The USAF AN/FSQ-7 (SAGE) computer systems were the largest computers ever built, and were responsible for keeping a radar eye on our air space for more than 25 years, until decommissioned in 1983. The Q7 was also a special effects dream, with more lights, switches and vacuum tubes than any other piece of hardware, and found its way into many science fiction movies and television programs over the years.
I served in the US Air Force from 1982 until 1986, and was in one of the last groups of computer maintenance technicians trained to work on the Q7. I was stationed at McChord AFB in Tacoma, WA, and worked on the Q7 there from January through August of 1983, before heading back to school for training on the newer (ROCC) system. McChord's Q7 was finally turned off in the Fall of 1983.
I've been a science fiction fan ever since I could read, and have always been fascinated by robots and computers, the more lights and switches the better. I used to watch Irwin Allen's Time Tunnel series, and finally realized after I left the Air Force that the computer system in the tunnel complex was comprised of sections of the old AN/FSQ-7! After that, I started to look for the Q7 in other movies and TV programs. I've collected some pictures from various web sites as well as video captures from my own collection, and posted them here. Enjoy!
If you know of any other movies or TV programs which used parts of the Q7 for props, please let me know. Screen grabs or publicity shots would be very helpful.
1964
1964 - 1968
1964 - 1968
1965 - 1968
1966
1966
1966
1966
1966
1967
1967
1968
1968
1968 - 1970
1969
1971
1971
1972
1972
1972
1973
1973
1973
1973
1974
1974
1975
1976
1976
1976
1976 - 1977
1977
1977
1977 - 1978
1977 - 1981
1978
1978
1978
1978 - 1979
1980
1987
1989
1991
1994
1996
1996
1998 - 2001
1999
2000
2002
2003
2003 - 2007
2004 - 2008
So, what became of all the SAGE hardware? It's hard to track down, but I've managed to trace some of it. A prop house called Vectrex Corporation in Santa Monica owned some large sections, but is no longer in business and the hardware was sold off. However, the large SAGE consoles seen in recent years are owned by Woody's Electrical Props in Sun Valley, CA. I talked with Woody about his equipment and its history.