Wow, even a users group! This is great.
The boards are beautifully done, discrete logic, and dipped in a conformal
coating. Each transistor or diode has its own serial number, which I assume
provides traceability to quality control. The card cage is cylindrical, and
surrounds where the "stabile platform" would go, except they were removed
before the computers were surplused, for reasons of secrecy. I heard once that
the whole thing cost about $1/2 million, half for the computer and half for the
stabile platform. There is a port in the card cage where a telescope on the
stabile platform gets to look out at something, presumably the sun or stars.
Thanks for the info,
John Tinker
10/15/01 3:02:34 PM, "Peter C. Wallace" <pcw_at_mesanet.com> wrote:
>On Mon, 15 Oct 2001 jtinker_at_coin.org wrote:
>
>> I'm looking for documentation for a 1963 minuteman missile navigation
>> computer. Any leads would be appreciated.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> John Tinker
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>I have a little info if it's the D17B (1962)
>
>(from "Proceedings of the minuteman computer users group" Tulane Univ
>1973)
>
>Type: Serial synchronous
>
>Number system: Fractional binary fixed point 2's complemant
>
>Logic levels: 0V = false, -10V = true
>
>Data word length: 11 or 24 (double precision)
>
>Instruction length: 24 bits
>
>Intructions: 39
>
>Maximum I/O words/Second: 25600
>
>Execution times: add ~78 uSec, multiply ~546 uSec, Double prec multiply
>~1015 uSec
>
>
>Memory: 24 bits + 3 timing bits
>Type: Oxide coated disk
>cycle time ~78 uSec
>Capacity 5454 words 2727 double prec (24 bit).
>
>I/O: 43 digital lines, 31 pulse type, 12 analog (from 3 8 bit A-D)
> program I/O 800 5 bit c/s
>
>
>Size: 20" high x 29" diameter
>
>Power 28VDC +- 1V _at_ 17 A
>
>Circuits: DTL+DRL double copperclad gold plated glass fiber laminate
>with polyurethane conformal coat
>
>
>
>The newer D37C (1964) is mostly the same except has a larger disk and more
>instructions
>
>Peter Wallace
>Mesa Electronics
>
>
Received on Mon Oct 15 2001 - 21:28:03 BST