Optically Routed NOR Gate Array

This does look pretty cool ! (but would look cooler yet if the camera was on a tripod :) My first thought was why it's not LEDs and photodiodes but then it wouldn't be 50's tech so neon lamps make perfect sense.

I'm curious how much current does the gate draw? Is it similar to or perhaps any better than the semiconductor equivalent? Considering that in an IC you usually get more gates than you need...

Oh, and now I known that clear vinyl craft cord makes a great lightguide. Sometimes an LED indicator is located on a PCB in an awkward place. I've used thin clear acrylic rods to bring the light up to the front panel but the vinyl cord seems to be flexing so much better yet still retain the light. My guess is that it is also cheaper or at least easier sourced than acrylic rod. I've got to try that!

------------------------------------- Best Regards, Dmitri Abaimov, RCDD