Updating the Design of Enigma Machines for Current Era
This stunning project by Miro is mind-blowing, not just because he constructed a contemporary replica of the iconic Enigma machine, but also due to the subsequent modifications he made to enhance its practicality. We've covered Enigma machines before – these fascinating creations are intricate combinations of mechanical and electrical components, famous for their contributions to the world of encryption.
Starting off, Miro designed his initial Enigma machine to mimic the original, incorporating custom PCBs for the plugboard and lightboard, improving the internal wiring significantly. He cleverly used a laser printer on semi-transparent paper for the lightboard, producing sharp letters when lit from behind. For the keyboard, he meticulously crafted a custom PCB to connect all the switches. However, he came across an unforeseen setback as error stack-up crept in during assembly. To his credit, he detailed this issue and shared how he made adjustments to complete the project.
The core of this build lies in the meticulous planning and dedication towards the design of the encryption rotors. These essential components rotate with each keystroke, altering the signal path as the system operates. Ingeniously, Miro employed a combination of PCBs, pogo pins, and 3D printed parts to replicate the functioning of the original wheels.
True Enigma enthusiasts might notice differences in how Miro's wheels rotate compared to the originals. This discrepancy led to the second half of this project. As Miro used the machine, he found that the pogo pins were wearing down the PCB surfaces on the wheels. To rectify this, he undertook a substantial overhaul.
During the redesign, Miro experimented with various ways to identify the wheel position – methods such as IR light with phototransistors, rotary encoders, magnetic encoders, and Hall-effect sensors. The final solution simplified the wiring and addressed the long-term reliability issues by eliminating the mechanical wear present in the original design.
Beyond documenting the build on his website, Miro also created a video that not only showcases his creation but also provides a comprehensive explanation of the logic and operation of the machine. Be sure to also explore our previous features on captivating Enigma machines.
Miro, in addressing the wear issue on the pogo pins in his Enigma machine, underwent a substantial overhaul to boost the technology's longevity. In his redesign, he experimented with various position identification methods, such as Hall-effect sensors, and the final solution provided simplified wiring and enhanced long-term reliability, demonstrating his dedication to gadgets and technology advancement. Furthermore, for a deeper understanding of the Enigma machine's logic and operation, it is strongly recommended to explore our previous features on captivating Enigma machines, similar to Miro's intricate creation.
