[R-390] OT: Help ID NBS (aka NIST) Noise Source

[Dennis Wade]

Good evening all,

     Please forgive the off topic post.  I've sent this to a couple of
test equipment related lists, however if memory serves correctly, I
think there are (were?) some ex-NBS/NIST types on here.  So, I've
posted it here in the hope it may jiggle some memory cells back to
life.  :).

        Thank you,

                   Dennis


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Dennis Wade <sacramento.cyclist at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Jan 3, 2010 at 9:59 PM
Subject: Help ID NBS (aka NIST) Noise Source

Good evening,

      I acquired the above noise source on a lark recently, simply
because I like such things, and the "cool" factor is way high for me
given the Radioastronomy and NBS linkages.  If it turns out to be
useful in the shop, so much the better.  :)   I've taken some pictures
of the inside and outside and posted them on Picassa Web.  Have a
look.  The link is:


http://picasaweb.google.com/Sacramento.Cyclist/NBSNoiseSource?feat=directlink

      It was apparently made by Aerospace Research Inc. of Boston,
Mass.  There is a date on the inside meter case of May, 1964.  The
dynamo label on the front panel says checked in 1971.  I can find no
mention of that company anywhere.  Anyone know what became of
Aerospace Research?  Before I opened it up, I figured it would have a
tube.  But, I don't think it does...unless there is a very small one
inside the internal cage which you can see against the front panel on
the inside.  Over all, the thing is in remarkable shape.  The range
switch is quite stiff though.  I have not tried to power it on.

      If anyone recognizes this thing, please let me know.

      Have a look.

-- 
I've been wondering lately..."Where am I going and why AM I in this
hand basket??"

-------------------------
Dennis L. Wade
KG6ZI
Carmichael, CA