Quiz time!

From: James Willing <jimw_at_agora.rdrop.com>
Date: Tue Oct 26 00:43:25 1999

Anyone up for a little mind bender? We begin with the images below:

http://www.computergarage.org/~jwilling/P0870.JPG
http://www.computergarage.org/~jwilling/P0871.JPG
http://www.computergarage.org/~jwilling/P0872.JPG
http://www.computergarage.org/~jwilling/P0873a.JPG

One official 'no prize' to the first person who can identify these items.
(or, perhaps a real prize... You never know)

---
Some Clues:
These artifacts date from early 1962 (when they were in production -
probably designed sometime in 1960-1961)
These are dedicated units, with a hard-wired program (using a diode logic
matrix contained in the larger unit but not visible in these images)
The large chassis in the first two images is the central 'computer'.  This
unit could service up to ten machines that the smaller chassis in the
second pair of images were connected to.  (more or less on a FIFO on-demand
time-shared basis)
The smaller unit gathers data from a machine for processing by the larger
unit, and once a solution has been determined, the larger unit relays (no
pun intended) the information back to the requesting smaller unit which
latches the solution data for display along with the original input data on
a visual readout device which is part of the machine.
These were a production item, in fairly common use and their results could
be seen on public display nearly anywhere around the country (and to some
extent the world) where they were in use.
Collectively, the units were known as the "'          ' Computer" and were
considered an add-on or enhancement to the original machine with which they
were used.
No direct (or manual) input from the 'user' was required in the normal use
of this computer.
---
The game ends with the first correct solution or on 01-November-1999
(whichever comes first)
---
The images are un-retouched, except for image P0873a where part of the ID
plate that would give away the answer has been obscured.
And, if anyone really thinks it will help I will add some shots of the
inside of the chassis in a day or so...  LOTS of wires and stuff!
Have at you!
-jim
---
jimw_at_computergarage.org
The Computer Garage - http://www.computergarage.org
Computer Garage Fax - (503) 646-0174

Received on Tue Oct 26 1999 - 00:43:25 BST