Showing 99 items matching electronics
-
Moorabbin Air Museum
Manual (Series) - Aviation technician training manuals - Ansett, Aviation Technical Training Course - Aircraft Wheels,Brakes & Antiskid Systems ; Basic Electronics & Radio Installation; Aircraft Ignition & Electrial Power Systems
Ansett Technical TraningVarious technical topics for training purposes621BAS Cop;y 3Overview of aircraft wheels, brakes , anti skid systems ; basic electronics & radio installation;aircraft ignition /electrical power systems -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Manual, Department of Defense Standard Practice: Joint Electronics Type Designation System, 1985
This is a photocopy of the manualunited states department of defence, technical manual -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Instrument - Realia, Sound signal generator bwd electronics. Audio Oscillator, 1960's
Used to generate audio signal for scientific experimentation and testing. Used with students to test hearing frequency range.Grey Boxed Instrument with dials on frontModel 190 bdw Instruments Pty Ltd Melbourne Australiascience, education -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Pleasant Creek Special School, Grampians Real Estate (Jim Redman & Bob Heslop), Unknown Occupant, AML & F Stockand Station Agent, Napier Electronics (Murray Spencer), Gents Hairdresser (Bert Howland) Nov 1975, Nov 1975
Photographs taken by teacher at Pleasant Creek Training Centre to help train students in living skills and becoming familiar with what shops sold. Part of socializing students for leaving the training centre.Main Street Stawell. Showing shops and businesses in Main Street. education, shops, main street, streetscape -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - Black and white photograph, Electronic Engineering Laboratory, 27/01/2004
Students working in the elctrical/electronics Engineering laboratories. .1) Two male person with test equipment .2) Four males with test equipment .3) Two males discussing a test setup .4) One male at a test bench .5) Four people in an electronics laboratoryelectrical engineering, laboratory, electronics, ray martin, j. kavanagh -
The Ed Muirhead Physics Museum
Photograph, Cyclotron accelerator
Builit in 1950s and used till the mid 1970s within the Physics Department used in Melbourne. John Rouse and David Caro was involved in the construction.Black and white photo of cyclotron (nuclear physics accelerator). Eric Coverdale at work on PDP 9 computer and experimental electronics. Sticky typed labels on back from top and left to right: “PDP 9 COMPUTER & EXPERIMENTAL ELECTRONICS” Handwritten in back bottom left hand corner in pencil: “18” Handwritten on back bottom edge in pen: “Eric Coverdale”, “Shielded room” -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Manual (item) - GAF Collection - Cross Reference Page Index For M4 Pattern 104 Pattern 104 Double Density Connector Manual
A.B. electronics Components Ltd -
The Ed Muirhead Physics Museum
Tube, Neutron counter
Boron Triflouride neutron proportional counter. Long glass tube covered in black enamelCello taped label: “20th Century Electronics” “Type G.60 Operate at 1250 Volts No. KK854” “Made in England” -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Book (Item) - Aircraft Indentification 1940/45
Description: Electronics 1945 AAP: Date: 1979 Amended to AL Publisher: Pages: 150 Binding: Content/Keywords: Level of Importance: . -
Deaf Children Australia
Calaid Hearing Aid, National Acoustic Laboratories, 1955-mid 1970's
The first commercial digital hearing aid was created in 1987 by the Nicolet Corporation. The hearing aid contained a body-worn processor that had a hardwire connection with an ear mounted transducer. While the Nicolet Corporation’s hearing aid was not publicly successful and the company shortly folded, it was able to start a competition between companies to create more effective hearing aids. Two years later, in 1989, the behind-the-ear (BTE) digital hearing aid was launched. In addition to the Nicolet Corporation, Bell Laboratories expanded upon the hearing aid business by developing a hybrid digital-analog hearing aid. When the hearing aid was put on in the market, it was instantaneously successful. This development helped bring major changes to the world of the hearing aid. The next major milestone was creating an all-digital hearing aid. The Oticon Company developed the first digital hearing aid in 1995, but it was only distributed to audiological research centers for research on digital technology in the realm of acoustic amplification. The Senso was the first commercially successful, all-digital hearing aid, and was created by Widex in 1996. After the success of the Senso, Oticon began marketing their own hearing aid, the DigiFocus. Presently, the digital hearing aid is now become programmable. By making the hearing aid programmable, it has allowed hearing aids to be capable of regulating sound on their own, without using a separate control. The hearing aid can now adjust itself depending on what environment it is in and often does not even need a physical volume control button. Square, silver metal hearing aid with electronics and AA battery compartments. Has an ear piece and ear mould attached by wire, with a volume adjustment. A body level type, probably a CALAID T manufacture from 1955 to the 70's. On front "C OF A/CALAID/108499" deaf children australia, hearing aid, calaid, commonwealth of australia -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Manual (Item) - Overhaul & Repair Manual For Wirraway
Description: 44 pages. Published by Delco Electronics. Published May 1977. Carousel Navigation System Pilot's Guide. Level of Importance: World. -
Kilmore Historical Society
Photograph, 27 Sydney Street, 06/06/1996
Was the building which housed the State Bank before it moved to 40 Sydney Street.15cm x 10cm colour photograph of the building 27 Sydney Street. Double story building with the bottom floor in a red render and the rest of the building in a red brick. The building is occupied by Knight Electronics (Leading Edge Computers). There is a sign stating the services of the store.Written on the back: 27 Sydney St., Kilmore. 6th June 1996 Photo: Heather Knightbanks and banking, shopfronts, retail stores, storefronts -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Communication Devices, radio, 'Phillips', c1930
Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Royal Philips, commonly known as Philips) is a Dutch multinational engineering and electronics conglomerate headquartered in Amsterdam. It was founded in Eindhoven in 1891 by Gerard Philips and his father Frederik. It is one of the largest electronics companies in the world. On 11 March 1927 Philips went on the air with shortwave radio station PCJJ (later PCJ) which was joined in 1929 by sister station PHI. PHI broadcast in Dutch to the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) while PCJJ broadcast in English, Spanish and German to the rest of the world.A brown, mantel radio set, 'Phillips' Model 13B. It has 2 tuning knobs and a clear grill. The flex has been removed.Front : PHILLIPS / Model 13B 'Minstrel Four'phillips radio, amsterdam holland, moorabbin, cheltenham, bentleigh, market gardeners, early settlers, radio sets -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Manual (Item) - Pilot'S Notes - Australian Beaufort Aircraft
Description: 400 pages. Published by RAF. Published 1/12/1969. AP 3456K. RAF Flying Manual Volume K - Mathematics, Physics and Electronics Manual Level of Importance: World. -
Federation University Historical Collection
Medal, Ballarat School of Mines Hillman Award (medal), c1992
Lindsay F.J. Hillman was born in Ballarat in 1910, and attended the Ballarat Junior Technical School. He became a cadet in Electrical Engineering Laboratory at the Ballarat School of Mines where he gained eventually gained a student Teachership for diploma studies at the School. Hillman was particularly active and excelled in a wide range of sporting interests and in student activities. In 1928 and 1928 he was awarded the Ballarat School of Mines Honour blazer by the Old Boys' association for all round athletic ability, leadership and scholarship. After spending two years with the Melbourne City Council Electric Supply Department gaining industrial experience Hillman was awarded his Diploma of electrical engineering in 1931, returning to the School in 1932 to teach apprentices and senior students. Hillman was appointed lecturer in Engineering Design and Graphics in 1937, lecturer in Engineering Design and Civil Engineering in 1944, Lecturer-in-Charge of Mechanical and Civil Engineering in 1948 and Head of the Electrical Engineering Department in 1949, a position he held until his retirement in 1973. In 1975 Lindsay Hillman was appointed to the Council of the Ballarat School of Mines and played an active role in school affairs.As Vice-President of Council from 1981 until his death in 1991 Hillman took a leading part in the implementation of many of the major building projects on the Lydiard Street Campus. The L.F.J. Hillman Award was established by the Ballarat School of Mines Council in conjunction with and through the generosity of the Hillman family in honour of the late Lindsay Frederick John Hillman. The bronze medal was presented annually to an enrolled student in an accredited course in the field of electrical/electronics studies at the Ballarat School of Mines. specific Criteria for the Award consisted of a balance of academic performance, leadership qualities, commitment to further study and involvement in sporting and/or community groups. Bronze medal designed depicting the portrait of Lindsay Hillman. The medal has a copper finish, and is presented in a blue hinged box. The first Hillman Award was presented in 1992. The recipients are: 1992 - Brett A. Hovey 1993 - Nil 1994 - Brent L. Ferguson 1995 - Kirsty McKenzie 1996 - Peter J. White 2000 - Roger Bush 2001 - Thomas Edward George 2002 - Mark William Holden 2003 - David James Hopwood 2004 - Leighton Dunn 2005 - Donald Pirouet 2006 - Mark Irvin 2007 - Ricky Wilson 2008 - Luther Dean 2009 - Daniel Thatcher 2010 - Craig Coulter 2011 - Sarah Draper 2012 - Rhys Hendrickson 2013 - Jayden Hooper "Lindsay Hillman Memorial Medal" Verso: "The School of Mines and Industries Ballarat, Est. 1870 Presented to "ballarat school of mines, hillman, lindsay hillman, medal, numismatics, honour blazer, electrical engineering, electronics, hillman medal, hillman award -
Federation University Historical Collection
Image, Ballarat Teachers' College Students looking at Teaching Resources, 1966-1968, 1967-1968
These images were used in a rolling slide show during the 2017 reunion of Ballarat Teachers' College 1967-1968.Black and White photograph of Ballarat Teachers' College students playing basketball on the court at the Gillies Street Campus. ballarat teachers' college, teacher resources, teaching kits, electronics -
Federation University Historical Collection
Computer, Mutlitech Industrial Corporation, Micro-Professor MPF-IP and manuals, 1983 (estimated)
The Micro-Professor I Plus (MPF-IP) was a low cost, versatile microcomputer system featuring sophisticated software and hardware capabilities. (MPF-IP) boasted a display panel with the ability to display 20 characters using 16-segment fonts. All 64 standard ASCII characters could be displayed. The operation of the MPF-IP was controlled by an 8k monitor program which resides in the Read Only Memory (ROM). The monitor, aided by 4k Random Access Memory (RAM), enabled the user to enter a comprehensive set of single keystroke commands, making it easier for the user to use the CPU, memory and I/0 devices. This allowed the user to concentrate of microprocessor software development and application design. The system allowed printing at 48 lines per minute, and the ability to permanently record the commands, data, programs, status and other messaged. Each character printed by the printer is in a 5 by 7 dot matrix. Although the prime purpose of the programming was for machine language object code formed as hexadecimal numbers, the Micro-Professor has an embedded Tiny Basic interpreter for which formation of some of the alpha characters using a standard 7 segment display was ingenious. The program memory consisted of non volatile 2 kilobytes electrically programmable ROM whilst the Random Access Memory came with 2 kilobytes of static RAM but could be upgraded to 4 kilobytes by insertion of another chip. The entire memory space of 64 kilobytes was accessible by way of the terminals on the left hand side of the board. Engineering and Science students from the Ballarat School of Mines and the Ballarat College of Advanced Education used a class set (as they were relatively inexpensive at approx. $100 each) during the mid to late 1980s. Student were encouraged to borrow the Micro-Professors in order to assist in learning how to use them. Only one was ever not returned on time. When pressed to return the device the student confessed that his dog had chewed the plastic case. This is still in our collection complete with bite marks! The Micro-Professor used a Zilog Z80 microprocessor. This was the most powerful of the 8 bit microprocessors at the time. Zilog was derived from the Intel 8080 microprocessor. The Z80 had 158 instructions of which the Intel 78 instructions were a subset. The Intel processor continued on through development in the IBM computers as 8086, 80286, 80386, 80486 and later the pentiums. Zilog lost most of its market share when it developed the 16 bit Z8000 microprocessor. Although the microprocessor was excellent, the lack of peripherals caused users to abandon Zilog products. A brown and gold plastic box containing a microcomputer for use in classrooms. Four manuals are titled 'Micro-Professor MPF-IP user's Manual', 'MPF-I Experiment Manual (Software/Hardware)', Micro-professor MPF-IP experiment Manual (Software/Hardware)' and Micro-Professor MPF-I Monitor Program Source Listing.microcomputer, micro computer, micro professor, electronics -
Federation University Historical Collection
Equipment - Casette Tape Recorder, Sanyo, Sanyo Casette Tape Recorder
Early recorders were intended for dictation and journalists, and were typically hand-held battery-powered devices with built-in microphones and automatic gain control on recording. Tape recorder audio-quality had improved by the mid-1970s, and a cassette deck with manual level controls and VU meters became a standard component of home high-fidelity systems.[1] Eventually the reel-to-reel recorder was completely displaced, in part because of the usage constraints presented by their large size, expense, and the inconvenience of threading and rewinding the tape reels - cassettes are more portable and can be stopped and immediately removed in the middle of playback without rewinding. Cassettes became extremely popular for automotive and other portable music applications. Although pre-recorded cassettes were widely available, many users would combine (dub) songs from their vinyl records or cassettes to make a new custom mixtape cassette. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassette_deck) Black and silver electric or battery powered plastic tape recorder wit 5 black and 1 red push button to operate and record on the equipment. The recorder also has a counter and a rec.batter light. electronics, cassetter recorder, recording, tape recorder -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Domestic object - "Micro" television in leather case, C 1960's
Purchased by Douglas Brennan, who loved "new stuff".- "Micro" television in leather case - C 1960'sVariouselectronics, television, 1960's, margaret graham -
Federation University Historical Collection
Correspondence, Letter Concerning Potential R.A.A.F recruit, 1967, 18 August 1967
Student seeking school assistance for recruitment to R.A.A.F. in order to complete a technical college diploma. The correspondence inquires as to whether the student is able to study to complete the new diploma of electronics rather than the common diploma of electrical engineering. Carbon copy of a typed Letterrecruiting qualifications, technical college, r.a.a.f., correspondence, diploma in electronics (communication), diploma in engineering, eletrical engineering, k. murray, gilbert bani -
Federation University Historical Collection
Instrument - Scientific Instrument, Beckman pH Meter, c1958
See http://ubshwiki.ballarat.edu.au/index.php/Beckman_Instruments_Inc. Laminex covered timber box with handle, hinged top and front opening door. The box holds a pH Meter Model GS, with a number of dials and switches. the pH Meter measured the acidity or alkalinity of almost any solution, combining electronics and chemistry to create a product that was the first of its kind.(http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/beckman-instruments-inc-hist ) On the inside cover of the box is a printed page of instructions for use.ballarat college of advanced education, beckman, beckman instruments inc, ph, ph meter, scientific instruments, california, america -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photographs - Colour, Hillman Award Agreement and Presentation, 1991
Lindsay F.J. Hillman was born in Ballarat, and attended the Ballarat Junior Technical School. He became a cadet in Electrical Engineering Laboratory at the Ballarat School of Mines where he gained eventually gained a student Teachership for diploma studies at the School. Hillman was particularly active and excelled in a wide range of sporting interests and in student activities. In 1928 and 1928 he was awarded the Ballarat School of Mines Honour blazer by the Old Boys' association for all round athletic ability, leadership and scholarship. After spending two years with the Melbourne City Council Electric Supply Department gaining industrial experience Hillman was awarded his Diploma of electrical engineering in 1931, returning to the School in 1932 to teach apprentices and senior students. Hillman was appointed lecturer in Engineering Design and Graphics in 1937, lecturer in Engineering Design and Civil Engineering in 1944, Lecturer-in-Charge of Mechanical and Civil Engineering in 1948 and Head of the Electrical Engineering Department in 1949, a position he held until his retirement in 1973. In 1975 Lindsay Hillman was appointed to the Council of the Ballarat School of Mines and played an active role in school affairs.As Vice-President of Council from 1981 until his death in 1991 Hillman took a leading part in the implementation of many of the major building projects on the Lydiard Street Campus. The L.F.J. Hillman Award was established by the Ballarat School of Mines Council in conjunction with and through the generosity of the Hillman family in honour of the late Lindsay Frederick John Hillman. The bronze medal was presented annually to an enrolled student in an accredited course in the field of electrical/electronics studies at the Ballarat School of Mines. specific Criteria for the Award consisted of a balance of academic performance, leadership qualities, commitment to further study and involvement in sporting and/or community groups. The first Hillman Award was presented in 1991. The recipients are: 1991: Paul Donald 1992 - Brett A. Hovey 1994 - Brent L. Ferguson 1995 - Kirsty McKenzie 1996 - Peter J. WhiteEighteen colour photographs of the signing of the Hillman award agreement and the first presentation of the award in 1991 to Paul Donald . .2) Gregor Hillman, Judith Tinney and Caroline Bethune .4) Judith Tinney or Caroline Bethune and Bill Gribble sign the agreement .8) Gregor Hillman, Judith Tinney and Caroline Bethune sign the agreement, along with President of the Ballarat School of Mines, Bill Gribble. .10) Paul Donald with his L.F.J. Hillman Award, 1991 .11) Ballarat School of Mines Principal, Peter Shiells, speaks at the lectern watched on by members of the Hillman family.ballarat school of mines, hillman, lindsay hillman, medal, numismatics, electrical engineering, electronics, gregor hillman. judith tinney, caroline bethune, tinney, bethune, hovey, ferguson, mckenzie, white, paul donald, donald -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Functional object - Haeusler Collection Mid-Century AWA Transistor Radio, Amalgamated Wireless Australasia Limited
The Wodonga Historical Society Haeusler Collection provides invaluable insight into life in late nineteenth and early twentieth century north east Victoria. The collection comprises manuscripts, personal artefacts used by the Haeusler family on their farm in Wodonga, and a set of glass negatives which offer a unique visual snapshot of the domestic and social lives of the Haeusler family and local Wodonga community. The Haeusler family migrated from Prussia (Germany) to South Australia in the 1840s and 1850s, before purchasing 100 acres of Crown Land made available under the Victorian Lands Act 1862 (also known as ‘Duffy’s Land Act’) in 1866 in what is now Wodonga West. The Haeusler family were one of several German families to migrate from South Australia to Wodonga in the 1860s. This transistor radio was manufactured by Amalgamated Wireless Australasia Limited (AWA), Australia's largest and most prominent twentieth century producer of radios, televisions, audio and telecommunications equipment. This item has well documented provenance and a known owner. It forms part of a significant and representative historical collection which reflects the local history of Wodonga. It contributes to our understanding of domestic and family life in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history and social history. A mid-century cream, blue and gold chrome portable transistor radio manufactured by AWAlogo on face of radio: "AWA". Numbers on circular tuning panel. radio, music, electronics, awa radios, haeusler collection, haeusler, wodonga -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Black and White Print, NASA, Tiros II - Taken from above with cover removed, 1960
On reverse: Tiros II - Taken from above with cover removed: 1. Wide angle TV camera 2. Narrow angle TV camera 3. TV tape recorders 4. Infra red - 5 channel radiometer 5. Infra red electronics 6. Electronic operations sequence timing 7. Relays for magnetic stabilisation for altitude 8. Control box for electronics 9. Infra red horizon scanner 10. Electronic camera circuits 11. Electronic TV tape circuits 12. Telemetry switches 13. Antenna diplexer (covering storage batteries) 14. Automatic signal generator 15. Fuse board and current regulatoralan gardiner collection, space industry, 1960, satellite, tiros ii -
Federation University Historical Collection
Equipment - Transmitter
Small rectangle box (cigar box), with wooden roll, covered in copper wire,brass bar, with wooden peg which meets copper wire on roll, 2 metal pegs on outside of box, which could attach to power leads (could be crystal set) or something to do with early morse code transmission. There is a lever that can be disconnected from an electrical force, that could produce a morse code"EARTH" & "ARIEL" hand carved on one end "PHONES" (hard to decifier) on other endballarat, radio, inventions, inventor, ariel, crystal set, electricity, electronics -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Camera Case for Box Brownie, Circa mid to late 1900s
When this leather case was made it was the only material available that not only looked fashionable but also was able to absorb any small knocks or scratches which may happen to the mobile but still delicate camera. Digitalisation of photographic equipment for non professional use brought with it a reduction in camera size (pocket), increased portability and the dispensing of thick leather cases. With the increase of camera functions on mobile telephones, the need by tourists and the general public for a dedicated camera is rapidly diminishing. The protective leather wrapping for expensive, professional goods, especially electronics is very rare and foam padded aluminium bags and containers are the preferred mode for travel.This particular leather case has travelled to and from England via an ocean cruise by a now retired couple living in the Kiewa Valley. It is significant to this region because it underlines the slow transition from a purely farming, grazing, mining and tourist region to an area opening up to a specific socio-economical structure for retirees. This social and demographic shift by retirees will produce a greater need for changes in facilities required by an increasing aged population. Though it may take more time for cities and larger towns to come to grips with a growing aged population, rural areas(because these will define more clearly any imbalance of population) present the first demonstrative change to Australia, and world wide, a population based phenomenon.This item is a brown coloured leather camera case (Box Brownie Six-20) with an adjustable strap and associated buckle. The leather has been moulded to the shape of the camera and is slightly tapered as a closing flap fastened at the front with a lockable clasp. The end of the leather flap has a metal(tin) with a semi circular ring formed to allow it to be held as part of the clasp. Pressed into the underbelly of the semicircular closing mechanism is"PAT. APPLIED FOR" and underneath this"MADE IN ENGLAND" camera, case photography, hobby, personal equipment -
Federation University Historical Collection
Booklet, Ballarat School of Mines, The School of Mines and Industries Ballarat, 1990
The Ballarat School of Mines was established in 1870 through initiatives of the Ballarat Mining Board which felt there was a need for such an institution because of the declining number of mine managers for the goldfields. In c1990 campuses of the Ballarat School of Mines were: Barkly Street (Business and Computer Studies, Hairdressing and Horticulture apprenticeships); Agriculture Training Centre at the Ballarat Common, Ring Road; Davey Street (Carpentry and Joinery); Ararat Campus (Business Studies, Electronics, Welding, short courses); Lake Bolac TAFE Centre (Woolclassing, Post-Primary Service Programs); Ararat Prison (Basic Education and Training Programs) Howitt Street (Bricklaying); Ballarat Airport (Motorcycle Rider Training Facility.13 page soft covered promotional book covering the Ballarat School of Mines. The book includes an historical overview, timeline, Inskill, enrolment profile, student support, E.J. T. Tippett Library, Amenities Building, L.F.J. Hillman Recreaton Centre, Hillman, Tippett. There are numerous black and white images.ballarat school of mines, ballarat mining board, peter shiells, shiells, morgan john, john cain, timeline, inskill, small business centre, leoda atkinson, m.b. john -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Newspaper, The Herald, “The things that happen to Hamer”, 19/04/1973 12:00:00 AM
Newspaper clipping titled: “The things that happen to Hamer” – Herald 19/4/73 Photo and text, tram # 1041 breakdown, pushed by tram # 1035, VIP test ride on prototype $120,000 tram Transport Minister Wilcox stunned and Premier Hamer not amused. Standing on corner of Gertrude and Nicholson Sts Fitzroy at 9.57, surrounded by 30 reporters, waiting for first VIP test ride on new prototype tram. Tramways officer tells Mr Kirby that tram has broken down in Smith St, “bloody electronics have blown up”. Tram arrived at rendezvous point at 10:12, but VIPs had gone. Number 1041 shunted at Nicholson St and headed back to Preston workshops.trams, tramways, prototype tramcar, testing, gertrude st, nicholson st, spring st, preston workshops, tram 1041, tram 1035 -
NMIT (Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE)
Brochures: Courses Preston College of TAFE 1984 and 1985
Brochures of varying sizes [1984/1985]. Accounting, Art, Bookkeeper-typist, Building detail drafting Pre-employment program, Business studies, Business TOP, Childcare, Civil Engineering Drafting Survey & Mapping, Computer users certificate, Drama TOP, Electronics, Finished art, General, General studies, Higher school certificate for adults, Management, Mechanical/Electrical detail drafting, Mechanical Engineering Mechanical design drafting, Music, Office & Secretarial studies, Personnel & training officer course, Photography, Piano tuner technician, Physical & natural science, Science laboratory, Sales & Marketing, Secretarial, Secretarial studies, Supervision Certificate, Trades, Other than English brochures X 7 ?Arabic, Greek, Italian, Vietnamese plus others. preston college of tafe, handbooks, brochures, nmit -
Vision Australia
Equipment - Object, Telesensory Systems, Optacon, 1974
The Optacon OPtical-to-TActile-CONverter is a compact, portable reading aid for the blind. It is about the size of a textbook, and weighs less than 2kg. It works by converting a printed image into a tactile image that a blind person can feel with one finger. After a period of training and practice, a blind person can use the Optacon to read ordinary books, magazines, newspapers, and other printed materials. The Optacon was developed after intensive research at Standford University, California, USA and was trialed by clients of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind (now part of Vision Australia) in 1973. It has three main sections: 1 a miniature camera, 2 an electronics section, and 3 a tactile stimulator array. The miniature camera, about the size of a pocket knife, is mounted in a housing that has rollers for easy movement along a line of print. The camera is connected to the electronics section by a lightweight cable. The electronics section and the tactile stimulator array are in the main chassis. The array consists of 144 tiny metal rods arranged in six vertical columns and 24 horizontal rows. Each of the rods can vibrate independently. The tips of these rods protrude through holes in a concave finger plate where the index finger is placed flat in order to read. These three components act together to convert the image of a printed letter or other shape into a pattern of vibrating rods, a tactile image of the letter or shape. The letter shape is tactually perceived as an image that moves from right to left on the finger, showing the left or leading edge of the letter first. Letters are felt sequentially rather than all at once, and the image should be kept moving. The Optacon converts a printed O into a tactile form that resembles a crater with a vibrating rim -- a completed circle. C would have a gap or opening on the right side of the curve. The letter F would be felt, sequentially, as a vertical line with two trailing horizontal lines. Because it can convert any ordinary printed image into a corresponding tactile image, the Optacon is not restricted to any special typestyle or language. The camera has a zoom lens that compensates for differences in the size of type. The standard Optacon lens can accommodate type sizes from 6 point to 20 point. With the optional F4A magnifier lens, type sizes as small as 4 point can be read. Powered by a rechargeable battery, and comes with its own battery charger. The battery is contained within the main chassis, and is not removable by the user. There are four basic controls on the Optacon: the Magnification Adjustment zoom button located on the camera section on the side opposite the rollers; and the On-Off switch, the Stimulator Intensity Adjustment knob, and the Threshold Adjustment knob located on the right side of the front panel. The Circuit Breaker protrudes from the right-hand wall inside the chassis compartment. From left to right when the back panel is facing you, are located: the jack for connecting the battery charger; the Battery Check button; the Normal-Invert switch; and the Input/Output I/O connector for use with the Visual Display, when using the Repeater Cable to connect two Optacons to one another or with other accessories. Designed not be removed from the leather case during normal operation, the On-Off switch is a slide switch located on the right side of the front panel. It slides up and snaps into place in the on position. 1 black with orange front, rectangular device in leather case assistive devices, audio equipment