The World Of Strange Computers

Explore the fascinating world of unconventional computers that defied the norms of their time, revolutionizing diverse fields from engineering to economics, torpedo guidance, digital logic, and animation. From Lukyanov's ingenious Water Integrator solving complex equations using water flow to Moniac's hydraulic macroeconomics modeling, delve into the Torpedo Data Computer's role in WWII, the conceptual marvel of Domino Computers, and the pioneering analog magic of Scanimate in producing early motion graphics. Witness how these unconventional machines shaped industries, solving complex problems in ways that predated the modern era of computing.

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[kit]

Don't know how accurate but there's a story of an economist who met a manager from the power company. The economist told the manager that the econometric models used to predict GDP growth had electricity growth forecasts from the power company, as one of the inputs. Interesting, said the manager, we use your GDP projections to forecast our electricity growth.

[JoseLopez-hpoo]

2:38 - Giving a whole new meaning to the phrase "data leak".

[michaelmoorrees]

"Water integrator" - A bucket being filled with water is a perfect analog of mathematical integration ! You can solve a multi-order differential equation, by string several integrators in series. In engineering school, in the early 1980s, we used, then outdated, analog computers, as "deluxe" 100-in-1 circuit kits. But, in a few labs, we used them to setup and solve differential equations.

[YoungGandalf]

The next iPhone will use a hydraulic computer. It will be called the iDraulic.

[sagerobot]

You have the best youtube channel.

Learning about obscure things like this is my JAM.

[sterlingphoenix]

Sir Terry Pratchett has someone implement a system similar to the MONIAC in the Discworld series. I never knew it was based on a real thing. Of course, being a Discworld book, the "simulation" valves ended up having unpredictable results...

[outshimed]

I had no idea about the water actuator. This is right up my alley and I'm shocked this slipped by me all this time.

[artificialintellect]

Computers are the most advanced invention of mankind, yet it is so easy for us to take them for granted.

[KiwiUkulele]

The model of the MONIAC at 5:17 is located at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Museum, don’t think it’s been run in a while, but every time I pass it I stare at it in wonder! Thank you very much for your clear explanations :)

[TheGooEater]

Didn't knew effects were made by analog devices. That's incredible

[VoidHalo]

It's very unusual because programming it involves connecting cables between different circuits. But, Despite this being a really great explanation, the math is over my head. I know a little bit of calculus, but not differential equations. So, I'm taking it upon myself to learn differential equations at some point, and maybe, hopefully one day build a crude analog computer. I certainly have enough op-amps to do it (literally pennies a piece these days). I've built digital CPUs, ALUs, memory/register modules etc to put together and make a crude digital computer from scratch, not even cards or motherboards, just chips and transistors etc. It feels like it would be a fitting "prequel" to build an analog computer.

[Majima_Nowhere]

Submarine combat is always fascinating to me. Like, imagine trying to hit a helicopter with an arrow while you're lying on the ground with your eyes closed. That's essentially what sinking a surface ship with an unguided torpedo is like.

[johnsherborne]

There are several tide computers that use a system of pulleys and wire to plot the tides that ran on well into the digital age.

[desert_jin]

And now I know where Terry Pratchett's calculator in "Making Money" comes from.

[jonasghafur]

Holy shit, thanks for posting this. The soviet water integrator is an ingenious example for our ability to make use of the things we have to, no matter how constrained

[ArturBravel]

You might want to check out the Soviet Setun ternary computer. I am quite fadcinated by technology and computers in particular. I never heard of those computers in the video (beside the domino) and I loved your video a lot. Thank you so much for all your effort.

[defeatSpace]

If analogue computers have solutions for kinetic interference and cold-welding, I think they'd be superior in military/space applications because of the absolute resistance to radiation.

[ZaphodHarkonnen]

The Reserve Bank of NZ used a water analogue computer for economic analysis. It now exists in their museum.

[Big_Computer]

the complexity of animations back then, and now you can ask an AI to make anything you want, done in a few seconds

[ericlotze]

15:02 That’s really slick! It’s almost like a modular synth, but your original “oscillator” is the camera.

I think i have seen “Glitch Art” made by manipulating analog video, but never realized it was used in such a common thing. Neat!