Gradually I am increasing the number and quality of photographs of my chess computer collection. The best ones are in the SciSys and Rare collections. Here are some old ones of large wooden auto sensory chess computers that I have.
A Simultaneous against three Auto Response Boards. Two with the Sargon 2.5 module and a GrandMaster Series with a 4.0 module. One of these boards has now been sold but I still have three ARBs.
An unusual sight! Three Conchess Monarchs. At the time the photograph was taken the furthest one was not working due to reed switch problems. I have now replaced reed switches in all three. Again two of these Monarchs have been sold.
A Fidelity Prestige.
Three Mephisto auto sensory machines. Nearest Resurrection modules in a Munchen board. Furthest Genius 68030 London modules in a Bavaria board. On the left an ESB 6000 with Mephisto II.
Three Novags. On the left a Super Expert B which this day finished me off with the indignity of a smoothered mate. On the right is a Super Expert C which won an early pawn and ground me down. Furthest is Novag’s flagship, a Diablo. The strongest by some way but it didn’t see my direct checkmating threat coming. To be fair nor did I.
Three Renaissance boards.
I did not get a look in against the Sparc equipped board that is nearest. The standard program is not so hard to beat though.
Another unusual sight. Two Tasc R30s. The one that is closest is in Germany now.
An even more unusual sight - two Fidelity Elite Premieres.
These are rare chess computers which include two classic programs, Richard Lang’s Vancouver 68000 and the Spracklens program from the Elite Avant Garde 2265.
The furthest one has had four owners in four years but is still in fine condition. It is now back in Germany.
