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operate a vintage mechanical calculator from before the micro-electronics revolution |
(halve size picture)
This type of calculators were designed about 1850 and were in use until 1970.
Electronic calculators already existed at this time, but they were very expensive.
The principle consists of a cilinder with 1..9 extendable pins per digit position.
During a revolution of the cilinder, an extended pin advances a gearwheel,
incrementing or decrementing the digit, depending on the direction of the rotation.
The program has in-line documentation with examples of various calculations.
Calculations can be performed in STEP mode, showing elementary steps
such as carry propagation.
If you search the web with phrases like "mechanical calculator", musea
as well as private collectors show their magnificent machines.
A good one is www.calculi.nl
Download PINWHEEL and operate, with mouse or keyboard, the handles and crank
of this calculator.
