Portable tape chronograph made by LeLas
Object No. H10065
A chronograph is an instrument for the graphical recording of events and the time at which they occurred. It was mounted on a pedestal and was used to check the accuracy of whichever clocks were connected to the chronograph through a switchboard. Tape chronographs usually consist of a constant speed paper-tape driving mechanism and needles, actuated by electro-magnets, these leave pin-prick marks in the paper tape. This chronograph is contained in a wooden case which was provided with a carrying strap. The instrument can be removed from its case for use in field observations. The chronometer is powered by a spring which can be wound-up by the key provided but the means for controlling the tape speed is not apparent. The instrument has only a single electro-magnet (presumably battery operated) activating a single pricking needle. By this means the timing between observed events may be recorded by measurement of the spatial intervals between marks on the paper recording. The recording paper tapes are held in reels located on adjustable arms. The spring driven tape drive is contained in the brass box and emerges as a sprocket gear fitted with pins. These pins engage with a toothed wheel which also acts as the paper tape drive although there appears to be no drive to the tape take-up reel. This instrument played a significant role in the history of the Sydney Observatory and is illustrative of the mechanical standardization of time events from this period.
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Summary
Object Statement
Tape chronograph in storage box, serial number 5066, metal / wood / paper, made by Telephones LeLas, Paris, France, used at Sydney Observatory, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1909 -1950
Physical Description
Tape chronograph in storage box, serial number 5066, metal / wood / paper, made by Telephones LeLas, Paris, France, 1909 -1950, used at Sydney Observatory, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. A portable tape chronograph contained within a wooden box with a drop front and hinged lid that enables the chronograph to slide out for use. The chronograph consists of a brass rectangular box, containing a spring driven tape drive, that is fixed to a rectangular wooden base board. There is a lever at the base of the metal box that switches the mechanism on. A winder key can be attached to a spoke above the switch. When not in use, the winder key is stored on a spoke fixed to the wooden base board. Two metal levers on the top of the chronograph fold out to accommodate two brass reels wound with blue paper. When not in use, the two reels wound with blue paper are stored on two spokes fixed to the inside back of the box. In one corner of the box is cylindrical metal compartment and in the opposite corner is a sprung brass compartment. The remnants of a leather strap can be seen on either side of the outside of the box. Two metal catches on the outside of the box hold the front and lid of the box closed. Observatory stock number 191.
PRODUCTION
Notes
The chronograph was manufactured between 1909 and 1950 by Telephones Le Las, 13 Rue de Vaugirard, Paris, France. Telephone LeLas was established in 1909 as a small telecommunications company in Paris and appears to be still manufacturing a wide range of telemetry and timing mechanisms together with clocks and telephones.
HISTORY
Notes
The chronograph was used at Sydney Observatory, Observatory Hill, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Sydney Observatory Collection, 1983
Acquisition Date
13 December 1983
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