The IT Skeptic - Comments for "The computer that sang to its operators"

Programmers panel

Brett — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 13:16:47 +0000

We used the lights on our programmers panels, attached to the mini computers we were soak testing. Glancing up from our magazine you could see how much longer it was before you had to do some work. Much simpler times, minding machines at the weekend on double time. Eventually the machine clock speeds got to high and the lights were dim unless you were manualy stepping through the code.

National SCAMP

skeptic — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 23:50:46 +0000

At least your punch tapes worked.
I once tried (in 1978) to program a SCAMP microprocessor (related to a z80) in assembler using a binary switch interface (pre hex digital keypad days) to modulate the serial output at a controlled rate, to make a music synthesizer.
In retrospect that might have been a slightly geeky form of amusement.

I was there too

whyteig — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:37:13 +0000

In the late 70s I worked with HP and we had punched tapes we could 'play' through what we called in these days a mini computer (acually it was a full size 19" rack) and pick up the signals on an FM radio. There were different tapes for different computers. I dont recall the specific tunes but hi-fi they were not. Early attempt at digital encoding I suppose.

Ian Whyte, Bishops Beech