The World's Oldest Original Digital Computer Springs Back Into Action At TNMOC

New submitter prpplague writes "After a three-year restoration project at The National Museum of Computing, the Harwell Dekatron (aka WITCH) computer will rebooted on 20 November 2012 to become the world's oldest original working digital computer. Now in its seventh decade and in its fifth home, the computer with its flashing lights and clattering printers and readers provides an awe-inspiring display for visiting school groups and the general public keen to learn about our rich computer heritage."

Comments

Not a digital computer

[Anonymous Coward]

With 828 dekaton counter tubes I reckon it's not a digital computer (2 base) but a decimal computer (10 base).

There are 10 kinds of people who understand binary...

Re:When the lights dim in the building...

[HybridST]

Copypasta from TFA:
Power Consumption: 1.5kW
Size 2m high x 6m wide x 1m deep
Weight: 2.5 tonnes
Number of Dekaton counter tubes: 828
Number of other valves: 131
Number of relays: 480
Number of contacts or relay switches: 7073
Number of high speed relays: 26
Number of lamps: 199
Number of switches: 18

It uses about the same power as the space heater in my living room which does dim the lights across the apartment. I'd expect a museum to have slightly better power than the century-home I live in although I may be mistaken on that point.