Altair 8800 front panel lamps

From: John Honniball <John.Honniball_at_uwe.ac.uk>
Date: Wed May 30 11:05:40 2001

I've just been reading "Computer: A History of the
Information Machine", by Martin Campbell-Kelly and WIlliam
Aspray. It mentions the Altair 8800 (on page 240) and
describes the front panel:

When loaded, the program would run; but the only evidence
of its execution was the change in the shifting pattern of
the neon bulbs on the front.

Neon bulbs? Did the Altair really have neon bulbs on the
front panel? I would have expected LEDs -- can anyone
clarify this, please?

--
John Honniball
Email: John.Honniball_at_uwe.ac.uk
University of the West of England

Received on Wed May 30 2001 - 11:05:40 BST