[sdiy] Analog computers

[s.thomas]

Hi all..I recall looking at some old  Practical Electronics Magazines..and
noticing an analogue Computer project ..I think in the early 70's (or was it
late 60's ?) . Diode function generators and banana sockets everywhere!

cheers
steve thomas
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tim Ressel" <madhun2001 at yahoo.com>
To: "Synth-Diy" <synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl>
Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2003 3:53 PM
Subject: [sdiy] Analog computers


> Yo,
>
> All this talk of strange attractor (ex-wife?) and
> chaos engines (offspring??) got me to thinking: what
> about an Analog Computer? Something that is patchable,
> configurable, and otherwise delta-ish. I could dig a
> box like that. Maybe I have finally found a use for my
> mini-suitcase...
>
> An analog computer is basically some integrators,
> multipliers, and lots of precision 10-turn pots with
> counter dials. I know, i know, there is more to it.
> But for our purposes we can ignore some of the issues
> like initial conditions and integrator scaling.
>
> Ah, but those 10-turn dial pots cost a fortune. Even
> surplus they cost a bunch. Then I had this idea:
> instead of pots use multiplying DACs. For example I
> have AD7225s laying around. they are quad 8-bit
> M-DACs. If i use two of the dacs to make a course-fine
> arrangement I can get two 'pots' out of one package.
> throw in an AVR processor, some cheap rotary encoders,
> and some cheap displays, I can have precision pots
> without paying $25 each.
>
> --tr
>
>
>
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