A big advance in computing at CRNL came about around 1957 with the acquisition of an electron-tube based “electronic” computer. It was known by various names, the Datatron, the Burroughs 205 or the Electrodata 205 and consisted of a large (~ 3 m long) cabinet containing a data entry panel, a large number of plug-in, electron-tube based modules and a large memory drum. It also had a separate motor-generator unit to supply the power required.
The photos show various views of one of the 149, electron-tube based, modules from the Datatron. The key elements were the Sylvania 5963 twin-triode vacuum tubes. These tubes are still highly sought by audiophiles for amplifiers. As with all electron-tube based electronic circuits of that era, numerous spares were essential to ensure a high duty factor.
