What is this?
Mar 8, 2019 09:51:15 #
StanMac
Loc: Tennessee
It would seem if it contained batteries and has only one plug, it would be used to power lighting for on-location photography where electricity was not available.
Stan
Stan
Mar 8, 2019 09:51:24 #
It is a variable 120v power supply box or a dimmer for a studio lamp most likely if it came from a darkroom or studio scenario.
Mar 8, 2019 10:07:47 #
Uuglypher wrote:
Looks like transformer that regulated the speed of my old lionel electric train back in 1941!
Dave
Dave
That was my first thought - my brother still has his 1950's set.
Mar 8, 2019 10:10:49 #
Many years ago i had a device that had the 2 prong outlet and a threaded rod...the threaded rod was for the power...the cord had the female threads and plugged into the wall outlet...the only one i have ever seen with that kind of setup...it was a different device than this so i cant help on what this is...
Mar 8, 2019 10:59:58 #
Could it be an enlarger timer? Certainly not flash capacitors, way way too small. And controlling incandescent light color temp? That's a stretch. Cranking an old school incandescent bulb to get daylight would likely turn it into a flashbulb.
Mar 8, 2019 11:01:54 #
Bill_R
Loc: Southeastern Wisconsin
jerryc41 wrote:
You leave it on a table when you have people coming over. "What is that thing?" ""Oops! I should have put that away. Forget you ever saw it." : )
Mar 8, 2019 11:05:49 #
jerryc41 wrote:
You leave it on a table when you have people coming over. "What is that thing?" ""Oops! I should have put that away. Forget you ever saw it." : )
That's so funny!
Mar 8, 2019 11:08:02 #
paulrph1
Loc: Washington, Utah
MCHUGH wrote:
I was going through a box of old Photographic items from an old studio I purchased back in 1980 and had stored all these years. I found this and have no idea what it is, what it was use on, or how it was use. I am sure that one of the UHH members will be able to help me identify what it is. Thanks for any help you can give me.
Looks like a timer for an enlarger.
Mar 8, 2019 11:19:47 #
Mar 8, 2019 11:27:45 #
Mar 8, 2019 11:30:00 #
Uuglypher wrote:
Looks like transformer that regulated the speed of my old lionel electric train back in 1941!
Dave
Dave
Bingo. If not that, it resembles a 1940's era "downstream" dimmer switch - downstream referring to: from the mother light board.
Mar 8, 2019 11:33:57 #
paulrph1
Loc: Washington, Utah
paulrph1 wrote:
Looks like a timer for an enlarger.
Since it is in a box of old photographic equipment I still say it is an enlarger timer.
Here is how to test it. Plug a lamp into the AC outlet and turn the dial. Flip the switch and watch it dial down. If the light goes out in a short time you have your answer.
Mar 8, 2019 11:39:28 #
paulrph1 wrote:
Since it is in a box of old photographic equipment I still say it is an enlarger timer.
Here is how to test it. Plug a lamp into the AC outlet and turn the dial. Flip the switch and watch it dial down. If the light goes out in a short time you have your answer.
Here is how to test it. Plug a lamp into the AC outlet and turn the dial. Flip the switch and watch it dial down. If the light goes out in a short time you have your answer.
Battery operated enlarger timer?
Mar 8, 2019 11:43:20 #
The in and out are the two prongs of the plug. It is most likely a speed control for a universal motor, and it probably went to something you'd want to change the speed of, like a small fan. The dial will change a large resostat (Potentiometer). In the on position, you should be able to vary the conductivity across the plug. I'd imagine the wiper is very dirty and you may have to move it back and forth several times before you get a reading. You should keep this on you at all times and if someone tries to rob you, throw it at them.
Mar 8, 2019 11:47:02 #
rwilson1942 wrote:
Perhaps a variable AC power supply?
=========
Yes.
My thought as well.. However = Where is the Input power cord?
It does look to be a "Variac". Or Variable Transformer.
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