Mechanical Fire Control Computers Explained

Tarnsman · 03-01-11, 12:50 AM

Seven fascinating videos produced by the US Navy to explain the mechanisms used to solve fire control problems in mechanical computers.

This is the first part of seven.

I have always been curious how mechanical computers work, this is a very clear and thorough explanation from the original training films.

TorpX · 03-01-11, 05:07 PM

Good find.
I would like to find something written about the practical aspects of how these were used on action (especially in large warships).

razark · 03-01-11, 05:27 PM

Just finished watching these. Awesome stuff. Seeing how these mechanical computers actually worked is amazing.

sharkbit · 03-01-11, 07:27 PM

Those were really cool.

Tarnsman · 03-01-11, 09:10 PM

Now I am curious who actually built these machines and how. Getting all of the components to fit together, the precision machining and intricacy makes an internal combustion engine look simple.

gutted · 03-02-11, 02:23 AM

awesome stuff

Fish40 · 03-02-11, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tarnsman

Now I am curious who actually built these machines and how. Getting all of the components to fit together, the precision machining and intricacy makes an internal combustion engine look simple.

The TDC was built by the ARMA Corp. of Brooklyn NY.

Dogfish40 · 03-02-11, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tarnsman

Now I am curious who actually built these machines and how. Getting all of the components to fit together, the precision machining and intricacy makes an internal combustion engine look simple.

The Swiss???

03-01-11, 12:50 AM	#1
Tarnsman Electrician's Mate Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 134 Downloads: 48 Uploads: 0	Mechanical Fire Control Computers Explained Seven fascinating videos produced by the US Navy to explain the mechanisms used to solve fire control problems in mechanical computers. This is the first part of seven. I have always been curious how mechanical computers work, this is a very clear and thorough explanation from the original training films.

03-01-11, 05:07 PM	#2
TorpX Silent Hunter Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 3,975 Downloads: 153 Uploads: 11	Good find. I would like to find something written about the practical aspects of how these were used on action (especially in large warships).

03-01-11, 05:27 PM	#3
razark Ocean Warrior Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 2,731 Downloads: 393 Uploads: 12	Just finished watching these. Awesome stuff. Seeing how these mechanical computers actually worked is amazing. __________________ "Never ask a World War II history buff for a 'final solution' to your problem!"

03-01-11, 07:27 PM	#4
sharkbit The Old Man Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,529 Downloads: 334 Uploads: 0	Those were really cool. __________________ “Prejudice is blind. There will always be someone who says you aren’t welcome at the table. Stop apologizing for who you are and using all your energy trying to change their minds. Yes, you will lose friends, maybe even family. But you will gain your self-respect. You will know your worth. Once you have that, nothing can stop you.”

03-02-11, 02:23 AM	#6
gutted The Old Man Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: New Orleans, LA. Posts: 1,379 Downloads: 487 Uploads: 11	awesome stuff __________________ Solution Solver 2.3.2 - Visual Targeting Tools & Aids

03-01-11, 09:10 PM	#5
Tarnsman Electrician's Mate Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 134 Downloads: 48 Uploads: 0	Now I am curious who actually built these machines and how. Getting all of the components to fit together, the precision machining and intricacy makes an internal combustion engine look simple.