Any idea what model it is? It bears a striking resemblance to a DEC PDP-11 (if memory serves me correctly).
A PDP-11 was the first machine I programmed using assembly; believe it or not, the Canadian Forces were still using them in 1997. They were finally phased out in 1998 in favour of more recent technology.
It's probably a PDP-11/70. That was the flagship model in the mid 70's, which (based on her clothing style) is when the photo was taken.
Also, the left-most rack looks like it contains RK-05 removable disk packs, which also suggest mid 70's.
I do not recognize any of the tape drives, but the thing immediately above the PDP-11 is a paper tape punch or reader, and they weren't common after the mid 70's.
The tape drives above the punch tape are DECTape units, if memory serves; we had them but didn't use them.
I'm not familiar with the RK-05 drives; we used a combination of RL-02 disk drives and half inch mag tape reels - I can't recall the designation for the tape drives.
I remember punch tape as well - DND was still using it for data storage/input until about 1992-1993.
As well they should! It won't fade over time - I suppose after a century or two the paper would get brittle, but the information on it would still not be lost.
Flashback city! ASU had several 11/70s, all hooked together so you could access any of them from any of the terminal rooms. Ah, the hordes of desperate CS students, the candy bar wrappers and coffee cups,the chattering of the DECwriters... Those Were The Days™!
Comments 12
A PDP-11 was the first machine I programmed using assembly; believe it or not, the Canadian Forces were still using them in 1997. They were finally phased out in 1998 in favour of more recent technology.
Reply
It's probably a PDP-11/70. That was the flagship model in the mid 70's, which (based on her clothing style) is when the photo was taken.
Also, the left-most rack looks like it contains RK-05 removable disk packs, which also suggest mid 70's.
I do not recognize any of the tape drives, but the thing immediately above the PDP-11 is a paper tape punch or reader, and they weren't common after the mid 70's.
Reply
I'm not familiar with the RK-05 drives; we used a combination of RL-02 disk drives and half inch mag tape reels - I can't recall the designation for the tape drives.
I remember punch tape as well - DND was still using it for data storage/input until about 1992-1993.
Reply
Reply
I cut my teeth on the PDP-11/45.
I used to dress like that too. :)
Reply
Reply
RSTS/E was the first time-sharing OS I had the pleasure to hack.
Reply
Reply
Leave a comment