When this AVOMETER was being utilised in the early 1950's it was at the "leading" edge of electrical measuring instrumentation.The first meter was produced by Automatic Coil Winder and Electrical Equipment Co. in 1923. This model was produced in the time from 1933 to 1951 when it was superseded by the most popular model, Model 8 (1951 to 2008).This AVO meter brought the measuring of three electrical power indicators i.e., amps, volts and ohms into one measuring unit. By using a "one fits all" unit, the carrying of separate measuring devices was reduced considerably. The need for a mountainous and a large area of operational requirements, such as the SEC Vic Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme, to minimise the weight of equipment carried by electricians and technicians was of the utmost relevance. The significance of this meter to the Kiewa Valley region relates to the impact of modern technology (at that time) upon a mainly rural environment. This equipment shows how the boost of "modern" equipment into the area because of the "Hydro Scheme" was facilitated a lot faster than would have taken under "normal" evolutionary time. The speed of information on all "new technology" had a relatively slow assimilation rate to those living in rural communities. This AVOMETER is a Model 7 MKII, production pre 1951. This meter measures electrical Amps, Volts and Ohms and has two internal batteries for its power. The main casing is made from aluminium with a bake-lite front. The front has a "window" detailing, with a needle pointer, the amount of electrical power being tested. There are two big dial switches, detailing Direct Current(DC) and Alternating Current(AC) when reading measurements of Ampere, Voltage and Ohms for power. This meter took the place of three or four meters used earlier. Modern meters (2000 onwards) have become digilised and are considerably lighter in weight and smaller. There are two electrical connection leads (one black and one red) each has a removable clasp and is 125cm long.Molded on the front centre panel " UNIVERSAL AVOMETER". Below this and above the left hand dial "D.C. SWITCH" .Above the right hand switch the right "A.C. SWITCH". On the left of each switch is an arrow pointing to it.The left switch is marked with a "+" and the right one with a "-". There is a "divisional 2" mark. Between and below the dials is "CUT OUT" plunger.electrical meters, electrical equipment, sec vic., state electricity commission of victoria, mt beauty, bogong village

When this AVOMETER leather case was being utilised in the early 1950's it contained the "leading" edge of electrical measuring instrumentation.The first meter was produced by Automatic Coil Winder and Electrical Equipment Co. in 1923. This model was produced in the time from 1933 to 1951 when it was superseded by the most popular model, Model 8 (1951 to 2008).This leather case which holds its AVO Meter brought the measuring of three electrical power indicators i.e., amps, volts and ohms into one measuring unit. By using a "one fits all" unit, the carrying of separate measuring devices was reduced considerably. The need for a mountainous and a large area of operational requirements, such as the SEC Vic Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme, to minimise the weight of equipment carried by electricians and technicians was of the utmost relevance. The significance of this meter to the Kiewa Valley region relates to the impact of modern technology (at that time) upon a mainly rural environment. This equipment shows how the boost of "modern" equipment into the area because of the "Hydro Scheme" was facilitated a lot faster than would have taken under "normal" evolutionary time. The speed of information on all "new technology" had a relatively slow assimilation rate to those living in rural communities. The use of solid leather carrying bags for transporting equipment up and down the mountains provided some form of protection against bumps and dust.This carry case for its AVO meter has an outer leather covering with an inner thick cardboard liner. The case has two mild steel buckles but stitched onto one side but no lid to fasten down. The sides are stitched together with strong tick twine. On either side there are small strap holds. On the bottom are four large chromed metal lugs acting as feet to keep the bottom from lying flat on any floor. The outside bottom has been branded "SOLID COWHIDE"Between the front two buckles is a identification plate riveted onto the cowhide "STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION OF VICTORIA ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING SECTION"electrical meters, electrical equipment, sec vic., state electricity commission of victoria, mount beauty, bogong village

Megger as the device was called, is in fact its brand name. It is a device that supplies a DC (direct current as per car batteries) voltage to enable testing of electrical apparatus. This particular device produces 250volts DC when the handle is turned vigorously. If an electrical device, such as a kettle or toaster, blew a fuse or tripped a circuit breaker, when switched on, then it must be checked electrically before any more use. Following the repair of the faulty item a megger would be used to check if either of the AC 240volt plugs leads were touching the metal case (earth). The output leads of the megger would be connected with one to the earth (metal case) and the other to each of the power connections in turn. A good megger reading of 50,000 ohms (resistance) would enable the device to be returned to service. A reading of zero ohms resistance would mean that it would again blow a fuse, and was therefore unsafe to use. In the electrical industry e.g. the former State Electricity Commission, a megger would be used to test lots of similar item in sequence. Because of the vigorous job of winding the handle, two persons were often used to save time. One would crank madly whilst the other shifted the leads. This particular megger is of a small voltage, but other meggers are bigger and have a few ranges of DC voltages able to be selected. The optimal megger for large Generating machines was motor driven megger. This was applied to the device being tested for a duration of approximately 30 minutes with reading of the resistance taken at regular intervals.All equipment belonging to the State Electricity Commission of Victoria was labelled with a metal plaque attached to it. The SECV constructed the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme in the Upper Kiewa Valley and on the Bogong High Plains. The scheme began in 1938 and finished in 1961 when this megger was used and also possibly later as the SECV remained to maintain and operate the Scheme. This megger is of significance in relation to the advancement of technology.A rectangular box in dark brown bakerlite casing. It has an agent's plaque fixed to the left of the face and on the right is the marker's recessed stamp. In the middle in a transparent window so the level of ohms can be read. The front also has two recessed fixing knobs in black. On one side is a crank handle with a knob that lifts up and is turned vigorously to create the voltage. The back has four recessed screws and four small leather pads. There is a hole on each side to insert wires. There are two copper insulated wires. The SECV Plaque states: State/Electricity Commission/of/Victoria/ Electrical Engineer's Section/ No.1747 The Agent's Plaque states: H. Rowe & Co. Pty Ltd/Melbourne & Sydney/Sole Agents/in Australia for/Evershed & Vignoles Ltd Maker's states: 500 volts/Megger/Regd Trade Mark/Made in England/Patent No/400728electrical meters, electrical equipment, fuses, safety, state electricity commission of victoria, mt beauty, bogong village

Possibly has a strong association with the Ballarat depot and the equipment used there.Electrical Current or Amp Meter mounted onto a piece of timber. Meter has the current marked in Amps from 0 to 15. No manufacturer or use details known, would have been collected from the depot. Could have been used for the grinder or wheel lathe. Wood block has four mounting holes, bevelled edges and opening for cables on the lower edge. White meter face, has a marked reading of 6Amps. Rest of the meter is generally painted black except for the bottom and rear of the timber which is unpainted. trams, tramways, depot, meters, electrical equipment

Published for the staff of the SEC, features the Kiewa Valley transmission line, North East towns and workers, industry, Bendigo Tram's Golden Jubilee, (AETA Visit, Mr George Laurens, Doug Dean, Tom Lynch and Basil Miller), electrical safety, meter reading in the country, sports, electric cooking, and sports section. In the retirements were Mr P Pithie, Senior Traffic Inspector Geelong, Mr V Pipps Depot Foreman Geelong and Mr S Watson, Geelong Senior depot clerk. On the inside cover are photos of the package power stations being installed at Geelong, Ballarat (Ballarat B) and Mildura.Demonstrates a SECV Staff magazine.Magazine, 36 pages, black and white production, centre stapled.Has RHSV stamp on the cover and "Case ViiiA" in inktramways, geelong, secv, retirements, ballarat b power station, power stations, bendigo

This transformer lamp system, which has a dial to transform 240 volts to a minimum of 32 volts was used by electrical technicians to inspect internal parts of the large generators (even in small confined spaces). The reason for the reduction of the 240 volts to the 32 volts was for the safety of the inspector. The SEC Victoria Hydro Scheme's electrical generators are powered by the hydro force of "stored" water at a higher altitude. The establishment of both the NSW and Victorian Hydro schemes was achieved from the mid 1900's to the 1960's. At this the point in time the need for additional power sources to quench both an industrial and domestic demand for electricity was purely an economic and not and environmental (carbon reduction) factor. This hydro scheme was instigated by "the Government of the day" as a bold move and was the major force of the World War II refugee and "technical" workforce inclusion of skilled and unskilled migration into the Australian environment. Although this mass "invasion" of workers with families was thought of in some circles as intrusive, the expansion of population post war years and its integration into the Australian rural sector, produced the multi- lingual multi-cultural diversity of later years.This transformer lamp is very significant to the Kiewa Valley as it was introduced as a very small part of the explosion of human resources into the valley. This influx of population transformed the region from that of a basically quiet rural region to one which evolved into both industrial and larger residential community. This evolution in the valley created a change, not only in the "physical" landscape but also the socio-economic expansion which permitted other "tourist" based industries into the valley. This is also a specific electronic item which was manufactured in Melbourne and not sourced from Europe or Asia. This demonstrates the fast evolution of Australian technology to a high standard compatible to that of the rest of the world.This heavy hand held electrical transformer (transforms 240 volts to 32 Volts) an has one leather handle on the top with three small (gauze filtered) air holes. It also has two 2 pin directional cable distribution (clipsal) in/out points 10amps / 240 volts. There is one glassed in volts/ac meter and one variable switch (180 to 150 voltage in settings of 10 volt increments.There are two vents (one on each of the smaller sides). There is also one three pin electrical lead coming out from the top.On one side is a manufacturer's plaque with "ELECTRONIC A & R EQUIPMENT MELBOURNE" and underneath "TYPE 1719, PRI V. 180 250" underneath "V.A. 1250" underneath "CYC 50" underneath "SEC V. 115" underneath "SEC A. 10 . 8". The label on topside "CAUTION SET SWITCH TO 250 v BEFORE CONNECTING TO MAINS THEN, WITH EQUIPMENT OPERATING, SET METER TO RED LINE.kiewa hydro electricity scheme, victorian state electricity commission, transformers

This milli-volt meter was manufactured after 1950 and used by the SEC Vic (Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme) from that date until late 1900's. It was used to measure very small voltages associated with the operation of the various Hydro Generators. The readings were able to be shown by the resistor in use in the current circuit. During this time period, high quality testing instruments were either sourced from Europe or England.This milli-volt meter is very significant to the Kiewa Valley as it was used by those electrical technicians, who were part of the Kiewa Hydro Scheme. An "off spin" from the Scheme was the beginning of an explosion in "human" resources into the Kiewa Valley. This influx of population transformed the region from that of a basically quiet rural region to one which evolved into both industrial and larger residential community. This evolution in the Kiewa Valley created a change, not only in the "physical" landscape(better roads and infrastructure), but also the socio-economic growth within the Valley allowing other "tourist" based industries to expand within the valley and Alpine areas.This millivolts DC meter was used in the 1950's. It is contained in a wooden box and has two coloured (red/black, positive and negative) screw tight knobs which have bake-lite connections. It also has a covered (black tin) view meter marked from zero to 10 millivolts. Underneath this and within a round bake-lite is a small adjustment screw. The top of the box is fastened onto the main structure by six brass screws. The back of the structure is fastened by eight brass screws and there are four small bake-lite rest knobs.On the face of the millivolt compartment , and at the top "TO BE USED WITH DIAL HORIZONTAL TEMP. COEF. +- .08 % PER oC. Underneath the scale "MILLIVOLTS D.C. F.G." (LEAD RESIS. .05 OHMS)" underneath and to the left "MADE IN ENGLAND BY" "EVERSHED & VIGNOLES Ltd" and to the right "No. 857842" underneath Regd. TRADE MARK MEGGERkiewa valley tourism, victorian alps, alternate energy supplies, alpine population growth

This general purpose Multi-meter was manufactured after 1950 and used by the SEC Vic (Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme) from that date until late 1900's. It was used to measure very small voltages associated with the operation of the various Hydro Generators. The readings were able to be shown by the resistor in use in the current circuit. During this time period, high quality testing instruments were either sourced from Europe or England. This particular meter was manufactured in the Netherlands. This type of "old" analogue meter was replaced by digital meters whose electronic components are a fraction of the size of the older analogue ones.This analog General Purpose multi-meter is quite a large (for handheld mobile) apparatus which permits the easy monitoring of electrical variations within the large SEC Victoria Hydro Scheme's electrical generators. These generators are powered by the hydro force of "stored" water at a higher altitude. The establishment of both the NSW and Victorian Hydro schemes was achieved from the mid 1900's to the 1960's. At this point in time the need for additional power sources to quench both an industrial and domestic demand for electricity was purely an economic and not and environmental (carbon reduction) factor. This hydro scheme was instigated by "the Government of the day" as a bold move and was the major force of the World War II refugee and "technical" workforce inclusion of skilled and unskilled migration into the Australian environment. Although this mass "invasion" of workers with families was thought of in some circles as intrusive, the expansion of population post war years and its integration into the Australian rural sector, produced the multi- lingual multi-cultural diversity of later years.This General Purpose Multimeter is an analogue meter i.e. it has a needle arm that moves across a scale of divisions. This is a large(hand held) device due to the mechanical movement system within and the large size of its electronic components of its circuitry.There are two black bake-lite push buttons operating the wire inserts Positive/negative leads at the top. The meter (protected with a glass window) has clearly marked graduations (top - volts, bottom amperes). Below this are two bake-lite dials (left "potentiometer the right one measuring range selector). Below this is a "dial" switch to input the desired resistance measuring range "V" Front "H&B ELIMA" and to the right Elavi 15n. 0n the front side is a label "STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION OF VICTORIA TRANSMISSION DEPT E.C.No." On the bottom of the base is a stenciled layout of the battery "layout" including the fuse . The information notice is presented in five languages starting with German, English,French, Italian, Spanish and Dutchsec vic kiewa hydro scheme, alternate energy supplies, alpine population growth

This leather case holder for a general purpose Multi-meter( KVHS 0307 (A)) was manufactured after 1950 and used by the SEC Vic (Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme) from that date until late 1900's. It was used to measure very small voltages associated with the operation of the various Hydro Generators. The readings were able to be shown by the resistor in use in the current circuit. During this time period, high quality testing instruments were either sourced from Europe or England. This particular carry case was manufactured in the Netherlands. This carry case for an analog General Purpose multi-meter which is quite a large (for a handheld mobile) apparatus.The bag however permits the easy monitoring of electrical variations within the large SEC Victoria Hydro Scheme's electrical generators. These generators are powered by the hydro force of "stored" water at a higher altitude. The establishment of both the NSW and Victorian Hydro schemes was achieved from the mid 1900's to the 1960's. At this point in time the need for additional power sources to quench both an industrial and domestic demand for electricity was purely an economic and not and environmental (carbon reduction) factor. This hydro scheme was instigated by "the Government of the day" as a bold move and was the major force of the World War II refugee and "technical" workforce inclusion of skilled and unskilled migration into the Australian environment. Although this mass "invasion" of workers with families was thought of in some circles as intrusive, the expansion of population post war years and its integration into the Australian rural sector, produced the multi- lingual multi-cultural diversity of later years.This leather case is to provide protection for this mobile G.P. Multimeter, therefore it is made from thick leather. It has a carrying strap from a thick "D" chromed link. This link is fastened to the main cover by a looped leather strip with a black coloured rivet. All the fasteners are either chrome or black coloured rivets. The front, which when opened back exposes fully the inside of the case. It is clip fastened to the lower section of the front piece which also can be pushed back allowing the meter to be removed from the frontal position. There is a strip retaining strap slightly higher from the mid point. This is fasted by a black press stud. There are two "L" shaped tin protrusions allowing the meter to slide only down the case until it rests on these shelves. This provides for an empty space for minimal storage,.On the front bottom and below the clasp is a tag "STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION OF VICTORIA TRANSMISSION DEPT."sec vic kiewa hydro scheme, alternate energy supplies, alpine population growth

This protection relay apparatus (a large electrical fuse), which permits the easy monitoring and disconnection of faulty electrical apparatus connected to the large SEC Victoria Hydro Scheme's electrical power producing generators. These generators are powered by the hydro force of "stored" water at a higher altitude. The establishment of both the NSW and Victorian Hydro Schemes was achieved from the early 1900's to the 1960's. At this point in time the need for additional power sources to quench both an industrial and domestic demand for electricity was purely an economic and not and environmental (carbon reduction) factor. This hydro scheme was instigated by "the Government of the day" as a bold move and was the major force of the World War II refugee and "technical" workforce inclusion of skilled and unskilled migration into the Australian environment. Although this mass "invasion" of workers with families was thought of in some circles as intrusive, the expansion of population post war years and its integration into the Australian rural sector, produced the multi- lingual multi-cultural diversity of later years.This protection relay is very significant to the Kiewa Valley as its use was introduced during the Kiewa Hydro Scheme. Although only a small apparatus it was part of the explosion of human resources into the valley. This influx of population transformed the region from that of a basically quiet rural region to one which evolved into both an industrial and a larger residential community. This evolution in the valley created a change, not only in the "physical" landscape but also the socio-economic expansion which permitted other "tourist" based industries into the valley.This protection relay unit has a black painted metal shell with four copper enclosed "prongs" fastened to the rear of the housing(from a bake-lite plate) . Between these "prongs" are four "empty" points allowing additional "screw on" bases. The front glass enclosed meter and recorder allows for the identification and automatic disconnection of any faulty equipment connected to the main power generator. This equipment acts similarly to a modern day circuit breaker found on the electrical circuit boards of residential homes.On the top section of the front panel "ASEA" to the left "Made in Sweden" and to the right "Frabrique en Suede" below this "RIS" below this a graph and next to it two columns of numbers and a pointer for each setkiewa hydro electricity scheme, victorian state electricity commission, relays, generators

This tester was used between 1950 and 1980's. As part of the Occupation, Health and Safety requirements, equipment used to monitor the performance of electricity producing generators, regularly, hand held testers were used to check the insulation and the "earth" pin were up the the required operational levels. As the generators and their ancillary monitoring equipment was spread over a large area and cumbersome to service small hand held devices were required. These had to always be safe for the user to operate. A selected range of high quality meters were recalibrated every two years in the Meter and Calibration Laboratory at Yarraville(near Melbourne) This meter is very significant to The Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme because it was an integral part of maintaining the electricity producing water driven generators of the power stations. The reason why this meter was so essential is that provided the safety check on equipment used to monitor each Hydro Generator that they were complying within the grid network parameters. Grid parameters are set so that if there is an electrical fault on the system, that fault can be attended to with a very small change in the output stability of each generator. It is essential that the voltage of the network remain within the set limits. Generators are at Dartmouth, Mackay, Clover, West Kiewa, Yarrawonga, Cain Curran and three Power Stations in the Thornton area.This hand driven current generator produces 500 volts by winding the handle(on funnel curved side) to keep the voltage constant(one minute per test). The whole body is made from caste aluminium. One of the functions of this meter is to test the isolation resistance of any equipment being tested. This is to see if that equipment is safe to handle(no electrical shocks). The second function is to test the earth pin of any portable electrical equipment. The turn key on one side can direct which function is required(marked insulation or continuity). On the top side(enclosed in a glass fronted marked scale) is a continuity scale(top) and an insulation scale(bottom). This is covered , when not in use by "flip up" lid with manufacturer's details and name of the instrument. Opposite the winder are two screw tight knobs. One marked earth(left side) and one marked line(right side). On the top and next to the glass windowed scales in a post manufacture SEC Vic equipment equipment ID number. For carrying purposes there is chromed steel (fold together) handle.The bottom of the unit has two metal "feet" 150mm long by 114mm wideManufacturer's details on top side "MEG" underneath "INSULATION AND CONTINUITY TESTER" below this "constant 500 VOLT pressure" below this "REGISTERED MEG MEGGER TRADE MARK" below this "REG DESIGN NO. 690326" below this "UNITED KINGDOM PATENT Nos. 193746, 197178, 198182, 202062, 202398, 204649, 350715" below this "SUPPLIED BY THE GENERAL ELECTRIC Co. Ltd OF ENGLAND" below this "MAGNET HOUSE, KINGSWAY LONDON W.C.2" 'sec vic kiewa hydro scheme, alternate energy supplies, alpine feasibility studies temperature, rainfall

This case was used between 1950 and 1980's. As part of the Occupation, Health and Safety requirements, equipment used to monitor the performance of electricity producing generators, regularly, hand held testers were used to check the insulation and the "earth" pin were up the the required operational levels. As the generators and their ancillary monitoring equipment was spread over a large area and cumbersome to service small hand held devices were required. These had to always be safe for the user to operate. A selected range of high quality meters were recalibrated every two years in the Meter and Calibration Laboratory at Yarraville(near Melbourne)This leather case contains a meter which is very significant to The Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme because it was an integral part of maintaining the electricity producing water driven generators of the power stations. The reason why this meter was so essential is that provided the safety check on equipment used to monitor each Hydro Generator that they were complying within the grid network parameters. Grid parameters are set so that if there is an electrical fault on the system, that fault can be attended to with a very small change in the output stability of each generator. It is essential that the voltage of the network remain within the set limits. Generators are at Dartmouth, Mackay, Clover, West Kiewa, Yarrawonga, Cain Curran and three Power Stations in the Thornton area.This carry case is made from leather hide and cloth covered cardboard insert. The front side has a lockable English made suitcase fitting. It has a broken carry strap (leather) travelling from top and through leather strap holders both sides and on the bottom of the case. A State Electricity Commission of Victoria identification tag riveted onto the top lid "ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING SECTION No. 1483"sec vic kiewa hydro scheme, alternate energy supplies, alpine located electricity generators, mobile measuring equipment

Would have been used by staff and students of electrical Engineering at the School of Mines, Lydiard St. campus up until the start of the Mount Helen campus E building third floor. The meter would have had limited use in classes until 2009. This Wattmeter became part of the historical collection in 2011 after the movement of Engineering out of the E building. In working condition and a good example of early 20th century electrical instruments.A polished natural timber case with partial flip top lid and leather carry handle, housing a single phase AC Wattmeter, rated at 170 volts , 30 amps Scale 0 to 5 kilowatt. Serial no :210088Schematic diagram on inside lid showing how to connect the Wattmeter to measure a 3 phase balanced load. Paper sticker on top "1/92" Information for voltage and current ranges painted with white paint on left hand side by Voltage terminals Voltage terminals labelled A and N Also white on black "W8" on same surface Aluminium plate "67" on right hand side near current terminals which are engraved To A and Ti A to indicate current flow direction Aluminium sticker with Ballarat CAE Electrical Engineering by carry handleeverett instruments, single phase, wattmeter, electrical, scientific instruments

The test rig is contained in a metal frame with sloping front panel that contains the indicator and number seting knobs. A pespex lift-up lid coves numerous valve sockets and a set of coding wheels. Both sides and back covered with pespex. Metal surfaces panted hammerton grey. abbreviated working instructions and AVO Valve data manual.Serial Number 1961scientific instrument, ballarat school of mines, valve characteristic meter

Item looks to have been adapted for bench top use Sindanyo high temperature insulation boards are manufactured from cement based products, reinforced with selected fibres. They have been specifically designed to provide excellent service under demanding thermal and electrical applications. Sindanyo is a non-asbestos, non-combustible product that is easily machined. This insulation board is a popular option when a high quality, strong and rigid material is required.400/500 Volt, 5 amp, 50 Hz 3-phase balanced load. Circular scale with lead and lag markings and graduations. The 22cm diameter meter rear-mounted to black sindanyo board, supported by wood brackets on wood base. Five terminal posts on panel below meter. Wire connections at rear. No maker's name Patent Number: 162471/20 Serial Number 263475scientific instruments, power factor maker, lead and lag markings, terminal posts, power factor meter, wire connections, sindanyo board, non-combustible, insulation, electrical applications

The item has come from the Ballarat School of Mines. It was possibly made at the school to demonstrate class processes - science and physics.Wooden box with Federal 240 volt meter and 3 fuse plugs. Appropriate wiring Federal on meterelectrical, fuses, ballarat school of mines, science, physics, demonstrate

This is a three phase meter meaning it may have been used at the Ballarat School of Mines or a commercial building. Homes are only one phase meters. It would have been attached to the wall - possibly within a box. The rods on the bottom would be the securing points - these are removable.Black base on 6 long screw in rods - removable. These used to attach meter to wall or box. Glass sides (longer sides missing) Three phase watt-hour meterBlack plate on front with full details and makers information.three phase meter, polyphase meter, metropolitan vickers, united kingdom, commercial use, screw-in rods

Used to teach physics students - introduction to principles of electric powerA teaching / demonstration model with large scale and transparent panels. Polished wood frameBlack tape on front panel - "PHYSICS"scientific instrument, physics, electric power, voltmeter, ammeter

Originally used in the Electrical Engineering Department at the Ballarat College of Advanced Education.Light coloured wood box with hinged lid. Metal brackets for carrying handle strap - missing. Inside, wooden section with sliding knob. This is the sliding contact for metal bars underneath.Diagram on blue paper attache to inside of lid. Stencilled on front "P1 4". On DYMO tape of side of box "USE WITH FREQ METER". Aluminium sticker on lid - "BALLARAT C.A.E." Scratched beneath this "ELEC / ENG DPT" electrical engineering, ballarat college of advanced education, electrical instrument, sliding resistance, scientific instruments

Was one fuse in the fuse box of the house at 4 Wirilda Close, Belgrave South. When the fuses were replaced by a "smart meter" in 2016, it was kept and donated to the Historical Society.Ceramic fuse with brass conductor screws. Remains of blown copper wire. Signs of blackening around the wire hole.250 V Federal 15A-AC1fuses, electrical accessory

.1 - Book - 56 pages + grey covers, side stapled, issued by the Australian Commonwealth Engineering Standards Association, Tentative Australian Standard - "Electrical Performance of Large Electric Generators and Motors - Continuous Maximum Rating" - C36-1927, May 1927 with a green label dated September 1932 advised that the tentative standard has been endorsed as a Standard with amendment. .2 - Book - 48 pages + grey covers, side stapled, issued by the Australian Commonwealth Engineering Standards Association, Tentative Australian Standard - "Electrical Performance of Alternators of the Steam Driven Type" - C38-1927 - December 1927 with a green label dated September 1932 advised that the tentative standard has been endorsed as a Standard with amendment. .3 - Book - 32 pages + grey covers, side stapled, issued by the Australian Commonwealth Engineering Standards Association, Tentative Australian Standard - "Electricity Meters" C39-1927, August 1927. .4 - Book - 28 pages + grey covers, side stapled, issued by the Australian Commonwealth Engineering Standards Association, Tentative Australian Standard - "Pressboard for Electrical Purposes" - C40-1927, January 1927. .5 - Book - 24 pages + grey covers, side stapled, issued by the Australian Commonwealth Engineering Standards Association, Tentative Australian Standard - "Hard Drawn copper stranded circular conductors for overhead power transmission purposes" C41-1930, August 1927, with a green label dated October 1932 advised that the tentative standard has been endorsed as a Standard with amendment. .6 - Book - 48 pages + grey covers, side stapled, issued by the Australian Commonwealth Engineering Standards Association, Tentative Australian Standard "for Indicating Ammeters, Voltmeters, wattmeters, frequency and power factor meters" - C42-1927 - December 1927, with a green label dated October 1932 advised that the tentative standard has been endorsed as a Standard with amendment. .7 - Book - 32 pages + grey covers, side stapled, issued by the Australian Commonwealth Engineering Standards Association, Tentative Australian Standard - "Instrument Transformers" - C45-1928, June 1928. .8 - Book - 28 pages + grey covers, side stapled, issued by the Australian Commonwealth Engineering Standards Association, Australian Standard "Liquid Starters for Electric Motors" C46-1927, December 1927. .9 - Book - 20 pages + grey covers, side stapled, issued by the Australian Commonwealth Engineering Standards Association, Australian Standard "Star Delta switch starters for Electric Motors" C47-1927, December 1927. .10 - Book - 24 pages + grey covers, side stapled, issued by the Australian Commonwealth Engineering Standards Association, Australian Standard "Multiple switch starters for Electric Motors" C48-1927, December 1927. On top right hand corner has the date stamp of the "The Electric Supply Co. of Victoria Ltd Ballarat" trams, tramways, power station, standards, materials, electrical systems

Bushfire behaviour is influenced by many things including temperature, relative humidity, forest type, fuel quantity and fuel dryness, topography and even slope. Wind has a dominant effect on the Rate of Spread (ROS), and also bushfire size, shape and direction. Fuel arrangement is as important as fuel quantity (tonnes/ha). Fibrous and ribbon bark, together with elevated and near-surface scrub fuels act as ladders which lead flames into the tree canopy. But the availability of fuel to burn depends largely on its moisture content. When it exceeds 20-25% not much will burn, whereas 12-15% is generally ideal for fuel reduction burning, but if the moisture content drops as low as 7-10% virtually everything will ignite, and fire behaviour becomes extreme. During the afternoon of the Ash Wednesday bushfires on 16 February 1983 fuel moisture contents were recorded at Stawell as low as 2.7%. Fine fuels like leaves and bark can rapidly absorb moisture after a shower of rain, or from the air when the Relative Humidity (RH) is high, and the temperature is low. Conversely, they can also dry out very quickly. So even though the overall fuel quantity in the forest doesn’t change, the fine fuel availability can increase rapidly from zero after rain to many tonnes per hectare as the fuel dries out. This can happen over a few hours on hot and windy days. Heavy fuels like logs on the ground take longer to dry out. Since the 1930s foresters, firefighters and researchers have been working to develop quick and reliable techniques for measuring fuel moisture content. One of the most accurate methods is slowly drying a sample of fuel in a conventional oven for 24-48 hours to remove all the moisture and measuring the weight difference, but this takes time and is not practical in the field when rapid measurements are needed. But oven drying is often used as a benchmark to compare other methods. Microwave ovens are faster but can cause uneven drying and even char the fuel. They are also not very practical for use in the field. Some mathematical models rely on weather records such as rainfall, wind speed, evaporation, cloud cover, shading, relative humidity, slope, aspect and season of the year to predict soil and fuel moisture. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index of soil dryness is the most common. But complex fuels with leaves, twigs, grass etc make the predictive models often inadequate for fine fuels. The most common technique in Victorian forests until recently was the trusty Speedy Moisture Meter. Originally developed in England during the 1920s for measuring moisture in wheat and other grains it was adapted for Australian forest fuels in the 1950s (I think). Fuel was first ground using a Spong mincer, often attached to the bullbar of a vehicle, and a small sample placed into the Speedy together with a measure of calcium carbide and then sealed. A chemical reaction created gas pressure which was read on the external dial. There were important techniques with cleaning, mincing and using the chemicals with the Speedy to give reliable readings, but it was quick, inexpensive, robust, portable and practical in the field. It was used routinely before igniting a fuel reduction burn or measuring fuel moisture differentials on slash burns. But in about 1996, Karen Chatto and Kevin Tolhurst from the Department’s Creswick Research Station developed the Wiltronics Fuel Moisture meter which measured electrical resistance. Wiltronics is an Australian owned company operating from Ballarat. The final result was a kit that was portable, accurate and could reliably measure fuel moisture contents between 3% and 200%. Although expensive, it is now widely used by fire agencies around the world which has virtually relegated the Speedy to the back cupboard.Prototype Fuel moisture meterT-H Fine Fuel Meterforests commission victoria (fcv), bushfire, forest measurement

The most common technique to measure fuel moisture content in Victorian forests until recently was the Speedy Moisture Meter - which is essentially a pressure cylinder. Originally developed in England during the 1920s for measuring moisture in wheat and other grains it was adapted for Australian forest fuels in the 1950s. Fuel was first ground using a Spong domestic food mincer, often attached to the bullbar of a vehicle, and a small measured (using the beam balance) sample placed into the Speedy together with a measured amount of calcium carbide and then sealed. The chemical reaction between the moisture in the fuel and the calcium carbide created acetylene gas; the pressure of which was read on the external dial which gave the read-out as the moisture content (percentage of net weight) of the sample. There were important techniques with preparing the minced samples, using the chemical and the subsequent cleaning of the Speedy to give reliable readings, but it was quick, inexpensive, robust, portable and practical in the field - it gave readings which were reproducible to within +/- 0.5% moisture content. It was used routinely before igniting a fuel reduction burn or measuring fuel moisture differentials on slash burns. In about 1996, Karen Chatto and Kevin Tolhurst from the Department’s Creswick Research Station developed the Wiltronics Fuel Moisture meter which measured electrical resistance.First reliable tool for measuring bushfire fuel moisture content in the fieldSpeedy Moisture Meter in wooden boxmanufacture's marks and instructions on usebushfire, forests commission victoria (fcv)