Sidebar 12: 75th anniversary of CSIR Mk 1; 60th anniversary of CSIRO computing network

By November 18th, 2024

These pages attempt to give some of the history of CSIRO’s use of computing in its research, focussing mainly on the large shared systems and services.

Sidebar 12: 75th anniversary of CSIR Mk 1; 60th anniversary of CSIRO computing network

Started 18 Nov 2024.
Last updated 21 Nov 2024.

Robert C. Bell

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Introduction

This page is a starting point for information about the event held in Canberra on 14th November 2024, to commemorate CSIR Mk 1’s first execution of a test program in November 1949, and to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the setting up of CSIRO’s computing services and ‘network’ which became Csironet.

The Event

Here is the announcement.

Approximately 80 people attended the event.

After registering at reception, guests were able to catch up with former colleagues (and in some cases their family members), before taking a short walk to the grassy area where building 401A used to stand – the original CRS/DCR building which housed the CDC 3600 and all the early staff. Here, Joseph Antony. IT Manager, Data, from CSIRO IMT gave an introduction before taking the tour parties into 401C. Here, visitors could see automated tape libraries, reminiscent of the Calcomp/Braegan Automated Tape Library (ATL) which occupied the same building from 1981 onwards. The ATL used round tapes holding up to 160 Mbyte. Current tape cartridges hold 18 to 20 Tbyte native, but typically store more because of the compression capabilities in the tape drives themselves.

The current tape libraries feature aspects of CSIRO’s science in bold posters on their sides.

After the tours, participants walked to the Discovery Centre for morning tea and more talk.

I set up a display of artefacts – coding forms, punched cards, flowchart template, printed output, magnetic tape, CSIRO and CDC publications, etc. Many of these are pictured in Appendix 7.

The main part of the program commenced at 11:00.