EEVblog 1705 - The World's First Desktop Computer TEARDOWN

[EEVblog]

The world's first desktop personal computer wasn't the Apple 1 or the Altair 8800, it was the Olivetti Programma 101 from 1965! Computer Teardowns don't get much more vintage than this.

[kite31]

I tripped and fell at "so simple a good secretary can learn it in a few days" 

Although not a good secretary, I still managed to learn it in my first year of work, some years after it was released, to help me analyse some data I had requested and for which the Computer Division (as then called) could spit out a single printout then offer me no more time. I was told at the time it was something of a privilege that they were prepared to release it to me for a week.

[squadchannel]

I love Ducati(748R), so I was thrilled when I found the capacitor.

28:54 "WEBER 750mA" wait, carburetor?

As everyone says, it's best to send it to Usagi.

[golden_labels]

Before people start arguing, whether Programma 101 was a computer or not, mind the fight over it has started in November 1965!

In November 1, 1965 issue of “Electronics”, Electronics Review section describes Programma 101, calling it “the first desk-top calculator that has some characteristics of a computer.” This opinion triggered Earl F. Gill, whose immediate response has been printed in the November 15th issue:

In a world where technological change is measured in weeks, it is understandable that a few are sev¬eral weeks behind. What is not understandable is how Olivetti-Underwood can be nearly one year behind. The machine described as the world’s first desk-top computer (Nov. 1, p. 32) has no features not already offered by the LOCI-2 computer developed and manufactured by the Wang Laboratories of Tewksbury, Mass. The LOCI-2 was introduced in December, 1964.

Let it therefore be known that the Programma 101 is not the world’s first desk-top computer. Anyone doubting this is invited to visit me or the Wang Laboratories with or without an Olivetti representative and/or Programma 101 for a demonstration of the LOCI-2 which has been in customer hands for more than six months.

The magazine seems to admit a miscommunication occurred:

Though the Programma 101 seems to be more powerful than the LOCI-2, clearly the Wang machine was on the scene first. Electronics reported the Programma 101 as the first in a family of related computers which Olivetti will be introducing.

But, since someone is wrong on the internet … erm… in the printed magazine, this didn’t end here! In January 24th issue next year we have a next post. From nobody else but Perotto himself!

I read the comments (Nov. 15, p. 7) of Earl F. Gill about the definition of the Programma 101 Olivetti as the world’s first desk-top computer. As director of the laboratory where the machine was designed, I would like to express an opinion.

Although other machines were on the scene before, I think the Programma 101 is the first machine that may be considered as a real computer, still having the dimensions and size of the classical monolithic desk calculators.

What is a computer? I agree upon the distinction from a desk calculator as reported in Electronics (Nov. 1, p. 32), though some features of the Programma 101 were not described exactly. In fact, this machine can accept automatic input of data (with the card) and can alter its own program automatically.

Therefore, it has all the characteristics of a general-purpose computer, according to the Electronics’ definition. I feel it is also useful to quote here the definition of the term “computer” as given in the glossary of the British Standard (B.S.3527, p. 7): “Computer is any device capable of automatically accepting data, applying a sequence of processes to the data, and supplying the results of these processes. Note: the term computer is widely used as a synonym for stored program computer, and in this sense is contrasted with calculator.”

The Programma 101 has all these characteristics, including an automatic medium for introduction of instructions and data (the magnetic card) and for the output of data (the strip of printed-paper and the card). This machine is therefore a computer.

The other machines on the market before the Programma 101 either do not have the foregoing characteristics or they cannot be called desk-top machines, since, to operate as a computer, they need other external devices (printer, ‘ard reader, etc.).

Hence the statement that the Programma 101 is the world’s first desk-top computer seems to us completely correct.

Now, you all may join the 60 year old thread!

[darrellg]

Before people start arguing, whether Programma 101 was a computer or not, mind the fight over it has started in November 1965!

I love this 60 year old flame war! Thanks for posting.

[SeanB]

It is a computer, in that it stored a program, and could execute and branch completely based on input data, or results from previous calculations. Mechanical in part, but it still is a computer nonetheless. Tied to using the things Olivetti was good for, the printer for output, and a mechanically debounced keyboard for solid data entry from decades of building calculators, and needing to have a reliable input switch that would not give false keypress inputs no matter what. If they had put in a display it would have been nixies, though adding that would have been a big cost bump, needing an external case that would carry the main bus out to have the memory for the print line latched to drive it. more lines would have needed another equal size unit, to have the memory and logic to emulate the paper feed, and move the results up each time a new line was printed, difficult to do when a single flip flop required 2 transistors, 4 diodes and at least 6 resistors to do it, which meant at least 4 cordwood modules per bit, and 10 per display line per position.

[MK14]

The LINC from 1962, seems to be an earlier desktop (personnel) computer.  Also, it seems to be a proper computer, rather than a programmable calculator, with some computer capabilities.

Edit:
BUT, ...

although it required a second chassis about the size of a wardrobe that contained the CPU and memory.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_personal_computers

So it depends on ones definition, on if it has to be fully contained on the desk.  If so, there were still earlier ones, that did, but they then replaced the entire desk (LGP-30).

So discussing which one was first, is perhaps a big can of worms.

[Haenk]

I'd define it as the first "fully integrated desktop computer", by "input-operation-output" being combined into one portable machine, needing just a power cord to be fully operable.
Funny enough, by that definition, the majority of the "modern" computers do not meet this criteria.

[MK14]

I'd define it as the first "fully integrated desktop computer", by "input-operation-output" being combined into one portable machine, needing just a power cord to be fully operable.
Funny enough, by that definition, the majority of the "modern" computers do not meet this criteria.

The problem (as you already mentioned), is that the Original IBM PC 8088 4.77MHz, from 1981.  Strictly speaking, could have a large CPU/computer box, perhaps on the floor, the monitor and keyboard on the desk and perhaps other stuff, such as printers/external-disks etc, either on the desk or to the side (not on the desk) somewhere.

But clearly, the original IBM PC, has to be the 'gold standard' definition of a desktop computer.  Although even that could be disputed.

But in real-terms, it is generally accepted (I think), that the original IBM PC, is the thing which started the big computer revolution.  Where Mainframe/mini computers, moved from being in air-conditioned computer centres, to almost everyone having computers, both at home and on their office desk.

But, other inventions, such as transistors, integrated circuits, microprocessors, PCBs, Hard Disks, Networks, The internet, Graphics/video cards, monitors etc.  All played their part as well.

I think really, you can just argue the point, that almost anything, started certain technological revolutions off.

There does seem to be a concept, that programmable calculators, are not really full/proper computers, and just a programmable calculating computer, without some of the functionality of a proper, full general purpose computer.

[UnijunctionTransistor]

Olivetti was at the time, the leading company of the fabled Ital-Design industrial movement.

This device is a prime example of such design. Sleek, striking and a showcase of craftsmanship. A tour de force in mechanical design.

[sanleontexas]

Then you'll also need to consider the IBM 5100 which came out in 1975,
in which all components were contained within the case: keyboard, display,
and tape drive(parallel format tape cartridge).

[Simmed]

someone got an emulator
now everyone can play at home
 

[ferdieCX]

The keys of the electromechanical keyboard of the P101 can be pressed only if the motor is rotating and the logic enables it.
The large S key behaves as an "Enter" key
I worked at the service department of Olivetti in Uruguay between 1979 and 1984.
As far as I know, the transistors where equivalent to the 2N706.
They were also fitted in the P203 and the Auditronic 770 accounting machines, and also in the UME-2 multiplier unit for the Mercator, a mechanical programmable accounting machine.

[temperance]

[axantas]

Fascinating - I really like your teardowns, Dave - this was very special - you usually do not get this shown.
If you want to see the real programma 101 running - take a look here:

[jonovid]

logic schematics in Italian -not the complete machine
https://hack42.nl/mediawiki/images/b/bd/Legenda_fogli_logici.pdf
https://hack42.nl/wiki/Olivetti_Programma_101_Introduction_to_logic

[Brumby]

Why all the vertically mounted resistors?  Think thermal design!!

[golden_labels]

Vertical mounting is cordwood packaging. At the time it would be the pinnacle of high-density component packing, unless one could afford the recently invented silicon chips.

NASA’s report (see p. 9), showing a module reaching “130 components per cubic inch.”

January 26, 1962 issue of “Electronics” with an article about assembling cordwood modules into magazines (p. 74).

May 17, 1963 issue describing trouble with production of these modules (p. 68).

Apollo’s SCS modules were built using welded cordwood (p. 82 in October 17, 1966 issue of “Electronics”), and Ken Shirrif made some beautiful X-rays and analysis of cordwood modules from the same project.

Some Flyball modules (page by Jerry Proc) — basically cordwood modules in epoxy.

[5U4GB]

Before people start arguing, whether Programma 101 was a computer or not, mind the fight over it has started in November 1965!

That's always the case with any claims of the world's first X, someone will inevitably pop up to point out that the little-known Noodleheinz Mk.3 predated this by more than four years.

[UnijunctionTransistor]

What an exciting time to be in the electronics profession during the 1960s and early 1970s!

Fueled by both the Cold War’s and Space race, electronics advanced at truly unprecedented levels.
There were literally thousands of small companies manufacturing electronics-related hardware and components, and with them boundless opportunities for young engineers entering the labor market.

Every time one would receive the latest issue of an electronics magazine, there was a wealth of product, circuits and components to be discovered.

It wasn’t only military/aerospace applications, the US and many Western European countries still had a robust consumer electronics industry, although it was being rapidly eroded by the cheaper (and better) Japanese products.

[GLouie]

I still have my Olivetti magnetic memory strip from using our high school's Olivetti P602 (I assume a successor to the Programma 101) circa 1971. A big deal back then, but we couldn't get much time on it since there was only one unit for the whole school (about 1500 students).

[Sorama]

My father (as the owner of his company) bought two Olivetti P105 in the seventies.
I was a kid back then, but I remember there were issues with ESD destroying chips.
For the next 30 years I was responsible for the IT park of his company and bought (around 1986) some XT pc like M24, later on M280 which was a AT board.

[Simmed]

 
sold to GE

[Simmed]

Vertical mounting is cordwood packaging. At the time it would be the pinnacle of high-density component packing, unless one could afford the recently invented silicon chips.

NASA’s report (see p. 9), showing a module reaching “130 components per cubic inch.”

January 26, 1962 issue of “Electronics” with an article about assembling cordwood modules into magazines (p. 74).

May 17, 1963 issue describing trouble with production of these modules (p. 68).

Apollo’s SCS modules were built using welded cordwood (p. 82 in October 17, 1966 issue of “Electronics”), and Ken Shirrif made some beautiful X-rays and analysis of cordwood modules from the same project.

Some Flyball modules (page by Jerry Proc) — basically cordwood modules in epoxy.

 



00:00 intro
00:37 expedition to the moon
08:58 MIT/IL guidance & nav contract
19:36 apollo IMU schematics
22:54 design changes
25:24 block 2 computer
25:59 computer comparison
32:50 apollo 2 IRIG (the gyro)
35:30 packaging methods
36:03 cordwood packaging
36:28 CSM GN&C system testing (IL7)
37:35 lunar module
40:50 apollo flights
45:11 apollo 8
48:10 apollo 11
51:00 apollo 12 onwards

[Wollvieh]

Before people start arguing, whether Programma 101 was a computer or not, mind the fight over it has started in November 1965!

That's always the case with any claims of the world's first X, someone will inevitably pop up to point out that the little-known Noodleheinz Mk.3 predated this by more than four years.

Even such an insignificant invention as putting a hot wire in a glass bottle attracted envy. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinrich_G%C3%B6bel

Vertical mounting is cordwood packaging. At the time it would be the pinnacle of high-density component packing, unless one could afford the recently invented silicon chips.

Absolutely. Just a few years ago e.g. radios were still wired with soldering strips and no printed circuit at all. As that NASA guy (?) in that video pointed out you just "drill holes in a block, drop the parts in and weld the connections." Olivetti would solder instead of weld and leave the block in the factory. 

The ideas Dave mentioned for size reduction would save only a few percent. Surely not a third or a half, which I would consider a reasonable improvement to go into the effort of redesigning everything.

It's like deleting unused Files in Windows 95 to save 1-2% of hard disk space after a days work.