Apollo Software

[Karl-Ludwig Butte]

Dear All,

there is a large Feature article about the Apollo AGC Computer in "The MagPi" / issue #49, the official Raspberry Pi Magazine, on page 68. The article describes, among other things, a virtual AGC software , which can be freely downloaded from GitHub. For the Raspberry Pi there is a special adapted, pre-compiled version of the software available at: magpi.cc/2b5QZ4B. The Installation process is described in detail on p. 70.

So, have fun - even if it is with a Raspberry Pi instead of an HP calculator :-)

Best regards

Karl

[4ster]

After running into this thread a few days ago I was able to recognize the subject of a youtube video that I may have passed by when it randomly appeared on the "Up Next" list. The speaker covers development and use of the AGC in flight. I really enjoyed it and wanted to pass it along here.
AGC development and operation

The speaker is a historian of the AGC. At one point he remarks on some of the bugs discovered when researching the AGC. For instance, when the radar system signals that the lunar module has landed, the AGC shuts down the engine. There was no over ride. There are a number of craters on the moon that due to their shape, when flown over, the radar would interpret the return signal as a landing.... This was discovered years after the Apollo program by running many simulations when studying the AGC.

[Accutron]

These are essential viewing for anybody with an interest in the AGC:

The Apollo Guidance Computer, Part One: Eldon Hall
The Apollo Guidance Computer, Part Two: David Scott

[hp41cx]

MIT Science Reporter—"Computer for Apollo"

[Karl-Ludwig Butte]

Dear All,

here is an amazing story about the rescue of the first Apollo Guidance Computer from a scrapyard. According to Golem.de a Computer scientist from South Africa discovered the first AGC. After its Mission "Apollo-Saturn 202" it was discarded and sold as part of a 3 ton scrapmetal block to a man from Houston/Texas. The German article tells the full story and references this Gadget-Article which is written in English.

Enjoy!

Best regards

Karl