Here’s a 3D printed electromechanical computer built by [Chris Fenton] over at NYCResistor. It uses plastic registers printed on a Makerbot, a bunch of pogo pins, and business-card sized punch cards capable of storing 32 bits of instructions and data.
In case you’re wondering, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen [Chris]’ FIBIAC. Since the last update, [Chris] managed to get a program that walks through the first three digits of the Fibonacci sequence. There’s really no limit to what the FIBIAC can theoretically do, but with only three registers he’s limited to calculating the first three digits of pi.
With more registers, [Chris]’ computer could be expanded, but each register takes about 8 hours to print. We’re sure [Chris] would gladly accept any donations of additional 3D-printed registers, so if you’d like to make a few of these gear registers you can get the files on Thingiverse.
As a proof of concept, [Chris]’ FIBIAC is amazing, but it doesn’t live up to its intended design. The punch card format [Chris] created is capable of storing 8 registers, and the registers themselves can be expanded far beyond their current 3-digit width. Still, it’s an incredible build and has the bonus of being easily expandable thanks to a very clever design.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S-a28CQqps&w=470]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uz9cM6TL6xA&w=470]
Sounds like he needs a new form of memory, like a long rod with decimal wheels hanging off of it. It could slide back and forth over a reader while still providing a full display of the linear RAM.
Now we need a 3D printed Curta calculator: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curta_calculator
:D
Nothing new in the universe? I see now that the Curta suggestion was the first post in the previous installment of this hack. That just confirms it. :D
I love post-apocalyptic mechanical computing. Well Done!
It’s cool. I think an electromechanical computer that needs a microcontroller to run it is sort of cheating, though. :P
That’s exactly what I thought. Feels like a massive inconsistency in an otherwise really cool project.