Robotron 1715: a computer that monitored the Chernobyl Sarcophagus

Today, we take a look at the Robotron-1715M, a remarkable vintage computer made in DDR (East Germany) and powered by a Zilog Z80 processor clone. Beyond a significant historical value (and limited capabilities), the same machines served a crucial function in 1986, acting as an integral component of the initial self-diagnostics and radiation monitoring system within the Chernobyl Sarcophagus of Unit IV. This very computer is from the collection of Software and Computer Museum of Kharkiv, Ukraine. 00:00 – Follow the white rabbit 01:02 – Introduction 01:56 – 1715 and 1715M 03:14 – Display 03:40 – Ports 04:30 – Keyboard 05:50 – Robotron computers in Chernobyl Zone 08:34 – Test-run 09:40 – TETRIS! 11:05 – Charset toggle 11:38 – What is inside? 14:06 – Outro Patreon version: Donate for our projects: