Any idea what this is?

Richard Slater · 11-09-2008, 10:28

It was found in an old cupboard, the building is 400 years old. None of us have an idea what it might be.

Dee · 11-09-2008, 10:29

You might want to shrink it, I cant see the whole thing on my screen

vix · 11-09-2008, 10:31

Is it a punch clock? Think that is the word, the sort of things they used to use in factories for the workers to clock in and out?

My reasons for this are: It has a clock, it says 'punch arm'.

Dee · 11-09-2008, 10:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by vix

Is it a punch clock? Think that is the word, the sort of things they used to use in factories for the workers to clock in and out?

My reasons for this are: It has a clock, it says 'punch arm'.

Seconded

leowyatt · 11-09-2008, 10:35

It's a clock that is linked to all the others in a building and an electrical signal is sent round to instruct them to all change at the same time. If the power goes off all the clocks stop.

Just my guess

The signal switch can be used to let the clocks continue on their own time (i.e show different time zone) or obviously keep time to the others.

EDIT: I'd also suggest that the punch arm is used to check the signal running through the cable to make sure there isn't any problems with it as the punch tape would show any.

CaptRugWash · 11-09-2008, 10:45

IT'S A BOMB!

FOR GODS SAKE DON'T TOUCH IT!

loki · 11-09-2008, 10:46

Is there any Patent numbers on it ?

leowyatt · 11-09-2008, 10:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by loki

Is there any Patent numbers on it ?

Top left corner on the back are registered design numbers but I think it might be obscured by the sticker.

loki · 11-09-2008, 10:57

Just Googled Techron Equip Ltd and its still a trading company in Arundel West Sussex. Although it says it's linked to Radiator Covers

Garp · 11-09-2008, 15:03

Dropped an e-mail to my dad about it as he and some of his co-workers tend to have a good knowledge of that kind of thing. Heck, they probably even have one or two kicking around some place around the building!

Quote:

Caused some fun and head scratching!!

General concensus of opinion is that is an event indicator/monitor of some kind. The tape would run at a constant speed and when a signal is received the punch marks the tape. Techron were a Brighton based company who now make screens. They were, if Jim's memory serves him right, involved in maritime electronics but he's not sure. They are still listed, based in Arundel, so an e-mail from your friend might elicit some response.

11-09-2008, 10:28	#1
Richard Slater Long Island Iced Tea Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Brighton, UK Posts: 285	Any idea what this is? It was found in an old cupboard, the building is 400 years old. None of us have an idea what it might be. Last edited by Richard Slater; 11-09-2008 at 17:57. Reason: Thumbnails!

11-09-2008, 10:31	#3
vix Penelope Pitstop Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 4,426	Is it a punch clock? Think that is the word, the sort of things they used to use in factories for the workers to clock in and out? My reasons for this are: It has a clock, it says 'punch arm'. __________________

11-09-2008, 10:35	#5
leowyatt Chef extraordinaire Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Infinite Loop Posts: 11,143	It's a clock that is linked to all the others in a building and an electrical signal is sent round to instruct them to all change at the same time. If the power goes off all the clocks stop. Just my guess The signal switch can be used to let the clocks continue on their own time (i.e show different time zone) or obviously keep time to the others. EDIT: I'd also suggest that the punch arm is used to check the signal running through the cable to make sure there isn't any problems with it as the punch tape would show any. __________________ "Dr Sheldon Cooper FTW!" Last edited by leowyatt; 11-09-2008 at 10:45.

11-09-2008, 10:45	#6
CaptRugWash Columbian Coffee Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: On tour, washing rugs. Cumming to a rug near you! Posts: 61	IT'S A BOMB! FOR GODS SAKE DON'T TOUCH IT! __________________

11-09-2008, 10:46	#7
loki Vodka Martini Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Manchester UK Posts: 871	Is there any Patent numbers on it ? __________________ PC & Console LAN 9th-11th July

11-09-2008, 10:29	#2
Dee Combat Spanker Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 5,292	You might want to shrink it, I cant see the whole thing on my screen

11-09-2008, 10:57	#9
loki Vodka Martini Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Manchester UK Posts: 871	Just Googled Techron Equip Ltd and its still a trading company in Arundel West Sussex. Although it says it's linked to Radiator Covers __________________ PC & Console LAN 9th-11th July