Inside SKALA: How Chernobyl’s reactor was actually controlled
In this episode, we go inside SKALA — the unique computer system that once controlled the RBMK reactors at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
But this time, we focus not just on its architecture or history — but on how it was actually used.
How did reactor operators interact with SKALA?
What were request devices?
How did control codes work?
What did programs like PRIZMA and DREG actually do during operation?
And how did the mnemonic display reflect the state of the reactor in real time?
We break down the logic behind SKALA’s control panels, magnetic tape system, functional control groups, and operator workflows — showing how thousands of analog signals were processed and translated into decisions inside the control room.
00:00 Introduction
00:35 Could It play Doom? (we know you’ll ask)
04:29 Tape reel drives and the Library
06:11 The PRIZMA program
07:47 Control programs — KIKD, KRV, KCTK, and others
09:05 SKALA operator's controls
11:44 How to enter codes using the SKALA Request Device
14:14 The SKALA Mnemonic Display
16:50 Future plans
This video is also essential for what comes next. In our lab, we are building a fully functional replica of the SKALA controls.It will become the next major step in our ongoing project — recreating a working hardware simulator of the Chernobyl reactor control room.
If you haven’t seen our original SKALA documentary, you can find it here: • Exploring SKALA: Chernobyl Reactor Control...
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