Wind and navigation calculator Mk.II
Object No. 2010/1/22
This object is part of a collection relating to the history and development of computing and other information technology assembled by Assoc Professor Allan Bromley of Sydney University, comprising calculators, mechanical and electronic analogue computers, computer components, kit computers, education computers, and associated ephemera. Allan Bromley was a lecturer and researcher at the University of Sydney Basser Department of Computer Science from 1978 until his untimely death in August 2002. He specialised in Computer Architecture, Computer Logic and in particular the History of Computing. He was regarded as the world authority on Charles Babbage's Calculating Engines (instigating the rebuilt of DE2 at the Science Museum London) and the Ankithera Mechanism and had extensive knowledge on calculators, analogue computers, logic, stereopsis, totalisators, clocks and time keeping and mechanical engineering.
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Summary
Object Statement
Calculator and associated card, Wind and Navigation, Mk.II, metal, unknown maker, c. 1940
Physical Description
The wind and navigation calculator is a duplex circular slide rule made from a black coated metal. The device consists of three concentric circles on each side with various scales marked in white and red. The obverse side features on the outer slides, a scale ranging from '10:95', a matching scale in reverse on the middle slide. The inner slide consists of a set of instructions in the centre, surrounded by an adjustable gauge and adjustable indicators for setting temperature, height, barometric pressure and airspeed. There are also some engravings on the inner plate, '6b/276 / SER No B14712' below the instructions and 'I.C.A.N. CALIBRATION' in the centre. The reverse side is a wind vector calculator and features a minute scale, '1:9' on the outer slide, an AB scale on the middle, and a graph divided into two equal halves for 'PORT' and 'STARBOARD' on the inner slide. The graph has gridded lines of '-60 : +60' with a line in the centre for 'COURSE'. A 360 degree rotating metal arm is used to make calculations on the graph using a '10:60' scale engraved on it. Accompanying the calculator is a small paper palm card with ruled lines. Handwritten on the card is, 'Derek Reid / RMB 2708 / Amey's Track / Foster / VIC 3960 / (056) 891327 / (Meteorological Society)
PRODUCTION
Notes
Unknown, c 1940
HISTORY
Notes
Used in aircraft during WWII
SOURCE
Credit Line
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program in memory of Associate Professor Allan Bromley, 2010
Acquisition Date
20 January 2010
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