NAME  

GP-6 Analog Computer

MANUFACTURER  

Comdyna

TYPE  

Professional Computer

ORIGIN  

U.S.A.

YEAR  

1968

BUILT IN LANGUAGE 

None

KEYBOARD  

Potentiometers and switches

CPU  

No CPU but DC operational amplifiers

RAM  

No memory

TEXT MODES 

Digital volt-meter

SIZE / WEIGHT 

25 kg

POWER SUPPLY 

Built-in power supply unit

 

Comdyna GP-6
Comdyna GP-6

Comdyna GP-6 analog computer was
designed to simulate dynamic systems
by implementing electrical circuits
that are governed by the same set of
differential equations as the system
under study. A number of features,
such as variable time scaling and
repetitive mode operation, are built
into the unit to make the simulation
easily accessible to the user. In
addition to having built-in op amps,
resistors, capacitors, and
potentiometers, the GP-6 has an overload indicator that signals when an amplifier is
saturated, a mode for accurately setting potentiometer values, a digital voltmeter for
measuring external signals such as sensor outputs, a capacitor shorting feature for
zeroing integrators, complete banana plug access, current limiting to protect
circuitry, and convenient ground and ±10V references.
The analog computer contains 8 op amps. Amplifiers 1-4 have a rather complicated
configuration of resistors and switches connected to their inputs at node SJ.
Amplifiers 5 and 6 can only be used as gains and summing nodes, since they are not
connected to capacitors. Amplifiers 7 and 8 are internally configured as inverters:
The analog computer provides 8 10-turn potentiometers, which can be used in conjunction
with the op amps and fixed circuit elements to achieve virtually any desired gain.
Potentiometers 1-6 are internally grounded on one side. Potentiometers 7 and 8 are
floating, but may be grounded by connecting a jumper to the ground terminals directly
below them on the panel. Turning the knobs labeled “1 “through” 8 can set the
potentiometer values. The computer offers an elegant way of setting potentiometer
gains.