ENIAC

From: John Lawson <jpl15_at_panix.com>
Date: Sun Apr 15 20:39:46 2001

  Re: ENIAC Tubes (Valves). While I think there were a goodly number of
6SN7s used in the machine, the miniature devices you cite [12A -X7 -U7
-AT7] were still finding their way out of WWII secrecy into the mainstream
market. As far as I cans research, none were used in the machine, which
was *designed* in the early 40s, and of course built from those designs
over the space of about two or three years. I no longer have access to my
library on the subject, or I would be a little less vague.

  FWIW, the ENIAC rack in the Computer Musem at Moffet is populated mainly
with 6SK7s, a metal-bodied pentode with a grid cap. I don't remember at
this remove of time what the function of that particular rack was in the
overall computer. I took several shots of it, and also shamelessly and
wantonly ingnored the stern and forboding "Do Not Touch" sign, reached
over and clicked one of it's multi-position selector switches.

  Yes, I did.


 "What're ya in for, buddy?"

 "Clicked a switch on the ENIAC. And you...?"

 "Tore th' tag offen my new mattress."

 "Yeah. Tough break. Well, see yas in the Exercise Yard..."


  Cheerz

John
Received on Sun Apr 15 2001 - 20:39:46 BST