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- The Raytheon 704 is a 16-bit minicomputer introduced by Raytheon in 1970. The basic machine contained 4 kwords (8 kB) of memory and a simple arithmetic logic unit (ALU) running at 1 MHz. It was normally operated with a Teletype Model 33 acting as a computer terminal. It sold for "less than $10,000" (equivalent to $70,000 in 2021). A key feature of the design was the ability to expand the central processing unit (CPU) using plug-in cards. Options included a hardware multiply/divide unit, an 8-level vectored interrupt controller, a DMA controller, among others. Memory could also be added using the same cards, allowing up to 32 kW in total. Memory was based on an 18-bit word, not 16-bit, with the extra bits for use with an optional parity check card. Another unique feature was that general input/output expansion was external, using a daisy chained cable system known as DIO. This allowed devices like lab equipment and low-speed storage like tape drives to be added without requiring an internal card to support it; the device was added simply by connecting it to the nearest free DIO port on the computer or any other DIO device. The 704 does not appear to have seen widespread use, although passing mentions can be found in many documents and it had a presence in scientific circles. It is historically notable as the first computer to be used to run play-by-mail games, when Flying Buffalo Inc purchased one in 1970. The 704 was used as an onsite seismic processing system by Petty-Ray Geophysical, named the Com*MAND 1, in the early 1970s, equipped with 1/2" tape drives, card reader, Teletype 33 console, and Gould 11" electrostatic plotter. Lacking an ATP, Vibroseis correlation of a full tape of seismic data would take several hours. The successor to the 704 was the RDS 500 which was extensively used by seismic acquisition companies such as Petty-Ray Geophysical, named the Com*MAND 2, CGG (company), Seismograph Survey Company (SSC) and Seismograph Survey Ltd (SSL), as well as several national oil companies. (en)
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- The Raytheon 704 is a 16-bit minicomputer introduced by Raytheon in 1970. The basic machine contained 4 kwords (8 kB) of memory and a simple arithmetic logic unit (ALU) running at 1 MHz. It was normally operated with a Teletype Model 33 acting as a computer terminal. It sold for "less than $10,000" (equivalent to $70,000 in 2021). The 704 was used as an onsite seismic processing system by Petty-Ray Geophysical, named the Com*MAND 1, in the early 1970s, equipped with 1/2" tape drives, card reader, Teletype 33 console, and Gould 11" electrostatic plotter. (en)
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