Restoring the CHERNOBYL SKALA COMPUTER Paper Tape Punch!

In this episode, we restored a PL-150M data tape punch for SKALA – the famous computer of the Chernobyl NPP, that controlled and recorded the parameters of the RMBK nuclear reactors. This device writes programs to a paper punched tape – perhaps the oldest type of data media ever, once used worldwide, and today is virtually forgotten. We’ll take you through a historical insight and show you how the tape punch works in action! But that’s not all - we have a MEGA announcement to make! We are thrilled to announce our project to restore the unique ES-1060 Duga OTH Radar mainframe computer control panel. Join us on Patreon now to become part of this project and get exclusive updates: Or donate: What you will find in this episode: 00:00 – Intro 00:45 – Where you can find PL-150M in the Zone? 01:56 – A MEGA ANNOUNCEMENT 03:07 – A brief history of a punch tape 03:52 – A first look at the hardware 05:13 – A tape roller and a side note about the FS-1501 reader 06:36 – What is inside? 09:14 – Loading a blank tape for punching 10:19 – Engage! 10:56 – What’s next? 11:26 – Five Hours Later