looking for documentation for 1963 minuteman missile computer

From: Peter C. Wallace <pcw_at_mesanet.com>
Date: Tue Oct 16 13:08:18 2001

On Mon, 15 Oct 2001 jtinker_at_coin.org wrote:

> 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

Actually I had some of the stabile platform stuff (star tracker) (bought
at UC Berkeley's surplus around 1975) Still have a few pieces left. I
remember disasembling the gimble stuff (with its built-in direct drive
torque motors) so I could give the titanium hardware to a bicycle nut
friend of mine. No expense spared on that stuff, Titanium shafts and
hardware, Tungsten balance weights etc etc



>
> 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
> >
> >
>
>
>
>

Peter Wallace
Mesa Electronics
Received on Tue Oct 16 2001 - 13:08:18 BST