E^lT^roC^ol Mark I

BY ALAN MCCHESNEY

Web Edition

In February, 2007, A.R.C. received these strange photos from Alan McChesney. Although the item is not a radio, it certainly is radio related. He hoped that A.R.C. readers might be able to help him in finding more information on his E^lT^roC^ol Mark I. A.R.C. did a little Web research and found the information on the toy robot which is included at the end of this article. Does anyone out there know any more on Alan's robot/computer item? (Editor)

I am enclosing some photos of something I bought about 20 years ago at an antique center in Clifton Park, New York. I have never been able to find any information about it and am hoping other A.R.C. readers may be able help.

As you can see in the photos, above the dial is written "E^lT^roC^ol Mark I" and on the left side, protected by a plastic lens, is "Computer Type T-I, Component of E^lT^roC^ol Mark I." The R7 robot fastened to the top was once a child's toy (of the late 1950s I think) that had wires run to a battery/switch box. The four wires from the robot are now connected to the computer circuit. The front panel has two toggle switches, three momentary push-button switches and a three-position rotary switch with a concentric knob to rotate the large dial (with three scales) that is attached to a pot.

Alan McChesney's ElTroCol Mark I.

Top, a close-up view of the front panel circular dial, apparently with circular slide rule-type divisions. Bottom, a close-up of the disk in the robot's right hand, with markings similar to those on the front panel dial.

Rear view of Alan McChesney's ElTroCol Mark I.

The chassis is very well built and contains seven tube types -- one 12AT7, one 0A-2, three 5823s, a Mullard EM34 eye tube, and a Sylvania 6802 indicator tube. Also on the chassis are one relay and two pots with taper lock nuts labeled HF & LF. The unit connects to another component via an octal plug on the rear.

Any information about this unit would be greatly appreciated.

(See print version of A.R.C. for other photos.)