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Old 4th Jul 2022, 9:51 pm   #1
Bill
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Default STC engine analyser

Split from this thread
https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...19#post1482719


I have here an STC "Engine Indicator" which looks like a large quite sophisticated 'scope.
Works from 12vDC or 240v AC , about 12 valves and many terminals to connect to unknown sensors that I don't have. It has two accurately made moving cursors on the 6inch screen.About 1955 vintage, probably useless now but very well made. It would have measured ignition systems as well as a lot of other IC engine characteristics
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Old 4th Jul 2022, 11:49 pm   #2
Radio Wrangler
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Default Re: STC engine analyser

Are you entirely sure it's for internal combustion engines?

"Indicator" is a key word, not normally used for internal combustion engines because it was used for a very specific instrument for measuring the power input and efficiency of steam engines.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indicator_diagram

I'm just wondering whether you've come across an electronic one made to work with pressure and angle transducers, giving real-time plots of engines running at speed.

Alternatively, were STC copping a free ride on the name of an earlier machine?

David
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Old 5th Jul 2022, 12:24 am   #3
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Default Re: STC engine analyser

It would be very interesting to see some photos if possible Bill.

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Old 5th Jul 2022, 4:52 am   #4
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Default Re: STC engine analyser

I happen to have a book to hand titled 'Modern Oil Engine Practice' dating from 1942. It mentiones in passing the 'Cathode Ray Indicator' which seems to be an electronic version of the pressure-volume plotting instrument conventionally called an 'indicator' and could well be an earlier version of this STC unit. Whether it was also used with spark-igntion engines as well as the compression ignition ones described in said book I do not know.
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Old 5th Jul 2022, 9:43 am   #5
Bill
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Default Re: STC engine analyser

Here it is(i think)!
David may have a point about it being for steam engines, off topic, I have also got a Dobbie McInnes Indicator set, purely mechanical with rotating drum ,graph paper and string, a beautiful thing indeed!
My mistake ,it's 12volt DC only
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Last edited by Bill; 5th Jul 2022 at 10:10 am. Reason: Further info
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Old 5th Jul 2022, 1:53 pm   #6
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Default Re: STC engine analyser

Dobbie McInnes Indicator is definitely steam.

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