Virtual ICT1301
A 3D simulation of the ICT 1301 computer
Find Out More Run Virtual FlossieThe ICT 1301 was a British built and designed, second-generation computer (one which marks the move from valve/vacuum tube technology to transistors).
Around 180 of these computers were built by International Computers and Tabulators in the early 1960s. This machine used Germanium transistors and was relatively popular due to it being designed to be used with standard three-phase power, not have the requirements for a purpose built air-conditioned room and the ability to calculate in Sterling (Pounds, Shillings and Pence).
This website has an online simulation of the ICT 1301 computer, specifically serial number 6 which has been given the name "Flossie". This machine is currently located at The National Museum of Computing (in storage). It is one of only three remaining in the world, and the only one likely to ever be able to be restored to working status.
ICT 1301 Hardware ICT 1301 Software How do I use the simulation?A number of simulations are available of machines which ran at Bletchley Park and in Germany during WW2.
plus Virtual ERNIE, the Premium Bond random number generator, which was designed and build by some of the same engineers as Colossus.
Virtual Enigma, a full 3D simulation of the German Enigma machine!
Also available, try your hand at breaking Enigma using the Turing-Welchman Bombe!
A simulation of the first electronic computer which broke the German Lorenz cipher during WW2 at Bletchley Park.
The Lorenz SZ40/42 was a formidable cipher attachment used by the German High Command. Use the machine that Colossus was built to break.
The Turing-Welchman Bombe was an electro-mechanical device used at Bletchley Park and its outstations during World War II to assist in breaking the Enigma cipher.
The Dragon was built by the Signal Security Agency (SSA) at Arlington Hall, Virginia and was used at Bletchley Park to help break Lorenz codes. It was used to search for a crib (a guess at the text) within the cipher message.
E.R.N.I.E stands for the Electronic Random Number Indicator Equipment and is a hardware random number generator built in 1956 to find winners each month for the National Savings Premium Bond prize draw.
Typex was a British cipher machine which used a very similar method of enciphering to Enigma. It was also used at Bletchley Park to decipher Enigma messages once the Bombes had found the day key.
Enigma machines were a series of cipher machines developed in Germany between 1923 and 1945. The cipher was cracked initially by the Polish and then expanded on and broken daily at Bletchley Park. This is a fully usable 3D simulation of two models of Enigma.
A simulation of the ICT 1301 2nd generation computer, specifically serial number 6, named Flossie.
A number of people I need to say thanks and tip my hat to...
www.TNMOC.org .. The National Museum of Computing where my obsession was sparked! Make sure you find time to see their rebuilt and fully working Bombe and Enigma demonstrations at the museum but also so much more including Colossus and the galleries on the breaking of Lorenz, the WITCH & EDSAC, Elliott 308 and all manner of home computers you can use.
www.ict1301.co.uk .. The ICT 1301 Resurrection Project. Bringing Computing History back to Life.
Flossie, is currently the oldest original 2nd Generation Electronic Stored Program Computer in the UK and these chaps have not only been hard at work trying to restore her, but have documentation and stories galore! This project wouldn't have been possible without their help!
Virtual Enigma by virtualcolossus.co.uk is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Please feel free to use Virtual ICT 1301 to learn about the ICT 1301 machine. If you find it useful or if you have any feedback or ideas for making it easier to use or understand, please do let me know.
It takes a long time to research and build these simulations and I love to hear about them being used, whether for your own information or in a classroom for STEM. Do please drop me a line to let me know if you do!
