'PACE TR-20' electronic analogue computer with accessories
Object No. 2017/23/1
The PACE TR-20 was the teaching model for analogue computing as it was a perfect representative of the range of transistorised desktop computers available in the 1960's. 'Introduction to Analog Computation' references the TR-20 as typical of its type of small desk top computers built by various manufacturers. This model was used by the Electrical Engineering Department of the University of Technology Sydney (then the NSW Institute of Technology), to train engineers in the use of analogue computational engines. Students learnt to solve engineering problems, particularly in relation to electrical engineering. Analogue computing had significant application well into the late 1970's. An analogue computer can model various properties as exhibited by real world events. It does not perform calculations through serial calculations as a digital computer would. The TR-20 performs the required operations in a parallel manner on continuous variables (using DC voltages). Prior to this type of system students would have performed the necessary calculations on slide rules or large mainframe computers (when and where available). This type of system became obsolete when programmable electronic calculators offered the facilities to perform the same "calculations". Nina Earl, Assistant Curator, 2017
Loading...
Summary
Object Statement
Electronic analogue computer with accessories, 'PACE TR-20', metal / plastic / electronic components / timber, designed and made by Electronic Associates Inc, New Jersey, United States of America, 1965, used by the University of Technology Sydney Electrical Engineering Department, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1965-1980
Physical Description
The TR-20 is composed of solid state electronic components occupying the area above the slanting control panel. Below the middle pre-patch panel is the monitoring and control area which contains the on/off switch, mode control of the computer, and measuring stationary problem voltages. A hinged cover plate directly below the control panel covers the amplifier balancing potentiometers and the variable diode function generators. This model of TR-20 is equipped with a pre-patch panel that allows the middle panel to be removed and programs patched into the interface while away from the computer. The pre-patch panel consists of a rigid aluminium frame with individual rows that contain patching blocks identical to the front panels of the components. Contact is achieved between the pre-patch panel and the computing components by means of gold plated contact springs. This model has spare patch panels and other spare components. There is also three hand drawn diagrams that show how to program a differential equation on this machine.
PRODUCTION
Notes
Designed and manufactured by Electronic Associates Inc., New Jersey, USA in 1965. PACE TR-20 production began in the 1960's replacing the pace TR10. It was designed as a small desktop model that could be connected to other EAI products to increase computing ability. The PACE TR-20 was based on a building block concept where individual computing components could be connected into more complex systems.
HISTORY
Notes
The EAI TR-20 is the quintessential example of a transistorised desktop analogue computer of the1960s. An analogue machine does not perform its computations by serial calculation, like a calculator or digital computer. This allowed for faster processing time making analogue computers such as this more effective for solving some problems or simulations than digital computers of the time. This computer was used by the University of Technology, Sydney, then the NSW Institute of Technology, Electrical Engineering Department from its purchase in 1965 until 1980 to teach problem solving on analogue computers.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of the University of Technology, Sydney, 2017
Acquisition Date
31 May 2017
Copyright for the above image is held by the Powerhouse and may be subject to third-party copyright restrictions. Please submit an Image Licensing Enquiry for information regarding reproduction, copyright and fees. Text is released under Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivative licence.
Image Licensing Enquiry
Object Enquiry