1472 bit read/write "hard drive" made with copper bulbs
This has been an ongoing project since around when copper bulbs came out, but could never figure out several parts, namely a reliable writing system.
Recently I figured out a way to do most parts, and reworked everything to make it as efficiant and easy to use as I can. Pics are of the array of all 8 tapes, as well as pics of the individual tape modules. You can add as many or as few of these modules as you want, I just chose 8 for the proof of concept. In total, all tapes add up to 1472 bits, and it's able to read around 27 bits per second sequentially.
Basically, you can use the lever inputs to select the desired value for each of the bulbs on the read/write head, then send the write signal to send the correct pulse to change the state of the bulb. This part was maybe the most complicated, since it needs to compare the current state of the bulb to the desired, and send a signal to only the bulbs that need to flip.
Right now there is still a lot I want to add, but as of right now I'm really happy with how this is turning out :D Also very open to improvements/suggestions/whatever, so let me know!!