11/18: Enigma, the German ww2 encoding machine

[Undertoad]

I had never seen a photo of an actual Enigma encoding machine until recently.

I didn't note where this image came from, but here is Enigma. It's electric, but its encoding method is largely mechanical. Breaking the codes produced by this machine was Britain's key to winning WW2.

What strikes me is how mechanical it really looks. It's just a wooden box!

[Chewbaccus]

Well, yeah. I mean, hell, radar is still one of the most advanced technologies in the world, and it originated with nothing more complex than charged glass tubes.

That's humanity - give us a concept and we'll make our own with stuff we found in hobby shops and Radio Shack.

Epitaphingly,

~Mike

[Scopulus Argentarius]

Originally posted by Undertoad


I had never seen a photo of an actual Enigma encoding machine until recently.

I didn't note where this image came from, but here is Enigma. It's electric, but its encoding method is largely mechanical. Breaking the codes produced by this machine was Britain's key to winning WW2.

What strikes me is how mechanical it really looks. It's just a wooden box!

Of course you've sceen the computer cases made of wooden boxes. I believe one was recently featured in Slashdot...it escapes me now...

[jet_silver]

If you think it looks mechanical from the outside, you should see the guts at http://home.earthlink.net/~nbrass1/abwehr.htm.

Anyone who has looked at a fully mechanical autopilot or fire control computer will see some familiar bits, but the inputs and the electrical contactors are mostly new and interesting.

[tw]

Originally posted by Undertoad
I didn't note where this image came from, but here is Enigma. It's electric, but its encoding method is largely mechanical.

I have touched that exact machine. The background is quite familiar. It is in the Encryption Museum in Fort Meade, MD right off an exit of the Baltimore Washington Parkway. Happened to stumble into a tour by a guide very knowledgeable of the subject. Stayed with him from when the museum opened to closing time. Amazing stories in tremendous detail.

Want to hear about the USS Liberty? See the exhibit at the other end of the building.

Also nearby is a museum of electronic warfare just outside the BWI airport across from the Comfort Suites and Marriot.

[BrianR]

Where exactly? I'll be going to New Carrolton for New Years' Eve and might consider going a day earlier to visit.

Brian

[tw]

Originally posted by BrianR
Where exactly? I'll be going to New Carrolton for New Years' Eve and might consider going a day earlier to visit.

Electronic Warfare museum is really in a one story office/warehouse like complex near BWI. Use Travelocity.com to locate the Comfort Suite and Marriot near the airport on the corner of Elkridge Landing and Nursery Rd. I believe the BW Parkway exit is Nursery Road.

They have very limited hours including a closing time of 3PM.

This is not the same as the Fort Meade Encryption museum.