When you actually look at what systems are used in fields of technology, there are many reasons why old systems are used as opposed to new ones.
Robust: Older vetted systems are quite robust, even if you have to reboot or recalibrate them frequently. For example, Mainframe systems. There are still Mainframe systems that were manufactured and applications created for them during the 70's still in use to handle phone call traffic. Most run 24x7 for years on end without one single issue, and some that seem to need monthly maintenance. Still, just to replace one system may cost 1000x the cost of a single very expensive repair.
Research project funding: Research funding is very hard to obtain on long running projects due to lack of public interest. Some research obtains a lot of funding at first, such as for a deep space radio detection array, but after running the same project for lets assume 50 years and not having any substantial evidence, or high number of disappearances, you are just one catastrophe away from having the entire project dropped. Real life example of no evidence and lack of funding is the Arecibo Observatory and the SETI Project.
Information Secrecy: Have you ever wondered, why you need these hash codes? Why they only want very specific ones, and how they might pertain to the signals you send them? Hash codes can be used to decrypt data. You collect data from space that no matter how you process it, it still sounds and looks like a mess. You could also receive radio signals that the frequency of which fall outside of the range of the playback equipment, so you never see or hear it, but it is still contained on the drive.
Don't update the equipment. Keep it antiquated. It adds to the realism of the experience.