Delay Line Memory (Was: Australian ex-DEC Director has large museum in his home)

[Rick Bensene]

> 
> Are delay lines of this type subject to errors induced by vibrations
> or shock? If so, would heavy handed typing on the calculator's keys
> cause problems?

The delay line wires are well-isolated via silicone pads that damp out
external vibration, and isolate the coils of wire from touching each
other.  Heavy-handed typing isn't going to cause any troubles, although
a shock like lifting and dropping the machine (generally not a good
thing for glass-based display elements like Nixie tubes or CRT's) could
definitely induce errors.   Ambient vibration typically wouldn't cause
problems, such as use aboard a ship or vehicle, except in extreme
conditions.  For extreme environments, a calculator using magnetic core
memory or flip-flops would have been a better choice.

Rick Bensene
The Old Calculator Museum
http://oldcalculatormuseum.com