looking for documentation for 1963 minuteman missile computer - test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org

15 Oct 2001

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" &lt;pcw(a)mesanet.com&gt; 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