Old Physics Apparatuses - Identification Help

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on identifying and assessing old physics apparatuses at a liberal arts college, specifically a Fisher Scientific spectrometer and a klystron microwave test set. Users provide insights on the functionality and historical significance of the equipment, emphasizing the importance of preserving these items due to their potential educational value. Recommendations include consulting resources like the Smithsonian for documentation and ensuring safety when handling high-voltage components.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of optical instruments, specifically spectrometers.
  • Familiarity with microwave technology, including klystrons.
  • Knowledge of laboratory safety standards for vintage equipment.
  • Experience in sourcing technical documentation for scientific apparatuses.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the operation and maintenance of Fisher Scientific spectrometers.
  • Learn about klystron technology and its applications in microwave systems.
  • Explore resources for obtaining historical manuals, such as the Smithsonian or Library of Congress.
  • Investigate safety protocols for testing and operating vintage high-voltage equipment.
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, laboratory technicians, and educators involved in the maintenance and use of vintage scientific equipment will benefit from this discussion.

  • #31
Fisher Scientific is still alive and well, you may find good info on their site.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
sophiecentaur said:
I would examine the electrolytics (any high voltage capacitors are more likely non-electrolytic as they won't be high capacity values?).

Back then electrolytics were standard for power supply smoothing. Often they were packaged as multiple caps in one can, all connected to a common ground. Typcail values for a low power device might be 20 uf 450V + 30 uF 350V in one can, to make a "pi section" filter with an inductor between the "live" terminals. (The higher peak voltage was on the rectifier side, of course)

If you really want to keep the old caps, the best plan is take them out of the circuit and "re-form" them with a slowly increasing DC voltage (ramping up to the max voltage over a few hours time scale) current-limited to a few mA maximum, so any initial leakage current won't overheat the cap.

Some "restorers" even take top off the original cans, clean out the contents, and then rewire some modern replacement caps inside the old cans to keep the origianal appearance!
 
  • #33
Bobbywhy said:
Your electromagnetic radiation (microwave) demonstration unit is the Budd-Stanley ED-SET, model X4100. The 65-page technical manual is available at...
I'm impressed! How did you manage to find this?
 
  • #34
In photo 1 0f 3 the name "ED-SET" is on the faceplate, left side. Google search using the terms "microwave klystron ed set" did the rest.
 

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