[sci.electronics] Stripchart recorders.

jgd@rsiatl.UUCP (John G. DeArmond) (09/16/90)

mahaun@sactoh0.SAC.CA.US (Mark A. Haun) writes:

>The correct type of ink (I have a small sample, no more :-( )
>doesn't seem to evaporate from the tip unless the machine is left
>turned off for a relatively long time (several days).  Does anyone
>know where this ink can be obtained in small quantities?
>Esterline-Angus has a $100 minimum order :-(

Look in your Yellow Pages under Boilers.  Call the companies listed 
and ask.  Such recorders as you have are still in common use in 
the boiler and power industry.  Many small boiler operators have no
need for $100 of ink at a time and so buy through resellers.  You 
might also want to pick up some paper.  I recommend staying with 
E-A's paper, as some aftermarket papers will wick the ink and make 
a bloody mess.

If you have no luck there, find the names of some of the electrical
power plants in your area.  A call to your utility would be a start.
Call each plant and ask to speak to the Instrument Maintenance Foreman
or Instrument Maintenance Superentendent (both are common titles).
Explain what you need and ask of he can recommend a source.  These
people are usually very friendly.  If you are really lucky, he'll
say to drive over and pick up a bottle.  You might even get a 
fascinating tour of the plant.

BTW, you'll find that this kind of ink has a unique property.  One
single drop is capable of spreading out on its own to cover your
entire upper body :-)  One of the best ways I've found to get the
ink off is to first wash your hands in a small quantity of fresh
high detergent motor oil followed up with some dish washing detergent.

If you REALLY get deaparate for ink (that means that you actually
called the above sources and failed to get a positive response), then
email me.  I have a couple of bottles of the ink sitting around here
somewhere.

John

-- 
John De Armond, WD4OQC  | We can no more blame our loss of freedom on congress
Radiation Systems, Inc. | than we can prostitution on pimps.  Both simply
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