Students Examining Continuous Output from Experiment or Simulation, San Francisco State College, November 1971 (Alternate View) (Updated last week)

Information

• Identifier: TP-ATA-1921
• Date: Nov 1971
• Context: <p><strong>Equipment and Their Functions:</strong></p> <p><strong>1. Data Recorder / Strip Chart Recorder (Foreground, with paper roll)</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Function: </strong>Captures and prints continuous analog signals (e.g., temperature, pressure, voltage) as line graphs over time.</li> <li><strong>Usage</strong>: Common in labs for monitoring long-duration tests like stress analysis or fluid flow<strong>.</strong></li> </ul> <p><strong>2. Signal Conditioning Unit (Middle, with dials)</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Function: </strong>Amplifies, filters, or converts sensor data before it&rsquo;s recorded.</li> <li><strong>Usage: </strong>Ensures the signals being fed to the data recorder are stable and readable.</li> </ul> <p><strong>&nbsp;3. Analog Computer or Interface Console (Lower front panel)</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Function: </strong>Converts real-world measurements into data that can be processed or visualized.</li> <li><strong>Usage</strong>: Often used to simulate or model system behavior (e.g., dynamic response of structures or fluid systems).</li> </ul> <p><strong>&nbsp;4. Instrumentation Rack (Background Left, with many knobs and switches)</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Function: </strong>Houses various modules like power supplies, amplifiers, waveform generators, or control relays.</li> <li><strong>Usage: </strong>Controls inputs/outputs and electrical conditions during experiments.</li> </ul> <p><strong>&nbsp;5. Rotating Drum Recorder or High-Speed Plotter (Far Right, behind drawer cabinet)</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Function: </strong>Captures higher-speed data than a strip chart recorder<strong>.</strong></li> <li><strong>Usage: </strong>Useful when quick response measurements are required&mdash;like in shock or vibration tests<strong>.</strong></li> </ul> <p><strong>&nbsp;6. Oscilloscope (on Instrumentation Rack)</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Function: </strong>Displays voltage signals in real time.</li> <li><strong>Usage: </strong>For visualizing waveforms, checking signal integrity, or tuning analog equipment.</li> </ul> <p><strong>&nbsp;Gas Cylinder &ndash; Likely Oxygen (or Possibly Nitrogen)</strong></p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Location: </strong>Rear-left side, against the wall.<br /> <strong>Possible Identification: </strong>It appears to be a compressed gas cylinder, possibly oxygen or nitrogen, based on the regulator and common usage.</p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">&nbsp;<strong>Why it might be there:</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Calibration: </strong>Some sensors or instruments (like gas flow or pressure sensors) require oxygen or inert gas (e.g., nitrogen) to calibrate.</li> <li><strong>Pneumatics: </strong>Could be used to power or actuate certain components of test rigs.</li> <li><strong>Controlled Atmosphere</strong>: If any of the tests involve sealed systems or chambers, the gas may be introduced to create a specific environment.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: none;"><strong>Credits:</strong>&nbsp;</p> <p style="caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: none;">Some technical descriptions and historical interpretations were developed with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model by OpenAI.</p>
• Geographic Coverage: San Francisco, CA
• Temporal Coverage: 1970s
• Type: Still Image
• Format: Negative
• Source: San Francisco State University Archives
• Rights: Public