[vcf-midatlantic] new desktop/micro exhibit -- pick 32 now

[Herb Johnson]

New entry:

RCA COSMAC Microtutor with 1801 COSMAC chipset (became 1802 
microprocessor). It's small and rare. The museum has one. Dates to 1974 
probably. Other reasons:

First CMOS microprocessor, which matters because many subsequent 
microprocessor used CMOS to reduce power. RCA created the CMOS process 
for digital logic chips and then for the COSMAC.

One of the first microprocessor development products from RCA. The 
COSMAC  microprocessor was developed here in New Jersey. Likely the 
first microprocessor in space. May be the first microprocessor for 
emissions controls in cars (Chrysler).

Direct predecessor of the "COSMAC ELF", a popular you-wire-it COSMAC 
design by the lead COSMAC developer Joseph Weisbecker; published in 
Popular Electronics. Many many versions of the ELF have been created and 
produced every decade since, to the present day.

Used in RCA video game and video terminal products (not that popular but 
known to collectors of early video game computers).

Those who argue the 1802 "was a loser so forgetit" might explain why a 
computing museum should show only "the winners", and set a dollar or 
production count for "winning".

To make space:

If space is needed, I suggest choosing between the Commodore 64 and the 
Commodore VIC-20. I'm sure they are very different but I'm not sure many 
people would know the difference. The Commodore brand is 
well-represented among the choices given. The VIC-20 and C-64 could take 
turns on display.

Herb Johnson


-- 
Herbert R. Johnson,  New Jersey USA
http://www.retrotechnology.com