Seriously old computers: Radio Research Instrument Co.

From: William Maddox <wmaddox_at_pacbell.net>
Date: Wed Nov 12 06:23:16 2003

While scouring the web for leads on classic computers,
I came across a VERY interesing listing of items for
sale, to wit:

MINUTEMAN DIGITAL COMPUTER.
General purpose synchronous, serial, digital computer
originally used to solve inertial guidance problems.
Mag disc memory 2688 words of 27 bits each. Clock
speed 345.6K/sec. Pwr: 28V DC, and 115V, 3 Ph, 400 Hz.
Mfr: Autonetics.

DATA PROCESSOR.
Includes tape reader, punch, and display.
Mfr: Control Data 8090.

DIGITAL COMPUTER.
Cabinet mounted with memory core, and operating panel.
Pwr: 115V, 60 Hz. Mfr: Digital Equipment.
PDP-5.

What I wanted was the PDP-5. I called these guys up,
identified myself as a vintage PC collector, and
and spoke to a gentleman named Doyle. Unfortunately,
the PDP-5 has been sold. I inquired about the 8090,
but Doyle didn't know immediately whether they still
had it, and I wasn't prepared to make a serious offer
for it. The 8090 is a variant or derivative of the
CDC 160A, but that is all I know about it.

Anyhow, here is the info for anyone who is interested:

Radio Research Instrument Co., Inc.
584 N. Main St.
Waterbury, CT 06704
USA
Tel: 203-753-5840
Fax: 203-754-2567
http://www.radioresearch.thomasregister.com

Look under "Test Equipment/Computers".

Their primary line of business is secondary-market
sales and service of military-grade radar equipment.
Some of the stuff listed on their website is wild,
and I'm sure you've got to have the approval of a few
federal agencies to buy it...

--Bill

 
Received on Wed Nov 12 2003 - 06:23:16 GMT

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