THE RUP MUSEUM
Travel in time through the history of IBM and the computer revolution.
How time flies! In our RuP Museum we are custodians of some very special treasures from the past. Over the years, many IT systems and rarities of the computer revolution have passed through our hands, which we have wanted to keep. This is how the idea of a museum came into being.
We have lovingly repaired these devices and maintain them. They are fully-functional and can be admired on our premises. We would like to introduce you to a selection of these contemporary witnesses here. The following devices originate from the data processing period between 1956 and 1972.
IBM 1130 ELECTRONIC COMPUTING SYSTEM
IBM brought the 1130 electronic computing system onto the market in 1965. From today’s perspective, the system can be classified as a computer of the third-generation. The third-generation computers feature miniaturisation and integration of components into modules, as well as the use of integrated circuits in computer construction. With the knowledge that shorter current paths permit higher processing speeds, electronic components became ever smaller and, at the same time, the flow of information ever greater. On top of this came the significant advantage that miniaturised components were less susceptible to faults. Although the computers no longer had to be housed in a separate room, they still did not quite fit onto a desk.
The 1130 electronic computing system was a “batch system”, i.e. it worked according to the principle of batch processing. The main input device at the time of introduction to market was the IBM 1442 punch card reader. This could read 300 cards per minute. The IBM 1132 printer, with a top speed of 80 lines per minute, served as an output device.
IBM 129 CARD DATA RECORDER AND READER
Back in the day, punch cards could be created automatically using card punchers. The punch cards carried program code to control machines or served as storage media for datasets. The IBM 129 card data recorder had a throughput of 100 to 400 cards per minute. The keyboard of a card puncher is very different to that which we are used to today. For example, the numbers are doubled up with the letter keys. So it was necessary to switch between numbers and letters. The keyboard keys were easier to press than the keys on an electronic typewriter – which gives one an unusual feeling when using it today.
With the card data reader as a peripheral device of the computer, the punch cards were read as input media. Because the characters punched into the cards as holes could be converted into electronic code, it was possible to make their content available to the central unit for processing. In the mid-1960s, the computers could read between 18000 and 96000 cards per hour.
SIEMENS T100 TELEPRINTER (TELEX DEVICE)
Telex stands for TELeprinter EXchange and is a global, public telegraph network. As the oldest of all existing data networks, telex is still a self-contained, independent network and the precursor of today’s telefax and e-mail. In the heyday of telex technology, the Siemens T100 teleprinter machine had a significance equivalent to today’s Apple technology. When the Siemens T100 telex machine appeared in 1958, there were around 14,000 telex participants in West Germany and approximately 1000 in the former GDR.
In some areas with poorly-developed telecommunications, telex is still the only reliable way of communicating with the outside world. Telex is also still used for maritime communication in special areas.
IBM 3380 DIRECT ACCESS STORAGE DEVICE
In September 1987, IBM introduced the 3380 magnetic disk storage device. The device was intended for connection to IBM mainframe systems (CKD) and, in the most significant expansion stage in 1987, was able to provide 7.5 GB per system.
IBM COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY BRIEFCASE
To selected customers, the manufacturer IBM issued a briefcase with historic examples of computer technology development. We were able to get our hands on such a case. The contents include historic development steps regarding processors, RAM and data storage on magnetic media.
PLUGBOARD OF AN IBM 407 TABULATING MACHINE
We are proud of our IBM 407 plugboards .. from approx. 1949
Wikipedia link for the IBM 407
Wikipedia link for the tabulating machine
HANDBOOKS FOR OPERATING EARLY IBM PRODUCTS
IBM product information from the years 1912 and 1952
“Hollerith Mitteilungen No.1” from 1912
IBM special brochure for the technical trade fair in Hanover in 1952