I'm not sure if it's been considered, but this architecture would allow an opcode that stores a value in the register without sending the reset signal first, giving you a built in bitwise OR function.
Beautiful design, interesting to work out why the bottom four diodes all face the same way . Also the bottom relays don't waist a set of contacts as do the top ones.
Watching this project is bringing back a lot of memories of when I studied digital circuit design. Our final project was a full implementation of a 16bit CPU, starting from NAND gates. I still have my logic schematics somewhere. And I really love relays and mechanical computers, so watching this has been kind of like seeing the project I never had time or energy to create come to life. Thanks! I'm curious to see how you intend to implement program memory and / or working memory (could be the same physical memory). Whenever I think about how I would make a relay computer, I always come to the conclusion that using some integrated circuits for the sake of sanity is the best option; for me, the actual "computational" part of a relay computer must absolutely use relays, like you have in your project - but I think it's okay to make some concessions to sanity when dealing with I/O and memory. Looking forward to more videos!
You get a free OR operation with this design if you write without resetting. Though that would change the sequenceing and consideration when designing the alu and microcode.
I like this topic. Is it correct that your relays have two switches in one? Because you use one relay to connect two bits to the bus... Then, wouldn't it be nice to use the second channels of the bits for an and gate? But then, the idea of using modules and cables would be disturbing. I think you could do additional logic with those second channels instead of wasting them. For example, you maybe could do an check for zero with them.
All the relays are DPDT (double pole, double throw) so they can switch two circuits at once. Often I'm only using one pole, but see the Adder and Logic videos for good uses of both poles.
Same way you write to it - when connected to the bus, any latches that are turned on will drive +5v on that bus line, because it's connected directly to the latched coil.
Thank you so much for these video. Super clear explanations and visuals. One questions tho, when a relay is latched, does it stay latched "forever"? By that I mean, does the feedback power degrade overtime due to resistance of wire and/or other factors?
Hello! If you had to connect an output port using this circuit, how would you avoid zero crossing every time you send a new data to the port? Maybe a different circuit is required? I've been analyzing for days and can't find a solution. Thank you!
Some of them are driven by transistors (when using the Arduino for testing) but flyback current will also kill LEDs and other things which may be connected to the circuit. So I put a diode on every relay so I don't have to think about it.
Even if they are not driven by transistors, you’ll be emitting lots of RF noise if you leave the coils floating: they’ll act like an ignition coil on the car and arc across the contacts and not only be radio-noisy but also wear out those contact points that control the coils. Switching diodes aren’t the best if you are after speed: they prolong the contact release times. Instead, a proper RC snubber is best, since it will can trade off peak voltage vs. decay frequency vs. relay release time.
There is a type of latching relay that contains a small permanent magnet which maintains the pole position without power. They are a lot more expensive.
there's something calming about watching you solder
I'd love a 8 bit relay register board with buttons and leds... i'd be always fidgeting with it. :D The clack of the relays is so satisfying... :D
Man, I'm always so excited when I see your videos pop up
Hats off to your explanation. 👌✨
You really made it 👍👍
I'm not sure if it's been considered, but this architecture would allow an opcode that stores a value in the register without sending the reset signal first, giving you a built in bitwise OR function.
You are right!
I love this series. Please keep making more. Thank you.
Thank you for making these videos
I am grateful for the 6th video. I love this series.
Beautiful design, interesting to work out why the bottom four diodes all face the same way . Also the bottom relays don't waist a set of contacts as do the top ones.
Watching this project is bringing back a lot of memories of when I studied digital circuit design. Our final project was a full implementation of a 16bit CPU, starting from NAND gates. I still have my logic schematics somewhere. And I really love relays and mechanical computers, so watching this has been kind of like seeing the project I never had time or energy to create come to life. Thanks!
I'm curious to see how you intend to implement program memory and / or working memory (could be the same physical memory). Whenever I think about how I would make a relay computer, I always come to the conclusion that using some integrated circuits for the sake of sanity is the best option; for me, the actual "computational" part of a relay computer must absolutely use relays, like you have in your project - but I think it's okay to make some concessions to sanity when dealing with I/O and memory.
Looking forward to more videos!
Now just imagine that this is basically happening trillions of times each second while watching this video in your PC/phone.
This is so neat to watch. Thanks for showing it and explaining it so much!
I really like these videos, just wish he'd done more / finished the computer.
You get a free OR operation with this design if you write without resetting. Though that would change the sequenceing and consideration when designing the alu and microcode.
Nice relay SR latch :)
Excellent, very well made series of videos. And a cool project too.
I love men😂 that crazy i always looking for sach vedio mechanic computer
Nice design for storage. How about a finitate state machine for program couting ?
I like this topic. Is it correct that your relays have two switches in one? Because you use one relay to connect two bits to the bus... Then, wouldn't it be nice to use the second channels of the bits for an and gate? But then, the idea of using modules and cables would be disturbing. I think you could do additional logic with those second channels instead of wasting them. For example, you maybe could do an check for zero with them.
All the relays are DPDT (double pole, double throw) so they can switch two circuits at once. Often I'm only using one pole, but see the Adder and Logic videos for good uses of both poles.
SPDT relays are not a cost saving. Better to have plenty of DPDT relays on hand than a mix of two.
Question: How are you suppose to read from this register??
Same way you write to it - when connected to the bus, any latches that are turned on will drive +5v on that bus line, because it's connected directly to the latched coil.
Absolutely great. Thank you!
i love relay computers glad i found this :)
Thank you so much. What is the difference between your design and Konrad Zuse's design?
Thank you so much for these video. Super clear explanations and visuals. One questions tho, when a relay is latched, does it stay latched "forever"? By that I mean, does the feedback power degrade overtime due to resistance of wire and/or other factors?
That doesn't make sense. It's connected to the main power supply through it's own coil. It stays latched as long as there is power applied
I am interested of building myself a relay computer. Unfortunately the paoer of Mr. Porter seems to be lost. Do you have another source for it?
Hello! If you had to connect an output port using this circuit, how would you avoid zero crossing every time you send a new data to the port? Maybe a different circuit is required? I've been analyzing for days and can't find a solution. Thank you!
Nice video!
Can you made ALU with relay too plz
why do you have the p diodes if the relays are not beaing driven by transistors?
Some of them are driven by transistors (when using the Arduino for testing) but flyback current will also kill LEDs and other things which may be connected to the circuit. So I put a diode on every relay so I don't have to think about it.
Clickety Clack "huh. did not know that. thx"
Even if they are not driven by transistors, you’ll be emitting lots of RF noise if you leave the coils floating: they’ll act like an ignition coil on the car and arc across the contacts and not only be radio-noisy but also wear out those contact points that control the coils. Switching diodes aren’t the best if you are after speed: they prolong the contact release times. Instead, a proper RC snubber is best, since it will can trade off peak voltage vs. decay frequency vs. relay release time.
那个二极管是在继电器线圈两端并联的一个二极管，正确的说法应该是称为“反相”二极管，当然作用就是用来保护电路里其他电子元件不会被继电器线圈产生的反电动势击穿。
what software do you use for the pcb designs?
Very exciting. From where do you have these relays?
How much of a speed decrease occurs (factor) with this design compared to using more relays?
Welcome back!
I think it is stunning that in the year 2007, someone writes an scientific article about relay computers since there is no practical use in them.
Brilliant!
Great 👍
Please place your components to the outlines you make
is there a way to make persistent memory?
There is a type of latching relay that contains a small permanent magnet which maintains the pole position without power. They are a lot more expensive.
@@autarchex I'll Maybe settle for a manual switch with a solenoid
Any updates?
Where did you buy the relays? I can’t find any in stock anywhere.
I got them here: www.elexp.com/ProductDetails.aspx?item_no=22RCLR5V&CatId=
Thank you, I just bought 60 from there last night. I had some trouble checking out but it's all good now.
I find relay lots on eBay, just search “relay lot”, order by price from highest to lowest and scroll down until you start your price range.
you did a slopy job