An Analog Data Handling System

The F. M. magnetic tape data storage system and associated equipment now in use at the Engine Test Facility of the Arnold Engineering Development Center are discussed in this paper. The requirements of an analog data storage system for wind tunnel testing of propulsion systems are established, and the methods by which these requirements are met by the present system are discussed. The input instrumentation and recording techniques are described; and the reduction of analog data from the storage system with oscillograph, spectrum analyzer, and plotting board is described. Sample data from engine tests are presented. The advantages of tape data storage for engine testing are discussed.