Strange stuff from a computer recycler

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The Alameda County Computer Resource Center (ACCRC) is a Berkeley, California-based non-profit group that recycles anything that you can plug into a power outlet. Massive tonnage of insanely strange circuitry goes in and out of that place on a daily basis. To share some of those curiosities with the world, the ACCRC has launched "It Ain't Dead Yet," a blog for showcasing "new and/or unusual pieces of technology, identifying them, and finding their values (historical value/practical use/$ value)." Seen above is a wire recorder (circa 1945-1955) that stores audio by magnetizing a reel of fine wire. The folks at ACCRC plan to convert digital data into audio and store it on a wire reel. Just for kicks. From the description of It Ain't Dead Yet:

It serves the purpose of documenting all the interesting and weird technology that passes through the ACCRC. There will be many pieces of unidentified technology showcased here, so feel free to comment about their values/uses. All of the technology here was donated/recycled to the ACCRC, and once it has been identified and discussed, it will donated to a museum, put to use somehow, or be sold.

Webster Chicago Wire Recorder (It Ain't Dead Yet)