PDP-8 computer

Digital Equipment Corporation

1965-1990

Computer, PDP-8, Perspex / metal / plastic / insulation, made by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), Maynard, Massachusetts, United States of America, 1965-1990

Powerhouse

A large, rectangular computer cabinet with a clear front panel revealing internal components including circuit boards, wires, and cables. The cabinet has a black frame and a light gray side panel. The PDP-8 is a general purpose, stored program computer. This particular unit is mounted in a rack with removable Perspex sides and front. There are two swinging frames, containing discrete transistors and components on circuit boards. At the top of the rack there is a multiplier designed by an honours student, using standard modules made in the University Department. The actual computer is mounted below the multiplier. Next, there is the operating panel with a number of switches, the power supply, additional core memory and a disk drive. Transistors and other discrete components are mounted on a multitude of circuit boards. The PDP