IMSAI 8080 Microcomputer, Used with Home Built Interface and IBM Selectric Typewriter, Assembled in 1977
Add to SetSummary
The IMSAI 8080 was a clone of the Altair 8800, the first mass marketed personal computer. It was a popular "kit computer," requiring assembly and programming. With no keyboard, toggle switches allowed input and LED lights signaled output. This could be modified using an IBM I/O typewriter. The donor, O.S. Narayanaswami, was a mechanical engineer interested in the educative power of computers.
The IMSAI 8080 was a clone of the Altair 8800, the first mass marketed personal computer. It was a popular "kit computer," requiring assembly and programming. With no keyboard, toggle switches allowed input and LED lights signaled output. This could be modified using an IBM I/O typewriter. The donor, O.S. Narayanaswami, was a mechanical engineer interested in the educative power of computers.
Artifact
Microcomputer
Date Made
1977
Creators
International Business Machines Corporation
Place of Creation
United States, California, San Leandro
United States, New York, Armonk
United States, Michigan, Ann Arbor
Creator Notes
Computer processor, made by IMS Associates, Inc. (IMSAI) (headquarters San Leandro, CA), used in conjuntion with IBM Selectric typewriter (IBM headquarters, Armonk, NY) and home built interface, made from a kit by O. S. Narayanaswamy (purchased at Neumann Computer Exchange, Ann Arbor, MI) .
Keywords
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
95.22.1
Credit
From the collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of O. S. Narayanaswamy.
Material
Plastic
Metal
Rubber (Material)
Dimensions
Height: 7 in (processor)
Width: 17.25 in (processor)
Length: 17.25 in (processor)
Height: 7 in (interface)
Width: 10.75 in (interface)
Length: 17.5 in (interface)
Height: 10 in (typewriter)
Width: 16.5 in (typewriter)
Length: 21.75 in (typewriter)
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