Mainframe Computer Component, RCA 501 Tape Station

Description:

This transistorized unit was used to read, write, and erase binary characters on mylar-based magnetic tape for entry into the RCA 501 computer. The central rack assembly has components for reading, writing, and erasing magnetic tape. These include a tape transport mechanism, amplifiers, control circuits, and a power supply. This example has a single tape reel.

The rack assembly fits into a specially built cabinet, from which it could be removed. In this instance the cabinet is painted blue-gray and white. Each RCA 501 computer had at least 6 tape stations. Depending on the components selected, the entire computer system rented for $11,700 to $20,445 per month. Should a business choose to buy the system, the list price of one magnetic tape station alone was $25,000 – $30,000. This is over twice the price of a typical American single family house at the time.

The tape station is marked on the inside at the center toward the top: R58111. It is marked on the inside of the lower portion of the cabinet: RCA (/) MI SER 1515 (/) RADIO CORPORATION OF AMERICA. A plaque attached to the right side of the cabinet is marked : UNIVAC SPERRY RAND (/) SERIES 70. The form of the Sperry Rand trademark on the plaque was, according to trademark records, first used in commerce in 1967.

References:

"Tape Station," RCA 501 Electronic Data Processing System, Catalog EDP 581, Camden, N.J.: Radio Corporation of America, 1958.

Martin H. Weik, "A Third Survey of Domestic Electronic Digital Computing Systems," Aberdeen Proving Ground: Ballistics Research Laboratories, March, 1961, pp. 778-803.

U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Historical Census of Housing Tables Home Values. Available online.

Date Made: after 1961

Maker: RCA Corporation

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United States: New Jersey, Camden

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Computers, Computers & Business Machines, COBOL

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Gift of Connecticut General Life Insurance

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1979.0418.06Catalog Number: 1979.0418.06Accession Number: 1979.0418

Object Name: mainframemainframe computermainframe computer peripheral

Measurements: overall: 69 in x 44 in x 18 in; 175.26 cm x 111.76 cm x 45.72 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a0-ecb1-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_334285

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