Fifty Years Ago .... from the pages of Computer Weekly

22nd August 1974 computing, compiled by TNMOC volunteer archivist, Brian Aldous.

A selection of stories from Computer Weekly from 22nd August 1974. The full archive of Computer Weekly can be seen at TNMOC, where there are special rolling displays of front pages from 25 and 40 years ago.

Radar simulator based on PDP11: A radar simulator system, the SY2084, based on Digital Equipment PDP-11 minicomputers has been announced by Solartron-Schlumberger, of Famborough, Hants. Depending or customer requirements, the Solartron equipment is built around any unit of the PDP-11 range, with total system costs ranging from about £50,000 to over £1 million. Current applications for an SY2084 are in air traffic control and marine navigation simulation but, the company claims, potential applications are passenger check-in and baggage handling work. The system incorporates a Solartron-designed interactive display keyboard terminal which allows an instructor to communicate directly with the PDP-11. Software held in the PDP-11 was written by Solartron. In addition to the terminal unit and PDP-11, the system also contains two other new products, a digital video map and a plan position indicator display which can be used for both simulation and operational radar applications. (CW 407 22/8/1974 p48)