Rare Soviet computer discovered by family in Chernobyl

Four decades after the devastating event of Chernobyl, curiosity about what still remains in the affected area remains alive. A demonstration of this fascination was evident when a Slovak family brought to light an intriguing piece of technological history from the Soviet period.

Meet the Soviet computer

Alex and Michaela, members of the family who run the YouTube channel called ChornobylFamily, made an unexpected discovery. On their journey to document and restore artifacts from the disaster region, they came across an ancient computer.

And it wasn’t just any machine: it was a Soviet PC, a relic that had more in common with Western technology than one might imagine at first glance.

The intriguing thing is that this computer, a rarity with only 80 thousand units produced, operated with a processor and operating system that were, curiously, Soviet versions of Intel and Windows products.

Without the possibility of importing Western technology during those times, the Soviet Union chose to create its own versions, giving rise to the ES1841 processor and the alphaDOS operating system.

This computer, in addition to its origin and history, stands out for its distinctive display. While most systems at the time used color combinations like black and green or black and white, this particular one featured a notable black and yellow.

What makes the family’s feat even more impressive is the restoration work they undertook. Although its specifications (which included a 5MHz processor and 512 KB memory) were far below current technological standards, the couple not only restored the computer but also played a game called “Digger”, demonstrating its functionality.

Chernobyl’s legacy has been widely explored, from the acclaimed series HBO even games inspired by the event.

Yet discoveries like this, which offer a unique glimpse into history and technology, continue to fuel people’s imagination and curiosity about one of the darkest periods in recent history.