Smallest mechanical timer known to you

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    Mechanical Timer
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the inquiry into the smallest mechanical timer known to participants, with a focus on non-electrical devices. The scope includes mechanical engineering and design aspects, as well as personal experiences with timers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Ramone seeks information on the smallest mechanical timer without electrical components.
  • Some participants, like dr, suggest that microchip timers are small, but question the need for a mechanical timer and the specific application.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential implications of discussing mechanical timers, with dr expressing discomfort over the lack of context provided by Ramone.
  • Another participant mentions that watches, particularly those from Switzerland, could be considered among the smallest mechanical timers.
  • One participant recalls seeing a small mechanical timer on old warheads for torpedoes, highlighting the craftsmanship involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of comfort with the topic, and while some provide examples of small mechanical timers, there is no consensus on a definitive answer or agreement on the implications of the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the specific applications for the timers and the definitions of what constitutes a mechanical timer, as well as concerns about safety and responsibility in discussing such devices.

ramonegumpert
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Dear Mechanical Engineering experts,

I would like to know how small a mechanical timer you have ever used or seen.

Sincerely
Ramone
 
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the microchips that are timers are tiny. Its the user interface that makes them large. What are you timing and for how long?

dr
 
Hi dr dodge ,

I wanted one that does not use electricity.

thanks for reading.

sincerely
Ramone
 
what are you timing, how long?

dr
 
Oh I don't like the path this thread could take...
 
I agree, that is why I have been
...cautious
I feel we all have responsibilities to "control" the amount of "advice" we give
and this was pinching my comfort zone

dr
 
Sorry if i am asking for too much of advice.
But please do not be mistaken. My question is harmless. I just want to know what are the smallest mechanical timers.
If you feel that I am asking silly questions, please feel free to tell me directly.
I am clueless what you mean by pinching your comfort zone.
 
I didn't mean to offend you
I just try to steer clear of topics that can be construed as dangerous
a mechanical timer can also be a fuse
and when you as an OP fail to give specific details on what you are doing, it tends to make myself (and obviously others) uncomfortable.

dr
 
I believe they are called watches, they come from switzerland - I don't think that's a secret
 
Last edited:
  • #10
very true, and nice safe info
i feel better already

dr
 
  • #11
The smallest, purely mechanical timer I have ever seen was on old warheads for torpedoes. Extremely high craftsmanship in the one I saw. All hand made.
 

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