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From: odin.m2c.org!jds@cs.utexas.edu (John Sutter)
Newsgroups: sci.military
Subject: Early RCA Laser Range Finder: DOCS?
Message-ID: <27170@amdcad.AMD.COM>
Date: 9 Sep 89 06:16:14 GMT
Sender: cdr@amdcad.AMD.COM
Organization: Massachusetts Microelectronic Center, Westboro, Mass.
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Approved: military@amdcad.amd.com



From: odin.m2c.org!jds@cs.utexas.edu (John Sutter)

  I just picked up an old RCA Laser Range Finder.  Alas it came
with no documentation.  It appears to have been built in the late
60's.  It's about the size of a toaster oven and weighs in at
30 lbs.  The distance display is mechano-digital.

  Given the period it probably uses a solid-state laser.  With any 
luck it will be ruby.. Though it's probably Nd-YAG.

  I've powered it up with a 24V supply.  Pressing the 'Fire' button
results in a fan spinning up and making an impressive whir.  It 
just keeps running after that.  I've only let it run a minute
or so before turning it off.

  I'd appreciate any kind of information on this critter.  A manual
would be fantastic.  If it helps at all:

  Model:  1889676-501
  SN:	  4
  Color:  Military Hot Pink ;-)  (Olive Drab)

--
John Sutter, Mass. Microelectronics Center (M2C)
(w)  75 North Drive, Westborough, MA  01581, USA +1 (508) 870-0312
(h)  516 Dutton Rd., Sudbury, MA  01776, USA     +1 (508) 443-0515
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