RCA Computer

Revision as of 05:22, 25 February 2007

The RCA FC-4101 computer was the ‘heart and brain’ of the FPQ-6 radar. In 1964 and for some time after, the FPQ-6 was the only operational radar with a self-contained general purpose computer.

All known mechanical and dynamic tracking inaccuracies were programmed into the computer to provide immediate correction of range and angle outputs, compensating for such errors as out-of-level azimuth-plane and elevation-gear irregularities, dynamic lag, and reflector droop effects on null shift and beam squint. It also predicted the target’s continuing path and range so that if it was lost in low signal-to-noise conditions the antenna would automatically move ahead under computer control and then perhaps reacquire the track. And to make it easier for human operators it displayed all tracking data on decimal displays. The 4101 was quite a sophisticated machine with only four module types utilizing NOR logic for all its functions. The modules were built to BMEWS (Ballistic Missile Early Warning System) standards using stainless steel metalwork – built to last.

It was surprising how much was accomplished using the RCA FC-4101 computer’s 4K memory; upgraded in early-1967 to 8K Finally, in 1970, it was upgraded to a 16K integrated circuit memory - still only a little more memory than the first office and domestic personal computers appearing seven or so years later. [1]

Programming the RCA 4101

Upgrade to 8K memory; :

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In January ‘68, nine months of joint development work between the CRO and BDA FPQ-6 teams resulted in the use of BDA’s real-time tracking data to develop orbital parameters for a CRO track half an orbit later. [2]

Not long after this breakthrough, the CRO FPQ-6 was asked by the US Air Force to support the polar-orbiting Cannonball-2 and Musketball ‘Orbiting Vehicle’ sub-satellites launched by the Department of Defence (DoD). Good technical work by CRO FPQ-6 led to a lasting US Air Force Network Control requirement to provide pointing data to the OV Control Centre for other satellites in the OV series. [3].

Upgrade to 16K memory

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FPQ-6 was a useful training ground for computer personnel, several of whom moved on to the station’s MSFN computer section and thereafter were keenly sought-after by a burgeoning Australian computer industry.

References
[1] Apple 2 (4K) 1977, Atari 400 (8K) 1978, Vic20 (5K) 1979, <www.oldcomputers.net>, 20 March 2006
[2] NAA: PP538/1, C287, CPR, January 1968
[3] NAA: PP538/1, C287, CPR, January 1968

We thank Ken Anderson, Bob Hocking, and Trevor Housle for their immense contribution to this section.

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RCA Computer

Revision as of 05:22, 25 February 2007

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-In January ‘68, nine months of joint development work between the FPQ-6 teams of CRO and BDA resulted in the use of BDA’s real-time tracking data to develop orbital parameters for a CRO track half an orbit later. [2]
+In January ‘68, nine months of joint development work between the CRO and BDA FPQ-6 teams resulted in the use of BDA’s real-time tracking data to develop orbital parameters for a CRO track half an orbit later. [2]
 Not long after this breakthrough, the CRO FPQ-6 was asked by the US Air Force to support the polar-orbiting Cannonball-2 and Musketball ‘Orbiting Vehicle’ sub-satellites launched by the Department of Defence (DoD). Good technical work by CRO FPQ-6 led to a lasting US Air Force Network Control requirement to provide pointing data to the OV Control Centre for other satellites in the OV series. [3].