Radio Wavemeter, Type SCR-61, 1918

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Artifact Overview

This wavemeter was likely developed by the US Army Signal Corp for military use. Its purpose is twofold: to detect the frequency of an incoming signal, and to check the frequency and harmonics of an outgoing signal. Early radio operators, working with multiple and specialized technical components, used wavemeters to determine the clarity and strength of their transmitters.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Wavemeter

Date Made

27 August 1918

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

90.0.85.89

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Brass (Alloy)
Wood (Plant material)
Paper (Fiber product)
Copper (Metal)
Bakelite (TM)
Hard Rubber
Textile

Dimensions

Height: 10.75 in
Width: 8.75 in
Length: 15.5 in

Inscriptions

plaque: Signal Corps U S Army Wavemeter, Type SCR61 Ser. No. 150371 Date 8-27-18 Made by National Electric Supply Co. Washington, D.C. inside radio: [schematic]
Radio Wavemeter, Type SCR-61, 1918