Any idea what this is?

[Eric's Edge]

It looks like mini-computer memory modules to me. Available at a local auction. If I bid on it, I'll likely get it for less than $3. I have no idea if it would be useful as is or for parts.

 

[pfuentes69]

It always wonders me how they managed to make work these things, with so many hand-soldered cables...

 

[splorp]

Can you identify some of the part numbers on the chips? That might help determine the exact function.

 

[Eric's Edge]

Can you identify some of the part numbers on the chips? That might help determine the exact function.

Unfortunately, this is the best image I can get.

 

[Eric's Edge]

Here's the best image I can get.

 

[luminescentsimian]

Hmm, definitely not repetitive enough to be a RAM array.

I'm gonna go with a paleolithic ancestor to modern FPGAs, where the "field programable" part means soldering all those jumper wires between different logic gates.

 

[Eric's Edge]

Well, the thing was bid on by several people and the price was higher than my curiosity. It will remain a mystery.

 

[lobust]

There are some really ancient NC (or CNC if they actually had a microprocessor) machinetools from the early-mid '70's that were built on cards like that. Way before my time so I've only seen pictures on other forums, but each card would serve a specific purpose, like a linear interpolator or a resolver counter or whatever, and the machine would have a whole cabinet full of them on a wirewrapped backplane.

Apparently there are some of these dinosaurs out there still running too, which if those sold for real money, might explain why.

So that's my guess.