[GreenKeys] Was: TWX/TELEX now: Analog Computers

[Clay Archer]

In my pre-teen years I was always tearing things apart, and (usually) putting them back together to “see how it worked”.   My dad was frustrated when he found something I had “destroyed” but still wanted to encourage my curiosity.   So he would go to the local electronics & military surplus store and bring home something for me to tear apart.   Several of those were a “Range Computer”, probably out of a WW2 bomber.   It was an analog computer full of gears, motors, dials used to calculate wind speed and direction and other factors to calculate when to drop bombs (I guess).   I run across parts from those in my junk box still today.    As I grew up I frequented those stores and bought things that I actually used (rather than tear apart).   I recall bring home an old oscilloscope balanced on my bicycle.   Bought my first Teletype from one of those stores too.   Too bad most surplus stores have gone out of business.

Clay

KG7LWX

 

 

From: greenkeys-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:greenkeys-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of WAYNE
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 9:51 AM
To: steve bennett; steve bennett via GreenKeys; John; dave.g4ugm at gmail.com
Subject: Re: [GreenKeys] Was: TWX/TELEX now: Analog Computers

 

I believe that mechanical computers were used aboard large ships in WW2 to control the aiming and firing of their guns. 

  

Wayne 

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