Digi-Comp I Redux

Manufactured By: Michael Gardi

Designed By: Michael Gardi

Release Date: 2019

This project is my tribute to the individuals from the 1950's and 60's that helped to promote computer learning by marketing simple electric or mechanical "computing" devices. While not what we would consider true computers by today's standards, these machines were ingeniously designed, shipped with well written and instructive manuals, and most importantly were affordable to the average person.

Digi-Comp I Redux is a "mashup" of the following classics:

• Digi-Comp I: My new design is mostly based on the mechanics and "programming model" from this machine.

• Digi-Comp II: The look and feel of the new machine came from both my Digi-Comp II replica and the Digi-Comp I.

• Minivac 601: From the Minivac 601 I used the old telephone switchboard patch cord mechanism to connect the solenoids to the proper logic elements.

• GENIAC Redux: The GENIAC Redux replica used magnetic reed switches and magnets to implement the logic elements. My new design follows suit.

With the Digi-Comp I Redux I wanted to create something new. Not completely new since the Redux version would never have been conceived without the original, but a new take on a brilliant idea. I wanted my new machine to have the wonderful ascetic of these vintage models that I know and love. I want people to believe that it could in fact have been from the 50's or 60's. However since this is not a replica I didn't feel compelled to limit myself to the technologies of the era. 

I'm really happy with the result. I think it meets my original goal of having a 50's or 60's aesthetic. Certainly from the outside Digi-Comp I Redux looks like it could have been from that era.