What's your oldest piece of WORKING technology?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 11:05:43 am
content: Mine's the humble Commodore 64 (motherboard dated between 1984-1986 from memory), complete with disk drives, joysticks and dot matric printer. I don't have a tape drive for it.

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 11:14:00 am
content: Its probably me.

author: med6753
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 12:04:04 pm
content: Heathkit V-5 VTVM. Built in 1951. Fully functional and in spec.

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 01:52:55 pm
content: Sinclair ZX80, from circa 1980. Working when last tested, though since its TV output is analogue PAL, it won't be long before there's no way to display its picture.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 02:14:23 pm
content: 1943 Stereo Realist camera, an improvement on most of its successors.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 02:15:41 pm
content: Pifco All-In-One Radiometer circa 1930.See:http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/pifco_all_in_one_pocket_meter.htmlI don't think I've used it in the last 40 years or so, but I came across it tidying up a few years back and gave it a try so I know I've still got it and that its probably working.I should dig it out, hook it to as MCU PWM output and run it as a clock display!Its got a 0 - 240 scale, but I'd drive it on its 8V range . . .

author: German_EE
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 03:20:42 pm
content: Radio Shack Analog Multimeter purchased sometime before 1984, in use right now.

author: Delta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 03:51:51 pm
content: My 1975 Marantz AM/FM receiver blasts out its 15W per channel every day in my kitchen!FM stereo from that sounds far better than anything from the DAB tuner sat on top of it.... Progress eh?I got it for £15 out of the local paper in the mid 90s when I was a teenager - even used as a PA amp once when I played in a band!Just wish I hadn't painted the fascia black(Silver was "out" at the time)PS. That's a glass of Talisker in the foreground

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 03:54:38 pm
content: Quote from: coppice on November 04, 2015, 11:14:00 amWish I could say that.

author: deephaven
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 03:56:03 pm
content: Quote from: Ian.M on November 04, 2015, 02:15:41 pmOh I had one of those when I was about 10 ( a long time ago!), it was the best Christmas present I ever had. Sadly it's long since gone

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 04:07:39 pm
content: QuoteThe wheel..

author: krivx
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 04:15:01 pm
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on November 04, 2015, 04:07:39 pmYou don't use the stick or the rock?

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 04:20:03 pm
content: Quote from: krivx on November 04, 2015, 04:15:01 pmI didn't consider them technology. Maybe the pointy stick? Or the rock on a stick?I think this galvanometer may be the oldest test gear I have. It doesn't have a date on it.

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 04:59:58 pm
content: Technology does not require electricity. I wear clothing everyday, and I think I have some fire around here somewhere.

author: mtdoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 05:16:38 pm
content: Quote from: rdl on November 04, 2015, 04:59:58 pmExactly, but how old are your clothes??I've got an 80 year old ball-peen hammer and a similar age level that I still regularly use. Both belonged to my grandfather.

author: Towger
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 05:54:00 pm
content: Crystal radio set. Posh model with two crystals you can switch. Don't know the exact age, but it has the old BBC approved badge on it. Maybe 1920's.

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 06:02:24 pm
content: Quote from: mtdoc on November 04, 2015, 05:16:38 pmWow, very odd you should say that. I also have a ball peen hammer given to me by my grandfather.I don't really know how old the hammer is though, but it already looked ancient when I received it back in the 80s. I do have some souvenir t-shirts that are around 20 years old.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 06:08:20 pm
content: Still got the lump of Germanium I used as a kid with a "cats wisker" for a crystal set.Who knows how old that crystal ismaybe a million years?

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 06:20:18 pm
content: I have a slide rule made in 1895. It worksAnd a shovel from around the same time, don't know the exact age.I think my oldest electronic device is a teleprinter from the mid 1960s, it unfortunately needs repair.

author: retrolefty
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 06:25:47 pm
content: Quote from: helius on November 04, 2015, 06:20:18 pmWhat brand/model teleprinter?

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 06:27:40 pm
content: Granpa's old soldering iron - which he heated up in a charcoal burner. He could certainly have afforded an electric iron to pursue his hobby and his house was electrified pre WWII so I'm fairly sure its older than the Pifco meter. Probably mid to late '20s.

author: retrolefty
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 06:28:22 pm
content: Quote from: tautech on November 04, 2015, 06:08:20 pmOr perhaps billions of years. Nature seems to have had forms of tech over the eons. Anyone recall reading about the natural uranium 'reactor' in Africa that went critical eons ago?

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 06:50:30 pm
content: Quote from: retrolefty on November 04, 2015, 06:25:47 pmA Computer Transceiver Systems Execuport 300. Not the most sought-after or well known model, although I did see some of the cards pulled from one of them at a hamfest some time ago. Kind of an odd thing to be selling.

author: rjeberhardt
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 06:52:25 pm
content: Does a fifteenth century Japanese sword count as technology? It will have been tested on human bodies when first made but, although I haven't tested it, I'm sure it still works.Russell.

author: retrolefty
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 07:05:58 pm
content: Quote from: helius on November 04, 2015, 06:50:30 pmAh a thermo paper printer using treated paper. Not a good candidate for restoration or on-going support. I worked on a ton the Texas Instrument 'Silent 700' thermo printer/terminals in the 70-80s. Not too reliable long term but pretty low noise level for the time, much better sounding then those terrible dot-matrix printers that followed.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 07:06:11 pm
content: Reactor was Oklo mine, which produced pretty much all of the U used in France.I still use the brass bed that my grandfather had from his youth, and there are a few hammers that came from his workshop.I have a clock which contains a chime mechanism I ordered mail order ( using an envelope and a filled in copy of the magazine rear page with the ad on it, and a bank draft in pounds drawn on Barclays Bank PLC in London) from Maplin electronics. Still chimes faithfully, and has been around since the 1980's in the house. Just put it in a new case 2 months ago, as the old one had suffered cracking plastic. Now in a fake antique case I bought on auction for $1 with a broken mechanism. Just chimed 9PM.

author: pelule
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 07:10:26 pm
content: My oldest and still working equipment is a Wire-Impedance Meter Set (variable resitor and galvanometer) from Hartmann & Braun / Germany. Is build (according to the used logo) between 1896 and 1903.It was used that time to detect issue and location (distance) of telephone or telegraph cablesA nice combination of braze and exotic wood.It's that cool and nice loking, I am allowed by my girl to have it in the living room.

author: gocemk
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 07:28:32 pm
content: TELEQUIPMENT "Serviscope Minor" oscilloscope. Given to me buy a lab tech as a present, while i was still in university.Fully working too!http://www.thevalvepage.com/testeq/telequip/servmin/servmin.htm

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 08:24:57 pm
content: Quote from: retrolefty on November 04, 2015, 07:05:58 pmYes, the thermal paper is annoying. I wonder, though, if a conversion to plain paper might be possible, using thermal-transfer ribbon like the IBM QuietWriters? Just an idle thought.

author: firehopper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 09:07:28 pm
content: I have a tandy model 100https://www.flickr.com/photos/firehopper/6228040014/in/dateposted-public/

author: eugenenine
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 09:23:46 pm
content: I had to clean out a lot but still have the Simpson 260, HP48SX, and the old Radio Shack Soldering iron from 1990.Ohh and my great grandfather's percussion cap rifle.

author: Neilm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 09:29:01 pm
content: I have a printer for either the Sinclair ZX80 or the Spectrum (can't remember which) I have to assume it works - it has never been powered up.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 09:42:09 pm
content: A Power Designs 3650-S power supply from 1968. Did a little photo tour of it recently.Power Designs 3650-S Teardown

author: rollatorwieltje
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 10:00:05 pm
content: My desk clock, a Russian AChS-1 cockpit clock from 1978. It has power terminals on the back, but the clock is entirely mechanical. The only thing electrical inside is a resistive heating element. Not even a built in light. Apparently the design isbased ona shameless copy of a Swiss made Jaeger clock from the 1940s.

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 10:10:52 pm
content: I have an Elliott frequency meter dating from around 1910 and still works. Range is from 15 to 45 cycles/sec at 5 volts.

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 10:20:31 pm
content: Oldest working Technology?Well that depends............There is a Western Electric Model 500 Desk Phone in the garage that still works.That would be 1950s vintage.There is the KayPro 484 from the early 80s.My HP-412 works really great and I believe it is from the late 50s.I am not sure about my Hallicrafters SX-62 It came to me working but the last time it was turned on was in the late 70s.Having a good friend who collects radio gear I have held a few still functional antiques including one of these that is not only not a copy but is still functional.

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 10:40:37 pm
content: That's holding a piece of history, for sure. There was a graphite Edison light bulb in this house (built in 191x) when I moved in, but it soon burnt out.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 11:47:55 pm
content: Quote from: helius on November 04, 2015, 10:40:37 pmThat's cool!

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 05, 2015, 12:50:44 am
content: Quote from: firehopper on November 04, 2015, 09:07:28 pmI had one, fully functional in almost mint condition including the imitation vinyl case. I got it for free when I worked for Rat Shack in the early 90's and I ended up selling it for $75 a couple of years ago. I have my father's tack hammer that has to be every bit of 60 years old. I use it regularly for percussive maintenance on smaller objects and small nails for pictures that SWMBO wants to hang.

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 05, 2015, 01:26:30 am
content: Quote from: helius on November 04, 2015, 10:40:37 pmIt was amazing to hold the actual article.My friend has quite a large connection of mostly amateur radio related items but he also has a very respectable collection of antique broadcast radios.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2015, 10:17:35 am
content: Non-electrical would be this Stearns soldering iron from the late 1800s along with a bicycle from 1898 both manufactured in Syracuse NY.The oldest pieces of electrical equipment would be these polarity testers from around 1905. The Manhattan DC Polarity-Indicator shows polarity in a DC circuit using a liquid in a glass tube that when current is passed through it, the liquid in the negative end turns red. They still work.Then my Edison Cylinder Player from 1906.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2015, 11:46:39 am
content: A Taxiphote Optical Model, probably manufactured around 1920. It still works beautifully and smoothly, and visitors spend alongtime looking into it!FFI seehttp://ignomini.com/photographica/3dviewers.html

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2015, 12:27:11 pm
content: Quote from: SLJ on November 05, 2015, 10:17:35 amBeautiful!QuoteThis forum lacks a 'green with envy' emoticon. I have *one* original Edison Cylinder. Don't expect to ever have a player though.As for oldest working technology (and taking that to mean electrical), for me it would be these:* Muirhead Decade Resistance Type A-25-L (4 decades, works) Probably made mid to late 1930s.* General Radio audio oscillator type 813-A, from 1935. Posted about it here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/what-are-u-working-on-right-now-(electronics-related-and-with-picture-please)/msg367071/#msg367071Oldest wooden thing? A letter holder, made of ancient NZ Kauri wood that is 45,000+ years old.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2015, 12:41:40 pm
content: I forgot about Decade Resistance boxes. I have a few. This might be the earliest, maybe 1920s or earlier.

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2015, 12:59:24 pm
content: Quote from: Neilm on November 04, 2015, 09:29:01 pmThat'll be a Sinclair ZX Printer, then. Probably worth quite a bit to a collector if you have some paper for it too.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2015, 01:03:07 pm
content: In terms of test equipment I guess it would have to be one of these two:The first is a High Sensitivity (mirror) Galvanometer No 56. by Robert W Paul, London. I think they were individually numbered because I saw another one on ebay ages ago which was No.51 (small world!). I think it's circa 1906. Robert W Paul was a pioneer of the British film industry (same era as Edison and the Lumiere Brothers). His scientific instrument business was bought by Cambridge Instruments in 1919. He invented the Unipivot Galvanometer in 1903, that they went on to sell for many years.The Second is a Telegraph Galvanometer marked GPO (British General Post Office) 95, not sure if that's 1895?Not sure when people last referred to direction of current flow as "ZINC CURRENT":

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2015, 02:30:26 pm
content: Quote from: SLJ on November 05, 2015, 12:41:40 pmI've been staring at that for 10 minutes, trying to figure out how it's wired up internally, and so which plugs you'd add to get a value. Presumably it's very simple. But I fail.How does it work? Do you have a diagram?Another tech-object I have that's just a few months older than me, is a General Electric Watthour Meter Standard. Type IB-10. Date on calibration sheet is 2/1/1955. Not an antique, but still nice.

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 05, 2015, 03:12:45 pm
content: I love threads like this.

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2015, 04:00:23 pm
content: Sorry Terrahertz, but that is at least 60 years old. Well into antique land. For example the definition of antique in automobiles so that they can get special license plates (and not necessarily comply with current emission requirements) varies from state to state, but is often 25 years. One state I found says that cars older than (paraphrasing) "halfway back to 1900" are antique.Your wattmeter qualifies!

author: steve30
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2015, 04:10:29 pm
content: I'd say the oldest thing that is working and in regular use is a GPO 746 telephone from about 1974. I got it off ebay last year. Really nice item.I also have an AVO Meter Model 9 SX, which did work, but has been in pieces for the last few years as I took it apart and never bothered to put it back together. That's from about 1963.

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2015, 05:39:12 pm
content: Scored this old Covel surface grinder a while back. Seller old me it was pre 1928, Covel changed their name to Covel-Hanchett Company in 1928, but I really have no idea. Swapped the 3-Phase motor for a single, replaced a couple of bearings, it now works!

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2015, 05:45:47 pm
content: Quote from: Halcyon on November 04, 2015, 11:47:55 pmForgot I have a box of them, made pre WWII.Along with it a genuine Ericsson phone, made circa 1939, and originally a party line phone with internal battery, but now working fine as a regular wired phone, though it does not have the ability to dial out, as it has a 90VAC crank generator.

author: Artlav
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2015, 06:32:49 pm
content: I guess it would be this pre-WW2 mechanical calculator:Electronics-related, that would be this 1975-dated valve from a soviet radar:

author: MatthewEveritt
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 05, 2015, 06:52:42 pm
content: Probably the oldest I have is a photographic enlarger from some time in the 1890's.Works a treat, although it was converted to run on electricity some time in the 60's, so I'm not sure it still counts.I've also got plate cameras that are probably of a reasonably similar vintage to compliment it, but unfortunately I don't have a functional dark room any more.Electronics wise the oldest I have is a solartron as1164.2 power supply, introduced in '63. This is my everyday bench supply and works great. From what I can tell it's probably still in spec, but I don't have a manual so I don't actually know what the spec should be.In terms of 'tech' the oldest device I have is a SanyoICC-1122calculator from the early 70's (the only datecode I could find was '71).(With a carry handle to make it portable. Roam anywhere you like within reach of the 12ft power cord!)Honourable mention has to go to the Acorn Atom I somehow ended up with.

author: Radio Tech
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2015, 01:48:19 am
content: Oldest working piece is my Eico 460 scope from the 50's.I have many ham radios from the 60's and 70's

author: WZOLL
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2015, 04:22:39 am
content: I have a Lionel (the model train company) CDV-700 Geiger counter from 1962.

author: VK3DRB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2015, 12:35:34 pm
content: I still have a Yaesu FRG-7, I bought in 1977. Still going strong.And my Farad 808 calculator bought for HSC in 1976. Still working!I have a working AVOmeter, voltmeter, ampmeter and wattmeter. Georg Ohm would be impressed. I don't use them much because my Fluke 179 does most of what I want.Not technology but technology related...I still have my original lunch box I bought in 1986 to eat my lunch at work. Made in Australia by Decor. I use it every day. It still works. It has been opened and closed over the past 29 years at least 27,000 times.We still have the large family size Kleenmaid (rebadged Speed Queen made in the USA) washing machine bought in 1987. A washing machine that has survived a mostly a large family over 28 years would be unheard of today. I only had to replace seals once at a cost of about $100 and about 6 hours work. No electronics, just good old fashioned built-like-brick-dunny technology. I do not think the likes of Bosch and Miele would last that long. Definitely not Australian or Asian washing machines. With Samsung you get a bonus when it fails - your house burns down for free.

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 07, 2015, 10:43:25 pm
content: My roommate has an old piece of tech that was handed down from her great grandmother. I forgot about that.. I'll get a picture of it tomorrow....

author: wagon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2015, 11:05:59 pm
content: My workshop shed is pretty old : probably 1940's. I use it nearly everyday. I've also got lots of old tools, mostly sockets and wood-working stuff.

author: wblock
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2015, 11:15:34 pm
content: Quote from: TerraHertz on November 05, 2015, 02:30:26 pmMy guess:

author: DrGeoff
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2015, 11:17:42 pm
content: Quote from: TerraHertz on November 05, 2015, 02:30:26 pmAt a guess I'd say that the value of resistance engraved on the center bus is what is between the two adjacent pads.The input terminals go to the first pads (and the central bus). A 100 ohm resistor between the first and second pads, a 200 ohm resistor between the second and third (ie a series string of resistors with taps at each pad) etc. The plugs are shorting plugs, which enable the series resistors to be shorted out as requried, or to be connected to the central bus.

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2015, 12:01:48 am
content: Quote from: wblock on November 07, 2015, 11:15:34 pmBut then what's the point of the shorting plug holes between the disks?Possibly to set up a value, that can be disconnected by pulling only one plug. But for that you can't have values that are made of sets with gaps.I couldn't decide if it's really that simple and the tween-disks holes are an odd and not very useful frill, or if there's something tricky going on.Also were there only ever 4 plugs, or were there 12 (filling all the parking holes)? Are they really just parking holes? Seems likely, but then why so many? One between each disk...Maybe it was only intended to provide values from one resistor, or two in parallel?Quote from: DrGeoff on November 07, 2015, 11:17:42 pmThat makes much more sense. So it would seem that there were originally 12 plugs, but most have been lost.Lost accessories... what a familiar story.Edit: Only 12 plugs needed, not 14. It's pointless to short all tween-disks and then the final disk-to-bar, since the same zero ohms value can be achieved with one disk-to-bar plug a the start. There'll always be at least one tween-disk plug omitted.

author: wblock
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2015, 12:18:53 am
content: Quote from: TerraHertz on November 08, 2015, 12:01:48 amNo, it would be to add values in parallel. So one pin to connect to the center bus, and then parallel as many of the discs as desired to get a non-stock value.But I admit that DrGeoff's explanation is simpler.

author: grifftech
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2015, 05:18:09 am
content: Incandescent light bulbs . Or lamp as you might call it. A lampis what you put a light bulb in.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2015, 07:50:00 am
content: Not so fast, grifftech. In what year was your particular oldest working light bulb manufactured? Post a photo.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2015, 09:43:59 am
content: Quote from: bitseeker on November 08, 2015, 07:50:00 amPre 1939, as that was when the last incoming batch was. Pic is in an earlier posting. I have a few of them, some dating to the 1930's and some earlier and later. Many are frosted though to make an even light.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2015, 05:44:56 pm
content: Quote from: DrGeoff on November 07, 2015, 11:17:42 pmWe have a winner!!!As pictured two outside posts = 11K (one 1.6K resister shorted out)Front post to center post = 3.1KBack post to center post = 7.9K

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2015, 07:05:22 pm
content: QuoteThat's a really neat and flexible configuration! Normal boxes of that era were of the 1:2:2:5 values arrangement rather than 2x and the center shorting bar. It is probably pretty rare. I've never seen one like it on any of the museum type sites (I've looked a lots in connection with my own stuff).

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 08, 2015, 07:28:27 pm
content: Here is a still working piece of technology we have on the back porch.I pulled it out and cleaned it up to get a decent picture. Some of you will recognize this right off, it was a part of many Mexican and Central American households for hundreds of years. It usually was handed down from mother to daughter, although in this case it came from my roommate's grandmother. As best as we can place it comes from along 1850 give or take. This was used to grind maze into flower. This of course is the Mortar, the pestle is long lost but any clean round rock will work.I have two of my own, a new more modern one I bought a few years back and one I dug up on my grandparents property forty eight years ago. That one was used to grind herbs and is about twice palm size. It is considerably older...

author: mtdoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2015, 09:15:31 pm
content: Another piece from my grandfather, who was a self taught engineer/ scientist. I'm not sure how old it is. My guess is 80-90 years old.

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 08, 2015, 09:22:27 pm
content: Quote from: mtdoc on November 08, 2015, 09:15:31 pmThat is Cool.

author: AlxDroidDev
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2015, 01:42:44 am
content: A 35mm camera, Yashica Lynx 5000E, from the 60's. It was repaired a few years ago (took several months to find some replacement parts), and it still works. The lenses are still pristine.I also have a working Olympus Trip-35 (early 80's) and I still use a Nikon F5 (because it works with all of my Nikon lenses and speedlights).

author: jobog
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2015, 04:00:54 am
content: A Knight Voltohmeter built from a kit around 1963.

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 09, 2015, 05:05:33 am
content: Quote from: jobog on November 09, 2015, 04:00:54 amExtra points if you or your father built it.

author: warp_foo
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 09, 2015, 05:16:07 am
content: Power Designs 2005 precision DC supply from 1968. Second oldest is probably my Pioneer SX-1250 from 1976.m

author: Circlotron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2015, 09:21:20 am
content: I have a cordlessdrill from the 1920s.High quality Ixion brand made in Germany.Was my grandfather's.just like this one but in better condition ->http://www.toolexchange.com.au/our-tools/breast-drills/G2321

author: Urs42
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 09, 2015, 08:14:06 pm
content: I have an universal motor from around 1920. The year is just a guess, i'm not sure.

author: SpidersWeb
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 09, 2015, 08:35:21 pm
content: Oldest piece of tech: 1938 Remmington typewriter (dated by serial number) - dual colors, but lacks fancy things like 0 and 1, because O and I are good enough. Kids these days, jeez.Oldest working computer: Commodore VIC20But I have 40+ working computer systems from the 1980's, as well as stacks from the 1990s.

author: jobog
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2015, 10:28:02 pm
content: Quote from: AF6LJ on November 09, 2015, 05:05:33 amHappy to say I built it. It was my first kit.

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 09, 2015, 11:22:51 pm
content: Quote from: jobog on November 09, 2015, 10:28:02 pmThat is Too Cool, I remember the excitement when I built my Heath IM-18.

author: larrybl
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 02:51:26 am
content: Well the topic does say "Working Technology" My "current" oldest is a 1978 Roper 20T Garden Tractor... Before you, think about it. How old is your "working" mower. I purchased this for $200 US, and have won a Machine of the Month, and Featured Tractor from two separate Tractor related web sites where the results are based on pictures alone. It also won an outstanding display at a Local tractor show that has been going for 44 years, and covers 50 acres. I am kinda proud of this restore, and not to let the electronic forum down, I did completely re-wire, and modded the lamps to LED's, and added a couple safety indicators that they lacked back in 1978. I present "Old Girl" 1978 Roper 20T GT.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 05:00:32 am
content: Wow, Larry, that tractor/mower looks like new! My oldest working mower is a corded electric Black & Decker that I bought in the early 90's. Nothing to it, so not much to go wrong.

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 06:30:24 am
content: A few more.* My old Singer sewing machine. I have a few other more recent ones, but this is the one I use. From the model number it was probably made around 1951. So common it's worthless, but I like it a lot.* A set of ivory draftsman's scale rulers. Inherited from my grandfather, who was an architect. All engraved AEB or A E Bracken 1885. Most made by W H Harling, 40 Hatton Garden London. I don't know how my grandfather came to have these. I also have grandfather's theodolite, drafting instruments, and hand tools. Another post I suppose.* A Weston current transformer. Model 461 SN 5925. Date unknown. Don't have a users manual (yet.)* A precision beam balance. Plaque says: Christian Becker, Inc. New York, N.Y. Scale inside says "Chainomatic Christian Becker Inc. New York" There's no date given, but research suggests 1915 to 1920. It's fully working, in excellent condition and resolves down to 100 microgram. Probably my best antique, and I love it. Very lucky to have this.

author: Vgkid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 06:44:12 am
content: That is a beautiful balance.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 07:07:01 am
content: The current transformer looks rather useful. The 5A range is probably 1:1 and the single wire through the core at 800A:5A gives a 160:1 ratio. Should work OK with any DMM with a 10A range, but I'd want to test the leakage between primary and secondary and do a HiPot test before putting it into service. It might be worth taking the covers off first to see if its too crusty to use and would be better NOT HiPot tested but just kept as a non-working antique.Do you have a set of weights for the balance? Next time you get some suspect counterfeit small parts you can try weighing them and comparing with a few genuine ones!

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 07:48:16 am
content: Quote from: Ian.M on November 10, 2015, 07:07:01 amI have never tried it. Can't recall where I got it, and must have been too busy at the time to experiment. It's just been sitting up on my Antiques shelves in a ziplock bag for years and I'd forgotten about it till getting something else down for this thread. Now I'll look into it. Will open it up for a start. Nice to find a manual if possible.Edit to add: It does NOT want to come apart. All screws removed, but the sides are solidly stuck together. The top lid can be raised a couple of mm, but that's all. Can barely see inside, but I think it is tar-potted. Not sure if what I'm able to see is tarred windings on the core, or just the top of a general tar fill. Looking at all-black things through a tiny slit; even with a very bright torch it's not terribly informative. It smells strongly of tar too. Don't want to risk cracking the case, or heating it up to melt the tar, so that's it for disassembly.Btw, I don't understand the stuff about a 'secondary'. I thought these were just an iron toroid with one winding around it, and the terminals being taps on that winding? Apparently I need to do some reading.There are terminals for Ref, 100, 50, 20 and 10. All the same winding. Plus a pair of isolated terminals labeled 'secondary', with facility to short them together.Later: Ah ha. The 'secondary' is for use in core degaussing.http://www.gegridsolutions.com/app/DownloadFile.aspx?prod=insttran-ov&type=3&file=1GE Instructions - instrument transformers.QuoteYes, a couple of rather old and battered incomplete weight sets, that together have enough. But they are well used, dusty and scratched, so I wouldn't trust their accuracy very much. I should get a nice new set. Always too many things on the shopping list! (I'm poor.)Weighing suspect parts... Hmm... I think it may be rare to get two sets of parts even from the same manufacturer, where the leads and package were so identical that they had the same weight statistical spread.Last time I used this was to weigh that slab of ceramic I was worried might be BeO. Turned out the density was close to Alumina, so that was good.Only today I tried researching the origins of that balance. It's interesting. One thing I should do is inspect the knife edges under a microscope, to check for wear and damage.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 10:01:23 am
content: Potted in tar is *GOOD*. That means the insulation is probably still OK. Put the screws back and check for leakage Pri to Sec with a multimeter. If its >10M it should be OK to HiPot at 500VCurrent transformers *always* have a secondary, Its the primary (e.g. a wire through the core) that is frequently supplied/fitted by the user. However from the label, it looks like yours has another set of series windings, for optional use as a primary if you aren't threading a cable through it, and if you connect the primary side 5A tap and common, you'll get a 1:1 ratio with the secondary.Caution: running it with its secondary open circuit at anywhere near full scale may damage the insulation. They provided a shorting switch for a *VERY* good reason.

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 10:39:01 am
content: Quote from: Ian.M on November 10, 2015, 10:01:23 amYes, I know the tar is good. Completely open between them, with my Flukes, as expected (with tar.) Just a trifle disappointing to not be able to see the interior. Already screwed it back together. I like that tar smell, reminds me of childhood and um... setting fire to old valve radios salvaged from the local tip (with power applied.)QuoteOf course. This is why I was confused by the label. It should really be called 'secondary #2.'But now I understand (see link added to previous post.) It's a high-turns winding used during core degaussing, partly to detect when core saturation has been reached as current is applied to the main sense winding. And yes, in that configuration the 'secondary' is supposed to never be allowed to go open circuit.Not yet sure about in normal operation as a CT.I'm really surprised by this unit. From its very clean appearance I thought it wasn't all that old. Maybe 60s or 70s? But all the similar or same Weston ones I saw online are much older looking. Really battered. This one must have been kept in a sealed bag and rarely used for decades, before I got it (and kept it in a sealed bag.) Even the leather handle is in good condition. But so far, no sign of any way to determine the actual age.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 11:15:50 am
content: QuoteDon't get me started on Laboratory balances, I have them on the walls for decoration!The scary part... My wife likes them!

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 11:49:47 am
content: Some more research may be required. Wind enough wire through the core in a long loop to get 800 AT at a reasonable current, and check if the marked secondary actually gives 5A. That would give you the max rating, and you could then try the primary terminal marked 10 and the primary side common to conform its a 2:1 ratio.I was misreading it, there is no 5A 1:1 ratio primary

author: Mechanical Menace
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 12:10:30 pm
content: I still own the old family house and if housing counts as tech at least 2 full rooms are circa 500 years old, the rest is a Georgian extension with various modernisations since.

author: AlxDroidDev
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 08:12:21 pm
content: Quote from: Mechanical Menace on November 10, 2015, 12:10:30 pmThat's almost as old as my country!

author: dfmischler
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 08:42:58 pm
content: I use a 1956 Ford 860 tractor regularly for mowing, blowing snow, etc.I have wooden bodied jack and smoothing planes from the Ohio Tool Co. Hard to date them, but the company was in business from 1823 through 1920.

author: firehopper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 09:35:50 pm
content: hrmm well we have a 1950 Minneapolis moline farm tractor(unsure about date) around 1960 ish cub cadet riding mower, 1944 wwii jeep, and a unknown year jeep being restored.and a 1956 Fc150 jeep

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2015, 12:17:22 am
content: Lots of nuances to this.I have some Hallicrafters receivers from the late 40s/early 50s that are still working, but have been repaired many times and have some parts that are no older than the 1990s.Several pieces of hi-fi/stereo gear dating from the early sixties to seventies still in use, and some are still waiting their first repair.Components salvaged from 1920s and 1930s radio gear (transformers, variable capacitors, sockets etc.) still usable and used from time to time. Strangely, speakers from that era seem to have survived much better than later units.I have an Atlas/Craftsman lathe from the late fifties, all original and gets used weekly.Many lamps and other widgets from 1930s on that are still working but have had power cords, switches and other parts repaired or replaced.I have hand tools dating from the late 19th century that are all original and in regular use.And finally, I have a few hand tools dating from the early 19th century that are still usable, but aren't really working because I don't use them.

author: alank2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2015, 12:24:45 am
content: Quote from: Mechanical Menace on November 10, 2015, 12:10:30 pmI'd love to see some pictures - that would be fascinating!

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2015, 12:35:02 pm
content: I have a brass Victorian dissecting microscope in a hardwood case. It is very similar to thishttp://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/museum/watsondissecting1890.htmlpre-1891 microscope with a serial number of 2306.Since mine is serial number 2004, it is clearly significantly earlier than 1891.Is that the record in this thread?

author: Mechanical Menace
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2015, 03:07:53 pm
content: Quote from: alank2 on November 11, 2015, 12:24:45 amIt's just a typical stone brick house really. The only real visible difference on the inside is lower ceilings in and smaller doorways to the older rooms and on the outside different sized bricks. One of the neighbours houses hasn't had as many modern modernisations (if that make any sense) and really is fascinating, but you wouldn't want to live there over winter or at all if you're over 180cm tall.Quote from: tggzzz on November 28, 2015, 12:35:02 pmVery nice. I always wanted to get into collecting old scientific instruments but with the retro computer and mechanical clock collections already taking up too much room I think if I started another I'd be single again lol.

author: N2IXK
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2015, 07:06:30 pm
content: Have a 1947 RCA Victor TV (721TCS) sitting in the corner of my living room. Fully restored and operational, i added A/V line inputs to get around the lack of OTA analog TV signals these days. I can also broadcast signals to it via an RF modulator and antenna downstairs in the lab.Restoration thread here, for those interested:http://videokarma.org/showthread.php?t=262346

author: FireFlower
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2015, 08:10:13 pm
content: I don't own much vintage sadly, I used to have 1967 West germany Pioneer speakers but I put them to WEEE because nobody wanted them for free.Well only things that are older than me are Phlips Electronic 202 turntable which I restored myself and Technics RS-D250 cassette player.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjO2HNMmL5wQuote

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2015, 08:18:43 pm
content: Quote from: Mechanical Menace on November 29, 2015, 03:07:53 pmHa! I once looked at a church cottage where I had to duck going between rooms. I'm 5'3" tall.QuoteI was given it by an old neighbour when I was a kid, along with some large glass slides of Victorian steam railway engines. Back then it was the only real instrument I had.

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2015, 02:19:10 am
content: Morse key made by Signal Electric MFG Co., circa 1920-30, all solid brass.Still works

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2015, 02:23:00 am
content: Quote from: tggzzz on November 29, 2015, 08:18:43 pmVisiting some medievil homes feels a bit like visiting Frodo in the Shire. However, if you look at the knight's armour from the same period, many of those guys were big even by modern standards. Its easy to see how they could subjugate the little people.

author: VK5RC
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 30, 2015, 03:01:08 am
content: Fully working and accurate Nixie Voltmeter, HP 3430A, from late 60s. Bright Nixies.

author: rjeberhardt
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2015, 09:44:16 am
content: Quote from: Bud on November 30, 2015, 02:19:10 amEven the solid brass insulatorsRussell

author: Mechanical Menace
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2015, 10:16:04 am
content: Quote from: tggzzz on November 29, 2015, 08:18:43 pmI can deal with ducking through doorways, I just can't deal with ducking everywhere. But even with that been said I do live somewhere with oversized doors just to avoid concussions at home lol.Quote from: coppice on November 30, 2015, 02:23:00 amA lot of those guys were almost my size and the "Giants Armour" in the Tower of London has a good 2 inch on me. Even nowadays, with people knowing I am not at all violent and not at all a fighter, people stay out of my way if I'm in a mood or in a rush, if that armour was actually made to fit someone he must have been a scary sight.

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 01:57:48 am
content: Quote from: Mechanical Menace on November 30, 2015, 10:16:04 amThat huge suit in the Tower of London is is not that extreme. Try looking around other armour in the Tower and various castles and stately homes. The wearers appears to have been substantially taller than the average person of their age.

author: moya034
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 02:05:48 am
content: My oldest electrical device would my Dumont Laboratories 304-A oscilloscope (which does work 100%). I can't take a picture of it as it is in storage at the moment.http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/dumont_la_oscilloscope_304_a304.htmlIf you want to talk about "technology" in general, my oldest piece of technology would have to be my micrometer. It's ancient but still very accurate!

author: calexanian
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 04:39:55 am
content: I have some Weston and GE Ammeters from the 30's and they work as good as new. One has a range up to 150 Amps in selectable ranges and I use it from time to time.