<h2>CSIRAC: Australia's first digital computer</h2>The CSIRAC console loosely resembled the cockpit of an aeroplane. From here, the technician could initiate, monitor and halt a program as well as control the tape readers and punches.<br><br>The CSIRAC console consisted of six screens (which displayed the contents of the memory and arithmetic registers), a loudspeaker (to signal that a particular event had been reached in a program) and myriad operational switches. For convenience, the CSIRAC teleprinter and a 5 hole punch were also located on the console.<br><br>The console was a later addition to the CSIRAC: it was installed after 1955. Previously, the switches and monitors stood freely on separate stands. <br><br><i>[Image credit: Museum of Victoria]
 

CSIRAC: Australia's first digital computer

The CSIRAC console loosely resembled the cockpit of an aeroplane. From here, the technician could initiate, monitor and halt a program as well as control the tape readers and punches.

The CSIRAC console consisted of six screens (which displayed the contents of the memory and arithmetic registers), a loudspeaker (to signal that a particular event had been reached in a program) and myriad operational switches. For convenience, the CSIRAC teleprinter and a 5 hole punch were also located on the console.

The console was a later addition to the CSIRAC: it was installed after 1955. Previously, the switches and monitors stood freely on separate stands.

[Image credit: Museum of Victoria]

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In Pictures: CSIRAC - Australia's first digital computer

by Chris Jager  |  14 Jun 2012  |  Comments

Sometimes, it's the oldest machines that are the most fascinating. We take an in-depth look at CSIRAC, Australia's first digital computer.

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