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GUIDE TO
THE G.R. BROOKS ARCHIVE
IN THE POWERHOUSE MUSEUM
Helen Yoxall 1998
CONTENTS Biographical Note Series List Series Descriptions and Item Lists
COLLECTED ARCHIVES BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE
97/203/1
Brooks, George Roderick
Registration Number:
Creator:
Born on 19 June 1917, George Roderick Brooks is an engineer who worked on the design, construction
and implementation of first generation computer technology at the Adolph Basser Computer
Laboratory, School of Physics, University of Sydney during the 1950s-60s. He now (1997) lives at
Leura, New South Wales.
Explanatory note re SILLIAC computer
SILLIAC was the second stored program electronic computer to be built in Australia and one of the
earliest in the world.
The SILLIAC computer is one of a family of machines sharing the same principles of system design, of
logical interconnections and of circuit design. These were formulated by the staff of the Electronic
Computer Project at the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, N.J. The system design was based on
a specification issued by Burles, Goldstine and von Neumann in 1946 whilst the principles guiding the
internal design of circuits & logical nets were the responsibility of J.H. Bigelow.
The first working machine of the Princeton type was completed by the staff of the Engineering Research
Laboratory at the University of Illinois in November 1951. This was the ORDVAC computer, a machine
ordered by the Ordnance Department for the Ballistic Research Laboratories of Aberdeen Proving
Ground. The terms of the contract required that the machine be supplied complete with drawings,
programs and handbooks and permitted the construction of a duplicate machine to become the property
of the University. This policy enabled the continuation of computer development at Illinois and the
second machine, ILLIAC [Illinois Automatic Computer], was completed in September 1952.
The computer project at Sydney University was initiated by Professor H[arry]. Messel, Head of the
School of Physics in 1954. By that time ILLIAC had proved to be both a fast and reliable computer and
it was selected on the grounds of performance and price. The funds for the purchase of drawings and
programs and for study at Illinois were donated to the School by Dr Adolph Basser CBE.
His name has been perpetuated in the name of the computing department within the School of Physics
and the name SILLIAC was compounded from SYDNEY and ILLIAC in appreciation of the assistance
afforded the School by the digital computer laboratory at the University of Illinois.
The construction of SILLIAC began in Sydney in 1955 under the control of B.E. Swire. Computing for
production purposes began in July 1956 and error-free periods of six hours duration were common in
December of that year, largely as a result of redesigning the input circuits used for ILLIAC I. A policy
of circuit improvement without interrupting the scheduled operation was followed."
SILLIAC had 1024 40 bit words of random access memory constructed from electrostatic William's
tubes and used vacuum tube logic in a basic Von Neumann architecture. It consumed 50 kilowatts of
power.
Silliac communicated with users via standard 5-channel punched paper tape at an input rate of 200
characters/sec and output at 60/sec. By 1956 standard 5-channel paper tape readers, punches and off
line printers were readily available.
All the work on SILLIAC pre-assembly modules was carried out at Alexandria by a special team from
Standard Telephones and Cables Pty. Ltd. (STC): Power systems, valves, circuits, electronics and
frame-making. The pre-assemblies were then taken to the Physics Department and installed.
Some SILLIAC components were imported from the UK. The paper tape equipment was designed and
manufactured by Creed & Co. Ltd., Brighton,
England.
97/203/1
Brooks, George Roderick
Registration Number:
Creator:
The Basser Computing Laboratory (within the Department of Physics) provided computer services to
the University and became the first computing laboratory for research and teaching in Australia.
SILLIAC was decommissioned in May 1968. It was dismantled and parts offered to anybody who was
interested. (The museum holds various components of the computer at 85/1695, 94/137/1, 96/263/1,
96/394/1 and 97/231/2.)
Explanatory note re KDF-9 computer
"In 1962, with a donation from Dr and Mrs Cecil Green of Texas, and the support of an AUC grant and
a gift from the manufacturers, the Department of Physics acquired an English Electric KDF-9
computer. This transistorised computer provided initially 8k of 48 bit core memory (soon expanded to
32k) and had a very fast and sophisticated instruction execution within a stack machine architecture."
(Basser 1997 Handbook)
References:
Object files for 97/203/1, 94/137/1 and 96/394/1
Document, handwritten, 'SILLIAC Computer - Engineering Manual/Chap 1 - Introduction', 1950s
(97/203/1-3/24)
Basser 1997 Handbook - History of the Department at
http://www.cs.su.oz.au/Handbook/hb.3.history.html
Helen Yoxall, Archives Manager, 1997
COLLECTED ARCHIVES SERIES LIST
Brooks, George Roderick
Reg. Number Series Title Date
Creator:
97/203/1-1 Folder of diagrams of SILLIAC computer 1952-61, 1970
97/203/1-2 Microfilm copies of diagrams of SILLIAC computer 1950-1963
97/203/1-3 SILLIAC manuals 1957-67
97/203/1-4 SILLIAC log books 1957-1959
97/203/1-5 SILLIAC magnetic store development log 1959-1962
97/203/1-6 Files re construction and maintenance of SILLIAC
computer
1932, 1948-1965
97/203/1-7 University of Illinois publications re ILLIAC computers 1952-1961
97/203/1-8 Folders of diagrams of computers 1962-68
COLLECTED ARCHIVES SERIES DESCRIPTION
Registration Number: 97/203/1-1
Creators: Brooks, George Roderick
Series Title: Folder of diagrams of SILLIAC computer
Date Range: 1952-61, 1970
Physical Characteristics: Folder, 405mm x 600mm, bound in gold-lettered maroon cloth
containing 15 dyeline prints mounted on guards. Loose in the folder
are diagrams, duplicated typescript documents, manuscript notes
and a printed article.
Description: Folder of diagrams of SILLIAC computer, paper/cardboard/cloth,
Basser Computing Department, School of Physics, University of
Sydney, Sydney, 1952-61, 1970
17 dyeline prints of logical diagrams of the SILLIAC computer
contained in a large folder. The folder, 405mm x 600mm, is bound in
maroon cloth. On the front cover in gold lettering 'LOGICAL
DIAGRAMS - SILLIAC COMPUTER/BASSER COMPUTING
DEPARTMENT/ SCHOOL OF PHYSICS UNIVERSITY OF
SYDNEY'. 15 diagrams, 1954-61, are mounted on guards within the
folder. Loose in the folder are two diagrams, 1952 and n.d., a
duplicated typescript 'Alphabetical index of drawings', n.d.,
manuscript notes and diagrams by G.R. Brooks, n.d., a duplicated
typescript document 'The Miller Effect, the Miller Integrator and
related circuits', n.d., a block diagram of Illiac, 1956 and Robert M.
May's article 'Sydney University School of Physics' from the
"Australian Physicist", June 1970.
Arrangement: By diagram number
Dimensions: Shelf Length m 0.020
Box Number: Plan cabinet
COLLECTED ARCHIVES SERIES DESCRIPTION
Registration Number: 97/203/1-2
Creators: Brooks, George Roderick
Series Title: Microfilm copies of diagrams of SILLIAC computer
Date Range: 1950-1963
Physical Characteristics: A clear plastic box containing 135 aperture cards bearing 35mm
microfilm copies of diagrams.
Description: Microfilm copies (135) of diagrams of SILLIAC computer,
film/cardboard/plastic, Basser Computing Department, School of
Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney, 1950-63
A clear plastic box containing 135 aperture cards bearing 35mm
microfilm copies of diagrams of the SILLIAC computer. Each card
has the diagram number and the date '18/11/63'inscribed on it.
Arrangement: By diagram number
Dimensions: Shelf Length m 0.038
Box Number: Box 1
COLLECTED ARCHIVES
Series Title: Microfilm copies of diagrams of SILLIAC computer
ITEM LIST
Item Number BoxItem Title
Box 197/203/1-2/1 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-006 Address generator - Silliac', 1954,
with revisions to 1956
Box 197/203/1-2/2 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-007 Store pulse logic', 1954
Box 197/203/1-2/3 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-008 Input output logic', 1956 with
revisions to 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/4 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-009 Out control - Silliac', 1954 with
revisions to 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/5 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-010 Input control', 1954 with revisions
to 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/6 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-011 Output switch - Silliac', 1954
with revisions to 1958
Box 197/203/1-2/7 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-012 D.C. distribution - Silliac', 1954
with revisions to 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/8 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-013 Engineering control panel', 1955
with revisions to 1958
Box 197/203/1-2/9 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-015 D.C. - supply transient detector',
1955 with revisions to 1960
Box 197/203/1-2/10 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-016 BRPE punch control', 1957 with
revisions to 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/11 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-017 Power controls', 1958 with
revisions to 1962
Box 197/203/1-2/12 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-019 Tester for 2C51 valves', 1963
Box 197/203/1-2/13 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-020 Tester for computer triodes',
1963
Item Number BoxItem Title
Box 197/203/1-2/14 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SS-022 Slave tube connections', 1962
Box 197/203/1-2/15 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-023 'A' scope AMP. & sweep
CCT.MkII', 1963
Box 197/203/1-2/16 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-024 300V 200MA regulated power
supply', 1955 with revisions to 1958
Box 197/203/1-2/17 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-025 100-150V 200MA regulated
power supply', 1955 with revisions to 1958
Box 197/203/1-2/18 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-027 Reg. side chassis locations &
filament wiring layout', 1963
Box 197/203/1-2/19 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-028 Adder side chassis locations &
filament wiring layout', 1962
Box 197/203/1-2/20 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-029 Filament circuits', 1955 with
revisions to 1962
Box 197/203/1-2/21 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-030 Ferranti photoelectric tape
reader', 1955 redrawn 1956
Box 197/203/1-2/22 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-031 High Speed comparer -
reperferator logic', 1960
Box 197/203/1-2/23 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-032 High Speed comparer &
reperferator circuit pt 1', 1957 with revisions to 1958
Box 197/203/1-2/24 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-033 High Speed comparer &
reperferator circuit pt 2', 1957 with revisions to 1958
Box 197/203/1-2/25 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-034 High Speed comparer &
reperferator circuit pt 3', 1957 with revisions to 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/26 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SS-035 54/N4 & 6S/5M Control', 1956
Box 197/203/1-2/27 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SS-036 Gate driver R1', 1956
Box 197/203/1-2/28 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-037 Model 28 printer wiring', 1956
Item Number BoxItem Title
Box 197/203/1-2/29 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SS-038 BRPE punch wiring', 1956
Box 197/203/1-2/30 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SS-039 Teletype transmitter wiring',
1956
Box 197/203/1-2/31 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SS-040 Murray keyboard punch circuit',
1956 with revisions to 1958
Box 197/203/1-2/32 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-041 Creed Comparator wiring', 1956
Box 197/203/1-2/33 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-043 High speed comparer &
reperforator circuit pt.4', 1956
Box 197/203/1-2/34 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-044 Photoelectric reader tester -
logic', 1957 with revisions to 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/35 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-046 End connections - JA & JB', 1957
with revisions to 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/36 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-047 End connections - JC & JD', 1957
with revisions to 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/37 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-048 End connections - JE & JF', 1957
Box 197/203/1-2/38 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-049 End connections - JG & JH', 1958
Box 197/203/1-2/39 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-050 Register logic - part 2', 1957
Box 197/203/1-2/40 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-051 SILLIAC decoding logic', 1957
with revisions to 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/41 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-052 Decoding chassis', 1958 with
revisions to 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/42 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-053 Shift sequencing chassis', 1958
with revisions to 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/43 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-054 Register logic - part one', 1957
Box 197/203/1-2/44 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-055 Even address gate chassis', 1958
Item Number BoxItem Title
Box 197/203/1-2/45 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-056 Address modification chassis',
1958, with revisions to 1962
Box 197/203/1-2/46 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-057 Selector chassis', 1958
Box 197/203/1-2/47 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-058 Complement selector drivers',
1958
Box 197/203/1-2/48 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-060 Record driver', 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/49 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-061 Arithmetic control logic', 1958
with revisions to 1960
Box 197/203/1-2/50 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-062 2000V., 200 MA. power supply',
1958 with revisions to 1962
Box 197/203/1-2/51 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-063 Address code followers', 1958
Box 197/203/1-2/52 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-064 Adder 2/0-2/9', 1958 with
revisions to 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/53 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-065 Standard adder chassis', 1958
with revisions to 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/54 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-066 Adder 2/30 - 2/39', 1958 with
revisions to 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/55 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-067 Tape buffer - 2/0 - 2/9', 1958
Box 197/203/1-2/56 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-068 Tape buffer - 2/10 - 2/19', 1958
Box 197/203/1-2/57 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-069 Tape buffer - 2/20 - 2/29', 1958
Box 197/203/1-2/58 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-070 Tape buffer - 2/30 - 2/39', 1958
Box 197/203/1-2/59 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-071 Shift counter', 1958
Box 197/203/1-2/60 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-072 Record control', 1959, with
revisions to 1962
Item Number BoxItem Title
Box 197/203/1-2/61 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-073 Power supplies - comparer
reperforator', 1958, with revisions to 1961
Box 197/203/1-2/62 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SS-074 AC wiring - comparer reperf'r',
1958
Box 197/203/1-2/63 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-075 Main power supplies', 1958
Box 197/203/1-2/64 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-076 Record coding', 1958
Box 197/203/1-2/65 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-077 Playback decoding', 1958, with
revisions to 1962
Box 197/203/1-2/66 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-078 Clear reformers', 1958
Box 197/203/1-2/67 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-079 Tape buffer logic', 1958
Box 197/203/1-2/68 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-081 Tape character counter', 1958
Box 197/203/1-2/69 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-082 Search decoding', 1958, revised
1959
Box 197/203/1-2/70 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-084 Seven channel P/R system', 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/71 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-085 Search address register &
counter', 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/72 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-086 Search pulsers, clears & gates',
1959, with revisions to 1960
Box 197/203/1-2/73 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-087 Search control', 1959, with
revisions to 1962
Box 197/203/1-2/74 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-088 P/R pulsers', 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/75 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SS-091 Mag. tape eng. control panel',
1959
Box 197/203/1-2/76 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-092 P/R central control', 1959 with
revisions to 1962
Item Number BoxItem Title
Box 197/203/1-2/77 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-094 Playback control', 1959, with
revisions to 1962
Box 197/203/1-2/78 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-096 Logic for Aplin reader I', 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/79 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-097 Aplin reader circuit', 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/80 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-098 Auxiliary reader control', 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/81 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-099 Dispatch counter', 1951, redrawn
1959
Box 197/203/1-2/82 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-100 Amplifier & Williams tube
control', 1952, redrawn 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/83 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-101 Power supply for address
generator', 1952, redrawn 1960
Box 197/203/1-2/84 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-102 Electrodata transport circuit',
1960 with revisions to 1962
Box 197/203/1-2/85 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-103 Store pulse drivers', 1952,
redrawn 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/86 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-107 Green gate chassis', 1950,
redrawn 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/87 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-108 Complement selector', 1950,
redrawn 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/88 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-109 Carry delay', 1950, redrawn 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/89 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-110 Even order gate chassis', 1954,
redrawn 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/90 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-111 Focus & intensity control', 1953,
redrawn 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/91 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-112 Store pulsers', 1952, redrawn
1959
Item Number BoxItem Title
Box 197/203/1-2/92 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-113 Clock, regulator & toggle set
pulser', 1952, redrawn 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/93 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-114 Register selection chassis', 1952,
redrawn 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/94 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-115 Stores synchronisation chassis',
1952, redrawn 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/95 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-116 Arithmetic stop chassis', 1951,
redrawn 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/96 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-117 Store power panel', 1952, redrawn
1959
Box 197/203/1-2/97 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SS-118 Clear driver', 1950, redrawn 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/98 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SS-119 6AS7G cath. fol. + 240V supply',
1950, redrawn 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/99 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SS-120 Clear driver driver RI', 1950,
redrawn 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/100 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SS-121 Gate driver RII', 1953, redrawn
1959
Box 197/203/1-2/101 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SS-121 Gate driver RII', 1953, redrawn
1959
Box 197/203/1-2/102 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SS-123 Clear dr. dr. RIII', 1950, redrawn
1959
Box 197/203/1-2/103 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SS-124 Gate driver RIII', 1951, redrawn
1959
Box 197/203/1-2/104 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SS-125 SILLIAC loudspeaker chassis',
1953, redrawn 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/105 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-126 Photoelectric tape reader output
chassis', 1954, redrawn 1959
Item Number BoxItem Title
Box 197/203/1-2/106 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-127 RI register', 1951, redrawn 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/107 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-128 RII register', 1951, redrawn 1959
Box 197/203/1-2/108 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-129 RIII register 2/0 to 2/-9', 1962
Box 197/203/1-2/109 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-130 RIII register 2/-10 to 2/-19', 1962
Box 197/203/1-2/110 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-131 RIII register 2/-20 to 2/-29', 1962
Box 197/203/1-2/111 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-132 RIII register 2/-30 to 2/-39', 1962
Box 197/203/1-2/112 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-133 Odd order gate chassis', 1953,
redrawn 1960
Box 197/203/1-2/113 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-134 Odd address gate chassis', 1954,
redrawn 1960
Box 197/203/1-2/114 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-135 Control switch panel', 1960
Box 197/203/1-2/115 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-136 Proposed keyboard layout', 1960,
altered 1961
Box 197/203/1-2/116 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-137 P/R control logic', 1960, revised
1962
Box 197/203/1-2/117 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-138 Search logic', 1960, revised 1962
Box 197/203/1-2/118 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-139 Tape character counter logic',
1960
Box 197/203/1-2/119 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-140 Store control', 1961
Box 197/203/1-2/120 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-142 Tape transport selections', 1961
Box 197/203/1-2/121 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-143 Selector driver', 1961
Box 197/203/1-2/122 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-144 Playback - record amplifier Mk2',
1961, with revisions to 1962
Item Number BoxItem Title
Box 197/203/1-2/123 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SS-145 P/R common chassis', 1961
Box 197/203/1-2/124 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-146 SILLIAC power supply monitor',
1961
Box 197/203/1-2/125 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-147 Magnetic tape power circuits',
1961, altered 1962
Box 197/203/1-2/126 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-148 Tape transport wiring', 1961, with
revisions to 1963
Box 197/203/1-2/127 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SL-149 Tape selection & P/R coding logic',
1961
Box 197/203/1-2/128 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-150 Playback error detection chassis',
1962
Box 197/203/1-2/129 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-151 Physics teleprinter terminal',
1962
Box 197/203/1-2/130 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SS-152 Remote teleprinter terminal', 1962
Box 197/203/1-2/131 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SS-153 Overhead links - SILLIAC to
M.T.', 1962
Box 197/203/1-2/132 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SM-154 Outputs from tape buffer', 1963
Box 197/203/1-2/133 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SS-155 2C51 valve characteristics curves',
1962
Box 197/203/1-2/134 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SS-156 E182CC valve characteristics
curves', 1962
Box 197/203/1-2/135 Aperture card, containing microfilm copy of diagram of
SILLIAC computer, 'SS-157 Arithmetic control', 1963
COLLECTED ARCHIVES SERIES DESCRIPTION
Registration Number: 97/203/1-3
Creators: Brooks, George Roderick
Series Title: SILLIAC manuals
Date Range: 1957-67
Physical Characteristics: A duplicated typescript volume; groups of duplicated typescript
quarto pages stapled together; a computer printout; and a
manuscript document.
Description: Manuals (24) for SILLIAC computer, Basser Computing Laboratory,
School of Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney, 1957-67
Duplicated typescript manuals (consisting of a volume "SILLIAC
programming manual" and separate documents dealing with
individual routines, checks, etc) and the handwritten draft of
chapter 1 of the "SILLIAC computer - Engineering manual".
Arrangement: None apparent
Dimensions: Shelf Length m 0.060
Box Number: Box 1
COLLECTED ARCHIVES
Series Title: SILLIAC manuals
ITEM LIST
Item Number BoxItem Title
Box 197/203/1-3/1 Manual, duplicated typescript, 'SILLIAC programming
manual', 2nd edition, Adolph Basser Computing Laboratory,
School of Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney, January 1959
Box 197/203/1-3/2 Extract from manual, duplicated typescript, 'SILLIAC
programming manual', 2nd edition, Adolph Basser Computing
Laboratory, School of Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney,
January 1959, pages 1-1 to 2-20 only
Box 197/203/1-3/3 Document, duplicated typescript, 'Post Mortem Version of the
D.O.I. Illinois code C1, SILLIAC code C1', Adolph Basser
Computing Laboratory, School of Physics, University of
Sydney, Sydney, 1950s
Box 197/203/1-3/4 Document, duplicated typescript, 'Post Mortem Version of the
Sum Checking D.O.I., X2, Illinois code C2', Adolph Basser
Computing Laboratory, School of Physics, University of
Sydney, Sydney, March 1957
Box 197/203/1-3/5 Document, duplicated typescript, 'Print Sets of Order Pairs
and Their Locations, Illinois code C5 (103), SILLIAC code C5',
Adolph Basser Computing Laboratory, School of Physics,
University of Sydney, Sydney, 1950s
Box 197/203/1-3/6 Computer printout, 'Post Mortem Routine C5', Adolph Basser
Computing Laboratory, School of Physics, University of
Sydney, Sydney, 1950s
Box 197/203/1-3/7 Computer printout, 'Shift Test Print Out', Adolph Basser
Computing Laboratory, School of Physics, University of
Sydney, Sydney, 1950sting Laboratory, School of Physics,
University of Sydney, Sydney, 1950s
Box 197/203/1-3/8 Document, duplicated typescript, 'Transfer-search SILLIAC
Code C7', Adolph Basser Computing Laboratory, School of
Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney, December 1957
Box 197/203/1-3/9 Document, duplicated typescript, 'Transfer-search SILLIAC
Code C7', Adolph Basser Computing Laboratory, School of
Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney, December 1957
Box 197/203/1-3/10 Document, duplicated typescript, 'Print Sets of Order Pairs in
Sexademical [sic] Form and their Locations, SILLIAC code
C15', Adolph Basser Computing Laboratory, School of Physics,
University of Sydney, Sydney, 1950s
Box 197/203/1-3/11 Document, duplicated typescript, 'Print Headings Routine,
SILLIAC code P18', Adolph Basser Computing Laboratory,
School of Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney, 27 February
1957
Item Number BoxItem Title
Box 197/203/1-3/12 Document, duplicated typescript, 'Sum Check, SILLIAC code
X11', Adolph Basser Computing Laboratory, School of Physics,
University of Sydney, Sydney, 27 February 1957
Box 197/203/1-3/13 Document, duplicated typescript, 'Program Interruption
Sexadecimal Dump, with Sum Check, SILLIAC code X21',
Adolph Basser Computing Laboratory, School of Physics,
University of Sydney, Sydney, June 1960
Box 197/203/1-3/14 Document, duplicated typescript, 'Punch and Input Test - Eng.
2.6', Adolph Basser Computing Laboratory, School of Physics,
University of Sydney, Sydney, 1950s
Box 197/203/1-3/15 Document, duplicated typescript, 'Punch and Input Test - Eng.
2.6', Adolph Basser Computing Laboratory, School of Physics,
University of Sydney, Sydney, 1950s
Box 197/203/1-3/16 Document, duplicated typescript, 'Interpretive floating point
program, with simplified coding scheme, SILLIAC code A10',
Adolph Basser Computing Laboratory, School of Physics,
University of Sydney, Sydney, September 1959
Box 197/203/1-3/17 Document, duplicated typescript, 'Bounder - Eng. 2.11', Adolph
Basser Computing Laboratory, School of Physics, University of
Sydney, Sydney, 1950s
Box 197/203/1-3/18 Document, duplicated typescript, 'R.A.R. Test to 300 - Eng.
2.14', Adolph Basser Computing Laboratory, School of Physics,
University of Sydney, Sydney, August 1960
Box 197/203/1-3/19 Document, duplicated typescript, 'Sexadecimal Post-Mortem -
Eng. 3:4', Adolph Basser Computing Laboratory, School of
Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney, 1950s
Box 197/203/1-3/20 Document, duplicated typescript, 'Red Dump Layout - Eng.
3:8', Adolph Basser Computing Laboratory, School of Physics,
University of Sydney, Sydney, 1950s
Box 197/203/1-3/21 Document, duplicated typescript, 'Red Dump Layout - Eng.
3:8', Adolph Basser Computing Laboratory, School of Physics,
University of Sydney, Sydney, 1950s
Box 197/203/1-3/22 Document, duplicated typescript, 'Notes on Electronic Circuit
Analysis Program (ECAP), PN 125', Adolph Basser Computing
Laboratory, School of Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney,
12 December 1967
Box 197/203/1-3/23 Document, duplicated typescript, 'Data Structures, LN 183',
Adolph Basser Computing Laboratory, School of Physics,
University of Sydney, Sydney, 1960s
Box 197/203/1-3/24 Document, handwritten, 'SILLIAC Computer - Engineering
Manual/ Chap 1 - Introduction', Adolph Basser Computing
Laboratory, School of Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney,
1950s
COLLECTED ARCHIVES SERIES DESCRIPTION
Registration Number: 97/203/1-4
Creators: Brooks, George Roderick
Series Title: SILLIAC log books
Date Range: 1957-1959
Physical Characteristics: Log books 3 and 4 are pre-ruled exercise books, bound with grey
paper boards with blue cloth spines, each 253mm x 210mm.
Inscribed on front cover 'SILLIAC LOG BOOK/ No. 3" and "SILLIAC
LOG BOOK/ No 4'. Log book 5 is a pre-ruled stationer's volume (a
'Ward Report Book' manufactured by W.C. Penfold & Co Pty Ltd),
bound with grey paper boards with a red cloth spine. 327mm x
226mm. Label is inscribed "SILLIAC/ NUMBER 5'. All have
manuscript entries in ink.
Description: Log books (3) for SILLIAC computer, paper/ cardboard, Basser
Computing Department, School of Physics, University of Sydney,
Sydney, 28 February 1957 - 8 July 1959
Handwritten log books numbers 3 to 5 recording the daily activities
of the SILLIAC computer design and installation team. The logs
give extensive details of modifications, corrections and repairs made
to the machine. The log entries are on the right hand page. On the
left hand page is the date and the 'leapfrog' details (time taken and
number of errors).
Arrangement: Chronological
Dimensions: Shelf Length m 0.050
Box Number: 1
COLLECTED ARCHIVES
Series Title: SILLIAC log books
ITEM LIST
Item Number BoxItem Title
197/203/1-4/1 SILLIAC log book no. 3, paper/ cardboard, Basser Computing
Department, School of Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney,
28 February - 23 August 1957
197/203/1-4/2 SILLIAC log book no. 4, paper/ cardboard, Basser Computing
Department, School of Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney,
26 August 1957 - 24 April 1958
197/203/1-4/3 SILLIAC log book no. 5, paper/ cardboard, Basser Computing
Department, School of Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney,
25 April 1958 - 8 July 1959
COLLECTED ARCHIVES SERIES DESCRIPTION
Registration Number: 97/203/1-5
Creators: Brooks, George Roderick
Series Title: SILLIAC magnetic store development log
Date Range: 1959-1962
Physical Characteristics: Pre-ruled stationer's volume (a 'Ward Report Book' manufactured by
W.C. Penfold & Co Pty Ltd), bound with grey paper boards with red
cloth spine, 327mm x 226mm. Label is inscribed 'Magnetic Tape
Store No 1 To 24-4-62'. Manuscript entries in ink.
Description: Logbook, SILLIAC magnetic store development log, paper/
cardboard, Basser Computer Department, School of Physics,
University of Sydney, Sydney, 1959-1962
This is a handwritten log of activities involved in the development of
the magnetic tape store for the SILLIAC computer. The log gives
extensive details of the checks and modifications made to the
system. The log begins with a statement of the status quo as at July
1959 and continues to 24 April 1962. It is the first of an unknown
number of logs.
Arrangement: Chronological
Dimensions: Shelf Length m 0.015
Box Number: 1
COLLECTED ARCHIVES SERIES DESCRIPTION
Registration Number: 97/203/1-6
Creators: Brooks, George Roderick
Series Title: Files re construction and maintenance of SILLIAC computer
Date Range: 1932, 1948-1965
Physical Characteristics: Manilla folders containing manuscript, typescript and carbon
typescript documents, dyeline diagrams, newscuttings and printed
booklets.
Description: Files (4), re construction and maintenance of SILLIAC computer,
paper/ cardboard, Basser Computing Laboratory, University of
Sydney, Sydney, 1932-1965
Three files entitled 'Leapfrog', 'Store and Store Control' and
'Mechanical Engineering of Drums' and one untitled group of papers.
The files contain notes, reports, interoffice memos, dyeline diagrams,
newscuttings, reprints and booklets.
Arrangement: None apparent
Dimensions: Shelf Length m 0.050
Box Number: 2
COLLECTED ARCHIVES
Series Title: Files re construction and maintenance of SILLIAC computer
ITEM LIST
Item Number BoxItem Title
297/203/1-6/1 File re SILLIAC computer, 'Leapfrog', paper/ cardboard,
Basser Computing Laboratory, University of Sydney, Sydney,
1932, 1953-1965. Contains i.a., an article by Paul R. Heyl 'An
unrecogniszed property of the reversible pendulum', 1932 and
a Bell Telephone System monograph 'Arithmetic processes for
digital computers', 1954.
297/203/1-6/2 File re SILLIAC computer, 'Store and Store Control', paper/
cardboard, Basser Computing Laboratory, University of
Sydney, Sydney, 1948-1963. Contains i.a., reprints from the
Institution of Electrical Engineers re storage systems,
1948-1952 and a SILLIAC installation report for 1962.
297/203/1-6/3 File re SILLIAC computer, 'Mechanical Engineering of Drums',
paper/ cardboard, Basser Computing Laboratory, University of
Sydney, Sydney, 1952-1958. Contains i.a., two Ferranti Ltd
diagrams 'General arrgt. of 10" magnetic wheel digital
computer', 1952-55 and 'General arrangement magnetic drum
type 1018 digital computer', 1957
297/203/1-6/4 File re SILLIAC computer maintenance, paper, Basser
Computing Laboratory, University of Sydney, Sydney, 1954
COLLECTED ARCHIVES SERIES DESCRIPTION
Registration Number: 97/203/1-7
Creators: Brooks, George Roderick
Series Title: University of Illinois publications re ILLIAC computers
Date Range: 1952-1961
Physical Characteristics: Two duplicated typescript volumes and a group of duplicated
typescript quarto pages staples together.
Description: Publications (3) of University of Illinois re ILLIAC computers,
paper/cardboard, Urbana, Illinois, 1952-1961
Two manuals for the original ILLIAC computer - 'University of
Illinois Digital Computer Engineering Codes', 1952-54 and 'ILLIAC
PROGRAMMING', 1954 - and a paper on 'The Design of a very high
speed scientific computer' (that is, ILLIAC II) by D.B. Gillies, 1961.
Arrangement: Chronological
Dimensions: Shelf Length m 0.050
Box Number: 2
COLLECTED ARCHIVES
Series Title: University of Illinois publications re ILLIAC computers
ITEM LIST
Item Number BoxItem Title
297/203/1-7/1 Manual, 'University of Illinois Digital Computer Engineering
Codes', paper/cardboard, [Urbana, Illinois], 1952-1954
297/203/1-7/2 Manual, 'ILLIAC PROGRAMMING: a Guide to the
Preparation of Problems for Solution by the University of
Illinois Digital Computer', paper/cardboard, Urbana, Illinois,
1954
297/203/1-7/3 Document, 'The Design of a very high speed scientific
computer', paper, D.B. Gillies/ University of Illinois Graduate
College Digital Computer Laboratory,[Urbana, Illinois], 1961
COLLECTED ARCHIVES SERIES DESCRIPTION
Registration Number: 97/203/1-8
Creators: Brooks, George Roderick
Series Title: Folders of diagrams of computers
Date Range: 1962-68
Physical Characteristics: Two post bound folders bound in blue cloth, 380mm x 530mm. First
volume inscribed on white label on front cover 'MC FOLDER/ MC1,
2, AU, MC3'; second volume inscribed on white label on front cover
'BUST FOLDER/ MD, IOC, MS, BU.'
Description: Folders (2) of diagrams of computers, English Electric Co Ltd/
English Electric-Leo Marconi Computers Ltd/ Basser Computing
Department, University of Sydney, United Kingdom/ Australia,
1962-1968
Two folders of dyelines of logical diagrams and circuit diagrams of
computers including the KDF9 computer (believed to be one of the
first transistor-operated computers installed in Australia). An index
to the drawings appears in the front of each folder.
Arrangement: By 'CUB. NO.'
Dimensions: Shelf Length m 0.060
Box Number: Plan cabinet
COLLECTED ARCHIVES
Series Title: Folders of diagrams of computers
ITEM LIST
Item Number BoxItem Title
Plan
cabinet
97/203/1-8/1 Folder of diagrams of computers, English Electric Co Ltd/
English Electric-Leo Marconi Computers Ltd, England,
1962-1967. Post bound folder bound in blue cloth, 380mm x
530mm. Inscribed on white label on front cover 'MC FOLDER/
MC1, 2, AU, MC3'
Plan
cabinet
97/203/1-8/2 Diagrams of computers, English Electric Co Ltd/ English
Electric-Leo Marconi Computers Ltd/Basser Computing
Department, University of Sydney, United Kingdom/
Australia, 1964-1968. Post bound folder bound in blue cloth,
380mm x 530mm. Inscribed on white label on front cover
'BUST FOLDER/ MD, IOC, MS, BU.'
