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Jenkins mechanical television (scanning disc)

American History Museum

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International media Interoperability Framework
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Object Details

associated user

unknown

associated person

Jenkins, C. Francis

maker

Jenkins, C. Francis

Description (Brief)

Jenkins mechanical television (scanning disc). Round metal disc 12" diameter with 24 glass lenses set around the perimeter. Mounted on shaft driven by 1/20 horse-power Ohio motor #251338. Variable friction drive. This scanning disc is so mounted that synchronization is attained by moving the motor to or from the center of the scanning disc. This is the simplest form of "radiovisor" and often constructed. Recorded (1932) as a "perforated disc television receiver driven by friction disc; the motor is shifted for synchronism."
This is the kit that Jenkins sold to radio amateurs 1929-1930. The kit consisted of everything except the motor and sold for $12.50. Jenkins sold thousands of these kits - the reception was poor and most of the trouble was with the synchronization.

Location

Currently not on view

Credit Line

from C. Francis Jenkins

Date made

c1929

date made

ca 1929
ca. 1929

associated date

1929

ID Number

EM.314254

catalog number

314254

accession number

117977

Object Name

Receiver, television
television receiver
mechanical television receiver

Other Terms

Receiver; Receiver, television; Television

Measurements

overall: 18 in x 18 1/2 in x 13 in; 45.72 cm x 46.99 cm x 33.02 cm

See more items in

Work and Industry: Electricity

Data Source

National Museum of American History

Metadata Usage

CC0

Link to Original Record

https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ac-0d86-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record ID

nmah_712626

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