Summary

A memory unit, known as a 16-word nickel delay line, for a National-Elliott 405 computer system from the National Standards Laboratory, Sydney.

The 16-word nickel delay line was one of at least 20 such units used in the National-Elliott 405 computer and formed part of the Quick Access Store for temporary working storage of data. Delay lines were used in early computers.

Physical Description

A circuit board with four valves and various electronic components inside a square shaped aluminium housing with holes in two sides. There are 8 fine wires strung around a circular support disc inside the unit. There is a manufacturer's plate on one side of the unit and handwritten text in pencil, blue pen and black marker pen. There is a small stamped number on one side. There are three 8-socket "Jones type" connectors in one end of the unit.

More Information

  • Collecting Areas

    Information & Communication

  • Manufacturer

    Elliott, 1960s

  • Inscriptions

    Manufacturer's plate: " ELLIOT / UNIT CB / SERIAL NO. 909 " Stamped: " C119/7 ", " COMP / E 10 E / INST " Handwritten, pencil: " RC LENGTH ", " -1 / 9-3-6 / 0 " Handwritten, blue pen: " 45 [degree symbol] gain control " Handwritten, black marker: " 4 of 4 MEMORY UNIT FROM / ELLIOTT 405 COMPUTER / FROM NAT. STDS. LAB, SYDNEY "

  • Classification

    Computing & calculating, Digital computing, Media & storage

  • Category

    History & Technology

  • Discipline

    Technology

  • Type of item

    Object

  • Overall Dimensions

    55 mm (Width), 370 mm (Depth), 370 mm (Height)

  • References

    Details of Elliott computer systems, including pictures, in documents from website "Our Computer Heritage" SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE FOR ELLIOTT 401, 402, 403 & 405 COMPUTERS, CCS-E2X2 - Issue 28, 2nd August 2006, Compiled by D. J. Pentecost [Link 1] - Retrieved 5 Oct 2010 (M. Vaughan) Delivery & Applications list of Elliott 401, 402, 403 & 405 computers, CCS-E2X1 - Issue 9 - 26th June 2006 [Link 2] - Retrieved 5 Oct 2010 (M. Vaughan)

  • Keywords

    Circuit Boards, Computer Hardware, Computer Memory Devices, Electronics