Torch Triple X

Historia

The Torch Triple X (or XXX) was a UNIX workstation computer produced by the British company Torch Computers, and launched in 1985 The Triple X was based on an 8 MHz 68010 CPU, with a Hitachi 6303 service processor. The CPU was accompanied by a 68451 memory management unit and a 68450 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 ST506-comaptible 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 novel touch-sensitive soft power switch. When switching off, this commanded the operating system to shutdown gracefully before powering down.