Description

This item is a large plugboard divided into several color-coded rectangles in red, black, white, green, orange, and light blue. Many wires (in, green, red, and yellow) are inserted into the holes. A paper tag on this object dates this program to 14 March, 1978.

The MiniAC was a transistorized analog computer designed for university researchers to run simulations. The MiniAC ran with patch boards like these, which were inserted into the computer workstation. Having multiple panels allowed users store a patched program or simulation for later use. This computer system was purchased by MIT professor Louis Howard, who used it to solve differential equations to study models for chaos. Despite the fact that transistorized computers like these became obsolete in the 1970s, Howard continued to use his into 1979.