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These IBM 1401, System 360, and System 370 control panels were donated by Norm Burger.
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Computers of this era didn't have maintenance processors and needed complicated control panels that showed the current status of the system, the contents of internal registers, allowed the operator to control the boot processes, and allowed field engineers to diagnose problems with the system.
The System 370 is a newer design than the System 360 and required a less complicated control panel.
The big red button on the control panel would kill all power to the system in case of an emergency.
IBM 1401 Control Panel.
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IBM 1401 Character Code Chart.
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IBM 360 Model 30 Control Panel.
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IBM 370 Model 165 Control Panel.
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