Quasar Data Products
| File:Quasar Data Products logo.png | |
| Formerly | Quasar Data Products Inc. (1978–1983) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computers |
| Founded | 1979 in North Olmsted, Ohio, United States |
| Founders |
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| Defunct | Template:End date and age |
| Fate | Dissolved |
Number of employees | 16 (1983)[1] |
Quasar Data Products Inc. (abbreviated as QDP), later renamed QDP Computer Systems Inc., was an American technology firm established in 1979 in North Olmsted, Ohio. The enterprise was founded by Brian A. Catalucci, who had a background as an aeronautical engineer and airline pilot, alongside Dave L. Kelley.
During the late 1970s through the mid-1980s, Quasar concentrated on creating aftermarket enhancements for S-100 bus computing systems and introduced its proprietary QDP line of computers in 1980. These products gained recognition within the U.S. Navy for their dependability, leading Quasar to produce ruggedized versions specifically designed for military applications. Subsequently, the company transitioned to manufacturing high-performance graphics adapters for the IBM Personal Computer before ultimately dissolving in 1989.
Establishment and Early Years (1979–1982)
Quasar was founded by Brian A. Catalucci and Dave L. Kelley, both alumni of Kent State University, in North Olmsted, Ohio. Their inaugural product, the QDP-100, debuted in 1979. This desktop computer ran on a Z80 processor at 4 MHz with 64 KB of RAM and utilized the S-100 bus architecture popularized by the Altair 8800. It featured dual serial ports, parallel ports, a monochrome terminal interface, and included a PROM programmer upon shipment. Priced at $4,795 in 1980, the QDP-100 secured notable military contracts, with four units deployed aboard the USS Lexington and additional systems installed on the USS Stump. Its ruggedness was ensured through the use of high-grade components such as heavy-duty capacitors and shock-resistant power supplies.
In late 1980, Quasar released the QDP-8100, a CP/M-based desktop computer powered by a 16-bit Zilog Z8000 CPU. While maintaining similar specifications to its predecessor, this model incorporated an intelligent terminal and offered backward compatibility via software emulation. The QDP-8100 was priced at $6,395, strengthening Quasar's foothold in specialized computing sectors.
Corporate Rebranding and Product Expansion (1982–1984)
Between 1980 and 1982, the company adopted the name QDP Computer Systems. In November 1982, it introduced the QDP-200—a more compact iteration of the QDP-100—featuring slimline 8-inch floppy drives available in single or dual configurations and an upgraded Z80A processor. This model came standard with 64 KB of RAM.
The following month, December 1982, saw the launch of the ruggedized QDP-300 model equipped with a built-in thermistor to mitigate overheating risks. Utilizing the Z80A-DMA processor capable of direct memory access, it facilitated faster data transfers while reducing CPU load. The system included 128 KB of RAM expandable to 256 KB to improve disk caching efficiency. Standard configuration comprised two 8-inch floppy drives with an optional 5.25-inch hard disk drive available.
In 1983, Quasar Data Products reported revenues totaling $1 million and anticipated tripling that figure in 1984. Operating as one of the few technology firms in northern Ohio—a region predominantly focused on automotive and steel manufacturing—QDP encountered difficulties attracting investment due to local investors’ limited enthusiasm for high-tech enterprises. Founder Catalucci sought to establish a product demonstration facility and aimed to capitalize on Ohio Governor Dick Celeste’s program promoting domestically manufactured consumer products.
During summer 1984, QDP unveiled its final product lines: the QDP-400 and QDP-500 models. The QDP-400 targeted multi-user applications by shipping with TurboDOS operating system support. It featured a multiprocessor architecture consisting of a primary Z80B running at 6 MHz alongside up to five Z80A co-processors at matching speeds; each processor resided on individual expansion cards equipped with 128 KB RAM per board. The system contained a 55 MB hard drive, one 1.2 MB hard-sectored 8-inch floppy drive, two Centronics parallel ports, and twelve serial ports—each user terminal necessitating a dedicated processor board.
Conversely, the QDP-500 offered a simpler configuration suitable for single or multi-user environments (standard CP/M with optional MP/M). It housed a single Z80A processor clocked at 4 MHz, included 128 KB RAM, and featured one 5.25-inch disk drive. With MP/M installed, it supported up to four concurrent terminals.
Pivot and dissolution (1984–1989)
From 1984 to 1986, the firm moved its main office to 23632 Merchantile Road and redirected its focus from S-100 microcomputer systems to advanced ISA-compatible graphics adapters designed specifically for the CAD sector on IBM PCs and compatible machines. These offerings were generally well-received in PC Magazine. Nevertheless, Quasar Data Products ultimately discontinued its business in 1989.
- ↑ Hicks 1983, p. 5D.