Another mysterious artifact from the bins - and some good hints all around to what it is and how it works. Enjoy!
Tim Hunkin's video on solenoids - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdj_g_1tj4c
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By Fran

16 thoughts on “What is this thing?????”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Frenchcreekvalley .frenchcreekvalley says:

    Another vote for the washing machine.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jimmy_James Jams_A_Lot says:

    Can you get that thing to buzz?

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars pauljs75 says:

    Might be the kind of thing you would see on a door latch, like older apartments where you "buzz" somebody in. Perhaps the buzzer and the latch using the same AC power?

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars name not shown says:

    its a choke used for impedence matching

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars SteveMallison says:

    It would be much better than a simple solenoid if you wanted a more even torque over a larger range. A very clever device!!

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars K Jamison says:

    My first thought when you showed both sides was not one of the things you mentioned.

    It would be interesting to see what kind of force is exerted – maybe with a spring balance/spring scale – to give an idea of the weight of what might be moved by the arm.

    My first thought was for a tuneable choke/inductor.

    The lever is long enough to allow for small movements of the core into the coil. As the core moves, the flux increases and the AC is reduced.

    I don’t know if such a device exists.

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Seth Taylor says:

    SOLINOID. Energized it causes a mechanical arm to move.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David Coates says:

    Love Tim's content and remember watching the TV series The Secret Life Of in the UK when I was a child.🔧👍

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars joeteejoetee says:

    I love this device – where can I buy one of these?

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars maeanderdev says:

    'It's fascinating to me that such actuators and relais as well have a large pull current and a small hold current when used with AC since the magnetic circuit closes when the lever closes. That way the coil changes from low inductance, low impedance, high current and high force to high inductance, high impedance, low current and low force which is perfect for its application.
    Can't have that with DC!

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jared r says:

    could you make a very silly wah pedal with that??

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Harry Pitts says:

    Variable reluctance/reactance old school

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Adam-24 says:

    Interesting. I wonder what job it's supposed to do.

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Pica-Delphon Michael-Scheel says:

    Hook a Spring with it and Make a Electric Lock…

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars mysock351C says:

    My thoughts would be that it is an interlock that keeps the movable core pulled in while power is applied, and this whatever control it’s attached to from being moved or door from being opened. Since it has such a large range of motion, one would not expect it to pull in on its own, but stay closed when powered.

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DRNEGOLICIS says:

    Throttle servo for a electric governor system. we put those on generator sets to replace old sluggish mechanical governers

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