> But with TUBE computers you just fix the broken part.:)
> That is the major difference between IC's and the earlier
> generations of computers. That is part of the reason real
> classic computers have a better chance of sticking around,
> as you can still make parts like core memory for a modest
> amount of $ compared to anything with a IC in it. Ben.
Tubes are still being manufactured, but 50 years from now,
will they still be made? If not, how feasible would it be
to make a replacement for an existing tube (assume a common
tube where characteristics are known) as a hobbyist?
The early ICs, I would guess, were simple enough that,
given the specs, you could knock up a work-a-like from
modern parts.
I agree that, from the restorer's point of view, modern
parts (FPGAs, ASICs etc.) are hard to replace. But that's
just because the internal structure is not known (and that
matters for FPGAs). If you did know how a given FPGA was
constructed internally, I expect you could "emulate" it
with one from a few generations later.
Antonio
--
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Antonio Carlini arcarlini_at_iee.org
Received on Mon Jan 19 2004 - 16:47:54 GMT