3 Dec
2008
3 Dec
'08
10:32 a.m.
On 3 Dec 2008 at 9:27, Rick Bensene wrote:
The delay line wires are well-isolated via silicone
pads that damp out
external vibration, and isolate the coils of wire from touching each
other. Heavy-handed typing isn't going to cause any troubles, although
a shock like lifting and dropping the machine (generally not a good
thing for glass-based display elements like Nixie tubes or CRT's) could
definitely induce errors. Ambient vibration typically wouldn't cause
problems, such as use aboard a ship or vehicle, except in extreme
conditions. For extreme environments, a calculator using magnetic core
memory or flip-flops would have been a better choice.
Banging on the side of a PB250 was usually a way to create memory
errors. But all in all, it was a very reliable machine for the day.
Cheers,
Chuck