magnus@THEP.LU.SE (Magnus Olsson) (10/15/90)
I posted the following request for information to Alt.folklore.computers
about a month ago, but didn't get any response (although a few people
remembered having used some 1960's relay-based precursors of these machines).
Maybe the readers of Comp.arch know something about it? (And before you
bring out your flamethrowers: I think this *is* the right newgroup - after all
it is a question about "computer" architecture...)
----------- original posting (somewhat abbreviated ) -------------------------
I was browsing through an Edmund Scientific catalog from 1978, when I saw the
following:
WORKING MODEL ELECTRONIC DIGITAL COMPUTERS
These 3 kits have our highest recommendation. Each is
exciting to assemble and program. No. 72,105 requires
some soldering but is offered at nearly 1/3 its original
assembled price. No. 71,434 has snap-fit construction
and performs over 50 experiments. For whiz-kids we
recommend the advanced models, Nos.71,403 & 7l,706.
(A) Build An Electronic Digital Computer!
Normally sells for $45 assembled. With basic electronic
know-how you can build it. Includes 2 manuals: 1 for
games and experiments; 1 for advanced experiments.
features 3 movable registers, patch cords & plugs, visual
readout of results. Also incl. cards, dice, instr 14x15"
assembled. Uses 3 "C" batteries (not incl.) Soldering
required. No. 72,105 $15.95 Ppd
(B) Snap-Fit Digital Computer Kit
You build it, program it and learn from it. Perform 50
experiments-play computer casino, predict weather,
test intelligence, solve mysteries, try to outwit it, play
chess with it and much more. Illuminated control panel
readout. Includes everything needed except 3 "C"
batteries. Step-by-step instruction book incl
No. 71,434 $31.50 Ppd.
(C) Advanced Model Digital Computer
Uses circuit modules--assembles in minutes.
Patch cords slide on/off from one patch point to another to
change circuits. Work with nand gates, memory cells flip
flops. Experiment with 2 stage binary counter, reaction
time, computer clock--23 computer experiments.
70 page instr. manual details assembly and all experiments
(clock-switch. flip-flops. quad 2-input nand display), 20
patch cords, all necessary parts. Requires one 6V battery
(not incl.)
No.71,403 $56.50 Ppd.
[There are also some pictures of things that look a bit like plastic toy
typewriters, but with a plugboard instead of a keyboard, and a stand for
some cards with pictures on them]
(The text above was scanned directly from the catalog, so any strange
spellings are not my fault.)
Is there anyone out there who's actually used one of these "model computers"?
Were they really computers (and not just a digital experiment kit)? Since the
catalog is form '78, they could just conceivably be some very primitive micro
processor-based computer, but somehow I doubt it. I also recall seeing
something like them in Swedish toy catalogs in the early seventies. Our
neighbour talked about getting one to control his model railroad. I don't
think he ever did, though.
Any information about how these machines worked, what kind of games you could
play with them, and so on, is appreciated.
Magnus Olsson | \e+ /_
Dept. of Theoretical Physics | \ Z / q
University of Lund, Sweden | >----<
Internet: magnus@thep.lu.se | / \===== g
Bitnet: THEPMO@SELDC52 | /e- \q