electromechanical calculator

From: Anthony Clifton - Wirehead <wirehead_at_retrocomputing.com>
Date: Sat Jan 30 13:20:41 1999

>Derek Peschel wrote:
>>
>> This is a borderline off-topic area, since there are other mailing lists for
>> the purpose. Also, mechanical calculators are certainly computers, but
>> they're special-purpose and nonprogrammable. But I might as well spread
>> useful information.
>
>I'd hate to see discrimination in computing technology pervade this
>list.
>
>Many electromechanical systems are programmable and we have a number
>in our collection. History will note the AT&T relay systems, the Zuse
>machines, Harvard MK I and descendants and many many others.
>

I've often thought it would be fun to collect old telephone company
equipment, like chunks of crossbar and step-by-step switches, early
ESS switches and so on. My fantasy is to acquire the equipment from
a small rural exchange that was upgraded, get it set up and run an
actual non-connected telephone exchange in my basement. But the
power requirements are bizarre and that equipment never seems to
surface anyplace I can find it.

The ESS switches, like the 1A and so on, are VERY computer-like.

Anthony Clifton - Wirehead
Received on Sat Jan 30 1999 - 13:20:41 GMT