Michael Gardi posted instructions for making a replica of the GENIAC ("GENIus Almost-automatic Computer") that was sold in kit form in the 1950s and 1960s for $20.
GENIAC consisted of a Masonite back panel with six areas of concentric perforations, six similarly perforated Masonite disks, and some additional hardware listed in the supplies section below.
Slotted brass bolts were positioned on the main back panel in such a way that brass "jumpers" inserted into the underside of the Masonite disks would create electrical connections when the disks were rotated over them. The bolts were wired together along with a battery and some lights to create "programs," basically single purpose "machines."
Technically GENIAC was a collection of configurable N-pole by N-throw rotary switches, which could be set up to be cascaded and thus perform logical functions. As a result GENIAC could use combinational logic only, its outputs depending entirely on inputs manually set. However, projects outlined in the manual, which started with basic logic circuits, ultimately progressed to such things as a NIM machine and TIC-TAC-TOE machine.
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VHF NetsNet NameDayTimeFREQ/ModeEast Central Indiana 6M NetSunday8 PM EST50.140 MHz /USB... READ MORE
- Bradley Stone (UncleBrad), 01/20/2020
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Below is a picture of my latest project. After doing the transceiver thing, with a CE20A, mated to a SX-115, then the next transceiver project, a 10A mated to any Drake R4 series receiver, I had an idea. Those transceiver projects have a lot of oscillators, and even the crystal oscillators can drift as they warm up, which requires re-zeroing the transmitter to the receiver from time to... READ MORE
- Bradley Stone (UncleBrad), 10/27/2019
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All times are in Eastern unless otherwise indicated. Frequencies are in Megacycles. Recommended HF NetsNet NameDayTimeFREQ/ModeSwan Technical NetWednesday2200 UTC14.2925 +/- /USB3938 Traders NetWednesday8 PM3.938 / LSBBoatanchor NetWednesday7:30 PM CST3.870 / LSBWA9ZTY Vintage AM GroupSaturday7:30 AM3.885 / AMMidwest Classic Radio NetSaturday8:30 AM3.885 / AMSwan Technical NetSatu... READ MORE
- Bradley Stone (UncleBrad), 08/29/2019
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W1LSB Finds an EBay TreasureThis 1964 WRL catalog was addressed to Major General Butch Griswold – K0DWCCategory: Vintage Manufacturers
- Bradley Stone (UncleBrad), 04/30/2019
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Crazy EBay Prices!Pictures of radio suckerbait on the world's largest online auction!Category: Crazy EBay Prices!
- Bradley Stone (UncleBrad), 03/22/2019
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These excellent examples of the Swan Twins are from the estate of John Thuren, AA5T (SK) of Houston, Texas. John had checked in to the 20M Swan net with these very desirable "big Swans" until a few years ago. A big thanks to Eddie, NU5K, who handled John's estate and placed these on EBay. He packed them well, knowing they are indeed an important find. ... READ MORE
- Bradley Stone (UncleBrad), 12/21/2018
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W9RAN started playing with RTL-SDR dongles about 6 years ago, and knew they were going to have a big impact on the radio hobby. But since these $15 receivers only tuned the VHF and UHF bands, he designed a wideband upconverter to make HF coverage possible, and described how it worked in an article in Jan. 2013 QST "Cheap and Easy SDR". The "RANVerter" as... READ MORE
- Robert Nickels (rnickels), 08/09/2018
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Barry, AC9NK and I attendended the 2018 Cave City hamfest, which was awesome this year. The facility was packed, with lots of vendors. We enjoyed the company of my friend Tom, N4LID for dinner the night before. Tom, who is blind, had not been able to get to the hamfest for many years. You will find more pictures at the Kentucky Phone Net site. A big thanks to Rod, N4ZIF, fo... READ MORE
- Bradley Stone (UncleBrad), 03/04/2018
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For nearly five years, spanning 1978 - 1983, I worked as an Electronics Technician in the original Bearcat manufacturing and service facility in Cumberland, Indiana. Electra was one of the best places I've ever worked, and were among the many innovative consumer electronics companies which sprang up in and around Indianapolis. Al Lovell, a former employee of Regency (also in ... READ MORE
- Bradley Stone (UncleBrad), 02/22/2018
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The tube-type Linear Master Oscillators (“LMO”) used in the Heathkit SB-Line equipment is a very stable and accurate means of controlling the frequency in the equipment. Unfortunately, as the units age, many LMOs develop a “warble” when tuning. This “warble” usually stops when the frequency control knob is not rotated. However, accurately “zero-beating&rdq... READ MORE
- Bradley Stone (UncleBrad), 02/08/2018
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