In this episode, we restored a PL-150M data tape punch for SKALA – the famous computer of the Chernobyl NPP, that controlled and recorded the parameters of the RMBK nuclear reactors. This device writes programs to a paper punched tape – perhaps the oldest type of data media ever, once used worldwide, and today is virtually forgotten. We'll take you through a historical insight and show you how the tape punch works in action!
But that's not all - we have a MEGA announcement to make! We are thrilled to announce our project to restore the unique ES-1060 Duga OTH Radar mainframe computer control panel.
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What you will find in this episode:
00:00 – Intro
00:45 – Where you can find PL-150M in the Zone?
01:56 – A MEGA ANNOUNCEMENT
03:07 – A brief history of a punch tape
03:52 – A first look at the hardware
05:13 – A tape roller and a side note about the FS-1501 reader
06:36 – What is inside?
09:14 – Loading a blank tape for punching
10:19 – Engage!
10:56 – What’s next?
11:26 – Five Hours Later
Restoring the Chernobyl Computer Paper Tape Punch!
Теги
Computers of ChernobylSKALA computerRMBK nuclear reactorsPaper tapeHistorical technologyVintage hardwareData storageRestoration projectNuclear power plantChernobyl disasterSoviet technologyIndustrial heritageTechnical historyEngineering marvelsScientific instrumentsVintage computersMainframe computersPunch card machinesOld computer hardwareComputer historyRetro computingClassic computersComputer architecture