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Scratch Build – In Progress Cray-1

Discussion in 'Project Logs' started by Pfaffen, 19 Jan 2010.

  1. Pfaffen

    Pfaffen What's a Dremel?

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    I had an idea to make a scale version of a truly remarkable computer, the Cray-1.

    Here is the idea on paper. You'll notice it was designed to support two complete computers (mobo, psu, dvd, hdd, etc...)

    [​IMG]

    Here is the lay out on plywood. I plan on covering the lower part with Naugehide, like the original, so the plywood won't show through. Also, it is lighter than MDF or solid wood.

    [​IMG]

    Here are the roughed in lines

    [​IMG]

    another shot

    [​IMG]

    Here is a shot with the Mobo and placeholders laid out

    [​IMG]

    Here are the cutouts.

    [​IMG]

    top and bottom

    [​IMG]

    here they are together with the spacers

    [​IMG]

    Here is a shot with the vertical pieces in place, dry-fit together.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Here is a view from the back.

    [​IMG]
     
  2. Pfaffen

    Pfaffen What's a Dremel?

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    Sorry, wrong last pic.

    Here is the back.

    [​IMG]
     
  3. Shadow703793

    Shadow703793 What's a Dremel?

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    Nice. Any chance of installing Acrylic windows so you can see the guts of the system?

    Like this:
    [​IMG]
    From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cray-1

    Also, do you plan to keep the original Cray -1 colors?
     
  4. Pfaffen

    Pfaffen What's a Dremel?

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    I was playing with the idea... may just do that.
     
  5. PureSilver

    PureSilver E-tailer Tailor

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    Sweet. Supercomputers used to be built with so much more soul back in the day, things like Jaguar now are nothing more than big server farms. I miss monsters like the Cray-2, that needed coolant that costs $300 a gallon and still had a waterfall of it just because it looked cool...
     
  6. jrs77

    jrs77 Modder

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    Why do you use multiple optical drives? A single USB-DVD would do it aswell, no?

    Other then that, this is going to be huge :eeek:
     
  7. The_Beast

    The_Beast I like wood ಠ_ಠ

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    very cool idea
     
  8. Cheapskate

    Cheapskate Insane? or just stupid?

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    Thee tower area just screams for radiators. *hint*
     
  9. shakka65

    shakka65 What's a Dremel?

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    WOW! Super Computer Super huge.
    I hope you have a Super large desk to put it on.
     
  10. jhanlon303

    jhanlon303 The Keeper of History

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    The cable management will be a problem since a Cray's wiring is measured in 0.01 mm and done with individual wires because of timing requirements. I interviewed with Seymour Cray in 1981. Brilliant engineer.
    The insides:

    [​IMG]


    /edit

    Excellent idea by the way!
     
  11. Shadow703793

    Shadow703793 What's a Dremel?

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    ^ Damn never knew that. Must have been a huge PITA to upgrade/fix.
     
  12. Breach

    Breach Modding in Exile

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    Very cool! The Cray 1 is probably my all time favorite old time computer, this will look awesome sitting beside a desk.

    And good start, it already looks the part
     
  13. Pfaffen

    Pfaffen What's a Dremel?

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    I had planned on one dedicated for each system. Wasn't sure I could slave a USB-DVD between them.

    The overall dimensions are roughly 35" across and 25" tall. I does take up a lot of space though. May have to make a special stand for it.
     
  14. Pfaffen

    Pfaffen What's a Dremel?

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    I know... I have been toying with the idea. There is soooo much space in there!
     
  15. Pfaffen

    Pfaffen What's a Dremel?

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    Thank you very much. I am envious. You have met and interviewed a truly brilliant man. I researched alot for the project and found he (Mr. Cray) had hired women (seamstresses) if I'm not mistaken to handle the myraid of individual wires to minimize the distance travelled.

    I hope I can do justice to such an extraordinary computer.
     
  16. Pfaffen

    Pfaffen What's a Dremel?

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    Here is a shot of the back of the Cray at the Smithsonian in DC.

    [​IMG]
     
  17. jhanlon303

    jhanlon303 The Keeper of History

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    I see your problem - it's the blue wire! - Field Engineer

    Each of the early Cray computers were shipped with a dedicated Field Engineer( job they wanted me for). The engineer was hired when the order was placed and ONLY knew one box - his/hers.

    The FE lived with the unit as it was being assembled, transported, installed, first boot, and turn over to customer. Serious money for serious dedication. Hardware and Unix software.
     
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  18. The_Beast

    The_Beast I like wood ಠ_ಠ

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    Very cool little fact
     
  19. confusis

    confusis Kiwi-modder

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    jhanlon303 - knows all, imparts wisdom in all he speaks to!
     
  20. badders

    badders Neuken in de Keuken

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    Still done, with stuff like Radars.
     

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