Editing MCM/70 (section)

==Early history==
Kutt, a professor of mathematics at [[Queen's University, Kingston|Queen's University]] in [[Kingston, Ontario]] during the late 1960s, noted that the efficiency of computer users there was hampered by the long wait times involved in submitting [[computer program|programs]] in [[punched card]] form for [[batch processing]] by a shared [[mainframe computer]]. In 1968, Kutt and Donald Pamenter started a firm, Consolidated Computer Inc.,<ref>{{cite book|title=Executive|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CdoTAQAAMAAJ|volume=19|year=1977|publisher=Southam Business Publications|page=38}}</ref> and began to produce a data-entry device named ''Key-Edit''.<ref name=s9>Stachniak 2011, pg. 9</ref>  This was a low-cost terminal, with a one-line [[display device]], which bypassed the need for [[keypunch]]ing.

In 1971, Kutt, no longer part of CCI, began planning a machine to support software development in the recently developed [[programming language]] [[APL (programming language)|APL]]. APL was best programmed using a custom keyboard and these were very rare at the time. He initially named his design the ''Key-Cassette''; similar in design and concept to Key-Edit, it would offer editing ability and support for either two [[cassette deck]]s or one cassette and an [[acoustic coupler]] to upload programs to other machines.<ref name=s9/>
[[File:MCM Model 70 microcomputer 1974 APL keyboard.jpg|230px|thumb|right|MCM Model 70 microcomputer 1974 APL keyboard]]

The original design resembled a desktop [[electronic calculator]]. Kutt's notes of the era showed his intent to use the cover and display from an extant calculator with a modified power supply, to include a small keyboard  with 32 keys, and a display made of either 13 or 15 segmented [[LEDs]].<ref name=s9/> Kutt also created a company, Micro Computer Machines, which would later manufacture the devices.