SMALL MACHINE R & D

This document is an interoffice memorandum from December 1976 regarding the "Small Machine R & D" project (also referred to as SM-10). The primary objective of the project was to develop a low-cost, PDP-10-based computer system capable of running TOPS-10 and TOPS-20 software with KA10-level performance at a fraction of the cost.

Key highlights of the project include:

• Strategic Goals: The project aimed to create a low-cost system (projected at $15K prototype cost) for personal or research use, featuring a CPU compatible with the KL10 instruction set, network capability (DECNET), and built-in remote diagnostic capabilities.
• Development Strategy: The team proposed a phased development approach—moving from a breadboard stage to limited production for field testing in the academic community, followed by volume production. This approach was intended to avoid the pitfalls of previous projects where all phases were addressed simultaneously.
• Operational Concepts: The memorandum discusses innovative manufacturing processes, such as "robot production" and "vertical production lines," to minimize labor hours. It also emphasizes "remote repair," where the machine performs internal diagnostics to simplify service.
• Project Status and Funding: As of late 1976, the project was transitioning from the engineering phase. The authors requested $1.5M in corporate funding for FY 78 to continue development, emphasizing that funds would be allocated based on proposal acceptance rather than a lump sum.
• Technical Details: The document includes a "back plane allocation" diagram and project schedules (PERT charts) outlining the path from prototype design to monitor execution, assuming a development timeline through 1977 and 1978.