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As part of its centenary celebrations, the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) will be hosting a fun and educational open day, with displays and lectures featuring the work of one of its most outstanding members, the late Dr. Trevor Wadley, entitled:
DR. TREVOR WADLEY AND HIS TELLUROMETER
organised and hosted by the SAIEE Historical Section
DATE: 15 October 2009
TIMES: From 09h30 to 16h30 (see programme below)
VENUE: Johannesburg Observatory, 18a Gill Street, Observatory, Johannesburg
COST: Free of charge. Refreshments and a light lunch will be provided.
BACKGROUND
In the 1950s Wadley developed two outstanding products: his professional radio receiver, and the Tellurometer.
The radio receiver became standard equipment for the Royal Navy and for many other administrations around the world. For the first time, radio receiver frequencies could be accurately set and maintained for extended periods.
In less than half an hour, his electronic Tellurometer could measure long distances accurately to within 1 part in 100000. This had a profound effect on land surveying, as it then became possible to determine distances with much the same precision and effort as measuring angles.
PROGRAMME
From 09h30 to 16h30, prototypes and evolutionary examples of both these devices will be on display, and Tellumat will be demonstrating several working Tellurometers, including a pair of the first production models (ca 1957).
Four talks will be presented during the day as follows:
10h00: Jim Smith, honorary secretary of the History Section of the International Federation of Surveyors: "Distance measurement before the Tellurometer"
11h00: Dirk Vermeulen, vice-chairman of the SAIEE Historical Section: "What made Wadley's products tick"
14h00: Brian Sturman, project manager, Tellumat: "The evolution of the Tellurometer"
15h00: Dave Proctor, Paul Cabion, Mary von Hirschberg Wadley: "Personal recollections of Trevor Wadley"
All of this will take place at the historical Johannesburg Observatory, which is a national monument, and is, in itself, well worth a visit.
FURTHER INFORMATION AND RSVP
As the auditorium capacity is restricted to 100 persons, booking is essential to reserve your seats. Booking is also essential for catering purposes in order to have access to the light lunch.
For further information and reservations, please contact:
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