cathode-ray oscilloscope
Date1940-1941
Inventory Number1997-1-0490
ClassificationOscilloscope
Subject
Maker
Allen B. Du Mont Laboratories, Inc
1931 - 1960
User
Bowdoin College, Department of Physics
founded after 1794
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Place of Use
Dimensions36.5 x 22.4 x 47.8 cm (14 3/8 x 8 13/16 x 18 13/16 in.)
Material
DescriptionThis black box has several dials and switches in order to adjust the frequency signals on the X and Y axes. A handle on the top was used to carry the instrument around. The manner in which the signal is displayed on the screen is based on the same cathode-ray technology later used in television sets. Allen B. DuMont was in fact a pioneer of such technology.
In Collection(s)
Signedon front: Allen B. Du Mont Laboratories, Inc. Passaic, New Jersey
Inscribedon blue dymotype: ACOUSTICS LAB
on blue dymotype: SINGLE SWEEP CONTROL
on back: ACOUSTICS
on right side and top: NDRC / 658 / 1366
Curatorial RemarksNDRC stands for the National Defense Research Committee. It was created "to coordinate, supervise, and conduct scientific research on the problems underlying the development, production, and use of mechanisms and devices of warfare". It was at the foundation of radar and nuclear technologies. This organization was operational from 27 June 1940 until 28 June 1941, when it was replaced by the Office of Scientific Research and Development (OSRD). We dated this instrument based on this information.
See laboratory notes for Bowdoin physics course in the CHSI library.
FunctionUsed to provide accurate time and amplitude of measurements of voltage signals over a wide range of frequencies.
ProvenanceCame from the Physics Department of Bowdoin College.
Allen B. Du Mont Laboratories, Inc
Date: circa 1948
Object number: 1999-1-0039a
Allen B. Du Mont Laboratories, Inc
Date: 1950-1960
Accessories: laboratory notes (in CHSI library)
Object number: 1997-1-0489
Allen B. Du Mont Laboratories, Inc
Date: 1940-1960
Object number: 1999-1-0003
Allen B. Du Mont Laboratories, Inc
Date: circa 1950
Accessories: operating and maintenance manual for "cathode ray oscillograph types 304-A and 304-AR" in library
Object number: 2003-1-0174
Allen B. Du Mont Laboratories, Inc
Accessories: Cable.
Object number: RS1141
Allen B. Du Mont Laboratories, Inc
Date: circa 1952
Object number: 2003-1-0267
Allen B. Du Mont Laboratories, Inc
Date: 1945-1946
Object number: RS1073
Allen B. Du Mont Laboratories, Inc
Date: circa 1948
Accessories: original box; Warranty Registration Card and Patent Notice (placed in instrument's file).
Object number: 2008-1-0015
Allen B. Du Mont Laboratories, Inc
Date: 1945
Accessories: see Bowdoin laboratory notes in library
Object number: 1997-1-0522