Henry, what I think you mean to say (for those not familiar with Bill
Lull, etc.) is that circular chart-hygrothermographs are known to be
unreliable and that the pens often get caught up in each otherr, and in
general, they are not a sound investment.  Is that right?

Lori van Handel
[log in to unmask]

On Wed, 14 Feb 1996, Henry Grunder wrote:

> You might have wanted to talk to Bill Lull about circular
> charts before youn committed.
>
> According to MOH Library:
> >
> > At 08:25 AM 2/14/96 EST, you wrote:
> > >I am trying to purchase a recording hygrothermograph for monitoring
> > >in a newly restored 1904  building.  Does anyone have any strong
> > >recommendations for brands and/or suppliers.  Is Belfort in Baltimore
> > >still in favor?  Any tips or things to watch out for?
> > >
> > >
> > At the new Museum of History in Raleigh, we use Hygrothermographs by Omega
> > Engineering.They are a very slim unit with circular charts that are easier
> > to change than the old drum type.The unit measures 13.5" high x 10.5" wide
> > x2.5" deep.
> > Colour is beige and they blend into exhibit decor very nicely.These have
> > digital motors instead of analogue and draw less volts for economy of
> > operation.They operate best on two Duracell batteries for several months and
> > are shipped with a/c adapters.
> > There are two lights to the right of the dial face,(operate only on DC)very
> > handy when changing charts in a dimly lighted gallery full of visitors.To
> > the lower right hand corner is a digital display to check gallery climate at
> > any instance.
> > An audible alarm is incorporated in the design,it's use optional should the
> > batteries weaken.
> > The charts are round and two sided and so there is a cost saving in flipping
> > charts and it reduces filing space required.They are packed with a small
> > quantity of charts in C and F degrees,daily,weekly and monthly.I found
> > weekly to suit my purpose and so I suggest if you order a unit to ask on the
> > order for all charts packed to be what you require.The others will just
> > gather shelf dust.
> > The customer service by Omega is excellent.Cost is appx $535.00ea.I have 17
> > units in operation.
> >
> > Omega Engineering
> > One Omega Drive,Box4047
> > Stamford,CT 06907-0047
> > Telephone (203)359-1660  (800-826-6342 Sales and Service)
> > FAX (203)359-7700
> >
> > I have also had experience with the old German made, key wind-up drum
> > units.These are workhorses and sometimes may be found for resale at
> > instrument repair shops or talk to a horologist.They seem to last forever
> > and aren't subject to power failure.
> > Be sure to have it recalibrated if it hasn't a tag indicating so.
> > Cole- Palmer sells a miniature drum type that operates for months on one AA
> > size battery.
> > If you have visitors in the gallery you may ask your mount makers to
> > fabricate lexan shelves to keep them out of reach of curious children.
> > Our security staff found a child lying on the floor in a galley speaking
> > into the relative humidity sensor thinking it was a tape recorder.The father
> > was quite irate when the guard asked that he replace it on the shelf.Such
> > are the joys of museum life!
> > Regards
> > Len Hambleton-Chief Conservator
> > The North Carolina Museum of History
> > Raleigh,NC  [log in to unmask]
> >
>