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Magnetic Core Memory USB Drive Transfers Text and Image Files Between PCs
Key points
- Magnetic core memory USB device transferred text and image files.
- The device has a 128-byte storage capacity.
- Data is erased during the read process.
- LEDs visualize data transfer on a 32x32 array.
Magnetic Core Memory in Action
Japanese researcher @dydt_Nao has successfully used a custom-built magnetic core memory USB storage device to transfer a text file and a monochrome BMP image between two personal computers. This marks the first reported instance of this specific device being used for data transfer in a sneakernet fashion, applying an archaic memory technology to a modern interface.
Device Specifications and Limitations
The magnetic core memory USB drive is approximately one foot (30cm) square and has a storage capacity of 128 bytes. A significant limitation of this technology, as implemented, is that data stored on the device is erased during the read process. The device also features a 32x32 array of LEDs that illuminate to visualize individual magnetic cores during data read/write operations.
Demonstrated Capabilities
Beyond the initial text file transfer, the researcher also demonstrated the device's ability to transfer a monochrome BMP image. The device can store monochrome bitmaps up to 32 x 28 pixels. While Windows reported a 6.5KB capacity, this is attributed to the Raspberry Pi Pico controller rather than the actual core memory capacity.
Historical Context of Magnetic Core Memory
Magnetic core memory was the dominant form of random-access storage in digital computers for two decades following its patent filing by Jay Forrester. While now considered a historical curiosity, this project showcases a functional, albeit highly constrained, application of the technology in a contemporary setting.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
A Japanese researcher successfully used a dinner-plate-sized magnetic core memory USB device to transfer a text file and a monochrome BMP image between PCs. This demonstrates the functional application of archaic memory technology in a modern sneakernet context, despite severe limitations in storage capacity and data retention.