On 11/09/2020 14:06, druck wrote:
> On 11/09/2020 01:51, Martin Gregorie wrote:
>> The point that really stood out on rereading it was the comment that it
>> takes much longer to build the computers that control the spaceships and
>> missiles than the build the hulls and engines - exactly the opposite of
>> the current day when its faster and cheaper to build a car that uses
>> digital electronics to link its throttle pedal to the engine or to
>> control its gearbox than to fit a mechanical throttle linkage or use a
>> mechanical automatic gearbox.
>
> Its not faster or cheaper at all, the exact opposite!
>
> The reason for fly-by-wire throttle and electronic gearbox control is
> driving dynamics, fuel economy and emissions control.
>
> There is a lot of very expensive software in ECUs to get this right, and
> it turns out even more expensive software to get it not right (if you
> include fines and lawsuits).
>
> ---druck
Once written software costs nothing more than a ROM
And in fact the reason even the cheapest cars now have electric windows
is that it is lighter and cheaper to do it that way.


--
If I had all the money I've spent on drink...
..I'd spend it on drink.

Sir Henry (at Rawlinson's End)

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