CORTRON Rugged Keyboard 80 Series 1960 - 70’s
Model: 80-551633 REV E (PCB identifier)
The following information has been gathered from my research (and memory of the 70’s!) – this was at a time when “computers” were only those mysterious large things that corporations had, mainframes. Smaller machines such as the PDP’s (mini’s) followed along with terminals and then standalone “computers” which had a CLI of sorts and some local computation power.
This is old gear, very old by computing standards but it is fascinating to view the construction and technology used in the day.
The user interface of Batch computers consisted of the input of a punched card or equivalent media and apart from this operating console, humans had no interaction with these early batch computers in real time. This keyboard was part of the card punch system, once the cards have been “programmed” they were inserted into the computer and processed as a “batch” enabling greater throughput of the computer system but the user had no real time contact with the computer actions.
Licon (which later became Cortron) is a subsidiary of ITW
Dating from the 1960-70’s, this keyboard looks to have been an integral part of a “batch computing” system such as an IBM or Univac card punch system, although more likely to be a Univac system due to the keyboard case design. I have included a photograph of a very similar IBM 029 card punch keyboard.
Key legends also support this:
V COR
AX DUP
BYPASS
PROG
LCA
ALPHA
All key tops are removable (carefully)
Keys are in very good condition with no physical damage to any key, a couple of keys have VERY LIGHT “dullness” due to past useage.
No significant discolouration to the key tops, which are grouped as DARK GREY, BLACK & MID BLUE
Control board is populated with discrete 74 and 74LS series logic, 1455 which will be providing a clock pulse, CA3086 transistor array and a 28 pin device from National Semi designated as a 80-551276
Magnetic pulse switch, a new development in keyboard switch technology at the time where a magnetic hall effect is utilized to created a switch with no contact points.
These switches have incredibly smooth travel, no bouncing or “clicks” when used other than the normal “noise” from the keyshaft travel. Extremely positive feel.
Interface is via a 26 way cable and I don’t believe this is an “industry standard” interface, most likely propriety to the computer equipment designer, likely to be IBM or Univac.
COSMETIC CONDITION:
Very clean, although not mint. some light marks to the rear of the casing and two very small corner chips to the areas top right front corner and top left rear corner.
ALL key travel is smooth and positive. All key tops are secure (no broken mounts)
PCB tracks are clean and undamaged, all components very secure with clean solder pads/traces.
Connectors (IDC 26 way) are undamaged as is the connecting cable.
