15 Oct
2001
15 Oct
'01
2:28 p.m.
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(a)mesanet.com> wrote:
On Mon, 15 Oct 2001 jtinker(a)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 @ 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