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From: kludge@panix.com (Scott Dorsey)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.sf.written
Subject: Re: (ReacTor) Five SF Novels About Rediscovering Ancient Tech
Date: 10 May 2024 12:43:50 -0000
Organization: Former users of Netcom shell (1989-2000)
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William Hyde  <wthyde1953@gmail.com> wrote:
>James Nicoll wrote:
>> Five SF Novels About Rediscovering Ancient Tech
>> 
>> Forget planned obsolescence--the creators of these enduring technological
>> marvels built them to last (for better or worse).
>> 
>> https://reactormag.com/five-sf-novels-about-rediscovering-ancient-tech/
>> 
>I am currently being cooled by a fan which is several years older than 
>Voyager.  Admittedly not such advanced technology, but a mere household 
>item. And it is one of a pair.  Which leads me to wonder, just  how long 
>could simple machines work, if we actually built them with longevity in 
>mind?

A long, long time.  But it has a lot to do with maintenance as well as 
design.

Also... it depends on whether it's fair to replace wear components.  The
clock at Salisbury Cathedral has been running since the 14th century but 
I suspect they have replaced some bushings over the years.

Lubricants today are a lot better than they were in the 14th century, though,
so the rate of wear on the Salisbury clock is likely a lot lower than it
used to be.... but entropy will catch up with it if maintenance is not done.
--scott

-- 
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."