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460 Tubes, 1kW Heat: Retro PC Built
19 Sep
Summary
- Retired hobbyist built an 8-bit computer using 460 recycled vacuum tubes.
- The machine generates approximately 1 kW of heat, requiring a fire extinguisher.
- It is intended to run a flight simulator program once fully operational.
A retired hobbyist in the UK has garnered significant attention for building an 8-bit computer using 460 recycled Soviet-era vacuum tubes. This impressive machine, wired entirely as NOR gates, generates substantial heat, estimated at 1 kW, necessitating precautions like keeping a fire extinguisher nearby. The computer's components are mounted on a 190 x 130 cm panel.
The builder is currently focused on developing the status system required to run a pre-coded flight simulator program on the tube-based hardware. Previous iterations of the project experienced technical failures, prompting the builder to enhance safety measures. The computer utilizes 6N3P double triodes, each wired as a NOR gate, with its design drawing inspiration from methods used in the Apollo Guidance Computer.
The system's architecture includes registers, an arithmetic logic unit, and rudimentary tube RAM, all constructed from this single logic gate. A notable design choice involves maintaining the high-tension supply below 100 V, a safety measure that allows for denser component packing. The machine currently interfaces with ex-British Rail flip-digit displays and represents a significant undertaking in vintage computing.
