The Harmonium: Amazing Analog Gear Computer

I won't pretend to understand everything this thing is capable of, but from what I can tell it is able to print out various sine functions (like a graphing calculator) but does so by a purely mechanical means.

I gather that you can do two things with the machine. First, the machine will produce various sine waves for you on paper after you set values for the amplitude and phase angle. Second, in a reversal of this process, you can trace a curve and use Fourier analysis to extract the phase and amplitude of the curve.

The Harmonium is the invention of 64-year-old Dutch inventor -- Tatjana van Vark -- who has been building complex gadgetry since she was 14.

Here's a link to a site about The Harmonium Analog Computer which has tons of gorgeous photographs of the device. This info comes to me by way of the Retro Thing blog.

Thanks bhaaluu!

CNC Shark Wood Routing System Available Online

Not long ago, I posted about the CNC Shark -- the new entry in the field of more affordable of computer controlled wood carving machines. I just noticed that Rockler Woodworking Supply is has started selling them online as the exclusive dealer. They are offering live demonstrations in stores too.


Here's what Rockler has to say about the CNC Shark:
Bring the speed and precision of computer-controlled machinery to your shop with this top value CNC system! With a table measuring 15-3/4" x 31-1/2" it's ideally suited for carvings and machining operations on a large variety of signs, doors and other small projects. It boasts impressive power, speed, accuracy, and ease of use. With its robust steel and high-density poly-ethylene construction, it can take accidental impacts that would normally damage or destroy an aluminum or MDF machine. Optional Clamping Table features two hold-down slots for securing work anywhere along the length of the table. Compatible with the Bosch Colt Palm Router. Includes VCarve Pro software interface — a $500 value. You supply a computer with USB port, a Bosch Colt router, and a table top (router and table top also available sold separately). You connect the USB cable to the controller box and the other end to your computer.

Visit a store near you for a live Demo.

CNC Shark Routing System at Rockler Woodworking Supply.

Goat / Logic Gates in Paper Automata Form

Here's a really interesting combination of expertise: logic gates (the basis of all computing and therefore computers) and paper automata.

Rob Ives -- another of the masters of paper automata -- has created Logic Goats. The OR goat will nod if you press either the first button or the second. The AND goat will only nod if you press the first and the second buttons.

If we could get a NAND and NOR goats and string them all together in complex chains, we might be able to build a Goat-based computer!

Check out, buy and download the Logic Goat Automata at the Flying Pig web site.