Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) PDP-1A-1 Computer System Information

Disposition of surplus PDP equipment

Document: 102737384-05-001-src.pdf, Page 217 of 247

Source: https://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/600000624/record/102737384/

Published: January 24, 1962

To: Ben Gurley

Published By: Digital Equipment Corporation

There are several pieces of equipment which we have taken off old computers which we should make a formal decision as to thelr value so that we can get rid of them, else protect them, if we want to save them.

1. The 1,000 word memory has been kicking cround on the floor in the storage area and I suggest that we throw it away or we package it up in a wooden box that was made for it and file it away for future use.
2. The desk type console which was completed, but never delivered with a computer, should be given to Quality Control for a test bench or else wrapped, protected and sent into storage with due labels. If there is a possibility of our selling a computer with the old console, we should save this because it is complete and because the island is complete.
3. The original PDP console with a brown hood has sentimental value, but I suggest that we take the top off and give the table to Quality Control as a test stand. There is a complete scope with ampliflers inside and there might be a possibility of using it for an oscilloscope.

Informational International Incorporated and PDP-1A-1 Prototype

Document: 102737384-05-001-src.pdf, Page 87 of 247

Source: https://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/600000624/record/102737384/

Published: March 20, 1962

Published By: Digital Equipment Corporation

I have become quite concerned about our proposed plan to place our prototype PDP in Ed Fredkin's plant. Some of the potential customers that we have talked with have shown some concern of being too close to Ed because they consider him potential competition. If this is a common attitude it could be quite serious to us. I am also afraid that if Ed carries out all the services he promised, it might be too serious a drain on his own operation. Ed might also be limited in the resources to make the installation look good.

I propose that we consider putting the PDP in our present auditorium on the fourth floor of Building 4. This area is very nicely prepared with a tile floor and a well illuminated area. This is so large that we could set the computer very nicely and have area for people special experiments and room for a large classroom. This could work out very well for Ed Fredkin because we could take the lock off our present robble door in Building 4 and put it on the door in purchasing so we could give Ed Fredkin direct access to this room. We could run a partition along the far wall so that the Machine Shop would have access to their wash room. We could then allow Ed Fredkin, or our customers, to come in freely on their own and use this facility. If necessary, we might make a small co-educational wash room in the present storage room.

PDP-4 for Internal Accounting and PDP-1A-1 Prototype

Document: 102737384-05-001-src.pdf, Page 21 of 247

Source: https://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/600000624/record/102737384/

Published: May 15, 1962

Published By: Digital Equipment Corporation

Using a PDP-4 for this application seems to be a good idea, but no one is clear just as to what this machine will be used for and what its relationship will be to the prototype PDP-1. Before making a final commitment, I would like to hear from Gordon as to how he thinks the machine should be used and I would also like to hear the same from Bob Beckman on the prototype machine. I think that each should assume a reasonable amount of equipment.

Prototype PDP-1

1. One type 51 tape control.
2. One type 50 handler.
3. One Burroughts card reader
4. One 16" oscilloscope.
5. Maybe, one color display.

PDP-4

1. One tape control.
2. One type 50 tape handler.
3. One 523 card reader
4. zone anelex line printer.
5. One 16" display oscilloscope.
6. One 523 card punch.

In addition there should be two more type 50 tape handlers which can be used on the machine which needs them the most. I think that we should give the PDP-1 first pass at the Burroughs card reader because they are almost ready to use it. But, if they don't appear to have a good proposal or are not ready to use it right away, we may give it to the PDP-4.

We should include in the proposal time for modernizing the order code of the PDP-1 prototype. We shouid probably lmmediately order the list of In-Out equipment which we want. It would be good to get as much of it delivered before July 1st, so that we can take this years depreciation on it.