Artifact Details

Title

JOHNNIAC Selectron Tube

Catalog Number

XD215.80

Type

Physical object

Description

One of forty RCA Selectron tubes installed on the Rand Corporation JOHNNIAC Computer in 1950. The tubes constituted the 256 word, 40 bit memory that operated the machine. In 1954 a 4000 word magnetic core memory replaced the tubes. John Postley, head of Data Processing for The Rand Logistics Department in 1954, donated the memory.

Date

1950 ca.

Manufacturer

Radio Corporation of America (RCA)

Place Manufactured

U.S.

Identifying Numbers

Model number Selectron

Dimensions

6 x 10 x 7 in.

Category

Memory/electrostatic

Credit

Gift of John Postley

Lot Number

XD215.80