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Cyhist Mar 03 1997 E
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Date: Mon, 3 Mar 1997 22:09:00 PST
Reply-To: "CYHIST Community Memory: Discussion list on the History of
Cyberspace" <CYHIST@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU> Sender: "CYHIST Community Memory: Discussion list on the History of
Cyberspace" <CYHIST@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU> From: Lauren Weinstein <lauren@VORTEX.COM>
Subject: Re: Plastic Computer
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Community Memory: Discussion List on the History of Cyberspace ______________________________________________________________________
Greetings. Most likely we're talking about the venerable "Digicomp I", a 3 bit "computer" programmable with little plastic tubes.
Its biggest flaw was that the tiny metal springs that held the vertical shift bars in place would always go flying and frequently be lost. You *could* replace the springs with little orthodontic rubber bands, but they added so much additional tension that getting the unit to operate properly was always a problem. There are still some Digicomp I units around.
The Digicomp I was followed by the Digicomp II, which featured marbles rolling on an inclined board, and was much less popular.
Along the same lines, I have in my collection a book entitled "How to Build a Working Digital Computer", which provides plans for what is essentially a computer demonstrator, built out of paperclips, nails, and similar hi-tech components. And let's not forget the classic "Scientific American" item that featured a computer learning simulation using "M&M" candies. Truly a "byte" that melts in your mouth, not in your hands.
--Lauren--
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Reply-To: "CYHIST Community Memory: Discussion list on the History of
Cyberspace" <CYHIST@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU> Sender: "CYHIST Community Memory: Discussion list on the History of
Cyberspace" <CYHIST@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU> From: Lauren Weinstein <lauren@VORTEX.COM>
Subject: Re: Plastic Computer
______________________________________________________________________
Community Memory: Discussion List on the History of Cyberspace ______________________________________________________________________
Greetings. Most likely we're talking about the venerable "Digicomp I", a 3 bit "computer" programmable with little plastic tubes.
Its biggest flaw was that the tiny metal springs that held the vertical shift bars in place would always go flying and frequently be lost. You *could* replace the springs with little orthodontic rubber bands, but they added so much additional tension that getting the unit to operate properly was always a problem. There are still some Digicomp I units around.
The Digicomp I was followed by the Digicomp II, which featured marbles rolling on an inclined board, and was much less popular.
Along the same lines, I have in my collection a book entitled "How to Build a Working Digital Computer", which provides plans for what is essentially a computer demonstrator, built out of paperclips, nails, and similar hi-tech components. And let's not forget the classic "Scientific American" item that featured a computer learning simulation using "M&M" candies. Truly a "byte" that melts in your mouth, not in your hands.
--Lauren--
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