[cctalk] Re: LGP-30 (was LCM auction)

Mark L. wrote concerning the LGP-30 computer in the LCM+L/Paul Allen Auctions: It isn't the last one by any means. There are a few of these machines still around. Here are links to a few that are in collections: https://www.technikum29.de/en/computer/lgp30.php https://t-lcarchive.org/lgp-30/ http://computermuseum.informatik.uni-stuttgart.de/dev_en/lgp30/lgp30.html (was known operational in 2007) https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2022/11/redditor-discovers-l… (Found in 2022) The LGP-30 was designed by Nuclear Physicist and Manhattan Project Team Member Stanley Frankel, who also designed a number of electronic calculators, including the SCM Cogito 240/240SR and the Diehl Combitron. An amazing thing about the LGP-30 is its relative simplicity(compared to contemporaries of the time), relying heavily on the aspects of its magnetic drum-based memory to hold the working registers as well as program storage for the machine. This means that the machine has very few flip-flops (requiring vacuum tubes), and uses a large number of inexpensive semiconductor diode logic gates for data routing and control functions. They weren't fast by any means, but were inexpensive and reliable, and required no special power or cooling, making them very popular in a wide variety of settings, from military to business. Quite a large number of them were made, and fortunately, some have survived to this day. I don't know if any of the machines that still exist are actually in running condition today, but there were a few of them that were known to be running in the decade of 2000. Rick Bensene The Old Calculator Museum https://oldcalcultaormuseum.com Beavercreek, Oregon USA