Programmed Data Processor-6 Price List

This document contains two price lists for the Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) Programmed Data Processor-6 (PDP-6) computer system and its peripheral equipment. The initial list is dated May 1, 1965, followed by an updated "Current PDP-6 Price List for New Systems and Add On Options" effective July 28, 1966.

The PDP-6 system was designed around a 36-bit word length Arithmetic Processor (Type 166), which included features like 16 accumulators, floating-point arithmetic, a console teleprinter, paper tape reader, priority interrupt, and buffered I/O. The processor was priced at $300,000 in the 1966 list.

The document details a variety of available components:

• Memory: Several Random Access Memory options, including core memories of various sizes (e.g., 16,384 words at 1.8 µsec for $85,000) and a faster, smaller flip-flop memory. Memory interface units were required for additional processors or drum processors.
• Storage: Magnetic drum units (1,048,576 36-bit words for $75,000) and disc file systems (5.76 million 36-bit words, starting at $140,000 per system). Various magnetic tape controls and transports, compatible with IBM standards or DEC's Dectape system, were also offered.
• Input/Output: High-speed paper tape readers (400 characters/second, which was standard with the Arithmetic Processor) and punches, card readers (up to 800 cards/minute) and punches (up to 300 cards/minute), and high-speed line printers capable of 300 to 1000 lines per minute with different column capacities.
• Display & Plotting: Calcomp plotters with varying specifications and interfaces, as well as CRT display systems (Type 346) for plotting points, lines, and vectors, with character generator options.
• Communication: A data communication system (Type 630) for interfacing with local or remote I/O Teletypes for message switching and time-sharing, supporting various numbers of station interfaces. A range of KSR (Keyboard Send-Receive) and ASR (Automatic Send-Receive) Teletype models and related power supplies were also listed.

Prices were quoted FOB Maynard, Massachusetts, for the continental United States, exclusive of taxes, and were subject to change. Delivery times for equipment ranged from 1 to 8 months from the date of order.