15 Aug
1999
15 Aug
'99
10:28 a.m.
On Sun, 15 Aug 1999 CLASSICCMP(a)trailing-edge.com wrote:
Eric Smith wrote:
Well, it functions like a check valve.
William Donzelli <aw288(a)osfn.org> wrote:
I've seen scientific and computer equipment from the 60's and 70's using
a variety of "tubes" as indicator devices, everything from simple neon
bulbs to decatron counters and storage CRT's.
One might argue that a neon bulb or a decatron isn't properly a "tube"
(they certainly aren't "valves" because they don't have a control grid
like a triode), but they are non-linear devices that are capable of
storing (and displaying) state information and performing simple logic
functions.
Question for the UKer's: is a tube rectifier (no control grid, just
an anode and a cathode) called a "valve"? The lights ("blinkenlights") on some
early machines (and even a few not
so early machines) were tiny tubes, as well. A bit more simple than a CRT...
Yes, but those weren't particularly "bizarre". They were just common
incandescent bulbs. Is a voltage
regulator tube (like
the venerable OA2) called a "valve"?
I cannot think of a good analogy for that one, unless it would be a
pressure relief valve.
- don
--
Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com
Trailing Edge Technology WWW: http://www.trailing-edge.com/
7328 Bradley Blvd Voice: 301-767-5917
Bethesda, MD, USA 20817 Fax: 301-767-5927