Disk drive 50 years old today (305 RAMAC)

Dave Dunfield wrote: Well what about the computer too? A quick google for information indicates this to be a drum style cpu with data-base records on the drum. Segment from BRL - report #1115 march 1961. " CIRCUIT ELEMENTS OF ENTIRE SYSTEM Manufacturer Type Quantity Tubes 6211 1,054 6350 81 5919 626 7044 72 2D21 205 5965 6 Diodes AB 13 AD 2 AM 112 AL 275 F 4 Magnetic Cores 14 100 Selenium Rectifiers 360 (IBM P/N 315903 (For stacks of 10) Germanium Rectifiers 28 IBM P/N's 2100111, 2100110, 2100119, 2114085, 2100108 512073. CHECKING FEATURES Manufacturer Built-in checking features include parity (odd bit) on all internal data transfers and printing, input from cards by two readings, and input from paper tape by count of data punches by record (T.C.C.C.). Programmed checks include control to pre-established totals, comparing addresses and part numbers in program, and arithmetic proof factors and reverse arithmetic in program. POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND SITE PREPARATION Manufacturer Power, computer 12.6 KVA Area, computer 370 sq ft Room size, computer 18 ft 1 in x 20 ft 4 in(min) Floor loading 50 lbs/sq ft Capacity, air conditioner 4 Tons Humidity not to exceed 80%. Two feet of headroom above 350 Unit.Physical Planning Manual and assist- ance are available. USA LOD Power, computer 42.5 Kw 53.1 KVA Power, air cond 20 Kw 14 KVA Volume, computer 856.4 cu ft Volume, air conditioner 9,375 cu ft Area, computer 178 sq ft Area, air conditioner 400 sq ft Room size, computer 40 ft x 4o ft 1,600 sq ft Room size, air conditioner 25 ft x 25 ft Floor loading 36.8 lbs/sq ft 543 lbs concen max Capacity, air conditioner 62.5 Tons Weight, computer 18,484 lbs 1,600 ft. (40 x 4o ft) were inclosed within the Machine Accounting Services area which in itself was an inclosure of 167 x 87. Although the entire area was air-conditioned, additional ducts and vents were concentrated in the computer area. "