1966 Mag: Build NE-2 Neon Bulb Computer - scan available

[Tony Duell]

> <rant>
> I'll make this vintage computer-oriented.  How many people still own 
> a working dishwasher/clothes washer with an integral computer that 
> was manufactured over 10 years ago?  When I first saw a dishwasher 
> with computerized control, my reaction was "What a damned fool thing 
> to do--put a computer in the absolutely worst (hot water, caustics, 
> steam) environment possible.  Now you can't buy them any other way.

I think my parents bought some of the last electormechanically-controlled 
models made..

You can see the manufacturer's point. A custom chip is a lot cheaper to 
make than a cam-and-contacts timer. They can put the magic words 
'computer', 'microprocessor',. 'digital', etc on the panel. And it's 
harder to repair if it fails (if a mechanical timer fails, you can fix 
it, if the microprocessor fails, you have to buy a new PCB from the 
manufacturers, if they don't want to sell you one, you're stuffed).

But now do you see why I stick to the old stuff...

-tony