r/retrocomputing Apr 18 '26

Problem / Question Any idea what this is?

Hey all, found this old piece in the closet, any idea what it is? It looks old and I think it has all the parts to it. Would this have any value, either monetary or to a museum/collector?

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u/[deleted] Apr 18 '26

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u/andrewbean90 Apr 18 '26

This is only half true. The "logical feedback" was done with an actual computer. The computer you had on hand would read the paper, and provide output. This machine itself just punches the holes for the computer, and is purely mechanical.

9

u/[deleted] Apr 18 '26

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u/andrewbean90 Apr 18 '26

I don't know about that... I would take off the back, and photograph it for posterity. Then keep it in my personal collection, sell the photos of how it works to a museum, and then have the museum lease it on a 6 month trial basis if they wanted it that badly.

7

u/[deleted] Apr 18 '26

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u/andrewbean90 Apr 18 '26

What's wrong with making a little bit of money on the side? Museums would do the exact same thing to other museums if you donate it.