Early Microprocessors in Industrial Microcomputers

[Brent Hilpert]

On 2016-Mar-09, at 7:28 AM, william degnan wrote:
> Not a lot is said about early use of microprocessors in industrial
> microcomputers.  Everything you read about is so home computing oriented,
> but I believe actual sales would have been greater in the industrial space
> 1974-77.
> 

Yes, I'd agree, an overlooked area of tech. development.
Not limited to industrial micros, I always have my eye out for early (70s period) embedded / end-use / pre-home-computer applications of microprocs.
Only managed to find a couple pieces of equipment to date. It's the sort of stuff that get's scrapped as it's not recognised or considered for what's inside.


> I compiled a quick thread on my site about the earliest use of
> microprocessors in industrial microcomputers on my web site with links to a
> related article from EDN Microprocessor Design Series Volume II and scans
> of Process Computer Systems product brochures.  PCS was a pioneer in
> industrial micro-computing.
> 
> If anyone has info to share / correct please let me know and I will add to
> the thread.
> 
> http://vintagecomputer.net/browse_thread.cfm?id=631

Looks like a Fairchild F on the two ceramic LSI chips in the photo of the controller board there.
I don't recall Fairchild as a 2nd source for the 8080 but I'm not sure.
Doesn't look to be the typical amount of support circuitry for an 8080 system on that board.
Fairchild F8 system could be a possibility.