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ArtistDraw the electronic schematic circuit of a simple true-random number generator. The circuit must produce genuine random numbers, not pseudo-random numbers.
Using a biased noise diode and an op-amp, we can produce true random numbers (not the pseudo-random stuff coming out of a function like RND() ). This is converted into a square-wave logic signal by a schmitt trigger (or a monostable), and clocks a 74LS74 flip-flop, producing a one-bit output that can be fed into a PC's serial port.
So why do we want this? Parapsychology experiments :) We need a genuine source of entropy, not a sampled predetermined series produced by a modulo-type pseudo-random algorithm. What I want to do is to experimentally determine whether such woowoo phenomena such as ESP/Precognition/PK have any reality, whether by some quantum influence (such as microtubules or gravitomagnetism) or whether it is all just wishful thinking. Jahn and Dunne did some such experiments at Princeton, for example.
Proposed component list : LED or Zener diode (white noise generator), 555 Timer chip (comparator and threshold detector), 74LS121 (monostable), 74LS74 (flipflop), 1488 (RS232 driver). Power can be supplied by the usual dangling Molex connector on any PC power supply) +5 and +12 volts. Could be fun :)
