Harwell Dekatron (AKA Witch) Computer from 1951 restored

[Smivs]

From the National Museum of Computing website:-

The Harwell Dekatron computer first ran at Harwell Atomic Energy Research Establishment in 1951 where it automated the tedious calculations performed by talented young people using mechanical hand calculators. Designed for reliability rather than speed, it could carry on relentlessly for days at a time delivering its error-free results. It wasn't even binary, but worked in decimal -- a feature that is beautifully displayed by its flashing Dekatron valves.

There is also a short piece on the BBC site here including a video of it in action - flashing lights, clicking and whirring - great stuff!

[maaarcooose]

I saw this running in a limited capacity at the Retro Computer Fest a couple of years ago before the full restoration was complete..

A fascinating piece of kit which for me seems to be a very analogue piece of digital equipment seeing as it worked completely in base 10 not binary.
Looks amazing when it's running numbers through it as you can see on each decatron, what number it's holding.

If you get the chance to go to Bletchley park it's defiantly worth it. Hopefully there will be another fest soon and they will have everything running.

!m!