UCLA’s 1948 Mechanical Computer [video]
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Re: UCLA’s 1948 Mechanical Computer [video]
#2If you want more information on how you can do computation with mechanical systems, try this video:
U.S. NAVY BASIC MECHANISMS OF FIRE CONTROL COMPUTERS MECHANICAL COMPUTER INSTRUCTIONAL FILM 27794 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwf5mAlI7Ug
Re: UCLA’s 1948 Mechanical Computer [video]
#3Is that an A4 at the end? :)
Re: UCLA’s 1948 Mechanical Computer [video]
#4Seeing it draw out a curve was pretty astonishing. What a cool slice of history!
Re: UCLA’s 1948 Mechanical Computer [video]
#5The narration is too much.
That UCLA differential analyzer from 1947 was the peak of that technology. Earlier ones in the US go back to 1928. Wikipedia says UCLA had three of those. Probably for the Southern California aircraft industry.
That was near the end of the line for the pure mechanical analog computers. Even the gun and missile guidance systems had electrical inputs and outputs. 1947 was late to be building that, but it was a mature technology and worked, although, as shown, a huge pain to reprogram. Mechanical fire control systems had one built-in problem to solve, so they didn't have to be set up as a parts kit like this.
Re: UCLA’s 1948 Mechanical Computer [video]
#6will wear and tear of the mechanical parts affect accuracy?
Re: UCLA’s 1948 Mechanical Computer [video]
#7I love the tone of amazement and excitement in the video. The images were amazing, but the tone really stuck with me.
I wonder what could be done to bring back that type of mass amazement and excitement towards technology?
When I think of the future I'm blown away by the possibilities of CRISPER, 3d printing, energy storage, block chains, driver-less cars, UBI, space exploration and more. We are advancing so quickly on so many fronts, and yet most people are indifferent or down right hostile toward it.
Re: UCLA’s 1948 Mechanical Computer [video]
#8I love the tone of amazement and excitement in the video. The images were amazing, but the tone really stuck with me. I wonder what could be done to bring back that type of mass amazement and excitement towards technology? When I think of the future I'm blown away by the possibilities of CRISPER, 3d printing, energy storage, block chains, driver-less cars, UBI, space exploration and more. We are advancing so quickly…
The mid 70's were just about optimal. Lots of stuff you could pick apart and make new things from with standardized parts. After that more and more integrated circuits made it into consumer electronics and if the volume was large enough they'd be custom so useless to either repair or be used as a source of parts.
Re: UCLA’s 1948 Mechanical Computer [video]
#9will wear and tear of the mechanical parts affect accuracy?
Sure, just like a sloppy slide-rule or mechanical calipers or micrometer will give you iffy readings. Whether the accuracy change is a material one depends on what you are doing. Daisy chaining results would get you into meaningless territory quite fast I would imagine.
Re: UCLA’s 1948 Mechanical Computer [video]
#10[deleted]