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Pickett Model N 3: Difference between revisions
added scales and description of both sizes of rule
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Pickett models after the introduction their "N" family represented a transition between preferred colors, with most "N" rules coming in both original white (denoted by a suffix "T") and their patented "Eye Saver" yellow (denoted ES). Functionally, the only difference between the models was their variation in color, and all significant components remained functionally identical. | Pickett models after the introduction their "N" family represented a transition between preferred colors, with most "N" rules coming in both original white (denoted by a suffix "T") and their patented "Eye Saver" yellow (denoted ES). Functionally, the only difference between the models was their variation in color, and all significant components remained functionally identical. | ||
== | == N 3 == | ||
{{Infobox calculator|name=Model N 3P-ES|manufacturer=Pickett|introduced=C. 1960|discontinued=1975|cost=$13.95|precision=2 to 3 significant digits|display_type=Analogue scales, sliding cursor (yellow body)|display_size=5"|dimensions=7.5" long}} | {{Infobox calculator|name=Model N 3P-ES|manufacturer=Pickett|introduced=C. 1960|discontinued=1975|cost=$13.95|precision=2 to 3 significant digits|display_type=Analogue scales, sliding cursor (yellow body)|display_size=5"|dimensions=7.5" long}}The N 3 came in both white and Eye Saver Yellow, and has a standard scale length of ten inches. It is characterized as a "dual base" rule, meaning it is capable of evaluating both common and natural logarithms. It has a common complement of scales known to most engineering rules described as "log-log" rules, which allow it to perform a wider array of functions such as hyperbolic trig and arbitrary exponents much easier than a more simple rule. The N 3 is considered one of the quintessential duplex rules, being one of the most versatile rules available. | ||
== N 3P == | |||
The smaller brother of the N 3, the N 3P has all the same scales, and therefore the same functionality as the original N 3, but in a "pocket" form factor. The smaller size of only five inch scales necessarily comes with a loss in accuracy, as with all analogue calculators, but in most cases can give answers accurate enough for any field work or quick estimates one may need. With careful planning and estimation, some users can even gain a fourth significant digit out of it in certain cases. The N 3P also came in both white and ES Yellow colors, with the white being increasingly rare in most markets. | |||
== Scales == | |||
The N 3 and N 3P both have identical scales and layout as duplex engineering rules. They have the common set of scales for most engineering rules of the day, but also a few unusual scales which give a slight edge over competitors, such as the extended cube root scales, and the inverted DI scale on the body of the rule. | |||
=== Layout === | |||
The N 3 series is a duplex rule, with "Log Log" layout, also called an engineering layout. The N 3 has two "subtitles," both of which describe the layout of the rule. | |||
==== Power Log Exponential ==== | |||
Also later described as "exponential speed rule," this describes the log-log scales being laid "back-to-back" so that the reciprocal of a number lies directly below the number itself on the same scale. This speeds up processes like hyperbolic trig, or finding reciprocals of very small or very large numbers. | |||
==== Log Log Dual Base ==== | |||
This description says that the rule has both natural logs as well as common logs (base ten) as scales on the rule. In the particular case of the N 3, the log-log scales (LL) are keyed in base e, with an additional log scale (Ln) denoting the log of the associated C scale value. The Natural log and Common log scales are placed back to back in a "speed rule" format to facilitate easier transition between them. | |||
Pickett rules in particular are known for their unique back-to-back "speed rule" features. This is common across most of their log-log rules, which have both ascending and reciprocal LL scales back to back, here marked with a ±. Other scales arranged as such are separated by a slash "/" to show that they are connected. Scales that lie on the same divisions are marked by a hyphen "-." | |||
==== Front ==== | |||
√<sub>1/2</sub> K A (B ST/S-Cos T/T CI C) D DI <sup>3</sup>√<sub>1</sub> <sup>3</sup>√<sub>2/3</sub> | |||
==== Back ==== | |||
LL0± LL1± DF (CF CIF Ln/L CI C) D LL2± LL3± | |||
=== Differences from Model 3 === | |||