I love a matrix of red flashing dots, but did these serve a real purpose on machines like this? Feels quite obtuse as a means of delivering feedback. Especially since a machine like this could drive a comparatively information-dense CRT display.
The LEDs, iirc, were tied to the processors being active or accessing memory or something. I forget exactly what. It wasn’t really for information purposes but for looking impressive.
And impressive it is. There’s one at a museum in GA that is wired up to randomly blink the LEDs and it’s the best thing ever lol
“ The panels were used to check the usage of the processing nodes, and to run diagnostics.”