Self-Guided Tour
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The Morse Telegraph
What are we looking at?
The Morse Telegraph is the oldest artifact in SAMSAT AREA 21. This artifact allows for long distance communication via electrical signals, using dots and spaces to symbolize letters and numbers for the purpose of writing a message. An operator, or the handler, of a telegraph would manually press a key to generate electrical pulses. These electric pulses would be received at the other end of communication and translated into letters, resulting in a message sent across the wires.
What is the historical significance of the Morse Telegraph?
Invented by Samuel Morse, this telegraph revolutionized communication by implementing rapid transmissions of messages over long distances for the first time in human history. The speed of the messages being sent impacted businesses, politics, warfare, and news. Loved ones could now message one another instantly, providing comfort over long distances, or in cases of combat military orders could be provided almost instantly. This resulted in the development of new technologies, such as the cellphone that you most likely have in your hand. Now you can message a loved one about what you are learning at AREA 21!
Edison’s Phonograph
What are we looking at?
The phonograph is a device that records sound onto tinfoil cylinders. Made with aluminum foil wrapped around the drum, the needle records the vibrations of someone’s voice, which can then be played back. While it can’t be used more than a few times before the foil crumbles, it is the world’s first example of electricity distribution. Unfortunately, this phonograph has an audio recording that hasn’t been heard due to the pieces of tinfoil falling off, disrupting the potential unheard recording.
The historical significance of Edison’s Phonograph?
The phonograph was the first device to record sound and reproduce it. This new capability inspired inventors to venture out into new possibilities when it came to audio recording and reproduction. The phonograph made it possible for music to be heard in many homes, along with providing aid to blind people.
The phonograph also made it possible to “preserve” a voice. Presently, we can easily keep memories of our loved one's voices through voice memos or video recordings. In 1877, the year of its invention, the phonograph was the first time anyone could preserve the voice of a loved one.
Datapoint 2200 Computer
What are we looking at?
Before you is what has been recognized by the technological world as the very first personal computer. In the past, computers used to take up a whole room!! Now, computers have become mobile and are able to be taken on the go!
Invented in 1969 by John Phillip Ray and Austin "Gus" Roche, the
world’s first personal computer used cassette tapes as software, and was launched in San Antonio, TX. The Datapoint 2200 was designed as a programmable terminal to stand alone as a computer, allowing it to connect to various mainframes. This computer initially used a multi-chip CPU design which later influenced x86 architecture (a widely used computer architecture for central processing units). The multi-chip architecture of the 2200 laid the groundwork for later microprocessors, particularly the Intel 8008. The Datapoint 2200 was originally marketed as a programmable terminal, which means it was capable of copying other terminals by loading various terminal emulations from tape. There were two cassette tape drives built into the top of the system for loading and saving programs as well as data, making it easier to store and update information.
What could it do?
It had storage room on the cassettes you see on top, so it could store information. It also allowed you to write up documents on the go and print.
The historical significance of the Datapoint 2200?
The Datapoint 2200 Computer laid the foundation for personal computers. It wasn’t just used by engineers, but also by everyday people. Datapoint computers also came with typewriter-like keyboards to have some familiarity for people that were used to typewriters back in the 1970’s. It also had a monitor for user interaction, being the first computer to do so. Cassette tapes were also used for drives for data storage, revolutionizing data recording and retrieval. Datapoint 2200's multi-chip Central Processing Unit, CPU, served as a foundational model for the x86 architecture which became critical for the development of the original IBM PC and all its later versions shaping the technology that would transform personal computing.
Camera Phone
What are we looking at?
We are looking at the very first camera cellphone! It looks quite archaic compared to the device in everyone’s pockets today. It's hard to believe how much technology has changed in such a short period of time! The owner of this idea was David Monroe, the CEO of SAMSAT.
What could it do?
In the early days of cellphones, they were solely for making calls. Screens were much smaller and lacked the “touch screen” feature we are familiar with today. However, this one not only made calls but has a camera mounted so it can take pictures!
The historical significance of the camera phone?
Invented by Motorola in 1997, the camera phone was a definite turning point in human history, the beginning of our changing relationship with images and visuals. Soon, owning a camera phone became the norm, and within a decade the first iPhone was invented. Now most of us have a high-definition camera in our phones, but this 1997 version was low quality and uncomfortable to carry round.
Motoman EA 1400
What are we looking at?
This EA 1400 was donated by PlusOne robotics to SAMSAT AREA 21. The Motoman EA 1400 is a welding robot with precise abilities and six axis high performance industrial robot. Compact with an internal cabling design that increases cable life by reducing wear and getting rid of cable flip. Designed to do full T-axis rotations without cable interference by routing the cables through the hollow upper arm of the robot creating improved welding performance.
What could it do?
It was meant for welding in a factory, a high-risk job that would have been occupied by a person.
The historical significance of the artifact?
The Motoman EA 1400 welding robot has historical significance due to its innovative internal cabling design, which marked a major advancement in industrial robotics. By incorporating internal cabling, it streamlined the robot's profile, reducing the risk of cable wear and interference. This design breakthrough allowed for more precise and reliable performance, particularly during full T-axis rotations and complex welding paths with tight bends. Improving longevity of the cables and minimized maintenance, making the robot more efficient and cost-effective in demanding welding applications. This innovation set a new standard for robot design in industries requiring high-quality, consistent welds, influencing the evolution of future welding robots.