Re: Analogue computing

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#621230

From: AndyW
Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2018 07:38

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On 14/03/2018 19:29, Gareth's Downstairs Computer wrote:
> We certainly covered the principles in my
> electronics degree ('69 - '72), but AIUI
> there was a pre-war mechanical analogue
> computer made with the Meccano erector set.

Also covered in my degree in the Control theory modules, it was easier 
to use the analogue computer to simulate control systems than try to 
simulate it on the PCs of the time.
Our analogue computer was a shiny steel table with various 
electromechanical doodahs* on magnetic bases. We stuck them down. 
connected them up with string, rods, cables and belts and tried to make 
sense of all the calculus and control equations we worked out theoretically.
Legend has it that somewhere in the mists of time somebody actually 
managed to get it to make sense.

*Genuine technical term by the way

Andy

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Subject: Re: Analogue computing
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