Monday, October 31, 2016

IBM Model 370 Blinkenlights Torture Test

For nearly a year with few interruptions,  we have been running IBM Model 370 blinkenlights connected to a raspberry pi to randomize the pattern.   So far exactly zero lights have burned out with the panel and raspberry pi still going strong.    Very impressive longevity for the IBM panel lights!

The German term blinkenlights dates back to 1955 when IBM began to challenge UNIVAC for dominance in mainframe computers.  The UNIVAC computers where mostly white lights but when IBM started lighting up the panel the full color spectrum flashed in perfect cadence.

I believe our IBM 370 Panel will outlive several raspberry pi's.  Game on!