The first successful automatic totalisator was invented by engineer George Julius. With the sale of the first Tote to the Auckland Jockey Club, Julius established Automatic Totalisator Ltd (ATL) the most successful Totalisator company in what became a thriving international industry. ATL was the leader in the field for 65 years, producing mechanical, electromechanical, then computer based tote systems for race tracks around the world.

The J42 was a further advancement on the J33, which was designed to replace the very popular electromechanical J8 terminals that were still in extensive use especially in Asia. Initially designed in the 1950s, many were very worn and, as they were expensive to repair, ATL determined to find an inexpensive replacement. The J33 took advantage of cheap electronics, materials and manufacturing techniques and third party components to produce a terminal that could be connected to the older electromechanical totes. The J42 incorporated a glass tube-screen monitor into its design, rather than the LED screen that featured on the J33. It also featured ticket reading and printing devices.

Damian McDonald
June 2007

The J42 was designed at the ATL factory in Meadowbank, New South Wales, between 1989 and 1993.

Totalisator terminal, J42, polypropylene / metal / electronic components, designed and made by ATL Limited, Meadowbank, New South Wales, Australia, 1989-1993

Totalisator terminal consisting of a moulded blue plastic upper cover and a grey plastic base. At the front left of the terminal is a small tube screen with a single adjustment knob. Below the screen is a single square LED light. Across the top of the right side of the terminal is a stainless steel lockable cover, under which the ticket reader port and printer port (for the delivery of printed tickets) are housed. At the lower front is a keyboard consisting of 85 keys which are colour-coded with blue, yellow, grey, cream and red. On reverse there are a number of input and output sockets.

Made: Automatic Totalisators Limited; Meadowbank, New South Wales; 1989 - 1993

Manufacturer's logo and model name, printed on front, 'ATL' and 'J42'.
Model label on reverse, 'Part No. GAJ129/A / Mnfr Date / Serial No. 80208 / 240 V~ 50/60 Hz 150 VA'.

2007/226/3

1989 - 1993

260 mm

464 mm