Lego computer : Digicomp

The digicomp was a mechanical computer sold as a plastic toy in 1963. Capable to count, multiply, divide, depending of how it is programmed.

How to build ?

If you have already the parts : you can purchase the PDF instructions only on the shop and build it with your LEGO parts. The instruction contains the partlist at the end, and you can check individually on Rebrickable, or in the instructions previews below. The instructions also includes basic programs to create and run : Binary Counter (up and down), and Guess The Day.

If you do not have the parts, you can purchase the complete kit from two different retailers :

Direct purchase of the instructions

Digicomp
10,00 € -Excl. Tax
The Digicomp was a mechanical computer sold as a plastic toy in 1963, capable to count, multiply, divide, depending of how it is programmed. Here is a functional replica in LEGO Technic.
This computer  is composed of :
  • Clock
  • Operating Wires
  • Bits (3)
  • Sense Wires
  • Programm
The clock is operated manually. It is composed of two sliders which surround the rotating actuator  wires, its role  is to operate the rotating actuator wires, depending of two variables : the bit-value and the programme.
DSCF1904
The grey plate represents a binary digit : a bit It can slide to indicate two values, 1 or 0. The two rotating actuator wires operate the digit. One to move to 0 and one to move to 1 (set and reset). In normal functioning : nothing happens but when a rotating actuator wire is slightly pushed, the clock moves entirely the wire and the value of the digit changes.
DSCF1905
The key is to slightly push the actuator wire when the value of the bit needs to be modified The key is this device : the sense wire. It enables the machine to read the programme and the value of bits and allows binary operation. The sense wire is connected to the actuator wire thanks to a fork. If the sense wire moves, the actuator wire moves too.
DSCF1935
The key is to allow or forbid the movement of sense wires : thanks to the programme. The red joiner represents the programme. It is a stop for the sense wires. When it is behind the sense wires, the sense wire cannot move, the actuator wire cannot move and the value of the bit is not modified. When it is not behind the sense wires, the sense wire can move, the actuator wire is slighly pushed by the sense wire and the value of the bit is modified.
DSCF1848
To understand more presicely, watch the video with an example of program :
 
The digicomp can be programming for many things, couting, dividing, even playing game, in three bits.
 

Purchasing the creations or the instructions

If you have already the parts : you can purchase the PDF instructions only on the shop and build it with your LEGO parts. The instruction contains the partlist at the end, and you can check individually on Rebrickable, or in the instructions previews below. The instructions also includes basic programs to create and run : Binary Counter (up and down), and Guess The Day.

If you do not have the parts, you can purchase the complete kit from two different retailers :

Building instructions

Concerning the building instructions, I have took picture during the taken apart, and Kevin William has made the instructions for me with very high quality of image and building including some program to run at the end (count up and down, guess the day…)

Therefore I can propose you a free instruction as a photo sequence, and a for sale one with digital rendering building instructions.

Digital Rendering Building Instructions

Here is the Bill Of Material as PNJ file :

Want to check before if you can build the Lego Computer ? The Digicomp has been indexed to Rebrickable.com, the website which matchs your parts with mocs !

You can buy the instructions with the following button for 10€. You can also buy other building instructions and get an automated discount. You will get 15% off for 2 PDF, and 20% off for 3 PDF on the total), available for all the instructions for sale on nico71.fr.

See it on the shop :

Digicomp
10,00 € -Excl. Tax
The Digicomp was a mechanical computer sold as a plastic toy in 1963, capable to count, multiply, divide, depending of how it is programmed. Here is a functional replica in LEGO Technic.

After your payment, you will be redirected to a page for downloading your instructions, and will receive also the link to download by email. Please check the spam box and be patient to receive it. If you have trouble to download your copy of the PDF after payment or open the document, do not make a paypal dispute, please contact me using the contact form. The link to download the instructions expires within 24h. Contact me if you have lost your instructions. Note that you can print it, but not copy or distribute. Thank you for supporting my work 🙂

Here is some preview of the building instructions :

Photo Sequence Instructions

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(10) Comments

  2. Author

    The pdf link works good. Maybe a problem with your navigator ? ( download a bit longer, try crigh click, save as)

  3. Author

    I had the original toy in 1969. I learned about binary
    Numbers and simple calculations before I was 12 y.o. good job!

    This is very amazing. You always come up with the amazing things that look complicated and still work perfectly.

    bonjour est ce que il existe un site pour construre en 3d sur l ordinateur.
    merci de me donner un site .
    enrevoir.

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