About the seminar

Chris Burton has led and inspired several major computer restoration projects, and this is an opportunity to hear first hand on the challenges and achievements. Chris will review some of the current projects that the CCS is involved with, explaining what the project is, how it is run, and who is involved.

Chris is a practical engineer and his work on the previous project for the replica build of the "Manchester baby" computer (the SSEM) has been widely recognised.

The current computer conservation projects that will be described are:

• The Harwell computer (which used Dekatron tubes)
• The ICT 1301
• The Ferranti Pegasus
• The Elliott 401
• and a little on the more recent Elliott 803 computer.

Chris has unique experience in bringing old computers back to life, and is a lively speaker.

About the speaker

Chris has been a member of the Computer Conservation Society since its inception in 1989. Initially he was a member of the Pegasus Working Party, and later took over that as Leader for several years. Chris is currently leader of the Elliott 401 Working Party.

Chris graduated in Electrical Engineering at the University of Birmingham in 1955. He worked on computer developments in Ferranti Ltd and then ICT and ICL from 1957 until his retirement in 1989. He is a Chartered Engineer, Fellow of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, Fellow of the British Computer Society and in 1998 was awarded the first BCS Lovelace Medal for the SSEM replica project.

Background

For an introduction to computer restoration by Chris have a look at a short video interview about the SSEM Rebuild.