15 Nov
2010
15 Nov
'10
7:42 p.m.
On Monday (11/15/2010 at 09:48PM +0000), Tony Duell wrote:
I was just reading about 1103's in The History of the Advanced Scientific
Computer (aka, TI ASC), here,
http://www.textfiles.com/bitsavers/pdf/ti/asc/ASC_History_May84.pdf
page 9,
There was strong evidence that semiconductor memory would
replace all other forms of memory then in use. Thus, a project
was set up under George Quimby to investigate memory alternatives
(Appendix G). Two memories were finally developed, high speed
bipolar main memory (first installed in May 1972), and a lower
speed MOS attached memory (first installed in mid 1972).
We were one of the earliest users of the 1K Intel 1103 device.
We had a contract with a firm in Canada who had government
money to get into the semiconductor business and had an agreement
with Intel to produce the 1103. I remember this firm never made
it and folded in the mid 70's.
--
Chris Elmquist
Having worked
with 1103's I would argue that by modern standards
Even the "cream of the crop" were little above floor sweepings.
Was it that a lot of new 1103s were DOA, oe what there a problem with
them fialing in use, or what?
The reason I ask is that I have several old HP calculators full of 1103s,
and AFAIK all are original (and gettign on for 40 years old). So far,
otuch wood, I've not had any problems with the RAM in these machines.