Clock Test for Relay Computer

I'm in the process of designing a computer that operates using (mostly) relays. On the circuit board shown, I have 3 relays (2 SPST, one for each bit, and a SPDT to clear both bits). There is also a 555 timer, a decade counter, and 3 transistors (one for each of the little clock steps) which compose the clock.

In the beginning, I show how I can manually turn the bits on and off, and after I activate the clock, the clock automatically does this. It follows a simple routine:
1. Turn bit 1 on.
2. Turn bit 2 on.
3. Clear both bits.

It repeats this cycle over and over. I plan on using the clock in the relay computer I'm designing.

For more information and updates on the computer, go to this link:
http://web.mac.com/teisenmann/ostracod/relay.html

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• relay
• computer
• clock
• test
• prototype
• light
• bit
• byte
• data
• step
• processor

[reviathon360]

Is that a D-flip flop or T-flipflop? Or is it not a flipflop? (I'm trying to make my own.)

[Esperantanaso]

@reviathon360 Each bit is stored in a D flip flop. The data can either be set (to 1) or cleared (making it 0 again) from 2 inputs.

If you want more specifics on how to make such a flip flop, I can help.

[reviathon360]

@Esperantanaso

Thanks! Can I use a 4013?

[Esperantanaso]

@reviathon360 Yes... the 4013 IC works as a dual flip flop, similar to the relays in this video. I actually used that IC in my 4 bit TTL computer. When you said you were trying to "make your own", what did you mean? XD

[grant2053]

You know, i love the fact you using only the most basic form of an IC for a clock circuit. I mean cmon the 555 was the first IC ever invented. And also, I love how your only using basic component parts to make the 555 pass the instructions to the relay bits! Dude good job, Dont give up that creativity! The world needs more smart kids like you, and don't ever let anyone put you down for liking this kind of stuff, people gave me shit all that time for this in high school and i took it. Keep it up.

[Esperantanaso]

If you haven't seen the finished product I built from this, I'd recommend that you watch those videos. Thankyou for the support! :D

[reviathon360]

@Esperantanaso

By that I meant actual computer. Like you did. I'm gonna make a few ALU's and work my way up from there. I saw all your circuit vids and I was amazed by the work you did. I just want to do the same :)

[Metroid225]

Indeed. Microcontrollers are pretty awesome when it compares to programming.

When you look at young people from an adult's perspective, you see inexperienced minds. When you look at it at a kid's/teen's view, you see them as normal people.

Being 13, I get a lot of crap from adults, but I return it back with "Yeah well, at least I have the brain capacity to study this stuff." Because in all young minds my age or older, there exists a wanting to learn this kind of stuff, but we can't. Amen.

[Malk007]

cool, i love the sound of relays =D

[Esperantanaso]

I would have a ball building and programming things if I had all my time to myself... :)

In fact, I have plans to build a better computer, but since school started, I don't have much time to work on it. :| At least I can program other things from time to time on my laptop.