The Detectron

While cleaning out Ks mothers garage, we found some pretty sweet old equipment from Ks dads time working in the Swedish telephone infrastructure. To Ks dismay, the Detectron was for me almost irresistible with it's worn patina over the fonts and style of a Fender amp. In this post, this device is presented in all it's battered glory.
The outside of device is yellow, and in this case orange in places where someone was a bit careless with a spray can. The Detectron is actually a device for tracing cables underground without digging to much, and can be split into two parts: one transmitter and one receiver. 

 

The transmitter (right) and receiver (left) are completely detached once opened. 

The transmitter features some controls: 1) a knob with the 3 options conductive, inductive or battery control, 2) flick-switch between continuous or pulsating signal, 3) connectors for direct coupling to a cable, and 4) a to/from switch.

The received on the other hand has a current-gauge, a low/mid/high amplification knob, and a amplification knob.

The inside of the Detectron is very sparse, compared to modern day electronics. The logic is contained in one hand-soldered circuit board (apparently this is likely made by photo-resistant etching - thanks Jonas!), while all controls sport quite large backsides. The battery is covered in red paper. There is also a speaker and some electronics attached to the antenna, which is the metal rim connecting the transmitter and receiver when packed up.

What will the Detectron be used for, is there a hidden need to treasure hunt cables? No. It will be converted into something useful, and for this reason the inner size of the case have been measured to about 277 x 213 x 62 mm.