Torch Triple X

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The Torch Triple X (or XXX) was a UNIX workstation computer produced by the British company Torch Computers, and launched in 1985. It was based on the Motorola 68010 microprocessor and ran a version of UNIX System V.

Hardware[]

The Triple X was based on an 8 MHz 68010 CPU, with a Hitachi "service processor". The CPU was accompanied by a 68451 memory management unit and a DMA controller. Both VMEbus and a BBC Micro-compatible "1MHz bus" expansion buses were provided, as was a SCSI host adapter, and an optional Ethernet interface. Both RS-423 and X.25-compatible synchronous serial ports were provided. This latter feature made the Triple X attractive to the UK academic community, where X.25 networks were prevalent at the time.

Standard RAM capacity was 1 MB, expandable to 7 MB via VME cards. A 720 kB, 5.25 in floppy disk drive and ST-506-compatible 20 MB hard disk were fitted as standard, interfaced to the SCSI bus via an OMTI adapter.

Either a 10 or 13 inch colour monitor was supplied. Two graphics modes were available: 720 × 256 pixels in four colours, or 720 × 512 in two colours.

The Triple X had a novel touch-sensitive "soft" power switch. When switching off, this commanded the operating system to shut down gracefully before powering down.

Software[]

The Triple X's firmware was called Caretaker. The native operating system was Uniplus+ UNIX System V Release 2. A graphical user interface called OpenTop was also included as standard.[1]

Quad X[]

The Quad X was an enhanced version of the Triple X, with a 68020 processor and three VME expansion slots. This was produced only in small numbers before Torch became insolvent.

References[]

  1. ^ Triple X - Administrators Manual, The Centre for Computing History, Retrieved 2009-05-25

Bibliography[]

  • Bright, Peter (January 1986). "Torch Triple X". Personal Computer World. 9 (1): 128–134.
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