Exploring SKALA: Chernobyl Reactor Control Computer

Comments · 1.8K

• SK

  @Skaldewolf · 3 years ago

  all these hand-soldered elements, the ton of wire-wrapping and these wonderful ferrite-core memory-elements. The amount of work that must have gone into this system is staggering.

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• MI

  @michaeljones6256 · 3 years ago

  The computer resource limitations you discussed are not only in the Chernobyl Skala system but also in the USA 3 mile island reactor installation. It was noted that the priority data output from the computer was lagging very far behind during the melt down emergency.  I am thankful for the chance to see this equipment which may have been lost to the scrap yard without your intervention.

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• KE

  @keeganplayz1875 · 3 years ago

  It's incredible how modern computers barely take up space, but 37 years ago they took up an entire room! SKALA  was very powerful for It's time!

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• JH

  @jhoughjr1 · 3 years ago

  This is a viral historical treasure to preserve as much as possible.

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• TE

  @techn1kal1ty · 3 years ago

  So they were essentially dual-core, each core having 20K cache and 8K shared RAM, with ECC? Controlling VMs via machine code, with hand-punched, punch-tape BIOS? These computers may be light-years behind modern specs and functionality, but way ahead of modern computers in charisma.

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• JB

  @JB52520 · 3 years ago

  Wow, that system has a strong creepy vibe to it (in a good way). The control rooms were part of the computers. The operators were integral parts of the system, enclosed within it, their minds filled with codes. It must have been an overwhelming experience.

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• CU

  @CustomcrowdMitroc · 1 year ago

  Back when computing was actually interesting

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• JA

  @jakemeyer8188 · 3 years ago (edited)

  My wife grew up in Slavutych. Her mom was one of those engineers at Chornobyl, but she got there in 1988; 2 years after the accident. She worked with the remaining operational reactors (obviously).<br><br>I myself am OBSESSED with retro computing such as this, and especially the reactor computers of the era. I&apos;m dying to create my own replica reactor control room...<br><br>Edit: if it wasn&apos;t clear, this video is AWESOME. MASSIVE thank you for this!!!

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• MA

  @maaadcheddar · 3 years ago

  This is insanely cool, thank you. Even with my understanding of computers and programming it still blows my mind that people figured all of this out with the limited technology they had. Both hardware and software.

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• TH

  @thiagozanolomainente76 · 3 years ago

  This video is amazing and deserves a million views🎉

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• DR

  @DreamGrandDragon · 3 years ago (edited)

  I’ve been following the Chernobyl for disaster for years. Thank you for giving me more insight on how this system and how everything works. Always has been a curious fascination. I’m glad I found this channel.❤

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• PO

  @Ponczek-yt · 3 years ago

  You can&apos;t imagine how long i&apos;ve been waiting for any sort of documentary on SKALA. Thank you!

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