Flux Capacitor?

willk · 24 March 2023, 21:43

OK, it was a Fluxmeter. I found it in a debris field on a remote offshore island beside a lighthouse that was being, um, refurbished.

Anyone know what this device was used for?

The Gurnard · 24 March 2023, 22:44

Because I still navigate by compass Willk .. I wonder if part of the answer is in the charts ?

Pikey Dave · 25 March 2023, 01:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

OK, it was a Fluxmeter. I found it in a debris field on a remote offshore island beside a lighthouse that was being, um, refurbished.

Anyone know what this device was used for?

Luminous Flux is a measurement of light output, usually expressed in Lumens. So if it was found near a lighthouse…….

Poly · 25 March 2023, 01:21

A fluxmeter is used to measure magnetic field, so the Gurnard may be right, although there’s probably a bunch of motors and other magnety things around a lighthouse, and a support vessel that your electrical engineers might want to check are working or not going to adversely affect other kit…

…I assume you know that Pharos is the NLB support vessel. The NLB are extremely approachable if you want to ask them.

The Gurnard · 25 March 2023, 09:10

FerFluxSake Poly, well spotted.

I missed the Pharos connection despite watching its latest model, only a few months ago, move equipment to Lismore Light by Helicopter.

Only a wild guess but could another use be to aid navigate or monitor flux levels that may upset the rotating wing things hit the dot on the deck ?

So saying this guess is that wild, Im willing to donate a Euro to the RNLI if Willk proves it correct. .. No receipt will be produced though.. that's the only rule

Fenlander · 25 March 2023, 14:08

Is this another obscure Willk test of old memories (or fast fingers on Google)?

Anyway here is your name plate on the equipment its was partnered with in lighthouses all over the world. Pharos Marine of Brentford was the maker of electrical equipment for lighthouses from before WW2.

While you would assume a meter to be for measuring it seems in this case it was a drive mechanism to negate the need for gears. More research needed.

And of course we all know from our school days Pharos is the island where the earliest recorded (or most notable early one anyway) lighthouse was built around 247BC. Hence the use of the name on lighthouse eqpt/ships and other lighting units/companies.

willk · 25 March 2023, 15:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

...another obscure Willk test of...

"another"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

While you would assume a meter to be for measuring it seems in this case it was a drive mechanism to negate the need for gears. More research needed.

Just wow. I had a suspicion it was connected to the turning mechanism, but couldn't nail any info down. Any linkys to that source that you could share would be appreciated!

Fenlander · 25 March 2023, 15:36

Yes here it is... "The existing lens, clock mechanism, etc was removed and a new aluminium floor installed at the level of the bottom of the glazing. On this new floor the new optical apparatus was mounted. This consisted of a gearless revolving pedestal manufactured by Pharos Marine Ltd of Brentford. This apparatus is operated from a 12 volt d.c. supply and is capable of revolving at very close speed limits"

Quoted from part way down this article...

https://www.nlb.org.uk/lighthouses/f...e-north-skroo/

willk · 25 March 2023, 16:30

Thanks again.

I found this just now: "Inishtrahull Lighthouse was converted to solar power on the 20 September 2000. The light is a Pharos 350mm lens with a PRB22 rotating pedestal and electric 35W discharge lamps powered by two banks of 18 x 50W solar panels linked to two 24V 2,750 Ah batteries. The character remains the same but the range was reduced to 19 nautical miles. This light is exhibited during hours of darkness and in conditions of reduced visibility"

That light gear was removed a few years ago and LED kit installed. The old gear was soundly trashed...

My little plate remains

Iankristy · 25 March 2023, 17:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Is this another obscure Willk test of old memories (or fast fingers on Google)?

Anyway here is your name plate on the equipment its was partnered with in lighthouses all over the world. Pharos Marine of Brentford was the maker of electrical equipment for lighthouses from before WW2.

While you would assume a meter to be for measuring it seems in this case it was a drive mechanism to negate the need for gears. More research needed.

And of course we all know from our school days Pharos is the island where the earliest recorded (or most notable early one anyway) lighthouse was built around 247BC. Hence the use of the name on lighthouse eqpt/ships and other lighting units/companies.

That’s some ‘master’ level googling. Had a wee go at this and got the Pharos Marine trail but hats off there.

Poly · 27 March 2023, 08:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

And of course we all know from our school days Pharos is the island where the earliest recorded (or most notable early one anyway) lighthouse was built around 247BC. Hence the use of the name on lighthouse eqpt/ships and other lighting units/companies.

Somehow this wasn’t part of the curriculum in Glasgow (as far as I can recall).

Pikey Dave · 27 March 2023, 10:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poly

Somehow this wasn’t part of the curriculum in Glasgow (as far as I can recall).

Had you down as more of a Fettes chap

Fenlander · 27 March 2023, 11:03

>>wasn’t part of the curriculum in Glasgow

Understandable perhaps as Pharos was some 300mls nearer our school than yours... perhaps regarded as a bit more local with just a 2800ml hop for us.

GuyC · 27 March 2023, 20:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poly

Somehow this wasn’t part of the curriculum in Glasgow (as far as I can recall).

Were you there before or after 247BC?