Oversized schematic drawing, Channel F console case, n.d.
Scope and Content Note
This series contains materials related to the Fairchild Channel F game console (designed by Lawson), and its follow-up, the Channel F System II. Items of note are an oversized schematic drawing of the Channel F console casing, function specifications for Videocart cartridge games, and a copy of the patent issued for the Channel F game controllers. In addition to business-related materials, this series includes copies of court records documenting Lawson’s testimony in a 1993 lawsuit between Fairchild Semiconductor and Nintendo.
Folder 10 houses a 1979 proposal from MCL Electronics describing the POW system, ultimately used for the interactive television game show TV POWWW. (Contestants watching a video game on their television screen at home would call in and control the game play, indicating when the weapon on-screen should fire by saying “Pow!”) Stations airing the program, which began in 1978, were originally supplied with a Channel F console.
The International Center for the History of Electronic Games (ICHEG) at The Strong also holds three generations of Fairchild Channel F prototype printed circuit boards, along with Channel F and Channel F System II game consoles owned by Lawson. ICHEG also has numerous Channel F Videocart game cartridges and prototype cartridges.
Dates
- Creation: 1972-1993
Creator
- From the Collection: Lawson, Gerald A. ("Jerry") (Engineer, Person)
Extent
From the Collection: 1 Linear Feet (2 boxes, 1 oversized folder)
Language of Materials
From the Series: English
Repository Details
Part of the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play at The Strong Repository
The Strong
One Manhattan Square
Rochester NY 14607 USA
585.263.2700
585.423.1886 (Fax)
library@museumofplay.org