A first generation tube calculator: BULL GAMMA 3
The BULL GAMMA 3 was build since 1952. At these days, such devices were
called "electronically calculating device" (original translation
from the BULL maintenance manual), "electron computer" or actually
"electron mastermind".
The device could be connected to several punchcard devices, for
example the Tabulating Machine BS,
to the card copier PRD or to the ULP puncher.
Our GAMMA 3 installation is fully equipped and features seven
delay line memory units with a capacity
of 12 decimal digits each. To extend the built-in memory, there
were special so-called "storage cabinets"
that contained additional 24 storage units, each with a capacity
of 12 decimal numbers.
Summing up, the calculator features almost 400 electron tubes.
Thyratrons were used to connect this fast calculator to the slow
punchcard auxillary devices. A thyratron tube is capable of saving
temporary digital states.
Tubes over Tubes: BULL Gamma 3
The modules could be folded out, hence the calculator is quite
service friendly. Two big fans circulate fresh air thorught the
case. On the left you can see a part of the big power supply –
39 fuses keep the electric circuits seperated for additional security.
When this calculator is connected to our BULL Tabulating Machine,
all the information from the papertape reader brushes are directly
transfered to the GAMMA 3. Thus programs and data can be manipulated
directly by the GAMMA 3. The output is transfered back to the
printing unit from the Tabulating Machine.
This picture displays the monster power supply. Comparing to this,
you can possibly imagine how power supplies of very big tube
calculators looked like!
At these days, selenium rectifier were used to convert AC to DC.
They are made from stacks of square
plated with about 1µm of bismuth or nickel. A much thicker layer of selenium
which has been doped with a halogen is deposited on top of the thin metal
plating. The selenium is then converted into polycrystalline gray from by
annealing. Each plate is able to withstand about 20 volts in the reverse
direction. The metal squares, or disks, also serve as heat sinks in
addition to providing a mounting place for the selenium disks.
Plates can be stacked indefinitely to withstand higher voltages,
as you can see in the lower right of the picture.
At the left side you see dozens of electrolytic capacitors.