Computers in cars (was: I hate Radio Shack

From: JP Hindin <jplist_at_globe.net.nz>
Date: Sat Jun 15 14:16:26 2002

On Sat, 15 Jun 2002, Tony Duell wrote:
> If I ever learn to drive, I intend to use a PDP11/05 as an in-car
> computer (just for monitoring functions, etc). In the back of a real Land
> Rover, of course. Powering it could be 'fun', but at least with core
> memory I'd not have to bother with a disk drive....

Semi-related;
In Wellington, New Zealand, a large proportion of the traffic lights in
the central city (A city of 450,000 people) is controlled by a PDP11/34a.
This 11/34a has been in place since 1981, I believe, and since it just
continually does its job, its yet to be replaced.
They use a VAX of some description as a backup unit.

At last count - which was maybe 3 or 4 years ago now - the unit hadn't
been power cycled since '84.

JP
Received on Sat Jun 15 2002 - 14:16:26 BST