Exploring SKALA: Chernobyl Reactor Control Computer

In this episode of Computers of Chornobyl series, we will talk about the mighty SKALA system, that controlled the RBMK reactors. This is the first-ever documentary about its design, architecture, operation, and software. It also tells the story of how it was preserved for posterity and reveals, what is common between it... and a control computer of Apollo spacecrafts. It took us nearly half a year to collect the information and technical details about SKALA vintage computer, and what we uncovered has completely reshaped our understanding of how the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant operated. We sincerely hope you will enjoy it and learn as much as we have! What you will find in this episode: 00:00 – Introduction 01:20 – How we saved SKALA 02:16 – This is why a special computer is needed to control a reactor 03:00 – A brief history of SKALA creation 04:00 – What is inside? 05:00 – This is what we discovered in archives 06:58 – Architecture and principles of operation 07:58 – A quick look to software of SKALA 09:00 – DREG and PRIZMA programs. Multi-machine mode. 11:15 – Control panels of DIVT engineer. Request devices. 12:49 – Reactor control room controls – mnemonic displays, selsyns, loggers 17:55 – The truth about the last signals of reactor 4. 19:55 – How DREG program worked. 21:14 – DIIS-2000 – SKALA’s sister computer system 22:33 – Outro Get our limited-edition SKALA poster: Support our research work and projects: Patreon: Donate: