Last year I committed to create a replica of the circuit that the Computox uses to accept and validate input. Today, I'll finally fulfill on that promise.
The circuit looks reasonably complicated, as you can see below:
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| Computox Latch Replica |
The circuit is constructed from 10 double poll / double throw relays. Two of these are used to reset the circuit and select whose turn it is. The remaining eight are used to manage two noughts and crosses squares. Each player has a switch to claim each of the two squares, and a lamp which illuminates when that square is claimed.
The following video illustrates the circuit in use:
The switches within each of the relays can be categorised in the annotated diagram below:
In this diagram, the red blocking switches provide an interlock, preventing a particular square being claimed if the opponent has already claimed it. If the a claim is permitted the relevant relays will be activated, and the blue latch switches will keep them active once the switch has been released. At the same time the yellow lamp switches illuminate the correct bulb.
The green control switches then control the overall system state. Reset works by disconnecting all relays from the 0V supply. This causes all relays to return to their default state. The player relay controls which player can claim squares by connecting the relevant player's switches to the 0V supply, and disconnecting their opponent.
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