Sold at Auction: NASA APOLLO TRANSIENT RECORDER

Who here were active back in the Apollo days (late 1960s to early 1970s). During that time, they used the above model Biomation Transient Recorder 802. I need to know what is the lowest microvolt or millivolt the above (specifically) or in general, transient recorder of that period can record? And can it really record ECG or EEG signal to cassette tapes?

 

View attachment 355406


Sold at Auction: NASA APOLLO TRANSIENT RECORDER

Who here were active back in the Apollo days (late 1960s to early 1970s). During that time, they used the above model Biomation Transient Recorder 802. I need to know what is the lowest microvolt or millivolt the above (specifically) or in general, transient recorder of that period can record? And can it really record ECG or EEG signal to cassette tapes?

No. It is not suitable for ECG or EEG recording. I built a transient recorder back in 1975 based on a TRW TDC1007 20 MHz 8-bit ADC.

 

No. It is not suitable for ECG or EEG recording. I built a transient recorder back in 1975 based on a TRW TDC1007 20 MHz 8-bit ADC.

I mean supposed there was a separate ECG unit, and it would be connected to the transient recorder for record and playback of the ECG. Why it is not suitable?

 

If you examine the front panel of that transient recorder you will notice that it resembles that of an oscilloscope. You already have an EEG unit and a modern digital oscilloscope. Why would you want a retrograde unit?

 

If you examine the front panel of that transient recorder you will notice that it resembles that of an oscilloscope. You already have an EEG unit and a modern digital oscilloscope. Why would you want a retrograde unit?

I just want to understand the technology used in that period. If you used the transient recorder on EMG signal, what would be the output? won't it able to record at all? Or it would be more difficult but still possible? And what is the recording medium that period? Tape recorder only?

 

Look at the rear panel of the unit.
You will notice that it has outputs to go to an oscilloscope. Then at the bottom there is a multi-pin connector. This is most likely the digital output from an ADC or from internal storage memory.

 

Where did you get that image? I thought there was no ADCs those days and no internal storage memory but only transistors.
Also are you familiar with the Signatron Model 4200 FM telemetry EMG instrument? Have you handled one?

 

The earliest static memory and IC ADC goes back to the 1960s.

 

Do you have photo of what the inside of the Biomation Transient Recorder Model 802 look like? I'm curious how it looks like. Do you happen to know where to buy a used unit? I just want to peek inside and not to use it at all. So if it is not working, it is ok.

 

Also in 1970 compared to 2025 at present. Are the noises of the say EMG Amplifiers the same? Do they use only transistors amplifier in 1970 or is there IC amplifier already? What is the lowest microvolt or millivolt they can scan in EMG or EEG in 1970s?

In the Apollo astronauts, they put these sensors on the body with data transmitted by telemetry. The EMG/ECG used on them also have Driven Right Leg?

 

Fairchild introduced the uA709 op amp in 1965.

 

Do you or anyone know what op amp the 1970 Signatron Model 4200 FM telemetry EMG instrument used? Or anyone has specification sheet for it, please let me know. I'm interested in Apollo era tech.

 

I learnt the age of digital EMG started in 1973. The Apollo era ended in 1973. And I think the Signatron Model 4200 FM telemetry EMG instrument is post 1973 so it is not Apollo era. Only the Biomation Transient Recorder model 802 may be pre 1970.



(From The Story of Electromyography Equipment)

Ok. from:
DIGITAL EMG SYSTEMS: 1973–1982
MICROPROCESSOR-CONTROLLED EMG SYSTEMS:1982–1993
PC-BASED EMG SYSTEMS: 1993–2001

I'm interested in the Digital EMG systems built between 1973 and 1982 specifically the Signatron Model 4200 FM telemetry EMG instrument (which can be connected to the Biomation Transient Recorder model 802?) . I want to know what is the approximate resolution of the Signatron.. like is it like 50uV? 100uV? 20uV? Who has used the EMG in that period?

In the post 2001 (after) EMG. Are they more sensitive than the 1973 - 1982 version or the same resolution? What do you think?

 

hello @Secan

you back on this ecg route then.

you ask about 1970 gear v 2020 gear.

in general, all electronics get cheaper, faster , more sensitive, wide range , easier to use overtime.

things like your showing , used to need frequent calibration, the same sort of money that it took to purchase a house back then and a highly skilled operator to achieve what a few hundred dollar unit that now fits in the pocket , and costs 10000 of the old units.

also as you have seen in your other posts, older electronic equipment kept in storage is unlikely to work, or be safe to use for ecg on humans .

so to answer your question,
yes, if the Apollo era , ie 1960 to 1973 , ecg /eeg can be used to record ecg/ eeg , but the gear would need a lot of remedial, re calibration and safety certificate to be used

nice to see old gear, but dont try to use it .

 

I learnt the age of digital EMG started in 1973. The Apollo era ended in 1973. And I think the Signatron Model 4200 FM telemetry EMG instrument is post 1973 so it is not Apollo era. Only the Biomation Transient Recorder model 802 may be pre 1970.

View attachment 355431

(From The Story of Electromyography Equipment)

Ok. from:
DIGITAL EMG SYSTEMS: 1973–1982
MICROPROCESSOR-CONTROLLED EMG SYSTEMS:1982–1993
PC-BASED EMG SYSTEMS: 1993–2001

I'm interested in the Digital EMG systems built between 1973 and 1982 specifically the Signatron Model 4200 FM telemetry EMG instrument (which can be connected to the Biomation Transient Recorder model 802?) . I want to know what is the approximate resolution of the Signatron.. like is it like 50uV? 100uV? 20uV? Who has used the EMG in that period?

In the post 2001 (after) EMG. Are they more sensitive than the 1973 - 1982 version or the same resolution? What do you think?

a note, the dates are not hard dates, all the digital emg systems were not binned in 1982 ,
analog systems with paper plots are still used today and pre date the 1970s

 

@Secan
your other posts, have started on a fairly open question, but it became evident after a lot of the forums users time , you had an alternative agenda,
how long have you had this interest in sensitivity of 1970 ecg machines.
where is this post going ?

 

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