Summary
Ferrocart vibrator used for farm radios designed to run from 32 Volt DC supply. 32 Volt DC supplies were common on farm properties before the advent of mains power. The batteries were frequently charged by a wind generator or a small stationary engine.
Vibrators are used to change DC into AC which is then be stepped up by a transformer to the voltage required by the radio. The AC output is then turned back to DC to operate the radio, which is done either by a thermionic rectifier or a second set of contacts in the vibrator. A vibrator with two sets of contacts is called a synchronous type. The M225 is a synchronous type. A non-synchronous type requires the use of a separate rectifier.
Synchronous vibrators tend to be quite noisy electrically and require more filtering. Both types were somewhat noisy mechanically; they hum.
Ferrocart is a brand used by Electronic Industries.
Physical Description
Metal cylinder with five pin base in a six pin format with pin 3 missing. Base is loose.
More Information
-
Collecting Areas
-
Acquisition Information
Donation from Mrs Kennedy, 12 Nov 1984
-
Manufacturer
Electronic Industries Imports Pty. Ltd., South Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Oct 1951
It is likely that the device was made in Australia. -
Inscriptions
Paper label: ELECTRONIC INDUSTRIES PTY. LTD. / FERROCART VIBRATOR / SOUTH MELBOURNE / DO NOT DETACH THIS LABEL / .SYN / 115 CYCLE / 32 VOLT / PACKED / OCT 1951 Top end of can: M / 225
-
Classification
-
Category
-
Discipline
-
Type of item
-
Overall Dimensions
96 mm (Length), 38 mm (Outside Diameter)
-
Keywords