high-voltage power supply
Date1951-1954
Inventory Number2003-1-0277
ClassificationPower Supply
Subject
Manufacturer
Triplett
founded 1904
Maker
Dick Smith
fl. 1950 - 1955
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions26.5 x 48.2 x 34 cm (10 7/16 x 19 x 13 3/8 in.)
Material
DescriptionThis instrument was shop-built at Harvard. Besides the DC meter from Triplett, there is a metallic box in the back with what appears to be the insignia of the US Navy (US with an anchor in between the two letters). This box was most likely acquired as war surplus.
The power supply itself has a front panel with switches and dials to adjust the output to other instruments. Behind the panel are vacuum tubes, resistances (type R-13), and other parts to make this device work.
The power supply itself has a front panel with switches and dials to adjust the output to other instruments. Behind the panel are vacuum tubes, resistances (type R-13), and other parts to make this device work.
In Collection(s)
Signedon meter: TRIPLETT / Model 327-T
Inscribedon the back of meter: 32115
on the front, yellow sticker: HARVARD UNIVERSITY PHYSICS DEPT.
on the front, red plastic material: 9
on metallic box, in the back: US / TR-1042 / DONGAN A460 / Serial No. A568
FunctionIn general, a power supply provides power (in DC) to other instruments and apparatus. Because it is equiped with an electrical cord, this device was plugged in an electrical outlet itself. This power supply could, therefore, convert AC to DC and therewith modulate the amount of electricity distributed to other devices connected to it.
ProvenanceHarvard University Physics Department
Historical AttributesThis device was a highly regulated power supply for a photomultiplier tube used at the Harvard Cyclotron Laboratory. It was designed by Dick Smith, an electrical engineer at the Lab, sometime after 1950 and before 1955.
The dial on the top left was set to 20 kilovolts. A 100 times its reading was added to the number on the dial to the right, and then added to the dial reading below.
Harrison Laboratories Inc.
Date: mid 20th-late 20th Century
Accessories: Red and black patch cords, still plugged into front of unit.
Object number: 2004-1-0416
Leach Relay Company
Date: 1890-1930
Object number: RS0531
Damon Engineering, Inc.
Date: 1962-1972
Object number: 2006-1-0084
William J. Murdock Company
Date: 1910-1950
Object number: RS0163
Perkin-Elmer Company
Date: circa 1964
Accessories: gas laser (1992-1-0002a)
Object number: 1992-1-0002b
Harvard Cyclotron Laboratory
Date: 1947-2002
Object number: 2003-1-0291
Applied Physics Corporation
Date: circa 1951
Object number: 1995-1-0037b
