radiosonde or radio-meteorograph
Date: ca. 1930-1936
Inventory Number: 1998-1-0873
Classification: Radiosonde
Subject:
Maker: Feiber Instrument Company
Maker: Blue Hill Meteorological Observatory (1885-present)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
17.5 × 12 × 9.5 cm (6 7/8 × 4 3/4 × 3 3/4 in.)
DescriptionA radiosonde instrument, used to sense and transmit temperature, humidity and pressure data from the upper atmosphere. Made by Feiber Instrument Co., the instrument is similar in design to the "F" type radio-metrograph used at the Blue Hill Meterological Observatory.
The meterograph consists of a small aneroid, a bimetallic thermometer and a hair hygrometer, all equipped with pen arms. The pens slide over a cylinder on which is wound a fine platinum wire in the form of a helix. Each time one of the pens slides over the helix, a contact is made. The sequence of radio signals obtained serves as a measure of pressure, temperature and humidity. The pressure, humidity and temperature sensors are mounted on a removable wooden panel. A coiled cloth-covered wire, which is the antenna, is attached to the transmitter and extends outside of the balsa wood box.
The instrument is housed in a light wooden box. One half of the box contains a radio tube transmitter and copper coil. The pressure, temperature and humidity sensors are attached to the lid of the box. A metal radiation shield, hinged at two points, covers the lid, and can be swung back to reveal the sensors mounted on the panel.
The meterograph consists of a small aneroid, a bimetallic thermometer and a hair hygrometer, all equipped with pen arms. The pens slide over a cylinder on which is wound a fine platinum wire in the form of a helix. Each time one of the pens slides over the helix, a contact is made. The sequence of radio signals obtained serves as a measure of pressure, temperature and humidity. The pressure, humidity and temperature sensors are mounted on a removable wooden panel. A coiled cloth-covered wire, which is the antenna, is attached to the transmitter and extends outside of the balsa wood box.
The instrument is housed in a light wooden box. One half of the box contains a radio tube transmitter and copper coil. The pressure, temperature and humidity sensors are attached to the lid of the box. A metal radiation shield, hinged at two points, covers the lid, and can be swung back to reveal the sensors mounted on the panel.
SignedMarked on the radiation shield: FEIBER INSTRUMENT CO. / CAMBRIDGE, MASS. U.S.A. / 241
FunctionFor measuring and transmitting atmospheric temperature and pressure from a kite or balloon to the ground.
Primary SourcesSee, "The 1936 Radio-Meteorographs of Blue Hill Observatory," Radio Meteorographs, and Flood Rains, Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, (Number Volume 18,Number 3, March, 1937, P. 110).
The 1932-1933 yearly report by Harvard's president contains a section dedicated to the Blue Hill Meteorological Observatory. It mentions the development of a series of radio-meteorographs assembled by the Feiber Instrument Co.
For more information, you can access this report here.
The 1932-1933 yearly report by Harvard's president contains a section dedicated to the Blue Hill Meteorological Observatory. It mentions the development of a series of radio-meteorographs assembled by the Feiber Instrument Co.
For more information, you can access this report here.