Analog computers were predecessors to the modern day digital computers. They ranged from room-size mega-machines to desk-size models. Analog computers are in museums like the Smithsonian and at the Universiteit van Amsterdam in the Netherlands. In the 1970s, do-it-yourself analog computer kits like the Heathkit EC-1 were popular among science nerds and provided the means to build an inexpensive functional computer.
Housing
An analog computer requires a metal box housing that can hold all of the internal computer parts. Get a purpose-built empty steel case chassis that measures approximately 20 inches x 12 inches x 15 inches. If you want the casing mounted on a rack, make sure it is also fitted with a sturdy front panel.
Operational Amplifier
Operational amplifiers, or op amps, are the backbone of analog computers. They are electronic circuits that drive all functions and operations. Vacuum tubes provide the means for amplifying signals by controlling electron movement in low-pressure enclosed spaces. The Heathkit EC-1 computer, for instance, needed nine such devices.
Power Supply
A power supply is the main source of power for the system. To build an analog computer similar to the EC-1 as an example, you'll need a 100-watt power supply complete with a power cord that will fit into the housing.
Potentiometers
Five potentiometers are needed to build an analog computer like the EC-1 model. A potentiometer is a type of resistor that is used to adjust the level of input signals in the analog circuitry.
Relay Contacts
Relay contacts are controls that permit the flow of electricity to drive the operational amplifier. An open relay stops signaling while a closed relay contact sends signals forward. The EC-1 kit requires four sets of relay contacts to build an analog computer.
Resistors
Resistors control the amount of electricity channeled along a particular circuit. To build an analog computer, you'll need at least two of these. One will function as an input resistor and the other will function as a feedback resistor.
Capacitors
Capacitors are the analog equivalent of digital computer transistors. Each capacitor in the analog computer remembers, or can maintain the integrity of a single mathematical variable. You'll need at least one capacitor when you build an analog computer. Use more capacitors to solve multivariate complex problems.
Patch Cords
Patch cords are flexible electrical cables that have jacks at each end. They are manually adjustable and used during problem solving setup. They work by creating interconnections within the analog computer to solve mathematical problems. Get at least two or three cords.
Output Devices
You'll need an output device to see the results of your computations. An analog screen monitor or a graphical interface are acceptable choices.
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