These pictures and comments relating to the Morgan Crucible machine have been provided by Dr Roger Johnson of Birkbeck College, who pointed out that the HEC 4 was designed by Dickie Bird for BTM based on an earlier design by Andrew Booth at Birkbeck College in London University.
Photo from BTM Key to Action p.D7
Morgan Crucible Ltd
Prior to the installation of their Type 1201 Hec General-Purpose Electronic Computer, the Morgan Crucible Company, Ltd, had carefully planned the Computer Room in their Battersea Works. Troughs have been prepared for the reception of the cables linking the computer components, allowing for free and easy access to each unit and conserving valuable office space
Photo from BTM Key to Action p.D7
This illustration and the one above show the Hec General-Purpose Electronic Computer console on the right. At the left is the Tabulator used for feeding information to the Computer and for supplying printed results. At the rear, is the output unit which translates results into punched card form, when desired. Such punched card results may be in the form of summary cards, thus reducing the volume of data for subsequent machine processing.
Photo from BTM Key to Action p.D7
The arithmetic unit of the Type 1201 Hec General-Purpose Electronic Computer has its covers opened to show the pattern of construction. The valves are accommodated in chassis, easily removed and quickly replaced. A notable feature of this component is the provision made in its design and construction for ready accessibility for routine testing and maintenance. Along with the electronic calculating devices, the arithmetic unit also houses the program controller.
Page maintained by Simon Buxton. Created: 27/07/08 Updated: 27/07/2008