Mechanical analog computer history...Heathkit

From: John Lawson <jpl15_at_panix.com>
Date: Thu May 10 00:21:09 2001

On Wed, 9 May 2001, Bruce Ray wrote:

> I'll ask, John; what -is- the *exact* Heathkit part number for the EC-1
> computer assembly and user manuals?
>
> Bruce


  To tell the truth, I dunno that one. The EC-1, a small table-top unit
with 7 (or9?) opamps seems to be available without a lot of searching. A
year or so ago I turned up three or four of them in the $200 ->$500 range.
So they're out there. Several Listmembers own and operate them, so they
would be better able to give you the Heath Part Numbers of the manuals.

  Doug...?


  The EC-400 docs I had accumulated went to Germany with the machine, so I
have no record now of what the exact PNs of them are. Again.. I was very
kindly assisted in this matter by two Members, who might also be willing
to step in and provide that specific info. Since the EC-400 was also sold
as a (really big!) kit, there is a book for each module model ordered aith
the unit... not all EC-400 had the same module complement. Then there was
the overall assebly book and one (or more) Operator's manuals.

  If you are going to find and use an analogue computer... there are
others out there as well... EAI, ComDyna, Systron-Donner, etc... but
there are also some very good basic texts, mostly from the 50's and early
60's.. on the art of Analogue Computing. An abebooks.com or
bilbliofind.com search on "Analog Computing" or 'Analogue Computers" will
turn up some likely titles.

  And, a couple of years ago, I had a bit of correspondence with a
gentleman who was building an analog machine from scratch using 741 opamp
ICs... I wonder what became of that?


  Good luck in finding a Machine... if analog computing texts turn out to
be elusive.. my small library of such texts also accompanied the EC-400 to
Germany, so perhpas I can persuade the New Owner to give you the titles
and authors to refine your search.

  I'd still own the EC-400, but I'm currently living and working in India,
and I didn't think it would fit in carry-on baggage. :)


  Cheers

John
Received on Thu May 10 2001 - 00:21:09 BST