Collection of Digital Equipment Corporation PDP-1 Computer Materials, 1960-1983, bulk 1960-1976

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Summary

Abstract:
The Collection of Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) PDP-1 Computer Materials is comprised of program listings, manuals, technical papers, promotional materials, design drawings and photographs regarding the PDP-1 digital computer spanning 1959 to 1983.
Extent:
9 linear feet 8 boxes
Language:
Languages represented in the collection: English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of Item], [Item Date], Collection of Digital Equipment Corporation PDP-1 Computer Materials, Lot X3602.2006, Box [#], Folder [#], Computer History Museum

Background

Scope and content:

The Collection of Digital Equipment Corporation PDP-1 Computer Materials is composed of program listings, manuals, technical papers, memorandums, promotional materials, logbooks, specifications, design drawings, photographs and paper tape [software] spanning 1959 to 1976. The records are divided into eight series and total 9 linear feet, in six record cartons, one manuscript box, and one oversized box. All series are arranged alphabetically by folder title.

The first series, Program Listings, date from 1961 to 1976. Included in this series is the program listing for Spacewar!, one of the earliest, if not the earliest video game, for digital computers. The large group of program listings includes debugging programs, administrative routines, and test programs.

The second series, Technical Notes, date from 1959 to 1975. This series contains technical programming notes to all types of programs from Invisible Debugger to Expensive Typewriter. Contained in this series are technical notes for the PDP-1 by the Digital Equipment Corporation Users Society (DECUS), BBN, DEC, Itek Laboratories, and MIT.

The third series is Manuals, 1960 to 1967. The manuals cover hardware and programming topics. This series contains manuals that focus on specific components as well as ones that cover basic instructions and maintenance for the PDP-1. Included is an early Programmed Data Processor-1 Handbook (1963).

The fourth series is Miscellaneous, 1960 to 1965. Contained in this series are a small number of interoffice memoranda and promotional materials. Also included is a 1963 option and price list. Of interest is an oral history transcript of Richard Best, an engineer who worked at MIT's Lincoln Laboratory and then at Digital Equipment Corporation.

The fifth series Specifications, is a small quantity of specifications dating from 1961 to 1973. These include cable schedules, component lists, component diagrams, and wiring schematics.

The sixth series is Logbooks/ Records. This series consists of logbooks, 1962 to 1976, for the PDP-1 computers at the MIT Research Laboratory of Electronics. Information recorded here describes the programs that were run, maintenance issues, and failures. Also included is an undated maintenance log on loose paper.

The seventh series is Design Drawings, 1959 to 1968. These are oversized schematics of the PDP-1.

Biographical / historical:

In 1960 Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) launched its first computer, the PDP-1 (Programmed Data Processor-1). The computer cost $120,000.00, and was 8 feet by 2 feet by 6 feet in size. The computer was designed in three and a half months by Ben Gurley. He based his system on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Lincoln Laboratory TX-0 and TX-2 computers and used DEC's initial product, a series of interconnectable circuits known as "Laboratory Modules," to create the PDP-1.

The PDP-1 was the world's first commercial interactive computer, and was used for process control, scientific research, and graphics applications, as well as to pioneer timesharing systems. The PDP-1 also made it possible for smaller businesses and laboratories to have access to much more computing power than ever before.

Though the PDP-1 was produced in relatively small quantities (just over 50) its impact was significant. For DEC, it was the first in a long line of computers that focused on interactivity and affordability. For the user, the PDP-1 represented an unprecedented freedom of human-machine interaction, spurring the creation of hacker culture at MIT, Bolt Baranek and Newman (BBN) and elsewhere. Inspired programmers created early debugging, text editing, music and game programs - including the first computer video game, Spacewar!

Acquisition information:
The provenance is unknown for the Collection of DEC PDP-1 Computer Materials and most likely came from a variety of different sources. The nucleus of the collection was originally acquired in the 1980s and 1990s when the Computer History Museum was then known as the Computer Museum, located in Boston. The Collection is a portion of the larger artificial Company Collection. Gwen Bell, the Computer Museum's first curator arranged documents by originating institution or company. In 2005 and 2006 all the PDP-1 materials shelved as part of the "Company Collection" were given the found in collection lot number of X3602.2006 and processed.
Arrangement:

  • Series 1. Program listings (1961 - 1976)
  • Series 2. Technical Notes (1959 - 1975)
  • Series 3. Manuals (1960 - 1967)
  • Series 4. Miscellaneous (1960 - 1965)
  • Series 5. Specifications (1961 - 1973)
  • Series 6. Log Books/ Records (1962 - 1984)
  • Series 7. Design drawings (oversized drawings) (1959 - 1968)

Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The Computer History Museum can only claim physical ownership of the collection. Users are responsible for satisfying any claims of the copyright holder. Permission to copy or publish any portion of the Computer History Museum's collection must be given by the Computer History Museum.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of Item], [Item Date], Collection of Digital Equipment Corporation PDP-1 Computer Materials, Lot X3602.2006, Box [#], Folder [#], Computer History Museum

Location of this collection:
1401 Shoreline Blvd.
Mountain View, CA 94043, US
Contact:
(650) 810-1010
research@computerhistory.org
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