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A Short History of the Galvanometer

A Short History of the Galvanometer


Image of H.W.SULLIVAN AC TEST  SET, 1975

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H.W.SULLIVAN AC TEST SET, 1975

Electrodynamic AC Test Set made by H.W.Sullivan Ltd.
Herbert Watson Sullivan, 1856-1925, making Telegraphic instruments and test equipment, formed the company around 1897. Their factory was at 'Liverpool House' Middlesex Street London E.1. This instrument measured Volts Amps and Watts. The ranges are: - 0 to 500 Volts in 7 ranges, 0 to 25Amps in 6 ranges, and 0 to 250 Watts, It is dated 1975. The quality is very high and would have been used in research laboratories.

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A1648

Image of CAPACITANCE RESISTANCE AND LEAKAGE BRIDGE MODEL CR50, 1954

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CAPACITANCE RESISTANCE AND LEAKAGE BRIDGE MODEL CR50, 1954

Test instrument for finding the value of an unknown Capacitor or Resistor. Made by Greyshaw Instruments model CR50. Ranges from 10 Pf to 10uF and 1 Ohm to 1 Meg Ohm, capacitance leakage can also be checked. Using the following valves, a tuning indicator Y63, a 6HS7, and a metal rectifier. In December 1954 it cost £6-19s-06d, plus 4/6d for carriage from the supplier.

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A1645

Image of WAYNE KERR AUTO BALANCE CAPACITANCE BRIDGE TYPE B541, 1960's

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WAYNE KERR AUTO BALANCE CAPACITANCE BRIDGE TYPE B541, 1960's

Wayne Kerr began as the Wayne Kerr Research Laboratories in London in 1946. The company was started by two engineers who had been working for the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation). Their first product was an Admittance Bridge used to test broadcasting equipment. The company was named after their favourite actor and actress, Naunton Wayne and Deborah Kerr. This unit is used to determine the value of an unknown Capacitance. Made during the 1960's, this instrument is similar in style to the Type B221.

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A1643

Image of ELECTROSTATIC 15KV METER MADE by ERNEST TURNER, circa 1950

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ELECTROSTATIC 15KV METER MADE by ERNEST TURNER, circa 1950

15 KV meter made by Ernest Turner Instruments Ltd in Norwich. The Company dissolved in 2018 having supplied test equipment for many years to the general public and the Military. This unit in a wooden box is different than normally seen being larger and handling a higher voltage. Using an Electrostatic movement, marked as being 'Supplied by Anders Electronics Ltd'. The exact date of manufacture of the whole unit is not known.

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A1642

Image of FABRIC VIEWER, circa 1910

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FABRIC VIEWER, circa 1910

The unit comes with two metal slides with cut-outs. The first slide has measurements for the cuts in the metal slides included with the lamp; ¼, ½, and 1 is one-quarter inch, half-in, one inch. Fabric is inserted, and the thread count can then be done. The other slide has cuts for 37-Irish linen measure, Scotch-Scotch Porter Linen measure, SP-Spanish 6 millimetres, FR-French 5 millimetres, Centimetre- French centimetre.
The fabric can be viewed from above using the side light, or from below using the light under the frosted glass. Written on the plate on the front – Patent 1025/10 J. R. Gill 61, Cheapside, London, E.O. Patent dated August 10, 1910.

Identification received from the from the Flash light Museum in Columbus.

Donated by David Hall

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A1570

Image of OVEN TEMPERATURE MEASURING METER, 1950's

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OVEN TEMPERATURE MEASURING METER, 1950's

Method of measuring the temperature of an oven by the comparison of the colour of a lamp filament and the base of a flame. Inside is a small lamp whose brilliance is controlled by a large knob around the viewing tube. The operator views the bulb and the base of this flame through the tube, turning the large knob until the colour of the flame is the same as the bulb, the temperature is then read from the scale in Centigrade times 100.

Bruce Hammond Collection

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A1579

Image of GPO METER IN LEATHER CASE, 1960's

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GPO METER IN LEATHER CASE, 1960's

Test meter for GPO engineers with instructions for use. Very basic knob and terminals used with a variety of shunts. Marked on the front label (310506) 4 GPO TRA. 64/10. No more is known at present.

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A1568

Image of AVO Mk 2 VALVE CHARACTERISTIC METER, 1950's

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AVO Mk 2 VALVE CHARACTERISTIC METER, 1950's

Valve tester used by Maintenance engineers in the Radio and TV trade and others, for checking the working Characteristic's of a valve under operating conditions.

Donated by David Martin

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A1534

Image of DAWE INSTRUMENTS SOUND LEVEL METER, 1960's

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DAWE INSTRUMENTS SOUND LEVEL METER, 1960's

Sound level meter containing 7 sub miniature valves. Used for measuring sound intensity in the range 30 to 130 decibels. Powered by one High Tension and two low-tension batteries.

Donated by John Barnes

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A1487

Image of H. TINSLEY THERMOCOUPLE POTENTIOMETER Type 4606C, 1950's

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H. TINSLEY THERMOCOUPLE POTENTIOMETER Type 4606C, 1950's

A thermocouple consists of two junctions of dissimilar metals. If the two Junctions are at different temperatures a voltage is produced which, for small temperature differences and accuracy was measured using a potentiometer. To achieve absolute temperature measurement one of the junctions must be kept at a known temperature, often by melting ice.

The thermocouple potentiometer removes the inconvenience of having to use melting ice for each measurement by measuring the temperature of the reference junction. The measured temperature can then be corrected to the standard cold junction temperature of 0 degrees C.

Donated by John Barnes

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A1486

Image of PYE SCALAMP FLUXMETER, 1950's

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PYE SCALAMP FLUXMETER, 1950's

An internal lamp sends a beam to a mirror attached to the movement of the meter; the beam is then reflected onto the screen as a vertical line. This makes the instrument very sensitive. The use of this instrument is to measure magnetic field, and it is known as a "Fluxmeter". A coil is connected to the input terminals and this can be used to measure changes in field strength. This technique pre-dates measurement of magnetic field by nuclear magnetic resonance which is a technique used in archaeological searches.

Donated by John Barnes

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A1484

Image of CASTELCO CALIPRE BATTERY CHECKER, 1940's

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CASTELCO CALIPRE BATTERY CHECKER, 1940's

Device for testing batteries, just by lighting a bulb, a good indication of a useful battery because it will test it under load, a bright light would indicate good. Not suitable for chargeable types.

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A1457

Image of AIR MINISTRY OHM METER, 1932

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AIR MINISTRY OHM METER, 1932

Air Ministry meter for measuring Ohms from .01 to 0.1 with power connection on the back for a battery and four terminals giving different ranges. It is dated 1932

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A1362

Image of SIEMENS ELECTRODYNAMOMETER  of 1881

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SIEMENS ELECTRODYNAMOMETER of 1881

An early current meter was the electrodynamometer of 1881.
It was used until the 1920s when it was replaced by the direct reading meter patented by Edward Weston.
The basic principle was laid out in an 1848 paper by Wilhelm Weber (1804-1891)


Used in the early 20th century, the Siemens electrodynamometer, for example, is a form of an electrodynamic ammeter, it has a fixed coil which is surrounded by another coil having its axis at right angles to that of the fixed coil. This second coil is suspended by a number of silk fibres, and to the coil is also attached a spiral spring the other end of which is fastened to a torsion head. If the torsion head is twisted, the suspended coil experiences a torque and is displaced through and angle equal to that of the torsion head.



Bruce Hammond Collection

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A1205

Image of WESTON ELECTRIC METER, 1930's

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WESTON ELECTRIC METER, 1930's

In 1886 Edward Weston developed a practical precision, direct reading, portable instrument to accurately measure electrical current, a device which became the basis for the voltmeter, ammeter and watt meter. This model dates from the 1930's

Nortel Collection

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A1348

Image of UNIPIVOT METER, 1930's

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UNIPIVOT METER, 1930's

In 1903 Paul introduced a new design of galvanometer, the 'Unipivot' galvanometer. It was a robust, easy-to-use, pivoted moving-coil instrument, more sensitive than previous instruments of this type and superior to the widely used moving-magnet instruments. This Instrument dates from the 1930's

Nortel Collection

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A1347

Image of TINSLEY CHART RECORDER, 1950's

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TINSLEY CHART RECORDER, 1950's

Chart Recorder with Indian ink type pen, used for measuring current, and driven by a 220vac motor.

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A0158

Image of POST WAR POCKET DOSIMETER, 1950's

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POST WAR POCKET DOSIMETER, 1950's

A radiation dosimeter is a pen-like device that measures the cumulative dose of radiation received by the device. It is usually clipped to clothing to measure the actual exposure to radiation.
Magnifying lenses (a low-power microscope) and an illumination lens, helps to read the dose by aiming the illumination lens at a light source and looking into the device.

For personal use, this is the most useful device to measure radiation, because biological damage from radiation is cumulative.

Dosimeters must be periodically recharged. The dosimeter is usually read before it is charged, and the dose is logged, to chart exposure.
In many organizations, possession of the recharger is limited to health physicists to prevent falsification of exposures.

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A0515

Image of EPSYLON TRAINER RADIATION METER No1, 1950's

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EPSYLON TRAINER RADIATION METER No1, 1950's

The unit is not very sensitive,and the scale is not calibrated, the word trainer indicates its nature.
This is a companion model, the trainer is used to teach the use of the Radiac Model No2. Item A1300.
The range is low so it will detect the weak training sources used to simulate radioactive fallout.
See Radiac No2, A1300 for more information.

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A1299

Image of No 1 POST WAR CONTAMINATION DETECTION METER, 1954

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No 1 POST WAR CONTAMINATION DETECTION METER, 1954

Radioactivity detection unit, produced after the Second World War as a result of the Cold War period. These units were made on instruction from the government, and supplied to all Councils and Military establishments.
It was expected that in the event of a Nuclear attack, they would be ready to measure contamination levels.

This item can be demonstrated.

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A0513

Image of CONTAMINATION LIQUID HEAD DETECTOR, 1950's

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CONTAMINATION LIQUID HEAD DETECTOR, 1950's

Spare detector head for the contamination meter Item A0513.
For reading liquids

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A0514

Image of RUSSIAN POCKET DOSIMETER AND CHARGER, 1950's

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RUSSIAN POCKET DOSIMETER AND CHARGER, 1950's

Four pocket Dosimeters and charger unit, inside a Bakelite Case.
Used for detection of radiation.
This item was made in Russia

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A0979

Image of EK COLE METER SURVEY RADIAC No 2 RADIATION METER, 1955

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EK COLE METER SURVEY RADIAC No 2 RADIATION METER, 1955

The scale is not calibrated, The range switch has 4 positions 0 - 3 r/hr / Scale Indicator White (shown)
0 - 30 r/hr / Scale Indicator Blue
0 - 300 r/hr / Scale Indicator Red
Set Zero / White Scale Indicator
The meter can be read while in the carry case and a side flap opens to allow access to the controls.
Measures Gamma - Detects Beta
Beta detection is accomplished by removing the base plate and a barrier plate inside. The unit was used by the Civil Defence Post War. Although referred to as Geiger counters, most CD devices were radiological survey meters capable of measuring only high levels of radiation that would be present after a nuclear event. Required 2X 1.5Volt 1X 9Volt and 1X 30Volt Batteries. The Radiac Survey Meter No 2 or RSM was a 1955 meter which counted the particles produced by radioactive decay. This meter suffered from a number of disadvantages: it required three different types of obsolete batteries, it also contained delicate valves that were liable to failure and it had to be operated from outside the protection of the post.
These were favoured as they had been tested on fallout in Australia after the Operation Buffalo nuclear tests, and remained in use until 1982 by commissioning a manufacturer to regularly produce special production runs of the obsolete batteries.

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A1300

Image of DOSIMETER GEIGER COUNTER DRMB1, 1970's

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DOSIMETER GEIGER COUNTER DRMB1, 1970's

Measures down to point 01 of a Roentgen. The calibration source mounted in the cover has been removed for health and safety reasons.

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A1294

Image of EKCO BETA/GAMMA DOSE RATE METER Type 95/0030, 1970

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EKCO BETA/GAMMA DOSE RATE METER Type 95/0030, 1970

Unit used for measuring the strength of radiation over time, not suitable for contamination measurements, this unit will measure the amount of radiation that will be absorbed by coming into contact with the material on test, over one hour. The strength of the object on test is read in Roentgen/Hours, this means that although coming into contact with the object will cause absorption of radiation immediately, its seriousness is only measured if the contact is sustained over a period of time.

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A1357

Image of RADIATION METER/ PORTABLE ELECTROMETER, 1950's

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RADIATION METER/ PORTABLE ELECTROMETER, 1950's

Used to test for radiation leakages on X- Ray equipment.

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A0117

Image of THEODOLITE DIRECTOR No5 MK1, 1916

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THEODOLITE DIRECTOR No5 MK1, 1916

Theodolite dated 1916 with broad arrow indicating it has been adopted for military use.

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A1134

Image of LARM-U FIRE DETECTOR, 1930's

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LARM-U FIRE DETECTOR, 1930's

Early Fire detector using a small plastic disk tensioned by a spring, temperatures above habitable conditions will soften the plastic forcing the steel disks together, creating a circuit which could ring a bell or bells.

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A0314

Image of CASSELLA AIR FLOW METER, 1960's

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CASSELLA AIR FLOW METER, 1960's

Meter used for measuring air flow Velocity 200-3000 No L 11434

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A1020

Image of EARLY THERMOSTAT, 1930's

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EARLY THERMOSTAT, 1930's

Thermostat for a variety of uses.
May have been made for a specific piece of equipment.

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A0308

Image of EARLY THERMOSTAT, 1930's

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EARLY THERMOSTAT, 1930's

Early type thermostat using a sealed atmospheric chamber and a very strong spring.
A lever tilts a Mercury switch

Donated by Richard Currie

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A1013

Image of KELVIN AND WHEATSTONE BRIDGE, 1948

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KELVIN AND WHEATSTONE BRIDGE, 1948

Used for measuring an unknown resistance.
The Kelvin portion enables reading accurately very low resistance (below 1 Ohm). The Kelvin Bridge makes allowances for the high currents used for measuring very low resistances, as heat generated can cause errors.

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A1128

Image of HYDROMETER FOR WHISKY BY SIKES, 1960's

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HYDROMETER FOR WHISKY BY SIKES, 1960's

Used for measuring the specific gravity of Whisky.

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A0260

Image of EARLY MOVING COIL METER, 1900's

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EARLY MOVING COIL METER, 1900's

Early moving coil meter in wooden box with wall fixing or stand alone on two adjustable feet.

Bruce Hammond Collection

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A1210

Image of ROUND AMP METER, 1940's

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ROUND AMP METER, 1940's

General industrial meter for measuring power sources, with 270 degree scale.

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A0128

Image of GEC ROUND VOLT METER, 1940's

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GEC ROUND VOLT METER, 1940's

General industrial moving Iron meter for monitoring power sources.

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A0127

Image of VOLT AND AMP METERS, 1930's

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VOLT AND AMP METERS, 1930's

School Laboratory measuring meters, used in demonstration theatres, and before students were trained to use multi meters, when they started to come into use.
Volt meter is 0 to 10 volts
Amp meter is .5 To 3 amps.

Bruce Hammond Collection

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A1191

Image of WATSON KILOVOLT METER, 1940's

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WATSON KILOVOLT METER, 1940's

0 To 250 kilovolt meter, for Laboratory and College use, designed to be laid flat, as the terminals are underneath.
And WATSON 0 to 20 Milliamp meter,

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A0111

Image of WESTON ELECTRIC METERS, 1918

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WESTON ELECTRIC METERS, 1918

The calibration certificate for the ammeter is for Serial No 30940 ?
The meter shown is Serial No 23602.
The Voltmeter is dated 13 Jan 1920.

British-born American Chemist who revolutionized the Electro-plating industry, founded the Weston Electrical Instrument Company. A prolific inventor who held 334 patents, Edward Weston May 9, 1850 - August 20, 1936 helped revolutionize the measurement of electricity.

Weston's son, Edward Faraday Weston also received several patents regarding exposure meters.

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A0975

Image of NEWTON AND WRIGHT BRASS AMPMETER, 1930's

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NEWTON AND WRIGHT BRASS AMPMETER, 1930's

Surface mounting ampmeter for 0-25 amps in brass case.

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A0256

Image of CIRSCALE AMPMETER, 1930's

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CIRSCALE AMPMETER, 1930's

Meter calibrated for measuring direct current up to 300 amps. Requires an external shunt.

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A0255

Image of WR MORRIS HOT WIRE AMMETER, 1930's

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WR MORRIS HOT WIRE AMMETER, 1930's

Hot Wire Ammeters work the expansion and contraction of a piece of wire when heated by an electric current. Although not very accurate and prone to ageing effects of the wire, they were an inexpensive way of indicating currents of over 100 Milliamps.
Smaller current versions would have made the wire too fragile.

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A0722

Image of 'LAMPE METER' POWER METER ADAPTOR, 1930's

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'LAMPE METER' POWER METER ADAPTOR, 1930's

Power moving Iron meter for measuring domestic equipment, volts and amps are measured by inserting this device between the power lead.

Bruce Hammond Collection

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A1190

Image of DOMESTIC POWER METER BY SIEMENS LTD, 1930's

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DOMESTIC POWER METER BY SIEMENS LTD, 1930's

Plugged into a lamp socket, the appliance was plugged into the meter ,it then measured the current being drawn.
Used in the days when household power points were rare if not non existent, and electric irons were plugged into the light fitting.
The movement is of the moving Iron type.

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A0282

Image of PIFCO 'ALL IN ONE' AC & DC RADIOMETER, 1940's

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PIFCO 'ALL IN ONE' AC & DC RADIOMETER, 1940's

The Pifco 'All in One' Radiometer Measures in three ranges up 30 Milliamps, 6Volts or 240 Volts AC or DC from the same terminals on top of the unit. continuity is also possible for low resistance items such as transformers and valve heaters using the 5 pin valve base on the top of the unit, the reading is not callibrated in ohms. A 1.5 Volt battery fits inside the unit. Price for 7 or 9 pin valve adaptor 3/9d. Price for insulated test leads 3/6d pair.

Bruce Hammond Collection

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A1504

Image of PIFCO ALL IN ONE METER, 1920's

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PIFCO ALL IN ONE METER, 1920's

Meter for home workshops, with 5 ranges and 7 terminals, including a top centre terminal.
Advertised in The Wireless World 1932 for 12 Shillings and Sixpence

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A0309

Image of POCKET FOB METER FORIEGN MADE, 1940's

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POCKET FOB METER FORIEGN MADE, 1940's

Bakelite fob meter supplied by Curry's. Directions on the box reads:- Place plug on flex in negetive tapping, 8 Volt plug for L.T. & G.B. 120 Volt plug for H.T.

Bruce Hammond Collection

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A1505

Image of PARA VOLT FOB METER, 1920's

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PARA VOLT FOB METER, 1920's

Engineers pocket voltmeter. And the original box.
120 Volts Dc could have been the local mains voltage before 1930.

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A0301

Image of POCKET FOB WATCH  METER, 1920's

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POCKET FOB WATCH METER, 1920's

Engineers pocket meter, moving Iron type, which looks like a pocket fob watch.
120 Volts Ac or Dc could have been the normal mains voltage before 1930.

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A0300

Image of FOB VOLTMETER, 1930's

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FOB VOLTMETER, 1930's

Pocket meter for engineers.
120 Volts DC could be a normal mains voltage before 1930.

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A0299

Image of NADIR MULTI METER, 1930's

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NADIR MULTI METER, 1930's

Forerunner to the modern Multi Meter

Donated by Ken Willis

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A1093

Image of CAMBRIDGE PORTABLE pH METER, 1940

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CAMBRIDGE PORTABLE pH METER, 1940

A pH meter is an electronic instrument used to measure the pH (acidity or alkalinity) of a liquid
Donated by Ken Willis

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A1092

Image of HEILAN MOISTURE METER, 1930's

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HEILAN MOISTURE METER, 1930's

Early equipment for the measurement of moisture

Donated by Ken Willis

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A1094

Image of SHEATH CURRENT TESTER, 1930's

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SHEATH CURRENT TESTER, 1930's

Used by the GPO for measuring underground cable sheath current to detect breaks

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A1096

Image of SUBSTITUTION BOX, 1950's

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SUBSTITUTION BOX, 1950's

Substitution boxes are used for temporarily replacing resistors or capacitors that may be assumed faulty, by inserting a known value of a component into a circuit and conveniently adjusting the value if necessary.

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A0107

Image of ADVANCE SIGNAL GENERATOR TYPE E MODEL 2, 1949

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ADVANCE SIGNAL GENERATOR TYPE E MODEL 2, 1949

Well Known Signal Generator used by the Trustees, and in Radio and Telivision workshops for aligning Radio's and early Televisions during the 1950/60's. Covers 100Kc/s to 100Mc/s in six ranges , Band A : 100 - 300Kc/s
Band B : 300 - 1000Kc/s
Band C : 1 - 3 Mc/s
Band D : 3 - 10 Mc/s
Band E : 10 - 30 Mc/s
Band F : 30 - 100 Mc/s The manufacturers claim it had an accuracy of +/- of 1% over the whole range

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A1342

Image of TEKTRONIX OSCILLOSCOPE, 1960's

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TEKTRONIX OSCILLOSCOPE, 1960's

Large valve type Oscilloscope used in service Laboratory's throughout the world Usually mounted on a steel trolley

Donated by Mrs Banham

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A1016

Image of MARCONI TF868 LCR BRIDGE, 1950's

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MARCONI TF868 LCR BRIDGE, 1950's

A bridge for the measurement of, L= Inductors C= Capacitors & R= Resistances. A Bridge is a circuit of 3 Known values connected in a square configuration with the last portion the fourth for the unknown component, when the current across the bridge is at null or balanced the value of the unknown component is the same as its opposite counterpart.
Ranges:
L - 1 H to 100 Henrys
C - 1 pF to 100 uF
R - 0.1 Ohms to 100 Megohms
The test terminals are located on top of the instrument; the flat top provides a useful insulated platform for supporting the component to be tested. This also has printed basic instructions for use.

Donated by Frank Ibrahim

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A1489

Image of UNIVERSAL AVO MULTIMETER., 1930's

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UNIVERSAL AVO MULTIMETER., 1930's

The Universal AVO meter of 1933 Dated 1938. This was the first in the range of these famous instruments, and was replace by the model 40.

Avo Multimeters were the mainstay of the service industry in the 1950's to the 1990's and are still available today, but extremely expensive. The 'Automatic Coil Winder and Electrical Equipment Co.', Douglas Street, London SW1, later renamed to 'AVO Ltd.' (which should not be mixed up with 'Avo International Ltd.)
AVO is well known for it's very solid and reliable measuring instruments, and - coil winding machines.

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A0108

Image of AVO 25Kv DC Multiplier, 1950's

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AVO 25Kv DC Multiplier, 1950's

Adaptor for the AVO Model 8 and HR (high resistance) models, for measuring voltages up to 25 Kilo Volts.

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A1477

Image of AVO 10Kv DC MULTIPLIER , 1950's

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AVO 10Kv DC MULTIPLIER , 1950's

Adaptor for the AVO Model 8 and HR (high resistance) models, for measuring voltages up to 10 Kilo Volts.

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A1476

Image of AVO MINOR MULTI METER, 1930's

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AVO MINOR MULTI METER, 1930's

Cheapest of all AVO meters in original case, to change the range you simply re plug the leads.

In 1938 the AVO minor cost 45 Shillings.

Donated by Roger Smith

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A1009

Image of AVO MULTI MINOR MULTI METER, 1930's

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AVO MULTI MINOR MULTI METER, 1930's

AVO is well known for it's very solid and reliable measuring instruments.this unit was less expensive than the larger models, but unlike the Minor had a switch to change the range.

AVO 'Automatic Coil Winder and Electrical Equipment Co'.

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A0109

Image of AVO MODEL 7 MULTIMETER, 1950

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AVO MODEL 7 MULTIMETER, 1950

The model 7 was intended more for electricians and power engineers. The model 8 was better for bench electronic engineers. These meters were the classic instrument for test engineers in the radio and TV service industry for many years.

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A1331

Image of AVO MODEL 40 MULTIMETER, 1941

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AVO MODEL 40 MULTIMETER, 1941

This classic Avometer dated April 1941. At 333 Ohms-per-volt not designed for electronic equipment. It was advertised as a 'Power Engineer's' meter. Introduced in 1939 and initially supplied to the Admiralty.

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A1470

Image of AVO MODEL 40 MULTIMETER, 1964

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AVO MODEL 40 MULTIMETER, 1964

This classic Avometer was introduced in 1939. At 333 Ohms-per-volt not designed for electronic equipment. It was advertised as a 'Power Engineer's' meter. Introduced in 1939 and initially supplied to the Admiralty.

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A1332

Image of AVO MODEL 8 Mk4, 1970

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AVO MODEL 8 Mk4, 1970

In 1970 the Avometer model 8 Mk4 cost £34.80 and the case £5.50. Today the Avometer model 8 Mk7 is £500 plus The AVO Model 8 multimeter reached retirement after 58 years
(24/11/2008)
Possibly the most popular professional multimeter of the 20th Century, the venerable AVO Model 8 has reached retirement: the final Model 8 have left Megger's Dover factory, where it has been produced since its introduction in 1951. Last off the line the Mk7.

Nortell Collection

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A1384

Image of AVODAPTER VALVE TESTER ADAPTERS, 1932

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AVODAPTER VALVE TESTER ADAPTERS, 1932

The units are plugged into a receiver between the valve under test, the set is switched on and after a warm up period with the leads connected to a test meter the performance of the valve can be measured.
The four and five pin unit in 1923 cost 25 Shillings and the seven pin unit cost twelve shillings and six pence.

Bruce Hammond Collection

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A1263

Image of AVO 160 VALVE TESTER, 1960's

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AVO 160 VALVE TESTER, 1960's

Useful for testing Military valves as well as commercial types. Basically the 'Automatic Coil Winder and Electrical Equipment Co.', Douglas Street, London SW1.
Later renamed to 'AVO Ltd.' (which should not be mixed up with 'Avo International Ltd.)
AVO is well known for it's very solid and reliable measuring instruments, and coil winding machines.

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A0103

Image of LAFAYETTE MULTIMETER, 1960's

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LAFAYETTE MULTIMETER, 1960's

Amateur large scale multi meter, from the 1960's. Uses obsolete battery for high resistance measurement.

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A0956

Image of SONIC BOOM DETECTOR, 1950's

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SONIC BOOM DETECTOR, 1950's

Developed as a prototype to measure sound pressure levels to evaluate damage caused by Military Jets flying over buildings.
New Laws regarding Supersonic aircraft flying over built up areas rendered it obsolete.
Similar units are now used to measure explosions.

Donated by Richard Currie

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A1015

Image of GPO ENGINEERS TOOL BAG, 1930's

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GPO ENGINEERS TOOL BAG, 1930's

Standard Issue GPO engineers tool bag of the period.

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A0518

Image of SHORTS GAS INDICATOR, 1900's

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SHORTS GAS INDICATOR, 1900's

Used for measuring the coal gas content in air by atmospheric pressure, and indicated by the percentage of coal gas.
The mechanics of the instrument are identical to that of a normal Barometer.

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A0323

Image of MANGANIN WIRE RESISTANCE UNIT, 1930's

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MANGANIN WIRE RESISTANCE UNIT, 1930's

Manganin was used in the 1930's as a replacement for Nickel Silver used up until then.
Manganin and Ureka wire was superceded by Nickel Copper and Nickel Chrome Alloys.

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A0334

Image of CAMBRIDGE POTENTIOMETER VOLTAGE BRIDGE, 1959

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CAMBRIDGE POTENTIOMETER VOLTAGE BRIDGE, 1959

Modern Scientific Bridge, with an in built accurate reference for the measurement of voltage

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A0201

Image of THERMASTER LOW TEMPERATURE INDICATOR, 1950's

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THERMASTER LOW TEMPERATURE INDICATOR, 1950's

Unit for measuring temperature from zero to 100 degrees centigrade.
The knob is turned until the needle centres between increase and decrease.
The temperature is read from the scale attached to the knob.

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A0212

Image of GRIFFIN & GEORGE STANDARD CELL, 1950's

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GRIFFIN & GEORGE STANDARD CELL, 1950's

The Weston cell, invented by Edward Weston in 1893, is a wet-chemical cell that produces a highly stable voltage suitable as a laboratory standard for calibration of voltmeters. It was adopted as the International Standard for EMF between 1911 and 1990. This cell produces 1.01859 Volts. It is a voltaic cell producing a constant and accurately known electromotive force that can be used to calibrate voltage-measuring instruments

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A1406

Image of WESTON NORMALCELL, 1950's

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WESTON NORMALCELL, 1950's

Standard voltage Cell for use with accurate measuring equipment such as the Wheatstone Bridge.

Edward Weston (May 9, 1850 - August 20, 1936) was an English chemist noted for his achievements in electroplating and his development of the electrochemical cell, named the Weston cell, for the voltage standard. Edward Weston was a competitor of Thomas Edison in the early days of electricity generation and distribution.
Weston' son Edward Faraday Weston also received several patents regarding exposure meters.

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A0333

Image of GPO EXCHANGE TEST SET 5422, 1960's

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GPO EXCHANGE TEST SET 5422, 1960's

Used in exchanges for testing equipment.
Marked DGM ATW 54220 Issue 4

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A0044

Image of GPO TEST SET No 36, 1950's

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GPO TEST SET No 36, 1950's

Test equipment used for detecting fractures in under ground lead sheathed cables.

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A0030

Image of GPO 37 MIRROR GALVANOMETER, 1954

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GPO 37 MIRROR GALVANOMETER, 1954

Galvanometer unit for use with other test gear.
May have originally come from Dollis Hill Laboratories.
And may have been made by H.W.Sullivan Ltd in 1954.

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A0076

Image of PO NON REACTIVE SLIDE WIRE AND BOX, 1920's

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PO NON REACTIVE SLIDE WIRE AND BOX, 1920's

This piece of equipment is in excellent condition and may have come from Dollis Hill Laboratories.

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A0077

Image of GPO 74101D OSCILLATOR, 1950's

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GPO 74101D OSCILLATOR, 1950's

This too may have come from the Dollis Hill Laboratories.

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A0075

Image of GPO 74101 TRANSMISSION TEST SET, 1950's

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GPO 74101 TRANSMISSION TEST SET, 1950's

Originally may have come from Dollis Hill Laboratories.

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A0074

Image of LEEDS AND NORTHRUP SPEEDOMAX 'H' CHART RECORDER, 1960's

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LEEDS AND NORTHRUP SPEEDOMAX 'H' CHART RECORDER, 1960's

Valve chart recorder, for measuring and recording on paper information collected by sensors sensitive to voltage or current readings, meaning it could record almost any equipment with a sensor attached to it.

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A0957

Image of CAMBRIDGE RESISTANCE BRIDGE CALENDAR & GRIFFITHS, 1887

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CAMBRIDGE RESISTANCE BRIDGE CALENDAR & GRIFFITHS, 1887

Resistance Bridge (Collins Patent) with pots normally containing a liquid, using pegs, which when dipped, creates a switch.
Messrs Calendar and Griffith invented their Bridge in 1878, it went on to be used well into the 1930's.

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A0976

Image of PO RESISTANCE BANK 375, 1940's

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PO RESISTANCE BANK 375, 1940's

Used by G.P.O. engineers as a reference for resistance measurement.
Type 375

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A0942

Image of GLUCK BAROGRAPH, 1960's

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GLUCK BAROGRAPH, 1960's

Modern example of air pressure measuring instrument in original style case.

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A0161

Image of MUIRHEAD D-972-A POTENTIOMETER , 1960's

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MUIRHEAD D-972-A POTENTIOMETER , 1960's

Direct Current measuring device used for accurate measurement of voltages. all voltage measurements are referenced from a 'Standard Cell' similar to Item A0333.

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A0882

Image of CABLE TENSION METER, 1960's

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CABLE TENSION METER, 1960's

Used by aerial cable engineers, such as the Post Office for telephone and telegraph lines, for tensioning the cable correctly.

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A0276

Image of ENGINEERS CLINOMETER, 1940's

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ENGINEERS CLINOMETER, 1940's

Used by engineers for checking gradients on structures.

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A0275

Image of RADAR KILOVOLTER HIGH VOLTAGE METER, 1950's

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RADAR KILOVOLTER HIGH VOLTAGE METER, 1950's

For measuring high voltages, probably a TV tubes high tension, the probe on the left is held on the voltage output to be tested, after the lead is connected to ground.
By adjusting the knob on the right the distance between the two balls is reduced untill the voltage sparks accross the gap, the voltage is then read from the scale.

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A0274

Image of WAR DEPARTMENT WHEATSTONE BRIDGE, 1940's

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WAR DEPARTMENT WHEATSTONE BRIDGE, 1940's

War Department Wheatstone Bridge for the accurate measurement of resistance.
Similar to the Post Office standard Wheatstone Bridge.

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A0330

Image of WAR DEPARTMENT RESISTANCE BRIDGE, 1915

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WAR DEPARTMENT RESISTANCE BRIDGE, 1915

Together with a Galvanometer and a standard voltage cell Like Item A0333, clipped into the pillars on the right of the instrument, accurate readings of long lines could be measured.
Can be been wired in a bridge configuration.

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A0332

Image of TELEGRAPH BRIDGE AND INSULATION TESTER, 1940's

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TELEGRAPH BRIDGE AND INSULATION TESTER, 1940's

Bridge and insulation tester used in telephone and telegraphy workshops.
Complete with Tangent Galvanometer.

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A0331

Image of LOGOHM MK 6 RESISTANCE BRIDGE, 1940's

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LOGOHM MK 6 RESISTANCE BRIDGE, 1940's

A battery operated resistance meter operated in a bridge configuration i,e, with three known resistance it is possible to identify the missing section of the circuit when all components are connected in a circle or bridge configuration. Sets like this were made by many manufacturers in the UK before mass production from Japan and China took over.

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A0744

Image of DC4 VALVE AMPLIFIER, 1950's

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DC4 VALVE AMPLIFIER, 1950's

Laboratory Volt meter with valve amplification providing a very high input resistance.

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A0740

Image of GPO EVERSHED AND VIGNOLES MEGGER, 1923

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GPO EVERSHED AND VIGNOLES MEGGER, 1923

Megger instrument for measuring very high resistances (leakages), using high voltages created by winding the handle on the end.
Used by the GPO on Telephone lines.

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A0582

Image of SURVEYORS  TROUGH COMPASS IN BOX, 1970's

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SURVEYORS TROUGH COMPASS IN BOX, 1970's

Surveyors compass's, which have a needle with small sideways movements and few degree marks. Designed to be small and portable, would be used with maps on site.

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A0715a A0715b

Image of MAGNETOMETER, 1900's

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MAGNETOMETER, 1900's

Also called a Gaussmeter, after Carl Friedrich Gauss in 1833. It measures the direction and strength of magnetic fields in the vicinity of other affecting objects.

The earth's magnetic field (the Magnetosphere) varies due to influences of rocks and ores in the ground or the interaction between particles from the sun affecting the Magnetosphere. This is an early instrument for measuring these effects. It could be mounted on a long rod and slid along taking readings at precise intervals.

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A0257

Image of SHARMAN PIPE OR CABLE FAULT LOCATOR, 1914

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SHARMAN PIPE OR CABLE FAULT LOCATOR, 1914

Patents 16799 15th July 1914 and 24056 15th Dec 1914 accredited this item to Alexander William Sharman, holder of 40 other electrical and scientific patents.

A transformer like search probe for locating breaks in metal pipes and cables which would be connected to the oscillator output (red lead) while the negative lead is connected to a metal stake which is driven into the ground to provide a return circuit. Headphones can be connected to the search probe or to the accessory search coil.

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A0204


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