I have a pair of CDC6600 console CRTs (~12" diameter electrostatic deflection vector), I've been
working on "restoring" a console which I salvaged from Purdue surplus many years ago, but have kind
of stalled on at present and it takes up a significant amount of space. If someone would like to
take over the project, let's talk...
For those who are not familiar, it looks like this:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CDC_6600#/media/File:Control_Data_6600_mainframe.jpg
I have the remains of most of the drive electronics, but the design runs on 400Hz power, so I am
planning on using a solid state power converter to run it. The ultimate plan of course is to run a
Pi (or FPGA) CDC6600 simulation to drive the console.
--tom
On 4/3/24 10:01, Guy Fedorkow via cctalk wrote:
Vintage computer enthusiasts might want to keep track of where to find CRT-based analog
oscilloscopes, for use as output devices.
The early MIT and Lincoln Labs computers used D/A converters to steer and activate the beam on
analog scopes to draw vector images.
Working on Whirlwind simulation, we've been able to get this technique to work with "real"
oscilloscopes, e.g., Tek 475, but we have not yet found a single DSO that has X/Y _and_ Z inputs
(let alone the required phosphor fade).
Myself, I have a couple scopes with backups, so I'm not in the market for another one. But
others might consider the option...
/guy fedorkow
Date: Mon, 01 Apr 2024 22:33:38 +0000
From: Just Kant<kantexpl...@protonmail.com>
Subject: [cctalk] oscilloscopes
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts"
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I have more then I need. All the working ones are HP w/color crts, and as far as older, verifiably
vintage tools (right down to the 680x0 processor in either) I have to admit I favor them as a
brand. Call we an oddball, weird egg, badges I wear with pride.
But who could resist the allure of the newer ultra portable, even handheld units (some with
bandwidth or sampling rates to 50mhz). I'm a big cheapo. But there's no real reason to agonize
over a 65 - 200$ or thereabouts acquisition. It's a bit tiring to wade through the piles of
availability. I favor a desktop unit, larger screen (but not always, careful). But most of those
need wall current I think? The convenience of a handheld battery powered unit obviously has it's
benefits.
I will always love and dote upon my color crt based HPs. But the damned things are so heavy, so
unwieldy. Judy-Jude knocked my 54111d over, hit the paved floor, shook the house. And still works!
Built to withstand an atomic bombardment.
