Mechanical equivalents of electronic things?

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The discussion explores various mechanical equivalents of electronic devices, highlighting innovations like Mechanical TV and amplifiers that utilize air pumps instead of electronics. Historical examples include Edison's phonograph and Babbage's Analytical Engine, emphasizing that complex mechanical systems predated modern electronics. Participants mention the resilience of mechanical devices in scenarios like EMP attacks, noting their continued functionality compared to electronic gadgets. The conversation also touches on the evolution of technology, including the transition from mechanical to electronic systems in computing and music production. Overall, the thread emphasizes the significance of mechanical technologies in the history of innovation.
  • #31
Charlie Cheap said:
Don't forget the acoustic guitar. It worked just fine long before the electric amplified one...but probably would not work in a Heavy Metal band.
That applies to more or less every orchestral instrument. It's only very recently that electronic instruments have become as 'rich' as conventional, mechanical instruments which developed on a trial and error basis with very little knowledge of the actual Physics involved.
That's not a statement about quality or worth, btw.
 

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