetts
BRL 1961, RECOMP II, start page 0829
|
BRL 1961, REPAC, start page 0830
|
REPAC
REPAC
MANUFACTURER
North American Aviation, Inc.
Autonetics Division
APPLICATIONS
System is designed for general purpose computing.
PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Binary
Binary digits/word 40 including sign bit
Binary digits/instruction 20 including sign bit
Instructions/word 2
Arithmetic system Fixed and floating point
Instruction type One address
Number range +1 x 239 YO -1 x 239
Floating Point Exponent Range (+ or - 1 x 239)
Instruction word format
+-------------+------+----------------+--------------+------------+
| Instruction | Sign | Octal Digits | Octal Digits | Half-Word |
| | Bit | Operation Code | Address | Indicator |
| | | | | Bit |
+-------------+------+----------------+--------------+------------+
| First |(1/0) | (XX) | (XXXX) | (1/0) |
+-------------+------+----------------+--------------+------------+
| Second | Same as first instruction |
+-------------+---------------------------------------------------+
Automatic built-in subroutines include automatic
conversion from decimal to binary during input.
Registers include:
A - Accumulator register
R - Remainder register
B - Operand register
X - Exponent register
L - 8-word rapid access storage
V - 8-word rapid access storage
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Incl Stor Access Exclud Stor Access
Microsec Microsec
Add 1,980 540
Mult 22,240 10,800
Div 22,740 10,800
Construction (Arithmetic unit only)
Transistors 1,500
Condenser-diodes 13,000
Timing Synchronous
Operation Sequential
STORAGE
No. of No. of Dec Access
Media Words Digits/Word Microsec
Disk Memory (Main) 4,080 12 8,000
Disk Memory (Rapid) 16 12 540
Magnetic Tape
No. of units that can be connected 32 Units
Channels or tracks on the tape 5 Tracks/tape
Transfer rate 30,000 Char/sec
Tape units have not yet been connected to the REPAC
Computer at this time.
INPUT
Media Speed
Paper Tape (Photoelectric) 400 char/sec 5 or 6 channel
Typewriter Manual
Keyboard on Console Manual
Input can be either command format, alphanumeric
information, or decimal numbers from paper tape and
typewriter and command or decimal from keyboard on
console.
OUTPUT
Media Speed
Paper Tape 20 char/sec 5 or 6 channel
Typewriter 10 char/sec
Nixie Tubes on Console 0.54 millisec/Nixie
Output can be either command format, alphanumeric
information, or decimal numbers to paper tape and typewriter and
command or decimal to Nixie tubes on console.
CIRCUIT ELEMENTS OF ENTIRE SYSTEM
Type Quantity
Diodes
02289 10,000
Other 2,000
Transistors
All types 1,500
CHECKING FEATURES
Echo checking on punch and typewriter.
Verify mode on tape input.
POWER. SPACE. WEIGHT. AND SITE. PREPARATION
Power, computer o.6 Kw 5.4 KVA
Volume, computer 6 cu ft
Area, computer 4 sq ft
Room size, computer One-man office
Floor loading 50 lbs/sq ft
Weight, computer 205 lbs
PRODUCTION RECORD
Number produced to date 1
Number in current operation 1
Not in production
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
One 8-Hour Two 8-Hour Three 8-Hour
Shift Shifts Shifts
Programmers 1 1 2
Coders 1 2 3
Training made available by the manufacturer includes Service
Engineer Training School and Programer Training School.
BRL 1961, REPAC, start page 0831
|
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Outstanding features include comprehensive control console
with digital display, built in floating point, high-speed reader, and
magnetic-disk memory. This computer has been further
developed into RECOMP II, which is produced in quantity.
INSTALLATIONS
North American Aviation, Inc.
Autonetics Division
9150 East Imperial Highway
Downey, California
BRL 1961, RICE UNIVERSITY, start page 0832
|
RICE UNIVERSITY
Rice University Computer
MANUFACTURER
Rice University
8,192 Word Electrostatic Memory Photo by Bel Air - Rice University
APPLICATIONS
General purpose computing, primarily scientific
applications.
PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Binary
Number of binary digits per word 54
Number of instructions per word 1
Total number of instructions decoded 213 Approx.
Arithmetic system Fixed and floating point
Instruction type One address
Two short addresses, initial fetch and final store or
index arithmetic unit are possible.
Number range
Fixed point 0 to 1 - 2-47
Floating point n = +- c (28)+-e
0 <= c <= 1 - 2-47 0 <= e <= 31
BRL 1961, RICE UNIVERSITY, start page 0833
|
Instruction word format
+---------------+-----------+-------+-------------+---------+
| 6 | 15 | 6 | 12 | 15 |
+---------------+-----------+-------+-------------+---------+
| Initial Fetch | Operation | Final | Index Mod- | Address |
| w/Inflections | Code | Store | ification, | |
| | | | Inflections | |
+---------------+-----------+-------+-------------+---------+
Automatic codingAssembly system, algebraic coding
system being written, general compiling system
being designed.
Registers and B-Boxes Arithmetic registers (54 bits): U,R,S, four
temporary stores. Control registers (15 bits): Eight index
registers, including control counter and pathfinder; Eight
special purpose registers.
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Operation Incl. Stor. Excl. Stor.
Microseconds Access Access
Add 50 40
Mult 85 75
Div 85 75
Operation times are for floating point.
Construction (Arithmetic Unit Only)
1000 Vacuum tubes
60 Transistors
5000 Diodes
Arithmetic mode Parallel
Timing Asynchronous
Operation Sequential
STORAGE
Access
Media Words Digits Microsec.
Electrostatic tubes 8,192 8,192x54 10
Fast Flip-flop Registers 4 4x54 1
Magnetic Tape
Maximum number of units that can 4 Units
be connected to the system
Maximum number of characters per *430 Char/in.
linear inch of tape
Channels or tracks on the tape 10 Track/tape
Tape speed 75 In/sec
Transfer rate *32,000 Char/sec.
Start time 6 Millisec.
Stop time 6 Millisec.
Average time for experienced *60 Seconds
operator to change reel of tape
Physical properties of tape
Width 3/4 Inches
Length of reel 2,400 Feet
INPUT
Media Speed
Paper Tape 300 char/sec
Magnetic Tape 4,000 words/sec
OUTPUT
Media Speed
Paper Tape 60 char/sec
Printer 600 lines/min
Magnetic Tape 108 char/line
4,000 words/sec
CIRCUIT ELEMENTS OF ENTIRE SYSTEM
Type Quantity Type Quantity
Tubes
5965 3,000 1858 256
6147 300
Diodes
T3G 13,000
Transistors
2N585 500 2N393 1,000
2N598 400
The above figures are for the final machine 32Kword
memory. The 1858 tubes are used in the RADECHON fast
storage unit.
CHECKING FEATURES
An error correcting code for l error/word operates with fast
memory and magnetic tape.
POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND SITE PREPARATION
Power, computer 20 K.W.
Space, computer 400 sq. ft.
Space, air conditioner 5 ft. x 10 ft., blower
Capacity, air conditioner 13 tons
All equipment installed in an ordinary 50 ft. x 50 ft. room.
PRODUCTION RECORD
Number produced to date 1
Number in current operation 1
COST, PRICE AND RENTAL RATES
The computer is being built with financial support by the
Atomic Energy Commission at a cost of approximately
$400.000.
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
For One 8-hour shift during the construction phase:
Programmers 4
Engineers 3
Technicians 2
Secretary 1
INSTALLATIONS
Rice University
Houston 1, Texas
FUTURE PLANS
Memory capacity will be expanded to 32,768 words.
BRL 1961, RPC 4000, start page 0834
|
RPC 4000
Royal Precision Computer Model 4000
MANUFACTURER
Royal McBee Corporation
Librascope, Incorporated
Photo by Royal McBee Corporation
APPLICATIONS
Systems are located at Port Chester, Hew York and Burbank,
California. Typical examples of applications include engineering,
e.g. flight simulation, thermal distribution, motor fuel blending,
heat exchanger design, highway design, water network calculations,
electrical power loadflow calculations, optical ray trace, and
reduction of wind tunnel test data; and business data processing,
e.g. production control, payroll, accounts receivable, order
analysis, financial statements, job costing, sales analysis, quality
control, and operations research.
PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Binary
Binary digits/word 32
Binary digits/instruction 32
Instructions per word 1
Instructions decoded 42
Arithmetic system Fixed point
Floating point can be simulated
Instruction type Two address (one over one)
Number range 9 decimal digits
Instruction word format
+------+---------+---------+------------------+-------+
| Sign | Command | Operand | Next Instruction | Index |
| | | Address | Address | Tag |
+------+---------+---------+------------------+-------+
| S | 1 4 | 5 17 | 18 30 | 31 |
+------+---------+---------+------------------+-------+
Automatic coding includes, compilers, assemblers, and
interpretative systems.
BRL 1961, RPC 4000, start page 0835
|
Registers include upper accumulator, lower accumulator,
instruction, index, and 8008 memory registers.
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Incl Stor Access Exclud Stor Access
Microsec Microsec
Add 500 250
Malt 17,000 17,000
Div 17,000 17,000
Construction (Arithmetic unit only)
Transistors and diodes are employed as the circuitry
of the 4000.
Arithmetic mode Serial
Timing Synchronous
OperationNext instruction designated
STORAGE
Average
No. of No. of Access
Medium Words Binary Digits Microsec
Magnetic Drum 8,008 32 8,500
INPUT
Media Speed
Paper Tape (Photo Electric 500 char/sec
Reader
Paper Tape (Tape Typewriter 60 char/sec
Reader)
Punched Card Reader
Magnetic Tape
OUTPUT
Media speed
Paper Tape (High speed 300 char/sec
Punch)
Paper Tape (Tape Typewriter 30 char/sec
Punch)
Tape Typewriter Print 12 char/sec
CIRCUIT ELEMENTS OF ENTIRE SYSTEM
Transistors and diodes are used in the circuitry of the RPC-
4000.
CHECKING FEATURES
Parity checks are included.
POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND SITE PREPARATION
Power, computer 0.725 Kw
Volume, computer 25.4 cu ft
Area, computer 8.8 sq ft
Roam sizeDepends upon equipment configuration
Floor loading 78.2 lbs/sq ft
600 lbs concen max
Length, computer 46 3/4 in
Width, computer 27 in
Depth, computer 34 3/4 in
Weight, computer 600 lbs
Normal office power required.
COST, PRICE AND RENTAL RATES
Cost of basic system
Computer (including one Tape Typewriter) $87,500
Additional. equipment
Photo Electric Reader 15,000
High Speed Punch 20,000
Tape Typewriter (off line) 5,000
Rental for basic system
Computer (including one Tape Typewriter) $1,750
Rental additional equipment
Photo Electric Reader 300
High Speed Punch 400
Tape Typewriter (off line) 150
Maintenance included in rental; service contract
available for purchasers.
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Personnel requirements will vary according to the
applications under consideration and the size of the system.
The basic system, i.e., computer and tape typewriter, tends
towards an open shop type operation; however, since the
system is modular and up to 17 input-output units (up to 60
with minor modifications) may be employed on-line at any
time, the system as a data processing system would tend
towards a closed shop type operation.
Training provided by the manufacturer includes programming
schools for users at no extra cost, local assistance by
applications analysts at no cost, and maintenance schools for
users at a nominal additional cost.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
System is fully transistorized, large memory-8008 words,
programming flexibility, high operating speeds, Index Register for
automatic high speed address modification, repeat execution
feature, complete memory search of 8,000 words in 2 1/2 to 4
seconds, high speed input and output, up to 17 input-output devices
(or up to 60 with minor modifications), parity checking on input,
dual access and high speed tracks, utilizes UQL120 volt "house
current".
INSTALLATIONS
Royal McBee Corporation
Port Chester, New York
Royal McBee Corporation
Burbank, California
PRODUCTION RECORD
Number produced to date 10
Number in current operation 2
Number in current production 10
Number on order 75
Anticipated production rate 10 per month
Time required for delivery 4-6 months
BRL 1961, RPC 9000, start page 0836
|
RPC 9000
Royal Precision Computer Model 9000
MANUFACTURER
Royal McBee Corporation
Librascope, Incorporated
Photo by Royal McBee Corporation
APPLICATIONS
Located in Port Chester, Hew York and Burbank, California,
system is designed for all typical businesstype data processing and
engineering type activities.
PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Binary coded decimal
Decimal digits/word 12
Decimal digits/instruction 2
Instructions per word 6
Instructions decoded 43
Arithmetic system Fixed point
Floating point can be simulated.
Instruction type One address
Number range 12 decimal digits
Instruction word format
Single Character Command., Single Character Address: e.g. the
command may be F, the address may be P.
Automatic coding includes compilers, and assemblers.
Registers and B-boxes include 3 - Arithmetic Regis-
ters, 1 - Command Register, and 1 - Address Register.
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Incl Stor Access Exclud Stor Access
Average Microsec Microsec
Add 110 230
Mult 2,860 1,980
Div 3,520 3,520
Access times are not optimized.
Construction (Arithmetic unit only)
Transistors and diodes are employed in the cir-
cuitry of the RPC-9000.
Arithmetic mode Serial
Timing Synchronous
Operation Sequential
STORAGE
No. of No. of Access
Media Words Digits Microsec
Magaetostrictive 77 864 0.880
Delay Lines
Magnetic Tape 80,000 960,000 1,785,000
(per unit)
magnetic tape access is average for a reel.
INPUT
Media Speed
Paper Tape 500 char/sec
Cards 400 cards/min
Paper Tape (Punch and 60 char/ sec
Reader)
Tape Typewriter System
OUTPUT
Media Speed
High Speed Paper Tape 300 char/sec
Punch
Punched Card Punch 100 cards/min
High Speed On-line 667 or 1,000 lines/min
Printer
Paper Tape Punch and 30 char/see
Reader
In addition, there is a slower speed line printer at 150 lines
per minute and the typewriter at 12 characters per second
available as output.
CIRCUIT ELEMENTS OF ENTIRE SYSTEM
Transistors and diodes are used, in the circuitry of the RFC-
9000.
BRL 1961, RPC 9000, start page 0837
|
CHECKING FEATURES
Parity checks are included.
POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND SITE PREPARATION
Power, computer 0.2 Kw
Vole, computer 43.4 cu ft
Area, computer 12.4 sq ft
Floor loading 24.2 lbs/sq ft
300 lbs concen max
Weight, computer 300 lbs
Normal office power required.
PRODUCTION RECORD
Number produced to date 10
Number in current operation 4
Number in current production 25-30
Number on order 50
Anitcipated production rates 6 per month
Time required for delivery 9 months
COST, PRICE AND RENTAL RATES
Cost of basic system
Computer $60,000
Tape Typewriter System 5,000
Magnetic Tape Storage Unit 50,000
32 word-expandable Memory Units 5,000
Cost of additional equipment
Photo Electric Reader $15,000
High Speed Punch 20,000
Punch and. Reader 2,500
Punched Card Reader 20,000
Punched Card Punch 25,000
Line Printer (150 lpm) 50,000
Line Printer (1,000 lpm) 175,000
Auxiliary Magnetic Tape Storage Unit 20,000
Rental for basic system
Computer $1,200
Tape Typewriter System 150
Magnetic Tape Storage Unit 1,000
32 word expandable memory Unit 100
Rental additional equipment
Photo Electric Reader 300
High Speed Punch 400
Punch and Reader 75
Punched Card Reader 400
Punched Card Punch 450
Line Printer (150 lpm) 1,000
Line Printer (1,000 lpm) 3,500
Auxiliary Magnetic Tape Unit 400
Maintenance included in rental; service contract available
for purchasers.
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Personnel requirements will vary according to the
applications under consideration and the size of the system.
Methods of training made available by the manu. facturer
are programming schools for users at no cost, maintenance
schools for users at a nominal additional cost, and local
assistance by applications analysts at no cost to user.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Fully transistorized, random in-line processing, extremely high
speed processing, compatible with any alphabetic or numeric
"account number" system, complete file search - every record
inspected on every cycle, data parity checked, all data in decimal
form, internally stored program, tape cartridges easily
interchanged, up to 30 input-output devices operating
simultaneously, overlapped functions, modular construction
throughout, efficient program storage-2 characters per
instruction, fully automatic operation.
INSTALLATIONS
Royal McBee Corporation
Port Chester, New York
Royal McBee Corporation
Burbank, California
BRL 1961, RW 300, start page 0838
|
RW 300
Thompson Ramo Wooldridge Computers Company
Model RW 300
MANUFACTURER
Thompson Ramo Wooldridge Computers Company
Photo by Thompson Ramo Wooldridge Computers Company
APPLICATIONS
Manufacturer
Automatic, on-line, real-time uses include industrial process
control, process data logging, pilot plant operation, quality
control testing, electronic or electromechanical systems
checkout, test stand data acquisition and data reduction. Off-line
uses include general purpose computing.
System has built-in analog-digital conversion logic.
Programming is not required to store analog data in memory.
System has built-in digital-analog conversion logic. Program is
required only to change the output values.
National Aviation Facilities Experimental Station Located at
the NAFEC, Federal Aviation Agency, Atlantic City, New Jersey,
the system is used for air traffic control simulation, and terminal
area sequencing control for the Idlewild area. Twenty sim-
ulators via analog tieup are connected to the 300 for input and
digital displays are connected for output. With these, a simulation
of aircraft in the terminal area and the IFR Room are produced
for testing manmachine automization of air traffic control.
PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Manufacturer
Internal number system Binary
Binary digits/word 17 bits plus 1 sign bit
Binary digits/instruction 36 (2 words)
Instructions per word one-half
Instructions decoded 21
Arithmetic system Fixed point
Instruction type Two address (one plus one)
BRL 1961, RW 300, start page 0839
|
National Aviation Facilities Experimental Station (FAA)
Photo by Thompson Ramo Wooldridge Computers Company
Number range +- (218 - 1)
Instruction word format
WORD ONE 2 WORDS WORD TWO
+-----------+---------+ +-----------+------------------+
| 18 14 | 13 1 | | 18 14 | 13 1 |
+-----------+---------+ +-----------+------------------+
| Execution | Operand | | Operation | Next Instruction |
| Code | Address | | | Address |
+-----------+---------+ +-----------+------------------+
Automatic built-in subroutines include a program loader.
Automatic coding features include "OPUS", a routine for
compiling optimum-coded computer program from sequential,
symbolic listing, and "SAFARI", an assembly and interpretive
program for scientific problems.
Registers include an A register (accumulator), a B register
(lower accumulator), 3 one-word control registers, and an
output-buffer register (18 bits).
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Manufacturer
Incl Stor Access Exclud Stor Access
Microsec Microsec
Add 780 780
Mult 2,990 2,990
Div 3,120 3,120
Construction (Arithmetic unit only)
Transistors approx. 580
Diodes approx. 4,000
Arithmetic mode Serial
Timing Synchronous
Operation Sequential
Zero access for optimum coding
8,330 microsec avg. access for sequential coding
BRL 1961, RW 300, start page 0840
|
STORAGE
Manufacturer
No. of No. of Access
Media Words Binary Digits Microsec
Magnetic Drum 7,936 or 18 x 7,936 or 8,330 avg.
15,520 18 x 15,520
Magnetic drum contains 32 words of fast-access
memory; 2,080 microsec avg.
The 8,330 microsec average access is for general
storage only.
Magnetic Tape
No. of units that can be connected 8 Units
No. of chars/linear inch of tape 240 Char/inch
Channels or tracks on the tape 8 Tracks/tape
Blank tape separating each record 0.5 Inches
Tape speed 75 Inches/sec
Transfer rate 2,560 Words/sec
Start time less than 5 Millisec
Stop time less than 5 Millisec
Physical properties of tape
Width 0.5 Inches
Length of reel 2,400 Feet
The magnetic tape system is available in 150 and 240 lines
per inch models; the figures above are for the 240 lines/in
model.
The tape system can be purchased compatible with both
RW 300 and IBM 709 equipment.
National Aviation Facilities Experimental Station
Access
Microsec
Media No. of Words Average
Drum 7,936 830
Core Buffer 128 215/128
words
INPUT
Manufacturer
Media Speed
Paper Tape 10 char/sec
60 char/sec optional
Digital On-off Signals Up to 5 0 bits available
Analog Continuous Up to 1,920 sam-
ples/sec and 1,024 channels of input
National Aviation Facilities Experimental Station
Keyboard (Flexowriter) 9 char/sec
Paper Tape (Ferranti) 60 char/sec
Magnetic Tape 1,920 words/sec
Analog 128 10 bit words
Digital 700 microsec
Paper tape is 8 level. Analog output is updated every 2.1
seconds. The digital output is up to 18 bits at a time.
OUTPUT
Manufacturer
Media Speed
Automatic Typewriter 10 char/sec
Several typewriters can be operated simultaneously.
Paper Tape Punch 10 char/sec
60 char/sec punch optional
Analog Continuous up to 128
Digital On-off SignalsUp to 540 bits available
The RW 300 is unique in that the input-output, buffering,
selection, and analog-digital conversion equipment are an integral
part of the computer and operate completely independently of
the program. The RW 300 can therefore be connected directly to
measuring instruments and control devices.
National Aviation Facilities Experimental Station
Media Speed
Typed Page (Flexowriter)9 char/sec
Paper Tape (Flexowriter)9 char/sec
Paper Tape Teletype)60 char/sec
Magnetic Tape 1,920 words/sec
Digital 700 microsec
Paper tape is 8 level. Digital output is up to 18 bits at a time.
CIRCUIT ELEMENTS OF ENTIRE SYSTEM
Manufacturer
Type Quantity
Tubes 13
Diodes 4,000
Transistors 580
Magnetic Cores 2,304
The tubes are used only in the power supply. The magnetic
cores are used in the tape-to-computer buffer storage. The diode
and transistor quantities are approximate.
CHECKING FEATURES
Manufacturer There is an optional parity bit on the
Flexowriter input/output.
POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND SITE PREPARATION
Manufacturer
Power, computer 0.5 Kw 120 Volts 60 cps
Volume, computer 33.5 cu ft
Area, computer 11.2 sq ft
Room size Small
Weight, computer 600 lbs
Volume figure does not include input-output equipment.
National Aviation Facilities Experimental Station
Power, computer 1 KW
Volume, computer 72 cu ft
Area, computer 18 sq ft
Room size 8 ft x 10 ft
Floor loading 4o lbs/sq ft
90 lbs concen max
Weight, computer 700 lbs
Room is kept below 86oF by building sir conditioning.
False floors for cable runs is installed.
Humidity and temperature is controlled at 72oF and 50%
relative humidity.
PRODUCTION RECORD
Manufacturer
Number in current operation 18
Anticipated production rates 4 per month
Time required for delivery 6 months
BRL 1961, RW 300, start page 0841
|
COST, PRICE AND RENTAL RATES
Manufacturer
Price of basic computer (includes automatic typewriter and
paper tape punch) is $98,000.
Price of input-output system (Analog), optional equipment,
control console, and magnetic tape units, is available on request.
On-call maintenance contract and full-time maintenance
contract are available.
National Aviation Facilities Experimental Station
The price of the basic computer, a Ferranti High Speed
Punch, an input-output distribution panel, a real time clock,
one analog to digital-digital to analog converter and &
magnetic tape units cost $212, 920.
Two data flow systems, 64 analog input channels, 36 analog
output channels, 504 digital outputs, and 288 digital inputs cost
an additional $90,673.
Rentals for these are $5,962 and $2,589 per month,
respectively.
Maintenance/service contract is $3,000/month.
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Manufacturer
After installation, the system is designed to operate 24
hrs/day, 365 days/year, with no direct supervision. For 3 - 8
hour shifts, 3 operators and 1 technician are needed.
Training made available by the manufacturer to the user
includes Programming course (2 weeks to 4 weeks), a Theory of
Operation course (3 weeks), and a Maintenance course (4
weeks). Operators are trained on site. All but maintenance course
are free of charge at Beverly Hills facility.
National Aviation Facilities Experimental Station
One 8-Hour Shift
Programmers 6
Coders 2
Clerks 1
Librarians 1
Operation tends toward open shop.
RELIABILITY, OPERATING EXPERIENCE,
AND TIME AVAILABILITY
Manufacturer The system is designed and built for
continuous (24 hrs/day, 365 days/yr) operation under normal
environmental conditions in process plant control roams. It is
completely transistorized except for the power supply. Less
than 1% unscheduled down time experience in the majority of
installations. These remarks are based on approximately 48
operating months in actual control installations.
National Aviation Facilities Experimental Station
Average error-free running period 40 Hours
Good time 40.0 Hours/Week Average
Attempted to run time 40.5 Hours/Week (Average)
Operating ratio (Good/Attempted to run time) 0.98
Above figures based on period Nov 59 to Apr 60
Passed Customer Acceptance Test Nov 59
Time is not available for rent to outside organiza-
tions.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Manufacturer
Outstanding features include integration of analog digital
conversion equipment in one package, high reliability, and
compact size.
Unique system advantages are that one system can measure
process conditions, compute proper settings for optimum
process operation, and automatically control process variables.
A typical RW 300 reactor monitoring system includes an RW
300 Digital Control Computer as the central unit; the required
analog and digital input-output equipment; standard measuring and
sensing instruments such as compensated and uncompensated ion
chambers and scintillometers, and pressure, temperature, and flow
sensors; indicating devices; and, where desirable, control devices
actuated by the computer.
In operation, the RW 300 continuously scans the
instruments connected to it, converts analog and other
readings to binary digital form, calculates corrections for
measured values where necessary, compares these values
against predetermined limits, actuates alarm and warning
devices when limits are exceeded, and prints out measured and
calculated data.
To insure that the protection of continuous monitoring is
available without interruption, two RW 300 computers can operate
in parallel (as is the case in two nuclear power station installations
in France), with both machines receiving all input data and making
all calculations. Only one of the computers operates the automatic
typewriters, the alarm devices, and the other output devices. If
that computer stops or makes a mistake, the other computer
automatically takes over the output device communications.
Alternatively, the first computer might have the single
function of alarm scanning, with the second computer and the
tape unit used for computations, statistical correlations and
trend analyses, data logging, processing of historical data read
into the computer from the tape, and control of reactor and
power plant variables, as well as backing up the alarm scanning
computer.
National Aviation Facilities Experimental Station
The RW 300 is unique in that the input-output, buffering,
selection, and analog to digital conversion equipment has been
made an intergal part of the computer.
Magnetic tapes are stored in metal cabinets in the
computer room with temperature and humidity controls.
INSTALLATIONS
National Aviation Facilities Experimental Station
Federal Aviation Agency
Atlantic City, New Jersey
BRL 1961, RW 400, start page 0842
|
RW 400
Polymorphic Data Processing Systems Model RW 400
MANUFACTURER
Ramo Wooldridge Division
Thompson Ramo Wooldridge Division
Photo by Ramo Wooldridge Division, Thompson Ramo Wooldridge, Inc.
APPLICATIONS
General or special purpose data processing and realtime, on-line,
instrumentation, data processing.
PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Binary
Binary digits/word 26 + 2 parity
Binary digits/instruction 26
Instructions per word 1
Instructions decoded 38
Arithmetic system Fixed point
Instruction type Two address
System has some 3-address capability, due to special
instructions.
Instruction word format
+---------+---------------+------------------+
| 26 21 | 20 11 | 10 1 |
+---------+---------------+------------------+
| Op Code | First Operand | Second Operand & |
| | Address | Result Address |
+---------+---------------+------------------+
Registers include an exchange register, an instruction register, a
program counter, accumulator (A), accumulator extension (B),
and a sense register.
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Incl Stor Access
Microsec
Add 36 (555555+555555)
Mult 80 (555555x5555)
Div 128 (3086108025/5555)
Arithmetic unit is constructed of transistors.
Arithmetic mode Parallel
Timing Synchronous
Operation Concurrent
BRL 1961, RW 400, start page 0843
|
STORAGE
Access
Media No. of Words Microsec
Magnetic Core Variable; 7 char/word 10
Magnetic Drum 8,192 each; 7 char/word 8,500
Modules
A variable number of drums and core units may be
added. The characters are numeric.
Magnetic Tape Modules
No. of units that can be connected 64 Units
No. of alpha chars/linear inch 400 chars inch
No. of numeric chars/linear inch 700 Chars/inch
Channels or tracks on the tape 16 Tracks/tape
Blank tape separating each record 1.25 Inches
Tape speed 150 Inches/sec
Transfer rate 105,000 Chars/sec
Start time 1.5 Millisec
Stop time 1.5 Millisec
Average time for experienced
operator to change reel 30 Seconds
Physical properties of tape
Width 1 Inch
Length of reel 2,400 Feet
Composition Mylar
INPUT
Media Speed
Peripheral Buffer 8,192 words
(Drum) 3,600 rpm - 8.5 ms av. access
Up to 32 input/output devices may be connected to
a peripheral buffer Incl. flexowriters, consoles,
card readers, etc.
Central Exchange 35 microsec connect speed
For direct connect of input devices to system,
card read, tape read, flexo, etc.
Cards 2,000 cards/min
Variable read format is utilized.
OUTPUT
Media Speed
Typed Page Flexowriter 10 char/sec
Paper Ta Flexowriter 10 char/sec
Printer (Analex) 900 lines/min
Plotter lines # 25 increments/min
symbols - 50/min
Card Punch --etc.
The Flexowriter is modified for edge-punched cards and 7
level paper tape, read and punch. 32 may be connected to one
peripheral buffer.
Additional input/output devices include a display and analysis
console and a data communication console.
POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND SITE. PREPARATION
Size, weight and power requirements for same typical RW 400 modules.
A false floor for cabling is recommended.
Mechanical
Blower Heat
Dimensions Weight Power (KW) Capacity Dissipation
Item (feet) (lbs) Requirements cu ft/min BTU/min
L. W. H.
Computer Module 8 2 7 1,800 2.665 1,866 152
Buffer Module 6 2 7 1,450 2.545 1,474 145
Tape Module 2 2 7 1,000 1.460 392 83
Tape Adapter 2 2 7 1,000 1.200 392 68
Central Exchange (large) 8 2 7 2,000 4.445 1,866 255
Central Exchange (small) 6 2 7 1,450 2.755 1,474 160
Drum Module 2 2 7 1,000 0.460 392 26
Printer, Elec. (large) 8 2 7 1,900
Printer, Mich. 2.5 3.5 2 300 9.635 1,866 550
Peripheral Buffer 8 2 7 1,800 3.925 1,866 225
Display Buffer 4 2 7 1,100 0.540 784 31
Flexowriter Small 100 0.250 - - 15
Plotter 6 4 3 1,500 1.000 - - 57
PRODUCTION RECORD
Number produced to date 4
Number in current operation 3
Number in current production 2
Number on order 4
Time required for delivery 9 months
COST, PRICE AND RENTAL. RATES
Price on a per module basis is available on request.
Maintenance/service contracting is available.
BRL 1961, RW 400, start page 0843
|
RELIABILITY, OPERATING EXPERIENCE,
AND TIME AVAILABILITY
The RW 1100 was designed as the AN/FSQ 27 and meets the
required Military Specifications in construction and reliability.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Outstanding features include a multiple inputoutput
capability, full parallel processing capability, limited only by
size of the particular installation and a distributed memory
and control.
Unique system advantages include expandability and
flexibility. System can be a small tailored installation and then
be expanded by addition of related modules to meet new or
more stringent requirements. Expansion does not necessitate
reprogramming.
Programming Convenience. The natural format of the two-
address instruction logic, augmented by three arithmetic modes
(replace, hold and store), makes powerful concise programming
easy. The 38 basic instructions are readily learned, and easily
applied. They are sufficiently generalized and varied to permit
expansion in accordance with the programming situations. A
programmer is thus able to employ the full. power of the computer
to every problem rather than that defined by his own subset of an
overly long and randomly evolved instruction list. The direct
access of computer instructions, via the indirect addressing and
address incrementing feature, to data in a connected buffer's
storage minimizes data transferral housekeeping. The buffer's self-
instruction ability maximizes computer utility by providing parallel
data acquisition while computing is taking place. Programmed
control over the computer's response to externally initiated "alert"
signals permits nondisruptive handling of system interrupt requests.
The generalized inputoutput instructions make man-machine
communication devices operable as integral parts of the RW 400
system.
For this type of programming the computation system
provides a mnemonic compiler system, necessary input-output
routines, basic scientific subroutines, and diagnostic routines
such as selective output, trace, and dump.
Types of service routines include:
"Dump" routines enable the programmer to obtain
printed listings of the contents of computer and buffer core
storage.
Drum and magnetic tape
dumps.
Magnetic tape editing
routine.
Program analyzer
routine.
Tracing
routine.
Types of scientific subroutines include:
Fixed point elementary functions - trigonometric,
logarithmic, and exponential.
Fixed point numerical integration.
Binary to binary coded decimal conversion.
Interpretive multiprecision floating point
abstraction.
Many other routines are being written to provide a complete
service package.
The RW 400 is a unique data processing system which permits
many new programming techniques. For example, many
computations divide naturally into independent but related parts.
These independent parts may be programmed for separate
computers within the RW 400 system. The separate computations
may proceed simultaneously with resultant low execution time.
New programming techniques are developing methods of
employing more than one computer for economical high-speed
solution of problems which do not separate naturally into
independent parts.
RW 400 Module Descriptions
Central Exchange CX-400 and Interim Exchange IX-400
The IX-400 or CX 400 provides all of the communication
paths between modules of the system. Its size is dependent upon
the number of required paths. The interim exchange, a transistor-
diode device, is adequate for small systems; for large systems the
central exchange, a transfluxor device, is available. Features of
the exchanges are as follows:
The exchange function at electronic speeds.
The exchange is controlled by both computer and buffer
modules.
All transmission formats are standard.
Unidirectional transmission is employed.
Each exchange itself can be increased in capacity by
adding more channels.
The RW 400 central or interim exchange performs a function
similar to a telephone exchange. On request, it will set up a
communication path between modules of the system. Several
communication paths between different pairs of modules can
exist at any given time; however, a request for connection to a
module in use wilt result in a "busy" signal. It is convenient to
think of the central exchange as a rectangular array of
crosspoints, having computers and buffers positioned along one
axis, and devices to which they can connect along the other axis.
Only CM 400's and BM 400's can request connections; hence these
are the executive elements. RW 400 modules communicate in a
standard format, and can be connected into the central exchange
in an arbitrary poisiton; however, since buffers and computers
must communicate, each buffer has a position on both axes of
the crosspoint array.
BRL 1961, RW 400, start page 0845
|
In its implementation the central exchange bears little
resemblance to the telephone exchange. A conversation path
actually consists of 37 lines in parallel, and the information rate
through the exchange can be as high as 400,000 bits per second
per line. Connections are made at electronic speeds.
Computer Module, CM 400
The CM 400 is a high-speed, general-purpose digital
computer which is housed in a four-bay cabinet approximately
7 feet high, 8 feet wide, and 2 feet deep. The characteristics
and capabilities of the CM 100 are described in the following
paragraphs:
High-Speed Operations: There are 38 internal instructions for
arithmetic and logical operations. The CM 400 is a parallel
binary computer. The computer instruction word is 26 bits long
and has two 10-bit addresses and a 6-bit operation code. A typical
instruction line, including both memory accesses, is 40
microseconds, an add operation is performed in 35 microseconds,
and a multiply operation is performed in 80 microseconds. Five
general external (input-output instructions are provided. The
computer instructions have two addresses. The set of arithmetic
instructions has been chosen in a manner to effectively provide
three-address efficiency in many cases. Each of the arithmetic
operations-addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square
root of a sum, occur in three modes: replace, hold and store. In
the replace mode, a division operation, for example, calls out two
operands - the divisor and dividend - from the addresses specified
by the instruction. After completion of the operation, the
quotient is stored in one of the operand locations. In the hold
mode, the same process occurs except the quotient is held in the
accumulator and is not stored in memory. In the store mode of
division, the divisor is obtained from any address in memory but
the dividend is taken as the number retained in the accumulator at
the end of the preceding instruction. The quotient is then stored
in the location specified by the second address of the instruction.
These three modes provide practically all of the one and two
address combinations desired for arithmetic operations. Special
interpretation is made of addresses containing all zeros or all ones
- the latter providing access to operands or result locations in the
memory of a connected buffer module.
Memory. The CM 400 has a 1,024-word random access
magnetic core memory. The read-write cycle time is 10
microseconds. Stored words are 28 bits long - 26 bits of
information and 2 parity bits.
Interrupt Capability. Automatic interrupt of a CM 400 is
controlled by the masking action of an internal sense register
which is under program control. Interrupts may be due to
"master" computer intervention, alerting signals from external
system modules, and internal conditions such as overflow. An
interrupted CM 400 may be programmed to process the
condition that caused. the interrupt. It then returns to its
normal sequence of operations at the point of interruption.
In more detail, each computer has a 20-bit sense register
which permits program-controlled interruptions. Each flip-flop
of this register senses an alert signal. If an alert signal becomes
true and the sensing flip-flop is also true, then a program
interrupt occurs. Interruption causes the computer program to
next take the instruction stored in address zero. This
instruction causes the program to jump to an "interrupt"
subroutine. Conventional instructions are used to save the
contents of the arithmetic registers and tyre address at which to
reenter the interrupted program. Thirteen of the twenty alert
conditions can be arbitrarily assigned from external sources.
The remaining conditions arise from internal sources such as
overflow, "ready" or other status signals received during
standard. communication.
Switching Capability. A CM 400 may connect itself
through the central exchange to any available buffer module,
tape module, tape adapter, drum module, printer module,
peripheral buffer, or display buffer. Connections are made
within the central exchange: All modules communicate over
identical standard cables.
The system network of alert signals of the RW 400 is required
in multiple cotter systems to permit one computer to control
the operation of other computers. It allows the system to
efficiently accept infrequently occurring asynchronous input
signals, and can be used to implement the timing of certain kinds
of computer operation. Alert signals are extremely useful for
indication of operator requests, causing prompt response to
queries or modifications of console displays. If two or more
occur simultaneously, the resulting interrupts are processed in a
specifiable order or priority.
FUTURE PLANS
Plans include a new 32,000 word memory, word length up to 48
bits, optional, and automatic floating point.
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