The user base for Atlas were initially attracted by the size and power of the facility
over their local facilities. In addition, there was a sequence of peripheral enhancements
that made the Chilton Atlas service an attractive one.
Initial Configuration
Magnetic Tapes
16 Ampex TM2 1 inch and 2 IBM 729 Mark IV ½ inch tape decks working at 556 bpi or 200 bpi.
This enabled most users to input/output their data or programs but also allowed a tape transfer service to be provided.
A robot tape store next to the main operations area gave operators quick access to a large set of user's Ampex tapes.
This was installed soon after the Atlas building was completed. Operators could
preload tapes require for the next shift into the store from the other side.
SDS Sigma 2 computer, 64 Kbytes, providing file handling facilities for 6 (later 12)
input devices enabling users to initiate jobs on Atlas via the Data Products disc.
Stromberg Datagraphics SC4020 microfilm recorder allowed magnetic tapes generated on Atlas to be decoded on the SC4020 and produce graphical or textual output
on 16mm, 35mm film or paper.
The PDP15 with an interactive display provided access to SC4020 tapes to get a quick view of output.
The interactive display was used for specifying fonts for the SC4020. The attached D-MAC
allowed drawings to be digitised. The VCS3 generated synchronous sound tracks for animated films.
X-ray crystallography exposes a crystal to a narrow beam of X-rays and makes an image of the results on film.
The microdensitometer measures the photographic intensities very quickly.
Coupled to the X-Ray software it allows the type of crystal to be determined.
