Old Physics Apparatuses - Identification Help

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying and assessing old physics apparatuses found in a college's physics lab. Participants are sharing insights and speculations about the functionality and historical context of various pieces of equipment, including a spectrometer and a microwave test set. The scope includes technical identification and potential applications of these devices.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the first apparatus is a spectrometer, noting its components such as a collimator and telescope.
  • Others propose that the second apparatus may be a microwave test set, highlighting the presence of a klystron and a transmitting horn.
  • A participant expresses concern about the potential disposal of the equipment, emphasizing its value and suggesting it should be preserved.
  • There are discussions about the historical context of the equipment, with some participants indicating that certain pieces may date back to the 1940s.
  • Suggestions are made regarding where to find documentation or manuals, including contacting institutions like the Smithsonian or the Library of Congress.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the exact functions of the equipment, with differing opinions on the second apparatus's purpose, including comparisons to radios or walkie-talkies.
  • There are humorous exchanges about the age of the equipment and the participants themselves, reflecting a light-hearted tone amidst the technical discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the first apparatus is a spectrometer, but there is disagreement regarding the exact nature and purpose of the second apparatus, with multiple competing views presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of specific manuals for the equipment, which may limit their ability to fully assess or utilize the apparatuses. There is also mention of missing accessories that are typically associated with the spectrometer.

  • #31
Fisher Scientific is still alive and well, you may find good info on their site.
 
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  • #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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