Is this a theremin?

Posted: 11/12/2009 10:16:05 PM
KingLarry

From: Williamson,GA

Joined: 11/12/2009

I found this picture , today, and was wondering if this is a theremin. Any input would be appreciated! Thanx, Larry

theremin? (http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/skinengine/possibletheremin.jpg)
Posted: 11/12/2009 11:07:52 PM
hypergolic

From: Richmond Hill, Georgia

Joined: 9/18/2005

Need a close up. It could be some sort of grid dip meter or walkie talkie. Don't think its a theremin, though.

Philip Neidlinger
Posted: 11/13/2009 7:00:20 AM
KingLarry

From: Williamson,GA

Joined: 11/12/2009

Thank you, Philip, for your response. I have addional pix, if you have time to check them out.more pix (http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/skinengine/1-1.jpg)
more pix (http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/skinengine/2-1.jpg)
more pix (http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/skinengine/4.jpg)
more pix (http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/skinengine/5.jpg)
Posted: 11/13/2009 4:29:15 PM
FredM

From: Eastleigh, Hampshire, U.K. ................................... Fred Mundell. ................................... Electronics Engineer. (Primarily Analogue) .. CV Synths 1974-1980 .. Theremin developer 2007 to present .. soon to be Developing / Trading as WaveCrafter.com . ...................................

Joined: 12/7/2007

Whatever it is, it looks dangerous! - it would need to be opened to get any idea about what it might be.. but it is not a Theremin!

Looking at the back there is a jack socket (and something which MIGHT be another, possibly RF connection point).

My guess was first inclined towards some form of active antenna - perhaps a broadband RF field strength meter, perhaps including a rectifier to give a DC field strength output on the jack socket.. or perhaps its a part from a scapped Dalek..

To be honest, it could be almost anything but it is not a Theremin! .. It is likely to be some sort of RF reciever, but has no tuning control, so is either broadband or tuned to one specific frequency.. It says "gain" which would imply amplification - and it has power input, so is likely to have an active amplifier..

Is this yours? - If so, open it up and photograph its innards - and DONT plug it into mains.. that crappy ungrounded lead into a metal box looks potentially lethal! ... If you dont own it, I suggest you forget it - its not going to be anything exciting or useful, of that I am sure!
Posted: 11/14/2009 7:11:22 AM
KingLarry

From: Williamson,GA

Joined: 11/12/2009

Thanx for the response, Fred. This is for sale on ebay, and I think it came from an estate sale. This item sparked my interest in learning more about the theremin, for that I am grateful. I never realized the community surrounding the instrument. Now I'll have to go buy one!
Posted: 11/14/2009 7:48:07 AM
coalport

From: Canada

Joined: 8/1/2008

It looks to me like it might be a beacon or homing device, possibly of 1940's manufacture, designed to transmit a radio "beep" of some sort for purposes of location.

One thing it is NOT is a theremin.


Posted: 11/15/2009 11:08:03 PM
hypergolic

From: Richmond Hill, Georgia

Joined: 9/18/2005

I'd pay maybe 5 dollars for it if I was buying it, tops. Its surprising there is no identifying information on it, nameplate or otherwise.

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