The GP-6 Analog Computer is a versatile instrument designed for dynamic analysis and simulation, offering a range of operational capabilities for solving differential equations and performing various mathematical operations. This operator's and maintenance manual provides comprehensive details on its functions, specifications, and usage.
Function Description:
The GP-6 is an analog computer that processes electrical signals to represent mathematical variables and operations. It can be configured to perform fundamental operations such as summing, integration, inversion, attenuation, multiplication, division, squaring, and square root extraction. It also supports differentiation and track/store functions. The core of its operation relies on operational amplifiers (op-amps) and passive components like resistors and capacitors, which are interconnected via a patch panel to create specific circuit configurations.
The computer is particularly adept at solving differential equations, where the time-varying behavior of physical systems can be simulated. The GP-6 offers both slow and fast time scales, allowing for flexible simulation speeds. Slow time outputs are typically recorded with an XY plotter or strip chart recorder, while fast time outputs are normally displayed by an oscilloscope.
Key Operational Modes and Features:
- Operating Procedures: The manual outlines detailed procedures for setting up and operating the GP-6, including connections for external readout instruments (XY plotter or oscilloscope), calibration of readout instruments, setting coefficient potentiometers, and setting the compute time period.
- Y/Pot Address and X Address: These switches select amplifier outputs for external readout and connect to the coefficient potentiometers, respectively.
- Mode Control: This section details the functions of the mode control push buttons (IC, HD, OP, RO) which manage the state of the integrators for initial conditions, hold, operate, and repetitive operation.
- Mode Selector: This switch determines the computer's POT SET and OPR modes, influencing how coefficient potentiometers and integrators are configured.
- Compute Time: The compute time control allows adjustment of the time base for simulations, with options for internal time base or external clocking.
- Coefficient Potentiometers: Ten-turn, 5K ohm variable resistors are used to set coefficients in the analog circuits.
- Overload Indicator: A visual indicator (lamp) signals when any of the eight amplifier outputs exceeds a preset positive or negative voltage, indicating an overrange condition.
- Digital Voltmeter (DVM): A 3 1/2 digits display, 10 volts full scale and autopolarity DVM is integrated to measure voltages at various points in the circuit, providing a normalized or dimensionless amplitude scaling.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Amplifier Outputs: The GP-6 features eight operational amplifiers, which are the fundamental building blocks for all mathematical operations. These amplifiers are high gain and can be configured as summers, integrators, inverters, or attenuators.
- Coefficient Potentiometers: Ten 5K ohm variable resistors are used for setting coefficients.
- Time Scales: Internal time base offers a 400:1 ratio for slow and fast time scales.
- Power Supply: The system operates with +15V, -15V, +10V, and -10V power rails. The 7913 regulator provides regulated positive and negative 10V outputs.
- Input Resistor Network Boards: These boards contain summing resistors for integrators and summers, with resistors typically being 5.00K and 50.0K ohm, 0.1% metal film.
- Dual Multiplier Network (982/983): This module provides two independent multiplier networks, configured to perform multiplication, division, squaring, and square root extraction. The voltage is converted to a current by a 5K ohm resistor, and the amplifier produces a full scale 10 volts output with 10 volts as the X and Y inputs.
- Digital Voltmeter (905): A 3 1/2 digit DVM with 10V full scale and autopolarity.
Usage Features:
- Patch Panel Programming: The GP-6 is programmed by interconnecting various components on a patch panel using patch cords. This allows for flexible configuration of analog circuits to solve specific problems. The manual includes detailed patch panel layouts and descriptions of symbols used.
- External Readout Instruments: The GP-6 is designed to interface with external XY plotters, strip chart recorders, or oscilloscopes for displaying and recording simulation results.
- Calibration: Procedures for calibrating readout instruments and setting coefficient potentiometers are provided to ensure accurate operation.
- Problem Setup: The manual guides users through the process of scaling problem variables and setting up the computer for a simulation, including determining appropriate time scales and amplitude scaling.
- Error Detection: The overload indicator helps identify overrange conditions, which can lead to inaccurate results.
Maintenance Features:
- Circuit Diagrams: Detailed circuit diagrams are provided for the system layout, quad amplifier assembly, power supply regulator, time base assembly, overload indicator, dual multiplier network, and digital voltmeter. These diagrams are essential for troubleshooting and repair.
- Parts Lists: Comprehensive parts lists are included for various assemblies, aiding in the identification and replacement of components.
- Adjustments: The manual describes adjustment procedures for the power supply regulator, overload indicator, and dual multiplier network to maintain optimal performance.
- Troubleshooting: While not explicitly detailed as a separate section, the provided circuit diagrams and functional descriptions implicitly support troubleshooting efforts. Understanding the signal flow and component functions is key to diagnosing issues.
The GP-6 Analog Computer is a robust and flexible instrument for analog simulation, offering a hands-on approach to understanding dynamic systems and solving complex mathematical problems. Its modular design and comprehensive documentation make it a valuable tool for both educational and research purposes.
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