Anyone up to the Challenge of Building Enigma

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the challenges and intricacies of building a physical replica of the Enigma machine, a historical cipher device used during World War II. Participants highlight the difficulty of reverse engineering due to the lack of original blueprints and the high costs associated with creating a working model. Digital simulators exist, but many enthusiasts prefer the authenticity of a physical model. Spare parts for the Enigma machine can be sourced from platforms like eBay, and references to replica suppliers are available online.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of historical cryptography and the significance of the Enigma machine.
  • Familiarity with reverse engineering techniques for mechanical devices.
  • Knowledge of sourcing and purchasing spare parts online, particularly on eBay.
  • Experience with digital emulators and their functionalities.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the process of reverse engineering mechanical devices.
  • Explore online resources for building replicas of historical machines.
  • Investigate the availability of Enigma machine parts and replica suppliers.
  • Learn about the history and operation of the Enigma machine and its role in cryptography.
USEFUL FOR

Historians, hobbyists in mechanical engineering, cryptography enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the reconstruction of historical devices will benefit from this discussion.

Physics news on Phys.org
 
I think there are a few digital simulators online; not many people have the space for a hard copy!

[Edited - plenty of room for an Enigma, I was thinking of a Bombe]
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: jedishrfu
I'm happy with my Eniac and PDP-10 emulators.
 
Did you develop them yourself? Are they available online?

An emulator takes one set of skills but to built a working physical model seems much more costly and challenging. Often you have to completely reverse engineer the device because you don’t even have the blueprints.
 
Copies of the enigma machine have been manufactured.
Some spare parts are available on eBay.
Here is a reference to a copy supplier and pictures;
http://enigmamuseum.com/replica/
 

Similar threads

A historical look at decrypting the Enigma
  • · Replies 52 ·
2
Replies
52
Views
6K
Optical Building a Raman spectrometer…
  • · Replies 53 ·
2
Replies
53
Views
6K
High School Where can I find easy-to-understand GAIA exoplanet data?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Computer New computer build: Getting out of the Dark Ages
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
5K
Computer Building a Desktop Computer for Math/Physics
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
12K
RadioInstigator: Building a SIGINT
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Computer New Computer Build Recommendations
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Is Alan Turing given too much credit when it comes to computers?
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
5K
Best high performance computer build for finite element simulations
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
6K
History History Channel - Recovery of part of Space Shuttle Challenger
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K