Collection is open for research; access requires at least 48 hours advance notice. Because of the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials, access will require additional advanced notice. Unless noted, digital media are not available online. Copies of unrestricted digital files will be provided for use in the SCRC Reading Room upon request. Access will be provided to use copies of unrestricted digital files rather than carrier media, such as CDs, DVDs, and floppy disks. Some or all electronic files may be unavailable or restricted due to privacy reasons, agreement with the donor, software is not available to interact with files, or because files cannot be retrieved from original media.
This collection includes a magazine with the first ever print adervtisement for a personal computer, the SCELBI-8H created in 1974 by the SCELBI Computer Consulting company.
This edition of QST, an amateur radio enthusiast magazine, includes the first advertisement in print for a personal computer. The SCELBI-8H was advertised as a mini-computer, geared towards electronic and computer hobbyists. It could be purchased as an assembled unit or as a kit. The SCELBI-8H was the first product produced by SCELBI Computer Consulting, a computer manufacturing company founded by Nat Wadsworth and Bob Findlay in 1973. The SCELBI-8H was based on Intel’s 8008, the first 8-bit microprocessor, introduced in April 1972. By 1975, companies began selling systems based on the more capable 8080 processor, which reduced the demand for systems based on the 8008 processor. The SCELBI-8H did not sell well, causing it to be discontinued in December 1974. In 1975, an improved version, the SCELBI-8B, was produced, but it also did not sell well. SCELBI Computer Consulting soon realized that it could make more money selling software books than making hardware, and by the late 1970s, it had stopped making hardware completely. In 1982, Nat Wadsworth sold the SCELBI publishing company, choosing to focus on exploring pocket computer technology instead.
This collection contains QST Magazine Vol. 58, number 3, which includes the first ever advertisement in print of a personal computer, the SCELBI-8H. The ad reads, "SCELBI Computer Consulting Inc. announces the totally new and very first mini-computer designed for the electronic/computer hobbyist! Kit prices for the new SCELBI-8H mini-computer start as low as $440.00!" The ad appears on page 154.
The NC State University Libraries generally claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. Libraries staff are unable to advise on copyright and other legal matters; the user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Helpful resources for assessing copyright include Cornell Libraries' "Copyright Services: Copyright Term and the Public Domain" and copyright.gov. This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information about identifiable living individuals, which may be protected under federal or state laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that there may be legal ramifications for disclosing this information.
The University Archives operates in accordance with the State Public Records Act, with unrestricted access to records not covered by state and federal statutes and regulations.
[Identification of item], SCELBI Computer Consulting, Inc. Personal Computer Ad, MSS 00490, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC
Purchase (Accession 2025.0103, July 2025)
Processed by: Grace Midha 2025 July; Finding aid written by: Grace Midha, 2025 July
The ad appears on page 154.
Collection is open for research; access requires at least 48 hours advance notice. Because of the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials, access will require additional advanced notice. Unless noted, digital media are not available online. Copies of unrestricted digital files will be provided for use in the SCRC Reading Room upon request. Access will be provided to use copies of unrestricted digital files rather than carrier media, such as CDs, DVDs, and floppy disks. Some or all electronic files may be unavailable or restricted due to privacy reasons, agreement with the donor, software is not available to interact with files, or because files cannot be retrieved from original media.
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[Identification of item], SCELBI Computer Consulting, Inc. Personal Computer Ad, MSS 00490, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC
The NC State University Libraries generally claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. Libraries staff are unable to advise on copyright and other legal matters; the user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Helpful resources for assessing copyright include Cornell Libraries' "Copyright Services: Copyright Term and the Public Domain" and copyright.gov. This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information about identifiable living individuals, which may be protected under federal or state laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that there may be legal ramifications for disclosing this information.
The University Archives operates in accordance with the State Public Records Act, with unrestricted access to records not covered by state and federal statutes and regulations.