Mass Memory Unit from Space Shuttle

[Steven Canning]

Joe,

I worked for Odetics for many years in Anaheim ( Odetics Spacebourne
Division ). We built two different units for the shuttle. One of them was
the size of a very large black shoe box, and provided memory for the five
IBM main computers. The larger unit ( about the size of a pregnant LP size
laser disk player ) contained a  28 track ( re-configurable as analog or
digital on ANY track ) that was used to record telemetry and info from a ton
of transducers throughout the shuttle. Both units contained an extremely
rugged propriety tape drive system ( you will notice the reels are on top of
each other and counter rotate ). Figure out which ones you have and I'll get
all the poop I can for you. Interested in parting with one ?

Best regards, Steven Canning ( former systems design engr Odetics, Inc then
Hughes Aircraft )


>     I found a pile of these things this morning. They are made by Odetics
>in Anaheim Ca. After I got home with them I realized that they are for the
>space shuttle. Does anyone know anything about them? I THINK they use a
>tape drive inside. I haven't opened one up yet but I saw the remains of a
>tape drive at the same place and I think it was the guts out of one of
these.
>
>    Joe