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It seems that questions about electronic calculators are on topic - but in the linked answer another questions is raised: What about mechanical calculators?

I'd like to extend this question: Are questions about following things on topic?

  • Mechanical Calculators
  • Slide-rules
  • Mechanical Computers
  • Analog Computers (using an continuous encoding, e.g. the differential analyser)
  • Punched Cards
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  • I have been lurking for a while here: While I have not seen any questions touching on these things, I think this place would be very much suitable and I have the impression that many members of the community are also knowledgeable in these topics.
    – flawr
    Dec 18, 2019 at 15:20

2 Answers 2

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I would vote yes. I can see there being some good questions on mechanical calculators from the last 100 years or so.

When I was at school, we used one of these in maths lessons...
1960's Mechanical pinwheel calculator
and I still own one of these...
1970's Addiator rule
and, of course I own and use a slide rule.

On top of that, we already have some questions on punched cards.

The pictures are from a good site on the subject.

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It seems that questions about electronic calculators are on topic

Erm. Yes but. The answers for the cited question seams to go for programmable calculators and calculator like computers.

And that's where I'd draw the general line as well. Is it programmable - in the most generic sense(*1) - then I'd definitively see it as on topic. If not, a question needs to provide a real good reason to tie it in here. Like asking about construction details or algorithms used. In fact, there are quite nifty solutions mechanical devices have used which may be of great interest way past it's genuine implementation.

This is important to keep it focused on computing - not mechanics or mathematics, or programming.

Bottom line: If not programmable, it needs to be reasonable tied to RC.SE.

After all, a good question is not about a specific technology, but a relevant issue.

I'd like to extend this question: Are questions about following things on topic?

Mechanical Calculators

Sure - see above.

Slide-rules

Not really. While quite cool - and falling under the aspect of analogue computing - they are merely a lookup table for precalculated values. Without any additional mechanic, a slide rule doesn't compute anything. Thus they are in the general field of mathematics, not computing.

Having said that, I still could see question about historical development being on topic - but these may be rather rare cases.

Mechanical Computers

Of course. The major point is being a computer. For sure if they are programmable, and usually as well with fixed function. And despite having a heavy focus on micros, RC.SE members love to share knowledge about older technologies.

Analog Computers (using an continuous encoding, e.g. the differential analyser)

No matter what build, they all fall under the same rule as mechanical or whatsoever based computers.

Punched Cards

Not really a computer - but yes, media in general is as well on-topic and punch cards (and tapes) have been targeted many times.

I'd love to see more exotic constructions, as they make me learn new ideas.


*1 - As in any automated processing, considered in the widest sense possible. There is no need for sophisticated features or being Turing complete at all.

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