Vintage electrical tech - Weston Sensitrol Relay

TL;DR

This video showcases a functioning Westin Sensitive A vintage analog meter with unique features such as latching contacts and extreme sensitivity.

Transcript

today on Applied Science we're going to take a quick look at some neat vintage test equipment and these shorter videos will be freebies for my patreon subscribers so take a look at this this is a Westin sensitive a and basically it's an analog meter with latching contacts on either side so let me show you what I what it does if you put a tiny amoun... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤒 The Westin Sensitive A is a vintage analog meter with unique features such as latching contacts and extreme sensitivity of just 2.5 microamps.
• 🧘 It can be reset using a solenoid that pulls the needle back to the center position.
• 🙂 The sensitivity of the meter allows it to be triggered by ultraviolet light, a laser pointer, and electrically active materials.
• 🤒 The simplicity of the analog meter provides inherent features like automatic averaging and filtering.
• 🤒 The meter is in excellent condition, with a 1957 date code and minimal corrosion on its brass terminals.
• ❓ Modern technology cannot replicate the unique functionality of the Westin Sensitive A.
• 😚 The meter draws minimal power, with only 18 nano watts required to close the contact.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the Westin Sensitive A analog meter work?

The Westin Sensitive A is an analog meter that uses a needle to display current. It has latching contacts, allowing it to hold the position of the needle. The meter can be reset using a solenoid, which pulls the needle back to the center position.

Q: What is unique about the Westin Sensitive A's sensitivity?

The Westin Sensitive A is exceptionally sensitive, with a range of just 2.5 microamps. This makes it suitable for precise measurements of small currents. The sensitivity is bi-directional, meaning it can detect currents in both directions.

Q: How can the Westin Sensitive A be triggered using ultraviolet light?

By connecting a white LED to the meter and shining an ultraviolet light on it, enough current is produced to make the needle swing towards one end. The longer the light is held on the LED, the more the needle moves, thanks to the automatic averaging effect provided by the physical momentum of the needle.

Q: How can the Westin Sensitive A be triggered using a laser pointer?

A 405 nanometer laser pointer can be used to quickly trigger the Westin Sensitive A. The laser's light produces enough current to move the needle of the meter.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Westin Sensitive A is an analog meter with latching contacts and extreme sensitivity of just 2.5 microamps.

• The meter can be reset using a solenoid, and the needle is brought back to the center with rubber fingers.

• The video demonstrates various ways to trigger the meter, such as using ultraviolet light, a laser pointer, and electrically active materials.