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

Karen O · 3rd Jan 2019, 1:57 pm

I actually admire the drum machines like the LGP-30. All basic timing signals and address information could be put on dedicated tracks thereby avoiding a lot of hardware. In theory, and ignoring the diminished read head signal that would result, you could hand crank the drum and the computer would still work - just more slowly.

I also looked at using glass PAL delay lines as storage. I quickly got 32 bits recirculating in one of these. I'm on the look out for a means of delay of around a few milliseconds so that I can build a version without ICs. Continuous contact magnetic media would doubtless wear out too quickly.

Any ideas?

3rd Jan 2019, 1:57 pm	#8
Karen O Rest in Peace Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Bridgnorth, Shropshire, UK. Posts: 787	Re: Retro computer homebrew: Orton Karenbak-1 computer I actually admire the drum machines like the LGP-30. All basic timing signals and address information could be put on dedicated tracks thereby avoiding a lot of hardware. In theory, and ignoring the diminished read head signal that would result, you could hand crank the drum and the computer would still work - just more slowly. I also looked at using glass PAL delay lines as storage. I quickly got 32 bits recirculating in one of these. I'm on the look out for a means of delay of around a few milliseconds so that I can build a version without ICs. Continuous contact magnetic media would doubtless wear out too quickly. Any ideas?