Inforex 1300 Systems
Key-to-disk systems that replaced keypunch machines for mainframe data entry.
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The Inforex 1300 Systems were a series of key-to-disk data entry systems manufactured and sold by Inforex Inc. during the 1970s and mid-1980s. They replaced keypunch machines that used punched cards or paper tape by allowing operators to enter data on terminals and store it directly on hard disk drives, then transfer the data to 1/2-inch magnetic tape for mainframe processing. The systems were notable for enabling operators to view the entire content of an 80-byte card on a monitor, edit and correct mistakes, and for the 1301's ability to read, edit, and write back any single tape record directly onto the original 9-track output tape.
Quick Facts
- Models
- 1301, 1302, 1303
- Original disk capacity
- 800 kB
- Original memory
- 2 kB non-volatile magnetic core memory
Facts from the source article.
Background
The 1301 Key-to-Disk system was the original processor, featuring four registers (one 8-bit for data, three 12-bit for data manipulation and addresses), with 8- and 16-bit commands. It supported eight keystations and used generic printed circuit cards with small-scale integrated circuits interconnected by point-to-point soldering of enamel-coated wires.
Repair and circuit design corrections were handled by field office personnel for up to 30 to 50 wiring changes per board; larger changes were done at the factory. The 1302, released two years later, expanded support to sixteen keystations in two banks of eight, with 12 kB of memory. The 1303 was a total redesign with a new backplane, a 16-bit address bus, 8-, 16-, and 24-bit instructions, 24 kB of core memory, and a communications card supporting 300/1200/2400/4800 baud modems.
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Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Inforex 1300 Systems (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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