DEC's PDP range of computers were small 16 bit machines that had become the mainstay of the small laboratory, especially in universities. The VAX was developed as a 32 bit machine with virtual addressing. It was regarded as a supermini computer having a lot more power than the PDP 11s but not being as expensive as a mainframe computer. The 11/780s, incorporating a networking system called DECNET, were often connected in one of the earliest forms of distributed networks.

The VAX was bought by the Department of Defence in 1984 to replace a PDP 11/40. The PDP 11 was not capable of handling the amount of data that was being collected, or producing the type of graphical result they required. The VAX was purchased after careful comparison with other systems and was eventually chosen over other systems because as well as fulfilling all the requirements it had become an industry standard. It was delivered to the Department of Defence at Wharf 17 in Pyrmont but not installed for 9 months while the air conditioning problems were sorted out. It has been used continuously for data processing on a number of projects. By the 1990s many of the tasks previously done on the VAX could be done much faster on SUN work stations. This has coincided with a general push toward personal computing within the organisation. Despite this movement the VAX 11/780 is to be replaced with a VAX 3100.

This machine also incorporates an array processor. Vector array processors allow for very fast processing of complicated mathematical expressions and can greatly speed the analysis of the huge amounts of data involved in signal processing. The system also incorporates a tektronics high resolution graphics terminal which was able to produce high resolution 3D modelling of processed data. Much of this type of data went to the Navy but some of the work that has been done will be used by commercial enterprises.

Adaptor cabinet, Unibus, VAX11/780 computer, metal/ plastic, Digital Equipment Corporation, USA, 1984.

Large rectangular metal housing, blue on top with a dark grey back panel and beige front panel, sides are steel and bolt on to other VAX components. The back panel has two "lift and turn" locking handles on the upper left and right hand sides and pivots on the bottom axis. The front door has tow lift and turn locking handles vertically situated down the right hand side and pivots along the left hand axis.

Designed: Digital Equipment Corporation; United States of America

Made: Digital Equipment Corporation; United States of America; 1984


Used: Department of Defence; Sydney

Manufacturers specifications on the back panel in the top right hand corner, on a paper label printed in black ink, "digital/MODEL H9652 - HB/SN: FX002620/Hz 50/W/V[tilde]240 1PH/A12"

95/105/3

1540 mm

680 mm

800 mm