A hobbyist known as DiPDoT has upgraded their homebrew relay-based computer by replacing modern SRAM with historically-plausible capacitor-based memory. Each capacitor stores one bit (charged=1, discharged=0), but reading requires discharging the capacitor, and overwriting a 1 with a 0 needs a separate clear circuit. DiPDoT solved this by designing an auto-clearing memory circuit using just 3 relays and a capacitor, keeping the existing relay computer architecture intact. The design scales from a 4-bit breadboard demo up to 8 bytes connected to the backplane of an Altair-style relay computer. Modern diodes and LEDs are used as minor concessions to practicality. The project demonstrates a working program input via front panel switches, staying true to 1940s computing aesthetics.
Sort: