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- Zenith "My Radio" Pendant Transistor Radio, circa 1970 - The size of radios shrank following the advent of transistor technology. Even the smallest vacuum tubes were bulky, and their power consumption ensured the need for large batteries. Transistor radios made of lightweight plastics were cheap and truly portable. With the addition of an earphone a radio such as this allowed the listener to enjoy a completely personal listening experience.
- circa 1970
- Collections - Artifact
Zenith "My Radio" Pendant Transistor Radio, circa 1970
The size of radios shrank following the advent of transistor technology. Even the smallest vacuum tubes were bulky, and their power consumption ensured the need for large batteries. Transistor radios made of lightweight plastics were cheap and truly portable. With the addition of an earphone a radio such as this allowed the listener to enjoy a completely personal listening experience.
- Curta Mechanical Calculator, Model II, 1954-1973 -
- 1954-1973
- Collections - Artifact
Curta Mechanical Calculator, Model II, 1954-1973
- Instructions for Operating Maytag Multi-Motor Engine, The Maytag Company, circa 1931 -
- circa 1931
- Collections - Artifact
Instructions for Operating Maytag Multi-Motor Engine, The Maytag Company, circa 1931
- How to Install Your New Kenmore Automatic Gas Dryer, 1964 -
- 1964
- Collections - Artifact
How to Install Your New Kenmore Automatic Gas Dryer, 1964
- Hoover 4-Slice Toaster Model 8530 Owner's Manual, 1972 -
- 1972
- Collections - Artifact
Hoover 4-Slice Toaster Model 8530 Owner's Manual, 1972
- Stoelting Company Operating Manual for the Polyscribe Model 22770, circa 1976 - Polygraphs are more popularly known as "lie detector" machines. They measure a person's pulse, breathing rate, perspiration, and blood pressure. Polygraphs convert this data into electronic signals; inking arms output this information onto paper charts. Trained examiners interpret the results, to determine guilt or innocence. The polygraph has been called out as unethical and legally inadmissible in some cases.
- circa 1976
- Collections - Artifact
Stoelting Company Operating Manual for the Polyscribe Model 22770, circa 1976
Polygraphs are more popularly known as "lie detector" machines. They measure a person's pulse, breathing rate, perspiration, and blood pressure. Polygraphs convert this data into electronic signals; inking arms output this information onto paper charts. Trained examiners interpret the results, to determine guilt or innocence. The polygraph has been called out as unethical and legally inadmissible in some cases.
- Owner's Manual for Electronic Speed Control, 1979 - Modern cruise control devices were first offered on high-end automobiles in the late 1950s. Later, aftermarket devices became available. This manual for a 1979 Speedostat provided installation and operating instructions for the motorist.
- 1979
- Collections - Artifact
Owner's Manual for Electronic Speed Control, 1979
Modern cruise control devices were first offered on high-end automobiles in the late 1950s. Later, aftermarket devices became available. This manual for a 1979 Speedostat provided installation and operating instructions for the motorist.
- "Bosch Arc Light Magneto for Small 4 Cylinder Automobile Motors," circa 1919 - Magnetos served as simple, reliable ignition systems for internal combustion engines in early automobiles, motorcycles, and airplanes. Modern ignition magnetos are still found in lawn mowers and chainsaws, and aircraft use magnetos as an independent electrical system. Auto manufacturers, however, found other methods to keep engines turning.
- circa 1919
- Collections - Artifact
"Bosch Arc Light Magneto for Small 4 Cylinder Automobile Motors," circa 1919
Magnetos served as simple, reliable ignition systems for internal combustion engines in early automobiles, motorcycles, and airplanes. Modern ignition magnetos are still found in lawn mowers and chainsaws, and aircraft use magnetos as an independent electrical system. Auto manufacturers, however, found other methods to keep engines turning.
- Prodigy Interactive Personal Service Start-up Kit, 1991 - Before the Internet was accessible to the nontechnical public, consumers subscribed to networking services like Prodigy. Along with competitors like CompuServe and America Online, Prodigy promoted the Internet as a tool for information, shopping, and fun. This startup kit included a modem, software, and a free month of access to "a world of continually expanding and updated information and services."
- 1991
- Collections - Artifact
Prodigy Interactive Personal Service Start-up Kit, 1991
Before the Internet was accessible to the nontechnical public, consumers subscribed to networking services like Prodigy. Along with competitors like CompuServe and America Online, Prodigy promoted the Internet as a tool for information, shopping, and fun. This startup kit included a modem, software, and a free month of access to "a world of continually expanding and updated information and services."
- Nintendo Entertainment System, 1987 - The Nintendo Entertainment System catalyzed the revival of home video game consoles in the United States. While the US was recovering from the "Video Game Crash of 1983," the acclaimed "Famicom" system was released in Japan. When adapted for North American markets as the NES in 1985, sales skyrocketed. Nintendo reinvigorated gaming, establishing rigorous quality standards, game testing, and debugging.
- 1987
- Collections - Artifact
Nintendo Entertainment System, 1987
The Nintendo Entertainment System catalyzed the revival of home video game consoles in the United States. While the US was recovering from the "Video Game Crash of 1983," the acclaimed "Famicom" system was released in Japan. When adapted for North American markets as the NES in 1985, sales skyrocketed. Nintendo reinvigorated gaming, establishing rigorous quality standards, game testing, and debugging.