1956 World's Largest Commercial Computer - RCA BIZMAC, Vacuum Tube Computer

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RCA Computers: RCA was one of the major computer manufacturers in the 1950's. Its 1956 BIZMAC was the largest vacuum tube computer of its time, occupying 20,000 sq ft. of floor space and using over 30,000 vacuum tubes, 70,000 diodes, and 35,000 magnetic cores. It weighed over 25,000 pounds. One of the lead designers was electrical engineer Arnold Spielberg (1917–2020) father of film director Steven Spielberg. Arnold Spielberg was an American electrical engineer instrumental in contributions "to real-time data acquisition and recording that significantly contributed to the definition of modern feedback and control processes." He he also designed, with his colleague Charles Propster, the GE-225 in 1959 (General Electric-225).

RCA created the BIZMAC from 1956 to 1962. A unique feature of the BIZMAC was the use of hundreds of permanently mounted tape drives. This meant that tape data could be accessed immediately without constant mounting and dismounting individual tapes. This video includes formerly classified photos and film that show the control panels and operations of this giant machine. "RCA" was founded as the "Radio Corporation of America."

{This is an updated excerpt of our older version. Compiled by the Computer History Archives Project.)

* The US AF SAGE computer system was larger in scope, but not available commercially. The BIZMAC was available commercially, if you could afford it.
Only 5 BIZMAC computers were made from 1956 to 1957.

With special thanks to the following:

U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
RCA Archives, David Sarnoff Library, Hagley Museum
U.S. Army SECOM Archives, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD
Www.PhotoResponse.com, Gaithersburg, MD
David Melvin (professional narration)
Ted Hurewitz (former RCA engineer)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maIa6kO-yJg

Vintage Computer Festival
Ed Thelen, Computer Historian
Internet Archive.org
and others...
https://rumblevideoarchive.wordpress.com/