Mechanical computer from Legos.

[Nickster258]

I have always wondered that I can use a various assortment of lego pieces and differentials to make a Lego adder.

This idea is simple, but hard to execute. Instead of electricity, it would have power from rotation. Counterclockwise would be 0 and clockwise could be 1.

My Idea is that a "NOT" gate would be obtained simply by inverting the rotation. And an "OR" would be obtained from using a differential.

So how would one initiate? One would simple have a differential, and when a lever is switched, it simple engages a gear, like a transmission.

While this sounds straight-forward, it would seem difficult to actually make.

Digicomp made by Nico71240 is a great illustration of a lego computer. "Digicomp, a mechanical computer sold as a plastic toy in 1963." This thing is capable of addition, subtraction, and I think division. This machine has a different form of execution and utalizes many sorts of cams.

So, is this idea plausible? Would it be fun to make? Could it be a good challenge to you?

Feedback would be nice!

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Also, Mindstorms is cheaty here.

Another thing, could it be a quantum computer based not only on the rotation but on the speed of the rotation? :o

[VirtualPineapple]

So is the clock to execute the program... your hand movement?

[EDevil]

Would be funny though, clock speed would depend on how much you had for breakfast

[seankingman]

I've always wanted to do something like that; are there any instructions for the Digicomp as I'd love to make it!

[Nickster258]

So is the clock to execute the program... your hand movement?

Well, I don't have enough to make a full computer. Heck, I might not even have enough to make a full adder. Just an adder from Legos would be neat.

[VirtualPineapple]

Lol, Insta carry would be possible with legos xD

[David]

If you know how to make: XOR, AND and an OR with legos, then you can make an adder.