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© 1999-2024 Jürgen Müller
juergen@e-basteln.de
The Enigma touch is an electronic functional model of the Enigma cipher machine. Various civilian and military variants of the Enigma from the 1930s and 40s can be simulated.
A simple single-board design aims to closely replicate the appearance and function. Electronic components are fitted on the bottom side of the circuit board; the top side remains free and is modeled after the front of the original Enigma, approximately on a 2:3 scale.
For the moment this page hosts a few photos of the Enigma touch, as well as user instructions and links to reference materials on the original Enigma machine.
The circuit board itself performs many functions: It forms the front panel, the capacitive keyboard, diffusers and letter masks for the lamp field, and sockets for the plugboard. Small graphic displays under the circuit board show the rotor positions; capacitive sliders reproduce the sprockets for turning the rotors.
The Enigma touch is primarily intended for a simple single-board build. But the plugboard can also be detached to install the Enigma touch in a wooden enclosure that comes closer to the original machine.
An STM32F373 microcontroller drives the Enigma touch. It reads the capacitive keyboard and scans the plugboard connections, drives the reverse-mount LEDs which shine through the PCB and the two OLED displays for the rotors. A rechargeable LiPo battery provides power.
Excellent 3D animation by Jared Owen explaining the working principle of the Enigma. Just under 20 minutes, highly recommended!
A comprehensive presentation of the Enigma machines by two Dutch collectors. The focus is on the machines themselves, with excursions on their use.
Functional principle, military use and decryption of the Enigma. Extensive website, originally created by Tony Sale, the first curator of the museum in Bletchley Park.
Extensive collection of publications, links and own work on the history and cryptanalysis of the Enigma by Frode Weierud, a Norwegian amateur cryptologist.
Decoding tutorial using a historical sample message.
Explanation of the various message procedures used in the Germany army, air force and navy – daily keys, message keys, code groups…
Original messages that you can try to decrypt: Lots of M4 messages, Enigma I and M3 messages, and a few messages for various Enigma types including the K and T models.