UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum - View Single Post - Retro computer homebrew: Orton Karenbak-1 computer

TonyDuell · 20th Jan 2019, 1:48 pm

I remember those switches from RS. They were called 'Makaswitch' or some similar term and came in 2 sizes. The switch wafers had 12 fixed contacts and existed in single pole, 12 way, 2 pole 6 way, 3 pole 4 way and 4 pole 3 way I think. There were also screening plates, spacers, a mains-rated switch, etc.

But getting back to the problem. The switch here seems to select logic signals. I think it would not be too much work to replace it with a handful of TTL ICs (AND gates, effectively) and a single pole switch.

20th Jan 2019, 1:48 pm	#38
TonyDuell Dekatron Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Biggin Hill, London, UK. Posts: 5,208	Re: Retro computer homebrew: Orton Karenbak-1 computer I remember those switches from RS. They were called 'Makaswitch' or some similar term and came in 2 sizes. The switch wafers had 12 fixed contacts and existed in single pole, 12 way, 2 pole 6 way, 3 pole 4 way and 4 pole 3 way I think. There were also screening plates, spacers, a mains-rated switch, etc. But getting back to the problem. The switch here seems to select logic signals. I think it would not be too much work to replace it with a handful of TTL ICs (AND gates, effectively) and a single pole switch.