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Vibration Recorder

Technical Information

Catalogue No: C0994
Category: General Purpose
Object Type: Test Equipment
Object Name: Vibration Recorder
Part No: KSS1
Serial No: Nr16
Manufacturer: Deutsche Versuchsanstalt für Luftfahrt (DVL)
Division: Unknown
Platform(s):
Year of Manufacture: Unknown
Dimensions: Width (mm): 190
Height (mm): 120
Depth (mm): 150
Weight (g): 1,840
Location: Rack RAA07 [Main Store]
Inscription(s):

DVL
Deutsche Versuchsanstalt
für Luft E.V.
Berlin-Adlershot.
--------------------------------
Oben:
Vertikale Schwingrichtung
--------------------------------
Oben:
Horizontale Schwingrichtung

Notes:

DVL = Deutsche Versuchsanstalt für Luftfahrt =
German Laboratory for Aviation

Oben: Vertikale Schwingrichtung =
Top: Vertical Oscillation Direction

Oben: Horizontale Schwingrichtung =
Top: Horizontal Oscillation Direction

This is a strange item. It has a pendulum and a 16mm film transport inside with a film marker attached to the pendulum.

It can be used horizontally, vertically or any angle in between, depending on the torque adjustment at the centre or the spiral spring. The special tool allows the central locking screw to be released whilst simultaneously allowing the spring centre to be rotated via the two pins on the adjusting ring until the pendulum is at its mid-position; the spring central locking screw can then be re-tightened.

The pendulum bob is magnetic and straddles an aluminium plate that provides eddy current damping of the pendulum's motion. To prevent damage in transit, the pendulum can be locked mid-swing by inserting a locking pin inserted through holes in the pendulum arm and the frame members either side of the arm.

It could be for measuring vibrations in an air vehicle although a website has one used for vibration testing of bell towers!

The Company had worked with DLR (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt German Aerospace Center) on aircraft Helmet Mounted Displays so enquiries were made at DLR and the "Deutsches Museum" but unfortunately they have no idea on its origin. It was definitely used to record vibrations, but the application remains a mystery. The "Deutsches Museum" suspect, that it is rather old (maybe WW2 era) and might have been in use way past 1955.

The item was acquired at a New Year dinner party and had been given to the hostess' Grandfather. Her Grandfather had been a plastics engineer which makes it even more odd!

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