Guide to the Steve Bristow Papers M1887

Tim Noakes
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
2012
Green Library
557 Escondido Mall
Stanford 94305-6064
specialcollections@stanford.edu


Language of Material: English
Contributing Institution: Department of Special Collections and University Archives
Title: Steve Bristow papers
creator: Bristow, Steve, 1950-2015
Identifier/Call Number: M1887
Physical Description: 12.25 Linear Feet (23 boxes)
Date (inclusive): 1969-1996
Physical Location: Special Collections and University Archives materials are stored offsite and must be paged 36 hours in advance. For more information on paging collections, see the department's website: http://library.stanford.edu/depts/spc/spc.html.

Access to Collection

The materials are open for research use. Audio-visual materials are not available in original format, and must be reformatted to a digital use copy.

Publication Rights

While Special Collections is the owner of the physical and digital items, permission to examine collection materials is not an authorization to publish. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. Any transmission or reproduction beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the owners of rights, heir(s) or assigns.
Restrictions also apply to digital representations of the original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research and educational purposes.

Acquisition Information

This collection given by Steve Bristow to Stanford University, Special Collections in April, 2012.

Preferred Citation

[identification of item], Steve Bristow papers (M1887). Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.

Biographical / Historical

Steve Bristow (1950-2015) was a video game pioneer known especially for his work on arcade games at Atari. Bristow was born in California and lived there his entire life. In 1971, while studying at University of California-Berkeley and interning at Ampex under the supervision of Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney, Bristow worked on circuitry for Computer Space, the first commercially sold coin-operated video game. After Ampex decided not to pursue the video game market, Bushnell left for Nutting Associates, and Bristow followed in March 1972, creating a two-person version of Computer Space with his wife, among other games. Around this time the Bristows also maintained and collected money from arcade machines in Berkeley as a sideline.
After graduation, Barstow went straight to Bushnell’s new company, known as Atari. As head of Coin Engineering he helped develop multi-user versions of Pong, Indy 800 (one of the first arcade racing games), as well as the company-saving Tank and Breakout. Among his various roles, he was involved with the Electronic Board Game Division and was Plant Manager of Pinball Production. Bristow was more or less in charge of Atari's arcade division until 1979 when he transitioned to the Consumer and Computer Group, where he helped put Atari’s home computer line into production. Not long after a management decision to bring out a successor to the 2600 rather than license Nintendo’s new game system, Bristow left Atari and worked as an electrical engineer. He passed away in February 2015 at the age of 65.

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of business papers such as reports, legal & patent documents, and sales & trade show material; notebooks; service manuals & user guides; schematics; advertisements;, articles and photographs. Most of the papers concern Bristow's career at Atari.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Video games.
Coin-operated machines
Video game design
Video arcades
Bristow, Steve, 1950-2015
Atari, Inc.

 

Series 1: Personal Papers

box 1, folder 1

University of California College of Engineering Papers: 1970, 1 of 2.

box 1, folder 2

University of California College of Engineering Papers: 1970, 2 of 2.

box 1, folder 3

Engineering School Personal Papers: ca. 1971-1972.

box 1, folder 4

Miscellaneous Correspondence and Papers, n.d.

box 1, folder 5

Personal Planner, 1981.

box 1, folder 6

Engineering Notebook, March 1981.

box 1, folder 7

Engineering Notebook, May 1981.

box 2, folder 1

Engineering Notebook, July 1981.

box 2, folder 2

Engineering Notebook, October 1981.

box 2, folder 3

Engineering Notebook, February 1982.

box 2, folder 4

Engineering Notebook, April 1982.

box 2, folder 6

Engineering Notebook, October 1982.

box 2, folder 7

Engineering Notebook, December 1982.

box 2, folder 8

Engineering Notebook, ca. 1983.

 

Series 2: Legal Documents, Patents, and Lawsuits

box 3, folder 2

Atari, Inc. vs. Mar-Quin Company, ca. 1975.

box 3, folder 1

Papers shown to Magnavox, ca. 1972-1976.

box 3, folder 3

Alpex Computer vs. Nintendo, ca. 1976.

box 3, folder 4

Miscellaneous Patents and Notes: n.d., 1 of 3.

box 3, folder 5

Miscellaneous Patents and Notes: n.d., 2 of 3.

box 3, folder 6

Miscellaneous Patents and Notes: n.d., 3 of 3.

 

Series 3: Manuals and Schematics

box 4, folder 1

CAL 6400 Fortran Guide: Users Manual: 1969, 1 of 2.

box 4, folder 2

CAL 6400 Fortran Guide: Users Manual: 1969, 2 of 2.

box 4, folder 3

Pin Pong Operation and Maintenance Manual, 1974.

box 4, folder 4

Trak 10 Operation and Maintenance Manual, 1974.

box 4, folder 5

Qwak Service Information and Schematics, 1974.

box 4, folder 6

Tank Operation and Service Manuals, 1975-1978.

box 4, folder 7

Indy 800 Service Information, ca. 1975.

box 4, folder 8

Super Bug and Drag Racer schematics, ca. 1976.

box 4, folder 9

Color Monitor Troubleshooting Manuals, 1976.

box 4, folder 10

Television Interface Adaptor 1A Manual, ca. 1976.

box 4, folder 11

Kiosk Operation and Maintenance Supplement, 1976.

box 4, folder 12

Night Driver Operation and Service Manual, 1976.

box 4, folder 13

Breakout Operation and Service Manual, 1976.

box 5, folder 14

LeMans Operation and Service Manual, 1976.

box 5, folder 15

Super Bug and Drag Racer Schematics, ca. 1976.

box 5, folder 16

Williams Parts Catalogs, ca. 1977-1978.

box 5, folder 17

Signetics PVI Manual, 1977.

box 5, folder 18

Airborne Avenger Operator Information, 1977.

box 5, folder 19

Drag Race Operation and Service Manual, 1977.

box 5, folder 20

Triple Hunt Operation and Service Manual, 1977.

box 5, folder 21

Symphomatic Technical Brochures, 1977.

box 5, folder 22

F-1 Operation Manual and Parts Catalog, 1977.

box 5, folder 23

Sprint 8 Operation and Service Manual, 1977.

box 5, folder 24

Canyon Bomber Operation and Service Manual, 1977.

box 5, folder 25

Atari Poolshark Parts Catalog, 1977.

box 5, folder 26

The Atarians Operation and Service Manual, 1977.

box 6, folder 27

Super Bug Operation and Service Manual, 1977.

box 6, folder 28

Two-Game Module Operation, Maintenance, and Service Manual, 1978.

box 6, folder 29

Fire Truck Operation and Service Manuals, 1978.

box 6, folder 30

Atari Pinball Games Illustrated Parts Catalog, 1978.

box 6, folder 31

Superman Pinball Operation and Service Manuals, 1978.

box 6, folder 31a

Computer Space Service Manual, 1972

box 6, folder 32

Pinball Troubleshooting Guide, 1978.

box 6, folder 33

Cyan Engineering Papers, 1978.

box 7, folder 34

D. Gottlieb & Co. Parts Catalogs, 1978-1987.

box 7, folder 35

Interactive Terminals/Viewdata Papers, 1979-1980.

box 7, folder 36

Teletext Papers, 1979-1981.

box 7, folder 37

Atari Basketball Operation and Service Manual, 1979.

box 7, folder 39

Visicalc: Operations Manual, 1979.

box 7, folder 40

Hercules Parts Catalog and Service Manuals, 1979.

box 8, folder 41

Subs Operation and Service Manual, 1979.

box 8, folder 42

Assembler Manual, 1979.

box 8, folder 43

4-Player Football Operation and Service Manual, 1979.

box 8, folder 44

Bally Pinball 1979-1 Parts Catalog, 1979.

box 8, folder 45

Lunar Lander Operation and Service Manual, 1979.

box 8, folder 46

Atari 400/800 DOS II Reference Manuals, 1980-1981.

box 8, folder 47

Battle Zone Operation and Service Manuals, 1980.

box 8, folder 48

Monte Carlo Operation and Service Manual, 1980.

box 8, folder 49

Atari Telelink Manual, 1980.

box 8, folder 50

Atari 850 Operator's Manual and Notes, ca. 1980.

box 9, folder 51

Atari 825 Printer Operator's Manual, 1980.

box 9, folder 52

Atari Basic Manual, 1980.

box 9, folder 53

Atari 400/800 Statistics I Manual, 1980.

box 9, folder 54

Missile Command Operation and Service Manual, 1980.

box 9, folder 55

Atari 810 Disk Peripheral Description, 1980.

box 9, folder 56

Asteroids Operation and Service Manuals, 1980.

box 9, folder 57

Atari: The Book, Guide to Operation and Service, 1980.

box 9, folder 58

Pre-1980 Audio Detailsm, ca. 1980.

box 9, folder 59

Atari 1050 Manuals, 1981-1983.

box 9, folder 60

Robotics Age Magazine, 1981.

box 9, folder 61

Atari 810 Manuals, 1981.

box 9, folder 62

Firefox Operators Manuals, 1983.

box 9, folder 63

Xevious Schematic Package, 1983.

box 9, folder 64

Atari 1030 Modem Owner's Guide, 1983.

box 10, folder 65

Amiga ROM Kernel Manual, 1985.

box 10, folder 66

Nintendo Circuit Diagrams and Schematics (Binder 5 of 5), ca. 1986.

box 10, folder 67

Nintendo Circuit Diagrams and Schematics (Binder 5 of 5), ca. 1986.

box 10, folder 68

Nintendo Circuit Diagrams and Schematics (Binder 5 of 5), ca. 1986.

box 10, folder 69

F-14 Tomcat Instruction Manual, 1987.

box 10, folder 70

Commodore A500 User's Manual, ca. 1987.

box 11, folders 71

Big Mouth Operator's Manual & Schematics, ca. 1988.

box 11, folders 72

Commodore Amiga Enhancer Software Manual, 1989.

box 11, folders 73

Elvira Pinball Operation and Service Manual, 1989.

box 11, folders 74

Motion Board Bi-Plane Schematics, ca. 1989.

box 11, folders 75

Slap Shot Hockey Preliminary Manual, 1989.

box 11, folders 76

Burle Service Manual TC7000 Series, 1989.

box 11, folders 77

Bally Pool Sharks Operations Manual, 1990.

box 11, folders 78

Whirlwind Operations Manual, 1990.

box 11, folders 79

Data East Installation and Service Manuals, 1990-1991.

box 11, folders 80

Wacky Gator Installation and Service Manuals, 1990-1992.

box 11, folders 81

Steel Gunner Operation Manual, 1990.

box 11, folder 82

Captain America and the Avengers Manuals, 1991.

box 12, folder 83

Cosmo Gang Preliminary Manual, 1991.

box 12, folder 84

Jaguar Development System: 1994, 1 of 2.

box 12, folder 85

Jaguar Development System: 1994, 2 of 2.

box 12, folder 86

Atari 800/810 DOS Manual Draft, n.d.

box 12, folder 87

Taito Parts Catalog, n.d.

box 12, folder 88

Dark Seal II: Wizard Fire Instructions (in Japanese), n.d.

box 12, folder 89

Atari ProBall Instruction Manual, n.d.

box 12, folder 90

Wurlitzer Phonograph Service Manual, n.d.

box 12, folder 91

Middle Earth Operation and Service Manual, n.d.

box 12, folder 92

Payphone Network Manager Software Manual, n.d.

box 12, folder 93

Tec Videoelectronics Service Manual, n.d.

box 12, folder 94

Unidentified Schematic, n.d.

flat-box 22, folder 1

Flyball Schematics, 1976.

flat-box 22, folder 2

Kee Games Schematic, 1974.

flat-box 22, folder 3

Car Board schematics, 1975.

flat-box 22, folder 4

Digital Panel Drive Pinball, 1976.

flat-box 22, folder 5

Unidentified schematic, n.d.

flat-box 22, folder 6

Power Supply Board schematic, 1976.

flat-box 22, folder 8

Unidentified schematics, 1976.

flat-box 22, folder 9

Frenzy schematics, 1975.

flat-box 22, folder 10

Cops & Robbers schematics, 1976.

flat-box 22, folder 11

Unidentified schematic, n.d.

flat-box 22, folder 12

Atari Poster, n.d.

box 23, folder 95

Two Game Module Operation, Maintenance, and Service Manual, 1978.

box 23, folder 96

Indy 800 Service Information, ca. 1975.

 

Series 4: Business Papers and Trade Show Reports

box 12, folder 1

Trade Show Photographs, 1974-1984.

box 12, folder 2

Atari Drafting Standards Manual, ca. 1975-1977.

box 12, folder 3

Atari Internal Company Papers, ca. 1976-1986.

box 13, folder 4

IAAPA and MOA Reports: 1976, 1 of 2.

box 13, folder 5

IAAPA and MOA Reports: 1976, 2 of 2.

box 13, folder 6

MOA Show Reports, 1977-1978.

box 13, folder 7

Atari Research on Motorala, ca. 1977-1981.

box 13, folder 8

Home Computer Show Chicago, 1977.

box 13, folder 9

Atari Video Display Research, 1978-1981.

box 13, folder 10

Atari: Dealer Merchandising Plans, ca. 1980-1981.

box 13, folder 11

Atari Almanac, ca. 1980.

box 14, folder 12

Memos and Notes regarding Home Computing Technology, 1980-1994.

box 14, folder 13

Atari Reference Manuals and News Releases, ca. 1980.

box 14, folder 14

IAAPA Show Report, 1980.

box 14, folder 15

Toy Show Report, 1980.

box 14, folder 16

Atari FAQ and How-to Papers, 1981-1986.

box 14, folder 17

WEA Germany Report, 1981.

box 14, folder 18

AMOA Report, 1981.

box 14, folder 19

Atari Almanac, 1981.

box 14, folder 20

Atari Commercial Storyboards, 1981.

box 14, folder 21

Vidcom Show Report, 1982.

box 15, folder 22

JAA Coin-Op Show Report: 1981, 1 of 2.

box 15, folder 23

JAA Coin-Op Show Report: 1981, 2 of 2.

box 15, folder 24

CES Report: June 1982, 1 of 3.

box 15, folder 25

CES Report: June 1982, 2 of 3.

box 15, folder 26

CES Report: June 1982, 3 of 3.

box 16, folder 27

Atari Coin-op Press Clippings, 1982.

box 16, folder 28

Atari Research Report, ca. 1982.

box 16, folder 29

Wescon Show Report, 1982.

box 16, folder 30

MOA Show Report, 1982.

box 16, folder 31

Comdex Show Report, 1982.

box 16, folder 32

Far East Electronics Show Report, 1982.

box 16, folder 33

Japan Telecommunications Show Report, 1982.

box 16, folder 34

Toy Show Report, 1982.

box 17, folder 35

Paris Electronics Show, 1982.

box 17, folder 36

Atari Executive Directory, 1983.

box 17, folder 37

AMOA Report, 1983.

box 17, folder 38

CES Report, 1983.

box 17, folder 39

CES Las Vegas, 1983.

box 17, folder 40

Chicago CES Show: 1984, 1 of 2.

box 17, folder 41

Chicago CES Show: 1984, 2 of 2.

box 18, folder 42

Chicago CES Report, 1985.

box 18, folder 43

Atari Alumni Directory, 1992.

box 18, folder 44

Atari Inter-Company Telephone Directory, n.d.

box 18, folder 45

Atari: Misc. Reference Guides and Articles.

flat-box 21, folder 1

Photo album of various trade shows and events, 1974-1979.

 

Series 5: Magazines, advertisements, articles

box 18, folder 1

Atari Ads, Promotional Materials, and Catalogs, ca. 1976-1988.

box 18, folder 2

"TV Games - Just the Beginning" session papers, 1977.

box 18, folder 3

Notes and Documents regarding "Chapter 7: Displays", 1981.

box 18, folder 4

Video Games Magazine, 1982.

box 18, folder 5

Atari Connection Magazine, 1983.

box 18, folder 6

Alpha Omega Amusements, 1986-1987.

box 18, folder 7

Tiger Electronics Learning Ads, 1989.

box 18, folder 8

Nintendo Playchoice 10 Papers, 1989.

box 18, folder 9

Data East Coin-Op Catalogs, 1991.

box 18, folder 10

Sharp Imager Electronics Inc. Papers, 1991.

box 18, folder 11

Astro Game Products, 1992-1996.

box 19, folder 12

Itek Defense Electronics Wallchart, n.d.

box 19, folder 13

Alter Enterprises Article, n.d.

box 19, folder 14

Miscellaneous Advertisements, n.d.

 

Series 6: Hardware and Software

box 20, folder 1

Atari: 5 1/4'' inch Floppy Discs.

box 20, folder 2

Atari 850 Console, n.d.