Skylab Portable Timer

Submitted by Accutronitis on April 13, 2016 - 12:57pm

Manufacture Year: 1972
Movement Model: 214
Movement Jewels: 17
Case Serial No.: A834610
Case shape: Rectangle
Case Manufacturer: Bulova
Crystal Details: Round Flat Glass
Additional Information: 
This time i have something extra special courtesy of my very good friend SAM2  !

Skylab Portable Timer

"Accutron "count down" (reverse-dial) alarm clock"

  • Movement: 214H
  • Date:  MFD 3Q70
  • Bulova Model: P/N SK1229-OID
  • Serial Number: A 834610  (NOT SURE ABOUT THIS)
  • Weight: 14.8 ounces without batteries
  • Movement Battery: 214 (397S)
  • Tone Battery:  UNKNOWN
  • Condition:  Signs of moderate use and exposure to higher than normal temperatures.  
  • Attachment:  Velcro

In 1969, McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Co. and the Bulova Timer Laboratory designed and built this timer exclusively for the Skylab Orbital Workshop.

The timer used a modified 214H Accutron movement in a case that was designed to be rugged and portable.  Its purpose was to provide a way for Astronauts to time experiments, events and activities such as crew exercise. The timer had an electronic alarm feature.

This particular timer may or may not have flown in space on Skylab I but it was a flight-qualified.  Probabilistic Design Analysis (PDA) of this unit was completed by NASA at the Marshall Space Flight Center on 1/14/72.

It is unknown how many timers of this type were built and/or delivered.  This is one of two that have surfaced to date.  The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum has one in pristine condition on display.  In addition, unconfirmed sources report that "three specially designed Accutron portable alarm clocks are placed on board NASA's Skylab" but it is unknown if they were left on board Skylab when it was abandoned or if they were returned to earth for servicing and use on future missions.  If the safety chain attaching the battery cover to the timer is any indication, they were designed to have battery replacement while in orbit. 

SUPPORTING EVEDENCE

Smithsonian Skylab Exhibits

"SPACE ALARM CLOCK—Accutron "count down" (reverse-dial) alarm clock specially de-signed for US. astronauts manning Skylab, first manned US. space station, is prepared for testing at Timer Laboratory, Flushing, N. Y. Skylab will be placed in Earth orbit by a Saturn rocket in 1973, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has announced."

 

mybulova_admin
Posted July 7, 2016 - 9:24am

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