'Qasar' digital computer
Object No. 97/147/1
Tony Furse had been working for some years on an all digital waveform manipulation system. Kim Ryrie and Peter Vogel (of Fairlight) licensed the dual-processor computer designed by engineer Tony Furse around 1975 (Tony Furse was Motorola's consultant in Australia for the 6800 microprocessor and had previously worked on the design of integrated circuits for Fairchild in the USA). During the development phase of the Fairlight Instruments CMI (computer music interface) series (the first digital sampling computer / synthesiser in the world) the company was in financial difficulties. Fortunately their CMI machine was based on a computer which exposed them to opportunities to which many other musical instrument manufacturers were not. Remington Office Machines were looking for a business computer. They had a software team and they understood that Fairlight had developed a dual-processor computer that ran BASIC and C. Remington proposed that they write applications and sell the Qasar system as an office product. This proposal was accepted as Fairlight had no other income, apart from a few video products. Approximately 120 Remington business computers were sold (1978 - 80). Then cheaper business computers started appearing, and that market faded away. During the development of the Qasar , Tony Furse realised the requirements on computer power (processing speed) demanded by certain applications and resolved this problem by using two 6800s talking out of phase to a common memory. This dual processor architecture is what Fairlight Industries licensed from Tony and continued its manufacture as the heart of all following Fairlight CMI designs. Campbell Bickerstaff
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Summary
Object Statement
Digital computer, 'Qasar', computer monitor, keyboard, light pens (2) and cables (4), metal / electronic components / rubber / pvc / glass, designed by Tony Furse, made by Fairlight Instruments Pty Ltd, Australia, 1974-1979
Physical Description
Digital computer, 'Qasar', computer monitor, keyboard, light pens (2) and cables (4), metal / electronic components / rubber / pvc / glass, designed by Tony Furse, made by Fairlight Instruments Pty. Ltd, Australia, 1974-1979 Computer: the Qasar is a beige rectangular metal cabinet which houses two 8inch floppy disk drives that have grey covers. The front panel also has various knobs and switches and it swings down on hinges to reveal the central processing unit and all boards (graphics, printer, memory etc.). There are vents along the top of the cabinet. Along the back there are various inlet and outlet pots, a lock, a fuse holder. The cabinet sits on two long narrow wooden feet that run along each end. Monitor: the Fairlight computer monitor is housed in a matte black spatter finished plastic cabinet with contoured sides and a sloping top. The rear of the unit is marked with the makers name and has signal input connection points. The monitor sits on two narrow wooden feet that run along each end. Keyboard: the qwerty alpha-numeric keyboard has white keys and is housed in a black painted metal form that complements the monitor. There is a solid wired cable covered with black plastic with a 9 pin end that runs out of the keyboard and connects to the Qasar. Light pens (2): the two light pens are stainless steel with black plastic nibs and black plastic rings an inch from the nib. A coiled black rubber cable runs from the end of the pen and connects to the monitor. Cables (4): the four cables are black plastic and have the following connections: domestic power plug to canon (3 pin power), canon to canon (3 pin), canon to canon (5 pin), 5 pin canon to D plug. Each are covered with black plastic and have either metal of plastic plugs.
PRODUCTION
Notes
The dual-processor architecture was designed by Tony Furse. The Qasar was manufactured by Fairlight Instruments Pty. Ltd. This computer was made 1974-1979.
HISTORY
Notes
Used by St. Vincents hospital in Sydney, Australia, to manage the records of patients in the Intensive Care ward. The Qasar was purchased with funds or a direct gift of a Mr. Ed Hume, a bypass heart patient of St. Vincents Hospital most appreciative of the services provided. Salvaged by John Turnham upon its retirement.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of John Turnham, 1997
Acquisition Date
21 May 1997
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