Model:
Heathkit EC-1
Release Date:
1960
Original Price:
$400
Processor:
nine individual 6U8 vacuum tube DC op-amps
Memory:
N/A
This computer is presently in my extended collection - ie. it belongs
to my dad. We picked this up at a HamFest some fifteen years or more
ago for next to nothing. To the best of my knowledge it is in perfect
working condition.
Unlike the rest of the computers showcased on this (and most) web
site, the EC-1 is analog as opposed to digital. In a digital (modern)
computer system, values are either 1 or 0 - they're either on or
they're off. In an analog system, nothing is quite so black and white.
Values are represented as voltage levels. This means that any value,
either positive or negative, (entered through switches and potentiometers)
can be manipulated with the result being displayed on an analog volt
meter. Personally, I couldn't begin to understand how analog computers
work, much less describe it. Maybe I can get my dad to do a page for
this site one of these days.
At the time it was released, like most of the Heath offerings, you
could purchase the EC-1 either as a kit or pre-asembled.
Click here to download the Owner Manual (964 kb)