Spartan universal computer-constructor

For discussion of specific patterns or specific families of patterns, both newly-discovered and well-known.
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ipatrol
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Joined: February 22nd, 2010, 10:24 pm

Spartan universal computer-constructor

Post by ipatrol » February 22nd, 2010, 10:27 pm

A lot of links to this 404ed after talktalk bought out tiscali. I have a file with it, but I need some documentation in order to program it. Are you listening Calcyman?

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calcyman
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Re: Spartan universal computer-constructor

Post by calcyman » February 23rd, 2010, 3:52 am

You have to realise that the UCC is a _prototype_, and thus isn't really designed to be programmed with custom procedures. In fact, it's probably easier for you to make your own computer than to program mine!


The UCC is also aperiodic, which means it doesn't run brilliantly in Hashlife. Patterns with internal regulators, such as my Phi calculator, outperform their non-regulated counterparts:

http://calcyman.awardspace.co.uk/life-massive/phi.mc

The Phi calculator uses many of the same principles as the UCC, but isn't Spartan (easily constructible by gliders). The 'program' is entirely encoded into the array of reflectors, instead of being read from a binary tape. This approach is recommended for small/medium-sized programs, as it offers much more freedom and versatility.
What do you do with ill crystallographers? Take them to the mono-clinic!

ipatrol
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Joined: February 22nd, 2010, 10:24 pm

Re: Spartan universal computer-constructor

Post by ipatrol » February 23rd, 2010, 4:28 pm

So how do you program phi.mc then?

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