[Milsurplus] Can you recognise this item?

[J Forster]

Bob Camp wrote:

> Hi
>
> By far the largest number of mechanical analog computers were things
> like bomb sights, autopilots, and gun stabalizers. Tight tolerance
> machines.
>
> Analog computers were alive well into at least the 1980's. The fire
> control on the M1 Abrams tank is one example of an analog (op amp and
> capacitor) computer. We were still shipping them in 1987.
>
> 500 Hz is way high frequency for any of that stuff ....

I said audio because some synchros and resolvers operate at up to 4800 Hz
(Inertial navigation and missile stuff). I actually goofed, because the
Farrand Inductosyns operate at 100 KHz or so, but those are pretty rare.
Most servo systems run between 50 and 2400 Hz.

Anyway, I see no application for the pictured item.

Best,
-John

>
>
> Bob
>
> On Dec 27, 2007, at 6:29 PM, J Forster wrote:
>
> > IMO, no. Analog computers are of two types:
> >
> > Those using servomechanisms (synchros, servos, cams, gears, motors,
> > and
> > gyros). These generally implement trig problems like fire control or
> > guidance. Examples are the SCR-584 links to AA guns and the gun laying
> > computers used on battleships.
> >
> > Those using DC circuits like operational amplifiers, made by companies
> > like G.A. Philbrick and EAI. These are typically used for simulating
> > dynamic systems, like aircraft dynamics to test attitude controls.
> >
> > I can think of no reason why either would use frequencies above audio.
> >
> > Best,
> > -John
> >
> >
> >
> > Hue Miller wrote:
> >
> >> Analog computer wouldn't have swept tuning
> >> capacitors, would it? -Hue