13 Jun
2004
13 Jun
'04
5:09 a.m.
At 11:16 AM 6/13/2004, you wrote:
One of the early proof-of-concept designs for the
Friden 130
(http://oldcalculatormuseum.com/friden130.html) used a magnetic drum,
but in final production,
Had one of those, or something very similar -- desktop unit with the CRT,
in the Nav center of USS James Madison SSBN-627, a Poseidon missile boat I
was on from 1972-1974.
Though unofficial, and not mil-spec, it was the most reliable pieces of
gear we had.
We had 6 different computers (two of which used drum memories, the others
were core)
and tons of connected electronics. We always kept all the gear running fine,
but all of it had to be repaired at one time (or more) or another during my
4 years on the boat.
Never had to do anything to the Friden, it just at there and hummed
contentedly.
Ed Kelleher