InterSystems is the brand name of computers from the Ithaca Company. The DPS-1 is a close relative of the Altair 8800 and Cromemco machines.

Based around the Z80 processor, it had an initial 8KB of RAM that could be expanded to 256KB, and used CP/M or Unix operating systems. The case had a 20-card capacity with active termination and shielding between bus lines. S100 boards from many manufacturers could be plugged into the DPS-1 IEEE S100 bus.

The front panel has lights and switches to allow inspection and control of addresses and data. Other features include programmed input switches and output lights, Examine, Examine next, deposit next, single or slow step (0.1 to 1000 IPS), hardware breakpoint on any data or address byte, repeat instruction and many other hardware diagnostic facilities. It is claimed to be the last computer that used front switches with LEDs.

The DPS-1 originally came as a mainframe with front panel, Motherboard, power supply and 4MHz Z80 CPU board. The system was modular, allowing the user to build up the system as required. This machine was advertised as being suitable for use in education, industry and research, and all professional uses, including hardware and software development, low cost OEM systems, teaching applications, etc.

An advert in Practical Computing, October 1979 prices the DPS-1 system at £645 'less S100 4MHz Z80 CPU board', and £695 with the CPU board.

Manufacturer: Ithaca InsterSystems Inc
Date: 1979

This exhibit has a reference ID of CH51554. Please quote this reference ID in any communication with the Centre for Computing History.

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