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John Pottle's avatar

Good article on trig. There is a lot of variation in how trig is implemented on slide rules and I have used that as one of the drivers in my modest collecting. I've enjoyed becoming 'fluent' in these different arrangements:

Trig on the slide

Trig on the stator

Inverted trig scales

ST

No ST (using radian conversion on C/D)

S keyed to A/B, T keyed to C/D

Single T scale

2 T scales

P scale

It's all trade-offs. Each of these arrangements have plusses and minuses depending on the type of problem - I try to imagine what I would have preferred if I had to use the slide rule every day in my career. Have fun.

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Mike Syphers's avatar

Thanks, John. Yes, there's actually quite a bit of variation, and I'm sure for good reason. I can certainly imagine types of problems that would go better with one layout than another. Good to know that you are becoming, or have already become, a real expert on the subject. I may have to tag you to write a special post here someday! Cheers.

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Marvin Clarence's avatar

Subscribed to your Substack!

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Mike Syphers's avatar

Thanks, Marvin!

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