In any case, it was not a computer or a calculator (multi=purpose machines). Rather it was a calendar or a clock. A mechanism.
The complexities of elliptic orbits are not represented. Rather, it just matched the simple projection of that movement, as visible from the earth. That just took making a curve in the slot in which the pin traveled.
Whether Newton's head hurt or didn't while contemplating elliptic orbits is irrelevant.
Great post. You read the complex and made it clear.
I think the scientist are all off base on this. The device was used by the Greeks to draw the daily Athenian Mega Lotto numbers.